CDeX

CDeX tests put the Intel 955X board a little in front which seems to be the trend for tests that require a lot of use of the Memory subsystem. The difference seen here is marginal but conceivably the gap will widen proportionately as the file sizes increase.

TMPGEnc

Converting Video came up with quite a surprise as the results from the Intel 955X board were in front again, but like CDeX, with larger files that gap will widen substantially Again I would put this down to the optimizations that Intel have made on the 955X since it really is the only major thing that has changed and is different between the two systems.

Game Tests - Unreal Tournament 2004 and Quake III Arena

As expected with the gaming results, the two boards were neck and neck. If we want to get specific, the Intel 955X was in front ever so slightly in the UT2K4 tests, and trailed slightly in the Quake III Arena tests.

Subsystem Tests

Sound Tests - Subjective Listening

Onboard audio has come a long way since the days of the simple AC97 CODEC solutions we got used to, and while I would say the overall solution for Intel's HD Audio isn't quite up with the likes of the nForce Soundstorm, it is certainly very good. The Intel 955X I received here also had bundled in the software Intel's Audio Studio, which like the Soundstorm software allows you to tweak the sound to your liking, be you a jazz listener, home theater junky or even shower echo's. It is certainly the closest thing I've seen to the Soundstorm solution and I hope more boards come with it or something similar.

Sound Tests - Performance in Gaming

We ran a few tests using Benchemall! and UT2K4 to see what impact the onboard HD Audio had on system performance. The demo was run 3 times with sound on and sound off using a high quality 1024x768 configuration such as any end user would use, and the average results recorded.

br-collosus

I've thrown in the results for the Albatron 925XE here as a comparison and also left the Intel Audio Studio running on the 955X. The Intel 955X handles the load for sound very well with only a few frames less than without, and it would seem that Intel's Audio Studio software has no untoward effect to the performance.

Network Performance

It has been a very long time since I've had issue with an item to the point that testing became impossible, or at least one that couldn't be resolved, but it is the case with this board. For the sake of a complete review I'm including my problems however be aware that this doesn't mean you will also have the same issues. Not very helpful I know but ...

Using a 24port 10/100 hub, the same as has been used in all my motherboard reviews for years, I could not get the onboard NIC to transfer via TCP/IP at all. Installing a third party 10/100 NIC worked fine, as have using Gigabit NICs with this Hub on other motherboards, but the onboard Gigabit NIC refused to.

Final Words

While the Intel 955X chipset itself doesn't offer much over the 925XE chipset, it is nice to have the extra options of the extended CPU support, namely Dual Core, which means that with 64bit CPU's, Dual core and Single Core, you will have quite a few options to choose from. This Desktop board will require you to use a lot of the 'newer' technologies such as SATA, 24pin PSU's, DDR2 and PCIe graphics and is certainly something you will need to be aware of and able to provide before you can make full use of it. Only a single IDE port is provided, and with many setups including two optical drives, that would mean SATA HD's only. I also personally had no luck using Highpoint RocketHead SATA adapters on IDE HD's.

Intel's HD audio has made quite an impression and it's good to see that Intel have continued to use it here, as well as providing the rather nice Intel Audio Studio software which makes the sound solution one of the best onboard solutions you will find.

Way down on the list of needs when it comes to a motherboard is the aesthetic quality but there is a quiet sleekness from the black PCB that is appealing to look at. Overall the layout for the Intel 955X is very good with pretty much everything where it should be.

When it comes to performance, the Intel 955X doesn't disappoint unless you compare it to a 925X or 925XE chipset board; The 955X is not noticeably faster than a 925XE board, although in a few benchmarks the memory scores have improved slightly.

My only real issue with the motherboard itself pertains to the onboard NIC and could well be something that is either corrected by a driver update or possibly by using a different Hub than the one I possess (a 3com 24port 10/100). This could also be an issue with the sample we've received, but be sure to checkout other reviews or user comments to be sure.

Editor's Note: I did ask around and it seems at least two other websites reported this issue, whereas others seemed to have no problems.

As far as the package goes, you don't get much with it, in fact all you get is the P4 4pin to 'P8' 8 pin adapter, IO backplate and 2 software CD's. There will probably be more extras, such as cables and manuals in the retail package, but don't expect too many other items like software bundles.

At time of writing this, there are a number of 955X boards offered by third parties, some of which offer much more in terms of hardware and software and at a lower price point. However if you don't need overclocking and you don't need many IDE ports, then this board will suit you fine as with many "Intel branded" boards, this was a solid product.

Pros: 1066FSB support, Dual Core support, Good performance, Great onboard sound, Nice black PCB, Very good layout.

Cons: Performance is not much over a 925XE board, Possible NIC problems? Not exactly a "fully loaded" enthusiast board.

Bottom Line: Should you get this if you already have a 925X or 925XE board? Probably not, unless Dual Core support is important to you. If you don't already have a 925X or 925XE board then you may as well start at the top with a 955X. However think carefully, as while this is a good board, you will likely find more features and accessories with a slightly more expensive, or even cheaper third party manufacturer 955X boards.

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