When it comes
to audio, Asus and a few manufacturers have started to remove the audio from the
motherboard PCB and add it through a proprietary slot (which looks like a
backwards PCI Express x1 slot). The one on the P5N32-SLI Premium motherboard can
be found just above the first/blue PCI Express x16 slot.
With the P5N32-SLI Premium PCB so busy, it makes sense for Asus
to move the audio feature off the motherboard. The ADI 1988B high definition Intel Azalia
8-channel audio card has all the usual audio connectors for each set of
speakers, and they're all labeled in the industry standard manner .
Asus also bundles in a stereo SoundMAX Superbeam microphone. It comes
with some Velcro patches which allow the microphone to attach your monitor. If that's not
your style, the microphone cable is 183 cm (6 feet) long - more
than enough for the mic to be placed just about anywhere.
The Asus Q-Connector are set of
small plastic jumper that fit into the front panel I/O, USB and IEEE 1394 headers
a snap. The ideas is that front panel connectors from the case can
be attached to each of the separate Q-Connectors, rather than the motherboard directly.
If you're a tweaker, this make removing the motherboard from the case and
reinstalling it a less tedious task With Q Connector, you can connect all the
pins to the proper Q connector then connect that to the motherboard when you're
ready. Removing the motherboard to do some maintenance? Simply remove the Q
Connector from the board and plug it back in when you're set. Asus even labels
the individual pin values from ground to power and data!
Wireless 802.11g/b
Networking as Standard
Wireless networking is a common entity in most offices
and homes, and with the Asus P5N32-SLI Premium motherboard the onboard 802.11b/g Realtek RTL8187L wireless adapter
ensures quick connection. An external omni directional dipole antenna screws
into a rear I/O jack, and can be placed up to 40 cm
away from the computer. The antenna is adjustable in the stand, so the best orientation can be
achieved with a little tinkering.
The antenna has a magnetic base so it will stick to any steel surface, like the side
or back of the computer chassis. The magnet is weak so it won't
wipe any data off your hard drive, but route the cable carefully because it's soft
and could be cut easily.
The Realtek RTL8187L wireless network card supports WEP
64/128 bit encryption, WPA and WPA2 (in station mode only). The range of 802.11b
(11Mbps) signal is 40m indoors or 310m with a clear line of sight. Range
for an 802.11g signal (54Mbps) indoors is up to 30m, and 60m again
with a clear line of sight. In Access Point mode, the Realtek wireless network card can support
up to 64 stations. Now, what about all these copper heatpipes, where do they
lead to?