Review- MSI Mega 865 - A Barebone System
MSI has a very unique product on their hands. Out of the box, the Mega 865 would make a good system for someone living in a small dorm room or apartment; it offers basic computer and radio features. But given the right creative mind, the Mega 865 has the potential to be a system of sustenance. When MSI debuted the original MEGA PC a year ago, it totally revolutionized the concept of a small form factor (SFF) system. In fact, the product series name MEGA is an abbreviation for MSI Entertainment and Gaming Appliance, which is a very fitting designation if you take into account its specifications and capabilities.Many users must have faced the problem of choosing a home computer.
At any industry-wide exhibition we see the leading manufacturers show various concept systems of a “digital home” or a “multimedia center”, and this topic is discussed at length in computer-related media, but these visions of the future still remain in the distance while we mostly go on using the standard office PC at home, shoving it under the desk or in the corner – out of sight.
Some companies such as X Media Zone have taken the Mega 865, included their own software and hardware and sells the system as their own. We were impressed with the amount of features and support for high-end components that the Mega 865 has.
Casual gamers will find the Mega 865 makes a great gaming system. It supports 8X AGP video cards, has 5.1 channel sound and has front headphones and USB ports on the system. If you can upgrade the power supply and watch the heat the system puts out, you should be able to roll with the best of them. MSI deserves credit for making a system like the Mega 865 because it opens the door to many ideas. If MSI were to package a TV tuner card and polish the software they include with it, then they would have a system that could quite possible be the best in its class.
users and manufacturers now oftener agree that the true home PC should differ from the office machine as concerns design and functionality, like wild animals differ from the domesticated ones. The problem grew more urgent with the advent of the LCD monitor, which is smaller and more elegant that the CRT one and quickly replaces the latter on our desks. For a well-to-do owner of such a monitor, the problem of the grey box of the standard PC case is a constant vexation – if you set aesthetics and design as the goal, you should pursue it everywhere.
MSI Mega 865 Specifications
1. Front Panel Connectivity
* Optical SPIDIF in
* Mic-In
* Headphone Jack
* USB 2.0 x2
* IEEE 1394 Firewire x 2 (6 pin and 4 pin)
* 6 in 1 Media Card Reader
2. Rear Panel Connectivity
* One VGA Port
* PS2 Keyboard and Mouse
* LAN Port (RJ-45)
* USB 2.0 x2
* Parallel Port
* Optical SPIDIF Out
* Speaker-out / Line-in / Mic — in (5.1ch)
* 56K Modem
* AGP Slot
* PCI Slot
3. TV Tuner Functions (Optional with MS-8606-040 MEGA TV Tuner Card)
* Free Scan
* Time-Shifting
* Scheduled Recording (MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4)
* Channel Preview
* Screen Capture
* Parental Control
* DVD / Photo / Video Authoring Software bundle
Software and Other Features
* Bundled MSI Media Center Deluxe III Software
* Microsoft PC 2001 Compliant
* Suspend to Ram/Disk Function
* Top Tech III (Thermal Overheat Protection Technology)
* PC Alert System Hardware Monitor
* 250W(PFC 5V/12V SB) Full Range
* Dimensions: 202 (w) x 320 (d) x 151 (h) mm
The “candy” point of the MEGA PC is the ability of the system to work in two modes: “Hi-Fi” and “PC”. Thus, the user can listen to music without powering the PC component up and booting the OS. In the first operational mode the integrated AM/FM tuner and the optical drive are the only devices that work, while the CPU and the rest of the system don’t even receive power (more – they can be missing altogether!). In the second mode, the MEGA PC is a simple multimedia computer. Let’s check out how these two functions mix and match together!
The original MEGA PC lineup had the MEGA 651 that was based on the SiS 651 chipset for the Socket-478 Pentium 4 (which we reviewed) and the MEGA 400 whose platform is the VIA KM400 chipset for the Socket-462 (Athlon XP) processors. While those models were based on a design which is nearing a year old now, they were pretty suitable then. However, many were disappointed that the MEGA PC series wasnot available on the more famous Intel and NVIDIA platforms, until today.
After nearly a year of waiting, SFF supporters around the world would be treated to MSIs newest MEGA PC lineup - the MEGA 865 and the MEGA 180. As the model numbers suggest, the 865 used the Intel 865G platform while the model 180 has an NVIDIA nForce2 IGP platform (the chipset was initially codenamed Crush18G, hence the model number 180).
MSI Mega 865 Features
1. System Features
* Supports Socket 478 for Intel ® Pentium™4 and Celeron® processors up to 3.06GHz+
* Intel 865G +ICH5 Chipset
* Supports up to 2 DIMMs , 2.0GB DDR400 memory
* Supports 1 x 8X AGP Slot
* Supports 1 x PCI 32 bit Slot
* Supports 1 x IDE or S-ATA Drive
2. Audio Features
* Instant-ON CD / MP3 and Radio Features
* Support for 5.1ch Surround Sound Audio
* Dual Optical SPIDIF In / Out (Front / Rear)
3. Video Features
* Integrated 865G (8X AGP)
4. Communication Features
* Wireless LAN 802.11B
* 10/100Mbps LAN
* 56K Modem
A well-known maker of mainboards, optical drives and other PC components, launched the MEGA barebone series some time ago (MEGA – MSI Entertainment and Gaming Appliance). Devices of this series are all targeted at multimedia applications – you often find a phrase like “Digital Media Platform” in descriptions of the models.
There is also a non-deluxe MEGA 865, which did not incorporate the 6-in-1 card reader and a Mini PCI Wireless LAN card (IEEE 802.11b standard). Apart from this, both models share many other similarities.The following are the contents of the MSI MEGA 865 product package:-
* MSI MEGA 865 barebone SFF system
* Custom-length SATA cable
* Power cord
* MSI CPU cooler
* Quick Installation Guide
* Quick Start Guide
* Software/Drivers CD
* Radio Antenna Loop
* Remote Control
* Screw kit
The MEGA865 PRO provides different EQ modes to choose from. Aside from InstantOn Mode, you can also see it working when you use the Home Theater application. The MEGA865 PRO makes watching DVD a real enjoyment. You can enjoy the high-level sound effect in movies. If you use a LCD monitor or Plasma TV with it, the visual experience is close to be in a movie theater.
Expansion Ports
Front Panel
* 2 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1 x Firewire port (6-pin)
* 1 x miniDV Firewire port (4-pin)
* 1x Headphone output (pre-amplified)
* 1x Mic-in
* 1x SPDIF Optical input
Back Panel
* 1x Serial Port
* 1x Parallel port
* 1x VGA output
* 2 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1x RJ45 10/100Mbps LAN port
* 1x RJ11 Phone Jack for Modem
* 1x Center/Bass speaker output
* 1x Front Left / Right speaker output
* 1x Rear Left / Right speaker output
* 1x SPDIF Optical output
* PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse
* Radio Antenna Jack
Setting up the Mega 865 can be relatively difficult depending on your experience with building a computer from scratch. You must know how to install a CPU, memory, hard drive and an optical drive before you can use this system. From an instruction perspective, the manual that MSI packages with the Mega 865 is fairly good. But because of the systems compact size, we recommend that you set aside several hours and take your time when installing the components. One thing worth noting is there are several vents on the side of the system chassis. The CPU fan which MSI packages with this system shoots air out both sides of the CPU and out the vents in the side of the system; from a design perspective, it seemed like a smart setup.
While the front display on the system looks very good, it has a very limited function, and that is to show the time of day, the volume and the AM/FM radio station you are on; otherwise it's useless during normal computer operation. One cool thing about the system is that you can listen to the radio without turning on the computer portion of the system. This greatly reduces the amount of noise the Mega 865 puts out.
Source: techarena
MSI has a very unique product on their hands. Out of the box, the Mega 865 would make a good system for someone living in a small dorm room or apartment; it offers basic computer and radio features. But given the right creative mind, the Mega 865 has the potential to be a system of sustenance. When MSI debuted the original MEGA PC a year ago, it totally revolutionized the concept of a small form factor (SFF) system. In fact, the product series name MEGA is an abbreviation for MSI Entertainment and Gaming Appliance, which is a very fitting designation if you take into account its specifications and capabilities.Many users must have faced the problem of choosing a home computer.
At any industry-wide exhibition we see the leading manufacturers show various concept systems of a “digital home” or a “multimedia center”, and this topic is discussed at length in computer-related media, but these visions of the future still remain in the distance while we mostly go on using the standard office PC at home, shoving it under the desk or in the corner – out of sight.
Some companies such as X Media Zone have taken the Mega 865, included their own software and hardware and sells the system as their own. We were impressed with the amount of features and support for high-end components that the Mega 865 has.Casual gamers will find the Mega 865 makes a great gaming system. It supports 8X AGP video cards, has 5.1 channel sound and has front headphones and USB ports on the system. If you can upgrade the power supply and watch the heat the system puts out, you should be able to roll with the best of them. MSI deserves credit for making a system like the Mega 865 because it opens the door to many ideas. If MSI were to package a TV tuner card and polish the software they include with it, then they would have a system that could quite possible be the best in its class.
users and manufacturers now oftener agree that the true home PC should differ from the office machine as concerns design and functionality, like wild animals differ from the domesticated ones. The problem grew more urgent with the advent of the LCD monitor, which is smaller and more elegant that the CRT one and quickly replaces the latter on our desks. For a well-to-do owner of such a monitor, the problem of the grey box of the standard PC case is a constant vexation – if you set aesthetics and design as the goal, you should pursue it everywhere.
MSI Mega 865 Specifications1. Front Panel Connectivity
* Optical SPIDIF in
* Mic-In
* Headphone Jack
* USB 2.0 x2
* IEEE 1394 Firewire x 2 (6 pin and 4 pin)
* 6 in 1 Media Card Reader
2. Rear Panel Connectivity
* One VGA Port
* PS2 Keyboard and Mouse
* LAN Port (RJ-45)
* USB 2.0 x2
* Parallel Port
* Optical SPIDIF Out
* Speaker-out / Line-in / Mic — in (5.1ch)
* 56K Modem
* AGP Slot
* PCI Slot
3. TV Tuner Functions (Optional with MS-8606-040 MEGA TV Tuner Card)
* Free Scan
* Time-Shifting
* Scheduled Recording (MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4)
* Channel Preview
* Screen Capture
* Parental Control
* DVD / Photo / Video Authoring Software bundle
Software and Other Features
* Bundled MSI Media Center Deluxe III Software
* Microsoft PC 2001 Compliant
* Suspend to Ram/Disk Function
* Top Tech III (Thermal Overheat Protection Technology)
* PC Alert System Hardware Monitor
* 250W(PFC 5V/12V SB) Full Range
* Dimensions: 202 (w) x 320 (d) x 151 (h) mm
The “candy” point of the MEGA PC is the ability of the system to work in two modes: “Hi-Fi” and “PC”. Thus, the user can listen to music without powering the PC component up and booting the OS. In the first operational mode the integrated AM/FM tuner and the optical drive are the only devices that work, while the CPU and the rest of the system don’t even receive power (more – they can be missing altogether!). In the second mode, the MEGA PC is a simple multimedia computer. Let’s check out how these two functions mix and match together!
The original MEGA PC lineup had the MEGA 651 that was based on the SiS 651 chipset for the Socket-478 Pentium 4 (which we reviewed) and the MEGA 400 whose platform is the VIA KM400 chipset for the Socket-462 (Athlon XP) processors. While those models were based on a design which is nearing a year old now, they were pretty suitable then. However, many were disappointed that the MEGA PC series wasnot available on the more famous Intel and NVIDIA platforms, until today.
After nearly a year of waiting, SFF supporters around the world would be treated to MSIs newest MEGA PC lineup - the MEGA 865 and the MEGA 180. As the model numbers suggest, the 865 used the Intel 865G platform while the model 180 has an NVIDIA nForce2 IGP platform (the chipset was initially codenamed Crush18G, hence the model number 180).
MSI Mega 865 Features
1. System Features
* Supports Socket 478 for Intel ® Pentium™4 and Celeron® processors up to 3.06GHz+
* Intel 865G +ICH5 Chipset
* Supports up to 2 DIMMs , 2.0GB DDR400 memory
* Supports 1 x 8X AGP Slot
* Supports 1 x PCI 32 bit Slot
* Supports 1 x IDE or S-ATA Drive
2. Audio Features
* Instant-ON CD / MP3 and Radio Features
* Support for 5.1ch Surround Sound Audio
* Dual Optical SPIDIF In / Out (Front / Rear)
3. Video Features
* Integrated 865G (8X AGP)
4. Communication Features
* Wireless LAN 802.11B
* 10/100Mbps LAN
* 56K Modem
A well-known maker of mainboards, optical drives and other PC components, launched the MEGA barebone series some time ago (MEGA – MSI Entertainment and Gaming Appliance). Devices of this series are all targeted at multimedia applications – you often find a phrase like “Digital Media Platform” in descriptions of the models.
There is also a non-deluxe MEGA 865, which did not incorporate the 6-in-1 card reader and a Mini PCI Wireless LAN card (IEEE 802.11b standard). Apart from this, both models share many other similarities.The following are the contents of the MSI MEGA 865 product package:-
* MSI MEGA 865 barebone SFF system
* Custom-length SATA cable
* Power cord
* MSI CPU cooler
* Quick Installation Guide
* Quick Start Guide
* Software/Drivers CD
* Radio Antenna Loop
* Remote Control
* Screw kit
The MEGA865 PRO provides different EQ modes to choose from. Aside from InstantOn Mode, you can also see it working when you use the Home Theater application. The MEGA865 PRO makes watching DVD a real enjoyment. You can enjoy the high-level sound effect in movies. If you use a LCD monitor or Plasma TV with it, the visual experience is close to be in a movie theater.
Expansion Ports
Front Panel
* 2 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1 x Firewire port (6-pin)
* 1 x miniDV Firewire port (4-pin)
* 1x Headphone output (pre-amplified)
* 1x Mic-in
* 1x SPDIF Optical input
Back Panel
* 1x Serial Port
* 1x Parallel port
* 1x VGA output
* 2 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1x RJ45 10/100Mbps LAN port
* 1x RJ11 Phone Jack for Modem
* 1x Center/Bass speaker output
* 1x Front Left / Right speaker output
* 1x Rear Left / Right speaker output
* 1x SPDIF Optical output
* PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse
* Radio Antenna Jack
Setting up the Mega 865 can be relatively difficult depending on your experience with building a computer from scratch. You must know how to install a CPU, memory, hard drive and an optical drive before you can use this system. From an instruction perspective, the manual that MSI packages with the Mega 865 is fairly good. But because of the systems compact size, we recommend that you set aside several hours and take your time when installing the components. One thing worth noting is there are several vents on the side of the system chassis. The CPU fan which MSI packages with this system shoots air out both sides of the CPU and out the vents in the side of the system; from a design perspective, it seemed like a smart setup.
While the front display on the system looks very good, it has a very limited function, and that is to show the time of day, the volume and the AM/FM radio station you are on; otherwise it's useless during normal computer operation. One cool thing about the system is that you can listen to the radio without turning on the computer portion of the system. This greatly reduces the amount of noise the Mega 865 puts out.
Source: techarena
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