BIOS
DFI continues to use modified Phoenix BIOSes. They're usually aimed at enthusiasts. Let's see how the 925X-T2's does.
Pretty standard on first appearance. Frequencies and voltages are manipulated through the Genie BIOS subscreen. However, what grabs my attention is DFI's excellent CMOS Reloaded options.
Enthusiasts will know that it can take a while to fine-tune settings for optimal performance. Toggling memory timings, voltages and FSB speeds requires a delicate balancing act that's often undone completely when/if the BIOS needs to be reset from having pushed a setting too far. With respect to this, DFI allows the user to literally save up to 4 tweaked BIOS configuration that can be called up by the pressing of a single key. For example, I choose high-performance settings for motherboard benchmarking, saved in the top bank. Sometimes, however, a more conservative setup is needed when testing FSB limits. It's a handy little addition that separates DFI from a number of other manufacturers.
The above shot highlights the options available under the Genie BIOS option. FSB options, assuming the use of a 200MHz FSB CPU, range from 200MHz-380MHz in 1MHz increments. The upper option is currently wishful thinking of a 925X board. DFI provides support for both DDR2 memory running at either DDR400/533 speeds. ASUS's boards offer DDR600 support with their initial BIOSes. There's DDR2 667MHz-capable memory out there from a few manufacturers, so DFI should have followed suit. Multiplier factors only come into play if you're lucky enough to have a multiplier-unlocked Intel CPU.
PCI Express frequency can be left to auto or fixed between 100-140MHz. We'll see just how useful this option is in the overclocking tests. DFI does well with respect to voltages. CPU's ranges from 0.8375v-1.95v, and voltages settings correlate well with what's reporting in the PC health section. DRAM (DDR2, remember) voltage goes from a default 1.8v through to 2.5v. Reported voltages are touch higher than what's inputted.
Memory timings can be adjusted via each crucial parameter. SPD timings of 4-4-4-12 were used during testing. The board also allows for a pre-determined Turbo or Ultra settings. In reality the performance difference between either setting was minimal. Much like its Canterwood cousin, the i925X supports both ECC and Non-ECC DRAM.
Features is what i925X boards are all about. Compared to other i925X boards, DFI's lacks a discrete controller-driven storage array, be it SATA or PATA.
DFI has attempted to provide the user with a greater level of reporting than ever before. Borrowing a little from other manufacturers, DFI's using a SmartFan approach to cooling. Fans are controlled by defining certain temperature parameters between which the chosen fan is either operational or not. DFI could extend this further by allowing the user to input a fan's desired RPM at pre-defined temperatures.
A problem with having too much information on one page is the inability to see the most crucial temperature, the CPU's, without having to scroll down the page.
DFI should have placed Fan Control on a separate page, I feel. The lower 4 readings on the above shot aren't in view when accessing the health section. No big deal, but I'd rather see all voltage- and temperature-related reports in one eye scan.
DFI's BIOSes are usually pretty good. This one is no exception. I still come away with the feeling that a little more care and few more features wouldn't go amiss.
