Final thoughts
Final thoughts
Comparing a high-end mobile CPU to decent desktop processors has been an interesting experience. Intel's 945GT chipset has allowed us to use the impressive Intel Core Duo architecture with a motherboard that fits into a regular case. What we've found, from a performance point of view, is that it stacks up well against CPUs that are not only more expensive, but also run much warmer.MSI has been one of the first motherboard manufacturers to release a working 945GT motherboard. The 945GT Speedster-A4R utilises the 945GT/ICH7R chipset combination in a micro-ATX-sized form-factor, yet, thanks to an expansion card bundled in, it can be transformed into a regular ATX board. Board layout is decent enough when you consider the spatial limitations imposed by adhering to the micro-ATX specification. We also like the simple heatsink-installing mechanism, and the low-profile heatsink, bundled in with the Speedster-A4R, reminds us how power-efficient Intel's mobile CPUs are. MSI, then, has built on the know-how gained in manufacturing the 915GM Speedster-FA4.
What's also good is the array of video output options that the Speedster-A4R carries, with DVI, VGA, RCA, and S-Video all running from the integrated Intel graphics. There's also decent SATA support, courtesy of the ICH7R southbridge, and a x16 PCIe slot allows you to strap-in any PCIe graphics card of your choice.
Performance is suitably impressive from a CPU architecture that has been designed solely for mobile use. Testing with an Intel Core Duo T2600 returned performance numbers that were similar to current high-end offerings from Intel and AMD's desktop CPUs, both in 2D and 3D benchmarks. However, we'd like to see MSI cater for the enthusiast by releasing a BIOS with full voltage control over CPU and memory lines, much like we see with regular desktop boards.
Investing in this platform requires the purchase of a mobile CPU, motherboard (the Speedster-A4R will retail at around £125), and DDR2 RAM. Given the numbers and low-power nature of the CPU we'd normally recommend it. What we cannot ignore is the fact that just around the corner Intel will be releasing its much-anticipated Conroe CPU which, if initial benchmark numbers are indicative of retail performance, simply builds on the goodness of Yonah, to offer exceptional per-watt performance. We'll be seeing a raft of supporting motherboards in due course. AMD, too, is also raising the performance bar by equipping its Athlon 64 line with high-speed DDR2 memory.
MSI, then, has launched a motherboard that caters for CPUs which might not seem as attractive in a month or two. Its Speedster-A4R is a generally decent motherboard in most respects, though. A revised BIOS and immediate availability are needed for it to succeed. 7/10.
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