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It is bound to happen - you've got your system running along smoothly with voltages set to their lowest stable level, processor overclocked for peak performance and memory timings tuned to perfection. Then it happens - a brand new chipset comes along and turns your world upside down and the upgrade bug bites you on the rear yet again. Its the cycle of life that keeps our PC components up to date and our bank account begging for mercy. Of course there is new technology that you abstain from for several reasons. Most likely its too expensive or incompatible with your current set up. Maybe it just doesn't fit your needs or meet expectations. But once in awhile there comes along a new product that captures your attention and becomes a must have priority.
The ASUS P5Q-E motherboard aims to do just that by featuring Intel's new hotness, the P45 Express chipset that has everyone buzzing. Among its many highlights, the P5Q-E delivers native 1600 FSB CPU support, CrossFireX capable, eSATA, RoHS certified and recognizes up to 16GB of DDR2-1200 memory. Wow. Considering this all comes at an affordable price point, I couldn't wait to get it in the lab and on the test bench. If you're in the market for a new motherboard, you'll defintely want to check this review out. Read on as HardwareLogic unleashes its entire benchmarking suite on this board to find out if its worthy of being the foundation of your next build.
| PRODUCT | |
| CPU SUPPORT | Socket LGA 775Â
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| CHIPSET |
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| MEMORY |
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| EXPANSION SLOTS |
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| STORAGE | Intel ICH10R Southbridge
Marvell 88SE6121 Controller
Silicon Image SIL5723 controller (Drive Xpert Technology)
|
| AUDIO | ADI AD2000B 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
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| LAN |
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| REAR I/O PANEL |
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| INTERNAL I/O HEADERS |
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| SYSTEM BIOS |
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| FORM FACTOR |
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| WARRANTY |
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| CURRENT PRICING |
Bundle
| ACCESSORIES |
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| CABLES |
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| APPLICATION DVD | Asus Motherboard Support DVD
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| DOCUMENTATION |
ASUS provides a solid bundle to get things started. The motherboard DVD features some useful utilities that are sure to make your life easier. Express Gate allows for instant access to chats, e-mail and the internet without having to enter Windows. Another great feature is ASUS Update, which allows for easy BIOS upgrades within the desktop environment. I am also very happy to find the Q-Shield and Q-Connectors included in the bundle and think they should be included in every motherboard ASUS makes.