Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme Waterforce Motherboard With Integrated AIO CPU Monoblock
Gigabyte's latest motherboard makes it a little easier to incorporate a custom liquid cooling loop into your setup. That's because its new Z390 Aorus Xtreme Waterforce comes with a fitted all-on-one monoblock that you attach to the motherboard. The advantage of a solution like this is that it blends in with Gigabyte's design aesthetic, so it doesn't look like an external piece.
You still have to install the monoblock, as it doesn't come already attached to the motherboard. That said, the process outlined in the user manual looks easy enough—connect the LED cables to the LED_CPU and LED-PCH headers on the motherboard, then place the monoblock on the motherboard and fasten the CPU backplate. Remember to install the CPU first, of course.
The monoblock provides cooling to the CPU and PCH area. It also features RGB lighting, because really, what doesn't these days? And of course the motherboard itself allows for the installation of addressable and RGB LED strips, if your rig needs even more lighting.
While the monoblock is the standout feature, there's plenty more to this motherboard. It features a 16-phase IR digital VRM, which in plain English means it should provide stable and reliable voltage to handle the rigors of overclocking.
It also boasts Intel Optane Memory support, onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity, two wired LAN ports (one of which is an Aquantia 10GbE LAN), Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, onboard power and one-touch overclocking buttons, three M.2 connectors, a robust rear I/O with plenty of USB ports, onboard audio built around an ESS Sabre reference DAC, and dual BIOSes, to name some of the highlights.
Gigabyte didn't say when the Z390 Aorus Xtreme Monoblock will be available or how much it will cost.
