Big step to the future, GIGABYTE EX58 EXTREME with Intel I7 EXTREME 965 CPU

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In my image, it’s been over 2 years as Intel launched Core 2 Duo CPU in LGA 775. After then,
Intel announced several Core 2 Quad CPUs to combine with Intel LGA775 chipset.
In the past 2 years, 965/975, P35/X38 and latest P45/X48 are all successful products.
However, Intel is not satisfied with this, in Nov 2008, complete new structure LGA1366 I7 series is launching.

Of course, all MB manufacturers have new boards to support LGA 1366.
One of the largest MB providers, GIGABYTE, also provides 3 models, EX58-UD5, EX58-UD5P and EX58-EXTREME as internet info.

The one on my hand is most hi-end one, EX58-EXTREME.
EXTREME is the new series that GIGABYTE started in 2008.
It’s for most hardcore overclockers and enthusiasts.
GIGABYTE has had 2 EXTREME with P45. This time, they also launch EXTREME with X58.

GIGABYTE EX58-EXTREME board
SB highlights Ultra Durable3, which is the most hi-end components usage from GIGABYTE


100% Japanese made solid capacitors + 2 oz copper PCB. Components quality is always the GIGABYTE strength.




Left Lower Corner
2 X PCI-E X16
2 X PCI-E X8(These 3 PCI-E support 3-Way SLI/CrossFireX)
1 X PCIE X4
1 X PCIE X1
2 X PCI
Realtek 8111D is LAN chip that supports Teaming technology
Realtek ALC889A, supports 7.1 channels and High Definition Audio. It also supports Dolby sounds by only 2 channels speakers.
PCB is MADE IN TAIWAN

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Right Lower Corner
6 X SATAII(by SB ICH10R)
4 X SATAII
1 X IDE
Dual BIOS
Diagnostic LED


Right Upper Corner
6 X DIMM DDR3, support 800/1066/1333/1867/2133/2400, above 2133 are special spec.
X58 another big change is 3-channel DDR3. The performance is highly expected by end users.
DRAM part has extra 2-phase PWM. 24Pin power connector is nearby.
POWER/RESET buttons
The retail version DDR3 DIMM slots are changed to Blue and White. That makes the board color be matched.
Also provides LED to show the DES status. Users can know the DES status by lights.


CPU VRM is 6+6 phases designed and of course support DES advanced energy saving technology.
Latest VRD11.1 designed can support better power saving features with Intel new stepping CPU.


IO Shield
8 X USB 2.0
2 X RJ-45 LAN
1 X S/PDIF
1 X 1394
Clear COMS button

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EX58-EXTREME thermal module
The surface use special process which without Oxidation problem. The black coated surface also looks more stylish.


Dynamic 6+6 phases PWM + Lower RDS MOSFET
The heat sink glistens with colors.


SB ICH10R collocate with big heat sink which can lower the heat


EXTREME Hybird SLENT-PIPE2 is not same as P45 EXTREME copper one

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Dual VGA or 3 VGA bridge. NV SLI and ATI CFX all supported


EX58-EXTREME installs Hybird SLENT-PIPE2




3-Channel DDR3 is key structure of X58

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CORSAIR AIRFLOW can support 3DIMM Memory cooling


Thermaltake V1 AX also support LGA 1366 CPU



Boot Screen


Main page

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M.I.T. Frequency and Voltage setup page




CPU Feature


UnCore/QPI Feature
QPI Link Speed is must item for lift frequency

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Clock Control


INTEL exclusive Memory OC technology
If DDR3 SPD supports XMP, BIOS will show this item. Users can OC very easily.


Advanced DRAM setting


Advanced voltage page
CPU Vcore 0.5000~1.90000V
QPI/VTT Voltage 1.082~2.000V
CPU PLL 1.400~2.500V

QPI PLL 0.800~1.600V
IOH Core 1.000~2.000V
ICH I/O 1.050~2.500V
DARM Voltage 1.300~2.600V
DRAM Termination 0.520~1.225V

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System Configuration
CPU: INTEL Core I7 EXTREME 965
MB: GIGABYTE EX58-EXTREME
DRAM: CORSAIR Dominator 1GBX3 1800C7DIN/2GBX3 1600C8D
VGA: MSI R4870X2-T2D2G-OC
HD: SAMSUNG 32GB SSD SLC
POWER: Corsair HX1000W Modular Power Supply
Cooler: Thermaltake V1 AX/JETART Nano Diamond


GIGABYTE EasyTune6 is a rich feature utility.
Quick Boost is the new feature in X58 EXTREME.


CPU


Memory

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VGA


HW Monitor


Similar to CPU-Z/GPU-Z can display hardware info. It also can monitor the voltage and temperature status.
You also can adjust all clock and voltage in this integrated software.


CPU part
INTEL Core I7 EXTREME 965 which is Quad core and support HT liked technology, so it shows 8 cores.

CPU: 3497Mhz
DRAM: DDR3 1618 CL8 8-8-24 1T 1.64V XMP
4 X SUPER PI 32M


CPU: 3870Mhz
DRAM: DDR3 1618 CL8 8-8-24 1T 1.64V
CrystalMark

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CINEBENCH R10


PCMARK2005


PCMARK seems not support 4870X2. The VGA performance is more like single card. But in the other parts, all performance are better than LGA775 especially Memory.