Ethernet Performance

The new motherboard test suite, launched earlier this year, includes LAN performance measurements. The test procedure that we use was first described in a VIA white paper.

The Windows 2000 Driver Development Kit (DDK) includes a useful LAN testing utility called NTttcp. We used the NTttcp tool to test Ethernet throughput and the CPU utilization of the various Ethernet Controllers used on the nForce4 Ultra motherboards.

We set up one machine as the server; in this case, an Intel box with an Intel CSA Gigabit LAN connection. Intel CSA has a reputation for providing fast throughput and this seemed to be a reasonable choice to serve our Gigabit LAN clients. At the server side, we used the following Command Line as suggested by the VIA whitepaper on LAN testing:
Nttcps - m 4,0, -a 4 - l 256000 - n 30000
On the client side (the motherboard under test), we used the following Command Line:
Nttcpr - m 4,0, -a 4 - l 256000 - n 30000
At the conclusion of the test, we captured the throughput and CPU utilization figures from the client screen.

Ethernet Throughput

Ethernet Overhead

Earlier reviews have already measured the performance advantage of PCI Express Ethernet compared to PCI Ethernet in Gigabit LAN performance. The Sapphire PURE Innovation uses the Marvel 88E8052 Ethernet on the PCIe bus. The Marvel used by Sapphire competes very well with other PCIe Gigabit Ethernet showing a throughput in the 950 Mb/sec range. CPU utilization was a very high 51% in a field where every Gigabit Ethernet controller on the PCIe bus measures high CPU utilization of 35% to 50%.

CPU utilization measurements for Gigabit Ethernet can be somewhat misleading, since they measure the percentage of CPU tie-up at sustained Gigabit receiving. In reality, it would be very rare that you would actually see sustained Gigabit transmission levels on your PC. For that reason, you should put the measured CPU utilization of Gigabit PCIe LAN in perspective. It will almost always be much lower than what we have measured.

Firewire and USB Performance Audio Performance
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  • somu - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    only thing that i would like to know is the pricing, since its on par performance wise with the other entusiast boards, the one thing that will seperate itself will be pricing.
  • L3p3rM355i4h - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    WTF, these aren't bartons! Props to ATi for including something that high. 4.0vdimm is good too.

    The white PCB is....interesting, to say the least. Just going to leave it at that. ;)

    If these are actually out in Mid-October/Nov. I'm def. going to get one.
  • L3p3rM355i4h - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    WTF, these aren't bartons! Props to ATi for including something that high. 4.0vdimm is good too.

    The white PCB is....interesting, to say the least. Just going to leave it at that. ;)

    If these are actually out in Mid-October/Nov. I'm def. going to get one.
  • erinlegault - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    I am impressed to say the least. IGP versions will be coming along with Crossfire versions. There are 4 different flavours coming and 8 if you count the addition of IGP. This may lead to a breakthrough into the OEM's. The true test will be how the intel chipset performs.

    Excellent job ATI!
  • Quiksel - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    That white mobo is supa hot. When I saw that pic, my jaw dropped. PRETTY MOBO.

    Too bad I'm an all-Mac shop now. I need a mobo like this in my G4. :-P
  • Chef Brian - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    I wanted to buy this mobo when I saw the awesome colours, but the featureset sealed the deal. If this board can overclock like it should, I will buy it without any further question. This has massive potential..
  • fitten - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    Just think.... now if they just had a TypeR sticker on it somewhere... :rolleyes:
  • xsilver - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    is there any mention of the price? Competitive performance at a non competitive price still means little for ATI

    and also the limited availability (ala rs480) might also kill some of this products hopes

    hopefully though they will make a spash and give nvidia a kick in the pants to lower their prices :)
  • jab98 - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    Nice to finally see a amd64 board with decent quality onboard audio, wonder if anyone will revise their nf4 boards to support the better codcec?
  • Zebo - Friday, July 29, 2005 - link

    I guess you missed the MSI with on-board SBlive?

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