Pentium 4 3.46 Extreme Edition and 925XE: 1066MHz FSB Support is Here

Intel D925XECV2: Intel's Enthusiast motherboard

For this review Intel sent us their latest motherboard based on the 925XE chipset. Our own Wesley Fink gives his brief look at the motherboard:

Computer users have always admired the speed and stability of Intel motherboards. When testing other boards the standard for stock performance has been Intel brand motherboards. This has been true for both boards based on Intel chipsets and boards based on new competing chipsets. They are measured against Intel performance, as that performance has been as close to a standard in stock motherboard performance as exists in the computer industry.

However, when a Computer Enthusiast shops for a motherboard Intel is rarely on the list for consideration. The reasons are simple - Intel has not offered the kinds of control most performance enthusiasts want. This list of wants includes controls like adjustable memory timings, a full range of adjustable memory speeds, adjustable memory voltage, CPU FSB adjustments, and CPU voltage adjustments. Intel's philosophy has been to offer the safe and accepted options that would not compromise the specifications of the processor and system. This assured the Intel motherboard was not run out-of-spec, keeping failures and RMA's at an acceptable level.

Performance Enthusiasts often seem to care less about motherboard features, but motherboard makers also know a large segment of computer component buyers do care about features like high-definition audio, flexible IO options, RIAD, and flexible storage options. Intel has done a better job in the recent past in addressing these "wants", but the Performance Enthusiast often felt left out of the Intel marketing plan.

This philosophy has gradually been changing at Intel, as we have seen more talk about catering to the Enthusiast in the last year. However, directions for Intel seem to shift frequently, which leads to talk on the one-side about Enthusiast control options on motherboards at the same time the 10% overclock lock is being implemented. This performance schizophrenia also led to Intel calling some very limited efforts in the past an enthusiast board.

All of this leads to the new Intel 925XE chipset motherboard, the D925XECV2. Those who have not been following the evolving interest in the enthusiast at Intel will be surprised to find many of the things Performance Enthusiasts want are a part of the new Intel 925XE motherboard. They didn't come out of nowhere; they are just a continuation of Intel's renewed efforts to attract Enthusiasts to Intel brand motherboards.