Gigabyte X58A-UD3R review

Editor's Score
Features:	Performance:
Value:
The Verdict: An excellent mid-range motherboard, but priced slightly higher than average.

One of the best things about mainstream hardware components is the simple fact that their performance scales upwards to their higher end counterparts, while the price tips down towards the lower end. The Gigabyte X58A-UD3R provides many of the thrills and frills of high-end boards with a seemingly reasonable price on offer.

Starting up with the packaging, the Gigabyte X58A-UD3R comes with an IDE and four SATA cables along with a 2-way and 3-way SLI connector. However, what it lacks in packaged goodies, the Gigabyte X58A-UD3R more than makes up for in proper documentation and onboard features.

The Gigabyte X58A-UD3R is an LGA 1366 based board, supporting up to DD3 2200 speeds in Triple Channel mode. Two PCIE x16 slots along with another in x8 speed provides up to 3-way SLI and CrossFire support. Of the 10 SATA ports, 2 are SATA 6GB/s ports thanks to the Marvell SE9128 chip. Next up we have two USB 3.0 ports accompanied by another four USB 2.0 ports on the back, two of which are eSATA combos. Two FireWire ports, a LAN plug and your standard audio connectors populate the rest of the rear panel.

As far as the basic layout is concerned, there’s nothing to complain about on the 12” x 9.6” ATX board. No connectors blocking out any other hardware components or cables being squished. It’s pretty standard fair all around, with the same light blue and white colour scheme as the X58A-UD9.