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MSI 865PE Neo2-P MSI motherboards are a regular fixture in many PCs submitted for review. Based on the Intel 865PE chipset, the Neo2 is certainly not intended to be the company's fastest motherboard. Despite being based on an older chipset, it managed to turn in a good performance in the face of Springdale-based competition. It clocked up an overall PCmark 2004 score of 4,931, which was enough to ward off the Via-powered ASRock and the IGP 9100 at the helm of Sapphire's Axion RS-300. Likewise, 3D performance was in line with our expectations. It clocked up a 3Dmark03 score of 6,531, which was only marginally off the pace of the highest scoring boards.
Where negative points began to emerge was in the number of connectivity options. Unlike other boards based on the 865PE chipset, this one has just two IDE slots, neither of which offers Raid compatibility. Scope for Sata connectivity is also fairly limited. Two colour-coded ports are provided but, again, Raid compatibility is sorely missing from this motherboard.
Five PCI slots are provided, along with four USB2 ports. Disappointingly, though, MSI has not included any additional blanking plates to provide extra USB connectivity and there is no support for Firewire.
Amends are made to some extent by the inclusion of a Gigabit Lan controller and a substantial 4GB memory ceiling. It is also compatible with 400MHz PC4700 Dimms, but if you are planning to use DDR333 memory with an 800MHz FSB Prescott CPU, the memory will default to running at just 320MHz.
On the whole, the Neo2-P is an attractive option, particularly for fans of MSIhardware on a budget. It has a good number of features, kept pace with the faster motherboards here and offers good value for money.
Contact: MSI 020 8813 6688
www.msi.com.tw
Back to Intel motherboards group test
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This motherboard's colour coded fixtures makes installation straightforward. 14 May 2004
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