Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

A socket AM3+ motherboard made it’s way to goldfries.com HQ ………. 😀

The Board

Standard ATX motherboard layout.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

4x forward facing SATA 6Gb/s ports.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

The 12V CPU Connector socket is too close to the heatsink for my preference.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

CrossfireX support.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Various other ports, I like it that they’re covered. Makes it easier to align the wire during assembly.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

A wealth of other output at the back, particularly the wealth of USB ports (including USB 3.0) and E-SATA ports.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Full details of the board at the official product page.

Software

The Asus AI Suite II is a very nice software, I must admit I never liked Asus’ software so far and this is the first time I’m impressed with one.

Auto-Tuning got my unit to 3.9ghz in far less time that I would do the usual BIOS-based tuning. For further overclocking, it’s just a matter of how I fine-tune from there.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Fine-tune doesn’t mean I have to visit the BIOS either, the software allows me to fine-tune via the GUI.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

There’s also the EPU that looks like a simplified way of choosing how I want the computer to be (looks like some RPG character setting)

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Then there’s the Digi+ VRM which I have absolutely no idea how to make use of since I’m NOT THAT technical.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Lastly, fan control. 😀 For someone picky on noise, it’s a plus point for me.

Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

Conclusion

Good board with good software. Brings more value (and heat, and in some cases…….noise) to my system by overclocking the processor.

I was impressed not only by that 3.3ghz to 3.9ghz jump, I’m also impressed that it’s not a LOUSY overclock. The overclocked state of the processor not only managed to work flawlessly on folding@home but it even passed wPrime v1.55 1024M stability test!

Admittedly, I’m probably more impressed by the software but logically speaking, the software works with the hardware. 😀 Good stuff for a board that retails at around RM 465 in the market.

goldfries recommended

There is a non-EVO version, bear in mind the EVO version has more USB ports, Firewire port, E-SATA, better audio chip and more features, like the Digi+ VRM. 🙂

3 thoughts on “Asus M5A97 EVO Motherboard Review

  1. is it available in local market already?? cant find anyone selling in lyn garage sale..

  2. Hey goldfreis, im from LYN, bumped upon your website at ur siggy hehe

    Im thinking to buy the M5A99X EVO from a forumer in LYN, u think its a good buy? Currently im using a 3.5year old M4A77TD PRO Motherboard.. And im interested in overclocking.

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