Conclusions

This motherboard is clearly targeted for those building the most high-end gaming machine based on an Intel CPU, as it supports the latest 1,600 MHz external bus, DDR3 memories up to 2,000 MHz (if EPP a.k.a. SLI-Ready memories are used), three PCI Express x16 slots (two of them 2.0) and three-way SLI and Quad SLI.

Quad SLI is probably the way to go for the ultimate gamer, where you put two GeForce 9800 GX2’s in parallel for a system with four graphics processing units (each GX2 has two GPU’s). Keep also in mind that three-way SLI only works with three GeForce 8800 GTX’s or three GeForce 8800 Ultras.

On the good side it was good to see EVGA improving the quality of their motherboard compared to their previous nForce 780i product. They replaced the iron chokes from the voltage regulator circuit with ferrite chokes (which are better), added an eSATA port and also added a coaxial SPDIF output.

But the main problem with this motherboard is its terrible cost/benefit ratio – it is just too expensive, costing today USD 350 in the USA. Unless you are related to Richie Rich – or Richie Rich himself – building the most power gaming machine ever built, we think there are far better options in the market even for the serious gamer, like boards based on nForce 780i, which are now being sold by around USD 260.

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