MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum vs Diamond

[pimptight]

Can someone explain to me who is right? I am looking at getting a Neo4 Patinum and NewEgg has the Platinum listed as having 2 PCie x16 slots ( http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDe...-130-487&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE ) , but the MSI sight says otherwise. (see below, only 1 x16 and teh other is x2) I mean I would assume to believe the MSI site but I been reading all over different forums about MSI really screwing up some of the description of features (eg. wireless). Does anyone have a Platinum and can tell me what it actually has.

Also, what kind of performance benifits will I give up with the slower x2 slot over a x16 when I choose to get my next 6600GT? If it will be a big difference then I am wondering if I should take the cost hit now (grrrrr).

Diamond
? Two PCI Express x16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)
? Two PCI Express x1 slots(by share)(support PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)
? Three 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

Platinum
? One PCI Express x16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)
? One PCI Express x4 slots (support PCI Express x2 only)
? One PCI Express x1 slots (support PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)
? Four 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

 

[gobucks]

i think the platinum is a modified Ultra chipset. In fact, much like the DFI ultra, you may have to use a graphite pencil to enable SLI. Personally, I don't think the performance hit will be noiceable, since there wasn't a performance hit on the intel tumwater chipset that used a x16 and an x4 combination. Still, I used to own an A8N-SLI and decided it wasn't worth it for the SLI, especially with 6600GTs. By the time you need the extra power of another 6600GT, the 128MB memory will be woefully inadequate, so there is really no point. The memory doesn't double in size with SLI, it is duplicated on each card, so you still only get 128MB, so it'll be much slower than a 6800GT in future games with more textures, like the unreal 3 engine.

 

[pimptight]

Interesting. Then what's up with all of the reviews showing a pretty decent jump in perf and good upgrade path for the dual 6600GTs? I mean of these cards are going to be $100 bucks soon this will work out nice for most games I would think.

(just a few)
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2315
http://techreport.com/reviews/2005q1/geforce6600gt-sli/index.x?pg=1

By the time you need the extra power of another 6600GT, the 128MB memory will be woefully inadequate, so there is really no point.

Maybe by then I can pick up dual 6800GT if the price is right

I am really doing a mild jump because I have 9800 Pro but I want to get on a new board and can't justify buying an AGP board so I picked up a PNY 6800GT on ebay for $160.

 

[ChineseDemocracyGNR]

I think you're confusing the Neo4 Platinum and the Neo4 Platinum/SLI. They are two different boards.

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_sp...p?model=K8N_Neo4_Platinum/SLI&class=mb
http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K8N_Neo4_Platinum&class=mb

 

[pimptight]

Ahh, you are right. Thanks ChineseDemocracyGNR!