The impending release of new hardware always makes for an exciting time filled with hype and anticipation. And when it concerns a brand new chipset from the Intel camp, any news provides ammunition to the raging AMD/Intel debates on the battlegrounds we know as internet forums. Our topic of interest today is Intel’s upcoming Sandy Bridge platform. It represents the “Tock” in their “Tick-Tock” strategy meaning that the chipset is a whole new micro-architecture as opposed to a mere die shrink. Nonetheless, it will utilise the relatively new 32nm manufacturing process we first saw with Westmere. The Sandy Bridge CPU architecture will cover several motherboard chipsets aimed at different markets, P67 being the mainstream segment. Since a lot of the information regarding the actual architecture is still under closed doors, we will instead have an exclusive look at the P67 motherboards ASUS are readying for the release of the Sandy Bridge CPUs in January. The P67 chipset, code name Cougar Point, will use Intel’s new LGA1155 socket.
ASUS need no introduction and over the past year, we have seen some fantastic products from them across different platforms, ranging from entry level boards to the truly enthusiast ones such as the Rampage III Extreme. One thing that all their boards have in common is the sheer number of features ASUS manage to pack in them to deliver superior user friendliness and overclockability over their competitors. In that sense, they have been at the forefront of innovation and the seminar gave us a further insight into the unique features they will be bundling on their P67 motherboards. These include their evolution of the EPU+TPU implementation now dubbed their second generation Dual Intelligent Processor (DIP for short), DIGI+ VRM for improved overclockability, BT GO and the long awaited successor to the traditional BIOS, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI for short. As well as a brief look of those features, I also have some exclusive pictures of the motherboards in store but more on that over the next few pages.
A bit about ASUS:
ASUS comes from the last four letters of Pegasus, the winged horse in Greek mythology that represents the inspiration of art and learning. ASUS embodies the strength, creative spirit and purity symbolized by this regal and agile mythical creature, soaring to new heights of quality and innovation with each product it introduces to the market.
ASUS pursues technological and aesthetic perfection through continuous innovation. We place ourselves in our customers’ shoes to develop a deep understanding of, and genuine empathy for, their needs—enabling us to create user experiences that transcend the norm.
ASUS Design Philosophy
ASUS Design develops high-quality solutions our customers will enjoy. Our design process is built on thorough research, early anticipation and well-planned execution.
We act with a global vision and a focus on local strengths, conditions and heritage.
ASUS comes from the last four letters of Pegasus, the winged horse in Greek mythology that represents the inspiration of art and learning. ASUS embodies the strength, creative spirit and purity symbolized by this regal and agile mythical creature, soaring to new heights of quality and innovation with each product it introduces to the market.
ASUS pursues technological and aesthetic perfection through continuous innovation. We place ourselves in our customers’ shoes to develop a deep understanding of, and genuine empathy for, their needs—enabling us to create user experiences that transcend the norm.
ASUS Design Philosophy
ASUS Design develops high-quality solutions our customers will enjoy. Our design process is built on thorough research, early anticipation and well-planned execution.
We act with a global vision and a focus on local strengths, conditions and heritage.
Did someone say ROG…
Let’s see what ASUS have been hiding away from us for so long.
