Overclocking and Conclusion

Overclocking

To give a feel for the overclocking performance potential of the X99P-SLI motherboard, we attempted to push it to known CPU-supported performance parameters with minimal tweaking. While the board was not able to stabilize at the known upper limits of the processor used for testing (4.5GHz), we were able to get the processor stable at 4.3GHz at a 125MHz base clock speed in conjunction with a 2667MHz memory speed and at 100MHz base clock speed with a 3200MHz memory speed. System stability was tested running the AIDA64 stability test in conjunction with EVGA's OC Scanner X graphical benchmark running at 1280×1024 resolution and 8x MSAA in stress test mode. Note that 16GB (2 x 8GB) of Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-2666 and 16GB (4 x 4GB) of Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 memory modules were used for the overclocking tests.

Note that we could not get the board to stabilize at any base clock above 100MHz nor CPU speeds faster than 4.4GHz, but attribute those issues to the CPU cooling loop used rather than a board-related issue.

4.37GHz CPU at 125MHz base clock, 2333MHz memory speed

4.3GHz CPU at 100MHz base clock, 3200MHz memory speed

Note that this is is meant only as a quick preview of the board's performance potential. With more time to tweak the settings to a greater extent, pushing to a higher base clock and ring bus speed may have been achievable, in addition to an overnight stability run without issue.

Performance

At stock speeds, the GIGABYTE X99P-SLI motherboard performed well in comparison to the other test systems with its performance exceeding expectations across the board. Under overclocked conditions, the board performed well with it hitting expected speed thresholds in light of being inhibited slightly by the CPU cooler used for testing.

Pricing

As of May 03, the GIGABYTE X99P-SLI motherboard was available at Amazon.com for $229.99 with Prime shipping and after $20 MIR. The board was also available from Newegg.com for $249.99 and from B&H for $295.00 with free shipping.

Conclusion

GIGABYTE has another stellar design on their hands embodied in the X99P-SLI motherboard. The board features a nice design aesthetic, a mix of compelling features and updates, and a price making it a very approachable solution for most enthusiasts and gamers. With the release board, GIGABYTE effectively refreshed their X99 board line, integrating USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, Thunderbolt 3, and a PCIe x4 M.2 slot, as well as their metal reinforced PCIe x16 slots for keeping your precious video card in place under the most strenuous conditions. The board's price point is nothing short of astounding considering the quality and breadth of its feature set and the performance potential. GIGABYTE integrated the same quality power components and integrated devices features on its more costly solutions, choosing to leave off some of the more esoteric overclocking features to keep the board's price under control.

Strengths

  • Stock performance
  • Overclocking potential
  • Price
  • Board aesthetics
  • Intel-based Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports
  • Board cooling and heat pipe design / layout
  • CPU socket layout and spacing
  • UEFI BIOS design and usability
  • CMOS battery placement
  • Quality of integrated audio subsystem design
  • Performance of Intel I218-V GigE NICs
  • PCIe x4 M.2 slot
  • Configurable board lighting
  • CMOS battery placement

Weaknesses

  • Proximity of primary PCIe x16 slot to CPU and memory slots

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