abit I-N73HD and MSI P6NGM (NVIDIA GeForce 71хх)
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Date: 15.05.2008 |
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Performance tests
It turned out that while determining the starting FSB speed, the boards set it at a high enough precision.
In our test setup, we used the following hardware:
Let's first take a look at the results of synthetic benchmarks. For performance comparisons, we used the ECS board based on AMD 780G with a weak but cheap Athlon 64 3500+ processor.
Now on to the gaming benchmarks (performance in fps).
Tests of application software.
Video encoding (DivX, Xvid) was measured in seconds, i.e. the less the better.
Data compression (WinRAR) was measured in KB/sec, i.e. the more, the better.
As you can see, we used a somehow cut-down set of applications since some games simply wouldn't start on NVIDIA 71xx chipsets, whereas application tests were executing too long.
Final Words
As we can see, even with the more powerful processor motherboards based on GeForce 71xx proved to be slower than those on AMD 780G. So, if the user needs performance in 3D applications, we recommend either wait for the GeForce 8xxx series or purchase the AMD platform on the 780G chipset.
If the speed in 3D programs is not a critical factor, then abit I-N73HD and MSI P6NGM are quire acceptable basis for an inexpensive and multifunctional system. The choice between them is strongly complicated by the similarity of specifications. Almost everything is similar: the package bundle, the expansion options, as well as performance. There is a certain similarity in terms of overclocking as well - the difference in the maximum stable FSB speed proved to be no more than 10 MHz. At the same time, the best result proved to be with the MSI board, but the abit board offers a richer feature-set (i.e., higher capabilities). As regards the retail price, abit I-N73HD costs about $77, whereas MSI P6NGM is still unknown. On the other hand, we found the price for the P6NGM-FIH model (a modification without the Firewire controller) which costs at least $83. Therefore, P6NGM will be even more expensive, which makes it less attractive.
However, the prices for motherboard change fast enough, and it is very difficult to keep track of the market situation permanently. So our advice to the reader is simple enough: choosing between abit I-N73HD and MSI P6NGM, but the cheapest one!
Conclusion
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abit I-N73HD
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MSI P6NGM
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Pros:
- high stability and good performance level;
- 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);
- reasonable price.
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- well developed overclocking tools, good results.
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Pros:
- high stability and good performance level;
- 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 traits:
- poor overclocking tools but superb results.
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- Discuss the material in the conference
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