Performance

Before we start discussing the actual test results, we’d like to say that mainboards based on the same chipset don’t greatly differ in performance (we don’t take into account the miracles with PAT-enabled i865PE here). So, when choosing a particular product among those based on the same core logic, you should primarily pay attention to its features, overclocking friendly options, stability and reliability and technical support rather than benchmark results.

During the tests we compared the performance of MSI 875P Neo-FIS2R with that of another popular product – ASUS P4C800 Deluxe mainboard, also based on the i875P chipset. The testbed was configured as follows:

• Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz CPU;
• MSI 875P Neo-FIS2R and ASUS P4C800 Deluxe mainboards;
• 512MB (2x256MB) DDR400 SDRAM from OCZ and Corsair;
• ATI RADEON 9700 PRO graphics card;
• Seagate Barracuda ATA IV 80GB hard disk drive.

The benchmarks were run in Microsoft Windows XP SP1. The BIOS’s of both mainboards were set to maximum performance.

Below you can see the performance results in various applications:

As we see the two mainboards show about the same performance results.

Conclusion

So, MSI 875P Neo-FIS2R proved a handy and functional mainboard. Its overclocking friendly features are definitely worth taking a look at, at least. Combined with a rich accessories set, good performance and rather low price (for an i875P based mainboard), MSI 875P Neo-FIS2R has every chance to become popular in the market.

The overall good impression about the mainboard is somewhat spoiled by the problems with the BIOS. If MSI solves them in the near future, we could talk about MSI 875P Neo-FIS2R as about something really exceptional, a great solution for stable and high-performance platforms with the new Pentium 4 CPUs supporting 800MHz bus.

Highs:

• New Pentium 4 processors support;
• Support of up to 10 hard disk drives (4 Serial ATA and 6 Parallel ATA);
• Two integrated Serial ATA RAID controllers;
• USB 2.0 and IEEE1394 support;
• Gigabit Ethernet connected via CSA;
• Rich accessories set;
• Excellent CPU overclocking options;
• Well-thought design and stylish exterior;
• High stability.

Lows:

• CoreCell technology requires a special utility;
• Certain problems with the BIOS.