ASUS P5E3 Deluxe: X38 and DDR3 arrives... almost
by Gary Key on September 18, 2007 4:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Motherboards
ASUS P5E3 Deluxe Express Gate Features
One of the new features that ASUS is launching with this board is their Express Gate application that is based on Splashtop technology. Express Gate features a unique startup screen when the system is first booted. This technology allows you to continue the POST process into your operating system, enter the BIOS setup, and power down or restart the system. The current utilities allow the user to enter a built-in web browser or launch Skype provided an internet connection is available through one of the Gigabit LAN controllers or the 802.11n wireless connection. ASUS includes a windows based utility to update the current Express Gate program code and applets.
Startup / Exit
The top screenshot shows the startup screen with the bottom screenshot showing the exit options. Express Gate can be turned off in the BIOS if this application is not interesting to the user.
Configuration
The setup and configuration of Express Gate was fairly straightforward with individual options for Date and Time, Input Devices, Language and Keyboard Layout, LaunchBar settings, Network configuration, Volume control, and Screen Resolution. Screen Resolution is limited to 1440x1050 currently but the ability to define the network connection is extensive.
Skype
During testing, our Skype connection worked perfectly during several extended conversations. The current code included will be updated before product launch and we will provide details on the final version at that time.
Web
The browser is based on Splashtop technology and performed admirably in early testing. The current code release is being optimized along with additional browser features. We visited several websites and did not run into any layout or display issues in our initial testing with this applet. Adobe Flash is also supported within the browser.
One of the new features that ASUS is launching with this board is their Express Gate application that is based on Splashtop technology. Express Gate features a unique startup screen when the system is first booted. This technology allows you to continue the POST process into your operating system, enter the BIOS setup, and power down or restart the system. The current utilities allow the user to enter a built-in web browser or launch Skype provided an internet connection is available through one of the Gigabit LAN controllers or the 802.11n wireless connection. ASUS includes a windows based utility to update the current Express Gate program code and applets.
Startup / Exit
The top screenshot shows the startup screen with the bottom screenshot showing the exit options. Express Gate can be turned off in the BIOS if this application is not interesting to the user.
Configuration
The setup and configuration of Express Gate was fairly straightforward with individual options for Date and Time, Input Devices, Language and Keyboard Layout, LaunchBar settings, Network configuration, Volume control, and Screen Resolution. Screen Resolution is limited to 1440x1050 currently but the ability to define the network connection is extensive.
Skype
During testing, our Skype connection worked perfectly during several extended conversations. The current code included will be updated before product launch and we will provide details on the final version at that time.
Web
The browser is based on Splashtop technology and performed admirably in early testing. The current code release is being optimized along with additional browser features. We visited several websites and did not run into any layout or display issues in our initial testing with this applet. Adobe Flash is also supported within the browser.
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DigitalFreak - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
Funny thing is, there were quite a few boards a year or two ago that had Firewire 800 (mainly from Gigabyte). Not sure why everyone is going back to Firewire 400.Gary Key - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
Gigabyte use to have Firewire 800 and from all indications about a dozen (me included) people cared about it according to their marketing group, plus the cost was about double for the chipset. After speaking, sometimes pleading, the motherboard manufacturers are going to stick with Firewire 400 for the time being, originally most of the new boards were not going to have it.Hulk - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
It's great to compare this new chipset to other current designs but a lot of people, like myself, are considering an upgrade from older designs. I have a P5B Deluxe and would like to see a 965 based chipset in the performance graphsgramboh - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
I'm also a P5B Deluxe owner and I don't see much benefit to moving to P35/X38 at all. There might be a 3-5% performance boost and potentially better overclocking, but really nothing is different.I plan to wait for the next generation MB's and for DDR3 prices to drop. I might then upgrade my mainboard/memory in late 2008/early 2009.
FWIW I plan to drop in a 45nm Penryn quad core into my P5B-Deluxe in summer 2008.
Gary Key - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
We will have comparisons to the older boards in the launch article, well, the article that will contain retail boards. Right now, our first retail board with the revised X38 will not arrive until this Friday. Monday might be just be a fluff PR article on the chipset specifics until we get at another board or two in.hifisoftware - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
Good review.It's good to see DDR3 reviews once in a full moon (just to know where it stands performance wise), but 99% of people would rather see DDR2 review. DDR3 is just way, way more expensive without providing anything in return. I am looking for a new system so I want to know whether I should go with P35 or X38? Sounds like X38 will be more expensive and not much better (I do not care about running cooler, unless it can be translated to a higher overclock)
JarredWalton - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
The quad-core FSB OC results are quite a bit higher than anything we've seen so far. Many quad cores have issues running at FSBs beyond the low 400MHz range. Then again, with the lowest quad-core having a 9X multiplier, I don't really see this as a huge limitation.hifisoftware - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
Thanks. I guess then there is a reason for me to wait 2-3 weeks to decide if X38 price justifies it's OC abilities.n0nsense - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
In your case will be smarter to wait for chipsets with PCIe 2 support.not to mention soon coming HybridSLI with 1600MHz support from Nvidia and X48 from intel.
and the Phenoms triple and quad cores will be released. Many new technologies. If it's not broken, let it work another half year.
n0nsense - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - link
The passive cooling solution is good, but have some problem.The problem starting when you install this heatpipe cooled boards into cases like Enermax CS-718 (http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2863.jp...">http://rusisrael.com/albums/pic/o/00/00/28/2863.jp.... According to Asus support, "After all, the board is not designed to be installed "upside-down"" and they suggest to consider other cooling solutions in case of overclocking. It took me more then a week to get straight answer for the question "Does installation direction have negative affect on cooling". The question was asked about my P5N32-E SLI, but i suspect it remains true for all boards with heatpipe cooling solution. What is disappointing me most, is the fact that this information not found on Asus's site as "case compatibility" or "installation directions" or some other kind of note or warning.