X-bit labs

Started by: linuxnerd | Date 03/02/07

Comments: 14 | Last Comment:  06/17/08

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1. The reviewer needs to do their homework. For one thing there are many motherboards that has DVI using integrated graphics. A good example of motherboard is Universal Abit NF-M2 nView. DVI can be converted to HDMI easily. Rarely microATX motherboards will have more than two memory banks.

ATI does not support Linux well like nVidia. nVidia's integrated solutions works in both Linux and Windows.

I will not buy a motherboard with this chipset because in the past ATI provided poor software support for their video cards and their Linux support is very poor. In order for AMD-ATI to get me back, I need to see and experience their software be reliable, stable, and support in both Linux and Windows equally well.

I don't know how much crack have you been smoking, but Nvidia's Linux driver is a bit of a joke.

(1) No support for HD resolutions in PAL regions (it only works in NTSC).
(2) Problems take too long to fix.

Thank god open-source folks are writing our own driver. Look for Nouveau project. ;)

i want to install linux

2. > there are many motherboards that has DVI using integrated graphics

Yes, but it was always up to motherboard manufacturer to provide such funchionality which required also additional chip for DVI output (i.e. on Intel chipsets). And as IGP mobos are typically lo-end manufacturers mostly try to save their costs. For now we have DVI output on sub-US$70 mobo. That's nice improvement of functionality.

> DVI can be converted to HDMI easily

True, but it is much easier to do this backwards - HDMI to DVI, as HDMI also includes audio transfer. Some other vendors added HDMI connector on their AMD 690G mobos.

> Rarely microATX motherboards will have more than two memory banks

Not so rarely. And when we're talking about "Vista capable" _budget_ motherboard it would be extremely nice to have possibility to install 4x512 MB memory.

> ATI does not support Linux well like nVidia.

Linux isn't mainstream solution that's why we do not pay attention on Linux performance in average reviews. While I personally respect those people who keep alternative OS community alive, I do not consider to become one myself... I agree that NVIDIA's efforts on Linux support are much better but does it mean anything to vast majority of readers? No, they mostly want to know if they'll be able to use Vista Aero interface on their IGP motherboard!
And for Linux performance and compatibility hardware reports there are specialized web resources run by dedicated enthusiasts.

P.S. Please, no Windows/Linux holy wars here. That's not the right place and, actually, I'm not sure if there is a right place for that at all :)

I do not care HDMI also handles audio. Keeping audio and video separate provides better quality of both video and sound.

Vista is a hog of all resources. It better to use 2GB memory modules instead investing in 512 MB memory modules.

Linux is going to be mainstream if you like it or not. Dell has come to the decision of providing Linux enabled desktops.

Vista has a long way to go to be mainstream. The driver support is worst than Windows XP.

Go ahead you guys Linux vs Windows and the 3rd OS will win :)

Are you saying HDMI is bad for supporting both Audio and Video streams? It was designed specifically for that. It has enough bandwidth for both streams...and its also a digital connection. So I don't see your point.

3. hi
very goog Preview

http://www.naatamam.blogfa.com

4. Hey folks! Xbitlabs says "The North Bridge ensures proper work with dual-channel DDR2 memory supporting up to DDR2-800"
WRONG!
Athlon 64 CPUs has the memory controller embedded on-chip, not in the north bridge chip!

5. Thanks for the great review. A motherboard like this would have interested me a few years back, but now I can't help but think that with the lowering cost of good laptops,the so called desktop mainstream will actually point towards higher end gaming that laptops can't hande.

Mind you, when it comes to SFFs/mmcs, this chipset is a welcomed addition. Even fewer reasons to go for an external GFX which really should be needed for games only. Future, easy to install linux distros for multimedia centres where application compatability is not an issue (proprietary formats are another matter), would call for good linux support, though.

6. i'd like to see how it overclocks, either cpu and integrated gpu

7. Integrated CPU. Now that's something. Replacing that would require replacing the whole motherboard?

8. I beleive only in AMD .Even Intel take some of AMD solution. Integrated gpu ,hypertransport.Speed of procesor is not important like before if you have procesor with two core or four core ,because u may for expample encode file to divx ,and watch TV at same time .

9. I have this chipset on Asus M2A-VM hdmi.On Asus this chipset support Phenom processor.Great chipset ,I try also raid configuration ,work without any problem.I have also Atlon 2400 ghz x2 on this chipset.Very fast and stable combiantion, for that price offer more than any Intel.Obviosly that Amd used new better tehnology for this chipset

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