Benchmark Testing
Synthetic Benchmark Testing
SiSoft Sandra 2017 SP2
SiSoftware's Sandra benchmark is an industry-standard suite for measuring various aspects of a systems performance. We use the CPU and memory-subsystem tests to validate how well those subsystems perform related to similar classed boards. This test was repeated three times with the highest repeatable scores recorded from each benchmark.
The Sandra benchmarks remain a fast and easy way to determine system quality from a CPU and memory subsystem perspective. The GIGABYTE X299 Designare EX performed well within expectations. Its performance matched that of the other Intel X299-based system. This CPU and memory performance parity indicates proper CPU and memory subsystem operation.
Multimedia and System Benchmark Testing
Handbrake v1.0.7
Handbrake was used to convert an uncompressed version of the Iron Man Blu-ray movie in MKV format to a compressed 1080P30 MP4 format. The Iron Man MKV file was ripped from the Blu-ray disc in the past with the file size for the uncompressed media coming in at 26 GB. Handbrake was run with the Fast 1080p30 preset settings enforced with the exception of Anamorphic set to Loose. This test was repeated three times with the lowest repeatable conversion time recorded.
Video encoding is one of the more system intensive operations, making it a good test to measure system performance quirks under elevated usage scenarios. The X299 Designare EX motherboard again shows performance parity with the other Intel X299-based test boards, further illustrating the board's optimal design and functioning.
Maxon Cinebench R15
Maxon’s Cinebench R15 benchmark can be used determine a system's ability to render 3D content based on their Cinema 4D animation software. The CPU benchmark test was run three times, with the highest reproducible Cinebench points score recorded.
No surprises here, the X299 Designare EX continues to easily match performance with the other workstation-class Intel X299-based systems.
FutureMark PCMark 8
FutureMark Corporation’s PCMark 8 can be used to reliably ascertain a system’s performance in a Windows 10-based use environment. The benchmark tests chosen for benchmarking included the Home test, Creative test, and Work test. All test suites within the PCMark 8 benchmark were run three times, with the highest reproducible PCMark scores recorded. Note that the Applications test results were not included because of issues encountered between the benchmark and the version of Windows 10 used for testing.
This benchmark remains a good test to illustrate board performance in real-world business-style applications. The X299 Designare EX closed out the benchmark tests on a high note with it again demonstrating its solid design compared with the other test systems.
Good job, Morry.
Question:
Good job, Morry.
Question: did you happen to notice if the BIOS/UEFI
supports bifurcation? e.g. “4×4” (ASRock nomenclature)
and “x4/x4/x4/x4” (ASUS nomenclature) on PCIe x16 slots.
For the large amount of money, I would require that specific
feature; otherwise, I’ll pass on the high price of this
motherboard.
It does not support user
It does not support user configuration of that unfortunately. The PCI bus bandwidth per slot is auto-configured by the BIOS based on the processor and slots that are popupulated. There is a list of values that the board supports on page two of the review, about halfway down the page…
Thanks, Morry. Excellent
Thanks, Morry. Excellent review!
Wow. Never thought I’d see
Wow. Never thought I’d see the day when we have $500 motherboards. It’s nice but it definitely isn’t THAT nice!
yes, i cant agree more. $200
yes, i cant agree more. $200 is my limit.
i need the other $300 for RAM 😛
Where does one obtain an
Where does one obtain an adapter for the “1 x USB Type-C™ port, with USB 3.1 Gen 2” found on the motherboard, for those that don’t have a brand new case and instead have the older 19-pin USB 3.0 connector?
you can find them at
you can find them at amazon…
Are there any other
Are there any other motherboards that have “DP in” that routes the video through the USB-C connection?
I want to build a computer that I can quickly disconnect and bring to my VR area without having to un-plug and plug more than a few connections.
There are a few, but most
There are a few, but most ship with TB3 AIC (add-in card) capabilities because of the cost involved with implementing an integrated Intel-TB3 chipset. Most board use ASMedia-based USB 3.1 ports, negating their use as TB3 style pass throughs…
Are there any other
Are there any other motherboards that have “DP in” that routes the video through the USB-C connection?
I want to build a computer that I can quickly disconnect and bring to my VR area without having to un-plug and plug more than a few connections.
Does the Designare logo spell
Does the Designare logo spell out Designare all smashed together?
I have this board; it’s been
I have this board; it’s been inside my PC for about three weeks now – no nasty surprises so far…
I didn’t have the opportunity to test thunderbolt yet.
For me the biggest drawback is inability to disable wireless card in the BIOS. I wonder what would happen if I just physically remove it from the slot?
Also the latest BIOS “anti-Specter” firmware is a beta released in March.
P.S. Almost forgot, during the installation process the board didn’t recognize one of the four identical 16GB Crucial DDR4 modules (XPM). Strange thing was: the board showed 56GB during boot and CPU-Z showed all 64GB but in triple channel configuration(!?). What helped, was switching placement of two DIMM’s with each other (!!???).
Will the Noctua NH-D15S cover
Will the Noctua NH-D15S cover up my Trident Z RGB RAM completely or will the RGB at least still be visible?
We have a Gigabyte x299 and
We have a Gigabyte x299 and the M2 does not show up in bios. How do we install the M2 on a new build? I have the windows 10 usb thumb drive ready. Please send me step by step bios configuration. Thank you! Callie