GIGABYTE - Gigabyte K8NNXP nForce3 150 Motherboard Review

In order to achieve a mainstream price for an AMD64 platform, Socket 754 is still the place to go, running in either the upstart VIA K8T800 or the original NVIDIA nForce3 150. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and in this review we’ll be taking a look at the nForce3 150-powered Gigabyte K8NNXP, and comparing it to the K8T800 competition in terms of features, performance and value.

The Gigabyte K8NNXP is based on the NVIDIA nForce3 150 chipset, and is at the high-end of the Gigabyte Socket 754 class. Basic features include AGP 8X, DDR400 and USB 2.0, although the NVIDIA HyperTransport implementation utilizes a bi-directional 600 MHz link, as opposed to 800 MHz for the VIA K8T800. The K8NNXP motherboard does include high-end options such as dual Gigabit & 10/100 LAN, 6-channel audio, upgraded IEEE1394b Firewire (800 MHz vs. 400 MHz for IEEE1394a), and Parallel (4x) and Serial ATA (2x) storage options. The Gigabyte K8NNXP also includes Serial ATA RAID 0, 1, and PATA RAID 0, 1 and 0+1 support, through the GigaRAID ATA 133 and Silicon Image SATA controllers. Gigabyte also includes a variety of overclocking features, such as 1 MHz FSB tweaking, and CPU core, AGP and DDR voltage options.

…Gigabyte certainly has a contender in the K8NNXP, and it scores well in the important areas of onboard features, stability and performance. On the flip side, we have some niggling BIOS and layout issues, along with a high sticker price to contend with. This motherboard is tailored towards those who will make full use of the onboard hardware, as well as video editing aficionados eager for IEEE1394b, and for this desktop market, Gigabyte hits on all cylinders.

Gigabyte K8NNXP Motherboard Review @ Sharky Extreme