14 DAY TRIAL // PC suppliers and hardware makers make a point of periodically showing off so-called “new” products, meant to keep up with end-users' demand for things fresh. Sometimes, however, a company will go an extra mile and bring out an item that practically smashes, though, most, if not all, performance standards of the time. Gigabyte's GA-X58A-UD9 super-powered motherboard seems quite set to become one such product.
This un-priced platform was initially revealed back in April, when its extensive feature set made it clear that it would become its maker's most powerful desktop mainboard. Now that it has finally debuted (though it is still unavailable), there is hardly any question as to whether or not it succeeded in this endeavor.
The blue GA-X58A-UD9 supports powerful Intel X58 central processing units and boasts a 24-phase power design, as well as a 2ox copper PCB and Ultra Durable construction. There are no less than six DDR3-2200+ memory slots, as well as a pair of SATA 6.0Gbps ports and two USB 3.0 connectors. The motherboard also comes with eight SATA 3.0Gbps connectors, 7.1 channel audio, Gigabit Ethernet and FireWire connectivity.
One of the most important assets of this XL-ATX form-factor board is its expandability. To be more specific, Gigabyte's product, by means of two NVIDIA NF200 bridge chips, has no less than seven PCI Express x16 slots, with CrossFire X and 4-way SLI support. Other specs include dual power switching, water cooling, and DualBIOS.
"Gigabyte set out to completely redefine what is possible performance and feature-wise on the X58 platform, and the GA-X58A-UD9 truly delivers on both fronts," Tim Handley, deputy director of motherboard marketing at Gigabyte Technology, said. "Providing the industry's highest caliber CPU power delivery with our unique 24 phase Unlocked Power design and including all of the features which set GIGABYTE motherboards apart from the competition, the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD9 fits into a whole new first class category all its own."