Tuesday, December 23, 2008

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard Reviewed

evga x58 sli

The EVGA X58 SLI (US$299) is a motherboard for the Intel Core i7 processor based on the Intel X58 chipset.

Features:

  • Intel Core i7 Processors support
  • Intel X58 Express Chipset with the ICH10R Southbridge
  • Intel Turbo Boost Technology support
  • 100% Solid State Capacitors
  • 6 DIMM triple-channel DDR3
  • Enthusiast layout supporting 2-way, 3-way SLI and CrossFireX
  • 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x8/x16, 1 x PCIe x8, 1 x PCIe x1, 2 x PCI
  • 2 x 32-bit PCI, support for PCI 2.1
  • 10 SATA II 3.0GB/s ports (1 e-SATA)
  • dual Gigabit LAN
  • Firewire (1 external, 1 header)

“In terms of integrated features, the X58 3X SLI has just about all you could want in a new X58 board, including both internal reset and power button switches, and a highly appreciated external clear CMOS switch peeking through its back IO panel.  At $299 currently, the X58 3X SLI is right in the middle of the pack price-wise, as X58 boards go, which is still of course a little lofty due its recent introduction.  As a total package however, with EVGA's cable and connector assortment that includes both 2-way and 3-way SLI connectors, the X58 3X SLI is definitely worth your short list consideration, if you're considering a migration to the Core i7 platform.” [HotHardware | EVGA X58 3X SLI Core i7 Motherboard]

“What I can't ignore is that the potential of this motherboard is really good. The overall baseline performance is on par with the Intel reference board, but the board starts to really shine once you start overclocking. So in retrospect I'd say that the motherboard is a bit of a challenge and targeted at the die-hard enthusiast users out there who know what they are doing. It's a rough diamond in the works. … It's an excellent match for a delicious processor series. Next to being one of the most feature rich X58 products we tested so far, we do believe it has massive tweaking potential as well. If you'd buy this product right now, you'll likely will have to flash the BIOS a couple of times before it has reached it's fullest potential.” [Guru of 3D | EVGA X58 SLI review]

This is definitely an enthusiast-targeted motherboard, with overclocking in mind. Ready to dip in the Core i7 waters? The EVGA X58 SLI should be in your shortlist.

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