Intel S975XBX2 Motherboard + Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz and Linux compatibility

I recently upgrade my computer from an Intel Celeron 1.7 GHz to Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4Ghz ~ 64 bit computer. My old computer was dying. My current desktop configuration:

=> Intel S975XBX2 Workstation class motherboard (8 x SATA II RAID, On board Sound, PCI / PCIe x 2,Gigabit Ethernet and other stuff)

=> Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz @ 1066 FSB (4 Core CPU + 8 MB L2 Cache )

=> 2 GB DDR2 800Mhz RAM (8GB Max)

=> Nvidia 8600 GT 512 MB PCIe

=> Seagate 500 GB x 4 SATA-II hard disk

=> Cooler master gaming case + 500W SMPS etc

=> Ubuntu Linux 7.04 - 64 bit

According to official Intel website this motherboard only works with Microsoft Windows XP and Vista operating system. However I was able to load Ubuntu Linux without a problem. I'm also able to use RAID 1 via dmraid. It discover and activate software Intel matrix storage RAID.

I also own Dual CPU Dual Core - AMD Opteron 2212 server. This box is now moved to local data center. It is mainly used for serving web pages and developing stuff. Overall I'm quite satisfied with my new computer. I feel like replacing an old car for latest Ferrari

Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor QX9770

How Do I Use This Tool? Printer Friendly Format

Processor Specifications:

sSpec Number:
CPU Speed:
PCG:
Bus Speed:
Bus/Core Ratio:
L2 Cache Size:
L2 Cache Speed:

SLAWM
3.20 GHz
05B
1600 MHz
8
12 MB
3.2 GHz

Package Type:
Manufacturing Technology:
Core Stepping:
CPUID String:
Thermal Design Power:
Thermal Specification:
VID Voltage Range:

LGA775
45 nm
C1
10677h
136W
55.5°C
0.85V – 1.3625V

Product Documentation:
http://www.intel.com/design/core2XE/documentation.htm

Intel P45 Motherboard

The P45 is obviously the successor to Intel's last mainstream chipset, the P35. The two chipsets that preceded the P45, the X38 and X48, were mainly intended for high performance motherboards, though Asus has used the chipset for some more tame boards like the P5E64 WS Professional workstation motherboard, which sports an X38, and the P5E64 WS Evolution, an X48 version of the same motherboard. Like the P35, the P45 seems like it will be a good platform for a wide range of boards, from economy to performance.

I recently reviewed the Gigabyte EP45-DQ6, Gigabyte's mainstream P45 motherboard. It appears to be a stable, reliable board, something that a mainstream motherboard should be. The P45 market is already getting a little crowded, with something for everyone.

Today I am looking at the Asus P5Q-E, one of Asus' three budget-minded P45 motherboards, this one supporting CrossfireX, with two x 8 slots, and one x 4 slot (the primary PCI-E slot is x 16 when a single video card is used). It also sports heatpipe chipset cooling, and other features we'd expect only on Asus boards costing much more, all with an energy-saving theme. How will this board stand up to the requirements of enthusiasts? Read on to see.

Packaging

The P5Q-E comes in a box similar to most Asus economy boards, an unsleeved box smaller than their mainstream or gaming motherboards, in a shiny metallic blue motif. The box is covered front and back with features and specs.

Inside, the motherboard is separated from the bundle by a cardboard divider. The motherboard is on the bottom, in a static-free envelope.

Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Family

	Product Name	Embedded	Max TDP	Intel® Virtualization Technology	Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology	Intel® Turbo Boost Technology	Estimated 1k Unit Price	Status
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9650 (12M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$316.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9550S (12M Cache, 2.83 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		65 Watts				$320.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9550 (12M Cache, 2.83 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$266.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9450 (12M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$316.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9400S (6M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		65 Watts				$277.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9400 (6M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$213.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9300 (6M Cache, 2.50 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$213.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9100 (12M Cache, 2.26 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)		45 Watts				$851.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9000 (6M Cache, 2.00 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)		45 Watts				$348.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8400S (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		65 Watts				$245.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8400 (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$183.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8300 (4M Cache, 2.50 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts	See SPEC Details			$183.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8200S (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		65 Watts				$213.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8200 (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)		95 Watts				$163.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6700 (8M Cache, 2.66 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)		105 Watts				$266.00	Launched
	Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)		105 Watts				$183.00	Launched