Pentium M small machines checked out

VR-ZONE previewed the Aopen i915Ga-HFS Pentium M motherboard. It is the third/fourth motherboard from Aopen featuring the P-M cpu. This ATX motherboard faetures the i915G chipset and is laden with features. Fireiwire, DVI-I connector, S Video, 7.1 audio, name it, it has it. As for the benchmarks, you'll have to wait for a little longer.

Quake 4 is all rage on the Internet as reviews poured in our office about the performance of video graphic cards. They compare the X1800XT & XL, X800XL, 7800GTX & GT, 6800Ultra & GT. The new ATI cards really shine in Quake 4. Problem is that you can't find them here. As for the previous generation of cards, well...

Phoronix compared Doom 3 to Quake 4 with a 7800GTX as fixed parameter. No real surprises there as the latter uses the same engine as the former with some notable improvements though.

Meanwhile, Tbreak and Extremetech have tested the Shuttle SD11G5 XPC which houses the Pentium M cpu. It is surrounded by the i915GM chipset, SB live audio solution as well as offering Firewire, D Sub, DVI and S Video. It doesn;t have an internal PSU but instead a huge external power adaptor. Unfortunately, you will find yourself paying a very hefty premium when purchasing and using the SD11G5 and a Pentium M couple, north of $500 when compared to others.

Another Shuttle SFF has been reviewed at Xtremeresources. This time it is a pre configured http://www.xtremeresources.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=121P2500G a.k.a the SN25P SFF. This is a nForce 4 MCP chipset with the usual array of features and specifications. The fact that it is pre configured removes one more hurdle from amateur looking to bring their own pieces together. µ