|
 |
|
More
Benchmarks / Comparisons |
|
CC Winstone 2001 and
Sandra too! |
|
Our next test
focus on the boards ability to handle graphic intensive
programs that require heavy CPU and Memory usage. Once
again, our tests will be compared to the MSI K7T266 Pro..
Content Creation
Winstone 2001
Well, with the previous results
we've seen , this wasn't much of a surprise. This time
around, the DFI AK76-SN was bested by the MSI K7T266 Pro by
7.6 Points. Although there is a fairly large disparity, the DFI still came up with fairly respectable numbers.
What do you say we get to the
real fun stuff and see just how the system benchmarks with
Sisoft Sandra, then we'll crank the CPU and Bus speeds up as high as
they can go,
and do it all again!
Sisoft Sandra
CPU@1000MHz CPU@1430MHz
(10x143)
MM@1000MHz
MM@1430MHz
Mem@1000MHz
Mem@1430MHz
Hard
Drive@1000MHz
Well, maybe the
Quake 3 numbers were sub-par compared to the MSI board, but
boy can this board handle some overclocking. Setting
the Bus Speed to 143MHz. and the multiplier to 10 , we were able to to achieve a very stable 1430MHz.
With the
Processor running at 1430MHz, we saw substantial benchmark
gains across the board. We have to say that once we
got it up to its overclocked peak, this board was real
stable. One of the goals at DFI was to create a board
that was stable, and even at excessive Bus speeds, the
AK76-SN was rock solid.
The AK76-SN
motherboard from DFI has married chipsets from AMD and VIA
in hopes of producing a performance motherboard that is both
stable and cost effective. When it comes to stability,
there is no doubt that the AK76-SN is as solid as they come,
but at what price? Perhaps DFI has chosen to sacrifice
a little performance for that stability, I'm not sure.
One thing is clear is this board didn't really compete with
a similar board from MSI. A few months back, we had
the opportunity to review an i815 board, which was compared
to a similar competitors board. Even then, we saw
similar differences in the benchmark results, but the board
is still being used today and it is very stable.
Coincidence? Or are we seeing a pattern?
Overall, we feel
that DFI has made some questionable design decisions with
the AK76-SN. With less than desirable component
placement, moderate performance, and excellent stability, we
give the DFI AK76-SN a Hot Hardware Heat Meter Rating of
a...
Are you talkin' ta me?
Get into the HotHardware Conference Room!
| 
