• i865G chipset 

The board has no features distinguishing it from other integrated models, that is why we should consider it as a solution for an office rather than for a home demanding user. We are testing a preproduction sample. 

Accessories: 

• Documentation: user manual in English; 
• CD with: 
• drivers; 
• user guide in PDF; 
• DirectX 8.1; 
• Intel Active Monitor (system monitoring ); 
• Adobe Acrobat Reader; 
• NTI CD-Maker 2000 Standard; 
• RealOne; 
• DFX for RealOne; 
• Macromedia Shockwave 8 Test; 
• Norton Internet Security 2002 with Antivirus. 

This is an Intel's traditional way of arranging of components, when they are not spread all over the textolite but concentrated on the smaller area. It allows Intel to make a microATX version without many changes (only with fewer PCI slots). The only drawback is that there are too many connectors around the memory modules. It's not difficult to reach the only jumper when the board is already installed. Its functions are shown on the textolite. 

The 2-channel switching voltage regulator incorporates 4 capacitors of 2200 uF and 10 of 1200 uF. 

Integrated controllers: 

• audio controller based on the chipset and Analog Devices AD1985 AC'97 codec; 5.1 audio system supported, front audio inputs/outputs and SPDIF connectors provided; 
• network controller based on Intel 82547EI (Kenai II CSA) chip supporting 10BaseT/100BaseTX/1000BaseT (Gigabit Ethernet). 

There is a LED indicating +5 V supplied in the StandBy mode. 

Non-unsoldered connectors: audio controller and its connectors. 

System monitoring is supported by National Semiconductor PC87372-IBU/VLA chip. It controls: 

• processor voltage, +3.3, +5 and +12 V; 
• speed of 2 fans; 
• temperatures of the processor (built-in sensor) and the board (built-in sensor).  

There are 2 connectors for adjustable and 1 for unadjustable connection of fans. 

Brief board's characteristics: memory slots - 4 DDR SDRAM; expansion slots - AGP/ 6 PCI; I/O ports - 1 COM/ LPT/ 2 PS/2/ 8 USB 2.0; dimensions - 305x245 mm. 
 

Settings: 
 

We used the BIOS B03 as the latest available version. 

The board will be a good choice if you need stable operation most of all, and not that reasonable choice for other purposes. 

Test results: 

• i865 Family (Springdale) replaces i875P 

Article navigation: