X-bit labs

Contemporary Platforms with Integrated Graphics (page 9)

Category: Chipsets

by Ilya Gavrichenkov

[ 12/08/2006 | 10:38 AM ]

ASUS M2N-MX

Although GeForce 6150 and GeForce 6100 based mainboards usually use the same PCB design, ASUS M2N-MX built around GeForce 6100 chipset is very different from the ASUS M2NPV-VM, which we have just discussed. In fact, this is not surprising at all. Nvidia hid both: GeForce 6100 North Bridge and nForce 430 South Bridge into a single package, which was possible due to 90nm production process. As a result, ASUS M2N-MXappeared one of the first mainboards with integrated graphics core based on a single chip core logic set. That is why this solution looks a little bit unusual.

However, from the features prospective, there is nothing really unexpected about ASUS M2N-MX. The mainboard supports all Socket AM2 processors, including the newest dual-core models, and works with DDR2 SDRAM. The memory slots on the mainboard are colored yellow and black in pairs, each pair indicating its own channel. Note that the memory slots from different channels on M2N-MX alternate, it is a peculiarity of the PCB layout. The mainboard doesn’t in any way limit the maximum capacity and type of the memory used, as it all depends on the CPU.

The mainboard we are discussing right now features a standard set of expansion slots for a MicroATX solution. There is a PCI Express x16 slot for an external graphics accelerator, two PCI and one PCI Express x1 slot.

Since ASUS M2N-MX is based on a cheaper core logic set, it is positioned as an inexpensive solution. It sells for about $80. So, no wonder that it has no additional controllers onboard. The chipset determines all the features of this mainboard, such as ten USB 2.0 ports, four Serial ATA-300 ports (supporting RAID), Parallel ATA-150 port and Gigabit Ethernet controller. Actually, the only chip that should be mentioned here besides the single-chip core logic is the six-channel ADI AD1986A HD codec.

The connectors laid out on the mainboard rear panel are pretty traditional. There are PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, a parallel and serial port, D-Sub analog monitor connector, four USB 2.0 ports, RJ45 connector with built-in diagnostic LEDs and three audio jacks. The mainboard also features pin-connectors for additional 6 USB 2.0 ports and SPDIF out, although no brackets or accessories for them are supplied with the mainboard.

The mainboard is designed pretty nicely, which is quite natural because of the overall design simplicity. However, the PCI Express x16 slot still appeared too close to the DIMM slots clips, so any full-length graphics cards will inevitably block them.

The processor voltage regulator on ASUS M2N-MX is designed as a three-phase circuitry. There are no additional cooling solutions for it. The chipset is covered with a relatively big aluminum heatsink, which is more than enough to ensure proper thermal conditions for the chipset.

When it comes to overclocking-friendly features, ASUS M2N-MX is not any better than the previous mainboards we talked about today. The board allows adjusting the clock generator frequency and memory timings, although nothing can be done about the processor and memory voltages.