ASUS P5K Deluxe WiFi (Intel P35)
BIOS
The BIOS of ASUS P5K is based on the AMI BIOS version, and its
capacity is 16 Mbit (!), although the firmware itself is 8 Mbit.
All the memory settings are gathered in the overclocking tools
section:
There is also a parameter that affects the performance -
setting the memory operating frequency.
The choice of available frequencies is in direct dependence of
the selected Strap:
In our view, selection of memory frequencies on ASUS
motherboards of the previous generation has been made more convenient:
the user was offered all whatever settings as a list.
There is one more parameter that affects the memory subsystem
performance - "Command Rate":
In fact, the current BIOS version imposes certain limitations
upon its use. In particular, in the synchronous mode the overclocked
system does not run stably (in other words, the overclocking capability
degrades).
Now move on to the section to do with the system monitoring.
The board displays the current temperatures for the CPU and
the system, rotational speeds of the four (of five) fans, as well as
the voltage levels. Besides, the coolers plugged in to CPU_FAN and
CHA_FAN1-3 can vary the rotational speeds depending on the temperature
of the CPU and the system. For the processor cooler, there is a
separate kit of Q-FAN 2 settings, and for the coolers plugged in to
CHA_FAN1 - CHA_FAN3 there is one kit of common settings.
The monitoring parameters can be tracked with either AI Suite
(for the basic set of parameters) or with PC Probe II (extended set).
The BIOS version can be updated in a number of ways. First,
make use of the AFUDOS (DOS) and ASUS Update (Windows) utilities, and
in the latter case the POST image can be recorded into the BIOS (for
that, there is the MyLogo 3 feature). Secondly, the user can resort to
the EZ Flash 2 utility integrated into the BIOS. The file with a new
firmware can be located not only on a regular 3" floppy but also on a
hard disk or a USB flash drive.
Finally, the board offers support for the CrashFree BIOS 3
(restoring the damaged BIOS firmware with a CD or a flash disk).
During the tests, we found a couple of flaws in the software.
In particular, EZ Flash 2 did not display the list of accessible disks.
We found other flaws in the ASUS Update, - namely, in the My Logo
feature.
Traditionally for motherboards made by ASUS, the BIOS supports
display of the settings in multiple languages (Multilanguages BIOS).
The BIOS also gives access to tuning all the features of
modern processors:
In conclusion, we note the OC Profile technology which allows
saving all the BIOS settings into memory and loading them on demand.
ASUS P5K Deluxe WiFi supports two independent profiles:
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CPU & Memory:
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