Testing:

Here you can see just how much the stock and overclocked CPU performs. These are some decent increases from a measly 300 MHz CPU increase. You can also see how well the integrated memory controller speeds up when the memory is switched from 800 MHz 4-4-4-12 to 1066 MHz 5-5-5-15 timings.

Standard testing of the system was performed at 1440 x 900 resolution, using stock driver settings and high details.

What about Hybrid Graphics performance? Unfortunately, I don't have any HD 3200 or 3400 "in stock" that would allow the Hybrid mode to work properly. You need to use compatible CrossfireX GPUs or the graphics won't work properly. We do know that that an HD 3400 will produce about 2/3 less frames in the gaming benchmarks. Those aren't very playable frame rates.

Since this is an easy educated assumption and we know that frame rates will be very low at 800 x 600 and higher, it's the reason the system was tested with a decent budget gaming graphics card. It'll make a decent gaming system if you at least use a capable graphics card.

If the motherboard is purchased for the sole sake of a Home Theater PC or just browsing the web, the integrated graphics are simply more than capable. One thing that the Black Series offers right out of the box is really good High Definition DVD performance. The integrated GPU is far more capable than Intel's older G35 which required nearly 100% of the processor's resources.

And while the system is decoding the movie for proper play back, the video doesn't lag at all where the original G35 would even with a strong processor. With the GPU and system capable of freeing up the processor for other things, it was easy to browse the web or what not.

The main reason for the Intel's G35 coming up short is the weaker GPU and lack of independent video processing power. Remember, the integrated graphics is actually an HD 3200 with a core clock of 500 MHz and fully capable of encoding and decoding without significant CPU resources. The overall CPU usage bounced between 20 and 30 percent during video playback which leaves resources for the system to do other things, if needed.


Conclusion:

I have few summarized thoughts on the Black Series Motherboard that need a little explaining. First, the obvious. The BIOS could use a little better organization even if it's a budget gaming motherboard. And the descriptions of each setting on the right aren't the clearest or most legible of descriptions. The manual at least helps you figure out a few things on your own.

If future BIOS revisions did away with the mV (Mili-Volt) options, that would be alright with me as well. With so many miniscule steps in adding voltage, it seems a little unnecessary. But, that doesn't mean it can't be understood. You'll just need some patience.

It's really cool seeing a new look from ECS. Looks alone don't attract buyers, but it really does say something when a budget gaming motherboard adds a lot of flavor to the gaming system. The black PCB, color themes, and good quality components say this isn't your average budget motherboard.

The ECS 780GM-A Black Series Motherboard stock 3D performance is pretty comparable to my old trusty AN9-32X. It really comes down to a few frames per second difference which isn't going to be noticed in most cases. If you added a 8800 GTS or stronger graphics card, you'd have an even better crisp, playable gaming rig.

Note: The latest BIOS version 08/04/21 released 5/2/08 removed the error, but the system would not boot with the OCZ PC2-8500 Reaper memory. Another future update may fix the issue.

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