>     I'm testing a motherboard with VGA/SOUND/LAN/MODEM on board. I was
> always tempted to think the fact that you have everything on the same
board
> would make your system run faster because of a better bus between the
> devices.
>
>     Well, it actually seens to be much slower than my ASUS P2B motherboard
> using the same processor (Celeron 366).

The sound and the modem are totally software based (I guess you don't use
Linux).  If you want good sound performance and the stolen CPU cycles back,
buy a SoundBlaster Live Value card.  You should be able to find one for
around 35.00 or so, they kick ass.   AC/97 sound is a joke.  It will hang
your machine, it will cause your mouse to jerk when you move it (I can't
stand this).  It will definitely slow down your computer.

As far as the bus goes, it's the same whether you use a card or have
integrated devices.  For example PS2 interface is a PNP ISA device.  The
AC/97 codec is a PCI device, I believe.  The integrated IDE devices are PCI
based.  There are boards with the Creative 5880 chip.  This chip is fairly
decent for an integrated solution.  It is basically a SB PCI 512 built onto
the board.

Integrated video (nowadays) is usually AGP based.  This is kind of a cruel
joke.  Like buying a USB 2.0 keyboard, what's the point.  ;-D  Most
integrated video is very poor in the performance arena.  Since the AGP bus
seems to only allow for one device, having integrated video "usually" steals
your AGP bus.  There are a few boards that have integrated video and have an
AGP socket that can be used.  This works by disabling the on-board video.

Also, did you change to another chipset (like VIA or SIS).  I don't care
what anyone says, VIA chipsets are not as fast as Intel.  They also have
many other hidden "features".

Brown's 1st Law of Motherboards:  YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Or, to grammatically correct it:  YOU GET THAT FOR WHICH YOU PAY

>     Anybody can explain this? The Modem, LAN or the Sound devices uses the
> processor for some tasks as DSPing or something? That could explain why
the
> performance decreases so much when I'm listening to MP3 while working.
>
>     Thanks,
>
>     Brusque
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Edson Brusque                 C.I.Tronics Lighting Designers Ltda
> Researcher and Developer               Blumenau  -  SC  -  Brazil
> Say NO to HTML mail                          www.citronics.com.br
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>
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