[special] Analysis of Intel6 series motherboards of ASUSTeK

　ASUSTeK Computer introduced motherboards with Intel 6 series chipsets. This time I borrowed three of the models and would like to introduce them with the photo.

　Since its launch, the Intel6 series has been very popular, especially for ASUSTeK products, which account for more than half of the retail market. I want to analyze the popular secret with the actual sense of use.

　In addition, as of February 7, due to the failure of the SATA3Gbps port of the Intel 6 series chipset, all the motherboard products for store inventory were recycled, resulting in a situation that could not be purchased. In addition, for users who buy, there is an announcement to start the exchange with the goal of about April to May. I look forward to resuming sales earlier.

　The top model for the general lineup, which went on sale at the end of January, is (game-oriented R.O.G. There is "Maximux IV Extreme" in the series, this "P8P67WS Revolution". The actual selling price is about 29800 yen.

　The substrate is no different from other motherboards of ASUSTeK, and its characteristic is that as a bridge chip of PCI Express, it is equipped with NVIDIA's "NF200" and has 4 PCI Express x16 slots.

　The new Core I series (Sandy Bridge) is the same as the previous Lynnfield, because the CPU only has 16-channel PCI Express, so when there are more than two multi-GPU structures on most motherboards, the first and second slots are 8 channels, and the third slot is the PCI Express x4 channel derived from the Intel 6 series chipset, but In this product, the NF200 is used to hang 32 lanes under the 16 lanes on the CPU side, and the branches are divided into 4 (8 lanes per slot). In structure, compared with the chipset side, it is more advantageous in performance.

　In addition, the perimeter of the CPU power supply is digitally known as the "Digi+VRM" of the 1602 stage. Compared with the analog method, this method is more efficient, and 92% efficiency is achieved by using spread spectrum. In addition, the noise is suppressed, which is advantageous in the stability of passing the clock and so on. It is worth mentioning that Digi+VRM is also installed on some other models.

　It also follows the traditional installation of over-clock chip "TPU" and power-saving chip "EPU", which can set over-clock, voltage setting, HDD and fan speed from EFI BIOS and software. In addition, TPU and EPU can also be disconnected through the switch on the motherboard. In addition, it also has the characteristics of double Gigabit Ethernet based on Intel chip, display of POST code, ON/OFF of power supply, "G.P.Diagnosis Card" of reset operation (attachment, connector that needs to be inserted into TPM module) and so on.

　Press IEEE1394 and USB3.0 × 2 around the interface. In addition, there are 8 PS/2 ports, S/PDIF and USB2.0 on the rear panel, which will not be particularly troublesome in normal use. The normal-shaped USB port on the motherboard is also unique and seems to be able to make full use of it in a shantytown state. Accessories also enrich SLI and 3way SLI cables, eSATA/USB brackets, serial port brackets, and 8 SATA cables. As the completion of the hardware, it is at a high level commensurate with the price.

　However, this product is characterized not so much by hardware as by software that includes EFI BIOS.

　First of all, although it is an EFI BIOS, by becoming a GUI, you can operate with the mouse and operate more intuitively.

　The startup method is the same as before, entering the setting screen while pressing the DEL key of the keyboard, but by default, EFI BIOS is started with a "EZ mode (EZ Mode)" that omits complex settings such as CPU clock or memory setting. The simple mode consists of only one screen, and the hardware monitoring, the order of starting the device, the display language and the action mode can be set.

　In addition to the standard setting, the action mode can also be used to switch between the mode of suppressing the rotation speed of the fan and the mode of improving performance by passing the clock automatically. This takes full advantage of the aforementioned functions of TPU and EPU. Of course, it should be noted that automatic clock passing does not guarantee work.

　Press the "Exit/Advanced Mode" button in the upper right corner of the screen and go to advanced mode for more detailed settings. Here, like the previous BIOS, the voltage and magnification of CPU, the ON/OFF of onboard function and other setting items involve many aspects. Here can also be operated with the mouse, can be in the wheel up and down to move between items, etc., you can see detailed consideration.

　However, what people care about is the method of setting the numerical value, for example, in the case of setting the voltage, you need to enter the specific value with the keyboard. It is not easy to use the mouse to operate, so in order to change the value, as long as the arrow button on the side, only the mouse can complete the operation, but must use the keyboard is very troublesome. Maybe it won't be easy to play with to make sure it's foolproof to consider, but I think, "then you can be in the traditional BIOS UI." On the other hand, if you are accustomed to the keyboard, you can also operate as before.

　On the other hand, the comprehensive utility "AI Suite II" for Windows becomes easy to use. In the past, ASUSTeK was characterized by a wealth of utilities, but it was also difficult to understand which utility would affect which functionality. The AI Suite II that comes with this product is R.O.G for games. It has become a comprehensive utility inherited from this series, with access to common languages such as "tools", "Monitor", "Update", "system Information" and so on. UI has also been unified, which has always greatly improved the convenience of use.

　In AI Suite II, as a characteristic function, you can cite the unique "Digi+VRM" of this product. In this screen, the correction degree of the load line, the maximum current tolerance, the switching frequency and so on can be changed. These two functions are aimed at the function of the super-limiter, the general user can not get the benefit directly by changing the setting, but it can be said that it is a unique function of digital VRM.

　In P8P67WS Revolution, the frequency of BCLK can not be reflected correctly, Japanese has not been correctly translated, and so on. Although some errors can be seen everywhere, UI itself is very fastidious, including the functions needed from beginners to senior personnel. Generally speaking, it is a high level of completion.

　"P8P67" is exactly the pattern that should be called "standard". The actual price is about 18000 yen.

　Only in standard mode, the installation only focuses on the necessary minimum + trend. First of all, the power phase is the same as P8P67WS Revolution, which is Digi+VRM, but the number of phases is reduced to 12 / 2. In addition, there are 2 PCI Express x16 slots without a PCI Express bridge such as NF200. The first is the PCI Express x16 fixed, and the second is the PCI Express x1/x4 drawn from the south bridge. Note that when it is set to PCI Express x4, other PCI Express x1 slots and USB3.0 will not be available.

　What is unique is the PCI Express PCI Express PCI conversion chip "ASM1085" produced by asmedia, which has 3 PCI slots. In the Intel6 series, support for PCI has been terminated, so this is the installation, but I am glad to have legacy expansion cards available. In addition, it can be said that carrying Bluetooth 2.1+EDR module is also its characteristic.

　The rear panel interface includes USB 3.0 × 2, USB 2.0 × 6, IEEE 1394, S/PDIF, Gigabit Ethernet, PS/2 × 2, voice input / output and standard configuration. Through the bracket module, USB2.0 × 2 and eSATA3Gbps × 1 can be added.

　In terms of EFI BIOS and software, it is no longer introduced because it is the same as the above P8P67WS Revolution. In any case, this is a cost-effective model that does not have too many or insufficient functions.

　"P8H67-M EVO" is the only microATX model with Intel H67 Express in this introduction. The actual selling price is about 16000 yen.

　ASUSTeK sells the H67 microATX motherboard lineup, the top position of the model, K-series CPU loading ratio can not change the H-series constraints, the above listed 2 models installed Digi+VRM is not equipped, the analog mode of 8-stage 2-stage VRM has.

　The expansion slot has 2 PCI Express x16 shapes and 1 PCI Express x1 and 1 PCI. PCI slots, like P8P67, are realized by converting chips. The lower PCI Express x16 slot 4-channel is fixed and supports CrossFire X.

　Features not available in P67 include the "GPU Boost" function of the super-clock GPU. By turning on the switch on the motherboard, the GPU clock automatically overclocks according to the load.

　On the other hand, it seems to be the H67 series, with a solid interface surface and display output pressing DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D and mini D-Sub15 pins. USB 3.0 × 2, USB 2.0 × 4, IEEE1394, USB 2.0/eSATA combo ports, Gigabit Ethernet, S/PDIF output, PS/2, sound input and output, etc.

　As the mother of microATX, although a bit expensive, but it can be said to be a very attractive one for users who seek multi-function in the limited form factors.

　Therefore, I looked at the three models and knew the reasons for the high degree of hardware / software completion and user support. In particular, the complexity of the software that used to be a weakness has been greatly improved, becoming complex and easy to use. It is needless for beginners to say that it is a product that can satisfy the senior personnel who want to pull the performance of Sandy Bridge to the limit. I still can't wait to ship the goods again as soon as possible.