Conclusion
I think one aspect comes through clearly as we digest the benchmarks. Currently, there is no faster official DDR platform for the Pentium 4 than the SiS648 (VIA P4X400 is currently untested). Running the memory at the officially supported 166MHz gave us benchmark scores that are within shooting distance of those laid down by RAMBUS running at PC1066 speeds. Running at DDR-400 speeds, albeit with less aggressive timings, narrows the gap even further. The i845E chipset, officially stuck on a DDR266 memory setting, is taken out of the performance picture. After all, providing only half the bandwidth that the P4 can use at 133FSB isn't going to set the benchmark records alight, is it ?.
What's not so good about the SiS648, however, and this applies to all SiS648-based motherboards that I have tested, is the lack of overclocking headroom we have. This sample MSI 648 Max just about crept over the 150FSB limit. Those of you with abundantly overclockable processors should look elsewhere for your thrills and spills
The MSI 648 MAX is something of a conservative motherboard in most aspects. Take the BIOS as an example. The limited Vcore or 1.6v (1.625v for C1-stepping P4s), once you factor in the standard undervolting for all P4 motherboards, leaves us with very little room to work with. Lately, I've been spoilt by motherboards that are jam-packed with all manner of extras. Lacking hardware RAID and LAN, this motherboard bucks that trend, although I can appreciate that this is primarily a budget motherboard. I'd also had hoped that the Firewire connectivity that lies in the impressive 963 Southbridge would have been put to use.
I'm pleased, however, that MSI have managed to integrate all 6 USB2.0 ports from the aforementioned Southbridge. The on-board sound solution is to be praised too, especially considering that S/PDIF support is provided via the use of a supplied bracket.
If you're happy running your processor at default speeds, and want a motherboard that's fast, stable, and cheap without sacrificing stability or true value-adding extras, the MSI 648 MAX would be a good choice. I've already seen it for pre-order for £86. I, however, want it all in a motherboard. What's important is that the MSI 648 MAX delivers to its intended audience.
Highs
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Extremely stable. The SiS chipset is now coming of age
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6 USB2.0 ports and excellent on-board are worthwhile features
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Impressive performance in both DDR333 and DDR400 modes
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Cheap at ~ £85 for a full, retail motherboard
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Should be widely available imminently
Lows
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Not a motherboard for overclockers. Limited Vcore and a FSB ceiling of around 150FSB (the latter is, seemingly, a chipset limitation and not localised to this 'board)
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No RAID or LAN, although there is a model in the range with LAN.
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Seems to be picky about the memory used. A proven module of Corsair XMS3200 C2 could barely manage 166MHz in any DIMM slot.
Overall rating 8/10 (or 7/10 if you have an overclocking bias)
