Before we get started with the overclocking and benchmark results, lets go over the components we will be using to complement the EVGA X58-SLI3.

• Intel i7 930 Cpu
• 3X2gb G.skill Trident 9-9-9-24 DDR3 2000 memory
• Corsair 850HX Modular PSU
• Prolimatech Megahalems Rev. B CPU Cooler
• 2X Hitachi 80 Gb SATA 2.0 7200 rpm (Intel ICH10R controller, Raid 0)
• 2X Western Digital Black 1 Tb 7200 Rpm SATA 6.0 Gbs (Marvell Controller, Raid 0)
• 2X EVGA GTX 260 SSC 626/2106 Video Cards SLI
• A-DATA Nobility Series 16GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive

The first thing we wanted to do was test the USB 3.0 performance versus USB 2.0.  We used the above mention A-Data USB 3.0 flash drive plugged in to both the onboard USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.

First, a run of ATTO Disk Benchmark which clearly shows the performance increase between USB 3.0 and 2.0. Usb 2.0 results peaked at 21772 write and 34998 read while the USB 3.0 test showed tremendous increases at 29177 write and a whopping 84149 read.

Next we ran CrystalDiskMark and the results were pretty much the same.

HD Tach 8mb and 32mb benchmarks were run next and again the performance gain between USB 2.0 and 3.0 is quite substantial.

Finally, a run of HD Tune was performed and the results were on par with all the other disk benchmarks showing the huge difference between the two USB speeds.

As you can tell by the system specifications above, we decided to set up a dual Raid 0 array, one on the Intel ICH10R controller and the other on the Marvell 88SE9128 6.0 Gbs controller. We then performed the same battery of tests we ran on the USB controllers. Doing some research before this motherboard arrived for review indicated that the Marvell controller was actually performing below the level of the ICH10R. Keeping that in mind, we scoured the internet for the newest drivers we could find and finally settled on the 1.0.0.1042 driver version. This driver version being newer than what was available on the EVGA setup CD, we were hoping for a different outcome during our tests. So, off we go with our first run using ATTO Disk Benchmark.

Well, apparently the newer drivers have a profound effect on Marvell’s performance as the performance was quite a bit better than that of the Intel ICH10R controller. The graph below is a quick synopsis of the results.

CrystalDiskMark was run next and again there was a huge performance increase with the Marvell Controller.

HD Tach 8mb and 32mb test were run next and the same theme continued on with great performance from the Marvell controller.

Finally, a run of HD Tune confirms the increased performance of a SATA 6.0 Gbs controller over that of a SATA II controller. At this point we realized either that what we read previously was “Hogwash” or that the drivers really have improved immensely.

If you had any doubts about the performance increases using USB 3.0 or a SATA controller offering the new 6.0 Gbs interface, these results should get you over those reservations. The thing that makes this so attractive is again the price point of this EVGA X58-SLI3 at just under $200 USD!

Continue reading on as we explore the overclocking capabilities of the X58-SLI3.