We had just completed our first comparative test of Athlon64 motherboards when two latecomers arrived. This event coincided with our discovering that the tested boards had problems operating two DIMMs - reason enough to subject all the candidates to another test, this time with the focus on memory compatibility. Our suspicions that this project would rear less-than-stellar results were subsequently confirmed.
The latecomers were the Abit KV8-MAX3 and the Soyos CK8 Dragon Plus. They fit well into the test field in terms of performance, but could not be more different. Abit is aimed at demanding users and enthusiasts, whereas Soyo has opted for a simple motherboard with up-to-date components.
In addition to presenting these two boards, we wanted to examine the memory compatibility and flexibility of the available Athlon64 boards. To do this, we used a pair of DIMMs from Corsair, Infineon and TakeMS respectively. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, these are designed for operation at their minimal timings.
- Focus On Memory Flexibility: Athlon64 Boards
- ABit KV8-MAX3
- ABit KV8-MAX3, Continued
- ABit KV8-MAX3, Continued
- Soyo CK8 Dragon Plus
- Soyo CK8 Dragon Plus, Continued
- Athlon64 And FX: Single Or Dual Channel
- Memory Test With Corsair, Infineon And TakeMS
- Corsair CMX512-4000Pro
- Infineon HYS64D64
- TakeMS MS64D64
- Result: 3 Out Of 10 Boards Pass The Test
- Test System
- Benchmark Results
- SPECviewperf 7.1, Continued
- OpenGL Games: Wolfenstein Enemy Territory
- Synthetic: 3D Mark 2003
- MPEG-Encoding: Main Concept MPEG-Encoder
- 3D Studio Max 5.1
- Conclusion