Network Performance
We used to test the networking speed of the Realtek PHY, and Windows Task Manager for CPU usage. We copied a variety of install files, totaling 758 MB, varying in sizes of 300kb to as much as 60MB per file to and from the MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum machine, to our ASUS P4C800-E box, which uses an Intel Gigabit CSA controller. We also performed the same test with an ISO image, totaling 761MB.
Both systems were connected via a CAT-5E crossover cable, which should prevent any bottlenecks that would arise with our standard 10/100 router.
Small Files Test - 758MB Total
|
Time to Copy
|
Ave Transfer mB/sec
|
CPU %
|
| Upload |
0:21.1
|
35.89
|
11
|
| Download |
0:27.4
|
27.75
|
17
|
Compared with some past results, the nF3-250's Gigabit NIC and MSI's Realtek PHY do very well in our small file transfer tests. What is amazing isn't the copy speed, but rather the CPU usage. We peaked at about 21% during the download tests, and 15% during upload, but the controller sustained 17% and 11% respectively through the majority of the tests, even dipping as low as 14% and 8% for the downloads and uploads.
Large File Test - 761MB Total
|
Time to Copy
|
Ave Transfer mB/sec
|
CPU %
|
| Upload |
0:20.2
|
38.98
|
9
|
| Download |
0:23.6
|
33.13
|
14
|
With the large file, our results were similar to the small files, but slightly improved. Again we see excellent CPU usage throughout testing, even better than we've seen with Intel's CSA.
The Marvell PHY performed closely in terms of speed, and a little higher in CPU usage... about 2% higher.
NVIDIA Firewall
We've already seen some impressive hardware performance from the board's NIC, but the other major selling point is the system level firewall integrated into the chipset. The technology would take a while to explain and outside the scope of this review, so you can read .
After enabling (or turning off) the firewall, there are a number of basic security settings to limit access to the computer. Both inbound and outbound traffic can be monitored or restricted, and for a "free" firewall, it is very good.
The NVIDIA Firewall is a Stateless firewall. What this means is you can define a set of rules where only packets that are allowed to pass through will do so. If it does not pass the rule, the packet is dropped. This process can be CPU intensive which is why the NVIDIA Firewall also a Stateful firewall. The firewall is capable of comparing packets in a new connection against its rules. If the packet is permitted, it will pass, as well as being entered into the connection table. Future connections that match this entry will be allowed to pass immediately.
Final Words
MSI had a solid board in their K8N Neo and we're glad to see that not much has changed with the K8N Neo2. As we've seen in the past, the nForce 3 250Gb was a solid chipset, and not too much has changed thankfully with the Socket-939 implementation.
One change is the addition of the secondary NIC. The Realtek NIC adds an additional Gigabit port to the rear IO panel, and as we've seen, performs quite well. The dual NICs and hardware NVIDIA FireWall makes the K8N Neo2 an interesting choice if you're looking to build a home or small business router/FireWall.
The other change is the obvious one, and that's the move to the Socket-939 platform. Other than the different speed grades, the big change from the Socket-754 is the addition of the Dual Channel memory controller, and although the clock speed differences had the most influence in our tests today, the new memory controller was probably a factor as well. In addition, the change from the FX-51 series of Athlon 64s is that you no longer need registered memory, which will make the FX platform cheaper overall. The Socket-939 also consolidates AMD's CPU lineup somewhat, which means that all Socket-939 boards can now handle both types of processors, as well as identical ram choices, which makes the platform friendlier to upgraders as a whole.
We've had very few problems with the board throughout testing. The K8N Neo2 was very stable during testing, and outside of overclocking past 216FSB, we did not experience any lockups or any other odd behavior. We did initially have some problems with online video games not being able to connect, but this was corrected by configuring the onboard FireWall.
If there was one area that frustrated us, it would be the location of the CMOS reset jumper. The location between the edge of the motherboard and PCI #5 made it very tricky to get to, and will almost certainly require the removal of any PCI card you may have plugged in to get to it.
All of the onboard peripherals are of decent quality, and they should be sufficient for most people's needs. The storage options are decent, but I would have liked to have seen an additional controller in case there are users who need more RAID options. Omitting this does cut down on the overall cost of the board though, and if you do need an additional controller, you can always add a PCI card.
