Introduction

Some may ask, what is the point of owning a mini ATX motherboard, not being able to see the potential outside of a small workstation. Others may have seen some cool rigs and case mods produced with them, but do not know how to get started. But with a mini ATX board, there is plenty of potential for some great computers and some awesome LAN boxes. You just have to look for the items that suit your style.

A great place to start would be to decide on your needs and what you want out of what you are going to build. Do you want a LAN box to take with you, or a small HTPC so you do not have a big rig in the living room? With the LAN box, you want power and portability, with the HTPC, you might want something slim and slick looking. And the best place to start is by deciding what kind of motherboard would meet all your needs. Does it have a PCIe slot for a graphics card or on board video to eliminate the need for that card? Does it have SATA capabilities for better technologies or do you want to use some older components and will the board support those?

The Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V motherboard has the options to meet your needs. The Pure Innovation 780V by Sapphire has both a PCIe x16 slot and on-board graphics so it can be used as both an HTPC and a LAN Box. The Innovation 780V also supports Hybrid Graphics with other 3000 series graphics cards to boost the performance of your system. The PURE Innovation 780V also sports the SB700 South-bridge chip set which was designed for fast Windows Vista compatibility and up to 14 USB devices, not to mention, the new Phenom IIs are compatible with the Pure Innovation 780V.

 Product View

The Sapphire Pure Innovation 780V motherboard comes packaged in a box with a pretty interesting color scheme. I don't know if I like the color scheme or not, but it certainly did catch my attention. On the back, you get a list of features for the Innovation 780V. On the sides of the Sapphire Innovation 780V, you have a list of specifications and features for the Sapphire Innovation 780V. Once the box is open, you see that the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V is packed in a pretty standard manner.

As you can see, the board is a mATX board and has that stylish red PCB for those who have cases with windows. And, as you can see, the manual has everything laid out and numbered for easy identification.

As you can see, the board supports AM2+/AM2 processors and has the bracket for the CPU cooler already mounted on the board. Right next to the socket are the DIMM slots, which support DDR2 RAM. You also can see the FDD and 24 pin PSU connectors, and that the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V has six SATA and one IDE connector. The Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V has one PCIe x1, one PCIe x 16, and two PCI slots. Also, note the location of the front audio header, kind of a strange location for it.

Here is a closer look at the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V North-bridge and South-bridge heat sinks. On the bottom of the board, you notice the the heat sink bracket is attached with plastic clips.

You will notice that the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V has onboard video, which can be used in hybrid with another 3000 series card. The Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V has both PS/2 and USB ports and, if you notice in the instructions, the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V has two versions of the board for your audio needs. The Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V comes with one SATA cable and one IDE cable and the instructions and installation CD.

BIOS

The Sapphire Pure Innovation 780V has a Phoenix BIOS which is laid out in the standard form. From here you can access the Standard CMOS features, advanced BIOS features, integrated peripherals, power management, and more. Among many features, you can tweak the integrated video, manually configure your hyper transport, and adjust your power settings. Below you can find the BIOS broken down into sections.

Main menu and Standard CMOS Features

Advanced BIOS Features and CPU Features

Advanced Chip set Features and HT Control

PCIE and IGX Configuration

Integrated Peripherals

PnP/PCI Configurations

Frequency/Voltage Control

Technologies

AMD 780V Chip set

The AMD 780V Chip set allows for a ton of abilities, including hybrid graphics, the SB700 south bridge, and SurroundView. The Radeon 3100 graphics is one thing that sets apart the 780V chip set from other chip sets. It allows for HDCP playback and has the ability to run DirectX 10 games. And with an additional graphics card, you can run up to four separate monitors with the SurroundView feature, not to mention the doubling and tripling of bandwidth with the new PCIe Generation 2.0 and Hyper Transport 3.0 technologies.

ATI Radeon HD3100 Graphics with ATI Hybrid Technology

The integrated ATI Radeon HD3100 graphics core allows for options. If you don't want to use a graphics card, and do not do much gaming, you can use the onboard chip set to take care of the graphics. But, if you want a little more graphical power, you can add another 3000 series to use the hybrid graphics to boost your power. And if that is not enough, you can just use the PCIe slot and run a higher power graphics card. The onboard HD3100 supports both VGA and DVI inputs.

Hybrid graphics allow users to add an additional 3000 series graphics card in the PCIe slot and use them both in tandem., thus giving you the power of both to help meet your needs. Hybrid graphics does a great job managing need and efficiency. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, hybrid technology will manage the use of the on-board and discrete card effectively. When you need less, it will use the onboard chip, but when you need more, it will kick on the discrete and give you the power of both.

AMD SB700 South-bridge

The SB700 can support eSATA and up to six 3.0 GB/s SATA devices. The SB700 can also use up to 14 USB ports, 12 of which are USB 2.0. The SB700 has also been optimized for Windows Vista to allow for a better user experience and for better power efficiency. The SB700 can also support hybrid drives, which can give you even more flexibility. It supports Hi Def audio and has features that also enhance the experience for corporate users with better encryption and remote management of systems.

AMD AM2+/AM2 Socket

The Sapphire Pure Innovation 780V motherboard has the AM2+/AM2 socket, which has become pretty standard, but I wanted to highlight the fact that you could actually still run the new Phenom II processors on the socket, which gives you a wide range of CPUs to choose from.

Efficiency

Sapphire, like most other manufacturers, is taking strides to make their hardware more energy efficient, and the Pure Innovation 780V motherboard is no exception. The AMD 780V Chip set includes the industry’s advanced power efficiency solutions. Hi Tech Legion utilizes a Kill A Watt model P4400 power meter to measure total system energy consumption. These measurements were taken at system idle and at full system load.

Specifications

Package Contents

• Sapphire PI-AM2RS780V Motherboard
• Cable for ATA 133 IDE
• Sapphire Driver CD for Motherboard
• Cable for Serial ATA II
• Rear External I/O Shield
• Sapphire PI-AM2RS780V Motherboard User’s Manual

Features

• AMD 780V Chip set: DirectX 10, HT3, and PCI-E Gen2 Technology - AMD 780V chip set based on the latest ATI Radeon 3100 graphics and PCI-Express Gen2 bus with CPU by Hyper Transport 3.0 high speed technology can deliver high performance, low latency architecture offer one of the industry’s advanced power efficiency solutions, secure high-speed Graphic core, and high-performance video technology— ensures that your PC stays ready for games, future applications, and next-generation PC specifications.
• AMD SB700 South-bridge Chip set - AMD SB700 Series offers advanced technologies and superior performance to any chip set platform solution for AMD desktop and mobile applications. With superior performance and broad-based connectivity, SB700 is rich in all the latest advanced features such as 12 USB 2.0 ports and audio. Designed for full data access for the fastest Windows Vista experience, it features new disk controller technologies that ensure fast file access while providing encryption for data security. AMD SB700 is designed with advanced power management for low power consumption and energy efficient platforms.
• DDR2 1066 memory support - Supports DDR2 1066MHz memory.
• AMD 65nm Process CPU ready - Supports Socket-940 AM2+/AM2 65nm CPU for AMD Phenom, Athlon, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon X2 processors. Support HyperTransport 3.0 for next generation processors.
• OC-CON high-polymer solid electrolysis aluminum capacitors embedded – OC_CON high-polymer aluminum capacitors possess superior characteristics than regular aluminum capacitors, providing longer product life. When the operating temperature drops by 20 deg C, the product life is extended ten times. When the operating temperature increases by 20 deg C, the product life only decreases by 10%.
• RAID function support - RAID supports additional SATAII ports to provide multiple HDD RAID function for enthusiastic users.
• CPU OverClocking items to the scalabilities and flexibilities -The adjustable voltage for CPU Vcore and ratio, FSB bus can be adjusted many stages for the precisely hardware dynamic over-clocking of demanding computing performance.

Testing Methods

Benchmarking

To test all systems, processors, and motherboards, Hi Tech Legion has compiled a list of popular programs to test performance. These benchmarks are taken from programs that are available to the public. We have compiled these to create the Hi Tech Legion Benchmark Suite, which includes system, graphics, processor, rendering, compression, and word processing. All scores will be graphed for each specific test under its category. Gaming will be rated in Frames per second (FPS). System scores will be graded by numbers which are given as results by their respective programs (higher will be better unless otherwise specified). If file compression is chosen, all times will be in seconds. All temperatures will be measured in Celsius.

Systems

Two systems will be tested, each identical except for the motherboard. We will compare the performance of the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V PI-AM2RS780V against the ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series.

Benchmarks

World Bench

World Bench is a system benchmark that tests the rendering, DirectX, video encoding, file compression, data entry, and overall performance of your system. World Bench 6 Beta (stable) gives a base score of 100 for a baseline comparison when different systems are chosen. For our tests, these scores will not be valid;  all benchmarks are run individually and will reflect times in seconds as given by the program. If you would like more information, here is a link. World Bench 6

PCMark Vantage

Designed for Windows Vista, PCMark Vantage benchmarks your system with a variety of tests including video, photo editing, gaming, and communications. For results, a total PCMark score will be given (default setting) and individual scores for the tasks that are tested. To learn more about PCMark Vantage visit the Futuremark website.

SiSandra

One of our favorites, Sandra from SiSoftware is a system benchmark that individually tests all components of your system. For our benchmarking purpose, we will use the processor section which includes Processor Arithmetic, Multicore Efficiency, and Multimedia. All scores will be listed as given by benchmark, higher will be better unless otherwise stated.  SiSandra

Everest

Everest is a diagnostic and benchmarking tool. Everest will be used for its Cache and Memory benchmark. System memory, L1 cache, L2 cache, and L3 cache will be benchmarked for latency, read, write, and copy.  Lavalys is the producer of this software.

Cinebench R10

Created by Maxon, Cinebench R10 tests rendering of your CPU and GPU and scores their performance individually. We will be using the CPU rendering portion of the program and benchmark single CPU and Multiple CPU performance.

3DMark Vantage

3DMark Vantage is a gaming benchmark used to test the DirectX performance of your graphics card. There are four tests plus a custom setting that can be run:  Entry (1024x768), Performance (1280x1024), which is the default setting, High (1680x1050), and Extreme (1920x1200). In each resolution, a total score, a CPU, and GPU are generated. Futuremark

Max resolutions used for gaming benchmarks will be 1680x1050. Remember, average users are still working with 19 to 22 inch wide screen monitors which will not exceed 1680x1050.

Brothers in Arms (Hell's Highway)

Hell's Highway is the newest edition to the Brothers in Arms Saga.  It is a WW2, first person shooter that utilizes the newest Unreal Engine. This edition is based on Operation Market Garden that took place in September of 1944.  You will play as one of the men in the 101st Airborne.

• All Levels set to High

Crysis

As part of an elite group of special forces operatives, you must infiltrate a tropical island overrun by North Korean military forces and rescue a group of captured scientists. Using your bio suit, which gives you super human capabilities, you must fight your way through both the North Koreans, and an evil force that they have uncovered. One of the most demanding games a video card has ever had to contend with, this first person shooter can wreak havoc on an entry level video card even at low resolutions.

• AA 2x
• Levels: High

World in Conflict

Do you have what it takes to conquer your opponent? World in Conflict is a DX10 game where if you don't defeat your opponent, you don't gain. This is an all out, winner-take-all, modern war scenario.

• AA x4
• Graphics: Very High

AMD Fusion

AMD Fusion is a software gaming utility which gives the user an option to use preset or modified options which temporarily shut down system services that may slow down your gaming experience. Fusion also contains AMD Boost to optimize your hard drive which will help enable increased performance. The three preset configurations included with Fusion are Basic, Advanced and Expert. The expert setting uses AMD Overdrive combined with AMD Boost to increase your gaming experience even further. We will use the Basic Fusion configuration and observe the improvement in performance with 3DMark Vantage, Brothers in Arms, Crysis and World in Conflict. AMD Fusion is available as a free download. Follow this link to obtain AMD Fusion.

Conclusion

 Price Point

Price: $83.00 USD

Class: Mainstream

The Sapphire Pure Innovation 780V falls in the middle of the mainstream category. The Sapphire Pure Innovation 780V comes with on-board video and supports hybrid technology, so you can get the most out of the motherboard, not to mention the fact that it can connect up to six SATA devices. And with such adaptability and options, the Innovation 780V is a steal.

Performance

The PURE Innovation 780V performed well against a standard ATX motherboard. While not being able to meet the same marks as the standard ATX, it showed us that, for the most part, the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V would make a great board for a HTPC or even something to put into your mother's computer, that is,  if she uses the computer for everyday kind of stuff like surfing the net, checking email, or watching movies. And with a decent graphics card, it could be taken with you to LAN parties.

Reviewer's Opinion

The Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V is a nice little motherboard, and while the performance was decent, the possibilities of the Sapphire PURE Innovation 780V are great. The first thing that popped into my head was a slim HTPC for my bedroom. The possibilities include the ability to record and watch live TV, stream movies from the net, and save movies so I don't have to go looking for the DVD. But what had also occurred to me is, with the PCIe x16 slot and with the new Phenom II processors being compatible with the AM2+/AM2 socket, that this could make a nice LAN party system.

It is a good thing not to have to drag your full tower to a LAN party because of the trouble involved with transporting a full tower, especially if you have a small car. But also it occurred to me that I could make a nice low profile PC for my wife. She doesn't do any heavy gaming and uses the computer mostly to surf the net. And then she feels the need to report the most unimportant stuff, like how some actor is selling their home, like I needed to know that, especially first thing in the morning. With it's slick red PCB board and small size it can be an eye catcher. And with such a very reasonable price it could almost be considered an impulse buy for those, like me, who hang out in PC stores. The integrated graphics are definitely a plus for those who don't need the graphical power or want a low profile PC. The only problem with the board that I had was the placement of the front panel audio header, which with almost any graphics card can be a chore to reach or not interfere with the graphics card.

Pros

• Solid benchmark performance for a mATX board
• Affordable
• Forward and Reverse Compatible
• Integrated graphics opens the possibility of specialty super-slim cases
• Make a great HTPC
• Slick Red PCB

Cons

• May not yet be available from US retailers.
• Placement of the FP audio header