Subsystem Testing - Audio

We built a batch file to run a timedemo on br-colossus, a fairly heavy duty map. The first run is with sound enabled at 640x480 minimum details to force the CPU to handle all of the work, we then run the same configuration with sound off.

br-colossus

The P5GDC performed well as we noticed only an 11% drop in frame rate, this was at stock speeds. By contrast, the NF4K8MC scored almost 15% reduction in frame rate. The CPU utilization on the NF4K8MC is somewhat surprising in that the P5GDC Deluxe uses the Intel High Definition Audio subsytem, and the NF4K8M C uses a standard AC97' compliant chipset. Not only did the P5GDC Deluxe outperform the NF4K8MC in CPU utilization, it was a hands down winner in actual audio performance. After listening to several songs and playing the DVD The Matrix, there was no comparison, the Intel HD Audio subsystem is going to be a strong force to reckon with.

Note that you will not see a 22% or even 11% increase in performance if you disabled sound, typically you would run a game in such a manner that the GPU would be handling everything it that it can, so the audio subsystem would have minimal effect on game play.

Hard Drive Performance

In this test, the P5GDC is using the ICH6R, whereas the NF4K8MC is using the MPC. For this test we use HD Tach Version 3.010 and 2.61

Asus P5GDC Deluxe Left, Winfast NF4K8MC-RS Right

Note: I used the old version for backwards comparison to older tests, and then the new results to assist future benchmark comparisons.

Once again I am surprised at the level of CPU utilization the NF4 motherboard uses in comparison to the P5GDC Deluxe. 16% compared to 3.9% is not a short walk in the park, that’s almost a marathon. My maximum throughput was higher on the NF4, by about 6mb/sec, however, the average throughput was almost identical for both motherboards, with the P5GDC Deluxe edging out the NF4K8MC.

Network Performance

I really couldn't compare networking between these two as the P5GDC Deluxe is a 1000BaseT interface and the NF4K8MC is a 100BaseT interface. I ran some short bandwidth tests and found the Winfast NF4K8MC to perform on par with most 10/100 interfaces out today. I have to be honest in that I was disappointed in the simple fact that this unit was not a GB interface, even though that is an available option with the NF4K8MC motherboard.

Final Words

has made some nice strides in bringing a usable motherboard to market. Once again the unit appears to be built with solid components giving you a sturdy solution to base you PC on. Although it appears I have given WinFast the riot act throughout the testing phases, we must remember that this is a mATX solution and not a high end ATX motherboard ready to be overclocked to the hilt. If you are looking for a mATX solution in the 939 pin world, and want rock solid dependability, this very well could be your board, as long as you offload the audio via the S/PDIF riser, and tie down your video card.

Pros: Rock Solid Design mATX solution with PCIe, Layout is well designed, 4 x SATA and supports RAID 0+1

Cons: No VCore adjust limited Overclocking substantially, No S/PDIF riser included with cables, Only 2 memory slots (you must plan well), No PCIe Video Card retention mechanism, Active NorthBridge cooling

Bottom Line: You want a rock solid, dependable, Socket 939, NF4, PCIe solution for your HTPC? WinFast has a motherboard with your name all over it. If you don't expect to overclock, or to use the onboard sound, you will be happy with what the Winfast NF4K8MC has to offer.

If you have any questions or comments about this or other articles here at Viperlair, then please use our Forums to discuss them.

HOME