The Test

In recent times, choosing a motherboard cannot be completely determined by a Winstone score. Now, many boards come within one Winstone point of each other and therefore the need to benchmark boards against each other falls. Therefore you shouldn't base your decision entirely on the benchmarks you see here, but also on the technical features and advantages of this particular board, seeing as that will probably make the greatest difference in your overall experience.

Click Here to learn about AnandTech's Motherboard Testing Methodology.

Test Configuration

Processor(s): Intel Pentium III 500
RAM: 1 x 64MB Mushkin PC100 SDRAM
1 x 64MB Memory-Man PC100 SDRAM
Hard Drive(s): Western Digital Caviar AC28400 - UltraATA/33
Bus Master Drivers: Microsoft Win98 DMA Drivers
Video Card(s): 3dfx Voodoo3 2000 (Integrated)
Operation System(s): Windows 98 SE
Motherboard Revision: A-Trend ATC6254M Revision 1.0

 

Windows 98 Performance

 

Business
Winstone 99

Q3 Test 1.08 demo1.dm3
Fastest Fast Normal
Intel Pentium III 500 22.6 94.2 82.4 72.6

The Final Decision

The A-Trend ATC-6254M is definitely an innovative product, and in this case, being innovative isn't the only thing it has going for it.  The on-board Voodoo3 2000 (which is quite easily overclocked to the 166/166MHz clock of the Voodoo3 3000) combined with integrated sound, and a handful of helpful overclocked FSB settings make this a definite choice for gamers looking to save a few bucks by buying a motherboard with integrated video/sound (without sacrificing performance). 

The board does leave a few things desired (i.e. voltage tweaking options) but overall left us with a positive feeling upon leaving the test bench.  Expect the board to retail for around $200.


How it Rates

AnandTech Motherboard Rating

Rating

Performance 86%
Price 88%
Ease of Use 88%
Overclocked Stability 86%
General Stability 84%
Quality 84%
Documentation 80%
Reliability 80%
Overall Rating 85%

Click Here to learn about AnandTech's Motherboard Testing Methodology.

The Bad
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