DFI brings Intel Dothan to desktops

DFI today launched industry's most enthusiasts-oriented desktop Pentium M motherboard, 855GME-MGF. Based on the Intel mobile 855GME/6300 ESB chipset and supports socket 479 Pentium M processors, this motherboard merges cutting edge mobile technology and performance potentials onto an environmentally friendly platform. Its low heat generation, virtually fan less operation and performance-oriented design makes the new 855GME-MGF the perfect solution for small home servers, silent home theater PCs, or blazing fast gaming systems.

Designed with versatility in mind, the 855GME-MGF is based on the standard micro ATX form factor and features support for low latency DDR333 memory and AGP 4X. Similar to the CPU socket used in notebooks, the motherboard features a low profile CPU socket that fully supports socket 479 Pentium M and Celeron M processors with 0.09 µm Dothan or 0.13 µm Banias core. Migrating the mobile chipset and CPU platform to the desktop means DFI users can now truly enjoy green computing without the expense of performance degradation. From lowered energy consumption, low heat generation, low noise generation to a possible fan-less system design, the 855GME-MGF motherboard promises more than any current desktop can deliver.

In addition to the green features of this motherboard, DFI's 855GME-MGF also brings performance desktop computing to a new height. “In general application performance, a 2GHz Pentium M actually outperformed the desktop chips and even in gaming and workstation applications the Pentium M was competitive, all while running at significantly lower temperatures with much lower power requirements.” said Anand Lal Shimpi, Editor-in-Chief of Anandtech.

To equip overclockers with the best platform to work with, DFI's new Pentium M desktop motherboard boasts a robust BIOS that is packed with optimization options at the widest ranges. Advanced BIOS features include adjustable CPU clock (100 to 250 MHz), adjustable CPU ratio (6 to infinite), adjustable FSB to memory ratio (1:1, 4:3, 5:3), asynchronized PCI/AGP modes (33/66, 36/73, 40/80), and built in stability testing for both memory and CPU. In intensive gaming, DFI's new 855GME-MGF with an overclocked 2.8 GHz Pentium M processor flies past competing platforms with ease. Compared to the performance of Athlon64 4000+ and Pentium 4 3.4 GHz Extreme Edition in Doom3, DFI's new solution tops the chart with a large margin lead (see chart).

The DFI 855GME-MGF will start shipping in North America through DFI's authorized distributors and resellers starting November 8, 2004. Each motherboard is bundled with a specially designed heatsink/fan to ensure highest compatibility.