Foreword

The aim of this test was the comparison of two motherboard chipsets and their storage technologies. We wanted to feel even more precisely on the tooth via KT133A and KT266 and by the way even the current benefits of DDR RAM survey. As a representative of KT133A camp QDI provided us more friendly way their KinetiZ 7E-A available. On the KT266 front joined the 8KHA in the Benchmarkparkour, which immediately sent us EPoX extended test. Even if we compete against the two chipsets and their memory, we see from a direct comparison of the Board and want to evaluate both separately.

Overview of chip sets (part 1)

Before we compete against the participants, we first of all take a look at your specifications and clarify what distinguishes the two in the end.

First, we take a look at the Northbridge of the two chipsets. The KT133A falls this back on an only slightly modified Northbridge of its predecessor, which we of overview, also in the lineup with recorded have. The Northbridge of Apollo KT266, however, represents a complete new development.

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How to recognize, are the differences of the versions for KT133 and KT133A really amazingly reserved failed. The nomenclature already know rather on an update, as a new way. VIA had to due to this fact however already criticism accept, were the group that accused, all updates of A revision of the Northbridge would have can be realized already in the predecessor and the switch to a new motherboard would have been unnecessary. It seems odd already, that already the KT133 could raise the store but not the CPU with 133Mhz and VIA should about AMD’s plans to publish CPUs, with a bus clock of 133Mhz already well enough known clued have. Well, change we absolutely nothing more, it can be rather deal with the features of current KT133A. As already mentioned, these CPUs with a 133Mhz FSB are at the chip via first solution for AMD’s new Athlon C. Memory SDRAM is used as still, which must be distributed on 6 benches (3 slots) and reach a maximum size of 1,5GB. The chips is also backward-compatible and allows the use of CPU and RAM modules that run only with 100Mhz. As a graphic interface, AGP 4 x comes to the course. An asynchronous control of processor and memory, as enforced with its predecessor, is now still possible.

The Northbridge VT8366 of KT266, however, has to offer a little more new features. She also supports the use of 133Mhz CPUs, but also the support of relatively new GDR also provides RAMs which architecture able to send per cycle equal to two packets and thus theoretically achieved the double store additional. However the KT266 can also resort to SDRAM, it should have currently but apart from this fact. In this case, the handle to the KT133A would be appropriate. The maximum storage Assembly was raised VIA again to 4 GB and up to 8 banks (4 slots) must be filled by the user. As well as the KT133A offers the KT266 AGP 4 x and the ability to asynchronously control memory and CPU.

Overview of chip sets (part 2)

Before we look to the southbridge chip sets, one of the most important features of KT266 should discusses short further: the so-called “V-link”. As is well known, North and South Bridge form the most basic control center of the system. While the Northbridge memory, the CPU and the AGP bus, the southbridge contains the control of the PCI and EIDE components, and optional extensions such as OnBoard sound and LAN adapter Write my paper. The traffic between two chips turns out therefore relatively high. Still using the PCI-bus communication happens when the KT133A This is fast maximum 133MB/s, and must share the bandwidth with hard disks, sound and network cards in an emergency. The KT266 no longer has this bottleneck, it was powered the V-link. This is wide to an additional 8 bit and 133Mhz fast bus, which serves only the North and southbridge communication. Due to its architecture, he is in the location 266MB / s between North and South to move.

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Also in the collection of the southbridge we have included once again with the version of KT133. The KT133A has again only an “update” of the old 686A-Variante. However, the new revision of B is characterized by integrating ATA100 and AMD’s Stromsparrichtlinie PowerNow! from. It supports up to 6 32-bit of PCI slots, some elderly ISA bus, AMR or CNR support, is able to control up to 4 USB ports and the integrated modem (MC-97) and (AC97) sound solution should provide area especially in the LowCost encouragement. However, the 686B-Version is under a good star. We dedicate ourselves a little further down the so-called “VIA bug”. Optionally the KT133A also with the 686A can be operated, but this option barely use made, speak the new features of the B version also clearly against it.

The southbridge VT8233 of KT266 includes again much more drastic changes in the functionality. She also offers 6 PCI slots, but hardware-side waives the ISA bus. Cards with this interface can no longer be operated on KT266 boards. This is negative certainly not, because the ISA bus is now times hopelessly outdated and at some point, the first step had to come to his funeral. Just like the 686B offers also the VT8233 integrated sound and modem, provides however whopping 3 USB hubs up to 6 USB ports available. Also ATA100 and AMD’s PowerNow! found their place on the chip.

The “VIA bugs”

But even once back to the KT133A southbridge, the 686B. Shortly after the release of KT133A became known first rumors about a bug, which should sit deep in the used 686B southbridge. Error finally had to admit after a whole series of tests VIA the. But even if the new VIA 4in1 driver will contain a bug fix, it is possible even now adjust the symptoms of a bug. It may therefore be doubted whether VIA really in the location was and is, to fix the problem “by software” or any Board with the corresponding Southbridge is the error still in itself. What is the “VIA bug”? The error based, that occur during the copy process of large amounts of data of an EIDE controller on the other hand either data errors, or the PC comes not to stand. This happens only when both plates with ATA66/100 communicate with each other and during the copy operation the PCI bus is burdened by additional components to the sound card. Just a few weeks after the release of this bad news surfaced another mistake in the hardware of KT133A. This time, the Steppings should not error-free run 1EA0 and 1EA4 of the VT8363A Northbridge and cause a crash when you restart of the computer. The renowned mainboard manufacturer MSI declared immediately to ready itself umzutauschen-the concerned boards VIA the bug denies to this day. However, this error on current boards should be no longer to be found, because already the then most recent stepping 2EA1 seems easily worked. So far no messages of this kind in circulation are of the KT266.

Now the most important issues surrounding both chipsets have been clarified, it is time, just theoretically inferred in practice to examine that. But unfortunately the test candidates or the store made a stroke through the us for the time being.

“Grief corner”

Unfortunately, we had with two boards in advance of the test with some, more or less serious, problems. At the Epox 8KHA, the problem could be relatively quickly located the relatively expensive brand store in the company of Apacer was to all appearances. He wanted to run except in SiSoft Sandra, on the one hand partout with the BIOS setting for “turbo” and also with somewhat more moderate settings the Quake3 benchen became the hurdles. In QDI KinetiZ the problems proved much more serious. None of the benchmarks or games wanted to run. The calculator posted on completely, or the desktop welcomed us back after second of startup. Neither this down screws of the AGP bus to 2 x, other gadgets in the BIOS could help create. Only the normal Windowsbetrieb ran stable. This went as far as that we thought on an undersupply of electricity-hungry GeForce2 Ultra and these test wrong by a MX ersetzten-. Ultimately the toning of the RAM timings on 3-3-3, which had however enormous performance result helped half way and the stability was still limited. Shortly before the despair arrived, played we nor an unofficial BIOS update (version 3.4b of the 16.7.2001), which we received on demand in QDI, and see there: the system ran perfectly since then. On the basis of these facts we opted for the following test procedure: all benchmarks have been driven on two boards with the settings “by SPD”, the store ran the stability due to so with its own specifications (DDR RAM: CL 2.5, DRAM PreChrg to act to PreChrg CMD 6 Act CMD 3, DRAM, DRAM active to turn around disabled CMD 3, DRAM command rate 2T command, fast R-W), Continuous DRAM request disabled. SDRAM: 2-3-2). Only in SiSoft Sandra both subjects were allowed to then show with the best possible settings is what potential with good to very good RAM other applications still available.

Included with EPoX EP-8KHA

In the lying at EPoX currently in vogue pretty “plastic carrying case”, a few more useful things find themselves in addition to the actual Board. The driver CD includes in addition to the some outdated VIA 4in1 drivers version 4.29 (replace the current version 4.32 in the test) a hardware monitor and as a bonus the OEM versions of Norton antivirus, Norton Ghost. Also, an additional slot aperture to use then a total of 4 USB ports shall immediately settled the box. The typical two Eide (1 x ATA33, 1 x ATA66/100) and floppy cable round off the deliverable. This EPoX has provided the so-called master cables not only with useful cardboard sleeves, so that particularly less savvy buyers should have a help with the installation, but the master as well as the floppy cable have small brackets, making it impossible to accidental loosening of the cable the connector attached to the Board.

Included with QDI KinetiZ 7E

In the typical motherboard packaging, you will find the manual, a driver CD, additional jumper, a slot, an ATA66/100 and a floppy, and a COM-port cable in addition to the actual Board. The EIDE cable falls, positive on such as the 8KHA, by the label. A second cable is not found in the Board. Unfortunately the floppy cable has no “alignment AIDS”, so that less savvy user could certainly get a problem with the cabling. On the basis of the additional COM port cable, you can lead the second, missing on the Board port via a slot to the outside. The standard 2 USB ports can theoretically be extended to four, but the slot required was missing and must be purchased by the customer. On the driver CD also DirectX 8.0 driver for the OnBoard sound is and is in addition to the VIA chip set drivers version 4.28 (also in the test version 4.32 replaced by). In addition CBLogo, are located on the CD useful programs such as AWDFlash, to change the boot logo, the virus scanner PCcillin and the legend qdi ManageEasy in version 2.0. This Manager dumps all information about the system under Windows. Although the present version was in 1999, however, their function was restricted in any way.

Features

Let us now the confrontation of the two test candidates who are competing in our test.

EPoX 8KHA

• Form factor
  • Socket A ATX (30.5 cm x 24.5cm)
• Processor
  • Supported by 500-1666MHz AMD Athlon and Duron
  • Automatic CPU detection
  • 200/266 MHz system bus
• Chip set
  • VIA KT266 chipset
  • VIA VT8366 Northbridge (active cooling)
  • VT8233 Southbridge with onboard audio (AC97)
• RAM
  • 3 x 184-pin DIMMS (DDR RAM)
  • Supports RAM with 2, 5V DDR PC1600/2100
  • Maximum storage size: 1.5 GB
• Expansion slots
  • 1 x AGP 4 x slot
  • 6 x 32 bit PCI slots
  • 3 x Fan connectors (Monitorfähig)
  • ATA 33 / 66 and 100 support
• External connectors
  • 1 x parallel port
  • 2 x serial ports
  • 4 x USB ports (6 optional)
  • 1 x game port
  • 1 x microphone in
  • 1 x speaker out
  • 1 x line in
• BIOS
  • Award BIOS with 2MBit Flash ROM
  • CPU clock and FSB in the BIOS can be set
  • CPU voltage adjustable in BIOS (1, 65-1, 85V)
  • DIMM voltage adjustable in BIOS (2, 5-3, 2V)
• Special features
  • P80P “Post Code” display
• Other functions
  • Keyboard power-on, suspend to RAM
  • Wake on LAN, wake on modem

QDI KinetiZ

• Form factor
  • Socket A ATX 30.5 cm X 22.5cm
• Processor
  • Supports AMD Athlon and Duron of 500 1400MHz
  • Automatic CPU detection
  • 200/266 MHz system bus
• Chip set
  • VIA KT133A chipset
  • VIA VT8363A Northbridge
  • VT82C686B Southbridge with OnBoard sound (direct sound AC97)
• RAM
  • 3 x 168-pin DIMM (SDRAM)
  • Supports PC100/133 SDRAM with 3.3V
  • Maximum storage size: 1,5GB
• Expansion slots
  • 1 x AGP 4 x slot
  • 5 x 32 bit PCI slots
  • 1 x ISA slot
  • 1 x AMR slot
  • 3 x Fan connectors (Monitorfähig)
  • ATA 33 / 66 and 100 support
• External connectors
  • 1 x parallel port
  • 2 x serial ports
  • 2 x USB ports (4 optional)
  • 1 x game port
  • 1 x microphone in
  • 1 x speaker out
  • 1 x line in
• BIOS
  • Award BIOS with 2MBit Flash ROM
• Other functions
  • Keyboard power-on, suspend to RAM
  • Wake on LAN, wake on modem

EPoX EP-8KHA facilities

In addition to the properties listed under “Features” should be made on a few features once again more closely. A pretty massive range from capacitors puts a small horror the tester shortly before assembling at the sight of 1. equal next to the socket A. However, the distance at the fan Assembly proved as sufficient and should be completely sufficient in most commercially available models. At least our test cooler, a Spire, fit easily on the CPU. Extremely big cooler but possibly could have problems. One encounters a previously rare feature in the lower right corner of the Board. Two digital displays (P80P debug card) allow the rapid diagnosis by means of so-called “post code” in the incident. These are explained in the manual long all 4 pages and represent a much larger help in an emergency than so far were the few “beep codes” of BIOS. Small tools still the actively cooled Northbridge and the currently very trendy bracket to the AGP port are, first improved the locking of the map, secondly enabling the eject “button”. The despicable boot screen slowly is whom the jibe, which can optionally also resort to a graphical version. Failed to boot remain this however obscured in an emergency.

QDI KinetiZ 7E facilities

Unlike the KT266 Northbridge of 8KHA that of QDI is only passively cooled. Is imperative this certainly not, but could not hurt it also, to cool the actively so often beyond 35 ° C current chip. QDI has actually left relatively much space to the base around, but unfortunately, then exactly 2 capacitors are so very unfavourably placed that you will inevitably have problems with large fans at the corners of the base. Our test unit the company Spire, we had at least slight problems and only minimal obliquely set up we could fix it. As more features, the KinetiZ 7E-A has a BootEasy-and BIOS-ProtectEasy function. The boat easy function seeks the complete hardware check during boot and thus immediately jumps over to the loading of Windows. This saves a few seconds at boot time as a user. Certainly a nice feature, but you must disable it again before every hardware update, so that the PC also recognizes the newly built component. The BIOS-ProtectEasy function makes it to update the BIOS impossible and protects it against the damage caused by viruses such as the CIH virus at the same time.

EPoX EP-8KHA documentation

The neatly bound manual is, how should it be different, completely written in English, but provides a lot of information. In addition to a short introduction in terms such as “Athlon”, “AGP” and “DMA” is both explains the installation of the Board, as well as the RAM, processor and cooler with appropriate images well. Only the wiring (reset, HDD LED, etc.) would have can be somewhat more understandable. It goes up but with some logic on the thing, is also this undertaking as an easily Conquerable hurdle. According to the usual collection of BIOS options that include BIOS itself as usual not really more than that, both the installation of the 4in1 driver, as also the audio and BusMaster driver clearly described. PC beginners are allowed lucky is in. In four annexes (so-called “Appendix”), the installation and use of Norton Ghost, are finally the VIA 4in1 – and BusMaster driver, the meaning of the “post code” and the mechanical change, and flashing the BIOS. Once one sees from the manual language, it has earned right to “very good” the note.

QDI KinetiZ 7E documentation

The manual is almost entirely in English, only the new QDI boot easy feature is explained in German and three other languages. The manual offers complete documentation on the mainboard and the equally all three Board variants, which are currently available (KinetiZ 7E: without OnBoard sound, KinetiZ 7E-A: with AC ´ 97 OnBoard sound and the KinetiZ 7E-C with onboard creative 5880 PCI hardware). In fact, the manual leaves no wish, only the BIOS functions come across the typical information from “disablen” or “enablen” not beyond. But who is here not acquainted, should leave the stuff anyway the best on the settings and change only the familiar settings. Otherwise, indicates the manual very good as the individual cables must be connected and shows against simplified schemas of the mainboard, where are the individual jumper, slots or any other ports. Further annexes is discussed in detail on the CD content, editing the boot logo and the function of the tools RecoveryEasy. Mirror partitions to a specific partition can be created with it, so that you can restore the system after it a virus has been infested or otherwise destroyed.

EPoX EP-8KHA stability

During the entire trial period of approximately three weeks, the Board consistently convinced by a very good stability. If the tester was surprised by a blue screen or a “frozen” image once again, this resulted, as earlier mentioned, always measured to upbeat RAM timings – with default settings the Board ran without crash-free. In addition to the numerous benchmarks, which mastered it with flying colours, the Board through three more, asked stress tests also had to fight. The zehnmalige run from 3D mark 2000 and 2001, nor the hours use of the UD agent (tool, which, similar to seti@home, packets according to the information in this case proteins that inhibit cancer growth, durchsucht-constant at 99% CPU usage) could force the computer to its knees.

QDI KinetiZ 7E stability

Also here we had, like initially already described our problems with stability. The Board ran after a BIOS update but very stable and also the crashes in games and benchmarks were passé. The Board was without the previously unofficial update to version 3.4, you have to be so honest, hard to use, because none of the graphical applications, reliably received at least with our test hardware. Only the normal Windows mode did work correctly.

Overclocking EPoX EP-8KHA

Up to a single jumper, which meets the most basic setting of front side bus (100Mhz, 133Mhz, car), all relevant settings are located in an own BIOS menu. The multiplier can be screw in 0,5er steps from 6 to 15, the FSB may be chosen easily on a scale of 100Mhz up to 200 MHz in unusual 1 MHz steps. To guarantee a stable system even with extremely raised CPU clock, she can be via an additional menu item in steps of 0.025 volts to 1.85 volts anheben-or 1.65 lower core voltage. Certainly this is still a relatively moderate value and is an or other, are not enough. EPoX could be perhaps a little more at this point. The Athlon C 1333Mhz, used in the test was somewhat too little with 1,85V stable “only” on 1466Mhz screw for the brand new AYHIA stepping and the potential possibilities of the Board perhaps. In addition to the usual CPU overclocking, EPoX, also with the boost of the DIMM voltage right up to maximum 3.2 volt (default 2.5) enables optimistic changes on the memory timings. Enjoy (Allerdings_sollte_man_diesen_Weg_a) with caution) and (b) also a higher RAM voltage helped test the Apacer module to a satisfactory stability in tighter memory timings, the benefits are so not quite universal. Can one his own call excellent memory, so you have the choice between four preconfigured settings in a specially reserved menu (normal, fast, fastest, turbo) or can be short after whim of all possible parameters. The overclocking the Epox without restrictions options have all in all a “very good” earned.

Overclocking QDI KinetiZ 7E

The undertaking of Overclocking is designed in the KinetiZ 7E-A unfortunately extremely cumbersome. As well as for the Epox Board, a jumper is the starting point of the front side bus. The selection is via jumper between 100 and 133 MHz. Unfortunately, the remaining relevant settings but not how the Board from EPoX conveniently via the BIOS are made can, but the multiplier as well as the core voltage must be decided by the jumper. The multiplier can be alltogether by nine jumper from 5 up to 12.5 in 0,5er steps to raise or lower. The core voltage is six jumpers from 1.65 until can be set 1,85V in 0,025er increments, which again elected an automatic setting. We decided to the overclocking of the Board, it is said once buy jumper, as the five jumpers for this project included the KinetiZ 7E-A not enough. Ten to twelve jumpers are already required to overclocking. Why QDI is here not at least on a dip-switch, now located on almost all boards for years, if you can make the settings directly in the BIOS, is frankly us a mystery. As if this were not enough, the jumper block for the multiplier setting is also still so badly that you will come hard on him in zusammengebautem system. It makes with a likely involuntary overclocking unfortunately apparently always in the KinetiZ 7E-A. So ran the core voltage with us in the test constant of 1.89 volts, if we put the associated jumper to “Auto”. 1.75 Volts would have been normal (the 8KHA held that value constant). To keep the core voltage not unnecessarily high, we set the settings manually to 1.75 volts. But here too we have unfortunately noted that the Board is not kept this value. So the core voltage was itself elected 1.75 volts between 1.8 and 1.89 volts and thus far beyond the specification of AMD.

* Update * after a BIOS update, see a slight improvement was however also here. So the core voltage ran the update only between 1.78 to 1.84 volts, which was still above the actually set 1.75 volts.

But now is to let it rest time, the theory and us finally zuzwenden the practical tests. And one anticipated: some many of the results more clearly from, than we had expected.

Test system

Except for the motherboard to be tested and the appropriate storage system configuration in both tests consisted of the exactly identical components. As a driver, we chose the official and very stable 12.41 detonator, via 4in1 driver we resorted to the most recent version 4.32. Because it is usually very difficult to bring the performance of the mainboards in benchmark, to application we have used deliberately high-performance components, to keep the demobilizing effect as small as possible. The rake of the Athlon and GeForce2 Ultra should have been the right choice in this regard.

• Processor
  • AMD Athlon C 1333MHz
• Motherboard
  • EPoX 8KHA (revision 1.1, BIOS 1705)
  • QDI KinetiZ 7E (revision 2.0, BIOS 3.4)
• Memory
  • 1 x 256 MB PC2100 Apacer DDR RAM
  • 2 x 128 MB PC133 Infineon SDRAM
• Graphics card
  • Inno3D tornado GeForce2 Ultra
• Peripherals
  • Western Digital caviar AC310100B
  • Maxtor 72577 AP
  • TEAC 532E
  • Sony CRX160-E
  • Sound Blaster Live! 1024
  • Realtek RTL8029(AS) NIC
  • Hauppauge WinTV PCI
• Other
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro
• Software
  • Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 2
  • nVidia detonator 12.41
  • Via 4in1 version 4.32
  • DirectX 8 0a

Benchmarks

In the benchmarks, we chose a mix of practical and more theoretically-inspired programs. SiSoft Sandra 2001 as well as in the c’t benchmark “ctcm7″ memory and chipset had to demonstrate their cooperation. We have taken then how there visible differences ultimately impact in practice, in the 3D marks of MadOnion, Quake3, UT and GL mark closer under the microscope. As is also the fastest system in high resolutions to its limits, and usually the video card is the limiting factor so that the performance of the Board and store in the background is, we have used in addition to the usual high resolutions in each test settings, that ultimately the most should call Board, CPU and RAM.

• DirectX 7.0
  • 3DMark 2000-1.1
  • Unreal tournament 4.36 (utbench)
• DirectX 8.0
  • 3DMark 2001
• OpenGL
  • Quake3Arena 1.17 (Q3bench)
  • Vulpine GL mark
• Storage performance
  • SiSoft Sandra 2001
  • (c) ‘ ctcm t

SiSoft Sandra 2001

As was expected, can in this test, which is designed solely to memory and chipset, the KT266-DDR RAM convince combination on all along the line. With tighter timings, the Epox Board reached values of which the KT133A can only dream about.

Settings of the SDRAM with the timings of 2-2-2 DDR RAM didn’t someone think gave the “almost” we ran the “Turbo” in the BIOS settings (CL 2.5, DRAM PreChrg to act to PreChrg CMD 6 Act CMD 2, DRAM, DRAM active to turn around enabled, continuous DRAM request enabled CMD 2, DRAM command rate 1T command, fast R-W). So, advantage could snag is 40% rich of KT266 in the top.

(c) ‘ ctcm t

The MS-DOS-based benchmark ctcm magazine c’t just performs a series of memory test and allows second insight into the theoretical superiority of KT266 so in addition to Sandra with DDR RAM. For this benchmark we opted for two modules for an overview for the BIOS setting “by SPD”.

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The KT266 can secure the leadership continuously with its DDR RAM, even if the differences are partly quite nearly failed. However, the differences of the first three values are strange. They reflect only the CPU internal cache traffic. However, the thing about closer examination seems to result but a sense. The tool WCPUID of “h oda” announced a FSB for the QDI of only 132,84Mhz and 133,03 during the test phase for the Epox. He thus seems to make here ultimately felt at the QDI “only” with 1328Mhz getaktetet Athlon. So the clock residue as well as the loss is in the “transfer cache / page hit” almost exactly 0.15%.

Quake3Arena 1.17

In Quake3Arena, both boards had to prove the previously proven difference in class, in a practical environment for the first time. In addition to the RAM for the first time the used graphics card and processor played a decisive role.

None of the three given Config.cfgs (normal, high, max) the GeForce2 can ask for in the resolution of 640 x 480 properly ultra. Since it is thus not the demobilizing link in the chain, processor, Board, and RAM can run up to the limits and the difference of KT133A KT266 is quite clear with 7%.

The slightly higher resolution leaves relatively cold the graphics card, so that again, RAM, CPU and Board play a crucial role. Therefore the Epox with KT266 and DDR can push here RAM again quite clearly at the top.

As was to be expected, is also the video card in this resolution slowly in sweat. However, the power sufficient still, and even at these very high dimensions RAM can deliver again the crucial frames-per-second of the GDR. Both systems are however already extremely close together at the max-config at 2.5% difference.

Only in the relatively harmless “normal”-config can be also here again the KT266, when also running out, carried. In the setting “high” or “max” meets the GeForce2 permanently to their limits and is without exception to the system brake, so enter Board, CPU and RAM in the background, and both systems are exactly tied.

Vulpine GL mark

2. OpenGL-based benchmark of GL mark of Vulpine was used. And around it. The picture was similar as in Quake3Arena.

In the high resolution of 1024 x 768 with 32-bit, it is once again the GeForce2 which becomes the “paralyzing leg” of the system. Therefore the performance differences of both memory types will be in turn relativiert-the chipsets inetwa neck and neck. How also Quake3Arena, can be the DDR RAM back in the smaller resolutions and color depths with 3-10% claim, where are the video card enough power reserves available.

GL Exccess

3. OpenGL practice test, we wanted to actually use GL Exccess. However this proved, since the points issued ranged up to 10%. So one lay times, times the other Board relatively clearly front and an objective analysis of the results was not possible.

3DMark 2000

The somewhat elderly 3D mark 2000 shows by the extremely high results that he ultra not more quite is up today’s systems and particularly the GeForce2. Therefore, again Board and RAM get accordingly relatively high for the chance to show what they steckt-the differences fall.

Whopping 12% can Vorspung the KT266 in the lowest configuration back up. 800 X 600, and the default benchmark the differences with just under 7% or 4% fall in already relatively lower.

3DMark 2000 CPU mark

The CPU integrated in 3D mark 2000 mark reflects in cooperation chipset and memory only the performance of the CPU I, is often of the T & L unit of GeForce whatsoever. Because the show in both systems, however was the same, this here no matter more.

Here again the usual image. Approx. 6% greater performance, the difference is again in the typical interval of 5-10%.

3DMark 2000 HPC

Also of high polygons count (1 light) is part of the 3D mark 2000 and a guarantee for the collaboration of video card and RAM.

In view of the test results slowly but surely the expression “Monotony” on the tongue is who, must be given quite sure which. Also here is again the greatest advantage of KT266 in 640 x 480 with 9% and decreases with 7% at 800 x 600 up to 4% in 1024 x 768.

3DMark 2001

The benchmark, where currently the spirits divorced. Of course we wanted to separate but still it not outside. In three different settings both systems had to deliver once again a duel for the speed Crown.

Here, the testers were even a little surprised by the results. That the differences so serious despite the enormous request to the graphics card would be in favour of DDR Board, we were not expecting. The general trend confirmed it again here: the higher the resolution, the lower the differences (between 9% and 4%).

Unreal tournament

The hugely popular “utbench” was used as the last graphic benchmark. Been Unreal Tournament is exceptionally high demands on board, CPU and RAM. The “utbench” (demo file of a play against bots) but again tops this, the graphics card barely a role.

The enormous consistency of values over an extreme range of resolution across shows the GeForce2 hardly a role playing ultra. The difference between 640 x 480, 1280 x 960 is little more than 1.5 FPS on two boards. Accordingly the KT266 this time almost constant is % with 6-7 at the top.

Conclusion EPoX EP-8KHA

The 8KHA managed an excellent litter EPoX without a doubt. The scope of supply, nor the processing of components leave a wish. The mainboard convinces by its fullness of equipment currently seeking his peers and also the performance continuously moves at a very high level. Particularly overclockers should the 8KHA at least a second look be worth, because both the settings on the FSB, CPU voltage, and the extreme tuning of memory together with regulation of the memory voltage (from BIOS 1705) offer any currently imaginable possibility to treat his system on the specifications, a small performance boost. The absolutely jumper-free construction and good documentation make the 8KHA also for beginners. With 330,-DM, a wisdom at this Board again verified however: quality (unfortunately) has its price.

&Lt; div > Elito EPoX 8KHA < div > positive properties

• Scope of delivery
• Documentation
• Facilities
• Performance
• Stability
• BIOS settings
• Overclocking

QDI KinetiZ 7 conclusion

During the trial period the Board from two parties presented us. Brought before the BIOS update even hours around screws to the BIOS settings or the exchange of the graphics card not improve the situation and at least in our test the Board ran so unstable, that we could express no solicitation. After you upgrade a completely different picture. The KinetiZ 7E ran stable and convinced with good performance. The delivery however modest failed with only one ATA cable and without USB slot and also the processing and facilities are rather rudimentary as a gift to the customer. Overclockers should rather avoid the Board due to the many jumpers, but anyone who places no importance on great tools and ease of use and sees himself able to Flash, if necessary the BIOS Gets a stable motherboard for its Athlon C. for cheap 250,-DM

&Lt; div > QDI KinetiZ 7E < div > positive properties

• Documentation
• Stability (BIOS 3.4)
• ISA-slot
• Price

Conclusion KT133A vs. KT266

The huge advantage of EPoX Board from the theoretical benchmarks of Sandra and ctcm with partial 40% do not have the entire tests would continue, and the KT266 as well as the new DDR RAM represent a milestone in the development of the computer, was foreseeable before the test. Too many components of a PC have influence on the actual performance, as that of the theoretical advantage can be exploited fully by chipset and RAM. In most applications % showed more also during our test again “only” the 5-10 performance, that the DDR RAM usually be attributed to. And also in higher resolutions the usual image. Depending on the graphics card, more becomes the decisive support of the system, the faster the difference melts through to the final tie then. Who however at the moment with a new PC purchase flirts, or soon thinks of the upgrade, we recommend RAM which nevertheless a system with KT266 or DDR. Certainly the speed increase in most will be application not gigantic, however, it is at least as regards the store, once on the safe side, and the RAM as the brake the system should be excluded for the time being as good. In addition, both the motherboard and the memory are currently not significantly more expensive than the corresponding hardware with KT133A and SDRAM.