GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Ultra Durable 3 Motherboard Review

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Ultra Durable 3 Motherboard Review

Conclusion

Compared to previous chipsets with GIGABYTE’s VRD 11.1 support, energy conservancy wasn’t quite as prominent. To be fair and impartial, this isn’t so much GIGABYTE’s fault. The minimal 20 Watt difference observed here is due in part to the X58 chipset which requires more power on hand at all times with the Core i7 965 processor used in testing. In any other setting where applicable, the chipset does exactly what it should to keep the platform stable. Thus, the EX58-UD3R gets an “A+”.

Where to Buy

Gigabyte EX58 LGA1366 MAX-16GB DDR3 Atx 3PCIE16 2PCIE 2PCI 8RAID Gbe 12USB

In terms of 3D performance, it’s a great gaming platform for the budget conscious. The potential is right there at your finger tips. There’s nothing it can’t do to help the most serious gamers win. All it really needs to convince you is a decent video card like a Zotac GTX 260 (216 Core), Zotac GTX 285 or GTX 295 AMP Edition.

In terms of processor support, the EX58-UD3R can make near maximum use of your Core i7 series processor by offering some great overclocking potential. The Core i7 965 just doesn’t have a lot of extra room to stretch which further gives the hardcore enthusiasts something to think about when selecting a CPU. One could easily use the slower i7s coupled with the EX58-UD3R, overclock to match the 965, and spend that saved money on a better video card.

If there’s a major negative about the board given its purpose, it isn’t evident in terms of performance. Stability is the main factor when considering a performance based system. All things considered, you should be very pleased choosing the Gigabyte EX58-UD3R Motherboard. It’s the best bang for buck X58 Crossfire experience at the entry enthusiast level.

Pros

* New Balanced Theme

* Flag Ship Look

* 2 oz. PCB design

* 200 CPU Bus Overclocking

* Supports 2000 MHz DDR3 Memory

* Great Bang For Buck

Cons

* Graphics Slots Seem Close

* Bundle A Little Too Light

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