Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6

Throughout all of our benchmarks regardless of what we are reviewing, testing is done in a clean and stand-alone version of Windows XP Professional with SP2. The exception is SYSmark 2007 Preview, which is tested under Windows Vista. Prior to testing, these conditions are met:

• Desktop and scrap files are cleaned up, including emptying of recycle bin.
• No virus scanner or firewall is installed in the stand-alone installation.
• Computer has proper airflow and room ambient temp is >80°F.

The testing rig used for todays benchmarking is as follows:

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 2.4GHz
• Motherboard: Gigabyte X38-DQ6
• Memory: OCZ 2GB NVIDIA 7200 (DDR2), OCZ 2GB DDR2-1333 Platinum (DDR3)
• Video: ASUS 8800GTX 768MB
• Sound: Onboard HD Audio
• Storage: Seagate 7200.10 320GB
• Etcetera: Antec P182 Chassis, Windows XP Professional SP2
• Cooling: Corsair Nautilus 500
  Compared Motherboards
  • ASUS Blitz Extreme
  • ASUS Blitz Formula
  • ASUS P5K Deluxe
  • ASUS P5K3 Deluxe
  • eVGA nForce 680i
  • Gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R
  • Intel XBX2

Please note that for our DDR3 motherboards, we use DDR3-1066 speeds with 6-6-6 timings, and for our DDR2 boards we use DDR2-800 4-4-4-12.

Due to the lack of time we had to spend with the board prior to publishing, we decided to stick with our Dual-Core setup, which includes the E6600. Future reviews will shift over to a Quad-Core processor as it’s adoption is growing quick. Faster memory for both our DDR2 and DDR3 platforms will be used as well, to reflect the faster offerings that are available.

SYSmark is an industry leading system benchmarking tool, which is completely automated but utilizes real-world tests. It installs common applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, Photoshop CS2, 3DS Max, SketchUp! among others.

SYSmark grades the performance of the system by how well it could handle different operations. Systems with more than one core will benefit in the tests, since there is a lot of multi-tasking throughout. Once the test is completed, it will provide you with an overall score, in addition to showing areas where the computer excelled.

Nothing has been able to overtake the Intel XBX2 here, and it doesn’t look like it will happen with our current setup. Our X38-DQ6 board ranks close to the top, though, which is nice to see.

Next up, the most beloved/hated benchmark of them all, Futuremark. From here-on out, I’ll let the benchmarks speak for themselves.