Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P

Stability

We reset the BIOS to its default settings, then fired up Prime95 torture test on every core and overlaid 3DMark06 looping over the top to test the entire CPU-memory-graphics subsystem. No additional fans were used to cool the motherboard, other than the CPU heatsink and one for the graphics card.

After the full day burning through endless 3DMark runs and listening to the melodic tone of a GeForce GTX 280 playing the "PSU squeal", the Gigabyte runs quite hot on the heatsinks surrounding the CPU socket, but manages to pass perfectly with only passive cooling.

Both 3DMark and Prime95 were still running at the end of it, and the system was entirely responsive with no complaints when they were eventually stopped. While we feel the Asus ran somewhat cooler, or at least the heat was better distributed, it's still cooler than the MSI and an excellent result for the Gigabyte.

Conclusions and Value

It may look like a supermodel, but underneath the gorgeous blue, white and metallic exterior lies several blackheads and tan lines. There's so much promise: nuggets of excellence in the multi-tasking and gaming performance, the layout, the hardware (on the surface) and very intuitive BIOS and feature laden. However, it was when we dived down deeper that we found that all is not well.

There are ten SATA ports, which is fantastic, but unfortunately the extra SATA are really very crippled. The BIOS voltage adjustments are very limited and the overclocking not as impressive as we're used to from Gigabyte. To top it off the half-arsed Energy Saving software (not hardware) actually makes the motherboard use more power under idle.

Under its own influence, the stability is perfect at least, but when overclocking it's extremely fussy and fidgety to the point of rage quitting. In contrast, the MSI might only overclock a little more, but at least it's fun - it draws you in and encourages us to tease that last drip of juice out of it. On the other hand the Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P just feels like it crosses its arms and shouts "I've had enough!" instead.

We found the UD5P for a nose under £140, but most out there sell it around £150. At this price the excellent MSI is very competitive, and both seem to beats the Asus M4A79-T that currently can be found for over £160.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the Gigabyte is certainly worth considering, but left us wanting in a few key areas. The design is a feast for the eye, it's very stable, the performance is competitive but inside something uncharacteristic for Gigabyte has infested. The result is a less than optimal BIOS, frustratingly fussy overclocking and silly (non-)power saving software. The Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P has many exemplifying points like all Gigabyte boards, but the fun and draw to play with this one in particular is completely lost, unlike the impressive MSI 790FX-GD70.

• Features
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• 7/10

• Performance
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• -
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• 7/10

• Value
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• -
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• 8/10

• Overall
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• -
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• 7/10

Score Guide