Overclocking

The PN2 SLI2+ provides all the overclocking controls mandated by its market with frequency ranges at least 50% beyond practical limits and high-enough maximum voltage limits to exceed safe practices.

The early-stepping E6700 used in testing has never been a stellar overclocker, usually reaching 3460 MHz at a 346 MHz bus clock (FSB 1384) and it stock 10x multiplier, with 1.50 volts, applied to its core. The PN2 SLI2+ reached the same CPU clock limit, but dropping the CPU clock multiplier to 6x only got bus speed up to a disappointing 375 MHz bus (FSB 1500), where an increase to 376 MHz wouldn't boot.

Accessories

ECS attempts to maximize value in its accessory pack by including freeware/shareware applications that cost them nothing in licensing fees may prove useful to the end user. Cabling is simple but complete, with the full set of Serial ATA, Ultra ATA and floppy drive cables, but ECS again adds value and convenience with a low-cost crossover network cable.

Nvidia's reference-board Northbridge fan and SLI bridge again meet expectations, but ECS also adds a front-panel bay adapter for its IEEE-1394 FireWire and USB breakout bracket. Inexpensive but thoughtful add-ins such as this are hallmarks of ECS' drive for customer satisfaction.