GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD (rev. 1.0) Pro Reviews

There are four key features that make the Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD a real killer among Intel Z68 motherboards - a bundled 20GB Intel mSATA SSD, Virtu, SLI/Crossfire and onboard HDMI video output.

If it were not for the Intel series 311 SSD with a capacity of 20 gigabytes, which is included into its box, the GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD wouldn’t be much different from Gigabyte’s other entry-level mainboards. The mainboard is compatible with all LGA1155 processors, employs modern components, and features an easy-to-use and high-quality PCB. You can build a CrossFireX or SLI subsystem with it or use a CPU-integrated graphics core. It supports all modern interfaces save for eSATA, namely USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbps and IEEE1394 (FireWire). The mainboard is as good as others at overclocking CPUs although our memory overclocking attempt wasn’t quite successful. It has a number of features typical of Gigabyte products: Phase LEDs showing the number of active phases in the CPU voltage regulator, an On/Off Charge connector for recharging USB-compatible mobile devices, two BIOS chips, and thick copper interconnects. So, everything seems to be as usual, but the special mSATA connector with a 20GB Intel 311 SSD in it reveals the mainboard from a completely different angle. We know that Intel Smart Response technology helps make HDDs much faster and the Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD allows you to get that performance boost without any effort. You don’t have to look for, buy and install a caching SSD as you get one included into the mainboard box. Another bonus is the Gigabyte EZ Smart Response utility which makes it simple to enable the technology. So, if you need a modern LGA1155 mainboard and want to accelerate your HDD with Intel Smart Response, the Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD is quite an attractive option.

Despite the plain Jane looks and tired BIOS, the Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3-iSSD is an easy motherboard to work with, and it delivered solid performance in our tests. The ace in the hole is obviously the integrated SSD. It’s a smart feature, it saves users a lot of hassle if they're trying to take advantage of Intel's Smart Response Technology (SRT) built into Z68. Its price is also quite good considering what you get with its integrated SSD. The only knock against this mobo is that in terms of graphics, it’s limited to just dual SLI/CrossFire at x8 each. That may or may not be an issue for you.

If you plan to use Intel's hybrid storage technology, you stand to gain the most from using the company's cache drive and Gigabyte's board seems like the best way to get your hands on one. The Z68XP-UD3-iSSD takes Intel's SRT to the next level by shipping a pre-installed cache drive and making setup easier courtesy of Gigabyte's EZ Smart Response technology.

We do not see the need for mSATA on desktop motherboards, particularly not for the ATX form factor. Since the Smart Response Technology does not require using an mSATA (or even Intel) SSD, it would work just as well with any SSD. Systems with ATX boards have enough room for a 2.5’’ SSD and other storage devices. However, we can see the benefit of having an mSATA connector on ITX or micro-ATX board, as systems with these form factors often have a smaller footprint. With that being said, we do, however, applaud GIGABYTE for being innovative and bundling the board with an SSD and mSATA compatibility. Furthermore, we are glad to see that this is not the only board that GIGABYTE sells with mSATA ports. Those who wish to have an mSATA-compatible board but do not like the high price tag of $233.99 can choose other boards.

This isn't a board for everyone, but if SRT appeals to you, and you can't afford a serious SSD, the Z68XP-UD3-iSSD is an interesting option.