Intel’s X48 has long been considered the older sibling to X38 and is continually referred to as a higher 'binned' X38 chipset offering nothing new that we haven't seen before. This is partially true, however, X38 appears to have been conceived with at least one different set of genes. Despite the similarity, there are noticeable differences that set the X48 chipset apart as a refined performance monster.
The NB on my sample was never an issue. I never had any symptoms of over heating as the voltages started to rise or anything of that nature. Ambient temps are always 22-23C in my place and I only had active cooling from the 120mm fan this is primarily intended for getting some airflow over memory.SKYMTL, did you have any problems with the NB heating up a lot during your tests? People on Newegg are reporting this (yeah I know people on Newegg can be stupid or good) and now that I'm looking at it before its been powered, I'm wondering if I should reseat all the heat sinks and replace the pads with real thermal grease...
Thanks...the biggest difference is the fact that the BIOS has matured. Personally I think X38 and X48 was a big BS cash grab by Intel and all of their motherboard partners. There, I said it.Great review!
I notice you make this comment:
What are those noticeable differences? I saw that you got a bit more out of the FSB. Any others?
Great review SKYMTL as always.
So is it worth buy this mobo or is it better to hold off for the DDR3 version
Reason is Im thinking of building a second rig.
The NB on my sample was never an issue. I never had any symptoms of over heating as the voltages started to rise or anything of that nature. Ambient temps are always 22-23C in my place and I only had active cooling from the 120mm fan this is primarily intended for getting some airflow over memory.
Thanks...the biggest difference is the fact that the BIOS has matured. Personally I think X38 and X48 was a big BS cash grab by Intel and all of their motherboard partners. There, I said it.
X38 felt like the beta and X48 the retail product. The fine tooth adjustments of tRD that accompany X48, increased skew adjustments for components, these are the types of things that X48 really shines in over the X38 counterparts. This DDR2 Rampage Formula has been great from the get go...my X48 DDR3 buddy, the P5E3-Premium has been a different story entirely.
I can't really think of anything else off the top of my head now but I might go through the two reviews tonight and see if anything comes up I missed.

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