It’s been just over 1.5 years since I reviewed my first Intel X58 motherboard. I still consider the LGA 1366 Core i7 processor coupled with the X58 Express chipset an awesome combination, and just has to be that much better with the new six-core Core i7 980x Extreme. I haven’t had the opportunity to try one of those yet, though the price has dropped to $1K, it is still a little out of my hardware budget. Actually a lot out of my hardware budget.
Though well equipped, including Asus’ TurboV, Asus Express gate, and Asus EPU6, among many other features, that first Asus X58 motherboard I had, the P6T, has become a little dated, especially compared to Asus’ newer motherboards. The P6T had 8+2 phase voltage regulating, Asus has since improved on that with other boards. And both USB3 and SATA 6Gb/s has been released since the P6T was released.
So to bring the venerable X58 up to date, Asus has released a couple of new X58 boards. Today I will be looking at the Asus P6X58D-E motherboard, a new Asus board sporting 16+2 phase power, true USB3 and SATA 6Gb/s, and support for the Intel Bloomfield processor and Microsoft Windows 7. Read on to check out the Asus P6X58D-E motherboard!
Packaging
The P6X58D-E comes in a sleeved box which generally means it is towards the “Deluxe” level of Asus’ product line. The color scheme follows their 2010 Intel pattern, a blue sky with a few indiscernible clouds motif. Of course there is a large amount of features and specs here.
Inside, the board is separated from the accessories by a cardboard divider. As always, the board is protected in one of Asus’ static free bags.
