Conclusion:

Selecting the right motherboard for your specific needs can be a challenge. To help do their part to make the process a bit easier, ASUS offers a multitude of motherboards for all types of users, ranging from the casual gamer to the hardcore enthusiast. A casual gamer might want one set of features, while a hardcore enthusiast might want another. The M5A99X EVO has almost every feature anybody could want. These include USB 3.0 connectivity, compatibility with the next generation FX (Bulldozer) processors, and support for multiple video cards in SLI or CrossFire configurations. The layout of the components on the motherboard is well thought out, and allows for all CPU coolers and multiple video cards to fit without running into issues with the motherboard components.



In the benchmarks the M5A99X EVO didn't perform as well as the Sabertooth 990FX, but it was better than the M4A89GTD. The difference as far as I can tell is that the Sabertooth 990FX and the M5A99X EVO essentially use the same chipset with a few minor differences. Specifically in SLI/CrossFireX modes, running at x16 vs x8 for dual video cards.

A search of the Bigbruin.com shopping engine finds that the ASUS M5A99X EVO is priced around $149.99 (US) at places such as Amazon.com and Tigerdirect.com. This is one of the highest priced 990X motherboards, and it is almost to the price of getting a 990FX, which performed slightly better.

All things considered, the ASUS M5A99X EVO AM3+ motherboard receives the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" and "Gaming Approved" awards for providing features for all types of users.



Pros:

» USB 3.0 front panel connector
» Easy overclocking
» SATA 6Gb/s
» UEFI Bios
» Many on-board fan connectors
» 3 year warranty
» Support "Bulldozer" CPU

Cons:

» High Cost
» Little difference compared to Sabertooth 990FX

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