Introduction
Intel's dual- and quad-core processors have taken the performance lead away from AMD and, in turn, driven many die-hard supporters towards thinking about an Intel-based system as their next computer - be it a build-it-yourself project or off-the-shelf system.
The processor - no matter how good - is only one part of the equation. The other oft-overlooked part is the supporting core-logic and how it complements the CPU. Thankfully for Intel its desktop chipset design team is amongst the best in the business, and, thinking of the high-end, it mainly competes against NVIDIA's, whose own engineering talents are considerable.
The race to produce the most feature-rich, fastest LGA775 chipset has lead to Intel releasing the X38. ASUS was only too happy to oblige with a retail example in the form of its fully-laden P5E3 Deluxe. HEXUS puts it through the mill and tells you whether it's worth buying or not..