ASUS Features
As most motherboards, and all Asus motherboards, there are too many features to cover in a review. I want to take a moment to talk about a couple of significant features, Express Gate and Drive Xpert.
Asus Express Gate is a feature that gets you to some simple PC functions without waiting on the rig to boot up. It is run by a small Linux O/S, and in a couple of seconds you are able to surf via Splashtop, chat on your favorite IM, view photos, use Skype, or play some online games.
Express Gate is simple to setup and use. Enable it in the BIOS, and it launches just prior to POST. You do have the option to go to the operating system instead, but the default is launching Express Gate. On the Express Gate splash, if you want to go to the O/S, use the mouse and click on the icon. Pressing the “delete” key will take you to the BIOS from here.
Asus Drive Xpert is a utility to set up a simple RAID0 or RAID1 array without any of the hassles that sometimes accompanies setting up RAID. Plug a couple of SATA drives into the odd colored SATA ports on the motherboard, and enable “Super Speed” (Raid0) or EZ Backup (RAID1). To keep from scaring off those that feel that RAID is over their heads, RAID is not mentioned anywhere.
