MSI P35 Neo2-FR: Platinum performance for under $100
by Gary Key on December 5, 2007 11:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Motherboards
Test Setup
| MSI
P35 Neo2-FR Overclocking/Benchmark Testbed |
|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (Quad-core, 2.4GHz, 2x4MB Cache, 9x Multiplier, 1066FSB) |
| CPU Voltage | 1.200V ~ 1.450V |
| Cooling | Thermalright 120 Extreme |
| Power Supply | OCZ 1000W |
| Memory | Corsair Twin2x2048-10000C5DF (2GB/4GB) OCZ PC2-6400 Reaper X (4GB/8GB) |
| Memory Settings | 4-4-4-12 (DDR2-1066) - Corsair 4-4-3-12 (DDR2-800) - OCZ |
| Video Cards | MSI HD X2900 XT 512MB |
| Video Drivers | ATI Catalyst 7.10 |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 7200RPM 750GB SATA 3/Gbps 16MB Buffer |
| Optical Drives | Plextor PX-B900A, Toshiba SD-H802A |
| Case | Cooler Master Stacker 830 Evo |
| BIOS | v1.6 |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit |
| . | |
We maintained the same test conditions, as much as possible, over the platforms tested. The game tests are at settings of 1280x1024 HQ to ensure our MSI HD 2900XT is not the bottleneck during testing. We color-code all scores for easier identification of results. We selected the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 as our processor of choice since it represents one of the better price to performance values in the midrange processor market and is the CPU we will concentrate on in future reviews.
We are utilizing Microsoft Vista Home Premium 32-bit as our operating system along with a 4GB memory configuration. Even though Vista 32-bit cannot take advantage of the entire 4GB of memory address space, we find the additional 1.278GB of memory provides improved performance during multitasking events and gaming. We do not recommend anything less than 2GB for Vista Home Premium. We will be moving back to Vista 64-bit shortly along with a new test suite for 2008. We will also conduct our overclocking tests under Vista 64-bit for this article to show the 2x2GB and 4x2GB results properly.
We utilize new drive images on each board in order to minimize any potential driver conflicts. The 3DMark tests utilize the standard benchmark resolution for each program. We run each benchmark five times, throw out the two low and high scores, and report the remaining score. All results at stock speeds for this article are with memory timings of 5-4-4-12 (DDR2-1066) for the MSI Neo2-FR and 4-4-4-12 (DDR2-1066) for the other boards. Where possible, memory sub-timings are set the same to ensure consistency between the boards.
To be honest, except for the memory and overclocking tests, this board scores the same as any other P35 based board we have tested. Any differences in our benchmark results are minute at best. Therefore, we base our review primarily on cost, support, service, and features, with performance being a secondary consideration. It is in these areas where the MSI P35 Neo2-FR has a few advantages over other boards in its price range.
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35 Comments
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krunt - Saturday, January 12, 2008 - link
so when can we expect the shoot out between the "cheap" boards? it has been two months since it was said to be here shortly.nefar - Sunday, December 23, 2007 - link
It drives me crazy when a site claims a price and then it turns out it's with a "rebate". Unless I can go buy the item under $100.00 it's not under $100.00 and it should not be shown as such.thebittersea - Sunday, December 9, 2007 - link
This is a great article with a lot of AnandTech caliber content. However, I have one problem with the fluff that plagues your write up. I'm not sure if you have to reach a certain pages to get the amount of ads to keep this place going, but I find that informations are being repeated over and over again. The conclusion (which I always read first), can definitely be summarized in less than two paragraphs.I love your site!
nermanater - Saturday, December 8, 2007 - link
Just as a side note, there is no such thing as CAL P...there is cevo-p but if you were in that league you wouldn't make that mistake. Sound is extremely important to serious gamers and onboard just doesn't cut it sometimes.rallyhard - Friday, December 7, 2007 - link
On page five:"The problem is that once we started to raise the FSB over 445 with the Q6600 or QX6850 processors, the board automatically (drastically) reduced chipset timings and memory sub-timings"
Shouldn't that be an increase in timings? A reduction would be a good thing, right?
JarredWalton - Friday, December 7, 2007 - link
"reduced" as in "changed in a bad way that results in reduced performance" is the idea. Yes, the timings/sub-timings are probably getting higher. I think it also changes the FSB strap (Gary can confirm). So basically, you're better off with a lower FSB/higher multiplier, which gives improved performance.takumsawsherman - Thursday, December 6, 2007 - link
This seems to have very few ports on it, not to mention zero firewire. In bulk, adding firewire to a board can't be *that* expensive.just4U - Thursday, December 6, 2007 - link
I am glad you folks here at Anandtech did a review on this board. I've set up a few computers now based around it and I was so impressed I accually want one for myself. When I recommend it to others it's like being in a very quiet forest as no one really knows much about it.I accually liked the little led display they have to. Looks good in a windowed case and is very subtle.
Anywhoo Good review!
ultimatex - Thursday, December 6, 2007 - link
Toms and Hardocp have done reviews of this board and its always scores higher or the same as those $200.00 boards.I did tons of research comparing it to the Asus and Gygabyte ones that cost the same and went with this one because off all the benchmarks ive seen. Plus it looks better than any board at $120.00
Anyone know if theres any way to soder a optical outlet on this board and if it will work.
j@cko - Thursday, December 6, 2007 - link
The title "performance for under $100" is misleading; because without the rebate, this board is >$100 and the rebate is time limited. Unless MSI is due to a price cut soon.