Roundup tests of motherboards aimed at Intel Core 2 Duo processors
ECS PN2 SLI2+
First off, two things to note: this motherboard was not developed by ECS since that is an NVIDIA's reference based on the nForce 680i SLI chipset. That is, Elitegroup has designed only the package and the concept of the package bundle. The second point relates to the price - it is over $300, which is comparable to that for ASUS Striker. In fact, the price may change but even if it goes down to $220, the board would have to compete versus ASUS P5N32-E SLI based on the same chipset ( nForce 680i SLI ).
Let's list the expansion options: the board supports 10 USB 2.0 ports, 6 SerialATA II links, two Gigabit LAN controllers, and 8-channel integrated audio (with ALC885 used as the codec). Besides, on these boards there is a chip to support the Firewire bus (2 ports).
The configuration of expansion slots: three PCI Express x16 slots, two PCI Express x1, and two regular PCI slots.
The rear panel differs in a complete lack of LPT and COM ports. In fact, one COM port can be plugged in with a bracket but unfortunately it is missing in the package bundle.
The BIOS is based on the Award BIOS Phoenix version.
We found no special issues of compatibility to memory modules. We also note that the current latency timings are displayed over here, which is quite convenient.
As regards the system monitoring, the board monitors the current temperatures of the CPU, the system, and the south bridge, the rotational speeds of five (of seven) fans, as well as the voltage levels. Besides, the rotational speed of the six coolers can be set dependent on the temperatures using the respective features.
Let's list the overclocking tools: FSB is adjustable within 100 to 625 MHz, CPU voltage can be raised to 1.8 V, on the memory - to 2.5 V, on the chipset - to 1.55 V (on the north and south bridges - to 1.75V), as well as on the FSB to 1.55 V. However, the actual overclocking results are not the best. In particular, the stable FSB speed = 440 MHz.
The board's cooling system includes radiators on the power components of the power supply module,
as well as radiators on the chipset which are linked with a heat pipe. If needed, the user can install an additional fan (which are available in the bundle):
Among the special features of the board, we note a 7-stage POST indicator, as well as Power and Reset buttons.
Here goes the interim conclusion: a motherboard of NVIDIA's reference design based on the 680i SLI chipset, this product is very good but has one essential shortcoming - a high retail price. As regards ECS' contribution to the development of PN2 SLI2+, it is about the box contents (of the interesting points - a bracket with ESATA, a 3" panel, and a LAN cable).
Pros:
- Excellent stability.
- Perfect compatibility to various memory modules.
- Support for SLI (two PCI Express x16 slots).
- Third PCI Express x16 slot (8 bus lanes);
- Support for SerialATA II (6 channels, RAID);
- Support for ParallelATA (1 link);
- Integrated 8-channel High Definition Audio and two Gigabit LAN controllers.
- Support for the USB 2.0 (10 ports) and IEEE-1394 (2 ports).
- Wide selection of NVIDIA's proprietary technologies (MediaShield™, DualNet, FirstPacket™, LinkBoost, and SLI-Ready Memory);
- Support for the NVIDIA nTune™ utility;
- Superb system for cooling the chipset (passive and active modes only are available)
- Good package bundle.
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- Powerful overclocking tools but middling results (FSB=440 MHz);
- Power and Reset buttons onboard;
- 7-stage POST indicator.
ECS P965T-A
ECS has presented the middle-end motherboard P965T-A which supports the basic functionality and at the same time has the second PCI Express x16 slot.
In fact, only 4 PCI Express lanes are allocated to the second slot, which equalizes its capabilities as compared to MSI P965 Neo2. Besides, the board offers two PCI Express x1 slots and three "regular" PCI slots.
At functionality, the motherboard is also close to the model MSI P965 Neo2: 4 Serial ATA II (ICH8) links, a Gigabit LAN controller, 8 USB 2.0 ports, and integrated 8-channel audio. The board has an additional RAID controller owing to which the motherboard supports the fifth SerialATA link and one ParallelATA link.
The rear panel is practically standard:
The BIOS (Award BIOS Phoenix) settings can't be regarded as rich. In particular, the section of memory latency timings and system monitoring contain too few parameters.
The board displays the current temperatures for the processor and the system, rotational speeds of all the three fans, as well as voltage levels. Besides, the board offer support for the Smart Fan feature that allows for dynamic adjustment of the CPU cooler's rotational speeds depending on the CPU temperature.
As regards the overclocking tools, only raise of voltage on the CPU by 0.15V and on the memory - by 0.35V have been implemented.
The FSB speed is selectable of several standard values: 100,133,166,200,233,266, and 333 MHz. Therefore, the maximum possible result is 333 MHz, which the board just showed.
Conclusion: the motherboard is very good from the "price/performance" consideration; with the relatively low price it offers support for PATA, has overclocking tools, and the second PCI Express x16 slot.
Pros:
- High stability and good performance level;
- Two PCI Express x16 slots;
- Support for SerialATA II ( 5 links; ICH8 + JMB361);
- Support for one P-ATA link (JMB363);
- Integrated 8-channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller;
- Support for the USB 2.0 serial bus (10 ports);
- Low price.
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- Poor overclocking features.
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Content: |
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Page 1 - Chipsets
Page 2 - Roundup table of motherboards
Page 3 - abit AW9D-MAX, abit AB9 Pro
Page 4 - ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe, ASUS P5W64-WS Pro
Page 5 - ASUS Commando, ASUS P5B Premium Vista Edition
Page - ASUS P5B Deluxe Wi-Fi, ASUS P5B-E
Page 7 - P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe, Striker, P5N32-E SLI, and P5N32-E SLI PLUS
Page 8 - ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium, ASUS P5N-E SLI
Page 9 - Gigabyte 965P-DQ6, Gigabyte 965P-DS4
Page 10 - Gigabyte 965P-DS3, Gigabyte 965G-DS3
Page 11 - Foxconn 975X7AB, Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H
Page 12 - MSI P6N SLI Platinum, MSI P965 Platinum
Page 13 - MSI P965 Neo, MSI P965 Neo2
Page 14 - Intel D975XBX2 (i975X), Intel DG965RYCK
Page 15 - ECS NF650SLIT-A, ECS nForce 570 SLIT-A
Page 16 - ECS PN2 SLI2+, ECS P965T-A
Page 17 - Performance, conclusions
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