EVGA X58 SLI LGA 1366 Motherboard Review

Package & Accessories

A departure from the EVGA 790i line of motherboards that were based around the NVIDIA color scheme, the X58 SLI package takes on more of an EVGA flavour.

The EVGA X58 SLI package, front and back, is about what one would expect from EVGA where they could come up with their own design; independent of the NVIDIA chipset. EVGA has always been a top provider of quality design in their packages from the protective foam of their video cards to the stickers on their video card heat sinks. EVGA has a quality design team versed in esthetically pleasing designs that fit the era they are released in, the X58 SLI package is no exception. The front is all but void of information aside from a few case badge notifications while the back plays home to the majority of the information about the product inside.

There are a couple other items worth noting on the package. In the bottom right corner on the back, a notification of EVGAs 24/7 support is displayed. EVGA is one of the few manufacturers that offer 24/7 technical support via phone. Sometimes when you are having computer issues, phone is the only option you have. The last item on the exterior I want to point out is the sealing sticker on the flaps of the package. They aren't 100% tamper proof, but sure are a lot more security to most motherboard packages these days ensuring you are getting a 'new' motherboard...not an 'almost new' piece of hardware.

All the accessories are neatly packaged in the plastic clam shell enclosure that keeps the motherboard secure for transport. On the right we have all of the accessories that come with the retail package spread out to look at. This is a list of the contents:

• 1 x IDE Cable
• 6 x SATA Cables
• 3 x 4-Pin Molex Connector > Dual 5-Pin SATA Connector
• 4 x USB 2.0 PCI Expansion Bracket
• Single 6-Pin Firewire PCI Expansion Bracket
• 2 Way SLI Bridge
• 3 Way SLI Bridge
• Manual & Software CD + Installation Guide
• Rear I/O Panel

The accessory package that comes with the EVGA X58 SLI is not that ambitious, but at the same time, is lacking nothing necessary. Since there is no floppy connector with the X58 SLI, perhaps EVGA could replace the traditional floppy cable with a small thumb drive of sorts. It would be something that can play the role of a floppy drive and is also something useful that users would appreciate. With all the discussion of BIOS flashing going on in the EVGA forums, a thumb drive to accompany my recently posted guide for flashing the BIOS via the thumb drive in the forums might really help some users out with that task. Without a doubt though, the primary items in this accessory package are the SLI bridges.

With the Intel X58 chipset finally opening the doors to both ATI and NVIDIA for multi GPU support, the inclusion of SLI bridges is a requirement for motherboard manufacturers. CrossFire bridges are normally found in the GPU package and not the motherboard so they are absent from this package. This may change going forward if future Intel chipsets allow for SLI support, but for now, SLI bridges are still part of the motherboard package. For this review, we will be requiring the services of both of these connectors...although the hard 3-way SLI bridge can be used in a dual card setup as well. The last photo is a great shot of just how secure the motherboard is inside the clam shell. The custom molding holds the motherboard extremely tight and doesn't allow for any movement during transport. Nothing should be able to damage this package on its way to you, not even UPS.