Intel DX58SO Extreme Series Core i7 Extreme Edition ATX Intel X58 Express BOXDX58SO

The Intel DX58SO Core i7 Extreme Edition ATX board's design could use some improvement. The S-ata plugs are located behind the hard drives making you use the 90 degree S-ata connector (which are supplied) but very hard to get to. The snap on cpu cooler that comes stock with the i7 processor snaps in OK, but, they are just holes in the MotherBoard, no snap in hardware seats. This allows the cooler to vibrate making an audible sound when it runs. It's not loud mind you, but I worry that it might snap itself out while running. It has triple channel memory which is great, but it comes with 4 memory interfaces. Why 4 when it clearly states "recommended for only 3 sticks of memory"? Others have it also but it is clearly a waste from my semi-experienced system building experience. There is no paper handbook included, (which also seems to be normal these days), but there are some installation instructions for included hardware that are on it. I didn't find these until I built it, installed an operating system, loaded the MotherBoard drivers, then looked up the manual to find out where it went. And my concern with this is that it is for chipset cooling. Hope I didn't burn or scorch any of it. It should be included with the sticker you get when you buy the board.
The boards performance is everything you can ask for after the initial installation. Runs @ good temps (around 42 degree C)during loads and has built on LED's that pulse and look nice if your case has a window. No hardware conflicts with the 64-bit platform. Plenty of S-ata and USB 2.0 connections (internal & external) as well as 2 e-sata connectors on the back. Two PCI-E 16 for video performance with an SLI link cable, a couple PCI-E 4's and a regular PCI slot that you don't see much of in the high-end boards today.
I bought this board because it has everything in a mid-range board that I was looking for when I built this rig. Plenty of connections / i7 socket 1366 for the best cpu performance with a i7-950, complete with the triple channel memory and the Quick Path Interface. And you can't go wrong when you buy Intel for Intel. I only paid $155 for the board (new, on auction)and that was also a big consideration. So all an all I'm satisfied with the board. It just has a few quirks to work around. And it's been running problem free for almost a month now.

Thanks,
Rick

i had prompt excellent service,but i ordered the parts to put together a computer and have not received all of them yet? so ,i have not had a chance to use it yet. That's why i was waiting to give a review. the service was excellent so far!!!