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Review : ASUS Striker II Extreme nForce 790i Ultra SLI mainboard - Introduction
Bluetooth 1 Apr 2008

Introduction

 

Last year, ASUS created the RoG series of mainboards targeting the gamers. It's packaging and feature set stunned most. This year, ASUS adds another member to the RoG family - the ASUS Striker II Extreme based on NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset.

Before we go on, the nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset is the first DDR3 supporting chipset from NVIDIA. This new chipset supports the latest Intel Quad Core Processors including the QX9770 running at 1600 FSB and future CPUs.

IF you notice, the system is cooled by Fusion Block System. With it the system is water cooling ready. It is a hybrid thermal design that combines the ROG's renowned heatpipe design with the additional ability to connect to a water cooling system. By taking the entire integrated solution into design considerations, the user can enjoy exceptional thermal improvement to north bridge, south bridge and even VRM with a single connection. The Fusion Block System is the most versatile, efficient, and the most advanced thermal system there is on a motherboard.
 

With it's PCIe 2.0 PCIe x16 interface, it enhances the system performance, you can do run true (2x16)Dual or 3 (3x16) way SLI using the 3 PCIe x16 slots available. In terms of memory, the provides greater performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications with the 4 x DIMM, Max. 8 GB, DDR3 2000*/1800*/1600*/1333/800 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory. The Dual channel memory architecture - supports NVIDIA® SLI™-ready technology.

As for storage,  the south bridge supports 1 ATA133. 6 SATAII. The NV mediashield RAID supports RAID 0,1,0+1,5, and JBOD span cross SATA drivers. An additional 2 SATAII eSTA is supported by the JMicron JMB363 SATA controller. There are also 2 x1394, 10 USB ports (4 at mid board, 6 at back panel).

Other than that, the board also feature Dual GbE for LAN teaming. The audio portion uses an external card known as SpermeFX II. It is based on ADI 1988B 8 ch audio codec, giving the best audio with low noise filter. It also comes with Coaxial, optical S/PDIF out.

The bundle in the package includes the 3D game : Company of Heroes: Opposing fronts, Futuremark 3Dmark06 Advanced Edition and Kaspersky Anti Virus.

Other features include:

CPU Level Up
A Simple click for instant upgrade
Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG´s CPU Level Up! Simply pick the processor you wanted to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest!
See the new CPU speed and enjoy that performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy as this.


2-Phase DDR3
Special Memory power to release memory power!
With the embedded 2-phase DDR3, this motherboard allows users to reach higher memory frequencies and enjoy better performance. Compared with only one phase solutions, this motherboard ensures longer power component lifespans and higher overclockability due to cooler temperatures and better efficiency.


ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit)
The ASUS EPU utilizes digitally monitor and tunes the CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings.


Extreme Tweaker
One stop performance tuning shop
Extreme Tweakers is the one stop shop to fine-tune your system to optimal performance. No matter if you´re looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they´re all here!


Voltiminder LED
Friendly reminder on the intentional madness
In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky. Acting as the "red zone" of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage status for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers.


COP EX
OC in confidence
The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.


EL I/O
Connect in the dark
Today's users demand more than good performance-they demand more heart touching services like user-friendly features. The motherboard comes with the EL I/O, an impressive design that increases convenience in connecting devices on the back I/O. The cool EL lights up your I/O panel under your desk, in the dark, or in a LAN Party. No more jamming devices into the wrong connectors! when you're in the dark!


Q-Fan Plus
Optimized quietness and cooling for more devices
The Q-Fan function automatically detects temperature and adjusts fan speed accordingly to achieve quiet and efficient cooling. With Q-Fan Plus, special temperature sensor cable is provided to detect temperature on any device. When used with a optional fans, you may activate Q-Fan function on up to 3 additional devices of your choice!


Loadline Calibration
Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The Loadline Calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard's ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores

LCD Poster
Debug with Translation
The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in an ever friendly and flexible external display. When system malfunction occurs, the LCD Poster automatically detects device failure and translates the errors on the LCD during POST. Unlike other competing 2 digit displays, users won´t need to read "gibberish" to find out what´s wrong.


Onboard Switch
No more shorting pins or moving jumpers
With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamer to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers!


ASUS Q-Connector
Make connections quick and accurate
The 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.


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