Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force Motherboard Review

Boards designed for extreme overclockers have been constants for all of Intel’s most recent platforms. Gigabyte hit success with the Z87X-OC motherboard by driving the overclocking-geared part to an aggressive mid-range price point. Many of the key overclocking-orientated features were still present, but the bank-busting price tag was not. Gigabyte is attempting to repeat its success with its Z97X-SOC Force motherboard. From a vast array of on-board overclocking buttons and voltage check points, to a unique 'OC Brace' that supports graphics cards in a table-top layout, Gigabyte packs the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard with a host of features that will appeal to overclocking users. And for those who are more interested in solid overclocking potential than day-to-day usage, Gigabyte also equips the Z97X-SOC Force with a Killer E2200 series NIC and Realtek ALC1150 audio codec. If it's a good-looking system you desire, the attractive orange and black colour scheme should come in handy too. Operated by an International Rectifiers controller, can Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force prove that its overclocking potential and UEFI implementation are as good as its eye-catching appearance? Features: Premium 4-way CrossFire™ support with OC Brace Precise digital CPU power design SATA Express support for 10 Gb/s data transfer Exclusive GIGABYTE OC Features Killer™ E2200 gaming networking 2x copper PCB design Realtek ALC1150 115dB SNR HD Audio with Built-in rear audio amplifier New Heatsink design with 8 onboard fan connectors Long lifespan Durable Black Solid caps APP Center including EasyTune™ and Cloud Station™ utilities GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS™ Gigabyte ships the Z97X-SOC Force in a bright orange and black box which sports a race car graphic. Specifications and features are outlined on the packaging's rear side. Upon opening the front flap, a glimpse at the board is provided. Gigabyte puts an image of the motherboard in sub-zero conditions on the inside of the flap. The standard affair of documentations and a case sticker are provided. Four SATA cables, the IO shield, a CrossFire ribbon, and a black SLI bridge form the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard's standard bundle. Overclocking-orientated accessories are supplied in the form of Gigabyte's graphics card supporting OC brace. Cables that can be used to check readings from the motherboard's on-board voltage points are also provided. Introduced with the company's X58A-OC motherboard, the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force uses an 'in-your-face' orange and black colour scheme. I would typically advise against such a pair of 'loud' colours, but Gigabyte manages to control the shades and create a truly stunning appearance. Colour-coordination will be difficult, but there are always jet-black components to rely upon. A true matte black PCB is used, not the ugly shade of brown that was common on previous generation motherboards. The Z97X-SOC Force conforms to standard ATX dimensions. Four DIMM slots provide support for up to 32GB of DDR3 memory. Gigabyte uses a single-latch approach to prevent interference with a graphics card installed in the uppermost PCIe slot. Adjacent to the DIMM slots is a section that Gigabyte calls OC Touch. As the name would suggest, OC Touch is the zone where overclockers can operate the motherboard via onboard buttons. Voltage checking points are also situated on the board's edge, as are switches for toggling between BIOSes and controlling other parameters. Switches for disabling PCIe and DIMM slots are located near to the 24-pin power connector. An eight phase power delivery system feeds an LGA 1150 CPU, along with 8-pin and 4-pin power connectors. 10K black solid capacitors, rated for 10,000 hours of operation at 105°C, form part of the power delivery system that is controlled by an International Rectifier 3580 VRM controller, and boosted by the same company's PowIRstage components. Gigabyte cleverly opts for a single-sided VRM approach, compressing the power delivery components into the area near the rear IO panel. Why is this such a smart move? Because it leaves heaps of clearance above the CPU socket for overclockers who need to install large LN2 and DICE pots. Three fan headers and the CPU power cables are located along the board's upper edge. Four full-length PCIe slots provide users with flexibility as to their graphics card positioning. There is a caveat brought about by the LGA 1150 CPUs, though; the upper three PCIe x16-length slots operate from PCIe 3.0 lanes supplied by the CPU, while Gigabyte says that the bottom connection operates from four PCIe 2.0 lanes. The lower slot’s four PCIe 2.0 lanes originate from the chipset. Technically, Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force supports 4-way CrossFire configurations, as well as 2-way SLI. CrossFire can run in PCIe 3.0 x8/x4/x4 plus PCIe 2.0 x4 using a combination of the CPU's 16 Gen 3 lanes and 4 Gen 2 lanes from the Z97 chipset. SLI necessitates x8 connections hence why only 2-card setups are supported. An auxiliary 6-pin power connector is used to provide additional current to hefty multi-VGA configurations. Two PCI ports provide legacy support for older devices that overclockers may still be using. Front panel connections and a trio of fan headers are found along the motherboard's bottom edge. Six chipset-fed SATA 6Gbps ports are found on the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard. There aren't any additional controllers to bump up the number of SATA ports because most overclockers simply do not require more than six drive connections. Two of the SATA 6Gbps ports and an additional data-supplying connection join together to form a single 10Gbps SATA-Express connector. With its theoretical throughput levels in the region of 800MBps, SATA-Express could prove popular to benchmarkers who require fast IO performance for the highest scores. No M.2 connector is present on the motherboard. Termed OC Connect by Gigabyte, two right-angled USB 2.0 connectors are mounted adjacent to the SATA ports. These two connectors act as an easy-to-access point of contact for users who want to simply transfer screenshots of their overclock or update their BIOS. No reaching behind a bundle of cables or large CPU cooler is required. Realtek's ALC 1150 audio codec provides the foundation for an enhanced audio system that also features an additional amplifier and a discrete PCB pathway. Ports on the rear IO are a standard affair. Gigabyte includes a PS/2 connector to please overclockers who still stand by their legacy keyboard for software reasons. LAN is provided by a Killer E2200 series NIC, implying that Gigabyte sees gamers as potential users of the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard. The stack of USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports is provided by the Z97 chipset, while display outputs route from an LGA 1150 CPU. One of the most useful accessories bundled with Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force is the OC Brace. Screwing into two motherboard stand-off points, OC Brace acts as a support for graphics cards when the motherboard is not installed inside a chassis. As somebody who regularly uses a motherboard mounted atop a good old-fashioned box, I can see the value of OC Brace. Having a graphics card that is securely attached to the motherboard is invaluable when running a barrage of tests. Attractive orange and black heatsinks add an eye-catching appearance to the overclocking motherboard. The VRM sink also serves the function of cooling a potentially-hot power delivery system, and doing so while not interfering with a large LN2 pot. Distribution of the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard's eight fan headers is excellent. Overclockers and general users will be able to position their fans appropriately without worrying about interference or cable management issues. Firstly, we are pleased to report that our NZXT Avatar S mouse worked to its usual standard in the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard’s UEFI BIOS. Gigabyte's DualBIOS UEFI implementation used on the Z97X-SOC Force is identical to that used on the company's other Z97 motherboards, such as the Z97X-UD5H-BK and Z97X-Gaming 7, with the exception of a different colour theme. As such, pictures from the previous reviews are used and our analysis and recommendations are largely identical, with the point of reference adapted to the requirements of overclocking users. Gigabyte greets users with an entry page that resembles the Windows Metro UI. Tiles provide users with quick access to certain features and settings. A UI based around Gigabyte's old style of BIOS is present on the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard. Overclockers with a vast bank of experience in the old interface may welcome the BIOS-style layout. Upon entering the 1920x1080 (dependent upon your monitor's resolution) UEFI, Gigabyte opens the frequency page. The interface packs large amounts of information into a single screen by virtue of its 1920x1080 resolution. Voltages, frequencies and other monitoring parameters are consistently scattered around the outside of each page. A number of speed parameters and performance boosts can be selected via the Frequency page and its subsections. The Z97X-SOC Force uses an orange skin by default, although the theme colours can be adjusted via the UEFI. Frequency and timings configurations can be adjusted via the Memory section. Gigabyte includes pre-set profiles tailored for high-spec RAM kits by overclocking professionals such as HiCookie. The pre-tweaked overclocking profiles may be particularly useful for overclockers who are looking to gain tips from seasoned professionals. Power and voltage settings can be adjusted in the relevant subsection. Some of the parameters, such as CPU VRIN Loadline Calibration, open a graphical display to assist a user in making an appropriate choice. Oddly, Gigabyte situated the all-important CPU voltage controls in the second column on the Voltage subsection, not the first. If one does not like the slider approach of applying voltages, users are able to key in the relevant values. Fan and warning settings can be accessed via the PC Health Status column of the Miscellaneous section. Fan speed controls can be set to a user's preference, albeit with a limited range of input. Gigabyte uses a drop-down list to outline the relevant fan speed curves, which is a less user-friendly approach than the graphical interface used by competing motherboard vendors. The Home section provides an area where users are given a degree of freedom as to the interface's layout. By default, key component parameters are displayed on the Home page, but this layout can be tweaked to a user's preference. And if you'd rather not tweak the interface, Gigabyte allows you to create four custom pages from scratch. The Recent section displays recently used settings while the Favourites tab can provide quick access to frequently used parameters. Up to eight OC profiles can be saved to the motherboard's internal memory, while many more and more can be exported or imported via USB. Control adjustments for the UEFI and the Q-Flash BIOS updater can be accessed via the Save & Exit section. I would prefer Gigabyte to have given the many control parameters their own section titled 'Settings' to make them easier to spot in the UEFI. Save & Exit typically implies saving and exiting, not adjusting control options and updating the BIOS. Some useful additions to Gigabyte's UEFI are the ability to change the visual theme, background wallpaper, and resolution. The Q-Flash updater is able to access folders in a USB flash drive, allowing users to manually seek a BIOS file. Gigabyte has made some key improvements on its Z97 UEFI over the version used on many of the company's Z87 boards. The most noteworthy upgrade comes in the form of organisation; Gigabyte has optimised the layout to make sifting through BIOS settings and sections a simpler task. It is indeed a more pleasant experience working in the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard's UEFI, although there is still clear room for improvement. The use of a Full HD, 1920x1080 resolution is excellent. Additional information relating to operational recordings can be displayed on a page without interfering with the parameters that users intend to tweak. And there's also the old style of BIOS for overclockers who have extensive experience with Gigabyte's motherboards from previous generations. There are still a few issues relating to overlapping content and generally poor layout. Many parameters for frequency and voltage are repeated multiple times causing the UEFI to seem more crammed than it actually is. However, there is no question that even seasoned overclockers will be happy by the sheer number of tweaking options provided. Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force software (including generic Gigabyte Z97 motherboard software) The software tools that Gigabyte provides with its Z97X-SOC Force are largely identical to those compatible with the company's other Z97-based boards. By default, the Z97X-SOC Force uses an orange theme for its software apps. We pulled many of the screenshots and much of the writing from our previous reviews of Gigabyte Z97 motherboard, hence why the 4770K CPU is displayed as installed (we use the 4790K for testing). Gigabyte's EasyTune software allows users to view and adjust frequency, voltage, and other overclocking-related settings in an OS environment. Pre-set frequency profiles can also be selected, as can an auto tuning overclocking tool. System information and fan speed settings can be tweaked via their own section in Gigabyte's software suite. Other common Gigabyte software tools can be installed with the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard. EZ Setup allows users to tweak their storage configuration settings. Smart Recovery 2 is Gigabyte's backup manager, while Smart Time Lock allows users to set times for when their system can be operated. The latter feature could be particularly useful to parents making sure their children aren't up all night playing games. Killer Network manager is one of the key reasons that Killer’s NICs are popular choices for gaming motherboards. The software allows users to control their system’s network operations so that gaming, or other tasks, can be given priority. This can help to ensure that a sufficient level of network bandwidth is delivered where it is required. The Haswell micro-architecture in Devil's Canyon processors is just the latest Intel CPU architecture to see many of the critical system operations handled by the processor. As such, benchmarking a motherboard becomes more of a test to certify that the part operates correctly and meets the anticipated performance levels. We will be outlining the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard's performance with the Core i7 4790K CPU at its stock frequency (4.4GHz due to forced turbo). Overclocked performance will be outlined later in the review. Performance of the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard will be compared to that of the Asus Maximus VII Hero motherboard used in our 4790K CPU review. Both motherboards are partnered with identical hardware and software, so the results are directly comparable. By default, the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard applies multi-core turbo (MCT) and forces the 4790K to a constant 4.4GHz when XMP is enabled. This will be displayed as the ‘stock’ setting (and outlined in the charts’ brackets after the non-turbo stock speed is displayed). Gigabyte's motherboard sends the 4790K 1.248V when loaded at stock clocks. This seems to be a common level for our particular engineering sample Devil's Canyon chip. Z97 Motherboard Test System: Processor: Intel Core i7 4790K ES (4.4GHz forced turbo). Memory: 16GB (2x 8GB) Corsair Vengeance Pro 2400MHz CL10. Graphics Card: Asus R9 280X Matrix Platinum 3GB. System Drive: 240GB SanDisk Extreme II SSD. CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i. Case: NZXT Phantom 630. Power Supply: Seasonic Platinum 1000W. Operating System: Windows 7 Professional with SP1 64-bit. Compared Z97 Motherboards: Asus Maximus VII Hero (data taken from our 4790K processor review). Software: Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force BIOS F6 (latest). Catalyst 14.4 VGA drivers. Intel 10.0 chipset drivers. Tests: 3DMark 1.3.708 - Fire Strike (System) SiSoft Sandra 2014 SP2 - Processor arithmetic, memory bandwidth (System) Cinebench R15 - All-core CPU benchmark (CPU) WinRAR 5.10 - Built-in benchmark (CPU) HandBrake 0.9.9 - Convert 4.36GB 720P MKV to MP4 (CPU) ATTO - SATA 6Gbps, USB 3.0 transfer rates (Motherboard) RightMark Audio Analyzer - General audio performance test (Motherboard) Bioshock Infinite - 1920 x 1080, ultra quality (Gaming) Metro: Last Light - 1920 x 1080, high quality (Gaming) Tomb Raider - 1920 x 1080, ultimate quality (Gaming) 3DMark We used 3DMark‘s ‘Fire Strike’ benchmark which is designed to be used on gaming PCs. We opted for the Normal setting, NOT the Extreme mode. Sandra Processor Arithmetic Sandra Memory Bandwidth Performance in system-related benchmarks shows each board to be similarly satisfactory. The Sandra memory bandwidth benchmark favours Asus' Maximus VII Hero thanks to the board's tendency to set a cache frequency of 4.4GHz, as opposed to Gigabyte's 4.0GHz. Cinebench We used the ‘CPU’ test built into Cinebench R15 . WinRAR WinRAR’s built in benchmark and hardware test can help us outline the performance differentials between each motherboard. We record the amount of data processed after a 30-second run. Handbrake Conversion We measured the average frame rate achieved for a task of converting a 4.36GB 720P MKV movie to 720P MP4 format. CPU-heavy benchmarks show little variation between each Z97-based board. Handbrake conversion frame rates show a slight preference to the Asus motherboard thanks to its higher cache frequency, although the minute difference is almost irrelevant. Bioshock Infinite We used the Bioshock Infinite demanding ‘Ultra’ setting and a 1920 x 1080 resolution to push today’s gaming hardware. Our data was recorded using a section of the game, not the built-in benchmark. Metro: Last Light We used a 1920 x 1080 resolution and the Metro: Last Light built-in benchmark set to ‘High’ quality to offer an intense challenge for the gaming hardware while also making playable frame rates a possibility. Tomb Raider We used a 1920 x 1080 resolution and the Tomb Raider built-in benchmark set to ‘Ultimate’ quality. Gaming performance is very similar between the two LGA 1150 motherboards. Tomb Raider fairs well on Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force-based system, while the Asus Maximus VII Hero grabs an extra third of a frame in Metro: Last Light. SATA For SATA 6Gb/s testing we use a Kingston HyperX 3K (SandForce SF-2281) SSD. SATA performance of the Gigabyte board is as we would expect for a Z97 part. USB 3.0 We tested USB 3.0 performance using the Kingston HyperX 3K SSD connected to a SATA 6Gb/s to USB 3.0 adapter powered by an ASMedia ASM1053 controller. Due to the omission of a UASP-activating software tool, USB 3.0 throughput numbers on our Windows 7 test system are limited on the Gigabyte board. In all fairness, 'limited' is a little harsh - only Asus' UASP-boosted motherboard outdoes the Gigabyte part in terms of USB 3.0 speed. Audio We use RightMark Audio Analyzer (RMMA) to analyse the performance of the motherboard’s onboard audio solution. A sampling mode of 24-bit, 192 kHz was tested. A Realtek ALC1150-based audio system is employed by the Z97X-SOC Force. RightMark Audio Analyzer shows the Z97X-SOC Force motherboard to have 'Very Good' overall audio performance. The audio system's noise level and dynamic range are particularly strong. Manual CPU Overclocking: We typically outline automated overclocking options as part of our motherboard analysis. With an overclocking-orientated motherboard such as the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force, automated overclocking capacity is largely irrelevant to the target audience. To test the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard’s CPU overclocking potential, we first increased the CPU VCore to 1.30V, Cache voltage to 1.275V, CPU Input Voltage to 1.900V, and PCH voltage to 1.10V. 'Extreme' load-line calibration was applied. The Uncore ratio was maintained at 40x. While these voltage levels are relatively conservative for an overclocking-geared motherboard, they represent settings that will be safe for 24/7 usage. We do not have access to extreme CPU cooling methods so we would rather stick to voltage levels that will be relevant for users interested in this board for day-to-day usage. We managed to hit 4.7GHz and maintain stability at the frequency. Due to time limitations we were only able to certify stability by running 1 hour of Prime95, but the system was also perfectly stable through our overclocked benchmark tests. Gigabyte's board sends the CPU 1.32V under load using the 'Extreme' LLC setting. We feel that a 20mV overshoot is a fair level and helps maintain stability at 4.7GHz. With better cooling equipment, we would be confident increasing voltages and pushing the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force and Intel 4790K CPU even further than 4.7GHz. Our CPU-Z validation at 4.7GHz can be viewed here. We will outline the performance increases that can be obtained from using the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard to overclock our system. Our overclocked processor frequency was 4.7GHz and memory speed was 2400MHz. We will include comparison numbers in future motherboard reviews as we build up our test database using the 4790K processor. Overclocked numbers show a strong boost in comparison to the stock speed results, with exception of Bioshock Infinite. The CPU-stressing Cinebench and 3DMark benchmarks benefit from the 4.7GHz CPU frequency. We measured the power consumption with the system resting at the Windows 7 desktop, representing idle values. The power consumption of our entire test system (at the wall) is measured while loading only the CPU using Prime95′s in-place large FFTs setting. The rest of the system’s components were operating in their idle states, hence the increased power consumption values (in comparison to the idle figures) are largely related to the load on the CPU and motherboard power delivery components. Even when overclocked, Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force motherboard is able to clock down the 4790K processor to conserve power. Load voltage pushes up to 1.248V at MCT clocks, forcing a power consumption level of 187W. Our overclocked settings force a maximum CPU VCore of 1.32V, which results in a 216W power consumption. The Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force is a strong overclocking-geared motherboard that provides users with a well-rounded set of general usage, gaming, and frequency-pushing features. And then there's the eye-catching black and orange colour scheme that will appeal to a variety of builders. With its International Rectifiers-controlled power delivery system, overclocking performance of the Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard is positive. We had no problem taking our 4790K CPU to 4.7GHz and holding it there with stability. And we did so by using a voltage level that would be safe for 24/7 usage. General features of the Z97X-SOC Force are clearly optimised for overclocking users. Add-on controllers are scarce, with all SATA 6Gbps, SATA Express, and USB 3.0 ports operating natively from the Z97 chipset. Gigabyte does, however, equip the motherboard with a Killer E2200 NIC and Realtek ALC1150 audio codec to please buyers who will use the Z97X-SOC Force's strong multi-GPU support for gaming purposes. Layout of Gigabyte's overclocking-enthused part is excellent. Four dual-slot graphics cards can be installed simultaneously, connectors are in good positions, and fan headers are located where overclockers and enthusiasts will require them. There's also the low-profile heatsink which help to minimise interference issues with large LN2 cooling pots. Gigabyte's UEFI BIOS implementation is well-suited to overclocking users. In the past I have commented that the interface is difficult for novice users to grasp, but the sheer number of controllable parameters will appeal to overclockers and enthusiastic tweakers. Currently available for £148.99 from OverclockersUK, Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force represents very strong value for money. The overclocking-geared features such as the vast array of on-board power buttons, strong power delivery system, and support for four graphics cards are positive points for a motherboard in this price range. Add those features to the valuable NIC and audio codec, as well as the strong BIOS and attractive colour scheme and it can be seen that Gigabyte's Z97X-SOC Force is an excellent choice. Discuss on our Facebook page, over HERE. Pros: Strong power delivery system and overclocking potential. Extensive range of overclocking-orientated features. Solid set of general usage features. Attractive and unique colour scheme. In-depth UEFI implementation well-suited for overclocking users. DualBIOS system for redundancy. Cons: No M.2 connector. Potential for interference with large CPU cooler and upper PCIe slot. KitGuru says: A well-equipped motherboard that provides plenty of overclocking features, as well as many more for general usage scenarios.