Audio Performance

For audio testing, we use Rightmark 3D Sound CPU utilization test. This benchmark measures the overhead or CPU utilization required by a codec or hardware audio chip.

Audio Performance - Empty CPU

Audio Performance - 2D Audio

Audio Performance - 3D Audio

For a standard on-board codec, the Realtek ALC655 features low CPU utilization across the board. ULi has done a good job of integrating this chip into their design. However, performance and specifications are average at best, and you will not get audiophile quality from this sound chip. If your sound needs are modest, the 655 will do the job, but it should not be compared to HD audio, for example.

The ULi M1573/75, which will be featured in some ATI north bridge designs for A64, will feature Realtek HAD audio. We will test that ULi 1573/75 south bridge for performance as soon as one appears on the market.

USB, Firewire & Storage Performance Final Words
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  • Kinesis - Thursday, August 18, 2005 - link

    Someone may have asked this, but I didn't see it, my apologies if this is a duplicate. But will these boards support AMD's dual core chips?
  • ElJefe - Saturday, August 20, 2005 - link

    Not only will it support it... it is the only one out that DOES support it truly. It needs no bios revision, it is built into the original bios to support it. asus, gigabyte and abit all warned me that it is highly likely that if you purchase any of their boards and put a dual core cold on them as a new system, the computer wont "post" and just sit there. youll need to buy a 939 chip or borrow someones if it isnt this m1695 asrock board. really, there hasnt been much growth since this has been reviewed in boards, so none have put the dual core bios as their official starter/tested/stable bios yet.

    and from reading 100's of legitimate forum entries from all 3 of those main companies, i can say that I would never do dual core without going for a board that is brand new. the problems and conflicts are rather universal and rather pathetic.

    I am not sure why there isnt talk of this much in forums around here, but if you read the forums of those places you will see obvious problems (abit is the worst at the moment though, which is most unfortunate as they were my favorite company for many years)
  • bozilla - Friday, August 12, 2005 - link

    I'm not sure if someone asked this...but is it possible to use existing AGP card and PCI-e card on the same board with Crossfire for example with this chipset? Let's look at this like this. I have an AGP X800XT PE now and I want to buy a X850XT PE Crossfire edition in PCI-E and put both in the motherboard that comes out with this chipset. Possible?
  • Wesley Fink - Saturday, August 6, 2005 - link

    nVidia has sent us the following information:

    "The ULI board isn't certified for SLI. It hasn't been submitted."

    nVidia added that modified nVidia drivers generally indicate a board that is not certified.
  • nserra - Monday, August 8, 2005 - link

    Well it isn't selling any way, why certify it?
  • ElJefe - Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - link

    just a tip:
    someone said that Asrock usa isnt going to sell this mobo in the US of A, that is not true, i called today and it definitely is going to be sold here very soon.

  • mino - Saturday, August 6, 2005 - link

    Actually this is understandable. Why bother to certify an preview board ? For a company like Uli this would be a waste of time and money.
  • deathwalker - Saturday, August 6, 2005 - link

    I'm looking forward to the release of Mobo's on this chipset. I want to upgrade to a socket 939 system and at the same time be able to keep costly components that I have(6800gt agp card for one)for use in it. I hope we se a micro ATX version that I can drop in a Aspire X-Qpack case. Good job Anandtech for picking up on this upcoming release and covering it for your dedicated subscribers. I don't think Tom's Hardware even knows this exists..not a whisper on there site about this chipset.
  • Zebo - Friday, August 5, 2005 - link

    Not really because I already bought a AN8 Utlra.. A, as in Abit. That's really what ULi needs for wide-spread adoption.. ABIT/DFI/ASUS/Gigabyte/MSI branded boards with wild OC options.. not Asrock/tul/ECS. I waited and waited for a decent SiS755 board which was also very promising.. which never came. I'm betting the same will happen here, especially so now that board makers have to make room in their stable for ATI based chipsets.
  • nserra - Monday, August 8, 2005 - link

    But Uli offers AGP 8X, no one does this, so they will be “forced” to support it.

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