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Installation
Physical installation is no different
to any other motherboard though like so many that
have the CPU socket in this position and this orientation
you might want to think about inserting your CPU and
fitting your heat sink and fan if your power supply
is likely to make it difficult to do after.
The software installation, to be brutally
honest, stinks! XFX use a single CD for all their
models, which isn't the end of the world..........
.....but during installation it doesn't
even detect the board you're using. Instead you're
left to choose it from a long, slightly bewildering
list of model numbers. The Mach4 is apparently an
NF2S-AED, or so the little label on the board said.
To be fair, the label on the box says that too but
I'm guessing the first time builder would be too busy
getting flustered at this stage to look. A little
note here telling the less experienced user where
to find said model number might be a nice touch. Better
yet, a different CD for each model or range of board
or a small auto-detect routine isn't really a lot
to ask.
BIOS
Although the BIOS features many of the
components needed to squeeze some improved performance
from most setups it becomes clear from the lack of
any processor multiplier adjustments that XFX are
not looking to win the hearts of the hardened overclocker.
Most of the BIOS configuration options
are stock fayre and probably familiar to most of you
by now. The BIOS is sufficient though not exactly
exciting.
FSB:Memory ratios are available from
50% (half speed) up to 200% (double speed) with various
stops between. There's also the expected full auto
setting. With the lack of serious overclocking options
and the nForce2's known preference for synchronous
FSB and memory speeds it seems unlikely most users
will ever venture away from the 1:1, 100% mark.
I was pleased to see a thermal shutdown
option in the BIOS though tend to prefer a slightly
higher 75 degree option personally.
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