Asus P7P55D Deluxe Living Review

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Asus P7P55D Deluxe Living Review

Well, it's been a while coming but P55 has arrived. For openers we've managed to get our hands on Asus' new P7P55D Deluxe.

This is a feature packed motherboard that even includes a remote control to help you overclock, the TurboV Remote.
Power distribution has been tweaked marginally with a 16+3 Phase Power Design improving on the 16+2 of the
P6T Deluxe V2 (x58 board), giving three phase to the CPU memory Controller and uncore rather than two.

Updated: 07/09/2009 for additional Prooducts *
The P7P55D Deluxe is the second in Asus' P7 range - At launch this P7 range comprises of:

• P7P55D Premium £204
• P7P55D Deluxe £167
• P7P55D Evo £150
• P7P55D Pro £134
• P7P55D* £115
• P7P55D LE* £102
  Prices include 19% VAT.

For more info see Available Models (Top Right Link 3rd screen)

So, the P7P55D can be seen as P7 - Series, P55 - Chipset, the "D" stands for Extreme Design. The Extreme Design focuses on three key areas:
Reliability, Safety and PERFORMANCE . Asus P7 boards also are based on the 2oz copper PCB, following Gigabyte's lead.

I'll be running with an Intel® Core i5 750 and later with an I7 860, so let's get started.

Index.

Useful Links:
BTA BIOS P7P55D-DELUXE-ASUS-0606
BTA BIOS P7P55D-DELUXE-ASUS-0711
Over-volting Switches - OV_CPU, OV_IMC, OV_DRAM - Take care
Bios Templates:
BTA 0606
BTA 0711
Noctua Noctua NH-U12P and Asus P7P55D Deluxe

1. Introduction And Index
2. The Package
3. Official Specification And Features
4. The P55 Chipset
5. The Motherboard - First Impressions
6. The Motherboard - A Closer Look - Part 1, The PCH Area
7. The Motherboard - A Closer Look - Part 2, The PCI-E Slots
8. The Motherboard - A Closer Look - Part 3, The Rear I/O & PWM Area
9. The Motherboard - A Closer Look - Part 4, The Memory Slots
10. The Motherboard - A Closer Look - Part 5, The CPU Area
11. Accessories and Extras
12. Removing PWM and PCH coolers
13. Components and Test Setup
14. G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 2x2Gb PC3-16000 2000MHz Ripjaw (F3-1600CL9D-4GBRH)
15. Intel Core I5-750
16. Intel Core I7-860
17. TurboV Remote
18. Build Observations

Bios
19. Main Menu Tab
20. A1 Tweaker 1of2
21. A1 Tweaker Tab 2of2
22. A1 Tweaker Tab - Dram Timing Control Sub Menu 1 of 2: Introduction and 1st Information
23. A1 Tweaker Tab - Dram Timing Control Sub Menu 2 of 2: 2nd and 3rd Information
24. Advanced Bios Tab
25. Power Tab & Boot Tab
26. Tools Tab

Clocks
I5-750
27. 1st shot - 3.8Ghz 20x190Mhz @8 = 1,520 7-7-7-19
28. 3.8Ghz 20x190Mhz @10 = 1,900 9-9-9-24
29. 4Ghz 20x200 @10 2,000Mhz 9-9-9-24
30. 4.13Ghaz 20x206@x8 1,648Mhz 7-7-7-19
31. 4.2Ghz 21x200Mhz Ram x8 1,600Mhz 7-7-7-19
32. 4.2Ghz 21x200Mhz Ram x10 1,900Mhz 8-8-8-22
33. 4.3Ghz 21x205Mhz Ram x8 1,640 7-7-7-19
I7-860
34. I7-860 Stock
35. 3,800Mhz 19x200Mhz@10 2,000Mhz 9-9-9-24
36. 3,885 21x185 x10 1,850Mhz 8-8-8-22
37. 3.99Ghz 21x190 Ram x10 1,900Mhz 8-8-8-8-22
38. State of Play I7-860
I7-860 revisited.. Fresh Blood
39. I7-860 3,822 21x182 Ram x10 1,820 8-8-8-22 Slightly different take on 3.8Ghz 8gb ram & stable
40 3.9Ghz 21x186 Ram x10 1,860Mhz 8-8-8-22
41. BTA 0711 4,012 182Mhzx20 Ram x10 1,820Mhz 8-8-8-22
42. 170 BClk Turbo 3,740 22x170 ~ 4,420 26x170
43. 4.11Ghz 22x187Mhz 1,870Mhz 8-8-8-22


Conclusion

If you rate this thread please :

Click picture to Link


Click picture to enlarge

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The Package
The Box
Front - The box has some very attractive and stylish artwork, with a very shiny, mirror like finish.

There is a front flap that hangs down the box front.
Lifting the flap, there are more highlights:
Inside on flap:
Told you it was shiny.
Click picture to enlarge


Flap Lifted - Box front.
Click pictures to enlarge


Box Rear:
Click pictures to enlarge


Opening the box:
I must admit I thought I'd been had , I expected to see the remote turbo thingy in the recess you can see just below the user guide. A quick rummage through the stuff and I found it, a little smaller than I had envisaged.


Nicely bagged in the bottom of the box:

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Official Specification & features

Specifications

• CPU: LGA 1156 socket for Intel CoreM i7/ CoreM i5 Processors. Supports lntel Turbo Boost Technology
• Refer to ASUSTeK Computer for Intel CPU support list
• Chipset Intel P55 Express Chipset
• Memory 4 x DIMM, Max, 16GB, 00R3. 2133(O.C.)* /1600 / 1333 / 1066Mhz non-ECC, un-buffered memory
• Dual Channel memory architecture
• Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
• Hyper Dimm Memory Support is subject to physical characteristics of the CPU
• Some Hyper DIMMs only support one 01MM per Channel. Please refer to Memory QVL for details, Refer to www.asuscom or the user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)

Expansion Slots

• 2 x PCI Express 2.0 xl6 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8 / x8 mode)
• 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (at x4 mode, 2.50T?s)
• 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x4 slots (2.5GT/s)
• 2x PCI slots

Multi GPU Support

• Supports ATI Quad-GPU CrossFireX Technology.
• Supports NVIDIA° Quad-GPU SLI’’ Technology

Storage
Intel P55 Express Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel® Matrix Storage supporting SATA RAID 0,1.5, and 10
JMIcron JMB363 SATA & PATA controller:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (black)
JMicron® JMB322 (Drive Xpert technology*):
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s (dark blue and gray)
- Supports EZ Backup and Super Speed functions
Drive Xpert function is available only when the hard disk drives are set as data drives



Lan
Dual Gigabit LAN controllers
Realtek5 8112L / 811 OSC Gigabit LAN controller featuring AINET2

USB 14xUSB 2.0 ports (6ports at midboard,8 ports at back panel).

IEEE 1394 - VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE l394a ports (one at midboard; one at back panel)

Audio VIAC VT2020 10-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Absolute Pitch 80192/24 featuring EVNY HD
- DTS Surround Sensation Ultra-PC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/POIF out ports at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filter

Asus Unique Features
ASUS Hybrid Processor—TurboV EVO:
- Auto Tuning, TurboV and Turbo Key
- ASUS TurboV Remote
ASUS Hybrid Phase:
- T.Probe Technology for Active Cooling
- 16+3 Phase Power Design
ASUS Hybrid OS—Express Gate
ASUS Xtreme Design
ASUS Exclusive Features:
• ASUS Drive Xpert
- MemOK!
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Slack Cool 3+
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS 0-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
- Multi-language BIOS
ASUS 0-Design:
- ASUS 0-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS 0-Slot
- ASUS 0-01MM
Asus Exclusive Overclocking Features
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vlMC: Adjustable IMC voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: 81-step DRAM bus voltage control
- vPCH: 2-step chipset voltage control
- vCPU_PLL: 4-step reference voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80MHz up to 500 MHz at 1MHz increment
- PClExpressfrequencyluningfromlooMHzupto200MHz at 1MHZ increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

Back Panel I/O Ports

• 1 x PSI2 Keyboard port (Purple)
• 1 x PS/2 Mouse port (Green)
• 1 a Coaxial S/PDIF Out
• 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out
• 1 x Clear CMOS switch
• 1 x IEEE 1394a
• 2 a RJ45 ports
• 8 x USB 20/1.1
• 10-channel Audio I/O

Internal I/O Connectors

• 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
• 1 x IDE connector
• 7 x SATA connectors
• 2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors (dark blue and gray)
• 1 x CPU Fan connector
• 2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3pin)
• 1 x Power Fan connector
• 1 x IEEE1394a connector

Front panel audio connector

• 1 x S/PDIF Out Header
• 1 x CD audio in
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
• 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors

System Panel (0-Connector)

• 1 x TURBO_CON header (for TurboV Remote)
• 1 x MemOKI button
• 1 x Power on switch
• 1 x Reset switch

Bios Features

• 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DM1 2.0, WIM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2a

Manageability

• WfM 2.0, DM1 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by FME, PXE

Support DVD Contents

• Drivers
• ASUS Utilities
• ASUS Update
• Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ATX Form Factor

• 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS

• This 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/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment,
• Intel® LGA1156 Lynnfield Processor Ready
• This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Lynnfield processors in L0A1156 package, which has memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes, providing great graphics performance. Intel Lynnfield processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world. Refer to page 2-5 for details.

Intel® P55.

• The lntel P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support the latest 1156 socket lntel Core TM i7 / Core TM is processors. Intel P55 provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

• PCIe2.0
• Double Speed; Double Bandwidth
• This motherboard supports the latest Pie 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth that enhances system performance.
• Quad-GPU SLITM and Quad-GPU Crossfire TM support!
• Flexible Multi-CPU solutions, Your Weapon of Choice!
• P7P55D Deluxe brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLITM or CrossFireXTM. The motherboard features the most powerful Intel® P55 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced before I Refer to Chapters for details.
• Dual-Channel DDR3 2133(O.C.) /1600/1333/1066 support
• The motherboard supports DD R3 memory that features data transfer rates of 21 33(O.C.) / 1600/1333 /1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

1.3.2 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor
TurboV EVO
Ultimate O.C. Processor
The ultimate O.C. processor satisfies every level of overciockers—from die-hard enthusiasts to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the system to the fastest clock speeds while
Maintaining stability. Turbo Key boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers more options to advanced overciockers to achieve world CC. record. Refer to page 4-10 of manual for details.
Auto Tuning
Auto System Level Up
Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even CC. beginners can achieve extreme yet
Stable overclocking results with Auto Tuning Refer to page 4-11 for details.
TurboV Remote
Versatile, Real-time OC. Hardware Controller
Imagine overclocking in real-time on a side controller without interrupting ongoing work and
games. With ASUS TurboV Remote, you can easily perform overclocking and operate the
Turbo Key and EPU directly. Refer to page 2-34 and 4-12 for details.
1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Phase
T. Probe
Leading Active Cooling Technology
The T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature in real-time. This feature optimizes the power phase functions, allowing components to run at lower temperatures and extending their lifespan.
16 + 3 Phase Power Design
Unprecedented Innovation with the Best Quality Component for Best Performance
The ground breaking 16+3 phase VRM design is brought to the ASUS motherboards, 16+3
Phase power design, 16-phase for vCore and extra 3-phase for Memory controller inside CPU
can provide the highest power efficiency, and hence generates less heat to effectively enhance overclocking capability. With the high quality power components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss and 100% Japan-made high quality conductive polymer capacitors, ASUS 16+3 phase VRM design also ensure longer component life and minimum power loss.

1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS
Express Gate
Instant Online!
Instant Fun!
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows OS.

1.3.5 ASUS Exclusive Features
ASUS Drive Xpert
Plug and Safe!
Without BIOS setups, the ASUS exclusive Drive Xpert is ideal for anyone who needs to secure data on their hard drives or enhance hard drive performances without the hassles of complicated configurations. With Drive Xpert’s user-friendly graphical user interface, users can easily arrange hard drive backups or enhance their hard drive transfer rates—ensuring that data is looked after every moment, every day.
MemOK!
Any Memory is A-OK!
Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more. MemOKl is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and gel your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve your system booting success.
ASUS EPU
System Level Energy Saving
The new ASUS EPU—The world’s first power saving engine, has been upgraded to a new 6 engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. With auto phase switching tor components (which includes the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, hard drives and CPU cooler! system fans), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking—helping save power and money.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Ouiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.
ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the vCore area to the heatsink near the back I/O ports, where it can be carried away by existing airflow from CPU fan. The purpose of the innovative heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. The Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.
Up to 20°c (36°F) cooler—stack cool 3+
Effective Fanless Heat Dissipation at 0dB
Stack Cool 3+ is a fanless cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively and noiselessly transters 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.

Fan Xpert
Active Quiet & Cool
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speed according to different ambient temperature, which is caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and system loading. A built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment. Refer to page 4-5 for details.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording.
ASUS 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.
DTS
DTS Surround Sensation UItraPC
DTS Surround Sensation UItraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience through the most common PC audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, “Bass enhancement” provides stronger low frequency bass sound, and “Voice clarification” provides clear human dialogue even with loud background sound. With these technologies, you may experience a better home-theater audio with ease.
ASUS EZ DIV
Al l EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Onboard Switch
With an easy press during overclocking, the exclusive onboard switches allow gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins!
Asus Q-Design
DIY quickly, DIY easily!
Asus Q-Design (a-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot and Q-DIMM design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
Asus 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
(EMl).

ASUS 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 module eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate. Refer to page 2-41 for details.
ASUS EZ-Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB flash drive 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 drive 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. Refer to page 3-4 for details.
ASUS O.C. Profile
Conveniently restores or loads multiple BIOS settings
Freely share and distribute favourite 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 favourite overclocking settings. Refer to page 3-33 for details.
ASUS MyLogo2
This feature allows you to convert your favourite photo into a 256-colour boot logo for a more colourful and vivid image on your screen.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the available options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you configure your system easier and faster.

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P55 is Intel bringing I7 to the mass market. To achieve this at a lower selling price base some things have been lost and these are:

• Remove a memory controller channel - Reverting back to dual channel from Tri Channel X58
• QPI link is replaced by the DMI link

Having removed a memory controller channel, much of the 1366 CPUs pin out is redundant so enter Socket LGA-1156

The DMI link is the link between the Chipset and the CPU it's rated at a bandwidth of 2 GB/s. This is ample for USB and SATA but is a bottleneck for a 16x PCI-E slot which has bandwidth of 164GB/s.

To maintain Graphics bandwidth Intel has created 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes onto the CPU.
There are x4 additional lanes supported from the PCH (Platform Controller Hub)
P55 is therefore further simplified without the IOH (Input/output Hub) of the X58 chipset.

So we now see P55 as:


For comparison see X58

So basically graphics is now left with a similar bandwidth comparison as we have seen previously with X48 v P45 for example.
So to the X58 allows 2x16 with a 3rd running at x8 giving a total of x40
The P55 has x20 as described above, x16 via CPU and x4 from PCH offering:
1x16 single card + 1x4 for other add-on cards eg RAID etc.
Or 2 x8 dual cards + 1 x4 for physics card or other.

Remember, bandwidth is a measure of capacity rather than speed, X58 has more 2x capacity than the P55. It's a bit like the thickness of a pipe, the thicker the pipe the more water can flow through. However Graphics cards are not yet fully exploiting the bandwidth available at P55, so it really comes down to your needs and budget.

Another plus that the P55 has over the P45 chipset of course is that it's SLI ready due to licensing agreements with Nvidia.

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The Motherboard first impressions

Compared with previous boards, X58 etc., the P55 boards have a fairly radical new look. Instead of the Northbridge and Southbridge there is now a single chipset, known as the PCH ( Platform Controller Hub)

Also, Asus has finally ditched the legacy floppy, so no floppy header. There is still an IDE header.

Click pictures to enlarge

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The Motherboard a closer look - Part1 The PCH Area.

The PCH heat sink comes with a cellophane cover to keep it clean in transit. It has an attractive mirror like finish.

Click picture to enlarge


Low profile:
Nothing at all to interfere with graphics cards, the 6 Intel SATA ports and IDE Header.


Moving round the corner we have the Case connection header. The Q-Connect (see Accessories) drops in here, greatly easing connection when mounted in the case. The Fan2 Channel header is just behind.



To the left are the SATA E 1~3 sockets
Bottom - Jmicron JMB322 Serial ATA Connectors Grey and Dark Blue for use with EZBackup SuperSpeed etc.
Top - Jmicron JMB363 Serial ATA Connector Black - Supports Sata HD or optical drive.



Moving to the left - USB headers, 3 headers with two connections each giving a capacity of six USB devices. Together with the eight external USB sockets, on the Rear Panel (see below) there is support for fourteen USB devices.



BIOS Socket and Chip, located just above the USB headers. Nice to see reversion to a removable BIOS chip.



BIOS Chip:



Socket:
The chip and socket are easily aligned matching the semi-circle cut out on both.

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The Motherboard a closer look - Part2 PCI-E Slots

Click picture to enlarge


PCI-E/PCI Slots
From the top:

• PCI-E_2.0_1 - Blue single at x16 or dual at x8 link.
• PCI Express x1_1 Slot
• PCI Express x1_2 Slot
• PCI-E_2.0_2 - White single at x8 link
• PCI Slot 1
• PCI-E_2.0_2 - Black at x4 link(2.5GT)
• PCI Slot 2

On Board Power and Reset buttons





IEEE 1394a Header.
Connects to the case front panel, or a PCI bracket.




Front Panel Audio Header(Left) - Nice to see this in a convenient place. In the past on other boards this has often meant stretching the cable across the motherboard.

To the right is the white Optical Drive audio connector. this 4pin socket also works with TV tuner or MPEG Card.

Another nice feature looks wise, the shiny capacitors contrast well with the black and brown motherboard.



Round the corner we find two chips the

• Realtek RTl8110SC - Gigabit Ethernet controller, which seems a bit odd when there is the Intel one on the chipset.
• Via VT6308P - 1394 Host Controller

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The Motherboard a closer look - Part3 Rear I/O & PWM

Click picture to enlarge


2x PWM Fan Headers:
CPU Fan header and CHA_Fan1 Headers.



Rear I/O
Left to right and Top to Bottom:-

• PS/2 mouse port (green)
• PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
• Clear Cmos button
• USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8
• Coaxial S/PD IF Out port
• Optical S/PD IF Out port
• LAN (RJ-45) port 2
• USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6
• IEEE 1394a port
• USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4
• LAN (RJ-45) port 1
• USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
• Audio I/O Ports

TurboV Remote Connector.

TurboV Remote.



This is the 5pin header for the bundled TurboV Remote. TurboV Remote lets you to turn on/off the computer, adjust EPU modes and system bus speed, and launch Turbo Key profiles for system overclocking without interrupting on-going work or games. You can also clear BIOS set-up information by pressing the Clear CMOS key on the back of the TurboV Remote.

Located between the Rear I/O and PWM:



Close-up:



PWM Coolers

There is one fairly substantial cooler for the PWM, it's an L shaped unit, the two sides being connected by the only heat pipe on the motherboard. The Blocks are secured in place using spring loaded screws that secure to mounting plates under the board.

1) In front of Rear I/O Panel.



2) Top Edge



Junction.



Concluding this section we have the 12V connector, nicely placed on top edge of the board.

[supershanks]

The Motherboard a closer look - Part4 Memory Slots

Click picture to enlarge


The first thing that's noticeable in this area is the lack of RAM retention clips at the PCI-E end.



The reason for this becomes apparent when you look across the board at the end of the ram slots:-
With a long Graphics card there basically is no room for any clips. In fairness this is nothing really new we have seen it in most previous chipsets. What is a first, at least to me, is leaving off the clips.



Over-volting Switches - OV_CPU, OV_IMC, OV_DRAM.

Looking at the top of the board we see three switches. These switches allow you to enable or disable the advanced CPU, Integrated Memory Controller (IMC), and DRAM over-voltage settings in BIOS.



The switches configure as :



Note: Picture shows all disabled.

Moving round the corner, we find:

Winbond Super I/O Controller Chip.
Sensor Chip.



Com Port, Turbo Chip, MemOK

• The white header is the Com port.
• Above that is the Turbo chip. This is the Asus TurboV EVO chip to enable overclocking and tweaking via the TurboV Remote.
• MemOk Button - Press this button if having post issues. It will load fail-safe memory settings to enable System boot.

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The Motherboard a closer look - Part5 CPU

This motherboard has a relatively clean socket area. Surrounded on two sides by nineteen ferrite chokes that makes up the 16 + 3 Phase that control the board. The 16 Phase serves the CPU with the 3 phase serving the Uncore and memory controller.

Click picture to enlarge




The smaller 1156 socket has three, rather than the four bolts found on the 1366 socket to secure it.



Lifting the side lever has the effect of pulling back the retention plate from being locked into central retention bolt, see below.



The retention plate can then be fully raised, to allow removal of plastic blank and insertion of CPU.