Network Performance

We used to test the networking speed, and Windows Task Manager for CPU usage. We copied our RtCW directory, which has a wide variety of files contained within it, and totals 700MB, from our Gigabit capable K8T Neo-FIS2R machine, to the VIA PT880 box. We also zipped the folder, reducing it to about 640MB for our large file tests.

Both systems were connected via a CAT-5E crossover cable, which should prevent any bottlenecks that would arise with our standard 10/100 router. We'll be testing both VIA's 10/100 NIC, as well as the Gigabit NIC.

Small Files Test - 700MB Total

Download 10/100	Upload 10/100		Download 1000	Upload 1000

On the 10/100 NIC, the Upload speeds averaged 10.19mB/sec, which is a little faster than the 9.06mB/sec download transfer rate. CPU usage was also lower, peaking at 24%, whereas the download peaked at 26%.

The Gigabit NIC ripped through these tests, averaging 23.64mB/sec on the download, and 31.79mB/sec on the upload. CPU usage was a lot higher than the 10/100 NIC though, averaging between 44% to 48% downloading and uploading.

Large File Test - 640MB Total

Download 10/100	Upload 10/100		Download 1000	Upload 1000

Large file tests mirrored the small files tests, but the transfer rates during download and upload were a bit faster. CPU usage was actually lower though, by about 1%-2% on average.

Final Words

The board was very stable during testing, though overclocking didn't go very well at all. Considering that this was a reference board, the PT880 appears to be very close to being ready for the market.

Performance was very impressive, and more so when you consider VIA's history with pricing. If they can get these boards to market at a competitive price, Springdale boards are going to have a real fight on their hands. The Canterwoods still hold strong in the performance arena, but with a bit more tweaking in either their controllers, or their drivers, VIA may be able to push the PT880 enough that there won't be much difference in this area.

I didn't get the chance to spend more time evaluating some of the VIA specific technologies, but based on what we've seen today, things are looking very good indeed. There's still some work to be done, and we'll be quite interested in seeing what motherboard manufacturers can churn out.