Audio Performance

For audio testing, we used the latest version 2.2 of the Rightmark 3D Sound CPU utilization test. This benchmark measures the overhead or CPU utilization required by a codec or hardware audio chip.  Versions earlier than 2.2 would not work properly on the RD580 chipset based A8R32-MVP.

Audio Performance - Empty CPU - RightMark 2.2

Audio Performance - 2D Audio - RightMark 2.2

Audio Performance - 3D Audio - RightMark 2.2

The High Definition audio codecs have generally shown lower CPU utilization in audio benchmarking than earlier AC’97 audio solutions. The Empty CPU and 2 D audio both showed extremely low utilization scores in the 1 to 3% range. However, 3D audio on the Realtek ALC882 was around 9% - far from the 30 to 40% that we have seen in the past, but still enough to steal a few frames-per-second from games. It is worth mentioning that the even more demanding 3D Audio+EAX test showed a slightly lower 8.82% CPU utilization

Realtek has been very consistent in recent months in releasing regular updates to their HD audio drivers, and we suspect that trend will continue, with ATI and Intel both firmly committed to HD and NVIDIA also introducing hew HD solutions. Each new Realtek update has lowered CPU utilization and we also hope that will continue.

ATI chipset motherboards have the necessary hooks to deliver Azalia High Definition audio. Those who have been complaining about the poor AC’97 audio present on most AMD boards should be very pleased to find Azalia HD on the ATI chipset boards. The nForce4 family does not offer the necessary chipset hooks to support HD Azalia audio on their top Athlon 64 chipsets. However, recent introductions by NVIDIA have included the HD audio option and we expect future NVIDIA chipsets to offer this feature.

USB and Disk Controller Performance Ethernet Performance
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  • Spinne - Monday, March 6, 2006 - link

    NewEgg still doesn't have them in stock, neither does Monarc Computers. Wonder how long it'll be before they get them and the prices drop.
  • dennis hs - Sunday, March 5, 2006 - link

    I've just gotten this mobo.. It's pretty sweet! I really like the ALC882 onboard sound! It's really crispy and all good :D

    Overall I don't have any issues with it. It's a damn good mobo!

    [vietnamese hooker mode on]
    " Me love it longtime :) "
    [vietnamese hooker mode off]
  • tonser - Friday, March 3, 2006 - link

    It is nice that manufactors listen, but why do they still bring out Motherboards for SLI and Crossfire, where the normal PCI cannot be used with their heigh end grafic cards - I am wondering ?
  • yacoub - Thursday, March 2, 2006 - link

    This board gets an official "daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn, Gina!" rating.
    Holy crap it flies with an X1900XT!
  • theOracle - Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - link

    In the table - "PEG Bugger Length"
  • Wesley Fink - Monday, March 6, 2006 - link

    Corrected the Brokeback Mountain reference
  • DigitalFreak - Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - link

    No one has any RD580 boards in stock in the US. Hell, Newegg doesn't even have any listed! Looks like another classic paper launch to me.
  • glynor - Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - link

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82...">Oh, and how about from Newegg here
  • SLIM - Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - link

    http://www.antaresdigital.com/customer/product.php...">1
    or
    http://www.atacom.com/program/print_html_new.cgi?&...">2

    Please get a clue before posting. All these people complaining about not making proper comparisons because Anandtech went the extra step of testing the latest vid card from ati on their latest chipset in ADDITION to making a very fair comparison with what nvidia has to offer currently.

    Nice article, too bad people don't pay attention to the graphs before they complain about them.
  • DigitalFreak - Thursday, March 2, 2006 - link

    Moron. Did you happen to notice the "Out Of Stock" button?

    And what's with the bitching about proper comparisons, blah blah blah? Reply to the wrong thread, did we?

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