Gigabyte’s Z170XP-SLI is aiming to tempt users looking for a motherboard that offers the Z170 platform’s core features, but without requiring a significant cash outlay. In the Z170XP-SLI, Gigabyte offers one of the lowest cost boards to support SLI, while also retaining features such as USB 3.1, USB Type-C, and a 32Gbps M.2 connector.
Gigabyte manages to cut costs and squeeze SLI certification into the Z170XP-SLI motherboard’s ~£110 price tag by minimising the number of add-on features. Intel’s healthy Z170 chipset makes such a design methodology possible, although noticeable divergences from the low-cost approach come in the way of an upgraded audio system, USB 3.1 ports, and no less than three SATA-Express connectors.
Can the Z170XP-SLI prove that jumping onto the Skylake platform does not have to be a costly activity?
