Traditionally there is almost no performance difference between motherboards targeted to Athlon 64 CPUs, since processor based on AMD64 architecture have an embedded memory controller, so the chipset doesn’t play any drastic role on performance. Because of this the decision on what socket AM2 motherboard one should buy must be based on extra features, price and overclocking capability.

GA-M59SLI-S5 is the most high-end socket AM2 motherboard from Gigabyte and competes directly with ASUS M2N32-SLI De Luxe, as both are on the same price range (Gigabyte’s model tends to be a little bit cheaper) and both models provide the same basic features, like two Gigabit LANs, eight SATA-300 ports, eight-channel audio, FireWire ports, SLI and even the passive copper heatsink.

Gigabyte’s advantage is the use of three PCI Express x16 slots (remembering that the third slot is actually x8) for people willing to connect six independent displays to the PC.

This is a killer motherboard that will for sure please AMD fans that are looking for a very high-end motherboard for their socket AM2 CPUs. If you are thinking on buying the now famous M2N32-SLI De Luxe from ASUS, give it a second thought and consider buying this Gigabyte model instead. You will get more and probably save some bucks.