Roundup tests of motherboards aimed at Intel Core 2 Duo processors
ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe
This is another ASUS' high-end motherboard, this time based on nForce4 SLI Intel Edition. It features in wide expansion options and, most importantly, support for the SLI and 2 Parallel ATA links.
First, let's list the expansion options: the board supports 10 USB 2.0 ports, 6 SerialATA II links, two Gigabit LAN controllers, and 8-channel integrated audio (with ALC850 used as the codec). Besides, there is an additional chip to support the Firewire (2 ports).
The configuration of expansion slots: two PCI Express x16 slots, two PCI Express x1, one PCI Express x4, and two regular PCI slots.
The rear panel is of practically standard configuration, except the missing COM ports, where the SP-DIF input and output are positioned instead, as well as a Serial ATA II port. One of the COM ports is anyway implemented with a bracket.
The BIOS of Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe is built on the Award BIOS Phoenix version.
We found no special issues of compatibility to memory modules. However, in terms of memory overclocking the board is evidently weaker than products based on Intel chipsets.
As regards the system monitoring, the board keeps track of the CPU's and system's current temperatures, and the rotational speed of only three (of six) fans. Besides, the speed of the CPU cooler (as well as the cooler plugged in to the CHA_FAN1) can be set dependent on the CPU temperature using the Q-FAN 2 feature.
Let's list the overclocking tools: the FSB is adjustable within 200 to 400 MHz, CPU voltage can be raised to 1.7 V, on the memory - to 2.4 V, on the chipset - to 1.6 V (both to the north and south bridges), as well as on the FSB to 1.415 V. The results of real overclocking are middling: stable FSB speed = 300 MHz.
We note a rather powerful system for cooling the board, which includes radiators on the power components of the power supply module which are linked to the radiators on the chipset with heat pipes. If needed, the user can install additional fans (which are available in the bundle):
Interim conclusion: ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe is one of the few motherboards which offer simultaneous support for Intel Core 2 Duo and the SLI. The board also supports 2 Parallel ATA links, which will be interesting for owners of respective devices.
Pros:
- Excellent stability and performance.
- Perfect compatibility to various memory modules.
- Support for SLI (two PCI Express x16 slots).
- Support for SerialATA (4 SATA II channels - 2 nForce4; 2 SATA II channels - additional controller by Silicon Image; RAID).
- Support for ParallelATA (2 channels for nForce4).
- Integrated 8-channel audio and two Gigabit LAN controllers.
- Support for the USB 2.0 (10 ports) and IEEE-1394 (2 ports).
- A pack of ASUS proprietary technologies: (PC Probe II, MyLogo2, etc.).
- Additional set of AI Proactive (NOS, AI Net 2, AIBooster) features
- Superb system for cooling the chipset (passive and active modes only are available)
Cons:
- No support for the CrashFree BIOS (may appear in future BIOS versions).
The board's specific features:
- Powerful overclocking tools but middling results (FSB=300 MHz).
ASUS Striker, ASUS P5N32-E SLI, and ASUS P5N32-E SLI PLUS
We'll be reviewing these three motherboards at a time - they are based on the same PCB design. All have the Striker label, but on the models ASUS P5N32-E SLI and ASUS P5N32-E SLI PLUS it is glued with a piece of paper. The final difference among the listed products are insignificant. In particular, ASUS Striker falls within the "Republic of Gamers" series and features in a richer package bundle (Ghost Recon, licensed version of 3DMark 06 Advanced Edition, external thermal sensors, clamps, an additional fan, a leather keychain, and a SoundMAX microphone), a massive cooling system, additional SerialATAII Sil3132 controller, a diagnostic LCD screen, Power, Reset buttons, and a button to clear the BIOS settings. In the end, ASUS is positioning this motherboard as an exclusive product aimed at overclockers and computer enthusiasts. In this case, the exclusive character costs a lot: ASUS Striker is offered at prices within $300 to $380, whereas its light version ASUS P5N32-E SLI sells at prices within $220 to $240.
Once we are talking about the price, we note that ASUS P5N32-E SLI PLUS is also offered at prices within $220 to $240, but unlike ASUS P5N32-E SLI it is based on the combination of nForce 650i SLI and nForce 570 SLI chipsets. ASUS has dubbed this combination as NVIDIA Dual X16 SLI, and in terms of functionality it makes no difference from the nForce 680i SLI (i.e., it supports the full-featured SLI 16 + 16).
ASUS Striker
ASUS P5N32-E SLI
ASUS P5N32-E SLI PLUS
First, let's list the expansion options: each of the boards supports 10 USB 2.0 ports, 6 SerialATA II links, two Gigabit LAN controllers, and 8-channel integrated audio (with ADI AD1988B chip used as the codec positioned on a separate board). Besides, on these boards there is a chip to support the Firewire bus (2 ports). And, as we already stated, the Striker model offers an additional SerialATAII Sil3132 controller (+ 2 respective ports, both located on the rear panel).
The configuration of expansion slots: three PCI Express x16, one PCI Express x1, two regular PCI slots, and a slot for the audio board.
The rear panel of Striker differs in a complete lack of LPT and COM ports. Instead of them, there is a diagnostic LCD screen, optical and coaxial SP-DIF outputs, as well as two SerialATA II connectors, a Firewire port, and a power management button.
ASUS Striker
On ASUS P5N32-E SLI and P5N32-E SLI PLUS, there is no screen, neither a button nor SATA connectors.
ASUS P5N32-E SLI and P5N32-E SLI PLUS
The BIOS of all the three boards is based on the Award BIOS Phoenix version and is 99% identical.
We found no special issues of compatibility to memory modules.
As regards the system monitoring, this section is the most powerful of all we have ever seen. First, the board is able monitoring the current temperature of the CPU and the system, as well as three temperatures from three additional thermal sensors. The user gets the unique opportunity to keep track of the temperature of any system components within reach of these sensors (their length is about 45 cm). Secondly, the board monitors whatever voltages of the system Thirdly, the motherboard keeps track of the speed of all the eight(!) fans which can be plugged in and controls their speed with the Q-Fan feature. We also note that you can do the system monitoring from within Windows with the PC Probe2 utility.
Let's list the overclocking tools: FSB is adjustable within 133 to 750 MHz, CPU voltage can be raised to 1.9 V, on the memory - to 3.425 V, on the chipset - to 2.75 V (on the north and south bridges - to 1.85V), as well as on the FSB to 1.55 V. However, the actual overclocking results are far from the best. Even with the latest BIOS version the stable frequency was not 486 MHz.
We note a rather powerful cooling system of the board, which includes radiators of the power components of the power supply module which are linked to the radiators on the chipset with heat pipes. If needed, the user can install additional fans (which are available in the bundle):
Interim conclusion: ASUS Striker and its versions are among the few motherboards which offer simultaneous support for Intel Core 2 Duo and the full-speed SLI technology. However, ASUS offers similar motherboards in its assortment but based on the cheaper nForce 590 SLI IE chipset. On the following page, we'll be reviewing a motherboard like that with the final conclusions regarding the Striker family made at the end of the material.
Pros:
- Excellent stability and performance.
- Perfect compatibility to various memory modules.
- Support for SLI (two PCI Express x16 slots).
- Third PCI Express x16 slot (8 bus lanes);
- Support for SerialATA II (8 links; 2x RAID).
- or Support for SerialATA II (6 links; RAID); ASUS P5N32-E SLI and P5N32-E SLI PLUS
- Support for ParallelATA (1 link);
- Integrated 8-channel High Definition Audio and two Gigabit LAN controllers.
- Support for the USB 2.0 (10 ports) and IEEE-1394 (2 ports).
- A pack of ASUS proprietary technologies: (PC Probe II, MusicAlarm, CrashFree BIOS 2, MyLogo 2, Q-FAN 2, etc.);
- Additional set of AI Proactive technologies (AI Overclocking, AI NOS , AI Net 2);
- Superb system for cooling the chipset (passive and active modes only are available)
- Eight connectors for plugging in fans with support for Q-Fan 2;
- Superb package bundle (in all the motherboards);
- Reasonable price for ASUS P5N32-E SLI and P5N32-E SLI PLUS.
Cons:
- Overstated price for the Striker model.
The board's specific features:
- The overclocking requires a powerful and good-quality PSU;
- Striker: Additional LEDs and Power, Reset, Clear CMOS buttons;
- Striker: Diagnostic LCD-screen and backlight of the board;
- The audio subsystem is implemented as a separate board;
- The overclocking capability has not been revealed to the full.
 |
Content: |
 |
|
Page 1 - Chipsets
Page 2 - Roundup table of motherboards
Page 3 - abit AW9D-MAX, abit AB9 Pro
Page 4 - ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe, ASUS P5W64-WS Pro
Page 5 - ASUS Commando, ASUS P5B Premium Vista Edition
Page - ASUS P5B Deluxe Wi-Fi, ASUS P5B-E
Page 7 - P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe, Striker, P5N32-E SLI, and P5N32-E SLI PLUS
Page 8 - ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium, ASUS P5N-E SLI
Page 9 - Gigabyte 965P-DQ6, Gigabyte 965P-DS4
Page 10 - Gigabyte 965P-DS3, Gigabyte 965G-DS3
Page 11 - Foxconn 975X7AB, Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H
Page 12 - MSI P6N SLI Platinum, MSI P965 Platinum
Page 13 - MSI P965 Neo, MSI P965 Neo2
Page 14 - Intel D975XBX2 (i975X), Intel DG965RYCK
Page 15 - ECS NF650SLIT-A, ECS nForce 570 SLIT-A
Page 16 - ECS PN2 SLI2+, ECS P965T-A
Page 17 - Performance, conclusions
| |
|
|
|
|
Top Stories: |
|
 |
|
MoBo:
| |
|
|
VGA Card:
|
|
|
|
CPU & Memory:
|
|
