Sandra Cont.







3D / Gaming Benchmarks

I've included the AOpen Aeolus 7800GTX in our 3D/Gaming benchmark section. The Aeolus will be included in the remainder of benchmarks beginning with PCMark05. The thumbnail below details the Aeolus 7800GTX core frequency at 450MHz in further detail. Memory on this card runs at 1255MHz GDDR3, the card was run in single card mode at default speeds.



The P5ND5-SLi Deluxe is after all an SLI motherboard ergo Gamers will most likely be the largest segment interested in the platform. The Asus Extreme N6600GT PCIex cards each feature 256MB of fast GDDR3. I found the cards memory compliment had a substantial (positive) impact on its performance. Finding 6600GT cards with 256MB of memory was almost impossible, Asus obviously saw the need. The fundamental architectural differences between the 6600 and 6800 differ in the amount of pipelines the latter having a full 16 activated, while the 6600 has 8. Core frequency on the 66-- is 500MHz while the 680 runs at 350MHz, with many OEM versions running at a slightly higher speed.







Discrepancies in the HardwareOC FarCry Steam benchmark may, at first glance seem ambiguous. While all the patches were installed and these benchmarks were repeated several times the results, while erratic have been repeated consistently. I've left the chart in-tact while still attempting to resolve what may or may not be a software and/or hardware issue. Undoubtedly with this much information a linear or progressive result cannot be expected based upon the latencies and CPU speeds. Results are the average of two runs at three different resolutions x3 FSB/memory combinations x3 graphic card combinations, this alone may explain "irregularities" where none might be expected.



Technical Summary

The P5ND2-SI Deluxe produced some of the best overclocking results both in CPU and memory speeds of any Socket-775 motherboard I've tested or owned to date. As a gaming platform the SLI platform offers excellent performance options, with an added versatility in the wide selection of cards the board accommodates in Single Card Mode. Also worthy of mention is Asus AI Booster, NOS overclocking and PC-Probe monitoring software which epitomize the User-friendly concept. Experienced PC-Enthusiasts and Budding Overclockers can benefit whether they choose to overclock through the phoenix BIOS, Windows, or simply use some of the pre-programmed formulas as a guideline. Insofar as memory performance nForce-4's DASP is proven; bearing no resemblance to "marcitecturing" hyperbole. The ability to run memory at 1T Command rate combined with DASP, effectively counters both the lackadaisical latencies associated with DDR2 and innate inefficiencies in Pentium-4 pipeline depths.

Pros
- Well thought out (SLI) design.
- Price drop,(since release $156 Newegg non-Deluxe version just $103 Newegg
- Excellent overclocking performance
- User-friendly overclocking/tweaking and monitoring software bundle
- Accommodates a wide selection of memory
- Excellent BIOS

Cons
- Price (could be even less)
- Active cooling on the NorthBridge would help performance


Conclusion

To be brutally honest, originally I was frustrated with this board concerned it was a lemon. This began with my inability to verify memory bus speeds accurately which, I presumed were negating memory performance. After finding this is most likely a prima facie formulaic problem with OEM software, my concerns dissipated. After investing some time and patience with this board I've had a complete reversal. The Asus P5D2-SLI Deluxe has been a pleasure to play with. Anyone on a budget but wanting SLI performance might consider the combination used in this review acquiring two Asus EN6600GT (256MB GDR3) which are just $199 Newegg each (Silencer Edition). The board is well thought out, the user manual detailed, straight forward and the board features every accouterment any Intel lover could ask for. Providing me with my best performance in every area to date, the only reason I wouldn't consider this motherboard is to purchase the new P5N32-SLI Deluxe, beyond that this would make a very nice Christmas gift for your favorite Overclocker, PC-Enthusiast or Gamer!

Question/Comments: forum thread