BIOS:

Boot Screen	Main	Ai Tweaker	CPU Ratio
FSB Strap	DRAM Freq	Command Rate	More RAM Settings
Advanced	CPU Config	Chipset	Power
Hardware Monitor	Boot	Tools	Exit

   AMI is the BIOS used on the ASUS P5E3 Deluxe WiFi-AP@n. Updating or recovering a crashed BIOS is made easy with the ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility. This allows the BIOS to be recovered via floppy or USB flash drive. Built into the BIOS is ASUS Ai Tweaker, which allows for overclocking of the CPU, RAM, and other overclockable items. During the initial boot sequence, a navigable splash screen appears, called Express Gate, which gives several options on what to boot first, the default being a normal boot into the operating system. The options include BIOS setup, and a direct boot to a web browser with claims of hitting the internet within 5 seconds. The last option is Skype, a VoIP program for Linux. This first screen is the start of the embedded Linux operating system. The name behind this instant-on platform is SplashTop, which is an instant-on Linux-based OS that runs off of flash memory and loads instantly.

Config Panel

Network

Skype

VH on SplashTop

    The built-in web browser is a modified version of Firefox. The default load page is the Asus website and you can add bookmarks later on. The idea of booting a computer and checking emails or bank statements within 5 to 10 seconds has been the goal for manufacturers for many years; heck, this may be the start of Linux-based BIOS's.

Software:

Ai Suite

Ai Remote

Ai Booster

Ai Gear3

Ai Q-Fan

   Plenty of software utilities have been included with this motherboard. First there is ASUS Update, which allows you to update the BIOS when in Windows. Then there is ASUS PC Probe II, which is used to monitor CPU temps, fan speeds and system voltages. ASUS Ai Suite, Ai Direct Link, ASUS Express Gate Updater, Marvell Yukon VCT Application, which is a virtual cable tester, are also here. Other software included are Acrobat reader v7.0, Anti-Virus Utility, InterVideo MediaOne Gallery, a trial copy of WinDVD Copy5, Ulead PhotoImpact 12SE, Cyberlink PowerBackup, and Coral Snapfire Plus SE.

Installation:

    The installation was done on the HSPC Top Deck Tech Station, which allows me total access to the motherboard during the testing phase. That means I get to reset the BIOS easier whenever I try an oddball setting.

TEST GEAR:

• ASUS P5E3 Deluxe WiFi-AP@n

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 (3.0GHz)

• Kingston 2GB DDR3 PC3 13000 CL7 RAM

• Sapphire HD2600XT Graphics card

• WD 80GB SATA II HDD

• Samsung Super WriteMaster SATA DVD+R DL

• KWI Absolute Power ABT-600CW Power Supply

CPU-Z:

Motherboard	CPU Stock	RAM Stock
SPD	CPU OC	RAM OC

PCMark Vantage:

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