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- Date:
- Monday , February 16, 2004
- Author:
- Keith Dugger
- Editor:
- Kyle Bennett
- Google +1
DFI 865PE-INFINITY
From LANParty bloodlines, the 865PE INFINITY promises to offer similar performance within a value price range. Can the 865PE INFINITY maintain DFI’s fast growing reputation?
Introduction
DFI has made a name for itself recently in enthusiast circles due in part to quality workmanship and the LANParty line. This new status as an up and coming enthusiast manufacturer will require DFI to rub shoulders with some top industry players and the 865PE INFINITY is one of DFI’s attempts at attracting the value crowd.
The 865PE INFINITY is considered a feature light version of the LANParty brethren, but it does include quite a few industry standard characteristics pledging to change the perception of the value line being simply lower cost with fewer features.
Including support for Dual Channel DDR400, the 865PE INFINITY also includes a full duplex Realtek Gigabit LAN controller, 2 SATA ports controlled by the Intel ICH5 south bridge, 2 SATA RAID 0 and 1 ports controlled by the additional Silicon Image controller; AGP 8X; and 6-channel C-Media sound. DFI also added a few technology-leading BIOS functions in the form of CMOS Reloaded and Super Patch (discussed in the BIOS section). As will soon become apparent, DFI defines value as more product for the money.
Main Specifications Overview:
CPU | Pentium 4 / Celeron |
Chipset | Intel 865PE/ICH5 |
FSB | 800/533/400 MHz |
BIOS | Award BIOS |
Memory | 4 x 184-pin DDR DIMM Sockets (4GB maximum) |
Expansion Slots | 1 x AGP, 5 x PCI |
Storage | 2 x SATA with RAID 0 and 1; 2 x SATA; ATA/100/66/33 IDE |
IEEE 1394 | VIA VT6306 supports 3 ports |
Audio | C-Media CMI9739a 6-channel codec |
LAN | Realtek Gigabit LAN controller |
Detailed Mainboard Specification List:
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Board Layout
The box (complete with The Matrix-like design cues) details the motherboard and contents waiting inside. With DFI’s “Design For Innovation” tag-line, and the CMOS Reloaded and Super Patch logos prominently displayed, the packaging completes the inventory list of features available on the 865PE-INFINITY. Speaking of that, from this point forward, the 865PE-INFINITY will be referenced as simply INFINITY. Be aware that there are other boards in DFI’s lineup that include this nomenclature; however, in the context of this review I am talking about the 865PE-INFINITY.
DFI included the requisite Back Panel I/O Shield as well as an 80-wire, 40-pin IDE cable; a standard floppy drive cable; and 2 SATA cables. The manuals are short and to the point, so don’t expect a lot of informational detail. All that is really included are a few pictures showing component placement. A motherboard case sticker, the appropriate INFINITY mainboard CD, and a Silicon Image driver disk are also in the box. The additional card-edge brackets for IEEE 1394, USB, and/or Game/MIDI ports are wholly optional and are not included in this package.
There isn’t much to complain about with the design and layout of the INFINITY. Typical problems are nonexistent and component placement is practically perfect. A minor gripe is the placement of ATX 12V power connector, but, as usual, I think proper cable routing will mitigate any airflow problems. The serial number and revision are offered in the picture above.
DFI chose capacitors from United Chemi-Con (marked KZG, USA and Japan) and Taiwon Ostor Corporation (marked RLG, Taiwan) for the INFINITY.
As is becoming more of the standard instead of the exception, the area surround the CPU socket is obstruction free. We had no trouble mounting the standard Intel OEM HSF and cage and expect that even that largest aftermarket HS will pose no issue.
The heat generated by the 865PE North Bridge is dissipated by a passive aluminum heat sink secured by a cross-corner spring engaging two hooks embedded in the motherboard. This system is adequate and allows the user to perform any HS maintenance while the board is installed in a case. In practice, this passive HS met its requirement.
The fan connector for the CPU fan is placed just below the CPU socket and falls next to an additional connector labeled NB/2nd FAN. Just above the North Bridge is the ATX 12V power connector and a lone jumper that controls the function of the Wake-On-Keyboard/USB feature.
The four memory slots in the lower, right-hand quadrant are color-coded Dual Channel configuration and support up to DDR400 and a maximum of 4GB. Also in this section of the INFINITY are the two IDE ports, the floppy port, and the 20-pin ATX power connector.
Accompanying the ICH5 South Bridge is the Silicon Image Sil3112A SATA RAID controller as well as the four SATA connectors they control (2 ports per chip). The BIOS chip, battery, and Clear CMOS jumpers are also in this section of the INFINITY. Just beneath Silicon Image SATA ports is third and final 3-pin fan connector (labeled CHASSIS FAN). The front panel pin block frames the left side of the board and is followed by the 2 additional IEEE 1394 connectors. Finally, just above the ICH5 chipset and to the right of the VIA6306 controller is the additional USB 2.0/1.1 connectors. Appropriately placed is the jumper controlling Wake-On-USB function for these ports. As a note, if one decides the need for this feature, the 5VSB power source of your power supply must support >=1.5A for 2 USB ports. If you throw a third USB port into the mix, the amp requirements are increased to >=2.0A.
The Wake-On-LAN (WOL) and Game/MIDI connectors are further up the left side of the INFINITY followed by the S/PDIF connector at the top-left. The CD_IN, AUX_IN, and front panel audio jumpers find a home just above the 5 PCI slots. Nestled in with the front panel audio jumpers is the Chassis Open jumper. Above PCI slots two and three is the connector for the IrDA port.
DFI included a wealth of connectors on the Back Panel I/O, including 1 each PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports; 1 parallel and 1 serial port; S/PDIF in and out (RCA) jacks; 1 IEEE 1394 port; 4 USB ports; 1 LAN port; and 2 audio towers supporting line-in, line-out, mic-in, rear out and center/bass connections.