Installation and Testing:

Each of the motherboards were quite easily assembled without any special requirements to achieve a stable OS environment. As a matter of fact, it's a huge bonus to continually experience an extremely stable system without worrying about the possibility of a random issue. Under a stock basic installation, you won't be disappointed. Instability for these kinds of motherboards occurs only after you've chosen to install something that Windows just can't stomach. The hardest thing about either board's process was the use of the Q-Connector which makes plugging the Front Panel wiring a snap. The connector is labeled and really can't be installed incorrectly unless you have a case wire connector that is mislabeled. Due to the height of the Q-Connector, it's easy to handle and plug in even if your motherboard is already installed. Just love it!

The test systems aren't really being compared to each other by any means. If these were both DDR3 or DDR2 based motherboards, then comparative testing would be in order. Because of this, each motherboard was tested individually with the best hardware on hand. Thanks to Patriot Memory, we have the extremely capable PC2-9200 1150MHz DDR2 memory kit and the world's current fastest kit, the PC3-15000 1866MHz DDR3 memory kit. Whether you're a DDR2 or DDR3 user, you'll have the best comparison here.

Drivers

Utilities

SupremeFX Sound MAX

Driver installation has been simplified a bit more these days. Once the driver disc is in and you select the top Asus Installation tab, the chipset, network, and Supreme FX audio drivers are automatically installed with one reboot at the start that Windows requires for the chipset drivers to initiate. The process is pretty painless and worked perfectly on both the Blitz Formula and Extreme. However, it can take quite a bit longer than if you did so manually. For those users who just don't want to have to guess, the auto installation is your best option.
 

BIOS:

The BIOS of both boards are very similar and resemble the P5K3's BIOS. The main differences are the Front Side Bus Straps and the lower voltage options on the Extreme which are in reference to the supported DDR3 memory. Each BIOS remains laid out in an orderly fashion based on chipset or processor functions. While the motherboard may intimidate new users at first glance, newcomers won't be intimidated by the BIOS settings as the manual does a relatively decent job of explaining things and answering questions you might have.
 

Tweaker - Formula	Tweaker - Extreme	Formula FSB Option
Extreme FSB Option	Same Frequencies	Same Advanced
Same Options	Same Management	Same OC Profiles

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