Subsystem Testing
The first thing we'll check is the audio. We downloaded and installed to test its CPU utilization.
CPU utilization was minimal throughout the DirectSound 2D and DirectSound 3D tests. With an average CPU utilization of 0.0952% and 0.5521% respectively, add to those impressive scores the 3D Hardware +EAX tests at a mere 0.5124%, you can see that the P5W DH Deluxe is extremely efficient at delivering high quality audio. Along with it's brethren Intel chipsets utilizing HD Audio, Asus chose the Realtek ALC882M. The P5W DH Deluxe also deploys Soft Ports for the rear panel connector so you can plug in as you see fit, without crawling to the back of the system. While the graph appears to favor Asus drastically, the numbers show that Asus and Foxconn are actually very close.
Hard Drive Performance
Foxconn 975x left, P5WDH right
With both motherboards based on the same chipset for north and south bridge, you would expect to see identical results (or close to it).
Network Performance
We used to test the networking speed, and Windows Task Manager for CPU utilization. As with Most motherboards today, the Asus P5W DH Deluxe is a PCIe based GB NIC. I copied a variety of files varying in size of 300kb to as much as 150MB and totaling 2.0GB, from my Ubuntu Server to the Test System and back. Then I performed the same test with a 3.7GB ISO image. This test was performed at stock CPU speeds using an Enterasys C2 (C2G124-24) enterprise class switch.
|
|
|
|
| Asus P5W DH Deluxe |
46.27
|
19
|
| Foxconn 975X7AB |
45.84
|
18
|
| Download |
|
|
| Asus P5W DH Deluxe |
33.33
|
12
|
| Foxconn 975X7AB |
41.39
|
19
|
Foxconn appears to have the upper hand on the download speed, I can't say exactly why that is to be honest. They are in a dead heat on the upload side.
Moving over to wireless testing I unfortunately did not have anything but a laptop to test the performance against, and that would be anything but a fair test, right? Well, here are the numbers against a Dell Inspiron C2D based Laptop (1.8GHZ compared to the Asus 2.13GHz).
|
|
|
|
| Asus P5W DH Deluxe WiFi |
2.73
|
29
|
| Dell Inspiron WiFi |
2.05
|
31
|
| Download |
|
|
| Asus P5W DH Deluxe WiFi |
2.72
|
21
|
| Dell Inspiron WiFi |
2.06
|
27
|
Notice the CPU utilization when using the WiFi, one main reason you don't see gamers using it (along with the instability of the connection because you are fighting every other device operating on the 2.4GHz spectrum). The Asus does outperform, but it also had more CPU and a stronger antenna then the Dell Inspiron.
Overclocking
Asus has always brought a competitive OC player to the table. They might not always be the fastest, but the stability offered more then makes up for that. I have several options for Overclocking as described in the BIOS section, I utilized 2 here for testing purposes. First is the Automatic Overclocking that is done via the Asus AiBooster (Windows only of course) and manually through the BIOS of course. I was able to obtain a respectable 351MHz FSB using AiBooster (2.813GHz). For some unknown reason, no matter what I selected as the VCore AiBooster would not allow the actuall VCore to go above 1.3V, I am not sure if this is a safety setting or a limitation within the program itself.
My stable BIOS overclock, with no additional VCore, was an impressive 380MHz FSB (3.04GHz), this was accomplished by increasing the NB MCH voltage by 0.2V. Be very careful here, as the 975x and 965 North Bridge chipsets run hot to begin with, added Voltage is only going to exacerbate that issue...
I increased the VCore to 1.46V (as previously mentioned) and I was able to coax another 27MHz FSB out of her, netting me 3.256GHz.
Interestingly, I was able to obtain a 400MHz FSB without a VCore bump (3.2GHz), however this was anything but stable. Also the CPU utilization for one processor was constant 100%, the 2nd CPU would spike here and there. Any testing I tried to accomplish would complete, just not quickly.
While the AiBooster overclock is decent and a nice quick solution for the beginner, the BIOS OC was impressive, add to that the additional boost when I got the VCore to 1.46, its an impressive result. Everything that has been posted about the C2D's has been around getting the VCore to 1.4V or greater, and this board helps to prove that out. While running the tests at 3.256GHz I monitored the temperature of the E6400; with stock cooling it nearly reached 50C. With proper cooling, this would more then likely be lower.
Final Words
are known for a quality motherboard, add to that a better then decent reputation for Overclocking ability. The Deluxe does not disappoint in either category, although if you are not planning to overclock, performance could disappoint. Rock solid performance along with stability spells in many a gamers notepads and you can include me in that group. While wants us to consider all of their Deluxe lineup as “Digital Home” solutions, I see very few people finding the to be the choice for an HTPC. Extreme gaming machine? Very much so! This of course doesn't mean it couldn't function extremely well as the basis for an HTPC, but they're are cheaper options. The Remote, MP3 playback and WiFi all stack up in the boards favour as the center of a Media PC.
I would like to see driver updates available through and the real potential of this board isn't discovered until you start overclocking. Standard performance isn't lacking per se, just a little behind others. Speaking of overclocking, this can be done 'ye olde' fashioned way (BIOS) or via software from Windows thanks to the supplied utilities. The Q-Connector is a big boon for those who mess around inside the PC often, and even for those who don't it's simply all round a nicer and easier way of doing things.
once again makes a statement about why it is one of the market leaders for enthusiasts motherboards. Implementing simple features that you just don't see on other manufacturers want list's, much less their deliverables, gives even more reason to why the is a solid motherboard choice. Oh yes, I forgot to mention there is this thing called CrossFire as well.
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