Asustek Computer, the world’s largest producer of mainboards, has announced its new “Commando” motherboard that allows the so-called hardcore overclockers to boost up processor system bus of Intel Core 2-series processors by two times from certified by Intel Corp. Given that Asus uses relatively affordable core-logic, the new mainboard is likely to be more reasonably priced than some of its competitors.

Asustek Commando mainboard is powered by Intel P965 chipset with ICH8R I/O controller, is intended for Intel Core 2 or other processors in LGA775 form-factor (with up to 1066MHz processor system bus [PSB] due to official limitations of Intel P965 core-logic) and supports up to 8GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory (at up to 800MHz due to official limitations of Intel P965 core-logic). The mainboard features two PCI Express x16 slots (electrical 16x with physical bandwidth reduced to 8x), six Serial ATA-II ports with RAID capabilities, 8-channel ADI 1988b audio codec, 8-phase microprocessor power supply circuitry and so on.

The main advantage of the mainboard is in its overclocking capabilities and potential to speed up the processor substantially higher than the same processor can be clocked on competing solutions.

“The Commando provides extreme overclock ability for enhanced performance, and unique features to jazz up the gaming features and simplify the DIY process. […] With superior engineering, the Commando provides unmatched overclockability, taking PSB and memory up to 2280MHz and 1300MHz, respectively,” a statement by Asustek reads.

If end-users are lucky enough, then, with the Asus Commando mainboard they will be capable of overclocking processor system bus by more than two times from 1066MHz, whereas memory clock-speed can by increased by over 60%.

Since the Intel P965 is not as expensive as premium class chipsets from Intel or Nvidia, the new Asus Commando mainboard may appeal to customers not wishing to invest hundreds of dollars into the mainboard alone. Still, pricing of the mainboard was not announced.