MSI P35 Neo2-FR: Platinum performance for under $100

Test Setup

We maintained the same test conditions, as much as possible, over the platforms tested. The game tests are at settings of 1280x1024 HQ to ensure our MSI HD 2900XT is not the bottleneck during testing. We color-code all scores for easier identification of results. We selected the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 as our processor of choice since it represents one of the better price to performance values in the midrange processor market and is the CPU we will concentrate on in future reviews.

We are utilizing Microsoft Vista Home Premium 32-bit as our operating system along with a 4GB memory configuration. Even though Vista 32-bit cannot take advantage of the entire 4GB of memory address space, we find the additional 1.278GB of memory provides improved performance during multitasking events and gaming. We do not recommend anything less than 2GB for Vista Home Premium. We will be moving back to Vista 64-bit shortly along with a new test suite for 2008. We will also conduct our overclocking tests under Vista 64-bit for this article to show the 2x2GB and 4x2GB results properly.

We utilize new drive images on each board in order to minimize any potential driver conflicts. The 3DMark tests utilize the standard benchmark resolution for each program. We run each benchmark five times, throw out the two low and high scores, and report the remaining score. All results at stock speeds for this article are with memory timings of 5-4-4-12 (DDR2-1066) for the MSI Neo2-FR and 4-4-4-12 (DDR2-1066) for the other boards. Where possible, memory sub-timings are set the same to ensure consistency between the boards.

To be honest, except for the memory and overclocking tests, this board scores the same as any other P35 based board we have tested. Any differences in our benchmark results are minute at best. Therefore, we base our review primarily on cost, support, service, and features, with performance being a secondary consideration. It is in these areas where the MSI P35 Neo2-FR has a few advantages over other boards in its price range.