Gigabyte X58A UD3R V2 Review

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.