ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 Motherboard Review
How We Tested
Contents
During our benchmarking sessions, we used the configuration listed below. Between our benchmarking sessions the only variable was the motherboard being tested and the addition or removal of a “real” video card (Sapphire Radeon HD 3450, 64-bit memory interface).
Hardware Configuration
- Motherboard BIOS: 0207
- CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 555 (3.2 GHz, dual-core, 512 KB L2 cache per core, socket AM3)
- CPU Cooler: AMD stock cooler
- Memory: Two 1 GB Crucial CT12864BA1067 modules (DDR3-1066/PC2-8500, CL7, 1.5 V), configured at 1,066 MHz.
- Hard Disk Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 500 GB (WD5000AAKS, SATA-300, 7,200 rpm, 16 MB buffer)
- Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 3450 256 MB, 64-bit memory interface (on some tests, see text)
- Video Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 932BW
- Power Supply: OCZ StealthXStream 400 W
- Optical Drive: Lite-On LH-20A1L
Operating System Configuration
- Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
- NTFS
- Video resolution: 1440×900 75 Hz
Driver Versions
- Video/Chipset drivers: Catalyst 10.3
Software Used
- 3DMark06 Professional 1.1.0
- 3DMark Vantage Professional 1.0.2.1
- Unigine Tropics Benchmark 1.2
- Half-Life 2: Episode Two – Patch June 23th 2009 + HardwareOC Half-Life 2 Episode Two Benchmark Tool 1.2.0.0
- Fallout 3 – Patch 1.7
Error Margin
We adopted a 3% error margin; thus, differences below 3% cannot be considered relevant. In other words, products with a performance difference below 3% should be considered as having similar performance.