Actually, we could check out all three possible explanations to get to the roots of things here. Since EVGA X58 SLI Classified mainboard could overclock the CPU without increasing its Vcore by simply pushing the base frequency to 186MHz, then maybe it could stop a little earlier, at 181MHz. The only question is if the board can ensure that the memory works stably at frequencies close to 1812MHz with low enough timings. The board proved absolutely comfortable with this work mode:

Now we must test the performance of EVGA X58 SLI Classified with the CPU overclocked to 3.8GHz, and, to eliminate any doubts we might have here, retest Asus P6T in the same mode. As we have expected, the results for Asus P6T, are practically the same as the older ones. The table below will show you the details:

Except a slight advantage in Crysis Warhead, EVGA X58 SLI Classified loses to its competitor in all other tests. However, the difference is really minimal in most apps and can be disregarded. However, we can’t overlook a significant lag in FarCry 2 and Custom PC Bench 2007.

At this point I came up with one more possible reason for the significant performance difference between the two boards. We set only the major memory timings for both of them: 8-8-8-20. All other timings were set by the boards themselves. Could there be big differences in secondary timings settings of the two boards that explain the defeat of EVGA X58 SLI Classified mainboard? Let’s check out these settings now: Asus - on the left, EVGA - on the right:

There is barely any difference here. Some timings are better by Asus, some – by EVGA, but overall, the differences are minimal. The performance can also be increased by raising the Uncore frequency (the North Bridge part integrated into the CPU containing the memory controller). However, we didn’t increase this frequency on purpose and the board set it themselves at twice the memory frequency. The screenshots below show Asus board on the left and EVGA on the right:

The conclusion is obvious: EVGA X58 SLI Classified loses to Asus P6T in identical testing conditions.

However, EVGA X58 SLI Classified still has one last bullet left in the charger: maximum CPU overclocking to 3.95GHz. Yes, we will have to lower the memory frequency, but more aggressive timings should make up for that. Besides, the difference in CPU clock frequency will already be 150MHz.

Unfortunately, no wonder happened. We have to admit once again that in any operational modes and conditions EVGA X58 SLI Classified mainboard is slower than Asus P6T. It can’t outperform the competitor not in the nominal mode, not in identical testing conditions, not during higher CPU overclocking.