Comparison of M5a97 EVO R 2.0 and M5a99X EVO R 2.0 models
Comparison of M5a97 EVO R 2.0 and M5a99X EVO R 2.0 models
Guys, i need the motherboard for overclocking the FX 8320 to a frequency of 4.5 or higher, preferably around 4.8 or even higher in the future. I can't pick between the M5A97 EVO R2.0 or the M5A99X EVO R2.0 because both have the 6+2 phase supply. Some people say the 99X EVO is better for overclocking, but since they both have the same VRM, the 99X has a heat pipe for cooling. If I use it with an M5A97, the cooling will be similar. What will actually happen?
The 99X clearly offers a superior chipset. It also supports SLI and CF at higher configurations. Compared to the 97, it provides CF only at x16, x4 lanes, whereas the 97 has CF at x8, x8 lanes. The HT speed is higher on the 99X—5.2 GT/s versus 4.8 GT/s. The extra heatpipe connecting VRM and heatsinks helps regulate temperatures between components, allowing the cooler to absorb heat from the warmer one, effectively acting as a secondary cooling solution.
But I'm not interested in comparing two chipsets; I want to know why 99x is 99 times better in overclocking even though both motherboards have the same supply VRM. Yes, it has a heat pipe, and only this feature makes 99x stand out in overclocking?