We review the Gigabyte X170 Extreme ECC, an Xeon compatible 'Intel X170' (we'll explain the quotes later) chipset based product that is loaded with kit, ECC memory support (if you use a Xeon) and features. Though it is a chipset and processor series intended for the server platform this motherboard was made all consumer grade with all whistles and bells. It is SLI/Crossfire capable. Combined with a few extras and an overall high class build Gigabyte is showing a mighty fine offering.

This release is a little unusual as being an expensive platform there is no real valid reason as a consumer to opt a Xeon processor. ECC memory indeed is handy, but mostly if you are running database stuff or perhaps virtualize a lot of operating systems. This chipset should be paired with relatively expensive Xeon E3 series (v5) processors, intended as server processor these are clocked lower which also is not something your average consumer is after. So why then would a four-core Xeon motherboard and platform be interesting ? Well, the Xeon processors have been binned and run incredibly stable, with a lower power consumption and lower temperatures as well. These processors are design to run 24/7/365. The same can be said for the chipset.

The direct downside, processor wise there will be no unlimited/unlocked multipliers available, so you are pretty fixed at your maximum turbo cap when it comes to overclocking (or the lack of it). But sure, if you do like to own a gaming system that can do stable virtulization or run server related databases and or LAMP distributions, it could make sense. But performance and price wise this as a hole does not make a lot of sense. Or does it ?