Gigabyte X58A UD3R V2 Review
Introduction and Technical Specifications
Published: 8th November 2010 | Source: Gigabyte | Price: £149 |
Introduction
When Gigabyte first released their batch of X58 motherboards it contained three models representing the value, mid-range and high-end markets. They were the UD3, UD5 and UD7 respectively.
The main differences between each model were the "extras" that you got with each one. Although the UD3 did have a reduced amount of power phases compared to its two bigger brothers.
Power-phases have two main uses. Firstly to ensure that the power delivery is smooth and stable from idle through to heavy loading. The second, and to us almost more important, aspect is that the ability of a motherboard to supply plenty of amps and retain stable voltage is key to overclocking.
Sadly the original UD3 was quickly found wanting in this department and so the budget overclockers moved on to other boards with more potential. Having honed their skills on the UD9 and various P55 platforms Gigabyte are back to bring the UD3 up to the standards it should have been from the start, by giving it the increased power phases that the overclocking community demands.
Technical Specifications
With the main change being those power phases, here is the list of specifications. As you can see the UD3R is compatible with the "333" technologies and 32nm Intel Hexcore processors.
| CPU |
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| QPI |
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| Chipset |
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| Memory |
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| Audio |
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| LAN |
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| Expansion Slots |
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| Multi-Graphics Technology |
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| Storage Interface | South Bridge:
* SATA3 SSDs are not recommended for use in RAID 0 mode on Marvell SE9128 ports. GIGABYTE SATA2 chip:
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| USB | Integrated in the South Bridge
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| IEEE 1394 |
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| Internal I/O Connectors |
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| I/O Controller |
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Most Recent Comments
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Originally Posted by AlienALX
Fantastic stuff. I need not worry as if I ever go X58 then this is the board I shall get. The original is an absolute legend and this one seems to make the design even better. And the price is sensational too. This is the board that CPC gave a massively high score to saying that it made all of the models above it (in the Gigabyte range) redundant due to them being no better for functionality and that they came with loads of bolt on tat that didn't do anything. |
QuoteI look forward to it though and thanks for the review
Quote|
Originally Posted by AlienALX
Fair enough. But price to performance they are cutting their own throats. Let's say for example the 7 costs £300. Will it offer double the performance of the 3? I look forward to it though and thanks for the review |
Ps just joined the site but been reading reviews last couple weeks and really like what you guys are doing compared to most sites and for my new rig certainly couple decissions will be based on your reviews. THANKSQuote
CSS Valid
The original is an absolute legend and this one seems to make the design even better. And the price is sensational too.
This is the board that CPC gave a massively high score to saying that it made all of the models above it (in the Gigabyte range) redundant due to them being no better for functionality and that they came with loads of bolt on tat that didn't do anything.Quote