More Testing:

MultiMedia Benchmarks

Several different make, model, and frequency memory modules were used to test the Auto settings. The motherboard recognized and worked with each CAS 4 PC2-6400, PC2-7200, PC2-8500, and PC2-9200 module without any boot or timing issues at all. It's not very common anymore these days that a memory module is incompatible with a particular motherboard. Typically, default voltages set by the BIOS tend to be the common culprit for instability, reboots, and blue screens. It has been a very long time since I personally have seen a blue screen using the many various types of hardware. The AB9 Quad GT definitely passes my biggest concern in regards to stability and compatibility using random makes of memory.

Mathematical Benchmarks

Going manually with all the BIOS settings, the memory divider was dropped and the FSB was increased resulting in a 450MHz Bus straight out which is by all current 'straight-out-of-the-box' standards, simply exceptional. This is a whole new top overclock for this test bench when it comes to that standard. The maximum reachable and bootable overclock was 490MHz which wasn't quite a 100% stable, but was very, very close. I figure with a bit more maximizing of the VTT and Chipset voltages, that the platform could be stable. It would finish various benchmark tests within Sisoft Sandra Pro-XI, but it randomly had issues running 3DMark05. There are just so many possibilities when considering the many adaptable BIOS settings that could improve or degrade the overclocking stability of a motherboard.

Overclocking w/PC2-8500 Mhz Memory

Overclocking w/ PC2-9200 Memory

If you've been wondering what all of Abit's Silent OTES is about, here are a couple of screen shots just to show you an example of how well the OTES can keep the PWM components cool. Even the chipset benefits from the OTES heat pipes. The temps are also the result of using a capable CPU cooler that can blow air directly down on to the heat sinks. The OTES alone keep the temperatures under 50 C typically. But, adding a little more cooling such as the Ultra-X CPU Cooler, the temperatures are drastically lowered. If your motherboard has passive heat sinks and is capable of overclocking, you might want to consider something along the same lines of cooling. It may very well be what has been holding your motherboard's ability back.

Silent OTES & Ultra-X Cooling

Conclusion:

From a retail stand point, the AB9 Quad GT comes much more finished especially in regards to the BIOS. Design features aside for the moment, the BIOS is the most influential characteristic of any motherboard that ultimately decides how it will react with various components. Any platform can come with the most advanced circuitry, show off the fanciest heat sinks, LEDs, and boast the highest settings. However, if the BIOS isn't well programmed or the platform hasn't been properly 'tweaked', all of those expensive options can be a wasted expenditure.

Low Light

Blue LEDs

Going back to the design features, the Quad GT has all of those things  and more. At no point during any of the testing and repeated changes did the platform error or give cause for the slightest concern. The motherboard seems almost self aware, if you will, and handled every change and system test efficiently. The only time the platform could be brought to boot failure was during some extravagant overclocking testing. What was even more surprising is that often the system would attempt to boot, but wasn't quite Windows stable. Basically, the motherboard seemed more willing than Windows. Changing up hard drive and starting with another fresh OS installation brought about a little better results in regards to overclocking.

Low Light

In the Dark

Stock performance is very comparable to its distant cousin, the IN9 32X-MAX boasting the NVidia 680i chipset. As a matter of fact, there are so many similar features between the two that at one point I thought, just for a second, that I was still working on the the IN9 32X-MAX given that both have the rear CMOS Reset Switch, LEDs, and similar sockets and ports. One thing that makes the Quad GT stand out is how extremely stable the motherboard remains under many different memory modules. When the BIOS was properly configured, the platform would auto detect the memory and adjust the CPU Front Side Bus accordingly to match the memory frequency. All the various memory modules all defaulted to their frequency specification automatically and booted without issue. This was something the IN9-32X didn't quite get correct every time.

There are quite a few worthy features to be gained using the AB9 Quad GT P965 Crossfire Motherboard. Peripherals are plentiful for one. Anyone buying the newest components to play the latest games or maximizing the use of video and audio software, will definitely want the upgraded SATA II performance along with the great Core 2 Duo processors. Quad core users will be happy to know that the AB9 Quad GT provides the same great performance. This may seem like a normal passive motherboard with its heat pipe sinks and seemingly, uneventful markings. But underneath, this platform just begs to be cut loose! Price to performance, it would be a crime to pass this motherboard up and not put it to work with some very capable overclocking memory or at least a powerful graphics card.

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