Overclocking
As with any and all overclocking, your results will undoubtedly vary due to about a thousand variables whether it be your components or power supply. It also helps if it’s a well polished BIOS, which we have here. Based on this particular test system, I managed to get a very, healthy, stable 200 MHz CPU Bus Clock from the motherboard. That maxed the CPU out at about 4.2 GHz which passed some OCCT abuse.
One thing worth noting is that reaching the system’s maximum OC was achievable both through the OC Tuner software as well as through the BIOS. As with any Windows installation, the software is always the riskiest method. You can always rest assured that the BIOS will keep up as long as you can.
Unfortunately, I was not able to test whether or not the board does indeed support DDR3 memory frequencies up to 2600 MHz. Some of the 2000 MHz here maxes out at about 2250 MHz. But, for all intents and purposes, you really need a high CPU BClk to unlock the true memory divider to get real performance. Otherwise, you’ll be just showing off an empty DDR3 frequency.
Final Thoughts
First, let’s get past any stigmas. ASRock may not be your first choice based on former experiences from 3 generations ago, but you have to give credit where credit is due. If nothing else, this is now the second ASRock motherboard to surprise us based on its BIOS, configuration, expansion capabilities, and audio performance. It’s the performance and price that should convince you that it’s a worthy choice if you need a fully featured motherboard at the sub $200 level.
Visually speaking, the ASRock P55 Deluxe Motherboard is a step up compared to the X58 theme we saw a few months ago. The changes to the theme and heat pipe coolers really make you take notice of the board. PC enthusiasts are more than likely going to do a double take to make sure this is indeed an ASRock board. Other than a few oddities like the orange PCIE slots and Southbridge chipset cooler, there’s really nothing to gripe about. Perhaps the next revision will match reds, blues, and white sockets.
The P55 Deluxe is actually a good aggressive performer keeping up with the very well tuned Intel DP55KG Motherboard. Overclocks compared, they are actually both capable of pushing a Core i5 750 or Core i7 870 in to the 4.2 GHz area and a little extra in change. Let me say that again for those not paying attention. The ASRock P55 Deluxe is perfectly capable of operating a Core i5 and Core i7 LGA1156 processor at 4.2 GHz!
Currently, at $179.99, the P55 Deluxe is priced about $10-15 higher than the entry level LGA1156 motherboards available. However, it does offer a full array of features including CrossfireX/SLI, Power, Reset, and CMOS buttons as well as a nicer ALC890 HD Audio Codec. Despite a few misplaced orange sockets, it’s these extra features that make it worth the extra money.
Pros
- Aggressive Heat-Pipe theme
- Functional layout and socket placements
- Full featured budget LGA1156
- Realtek ALC890 HD Audio
- 200 MHz CPU B-Clocks
- Good software support
- Perfectly stable platform
Cons
- Needs color coordinating
- That is all!
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
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