Evaluation details for each motherboard are provided in its description, you can go right to the page you need by following the link with a motherboard title in this table.

The best result among the contenders belongs to Gigabyte 8AENXP-D, another outstanding model is Albatron. As you can see, little depends on the selected audio codec in general, because the other two motherboards with Realtek ALC880 turned out the worst. However, the characteristic frequency response curves and slightly increased harmonic distortions in C-Media CMI9880 still give away this codec. And the Foxconn motherboard demonstrates how the bad PCB layout "kills" the audio quality (the audio codec chip and analog outs are too far from each other).

Remember that we compare these models directly only because they are based on the same chipset, so they will most likely be considered as competitors when you make your choice. A chipset has no effect on the audio quality (it's up to the codec, output signal level, operational amplifier at the codec output, feed-through electrolitic capacitors, successful motherboard layout…), so the cross comparison of any models based on our data will certainly be valid. However, the chipset is important as far as the audio standard support is concerned: for example, all today's motherboards have 8-channel HDA (High Definition Audio), many competing models (for example, on NVIDIA chipsets) — 8-channel AC'97 audio, and older models offer 6-channel AC'97 audio.

Conclusions

We have already noted the promising prospects of the chipset in the introduction, now let's sum up the motherboard comparison. The best motherboard among the reviewed models in terms of performance is certainly Gigabyte 8AENXP-D, the second place is confidently taken by Albatron PX925XE Pro-R. The worst models are ASUS P5AD2-E Premium and Foxconn 925XE7AA-8EKRS2 (we also don't like the defeat of ABIT Fatal1ty AA8XE in one of the games — this model is intended for gamers). Note that the result differences are quite sufficient to be considered when you make your choice: if you buy a top model, let it be the fastest! It's been a long time since we hadn't marked an ASUS product as a leader, but now we even don't recommend it because of its relatively low performance. Fans of this company can only hope for the new BIOS versions.

Comparing motherboards by the integrated audio quality is a more complex task; the results are published, so it's up to you to decide. Nevertheless, we should note the significant leadership of the same motherboards from Gigabyte and Albatron in this parameter as well. The 8AENXP-D model from Gigabyte is obviously a success, don't forget though about the potential compatibility problem with various memory modules. As always, we are going to conclude our review with a recommendation to read detailed descriptions of these models, because differences in functionality, package content, and certainly in prices may tip the scale.

Sergei Pikalov (peek@ixbt.com) April 14, 2005. Last updated on May 16, 2005.

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