Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wifi Living Review

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Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wifi Living Review

Introduction & Index

As X48 doesn't seem to be arriving for a while I thought try an X38 DDR3 board. This really only left a choice between Asus and Gigabyte , having already reviewed the DDR2 Gigabyte GA X38 DQ6 I decided to go for the Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wifi AP@n
I'm pairing this board with CellShock DDR3 1800 8-7-6-21 1.7~1.9v

If you rate it please :-


Useful Links
How to Flashback Bios
Bios Template


Index
1) Introduction and Index
The Motherboard & Package
2) The Box
3) The Box (2)
4) The Features
5) Motherboard Pictures
6) CPU Socket
7) Around the Board - 1
8) Around the Board - 2
9) Around the Board - 3
10) The Package
11) Heatpipes
12) ExpressGate
13) Screwing Up The Heatpipes - Part 1
14) Screwing Up The Heatpipes - Part 2
Bios
15) Bios - Main Settings
16) Bios - A1 Tweaker <-- The Overclocking Section
17) Bios - Advanced Bios Menu
18) Bios - Power Menu
19) Bios - Boot Menu
Clocks benches & Bios Settings
20) 1st OC - 8x450 @2:1 1800Mhz Memory 19Hr Stable
21) 8x447 @ 7-7-7-20
22) 9x400 @1600 6-6-6-18

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The Board is boxed in the now established Lifestyle style, luxurious but somehow understated,
Front

Not enough room on the box front to show all the boards features so they added a flap



Express Gate

Surf the Internet in 5-second-boot time without entering Windows
With a fast bootup speed of only 5 seconds, the ASUS Express Gate offers an optional Linux OS bootup that allows you to enjoy instant access to commonly used functions like accessing the Internet, VoIP, and Web emailing without entering the OS.

ASUS WiFi-AP @n

6 Times Faster than 802.11g WiFi Technology
With spec 300 Mbps transfer rates, 802.11n supports the latest WiFi specifications for better signal coverage, stronger signals and faster data transmissions in comparison to previous 802.11b/g standards. With two antennas, you will not suffer from signal loss like before. You can also enjoy the choice to set the device in AP-Mode or Client Mode.

Precision Tweaker 2

Super-fine Adjustments to Help Create a Brand New O.C Record!
Allows the user to adjust the NB Voltage, FSB termination Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage and the DRAM Voltage in 0.02v steps to finetune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking configuration.

AI Direct Link

Lightning Fast Data Linkage between Your PC & Laptop AI Direct Link can easily and efficiently transfer large amounts of data via the network cable - saving up to 70% of the total time taken. With AI Direct Link, it becomes easy to backup or share large data files like movies or other media content.

ASUS EPU

Enables the Most Energy Efficient Motherboard in the World
The ASUS EPU utilizes innovative technology to digitally monitor and finetune the CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings.

Working together with AI Gear 3, it automatically provides power for higher performance or improves efficiency by 50% when the PC is running low intensity applications - helping you attain the best possible power efficiency and energy savings of up to 80.23% to help save the environment.

Originally Posted by Asus on :-P5E3 Deluxe WiFi AP@n[/QUOTE]

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Rear
with more Features


Inner box
Oh run out of Blurb


Open the box
Looks like a good collection of bits & bobs, We'll look at that later


And finally under the parts tray

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From Asus
Asus P5E3 Deluxe WiFi-AP@n

Environment Friendly and Powerful Computing!

The P5E3 Deluxe/WiFi-AP@n is an Intel® X38 chipset-based motherboard that combines powerful performance with great energy efficiency; and supports DDR3 1800MHz dual-channel memory architecture and Dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 lanes for extreme graphics performance. It also comes with the world’s first ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit), allowing the CPU power supply to be digitally monitored and fine-tuned with improved VRM efficiency in heavy or light loadings – attaining the best possible power efficiency and energy savings to help save the environment. The P5E3 DELUXE/WiFi-AP@n also supports 802.11n WiFi specifications onboard for faster data transfers, and ASUS Express Gate – an optional Linux OS bootup for instant access to the Internet in 5 seconds.

AI Lifestyle Series motherboards bring lifestyle and personal computing together. They provide you better system performance to enjoy graphic-intensive games and applications. The cutting-edge audio feature dramatically enhances the quality of voice signal. Thoughtful design allows you to set up your system easily. To create a peaceful environment, several new and improved innovations are included to reduce noise and temperature. Don´t change your way of life for a computer. Instead let the ASUS Lifestyle Series improve the quality of your life.


CPU, Chipset and Graphics features
LGA775 Intel® Core™2 Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processors in LGA775 package. It also can support Intel® next generation 45nm Multi-Core CPU. With new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB, Intel® Core™2 processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world.

Intel® X38 Chipset
The Intel® X38 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 8GB of dual-channel DDR3 1333/1066/800 architecture, 1333/1066/800 FSB (Front Side Bus), Dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics and multi-core CPUs. With the specially included Intel® Fast Memory Access technology, available memory bandwidth usage is optimized and memory access latency is reduced - allowing faster memory speeds.
PCIe 2.0
Double Speed; Double Bandwidth This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

AMD CrossFire Technology
AMD´s CrossFire boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the need to scale down screen resolutions to get the high image quality you want. CrossFire ignites with the higher antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings you desire. Adjust your display configurations, experiment with your advanced 3D settings, and check the effect with a real-time 3D-rendered preview within AMD´s Catalyst™ Control Center to rule your CrossFire system.

Memory Features
Dual-Channel DDR3 1800(O.C.)/1333
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1800(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 17 GB/s. Furthermore, the supply voltage for the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to just 1.5 V for DDR3. This voltage reduction limits the power consumption and heat generation of DDR3 which makes it an ideal memory solution.

ASUS Special features
ASUS Express Gate
Surf the Internet in 5-second-boot time without entering Windows
With a fast bootup speed of only 5 seconds, the ASUS Express Gate offers an optional Linux OS bootup that allows you to enjoy instant access to commonly used functions like accessing the Internet, VoIP, and Web emailing without entering the OS.

*The boot speed depends on system configurations.
ASUS WiFi-AP @n
6 Times Faster than 802.11g WiFi Technology
With spec 300 Mbps transfer rates, 802.11n supports the latest WiFi specifications for better signal coverage, stronger signals and faster data transmissions in comparison to previous 802.11b/g standards. With two antennas, you will not suffer from signal loss like before. You can also enjoy the choice to set the device in AP-Mode or Client Mode.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS EPU
Enables the Most Energy Efficient Motherboard in the World
The ASUS EPU utilizes innovative technology to digitally monitor and finetune the CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings.

Working together with AI Gear 3, it automatically provides power for higher performance or improves efficiency by 50% when the PC is running low intensity applications - helping you attain the best possible power efficiency and energy savings of up to 80.23% to help save the environment.
ASUS 3rd Generation 8 Phase Power Design
Longer Life, & Higher Efficiency!
With power efficiency so important to operating temperatures, ASUS´ 3rd generation 8-phase VRM design leads the industry with its 95% power efficiency. High quality power components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs for minimum switching loss & lower temperatures, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss, and high quality Japanese-made conductive polymer capacitors all add up to ensure longer component life and lower power loss - creating more energy efficiency.

Up to 20°C(36°F) Cooler - Stack Cool 2
Effective Fanless Heat Dissipation at 0dB
Stack Cool 2 is a fanless cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively and noiselessly transfers heat generated by the critical components to the other side of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for effective heat dissipation - making temperatures cooler by up to 20°C.

Pure Copper Heat Pipe
Lowers Temperatures by up to 10°C
The Pure Copper Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to the heatsink near the back I/O ports - where it can be carried away by existing airflows from the CPU or a bundled optional fan. This innovative and groundbreaking fanless heat pipe design effectively lowers temperatures by up to 10°C without having lifetime problems that a normal chipset fan has. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-flow fans or a passive cooler. This Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.

Q-Fan 2
Adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.
AI Nap
Minimize noise and power consumption when temporarily away!
With AI Nap, users can instantly snooze your PC without terminating the tasks. System will continue operating at minimum power and noise when user is temporarily away. It keeps downloading files or running applications in quietest state while you´re sleeping. Simply click keyboard or mouse, you can swiftly wake up the system in few seconds.
Uses 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors!
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors onboard for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.


ASUS EZ DIY
AI Direct Link
Lightning Fast Data Linkage between Your PC & Laptop AI Direct Link can easily and efficiently transfer large amounts of data via the network cable - saving up to 70% of the total time taken. With AI Direct Link, it becomes easy to backup or share large data files like movies or other media content.

Q-Shield
Easy and Comfortable Installations
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

AI Slot Detector
Assists in Proper Installation for PCIe/PCI Devices
When PCIe/PCI devices are installed, users can simply plug in the power cable and find out if these devices are successfully installed. Without even switching on the PC or entering the operating system, ASUS´s innovative on-board LEDs provide an efficient way to identify the correct way to set up the PC.

Q-Connector
Make connection quick and accurate!
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.

CrashFree BIOS 3
Simply restore corrupted BIOS data from USB flash disk
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip.

EZ-Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS-based flash utility.

O.C. Profile
Conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings
Freely share and distribute favorite overclocking settings The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite overclocking settings.


ASUS overclocking tools
Precision Tweaker 2
Super-fine Adjustments to Help Create a Brand New O.C Record!
Allows the user to adjust the NB Voltage, FSB termination Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage and the DRAM Voltage in 0.02v steps to finetune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking configuration.

ASUS Crystal Sound
AI Audio 2
Unique Home Theather Technology on Board
AI Audio 2 creates a virtual center channel that expands the overall sound field without introducing a picket fencing effect. Preserving the dialogue or solo performances with downmixing from multichannels will allow you to experience true-to-life high quality audio.
Noise Filter
Eliminate background noise while recording
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

Other Innovative Features
MyLogo3
Personalize your system with customizable boot logo You can convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.

Interface Features
SATA on the Go
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents on external devices.

Dual RAID
The Intel ICH9R chipsets incorporate Six Serial ATA connectors with high performance RAID functions in RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5. The JMicron controller provides another two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD functions. This motherboard is the ideal solution to enhance hard disk performance and data back up protection without the cost of add-on cards.

Dual Gigabit LAN
The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network gateway for managing traffic between two separate networks. This capability ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or latency.

IEEE 1394a interface
IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices.

High Definition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound system on your PC!
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing a multi-channel network games. All of these are done on one computer.

S/PDIF-out on Back I/O Port
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks. It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.


RoHS & Operation System

GreenASUS
The motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union´s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products and packaging to safeguard consumers´ health while minimizing the impact on the environme

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Straight out the box with labels

CPU Label

Express Gate Blurb


PCI Slots

From the Top :-
PCIEX1_1
PCI_1
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX16_2
PCI_2
PCIEX16_3
The 2 outer PCI-E x16 (Blue & Black) are used for Crossfire , the centre blue slot is 1 x8 electrical.

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Northbridge


This , as we shall see later when we lift the heatpipes, this is a radiator rather than a heatsink.:-

Top PWM Heatsink

Side PWM
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I like this Sata socket arrangement works well & I'm using them all

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IDE Connection and Front Panel header.
Front Panel connections the board comes with the Q-Connect adapters which makes connecting to case wiring a doddle


No frills on this board in terms of start/reset/clear cmos , it's old school cmos jumper & short out the PWR_SW pins to turn on. (see above)


2 USB headers, personally would like to see 3 but 2 are used by the board it's self
see below, between the PCI & central PCI-E slots = USB910_ASAP. This gives the Chipset total of 12 with the 6 on the rear i/o panel.

Red = 1394 Socket, Blue = Com1 & Red = Audio Header


Twin Wifi AzureWave Daughter card.

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Mobo Revision , not shown but the board is made in Taiwan, which on past experience has been better quality than some made in China boards.


As we'll soon see the board comes with a remote. The IRD is a USB device which plugs in to the USB sockets attached to this junction. (see Package)
Believe it or not this sticker caused me the only issue in the build (see rera panel shot for a hint )


Rear Panel

Left to Right:-
PS2 Keyboard + 2x USB 5&6 , note, no PS2 mouse socket

Top: Coaxial S/PDIF Out Port
Bottom Optical S/PDIF Out Port

Top: LAN1 RJ-45 Marvell Lan
2x USB 3&4 (Either is used for the IR Receiver Connection)

Top: IEEE by gum 1394a port
2x E-Sata Ports

Top: LAN1 RJ-45 Marvell Lan
2x USB 1&2

Sound Connections

Top: 2x wireless Lan Ports bottom Activity Light.

Anyone guess what the build issue was yet

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Well this is called a Deluxe board let's see if the package lives up to that :-

1st up
2xCooling Fans. These clip to the top of the PWM/Radiator blocks.


Infra Red USB Reciever

this plugs into usb sockets 3or4 (central pair)


PC Remote


Rear I/O Panel

And the suprising bit :_

No sharp edges to jump out and cut you, or short anything out.

QClips
Well established now with Asus boards but much appreciated, saves groping about in the corners of the case plugging in the case connections to the motherboard.


2x Wifi Ariels