On the first encounter with this graphics card, it is not hard to see that the MSI NX8600GT-T2D256E come with a extra features not found in the usual GeForce 8600GT chipset. I would think that this is a highly tweaked mainstream graphics card that can perform better than the standard GeForce 8600 GT.

The standard GeForce 8600 GT runs at 540 MHz and accesses its 256 MB GDDR3 memory at 1.4 GHz through a 128-bit interface, so it can access its memory at a maximum transfer rate of 22.4 GB/s.

The MSI NX8600GT-T2D256E OC Video Card carries a factory overclocked GPU that runs at 580 MHz and can access its memory at 1.6 GHz, thereby giving a maximum memory transfer rate of 25.6 GB/s. From the statistics alone, it is not difficult to see that this video card has its GPU running 7.40% faster than the standard GeForce 8600 GT and accesses its memory 14.28% faster than the standard model.

In addition, if you install the drivers that come with this video card you will have access to D.O.T (Dynamic Overclocking Technology), where you can overclock your video card simply checking a box on the video properties.

If you like the idea of overclocking your video card, but do not want to go through the hassle of doing the task yourself, then this graphics card is definitely a suitable choice.

Unified Shader Architecture

With the release of DirectX 10, it is no surprise that nVidia included DirectX 10 API on all its GeForce 8 chipset. Instead of using separated shader units for each kind of shader processing, the GeForce 8600GT GPU uses a unified shader architecture that incorporates all the different shader engines together into one single engine (also known as the Stream Processor) . This resulted in more flexibility and efficiency in processing vertex, pixel and geometry shaders. The advantage of this unified shader architecture is that the Stream Processor can now make to run at two to three times higher than the clock speed of the GPU. The faster the Stream Processor runs, the better the shader performance.

The MSI NX8600GT has an overclocked shader speed of 1508MHz, which is 20% faster than the usual GeForce 8600GT model that runs at 1188MHz. The speed setting is configured in the factory and anyone who installed the graphics card can enjoy the speed boost immediately without having to do the overclocking manually.

PureVideo HD

With the PureVideo HD technology found in the GeForce 8600GT core, the MSI NX8600GT can now handle the entire decoding processor of HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies with video playback with resolutions up to 1920x1080p. Instead of stressing the CPU for HD video decoding, 100% of high definition video decoding can now be off loaded onto the graphics card at speeds of up to 40Mb/s. If you are running two MSI NX8600GT graphics card in SLI, it can even offload onto the two GPUs for parallel processing which will further decrease CPU load.

Though not the best card around, it is no doubt that this MSI NX8600GT graphics card is a good choice for every gamers who want a mid range video card that can delivers.

Check out MSI GeForce 8600GT NX8600GT-T2D256E OC Video Card here.

The latest motherboard to come onboard our motherboard review is ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition. As its name implies, this mainboard is specifically meant for Windows Vista. If you are familiar with the M2N32-SLI Deluxe, this latest ASUS motherboard is basically an enhanced version of the original M2N32-SLI Deluxe board with Vista driven features. Both the mainboards share the same board design, chipset cooling solution, the same ports and connectors placements, and the same BIOS features.

Built with Windows Vista in mind, this board replaces its integrated WiFi module (found in the Deluxe edition) with an integrated 1GB flash drive so as to support the Vista ReadyBoost feature. ReadyBoost is a new feature by Vista to store frequent access data on a caching system so as to improve the responsiveness of the OS. Instead of storing in the hard drive which has a lower transfer speed, a flash drive with faster read performance is used instead. Tests have shown that this integration of flash drive indeed resulted in substantial improvement on the system performance.

This ASUS motherboard also comes bundled with an external display known as the ScreenDuo. This little display is used to implement the SlideShow feature of the Vista. Featuring a small screen with 320 x 240 pixels resolution, it can be used to display useful information such as weather forecast, stock market updates, news headlines and etc. A point to note here is that the ScreenDuo is connected to the motherboard via a USB cable. This means that using of this screen will actually deprive you of one USB slot. Unless you have much use for those small widget application (such as weather forecast etc), there will not be much use for this small gadget.

Since Vista requires a huge amount of memory, it is no surprise that the M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition board can support up to a maximum of 800MHz 4GB RAM (for 64 bits, it can support up to 8GB). It comes with 4 memory slot, allowing you to mix and match the various memory configurations. A side note from here: from the various motherboard reviews I have read, I discovered that Vista does not load when the motherboard is fixed with 4 GB memory. It may seem that the memory allocation is too much for Vista to take. When it is replaced with 3GB memory combination, the Vista runs like a Ferrari.

Performance wise, the ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition has the same benchmark as its Deluxe counterpart for many tests. This, again, comes to no surprise as they are basically using the same chipset.

Conclusion

For this ASUS motherboard review, if you are a AMD and Windows Vista lovers, then the ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition is definitely a good buy. As for XP users (or other OS), the M2N32-SLI Deluxe will be a better choice.

Check out Asus M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition at TigerDirect now!

Motherboard technology advances so rapidly that you can find a new board in the market every few days. Unless you are constantly updating yourself on the latest technology, it is easy to get lost in the rapidly changing computer world.

This review covers the top 5 socket 775 Intel motherboard.

ASUS P5W DH-Deluxe Wi-Fi

With the most high-end desktop chipset Intel 975X, there isn’t a reason not to recommend this board. This board scores excellently well in term of its features with integrated Wi-Fi, Crossfire ready, 7 SATA ports, and lot of other functions that makes this board outstanding. The included Wi-Fi feature is definitely a big plus to the users. Even when the PC is in sleep mode, the Wi-Fi function is still on, so users can use Skype as a true replacement for tradition long distance telephone service. Highly recommended.

GIGABYTE 965P-DS3

This is one of the best boards that Gigabyte has come up with. Using solid capacitors, users can customize the system performance according to their individual needs. This is extremely useful for DIY and power users who want controllability.

A flaw with this board is that it doesn’t support multiple graphics cards (SLi or Crossfire), as a true Gamer board would do. However, the reasonable price and the excellent overclocking capabilities more than compensate for the flaw and rank it among the top of Intel motherboard chart. The GA-965P DS3 has most of the features that I would want from an Intel motherboard. I really like the design of the board, with the solid capacitors a definite plus.

ABIT AW8D

The ABIT AW8D is an excellent board built specially for the users. It consists of all accessories and features that you want, including 6 SATA ports, High Definition Audio, support for ATI’s Crossfire solution and more. Performance on the board was perfect with the 3.8GHz 670 CPU we use in testing, scoring among the highest on the Intel platform to date.

There is one big flaw though. This board does not support the new Core 2 Extreme and Core 2 Duo CPUs. It means that those wanting this motherboard are limited to the current 965 and below CPUs. As more and more Core 2 CPUs reach the market, replacing the 9xx and 8xx series, this means future upgrading is limited. If not for this imperfection, this board would be ranked number 1 in our review. Nevertheless, this is still a great board with plenty of useful features.

MSI 975X Platinum

There are not many motherboards with the Intel 975X chipset in the market, with the MSI 975X Platinum making one of the rare few. This motherboard is currently MSI’s highest end product for users looking to build the ultimate machine. Feature wise, this board is not as comprehensive as its predecessor 955X Platinum, with reduced LAN ports, storage controllers and FireWire ports. Nevertheless, its competitive price still makes it one of the best Intel 975X chipset motherboard around.

Abit AB9 Pro

The AB9 Pro was one of the first P965 motherboards available on the market. Initially, there was some memory compatibility problem with the board, but ABIT has come up with a BIOS update to fix the problem. With a highly competitive price, this board offers a value for money option for gamers. Feature-wise, the AB9 Pro packs dual Gigabit Ethernet controllers, 10 SATA ports, passive chipset cooling, and many useful features.

One imperfection is the design of the board. The IDE port placement is off and the overclocking is not as good as expected.

Not a very spectacular board, but with the low price and the features it contain, it can be a good investment too.

Conclusion

All the Intel motherboards reviewed here have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on what you need, you can find the one most suitable for you. In term of performance, the ASUS P5W DH-Deluxe Wi-Fi is definitely the one to go for. Price-wise, you might want to consider the ABIT AB9 Pro.

1. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Rating: Superb 9.2

This is the first expansion to World of Warcraft, the popular online role-playing game. It features a level cap raised to 70, two new playable races, a new continent called Outland, a new profession of Jewelcrafting, and more.

2. Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar

Rating: Superb 9.1

Galactic Civilizations II Gold gives you the chance to fight for humanity. The reckless humans have formed an alliance, for their mutual defense against the rising power of the evil Drengin Empire. Meanwhile, the Drengins gather an alliance of their own and begin exploring the furthest corners of the galaxy for ancient weapons. As both sides look for an upper hand, a deadly threat is waiting in the darkness. Make strategic use of planets, asteroid fields and other interstellar objects State of the art 3D engine with vastly improved graphics and visual effects than the original. Multiple planets to explore and colonize – pick and choose what your planets will be used for

3. Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars

Rating: Superb 9.0

If you’re a fan of the Command & Conquer series, three small words are bound to get you excited: Kane is back. Indeed, so are a good number of beloved series hallmarks, like a huge amount of full-motion video and intense strategic combat. But Tiberium Wars is a lot more than just lip service to franchise enthusiasts, and you don’t need the rose-hued glasses of nostalgia to appreciate its polish and intensity. It’s simply a superb game that’s fun and exciting to play both online and off.

4. GTR2

Rating: Superb 9.0

The successor to the international award-winning racing simulation GTR accurately represents the challenges of Motorsport racing. The detailed, photo-realistic depiction of these powerful cars and beautiful circuits, thanks to the latest graphics technology, and the enhanced driving model will make your adrenaline rise in one of more than one hundred HP-beasts.

5. Company of Heroes

Rating: Superb 9.0

Company of Heroes is a WWII Real Time Strategy game that brings to life the journey of the brave men of Able Company as they fight across Europe in the greatest war mankind has ever known.

6. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Rating: Great 8.8

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is single-player role-playing action in the world of the popular Elder Scrolls game. The Emperor of Tamriel has been assassinated and the killer still runs loose. Meanwhile, no heir sits on the throne. With no Emperor upon the throne, the gates of Oblivion open wide and demons invade. Your quest is to find the lost heir and place him on the throne, before demons destroy the land. Next-generation graphics with pixel-shader effects for high-definition TVs, creating lifelike towns & dungeons and the most realistic forests

7. Medieval II: Total War

Rating: Great 8.8

In Medieval II: Total War, you’ll take command of a huge ancient army and fight to expand your territory! Direct massive battles featuring more than 10,000 bloodthirsty troops on epic 3D battlefields, while presiding over some of the greatest Medieval nations of the Western and Middle Eastern world. Spanning the most turbulent era in European history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World. Advanced terrain system, enhanced weather effects, easier user interface and an improved multiplayer mode make the Total War experience faster and easier to enjoy

8. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade

Rating: Great 8.8

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War PC Ten thousand years have passed since the treasonous acts of Chaos toppled the Golden Age of mankind. Fires burn brightly throughout the galaxies, illuminating carnage and slaughter as mankind defends itself from ancient enemies. Hardened forces collide with one goal in mind, the complete extermination of their opposition. "Game of the Year" developer, Relic Entertainment, brings the worlds most successful tabletop war game to the PC. Control one of four unique races in head-to-head or cooperative multiplayer action, where faith, skill, and strategy are requisites in ruling the universe.

9. NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007

Rating: Great 8.8

NHL 2K7 brings back the champion of hockey games with better gameplay and faster on-ice action. Take command of tape-to-tape passing, behind-the-net plays and precision give-and-go attacks. Dominate the ice with NHL caliber goaltending, skating, checking and puck handling with the deeply enhanced animation system. Featuring all-new presentation elements, commentary and cut-scenes, NHL 2K7 brings the ice to you. Online gameplay and comprehensive online features – Completely online stat tracking, buddy lists management and online leagues

10 .Supreme Commander

Rating: Great 8.7

In the 37th Century, you are the Supreme Commanderof three races, with a single goal in mindto end the 1000 year Infinite War and become the reigning power supreme. For a thousand years, three opposing forces have waged war for what they believe is true. There can be no room for compromise: their way is the only way. Dubbed The Infinite War, this devastating conflict has taken its toll on a once-peaceful galaxy and has only served to deepen the hatred between the factions. After centuries of struggle, the battle for supremacy has at last reached a turning point. Under your strategic command and leadership, will your faction will reign supreme? Will you be victorious and elevate your race to domination? Or will you lead them into the hell of defeat and ultimate extinction?