WinFast 6150K8MA-8EKRS: Foxconn’s Take on Nvidia’s Integrated Chipset- Page 1/7
October 5, 2005
By
Thomas Soderstrom
The Next Big Thing in integrated graphics, Nvidia's new 6100-series chipset family represents a radical departure from previous nForce4 AMD chipsets. Graphics now occupy space previously used by such features as SATA/ATA and network controllers in single-chip solutions, forcing Nvidia to revert to the traditional Northbridge/Southbridge arrangement. In fact, the Northbridge isn't even named "nForce" -- as was the case with Nvidia's early IGP series -- but rather "GeForce," after the integrated graphics contained within.
The GeForce 6150 represents Nvidia's fastest, most full-featured integrated solution, becoming a first choice for early adopter Foxconn. But being first does not necessarily mean best, so today we'll consider whether the WinFast 6150K8MA-8EKRS follows Foxconn tradition of quality, stability, and value -- or whether it falls short.
Features and Layout
The GeForce 6150 Northbridge provides onboard DX9 video with high-quality video scaling and a WMV9 compatible TV Encoder. While the Northbridge also supports HD output at 1080p and 1080i, Foxconn has not included DVI output on the board itself.
GeForce 6150 graphics are compatible with nearly any PCI Express card, allowing triple displays with the addition of a dual-output graphics card. Nvidia has a leg up on ATI here, as Radeon Express 200 onboard graphics are only compatible with ATI graphics cards. But as with other dual-graphics solutions, Nvidia's driver insists on being primary, or else it may malfunction.
The 430 Southbridge provides four SATA/300 and two ATA/133 channels, Gigabit Ethernet, Azalia high-definition audio, and eight USB 2.0 ports. RAID modes include 0, 1, 0+1, and 5, and the network controller is supported by Nvidia's ActiveArmor Firewall.
Foxconn uses a Marvell 88E1111-RCJ PHY in connection with the chipset's Gigabit controller, a Realtek ALC850 codec to deliver the chipset's Azalia HD audio, and adds a TSB43AB22A IEEE1394 FireWire controller.
Events
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