CROSSHAIR ports, bundle and features
Continuing the feature rich trend of the CROSSHAIR, and ASUS's passion for lighting, is the board's backplane.
Once again there's little in the way of legacy. There are two eSATA ports on this board and, just like the M2N32-SLI, coaxial and optical SPDIF outputs. The most noteworthy item, however, is the small LCD screen. Couple it with the I/O shield and the backplane comes to life.
Electroluminescence at its best. See what goes where, while the actual sockets remain dark. Maybe move a few of those internal LEDs out here, ASUS?
The LCD screen provides POST feedback, for text based feedback on any booting issues that may be encountered. It's easier to understand than a two-digit number and far less annoying than a voice emanating from a speaker.
Bundle
In the first bundle picture we have the Superbeam mic as with the M2N32-SLI (check here for our thoughts on it). Next to it is the ASUS Supreme-FX sound card with an ADI1988B sound chip. It looks to have PCIe 1x connector, but its alignment is bespoke, so it'll only fit this motherboard.
We had the same DTS driver bugs as with the M2N32-SLI Deluxe, so fingers crossed a newer driver will sort it out.
To the left we have the same MediaLauncher pack as the M2N32-SLI, with Intervideo WinDVD Creator2, PhotoAlbum, Disc Master2.5, DVD Copy2.5, and MediaOne Gallery. Then there are seven zip-ties for tidying up the wiry mess inside your PC, along with three contact-type temperatures sensors, which can be used with the board to control fan speeds.
On the right is the users guide, EL I/O shield, case badge and software CD. The software CD includes the advanced edition for 3DMark2006, Kaspersky Antivirus and the usual ASUS utilities and rivers. Nice to see some proper software in a motherboard bundle.
The CROSSHAIR has the same Q-connector system as the M2N32-SLI, making connecting up those fiddly headers a lot easier. There's also the same cooling fan for the VRMs, should it be required, along with six SATA data cables (half of which have right-angled connectors) and enough SATA power connectors to go with them. USB & FireWire expanders, along with a "Republic of gamers" keyring, finish off this pic.
Finally, the bundle ends with floppy and IDE ribbon cables.
Some of ASUS's bundling could be very useful, like the advanced version of 3DMark06, the temperature sensors and EL-lit I/O shield. Keyrings aren't quite so useful, but everybody likes keyrings... All things considered, the bundle is nothing short of extensive.
AMD Live!
Just like the M2N32-SLI Deluxe, AMD Live! is supported by this board, with the same mystery device and inf file available for it.
