ASUS Crosshair III Formula AM3 Motherboard Review

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

ASUS Crosshair III Formula AM3 Motherboard Review

Manufacturer's Part Number: Crosshair III Formula
Price: $229CDN+ Compare Prices
Manufacturer's Product Page: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Warranty: 3 Year Warranty

The motherboard marketplace is littered with contenders and for many system builders, settling on a motherboard can be a difficult task, given the often dozens of iterations of the same chipset. For the enthusiast, that task is even more daunting. The choice is more crucial than just a simple system backbone, the motherboard is the conductor that orchestrates the computer in perfect rhythm and it must lead the components to perform to their full potential. Asus has produced the Republic of Gamers line for this very purpose.

The Republic of Gamers (RoG) title has been used by Asus to denote its premier product offerings. It is only awarded to the most prestigious of hardware that is specifically focused on gaming and overclocking. The components are fitted with ROG exclusive bells and whistles that are at the forefront of current technology and are intended to maximize your computer's potential. These boards are also incredibly user friendly, allowing those who are just starting the pursuit of ultimate performance to slowly build their confidence with the board taking control and offering a mix of manual and automatic settings.

It is fitting then, that the 3rd generation of the Asus Crosshair AMD motherboard lineup be built under the ROG banner with all its accompanying features and BIOS intricacies.

For the first time since the Crosshair took form, Asus has opted to go with an AMD based chipset, rather than an NVIDIA as found on the previous two generations. The company is looking to harness the power of the 790FX chipset to achieve world records and make it the most desired board amongst the elite of the computer world.

The Crosshair III Formula is a full sized AM3 board set to utilized the power of DDR3 and the potential for stunning graphics with CrossfireX support. It is as fully loaded as them come, with the ROG extra's making for one of these most feature packed products on the market. It's advanced cooling makes it comfortable inside a stuffy case, or easily run on an open air bench with all controls easily accesble on the PCB.

This motherboard is shaping up to be at the top of the heap for AMD based systems so let's hope it can live up to its potential.

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

Specifications

Specifications

790FX is not a new chipset to the marketplace as it originally debuted in late 2007 along with the first of the Phenom series. Since then, AMD-based boards have undergone a variety of changes, most notably the addition of the SB750 southbridge controller, which replaced the aging SB700.

The SB750 holds much of the secret behind the Phenom’s overclocking success, with its unique ACC (Advanced Clock Calibration) feature and other improved technologies. This 790FX chipset can be found on both AM2 and AM3 series boards, as AMD includes the memory controller on the CPU itself and as such, does not require a new northbridge to handle the DDR3 support that AM3 chips require.

The 790FX powers the robust dual PCIe 2.0 x16 connections, which allow for Crossfire or CrossfireX in full 16 lane throughput. As with most top end AMD boards, HyperTransport 3.0 is supported, allowing for an maximum HTT frequency of 2.6GHz.

The SB750 takes care of the extras, and on the Crosshair III Formula we find 5 internal SATA 2.0 ports with RAID support along with an additional external eSATA on the I/O panel, a single IDE output, the typical 12 USB 2.0, 2 Firewire and Gigabit LAN.

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></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]AMD Socket AM3 ;Phenom™II/Athlon™II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
AMD 140W CPU Support
AMD Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology
Supports 45nm CPU<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Chipset<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]AMD 790FX/SB750[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]System Bus<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]Up to 5200 MT/s ; HyperTransport™ 3.0<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Memory<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
**Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Expansion Slots<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (@ dual x16)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
3 x PCIe 2.0 x1 ( the PCIEx1_1 (black) is compatible with audio slot)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x PCI 2.2[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Multi-GPU Support<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Support ATI CrossFire™X Technology graphics cards<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Storage<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]SB750 Chipset[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 xUltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
5 xSATA 3 Gb/s ports[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Support RAID 0,1,5,10,JBOD,
1 x External SATA 3Gb/s port on rear (SATA On-the-Go)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]

* Due to the Windows XP/ Vista limitation, the RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only.<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]LAN<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Gigabit LAN controller, featuring AI NET 2<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Audio<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]SupremeFX X-Fi Audio Card[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
8 -Channel High Definition Audio CODEC[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- EAX® Advanced™ HD 4.0[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- X-Fi CMSS®-3D[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- X-Fi Crystalizer™[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- Creative ALchemy[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- Supports 1 x S/PDIF out header[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- Supports Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports on rear<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]IEEE 1394<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]2 x 1394a ports (1 port at back I/O, 1 port onboard)<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]USB<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]12 xUSB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Overclocking Features<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]MemOK![/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
CPU Level Up[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Extreme Tweaker[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Power Design:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- 8+2 phase CPU power design[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Keyboard-TweakIt[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
iROG[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Loadline Calibration[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Intelligent overclocking tools:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- ASUS TurboV[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- O.C Profile[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Overclocking Protection:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- Voltiminder LED[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Special Features<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]ASUS MyLogo 3[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
ASUS EZ Flash 2[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Fan 2[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
External LCD Poster[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
ASUS Q-Shield[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
AMD® OverDrive Support*[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
ASUS TurboV<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Back Panel I/O Ports<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]1 x External SATA[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x IEEE 1394a[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x LAN(RJ45) port[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
6 x USB 2.0/1.1[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x Clr CMOS switch[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port(purple)<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Internal I/O Connectors<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]3 x USB connectors supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x IEEE 1394a connector[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x IDE connector for two devices[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
3 x thermal sensor connector[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
5 x SATA connectors (Blue)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
System Panel connector[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x PWR / 3 x Chassis / 3 x Optional[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x LCD Poster connector[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
24-pin ATX Power connector[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]BIOS<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]16 Mb Flash ROM[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Manageability<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]WOL by PME,WOR by PME,PXE<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Accessories<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]SupremeFX X-Fi audio card[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector (USB, System panel; Retail version only)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
1 x Multi-functional module (1-port IEEE 1394a + 2-port USB2.0)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
External LCD Poster[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Serial ATA cables[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
I/O shield[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Cable Ties[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
User's manual<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(217, 218, 232) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 98.25pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="131"> [FONT=&quot]Support Disc<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(240, 241, 247) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 270.75pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;" width="361"> [FONT=&quot]Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS Update
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD)[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Sound Blaster X-Fi Utility[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(202, 203, 223) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]Form Factor<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt; background: rgb(226, 228, 239) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 18.75pt;"> [FONT=&quot]ATX Form Factor[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.5 cm )[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]<o

></o

>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

Features

Features

The Crosshair III Formula comes a ridiculous amount of features and with its ROG status, it has the added benefit of the unique extras that come with these boards.

To go through them all and explain their operation is a article unto itself. The highlights of each are listed below in a general description of their function. As you will see, the sole purpose of the RoG exclusive features are for advancing overclocking potential. It not only makes the task easier and more understandable for beginners, but eliminates often time consuming and strenuous troubleshooting for the more advanced.

ROG Exclusive Features

<table width="662" align="center" bgcolor="#666666" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>MemOK!</center>

<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/6i86Hj0lGriFHfY9/memOK.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades. Worry no more, MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve system booting success..

</td><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>CPU Level Up
</center>

<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/CPULevelUp.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">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. </td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>iROG</center>

<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/6i86Hj0lGriFHfY9/iROG.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">The iROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlitghted functions that gives users full disposal of the motherboard at any stage! This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed purely at a hardware level. iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it offers system maintainence and management with more control and efficiency.

</td><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>Pin Fin Thermal Module
</center>

<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/Pin-fin.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">
Compare with traditional stacked-fin heatpipe solution, the new generation pin-fin thermal design result in better thermal performance, which enlarges the “heat-exchange” surface area surface and breaks the "Boundary-layer" phenomenon for effective airflow. The Pin-Fin Thermal Module is the most efficient thermal system there is on the motherboard.

</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>External LCD Poster
</center>
<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/lcdposter.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5"> 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.</td><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>Extreme Tweaker
</center>
<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/Extreme_Tweaker.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">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!</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>Voltiminder LED
</center>
<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/Voltiminder_LED.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5"> 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.</td><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>COP EX
</center>
<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/COP_EX.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">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.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>Loadline Calibration
</center>
<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/Loadline_Calibration.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">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.</td><td valign="top" width="50%" align="justify" bgcolor="#ececec"><center>Onboard Switch
</center>
<img src="http://www.asus.com/websites/global/images/icons/rog/onboardswitch.gif" style="float: left" Hspace="5">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!</td></tr></tbody></table>

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

Packaging and Accessories

Packaging and Accessories

The packaging and included goodies include everything you need to assemble your system; except the rest of the hardware.
The box is styled in typical RoG fashion - showcasing on the outside with all the exciting tidbits contained within its cardboard walls.

The motherboard and accessories are divided into two separate boxes, with the board itself housed snuggly in a well constructed box covered by a plastic lid. For the MacGyver builders out there, this box doubles excellently as a desktop tech station for pre testing.

The accessory box reveals:

SupremeFX X-Fi audio card
1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector (USB, System panel; Retail version only)
1 x Multi-functional module (1-port IEEE 1394a + 2-port USB2.0)
External LCD Poster
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
Serial ATA cables
I/O shield
Cable Ties
User's manual

The board isn’t short on anything, with the exact number of cables for every connection, even including 3 coveted right-angled SATA connectors.

One of the RoG’s most notable feature’s is the LCD poster, designed to display specific system stats and assist with troubleshooting.

Asus has gone with the add-in SupremeFX X-Fi sound card featured on many of its ROG boards, it is a bit of a step up from the usual onboard sound, but it eats up a perfectly good PCIe x1 slot.

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

A Closer Look At The Crosshair III Formula

A Closer Look At The Crosshair III Formula

The Crosshair III Formula makes its presence known with its full ATX form factor taking up the typical 12” x 9.6” dimensions, but feeling much larger given its aggressive style and foreboding chipset heatsink. Even with the impressive two page list of features, support for CrossfireX and the expected extra’s necessary to handle the purported level of overclocking, the board feels slightly empty. Asus has done an extremely good job with the layout, making sure that overlap and tight squeezes are unlikely.

Despite the one piece and slightly over sized RoG chipset cooler, the CPU area has nothing but space which makes it perfect for insulating before a LN2 or phase cooling run. The 8+2 phase power design sits low, so as to not inhibit large coolers, and the few solid capacitors dotting the landscape do not sit high enough to impede heatsink installation.

While primary competitor Intel has made the move to 6 DIMM slots, AMD is unfortunately still lagging behind in the 4 DIMM realm, limiting most users to a maximum of 8GB. However, even with less slots, this layout does not move the DIMM’s further from the CPU to provide more room. This means less likelihood of fitting oversized ram sinks in the first two slots without coming into contact with a larger cooler.

The stylish heatsink that gives the board it’s unique look is a solid feeling aluminum unit that does triple duty, acting to displace heat from the PWM’s, the northbridge and the southbridge. It is designed using what Asus describes as "Pin Fin Thermal Modules", which enlarge the heat-exchange surface allowing for better dissipation and airflow.

When powered, the centre logo lights up a cool white. While clearly gimmicky, it actually provides some practical use, giving off just enough light to illuminate the motherboard inside a case, for any “under-the-desk” troubleshooting.

In addition to the gimicky centre light, the board boasts more lights than a cultural market, with nearly every square inch being occupied by some sort of LED. Onboard LEDs are also included for Asus's system of "normal" "high" and "crazy" for all the overclockable chips; CPU, Ram, Northbridge and Southbridge

As with many Asus boards, the SATA & IDE connections have be set to a right angle to avoid conflict with oversized video cards. Apperently though, the designer's felt that including only 5 SATA ports would be plently for a high end motherboard; a strange thought indeed given that many competing board's have feautred up to 10!

It is unavoidable -given the physical dimensions of the ATX form factor- for double slot PCI-E devices to not cover the slot underneath their location. Filling both expansion slots with double slot cards will cause the loss of two PCI-E x1 slots even though the single regular PCI slot will still remain available. While many devices are slowly adopting PCIe x1, a majority of devices still use the regular ole’ PCI making it’s availability much more valuable. The single black PCI-E x1 slot at the top is for all intents and purposes nonexistent, as it is reserved for the included discrete sound card.

One thing Asus has made sure of with the Crosshair III is that you will never need use a fan to molex adaptor again. The board has a total of 8 on board fan headers including the one for the CPU. It is a challenge to even think of a case that has 7 additional fans to utilize this many headers. All of the fan connections are 4-pin PWM, and can therefore be controlled directly by the PC if used with compatible fans.

The bottom is lined nearly solid with connectors and buttons. There are the typical connections for USB, Firewire etc etc. As well as easy push buttons for starting and resetting the board, along with the MemOK! button to call forth the Crosshair's ram compatibility powers.

At the back, the I/O panel is rather devoid of the usual mashup of connections. With the audio on a separate card, what's left has been slimmed down to include only what is necessary. A keyboard PS/2 connector, while outdated, still holds as a failsafe for the often finicky operation of USB keyboards in a pre-OS environment. Along with that are six USB 2.0 connections, along with FireWire and eSATA to cover all possible options. A CMOS reset button has also found it's way to the back, making for quick work of a BIOS clear without having to open up the case (for the few who actually intend to put this motherboard in an enclosure).

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

Included Software

Included Software

With the Crosshair III, drivers, software and all the other fun digital goodies come bundled on a single DVD. The installer opens allowing users to choose exactly what they wish to install.

The Driver’s section allows you to selection individual drivers that you wish to install or use the InstAll feature which will automatically install all the drivers. The Utilities tab gives options to add some handy custom Asus tools such as PCProbe II, AI Suite and Update, as well as third party software such as AMD Overdrive, Anti-Virus and 3DMark Vantage which users receive a full license for. On the one disc is basically all of the basic utilities needed to get your PC back up to full operation after an install.

The remaining four tabs hold some basic odds and ends. “Make Disc” allows for the creating of a disc for raid drivers, Manual contains the Motherboard Installation Guide and RaidXpert User Manual. Video includes two videos titled “The Battle” and “Extreme OC Clip” (short entertainment relating to the board) and “Contact” - you guessed it - holds the contact information for Asus customer service and technical support.

ASUS AI Suite

Starting off, AI Suite is more of a basic information tool and serves as an access panel to a handful of other custom Asus programs, including EPU-6 Engine, AI NAP, CPU Level Up, Fan Xpert, and TurboV. It's usefulness is limited and to be truthful, if you install all of the the included programs that Asus has bundled, you wind up doubling or even tripling up on the functions.

PCProbe II

PCProbeII is an excellent piece of software that is design to sync with the Crosshair III. It is strictly a voltage, temperature and fan monitoring program but is lightweight and easy to use; you can’t ask for more than that.

TurboV

TurboV is where the fun begins even though its purpose and ability can be questioned, given that it mimics AMD’s Overdrive utility. TurboV allows a user to set speeds, voltages and multipliers for the BIOS all within Windows, and without having to restart the system.

It is incredibly handy for those who may feel uncomfortable with unguided bios overclocking, though its functionality is somewhat limited as it doesn’t seem to be able to support the same level of overclocking as AMD’s own Overdrive utility.

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

BIOS Rundown

BIOS Rundown

Asus has been well known for their logical and well laid out BIOSes, especially in the area of tweaking. They feature a smorgasbord of overclocking features that allow to users to set precise speeds, ratios and/or voltages, and don't deal with addition or subtraction from stock. Their function descriptions are common sense, and easily dechiperable from the manual if need be. One of the great features of ROG boards is the added extras found within the Extreme Tweaker settings, many of which may seem like relatively obvious additions but are rarely found on most boards.

The Crosshair opens immediately to the Extreme Tweaker section of the BIOS, rather than the typical "Home" screen which features the date/time and storage devices; users get to immediately dive right in.

Extreme Tweaker is the overclocking section and has all the common adjustments. Starting at the top; the Ai Overclock Tuner allows you to set overclocking to Automatic or Manual mode. On Auto, the CPU Level Up utility is Asus's custom auto overclocker which is a three point tool that which will increase your CPU to the "next level" depending on what your running. Most users can expect to see three options in the 5%-20% range.

Adjusting to manual unleashes the remainder of the custom options and we see device frequencies such as the FSB, RAM and HT open for selection. Adjusting voltages with the CIIIF prompts the typical popup with the scrolling list of available settings; users must key in the exact voltage they want but the system will jump to the closest possible voltage if the selected voltage is not available. For those seeking the ultimate thrill and using extreme cooling solutions such as Dry Ice or LN2, Asus has included Extreme OV for you. Enabling this setting unlocks the CPU Voltage from it's 1.75V ceiling, to allow for adjustments all the way up to 2.25V!

For those playing it safe, voltages are also colour coded to warn when a user may be pushing beyond what is safe. Yellow serves as a warning that damage may occur, and seeing red can almost guarantee it without adequate cooling. Asus also provides current voltage stats as a reference underneath the options.

<table width="100%" bgcolor="#ecebeb" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">FSB Frequency</td><td width="50%" align="center">200 - 600MHz (1MHz increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d0d0d0"><td width="50%" align="center">PCIE Frequency
</td><td width="50%" align="center">100 - 150MHz (1MHz increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">CPU Ratio
</td><td width="50%" align="center">8.0x - 39.5x (0.5X increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d0d0d0"><td width="50%" align="center"> DRAM Frequency
</td><td width="50%" align="center">800MHz, 1066MHz, 1333MHz, 1600MHz (Link w/ FSB)
</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">CPU/NB Frequency</td><td width="50%" align="center">800 - 6000MHz (200MHz increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d0d0d0"><td width="50%" align="center">HT Link Speed</td><td width="50%" align="center">200 - 2600MHz (200MHz increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">CPU Voltage</td><td width="50%" align="center">0.8V - 1.75V (0.0125V increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d0d0d0"><td width="50%" align="center">CPU/NB Voltage</td><td width="50%" align="center">0.8V - 1.65V (0.0125V increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">CPU VDDA Voltage</td><td width="50%" align="center">2.504V - 3.2065V (0.01325V increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d0d0d0"><td width="50%" align="center">DRAM Voltages</td><td width="50%" align="center">1.5105V - 2.809V (0.0135V increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">HT Voltage</td><td width="50%" align="center">1.20575V - 1.802V (0.01325V increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d0d0d0"><td width="50%" align="center">NB Voltage</td><td width="50%" align="center">1.113V - 2.00075V (0.01325V increments)</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#d8d8d8"><td width="50%" align="center">SB Voltage</td><td width="50%" align="center">1.20575V - 1.4575V (0.01325V increments)</td></tr></tbody></table>

Within the Extreme Tweaker section are a few subselections for more advanced features. The usual DRAM Settings for full control over ram timings, as well as a quick link to the the CPU Configuration for adjustments to CPU technologies such as Cool 'N' Quiet as well as the ACC control.

The Main page is follows the Tweaker section and holds the usual date, time and storage device information.

The Advanced section allows for additional control over both the CPU and Chipset features while also including subsections to also configure your onboard devices and USB ports.

This section also includes the section for the unique ROG LCD Poster. Quite simply is allows for the selection of what a user wants displayed on the LCD module when it is installed. Options such as the current time and hardware statistics can be selected.

The Power section of the Crosshair includes some of the most comprehensive monitoring capabilities ever seen within a BIOS. There are separate areas for both Voltage and Temperature monitors, and Fan's are given two pages for both monitoring and control!

The Voltage monitor furthers the astonishment with a listing of practically every single bit of electricity coursing through the board's traces.

Temperature sees the usual with CPU, MB and both chipsets, along with the three optional temperature probes that can be added onto the board.

As we saw, the board boasts 8 PWM fan headers allowing for full control of the included fans straight from the computer (if PWM capabable fans are used). Asus's fan speed control section does not skimp on settings, and users are able choose between setting the fan at a custom speed to suit their needs, or place tempurature restrictions on when the fans should spin at a low speed and when they should begin to run at full.

With the Crosshair's focus on overclocking, they include the standard O.C. Profile settings, which allows users to store up to 8 pre-configured BIOS settings that can be quickly switched in a matter of seconds.

This board also brings the ROG feature "TweakIt" to the AMD platform, allowing users to be able to quickly and easily over volt nearly everything that requires electricty, and syncs through software within the OS as well.

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

Test Setup & Methodology

Test Setup & Methodology

Test Platform:

<table width="550" border="0" height="308"><tbody><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Processor</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition
</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Motherboard</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">ASUS Crosshair III Formula AM3</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Graphics</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Memory</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">2 X 2GB Aeneon Xtune DDR3-1333 CL8</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Storage</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">WD 320GB WD3200AAKS-003BA0</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Power Supply</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">Corsair TX750 750W</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">Processor Cooling</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
Silverstone 120MM 1200RPM
Antec TriCool 120MM 220oRPM
</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">OS</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">Windows Vista x64 SP1</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(208, 208, 208);" align="left">BIOS/Drivers:
</td><td style="background-color: rgb(234, 234, 234);" align="left">Asus BIOS 0702
ATI Catalysts 9.6
</td></tr></tbody></table>

Our setup is simple, we're testing a motherboard; it is about synergy with the rest of the components not world record 3dMarks. We use two processors for the review for reasons explained in the overclocking results chapter. The operating system was freshly installed and received a few minor tweaks to eliminate errors that could potentially arise from the software. These tweaks included knocking out most of the visual extras from Vista, including the Aero theme; UAC was disabled, along with Windows Defender, the Search Indexer, System Restore, Remote Desktop, Firewall and Automatic Updates.

Overclocking & Benchmark Methodology

While pushing the limits of hardware is always gratifying, in this review we will be doing things a bit differently with a two-pronged approach. For the majority of people out there, operation under normal every day conditions is a far more likely scenario than extreme overclocking. It was this philosophy that is followed for the benchmark settings as we utilized Asus's CPU Level Up feature to run our overclocked CPU. This feature is open and available to anyone who uses the board and generally speaking will allow users to eek out the best performance possible from their core system, without any of the usual hassles or frustration.

Naturally, we will also be showing you how far we were able to push our test system above and beyond what the CPU Level Up feature provides.

The stability testing for all overclocks was as follows.

1 Hour Two instances of Orthos
2 Loops 3DMark Vantage Full Suite
16M SuperPI v1.5

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

Overclocking Results

Overclocking Results

With the Republic of Gamers boards dedicated to overclocking, anticipation was building as the board was prepped for overclocking.

As seen in the previous BIOS section, the Crosshair gives the user incredible control over every aspect of the BIOS and features excellent monitoring capabilities. Unfortunately, overclocking is a team effort in which all the players have to perform to the best of their abilities and in this case, both primary and backup players failed to deliver their "A" game.

The AMD Phenom II X4 955 used in our testing was known to already be affected by an incredibly pesky case of CPU flu that limited its maximum overclock to a modest 3.8GHz, so the assistance of a second player, the Phenom II X3 720 was requested. As such, even though our overclocks here are quite modest, we knew that this Asus board had much more left in its tank.

Auto Overclock Results

One of the the most convenient features of the Crosshair III that can also be found on a few other Asus motherboards, is the "CPU Level Up" control. It simply adjusts your system speed to one of three preset values, typically in increments of 200MHZ. The user can quickly select the option they wish to run at, and the Asus presets take over, adjusting everything from bus speed and ram to voltages. The idea is that with one simple setting users can achieve up to a 20% performance boost. Marvelously, it accomplished exactly that. Given that our X4 955 topped out at this speed it was the perfect compromise. No further adjustments were needed since the board manually set the voltage (maybe a bit to generously) and it proved to be 100% stable upon first boot. This was also the case with the X3 720, which required no tuning to get it running at the maximum level up.

As such, this was the setting that we opted to run all of our overclocking benchmarks on. It should hopefully be easily obtainable for most users provided they have proper cooling and a decent processor.

Maxmimum Bus Speed

Sadly, our Phenom II X4 955 didn't have much left from its level up settings. The maximum bus speed it was able to achieve was 240MHz. Somewhat fortunately, we were able to call a rookie X3 720 from the bench to make its first debut. It didn't fair much better. The maximum obtainable stable bus speed was a only 245MHz . Surmising that it could in fact be due to the motherboard's limitations, the chip was tested on a second AM3 motherboard and managed to squeak out 251MHz. An absolutely dismal performance given that many reports of these chips see them reaching above the 300MHz mark, and routinely at least pushing 275MHz.

Nevertheless, the motherboard was ruled out as the culprit and goes to show that while your motherboard is crucial, your other hardware needs to be up to the task as well.

Maxmimum Stable Overclock

On a brighter note, bus speed is not nearly as critical when it comes to reaching for the highest stable overclock with a unlocked Black Edition processor. Being able to play with the multiplier can be savior when one experiences a major set-back like our bus speed limitation. It also proved that the Crosshair III Formula is no slouch.

Again using our X3 720, the highest maximum overclock we had been able to achieve on our secondary board was 3.93GHz - the Crosshair ate the record, digested it and left it in a pile miles behind. Operating at a teetering 1.55v the processor achieved the sweet 4.0GHz trophy!

Maximum Memory Overclock

The Crosshair III calmly took the Aeneon DDR3-1333 up to a modest 1600MHz (802MHz) with the timings at a stock 8-8-8-15 and auto voltage of 1.6v without much tweaking or fiddling, unfortunately despite further pursuits, that was about where stability stopped for that particular setup. These were the settings we would continue with for our benchmarks in the next chapter due to the ease of achievement. Loosening the timings to 10-10-10-29, something a little more modest than most would enthusiasts bother to be proud of, a 100MHz extra was achieved!.

As AMD's AM3 CPUs continue with the trend of hosting the memory controller on the CPU itself, it requires a team effort by all components to pull off stability. The AM3 processors have been known to hit a few walls in most of our AM3 reviews, despite the board or the ram. The Crosshair III Formula manages to push the ram into some of the highest clock speeds seen with CL9+ timings with an AM3 setup, boding well for its ability to handle whatever hardware is thrown at it.

FiXT · Aug 29, 2009

System Benchmarks

System Benchmarks

PCMark Vantage

While still classified under the description of a Synthetic benchmark, PCMark Vantage uses many of Vista's (Note - Vantage is Vista Only) built in programs and features along with its own tests. So it is "real-world" applicable in regards to CPU performance. The PCMark Suite runs through operations such as data manipulation, image manipulation, media transcoding, web page rendering and game tests.

Vantage really is one of the best synthetic benchmarks to accurately pinpoint performance differences in everyday day tasks, the overclocked X4 955 gains a bit if a performance boost, mostly from the applications using CPU intensive tasks such as media manipulation, and the game test. Over clocking isn't likely to speed up your e-mail process or help out with your Windows contacts which makes up a small portion of the PCMark suite.

x264 HD Encoding

x264 is quickly becoming the new codec of choice for encoding a growing number of H.264/MPEG-4 AVC videos. Think of it as the new Divx of HD and you can understand why we felt it critical to include. Tech Arp's recent development of the x264 HD Benchmark takes a 30 second HD video clip and encodes it into the x264 codec with the intention of little to no quality loss. The test is measured using the average frames per second achieved during encoding, which scales with processor speed and efficiency. The benchmark also allows the use of multi-core processors so it gives a very accurate depiction of what to expect when using encoding application on a typical full length video.

The x264 benchmark showcases just how powerful the processor can be. The higher frames render indicate the potential to 15% more time while encoding an HD video. While on a 30 second clip that isn't much, spanning it over the typical few hours it takes to do a full length feature film, and you are calculating savings by the minutes.

Cinebench R10 64bit

Developed by MAXON, creators of Cinema 4D, Cinebench 10 is designed using the popular Cinema software and created to compare system performance in 3D Animation and Photo applications. There are two parts to the test; the first stresses only the primary CPU or Core, the second, makes use of up to 16 CPUs/Cores. Both are done rendering a realistic photo while utilizing various CPU-intensive features such as reflection, ambient occlusion, area lights and procedural shaders

Cinebench shows great improvements both in single core mode, and when taking advantage of all four cores on the system. In spreading the work load out across all four cores, Cinebench proves that multi core processors have real world application when software is able to utilize the technology.

WinRar 3.80

One of the most popular file compression tools, we take a 1GB batch of files and archive them, timing the task until completion.

Our last last basic system's test takes a look at raw processing and sub-system power. WinRar has one thing on it's mind and that is to use all available resources to get it's job done. It makes good use of quad core processors, and benefits immensely from every little boost to the CPU, knocking off roughly 3% of the time for every 100MHz of improvement - dropping the total compression time by 25%

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ASUS Crosshair III Formula AM3 Motherboard Review

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