Conclusion:
In the end the ASUS P5E64 WS Evolution X48 ATX motherboard wound up being just about what I had hoped it would be... A high end motherboard equally well suited for serving in a workstation and a gaming rig. With all of the performance features, its slick styling, and the ample bundle of accessories, it is almost like someone at ASUS paid close attention to their market research!
The P5E64 WS Evolution has the ability to make current high end components shine in testing and real world use, but it is also prepared to accept upgrades to further enhance its performance. Support for Intel dual and quad core processors with 1600MHz frontside buses, up to 8GB of high speed DDR3 memory, and four x16 PCI Express expansion slots are just some of the features that let you know it is ready for business. The test system created around this motherboard was able to outshine some worthy competitors in benchmarks and games, and other new features ASUS has developed help keep it cool, quiet, and energy efficient.
The two issues I encountered were frustrating, but in the long run they don't seem like major problems because they might go unnoticed by most users. The first issue was that in order to take advantage of EPU, you must set the BIOS to run in auto mode. You can tweak some settings once in Windows thanks to AI Suite, but significant overclocking and optimizing is ruled out. The most tangible impact this had on using the system was that high speed DDR3 isn't going to be running at full speed. DDR3 1600MHz, 1800MHz, and 2000MHz may show up in the BIOS, but are only achievable via overclocking.
Related to the first issue is that with XMP capable memory installed, the system seemed incapable of running in auto mode. Even with the BIOS set to "auto", once into Windows it was clear that it was running in XMP mode anyway. I wound up going through several DDR3 memory kits before I realized what the issue was, and that only occurred because I happened to try one kit lacking an XMP profile... Something that most end users don't have the resources for.
Other than the two issues that could perhaps be cleared up with a BIOS update, the only other potential eye opener may be the price. This board is brand new, and is just now arriving in stores like Newegg.com at a bit under $370. That is quite a bit of money for a motherboard, but it really isn't out of line considering the prices of x48 boards from all manufacturers. You can't really get anything for less than $250, and the more features and extras you need/want, the more you are obviously going to pay. The ASUS P5E64WS Evolution is a premium motherboard, with premium features, and it seems that you most definitely get what you pay for!
Considering all of the features and capabilities of the ASUS P5E64WS Evolution, there isn't much (if anything) to dislike and the "Highly Recommended" award seems almost mandatory. Additionally, despite being marketed as a workstation solution, its enthusiast appeal and gaming capabilities help it earn the "Gaming Approved" award, too.
 
Pros:
» Well suited for workstation or gaming duty
» Four x16 PCI Express slots
» Supports high speed DDR3 (2000MHz listed in BIOS)
» BIOS allows for fine adjustment of all features of interest to enthusiasts
» EPU and other green features can save you some green
» Solid bundle of accessories
» Attractive color scheme
» Well laid out
Cons:
» Using EPU eliminates any BIOS tweaking (as in overclocking or using XMP profiles)
» With XMP capable memory, BIOS defaults to XMP settings even in auto mode
» Be aware that although there are four x16 PCI Express, two are electrically x4
» Premium features comes with a premium price
Special thanks to ASUS for providing the ASUS P5E64 WS Evolution X48 ATX Motherboard to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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