Gigabyte 73UM-S2H and 73PVM-S2H
Performance tests
When determining the starting FSB speed, it turned out that the boards overstated it by 0.7 MHz.
In our test setup, we used the following hardware:
First, let's look as the results of synthetic tests (MSI G965M is based on Intel G965, and Foxconn G33M-S - on Intel G33).
Now on to the gaming benchmarks.
Another test - WinRar (Kb/s.; the more, the better).
Recently, we compared two integrated MSI motherboards for the Intel platform (based on G33) and one for the AMD platform (GeForce 7050). In fact, the conclusions regarding the performance in 3D applications have remained unchanged. First, the G33 chipset with Intel's latest drivers offers an advantage at simple tasks. But the NVIDIA GeForce 7??? family of chipsets is functionally superior to any Intel's graphic solutions and supports all 3D applications which we have ever tried so far. But the Intel chipset has a number of incompatibilities: the outdated Comanche does not work (Intel Gxxx does not support T&L ), nor works GunMetal (problems with the drivers), and at X2-Threat the Intel chipset won due to the worse and more simplified details in the 3D image. Moreover, the functional superiority NVIDIA's graphic core provides a relatively high speed in modern 3D games like Doom 3, Far Cry, and Half Life 2.
One more note to add: the 30 MHz (5%) difference in the speed of the graphic chip in GeForce 7150 and GeForce 7100 almost does not affect the operating speed in 3D applications and is seen solely on test graphs.
Final Words
First, we make conclusions regarding the GeForce 7000 series chipsets. To start with, the chipsets impressed us with their abundant functionality and high operating speed. Nor the use of the single-channel memory controller has almost affected the overall system performance. As it turned out, even a technical solution like this one is enough to beat Intel's products.
As regards the reviewed Gigabyte 73UM-S2H and Gigabyte 73PVM-S2H, we have found no shortcomings. The expansion options are good indeed, and the developers have improved them through installation of an additional FireWire chip. The only thing that is not cleat to us: why has Gigabyte released two identical models but named differently? Such minor trifles like the difference in frequencies of the graphic core by 5% can be disregarded. The possible explanation is in that NVIDIA is positioning the 7150 chipset in the "Discrete GPU Replacement" sector, while 7100 - in the "Best-In-Class Mainstream PC" sector. These are extremely complicated marketing games, so we are not spending time for them. Our advice tot he reader: if there is a choice between Gigabyte 73UM-S2H and Gigabyte 73PVM-S2H, but the cheaper one!
Conclusion
Pros:
- high stability and good performance level;
- graphic core GeForce 7150/7100 and one PCI Express x16 slot;
- support for SerialATA II (4 lines; RAID nForce 630i);
- support for one P-ATA link (nForce 630i);
- integrated 8-channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller;
- support for USB2.0 (10 ports) and IEEE-1394 (Firewire, 2 ports).
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- poorly worked overclocking tools, plus middling results.
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