ABIT IT7-MAX2 V2.0 - ABIT IT7-MAX2 V2.0
(Page 6 of 7 )
Benchmarks Continued
Lets continue the benchmarks with SiSoft Sandra 2003 (OCA Edition).
SiSoft Sandra 2003
IT7 MAX- CPU Arithmetic Benchmark |
| CPU @2.4GHz | CPU @3.0GHz |
| 
|
IT7-MAX2 V2- CPU Arithmetic Benchmark |
| CPU @2.4GHz | CPU @3.0GHz |
| 
|
At the default 2.4GHz, the IT7-MAX2 V2 scores just ahead of the original IT7, in fact, these scores are so close they are negligible and for the most part, evenly matched. However, interestingly enough, the IT7 shows a much higher CPU score @3GHz than does the IT7-MAX2 Rev2. Lets look at Multimedia Benchmarks.
IT7 MAX- Multi-Media Benchmark |
| CPU @2.4GHz | CPU @3.0GHz |
| 
|
IT7-MAX2 V2- CPU Multi-Media Benchmark |
| CPU @2.4GHz | CPU @3.0GHz |
|
|
Multi-Media scores are also very close here for both chipsets, however the 845PE wins at both 2.4G and 3G over the 845E. Lets take a look at Memory Bandwidth Benchmarks.
IT7 MAX- Memory Bandwidth Benchmark |
| CPU @2.4GHz | CPU @3.0GHz |
| 
|
IT7-MAX2 V2- Memory Bandwidth Benchmark |
| CPU @2.4GHz | CPU @3.0GHz High 4:5 Ratio |
| 
|
As you can see, Memory Bandwidth improved quite a bit between the 845E and 845PE chipsets. The PE does really well in this area even at default settings compared to the E. Finally, I tweaked out the memory aggressively to run 2/5/2/2, pumped up the FSB to 168MHz and changed the CPU/FSB ratio to 3:4 which gives us a memory speed of 224MHz. Here is what we came up with.
CPUID @3.03GHz/224MHz Memory
SiSoft Memory
Absolutely SMOKIN'! As you can see by the SiSoft Memory Bandwidth Benchmark, we are running faster than anything else out there. Intel 8450E PC4200, Intel 850E PC1066 at CL2, Intel 7205 (better known as Granite Bay), SiS 648 PC2700 CL2, Via P4X400 PC3200 and even nForce2 PC2700. Available systems that will give you this type of Memory performance are few and far between, and with the ABIT IT7-MAX2 V2 sporting the excellent Intel 845PE chipset, we have one of the fastest performing motherboard solutions on the planet. ABIT has been quoted as saying "Get in the fast lane". Well, I believe we just DID!
I would also like to mention, that w/out the OCZ PC3700 memory we just got in from OCZ Corp, I would never have been able to produce these types of benchmarks. This is literally the best memory I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and you can expect a full OCA review due out next week. OCZ happens to be just one of the many companies that ABIT is working with on their validation process in order to make sure compatibility issues are a thing of the past. If your interested, you can check the link on the ABIT's website to see who they are directly working with. Another feather in ABIT's cap for working to make their products more stable.
Audio Benchmarking
Since ABIT has incorporated a better than average sound chip on this motherboard, I wanted to compare it to the SB Audigy I was currently running. The Audigy has been a great card for me, but with certain incompatibility issues and CL's lack of updates, I'm starting to consider alternative resources for my sound options. I enabled the onboard sound in the BIOS and installed the included software for the device.
While not the most impressive audio setup I have seen, it certainly gives you plenty of options to tweak your sound just the way you like it. Sound output to the naked ear IMHO sounds nearly as good, if not AS good as what the Audigy puts out and I also had less trouble getting my rear speakers to run with the ABIT Realtek sound as well. Also, once installed, the Realtek gives you options in your volume controls to separately control rear, center and bass volume, all in one easy place.
Advanced Audio Properties
Volume Control
Finally, I ran a comparative of the two with the ZD Media Audio Winbench 99 suite. An old program, but still a great tool for determining CPU Utilization between sound devices.
You'll notice the Audigy reflects a lower CPU Utilization in almost all benchmarks against the Realtek Onboard Audio Controller. So, in most cases, the Audigy will keep your CPU utilization at fairly low levels as opposed to the Realtek, which is of course to be expected given it's hardware capabilities and price. But if you have an older sound card or none at all, the Realtek AC650 will do a great job for you in any case, and will be sufficient for everyone except the hardcore audio buffs out there that simply must have the best sound quality solution available.
Next: ABIT IT7-MAX2 V2.0 >>
More Motherboards Articles
More By SPeeD
