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Written by Vladimir Dimitrijevic
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Monday, 01 June 2009 |
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Page 2 of 3
Sameness
Obviously, layout is the same, so, same problems are noticed here. Floppy connector is badly positioned but since we don’t know anyone that actually uses floppy drive this is not a real problem. Only real problem can be clear CMOS jumper that is positioned at the middle of the bottom edge. In case you use Cross-Fire or SLI you will be not able to reach clear CMOS jumper that easily especially if graphics cards are longer models. Lack of 3pin fan connectors that was noticed on TPower X58 model is present also on X58A model, so only 2 fans can be connected to motherboard. 12-phase CPU power unit as contrast to “pimped” model didn’t show any voltage instability during overclock session and torture with Prime95. 2-phase memory power filtration did its job perfectly while two digit LED display provides help if you go too far with voltage of frequency of some component. Power and reset buttons are also present on TPower X58A model.
BIOS
As you can imagine there are just few differences between TPower X58 and TPower X58A when it comes to their BIOS, so basically this was a déjà-vu experience. Besides all usual options TPower X58A has predefined overclocking profiles that can be used for CPU overclock. Besides “good old” V6, V8 and V12 settings there are no V10 and V15 settings that were present on TPower X58 model. V6 will raise BLCK from 133MHz at “unbelievable” 135MHz, V8 at respectable 140MHz while V12 Tech Engine will raise this value at 145MHz. This is very convenient for casual overclocker and inexperienced users to achieve stable overclock without too much hassle.
Our Extreme Core i7 965 managed to achieve stable overclock at 192MHz when it comes to BCLK. Just to remind you that we achieved 199MHz on TPower X58 and that this difference isn’t that big, since the same difference can be noticed between two samples of same motherboard model. We expect that this model will be very popular and that some enthusiast will make modifications of TPower X58 BIOS so it can be flashed on X58A model and provide same, higher, overclock profiles.
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