bit-tech Shopping: Asus P5K PRO ATX Intel Motherboard

The P5K PRO is an Intel P35 chipset-based motherboard that supports FSB 1333 and DDR2 1066 and combines better overclocking performance with great energy efficiency. Featuring the ASUS EPU and ASUS 3rd Generation 8-Phase Power Design, the P5K PRO triumphs over other competitive MB solution. With improved VRM efficiency, ASUS EPU digitally monitors and fine-tunes the CPU power supply in heavy or light loadings, while ASUS 3rd Generation 8-Phase Power Design ensures better power efficiency and thermal performance over competitor?s 6-phase design with higher temperatures.

bit-tech Review

"We like this board an awful lot - the EPU is still one of the best in the industry, the price is very balanced and fair, it overclocks and performs like it has the wind up it and it's as stable as a rock if you treat it right. While we won't ignore the dire problems with the terrible ATX socket placement (especially if your PSU is in the base of your case) or the onboard audio, which is distorted when you turn it up. Oh, and forget CrossFire completely - don't even consider it with the P5K Pro.

That said, these negatives are doing you a favour in many respects - picking up a dedicated soundcard, even a cheap one, will give you better quality and more features than onboard sound and there are plenty of slots available: PCI and PCI-Express. In addition we'd never recommend CrossFire on a P35 chipset anyway so removing the temptation is for the better of the customer - all Asus has left to do is to get rid of the second crippling x4 slot.

Put simply, this board is an inexpensive, feature rich, tweaker friendly, overclocking and performance powerhouse - it is one of many great P35 boards despite a few problems! For under £80, you can spend twice the price elsewhere and only get half as much for your money." - 2nd April 2008

Read the full Asus P5K Pro review