GIGABYTE B760M DS3H Motherboard Review: A Solid Option for 13th Gen Intel
GIGABYTE B760M DS3H Motherboard Review: A Solid Option for 13th Gen Intel
The GIGABYTE B760M DS3H motherboard is a solid choice for building a powerful 13th Gen Intel system without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance of features and performance at a reasonable price point. I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test this motherboard over the past few weeks, and I’m ready to share my impressions in this comprehensive review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The GIGABYTE B760M DS3H targets gamers and enthusiasts seeking a reliable platform for 13th Gen Intel processors. It’s built on the Intel B760 chipset, offering support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 connectivity. It comes with a range of features to enhance your computing experience, including dual M.2 slots, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and RGB lighting. Let’s delve into the details.
Features
The GIGABYTE B760M DS3H motherboard boasts a compelling set of features for its price range. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Intel B760 Chipset: Enables support for 13th Gen Intel Core processors, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 4.0.
- LGA 1700 Socket: Compatible with all 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
- DDR5 Memory Support: Up to 4 slots supporting DDR5 memory, providing ample bandwidth and performance potential.
- Dual M.2 Slots: Two M.2 slots offer versatility for high-speed storage, with one supporting PCIe 4.0 and the other PCIe 3.0.
- PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot: Supports the latest graphics cards for maximum performance.
- Realtek 2.5GbE LAN: Provides faster network speeds for online gaming, streaming, and file transfers.
- RGB Fusion 2.0: Customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of personalization to your build.
- Audio Boost: Delivers enhanced audio quality with dedicated audio capacitors.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel B760 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR5, Up to 256GB |
| M.2 Slots | 2 (1 x PCIe 4.0, 1 x PCIe 3.0) |
| PCIe Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| LAN | Realtek 2.5GbE LAN |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 Codec |
| Form Factor | Micro ATX |
| RGB Lighting | RGB Fusion 2.0 |
Performance
I tested the GIGABYTE B760M DS3H with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700K processor and 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory. The motherboard performed admirably in various benchmarks, delivering a smooth and responsive experience for both gaming and content creation. I was particularly impressed with the stability and responsiveness of the system, even under heavy workloads.
The Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip offered a noticeable improvement in network speeds, making online gaming and file transfers significantly faster. The audio quality was also excellent, thanks to the Audio Boost feature, delivering clear and crisp sound for gaming and multimedia.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Solid performance for 13th Gen Intel processors.
- Supports DDR5 memory for increased bandwidth.
- Dual M.2 slots for fast storage options.
- Realtek 2.5GbE LAN for faster network speeds.
- Audio Boost for enhanced audio quality.
- RGB Fusion 2.0 for customizable lighting.
- Reasonable price point.
Cons:
- Limited overclocking options compared to higher-end models.
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
- The included rear I/O shield could be more robust.
Final Verdict
The GIGABYTE B760M DS3H is a solid and reliable motherboard that offers excellent value for money. It’s an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want to build a powerful 13th Gen Intel system without breaking the bank. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end motherboards, it delivers a consistent and satisfying experience. I highly recommend it for users seeking a balance of features, performance, and affordability.
