I've used EVGA boards in my last three builds, been more than happy every single time.  I'm finally starting to piece together my new X79 build and I'm having a hard time deciding between the ASUS Rampage or an EVGA equiv.  I sorta wanted the classy, but it won't fit in my case apparently, so I'm heavily considering the FTW.
 
Any major issues? same EVGA quality for overclocking and such?
 
Thanks folks!

Yeah the XL-ATX may not fit in the Obsidian 800D, may just knock right into the plate separating the PSU.
 
EVGA x79 FTW user here. Fire away on any questions. 

manojks


Yeah the XL-ATX may not fit in the Obsidian 800D, may just knock right into the plate separating the PSU.

EVGA x79 FTW user here. Fire away on any questions. 

 
Yeah that's what I was thinking.  Either way, I think the FTW will be sufficient.  Basically I'm wondering if anyone has anything bad to say about it, I can read about the good all over the place.  Is it picky with RAM or anything?

I seem some people post about that with the EVGA x79. 
The compatible list is tiny mainly corsair up there, but i'm on crucial tracers without any issue.
 
These aren't the crucial tactical with have problems using that mod program with x79.

AceThundercock

manojks


Yeah the XL-ATX may not fit in the Obsidian 800D, may just knock right into the plate separating the PSU.

EVGA x79 FTW user here. Fire away on any questions. 

Yeah that's what I was thinking.  Either way, I think the FTW will be sufficient.  Basically I'm wondering if anyone has anything bad to say about it, I can read about the good all over the place.  Is it picky with RAM or anything?

I take it you didn't bother to read too many posts in the x79 section. Very picky with ram, when it works.

Just don't count too heavily on using the USB 3.0 ports on the computer.

X79 FTW here... memory is in my sig.  Only thing I've experienced so far is the USB over voltage.  I traced that down to the USB hub in my monitor, disconnected it and so far no problems.  Others experience otherwise.
 
I did update all the drivers and firmware before I loaded the OS.  Haven't had a problem with the USB 3.0 ports but I'm also on BIOS 37.  (Flashed from Bios 32 that I received when I ordered direct from EVGA.)
 
I've read about a lot of problems for both the EVGA and ASUS X79 boards on this forum and others.  I speculate a lot has to do with Intel itself and it's design specs. 
 
Either way, whatever you choose I'm sure you'll enjoy it.  I like my choice, it's worked out of the box for me with no headaches.  Not to mention the peace of mind I get from being able to know I can reach out and touch the EVGA tech support people and not end up in India.

Well I got an SLI I do need everything the FTW has its a slightly NICER board BUT the $100 difference JUST was not there for me... ALSO
I have to see mine run properly. I received a bad Bios #25, that did not work so I am awaiting my NEW Motherboard that has been shipped to me! While EGVA has GREAT tech support 6 months out from release I think things SHOULD be a little tighter, JUST my 2 cents....

agreed. I would have loved to get an EVGA board but things like this scared me. Maybe for my next board in 3 years I'll come back! :(

The remaining BIOS issues are primarily linked to memory compatibility and USB 3.0... there's no shortage of threads detailing this ad nauseum.
 
I love the board, but these issues have been plaguing it for 7 months with no fix.  I've been told EVGA is working with their vendors on the issue but so far it hasn't produced any results.

My problem was MORE than just a bios. Tech Support told me there was NO way other than to give me a NEW MB to fix it. The source of my ills? Using an Intel 3820. I had NO Lan, I had NO Usb 3.0 AND all my memory settings were TOTALLY messed up. I have yet to see my MB work right yet... I have not read anywhere else this has been an issue. That does NOT MEAN other companies do NOT have issues with the Intel 3820, it means I have not bothered to search for them very hard! 

Well i had an Asus Rampage Formula IV, and the card arrived DOA, and their support its really bad, i RMA'd the card to newegg, and bought a EVGA FTW...

So im just waiting for the card... apart from that, those memories / USB 3.0 problems, seems to get solved if you manage the voltages in the board, etc something like that i was told, so maybe you need to work out with that..

I Would stay with EVGA... Asus quality control doesn't meet my expectations.

Xtremed


Well i had an Asus Rampage Formula IV, and the card arrived DOA, and their support its really bad, i RMA'd the card to newegg, and bought a EVGA FTW...

So im just waiting for the card... apart from that, those memories / USB 3.0 problems, seems to get solved if you manage the voltages in the board, etc something like that i was told, so maybe you need to work out with that..

I Would stay with EVGA... Asus quality control doesn't meet my expectations.

 
No.  You cannot resolve the issue by managing voltages.  It relates to the use of memory configuration other than automatic settings.  That's the biggest issue, not voltages.  You can't run memory at rated speeds using XMP settings or manual settings and preserve USB 3.0 operability.  It's not pervasive with all memory kits... but many users of several brands have noted this issue with high frequency, high-capacity kits.

mwparrish

 No.  You cannot resolve the issue by managing voltages.  It relates to the use of memory configuration other than automatic settings.  That's the biggest issue, not voltages.  You can't run memory at rated speeds using XMP settings or manual settings and preserve USB 3.0 operability.  It's not pervasive with all memory kits... but many users of several brands have noted this issue with high frequency, high-capacity kits.

Sure i get it, maybe i wasn't clear, i trying to tell the OP, that if you manage your settings via BIOS, (voltages, and other settings), you can solve the USB 3.0 problems, also with the RAM it seems as you said, you can only use Automatic (with not verified Memories btw).

Well... thanks for the feedback guys.  You've kinda steered me away from getting any X79 **** period.  It seems like almost every manufacturer is having issues with their newer products.  I LOVE EVGA customer support, knowing that I can turn to them and get a solid answer at any point has always felt good... and I'd really hate to go with ASUS or something and have a bad experience.
 
I think I'll just wait for the next revision at this point, lol.  My i7 950 still gets the job done :P

AceThundercock


Well... thanks for the feedback guys.  You've kinda steered me away from getting any X79 **** period.  It seems like almost every manufacturer is having issues with their newer products.  I LOVE EVGA customer support, knowing that I can turn to them and get a solid answer at any point has always felt good... and I'd really hate to go with ASUS or something and have a bad experience.

I think I'll just wait for the next revision at this point, lol.  My i7 950 still gets the job done :P

 
I'd hang tight until issues are resolved or until IB-E is released.

I'm glad you started this thread OP because I was wondering about similar things.
 
I recently upgraded to eVGA 670 FTW 3-way SLI and I believe my Maximus IV Extreme-Z and 2600K are holding me back in the PCI bandwidth department. I experience similar symptoms to what Vega detailed when he compared PCI 2.0 to 3.0. Erratic GPU usages and what acts like a CPU bottleneck when my CPU usage drops to 22% from about 45% is pretty much exactly what I experience and that's what he detailed. When he went to 3.0 the usages jumped to 99% and the overall performance increase was phenomenal.
 
In addition, the USB 3.0 ports on my current MIVE-Z have been giving me fits for the last couple months and it's really annoying. I'm thinking I'm going to RMA the board through Asus, but knowing that it will take forever I'm just going to upgrade platforms so I can use PCI 3.0 in the process and sell the new mobo and my CPU when I get it back.
 
It sounds like X79 is plagued by the same USB issues that Asus' MIVE's have been. Is this because Sandy Bridge doesn't have USB 3.0 natively and so many third party controllers have to be used?
 
I really don't want to buy a platform and have the same USB issues I'm having now. PCI 3.0 would be nice, but I use a lot of peripherals and can't afford to have devices kicking off all the time. Is X79 not the platform for me in general, or is it more motherboard specific?

Happy FTW owner here clocked my cpu @4.5ghz from day one no real problems,only one i had was i had my gtx8800 installed when i built it and installed windows 7 but when it finished it would hard lock then crash thought it was my memeory but it was the 8800,installed the 690 and all was fine.

Really happy with my X79 FTW board.
No USB issues, no memory issues.
Everything is running really nicely with a average OC on my 3830k of 4.0GHz

same here. Very Happy EVGA x79 FTW user.
 
No USB issues / Memory. Came flashed with a good bios too.
3960X at 4.6GHz
 

I wouldn't steer away from the X79 platform if that is what fits your needs. I've built 3 systems based on the Asus RIVE and all 3 worked perfectly right out of the box and overclock very well.  One of the builds is my own and has run well since November.  2 other builds were for my son and a friend of mine.  Both systems happily humming along.
 
The biggest issue with X79 in general is I see a TON of issues caused by guys running old triple channel kits, or old dual channel kits not qualified for X79. If you run the best memory for the platform that is a good start.
 
As for EVGA X79 offering...well, I won't comment.  Until the RIVE my last 5 boards had been EVGA.  Things changed this generation.  I will leave it at that.

mdzcpa


I wouldn't steer away from the X79 platform if that is what fits your needs. I've built 3 systems based on the Asus RIVE and all 3 worked perfectly right out of the box and overclock very well.  One of the builds is my own and has run well since November.  2 other builds were for my son and a friend of mine.  Both systems happily humming along.

The biggest issue with X79 in general is I see a TON of issues caused by guys running old triple channel kits, or old dual channel kits not qualified for X79. If you run the best memory for the platform that is a good start.

As for EVGA X79 offering...well, I won't comment.  Until the RIVE my last 5 boards had been EVGA.  Things changed this generation.  I will leave it at that.

 
Well said sir!  I couldn't agree more.  My RVIE system has been up since December with my 580's then January brought me 3 7970's which have worked flawlessly in PCI-E3.0 since then.   I used only RAM that was made specifically for the platform and have been rewarded with great performance and zero issues, zero.

I have the EVGA X79 FTW and have had little issues with it. the only thing that has come up is the USB 3 power surge but that has not come up since last BIOs update.  I am able to use the keyboard and mouse on USB 3 ports along with Saitek X52 Flight Controls for Flight Simulator X. The rest of my set up is listed below and I have had no problems with the Patriot RAM, very happy with them. :)