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Tags : 1600fsb   45nm   Dark series   DDR2   DFI   DK X48 T2RS   genie bios   intel X48 chipset   LanParty   Motherboard   penryn   Reviews  

Introduction Features and Specifications Photos and Pictures Installation and contents Test Setup, Procedures and BIOS CPU-Z Information and Everest Benchmarks: Sandra Pro XII SP2 Benchmarks: FutureMark Suite Benchmarks: FEAR and Science Mark 2 Benchmarks: Call of Juarez and Crysis Overclocking Verdict and Conclusion

More motherboards from DFI ... the Lan Party continues with their DK X48-T2RS. 

 

INTRODUCTION

Earlier this month in May 2008, we reviewed the DFI LanParty DK X38-T2RB motherboard. Overall, it was a good motherboard, producing some good results during our benchmarks. However, we thought that DFI could have improved on its package and contents. For me, it seemed a little plain. You know me ... I like lots of extras and bundled goodies. Still, what really matters is the performance and price ... and luckily, DFI delivered. For those who haven't dealt with DFI before, here's a little blurb taken from their website.

"Established in 1981, DFI is a leading PC motherboard and embedded board manufacturer, which’s based in Taiwan and headquartered in Hsi-Chih City. DFI designs and manufactures embedded boards and systems in application of retail solution, financial service system, gaming, kiosk, medical, security and communication. Besides these, DFI owns premium brand image of over-clocking MB among power users around the world. With more than 26 years of motherboard manufacturing experience, DFI produces innovative products in house and practices strict in-house." 

 

 

In my previous DFI review, I mentioned that DFI made its name with their infamous Lanparty NF4 DR Expert motherboards. That was during the days of the AMD Socket-939 and Opteron 1xx processors.

{mosmodule advert3}

Things have moved on since then, and DFI needed to re-work their strategy after AMD's unfortunate loss in market share, after their merger with ATI. In 2008, Intel's massive gain in market share in desktop processors can only mean one thing ... and that's for DFI to produce motherboards to cater for all those 45nm Intel processors. It's the only way forward for any motherboard manufacturer ... if you want to be successful. Until AMD gets its act together, it's going to be a one man show for Intel.

The Intel X38 chipset has already proven to be a very capabale chipset. Not only does it support all of Intel's 45nm processors, but also offers support for 1600FSB, and both DDR2 or DDR3 ram. For the X48 chipset, it's currently Intel's flaship and highest performance chipset for desktop computers. Some say the X48 is basically a "cherry-picked" X38 for better overclocking. I might have to agree ... as there's only a marginal difference in performance between the two, and my overclocking experience on the X48 seem to produce better results. Having said that, both the X38 and X48 are very good chipsets ... it all depends on what you want to do with the system.

 

 

As mentioned previously, DFI have 2 new product lines ... the LanParty LT and DK (Dark) series of motherboards. The DK series is DFI's high-end series and is dedicated to the LAN party goer and enthusiast. The LanParty boards are designed with UV sensitive components and accessories on a stylish black PCB. This gives LanParty owners a unique eye-catching PC during LAN parties.

In this review, we'll be taking a look at the DFI LanParty DK X48-T2RS motherboard. It utilises Intel's flagship X48 chipset and offers support for 1600FSB, DDR2 ram, all Intel processors including Core 2 Duo and Quad, as well as the newer 45nm processors. The LanParty DK X48-T2RS is virtually identical to its predecessor, the DK X38-T2RB, except of course a different chipset is being used. It contains all same features as before, and these include internal EZ switch for power-on and reset, diagnostic LEDs, and a clear CMOS jumper which is located at the rear ATX I/O panel. Other features include a silent heatpipe chipset cooler, a very good overclocking BIOS called GENIE and of course DFI's famous UV sensitive components (PCIe/PCI/DIMM slots).

 

               

 

As far as peformance is concerned, I'm expecting the DFI LanParty DK X48-T2RS to perform pretty well, and should compete very well against others in its class. We'll be testing the board using an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ default 2.4Ghz, OCZ DDR2-1066 SLI-Ready 2Gb Kit, a Radeon HD3870 512MB DDR4, PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 860W PSU and a 19" Dell Ultrascan P990 monitor.

Ok, let's not waste any more time and take a closer look at DFI LanParty DK X48-T2RS motherboard.

 

    Features and Specifications - Next >

Introduction Features and Specifications Photos and Pictures Installation and contents Test Setup, Procedures and BIOS CPU-Z Information and Everest Benchmarks: Sandra Pro XII SP2 Benchmarks: FutureMark Suite Benchmarks: FEAR and Science Mark 2 Benchmarks: Call of Juarez and Crysis Overclocking Verdict and Conclusion