![[H]ardOCP](/images/blank.gif){kind=small}
- Date:
- Thursday , April 07, 2005
- Author:
- Morry Teitelman
- Editor:
- Kyle Bennett
- Google +1
ABIT Fatal1ty AN8
The Fatal1ty AN8 is ABIT’s entry in to the nForce4 race. While it is a little late to market, it is still anticipated by many. Let’s find out if it stands up to all of the marketing claims.
uGuru
ABIT’s uGuru chipset technology allows for real time monitoring and tweaking of various motherboard parameters from within the Windows environment. The suite of applications work in tandem with the onboard uGuru chipset to receive data concerning hardware health, as well as to implement changes in current hardware settings such as FSB and voltage. The suite is broken into a series of five applets: ABIT EQ, OC Guru, FlashMenu, BlackBox, and GuruClock. Note that uGuru version 2.2.0.2 is shown below.
The ABIT EQ applet allows for real time monitoring of all BIOS monitored fans, system voltages, and temperatures. The applet allows for full customization through the Settings window, accessed by clicking on the Setup button from the main applet window. The Settings window allows for system response configuration, as well as threshold setting for temperature-based response. The threshold settings window can be reached by selecting the Limit button next to the desired monitored item. From the main applet window, all system voltages can be displayed by selecting either of the Voltage (V) buttons. The monitored fan headers can also be configured from the main applet window using the FAN (RPM) button.
The OC Guru applet allows for real time modification of all board FSB and voltage settings, as well as configuration of board shutdown and fan control based on temperature of specific monitored devices. The applet itself has a variety of pre-set options, as well as the ability to for automatic overclocking configuration. The Power Cycle Control window, accessed by selecting the Power Cycle Control button from within the main applet window, allows for configuration of a timed shutdown, as well as real time statistics on system boot time. Selecting the SoftMenu button from the main applet window opens the SoftMenu window. From this window, the user can configure all board FSB and voltage options, as well as system event triggering based on specific BIOS monitored fan headers. The Configure AutoDrive window displays upon clicking on the Configure AutoDrive button. From this window, you can tie individual programs to a preset overclocking configuration. Notice that a Windows-like Start menu displays upon clicking the Add Program button. The Configure Preset button opens the Softmenu window with the ability to customize up to 6 preset configurations.
The FlashMenu applet allows for archiving of the currently loaded system BIOS, as well as updating the system with a new BIOS from within Windows. Selecting the Setting button from the main applet window opens the Advance Settings window. From this window, the user can custom configure the exact actions taken when the BIOS is updated.
The BlackBox applet is an error-reporting tool, with which you can record system specifications and submit the generated report directly to ABIT’s Support department. Basically, the BlackBox feature simplifies the technical support process in that it collects all critical hardware and software information needed from your system to help diagnose the issue. This way, all you have to focus on is telling support about the issue you are having instead of listing 3 pages of system specs. If you are not comfortable with its automated mode of data collection, the BlackBox utility also supports full manual entry of system data.
NVIDIA nTune
In addition to the uGuru suite of applets, ABIT chose to include NVIDIA’s nTune performance tuning suite for you Windows-based overclocking pleasure. nTune version 2.00.23.05 is shown in the screenshots. For performance tuning, the nTune software has 2 modes of operation: automated profiling and manual manipulation. The automated profiling is performed using the benchmarking tools within the nVPerformance window. This window is accessible through the Benchmark and automatically tune my system button in the main nTune window. The Clock Control window allows for manual manipulation of synchronous CPU and memory bus speeds, PCI bus speed, HyperTransport link multiplier, as well as selected memory timings. The Clock Control window is accessed via the Clock Control button in the bottom button bar in the main nTune screen.
In addition to the performance related options, the nTune application has a built in system information applet which displays CPU, bus speed, memory, and nForce driver version related information. This applet is accessed through the I button in the lower button bar in the Main nTune screen. The Monitor my system button in the nTune window runs the nVMonitor applet, which allows for real time monitoring of all system level voltages, bus speeds, and system temperatures. The Manage my profiles button from the nTune window runs the nVProfileManage applet. This applet allows for configuration of profiles that trigger system responses to configured events. Responses can include warning sounds, program launching, and automatic system tuning on a percentage basis. The Troubleshoot performance or create a support log button in the main nTune window launches a system troubleshooter window. Various system components are listed in the upper box, with specific performance tips for the highlighted component listed in the lower portion of the screen.