Pentium 4 3.46 Extreme Edition and 925XE: 1066MHz FSB Support is Here
by Anand Lal Shimpi on October 31, 2004 3:00 PM EST- Posted in
- CPUs
Intel D925XECV2: Intel's Enthusiast motherboard
For this review Intel sent us their latest motherboard based on the 925XE chipset. Our own Wesley Fink gives his brief look at the motherboard:
Computer users have always admired the speed and stability of Intel motherboards. When testing other boards the standard for stock performance has been Intel brand motherboards. This has been true for both boards based on Intel chipsets and boards based on new competing chipsets. They are measured against Intel performance, as that performance has been as close to a standard in stock motherboard performance as exists in the computer industry.
However, when a Computer Enthusiast shops for a motherboard Intel is rarely on the list for consideration. The reasons are simple - Intel has not offered the kinds of control most performance enthusiasts want. This list of wants includes controls like adjustable memory timings, a full range of adjustable memory speeds, adjustable memory voltage, CPU FSB adjustments, and CPU voltage adjustments. Intel's philosophy has been to offer the safe and accepted options that would not compromise the specifications of the processor and system. This assured the Intel motherboard was not run out-of-spec, keeping failures and RMA's at an acceptable level.
Performance Enthusiasts often seem to care less about motherboard features, but motherboard makers also know a large segment of computer component buyers do care about features like high-definition audio, flexible IO options, RIAD, and flexible storage options. Intel has done a better job in the recent past in addressing these "wants", but the Performance Enthusiast often felt left out of the Intel marketing plan.
This philosophy has gradually been changing at Intel, as we have seen more talk about catering to the Enthusiast in the last year. However, directions for Intel seem to shift frequently, which leads to talk on the one-side about Enthusiast control options on motherboards at the same time the 10% overclock lock is being implemented. This performance schizophrenia also led to Intel calling some very limited efforts in the past an enthusiast board.
All of this leads to the new Intel 925XE chipset motherboard, the D925XECV2. Those who have not been following the evolving interest in the enthusiast at Intel will be surprised to find many of the things Performance Enthusiasts want are a part of the new Intel 925XE motherboard. They didn't come out of nowhere; they are just a continuation of Intel's renewed efforts to attract Enthusiasts to Intel brand motherboards.
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GhandiInstinct - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
Come on Dell, cheaper, faster..give in to the grown up taste!!!I still can't fathom Dell being the top computer seller worldwide, are soccer moms buying at record highs?
Tides - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
i'd say ddr2 does suck when intel gets less performance with it vs an amd 939 with ddr1. what a waste of cash to have the intel branding.jimmy43 - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
Most people dont care whats in their computer. Intel is a brand name people trust, but if they can get a computer for less money which can do all they need, then they will. And guess what? Theyl be blown away, and theyl realize AMD slays Intel and theyl laugh at their friends who got an Intel. The reason Intel is able to hold on so well to the market is because of conservative companies like DELL and other such multi-billion dollar partnerships. I say once DELL gives in, its over for Intel. But seriosly they really need to pick it up...Zebo - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
Those gaming benchmarks are embarresing.A "budget" athlon 64 3400 with the "old" socket 754 single channel mem controller is putting a whoppin' on Intels top chip.Zebo - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
SLIMYou're forgetting DDR2 price which this needs in your so called Intel is "cheaper" comparison. If you want the same price setup you can get a FX-55 and really bring the wood.
AnonymouseUser - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
"why didn't anyone try to overclock this thing and see how far it'll go?"They didn't want to melt the motherboard?
knitecrow - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
why didn't anyone try to overclock this thing and see how far it'll go?Determinant - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
There is a graph missing in the "Business/General Use Performance" page.The graph for "Ahead Software Nero Express 6.0.0.3" is replaced by a duplicate of the preceding graph.
I was surprised to see the big difference when burning CDs/DVDs with different CPUs until I realized that it was the wrong graph.
I'm really interested to see how much of an impact faster CPUs make for burning CDs/DVDs because I didn't think that there would be a difference outside of the benchmark variance but since this was benchmarked it must have been noticable.
Thanks
MMORPGOD - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
None of you are aware of the situation Intel has over the world computing market. Yes evryone here on Anand forum is hardcore or enthusiast of computer tech and gaming for PC. But one thing none of you have a grasp on is that Intel has millions of people who do not define themselfs as ever being knowledgable to computing performance or benchmarks. Basicly all of intel is going to be on top no matter what, unless something big happens where the community who purchases these computer systems from the retail stores either sees whats going on beforehand or just wises up and reads about there current technology. Its something thats proven and works, Intel is leading the world in publications of its product more then AMD, thus they have a hand on being on the top. I am a diehard AMD fan, and there isnt to many of us out there who have been since AMD came out, but I can tell you, with all this media coverage on Intel over the past years, its engraved into evry consumers head that the next PC they get they will most likely purchase retail INtel equiped PC. AMD needs to market a little more because average people dont give a damn about benchmarks. Just my opinion about evryone who I see post above who says man Intel is toast or Intel is gone, those are benchmark comments and dont disolve the real world consumers thoughts on a PC with Intel name. How many people go into a Circuit City or Best Buy and see more AMD products then Intel? Intel leads advertisements and in store showcasing, so until someone actually gives the word to the public that AMD is better, Intel will always lead but not in performace. Cant wait for my FX-55Pythias - Sunday, October 31, 2004 - link
I really hope intel can get it back together, or we're gonna be looking at sky high processor pricing again. We need healthy competition.