Intel D850GB Review :: Installation

I have to say again: I love my test bench. It just makes running the tests and getting the motherboard up and going a much easier task. This motherboard has a weird layout to it, so finding a case with the proper rear plate may prove to be a daunting search for the end user. As you can see in the photo below, the sound connectors go across instead of up and down like a standard layout, and the network adapter connector is just above it making it a difficult design to fit in most cases, and that is where they take a hit in the score in this section.

I had no problems mounting the CPU and the Molex cooling solution onto the motherboard itself, and the RAM was also a cinch to install. But only using two 128 MB RDRAM means I had to use the two included continuity RIMM modules to fill up the extra slots, as the 850 chipset only supports dual channel RDRAM so each channel must be populated. There are two sets of jumpers to be set on the motherboard to determine if the second USB port routing should go to the CNR or front panel connector ob board, the other jumper sets the BIOS config or is used for BIOS recovery.

The motherboard cabling and motherboard wiring scheme were easy to hook up, and the board is very clearly labeled for ease of use to the builder, and as such I had no problems in this area. The only drawback is the power cable covers up your RAM, making it difficult to access after it is plugged in. This is the only major design flaw, and it should be addressed in future versions of this motherboard.

The motherboard POSTed on the first try, and then it was a quick jaunt into the BIOS itself to see what I could play with as far as the settings go. I found out there was not much to do, as the system BIOS comes already set for optimal performance from the factory. There are also four lights on the back panel for hardware diagnostics during the power on self test (POST) that will let you know if there is a system problem.

My RAM speed and type as well as my processor and drives were detected automatically by the D850GB, making my job much easier. I then proceeded to install the Windows software, which went in without any hassles and took about nineteen minutes of time to complete. Once the primary OS was installed, I installed the sound and IDE bus drivers to get the most out of the motherboard. Then it was off to the final stage of the review: the testing and scoring phase. Read on and see how the Garibaldi fares in the next round.