Testing:
 

Securing The Processor

Sexy In Black

The motherboard is built with solid state capacitors. This isn't usually the case when considering a low cost platform. But, here it can mean the difference between clean, reliable power and stability. Initial installation of the motherboard was simple and easy. There weren't any issues from utilizing the included Driver Disc which had some pretty recent drivers.

Test System

The only issue I ran in to was when testing various DDR2 modules which is something I like to do now and then. This tends to give me a good idea of what other users can expect in a world of enumerable random parts and accessories. Of all the DDR2 kits on hand, the OCZ PC2-8500 2GB Reaper kit was the only set to encounter an issue.

The motherboard simply refused to boot with both modules installed. And when one stick was used, an SPD Byte Error: Missing 25 and 26 would halt booting. The system was fine once F1 was pressed to continue. But, in no manner of setting up options would the dual channel sticks worth together, especially in Dual Channel mode.

The odd memory error

This brings me to the color coding of the DIMM sockets. Manual I have states that sockets 2 and 4 enable Dual Channel performance which isn't right. Obviously, you'll want to install the modules in the matching colored DIMM slots to make sure the system is in Dual Channel memory mode. Motherboards have been color coding DIMM slots for quite some time, so hopefully everyone will easily figure it out. Aside from this minor glitch which I'm sure is undergoing further efforts by ECS, the system was fine with a pair of Patriot Memory PC2-9200 1GB sticks. Dual channel mode was achieved and the system was ready to go.

CPUZ

Mainboard

Memory

SPD

The BIOS doesn't have quite the most sensible layout that I've grown to expect. Some settings are in what I would call a bit unusual places. The voltages can be particularly confusing to the average user. Instead of rounded voltage numbers like 1.8 Volts, the options are 1 through 63 and use mV (Mili-Volt) values. It'll take a little getting use to if you're going to overclock.

CPU Settings & Boot

CPU HT Options

MemClock Options

Freqs & Voltages

However, the BIOS isn't hard to figure out. It's actually a very simply BIOS without any redundant options. It takes roughly a few passes through the BIOS and it's easy to remember. And the most important thing is that all the settings do work and effect the system best when left to Auto.

After a good couple days to get acquainted with the new system, the board was overclocked first using an AMD 64 X2 5200+ (2.7 GHz) and then a X2 5000+ (2.6 GHz) Black Edition Processor. Both processors hit barriers at 230 MHz Bus Speed. Those confusing mV settings took a little figuring to find the right setting to achieve 3GHz stability with the X2 5200. This was as fast as the tweaks would allow the system to go. Since Phenoms haven't had much great overclocking success on just any platform, I chose to use an AMD dual core AMD processor was used to test any overclocking.

Maximum Overclock

If your familiar with the older 590-SLI chipsets, then you may already know that many of those platforms easily reached 240-250 MHz CPU Bus Speed. Obviously, that's much higher and faster than the 780G. But, to keep things in perspective, the A780GM-A is intended to be an extremely stable, budget platform and not an overclocking monster.

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