Comparison Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming K3 rev. 1.0 vs Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Ultra Gaming rev. 1.0

The presence of UEFI BIOS firmware on the motherboard.

Such firmware is usually combined with one of the classic "bios" (see BIOS). In fact, it is an additional add-on that expands the BIOS and makes it more convenient to manage. In some ways, UEFI approaches a full-fledged operating system: it has a convenient and understandable graphical interface even for a non-specialist, supports mouse control, is equipped with an extensive set of tools, and in some versions there is even the ability to access the Internet. In addition, this firmware takes into account all the features of modern computer hardware — including those that have appeared recently and are not covered in earlier, traditional BIOSes.

Number of PCI-E (PCI-Express) 1x slots installed on the motherboard. There are motherboards for 1 PCI-E 1x slot, 2 PCI-E 1x slots, 3 PCI-E 1x ports and even more.

The PCI Express bus is used to connect various expansion cards — network and sound cards, video adapters, TV tuners and even SSD drives. The number in the name indicates the number of PCI-E lines (data transfer channels) supported by this slot; the more lines, the higher the throughput. Accordingly, PCI-E 1x is the basic, slowest version of this interface. The data transfer rate for such slots depends on the PCI-E version (see "PCI Express Support"): in particular, it is slightly less than 1 GB / s for version 3.0 and slightly less than 2 GB / s for 4.0.

Separately, we note that the general rule for PCI-E is as follows: the board must be connected to a slot with the same or more lines. Thus, only single-lane boards will be guaranteed to be compatible with PCI-E 1x.

Number of PCI-E (PCI-Express) 16x slots installed on the motherboard.

The PCI Express bus is used to connect various expansion cards — network and sound cards, video adapters, TV tuners and even SSD drives. The number in the name indicates the number of PCI-E lines (data transfer channels) supported by this slot; the more lines, the higher the throughput. 16 lanes is the largest number found in modern PCI Express slots and cards (more is technically possible, but the connectors would be too bulky). Accordingly, these slots are the fastest: they have a data transfer rate of 16 GB / s for PCI-E 3.0 and 32 GB / s for version 4.0 (for more information about the versions, see "PCI Express Support").

Separately, we note that it is PCI-E 16x that is considered the optimal connector for connecting video cards. However, when choosing a motherboard with several such slots, it is worth considering the PCI-E modes supported by it (see below). In addition, we recall that the PCI Express interface allows you to connect boards with a smaller number of lines to connectors with numerous lines. Thus, PCI-E 16x will fit any PCI Express card.

It is also worth mentioning that in the design of modern "motherboards" there are slots of increased sizes — in particular, PCI-E 4x, corresponding in size to PCI-E 16x. However, the type of PCI-E slots in our catalog is indicated by the actual throughput; so only connectors that support 16x speed are considered as PCI-E 16x.

Operating modes of PCI-E 16x slots supported by the motherboard.

For more information about this interface, see above, and information about the modes is indicated if there are several PCI-E 16x slots on the board. This data specifies at what speed these slots can operate when expansion cards are connected to them at the same time, how many lines each of them can use. The fact is that the total number of PCI-Express lanes on any motherboard is limited, and they are usually not enough for the simultaneous operation of all 16-channel slots at full capacity. Accordingly, when working simultaneously, the speed inevitably has to be limited: for example, recording 16x / 4x / 4x means that the motherboard has three 16-channel slots, but if three video cards are connected to them at once, then the second and third slots will be able to give speed only to PCI-E 4x level. Accordingly, for a different number of slots and the number of digits will be appropriate. There are also boards with several modes — for example, 16x/0x/4 and 8x/8x/4x (0x means that the slot becomes inoperable altogether).

You have to pay attention to this parameter mainly when installing several video cards at the same time: in some cases (for example, when using SLI technology), for correct operation of video adapters, they must be connected to slots at the same speed.

Motherboard support for NVIDIA SLI technology.

This technology allows you to connect several individual NVIDIA graphics cards to your PC at once and combine their computing power, respectively increasing the system's graphics performance in specific tasks. Accordingly, this feature means that the "motherboard" is equipped with at least two slots for video cards — PCI-E 16x; in general, SLI allows up to 4 separate adapters to be connected.

Such functionality is especially important for demanding games and "heavy" tasks like 3D rendering. However, note that in order to use several video cards, this possibility must also be provided in the application running on the computer. So in some cases, one powerful video adapter is more preferable than several relatively simple ones with the same total amount of VRAM.

A similar technology from AMD is called Crossfire (see above). The main difference between these technologies is that SLI is more demanding on compatibility: it only works on video cards with the same GPU models (although other parameters — the manufacturer, the amount and frequency of video memory, etc. — may be different). In addition, video adapters in an SLI bundle must be connected with a cable or a bridge (the only exceptions are some low-cost models); and support for this technology is somewhat more expensive than in the case of Crossfire, so it is less common in motherboards (and mostly together wi...th the solution from AMD).

The number of USB 3.2 gen1 connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB connectors (all versions) are used to connect to the "motherboard" USB ports located on the outside of the case (usually on the front panel, less often on the top or side). With a special cable, such a port is connected to the connector, while one connector, usually, works with only one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of case USB connectors that can be used with it. At the same time, we note that in this case we are talking about traditional USB A connectors; connectors for newer USB-C are mentioned separately in the specifications.

Specifically, USB 3.2 gen1 (formerly known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provides transfer speeds of up to 4.8 Gbps and more power than the earlier USB 2.0 standard. At the same time, USB Power Delivery technology, which allows you to reach power up to 100 W, is usually not supported by this version of USB A connectors (although it can be implemented in USB-C connectors).

The number of USB-C 3.2 gen1 connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB-C connectors (all versions) are used to connect to the "motherboard" USB-C ports located on the outside of the case (usually on the front panel, less often on the top or side). With a special cable, such a port is connected to the connector, while one connector, usually, works with only one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB-C chassis connectors that can be used with it.

Recall that USB-C is a relatively new type of USB connector, it is distinguished by its small size and double-sided design; such connectors have their own technical features, so separate connectors must be provided for them. Specifically, USB 3.2 gen1 (formerly known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provides data transfer speeds of up to 4.8 Gbps. In addition, on a USB-C connector, this version of the connection can support USB Power Delivery technology, which allows you to supply power to external devices up to 100 W; however, this function is not mandatory, its presence in the connectors of one or another "motherboard" should be specified separately.

Output for sound transmission, including multi-channel, in digital form. Such a connection is notable for its complete insensitivity to electrical interference, since an optical cable, rather than an electrical cable, is used to transmit the signal. The main disadvantage of optical S / P-DIF, in comparison with coaxial, is a certain fragility of the cable — it can be damaged by strongly bending or stepping on it.

The number of connectors for powering coolers and fans provided in the motherboard. A processor cooler is usually connected to such a connector, and fans of other system components — video cards, cases, etc. can also be powered from the "motherboard"; sometimes it is more convenient than pulling power directly from the PSU (at least you can reduce the number of wires in the case). Many modern boards are equipped with 4 or more connectors of this type.