We use Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor based on Kentsfield B3 revision core to test the efficiency of chipset cooling systems reviewed mainboards. The CPU is overclocked to 3.4GHz by raising the voltage. The system is then loaded to its maximum with Prime95 utility. When we tested Circu-Pipe cooling system on MSI P35 Platinum mainboards, it just warmed up quite tangibly, but coped with its cooling task perfectly well without any additional efforts on our end. Now the heatsinks heat up so greatly that I can’t hold a finger on top of any of them for long, even though there is an additional fan installed and a Zalman CNPS9700 LED processor cooler working at its fool fan rotation speed.
MSI is especially proud of their processor voltage regulator circuitry design implemented on MSI X48 Platinum mainboard. Here is a quote from the official company press-release: “In order to provide the most stable environment for overclocking, MSI X48 Series comes with a revolutionary “Dual-Channel PWM” (PWM: Pulse Width Modulation; controlling analog circuits to provide a CPU's power). The advanced design of two pairs shielded choke and MOSFET base on the basic 4-phase PWM provide the best convert rate of CPU power to make the highest power efficiency.”
The lower part of the mainboard PCB carries two blue second-generation PCI Express x16 slots. Besides that MSI engineers managed to squeeze in there another two PCI Express x16 slots, two PCI Express x1 slots and one PCI slot. The number of additional controllers for hard disk drives connection is also not quite standard. There are two of those: Marvell 88SE6111 supports two Parallel ATA devices while Silicon Image 5723 adds support for another pair of Serial ATA ports to the four ports laid out on the mainboard (the Intel ICH9R South Bridge supports the total of six). The remaining two chipset SATA are laid out on the rear panel as eSATA connectors.
I have to point out a few definite advantage of MSI X48 Platinum design, such as very convenient color coding of the connectors, Power On and Reset buttons, SATA and PATA connectors positioned sideways. However, I would like to specifically draw your attention to the lower left corner of the mainboard PCB with a four-digit indicator called TroubleShoot Poster.
It is a very convenient and truly great replacement for the traditional POST indicator. Four positions are more than enough to report the boot-up status in text format and give up the codes that require additional decoding. As the start-up POST goes through the LEDs display the entire process step-by-step: CPU → DRAM → DDR3 → ICH → CLOCK → VGA → POST → ATA. In case of a problem you will see right away at what stage it occurred. It is very simple, quick and effective!
The rear panel of MSI X48 Platinum mainboard carries PS/2 connectors for keyboard and mouse, IEEE1394 connector (VIA VT6308P), optical S/PDIF and six audio-jacks (eight-channel Realtek ALC888 codec), two eSATA, Clear CMOS button, two network RJ45 connectors (Realtek 8111B and 82566DC) and eight USB ports. There is no COM port, but it is laid out on the mainboard as a pin-connector and if needed can be used with an additional bracket that you will have to purchase separately.
Summing up our visual examination of the MSI X48 Platinum mainboard I have to mention that it allows connecting six fans, two of which (including the processor fan) may have a four-pin connector.
