Overclocking
The BIOS defaults to the proper 266 MHz FSB with automatic overclocking (Ai N.O.S.) turned off. Automatic settings are available from 3 to 20%, but experienced overclockers will get better results from manual selections.
Asus is one of only two companies in this comparison to add a functional multiplier adjustment to its BIOS, allowing us to test it at higher bus speeds. Asus also adds the 5:3 and 2:1 DRAM:FSB ratios when using an FSB1066 CPU, allowing nonstandard 888 MHz and 1066 MHz data rates to be selected.
| BIOS Frequency and Voltage settings (for overclocking) | |
|---|---|
| FSB Frequency | 100 - 500 MHz (1 MHz) |
| Clock Multiplier Adjustment | Yes |
| PCIe Clock | 90-150 MHz (1 MHz) |
| CPU Vcore | 1.1625-1.700V (0.0025V) |
| Memory | 1.80 - 2.45V (0.05V) |
| FSB Termination | 1.200-1.450V (0.05V) |
| Northbridge (MCH) | 1.25 - 1.45V (0.05V) |
| Southbridge (ICH) | 1.057/1.215 |
| ICH I/O | 1.50 - 1.80V (0.10V) |
| Available Memory Ratios (DRAM:FSB) | |
| DDR2-533 (1:1) | Yes |
| DDR2-667 (5:4) | Yes |
| DDR2-711 (4:3) | No |
| DDR2-800 (3:2) | Yes |
| DDR2-888 (5:3) | Yes |
| DDR2-1066 (2:1) | Yes |
| CAS Latency Range | |
| tCAS: 3-6; tRCD: 2-6; tRP: 2-6; tRAS: 4-12; Command Rate: N/A |
Our Take
Unlocking the Core 2 multiplier downwards is a boon to reviewers and PR types as it enables exploration of upper bus speed limits without requiring an ultra-overclockable CPU. Downward multiplier adjustment is rarely used in practice as a CPU overclocking tool, as higher multipliers allow CPU limits to be reached before breaching chipset stability.
At the lowest possible 6x multiplier we reached a stable 461 MHz FSB, but this is far less than the maximum reported for this chipset. Lacking any adjustable multiplier in several other boards, we are unable to conclude whether the P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP Edition is a competitive overclocker, or merely average.
| Accessories | |
|---|---|
| Documentation & Software | Motherboard ManualWireless LAN Adapter GuideuGuru User's Guide"Media Launcher" Software BundleDriver & Tools CD |
| Hardware | 6x Serial ATA cables3x SATA Power Adapter (2-drive style)1x USB Slot Panel (2-ports)1x IEEE1394 FireWire Slot Panel (1-port)1x 80-conductor ATA cable1x Floppy Cable1x I/O Panel Shield1x Array Microphone w/mounting tape1x Asus Case Badge1x Wireless Antenna1x Q-Connector Kit1x VRM Cooling Fan (with instructions) |
Special Features
An 802.11b/g-compliant wireless adapter stands out among onboard features, while from the accessory kit, the array microphone grabs attention. Asus also includes its Q-Connector kit to allow the bundling of front-panel leads, so these can be connected and removed from the board in groups.
Added value software includes MediaOne Gallery, WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum, InterVideo PhotoAlbum, DiscMaster 2.5 Platinum, and DVD Copy Platinum.
