BIOS
Entering the bios we that found the expected array of modification tools were available. As with the 8RDA+ it is easy to adjust the memory and processor timings. We were able to control the processor’s multiplier. This was tested with the XP3000+ and our XP2100 processors successfully.
The system automatically detects the presence of an AGP graphics card and uses that instead of the on board graphics if present. The bios provide excellent control of the integrated graphics. It enables you to adjust the amount of system memory to be utilised for graphics and also the frequency of the graphics engine – basically the ability to overclock it. The standard frequency is set at 100 MHz and this can be changed in steps up to 130 MHz. Up to 128MB of system memory can be utilised by the graphics. We found that the greater the memory, the better the graphics performed. One problem often suffered by shared system memory is that it causes the system memory to be slower. The EPoX coped very well with this. Even with one third of our 512MB system memory used by the on board graphics, Sandra only reported a 3% drop in performance – very impressive.
Voltage adjustments remain available with processor, AGP and DDR unchanged from the 8RDA+. DDR voltage still only goes to 2.9v, which is a shame. On a much more positive note the addition of VDD voltage adjustment is very welcome. This enables the voltage of the NF2 chipset to be adjusted. It defaults to 1.6v and can be changed to either 1.8v or 2.0v from a drop down menu. We would advise caution when using any of the voltage adjustments because pushing things too far can cause irreparable damage to your motherboard and components. You should ensure that you have adequate cooling before you start and then take things slowly, building up the voltage until you find that the system is stable.
EPOX also provide a couple of utilities on the CD. Firstly there is a system hardware monitor. This shows all of the system voltages, including VDD, together with the CPU and system temperature. Secondly there is a software bios update utility.
