Based on the Intel X58 and ICH10R chipset, which is the high-end platform for Intel's LGA 1366 Core i7 processors with QPI 6.4 GT/s, the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 delivers bulks of next generation features that gaming enthusiasts and power users have been waiting for.
The GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 includes GIGABYTE's 333 Onboard Acceleration features. Incorporates USB 3.0, Serial-ATA Revision 3.0 (6Gbps) and a 3x USB Power Boost, as well as multi-GPU support for NVIDIA 3-Way SLI and ATI CrossFireX and support for Intel's high performance processors, every part of the system performance is reaching to the cutting-edge levels. With the memory controller integrated directly into the processor die, the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 also supports triple channel DDR3 memory for blazing fast memory performance.
System durability and security are as important as ever. Gigabyte's DualBIOS system has a second BIOS chip on the motherboard for quick and painless recovery from crashes and viruses. Count on Gigabyte's experience and innovation!
Intel Core i7 SupportBased on the X58 chipset, the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 supports Intel’s latest generation Core i7 processors in LGA 1366 package, providing unprecedented computing power to match the performance levels you are looking for.
Gigabyte 333 Onboard AccelerationThe GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 delivers all the killer next generation features that gaming enthusiasts and power users have been waiting for by incorporating Gigabyte's 333 Onboard Acceleration features with support for USB 3.0, Serial-ATA Revision 3.0 (6Gbps) and a 3x USB Power Boost.
3 Way SLI and CrossFireX SupportThe GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 provides leading-edge graphics performance and flexibility with support for NVIDIA 2-way/3-way SLI and ATI CrossFireX Multi-GPU Technology.
Ultra Durable 3 TechnologyThe Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 features revolutionary Ultra Durable 3 technology with a 2oz copper PCB design to help reduce system temperature and dramatically enhance performance.
Scalable DDR3 MemorySix 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 24GB of DDR3 memory with triple channel DDR3 support (Core i7) at speeds of up to 2200MHz, ensuring ample capacity for any application.
Gigabyte DualBIOSGigabyte DualBIOS technology protects the BIOS from virus attacks. With its innovative backup BIOS design, this platform provides twice the security thus assuring the PC’s stability.
Pros: I've only had it for It's unanimous, this is a gorgeous board! Very careful details were taken that only builders would enjoy like an attractive glossy push button for the onboard power button instead of the standard simple mechanical switch. And a cap on the firewire header so it doesn't get mistaken for a USB header. USB headers are clearly labeled and onboard power button is located in a much more accessible location than normal. Little details like that. Beautiful glossy coating over everything. I just set it up this morning and everything's working perfectly! Good separation between the NB and top GPU slot. More rear connectors than you can shake a stick at. Tons of storage options with 10 onboard SATA ports, 2 eSATA ports at rear, onboard firewire header, firewire ports at rear, IDE, & floppy. the connectivity is endless! Great BIOS options and a slew of utilities. Looking forward to seeing how this overclocks my Ci7 920 D0. I switched from an evga X58 and I couldn't be happier.
Cons: As it was mentioned before, the IDE and floppy connectors can be hard to get to at the bottom edge but they don't used much anymore anyway. 3-Way SLI seems impossible unless you used single-slot cards (or watercool the bottom card). The bottom slot is the third PCIe GPU slot so if you have a 2-slot cooler it'll hang off the bottom of the board and odds are your case will not have an extra expansion slot for the cooler. My P183 doesn't. With 2 GPU's installed, the SATA ports, POST code LED's, IDE, and Floppy connectors are alomst impossible to access but this will be the case with many X58's using SLI. All my "con"s are fairly minor. I wish they would've just gone for 2-way SLI/CF only and put an extra expansion slot between the GPU's for better cooling but this is how most of the X58's are designed.
Overall Review: I've only had the board for a day but I just hated seeing the only 2 reviews available were both defective 1-egg reviews so i had to post my initial experience. I'll write another review if anything changes with the board. I'm happy to answer any questions about the board if I can. Just email me at bdewitt82 at live dot com. System details: Intel Core i7 920 D0 Corsair Hydro CWCH50-1 3 x 2Gb Corsair Dominator DDR3-1600 2 x eVGA GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked 2 x 64Gb Crucial CT64M225 SSD's RAID-0 (system) 640Gb WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS (storage) Antec CP-850 850W PSU Antec P183 Case Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit