Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7 Preview

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Introduction

New models like the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7 that remind us that the X58 chipset is not dead and will soon receive substantial reinforcements reinstalled him as the higher-end socket for Intel processors strongest domestic brand . For this renovation is expected to integrate the latest technologies that are beginning to see in other sockets as the 1156 already incorporates in a large majority of plaques, dedicated solutions to support technologies such as SATA-3 or USB 3.0.

Differences between X58 and P55

Each day that passes we have more the feeling that Intel socket 1366 is now obsolete and although the P55 introduces some significant improvements, especially the elimination of a north bridge chipset, the X58 is still the most powerful Intel chipset and where benefits are higher.

The differences between the two platforms are partly generated by their own native processors and their performance but others depend on the chipset and its capabilities. The main difference between the processors is Quickpath aside his bus in the case of socket 1366 processors reaches the 6.4bits / s compared to 4.8Gbits / s for younger siblings of socket 1156. Its memory controller is also more advanced, triple-channel support in the case of 1366 and double socket in the socket 1156, but with more speed officially supported in the case of socket 1156 with support for DDR3 memory up to 1333 compared to 1066MHz processor socket 1366. These differences are also memory support to 1366 models socket supporting up to 24GB of RAM compared to the 16GB models, 1156-pin socket.

Another difference, although not definitive, it could precipitate a certain type of users seeking more advanced graphics solutions. We refer directly to the number of channels that supports PCI Express X58 and is far superior to P55. This allows not only install two graphics working links simultaneously 16x compared to 8x maximum of P55, but also allows more options, and three graphs simultaneously, or more dedicated controllers mounted on the plate without cuts in its wider band. Where the P55 shows that the generation ahead of the X58 is its internal management and as performing its functions. Most notably, it is without doubt a great advantage is that it only requires a chip to perform virtually the same tasks for which the X58 needs two. It is therefore a more economical solution in every way and a solution that allows for more integration methods.

Another advantage is that their intrinsic south bridge was completely renovated, supports USB connectivity but expanding the number of ports from 12 to 16 simultaneous connections. This allows the integration of certain benefits through USB 2.0 and partially compensates for the deficiency PCI Express lines.

Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7

This new high-end motherboard from Gigabyte maintains much of the original design of the UD6, former high-end in this socket, but is making improvements especially in the integration of new elements that will make the 1366 socket a much more updated and also learns from the successes and mistakes of the past, this socket and has a time to introduce a more powerful global solution designed to renew a socket that will soon reach significant reinforcements in the form of native six-core processors manufactured in 32nm, 12 logical threads.

These processes, which in principle require only a bios update to be installed on any X58 motherboard, expect a renewed platform where enough is maintained excellent connectivity, with multiple ports for mounting systems PEG triple and quad graphics chip, and new technologies that have emerged after the entry of X58 in the market and that the P55 is integrated rather more dynamic.

These technologies we talked about are the SATA-3 and USB 3.0 both are giving you speak and we will not formally integrated in any chipset at least until the arrival of 890 AMD back in the spring of next year. The integration is therefore using these dedicated solutions that provide added value placed on connectors for this purpose.

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Controllers chosen are the same as we are seeing in dozens of solutions that are incorporating these technologies into motherboards of all kinds. Solutions are more affordable and accessible but no less able as they are proving their reliability and efficiency in dozens of reviews that have already been made on these chips. We ourselves have already had the opportunity to analyze them and their behavior is really amazing.

It is, first, the NEC chip that gives the holder Superspeed USB 3.0, only two USB connectors installed on the rear port panel and on the other hand, a Marvell SE9128 which provides two SATA-3 or 6Gb installed Sata two internal SATA connectors are set with a total of 12 E-SATA connectors and SATA are there in the motherboard.

All modern technologies are leading on this board so spectacular. We have access to the latest storage technologies, access to the most powerful graphics configurations, and support for faster processors that are to come in January. A collection of technologies that gives us the ability to mount a very high performance computer and a platform to take even more advantage of these technologies due to overclocking.

The UD7 has the right to reap benefits in the form of high-level overclocking, current and future processors with a 24-phase power created from the highest quality components like capacitors or PCB solid double copper a conventional motherboard. Something Gigabyte standard throughout its range but also improves the performance of their most powerful and exclusive models.

In this capacity find motherboard to mount 24GB DDR3 RAM (with unofficial support of over 2100MHz memory) in six slots forming a triple-channel, have the capacity to assemble up to four graphics cards in one slot of dissipation or three double-slot including SLI and Crossfire modes. It also has one PCI slot 32-Birt, which are hidden under the second graphics card and two PCI Express 1x slots will always be available, at least one, since they are the bridge north, above the graphics cards.

The two Gigabit network cards installed are formed by two chips Realtek 8111D twin functions allow teamwork to achieve simultaneous transfers of up to 2Gbps. The DSP sound card is also on-board Realtek ALC889 particular one, supporting 7.1, Dolby Home Theater, and DTS Neo. Includes digital outputs that can combine with our graphics card using SPDIF bridges internal and external.

The board has a total of 10 USB 2.0 ports available. Six are in the rear connector panel and two of them share "socket" with E-SATA connectors introduced through a JMicron JMB362 chip. These connectors allow you to supply a device E-SATA while maintaining transfers and IDE controller functions. These are advantages undoubtedly speak highly of connective integration of the GA-X58A-UD7.Of course we will also find the latest software and hardware technology from Gigabyte, as Smart6 system which we have discussed on other occasions, or automatic overclocking system energy control or second-generation DES. It also includes other useful features such as dual bios profiles and quick recovery and a unified panel for overclocking.

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This motherboard will not find open spaces. It is a crowded group of latest technologies which seems to be no room for more. It has the advantage that it achieves this level of integration in a fully conventional ATX form factor can be mounted on any computer but only its dissipation system stands out because of anything but conventional.

We have become accustomed to the latest generation of motherboards based on Intel P55 chipset and thus cooling systems, even in higher-end models, far more simple than we find in this X58A-UD7. Not only because it uses a dual heatpipes and a series of heatsinks for mosfets and chipsets appears to be a full continuum through the plate (with a truly spectacular finish), but because apart from this high-performance passive design we will find we have the possibility of installing a water cooling system for the north bridge, with its fittings and ready, as well as an addition in the form of "card", which is placed over the north bridge and added almost four times more surface dissipation and the set output "natural" removal of heat through one of the expansion slots of the box we're going to use. It is without doubt one of the most complex dissipation systems, and effective mass that can be found on a motherboard with this chipset.

Just look at some pictures of this motherboard to realize that everything is covered by connectors, slots and other components, but positioned so wonderful to have a taste distribution wiring to today where we expect each component and connector is adequately prepared to take advantage of cable management boxes and new modern ideas of placement as the fashionable turn 90 º manufacturers have introduced Silverstone enthusiast today.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7 will become a benchmark for maximum performance that can be achieved on the Intel platform as the new processors, called Core i9 initially see the light at the beginning of next year. This type of motherboards, with these new processors, reinstalled the 1366 socket in the elite domestic computer and we will be aware to give you practical review it deserves this new creation from Gigabyte.

I therefore call, therefore, a detailed analysis of results achieved in the new Core i9 be presented officially and we can offer you the real results that are a requirement for these high performance components.