GA-X99-Designare EX (rev. 1.0)

Next Generation 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt™ 3

The GIGABYTE GA-X99-Designare EX motherboard is a X99 Refresh motherboard to be certified to support Thunderbolt™ 3. This gives enthusiasts that need the tried-and-true horsepower and reliability of the X99 chipset access to the world’s fastest connectivity protocol. Powered by Intel’s own Thunderbolt 3 controller, the new Thunderbolt 3 protocol is available over a USB Type-C™ connector on the back I/O of select GIGABYTE motherboards including the X99-Designare EX. Bringing an unprecedented single-wire bandwidth of up to 40 Gb/s -- twice more than the previous generation!



Support for Thunderbolt™ 3 on the GIGABYTE X99-Designare EX motherboard opens up a world of possibilities for enthusiasts or professionals using the X99 chipset. With the unmatched bandwidth that Thunderbolt™ 3 provides, enthusiasts can use new devices such as discrete GPU boxes, external quad M.2 drives, or U.2 expansion drives.

One of the main advantages of Thunderbolt™ 3 is its ability to carry a video signal, but as X99 platforms don’t have a GPU integrated in the CPU, the Thunderbolt controller needs to link with a discrete graphics card. In order to solve this conundrum, GIGABYTE designed the X99-Designare EX with a DisplayPort Input port on the back I/O allowing users to pair their devices with a USB Type-C connector (the required cables to connect the graphics card to Thunderbolt controller are bundled with the board).

Note: The motherboard packing includes one DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable for building Thunderbolt™ 3 function.

Daisy-chain Multiple Devices

With a single wire, users can now daisy-chain up to 6 devices via Thunderbolt 3, including a monitor with all the GPU power from the discrete graphics card to display high frame rate games at max settings or render 3D models in a flash.

Compatibility may vary according to system configuration and device specifications.

*Thunderbolt 3 needs to be certified by Intel.
Note: Product features may vary by model. Photo for reference only.

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NVIDIA^® QUADRO^® Professional Graphics Supports

NVIDIA^® QUADRO^® 3D Workstation Professional Graphics Solutions designed and built specifically for artists, designers, and engineers, NVIDIA Quadro GPUs power more than 100 professional applications across a broad range of industries. Professionals trust them to enable their best work using applications such as Adobe^® Creative Cloud, Avid Media Composer, Autodesk Suites, Dassault Systemes, CATIA and SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, and many more.

Premium 3-Way PCIe x16 Multi-Graphics Support

Optimized support for 3-Way NVIDIA SLI™ or 3-Way AMD CrossFire™ On 28 lanes Processor

PCIe 3.0 bandwidth is dependent on CPU. Graphics cards are not included.

2-Way SLI™ / CrossFire™ Multi-Graphics

Multi-graphics configuration offers better graphics performance for gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest frame rates without compromising on resolution.

GIGABYTE Design By spacing the graphics cards in multi-graphics configurations, users are now able to obtain maximum airflow between cards.

PURE SPEED, MORE POWER

Exclusively on GIGABYTE Powered Motherboards

Intel^® USB 3.1 + Power Delivery 2.0

The Intel^® USB 3.1 controller utilizes four PCIe Gen3 Lanes, offering up to 32 Gb/s total bandwidth, for uncompromised transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s per USB 3.1. With twice the bandwidth compared to its previous generation, and backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 and 3.0, the much improved USB 3.1 protocol is available over the new reversible USB Type-C™ and the traditional USB Type-A connector for better compatibility over a wider range of devices.

Bandwidth design for the controller
*Max. bandwidth allocated for the controller may vary by model.

Dual U.2 Onboard (NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4)

NVMe Performance for PCIe SSDs

The new Intel 750 series SSDs offer an incredible increase in performance over SATA drives. Using the NVMe protocol which takes advantage of the fast bandwidth of PCIe Gen3 x4 lanes (32 Gb/s), the drives are a clear advantage for users looking to boot their OS faster, load their games in a flash and access large files without waiting. By implementing the U.2 port onboard to support the 2.5” Intel 750 Series drive, GIGABYTE ensures that the users can benefit from the best performance.

Photo for reference only. SSDs and cables not included.

36W USB Type-C™

Power and Charge From USB Type-C With Power Delivery 2.0 Support

Redesigned to take full advantage of all the features that USB Type-C can support, GIGABYTE’s new X99 motherboards with Intel’s USB 3.1 controller not only supports USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1, but also completely supports Power Delivery 2.0. This means users are able to get up to 36 watts through your Intel powered USB Type-C port. This opens the door for users looking to clean up their cable cutter and power or recharge their devices through this universal connector, the Type-C Port.

Fast Onboard Storage with NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 110mm M.2 (Up to 32 Gb/s)

GIGABYTE’s M.2 solution offers considerably faster storage performance and support for PCIe NVMe SSD devices.

Photo for reference only. M.2 SSDs and cables not included.

Dual Hybrid Fan Headers

Precise PWM and Voltage Control for Water pumps or Fans

Many of today’s modern computers feature water cooling to ensure that the CPU or graphics cards stay cool and quiet while they are put under heavy load. In order to provide the best support for water cooling solutions, GIGABYTE has equipped its X99/Z170 motherboards with an additional water pump power header. This allows the user to have full control over two water pumps or fans. An additional benefit of these headers with GIGABYTE’s motherboards is the option to choose between voltage calibration or PWM modes.

Photo for reference only. Water pumps and accessories not included.

Genuine All Digital Power Design

	Server Level Chokes GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards feature Server Level Chokes. • Server level reliability • High current capacity • New design reduces heat created by power loss and provides efficient power delivery to CPU VRM area.
	Long Lifespan Durable Black™ Solid Caps GIGABYTE X99 series motherboards integrate the absolute best quality solid state capacitors that are rated to perform at maximum efficiency for extended periods, even in extreme performance configurations. This provides peace of mind for end users who want to push their system hard, yet demand absolute reliability and stability, with ultra-low ESR no matter how high the CPU loading.

Refreshed BIOS Easy, Smart, and Friendly

The BIOS is essential for users during initial setup to allow for the most optimal settings. With a new GUI and easier to use functionalities, GIGABYTE has been able to reinvent the BIOS to give users a better experience will setting up their new system.

Photos are for reference only. Product features may vary by model.

GIGABYTE Patented Double Locking Bracket

Ultra Durable™ PCIe Armor

Enhanced Strength PCIe Design, Support for Heavy Graphics Cards For Extreme / VR Gaming Station

Dual Armor DIMM and PCIe Metal Shielding

Never worry about your heavy graphics card damaging your motherboard again. GIGABYTE’s proprietary Ultra Durable PCIe Metal Shielding reinforces the PCIe connector to prevent slot damage due to heavy graphics card. The DIMM and PCIe metal shield also provides extra strength for when you forget to release the lock while replacing your component, adding a fool proof option which can save your PC’s life.

Dual Intel^® GbE LAN with cFosSpeed & Intel WIFI Card Onboard

The Dual Intel^® Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed features advanced technology to help deliver better network responsiveness in crowded LAN environments and allows optimization and improved network performance for specific applications, making it a popular choice amongst gamers.

Turbo B-Clock

Built-in Advanced Performance Tuning IC

Thanks to the onboard Turbo B-Clock Tuning IC, GIGABYTE motherboards enable overclockers to have the ability to change their BCLK frequency to a desired value of their choice. With the new linear range adjustment option of the Tuning IC, ranges from 90MHz to 500MHz are now possible, so that overclockers are not limited to the 5% ranges of traditional straps.
*Turbo B-Clock overclocking range may vary according to CPU capabilities.

Easy to Install "G-Connector" Design

The tiny cables of the front panel connectors can be hard to manipulate as space is restricted and indicators being tiny. With the G-Connector, you can connect all the FP cables at once, simplifying the process of building your next PC and saving you some frustrations.

ESD Protection for USB and LAN

GIGABYTE motherboards raise the bar in terms of protecting your system, providing advanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for both your Ethernet LAN and USB ports, both common sources of ESD-related failures. Each LAN and USB port is paired with a dedicated protection filter that can withstand high electrostatic discharges, protecting your system from common electrical surges and even direct lighting strikes.