Introduction

Although the mere sight of new mainboards from ASUS home ever the mouth watering converge – can one at least those PC users that not enough OnBoard ports on their Board find the motherboards equipped up to the limit in daily tests, speed test, as well as in the compatibility test to prove themselves. At least the expectations of today’s users are and also the competent tester for a limited period of time for the tests is forced to “staring” more than just.

During this “Ah phase”, to perform the turn into the world of facts, the hardware as elegant, but already stood several texts in the eye, which grow the expectations of the author. There are terms such as “Wireless LAN”, “dual Gigabit Ethernet”, “SATA extension module” or but a new version of AI overclocking utilities. While the former tags should rather address lovers of diverse connections, is the designated “artificial intelligence” alone due to the self nomination to the Übertaktungshilfe in the direction of speed enthusiasts.

For this ASUS holds more immediately ready as a pre-configured speed settings in the BIOS. Increasing the RAM clock and FSB to each other, that only some much controversial PEG automatic overclocking of the CPU, as well as the independent are the significant features. You think one step further, so you would think at least, that the – admittedly masses – very simplified way of Übertaktens is also a higher cooling expense, which is limited not only to the processor. Often, other, adventurous “special cooler” were added to the active Northbridge-cooler, which should keep the remaining slightly erhitzbaren components of the motherboard in appropriate temperatures. This had also impact on the volume, which was independent of the installed components, already in its raw state of mainboards for an (annoying) sound.

ASUS is certainly laudable other ways and also the promise of completely fanless passive cooling of the Mainboardkomponenten is a commitment to the buyer, leaving himself like to please. In fact, seem by the sight of Alderwood – and Grantsdale boards all the mentioned extra fans clearly in mind to lose, it also simply without. Would be questionable at this point only, whether on warmer days, or when made overclocking enough space was created to protect against overheating effectively. This should be part of our tests as well – to answer just here any questions.

Presentation of the subjects

The ASUS motherboards in the test is the ASUS P5AD2, which is based on Intel’s Alderwood chipset, and is to the ASUS P5GD2, which reveals so already the letter constellation “DG”, on Intel’s Grantsdale chipset built it. Both motherboards offer a whole range of other features and especially facilities – in addition to the standard models of Intel-. And so in addition to the four SATA connectors offered by Intel reference design, which is dominated by the ICH6/R RAID mode again four more SATA slots, managed by a Silicon Image chip can be. Also here the RAID operation is possible – the exact ways of the RAID management will find in the later report of still more accurate reference. Fixed head calculator sum the RAID controller on a number of those two – but not enough. ASUS has in the truest sense of the word on it yet (Controller) set (on the Board) and offers four additional ports for ATA/133 drives. Summarized the considerable number of fourteen possible HDD/ODD drives and six serial, each four piece about one of the two SATA/150 hard disk controller is thus.

This is truly record. As extraordinary one should call but also what the ATX-bracket: 4 USB2. 0 ports, even FireWire, Gigabit-Ethernet-LAN, 8 x OnBoard HD audio, a connection for a wireless LAN antenna, PS/2 ports, and a parallel port. There are four more brackets, which can be connected to the motherboard and used as an extension. These include the second Gigabit Ethernet port, two more USB2. 0 ports, a FireWire port, as well as a SATA-extension module. The latter leads to the outside – including electricity the SATA ports through the aperture. Connecting external SATA devices is therefore nothing in the way and using the periphery is paired with the following “inserts” child’s play.

Because here is found a wealth of scope was already in the consideration of the OnBoard components to register it again. So are so many cables available with ten SATA/150 cables than ever. Although only eight SATA devices can be connected to serve the last two by far not only to Exchange in an emergency. Rather, they are connector to the SATA-extension module, which is connected with the motherboard and communicates to the outside and with the external devices.

If one wanted to summarize this first presentation of the two boards here so, it would be probably concluded that it is motherboard fully stopped with the newest technology, which offer pretty much everything, what you can currently expect. At least in terms of facilities and that so far only on paper – because how quickly is the Silicon Image RAID controller, keeps the OnBoard sound, which promises “High Definition” and runs the whole remain stable? And at least as interesting the question is used for the ultimate performance – compared with Intel’s reference boards, in this report as a reference platform (but not otherwise treated) are. So many unanswered questions, the transition to the hardware view of the individual boards is now only the next necessary step.

ASUS P5GD2

A look at the ASUS P5GD2 revealed already at first sight, that it is latest technology or – in other words – is to new hardware interfaces. Because the Socket 478 site still quite inconspicuously in dark grey on the mainboards of the manufacturer, so his colleague with the number 775 staged are not equal auffallender. Not only the large “important!” and including the printed lettering are helping, rather shows up at the opening of the module, that it is sensitive technology. So are the pins in the level, a clear call for prudence in the hardware installation. You bend this thin contacts, so you can watch damaged the whole motherboard as irreparable.

Not just permissive built base suggests that heatsink already stricter are restricted in their dimensions, as this may have been the case even when the Socket 478. Nevertheless, observing users picks up the words “Fanless design” with his eyes after the text on the protection of the base probably as second. And, well, you can only confirm it: the Northbridge handles with a clear, but not really abundant heatsink, which measures passive cooler only sparse proportions in the southbridge. In times of increasing number of fans a very welcome change.

Exact looking at few more trifles should notice the interested hardware user: is the second line for Pentium 4 processors still under “known” check, we can not say this of the new, now 24-pin motherboard power connector. In contrast to the previous generation motherboards count now four new scores in the Haupanschluss port. This implies also a new power supply, which grow the Mainboardkauf – in addition to the cost of DDR2 RAM and a new processor – new financial heights. Intel shows that it is even better. In the offering, it is possible to take the system into operation when using a 20-pin power connector in combination with a 4-pin power connector. Also in this case the Pentium 4 additional connectors should not be missing, however, the gap of different standards can be so effectively bridge.

Not bridge the difference between DDR1 and DDR2 memory can be on the other hand. There is no difference is purely visually between the different standardized memory slots can be made out, but the hack is actually offset by two millimetres – in the middle of the RAM Bank however when DDR2 memory an environment in which novice PC users probably overlooked. Nothing to see in the RAM banks is the colour coding is used the better overview for the dual-channel operation. Here, the individual channels are separated not only by the colors of black and yellow, you for locking to use clips on the side of the slots differ depending on their membership to the channel A or channel B. of sharp is probably only with a display.

But usually, the distribution of the PCI and PCI Express slots on the motherboard is worth us some words decides how many cards can probably be installed. Probably that is why, since at the present time, also with a dual-slot cooling solution for graphics cards must be expected, that already one PCI – or PCI-Express-x 1 slots can consume. In the case of P5GD2 found below the PCI-Express-x 16 slots for the graphics card two normal PCI slots, which finally two PCI-E-x 1 slots follow. In addition, a further PCI-Express-x 1 slot above the black PCI-E-x 16 slots. Between the slot for the graphics card and the first PCI slot a gap that is so large is that one would expect a further slot there normally. Omit it has the disadvantage of reduced extensibility of course, but also ensures that no slot for a greater cooling solution must be sacrificed. Also the single PCI Express-x 1 slot above the slots for the graphics accelerator will remain guaranteed to always be used – towards this heatsink spreads very rare of video cards.

Due to the quite many OnBoard observations of various devices, the offered slots for most computer users should be sufficient. The solution of the slot number and its distribution seems in any case well thought out. It is only just a pity that with the gap between PCI Express-x 16 slot and PCI slot a commitment to today’s video cards had to be granted that prevented a further slot, which undoubtedly would have provided for even more expansion possibilities.

ASUS P5AD2

After the ASUS P5GD2 Grantsdale-based, it is to take a closer look at the bigger brother and apparently to analyze. As here the first differences make up, which is by far not confined to the chipset. So, a different version of PCI-slots and their more modern counterparts, the PCI-Express slots, should stand out in direct comparison with the just considered P5GD2. Arranged around you found this just by the slot for the video card all expansion slots are now exclusively and other number under the black PCI-Express-x 16 graphics slot. Three PCI slots and again including two PCI-E-x 1 slots, which is what you can make the Alderwood official made by ASUS.

Also no free space is between the video card, the PCI-E slot on this motherboard-x 16 slot and the slot, which was located below. This slot so what limited to four the total number of expansion slots is lost in the event of a dual-slot cooling solution for the installed video card. As well as the loss of the first, under the graphics card PCI slot would an equal number of PCI-E-x 1 slots and PCI slots remain – a quite better variant, to place as a PCI-E slot there and having to miss him sorely.

A cold plate that was attached to the back of the Board behind the CPU socket is interesting in the ASUS P5AD2. This device has also the ASUS P5GD2. The “stack” cool system reducing according to the manual – the CPU temperature to at least ten degrees Celsius, as opposed to the normal cooling solution, as it is required by Intel. According to ASUS, this explains also the renunciation of any active cooling methods on the main Board as all components within the CPU not more are exposed to the heat, usually generated by the processor. Two birds with one stone, so? The praised feature would be as effective as it promises, so a special extra in the House were overclockers and silent friends at the same time.

Now, is obviously at least, that the ASUS motherboard will give no own sounds, because as well as the P5GD2 it relies completely on passive heatsink without rotating support. But since this is the case also with Intel’s reference boards, not everything on the “stack” cool expected to come system – must therefore, to observe the CPU temperature more accurately.

Still, it is interesting that the dual-Gigabit-Ethernet solution via the PCI Express BUS is connected in contrast to the ASUS P5GD2, while both PCI-Express BUS and PCI BUS used in the Grantsdale-mainboard made by ASUS. Because at the ASUS P5AD2, two Marvell chips act as PCI-E controller, explained the difference of the number of PCI-Express-x 1 slots between P5GD2 (three PCI-E-x 1 slots) and P5AD2 (two PCI-E-x 1 slots).

The other differences between the two ASUS mainboards are limited to a slight redistribution of the motherboard header or the IDE slots, managed by the ITE8212F RAID controller. The latter provides in addition to the ICH6/R on two boards for ATA 133/100/66-connection options, that can be managed even in RAID mode. Also in addition and once again which is suitable for RAID operation for image silicon chip that, also on two ASUS boards installed, provides for four additional SATA slots at the bottom of the Board. Because of the Silicon Image RAID controller on the PCI BUS is connected, limited him also the maximum bandwidth of 133 MB / s.

Not limited the Gigabit Ethernet chips are meanwhile of Marvell, over the PCI-Express-x 1-BUS have enough free space. The latter offers 250 MB / s per-direction and can by one of the LAN controller at best 50% capacity be and even then only when run in full duplex mode and thus send 2 GB (250 MB / s) on the wires.

Technical overview

Before it goes to the further consideration of the motherboard, a technical overview and comparison with Intel’s reference platforms to provide additional information. The tabular overview has differences and similarities in at a glance and thus improves the later required understanding of the benchmark results.

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Delivery and facilities

As noted in advance of the report, the ASUS boards with a wide range of OnBoard features, connectivity, and technical refinements to shine. This impression is continued also in the consideration of the prescription inserts. Of course, a part of it is simply a must-have, nor would use but eight SATA ports without corresponding cables such as a FireWire motherboard header without the corresponding Kabelpacket, which leads him to the outside.

And four SATA power connectors with each dual-plug heads, so for the supply of a total of eight SATA devices, and two Ultra DMA/133 cable find the packaging filled up to the edge of every ASUS motherboard, whether P5AD2 or P5GD2, ten SATA cable. Continue to ASUS offers an IDE-cable to connect of the remaining non-serial ATA devices in addition to the floppy cable. Unfortunately it is the cables do not round cable, as we only too gladly would ruining it when the volume is currently possible at Festival stores, to impose not everything. If you now but expect grey and dreary ribbon cable, which can nevertheless assured: quite so standardized it is then also not works, because the cable in a shade of black so come and are provided with the ASUS logo.

Of course, also a corresponding antenna in the deliverable heard in the premium version of the mainboards, which all have WiFi LAN Controller an OnBoard. It comes with a cable anchored firmly in the antenna, ranging in length from about 50 centimeters just by following on the cover of the tower. On a thread, it is prevented that the once screw antenna can break loose from the OnBoard port.

Also some brackets are included. So one of the blind leading the two remaining IEEE-1394b motherboard header into the open, another makes the motherboard only the dual-Gigabit solution and leads a RJ-45 port on the outside. Again another module provides additional serial space with a COM port and two more USB2. 0 interfaces, as well as a GAME port can be brought to the outside.

Most recently, would be there the several times mentioned SATA-extension module, which is also prepared with two SATA ports and a power connection as a slot. Also the presence of a total of ten SATA cables can be explained with this slot. Here, you need: four pieces to connect external devices via the extension module. Two of the cables connect the motherboard with the module, two more serve the connection between the module and the external devices. The electrity swallows two cable, only a precious dual-plug-SATA cable must – be used as a connection between the module and the external devices. A simple, four-extension cable extends between power supply and engine.

When every mainboard course the driver CD and user manual must not be missed. Both specimens were available in the English language, the illustration is however mostly self-explanatory and if the foreign language is more or less powerful, detailed to enough instructions to the page is one with the user guide. “The driver CD also offers in addition to all required drivers also tools such as”ASUS Update”for simple flashing of the BIOS” or a WLAN utility. Some manuals are also as a PDF file on the CD available. A retail version of WinDVD, which is not uncommon for current boards can be found in the packaging also assumes the conclusion in terms of software.

Everyday experience

Both ASUS motherboards were on the whole, very easy to handle. May you already include the installation of such Board everyday, you may nominate again not likely difficulties. All ports are logically arranged, clearly labeled and described in the manual, can be associated with but even without this easily. The placement of the LEDs, for example, is commendably without looking in the manual to do immediately.

Everything is now in place and ready for use, so a green LED at the bottom of the motherboard is. It displays the adjacent tension and signals ready for operation. After switching on, did work on our test system (which was after all three internal and an external hard drive, two optical drives and all OnBoard frills) everything – but due to security settings not at full speed. The BIOS was here first port of call. The AMI-basic input output system is clearly and quickly manageable. Several languages were available, including German. Some of the concepts were only confusing. So you could in the USB2. 0 controller between [high speed] and [Fullspeed] choose. The name and the order also suggest that should result in the [Fullspeed] setting to a maximum speed of 480 MB / s. In fact, only the choice of [high speed] leads to the desired result.

This issue affects only those computer users who more quickly than reading through the switching BIOS and exercise – because a declaration is provided in addition to the settings. To make at this point, not even further drift everyday life in the individual BIOS options, refer to the additional report – we will devote ourselves even more precisely the BIOS at given point.

Once in Windows, the new drivers have been installed and complies with the hardware with life. But even here caution is: according to the manual, the new IEEE-1394b drivers from ASUS should (so those who accelerate the port to a theoretical speed of 800 Mbit / s) are installed if you want to connect a digital video camcorder to the FireWire port. In a chapter of the user guide, extra dedicated to this problem, the reader learns the following:

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You can connect your IEEE 1394b/a devices to the IEEE 1394b ports after installing the IEEE 1394b/RJ-45 ports module and the TI IEEE 1394b driver. The IEEE 1394b ports fully support IEEE 1394b/a consumer electronic (CE) devices, except the IEEE 1394 digital video (DV) camcorders.

If you wish to connect a DV camcorder to the IEEE 1394b ports, use the Microsoft 1394 stack driver.

For all other devices, the TI-IEEE-1394b driver is but highly recommended. Without this we achieved only a maximum bandwidth of 7.2 MB / s when tested with an external hard drive – how it is used also in our test course (according to HDTach). That this is the Max door plate behind the possibilities, already been shown at a previous tests of the model. With the new driver we exceeded the results previously achieved even clearly – certainly with other test system, but the driver and the IEEE 1394b port seem to do their service.

Friends of low CPU temperatures by saying, that is the “stack” cool system apparently proved its worth. According to BIOS was the temperature of our installed Intel Pentium 4 “Prescott”-processor 3.2 GHz in the cold start 35 ° C, some fully loaded rose the temperature not over 53 ° C and that no less than in a boxed cooler that swirled with only 60% of its maximum speed. De facto it can be said with certainty to what extent the temperatures are read incorrectly (whether consciously or unconsciously, whether once question) – the “make test” on the working heatsink confirmed but at least, that this not overly hot was. Also crashes were not even recorded as the tester abschaltete all case fan and suspended the system unusual temperatures. Although less compared to other cooling solutions from us is not so confirmed the 10 ° C can be, is to note that a more stable (and cool according to BIOS and ASUS utilities) operation was guaranteed at all times.

BIOS comparison

“When looking at the BIOS” want not on well-known and everywhere dominant functions go down, we concentrate our focus on what ASUS referred to themselves as outstanding or we perceive as worth mentioning. As would be to first of all – according to the order in the BIOS menu starting from the left – the different language to name a few, can be selected for the base system of the PC. In addition to the language configured as standard English as well German and French find themselves in the drop-down menu. But the Japanese as the Chinese language are also represented.

The list of OnBoard devices can be certainly as well a look acknowledge that, although a discussion you can save, but the name should can be associated with already a function through the previous pages. Although the BIOS menu of P5GD2 looks like the the P5AD2 confusingly, you can easily separate them using the OnBoard devices list. To see is namely here yet again, that was connected to a Gigabit Ethernet LAN Controller (GbE LAN) via PCI-E and another uses the PCI BUS.

The PEG link mode among the list of features for the new series of boards at Alderwood-or Grantsdale based on ASUS firmly part (we reported). With him the GPU as well as the VGA RAM clock should be increased by means of various levels, to achieve better performance as with the ASUS mainboards. The BIOS also here acts as a central point of contact for the new way of Übertaktens. The exact function and their effect should be treated exactly in the chapter “Special Features” – at this point, the illustration of the function is to comply.

But a type of Overclockings to get to the other, this follows the PEG link mode a.i. overclocking and the N.O.S.-modes. A.i. is in this context for “artificial intelligence”, which means artificial intelligence in the German language. With this special addition to the BIOS options it is to be the processor and RAM and FSB – now easier, or individually – to overclock. You can see the menu item [AI overclocking] next to the automatic change of the overclocking tool specifically predefined profiles clock screw the or but N.O.S.-Select modes.

“N.O.S” stands for ASUS for “Non-delay Overclocking System”, a system that is characterized by verzögerungslose changes of the FSB. The maximum FSB clock this is 3%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the computer users themselves set – back as a percentage, and here in the steps. Depending on the selected level, with the percentage increase in clock is to be stepped up, that puts n.o.-system the FSB during operation new set. Exact details of the N.O.S. also learn interested readers on the next pages.

Memory compatibility

Because the mainboard of also different storage available to test, it is possible to provide a small overview of the compatibility of the storage. Below is a table with the used memory modules and the corresponding mainboards as content:

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In short: ASUS realized any storage right off the bat and the timings were set correctly. Operated the store was however sync to the FSB with 400 MHz. BIOS revision 1005 was the version used.

Special features

PEG link mode

To describe the PEG link mode, the official press release on this topic is best. We want those promises critically look at and examine the real effects.

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Let’s begin with PEG link mode, which has received a lot of interest recently. This feature, found only on ASUS 915P-and 925X-based motherboards, allows users to raise GPU and VGA memory throughput via the motherboard BIOS the same way system bus and memory bus are tweaked. PEG link mode enables powerful video performance on DX8 and DX9 applications. ASUS engineers carefully fine-tuned the parameters for every single PCI-Express card to provide system stability during high speed graphics operation.

Under PEG link, there are five unique settings for this function: Fast, slow, normal, and faster. The default setting is auto, which means the motherboard will automatically adjust for the correct frequency according to system configuration. For advanced users who demand more precise overclocking, they can select the other four settings to achieve the most suitable graphics card performance.

The PEG link mode was originally insulted by the well-known it should and competitors gigabytes as a benchmark has (see “gigabyte: ASUS cheats at mainboards!” and “ASUS vs. gigabyte part 2: press release.”). The press release comes from the notice of the PEG link mode following the accusations and includes, on the essential compressed and German translated, the following:

With a stroke tuning adapted specifically to the graphics card to represent PEG link mode the internal GPU clock, as well as the memory clock of the graphics accelerator raise – depending on the selected level of acceleration. To select this the [Auto], [slow], [normal] are [fast] and [faster]. As standard the automatic adjustment of the bar lengths on the possibilities of fixing the amount of the feature defined [car], so. This means in plain language: with default both GPU and memory are overclocked – as far as the BIOS considers it necessary!

To give us even a picture of the Geschwindigskeitsdiskrepanzen between the modes, we tested the two extremes with PEG link mode enabled. A comparison of settings [slow] and [faster] shows that alone at the much used 3DMark version, 2003 a clear score difference is obtained. The same is true for other test programs, whose publishing is here but not of needs – the result remains the same:

Because the differences probably speak for themselves, wonders which of the different PEG link mode for now automatically selected in our car case. The answer to this question was not hard to find, and also not really surprised. Of course, the fastest link mode came to the course. Comparison of [Auto] and [faster] showed in our test system, that a difference of five 3DMarks, the same level of speed has been reached.

We summarize once: the PEG link mode speeds up the system in graphics applications so that the speed increase significantly measurable (although not really visible due to the high overall performance of the test system) is. The feature led faulty behavior continue to no crashes, graphic errors or similar. However, it is appropriate to send the computer users from the outset on the faster track? Each potential buyers should probably decide this question for themselves. DemTester remains only the displeasure over the always increasing number of hidden optimizations that affect the overall picture.

A.i. overclocking

After the PEG link mode was stated, that this not insignificantly contributes the ASUS motherboards to the standard performance, it is to take the next Übertaktungshilfe view. Because these starts preconfigured with the first system startup as auto with. Is the automatic AI overclocking which turned not insignificantly to the clock screw, but made this itself not even clear at boot time! This means in plain language: the BIOS overclocked via FSB our test at least 3.6 GHz processor (the default clock is 3.2 GHz) and increased the FSB to 24 MHz, Quadpumped by a total of 96 MHz. Starting up 3.2 GHz but issued at the default speed of the processor as well as with the currently configured speed. That this information is not valid, you can either read through Control Panel, or notice but with the help of programs like WCPUID. A photo of WCPUID has been added for clarity:

Of course, also this feature in the BIOS can be disable by in AI-overclocking, the function is limited to manual settings. Is questionable but at this point, which is why the customer of House from over clock points in purchasing must take. Combined to the PEG link mode and the automatic AI overclocking now, so no less significant compared with motherboards that are operated with the actual values of the hardware advantages.

Drop off not only the own displeasure on this controllable function, be described the actual functioning and their effect, which are automatically governed by the so-called artificial intelligence. Compared with the BIOS was already on the various ways of AI Overclockings referred, in a sense the functioning of automatic mode was also in this passage already explained. Remain so still the overclocking via predefined profile, as well as the percentage overclocking to call.

Percentage terms, the system with the help of non-delay overclocking system is called overclocked, short N.O.S.. The official press release about this feature will help better understand of this function, which is why a look should be allowed again here:

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This intelligent overclocking system detects CPU loading through CPU power consumption, unlike mechanisms on other motherboards that rely on monitoring temperature changes. Based on processor operation, AI NOS raises FSB frequency without delay. It won’t be affected by high-performance cooling systems that lower temperature when CPU is actually running at full power.

To refer to the explanation is that the AI N.O.S. on the power consumption of the CPU fixes the set clock drift upwards towards indirectly so wants to respond to the CPU. The more the CPU is called for, the higher is the power consumption and the stronger on the clock screw rotates, until finally the percentage predefined maximum limit has been reached. It is still interesting that cooling has no control over this feature, as are not the temperature, but the load on the processor. Who should use manual who wants to get even more than the maximum (possible by N.O.S.) 30% increase in clock so thanks to good cooling, overclock or an overclocking profile.

The overclocking profiles represent probably the second, easier method of Übertaktens. In predefined steps it goes through either also Prozentrechnungen to the new bar or but by predefined FSB/RAM clock steps. The fastest possible setting is a frontside bus 1066 MHz at 710 MHz RAM clock. This value is a utopia but, if at all, only with absolute top storage and a very tolerant CPU – likely so far.

Schummelein in the standard FSB

The number three as all the good things you mentioned sum, so you must correct probably this something in this report. Because now is also the third prank made by ASUS, not quite as obvious as the PEG link mode or the AI overclocking, for it but not correctable. The talk of the manually configured frontside bus, wanted or even not so right, as we would like to. Because instead of 200 MHz taktete the Board strongly with 202,30 MHz FSB, quadrupled this yields a FSB 809,19 MHz so. Now, you would think this situation could be corrected with a reduction of clock 2 MHz – after all, all values between 100 and 400 MHz for election are according to description. But master the art correctly set all other FSB clock made the ASUS mainboards.

What does this mean now spelled out? Now, in addition to a higher order 9 MHz FSB there the overclocking of processor would to name a few, who ever WINS according to the multiplier to a few MHz. In our case, there were 3236,76 MHz. Not much? Enough in any case, to influence the test results. Using SiSoft Sandra memory bandwidth benchmark, the differences should be demonstrated by the apparently small deviation. Here, we compared the bandwidth for a real 202,3 MHz and 199 MHz FSB:

The result is unique. 300 MB / s difference due to 3 MHz – a not too verachtender, measurable advantage, which is also in comparison with other motherboards. The result is certainly not bad for those computer users who take care of nature only on performance, but such practices undermine fair competition.

Strange one could speak way but also of a restore of competitiveness such as lost. Internal testing of other Alderwood-and Grantsdale boards namely showed that not only ASUS easy hurdle excessive about the 200 MHz. But legitimised the trickery of all competitors who each individual?

Overclocking experience

When an ASUS you can overclocking already at your feet, so this fact should also be used. And it is not surprising that we also us closer dedicated overclocking with the two ASUS mainboards. This was done in two ways: before overclocking profiles came to the course or the track was cleared of artificial intelligence, the tester on manual overclocking of CPU, FSB and memory dabbled. This way is useful to know any limits when overclocking before and so take a look, if the artificial intelligence can better it or not.

When overclocking the RAM was operated always synchronously to the FSB. It would be possible without further memory, via the splitter available later to clock. More bandwidth would not arise but from this, since the Northbridge here is the bottleneck.

And so the series began with a gradual increase of the FSB at a subsequent endurance test whether everything is stable. The major steps of 210, 220 and 230 MHz frontside bus reaches the bottom of the manual flagpole at 240 MHz. More the system wanted to restart not more properly after the clock settings in the BIOS have been made – the screen remained black. This is however easy to fix by the PC is turned off and restarted again. Then, the BIOS emits “Overclocking failed” message and calls to a reconfiguration of the BIOS settings.

Overall, it’s so very commendable that not even a BIOS reset must be, to undo failed Übertaktungsversuche. In addition, it is likely that not the motherboard in this bar has drawn a line, but the processor at 600 MHz at multiple clock set the ceiling. Because the model used was locked, we could not pursue but this assessment, by a lower multiplier would have can be selected.

After the manual border seems now certain, it still applies to try their overclocking luck the artificial intelligence. This also Overcloking profiles available are known to be in addition to the percentage configurable overclocking. Both variants are to prove their worth and were examined on their ability to.

And so non-delay overclocking system (N.O.S.) was tried first with the a.i. to outdo the 240 MHz brand at the frontside bus. A percentage of 20% provided here exactly the desired FSB 960 MHz the already achieved 240 MHz with the manual overclocking quadpumped, so. ASUS a.i.-system accelerated also reliably and without fehl and blame the system for these guidelines. No crash, no stability problems were encountered. Also, there are no additional settings to be done by hand. With the n.o.-system it is also possible, select a 30% Übertaktungsstufe. This attempt ended but again in a not glückenden boot process of the test system, which, as already mentioned, by a restart of the system be solved can.

Finally, also the overclocking profiles should get their fair chance. Here we tried us first on a 950 MHz frontside bus coupled with 633 MHz of faster RAM clock (for these tests we used up to DDR2-667 Ballistix specified modules). When this profile was put into operation in stable, we tried us to the next step. 1000 MHz frontside bus and 667 MHz for the RAM should be it. More than one “should be” can be here but also not. Again the CPU was not higher. In total, all automatic overclocking features however left a good impression. It ran as long as the hardware part. The features themselves were never the limit point at our Übertaktungsversuchen.

Test system

Please find attached the composition of the test system, which as usual to provide in the form of a collection of individual components for the best possible overview follows.

• Processor
  • Intel Pentium 4 Prescott 3.2 GHz (socket 775)
• Motherboard (timings via SPD)
  • Intel i925X reference mainboard (Alderwood chipset)
  • Intel i915G reference mainboard (Grantsdale-G chipset)
  • ASUS P5AD2 (Alderwood chipset)
  • ASUS P5GD2 (Grantsdale chipset)
• Memory
  • 2 x 512 MB Corsair CMS2 DDR533 RAM – CL 4-4 – 4-12
• Graphics card
  • Gigabyte GeForce PCX 5900 128 MB
• Peripherals
  • LiteOn DVD-ROM drive LTD163
  • Samsung 80 GB S-ATA HDD (8 MB cache)
  • 2 x Maxtor 250 GB S-ATA HDD (8 MB cache)
  • Maxtor OneTouch 250 GB USB 2.0 / firewire HDD
• Driver versions
  • nVidia ForceWare 61.77
• Software
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 9
  • Microsoft Windows Movie Maker 2.0
  • Microsoft DirectX 9.0 c

Benchmarks

With the new boards, also our benchmark course was revised to enter even more on the possibilities of motherboards and to test these not like graphics cards. And so the part, which contains games benchmarks, is comparatively low. Rather, interface benchmarks – to make known as new – for a higher value. Should be noted in our benchmark course once again, that the results can be used as a direction, but due to its own test methods and special hardware configurations not in own attempts must be reproducible.

• Synthetic benches:
  • SiSoft Sandra multimedia-CPU benchmark
  • SiSoft Sandra memory bandwidth benchmark
  • 3DMark2001SE
  • 3DMark03
  • PCMark04
  • Aquamark 3
• Applications and encoding:
  • SYSmark 2004
  • Converting an SXW file (31 MB as a Word file) to PDF to open Office 1.1.2
  • XMPeg a 590 MB.Convert VOB file to DiVX 5
  • TMPEG a 590 MB.Convert VOB file to SVCD
  • Lame conversion of 300 MB.WAV to a 192 kb VBR MP3 file
  • Spec ViewPerf 8
  • Cinema 4 d 8.5 – caustic animated
  • Lightwave 8.0
  • WinRaR
  • 7 Zip
• Game benchmarks:
  • Quake 3 arena
  • UT 2004
  • Splinter Cell
  • Doom 3
  • Far cry
  • Call of duty
• Interface benchmarks:
  • USB 2.0 test: HDTach to the external hard drive
  • FireWire-test: HDTach to the external hard drive
  • Sound test: Rightmark audio analyser
• RAID benchmarks:
  • Intel ICH6/R test: HDTach FullBench
  • Silicon Image SATA RAID benchmark: HDTach FullBench

Synthetic benchmarks

Tests made by Futuremark to make the start of our benchmark series. We include the 3DMarks of versions 2001 and 2003, as well as the PCMark version at this benchmark course in 2004. To note is at this point once again that the ASUS mainboards with a frontside bus 202,30 MHz have been operated. That this value at best only under the target of 200 MHz can bring be, these benchmarks with the ASUS trick to do come. This step of deliberate non-Zurücktaktens to 199 MHz occurred from the knowledge of the other vendors out tricks. All partners with such tricks, play at the next Mainboardvergleich…

To refer to the benchmarks is that ASUS is consistently making good ´ P5AD2 mainboard. Also the Grantsdale motherboard from its own House can claim against Intel’s reference; even against the actually more Alderwood motherboard. The PCMark, but obviously painted not on this picture the performance distribution with. This certifies that a worse overall speed as all other Vergleichsboards ASUS P5GD2. The P5AD2 Premium, however, also claimed the top though – look at, to sum up – the differences between the boards were very lean.

Synthetic benchmarks (continued)

With SiSoft Sandra, the next view is to be directed on the memory performance, as well as the CPU speed in the multimedia benchmark. The Aquamark concludes the synthetic benchmarks 3 benchmark.

SiSoft Sandra provides in as an image, as it provide also the PCMark 2004 knew: here, too, the ASUS is 5AD2 at the top to search, based on the Grantsdale chipset, smaller counterpart must hire back but at least in the CPU test. It is surprising that in the float part of the multimedia processor benchmarks Intel’s i925 Board rear lies. Because the values are however generally very close together, you can see this difference as null and void. It is a value averaged from multiple benchmark runs, but ultimately remains marginal but the difference.

When the memory bandwidth benchmark of SiSoft Sandra, the two representatives of ASUS occupy the top positions. ASUS’Alderwood Board thus defended the previously unbeaten top, at the equivalent of Grantsdale one can talk rather arbitrary jumps on the podium.

Also in the Aquamark 3, we find again the pole position of P5AD2. The ASUS P5GD2 finished 2nd just before the Intel reference cohorts. A really surprising result. However, was not clear to what extent can convince the Grantsdale Board from ASUS here.

Applications and encoding

In the benchmark section “Applications and encoding”, it should go beyond the two newcomers in the TestField named SysMark 2004 and a Word to PDF conversion to old friends with new tasks. But at a suitable point more.

In this case, the two benchmarks provide same results from the evaluation: while the two Alderwood motherboard, Intel’s reference, and ASUS share their own company, the leading position (in both cases with the same result), the ASUS P5GD2 must hire always rear. The difference to Intel’s guidelines drops out, but relatively low, which is why the consideration of other benchmarks makes sense to get into the conclusion to an endgültigerem result.

We convert a 590 MB big since recently with the program XMPEG.VOB file in the DivX format. The changes from other benchmarks are limited to using a larger.VOB file to get clearer results through longer conversion time. TMPGenc gets from now on the same.VOB file put before, to also here results for comparing delivered to get better.

We convert now newly also with LAME: 300 MB of wave files are sent in number by the encoder and converted 192kbit VBR MP3 files.

The results are relatively unique among all three benchmarks: the ASUS P5AD2 is leading, the P5GD2 mostly back in the performance list. Most clearly this gap in XMPEG reveals, in which there has been a difference of 24 seconds. A quite significant value, especially in view of the only small differences between the other mainboards.

Applications and encoding (continued)

Next spec ViewPerf is to provide 8 match values in the latest version. With the new, more sophisticated tests are meaningful results within our Erwartungshorizonts.