ASUS presents a premiere gaming platform with the NVIDIA 680i based P5N32-E. Intel’s Socket T supports LGA775 based processors including the new Quad-core, and the DIMM slots will support up to 8GB of DDR2-800 memory for maximum gaming power. The 3, yes that’s right 3, PCI-E x16 slots will support 2 GPU cards at x16 and a physics card at x8 speeds.
There is one ATA133 header and 6 SATAII headers for drive connectivity. Four back panel and 6 headers give you up to 10 USB 2.0 ports and there are up to 2 FireWire ports (1 back panel and 1 header). Two gigabit LAN connectors provide maximum network access.
The SupremeFX audio system is an 8 channel setup that has jack sensing for 2, 4, 6 or 8 channel speaker systems. Also included is the DTS Connect feature which converts your stereo or multi-channel audio into a DTS audio signal and sends it out to any DTS enabled system and can also convert your standard stereo audio into a multi-channel experience through the computer’s speaker system.
NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ChipsetsThe enthusiast-oriented NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI chipsets deliver outstanding gaming experiences with two SLI-based full-bandwidth PCI Express x16 links and NVIDIA LinkBoost technology automatically delivering additional GPU and MCP bandwidth for unrestricted graphics performance. Take advantage of NVIDIA FirstPacket technology to prioritize your gaming traffic for reduced ping times! Other advanced features include SATA 3Gb/s RAID, dual Gigabit LAN and High Definition Audio.
Intel Core 2 Processor SupportThis motherboard supports the next-generation LGA 775 Intel Core 2 processors including the Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Extreme. With Intel’s brand-new Core microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 processors are considered some of the most powerful and energy-efficient CPUs in the world.
Ultimate Gaming Performance with NVIDIA SLI TechnologyWith NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface), a pair of GPUs deliver earth-shattering, scalable graphics power approaching twice the performance in certain applications. The nForce 680i SLI MCP automatically increases bandwidth when select SLI Certified memory modules are detected for unparalleled memory performance.
8 Phase Power DesignThe ASUS 8-Phase Power Design protects the CPU and power module from the risk of excessively high power stress to greatly extend CPU lifetime and system stability. The highly-efficient design also generates less heat to ensure low ambient temperatures, while the vigorous power pump delivers serious overclocking potential.
Fanless Design for Ultra-Quiet OperationThe ASUS fanless motherboard concept was created specifically for cool running computing environments without the possibility of fan noise or malfunction. To address thermal issues across the motherboard, ASUS utilizes tailor-made heat pipes and heat sinks to maximize heat dissipation and thermal performance.
Q-ConnectorThe ASUS Q-Connector allows single-step connection and disconnection of chassis front panel cables with one complete module. This unique adapter ensures quick and accurate connections without the trouble of plugging cables in separately.
Pros: I did a lot of research before choosing a motherboard. I knew I wanted the 680i chipset despite everything I had read about problems with memory compatibility, and data corruption over the last month or so. I figured all of that was blown out of proportion and that bios updates would fix any problems and I was right. This board installed with ease and is runny very stable with the latest beta bios from Asus. I haven't done any overclocking and I am running 3GB of OCZ DDR2-1066 platinum memory and a Intel E6600 processor. I also got the nVidia 8800GTS and my games are screaming fast (200+ FPS Counterstirke Source with all eye candy turned on). I installed both Windows Vista and XP with no issues. Bottom line, all new chipsets have issues at launch and they are almost always resolved through bios updates. Don't be scared of the 680i based on feedback from November and December 2006. This board is stable and screaming fast (owned one week) when paired with quality components.
Cons: The only con so far is that when I do a restart of Windows rather than a shutdown the board will sometimes hang before the posting screen comes up. The monitor just stays black but the hardware and fans are running. If I hit the reset button or power button manually then everything is fine. It was a bit of a pain while updating Windows XP through Windows Update because you have to a lot of reboots in a row. I will report the problem to Asus and hopefully a bios update or some setting I don't know about will fix that issue. It's so simple but can be annoying. I'm not so sure there isn't a setting or something I am missing as I have done very little tweaking in the bios yet to know all of the options. I wouldn't let that influence you buying decision.
Overall Review: Great board so far other than the soft boot problem.