If you're thinking about putting together
an affordable computer for the home office, there are plenty of
motherboards to pick from. MSI has put together an interesting option with its AMD
690G-based K9AG Neo2 Digital.
Usually highly integrated motherboards come in the Micro
ATX form factor, the K9AG Neo2 Digital is full size with extra expansion
slots. Talk about a nice combo; two PCI Express x1 ports and three PCI slots to
be specific.
The MSI K9AG Neo2 Digital is a compact
ATX motherboard and PCSTATS found it easy to work with and configure. The
board posted good results in the benchmarks, matching the performance level of
other AM690G and nVidia GF7050PV platforms recently tested. In other words, just
because it's an integrated board doesn't mean it can't handle office
applications satisfactorily.
We're particularly happy with the HDMI
connector on the rear I/O. Team that multimedia interface up with a HDTV and
you've got the makings of a very versatile computer with touch of hometheatre PC
to its credit. Plus, the HDMI jack transmits video and audio over the same
cable!
While the onboard Radeon Xpress 1250 offers satisfactory
2D output, its 3D performance is nonexistent compared to a stand alone PCI
Express x16 videocard. All integrated videocards fair the same in
that regard, unfortunately. Install a GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
videocard and you're rocking; framerates in the 3D games we tested shot
through the roof.
It was quite a surprise to see just how well the MSI
K9AG Neo2 Digital could overclock, and even though it is intended for the
mainstream market, it overclocked to 306 MHz in our tests.
With a retail price of $86 CDN ($85 USD, £42 GBP), the MSI Computer K9AG Neo2
Digital motherboard is a bargain. If you're looking to build a home PC that
is easy on the wallet, say for general office work and simple internet
applications like surfing or email, the K9AG Neo2 Digital is viable option. Its
AMD 690G chipset and integrated Radeon X1250 videocard form a good combo
when cost is your most pressing concern. For us though, its that little HDMI
jack that really clinches the deal!
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