Gigabyte X170-Extreme ECC (Intel C236) Motherboard Review

A Closer Look & Layout Analysis

The Gigabyte X170-Extreme ECC has a normal layout when it comes to power connection. We find an 8-pin ATX connector at the top outer corner and a 24-pin ATX connector at the top inner side.

The two USB 3.0 headers are located right next to the 24-pin power connector and this is also the corner where we find the onboard power, reset, and clear CMOS switches, and also a 2-diggit debug code display.

Moving down the inner side, we get to the three SATA-Express ports that each can work as two normal SATA3 ports as well. On top of them are the two SATA ports handled by the secondary controller.

Turning the corner and we get to the front panel header as well as the Dual-BIOS switch.

At the outer bottom edge are the front-audio, serial COM port, TPM, and two USB 2.0 headers, all lined up next to each other. We can also spot the LED demo switch in between.

Right next to the front-panel audio header is the Sound Blaster Core 3D controller with its fancy silver top.

The X170-Extreme ECC motherboard uses quality components all the way through, from high-quality chokes over to black solid capacitors.

The onboard audio also uses high-quality audio capacitors that are hidden under the shroud and next to the LED trace path.

Moving into the inner of the motherboard and we get a good look at all the PCI-Express slots. There are three x1 black slots and three x16 slots with a metal guard for extra strength. These slots hold even the heaviest graphics cards without a problem.

Both M.2 slots support 32Gbps and up to 80mm length. One is located between the PCI slots and the other one is located below the CPU socket.

Speaking of the CPU socket, that isn’t a totally ordinary one either as it’s made with gold contacts.

The four DIMM slots are also the secure and longer lasting ones with a static side.

The 2-diggit display is bright and easy to read even in dark enclosures.

And the ambient LED strip can give you that extra bit of coolness-factor in your setup.

Removing the plastic shielding over the audio and IO parts gives us a view of what’s below. We get a much better view on the solid audio capacitors for example.

We can also spot all the missing chips for the various features below the IO part, such as the Intel and Killer NIC controllers.

The two pieces of shield cover give an added bonus to the looks, but in themselves, they aren’t anything special once removed.