Subsystem Testing
The first thing we'll check is the audio. We downloaded and installed to test its CPU utilization.
CPU utilization was minimal throughout the DirectSound 2D and DirectSound 3D tests. With an average CPU utilization of 2.142% and 4.821% respectively, the P965T-A did a nice job of delivering HD sound. Along with it's brethren Intel chipset utilizing HD Audio, ECS chose the Realtek ALC882M. Just as it's Intel brethren, the ECS P965T-A deploys “soft ports” on the rear panel. As you plug in your listening device, be it speakers or headphones, you get a pop up asking what the device is. However, when compared to the Foxconn 975X7AB's Realtek ALC882M, you see quite the difference in CPU utilization. The Foxconn is much more efficient then the ECS in this category.
Hard Drive Performance
Foxconn 975X left, ECS P965T-A right
I actually expected to see a difference here, as the ECS P965T-A deploys the ICH8 compared to the 975X7Ab's ICH7 south bridge. The results are almost identical, with a slight edge to ECS on burst speed and a slight edge to Foxconn on average read.
Network Performance
We used to test the networking speed, and Windows Task Manager for CPU usage. Most motherboards today come with PCIe based NIC's, the ECS, however, is sporting a PCI based GB NIC. I copied a variety of files varying in size of 300kb to as much as 150MB and totaling 2.0GB, from my Ubuntu Server to the Test System and back. Then I performed the same test with a 3.7GB ISO image. This test was performed at stock CPU speeds using an Enterasys C2G124-24 enterprise class switch.
|
|
|
|
| ECS P965T-A |
27.41
|
16
|
| Foxconn 975X7AB |
45.84
|
18
|
| Download |
|
|
| ECS P965T-A |
22.85
|
18
|
| Foxconn 975X7AB |
41.39
|
19
|
As you can see, ECS suffers here compared to all of the other tests. I would blame this directly on the PCI based NIC compared to PCIe based. A quick note here, the CPU utilization is for ONE of the cores, the 2nd core stood around 1% the entire time on both systems.
Final Words
has been making great strides from top to bottom on their Motherboard lineup. We have seen their Elite division and their budget division increase in not only quality but delivering what the consumer wants. If you are looking for a budget board, that performs well with a Intel Core 2 Duo at the helm, the could be calling your name.
Silent performance can be garnered from the board since it is a fanless design and it does have a well thought out layout of components and connectors. The board is also capable of running 8GB of memory, features HD Audio and is relatively inexpensive.
Unfortunately, little things like PCI based NIC, no IEEE-1394, no OC ability and a slightly confusing section in the manual take away from what could have sneaked through the back door as a enthusiasts bargain performer.
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