Test Setup

Performance Test Configuration
Processor(s): AMD Athlon 64 4000+ (2.4GHz) Socket 939
RAM: 2 x 512MB OCZ PC3200 Platinum Rev. 2
Hard Drive(s): Seagate 120GB 7200 RPM SATA (8MB Buffer)
Video AGP & IDE Bus Master Drivers: ATI Catalyst Platform 5.7
Video Cards: ATI X850XT PE
NVIDIA 6800 Ultra
MSI NVIDIA 7800GTX
Video Drivers: ATI Catalyst 5.7
NVIDIA nForce 77.79
Operating System(s): Windows XP Professional SP2
Direct X 9.0c
Motherboards: Sapphire PURE Innovation (ATI RX480/SB450)
ULi AP9567A (M1695/M1567)
Abit An8 Fatal1ty
Biostar NF4UL-A9
Chaintech VNF4-Ultra
DFI LANParty UT nF4 Ultra-D
ECS KN1 Extreme
Epox 9NPA+ Ultra
Winfast NF4UK8AA (Foxconn)
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe
DFI LANParty nF4 SLI-DR
Gigabyte K8NXP-SLI
MSI K8N Neo4/SLI Platinum

Tests used OCZ PC3200 Platinum Rev. 2, which uses Samsung TCCD chips. All memory ran at 2-2-2-7 timing in all benchmarks.

We tested with our standard NVIDIA 6800 Ultra to allow the best comparisons to benchmark results with other motherboards. To demonstrate performance with various current video options, we also tested with the ATI X850XT PE and the MSI NVIDIA 7800GTX. Resolution in all benchmarks is 1280x1024x32 unless otherwise noted.

Results for the Sapphire ATI with the ATI X850 XT PE are color-coded red in all graphs; results for the Sapphire ATI/NVIDIA 6800 Ultra are in orange; and, Sapphire ATI/MSI NVIDIA 7800 GTX are in gold. Results for the other boards, all tested with the NVIDIA 6800 Ultra, are color-coded blue.

tRAS and Memory Stress Testing General 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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