Thoughts
First off, DFI's LANPARTY 865PE does a lot of thing well. It's packaged in true LANPARTY style, which equates to a standard package that includes a FrontX module, a carry bag (that's kind of undermining its usefulness), rounded cables and a decent software set. In terms of features, too, the LANPARTY 865PE is above average. Non-RAIDable on-chip SATA is ably supplemented by Silicon Image's 2-port PCI-based controller. Decent enough sound, better-than-average component placement and robust design put it, we reckon, in the upper echelons of the Springdale crowd.More good is to be seen in the BIOS that implements two key DFI features, CMOS Reloaded and Super PATCH memory acceleration technology. Both are useful in their differing ways. The BIOS isn't quite as refined as ABIT's latest incarnations, but it's pretty good nonetheless. Performance and stability at stock speeds were excellent and extremely close to a tuned Canterwood.
By reading all of the above, one might say that this is the Springdale board to own. That's pretty close to the truth. Certain detractions presented themselves with the older BIOS. The revised BIOS' bus-locking feature should garner enthusiasts' interests. Perhaps we're being a little too critical here, but we'd also like the standard ICH5 South Bridge. Dual RAIDable SATA is an alluring thought. The board also needs a 'killer' feature that will set it apart from the myriad that are currently vying for your money. Wi-Fi, for instance. And the FSB overclocking didn't go as high as we had initially expected.
The LANPARTY 865PE is a good board, there's little doubt of that. Is being good enough to warrant a purchase ?. The inherent trouble is that there are many good boards available. Here's another problem we foresee. You can buy an ASUS or MSI board at almost any PC e-tailer. DFI boards are harder to come by. DFI probably set the standard with its LANPARTY range. Now it needs to raise the bar again and make users sit up and take real notice again. Another decent board to add to the horde of decent DFI boards currently available. Good but not great.
