|
Test Three: 3D Mark 2001SE
Okay, I know. It is fake, it can be cheated on, and it is useless. I am talking about our next benchmark, 3D Mark 2001SE. I feel obligated to still use it, as it is an awesome stress test for your components. But just for fun, here is a compare URL.
As you can see, the FIC AU13 allowed for an incredible score based on the hardware used. I was able to loop 3D Mark for 12 hours at the tested speed as well, which once again speaks for the AU13's incredible stability.
Stability tests
The AU13 was able to complete 6 hour loops of both Prime 95 and Memtest 86 at 200 Mhz FSB. At 220 Mhz FSB it would easily pass the six hour Prime 95 test, though I got a few errors in Memtest. Backing down to 200 Mhz produced no Memtest 86 errors.
Conclusion
Performance was about what you would expect from an NForce2 mainboard although we were able to achieve much better SiSoft memory and CPU scores then we did with an early-revision Asus A7N8X. No doubt, the NForce2 has gone through a lot of changes, and the FIC AU13 makes this statement quite evident.
The only major downfall was the lack of overclockability. The AU13 displayed incorrect information on the post screen when run above 200 MHz FSB, such as that the memory and CPU were running at 1 MHz. While the actual FSB rating was correct, it was a bit of a nuisance to have the wrong information displayed. Above 220 MHz we had stability issues, which may be attributed to the poor Northbridge cooling, but without faster memory we can not tell. The incorrectly displayed information may be corrected in a future BIOS update, as I have notified FIC of the issue.
Overall, the AU13 is a very strong showing from FIC, whom I have been very impressed with as of late. I believe that if FIC continues to manufacture mainboards as solid as the AU13 they will earn their place in the systems of enthusiasts around the country.
I would like to thank Alex at FIC for sending this wonderful mainboard to me. A quick peak at Newegg shows the AU13 coming in at under $90, which is simply amazing. We hope to look at more products from FIC in the future, such as their Radeon 9800 256MB solution.
Pros
Incredibly stable
Great performance
Great OC'er
Inexpensive
Nice layout
Cons
Questionable Northbridge cooling
Incorrect POST information when clocked above 200 MHz FSB
No extras
Bottom Line
The FIC AU13 is a solid board at an excellent price. If you are looking for an NForce2 mainboard that offers great all-around features, overclocking and performance, you should consider the AU13. Current NForce2 users need not apply, unless they absolutely need 200 MHz FSB.
Agree? Disagree? Discuss it in our forums
Previous Page - Testing, Part 1 & 2
Home
|
FIC AU13 nForce 2: The AU11, FIC's first nForce2 mainboard was a resounding success, as it earned the reputation of being a very solid board that overclocked quite well. Let's see how this one does.
