Gigabyte GA-EX58-EXTREME Motherboard Review

The EX58-EXTREME is the latest high performance X58 Series motherboards of GIGABYTE, designed from the ground up to unleash the awesome power of Intel’s new Core i7 processors. Up to 3 VGA cards are supported for either 3 way CrossFireX™ or 3 way SLI™ action, delivering the ultimate in graphics performance for gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest frame rates without compromising on resolution. Equipped with a host of new features including the new QPI interface, 3 channel DDR3 support, Ultra Durable 3 technology and the industry’s most extensive range of overclocking features, the EX58-EXTREME is bringing excitement back into the high performance motherboard industry.

The EX58-EXTREME was designed specifically to take advantage of the raw power of the next generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors and the Intel® X58 Express chipset, whose new evolution in computing architecture is able to deliver an amazing performance break through from past processor generations. Replacing the Front Side Bus is the new Quick Path Interconnect, or QPI, whose 25.6 GB/sec transfer rate (double the bandwidth of the 1600MHz FSB) eliminates the communication bottleneck between the processor and chipset.

GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 design, featuring 2 ounces of copper for both the Power and Ground layers which dramatically lowers system temperature by delivering a more efficient spreading of heat from critical areas of the motherboard such as the CPU power zone throughout the entire PCB. GIGABYTE’s Ultra Durable 3 also lowers the PCB impedance by 50%, which helps to reduce electrical waste and further lowers component temperatures. A 2oz Copper layer design also provides improved signal quality and lower EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), providing better system stability and allowing for greater margins for overclocking.

Features

• Ultra Durable 3 Technology with copper cooled quality for lower working temperature
• Supports the newest Intel® Core™ i7 processors in socket LGA1366 with QPI 6.4 GT/s
• Revolution energy saving design with DES Advanced featuring hardware based Dynamic 6-Gear switching
• Supports 3 channel DDR3 2100+ memory by 6 DIMMs
• Scalable ability to both 3 way CrossFireX and 3 way SLI support for ultimate graphics performance
• Advanced 12+2+2 power phase design with VRD 11.1 support
• New Hybrid Silent-Pipe 2 design provides unequalled heat conductivity
• Unique hardware control IC to provide more precision voltage control
• 100% 50,000 hour lifespan Japanese solid capacitors design
• Onboard Debug LED display simplifies motherboard troubleshooting
• Patented DualBIOS with dual hardware BIOS protection
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN with Teaming functionality
• Supports Dolby Home Theater audio to create a stunning surround sound listening experience
• Power/reset/Clr CMOS onboard button for easily operation on the workbench
• Blu-ray playback outputs supported by high quality 106dB SNR ALC889A HD audio