Introduction

Specifications

Specifications CPU SUPPORT: 6th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors and Intel Pentium/Celeron Processors for Socket LGA-1151 POWER DESIGN: CPU Power: 9 phase

Memory Power: 1 phase CHIPSET: Intel Z170 chipset INTEGRATED GRAPHICS: Dependent on installed CPU MEMORY: 4 x DIMM, Max. 64 GB; Support up to 3866+ BIOS: Dual BIOS SLOTS: 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16, x8, x4, x4, max)

3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 HDD CONNECTIVITY: 1 x M.2 32 Gb/s (42/60/80mm)

3 x SATA Express 16 Gb/s NETWORKING: 1 x Intel I219V Gigabit LAN Controller REAR PORTS: 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)

1 x DVI-D

1 x VGA port

2 x HDMI

1 x LAN (RJ45) port

1 x USB 3.1 Type-C

5 x USB 3.0

6 x Audio jack(s) AUDIO: Biostar Hi-Fi Technology (Realtek ALC898) FAN HEADERS: 5 x 4-pin FORM FACTOR: ATX Form Factor (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) EXCLUSIVE FEATURES: Dual BIOS

GT Touch

I/O Armor

Vivid LED DJ

ESD Protection

Moistureproof PCB

OV/OC/OH Protection

Super Anti-Surge Protection

5050 LED Fun

PCIe M.2 32 Gb/s

Biostar is not one of the most popular brands out there. Given their low-cost products and a clear focus as of late on audio designs, Biostar has, however, won me over on more than one occasion with products they have sent me, and after having recommended them to other users who were consequently happy with their purchase, I can't help but wonder why we don't see Biostar products more often with our forum users. Focused on providing you the most bang for the buck, Biostar is that hidden gem for those not so focused on extreme overclocking. When they asked me to check out one of their Z170 board products, I was eager to see what's new at Biostar, and I could not have been more impressed with the Biostar Racing Z170GT7 they sent me.The Biostar Racing Z170GT7 can be had on sale for less than $140. For that $140, you get a fully sized ATX board with no color scheme. The Racing Z170GT7 is a black board with just a checkered flag silk-screened over the board, some white strips across the MOSFET coolers, and a white "R" logo breaking a silver streak across the PCH. It has a black I/O cover over its rear port towers and no support for SLI (CFX only), with four DIMM slots and cooling strips on the back of the board to help with heat management around the socket. There's an LN2 switch, a POST code display, and built-in touch-sensitive buttons, and when you plug it in and power it up, it has a surprise in store for you, although that surprise is hinted at by its included accessories.