We carried forward several older benchmarks and hardware to make today’s benchmark results comparable to those of previous X58 motherboard roundups.
| Test System Configuration | |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-920 (2.66 GHz, 8.0 MB Cache) |
| CPU Cooler | Swiftech Apogee GTZ Liquid Cooling |
| RAM | Kingston KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX (6.0 GB) |
| Graphics | XFX GeForce GTX 285 XXX Edition |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital WD5000AAKS, 500 GB |
| Sound | Integrated HD Audio |
| Network | Integrated Gigabit Networking |
| Power | Cooler Master RS850-EMBA |
Software | |
| OS | Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 |
| Graphics | NVidia Forceware 181.20 WHQL |
| Chipset | Intel INF 9.1.0.1007 |
Kingston’s DDR3-2000 is no longer the fastest memory we have, but it is the only model of which we have two triple-channel sets for testing six-DIMM configurations. Using it also allows us to compare today’s DRAM overclocking results to those of previously-tested models.
Zalman’s ZM-STF1 thermal grease was chosen for its quick set-in time, low thermal resistance, and mess-free application.
Excellent cooling is required to reach our Core i7-920’s overclocking limit. Swiftech’s Apogee GTZ moves heat quickly away from the CPU, via its MCP-655b high-volume pump and 3 x 120mm radiator.
XFX’s mildly-overclocked GTX 285 XXX Edition was our card of choice in the first X58 motherboard shootout, and retaining it allows readers to compare today’s benchmark results to those of former roundups.
| Benchmark Configuration | |
|---|---|
3D Games | |
| Call of Duty: World at War | Patch 1.1, FRAPS/saved game |
| Crysis | Patch 1.2.1, DirectX 10, 64-bit executable, benchmark tool |
| Far Cry 2 | DirectX 10, Steam Version, in-game benchmark |
| World in Conflict | Patch 1009, DirectX 10, timedemo |
Audio/Video Encoding | |
| iTunes | Version: 7.7.0.43 |
| Lame MP3 | Version: 3.98 Beta 3 (05-22-2007) |
| TMPGEnc | Version: 4.5.1.254 |
| DivX 6.8.3 | Encoding mode: Insane Quality |
| Xvid 1.1.3 | Display encoding status = off |
| MainConcept Reference 1.5.1 | MPEG2 to MPEG2 (H.264), MainConcept H.264/AVC Codec, 28 sec HDTV 1920x1080 (MPEG2), Audio: MPEG2 (44.1 kHz, 2 Channel, 16-Bit, 224 kbp/s), Mode: PAL (25 FPS) |
Productivity | |
| Autodesk 3ds Max 9 | Version: 9.0, Rendering Dragon Image at 1920x1080 (HDTV) |
| Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus 8 | Version: 8.0.134, Virus base: 270.4.5/1533, Benchmark: Scan 334 MB Folder of ZIP/RAR compressed files |
| WinRAR 3.80 | Version 3.70 BETA 8, WinZip Command line Version 2.3, Compression = Best, Dictionary = 4,096 KB, Benchmark: THG-Workload (334 MB) |
| WinZip 11 | Version 11.2, Compression = Best, Benchmark: THG-Workload (139 MB) |
Sythetic Benchmarks and Settings | |
| 3DMark Vantage | Version: 1.0.1, GPU and CPU scores |
| PCMark Vantage | Version: 1.00, System, Memory, Hard Disk Drive benchmarks, Windows Media Player 10.00.00.3646 |
| SiSoft Sandra XII SP2 | Version 2008.5.14.24, CPU Test = CPU Arithmetic / MultiMedia, Memory Test = Bandwidth Benchmark |
- More For Less, More Or Less
- Features Comparison
- ASRock X58 Extreme
- Asus P6T SE
- ECS X58B-A
- Foxconn FlamingBlade
- Gigabyte EX58-UD3R
- Jetway BI-600
- MSI X58 Pro-E
- Test Settings
- Benchmark Results: Call Of Duty, Crysis
- Benchmark Results: Far Cry 2, World In Conflict
- Benchmark Results: Audio/Video Encoding
- Benchmark Results: Productivity
- Benchmark Results: Synthetic
- Power, Heat, And Efficiency
- Overclocking
- Conclusion




At the time the review was written, the P6T SE web page read that it supported SLI. Perhaps Asus changed the web page following a complaint?
The big difference between the P6T SE and the P6T is the missing Jmicron SATA multiplier. By removing it, Asus killed the pathway that went to it, leaving the JMB363 controller with a "dead port".
I never trust a seller as a source: Asus listed the P6T SE as having SLI support as little as four weeks ago, and now has a completely different page for it. They weren't the only company that advertised SLI capability and leave out the bridge, but it now appears the former P6T SE web page must have been an error, probably from the company copying its P6T page and editing it for the P6T SE, but missing one detail.
Though first on my priority list is a better monitor (and rent).
Neat article regardless.
I've skipped the Foxconn page, wouldn't buy from them anyway.
Thank you Tom's. Reminds me why this is my home page since 2001.
Give parallel ATA a break! it still has a valuable place on the mb!
A very large valuable space mind you. Not to mention the air space
The X58 Pro-E doesn't seem to like S3 sleep. The power and HDD LEDs turn off but the fans are still going and I think the HDDs might be as well. I've made it turn off completely once, but then USB didn't work right once it woke, so I had to restart anyway.
I don't think there will be too much difference between the 2.
Agreed, the Foxconn boards are fine (actually quite good) for one time things on LN2 etc, but reliability for 24/7 is lacking.
Agreed. However, they should eliminate floppy, Parallel,MIDI/GAME ports.