Installation and Testing:

   Since some overclocking will eventually be performed, the optional NVidia Chipset Fan was installed. It simply clips over both heat pipes that passes through the top of the heat sink. The two small black dowels basically help to hold it in place. You can leave it like this and it will never fall off. However, if you are worried about any movement, there are two very small screws that screw in to base of the heat sink.

Chipset Heat Sink

Clip On w/Screws

Finished Look

Since the 680i chipset is suppose to be a very capable over clocker, the greater methods were used in order to make sure there were no issues with CPU heat whatsoever. Some overclocking numbers have climbed upwards of 1600MHz on the Processor Front Side Bus frequencies from the stock 1066MHz that the Intel Core 2 Duo comes with. This is further evidence that the Core 2 has quite a bit more to offer in future revisions as the Core frequencies start to climb.

Mounting Motherboard

Adding Peripherals

Need to CoolIT!!

While many motherboards may have similar chipsets and components, performance can still very due to any component revisions, BIOS capabilities, and drivers. Very few manufacturers ever match exactly in performance, most especially in the overclocking area. Certain makers just seem to product better BIOS updates among improvements upon the power management. The PN2-SLI2+ looks very much like the EVGA 680i, but nothing like the Asus 680i Striker which has custom heat pipes and LEDs.

Logo	Advanced Bios	Advanced Chipset
FSB & Memory	Memory Timing	System Clock
CPU Configuration	Integrated	System Monitor

After assembling the test system, everything did just as I would expect from quality motherboard. The Post screen flew by as I quickly pressed the DEL key. Looking over the BIOS, there were plenty of new settings to familiarize with. The most prominent changes are the use of Linked and Unlinked options under the Front Side Bus & Memory Configuration. Setting the FSB-Memory Clock Mode to 'Unlinked' allows the user to change the CPU Front Side Bus and Memory Frequency individually. Raising the Memory Frequency alone will not effect the system's performance unless you raise the CPU Front Side Bus as well.

Cocked, Locked, Ready to Rock!

Test System:  

• Processor: Intel E6600 (2.4GHz) Core 2 Duo

• Cooling: CoolIT Systems Eliminator CPU Cooler

• Motherboard: ECS PN2-SLI2+ 680i SLI

• Memory: 2 x 1GB OCZ PC2-9200 DDR2 Flex XLC

• Graphics: Geforce 7900 GT-OC PCIE

• Storage: 2 x 80GB Seagate SATA2

• Audio: Bluegears 7.1 Theater Sound

CPUZ

Mainboard

Memory Speed

SPD

The ECS PN2-SLI2+ ran completely stable and never once produced any errors or issues during testing. While some may debate other system components as being the more important parts for system stability, the motherboard is by far the most important building block for any computer. I've personally spent more money on motherboards and power supplies than any other component that operated perfectly fine using the other cheaper components such as memory, video cards, and sound cards. If any system can't maintain stability and continue to work normal no matter the number of operations it may be involved in, then it will always get a big fat "Flea-Market" stamp. This platform is a whole new experience that resembles nothing less than a quality built platform.