Performance (continued):
The next four screen shots are from SiSoft Sandra 2007, and we'll start by looking at the Processor Arithmetic and Processor Multi-Media tests. The ZMAXdp continues the strong performance shown in the Everest tests, but this time as compared to a different set of reference systems.
 
The next two screens are from the Memory Bandwidth and Memory Latency tests, and continue to show the strong capabilities of the ZMAXdp.
 
Performance will obviously vary from configuration to configuration, but the ZMAXdp is definitely capable of some serious computing horsepower. Whether you go with lower priced single core Opterons or some of the even higher rated dual core models, the reference data with the 270 processors is a good reference of what is possible.
Conclusion:
Products at the end of their lives in production are generally of little interest in reviews, but the IWILL ZMAXdp Dual Opteron Small Form Factor Barebones System has remained useful, powerful, and appealing for over two years since it was released. It may not be the latest or greatest, but it is capable of providing some serious computing power in an attractive small form factor configuration that doesn't skimp on extras.
This product definitely isn't for everyone. You need to have (or need to buy) the less common socket 940 AMD processors, ECC registered DDR memory, and an AGP card in order to even consider this barebone system. If you have such items from an older system, perhaps a server that has been retired, the IWILL ZMAXdp Dual Opteron Small Form Factor Barebones System is easy to recommend. It provides a cost effective way to build a strong workstation that can keep up with some of today's high-end systems in about as little space as possible.
Geeks.com presently has the black and red ZMAXdp on sale for for under $200 (US), which is really a nice price in my opinion. Due to supply and demand, the red version usually sells for $239.95, while the black version usually sells for $299.95. Unless you have a strong aversion to red, there is no reason to spend an extra $60 if you happen to miss out on this sale. At $239.95 for the red model, the price is still reasonable to me.
If you shop around, or strike a trade at places like the 2CPU.com Forum, you can easily build up a solid system in a ZMAXdp for a relatively low price.
Given the features, performance, and sub $200 price, I award the IWILL ZMAXdp Dual Opteron Small Form Factor Barebones System the ratings of "Recommended" and "Good Value".
 
Pros:
» Great performance from effectively a quad-core configuration
» Attractive and compact housing
» Small form factor with big muscles
» Onboard audio, LAN, SATA RAID, Firewire, and all the other goodies you would expect
» Great price
Cons:
» Product has reached the end of its life in production
» Extremely loud when fans at full speed
» Can not use eSATA connection when two internal SATA drives installed
Special thanks to Geeks.com for providing the IWILL ZMAXdp Dual Opteron Small Form Factor Barebones System to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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