DDR400 for Athlon: A Comparison of 9 Motherboards – THG.RU

<!–#set var="article_header" value="DDR400 for Athlon:
A Comparison of 9 Motherboards” –>

Small Steps: Nine Athlon Motherboards with the KT400 Chipset

The launch of the KT400 puzzled many – when using the much praised new memory (PC3200 standard, a.k.a. DDR400), the new chipset was not one bit faster than its predecessor, the KT333.

It’s been a few weeks, and the manufacturers have had time to optimize their products. A total of nine of the latest boards with the KT400 chipset found their way into our lab to see how they stack up not only against each other but also, again, against their predecessor. We adapted our benchmark tests for this purpose. For the very first time, we ran the tests using memory modules that, at 400 MHz, also handle the fast CL2 mode – with amazing results. In addition, we wanted to be able to draw meaningful comparisons to the KT333, which is why we re-ran all the tests with DDR333 memory. Our reference board with a KT333 chipset was an Epox EP-8K5A2+.

Aside from all the discussions about the performance of the current generation of motherboards, we were happy to see the many features displayed by the test candidates. For example, several USB ports (USB 2.0) and a sound system are part of the minimum. In addition, some of the boards already feature interfaces for Serial ATA hard drives, as well as FireWire or network controllers.

DDR400 vs. DDR333: Less is More

DDR400 memory from TwinMos was available for testing the first KT400 arrivals, but it could not be used reliably with a CAS latency (CL) of 2. We are therefore unable to say whether CL2 would boost performance over CL2.5.

We ran all the tests for this article using a different memory module:

The crиme de la crиme: PC3200 DDR400 memory from Corsair, CL2-capable.

The operation of this DIMM module, with demanding timing settings, was no problem with most KT400 motherboards. However, we were brought right back down to earth when we realized that even this memory didn’t boost performance much over DDR333 (also with CL2); see our benchmark section for more details.

Therefore, the editor’s choice for the most useful memory is definitely DDR333. The modules for operation in CL2 mode are affordable and, by today’s standards, certainly not any slower than DDR400. The latter is still hard to find for CL2.

DDR400: On-the-sly Support

It’s not a joke. There’s hardly a manufacturer today who officially supports DDR400. VIA’s KT400 white papers only mention DDR333, and SiS has also officially given up on supporting DDR400 for now, not to mention Intel. The additional effort is simply out of all proportion to any potential performance boost… which will be a long time in coming.

But anyone with any self-respect will stay on the ball. For example, the motherboard manufacturers provide DDR400 support. Most of the time it’s officially mentioned in the manual; at times mention is made of an optional 200 MHz mode (400 MHz DDR), which then remains “unsupported.”

The manufacturers shirk their responsibilities with comments like this one: DDR400, yes; support, no.

All the boards do have one thing in common: the memory clock can be set in BIOS to 133, 166 or 200 MHz, without any kind of warning.

VIA KT400: Evolution or Impasse?

Following the sobering test results of the first KT400 motherboards, voices demanding a revised version became louder. True to VIA “tradition,” KT400A is, in fact, right around the corner. The question, however, is: does this step really make sense at this time? Our current test of the new Athlon XP 2800+ (AMD Travels Through Time: Athlon XP 2800+ with Dual-DDR) confirms that the new processor represents a respectable leap ahead. This, however, is mostly on account of NVIDIA’s nForce2 chipset, which, thanks to its dual-channel DDR interface, offers substantially more memory bandwidth than conventional systems will ever be able to offer. Consequently, we have set our sights on NVIDIA. Should the (graphics) chip forger finally get going with the nForce2, SiS and especially VIA will be in for some tough times. Right now, none of the products out of Taiwan can measure up to the nForce2 – even if they do slug it out at 166 or 333 MHz FSB.

But the KT400 offers other novelties over the KT333 that justify its existence. For example, it is VIA’s first Athlon chipset with AGP 8x support. What is new, too, is the connection between the Northbridge and the Southbridge, which VIA calls V-Link. Quad-data-rate technology enables KT400 to offer 533 MB/s instead of 266 MB/s.

VIA KT400: Functional Diagram

The chipset diagram should not be left out – it shows all the important features at a glance.

The Boards

Abit AT7-MAX2

Board revision: ?

BIOS version: ?

As soon as you unpack the new Abit board, you are sure to be impressed by the many ports it boasts. In addition to the obligatory PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, it offers a whopping six usable USB 2.0 ports, two IEEE1394/ FireWire ports, one RJ45 jack for networking or Internet access with DSL, and a whole row of jacks for the sound system. On top of that, there’s an optical digital outlet in the middle of all of these ports.

Left to right: PS/2 ports, 4x USB, 2x FireWire, optical digital audio output and five jacks for the sound system, plus two additional USB ports and network hook-up. You really can’t pack in more, but you have to live without serial and parallel ports.

An adapter cable is included so you can use two of the additional four USB 2.0 ports. Abit makes this possible with an additional USB controller from VIA (VT6202). The network controller is a VT6103, also from VIA Technologies.

Abit uses an IDE RAID controller from HighPoint (HPT-374), which can address four channels instead of the customary two. Two of these have been outfitted with IDE bridges for operating Serial ATA devices; the other two offer conventional ATA ports.

Another claim to fame – only the Shuttle and Abit boards provide four DIMM sockets. Though only one slot may be occupied in DDR400 mode, and at least two slots in DDR333 mode, this many slots makes it possible to upgrade up to 3.5 GB RAM (with registered DIMMs).

Asus A7V8X

Board revision: 1.03

BIOS version: 1006 (September 13, 2002)

The A7V8X is true to Asus form: six PCI slots, three DIMM sockets and an AC97 sound system are part of today’s standard equipment. What is unusual, though, is the Gigabit Ethernet controller from Broadcom (BCM5702CKFB), as well as the configuration of the IDE RAID controller.

The epitome of networking: Broadcom network controller for 10, 100 or even 1,000 MBit/s.

The current Serial ATA-capable chip from Promise (PDC20376) does its job on this board, providing two Serial ATA ports and a conventional, 40-pin ATA port.

The board comes with the following: two 80-pin IDE cables; one 40-pin cable; two Serial ATA cables (unfortunately much too short); one ATX panel; and a comprehensive manual (in English), including a CD with the drivers and software (see table at the end of this article).

Asus includes two adapter boards with cables with the A7V8X – the left one offers digital coaxial I/O for the sound system, which is important for loss-free recording and playback. The right one offers two FireWire ports.

Restrained use of colors on the package. Informative details including reference to DDR400.

Asus came out on top in the benchmarks, too. The A7V8X was one of the best performers with DDR333, as well as with DDR400. The results were even marginally better with DDR333.

The BIOS is well laid-out and offers all the options you need for overclocking: FSB clock settings from 100 to 200 MHz; adjustable multiplier (provided there’s an unlocked processor); and the option to increase the CPU core voltage. Even the new FSB clock, which, at 166MHz, is appealing to the new Athlons, is supported by the Asus board up to specifications (with PCI at 1/5 of the FSB clock and AGP at 2/5).

Biostar M7VIK

Board revision: 1.0

BIOS version: 0910F (September 10, 2002)

When you stop by the Biostar website these days, the very first thing to catch your eye is the M7VIK. Biostar highlights the board’s DDR400 capability and the FSB clock of 166 MHz, among other things. In our test, both of these features worked flawlessly, but the Biostar board is just a bit slower than its competitors. On the other hand, the correct clock speed is maintained to the letter. A CPU clock of 1,799 MHz and an accurate 133.31 MHz FSB are exactly up to specifications – there are other manufacturers who occasionally like to cheat with minimally increased clocks.

The first thing to strike you is Biostar’s colorful board: it has three blue DIMM sockets; five PCI slots that are also blue; and red, yellow, white and blue ports for the ribbon cables… it seems that the developers’ creativity superseded any logical considerations. Different strokes for different folks… the layout itself gives no reason to gripe.

Like Asus and MSI, Biostar also uses the current Serial ATA controller from Promise (PDC20376), which can address as many as four Serial ATA drives. Two ports are on the board, the other two fell victim to a conventional IDE port.

The package includes two ribbon cables – one for the IDE drives and another to hook up a floppy disk drive. The board also comes with two Serial ATA cables which, unfortunately, are just as short as the ones that come with the Asus board. There’s no way you can reach drives that are in the upper part of a tall tower with these cables. After the adapter cable (in the picture above) has been correctly hooked up, three FireWire ports are available – more than the competition provides.

The manual is very comprehensive. The two CDs have lots to offer: while the first (above) has drivers and utilities, the second CD has a so-called Application Pack, containing three extremely useful Norton programs. These are: AntiVirus 2002, for fending off dangerous software; Ghost 2002, for making backups of entire partitions or hard drives; and Personal Firewall 2002, for protecting your Windows PC from attacks from the Internet.

The packaging is as simplistic as the board is colorful – an elegant look, but with low brand-recognition value.

Elitegroup L7VTA

Board revision: 1.0

BIOS version: Evaluation version (September 4, 2002)

Just before we were about to wrap up the tests for this article, Elitegroup informed us that this model is a preproduction model, which explains why the benchmark results were below average. Regrettably, the mass production board didn’t make it to us in time, so we’ll have to give you the results in a brief update later.

Elitegroup is the only manufacturer to put a cooling element on the Southbridge – a provision that may sound cool but fails to offers any benefits whatsoever. We welcomed the fact that Elitegroup decided against a fan on the Northbridge – these are generally of low quality and break down sooner or later, anyhow. Because the heat transfer of a simple cooling element suffices, this step taken by many manufacturers is mostly just for looks.

As the KT400 supports neither RAID nor FireWire, Elitegroup added this functionality with two separate components; a VT6303 provides the FireWire port, which is located on the port panel.

On the right: audio jacks; four USB ports; a network hook-up; and a FireWire port.

The second component is a Promise IDE RAID controller (PDC20265R), adding two additional IDE ports for a total of four more drives. Elitegroup has done without Serial ATA so far – considering the fact that the drives are not available, that’s certainly no loss.

The components shipped with the board will do, barely: apart from the data carriers with RAID drivers, motherboard software and PC-Cillin 2002, you get an ATX panel, a manual for the motherboard, and a manual for the RAID controller, which is quite unusual. It’s a smart move, however, because of the basics it contains. Last but not least, there are also two IDE cables and a floppy cable in the box.

No doubt about it: this box contains the Elitegroup motherboard.

Gigabyte GA-7VAXP

Board revision: 1.0

BIOS version: F4M (August 22, 2002)

The 7VAXP joins the ranks of Gigabyte motherboards that are similarly well-equipped (8IEXP, 8IGXP…). This one includes the following: five PCI slots; three DIMM sockets; a sound system with AC97 Codec (ALC650 from Realtek); FireWire controller from VIA; a total of six USB 2.0 ports; a RAID controller (Promise PDC20276); a network controller (Realtek RTL8100BL); DualBIOS; and an I/O module that can be used to hook up Memory Stick or smart card readers.

The memory timing can’t be adjusted, only “Top Performance.”

Three 80-pin IDE ribbon cables come with it; a floppy cable is included as well. Also seen on the picture is the ATX panel required for the correct installation of this board.

Gigabyte also throws in two bulky adapter modules. The upper one offers four additional USB 2.0 ports; the lower one, three IEEE1394/ FireWire ports. Though the jacks of the USB and FireWire ports are mechanically identical, their colors match those of the male connectors. Mixing these up should therefore not be an issue.

Gigabyte GA-7VAXP, Continued

Gigabyte has been adding a second Flash ROM to many motherboards for several years. This safety feature, known as DualBIOS, makes sure that the motherboard will still function after a failed BIOS update or a virus attack, by using the secondary Flash ROM with the backup BIOS in case of a malfunction.

The ports for Memory Stick, smart card reader or Secure Digital are located in the upper right-hand corner, though the board ships with none of these.

Gigabyte has even thought of digital outputs, so that sound can be produced with modern stereos without any loss of quality. This adapter, which is included in the box as well, offers not only coaxial but also optical digital output.

The additional manual that exclusively deals with the RAID controller is a nice addition. You also get an abridged version of the installation instructions, a comprehensive manual, a Gigabyte sticker for the case and a CD containing all of the drivers as well as Norton AntiVirus 2002 and Personal Firewall 2002. Even Adobe’s Acrobat Reader 5.05 is part of the deal.

Your typical Gigabyte box – this time, it’s green.

Gigabyte was able to put on quite a show in our benchmarks, right up there with the Asus board. The manufacturer does not provide any options for changing the settings for memory timing in BIOS (except for selecting the clock); you can only activate a “Top Performance” mode. This was enough to produce respectable results.

MSI KT4 Ultra

Board revision: 1.0

BIOS version:

MSI makes a strong showing, too, with a very generously equipped KT4 Ultra. This includes the following: a Gigabit Ethernet controller from Broadcom; a sound system based on the PCI chip CMI-8738 from C-Media; a Bluetooth interface; an IEEE1394/ FireWire controller from VIA; and Promise’s current Serial ATA controller.

MSI uses Promise’s current Serial ATA controller. The PDC20376 can address up to four devices, two of which are designed for Serial ATA (to the left and right of the chip), and the other two that are realized through a conventional IDE channel.

Four USB ports are available, more with the included adapters. On the far right of the picture you can still make out the network controller from Broadcom.

MSI is the only manufacturer to offer a Bluetooth interface for wireless peripherals (e.g., printer or cell phone). The Bluetooth device is integrated in a USB adapter cable and shares one USB port. Removing the sticker on the second USB port on the adapter module (see picture) and hooking up a USB device will render Bluetooth inoperative.

Though MSI provides fewer cables than Soyo or Gigabyte, it covers the entire spectrum. Two Serial ATA cables are included that are just as short as the competition’s. You also get an 80-pin IDE cable and a floppy cable.

Also shown in the picture is an adapter cable for using up to three FireWire ports.

A whole flood of manuals awaits the buyer. (This is a good move – whoever said that there could be too much information, anyhow?) In the upper left-hand corner of the picture are the instructions for the Bluetooth interface, which MSI calls “PC-2-PC.” Next to it is the CD with the DVD playback software. In the lower left-hand corner, you see brief installation instructions that will help experienced users to get things up and running quickly. In the middle at the bottom is the actual manual, followed by brief instructions on Serial ATA.

The box is shiny und comparatively flashy. The name is short and catchy.

QDI KuDoZ 7X

Board revision: 1.0

BIOS version: 1.0LCP (August 31, 2002)

Unlike its competitors, the KuDoZ 7X from QDI is sparsely equipped. Apart from the standard features (six PCI slots; three DIMM sockets; two USB 2.0 ports; a sound system based on AC97; and a network controller), it offers no such goodies as, say, Serial ATA and/ or RAID or FireWire.

QDI provides only rudimentary support when it comes to overclocking, too, and the only option available to the user is to increase the FSB clock up to 166 MHz. We aren’t too happy about the Northbridge fan; especially when you’re on a bare-bones-only course, as QDI is, you can do without this kind of component.

However, our criticisms notwithstanding, all this translates into a significantly lower price than those of many others that come with all the bells and whistles. So, if you need a board that’s as basic as possible, that works simply and is even fast, you’ll fare well with the KuDoZ 7X.

It’s too bad that we didn’t get the items that usually come with the board, which is why we can’t say anything about the manual or the software included in the package. Considering its basic level of equipment, though, you shouldn’t expect too many add-ons. QDI does offer a nice overclocking utility called StepEasy that makes it possible to easily increase the FSB clock under Windows.

Shuttle AK37

Board revision: 1.3

BIOS version: S9A4 (September 2, 2002)

The Abit and the Shuttle boards are the only ones that offer four DIMM sockets. However, you can’t just fill these up any way you like – the chipset will only allow one single module at 400 MHz, two at 333 MHz and three or four at 266 MHz. That’s a limitation every user will have to live with.

There are five PCI slots on the AK37, as well as an AC97 sound system, a network controller from VIA (VT6103), and an IDE RAID controller from Highpoint (HPT372) that, thanks to Serial ATA bridges (see picture), makes it possible to hook up two serial devices.

Most manufacturers make do with the ATX socket, but Shuttle uses the additional 12V socket to ensure the voltage supply of all components. Basically, because all power supply units available on the market these days offer this socket (current specifications require it), we see this as an advantage rather than a disadvantage.

Included with the board are the following: a manual; instructions on the RAID controller; an ATX panel; a USB adapter for using two additional USB 2.0 ports (two are available on the ATX port panel); a short Serial ATA cable; two 80-pin IDE cables; and a floppy cable. The slot adapter in the bottom of the picture even accommodates coaxial digital output for the sound system.

Soyo KT400 Dragon Ultra (K7VX4)

Board revision: 1

BIOS version: 2AA1 (August 30, 2002)

This board from Soyo differs considerably from the other motherboards – simply because of its main color, grey. Similar to the Biostar, various components sport different colors – the five PCI slots are violet, the RAID controller ports (Highpoint HPT372) are yellow, the connectors for USB ports 3 and 4 as well as 5 and 6 are green.

The slot panel with the audio hook-ups on the Soyo board offers a much greater variety than those of other manufacturers. Apart from two line jacks, you’ll find separate optical and coaxial digital I/O on the port module.

This adapter module really comes in handy if you decide, on the spur of the moment, to hook up a Serial ATA drive to the KT400 Dragon Ultra. The module is plugged into any port of the RAID controller, and, voilа, you have two usable Serial ATA ports. You can’t buy this nifty little device separately yet.

Soyo KT400 Dragon Ultra (K7VX4), Continued

The KT400 Dragon Ultra comes with a complete set of cables – three 80-pin IDE cables, one floppy cable and a Serial ATA cable. As with many other boards in this test, this cable is so short that drives in the upper parts of tall towers are out of its reach.

The large package contains a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manual, a CD with drivers and utilities, and what is called an 8-in-1 Bonus Pack. This includes useful programs such as Adobe ActiveShare, Norton Ghost 2002 and AntiVirus 2002.

Soyo’s claim to fame is that this module allows installation in either an available 3.5″ or a 5.25″ drive bay (mounting frame included, see picture). In addition to four USB ports, which can conveniently be accessed from the front of the case, there are a USB LED and a network LED to indicate any activity.

The package puts it in plain English – DRAGON is an acronym that stands for a series of features (see picture).

Test Setup

We ran all of the benchmarks twice: once with DDR400, the second time with DDR333. For this reason, we reduced the benchmarks to a reasonable number and also changed some parts. In lieu of Unreal Tournament, we are now using Unreal Tournament 2003, as this requires significantly more performance and also utilizes DirectX 8 features. Instead of the synthetic benchmark 3DMark, we have begun using Comanche 4.

Benchmarks

Quake 3

MP3 Lame 3.92

XMPEG 4.5 – Divx 5.02

Sysmark 2002

WinACE 2.11

SPEC Viewperf7

Unreal Tournament 2003 Demo

Comanche 4

Conclusion: Only Asus Is Consistently in the Lead

If you’re interested in Gigabit Ethernet, you won’t be able to do without MSI and Asus. MSI rakes in points with its integrated Bluetooth module, while Gigabyte turns out to be the overclocking pro – it is the only board to offer the option of running the Athlon at 200 MHz FSB without simultaneously overclocking PCI and AGP. Soyo stands out with its USB module for the bay, which certainly boosts the level of convenience if you have to switch your USB devices frequently. QDI goes for minimalism by omitting any kind of hardware that might push the price up.

Once again, it was the market leader Asus that made the best impression – the A7V8X was the only board to come out consistently among the top boards in this comparison, regardless of which type of memory was used.

If only DDR333 is going to be used, then the Asus board, the Soyo KT400 Dragon Ultra and the MSI KT4 Ultra are the best choices. With DDR400, the top performers are Asus (A7V8X), Gigabyte (GA-7VAXP), and, in many benchmarks, QDI (KuDoZ 7X), as well.

For quite a number of years, it has made more sense to select a motherboard not only because of benchmark results, but also based on the features it offers. In this specific case, though, we do recommend taking a critical look at our benchmark results, as the variation is as high as 10% depending on the benchmark. One exception is the Elitegroup board which will not hit the market with this revision and BIOS. The production boards are said to provide considerably more performance; unfortunately, we did not receive a more current model in time.

If you want to pick up an Athlon motherboard any time soon, you really ought to take a closer look at the KT400 models, irrespective of the not so attractive option of using DDR400. Our recommendation is based quite simply on the high equipment standard of the boards and the undisputedly great performance with DDR333. This is where current boards with KT400 are at least as good as boards with KT333; however, the latter can neither handle AGP 3.0 (AGP 8X) nor do they offer the V-Link interface between the Northbridge and the Southbridge with 533 MB/s.

Features Table

Features Table, Continued