ECS PF21 Extreme - bit-tech.net Forums

WilHarris · 11th May 2005, 10:22

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...extreme/1.html

jopers1986 · 11th May 2005, 11:01

how would you say this mobo compares to the Abit Fatal1ty AN8 SKT939?

Murdoc · 11th May 2005, 11:06

ECS made something decent

Let me just breath here a little...

'doc

Bindibadgi · 11th May 2005, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jopers1986

how would you say this mobo compares to the Abit Fatal1ty AN8 SKT939?

It wouldnt because the Abit is for AMDs, this is for non dual core P4s.

If you want something for gaming then a 4000+ at stock performs the same as a 4.2GHz P4. And can you afford a 3.73EE?

If you want it for workstation performance and general ultra-fast computing id definately go for it if i could afford it. But then you dont get dual core support, but you do get the potential of extremely fast single core use.

Dinh · 11th May 2005, 12:47

6 SATA Ports?

Bindibadgi · 11th May 2005, 14:05

4 from ICH6R and 2 from SIS180.

The Asus Intel boards for 955X have 8 SATA2 now.

Da Dego · 11th May 2005, 14:20

Bindi, why would a workstation want just one core? Many major workstation apps have a support for multithread. Single core is more for gaming nowadays, it seems.

Bindibadgi · 11th May 2005, 14:41

Well, yes and no. Depends on the application and the intensity of multithreaded/multitasking. A workstation can mean a variety of things. There are still many applications that are single threaded.

Da Dego · 11th May 2005, 14:48

Fair enough. I guess I'm just used to the idea of workstations being for graphics or CAD or databases and whatnot. Most programs for that now have multithread capabilities.

And 8 SATA2 ports is mad crazy. Would build a hell of a raid array, though!

GigantoR · 11th May 2005, 15:00

If you use all 400 gig drives you would have 3.2 terabytes in a raid array, what on earth would you do with that?

Da Dego · 11th May 2005, 15:05

Store lots and lots of DVDs?

And really it would depend on the raid array how much of that space was useable. It could quickly get cut down to only 800gb worth of actual storage if you did a 2x 0+1 array.

RotoSequence · 11th May 2005, 15:33

The fact that this board overclocks like a bat out of hell on the stock Intel heatsink is a surprise in and of itself; the fact that it has been made by ECS makes this astounding. Perhaps we will be seeing ECS make a rise like that of DFI did in the past. I just hope that they get better aesthetic tastes

GigantoR · 11th May 2005, 15:56

I think if they see more people buying their stuff they will probably take more care when it comes to aesthetics. So far they seem to be used a lot in systems sold at stores like Fry's and such. The comp my parents bought uses an ECS micro ATX board. None of these comps are built for enthusiasts who care about these types of things.

zr_ox · 11th May 2005, 16:04

I just cannot see how this type of hardware will ever really be a "workstation".

Then again it depends on how you would define the term "workstation"! I would love know which companies would allocate funds for Dual Core based workstations. Such companies obviously exist but they are so specialised. This type of hardware just always seems to stay mainly at enthusiast level. It will become mainstream but not for a very long time.

Most companies are running horribly out-dated hardware, and the cost of upgrading to Dual Core systems is just too great. Would be nice though!

Oh sorry....Nice Review

Redwolf · 11th May 2005, 18:45

don't be badmouthing ECS I own several of their mobos and they work fine, but still can't compete with my Asus boards.

Bindibadgi · 11th May 2005, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwolf

don't be badmouthing ECS I own several of their mobos and they work fine, but still can't compete with my Asus boards.

Hmm, yea, but Asus boards usually cost 150% more, like DFI.

alanr298 · 23rd May 2005, 11:55

i have have just bought the extreme PF21 mb.and am having trouble installing winXP on a sata drive,it detects ok in the bios and i have formatted it ntfs.i have tried to copy the drivers from the cd to floppy but when i pressF6 to load driver i keep getting error messages.i have tried using silicon_v10033 drivers and they get me to the choose which drive,but windows does not see any drives.this is driving me nuts.i need sis 180 sata drivers.any help would be gratefull.

Tim S · 23rd May 2005, 12:08

have you tried using the Intel ICH6R-powered SATA ports? It should install on those ports without the need for a driver.

yodasarmpit · 23rd May 2005, 12:18

Don't know why everyone is surprised about ECS making a good board, yes they have never catered for overclockers/enthusiast before, but they have always made decent cheap stable mobo's.

alanr298 · 23rd May 2005, 14:21

Hi bigz

i have tried useing the 4 intel ports,but it does not show the drive when i startup.is there something in the bios that i need to change

11th May 2005, 10:22	#1
WilHarris Just another nobody Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Oxford Posts: 2,671	ECS PF21 Extreme http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...extreme/1.html

11th May 2005, 11:01	#2
jopers1986 Supermodder Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Biggleswade Posts: 445	how would you say this mobo compares to the Abit Fatal1ty AN8 SKT939? __________________ xp 2500+ m running at 2.5GHz, 9700 pro (massivley overclocked) 1 gig of pc 3700 twister, abit nf7-s v2.0, 80 gig WD s-ata, akasa 480w CM Stacker watercooled fully with a thermochill 120.3 in bottom -------------------------------------------------- A64 3200+ winnie at 2.4, gainward 7900gs 256mb, i gig of OCZ vx4000 Gold, lanparty RDX-200 crossfire mobo, 250 gig + 2x80 gig WD s-ata, tagan power 420w lian li v1000 no longer watercooled, but silent on air

11th May 2005, 12:47	#5
Dinh Hypermodder Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 810	6 SATA Ports? __________________ AMD 64 X2 3800+ 1GB Corsair XMS ASRock Dual SATAII BFG 6600GT SoundBlaster Audigy! SE

11th May 2005, 14:05	#6
Bindibadgi Richard Swinburne bit-tech Staff Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Omnipwntent Posts: 28,264	4 from ICH6R and 2 from SIS180. The Asus Intel boards for 955X have 8 SATA2 now. __________________ Made you look, made you stare, made you clicked this in your underwear! Den of Geek!

11th May 2005, 14:20	#7
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	Bindi, why would a workstation want just one core? Many major workstation apps have a support for multithread. Single core is more for gaming nowadays, it seems. __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

11th May 2005, 11:06	#3
Murdoc Gas Mask..ZOMG Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Dudley, West Midlands Posts: 2,473	ECS made something decent Let me just breath here a little... 'doc

11th May 2005, 14:41	#8
Bindibadgi Richard Swinburne bit-tech Staff Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Omnipwntent Posts: 28,264	Well, yes and no. Depends on the application and the intensity of multithreaded/multitasking. A workstation can mean a variety of things. There are still many applications that are single threaded. __________________ Made you look, made you stare, made you clicked this in your underwear! Den of Geek!

11th May 2005, 14:48	#9
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	Fair enough. I guess I'm just used to the idea of workstations being for graphics or CAD or databases and whatnot. Most programs for that now have multithread capabilities. And 8 SATA2 ports is mad crazy. Would build a hell of a raid array, though! __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

11th May 2005, 15:00	#10
GigantoR Supermodder Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 417	If you use all 400 gig drives you would have 3.2 terabytes in a raid array, what on earth would you do with that? __________________ Sexy Black - a Lian Li case mod

11th May 2005, 15:05	#11
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	Store lots and lots of DVDs? And really it would depend on the raid array how much of that space was useable. It could quickly get cut down to only 800gb worth of actual storage if you did a 2x 0+1 array. __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

11th May 2005, 15:33	#12
RotoSequence Lazy Lurker Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: 'States Posts: 4,529	The fact that this board overclocks like a bat out of hell on the stock Intel heatsink is a surprise in and of itself; the fact that it has been made by ECS makes this astounding. Perhaps we will be seeing ECS make a rise like that of DFI did in the past. I just hope that they get better aesthetic tastes __________________ Technology Schmecnology

11th May 2005, 15:56	#13
GigantoR Supermodder Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 417	I think if they see more people buying their stuff they will probably take more care when it comes to aesthetics. So far they seem to be used a lot in systems sold at stores like Fry's and such. The comp my parents bought uses an ECS micro ATX board. None of these comps are built for enthusiasts who care about these types of things. __________________ Sexy Black - a Lian Li case mod

11th May 2005, 16:04	#14
zr_ox Whooolapoook Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Stalking Orco Posts: 1,117	I just cannot see how this type of hardware will ever really be a "workstation". Then again it depends on how you would define the term "workstation"! I would love know which companies would allocate funds for Dual Core based workstations. Such companies obviously exist but they are so specialised. This type of hardware just always seems to stay mainly at enthusiast level. It will become mainstream but not for a very long time. Most companies are running horribly out-dated hardware, and the cost of upgrading to Dual Core systems is just too great. Would be nice though! Oh sorry....Nice Review __________________ 0ptimizm :PC under review

11th May 2005, 18:45	#15
Redwolf Supermodel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: California Posts: 340	don't be badmouthing ECS I own several of their mobos and they work fine, but still can't compete with my Asus boards. __________________ Soy mas cabron que guapo.

23rd May 2005, 11:55	#17
alanr298 What's a Dremel? Join Date: May 2005 Location: uk Posts: 5	i have have just bought the extreme PF21 mb.and am having trouble installing winXP on a sata drive,it detects ok in the bios and i have formatted it ntfs.i have tried to copy the drivers from the cd to floppy but when i pressF6 to load driver i keep getting error messages.i have tried using silicon_v10033 drivers and they get me to the choose which drive,but windows does not see any drives.this is driving me nuts.i need sis 180 sata drivers.any help would be gratefull.

23rd May 2005, 12:08	#18
Tim S Pewlius Caesar bit-tech Staff Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Ascot, Berks Posts: 18,021	have you tried using the Intel ICH6R-powered SATA ports? It should install on those ports without the need for a driver. __________________ Tim on Twitter \| Tim's Blog \| Tim's Flickr The bit-tech Blog \| bit-tech on Twitter \| Join the bit-tech & Custom PC folding team (#35947)

23rd May 2005, 12:18	#19
yodasarmpit The other Brett. Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: West Lothian , Scotland Posts: 9,664	Don't know why everyone is surprised about ECS making a good board, yes they have never catered for overclockers/enthusiast before, but they have always made decent cheap stable mobo's. __________________ The Rt. Hon. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson - "Ping Pong is coming home" www.yodasarmpit.com clickr my flickr

23rd May 2005, 14:21	#20
alanr298 What's a Dremel? Join Date: May 2005 Location: uk Posts: 5	Hi bigz i have tried useing the 4 intel ports,but it does not show the drive when i startup.is there something in the bios that i need to change