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MSI K8T Neo-FIS2R Athlon64 Motherboard
Date: 2003-11-22 | Author: Shane Unrein
Company: MSI
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Introduction
Even though there are no 64-bit applications or games currently available, AMD is hoping with its recent release of Athlon64 processors that many enthusiasts are excited about the potential of 64-bit computing. I think most of us are excited for one reason or another. Maybe you hope AMD falls flat on its face, or maybe you hope this is one more dent in Intel's plan to rule the processor market. We're all anxious to see what 64-bit operating systems and 64-bit games will be like compared to their 32-bit counterparts.
Until the time comes that we actually get to see 64-bit apps, we'll just have to check out the power of the 64-bit processors and their motherboards on 32-bit systems. That's just what I plan to do in this review. MSI sent us an Athlon64 bundle that included their new K8T Neo-FIS2R motherboard, an Athlon64 3200+ processor and a copper-based AVC CPU heatsink/fan.
The motherboard sports the Via K8T800 chipset and plenty of special MSI features, such as CoreCell, Live Update, CoreCenter and Dynamic Overclocking. Let's get introduced to the board and then eventually look at some numbers comparing it to an nForce2 system with a 2500+ overclocked to 3200+ (2.2GHz).
Features, Specs and Package Contents
Special Features
- VIA K8T800 + VIA VT8237
- Integrated Ethernet 10/100/1000 LAN
- IEEE1394 FireWire
- Serial ATA RAID 0, 1 (VIA VT8237)
- Serial ATA RAID 0, 1, 0+1 (Promise)
- 4X/8X AGP, 6 channel Audio
- Live Update 3
- D-bracket 2
- MSI CoreCell chip, MSI CoreCenter, DOT (Dynamic Overclocking Technology)
Specifications
|
Package Contents
- K8T Neo-FIS2R Motherboard
- Quick User's Guide
- SATA RAID / SATA Guid
- Driver CD and Diskettes
- FDD Cable
- HDD Round Cable
- 2 x SATA Cable and Power Cable
- D-Bracket 2
- I/O Shield
 K8T Neo-FIS2R Box |
 Back of the Box |
 Inside the Box |
 Bundle of Good Stuff |
 D-Bracket 2 -- USB Ports and Diagnostic LEDs |
The bundle I received also included:
- AMD Athlon64 3200+ Processor
- AVC HSF for CPU (copper-base)
 The Entire Athlon64 Bundle |
 Open Up Those Two Smaller Boxes |
 Athlon64 3200+ Processor |
 The Included AVC Heatsink/Fan |
 It's a Pretty Nice HSF |
 Shiny Copper Base |
It's no surprise to see such a nice package and bundle from MSI. I'm still scratching my head, though, wondering why they continue to only include one IDE cable. I almost always seem to need two IDE cables when setting up a system in a mid-tower or full-sized ATX case, and I'm sure most of you feel me on that one. Anyway, if you are set on finding a second red round cable, I would check SVC; last time I looked, they had really good prices on round IDE cables. Another thing I keep griping about is the cheap, flimsy I/O shield so many companies include. MSI is guilty of including a cheapy one here, and most other board makers do the same. Big thanks to those that don't. I think we all need to start demanding higher quality I/O shields! Or maybe you don't really care. That's fine too, but they can charge me one or two more dollars for a color-coded, quality shield. It really sucks to have all this high quality, good looking stuff and then be stuck with a ten-cent I/O shield.
The CPU heatsink/fan included in the bundle is from AVC. Before receiving this, I had never had the chance to use any AVC products. As you can see in the pics, it's basically a plain but decent-looking copper-based HSF unit. The base wasn't exactly pristine, but it looked good. Thermal paste is also already applied to the base.
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