Intel's P45 Shows Promise, As Does ASUS' P5Q Deluxe

It almost feels like Intel just launched their P35 chipset, but it's been close to a year. Since that release, we saw both the X38 and X48 chipsets come to fruition, so the next step is of course the P45 (and G45). We are in the process of working on a review for the ASUS P5Q Deluxe, but I thought I'd post about it quick here, since it's quite an offering.

P45 in itself is not too exciting, specs-wise. It bumps up the official FSB from 1333MHz to 1600MHz and includes support for PCI-E 2.0, a la X38. Total yawn, but what's exciting is the fact that the overclocking ability is far improved, and the options available in the BIOS are on par, and beyond, with X38/X48 options. When I first took a peek into the P5Q's BIOS, I was surprised to see brand-new options available, such as new memory enhancers and voltage options.

I won't delve much into that here since I haven't toyed with it, but one thing's for sure... P45 will be for dedicated overclockers. But that aside, the P5Q is one packed board, and putting it so simply makes it an understatement.

In addition to their EPU technology, ASUS boasts having the first 16-phase power solution available, which is true. Gigabyte holds a close second with their 12-phase power solutions, although others might exist as well. Another new feature is "Drive Xpert", which is essentially RAID but in layman's terms. With two special S-ATA ports on the motherboard, you can either duplicate an entire drive (even without entering Windows), or set up "Super Speed", which is essentially RAID 1.

On top of it all, the Splashtop embedded Linux environment makes a comeback, but is a much more updated version than what we first saw on the P5E3 Deluxe. In addition to being able to use Skype and surf the web (where YouTube now works), you can look at photos on the PC and talk via IM with a customized Pidgin application. I'll tackle this and a lot more in our review which will be posted within the week. Stay tuned...

Dell to Phase Out XPS Gaming Systems

Dell's XPS machines have long been statures in their product line-up, but according to the Wall Street Journal, it might not remain that way for much longer. In an attempt to either have a slimmer line-up or push more people towards their recent acquisition, Alienware will become the sole builder of gaming machines for the company.

The problem might be that Dell's own XPS line-up didn't suck, because the report notes that they "ate into" Alienware's sales. Of course it's obvious now that Dell would much rather see Alienware succeed in that particular market, rather than see their own systems sell. What an odd situation to be in.

It's an interesting turn regardless, and even though I never owned an XPS, they've gotten so good in the past couple of years. It's too bad to see them go.

This will effectively leave Alienware as the sole high-end PC game offering from Dell which acquired the Miami-based game system maker in 2006. Dell's XPS game PC line "ate into" Alienware sales, according to the report.

Source: Nanotech: The Circuits Blog

May 13th Tech Roundup

Motherboards & Processors
• ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe - Hardware Logic
• DFI LANParty LT X48 T2 - Bit-Tech
• Gigabyte X48 DQ6 - Pro-Clockers

Displays & Video Cards
• ASUS 8600GT TOP - TheTechLounge
• Overclocked Radeon HD 3650 Showdown, ASUS vs. HIS - HotHardware
• Palit 9600GT Sonic 1GB - Think Computers
• Palit 9600GT Sonic 1GB - TweakTown
• XFX 9800 GTX Black Edition 512mb - Overclock3D

Memory & Storage
• Corsair Voyager 32GB Flash Drive - Techware Labs
• "Game Testing 2GB versus 4GB of Memory on Vista 64-bit" - Legit Reviews
• Mushkin Ascent XP3 16000 2GB - Overclockers Club
• OCZ Reaper HPC PC3-10666 2GB - OCIA
• Super Talent Pico: World Smallest Flash Drive - Bjorn3D

Peripherals & Gadgets
• Cyber Snipa Warboard Gaming Keyboard - Pro-Clockers
• XTracPads Hammer Mouse Pad - Tech-Reviews

Cooling
• Noiseblocker FanSpeed Controller - Tech-Reviews

Chassis & Power Supplies
• Corsair HX1000 Power Supply - Hardware Canucks
• Corsair HX1000 Power Supply - jonnyGURU
• Enermax Modu82+ 625W Power Supply - PC Perspective
• Sunbeamtech Quarterback Case - Modders-Inc

Competitions, Complete Systems & Et cetera
• MSI TurboBook GX600 Gaming Notebook - Overclock3D