Test System

Initial Setup

Setting up the ASUS M5A97 EVO proved an easy task, no different than any other motherboard, except for one thing. Windows installation, updates, and driver and application install took a total of 8 hours, in comparison to the 4 hours it takes on the Intel P67 platform, even though we employed the fastest available retail CPU. The memory, without any problems, booted in at JEDEC timings and 1333MHz, and after initial testing proved to be 100% stable. Although the XMP profile of our Corsair sticks is intended for an entirely different platform, we found the ASUS M5A97 EVO to recognize the XMP profile, although due to memory controller limitations inherent in all current AMD retail CPU products, we were unable to get 2133 MHz fully stable. Due to having this problem with any motherboard, none of this is any issue, but it did lead us to believe that the full potential of the ASUS M5A97 EVO could not be fully recognized pending the launch of AMD’s upcoming AM3+ CPUs.

PWM Power Consumption

Since one of our first tasks was to truly verify system stability, while doing so, we measure CPU power consumption. We isolate the power coming through the 8-pin ATX connector using an in-line meter that provides voltage and current readings, as well as total wattage passed through it. While this may not prove to isolate the CPU power draw in all instances, it does serve as a good indicator of board efficiency and effective VRM design.


With the Phenom II 1100T installed we managed to pull a nice healthy 155 watts through the M5A97 EVO’s 6+2 phase VRM, with the VRM heatsinks barely getting warm. At idle, the board drew just 18 watts via the EPS 8-pin connector, quite acceptable with the 1100T installed. Although these numbers are much higher than what we have seen with Intel P67, they do prove to be very good for the AMD Phenom II platform, thanks to the DIGI+ VRM design.