Test Configuration

Processor(s): Intel Pentium II 333 OEM
Intel Pentium II 400 OEM
RAM: 1 - 64MB LGS PC100 SDRAM DIMM
1 x 64MB Mushkin PC100 SDRAM
1 x 64MB Memory-Man PC100 SDRAM
Hard Drive(s): Western Digital Caviar AC35100 - UltraATA
Video Card(s): Matrox Millennium G200 (8MB SGRAM - AGP)
Bus Master Drivers: Microsoft Win98 DMA Drivers
Video Drivers: MGA Millennium G200 Release 1677-411
Operation System(s): Windows 98
Motherboard Revision: Shuttle HOT-675 Revision 1.1

 

Windows 98 Performance

  Winstone Quake 2
Business 98 Business 99 Quake 2 demo1.dm2 crusher.dm2
Intel Pentium II 350 (100MHz x 3.5) 26.1 18.2 16.0 11.2
Intel Pentium II 400 (100MHz x 4.0) 27.7 19.4 17.9 12.7
Intel Pentium II 460 (115MHz x 4.0) 29.2 20.1 21.2 14.4
Intel Pentium II 480 (115MHz x 4.0) 31.3 21.2 21.8 14.6

The Final Decision

Since the Pentium II and even the Celeron processors aren't priced low enough to be considered dirt-cheap solutions for a secondary system, the term "low-cost mainboard" should be used loosely when referring to any BX based Slot-1 motherboard.  In the case of the Shuttle HOT-675, the board is well designed, and priced low enough to be considered a good basis for a starter system with future upgrade opportunities (Pentium III, newer Celeron processors) and it does provide a good threat to the low cost argument from the Super7 market.  Shuttle's style and finesse is made clear with the HOT-675, unfortunately the motherboard is lacking the passion that would set it apart from the hundreds of other "low-cost" Micro ATX motherboards out there.  It's a good buy if the price is right.

The Bad & Features
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