Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming Motherboard Review
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Quick Overview
FEATURES
QUALITY
PRICE
Pros
Cons
When it comes to spending top dollar for building a high-end desktop computer, the desire to have every component is perfectly acceptable.
To get everything for a high-end build, you will want to take advantage of the tech world’s X399 and X299 motherboards.
In this Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming motherboard review, we will dive deep into what the X299 chipset can provide.
Furthermore, we shall look at all the specs, pros, and cons of the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming before discussing some alternatives.
About Intel X299
The X299 chipset is one of Intel’s implementations for DIY enthusiasts looking to build a high-end desktop (HEDT) computer.
It goes head to head against the AMD X399 chipset, the go-to platform for consumers who wish to create a Ryzen build.
Manufacturers specifically designed these chipsets for high-end hardware, which means they come on boards that tend to cost higher than mainstream options.
Moreover, buying into the X299 platform requires even more expenditure with the list of supported CPUs, GPUs, and memory modules.
Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming Motherboard Review
The Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming motherboard has been well-equipped for the most rigorous gaming requirements.
It carries plenty of essential, high-performance features, including comprehensive monitoring and fan control.
While the board can stand out on its own with built-in RGB lights, it provides more connections for optional aesthetics.
ALSO READ: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro WiFi Motherboard Review
Who Is This Product For?
The X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming is a high-end desktop motherboard for consumers who are not worried about spending too much on a computer.
It is one of the more affordable options, but it can break the bank because of all the components needed for peak operation.
With that said, here’s a list of people who can benefit from this motherboard:
- Extreme Gamers
If you’re into extreme gaming, the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming can set you up for games with the most stringent hardware requirements.
It packs all the graphics connectors, memory allowances, and high-performance computing features you could possibly need.
- DIY HEDT PC Builders
Those getting into a hobby of building high-end desktop computers will also want to take a closer look at this motherboard.
Unlike many other competing alternatives, the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming has an extensive feature set.
Even so, it remains at a mid-range price point.
This motherboard enables you to set your money aside for more essential components, including a CPU, several GPUs, storage drives, and memory modules.
Moreover, it boasts plenty of controllable built-in RGB lighting, enabling PC builders to diversify the system’s overall aesthetics.
- Professionals
While this motherboard has the gaming designation, its capability of being the hub of a HEDT sets it on the right path for content creation.
Video editors, 3D renderers, and all professionals dealing with high-end graphics can put this motherboard to good use.
It features plenty of expansion options for high graphics interfaces, and it boasts all the memory allowances any consumer motherboard could provide.
- Those Who Want to Go Over the Top
Going over the top with a desktop computer means having all the possible components into a single system and more.
It also means that money is not a problem, and you’re ready to burn some cash for the best components for your rig.
With the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming, you’re not just building any PC. Instead, you’re building something that can go against any mainstream setup or some high-end PCs.
What’s Included?
The Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming comes in an anti-static bag within the box.
Additionally, several individually packed accessories fill up a secondary compartment underneath the motherboard.
Valuable additions include a G-connector, four SATA cables, an I/O shield, one GC-SLI2P bridge connector, and two temperature probes.
You will also find one M.2 screw kit and an RGB LED strip extension cable.
The set also includes a multilingual installation guide, a user’s manual, and a driver disc.
If you’re into showcasing what components your PC contains, this product also comes with an Aorus badge and a Gigabyte sticker set.
Overview of the Features
The Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming can only support Intel Core X Series processors that fit in an LGA2066 CPU socket.
Compatible products include the 7th, 9th, and 10th Gen Intel Core X processors.
You will want to choose a CPU from the 10th Gen Intel Core X Series for unmatched power and speed.
- Memory Allocations
Like plenty of X299 motherboards, the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming boasts eight DDR4 DIMM slots with four on either side of the CPU socket.
Each memory slot can hold a 32GB RAM module, which means you can have a maximum memory capacity of 256GB.
However, you will need a 44 or 28-lane CPU to use this four-channel memory architecture advantage.
Using a four-core CPU reduces the motherboard’s functionality to just two channels, equating to four memory slots and a max capacity of 64GB.
- Expansion Options
This high-end desktop motherboard features five full-sized, metal-reinforced sockets on its expansion interface.
Of the five sockets, two use 16 lanes, one uses eight lanes, and two use four lanes.
All of these PCIe x16 sockets conform to the PCIe 3.0 standard.
Using a 28 or 44-lane CPU allows multi-GPU setups with up to three graphics cards.
Furthermore, as long as you have a 6-core CPU, you can use any of the NVIDIA SLI or CrossFire Quad, 3-Way, or 2-Way setups.
- Storage Interface Connectors
Three M.2 sockets and eight SATA 6Gbps connectors comprise the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming storage interface.
While all the M.2 sockets allow the installation of PCIe SSDs, only two of them support SATA devices.
The M.2 socket that does not support SATA drives shares bandwidth with the PCIEx4_1 expansion socket.
As such, populating either one disables the other.
- Rear Panel I/O
The rear panel connectors include eight USB3.1 Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, a PS/2 combo port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and six audio jacks.
Four of the 3.1 USBs are a Gen1, while the remaining four and the Type-C are Gen2.
The six audio jacks include four output connectors and two input connectors.
Unfortunately, this high-end motherboard does not have a Wi-Fi module.
- Internal Connectors
For a robust cooling system, the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming sports eight peripheral cooling device connectors.
It also adds plenty of lighting capabilities, with three LED headers and a power-select jumper for the digital header.
If the nine USB ports on the rear are not enough, you can route five more ports to the front panel from the internal connectors.
Furthermore, you can add a Thunderbolt connection using the onboard add-in card connector.
How To Get the Most Out Of It
If you really want to build a high-end desktop, you need to prepare your pocket.
The X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming is one of the cheaper X299 options, but maximizing its potential requires spending so much more on attachable components.
Remember that you can only attain the maximum memory capacity of 256GB if you use a six-core CPU or better.
Furthermore, multi-graphics support is limited to two devices and CrossFire technology with a 16-lane CPU.
Alternatives
While the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming may not be enough for some extreme gamers, it can also be too much for some enthusiasts.
This Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming motherboard review sheds some light on an affordable high-end option, but it may not have what you need.
If you are looking for something better or a bit more mainstream, here are a few alternatives:
1. ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Omega
The ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Omega is one of the X299 flagship motherboards from the Republic of Gamers.
It can perform far better than the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming, but it costs almost twice as much.
Unlike the Aorus Ultra, this motherboard comes with a wireless module. However, it only has three full-sized expansion sockets and one PCIe x4 slot.
These sockets do not offer support for any quad-GPU setups.
2. ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II
If the Rampage is too expensive for you, you can dial it down to the ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II.
It also comes with a dual-band Wi-Fi adapter, and it sports a digital audio output connector on the rear panel.
The X299-E Gaming II is a little more expensive than the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming, but the added features justify the higher price.
3. MSI MEG X570 ACE
If you don’t need 256GB RAM or Quad-GPU support, you might want to deviate from a HEDT and just build something more mainstream.
MSI Motherboards such as the MSI MEG X570 ACE can deliver the best gaming and overclocking performance without taking up so much space.
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Is the Gigabyte X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming Any Good?
Overall, the X299 Aorus Ultra Gaming is a comprehensive high-end gaming desktop solution.
There is just too much to appreciate on this board, as it gives you plenty of tinkering and tweaking options.
This reasonably priced motherboard clears up your path to building a high-end desktop, making it worthy of the Aorus brand.
Nevertheless, building a high-end desktop requires some contemplation.
The entire build can set you back a few thousand bucks, and it just isn’t practical for many consumers.
If you can do away with just 128GB of RAM, you’re better off choosing a Z590 option.