A Breakthrough: The P4 Platform in the Mass Market
The tables have turned. For some time now, Intel has held back from the low-cost segment, leaving this part of the market to its arch-enemy AMD. In the meantime, a trend has been emerging: the motherboard manufacturers are beginning to rely heavily on the chipsets from the market leader, who has recently lost out a bit on the proverbial pie. This can be attributed to the fact that high performance chipsets for Socket 478 with DDR support are finally available. A few mistakes were made in the past: Intel’s flagship product, Pentium 4, was only available in combination with expensive RDRAM (Intel 850 chipset). As a result, this solution wasn’t very popular with most of the motherboard makers, so that the end user was only left with a few pricey boards from the market leaders (Asus, Gigabyte and MSI). In addition, production costs for boards with the RDRAM interface were very high, because only the six-layer technique could be used. The next mistake came from Intel’s marketing strategists: the 845 chipset with SDRAM support was introduced to the low-price market. The consequence of which was that the mass market showed little interest in these systems, since PCs built on the Athlon platform were to be had for the same price and offered much higher performance. Now, the picture has changed completely: Intel has done its homework, and the signs are looking good.
Test basis for all boards: Pentium 4/2533 and 512 MB DDR333 memory (CL2).
In a few preliminary tests, we were able to determine that the Intel 845G chipset offered the best DDR performance for the P4. The reason for this is that the Intel 845G is equipped with the most powerful memory interface, which unofficially (or from our point of view, officially) enables support for DDR333 (CL2). Whether it’s official or not, faster DDR333 memory with CL2 has become widely available, and DDR400 is just about ready to take off. So it’s not surprising that all participants in this test already offer DDR333.
DDR333 Beats RDRAM: Intel 845G With Top Performance
Northbridge of the Intel 845G chipset.
Southbridge of the Intel 845G chipset, with USB 2.0 function.
Compared to the chipsets 845, 845D and 845E, all of which by no means offer high performance, the 845G has what it takes to become a star. With an improved memory interface compared to all its predecessors in the 845 series, our tests show that the top contenders just manage to outperform 850E boards with Rambus PC800. Using optimal configuration settings, the 845G chipset, in combination with DDR333 (CL2), positions itself between the Intel 850E with PC800 memory (RDRAM, 400 MHz) and PC1066 memory (RDRAM, 533 MHz). Only PC1200 memory (RDRAM, 600 MHz) remains out of reach.
Integrated Graphics: 3D Is Unconvincing
First, the good news: the Intel 845G offers the best on-board graphics currently available. And now for the bad news: while Intel is comparable to the GeForce 2 MX 200 (with a 64-bit memory interface) in terms of performance, our test results show a very different picture. Here, it should be mentioned that Intel’s own, similar graphics chip with 175 MHz GPU and 143 MHz memory never showed up on the market. The performance values of the 845G can be briefly summed up: with 200 MHz core clock and 133 MHz memory clock in combination with DDR 266, or 166 MHz when used with DDR333, the technical foundations are not bad at all. The only restrictions are in the BIOS: a maximum of 8 MB can be assigned as 2D memory, as dictated by the shared memory concept.
If certain applications need more graphics memory, as is the case with 3D Mark 2001 SE, then the graphics driver automatically allocates more memory. Because the operating system also needs to access the system memory, the graphics performance is dampened considerably. An overview of the Intel 845G’s graphics performance is shown by the three benchmark charts with Quake III and 3D Mark 2001 SE.
Comparison: Chipsets For Pentium 4
Chipset | Intel 850E | Intel 845G | Intel 845E | SiS 648 |
Introduction | May 2002 | May 2002 | May 2002 | July 2002 |
Processor Platform | Socket 478 | Socket 478 | Socket 478 | Socket 478 |
Supported CPU | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 |
Chipset Northbridge | Intel KC82850E | Intel RG82845G | Intel RG8245EES | SiS 648 |
Chipset Southbridge | Intel 82801 BA | Intel 82801 DB | Intel 82801 DB | SiS 961 |
Front Side Bus Clock | 100/133 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 100/133 MHz |
Memory Clock | 400 MHz/533 MHz | 100/133/166 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 400/533/600 MHz |
Asynchronous Memory Clock | yes | yes | yes | yes |
FSB Overclocking | up to 166 MHz | up to 166 MHz | up to 166 MHz | up to 200 MHz |
max. # DIMM-Slots | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
max. Memory | 2048 MB | 3072 MB | 3072 MB | 2048 MB |
SDRAM Support | no | yes | yes | no |
DDR SDRAM Support | no | yes | yes | yes |
VC SDRAM Support | no | no | no | no |
RDRAM Support (Rambus) | yes | no | no | no |
Dual RDRAM Support (Rambus) | yes | no | no | no |
Ultra-DMA/33/66/100 | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes |
Ultra-DMA/133 | no | no | no | yes |
Max. # USB | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
USB 2.0 | no | yes | yes | yes |
Max.# PCI Slots | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Integrated Graphics | no | yes | no | yes |
AGP 1x / 2x / 4x | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes |
AGP 8x | no | no | no | yes |
ACPI Features | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Chipset | SiS 645DX | SiS 645 | Intel 850 | Intel 845D |
Introduction | March 2002 | November 2001 | January 2001 | December 2001 |
Processor Platform | Socket 478 | Socket 478 | Socket 423/478 | Socket 478 |
Supported CPU | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 |
Chipset Northbridge | SiS 645DX | SiS 645 | Intel KC82850 | Intel 82845 |
Chipset Southbridge | SiS 961 | SiS 961 | Intel 82801 BA | Intel 82801 BA |
Front Side Bus Clock | 100/133 MHz | 100 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 66/100/133 MHz |
Memory Clock | 100/133/166/200 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 400 MHz | 100/133 MHz |
Asynchronous Memory Clock | yes | yes | yes | yes |
FSB Overclocking | up to 166 MHz | up to 133 MHz | up to 133 MHz | up to 166 MHz |
max. # DIMM-Slots | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
max. Memory | 3072 MB | 3072 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB |
SDRAM Support | yes | yes | no | no |
DDR SDRAM Support | yes | yes | no | yes |
VC SDRAM Support | no | no | no | no |
RDRAM Support (Rambus) | no | no | yes | no |
Dual RDRAM Support (Rambus) | no | no | yes | no |
Ultra-DMA/33/66/100 | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes |
Ultra-DMA/133 | no | no | no | no |
Max. # USB | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
USB 2.0 | no | no | no | no |
Max.# PCI Slots | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Integrated Graphics | yes | yes | no | no |
AGP 1x / 2x / 4x | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes |
AGP 8x | no | no | no | no |
ACPI Features | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Chipset | Intel 845 | VIA P4X333 | VIA P4X266 | VIA P4X266A |
Introduction | July 2001 | May 2002 | August 2001 | December 2001 |
Processor Platform | Socket 423/478 | Socket 478 | Socket 423/478 | Socket 478 |
Supported CPU | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 | Intel Pentium 4 |
Chipset Northbridge | Intel 82845 | VIA P4X333 | VIA VT8753 | VIA P4X266A |
Chipset Southbridge | Intel 82801 BA | VIA VT8233A | VIA VT8233 | VIA VT8233A |
Front Side Bus Clock | 66/100/133 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
Memory Clock | 100/133 MHz | 100/133/166 MHz | 100/133 MHz | 100/133 MHz |
Asynchronous Memory Clock | yes | yes | yes | yes |
FSB Overclocking | up to 180 MHz | up to 200 MHz | up to 180 MHz | up to 180 MHz |
max. # DIMM-Slots | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
max. Memory | 2048 MB | 3072 MB | 4096 MB | 3072 MB |
SDRAM Support | yes | yes | yes | yes |
DDR SDRAM Support | no | yes | yes | yes |
VC SDRAM Support | no | yes | yes | yes |
RDRAM Support (Rambus) | no | no | no | no |
Dual RDRAM Support (Rambus) | no | no | no | no |
Ultra-DMA/33/66/100 | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes | yes/yes/yes |
Ultra-DMA/133 | no | yes | no | yes |
Max. # USB | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
USB 2.0 | yes | yes | no | yes |
Max.# PCI Slots | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Integrated Graphics | no | no | no | no |
AGP 1x / 2x / 4x | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes | yes / yes / yes |
AGP 8x | no | yes | no | yes |
ACPI Features | yes | yes | yes | yes |
The table above lists all of the chipsets currently available for the Intel Platform (Socket 478). Older chipsets with SDRAM support (e.g., the Intel 845) are not included here, because boards with these chips are no longer produced or haven’t been available on the market for a while.
Asus P4B533-V: Slow To Learn, But Top Performance
The packaging of the Asus P4B533-V.
View of the Asus P4B533-V, which showed the best performance in this test.
Asus sent in a motherboard with average features: six PCI slots, network chip, audio chip (C3DX 6-channel sound), and four USB ports are the standard features. The manufacturer also includes two slot brackets with USB, game and COM ports as accessories. This board, ready for the production line, showed good performance. However, once again, the test engineers factory-overclocked the FSB to 134.6 MHz.
Through aggressive memory timing, the Asus board displayed the best performance in the test.
Asus P4B533-V: Slow To Learn, But Top Performance, Continued
Solely on the basis of this fact, the Asus P4B533-V achieved above average performances in the first test run. By comparison, all other test candidates work with the specified clock rate of 133 MHz, except for Jetway, Aopen and Gigabyte (approx. 134 MHz FSB). It’s more than apparent that Asus still hasn’t learned from the past, and the company continues to strive for top position by playing the factory-overclocking game. After asking Asus about this, they sent us two other versions of BIOS. However, with both versions, operation with manual memory configurations was not possible – the boot process aborted with memory errors (Port 80 error “C1”) – so we couldn’t run it through our benchmark tests. We asked Asus again, and finally we got what we wanted: the fourth BIOS version (1004) ran in combination with optimal memory settings, where the FSB clock was lowered to 133.6 MHz. Now, the benchmark tests showed that Asus had the best overall performance in the test field.
Incomprehensible: even though the Asus P4B533-V is equipped with 17 jumpers, the manufacturer did without a jumper for deleting the CMOS BIOS. The only thing to remedy this is to remove the battery and to bridge the clamp.
Accessories included with the Asus P4B533-V.
Here are also some of the weaknesses in detail: as is traditional with Asus, there are 17 jumpers strewn across the board, and to top it off, the board is equipped with nine DIP switches. Another inconvenience: if an incorrect BIOS setting causes the board to crash, then the CMOS battery has to be removed and both contacts short-circuited. Note that despite the tangle of jumpers, the pin for CMOS Clear was not provided. A well-known Asus anomaly is also to be found with the P4B533-V: before installing Windows 2000 or XP, users have to be clear about whether or not they will use the floppy controller. After the OS is installed, you can’t make any further changes, because if you do, then the system won’t boot. Unique among the test candidates is the fan controller, called “Q-Fan,” which we looked at in our previous comparison of 850E motherboards. Q-Fan adjusts the rotation speed of the fan to match the CPU temperature, which means that the CPU is not under a full load, so that lower noise levels during operation are possible. Ultimately, this is the most expensive motherboard of all the candidates, which will set the end user back by about $165. By comparison, full-featured boards from Gigabyte and MSI can be had for only around $140. So again, you have to question whether Asus is justified in setting a high retail price.
Innovative: thanks to Q-Fan, the fan rotates at lower speed when there’s a low load on the CPU.
USB 2.0 on board: this function was activated for the test.
On-board graphics of the Intel 845G with the Asus P4B533-V.
Relationship between CPU clock and memory clock with the Asus P4B533-V.
Aopen AX4G Pro: Black, Fast and Lean
Aopen has been making black motherboards for a long time, and for this round, they sent in the Ax4G Pro with the 845G chipset. What’s striking about this board are the six PCI slots and the Dual-BIOS function. In addition, there is a network chip and an audio chip, the latter of which consists of a low-cost variation of AC’97.
The Dr. Voice function is an interesting gimmick: users are notified of error messages through a voice (in English, German, Chinese or Japanese) from the piezo speaker. The voice quality is astonishingly good, especially if a small loudspeaker is used instead of the on-board piezo. Another positive point is that the BIOS can be updated from Windows 2000/XP.
For music fans, Aopen has integrated a CD player in the BIOS, so that audio CDs can be played back even if the OS has not started. The CNR is somewhat deserving of criticism, since it is of no use to the end user. Once again, Aopen does without a slot bracket for the second COM port, and it does not offer an additional USB cable, so users will have to buy an expensive one at the electronics store. As far as performance goes, the board reaches just about the same level as the Asus P4B533-V, thus taking second place.
Useful: the Dual BIOS function with the Aopen AX4G Pro.
View of the interfaces on the Aopen AX4G Pro.
Convenient: BIOS Flash under Windows 2000/XP.
Epox EP-4G4A+: High Voltage for the Target Group
Striking: colorful packaging for the Epox EP-4G4A.
A black PCB and a good overall range of features: Epox EP-4G4A.
In recent times, Epox has become known for its overclocking functions and good features. The manufacturer has basically remained true to these characteristics: in the BIOS, the CPU core can be increased to 1.85 Volt max., the memory to 3.2 Volt max., and the AGP voltage to 1.9 Volt max. These features are targeted at hardcore overclockers who want to run their processors and graphics cards to the limit. Compared to other participants in the test, Epox stands out for its Port 80 card and the RAID controller (Highpoint HPT 372) integrated on the board. Sound and network chips are also integrated, although the manufacturer uses a lower value AC’97 sound chip.
High voltage: extreme settings, especially for the memory and the AGP. Hardcore overclockers will be thrilled.
The rest of the features include six USB interfaces, four of which are on the motherboard. In the benchmark tests, the board lands well in midfield, and the differences between DDR333 and DDR266 memory are enormous. This once again shows that DDR266, despite CL2 mode, does not offer the best performance by far, as opposed to DDR333 with CL2. All in all, the Epox provides a good price/performance ratio. Equipped with the maximum of features (with RAID controller), the board costs around $140.
Ports on the Epox EP-4G4A.
A view of the Highpoint RAID controller and Port-80 segment display.
Acorp 4D845G: The Weaknesses in Detail
An interesting tote bag for buying hardware and other practical things. This is the best, most creative packaging in the entire test field – however, it is not a factor in the test itself!
The Acorp 4D845G – without the optional RAID controller for eight IDE devices.
The Acorp stands out from the test candidates because of the front panel (Smart Panel II) included in the package. This consists of a COM port, two USB 2 interfaces, Port 80 LEDs, a switch for the Dual BIOS function, and audio-in/out. The second BIOS chip is on a separate board, which is installed on a slot.
The 5.25″ front panel with numerous ports.
An alternative method: Dual BIOS achieved by plugging in a small board.
The board layout has space for a Promise RAID controller, including additional IDE interfaces, although the version we tested did not come with these components. The colorful interfaces and slots, which are particularly popular in the Asian market, are striking. Another aspect that stood out: after the delete process of the CMOS chip, the USB keyboard was no longer active. This leaves the user in the lurch if there is no PS/2 keyboard available. Acorp should definitely address this problem with its next BIOS update. In the benchmark scores, Acorp doesn’t cut such a bad figure: on average, the board lands in the top third of the test field, behind Asus, Gigabyte, Aopen and Jetway. This board is geared towards price-conscious customers, who also get a spiffy tote bag along with the board itself.
A bare IDE interface.
Gigabyte GA-8IGXP: Is There Still a Profit Margin?
Nobody offers more than this: the Gigabyte GA8IGXP offers the best range of features.
In the previous tests, Gigabyte achieved respectable results. The manufacturer has managed to win several tests, so our expectations for its 845G board were quite high. Out of all the motherboards tested in Part I of this comparison, Gigabyte offers the best features: in addition to FireWire (IEE1394) through the VIA VT6306, there are six USB interfaces installed.
The Gigabyte GA8IGXP comes with a full series of accessories. Many of its competitors could stand to learn a lesson from this.
FireWire (IEEE1394) ports.
Part of its trump card is the Dual BIOS function, which allows you to start from a second BIOS when a flash process fails. Note: the settings for manual memory timing have been hidden in the BIOS. By pressing CTRL + F1, you can get to the hidden menu. With the help of the Promise RAID controller, you can connect up to eight IDE devices. For friends of overclocking, the manufacturer has provided the following functions: voltages for the CPU core (up to 1.85 Volt), memory (2.8 Volt) and AGP (1.8 Volt) can be adjusted in fine increments. The setting for the FSB clock is over the top, ending at 355 MHz. Noteworthy is the sound chip from Creative (CT5880) with six-channel audio, which is completed with an optical-out on the slot bracket. Included with the motherboard are a USB bracket with four ports, a FireWire cable with three ports and three Ultra-DMA/100 cables. By now, you’ve got to start asking how this manufacturer manages to set the price at only about $135 for these mega-features. In the performance scores, this board lands at third place on average.
Sound chip from Creative with the Gigabyte GA8IGXP.
A quite practical fan on the Northbridge of the chipset on the Gigabyte GA8IGXP.
Intel D845GBV: DDR266 Support, For Now
Intel mixes with the crowd: the new D845GBV offers good quality workmanship and should be successful on the retail market as well.
At first glance, the tech-savvy user will notice that Intel has sent a well-crafted board with few components into the competition. From our experience, the only other manufacturers that offer a similar design and quality are Fujitsu-Siemens and QDI. Especially striking are the SMD-style fixed voltage regulators, as well as the small number of capacitors, which are needed to control the voltage. Other boards are still equipped with larger components to save on costs. However, this strategy necessitates the use of additional resistors to correct problems with the signaling. In the test runs, the Intel board revealed no weaknesses, although overclocking fans will not be interested in it. The Front Side Bus works with the specification clock of 133.3 MHz, and it’s not possible to set the CPU core voltage or the memory voltage. The target user here is quite clearly defined: PC assemblers, OEM manufacturers and home users who place the highest priority on stability. In practice, the D845GBV proves to be quite user-friendly: BIOS updates are made automatically with the help of a diskette. The program needed for this is available on the manufacturer’s support pages. In order to avoid problems with new hardware components, Intel always offers updated BIOS versions. In the performance tests, a dilemma was revealed: compared to the other candidates, the board only worked with DDR266 memory (133 MHz). It’s still not possible to adjust the memory clock to 166 MHz. Intel likes to call this “validation,” so that’s why there’s a “V” in the product name. It’s rather a pity that Intel’s product is under such restrictions. As for the price: in retail stores, it’s priced at around $130, and OEM customers get it for cheaper of course.
DFI NB76-EA: Please Improve This!
So how about packaging this board in a violin case?
The DFI NB76-EA board based on the Intel 845G chipset.
Recently, DFI has not exactly been the center of attention, because its products have been lacking interesting features and a reason for purchasing them, and therefore fail to attract ambitious users shopping at their local electronics store. The manufacturer came up with an absolute hit a few years ago with excellent Socket 7 boards. These had even integrated 2 MB cache on the board, thus lifting the K6 CPUs to the performance level of a Pentium II.
Accessories included with the DFI NB76-EA.
Doesn’t work with GeForce 4 Ti 4600: the DFI NB76-EA quickly crashed!
Back to the latest test: DFI sent the first NB76-EA to our lab in Munich, and we found that this version ran into many problems when used with DDR333 and the newest version of BIOS. We then quickly received another board from DFI, which had the same problems. The main reason for these difficulties was the BIOS from DFI: we were not able to get a GeForce 4 Ti 4600 graphics card (test basis) to run without errors. When booting Windows 2000, the card crashed when the start screen appeared. The only thing that helped was to downgrade the BIOS to version 1.0, but then, the board was only able to run error-free with DDR266. A positive aspect is that DFI is the only manufacturer to include both an AGP adapter card for TV playback as well as DIF for TFT monitors.
DFI NB76-EA was the only candidate to include an adapter card for the AGP port.
Another interesting thing is the included card reader, which accepts Smart Media, Memory Stick and GSM. An LED strip on the board gives you status reports. A slot bracket with digital audio interfaces (SP/DIF) completes the range of features. The benchmark results look a bit bleak though: due to the weak performance with DDR266, DFI often take last place. The only remaining comfort is that a re-worked BIOS just might be able to work wonders. By comparison, the features themselves are quite respectable. And so is the price. Within the industry, DFI is well-known for its very reasonable prices.
BIOS update on the Internet for the DFI NB76-EA.
MSI MS-6580 (845G Max): Bluetooth Included, Low Price
Colorful packaging for the MSI MS-6580 (845G Max).
Red PCB with the MSI MS-6580 (845G Max).
Among the Taiwanese manufacturers, MSI is one of the successful companies who make life difficult for the current market leaders. In their motherboards, MSI attracts with its huge product portfolio and richness of features. The 845G Max in this test was not as full-featured. The only thing included in the package was a slot bracket that had two USB ports as well as four status LEDs (Port 80 functionality). The loyal MSI customer will notice that a RAID controller and other accessories are lacking.
Accessories included with the MSI MS-6580.
Bluetooth kit included.
Overclocking software for greenhorns: real freaks don’t need this!
Noteworthy is the “Fuzzy Logic 4” software, a tool that lets you make the following settings while Windows is running: the CPU core and AGP voltage can be adjusted; in addition, the clock multiplier and FSB clock can be varied. However, you can only change the clock multiplier with processors that are not “protected,” so this function is not really practical. MSI is not top notch in terms of performance: except for the SPECviewperf benchmark scores, where the board positions itself far ahead of the pack, it lands midfield. Its reasonable price of about $125 is a good argument for buying the board, but the Gigabyte GA-IGXP has the advantage here, since it offers more features and somewhat more power for the same price.
Bluetooth antenna and receiver for the MSI MS-6580.
Bluetooth card.
Jetway 845GDAL: (More) Performance With FSB Tricks
Packaging for the Jetway 845GDAL.
A view of the Jetway 845GDAL: compared to previous tests, Jetway makes great strides.
An important characteristic of the Jetway board can be noticed right away when you look at the benchmark results: compared to previous tests, this manufacturer has made considerable progress, and the board attains good performance levels. However, at the same time, it has to be pointed out that the FSB clock has been increased to 134 MHz.
Accessories included with the Jetway 845GDAL.
This clock speed is not quite as high as that of the Asus board, factory-clocked to 134.6 MHz, but, strictly speaking, Jetway slightly skews the results of this competition. If they had adhered to the specified 133 MHz FSB clock, they would have not placed so well. The features of this board are rather sparse: like all other candidates, they have integrated sound and network chips. To sum up, we can say that the very low price of the Jetway board is the only reason for buying it. After all, not all customers want to have as many features as can be found on the Gigabyte board. The OEMs will also be pleased to be able to purchase an 845G motherboard of this caliber in large quantities. The price should be around $110.
The Jetway Web site is not always online.
QDI Platinix 8-A: A Step Forward
Packaging for the QDI Platinix 8-A. An earnest look for OEMs.
The QDI Platinix 8-A with an optional ISA Slot for special requests from OEMs.
QDI joins the growing number of manufacturers who fit their boards with SMD components. The result of this is that the boards need significantly fewer semiconductors, which reduces costs and optimizes the layout. For the duration of the testing process, the QDI did not run into any problems. In the benchmark tests, the Platinix 8-A lands in the top of the pack and is much better than average.
Accessories included with the QDI Platinix 8-A.
Looking at the list of features, you can see that the manufacturer does away with useless OEM interfaces such as CNR, AMR and ACR. If you look carefully, you’ll see that the board layout allows for an antiquated ISA slot, which, in practice, is installed for a select few customers. The ISA interface is still used for special components such as measurement cards. QDI also provides for ambitious home users, as shown by the tool “Step Easy II.” This makes it possible to overclock the processor during operation. The voltage of the CPU can be increased to 1.8 Volt, the AGP to 1.65 Volt and memory to 2.75 Volt. Furthermore, real PC freaks can create their own Start screen (800×600 max., 16.7 million colors) with the help of a tool called “Logo Easy II.”
Overclocking beginners: the manufacturer includes this tool.
Convenient: BIOS update under Windows 2000/XP.
The optional ISA Slot in detail. Older measurement cards need an ISA interface.
Test Setup and Details
Hardware | |
Processor | Intel Pentium 4 2.5 GHz (2533/133 MHz) |
Memory 1 | 2 x 256 MB, RDRAM, Kingston 533 MHz, 32 ns, PC 1066 |
Memory 2 | 1 x 512 MB DDR-SDRAM, Winbond 5 ns, 166 MHz, CL2.0, PC 2700 |
Hard Disk | 40 GB, ATA100, 7200 rpm, 5T040H4, Maxtor |
Graphics Card 1 | MSI GeForce 4 Ti 4600 Memory: 128 MB DDR-SDRAM (128 Bit) Memory Clock: 650 MHz Chip Clock: 300 MHz |
Graphics Card 2 | Crative GeForce 2 MX 200 Memory: 32 MB DDR-SDRAM (64 Bit) Memory Clock: 143 MHz Chip Clock: 175 MHz |
Graphics Card 3 | MSI GeForce 2 MX 400 (MS-8833) Memory: 32 MB DDR-SDRAM (64 Bit) Memory Clock: 183 MHz Chip Clock: 200 MHz |
Motherboards | |
Intel 850 E | Gigabyte GA-8IHXP |
Intel 845 E | Asus P4B533-E |
Drivers & Software | |
Chipset Driver | V4.00.1009 Application Accelerator V2.20 |
Intel Graphics Driver | V6.13.01.3091 |
Graphics Driver | Detonator 4 Series V28.32 |
DirectX Version | 8.1 (English) |
Operating System | Windows 2000 SP 2, Build 2195 (English) |
Benchmarks & Settings | |
Quake III Arena | Retail Version 1.16 command line = +set cd_nocd 1 +set s_initsound 0 Graphics detail set to ‘Normal’, 640x480x16 Benchmark using ‘Q3DEMO1’ |
ViewPerf | Version 7 1280x1024x16x85 |
mpeg4 encoding | Xmpeg 4.5 + DivX 5.02 Pro Compression/quality: Fastest Data Rate: 780 Kbit Format: 720×576 Pixel@25 fps 150 MB VOB file, no Audio |
WinACE | V2.11, 178 MB Wave file, Best Compression, Dictionary: 4096 KB |
SiSoft Sandra 2002 | Professional Version 2002.1.8.59 |
Cinema 4D XL R7 | Version V7.303 Rendering: 1024×768 |
PCMark2002 Pro | only CPU and Memory Bench |
Lame | Lame 3.92 MMX, SSE, SSE 2, 3DNow! |
mp3 maker Platinium | Magix Version: 3.03 |
Benchmarks under Windows 2000
OpenGL Performance | Quake 3 Arena “Demo 1” and “NV15 Demo” |
3D Rendering | SPECviewperf Suite 7.0 Cinema 4D XL 7 |
DirectX8 Games | 3D Mark 2001 Comanche 4 |
MP3 Audio Encoding | Lame MP3 Encoder 3.92 mp3 Maker Platinum |
MPEG-4 Video Encoding | XMpeg 4.5a and Divx Pro 5.02 |
Archiving | WinACE 2.1 |
CPU and Multimedia Bench | SiSoft Sandra 2001 PC Mark 2002 |
We wanted to avoid the automatic resource management feature integrated in Windows XP, so as in the past, we opted to use Windows 2000 to test these motherboards. The only reason for choosing Windows 2000 over Windows XP is that the newer version of Windows optimizes how background applications run. This new feature would have prevented us from obtaining accurate benchmarking results.
We performed a total of 25 different benchmark tests in order to obtain the most complete, well-balanced view of how the Intel 845G chipset performs. Four different Quake 3 tests were used to determine OpenGL performance. The different MPEG-encoding benchmarks provide a comprehensive testing environment – mp3 Maker Platinum and Lame MP3 Encoder were used to encode a 178 MB WAV file into “MPEG-1 Layer 3 format.” Still a classic, our MPEG-4 test converts a file from a commercial DVD-ROM into MPEG-4 format using Xmpeg 4.5 and the DivX 5.01 codec. A regular in our list of benchmarks is determining rendering performance using Cinema 4D XL version 7.303. We also ran WinACE Packer 2.11 to test how well the CPU performs when archiving files, a common application in the computing world. PC Mark 2002 is used to analyze the performance of the CPU and memory. The new SPECviewperf version 7 offers an extensive suite of 3D benchmarks. The Sysmark 2002 benchmark was used to determine office performance. DirectX 8 gaming performance was tested using 3D Mark 2001 and Comanche 4. The synthetic benchmark SiSoft Sandra Pro 2002 was also used.
OpenGL-Performance: Quake 3 Arena
In the four Quake 3 Arena time-demo runs, Asus P4B533-V leads ahead of the Gigabyte GA-8IGXP by a hair.
MP3 Audio Encoding: Lame MP3
Lame MP3 Encoder was used to convert a 178 MB sound file from a WAV format to a “MPEG-1 Layer 3” format. The chart shows that all candidates perform the same.
MP3 Audio Encoding: mp3 Maker Platinum
mp3 Maker Platinum was used to convert a 178 MB sound file from a WAV format to a “MPEG-1 Layer 3” format. Aopen and Gigabyte lead the pack.
MPEG 4 Video Encoding: Xmpeg 4.5a and Divx 5.02
In this test, the Asus P4B533-V achieves the highest frame rate.
3D Rendering Performance: SPECviewperf 7.0
The scores of the SPECviewperf benchmarksuite are clear: in these tests, Asus and Jetway lead.
Archiving: WinACE 2.11
Archiving is a very practical application. WinACE 2.11 was used under Windows 2000 to archive a 178 MB WAV file while the clock was running. Asus P4B533-V and Aopen AX4G Pro take the top positions here.
DirectX 8 Games: 3D Mark 2001
3D Mark 2001 determines DirectX 8’s Direct3D performance under Windows 2000. The results shows that Aopen is just a nose ahead of Asus.
DirectX 8 Games: Comanche 4
The new gaming benchmark from Comanche 4 uses the DirectX 8 interface. Here, Asus leads again.
SiSoft Sandra 2002 Benchmarks: CPU and Multimedia
In the SiSoft Sandra Pro Benchmark 2002, all boards with the Intel 845G chipsets in tandem with DDR333 memory (CL2) have a very high memory performance compared to PC266 memory (CL2). However, all results are to be taken with a grain of salt.
3D Rendering: Cinema 4D XL 7
Jetway takes top position in the Cinema 4D Benchmark.
CPU and Multimedia Performance: PC Mark 2002
In the CPU test, Aopen leads, while in the memory test, Jetway takes top position.
On-board Graphics Performance: Quake 3 and 3D Mark 2001
The three benchmarks prove that the graphics of the Intel 845G are not on par with the performance of a GeForce2 MX200.
Conclusion: 845G Is On Its Way to Becoming the BX-Successor
Intel is going in the right direction with its 845G chipset, which is well on its way to succeeding the legendary 440BX from the old days of Slot 1. The characteristic of this unit with integrated graphics makes itself evident: DDR333 is supported by nearly all the boards that we tested, making the P4 platform more attractive than ever. This is especially so because the top boards combined with DDR333 memory outperform RDRAM boards with PC800. This makes it clear that Rambus is on the decline – if PC1066 doesn’t find greater acceptance and becomes more widely available. However, there’s still cause for criticism: the introduction of the 845G chipset in Munich was accompanied by a focus on new graphics from the gigabit network functionality. Furthermore, the manufacturer showed an adapter card for the AGP slot that enables the digital connection of a TFT monitor. Not a single one of the test candidates in this comparison had integrated a GBit chip from Intel (82540EM). The reason for this is obvious: it’s too expensive for the mass market. Here, DFI was unique in that an adapter card for the AGP slot was included in the package.
Our engineers at the test lab found that the Gigabyte GA-8IGXP made the best impression in Part I of this comparison. The board design is striking for its integration of numerous additional functions. Yet, the board only costs about 179 Euro in retail stores, which makes for an excellent price/performance ratio. We won’t be announcing an overall winner until Part II of the 845G test. If you’re primarily concerned about pure performance, and less interested in features, then you should consider the Asus P4B533-V. However, this board costs approximately 239 Euro, and its performance is just a hair’s breadth ahead of the Gigabyte board. Asus doesn’t exactly hold back very much in terms of the price for end users – if you pay this much for a board, you might think that they would have at least integrated Intel’s GBit network chip.
After a long absence from the retail business, Intel has made a successful breakthrough with its 845G chipset. It offers the best performance in combination with DDR333 memory, and this will be followed by another version without integrated graphics. Friends of overclocking, and perhaps certain users who made the switch from AMD, will be thrilled: you can get a stable platform with overclocking potential, consisting of Intel Celeron 1700 (with P4 Willamette core) and based on the 845G plus 256 MB DDR266. All for a total price of about 338 Euro. For the same money, you can get an AMD Athlon XP 1800+, a motherboard with the KT333 chipset and the same memory.
A final comment about all of the motherboards: the 845G chipset offers manufacturers, OEM buyers and local specialty dealers a solid basis for a healthy profit margin. At least the path has already been set.
Please follow-up by reading DDR333 for P4: 16 Boards with Intel 845G – Part II.
Features Table
Manufacturer | Epox | Aopen | Gigabyte | Intel | Acorp |
Model | EP-4G4A+ | AX4G Pro | GA-8IGXP | D845GBV | 4D845G |
Chipset | |||||
Socket | 478 | 478 | 478 | 478 | 478 |
CPU Clock (2533.33 MHz) | 2545.91 MHz (+0.5%) | 2546.65 MHz (+0.53%) | 2545.56 MHz (+0.49%) | 2533.25 MHz (0.0%) | 2532.61 MHz (-0.025%) |
FSB Clock (133.33 MHz) | 134.00 MHz (+0.5%) | 134.03 MHz (+0.53%) | 133.98 MHz (+0.49%) | 133.33 (0.0%) | 133.30 MHz (-0.025%) |
Northbridge | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) |
Southbridge | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) |
Northbridge Fan | no | no | no | no | no |
Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
Memory | |||||
Max. Memory | 2048 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB |
Sockets | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Standard Components | |||||
Dimensions (L x W) | 30.5 cm x 24.5 com | 30.5 cm x 22.0 cm | 30.5 cm x 24.5 cm | 30.5 cm x 21.0 cm | 30.5 cm x 23.0 cm |
PCI Slots | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
AGP | 4x | 4x | 4x | 4x | 4x |
ACR / AMR / CNR | no/no/yes | no/no/yes | no/no/yes | no/no/yes | no/no/no |
Parallel | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Serial | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
USB 2.0 external/internal | 4/2 | 2/2 | 2/4 | 4/2 | 2/2 |
Fan Headers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Additional Components | |||||
Piezo Speaker (on Board) | no | yes | no | yes | yes |
Wake on LAN (WOL) | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Wake on Modem (WOM) | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Infrared | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Sensor (open case) | no | no | no | no | no |
Temp. Sensor | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Network | 10/100 Mbit Real RTL8100B |
10/100 Mbit Real RTL8100BL |
10/100 Mbit | no | no |
Drive Interface | |||||
Standard (IDE) Channels/Interface |
4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 |
Additional (IDE) Controller |
HighPoint 372 | no | Promise | no | no |
Channels/Interface | 4/ATA133 | no | 4/ATA133 | no | no |
SCSI Controller |
no | no | no | no | nein |
SCSI Ports (68/50pin) | no | no | no | no | no |
Channels/Interface | no | no | no | no | no |
on Board Sound | |||||
Art (PCI/AC97) | AC97 | AC97 | PCI | AC97 | AC97 |
Manufacturer | Real ALC650 | Real ALC650 | Creative CT5880-DEQ | AD1981A | ALC101 |
Ports external/internal | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/3 |
Line, External (out/in/mic) | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 |
Line, Internal (in/out/cd) | 1/0/1 | 1/0/1 | 1/0/1 | 1/0/1 | 1/0/2 |
Setting Options | |||||
Setting Method | Bios/Jumper | Bios | Bios | Bios | Bios |
Multiplier/Increments (x) | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto |
FSB – Frequency/Increments (MHz) | 100 – 133 – 200 | 100 – 133 – 248 / 1 | 100 – 133 – 355 / 1 | Auto | Auto |
Voltage (in Volt) CPU – Range/Increments (Core) |
1.400 – 1.850 / 0.025 | 1.100 – 1.850 / 0.025 | 1.100 – 1.850 / 0.025 | no | no |
Memory – Range/Increments | 2.50 – 3.20 / 0.1 | no | 2.50 – 2.80 / 0.1 | no | no |
Chipset – Range/Increments (I/O) | no | no | no | no | no |
AGP – Range/Increments | 1.50 – 1.90 / 0.1 | no | 1.50 – 1.80 / 0.1 | no | no |
Detailed Info | |||||
Bios | Award | Award | Award | Intel | Award |
Version | unknown | R1.01d | F2c M | RG84510A.86A.0009.P04 | 0.5 |
date | 24.04.2002 | 14.05.2002 | 11.04.2002 | 21.06.2002 | 08.04.2002 |
Board Revision | unknown | unknown | 1.1 | unknown | 1.0 |
clock Controller | Real RT660-109R | ICS 950218AF | ICS 950211AF | CYP 605827 | ICS 950201AF |
Additional Tests | |||||
USB Keyboard in BIOS | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
GeForce 4 Compatibility Test | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK |
Bios boot (ca.) | 3 sec | 2 sec | 2 sec | 2 sec | 2 sec |
DDR333 Support | yes | yes | yes | no | yes |
Additional Info | |||||
Model Variations Accessories User Manual |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x UDMA 33 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable 1 x Board Bracket 1 x 1 Com- 1 GamePort Slot Bracket 1 x User Manual (HighPoint) 1 x Info Blatt (Settings) 1 x Driver Disk (HighPoint) |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x UDMA 33 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable 1 x 2 USB Port Slot Bracket 1 x Info Sheet (Easy Intall) 1 x Board Bracket |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x 3 1394 Port Slot 1 x 3 USB2.0 Port Slot 1 x Board Bracket 1 x 2 Port SPDIF Out Bracket 1 x SPDIF Cable 1 x Floppy Cable |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x Board Bracket 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x Smart Panel II 1 x Bios Motherboard 4 x Screws 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable |
Software | |||||
1 x Patition Magic 6.0 1 x Drive Image 4.0 |
1 x Norton Anti Virus 2002 |
Features Table, Continued
Manufacturer | Jetway | QDI | DFI | Asus | MSI |
Model | 845GDAL | PlatiniX 8-A | NB76-EA | P4B533-V | 845GMAX (MS-6580) |
Chipset | |||||
Socket | 478 | 478 | 478 | 478 | 478 |
CPU Clock (2533.33 MHz) | 2545.91 MHz (+0.5%) | 2535.12 MHz (-0.05%) | 2526.91 MHz (-0.25%) | 2539.09 MHz (+0.23%) | 2533.41 MHz (0.0%) |
FSB Clock (133.33 MHz) | 134.0 MHz (+0.5%) | 133.27 MHz (-0.05%) | 133.00 MHz (-0.25%) | 133.64 MHz (+0.23%) | 133.34 MHz (0.0%) |
Northbridge | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) | Intel 845G (82845G) |
Southbridge | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) | ICH 4 (FW82801DB) |
Northbridge Fan | no | no | no | no | no |
Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
Memory | |||||
Max. Memory | 2048 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB | 2048 MB |
Sockets | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Standard Components | |||||
Dimensions (L x W) | 30.5 cm x 21.0 cm | 30.5 cm x 23.5 cm | 30.5 cm x 24.5 cm | 30.5cm x 23.5 cm | 30.5 cm x 21.5 cm |
PCI Slots | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
AGP | 4x | 4x | 4x | 4x | 4x |
ACR / AMR / CNR | no/no/yes | no/no/no | no/no/yes | no/no/no | no/no/yes |
Parallel | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Serial | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
USB 2.0 external/internal | 2/4 | 2/4 | 4/2 | 4/2 | 2/4 |
Fan Headers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Additional Components | |||||
Piezo speaker (on Board) | no | yes | yes | no | no |
Wake on LAN (WOL) | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Wake on Modem (WOM) | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Infrared | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Sensor (open case) | no | yes | no | no | no |
Temp. Sensor | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Network | 10/100 Mbit Real RTL8100BL |
no | 10/100 Mbit Real RTL8100BL |
10/100 Mbit | 10/100 Mbit |
Drive Interface | |||||
Standard (IDE) Channels/Interface |
4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 | 4/ATA100 |
Additional (IDE) Controller |
no | no | no | no | no |
Channels/Interface | no | no | no | no | no |
SCSI Controller |
no | no | no | no | no |
SCSI Ports (68/50pin) | no | no | no | no | no |
Channels/Interface | no | no | no | no | no |
on Board Sound | |||||
Art (PCI/AC97) | AC97 | AC97 | AC97 | PCI | AC79 |
Manufacturer | ALC650 | ALC201A | ALC650 | C3DX | ALC202A |
Ports external/internal | 3/1 | 3/2 | 3/2 | 3/3 | 3/1 |
Line, External (out/in/mic) | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/1/1 |
Line, Internal (in/out/cd) | 0/0/1 | 1/0/1 | 1/0/1 | 1/1/1 | 1/0/0 |
Setting Options | |||||
Setting Method | Bios | Bios,Jumper | Bios/Jumper | Bios,DPI | Bios |
Multiplier/Increments (x) | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto | |
FSB – Frequency/Increments (MHz) | 100 – 133 – 200 / 1 | 100 – 133 – 166 / 4 | 100 – 133 – 200 / 1 | 100 – 133 – 166 | 100 – 133 – 233 / 1 |
Voltage (in Volt) CPU – Range/Increments (Core) |
1.500 – 1.750 / 0.025 | 1.425 – 1.800 / 0.025 | 1.500 – 1.650 / 0.025 | 1.500 – 1.700 / 0.025 | 1.500 – 1.800 / 0.025 |
Memory – Range/Increments | 2.5 – 2.8 / 0.1 | 2.50 & 2.75 | no | 2.50 – 2.85 / 0.05 | 2.5 – 2.8 / 0.1 |
Chipset – Range/Increments (I/O) | no | no | no | no | no |
AGP – Range/Increments | no | 1.50 & 1.65 | no | 1.5 – 1.7 / 0.1 | 2.5 – 1.8 / 0.1 |
Detailed Info | |||||
Bios | Award | Phoenix (Award) | Award/Jumper | Phoenix | AMI |
Version | A02 | V1.1SLCP | 76EA2531 | 1003/1004 | V1.3 |
Date | 02.05.2002 | 08.05.2002 | 31.05.2002 | 17.06.2002/01.07.2002 | 24.06.2002 |
Board Revision | unknown | 1.0(S1.2) | A | 1.01 | 10A |
Clock Controller | Real RTM660-109R | CYP 600016 | Real RTM360-111R | ICS 950224AF | ICS 950218AF |
Additional Tests | |||||
USB Keyboard in Bios | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
GeForce 4 Compatibility Test | OK | OK | OK | OK | OK |
Bios boot (ca.) | 2 sec | 2 sec | 2 sec | 2 sec | 2 sec |
DDR333 Support | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Additional Info | |||||
Model variations Accessories User Manual |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 3 x Jumper 1 x Board Bracket 1 x Floppy Cable 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x UDMA 33 Cable 1 x 1 COM Port Slot Bracket |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable 1 x Board Bracket 1 x 1 Game & COM Port Slot Bracket 1 x TFT und TV out AGP Karte 1 x Aufkleber Board Übersicht 1 x SPDIF Out/In Slot Bracket 1 x Smart Karten Leser |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 1 x 2 Port USB 1 Game Port Slot Bracket 1 x Board Bracket 1 x 1 COM Slot Bracket 1 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x UDMA 33 Cable 1 x Logo Aufkleber 1 x Quick Reference Karte 1 x Quick Setup Guide Buch |
yes 1 x User Manual 1 x Driver CD 2 x UDMA 100 Cable 1 x Floppy Cable 1 x 2 Port USB Slot Bracket 1 x Logo Sticker |
Software | |||||
1 x Norton Anti Virus 2001 1 x LogoEasy 1 x StepEasy |
1 x Adobe Acrobat Reader 1 x Fuzzy Logic 1 x Live Update 1 x PC Alert 1 x PC-cillin |
Please follow-up by reading DDR333 for P4: 16 Boards with Intel 845G – Part II.