Many computer enthusiast and hardcore gamers are continuously searching for the best motherboard. In the absence of the new socket 1155 due to its motherboard chipset problem issue socket 1366 would be the best option.
I have listed Top 5 of the best motherboard in the market today with socket 1366 that supports all Core i7 processors including the latest six Cores with the famous X58 chipset. The criteria that we’re going to consider here in choosing the best X58 motherboard is based on their Performance, Features and Value.
Testing Method
Each motherboard has been tested with the following common components. Intel Core i7 980X Extreme Edition 3.33GHz (133MHz X 25) stock frequency and overclocked at 4.4GHz (200MHz X 22). Using Corsair 6GB 1600MHz memory, ATI Radeon 5870 1GB OCZ Power and Cooling Silencer MKII 750 Watt power supply. Seagate Barracuda 7200 1 TB SATA 3GB/s, Windows 7 64-bit.
Overall Score
The overall score is the average of the image editing, video encoding and multi-tasking tests. Testing for this benchmark is how actually the computer was used in the real world. The suite comprising of an image editing test using Gimp, Video encoding test using Handbrake and a multi tasking test using 7 - Zip to archived and encript the large batch of files while the HD movie plays in mplayer. For Crysis game, the settings are all high with a resolution of 1680 X 1050 scores in fps (frame per seconds).
1. ASUS Sabertooth X58
The first in line is the Xabertooth X58 motherboard. This one belongs to the TUF (The Ultimate Force) series, a good looking board built with high quality components that passed the military standard for extreme durability.
Specs
This motherboard is built with X58 chipset that supports Intel Core i7 processors in LGA1366 package. It has six DIMM slots that supports triple channel DDR3 at 1866/1800/1600/1333/1066 MHz. The Sabertooth X58 let you choose your own multi-GPU Card of either SLI or CrossFireX. This board supports 2x PCI-E 2.0 x16 (dual at x16/x16 mode), 1x PCI-E x16 (at x4 mode), 2x PCI-E x1 and 1x PCI. It provides 2x USB 3.0, 12x USB 2.0, 2x SATA 6GB/s, 6x SATA 3GB/s, 2x eSATA 3GB/s, 2x 1394a firewire connectors, 1x LAN, 8-channel HD audio port and the 8-phase CPU power for overclocking.
What Makes This Motherboard Tough?
The Sabertooth X58 uses the following high grade materials with an ISO certified IEC/IECQ to meet the military standard. First, a TUF capacitor which is a high grade Japanese tougher than polymer tantalum. Second, a TUF MOSFET that delivers a robust efficiency that sustains ultra critical thermal shock. Third, a TUF chokes better known as the Alloy Choke that is made of various types of metal instead of standard iron enables the support up to 40A of current 25% higher than conventional components that also eliminates vibration noise.
It also features a CeramiX! That effectively conducts heat away from the system that replaces the traditional anti-oxidant to dissipate heat into a larger area. This leads to a better cooling system that improves system stability. This motherboard has a Stack Cool 2 which is the fanless cooling solution use by ASUS to evenly distribute the generated heat by the components on the backside of the PCB thus giving you a cooler temperature by 20 percent.
Testing The Sabertooth X58
The Sabertooth X58 is easy to overclocked setting the QPI at 220MHz with the Core i7 980X EE with a stock speed of 3.33MHz reaching the stable speed of 4.4GHz. The results are absolutely impressive, the overall Media Benchmark score is 2,589 and a minimum frame rate of 45fps in Crysis games.
Conclusion
The ASUS Sabertooth X58 is not only a tough looking motherboard but a top performer that will never fails you and comes with a lower price x58 motherboard for under $200. The features are good to meet your needs for a great computer rig. It shows the best performance in games beating the GA-X58A-UD3R and the P6X58D Premium. A perfect match with intel Core i7 950 processor and you can go further if you pair it with Core i7 980X Extreme Edition. There is no other motherboard like this one can offer for its durability and reliability which is made by ASUS. This board is a rock solid and very dependable. Overall, this motherboard offers the best performance, best features and the best value for its price believe me this one is really a steal! Check Price Now!
Features: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Value: 10/10
2. ASUS Rampage III Gene
Second to our list is the ASUS Rampage III Gene. If you’re a hardcore gamer whose looking for a ROG (Republic of Gamers) motherboard with a lower price tag. The ASUS Rampage III Gene is the perfect answer to your needs. This board belongs to the ruthless ROG (Republic of Gamers) family that will take you to the next level of your gaming experience.
Specs
The ASUS Rampage III Gene is built under the famous X58 chipset that supports all the latest intel core i7 processors including the six core in LGA1366 package. A good looking board just like its big brother Rampage III Extreme but comes in a micro ATX form factor.
This motherboard supports both SLI and CrossfireX no need to worry about changing or choosing your graphics card. Two PCI –E slots that both supports X16 and X8 for two GPU in either SLI or CrossfireX configuration. It has six memory slots that support DDR3 up to 24 GB. It has a two USB 3.0 port for ultra fast data transfer and eleven USB 2.0. Six SATA 3.0Gb/s and two SATA 6.0Gb/s.
Here comes the best part. The ASUS Rampage III Gene is loaded with state of the art overclocking capabilities with ease and safe. You can connect it via USB cable thru your notebook to tweak its parameter and do some overclocking adjustments. You can upgrade your CPU with ROG’s CPU level Up by simply pick the processor you wanted to overclock and the motherboard will do the rest. This board is also equipped which they called voltiminder LED that displays and monitors its safe voltage level for extreme OC. They have also the COP EX that allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It has also a loadline calibration that ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading.
Testing The Rampage III Gene
The Rampage III gene is also easy to overclock having more options because it's a RoG board. With the Core i7 980X Extreme Edidtion CPU installed in it runs up to 220MHz QPI.
Setting at the overclocked frequency of 200MHz X22 multiplier at 4.4MHz. The overall Media Benchmark scores up to 2,618. The overclocked minimum frame rate seconds in Crysis games is 44fps beating the Rampage III Extreme at only 42fps.
Conclusion
Test results shows that the Rampage III Gene is truly one of the best performer capable of beating the more expensive board counterparts. This board is loaded with more features than its big brother Rampage III extreme. This motherboard has many overclocking capabilities with ease that will push you to the limits. Even small in size it is truly capable in big action and worthy to belong in a ROG family. The Rampage III gene is for the hardcore gamers and enthusiast class board that comes in small size but a lower price tag thus delivers the best value for your money. Check Price Now!
Features: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Value: 9/10
3. Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R
The third motherboard to consider is the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R. This board has an X58 Northbridge and the ICH10R Southbridge chipset. This one belongs to the Gigabyte Ultra Durable 3 series motherboard that uses a 2 oz copper PCB and Japanese capacitor for extreme durability.
Specs
It has four 16X PCI-E, one PCI-E 1X and one PCI slot. Gigabyte claims that the first 2 PCI-E has 16x and the other 2 has 8x. The good thing here is that it supports both the 3-way SLI and CrossfireX therefore you have the freedom to choose between the ATI or Nvidia. This board is loaded with six DDR3 slot tripple channel 2000MHz that supports up to 24GB memory with 10 SATA ports that supports 8x SATA 3GB/s, 2 SATA 6GB/s, 2x eSATA, 1x 1394a firewire, 1x LAN, and 7.1 channel HD audio ports. It provides 12x USB 2.0 port and 2x USB 3.0 to make sure you never run out of USB port.
Testing The GA-X58A-UD3R
The GA-X58A-UD3R is easy to overclock, almost all settings are located on a single page in CMOS BIOS and you can change their values easily. It has an auto recovery feature when you overclocked beyond limits just reset and it will POST in safe mode without losing your settings.
With the QPI of 220MHz surpassing the 200MHz QPI with Core i7 980X extreme edition processor. The i7 core 980X has a 3.33GHz stock speed and overclocked at 4.4GHz with this board with ease that shows an impressive Media Benchmark score of 2,624 and prove to be very good in Crysis games with minimum frame rate of 42fps.
Conclusion
The GA-X58A-UD3R also shows great performance with lots overclocking capabilities to push you further. It provides us many features and about mid price range this board also has the best value for your money. If you're planning to build a core i7 computer this board is also a must! Check Price Now!
Features: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
4. ASUS Rampage III Extreme
The fourth contender will be the Rampage III Extreme (R3E) is an ASUS Republic of Gamers (RoG) series which is made for extreme overclockers.
Specs
The ASUS Rampage III Extreme uses the same chipset which is the X58 and the ICH10R. It has four PCI-E 16X slot that supports a single or x16/x16, x16/x8/x8 and x8/x8/x8/x8 configurations, 1x PCI slot and 1x PCI-E 1X. it also has 2x SATA 6Gbps, 6x SATA 3GB and 1x eSATA. Nine USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 and six DDR3 triple slot channel 2200MHz (O.C.) that supports up to 24GB memory. This board also supports the 3-way SLI and CrossfireX GPU.
This board provides 6x SATA 3.0 Gb/s, 2x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports, 1x Gbit LAN, 2 x 1394a firewire ports, 2x USB 3.0, 9 x USB 2.0, 8-chanel HD audio ports, 8-phase CPU power for overclocking. It lacks of the eSATA ports and Bluetooth support.
Testing The Rampage III Extreme
The Rampage III Extreme is also easy to overclock having more options because it's a RoG board. With the Core i7 980X Extreme Edidtion CPU installed in it runs up to 220MHz QPI.
Setting at the overclocked frequency of 200MHz X22 multiplier at 4.4MHz. The overall Media Benchmark scores up to 2597. The overclocked frame rate in Crysis is 42fps.
Conclusion
The ASUS Rampage III Extreme is great for overclocking, multi tasking and also best for gaming. Way behind with its features compare to other 3 board. Maybe because this board is older than the rest, I think if that will be the case they should at least lower their price. Asus have earned their people trust because it’s very dependable. If you’re happy to spend some extra bucks for a ROG board like this go for it! Check Price Now!
Features: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Value: 5/10
5. ASUS P6X58D Premium
Last but not the least is the ASUS P6X58D Premium one of the latest from Asus LGA1366 motherboards since the Asus has added the Rampage III Extreme.
This board uses the same X58 chipset and the ICH10R. It has 3x PCI-E 2.0 x16 (at x16/x8/x8 or x16/x16/x1 mode), 1x PCI and 1x PCI-E 1X slot. This board also has six DDR3 slot triple channel 2000MHz that supports up to 24GB memory with 6x SATA 3GB/s and 2x 6GB/s ports. It provides 2x USB 3.0, 8x USB 2.0, 2x LAN, 1 x IEEE 1394a connector, 8-channel HD audio port and it uses the TurboV for overclocking. This board also supports the 3-way SLI and CrossfireX GPU. Lacks of eSATA and blutooth support.
Testing The P6X58D Premium
The P6X58D Premium is also easy to overclock because its settings are mostly accessible into a single menu all the voltages and frequencies can be varied directly. The best overclocked frequency for this board is at 215Mhz QPI with Core i7 980X EE processor.
With the maximum stable overclocked frequency is at 200MHz X22 multiplier and runs at 4.4MHz. The overall Media Benchmark scores up to 2,578. The overclocked frame rate in Crysis is at 37fps.
Conclusion
After several testing of the ASUS P6X58D Premium board proves that this is also a good choice for gaming. More room for overclocking and if you load it up with Core i7 950 (much cheaper than Core i7 980X EE) you can still go far more with speed. ASUS motherboards are very reliable and if you want to spend some extra bucks on it, give it a shot. Check Price Now!
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