UPDATED June 19 2006 - We have updated the review with the latest revision BIOS which adds overclocking support.
Normally we wouldn’t bother updating every review when a new BIOS is released because this is not practical, however the lack of overclocking in our initial review of this motherboard affected the score a lot.
Introduction
Intel’s new Core Duo mobile processors are the hottest thing currently in mobile computing since the introduction of the Pentium-M processor. With its ability to run two separate cores on a 667MHz FSB with all the latest enhancements in core size reductions, better thermal management and a far better FPU we wonder what is going to happen to Pentium-M? Well for one thing, it’s going to get cheaper and that can only benefit HTPC users who are looking for a better deal.
Pentium-M while now being superseded is still one of the best processors you will find for use in a Media Centre or even a desktop. Clock for clock, Pentium-M is capable of slaughtering a Netburst based system and able to keep up with an AMD Athlon 64 based system.
Today we are taking a look at our first desktop motherboard for the Pentium-M processor from MSI. We will also be putting it against a Pentium D 600 series CPU as well as an AMD Athlon 64 system of the same clock rate, just to see how well the Pentium-M is able to keep up with the competition.
UPDATE FROM EDITOR: A friendly reader let us know that MSI has recently released a new BIOS for this motherboard which includes overclocking options. We are currently running the board through some overclocking tests and will add a new page to the review with our findings which may or may not influence the overall rating of the motherboard. Please check back soon!
