Desktop Computer Review: Intel DP45SG Extreme Series P45 ATX DDR3 1333 2xPCIe 2.0x16 3xPCI 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Desktop Board

Intel DP45SG Extreme Series P45 ATX DDR3 1333 2xPCIe 2.0x16 3xPCI 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Desktop Board - Retail

I can't think of a single bad or wrong thing about it.Except for what I wrote in the update.

It had the slot configuration I wanted.Not many did.

There are no PS/2 (keyboard/mouse) or PATA (IDE/ATA)connections, just 12 USB ports (6 back panel, 6 more internal) and SATA (5 internal, 1 external), etc.

You can boot in legacy disk mode, which runs the SATA drives as if they were an old PATA (IRQ14/15), so I presume that you could install XP pre-SP3.Switch it back after install.

The driver disc is dated 19 June 2008; newer stuff at intel.com.

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Update: Audio out the analog jacks is messed up.I got a second/replacement board and it does the same thing.The audio goes in and out about once a second, sometimes it will play for 10 seconds straight, until you do something.Others have similar problems; somehow, some say audio is fine (never more than "fine").

The audio optical out is okay - no gaps or dropouts - but only for 2-channel stereo PCM.No AC3/Dolby Digital Live/Home Theatre - not that I can get to work EXCEPT from one (of two) test panels in the MS Vista mixer program, and that only tests the channels with tones.The other Vista MS mixer test panel fails to do anything w/r/t Dolby digital.This is with the IDT audio driver installed (current).Using the built-in MS Vista driver for the audio, the same drop out happens.Worse, the optical out does not work at all (no red light).

I've put the lastest BIOS (0109) in and no difference.The only card in this is an EVGA 9600GT video card.CPU is Q8200.

Important. The driver pack on the included CD will freeze XP since the USB portion (inf) is wrong. Result: No keyboard. No mouse. Not even safe mode gets around it so you'll have to reinstall XP. Go to intel.com and download the newer inf package for this board. I don't know if a vista install of this inf is the same way since I didn't use the CD there. Besides that, this motherboard runs okay.Maybe intel can fix the problem.P.S.If you find references to use a Realtek "Vista_214.zip" driver, don't bother.It doesn't really install, and all you get is the built-in Vista driver for the mobo audio.

I have no internal audio connnections hooked up, only the back panel audio connections are being used.

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UPDATE 2.0: Flashed to BIOS 0116 (5 May 2009) and the audio problem is no more.An updated audio driver package is available but that wasn't installed yet.The s/pdif (both 2.0 pcm and 2.1 digital) is still working fine.I can now say it's working fine (currently windows 7 rc).

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Product Description:
With resource intensive games and multimedia tools constantly evolving to the next technological level, you need equally advanced hardware to ensure the best possible computing experience. Hardcore gamers and multimedia enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that next-generation Intel® Extreme Series Desktop Boards combine with the latest Intel processors to run the most demanding software applications with ease.
Amazon.com Product Description
With resource intensive games and multimedia tools constantly evolving to the next technological level, you need equally advanced hardware to ensure the best possible computing experience. Hardcore gamers and multimedia enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that next-generation Intel® Extreme Series Desktop Boards combine with the latest Intel processors to run the most demanding software applications with ease.

Intel® Extreme Series Motherboards Product Highlight
Built to deliver extreme performance for workstation needs, hardcore gaming, media editing, and still offer significant headroom for future upgrades, Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards are the motherboard of choice for truly hardcore users who refuse to compromise.CrossFire Ready
Whether it's a single graphics card or ATI CrossFire, a system outfitted with the latest graphics cards can deliver unparalleled visual realism when playing 3D games. With compatible applications, multiple cards can share the graphics processing burden and allow for streamlined data processing that ensures high frames per second.

Quad-Core Compatible
Maximize the performance of your Intel Extreme Series Desktop Board by capitalizing on its support for Intel's latest quad-core processors. Support for up to two physical quad-core processors enables Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards to support up to eight processing cores. With more computing "brains", new multi-core processing systems can run more resource intensive games and multimedia applications simultaneously with ease.

Overclocker Friendly¹
Built to be tweaked and pushed to the limits, Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards include features and software that make it easier than ever to overclock while keeping an eye firmly fixed on system specs. And because these boards are built to Intel's exacting standards of quality, reliability and performance, you can push them to the limits with confidence. For performance enthusiasts looking to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of their hardware, Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards provide a stable foundation for a benchmark-shattering system.

1 Warning: altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications

Onboard Audio
Utilizing the Intel® High Definition audio chipset, the Intel® Extreme series can deliver 360° Dolby Home Theater audio through 10-channel, 7.1 surround sound. Know exactly where your opponent is coming from by the sound of their footsteps as you dominate an online battle. Sit in the middle of a catastrophic explosion as you enjoy a five-star action movie in high definition. Whatever you do, enjoy every decibel coming at you in all directions.

Advanced Technical Specifications