MSI - MSI K8N Neo Platinum nForce3 250Gb Motherboard Review

The K8N Neo we received was the top-end Platinum series, a name MSI is now using for their top motherboards. As with past models, MSI will likely offer other members of the K8N Neo family with fewer features and a lower price. K8N Neo motherboards are based on the nForce3-250Gb, which includes on-chip Gigabit LAN. This chipset is not being used on all 250 boards, as some announced boards are based on the more basic nF3-250 chipset. As a top-of-the-line model, the K8N Neo Platinum is loaded with features, including on-chip Gigabit LAN, 8-channel (7.1 Audio), 8-Drive nVidia SATA/IDE RAID, MSI Core Cell for overclocking, and a dedicated Communications slot for WLAN/Bluetooth.

…Some will argue that with Socket 939 near, the K8N Neo will have a short life. We doubt that, simply because the K8N Neo is so good and Socket 754 will be around as a high-end socket now (and a value socket later) for at least another year. It also appears that MSI will have a very easy transition to a 939 design, since the Engineering is already done, and done very well, on the K8N Neo Platinum.

One thing is for sure, and that is you will not be disappointed with the MSI K8N Neo Platinum. If all the upcoming nForce3-250GB boards are this good, then it’s a very good time to be running an Athlon 64 processor. It is not that the MSI stands out in performance in any one area; it is just that the overall balance, flexibility, and features of the K8N Neo are sure to please.

MSI K8N Neo Platinum: First nForce3-250Gb AnandTech