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Updated:06:50 PM EDT Nov 01


this is ggmania.com subsite Intel Micro-ATX Roundup May 2009 - TechAmok

Intel Micro-ATX Roundup May 2009 - [hardware]
07:09 AM EDT - May,24 2009 - post a comment

GamingHeaven take a look at three X58 boards - Asus Rampage 2 Gene, DFI LANParty Jr X58-T3H6 and Asus Maximus 2 Gene. These mobos are micro-ATX based and still manage to fit in features like support for 6 memory sticks and SLI/CrossFire, etc. Here's a taster:
Asus Rampage 2 Gene - With the Rampage 2 Gene Asus have clearly gone all out to provide as much performance and functionality as is possible on the microATX platform. The board is absolutely packed with components and provides 7.1 audio, excellent DDR3 speeds, great CPU compatibility and the ability to pair these with the multi-GPU platform of choice. Throughout our testing the board performed flawlessly and really there would be no way to tell it from a standard ATX model. In addition to the great performance it was also pleasing to see that Asus have retained the useful features which make using their larger boards such as good experience. Q-Connectors and cable ties are provided which make case wiring quick, easy and tidy and the BIOS includes the best update tool available, EZ-Flash. In addition to this there are small features such as additional holes in the PCB to allow installation of socket 775 heatsinks which make this an incredibly user friendly and well rounded product.

DFI LANParty Jr X58-T3H6 - DFI have created a great performing board in the shape of the X58-T3H6. Throughout our testing it was very competitive with the Rampage 2 Gene and its stability was never in question. Support for CrossFire and SLI is available on this product as is full compatibility with the Core-i7 range and high specification triple channel DDR3.  We were also very impressed with the Auto Boost System which with a few button clicks can apply a significant but stable overclock on the system. Regardless of the CPU installed. As far as performance goes it is hard to fault this product but there are a few areas where it could have been slightly improved. Firstly there is the lack of eSATA and Firewire. Additionally having seen it on the Asus board, and a few others the inclusion of socket 775 mounting holes would be ideal. Finally there is the BIOS update proceedure. With 4 major manufacturers offering simple BIOS update tools/proceedures DFI are lagging a little behind in this regard and we hope to see this change in the future.For those who want a board which performs brilliantly but dont necessarily require the additional features of competing products the LANParty Jr seems like the perfect product.

Asus Maximus 2 Gene - Throughout this review the Maximus 2 Gene lagged behind the other two products in terms of performance but this was to be expected. The other boards use the Core-i7/X58 platform and as a result it costs a significant amount to build a high specification sustem around them. The Maximus allows us to use any recent Socket 775 CPU and DDR2 to create an exeptional system at a much lower cost. Despite aiming at a lower market it is fair to say that Asus have still included as many high specification features as possible. We can install the fastest DDR2, the highest specification Core 2 Quad processor, CrossFire cards and make use of 7.1 audio. In addition to this all of the great features of the higher specification board are still present such as Mem-OK, EZ-Flash and the ability to use EPU-6 Engine/TurboV for enhanced power saving or overclocking. With an expected retail price of £149 the Maximus 2 Gene offers an exceptional value for the performance and feaures it provides. For this reason it wins our Gold Award.

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