More Testing:

First, a few stock CPU frequency tests were performed. Even with the CPU at 2.66 GHz and memory at 1150 or 1200 MHz, the system is still capable of producing very playable frame rates in games with a video card like the ASUS 9800GTX. Since the system appeared to barely scratch the surface, the Front Side Bus was pushed even higher.

Entering the BIOS, the CPU's Bus was increased to 400 which is a 1600 MHz FSB (400 x 4 = 1600). Remember, this motherboard officially supports 1600 MHz FSB as long as the rest of the components are up to the task. The BIOS CPU, memory, and chipset voltages were left set to Auto. With the CPU now at 3.2 GHz, the system ran several hours of Orthos and Prime just to be sure the system was truly stable. There were no errors or issues what so ever. So, the system lives up to its specs thus far.

1600 MHz Front Side Bus

1900 MHz Front Side Bus

Where does the board top out? Using just the Auto BIOS settings for voltages, dropping the Multiplier to 8, and increasing the CPU BUS bit by bit, the system hit a stable maximum of 475 MHz Bus (times 4 = 1900 MHz FSB). Lowering the Multiplier still hit the same maximum. It's possible this processor doesn't like anything higher, so switching back to the E6600 might be in order.

Here are a few of the game benchmarks. Obviously, we really must see what kind of performance gains can be confirmed if any.

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Today's systems are simply powerful enough to withstand any 3D based challenges. With the exception of Crysis, which is fast becoming a playable game thanks to the recent release of the 260 and 280 GTX graphics cards, there are very few games that can really bring the Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6 system to its knees.

During testing, the system was monitored for any noticeable internal and external issues such as noise. This sounds trivial at first, but it's important to check the system's voltages as well listening for any quality control issues like cracked or flawed capacitors. I've had a couple of various peripherals that had to be replaced due to flawed electrical components.

The X48-DQ6 did quite well making efficient use of the power from the Zalman ZM750-HP Power Supply. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary or out of spec throughout testing which is really no surprise given how well the board started out.

Conclusion:

It's been a long time since a sub-standard motherboard found its way on this test bench. And even then, it was because the board had a physical chipset defect that caused sporadic benchmark results. The first game benchmark reported 225 frames per second and then the second reported a whopping 415 frames per second. And when anything productive was attempted (you know, playing a game or two..), files would suddenly corrupt or come up missing during installations.

Rating a motherboard based on performance can be pretty simple these days. In all honesty, no matter what chipset it might house under the hood, most newer motherboards offer enough performance to withstand most of today's game titles. Graphic and CPU processing performance. What will actually satisfy most every user when it comes to choosing a motherboard are the features, extras, and any recommendations they might happen upon while researching their choice.

The Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6 Motherboard is an excellent stock performer. Whether it was a 1066 or 1333 MHz Front Side Bus processor, the system was perfectly stable and performance was top notch. It actually offers performance improvements over the comparably equipped P35 and X38 chipsets. Besides a better tuned chipset, it offers great DDR2 performance up to 1200 MHz and CPU Front Side Bus frequencies of 1600 MHz with effortless overclocked settings. The best thing about these enhancements is that it's openly supported and really does work.

Overclockers will appreciate the effortless 1900 MHz FSB frequencies. This means your current Core 2 Duo can operate in extreme territory providing a lot more processing power for all kinds of programs including games. This particular test bench experienced over a 30 frame per second improvement in some games at those frequencies. Quad Core users should easily max out their processors and that's what's really important. Right!?

There's really no denying that the Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6 is an excellent DDR2 motherboard. Prices start about $285.00 USD from various E-Tailers like Newegg. Comparably equipped motherboards "officially" supporting 1600 MHz Front Side Bus and 1200 MHz DDR2 memory frequencies cost a bit more. As far as I'm concerned, this DDR2 motherboard offers the best balance between cost and performance for serious enthusiasts. It will definitely humble your Intel QX series processor. Stability, dependability, performance, and overclocking. Need I say more?

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