MSI X58M Review - PAGE 13

Overclocking

Since the MSI X58M is more of a value motherboard than a top-end one, I was expecting decent overclocking headroom, but nothing too exciting. The lack of a heatsink on the MOSFETs is likely to be a limiting factor since those tend to get hot under load once the processor's voltage is increased. The board's auto overclocking feature brought the base clock to a healthy 200 MHz. However, it wasn't stable at all, but provided a reference to work around for some real overclocking.

Due to my processor's clock speed limitations and the motherboard's generous heat output around the voltage regulation area, I backed down the base clock to 190 MHz, which translates to 3.8 GHz using the default 20x multiplier. I then started tweaking voltages from there.

In order to stabilize such clock speed, I had to set the QPI and processor voltage to 1.2750. Both north and southbridge voltages worked fine with stock voltage. I also left Load Line Calibration and Spread Spectrum disabled.

As usual, a good cooling solution to replace Intel's stock heatsink is not only recommended, but mandatory. The X58 northbridge does get pretty hot too, even at stock settings so it's important to have a good flow of air going in the case. In this case, having a fan blowing fresh air onto the MOSFETs is also an excellent idea.

Power Consumption

In order to load the whole system, I used the same applications as I use in temperature testing. Those are Prime95 and ATITool along with a large file copy from one partition to another to stress the hard drive and its controller. The system is running at stock settings with all power saving options turned off and three fans. Using a Kill-A-Watt power meter, I measure average idle power consumption as well as peak load consumption.

Conclusion

The X58M is a very capable motherboard out of MSI's entry-level lineup: it packs a whole bunch of features into a small mATX form factor. And with the ability to install the usual six DDR3 modules in triple channel configuration, as well as two video cards in CrossFire or SLI, the X58M is on equal footing with some of the more expensive, higher-end X58 ATX boards we have reviewed.

The layout is excellent, except for a couple relatively minor flaws. Everything that needs user intervention is a breeze to access, provided no large video cards are installed. If you choose to install a dual slot video in the first PCI-e slot, two out of three of the 3-pin fan headers will be blocked. Although not really an issue for most users, you also can't swap memory since there isn't enough space for the latches to release. The second slot is much better suited as it only limits access to USB, FireWire and front panel headers, but they still fit if you plug them in first.

MSI even found some free space to squeeze an onboard start button which is definitely handy.

The bundled accessories are just what we should expect from a board in this price range. Outside of the usual cables, MSI includes their software suit for hardware monitoring system temperatures and voltages. The supplied M-Connectors are very appreciated as usual, as it makes installing front panel buttons and lights much easier.

The board does a fine job for light to moderate overclocking. I hit 3.8 GHz with ease, but speeds beyond that required higher voltages that the naked MOSFETs just couldn't handle. They get toasty so having a fan blowing fresh air onto it is pretty much a requirement when venturing outside stock settings.

As far as performance goes, it's hard to declare a clear winner among the X58 based motherboards. They all score similarly and keep trading wins. This is especially true in gaming benchmarks where all of them perform identically. With i7 boards, performance is so close that it should hardly factor in buying decisions. Basically, the MSI X58M performs right up there with the more expensive boards.

Overall, the MSI X58M is an excellent entry level motherboard. It has a nice array of features and decent overclocking headroom. Its size makes it the perfect HTPC companion and support for both CrossFire and SLI has your gaming needs covered. Priced at a mere $170, it is also the cheapest LGA1366 motherboard. MSI's X58M is a great and affordable product that doesn't sacrifice too much to hit the price point. Beside a couple minor layout flaws, which are mostly due to the small form factor, it is an awesome and recommended board.