TheOverclocker Issue 40 | Page 23

nothing but simply pay less for not using two of these .
This model , much like the GAMING 9 , also features the KILLER AC-1535 Wi-Fi controller , which can be used in DoubleShot PRO mode giving you even more bandwidth when used in conjunction with the regular LAN controller . Who has access to this kind of bandwidth remains a mystery , but it ’ s appreciated at some level .
Connectivity aside , the GAMING 8 comes packed with GIGABYTE ’ s best audio solution to date . It isn ’ t much different from what we had last generation , but has been upgraded via the inclusion of WIMA capacitors , and the ability to upgrade a total of three operational-amplifiers . Two for the left and right channel rear audio output and a single one for the front audio . Each channel with an identical trace length . A feature that will not be appreciated by anyone , but those who have the most high-end audio equipment ( who would likely be using a USB DAC ). For gaming , it is more than adequate and in fact is quite amazing for motherboard audio , besting the high-end offerings built around the ALC1220 controller . As you ’ d expect , it is powered by the Sound Core 3D chip from CREATIVE and as a result supports all the features from a modern CREATIVE audio product . Where audio is concerned , there shouldn ’ t be anything at all to be concerned about . It ’ s about as good as you ’ ll find on any motherboard regardless of the price .
More in line with what was mentioned earlier is the dual U . 2 connectors . Just in case you ’ re one of those individuals with seriously deep pockets and in pursuit of pure performance above all . One would have been enough , but since virtually nothing comes in ones on this motherboard , you receive two of these along with two M . 2 sockets . There are obvious limitations to how many drives one can install making use of these options and it is quite complicated when you factor in how it affects USB 3.0 / 3.1 performance . With that said , since the 270 chipset has a total of 24 lanes , it isn ’ t as limiting as you might think . Even those with complicated PCI-E based raid setups will find that there are more than enough configuration options to cater to their needs . Since this is TheOverclocker ,
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