OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

EVGA X79 Dark review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 2011Chipset:Intel X79Form factor:E-ATX

EVGA X79 Dark Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 1 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

EVGA X79 Dark
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

40%

5.0

Technical score

20%

5.0

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

5.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 92% of motherboards
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

19%

4.5

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

4.6

Ports

8%

4.0

Expansion

8%

6.8

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

â–¼Worse than 74%
5.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models

5.0

Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 87%
5.0

User score

User score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models

5.0

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.1

Rating

30%

7.2

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 84%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard EVGA X79 Dark

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

19%

4.5

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

4.6

Ports

8%

4.0

Expansion

8%

6.8

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

5.0
Reviews score
5.0
User score
5.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

6.7
CPU socket
LGA 2011
This motherboard uses LGA 2011, which is less up-to-date than 86.8% of Motherboards and the same as 1.5% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel X79
This motherboard uses Intel X79, which is less capable than 70.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 1.2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
8
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
2,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 84% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
secondary Marvell controller has different RAID limits
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
5
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 5 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 97.4% of motherboards and equal to 2.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16, which is less generous than 81% of Motherboards and the same as 16.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
dual 1GbE ports
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Optional Key E module slot only.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC898
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC898, which is higher-end than 50.5% of Motherboards and the same as 1.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
110 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 54.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.4% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12+2
This motherboard has 12+2 VRM phases, which is more than 64% of motherboards and equal to 2.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
1 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 56.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 19.6% of motherboards.
Show more

EVGA X79 Dark vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more memory slots
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 4 more memory slots
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC unbuffered; compatible CPU required.
  • 4 more SATA 2 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    4 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 4 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    5 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 2 more USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+2 vs 10
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X79 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    dual 1GbE ports
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 31.5% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models

    5.0

    Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    5.0 vs 7.3
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Optional Key E module slot only.
  • 31.5% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models

    5.0

    Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    5.0 vs 7.3
  • 32.4% lower user score
    User score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models

    5.0

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.1

    Rating

    30%

    7.2

    Popularity

    5.0 vs 7.4
  • 14.3% worse value for money
    EVGA X79 Dark has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.74 vs 7.7).
    6.74 vs 7.7
  • 73.3% more expensive
    EVGA X79 Dark is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X79 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Fewer BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers fewer BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • No automatic overclocking
    This motherboard does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74.1% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2011 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 2,011 vs LGA 1,151
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 48.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 52% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    dual 1GbE ports
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Optional Key E module slot only.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (2.1 vs 5.4).
    2.1 vs 5.4
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    110 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    1 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

5.0
torri111.wordpress.com
≈ estimated
25/10/2013
Lab test · Intel X79 flagship
Verdict
The EVGA X79 Dark suits extreme overclockers, but flawed BIOS updates make the ASUS Rampage IV Extreme the safer buy.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about EVGA X79 Dark

  • High-quality 12-layer PCB designed for enhanced stability and cooling
  • Excellent physical layout with ample space around the CPU socket for large coolers
  • Robust overclocking features including 12+1 phase PWM and triple BIOS support
  • Premium design with a clean 'true black' PCB and red accents
  • Extensive storage options with 10 SATA ports (six at 6Gbps)
  • Includes helpful onboard features like a diagnostic LED, Power/Reset buttons, and a removable BIOS chip

What customers don't like about EVGA X79 Dark

  • Historically buggy and unrefined BIOS/UEFI compared to competitors
  • Poor Marvell RAID and USB 3.0 performance reported by some users
  • The 24-pin power connector's angled position can make it difficult to remove in tight cases
  • Memory compatibility issues, particularly with running high-speed RAM
  • Lack of standard PS/2 ports noted as a drawback by some enthusiasts

Verdict

The EVGA X79 Dark is a high-performance E-ATX motherboard built on the Intel X79 chipset for LGA 2011 processors, featuring a robust 12-layer PCB and a 12+2 phase PWM design to ensure extreme overclocking stability. Key specifications include eight DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of quad-channel memory at speeds exceeding 2400MHz, five PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for 4-way SLI/CrossFireX configurations, and a comprehensive storage array with six SATA 6Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s ports. Notable pros include its enthusiast-grade features like triple BIOS support, onboard EVBot voltage read points, and a redesigned user-friendly GUI BIOS, though it lacks a legacy PS/2 port and features somewhat limited internal fan control options compared to competitors.

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