..:: Introduction ::..

It has certainly been quite some time since we were last able to take a look at a motherboard coming out of the MSI factories. When we last took a glance at an MSI motherboard, we were quick to note that excellent feature package, design, and software suite. MSI motherboards have been known to ship with remarkable packages, especially when it comes down to the cost ratio. There are few manufacturers that have been able to match this competition from MSI. Today, we’ll be taking a look at MSI’s high-end Intel i865PE offering, the 865PE Neo2-FIS2R. This board offers as much to price conscious buyers as it does to the modding crowd with its excellent package and bright red PCB. Before we take a better look at the package and software suite, let’s take a look at the official specifications as listed by MSI.

..:: MSI 865PE Neo2-FIS2R Specifications ::..

Processor

• Supports Socket 478 for Intel® Pentium 4 (Northwood) processor
• Supports up 3.06GHz/ FSB 800 or higher speed
• Supports FSB 400/533/800MHz

Chipset

• Northbridge - Intel® 82865PE MCH
• Southbridge - Intel® 82801ER ICH5
• Intel 82562EZ Gigabit Ethernet Controller
• Promise 20378 SATA / IDE RAID
• VIA VT6306 IEEE1394 Chip
• C-Media 9739A Audio Codec

Memory

• Type: Dual Channel DDR 400/333 (PC3200/2700)
• 4x DIMM
• Max Capacity: Up to 4GB

Internal I/O Connector

• 1 x FDD
• 4 x Serial ATA
• 3 x IEEE 1394
• 2 x UDMA ATA 100/66 Bus Master IDE
• 1 x UDMA ATA 133/100/66 RAID
• 8 ports USB 2.0 supports 480MB/s data transfer rate
• S/P DIF input/output
• 2 x Cooling fan pin headers

Expansion Slots

• 1 x AGP 8x/4x AGP 2.0 Compliant
• 5 x PCI (PCI 2.3 Compliant)

Rear Panel

• PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Connector
• 6 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x COM ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN port
• Audio (Line-In / Line-Out / Mic) Connector