Introduction

With the introduction of HDMI pumping graphics cards, the motherboard market has jumped on the band wagon, with many featuring full HDMI output con audio. The abit AN-M2HD with it’s GeForce 7050PV and nForce 630a chipset is one such example, but today I have AMD/ATI’s reply; the Biostar TA690G AM2. As the name implies, this mATX motherboard uses the AMD 690G with onboard X1250 graphics.

Both accept AM2 processors, both have 4 RAM slots and similar connectivity, but which is the choice of the media lover? Lets find out…

Specifications

• Model
  • Brand: Biostar
  • Model: TA690G AM2
• Supported CPU
  • CPU socket: AM2
  • CPU type: all AM2 compatible processors
  • FSB: 1000 MHz Hyper Transport (2000 MT/s)
• Chipsets
  • Northbridge: AMD 690G
  • Southbridge: ATI SB600
• Memory
  • No. of slots: 4 x 240 pin
  • Standard: DDR2 800 (max speed)
  • Maximum capacity: 4 GB
  • Dual channel: yes
• Expansion slots
  • PCI-e x16: 1
  • PCI-e x1: 1
  • PCI: 2
• Storage devices
  • PATA: 1 x ATA100 (max. two devices)
  • SATA 3 GB/s: 4
  • SATA RAIDL 0/1/0+1
• Onboard video
  • Chipset: ATI Radeon Xpress 1250
• Onboard audio
  • Chipset: Realtek ALC888
  • Audio channels: 8 channels
  • HDMI audio: Yes (2 channels)
• Onboard LAN
  • Chipset: Realtek 8111B (PCI-e)
  • Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbps
• Rear panel ports
  • PS/2: 2 (mouse + keyboard)
  • Video: D-Sub, DVI, HDMI, S-Video
  • USB: 4 x USB 2.0
  • Audio: 6 ports
• Physical spec
  • Form factor: mATX
  • Dimensions: 9.6" x 9.6"
• Packaging
  • Drive disc
  • User manual
  • Rear I/O panel
  • IDE/PATA cable
  • FDD cable
  • SATA cable
  • Molex to SATA power