Generally, the performance of this board is on par with the P35-DQ6 when we run it with RAM at DDR2-1066 CAS 5, 7-7-24,2T. In comparison to other boards, we see that the scores are slightly higher as it is heavily optimised for the Quad processor.

Features wise, this board uses the Intel P35/ICH9R chipset. It supports the newer 1333FSB processors including all mutli core processors including the 45nm processors. It also support ASync DDR2-1066 through overclocking. Although it does not support CrossFire, 1394 or eSATA, this board supports DDR3 memory slots. This makes the board very flexible for upgrade to the next generation of memory which uses less power and can scale better in bandwidth. The ALC889A also brings superior audio experience of up to 106dB S/N ratio with full rate audio support for Blu-RAY and HD DVD.

As this board does not use a heatpipe design, the passive heatsinks tends to be hot to touch during operation. I would suggest it to use active cooling for the NB and SB. For CPU heatsink users, the Rocket II heatsink fits nicely on this board. Other heatsinks should have no issues as there is ample space around it without tall caps blocking its way.

The overclocking features is very complete. With crazy voltage range, one can test out watercooling for those high voltages. In our test, we are able to overclock the E6300 to 6  x 525MHz on Air cooled. The memory bandwdith shot up to 8000MB/s. 6 x 530 POSTed but not too stable. For a list of options in the BIOS, you can refer to our Gallery for a view of the options available. The high overclock achieved could be largely due tothe use of Low RDS(on) mosfets, Ferrite Core Choke and All solid capacitors. The virtual dual bios also helps to protect the BIOS from corruption with BIOS setting recovery technology.

Overall, this board has performed well (BIOS F2i). It works with current processors and is also future proof. I would assume this board to be slightly cheaper than its bigger brother the P35-DQ6. Considering the overclockability and flexibility, this board deserves an award! We give it Product Excellence.

* We will be updating this review with DDR3 results. Stay tuned for it.

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Pros

• Flexibility to adopt DDR3 in future

• 45nm future CPU support

• Plenty of oc options in BIOS

• Virtual Dual BIOS

Cons

• No WIFI

• No eSATAII

• No 1394

Ratings

Here are my ratings out of 10 stars.