Thoughts
MSI's K8N Neo is the second motherboard retail nForce3 250Gb motherboard to pass through HEXUS. Reference board examination hinted that NVIDIA had finally gotten it right. The K8N Neo shows just how potent a default performer the chipset can be. Performance that extends not just to pure FPS but to ultra-flexible storage, networking and security.MSI has done well in a number of areas. Stock performance is one, layout another, and presentation is also above average. Still, we feel as if the K8N could easily be improved by a newer BIOS that allows for flawless multiplier adjustment and greater levels of voltage adjustment. MSI knows how to produce polished boards that perform well. The K8N Neo Platinum Edition is just another example of a solid motherboard that will fit into many a deluxe OEM system.
We just need a revised BIOS that allows the enthusiast really push the board to the limit. The AGP/PCI lock is in place but it's of questionable value when multiplier support is broken. As it stands, it's a damn fast board at or near-default speeds.
Thank you to Adam at NVIDIA for sorting the sample.
