Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P

INTROUDCTION

While the computing world is getting quite excited with the release of the Core i7, the truth is that it is not something that average users cannot afford at the moment. The processor is not too bad as you can buy the cheapest one at around $300, but the motherboards and DDR3 memory still are expensive. As we have seen that currently, the performance gain for the Core i7 probably will only be noticeable if you are a hardcore gamer and really need that extra 20% gain over the similarly clockspeed Core 2 Quad processors. Thus, it is still not a bad idea to buy a cheaper motherboard with Core 2 Quad processor, especially if you stick with DDR2 RAM.

Gigabyte has recently launched a line of motherboards featuring “Ultra Durable 3”. What is Ultra Durable, you ask? Well, it features the Ultra Durable that Gigabyte has been talking for a few years now that includes their Dynamic Energy Saver, where the motherboard will throttle down to save some power. We have previously looked at this feature with our X38 reviews (EX38-DS4 or EP35-DS4). The Ultra Durable 3 steps even further in terms of cooling of the motherboard. Gigabyte has designed the motherboard with “2oz of Copper and 2oz Copper Power and Ground layers for dramatically lower system temperature, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced stability for overclocking.” In addition, the motherboard also features Japanese Solid Capacitors, Lower RDS MOSFET, and Ferrite Core Choke.

Basically, by adding more copper to the motherboards, Gigabyte is able to produce a cooler motherboard, which in turn, means higher overclocking, lower power consumption, and cooler components.

In addition, the motherboard has a VRD 11.1 design where it features six gears of power phase switching. Note, this will only work with the latest Intel processors. All of the Ultra Durable motherboards will feature 2 Gigabit LANs capable of teaming, for higher bandwidth throughput. They will also feature DualBIOS for automatic recovery. The Ultra Durable motherboard can be found with the older P45 boards and the new X58 boards from Gigabyte. With the P45 based board, Gigabyte is taking overclocking to a new height by supporting 1366+ DDR2 memory.

Gigabyte ws kind enough to send one of their boards, the GA-EP45-UD3P featuring Ultra Durable 3, for us to review. Today, we will put this board to the test and see if this would be an ideal board for budget enthusiasts with its price tag of a little over $100.

About Gigabyte

Founded in 1986, GIGABYTE started as a research and development team and has since taken the lead in the world's motherboard and graphics accelerator markets. To truly reach out to all consumers, GIGABYTE further expanded its product portfolio to include more diverse digital products such as Notebook and desktop PCs, digital home appliances, networking servers, communications, mobile and handheld devices, servicing every facet of people's lives at home or at work.

Everyday, GIGABYTE aims to “Upgrade Your Life” by knitting a global network to effectively honor its commitment to world wide customers. What's more important, GIGABYTE wishes all users to see and feel the brand through its products and all the touch points from GIGABYTE to the hands of all users.