Testing:

HD Tach 3.0 (red)

HD Tach 3.0 (black)

Software:

   Asus also included the usual variety of software to monitor voltages, temps, and to tweak settings. Unfortunately this P5B Deluxe did not come with the same quality AiBooster version that the M2N32-SLI. With that one I could change a ton of settings from within windows and not even need to reboot.

   The new AiBooster that comes with this board is on the verge of useless compared to the previous version I used. Every single setting I tried to change, it wanted to reboot the system. That's just unpractical to me and why the new version needs to reboot on every little thing, when the previous version didn't, just makes me go hmmm. Could it be Intel is different somehow? I don't know. Regardless here's a screenshot of the AiSuite which holds the other Ai features and programs within it.

AiSuite showing 3.6Ghz after 12hours
of Prime95 testing. Notice the load temp at 79c!
o_0

Summary:

   So to summarize my experience with the ASUS P5B Deluxe in one word, it would be "remarkable". It's got all the features (minus SLI) that you could ever want as well as rock solid stability and high quality build. Even during my extreme overclocking sessions, the system never failed to at least boot to BIOS. Speaking of that, the manner in which this system would reboot after significant changes to the BIOS is quite interesting. It would rev up, shut down, rev up...then fully rev up and boot. Almost like it was adjusting itself or making sure it could do what you asked. Very interesting indeed. I like it.

   I did not do much testing of the onboard audio since I installed my Audigy 2 ZS gamers. I only installed it because I had it lying around. However I did test its sound output and well, it's 8 channel high definition audio. I think that'll do most of you just fine. Actually it would do all of you just fine, but bragging right from gamers stating "I got a $250 Xi-Fi sound card!" is more important to the financially irresponsible :) There is absolutely nothing wrong with the onboard audio. It's actually very good. This is not the onboard sound of years ago. Modern onboard 8 channel high definition is better than most independent sound cards.

   The included ASUS ARRAY mic and built in noise filters make for a crystal clear experience, all using the built-in audio. Of course a mic is a mic and could be used with additional sound cards.

   The ASUS Q-Connector rules. Period. All motherboards should come with these as standard equipment. Also the passive cooling fan that attaches to the copper heatpipe on the motherboard is a nice touch and only recommended for watercooling users.

   The wireless (WiFi-AP) that comes with this board also worked flawlessly for me with just a simple driver installation from the included motherboard driver CD. This is the exact same WiFi setup that comes with the M2N32-SLI that I reviewed previously. Works every time and picks up my wireless network without fail, and that's without using the external antenna. Using the external antenna would of course increase your signal strength, so it's advised to use it.

Conclusion:

   Well, what else can I say. I'm impressed with the rock solid performance at both stock and extreme speeds. Not once did the P5B Deluxe give me any trouble what so ever. It's high quality build, copper heatpipe passive chipset cooling, and 8-phase power design is just as good as it gets right now.

   ASUS includes a complete package of motherboard and accessories with the P5B Deluxe that is rivaled by none. At a current selling price of around $249, this motherboard isn't cheap. However if you're looking for one of the best Intel P965 chipset motherboards that money can buy, you can not go wrong with the ASUS P5B Deluxe.

   If you're a Core 2 Duo wanting, dual graphics card running hardcore gamer, then I'd wait a bit longer until we start seeing the new Intel Edition NVIDIA 590 SLI motherboards hitting the market.

   However if you're running just one video card, and you want a fantastic Core 2 Duo motherboard, this ASUS P5B Deluxe will fit the bill right out of the box! A huge thanks to ASUS USA for allowing me to showcase this motherboard for you all.