GA-X58-UD5 or Exteme

[daw123]

Hello Guys and Girls,

First of all I have to apologise to Aigo, because I know he already recommended the UD5.

However, his recommendation was based on the assumption that I would be adding a second loop to my system, so the difference between the Extreme and UD5 would become a moot point. i.e. I would be buying custom blocks for the NB, SB, etc.

Despite this, finances dictate that I won't be adding the second loop for the next 3-4 months.

First of all, I've decided that I'm going with a I7 940.

Never the less the CPU will be the last thing I buy.

I'm looking to buy the RAM and MB first. The RAM I'm looking to buy will be
this

As I previously mentioned I'm uncertain on the MB. I know the Extreme has better air cooling for the NB, SB, etc.

My question is whether the Extreme is worth the £35.00 ($55) premium over the UD5.

I already know that I can't use the copper NB block which comes with the Extreme because it has 3/8" barbs, which cannot be replaced and I need 1/2". So I would be purely buying it for it's improved air cooling performance over the UD5 due to the Hybrid Silent-Pipe 2.

btw I'm hoping to overclock this as high I can possible get within the recommended Intel voltage parameters.

Edit: Made this post shorter and edited title

 

[daw123]

Anybody?

 

[Infrnl]

I do not really think that the extreme will offer you much more than the UD5.

I saw a review somewhere where they tested both. cant recall what exactly the differences are.

I honestly would save the extra $55 and use it for something else. We all know there will be many more mobos coming out that will outperform the x58. we are currently just paying for early adopter fees atm. Im sure there will be x68/78 P55/65 and who knows what else which will more than likely perform much better than the x58.

what are your feelings about this right now? I know you have been asking this question for some time now. even though I feel that UD5 is plenty for you; you keep mentioning the Extreme. In my past cases; when I question something like this I end up getting the more expensive piece; so you may want to do the same and call it the day.

 

[daw123]

You are right Infrnl. Sod it, I'll get the UD5 and save a bit of cash. Plus the Extreme is more diffuclt to get in the Uk (I only found 2 shops selling them on Google)

So the parts are all decided.

I7 940
GA-X58-UD5
3x 2GB Corsair Memory DDR3 1600Mhz (9-9-9-24)

I have asked the guy I'm going to be buying the I7 from whether it is batch A or B. The B's are supposed to be better overclockers.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Well I feel your pain as I really like the gigabyte x58 mb's myself and have also mulled those two models over and over. There are two reviews that you might find interesting here and here of the extreme.

 

[Infrnl]

Hooray! glad to see tht you made a final decision. Let us know how it turns out for you. I have seen many good results with the gigabyte boards

EDIT: as for cpu, I heard the B is better as well, but over @XS it is really hit or miss. People are getting great results with both A & B chips. I think its too early to tell which one is actually better.

There is a guy over there...think its EVA2000 running at almost 4.8ghz on an 920 A batch using a TRUE for cooling! mobo I think is a DFI.

 

[daw123]

Sorry for not replying earlier Puffnstuff and Infrnl. I've been working all day (paid overtime).

@Puffnstuff. The Extreme is quite a bit more expensive ($55) than the UD5 and the only benefit I can see is the Silent 2 heatpipes. I couldn't find anything on the net to suggest that the heat pipes would dramatically improve the air cooling on the NB for the additional expense, hence I decided on the UD5.

Also the barbs on the NB block are the wrong size for my tubing. The money I've saved will pay for an EK NB water block.

@Infrnl. I eventually get there in the end.

 

[Infrnl]

you had to work on a sunday? What a bummer. at least you are getting mor money for your build