Installation and Testing:

RAM Installed

To Close...

for comfort...

Video installed

    This sums up about 90% of the board layout and the BIOS; now it's time to install the motherboard on my HSPC Tech Station and run some benchmarks.

• 2GB PC-6400

• BenQ DVDRW

• 80GB SATAII HDD

• Fresh Install of WinXP

CPU-Z 1.40:

Mobo

Stock RAM

OC RAM

OC CPU

    CPU-Z v1.40 was used to read the current system configuration in stock and overclocked configurations. In these results, the system was benched with the onboard graphic processor, and the system in stock and overclocked mode. A slight overclocked advantaged was achieved with the RAM settings.

CineBench9.5:

Stock Results

OC Results

    CINEBENCH is the free benchmarking tool for Windows and Mac OS, based on the powerful 3D software CINEMA 4D. Consequently, the results of tests conducted using CINEBENCH 9.5 carry significant weight when analyzing a computer’s performance in everyday use, especially when a system’s CPU and the OpenGL capabilities of its graphics card are put through their paces (even multiprocessor systems with up to 16 dedicated CPUs or processor cores.) During the testing procedure, all relevant data is gathered, and is used to compare the performance of different computers, regardless of their operating systems. CINEBENCH includes render tasks that test the performance of up to 16 multiprocessors on the same computer, as well as software-only shading tests and OpenGL shading tests on huge numbers of animated polygons that will push any computer to its limits.

SiSoftware Sandra:

Bandwidth Stock

MEM Lat stock

Bandwidth OC

MEM Lat OC

PCMark05 Scores:

Overclocking:

Hybrid Booster - Safe Overclocking

A new overclocking technology concerning both performance and safety. In order to provide advanced performance, the Hybrid Booster provides the CPU Multiplier, CPU Vcore voltage adjustment, CPU Frequency Stepless control, and AGP/PCI Frequency control features. With the CPU Multiplier, power user could change the processor multiplier setting to get the best performance of CPU speed. The CPU Vcore adjustment helps to power up the CPU core voltage to support the CPU overdrive demand. The CPU Frequency Stepless control provides the CPU clock frequency upward/downward adjustment interface. The AGP/PCI Frequency control provides the interface of AGP/PCI frequency value setting. However, to perform overclocking is at risk of hardware damage and boot failure. With two safety features, "ASRock U-COP" and "Boot Failure Guard", Hybrid Booster will minimize the risk of overclocking. ASRock U-COP helps protect the CPU from overheating while the CPU frequency or core voltage is overdriven. The Boot Failure Guard will automatically issue the safe boot up mode when improper overclocking settings result in system boot failure. Under the double safety protections and with performance enhancement, Hybrid Booster is definitely a Safe Overclocking design for you. Some overclocking features might be disabled while the chipset doesn't support. For detailed overclocking support information please visit our web site www.asrock.com. Advanced skills are needed to perform the overclocking feature properly; improper operation will cause permanent damage to the CPU or other system devices. The information of the latest CPU Support list is available on our web site www.asrock.com.

    The key to get this motherboard to overclock easily is to upgrade to the latest BIOS, which, during the time this review was written, is 1.40. Do not expect fantastic results, as the voltages for the CPU and RAM are very limited. The CPU can't go beyond 1.40v and the RAM is capped at 2.05v. During my overclocking test, I was able to get the RAM to 900Mhz and 250Mhz extra MHz from the CPU before the system became too unstable. As you read above, the Hybrid Booster allows safe overclocking, which means limited adjustments.

Conclusion:

    I'm baffled about the placement of the motherboard power connector. With newer and larger aftermarket heatsinks available, the choices may be limited if heatpipes head toward the power connector. As for overclocking, it's rather time consuming with this motherboard, with the constant powering down to change settings, versus an OS based adjustment tool, and with the Hybrid Booster the time consuming overclocking is limited. Maybe I'm just spoiled with my ASUS Ai Booster Application.

    What I do like are the onboard temperature sensors with results shown in the BIOS. A lot of budget motherboards leave these out and it makes things difficult to test. Plenty of SATA2 cables are included, and along with a load of USB headers on the motherboard itself, this should keep the user with plenty of devices happy.

    Overall, the board performed well with no issues in the stock settings. ASRock has supplied its buyers with a well-stocked and stable motherboard for the enthusiast. I would like to thank ASRock for sending this unit out for VH to review.

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