hardware OVERHAUL

[cauzomb]

looks good, ensure that you have bios version 0401 or higher, prior to installing your e7200. If it doesn't ship with the latest bios version, you may need a different CPU to boot the machine, just to update the bios.

Cons: The P5K EPU I received from NewEgg on 7/22 failed to post because the Bios (0305) does not support the Intel Q9450 CPU. I realize after reading between the manual lines and contacting ASUS, that this particular Mobo may not be factory-ready for the newer 45nm CPU's and requires a Bios update (to 0401 or 0501) prior to using the Q9450. Ideally if I had another 775 socket, 65nm CPU I would update the Bios and attempt to make it work. The PROBLEM is that all the literature, and even the ASUS package indicates "support 45nm" and it simply will not work unless you update the Bios.

Here's another suggestion regarding the audio drivers that are included with the board.

The HD sound drivers doesnt work well, after 2 calls to Asus Techs, I finally figure the fix on my own,through research. Dont install the Audio driver from the Driver CD. Download Windows HD Audio Codecs R1.98 from the RealTek.com works perfect for XP/Vista

Your power supply is not listed in the amd/ati product support page "certified by ati"
the following PC Power & Cooling PSU's are listed as "certified" for use with a single ATI GPU:

Product Retail Name Power Connectors Products Supported
2x3 2x4

Silencer 750 Quad (750W) 2 2 Radeon™ HD 4870 X2
Radeon™ HD 4870 & 4850
Radeon™ HD 3870 X2
Radeon™ HD 3870 & 3850

Silencer 610 EPS12V (610W) 1 1 Radeon™ HD 4870 & 4850
Radeon™ HD 3870 X2
Radeon™ HD 3870 & 3850

Turbo-Cool 1200 (1200W) 2 2 Radeon™ HD 4870 X2
Radeon™ HD 4870 & 4850
Radeon™ HD 3870 X2
Radeon™ HD 3870 & 3850
Turbo-Cool 1KW-CrossFire 2 0 Radeon™ HD 3870 & 3850
Radeon™ HD 2XXX

Turbo-Cool 1KW-SR (1000W) 4 0 Radeon™ HD 3870 & 3850
Radeon™ HD 2XXX

Turbo-Cool 860 (860W) 2 2* Radeon™ HD 4870 X2
Radeon™ HD 4870 & 4850
Radeon™ HD 3870 X2
Radeon™ HD 3870 & 3850

* Adjustable to 6-pin connectors

Your memory selection does not show up in the asus p5k epu qualified vendors list;
The following 1066 modules are listed as "supported"