Verdict: More overclocking power than you'll ever need

The NF4 SLI-DR was the first motherboard we tested in this Labs test, and it immediately set a very high standard. It's based on the nForce4 SLI chipset, which is the ideal platform around which to build a really high-end machine.

Features are good, with four S-ATA II ports and four S-ATA ports, all of which are RAID-capable, thanks to a Silicon Image chip, plus two EIDE ports. A removable module contains a Realtek ALC850 audio chip, which supports 8-channel surround sound and contains the audio jacks, although the coaxial S/PDIFs are on the motherboard itself. There are also two Gigabit LAN controllers.

Two rounded EIDE cables are supplied, plus a rounded floppy drive cable and four S-ATA cables. Also included is a bag for carrying your computer around, a cable braiding kit (luminous, no less) and a 'FrontX' panel, which slots into a 5.25in drive bay and provides USB 2, audio and other connections.

However, what really makes the DFI so good is its BIOS, which has more features and options than any other BIOS we've seen, including the ability to push a ludicrous 2.1V through your CPU. We also like the CMOS Reloaded system, which allows you to save and restore different BIOS profiles, so you don't have to start from scratch if you push it too far.

Even better than the number of options, though, is the DFI's overclocking performance. With a low CPU multiplier, the DFI benchmarked stably with a 425MHz FSB. This is absolutely amazing, and if you can find a CPU (and cooling system) that will handle very high FSB speeds at a decent multiplier setting then you could have one of the fastest single-processor PCs on the planet.

It's not all smiles and cheers, though, as there are a couple of annoying features on this board. For example, because the PCB is so crowded, installing two graphics cards means they rest on top of the hot chipset HSF.

At £140.94, the DFI is undeniably expensive, despite its excellent bundle. However, for hardcore overclockers, the extra cost is justified by the extra performance you should be able to squeeze out of your system.

• Cases - 21st November 2008
• Motherboards - 24th October 2008
• Gaming Headsets - 26th September 2008
• Dream PCs - 24th September 2008
• Headphones - 12th September 2008
• Media PC components - 22nd August 2008
• PSUs - 14th July 2008

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