PCChips M847LU SiS 746 + Xabre 200 Motherboard

versus

Nforce2 IGP

Review by Edward Chang, call sign: Big_E

February 1, 2003

Conclusion:

PCChips has produced an awe-inspiring motherboard. Combining the value and performance of two monumental SiS products (SiS 746 and Xabre 200), the PCChips M847LU offers system integrators and end users alike an excellent motherboard alternative to other motherboards using VIA and Nvidia's newest KT400 and Nforce2 chipset solutions. The M847LU is also an all-around motherboard that takes full advantage of most features today's technology has to offer. To reiterate, this new PCChip motherboard features onboard 10/100 Ethernet, USB 2.0, AGP 8X, up-to-date IEEE 1394a Firewire; and a potent Xabre 200 graphics processor with dedicated 64MBs of 400 MHz DDR RAM (no more system memory sharing!). What more can one ask for?

Our benchmarks show that the SiS 746 + Xabre200 based PCChips M847LU performs competitively against the contending Nforce2 IGP, scoring higher marks than the Nforce2 IGP in 3DMark2001SE and PCMark2002. Moreover, it is also faster than the proven VIA KT333 and KT400 in several of our industry standard suite of tests. Lastly, let's not forget this caters to enthusiasts by incorporating limited tweaking features in the BIOS.

Since both SiS and PCChips are well known for the value and affordability of their fine products, we expect PCChips to competitively price their M847LU by undercutting Nforce2 IGP prices. Our supportive contact at PCWave has informed us that the suggested retail price will be around $97. Thus, the PCChips M847LU makes an attractive integrated motherboard solution definitely worth considering for its great performance, loaded features, and exceptional value, all bundled into one sweet motherboard. Although the Nforce2 IGP is the undisputed king of the integrated video solution on the market, we find the PCChips M847LU appealing and advise everyone get this outstanding motherboard:

We hope PCChips will continue their excellence in innovation and look forward to seeing an Xabre 600 or Xabre2 built-on to faster motherboards in the near future.

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Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome.

Edward Chang, call sign: Big_E