X38 Comparison Part 2: DDR3 Motherboards

Test Configuration

We retained the same P35 comparison motherboard from our previous DDR2 motherboard comparison, but updated our DDR3 memory to a pair of Corsair’s DDR3-1800 Dominator modules.

A note about memory settings : every attempt was made to run each system at 1333 CAS 5-5-5-20, but the 1333 MHz data rate wasn’t stable on the X38 Diamond, and CAS 5 was likewise unstable on the GA-X38T-DQ6. In the overclocked configuration we tried to run the memory clock at 1.60 times the CPU FSB clock (8:5 DRAM :CPU ratio) and CAS 7-7-7-20, but this had to be "backed down" to 1.20x on the X38 Diamond and Foxconn X38A. Details for these settings can be found in each motherboard’s overclocking description.

Our excellent CPU overclocking results are mostly due to great cooling. We’ve been getting a bunch of test time out of Swiftech’s triple 120 mm radiator, Apogee GTX CPU water block, and MCP-655b high-flow pump.

Benchmark Settings