Test System

Initial Setup

Setting up the ECS A990FXM-A proved an easy task, no different than any other motherboard, except for one thing. Windows installation, updates, driver and application install took a total of 8 hours, in comparison to the 4 hours it takes on the Intel P67 platform, even though we employed the fastest available AM3 CPU, a Phenom II x6 1100T. The memory, without any problems, booted in at JEDEC timings and 1333MHz, and after initial testing proved to be 100% stable. We did test with the other kits we have on hand, including a 16 GB G.Skill kit, and were met with no issues at all while running 1333 MHz on the memory. Very impressive, but again, for a board that claims the be "Extreme", we expect no less and we are very glad to see ECS live up to their claims.

PWM Power Consumption

Since one of our first tasks was to truly verify system stability, while doing so we measure CPU power consumption. We isolate the power coming through the 8-pin ATX connector using an in-line meter that provides voltage and current readings, as well as total power passed through it. While this may not prove to isolate the CPU power draw in all instances, it does serve as a good indicator of board efficiency and effective VRM design.


With the Phenom II 1100T installed we managed to pull significantly more through the A990FXM-A's 6+1 phase VRM in comparison to other 9-series products, with the VRM heatsinks getting very warm. At idle, the board drew 27 watts via the EPS 8-pin connector, for us something not acceptable with the 1100T installed. Under load, that number increased quite considerably, to a total of 210 watts, and the VRM heatsink was quite warm to the touch, making the cooling solution nearly impossible to touch, as was evident by the sticker on the southbridge heatsink that changes color dependant on the temperature.