ASUS P7P55D EVO P55 Motherboard

As we move into the holiday season, many are looking to Intel's new Lynnfield Desktop Platform for an upgrade or new build. Not surprising, there's plenty of good hardware on the market to choose from. In this article, Benchmark Reviews looks at the P7P55D EVO motherboard from ASUS. As part of their P55 lineup, the ASUS P7P55D EVO provides full support the for the new Lynnfield platform, along with several unique features. We'll explore these features in detail and find out how the EVO stacks up against other mainstream platforms.

The P7P55D EVO is one of several motherboards in the ASUS P7P55D series that launched last month. The models within this series share the same base configuration, but vary in terms of features and overclocking options. Compared to the rest of the lineup, the EVO model that we're looking at today sits about middle of the pack. It contains all of ASUS' proprietary hybrid technologies, but isn't quite as robust as the Premium and Deluxe models.

With an MSRP of $199, the ASUS P7P55D EVO also costs a bit less than the higher-end ASUS models. At first glance, it appears to be a good compromise between features and price. Over the next few pages, we'll look at these features in detail, as well as the results of our performance testing. Similar to the Intel DP55KG review published last month, we'll be comparing the ASUS P7P55D against two other chipsets: the Intel P45 and the AMD 790FX. This time, however, we've upgraded our test suite to Windows 7, which should better utilize our multi-core systems.

About ASUS

ASUS, a technology-oriented company blessed with one of the world's top R&D teams, is well known for high-quality and innovative technology. As a leading provider of 3C (computers, communications and consumer electronics) total solutions, ASUS offers a complete product portfolio to compete in the new millennium.

ASUS products' top quality stems from product development. It's like learning Chinese Kung-Fu; one must begin with cultivating the "Chi" and inner strength. Besides innovating cutting-edge features, ASUS engineers also pay special attention to EMI (electromagnetic interference), thermal, acoustics and details that usually go unnoticed to achieve complete customer satisfaction. ASUS notebooks are the first TCO'99-certified notebooks worldwide. The requirements for this honor include radiation emission control, energy (battery consumption), ecology (environment friendly) and ergonomics.

To succeed in this ultra-competitive industry, great products need to be complimented by speed-to-market, cost and service. That's why all 100,000 over employees of ASUS strive for the "ASUS Way of Total Quality Management" to offer the best quality without compromising cost and time-to-market while providing maximum value to all customers through world-class services.

ASUS P55 Series Features

LGA1156 Intel Lynnfield Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel Lynnfield processors in LGA1156 package which has memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes providing great graphics performance. Intel Lynnfield processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world.

Quad-GPU SLI and Quad-GPU CrossFireX Support
Flexible Multi-GPU solutions, Your Weapon of Choice! P7P55D EVO brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI or CrossFireX. The motherboard features the most powerful Intel P55 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you've never experienced before!

Intel P55
The Intel P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support latest 1156 socket Intel Core i7/Core i5 Processors. Intel P55 providing improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

PCIe 2.0
Double Speed; Double Bandwidth. This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

Memory Features
Dual-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support. The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2200(O.C.) / 1600 /1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

ASUS TurboV EVO
Ultimate O.C. Processor. Whether novice or enthusiast, TurboV EVO satisfies overclockers of any level. Intelligently push systems to the fastest, stable clock speeds with Auto-Tuning. Turbo Key boosts performance with a simple touch, while TurboV offers additional advanced options for breaking those records!

Auto Tuning
Auto System Level Up. Achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results automatically with Auto Tuning! With built-in stability testing, Auto Tuning lets even beginners improve performance with no additional cost.

Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to boost PC performance with a simple hot key. After an easy setup, Turbo Key can boost system performance with a single touch without affecting ongoing work or running games.

ASUS Hybrid 12+2 Phase Power Design
Unprecedented Innovation with the Best Quality Component for Best Performance. The groundbreaking 12+2 phase VRM design is brrought to the ASUS motherboards. 12+2 phase power design, 12-phase for vCore and extra 2-phase for Memory controller inside CPU, can provide the highest power efficiency, and hence generates less heat to effectively enhance the overclocking capability. With the high quality power components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss and 100% Japan-made high quality conductive polymer capacitors, ASUS 12+2 phase VRM design also ensure longer component life and minimum power loss.

T.Probe
Leading Active Cooling Technology. The T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loads and temperatures real-time. With optimal power phase functions, components run cooler and extend system lifespan.

ASUS Express Gate
Instant Online! Instant Fun! Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows OS.

MemOK!
Any Memory is A-OK! MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time!

ASUS Drive Xpert
Plug and Safe! Without BIOS setups, the ASUS exclusive Drive Xpert is ideal for anyone who needs to secure data on their hard drives or enhance hard drive performances without the hassles of complicated configurations. With Drive Xpert's user-friendly graphical user interface, users can easily arrange hard drive backups or enhance their hard drive transfer rates-making sure that data is looked after every moment, every day.

ASUS EPU
System Level Energy Saving. The new ASUS EPU - the world´s first power saving engine, has been upgraded to a new six engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. With auto phase switching for components (which includes the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, drives and system fan), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking - helping save power and money.

ASUS Fanless Design - Heatsink solution
The crystal-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the heatsink design lowers the temperature of the chipset and power phase area through high efficient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS crystal-shaped heatsink will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant appearance!

Up to 20°C(36°F) Cooler - Stack Cool 3
Effective Fanless Heat Dissipation at 0dB. Stack Cool 3 is a fanless cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively and noiselessly transfers heat generated by the critical components to the other side of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for effective heat dissipation - making temperatures cooler by up to 20°C.

Fan Xpert
Active Quiet & Cool. ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speed according to different ambient temperature , which is caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and system loading.Built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

Noise Filtering
Eliminate background noise while recording. This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience through the most common PC audio setups - your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, "Bass enhancement" provides stronger low frequency bass sound, and "Voice clarification" provides clear human dialogue even with loud background sound. With these technologies, you may experience a better home-theater audio with ease.

ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS Onboard Switch. With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamer to effortless fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins!

Q- Shield
Easy and Comfortable Installations. The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

EZ-Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS-based flash utility.

ASUS Q-Design
DIY quickly, DIY easily! ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot and Q-DIMM design speed up and simplify the DIY process!

Q-Connector
Make connection quick and accurate! The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.

O.C. Profile
Conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. Freely share and distribute favorite overclocking settings The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite overclocking settings.

IEEE 1394a interface
IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices.

S/PDIF-out on Back I/O Port
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks. It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

GreenASUS
The motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union´s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products and packaging to safeguard consumers´ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

P7P55D EVO Specifications

Closer Look: ASUS P55

The P7P55D series from ASUS launched last month with the release of Intel's Lynnfield Desktop Platform. With six models, it's the largest series in the ASUS P55 family, as well as the broadest in terms and features and price points. All six models feature a similar layout, as well as a unifying blue and black color scheme. Falling somewhere in the middle of the pack, the ASUS P7P55D EVO that we're looking at today should give us a good indication of what to expect from the rest of the series.

The EVO follows a fairly standard ATX layout. At 12x9.6 inches, there appears to be plenty of breathing room for larger components. However, the RAM slots may be a bit too close to the CPU socket for some configurations. Also of note is the absence of a northbridge. Now that it has been completely integrated into the processor package, motherboard manufacturers have a bit more flexibility.

Moving on to the bottom half of the P7P55D EVO, we find the P55 Chipset, or Platform Controller Hub as Intel refers to it. Of course, it's shrouded by ASUS' custom heatsink. While the larger size isn't completely necessary, it does help to visually balance the design, particularly in light of the missing northbridge. Several expansion slots are also present, as well as plenty of I/O connectivity.

The connectivity options continue as we swing around to rear I/O ports. Two PS/2 ports are included, as well as the usual USB and audio ports (analog and digital). Beyond the basics, the ASUS P7P55D EVO also includes FireWire, eSATA, and two LAN connections. An added bonus for overclockers and system builders is a BIOS reset button, easily accessible without opening the case.

Protecting the rear I/O ports is an ASUS Q-Shield. It uses a padded metallic backing to ensure complete contact with the motherboard. The P7P55D EVO also comes bundled with an additional bracket. Should you manage to use up all 8 USB port on the board itself, the extra bracket, will supply an additional two, as well as another eSATA connection. Other bundled accessories include four SATA cables, one IDE cable, ASUS Q-Connectors, an SLI bridge, installation CD, and user manual.

P7P55D EVO Detailed Features

One of the key features of the ASUS P7P55D EVO, as well as the rest of the Series, is what ASUS refers to as its "Hybrid Design." The term "Hybrid Design" refers to three different technologies: Hybrid Phase, Hybrid Processor, and Hybrid OS. The first of these, Hybrid Phase, actively balances the phases of the power delivery system. Combined with high quality components, this technology improves efficiency, operating temperatures, and component longevity.

The second technology, Hybrid Processor, refers to the overclocking options built into the P7P55D Series. While manual BIOS overclocking is still available for those that prefer it, ASUS has implemented a hardware based controller called TurboV EVO to help take the guesswork out of it. The chip can be accessed via the BIOS or the included desktop software and allows for the use of predetermined OC Profiles, auto-tuning, or traditional manual adjustments.

For those who decide to manually overclock, the ASUS P7P55D EVO has another useful feature called MemOK!. Should you push the memory too far, holding the MemOK! button will restore failsafe values without resetting the rest of the BIOS. It's great for those times when you can't get a display signal during boot. Also worth mentioning when it comes to troubleshooting the boot process are the ASUS Q-LEDs. These LEDs are positioned near the CPU, RAM, VGA, and boot devices and light up throughout the boot process. If the system hangs, the LED near the component causing the problem will remain lit.

Enthusiasts will also appreciate the EVO's crossfire and SLI support. As with most of the P55 motherboards on the market, though, there are some limitations to be aware of. The only true PCIe x16 slot is the blue one closest to the CPU socket, which drops down to x8 if an additional card is added to the gray slot. These two slots bypass the chipset and connect directly to the PCIe controller onboard the processor. The third full length PCIe slot (black) slot can be used as well, but connects to the chipset instead and is limited to x4.

On the other side of the board we find the chipset and the bulk of the P7P55D EVO's internal I/O connections. The six light blue SATA ports connect to the P55 chipset, four of which are angled to help reduce cable clutter. The two other SATA ports are routed to a JMicron JMB363 controller and support Drive Xpert, ASUS' simplified RAID technology. Now is also a good time bring up the third and final Hybrid technology: Hybrid OS. This refers to ASUS' "instant on" Express Gate operating system, which boots a usable desktop in a few seconds. The Linux-based OS can be used to access basic Internet and media applications when a full OS isn't necessary.

Testing and Results

Before I begin any benchmarking or overclocking, I thoroughly stress the CPU and memory by running Prime95 on all available cores for 12 hours. If no errors are found, I move on to a gaming stress test. To do this, I use Prime95 again to stress the processor, while running an instance of FurMark's stability test on top of this. If the computer survives this test for 1 hour without lockup or corruption, I consider it to be stable and ready for benchmarking.

Each benchmark test program begins after a system restart, and the very first result for every test will be ignored since it often only caches the test. This process proved extremely important in the World in Conflict and Supreme Commander benchmarks, as the first run served to cache maps allowing subsequent tests to perform much better than the first. Each test is completed five times, with the average results displayed in our article.

Intel LGA775 Test System

• Processors: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
• Motherboard:Asus P5Q3
• System Memory: 2x2GB DDR3 1333 9-9-9-24 1.5v
• Video: ASUS EAH4870 TOP
• Disk Drive: Western Digital 6400AAKS 640GB
• Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
  

Intel LGA 1156 Test System

• Processors:Intel Core i5-750
• Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D EVO
  
• System Memory: 2x2GB DDR3 1333 9-9-9-24 1.5v
• Video: ASUS EAH4870 TOP
• Disk Drive: Western Digital 6400AAKS 640GB
• Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate x64

AMD Socket AM3 Test System

• Processors:AMD Phenom II 955 BE
• Motherboard:Asus M4A79T Deluxe
• System Memory: 2x2GB DDR3 1333 9-9-9-24 1.5v
• Video: ASUS EAH4870 TOP
• Disk Drive: Western Digital 6400AAKS 640GB
• Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Benchmark Applications

• EVEREST Ultimate Edition v5.01 by Lavalys
• PCMark Vantage by Futurmark Corporation
• Passmark PerformanceTest
• Crysis Benchmark Tool
• CINEBENCH R10 by MAXON

EVEREST Benchmark Tests

EVEREST Ultimate Edition is an industry leading system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for enthusiasts PC users, based on the award-winning EVEREST Technology. During system optimizations and tweaking it provides essential system and overclock information, advanced hardware monitoring and diagnostics capabilities to check the effects of the applied settings. CPU, FPU and memory benchmarks are available to measure the actual system performance and compare it to previous states or other systems. Furthermore, complete software, operating system and security information makes EVEREST Ultimate Edition a comprehensive system diagnostics tool that offers a total of 100 pages of information about your PC.

As we've seen in past reviews, the Lynnfield platform simply can't be beat in terms of memory bandwidth. The ASUS P7P55D EVO with our Core i5-750 processor has a significant lead over the other two platforms.

Moving on the EVEREST Integer Tests, the results shift in favor of the Phenom II X4 955. The largest lead shows up in the AES benchmarks, while results are fairly close in the Queen and PhotoWorxx tests.

In the floating point benchmarks our P7P55D EVO system takes the lead once again. The P45 system, with a Core 2 Quad Q9450 manage catch up as well in the first test, but falls behind as the tests become more demanding.

PCMark Vantage Benchmark Suite

PCMark Vantage is the first objective hardware performance benchmark for PCs running 32 and 64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows Vista. PCMark Vantage is perfectly suited for benchmarking any type of Microsoft Windows Vista PC from multimedia home entertainment systems and laptops to dedicated workstations and hi-end gaming rigs. With the release of Windows 7 around the corner, we decided to skip Vista and present our results with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate. PCMark Vantage offers several scores for different areas of interest, but for this article, we will stick to the Overall, Gaming, and Productivity scores.

In the Overall score, the P45 and 790FX systems are essentially tied, while the ASUS P7P55D/i5-750 system takes a 14% lead. This lead continues into the Gaming and Productivity score as well. Among the other two platforms, the 790X system manages to secure seconds place by a significant margin. Still, it can't quite catch up to the P55.

Passmark PerformanceTest

PassMark PerformanceTest is a PC hardware benchmark utility that allows a user to quickly assess the performance of their computer and compare it to a number of standard 'baseline' computer systems. The Passmark PerformanceTest CPU tests all benchmark the mathematical operations, compression, encryption, SSE, and 3DNow! instructions of modern processors.

In our tests there were several areas of concentration for each benchmark, which are combined into one compound score. This score is referred to as the CPU Mark, and is a composite of the following tests: Integer Math, Floating Point Math, Find Prime Numbers, SSE/3DNow!, Compression, Encryption, Image Rotation, and String Sorting. For this review, we've also decided to run the memory benchmark, which results in a composite score based on the following tests: small block allocation, cached read, uncached read, write performance, and large block allocation.

In Passmark PerformanceTest, the ASUS P7P55D EVO once again takes the lead. Contrary to PCMark Vantage, though, the Intel P45 system moves up to second place and the 790FX platform comes in third.

Crysis Gaming Tests

Crysis uses a new graphics engine: the CryENGINE2, which is the successor to Far Cry's CryENGINE. CryENGINE2 is among the first engines to use the Direct3D 10 (DirectX10) framework of Windows Vista, but can also run using DirectX9, both on Vista and Windows XP.

Roy Taylor, Vice President of Content Relations at NVIDIA, has spoken on the subject of the engine's complexity, stating that Crysis has over a million lines of code, 1GB of texture data, and 85,000 shaders. To get the most out of modern multicore processor architectures, CPU intensive subsystems of CryENGINE 2 such as physics, networking and sound, have been re-written to support multi-threading.

Crysis offers an in-game benchmark tool, which is similar to World in Conflict. This short test does place some high amounts of stress on a graphics card, since there are so many landscape features rendered. For benchmarking purposes, Crysis can mean trouble as it places a high demand on both GPU and CPU resources. Benchmark Reviews uses the Crysis Benchmark Tool by Mad Boris to test frame rates in batches, which allows the results of many tests to be averaged.

When testing a CPU, the settings we choose are a bit different than a typical video card review. As you'll see in the charts below, modern games can easily max out the processing abilities of the video card and mask any differences between the CPUs. For this reason, we generally start at low resolutions and quality settings and slowly ramp them up until we hit the limit of the video card. This allows us to quickly distinguish differences between CPUs and identify any other limiting hardware.

In the low resolution test, the ASUS P7P55D EVO has a clear lead over the P45 and 790FX, which essentially tie for second. However, as we increase the resolution and quality settings, we approach the limit of our graphics card and the scores level out. Surprisingly, the Intel Q9450 system manages to pull ahead just slightly in these last two tests.

MAXON CINEBENCH R10

CINEBENCH comes to us from MAXON, the developers of CINEMA 4D animation software. This benchmark runs several tests to measure performance of the processor and the graphics card under real-world circumstances. It can make use of up to 16 CPUs or CPU cores, but also includes a single-threaded test to provide an accurate comparison of efficiency and performance across a wide range of CPU types.

The resulting values among different operating systems are 100% comparable and therefore very useful with regard to purchasing decision making. It can also be used as a marketing tool for hardware vendors or simply to compare hardware among colleagues or friends.

Given our previous results, it should come as no surprise that the ASUS P7P55D EVO system once again tops the charts. Our P45 and 790FX systems continue to compete for second place, with the Phenom II X4 955 taking the lead in CINEBENCH.

P7P55D EVO Power Consumption

Life is not as affordable as it used to be, and items such as fuel and electrical energy top the list of resources that have exploded in price over the past few years. Add to this the limit of non-renewable resources compared to demand and you can see that the prices are only going to get worse. Planet Earth is needs our help, and needs it badly. With forests becoming barren of vegetation and snow capped poles quickly turning brown, the technology industry has a new attitude towards suddenly becoming "green". Motherboard manufacturers, in particular, have been touting their new energy saving features. How effective these power management system are, is exactly what we intend to measure in our power consumption tests.

Before we get to the results, let me quickly explain the procedures. We begin with a completely idle system (Windows XP desktop with 0-2% processor utilization), and measure the power draw from the wall with a Kill-a-Watt power meter. We then max out the available CPU cores/threads using Prime95 to establish a maximum 2D power draw. All tests are conducted with Speed Step, Cool n Quiet, C1E, C-States, and Turbo enabled when supported. However, power saving technologies specific to the motherboard are not used in an effort to standardize our results as much as possible.

As we've found in our previous reviews, the new Lynnfield platform excels at idle power consumption. During load, however, the automatic overclocking of Turbo Boost pushes the system a bit higher than the P45 platform. The 790FX system has the highest power consumption under load, but manages to match the P45 during idle.

ASUS P55 Final Thoughts

With an increased number of functions moved to the processor package, motherboard manufacturers have had to work hard to differentiate their Lynnfield products from the competition. The P7P55D EVO that we looked at today accomplishes this through ASUS' Hybrid Technology and Q-Design features. A reputation for build quality and reliability doesn't hurt either, and the P7P55D series continues this trend. With a number of manufacturers developing their own proprietary technologies, though, consumers have plenty of options when it come to Lynnfield.

The P7P55D Series also faces competition from other platforms and chipsets, including ASUS' own product lines. In fact, each of our test systems today used ASUS motherboards. With all of the common hardware standardized, we were able to focus on platform specific differences. We tested similar systems in our Intel DP55KG article last month. For today's review, however, we made the move to Windows 7 and updated several of our applications.

Just as we found in previous reviews, Intel's Lynnfield Desktop Platform is the clear leader in terms of mainstream performance. Our AMD 790X system with a Phenom II X4 955 managed to pull ahead in a few of the Everest benchmarks, but that advantage disappeared in real world testing. The P7P55D system also faired well in power consumption. Under load, it pulled a few more watts than our P45 system, but more than made up for it in performance. Overall, the P7P55D Series offers a good balance of performance, efficiency, and features. The only limitation seems to be the PCIe controller, which supports only 16 lanes. Those looking to build a high end Crossfire or SLI rig, may want to look to to the 790FX chipset or Intel's Bloomfield family, as both offer considerably more bandwidth.

P7P55D EVO Conclusion

Having reviewed a number of Lynnfield products, it wasn't surprising to find the ASUS P7P55D EVO consistently at the top of the charts. It did give up it's lead to our P45 and 790FX systems a few times throughout the benchmarks. However, the overall performance trend still favored the EVO by a considerable margin.

The ASUS P7P55D EVO also wins major points for appearance. ASUS' website showcases and supports their products very well, including a well-executed Flash mini-site for the P7P55D Series. The board itself is very attractive as well. The large heatsinks help take the focus off the absent north bridge, while the blue and black color scheme pulls everything together.

ASUS' attention to detail extends to construction quality as well. The P7P55D EVO installed easily and performed flawlessly throughout all of our benchmarks. High quality components like solid conductive polymer capacitors, low RDS (on) MOSFETs, and ferrite core chokes, should provide years of stable power. Should anything come up, though, the EVO is backed by a three year warranty.

At $194.99 from NewEgg, the ASUS P7P55D EVO is far from a budget board, but also not as costly as some of the high-end P55 offerings. It's a good compromise of features, performance, and price. If you're planning to put together new Lynnfield system, though, it may be worth taking a look at the rest of the P7P55D series. There's plenty of good boards to choose from and you may that one of the other models better suits your needs.

Pros:

+ 12+2 phase power delivery
+ DDR3-2200 support
+ Overclocker friendly
+ Crossfire/SLI support
+ Attractive design
+ Windows 7 support
+ 3 year warranty

Cons:

- Proximity of RAM to CPU socket

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.5
• Appearance: 9.75
• Construction: 9.75
• Functionaily: 9.25
• Value: 8.5

Final Score: 9.35 out of 10.

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.

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