The four 240 pin DDR2 memory slots are colour coordinated so you know which slots to install the memory in to enable dual channel memory support. The Intel P965 Northbridge generates a fair amount of heat so you'd better have a good amount of system airflow. The TForce P965 Deluxe uses a passive heatsink here, which is nice because it does not generate any noise. Biostar does not place a expansion devices just below the PCI Express x16 slot, so it is easy to use a videocard with a larger thermal solution because you are not losing expansion opportunities. The six Serial ATA II channels are clearly marked and all placed together next to the VIA VT6410 IDE controller for easy access. The Intel ICH8R Southbridge will produce a bit of heat on its own, but is also passively cooled with a simple heatsink. Good system airflow is important.

The ICH8 Southbridge supports 10 USB 2.0 slots and it's great to see Biostar place six right at the rear I/O. Having plenty of USB ports is great, but if they're all via motherboard headers it kind of defeats the purpose. The VRM on a motherboard will generate a fair amount of heat, but for some while there are holes for heatsinks to be installed, none are. The Biostar TForce P965 motherboard had colour coordinated front panel I/O jumpers. There are even physical power and reset switches with corresponding indicator LEDs on the PCB. This is a great feature when you're first setting up the PC and trouble shooting during overclocking. Fan headers are easily accessible at different positions on the TForce P965 Deluxe.

Also included with the Biostar TForce P965 Deluxe motherboard was a headset and mic, and an assortment of what appear to be Cellphone chargers that operate off of USB power. The head would be great for use with VOIP, or other conferencing technologies. The chargers fit the major types of cellphones on the market, but as they came with scant documentation I think most people would be hesitant to actually use them.

Next up we'll be benchmarking the Biostar TForce P965 Deluxe motherboard, but first it's time for a little overclocking...