ASUS CUPLE-VM

Being a Socket 370 motherboard, this board can take a Celeron or PIII processor. However, it’s more suitable for a Celeron, as it has integrated video and no AGP slot. Audio has also been integrated, and the board can take a maximum of 1 GB RAM in its two DIMM slots. It’s built on MicroATX form factor and has color-coded ports for standard VGA, parallel, audio, and game ports. It also has two PS/2, two serial (one is on back panel and another comes separately with a cable and connector), and four USB ports (two are on rear panel, and two are optional). For the optional ports, the board has an onboard header; but you’ll have to pay Rs 200 to get the two-port USB connector set.

We tested it on a Celeron 600 with 128 MB RAM, and Seagate Barracuda ATA3 20 GB hard disk. We first ran BW 2001 for productivity applications, where the board gave a score of 21.2, which is good for an entry-level board. Next we ran CCW 2001 for high-end applications. Here, it gave an average score of 20.7, which is understood considering it’s not meant for running high-end applications.

Given its price, features, and performance, the board is good for normal productivity applications.

Neelima Vaid