Asus P5N-D

[KhAoS]

After asking on the forums for a suitable motherboard it was recommended that I go for an Asus P5N-D. I just wanted to ask people who have used this board at some point if there is anything I should know about it before I go ahewad and buy one.

There are a few possible issues that I see myself that I would like to clear up before I splash out on it. The first thing I noticed when I had a look at it is that the heatsink in the centre seems pretty big. While this isn't a problem in itself (a bonus actually), I was just wondering if I will still have room to mount the cooler I have for my cpu (Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro).

The second issue I came across was soemthing I read while viewing the product on the ASUS official website. While reading a section about ram, I spotted a part which mentions "With the highest speed up to 800MHz". This caused me a little concern as the ram I purchased runs at 1150MHz (link at bottom of post). Will this cause problems, or am I simply misreading it? I just don't really want to buy a motherboard that doesn't take full advantage of my ram, as I plan on buying another 2gb of the same stuff.

The last problem I want to clear up is the issue of it fitting my case. I know this might seem stupid, but the first motherboard I purchased for this system was actually too big for my case, despite my thoughts o). Since then I've got a new case, however, I wouldn't want to run into the same problem again. Could anyone verfiy that this mobo should fit into a NZXT Lexa case? (again, link at bottom for any details you might need.) Just as a side note, does anyone know if it will be an issue fitting two 8800GTx in that case? (assuming I ever get enough money to buy em .)

Aside from the above questions, I do have two more general queries. I was just wondering what sort of speeds people have obtained while overclocking similar CPUs on this board. I was aiming on stepping my Q6600 up to around 3-3.2Ghz, is this attainable with my current cooler and this motherboard, or am I aiming a little too high? Secondly, even if I decide against goin SLi in the future, would this motherboard still be a decent choice with overclocking in mind?



I'm sorry if these questions seem a little absurd or if I'm being a little picky, it's just that I've really not got a good record for buying motherboards. The first one I bought had to be returned as it was too big for my case, and the second one I had to cancel after reading some very worrying reviews about it afterwards.

I'd just like to give a massive THANK YOU! in advance to anyone who can answer my questions. Even if you only know the answer to one, or can at least point me in the right direction, your help is greatly appreciated.


cooler: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-NX&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=

ram: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-NX&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=

case: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-NX&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=

 

[stannous]

Hi, to answer your questions that I know about:
Your freezer pro shouldn`t be obstructed by the NB heatsink.
You`ll be able to increase your ram speed as you overclock by selecting your memory as linked to the fsb (as i`m pretty sure is standard in nividia bioses).
It should fit in your chosen case (standard form factor and all that)
3.2/3.3 GHz is easily attainable on this board with a low vid quad,mine`s vid is 1.225 (see sig)You will run into issues with cpu power draw if you go much above 3.3 GHz on this board due to its cpu power supply layout (Asus would rather you bought something substantially more expensive for major clocking)
You`ll need to manually set your core voltage when overclocking as this board undervolts by default.
Last thing,is it just firefox or do all your links point to your case

 

[ShaoliN.uK]

I can confirm the Artic Freezer Pro works perfectly with P5N-D. The northbrigde heatsink it quite big but flat. My CPU idles at 25C and about 35C with load.

Stannous i see you achieved 3.6 with your mobo could you possibly give me some pointers to achieve 3.2 (3.4) with my CPU? Message me if possible thanks man

 

[stannous]

ShaoliN.uK,don`t use i.m i`m afraid,but here are a couple of pointers ` use at your own risk,overclocking may void your warranty and damage your hardware`:
Set AI overclocking to manual,
Set your cpu core,NB+SB voltages to manual.
Use coretemp to find your actual vid + adjust the core voltage setting until you actually get it (my board runs ~0.05v lower than selected in bios).
Set your NB voltage to ~1.4,SB voltage to 1.4 (may need to go higher to run stable).
Set the PCI-e frequency to 100 (some people favour higher figures but it works for me).
Set your memory/fsb to unlinked.
Increase your fsb by 40 MHz (remember the figure you adjust in bios is quad pumped,so will only add 10Mhz to the `real` frequency).
Reboot and give it a quick run of occt to see if it falls over.May seem a little cautious,but you`ll soon find what the CPU will do at it`s default voltage.
Repeat the last 2 steps until you get bored or reach the CPU`s limit at default voltage.
If you do decide to risk your cpu/motherboard/warranty/sanity,post and let me know how you get on

 

[stannous]

ShaoliN-uK.Just read your sig,apologies for the basic advice in my last post.
My board needed 1.46v on the NB+1.54 on the SB for 400fsb stable,you should be able to get ~350 with a little less,do watch your vcore though.Won`t hurt to fit the optional NB fan if you haven`t already done so.
Cheers Stannous