[Test] Gigabyte Z390 Designare – Config Board |Specs | Price

Hello everyone!

It has been a few years now since we had any products from Gigabyte to the editorial staff, it was time to change all that! Today, we are going to offer you the test of a motherboard equipped with the latest Z390 chipset from Intel (you can see the test of the Core i9 9900K here), the Z390 Designare! This card is a high-end model designed for “content creators”, with an emphasis on extensive connectivity as well as a host of features. Let’s see what she has in her stomach, with a price of around 320 € she had better be well filled 😉

Characteristics

The Z390 Designare from Gigabyte is therefore a motherboard in the standard ATX format of 30.5 by 24.4 cm, enough to install in any ATX box on the market. Socket 1151v2 requires, it is possible to install 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors, in addition to Celeron and Pentium Gold of course. Of course, as always we recommend installing a “K” processor (such as the Core i7 8700K and 9700K for example) on a Z390 chipset (and both in general), allowing to take advantage of the unlocked coefficient (and therefore overclock) of these models.
The card uses of course the DDR4 “Dual channel” via four slots, being able to go up to a frequency of 4266 MHz for a total of 128 GB. Note once again that all the kits over 2666 MHz are considered as overclocking, the memory controller integrated into the processors operating at this speed at the original maximum. If you want to use a faster kit, refer to the compatibility list to ensure proper operation (and especially start-up) of the machine.
There are no less than three PCI-E 16X ports, but due to the limitations of the platform due to a limited number of lines, only one is wired in 16X (the closest to the processor), the others operating in 8X and 4X . In addition to that, two PCI-E 1X ports are there for possible daughter cards. Despite everything, you have the possibility of making an Nvida and AMD multi-GPU configuration, whether it is professional cards (Quado for example) or general public such as the Nvidia GTX / RTX or AMD RX.
On the storage side of the classic, with six Sata 6G / s ports as well as two M.2 ports managed by the Z390 chipset. These are compatible with both Sata and PCI-E SSDs, so there is no need to worry about where to install a particular type of SSD. Note as usual that limitations are in place, again due to the limited number of lines on the platform:

Indeed, if you install an M.2 SSD on the M2M port (closest to the processor) Sata ports 4 and 5 will be disabled. The M2P port is very slightly different, if a Sata SSD is installed then the Sata 1 port will be disabled while if it is a PCI-E model it would be the Sata 0 port which will not work. Basically, if you have 2 M.2 SSDs, you lose three Sata ports from your motherboard. This is not a weak point or any criticism of the Z390 Designare but a limitation of the chipset itself.
The other on-board functions are very good, for example the audio controller is Realtek ALC1220-VB accompanied by high-end capacitors which will be more than sufficient for the very large majority of users (without having to acquire a dedicated sound card). The network is clearly not left out either, with two Intel Gigabit controllers and even WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac and Bluetooth 5, which means that it will almost be necessary to do it on purpose not to arrive. connect the beast to a network 😉
The rear connectors have undoubtedly been pampered by Gigabyte, with no less than 8 USB ports (all types combined). However, it’s with two hunderbolt 3 ports (compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C of course) this is where the brand tries to stand out. These two ports can accommodate displays up to a resolution of 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz if operated by the chip integrated into the processors, while 7680 x 3840 @ 60Hz are possible when connected to a graphics card. dedicated.
To sum up, we find a lot on the Gigabyte Z390 Designare, much more than what 99% of users need, we expect no less for the 320 € requested anyway.

Unpacking and bundle

The box could not be more sober, it changes typical “gamer” products with colors in all directions and pompous marketing messages that do not mean much 😉 On the front, the logo of the brand, the name the model as well as the Thunderbolt mention (because it must still be highlighted!) and compatibility with 9th generation Intel processors. At the back, a photo of the beast in profile with a listing of its technical characteristics and strengths (“Ultra Durable”, heat pipe for radiators in direct contact, Wifi, M.2 radiators, etc.).

When you open the box, you find the motherboard packed in its antistatic bag, a classic. Below, the bundle makes its appearance.

The bundle is complete, although we could have expected more for a card at this price. We have the main one, namely of course the manual and its driver DVD, the necessary screws for M.2 SSDs, four Sata cables as well as the WiFi antenna. Gigabyte also added a Displayport -> mini-Displayport adapter, let’s not forget the little Gigabyte square sticker. Note that the PCB is not 100% black but rather dark gray,