Gigabyte X58 USB3 mainboard review

by Tarinder Sandhu on 30 August 2010, 07:00 4.0

Tags: Gigabyte X58 USB3, Gigabyte (TPE:2376)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qazsb

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A BIOS to match

Setting Specifications (F2a BIOS)
CPU clock (BCLK) 100 - 600MHz in 1MHz increments
CPU multiplier 12x - 25x on Core i7 970
Memory bus multiplier 6x (DDR3 800MHz) - 18x (DDR3-2,400MHz)
CPU voltage 0.5V - 1.9V in 0.00625V increments
Memory voltage 1.3V - 2.6V in 0.02V increments
IOH core voltage 1.1V - 2.0V in 0.02V increments
ICH I/O voltage 1.05V - 2.30V in 0.02V increments
ICH core voltage 0.92V - 2.38V in 0.02V increments

Gigabyte provides reasonable levels of end-user manipulation when overclocking the board. The CPU and memory-voltage settings are shown in pink for high levels and blink red when the board reckons you're pushing the envelope a little too far. Don't cry that you weren't warned when sticking 1.8V up a Core i7's pins.

Memory speeds, in particular, are hugely variable, topping out at an impressive 2,400MHz when tied to a 133MHz base clock. In short, only the crazy overclocker will feel short-changed by the X58 USB3's BIOS.

Gallery


The BIOS's layout is simple enough to follow. Head for the MB Intelligent Tweaker if toggling with frequencies gets you hot.


The MIT section is sub-divided into four categories. It also provides a real-time indication of the most important speeds and feeds. We especially like the at-a-glance Current Status setting, showing you all you need to know in one screen.


See, more numbers than you can poke a stick at.

And voltage control isn't too shabby.

Like any self-respecting enthusiast board, you can save and load a number of BIOS options at the touch of a few buttons.

The Gigabyte X58 USB3's BIOS is much like the board itself; no nonsense and unencumbered with what some may see as pointless features on super-high-end boards.