abit AN52 vs. MSI K9A2 Platinum
Author:
Date: 31.01.2008 |
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Performance tests
While determining the starting FSB speed, we found that the MSI board detects it at a high precision, while the abit board overstating it by 0.9 MHz.
In our test setup, we used the following hardware:
| Test setup |
| CPU |
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (real clock speed 2.2 GHz) |
| Cooler |
Gigabyte G-Power |
| Video Card |
MSI NX7900 GT (GeForce 7900GT; PCI Express x16)
Driver version: 93.71 WHQL |
| Sound card |
- |
| HDD |
Samsung HD160JJ |
| Memory |
2x512 MB Corsair DDR2 TWIN2X1024-8000UL1 |
| Power supply unit |
FSP 550W |
| OS |
Windows XP SP1 |
Let's first take a look at the results of synthetic benchmarks.
Now on to the gaming benchmarks.
Recall that Gigabyte MA790-DQ6 is based on the AMD 790FX chipset.
Final Words
Frankly, we like both the motherboards. Above all, it is abit AN52 which stands out for its very low retail price. Although the expansion options are standard and the package bundle scarce, the affordable price makes up for all. Needless to say, this board will not appeal to PC enthusiasts since it won't let overclock processors. However, AN52 is a perfect fit for a student computer.
As regards the MSI K9A2 Platinum, it is a top-end solution for the AMD platform and it allows using the Crossfire technology with two and more (in future) video cards. At the same time, you can install four video cards and plug in eight monitors to this motherboard. At the same time, the expansion options of the board meet the most recent requirements, and computer enthusiasts will be happy about the superb overclocking capability.
Now regarding the shortcomings. We found no technical issues in both of the boards. The only thing to complain about is the interface of abit's and MSI's proprietary utilities which are inconvenient to use.
abit AN52 vs. MSI K9A2 Platinum
Conclusion
Pros:
- High stability and good performance level;
- Support for SerialATA II/RAID (4 links);
- Support for one P-ATA link;
- Integrated 8-channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller;
- Support for the USB2.0 interface (10 ports);
- Low price.
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- There are overclocking tools, but they aren't of any practical advantage.
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Pros:
- High stability and good performance level;
- Four PCI Express x16(!) slots;
- Support for SerialATA II/RAID (8 links; SB600 + PDC42819);
- Support for one P-ATA line (SB600);
- Integrated 8-channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller;
- Support for USB2.0 (10 ports) and IEEE-1394 (Firewire, 2 ports);
- Passive system for cooling the chipset and the power supply module.
Cons:
The board's specific features:
- Superb results of overclocking the CPU (HTT = 360 MHz);
- Power and Reset buttons, support for D-LED.
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- Discuss the material in the conference
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