MSI P35 Platinum Combo Intel P35 Motherboard
Performance Analysis & Final Thoughts
Performance Summary: In the bulk of our tests, we saw only small differences in performance when using the MSI P35 Platinum Combo with DDR2 or DDR3 memory. In most cases there were no measurable differences whatsoever, with only PCMark Vantage's Productivity and Communications test showing a favor toward DDR3. In virtually every other test, the P35 Platinum Combo performed similarly, regardless of the memory used. When compared to a comparably equipped Athlon based system, the P35 Platinum Combo maintained a solid advantage except for the Hard Drive test in PCMark Vantage, which was a strong point for the tried and true nForce 590 SLI chipset.
The MSI P35 Platinum Combo makes building an affordable, more "future proof", Intel-based system easier with its flexible memory configuration. With support for DDR2 and DDR3 and a solid balance of integrated features, there is a lot to like with this motherboard. The required use of DDR2 / DDR3 Turbo Cards is an interesting approach that appeared to work well. Although, we are mildly hesitant in that they are more items to consider should something go wrong with a system built around this board, but this us just being cautious more than anything else.
These items aside, however, the roughly $145 MSI P35 Platinum Combo proved to be a solid option for those looking for a relatively affordable Intel-based motherboard, with the added benefit of support for DDR2 and DDR3 memory. In the end, we think MSI offers a good balance of features in the P35 Platinum Combo. With excellent overclocking potential and room to grow with future memory technology, the Platinum Combo should be on your short list if you're in the market for a motherboard for the Intel platform.
These items aside, however, the roughly $145 MSI P35 Platinum Combo proved to be a solid option for those looking for a relatively affordable Intel-based motherboard, with the added benefit of support for DDR2 and DDR3 memory. In the end, we think MSI offers a good balance of features in the P35 Platinum Combo. With excellent overclocking potential and room to grow with future memory technology, the Platinum Combo should be on your short list if you're in the market for a motherboard for the Intel platform.
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