Test Methodology and Test Bed

First off let's give you the run down on what was just installed and how the configurations is going to be set. Here is how the system will be configured for testing.

1. DFI LANParty nF4 SLI-DR
2. AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Winchester
3. 1024MB Mushkin PC3200 DDR 400 REDLINE
4. 2 x Gainward 6600GT GS GLH in SLI
5. 1 x GeForce 6800 Ultra
6. Thermaltake 480Watt TWV power supply unit
7. Thermaltake Armor black tower case
8. Swiftech A64 TEC water cooling kit
9. Maxtor 120GB SATA DiamondMax 9 HDD
10. LG Multi-layer DVDR

Testing is going to be quite simple, it will be based on default settings using stock memory and CPU clock timings. The memory will be set at default 2-3-2-6, all voltages and everything about this configuration, video cards and all, will be run at default settings.

The ForceWare drivers we are going to use is the newly released 71.84 WHQL with the drivers all set at default, no overclocking or modded BIOSes where used. This is again out of the box results.

The BIOS options we took are only some of the pages that will allow you to configure this system for optimal performance and stability. This BIOS is full of options and is a over-volt'ers dream. Let's take a look at CMOS Reloaded...

One of the coolest things I like about this BIOS is the CMOS Reloaded feature which will allow custom configurations to be stored in memory banks for fast and easy restore allowing you to save up to 4 personal settings. You can set ultra high benchmark settings and then have a configuration for every day use and change between them fast and easy.

You will have full control over RAM voltage, CPU voltage, nForce 4 MCP voltage and more. With the Dram configuration page, you get full timing controls and parameters that makes this board one of the most flexible boards for extreme performance.

Control the CPU multiplier, FSB/DRAM ratios and full array of memory latency settings. This BIOS is loaded with functionality, one of the best equipped BIOSes around. This board allows DRAM over volting to up to +4 volts. At default settings the BIOS detects system hardware easily and efficiently and set's programmable timings via auto detect, if you are in doubt of what you are doing this board defaults to automatic settings to ensure proper operation allowing a true plug and play experience.

Another feature I like is the programmable fan speed headers that are on the mother-board. You can control the fans with the dynamic temperature settings, effectively allowing you to set the fans minimum and maximum rpm settings at a given temperature, you get extended features with integrated peripherals settings and advanced user options. PC health monitor allows to get a real time view of the temperatures throughout the system, giving you accurate measurements to ensure your system runs perfectly. Adjust temperate shutdown thresholds and keep the board operating at peak performance without having to worry about thermal damage.