Traditionally there is almost no performance difference between motherboards targeted to Athlon 64 CPUs, since processor based on AMD64 architecture have an embedded memory controller, so the chipset doesn’t play any drastic role on performance. Because of this the decision on what socket AM2 motherboard one should buy must be based on extra features, price and overclocking capability.
M2N32-SLI De Luxe is the most high-end socket AM2 motherboard from ASUS, and it deservers the crown of the best socket AM2 motherboard around.
This motherboard brings several features that will prevent you from upgrading your PC for at least a couple of years, like eight SATA-300 ports supporting port multiplier, eight-channel audio, digital audio outputs, FireWire ports, two Gigabit LAN ports, SLI support and DDR2 in dual channel mode. Of course if you are more favorable to CrossFire than SLI, you will need to look for a motherboard based on Radeon Xpress 3200 – and so far ASUS hasn’t released any.
The amount of overclocking options is really amazing and with time and patience you will probably get better results than we did.
Also this motherboard has a better voltage regulator circuit compared to other motherboards, including models from ASUS.
The passive cooling solution on top of the MOSFET transistors from the voltage regulator circuit sounds great to improve the lifespan of this product, and the heat-pipe connection between and the passive heatsinks used by the chipset really catches the eye, creating a beautiful design. However, the heatsinks produces a lot of heat, what should increase the PC internal temperature. To address this issue this motherboard comes with an auxiliary fan to be installed on top of one of the heatsinks – which is kind of strange, as the idea behind of passive heatsinks is to avoid the use of fans in order to decrease the noise level.
Another feature that may sound silly but we find it great is the ability to enable network cable testing during POST. This test can even tell you the length of the cable.
The only bad thing about this motherboard is its price, but you won’t regret buying it.
