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In this review, we take a closer look at the BIOSTAR Z370 GT6 Racing motherboard and examine the features that make it an appealing option for budget-conscious PC builders. Despite its affordable price point of around $128, the board includes an impressive list of features typically found on more expensive models, including RGB lighting, Intel Gigabit Ethernet, M.2 storage support, dual BIOS functionality, and more.

Design and Appearance

One of the first things that stands out about the Z370 GT6 Racing is its unique design. Unlike many gaming motherboards that rely on the familiar black-and-red or black-and-yellow aesthetic, BIOSTAR has opted for a more distinctive look. Whether you love it or not, it certainly stands apart from the crowd and offers something different for users who want a motherboard with its own personality.

The board also features integrated RGB lighting, including illuminated accents and light strips along the edges. In addition, two RGB headers support standard 5050 RGB lighting, allowing users to connect compatible RGB strips, coolers, and other accessories directly to the motherboard.

Features and Specifications

The BIOSTAR Z370 GT6 Racing offers support for DDR4 memory speeds up to 3866MHz through overclocking. While these speeds exceed what most users will ever need, it’s reassuring to know the board is capable of handling high-performance memory configurations.

Storage support is equally impressive, with M.2 slots available for both NVMe and SATA-based SSDs. This gives builders flexibility when selecting storage devices and allows for high-speed boot drives and application storage.

Networking is handled by an Intel Gigabit Ethernet controller, which is a notable advantage at this price point. Many competing motherboards in the same range use Realtek networking solutions. While Realtek controllers work perfectly well for most users, Intel networking hardware is often preferred by gamers and enthusiasts due to its reputation for lower latency and excellent reliability.

Audio quality is another area where BIOSTAR has avoided cutting corners. The motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, offering 7.1-channel high-definition audio and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 120dB. This is a significant upgrade over the lower-end audio solutions commonly found on entry-level motherboards.

Power Delivery and Overclocking

The board features a robust 10-phase power delivery design, which should provide sufficient power for overclocking Intel’s Coffee Lake processors. While direct testing may vary depending on cooling and individual hardware, the VRM design appears capable of supporting an overclocked Intel Core i7-8700K operating around the 5GHz range.

For enthusiasts looking to maximize CPU performance without spending heavily on a premium motherboard, this is an encouraging feature.

Connectivity and Expansion

Another standout feature is the inclusion of USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity. Many budget motherboards only offer USB 3.1 Gen 1, which is limited to 5Gbps. USB 3.1 Gen 2 doubles that bandwidth to 10Gbps, making it more suitable for high-speed external storage devices and modern peripherals.

The rear I/O panel includes both USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports, providing excellent compatibility with current and future devices.

Dual BIOS Advantage

Perhaps one of the most surprising features at this price point is the inclusion of dual BIOS support. This is often reserved for significantly more expensive motherboards.

Dual BIOS provides an important safety net during firmware updates. If a BIOS update fails or becomes corrupted, users can switch to the backup BIOS and restore functionality without replacing the motherboard. This feature can save considerable time and frustration and adds significant value to the package.

Included Accessories

BIOSTAR includes a generous accessory bundle with the motherboard. Inside the box, users will find:

• Rear I/O shield
• Multiple SATA data cables
• Driver and utility disc
• Detailed user manual

While the driver disc is largely unnecessary in modern operating systems, the included documentation is comprehensive and helpful for users who want detailed information about the board’s features and connector layouts.

The inclusion of several SATA cables is also appreciated, especially since some more expensive motherboards include fewer accessories.

Value for Money

Looking beyond the specifications, the Z370 GT6 Racing offers strong overall value. The board includes a wide range of connectivity options, storage expansion capabilities, RGB customization features, quality networking hardware, and premium audio components.

A closer inspection of the motherboard reveals plenty of internal headers, USB connectivity options, and expansion possibilities that make it suitable for both mainstream users and enthusiasts.

About BIOSTAR

BIOSTAR may not have the same market presence as manufacturers such as ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, or ASRock, but the company has been producing motherboards for many years. While it often receives less attention than larger competitors, BIOSTAR products have generally earned a reputation for delivering solid performance and reliability at competitive prices.

Previous experiences with BIOSTAR motherboards have shown them to be stable, easy to configure, and fully capable of handling overclocking and everyday workloads without issue.

Final Thoughts

The BIOSTAR Z370 GT6 Racing is a surprisingly feature-rich motherboard that offers excellent value for its price. With support for high-speed memory, Intel Gigabit Ethernet, premium audio, RGB lighting, USB 3.1 Gen 2, dual BIOS, and solid power delivery, it includes many features typically associated with significantly more expensive boards.

For users building a Coffee Lake-based gaming or productivity system who want strong features without spending $200 or more on a motherboard, the Z370 GT6 Racing is certainly worth considering. It combines functionality, expandability, and affordability into a package that punches well above its price class.