Introduction
Today, we'll be reviewing the Biostar M7MIA - the first Socket A, AMD 761-based board we've received from the folks at Biostar. Thanks to its shiny new chipset, the M7MIA comes equipped with support with 133MHz FSB Athlon processors, as well as PC1600 and/or PC2100 DDR-SDRAM memory.Let's take a look.
Biostar M7MIA AMD 761 Hardware characteristics
CPU Socket-A AMD Althon and Duron Processor * CPU Speed 500~1.3GHz and up to 1.33GHz-266FSB * 200/266MHz System Bus
Chipset AMD 761 + VIA VT82C686B
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 24.4cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 1 ISA - 1 AMR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 2X 184-pin 1Gb DDR SDRAM PC1600 - PC2100
FSB 100Mhz, 103Mhz, 105Mhz, 110Mhz, 113Mhz, 117Mhz, 133Mhz, 138Mhz, 144Mhz, 150Mhz and 155Mhz
Vcore adj. NA
Vio adj. NA
Audio chipset embeded into the chipset South bridge
Configuration
Since there seem to be few features to distinguish this board, it stands to reason that there are few jumpers to be found, thus greatly simplifying the configuration process.Only a single jumper - labeled JCKL1 - can be found on the board's surface, and it can be used to set the FSB to either 100MHz or 133MHz.Within the BIOS, user's will find only a single option relating to the processor, which will allow them to set the FSB frequency as indicated in the table above. As you can guess, the M7MIA is really designed with Overclocking in mind, even though it's AMD 761 chipset does supply it with a good deal of under-the-hood power. The BIOS can however be rolled-back to the last batch of valid settings by pressing "CTRL + Insert" at start-up.
Index: Chose...IntroductionTechnical detailsAdditionnal featuresSpecificationsBenchmarksConclusions
18 Eylül 2007 Salı
Biostar M6TSS 815EP socket 370
Introduction
Biostar, a company unknown too much of the buying public, was established in 1986 under the name of BIOSTAR MICROTECH INTERNATIONAL CORP. With sales of more than $130 million US in 1998, Biostar obtained ISO 9001 certification for the year 1999. Today, we'll be reviewing the first motherboard we've ever received from this manufacturer; the Biostar M6TSS - a Socket 370 board which implements the i815EP chipset. Let's take a look...
Hardware Characteristics of the Biostar M6TSS 815EP socket 370
CPU Socket 370 Intel CoppermineTM and CeleronTM Processor 66MHz/100MHz/133MHz
Chipset Intel(R) 815EP chipset. (544 BGA)+ Intel(R) ICH2 chipset. (241 BGA)
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 20cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 ISA - 1 CNR - 1 AMR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 3X 168-pins DIMM SDRAM 512Mb PC133
FSB 66Mhz to 166Mhz in 1Mhz increment in the BIOS.
Vcore adj. NA
Vio adj. NA
Audio chipset embeded into the chipset
Configuration
Configuration of the Biostar M6TSS is accomplished primarily from within the BIOS. Only a single array of on-board jumpers relates to system configuration - JCLK11 - which can be used to force the FSB to 66MHz, 100MHz, or 133MHz. Few Overclocking features are present however, indicating that the M6TSS is targeting an audience other than Overclocking fans.Contrary to convention, BIOS functions related to the configuration of the processor are not found in the "Frequency/Voltage Control" menu, but rather in the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu.From there, it's possible to set the FSB to frequencies ranging from 66MHz to 166MHz in 1MHz steps.The clock multiplier can also be set to between 3X and 8X.Finally, the M6TSS benefits from an independent memory bus which permits users to set their memory to operate at 100MHz, 133MHz, or allow the system to set the frequency automatically.
Index: Chose...IntroductionTechnical detailsadditionnal featuresSpÚcificationsbenchmarksConclusions
Biostar, a company unknown too much of the buying public, was established in 1986 under the name of BIOSTAR MICROTECH INTERNATIONAL CORP. With sales of more than $130 million US in 1998, Biostar obtained ISO 9001 certification for the year 1999. Today, we'll be reviewing the first motherboard we've ever received from this manufacturer; the Biostar M6TSS - a Socket 370 board which implements the i815EP chipset. Let's take a look...
Hardware Characteristics of the Biostar M6TSS 815EP socket 370
CPU Socket 370 Intel CoppermineTM and CeleronTM Processor 66MHz/100MHz/133MHz
Chipset Intel(R) 815EP chipset. (544 BGA)+ Intel(R) ICH2 chipset. (241 BGA)
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 20cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 ISA - 1 CNR - 1 AMR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 3X 168-pins DIMM SDRAM 512Mb PC133
FSB 66Mhz to 166Mhz in 1Mhz increment in the BIOS.
Vcore adj. NA
Vio adj. NA
Audio chipset embeded into the chipset
Configuration
Configuration of the Biostar M6TSS is accomplished primarily from within the BIOS. Only a single array of on-board jumpers relates to system configuration - JCLK11 - which can be used to force the FSB to 66MHz, 100MHz, or 133MHz. Few Overclocking features are present however, indicating that the M6TSS is targeting an audience other than Overclocking fans.Contrary to convention, BIOS functions related to the configuration of the processor are not found in the "Frequency/Voltage Control" menu, but rather in the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu.From there, it's possible to set the FSB to frequencies ranging from 66MHz to 166MHz in 1MHz steps.The clock multiplier can also be set to between 3X and 8X.Finally, the M6TSS benefits from an independent memory bus which permits users to set their memory to operate at 100MHz, 133MHz, or allow the system to set the frequency automatically.
Index: Chose...IntroductionTechnical detailsadditionnal featuresSpÚcificationsbenchmarksConclusions
Azza 815EPX socket 370
Introduction
The Azza 815EPX is one of the newest boards on the market to base itself around the Intel 815EP chipset. One of the more interesting aspects of the 815EPX is its support for Azza-Up - a feature that allows USB and audio ports to be relayed to the front of the system, rather than the back. Azza-Up is included as part of the Jumbo Pack version of the 815EPX board. As for the rest, the 815EPX is essentially a conventional board, with all the normal features one might expect, including support for PC133 memory and ATA100 drives.Let's take a closer look.
Hardware Characteristics of the Azza 815EPX
CPU Intel(R) Pentium(R) III (FC-PGA) / CeleronTM Processor 500MHz~1GHz or faster processor
Chipset Intel(R) 815EP chipset. (544 BGA)+ Intel(R) ICH2 chipset. (241 BGA)
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 21cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 ISA - 2 CNR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 3X 168-pins DIMM SDRAM 512Mb PC133
FSB 66Mhz to 166Mhz in 1Mhz increment in the BIOS.
Vcore adj. +0.05v, +0.1v, +0.2v, +0.3v, +0.4v, -0.05v, -0.1v,
Vio adj. NA
Audio chipset embeded into the chipset
Configuration
Configuration of the Azza 815EPX is a mostly jumperless affair, with the BIOS being employed in most things. Only a single set of jumpers labeled SW1 are present, and they can be used to set the FSB to 66MHz, 100MHz, or 133MHz. As expected, the FSB frequency can also be set within "Frequency/Voltage Control" menu within the BIOS. Here, users will be presented the with frequencies ranging from 66MHz to 166MHz in 1MHz steps.The clock multiplier can also be set to between 3X and 8X from within the same menu. Next on the list, we found that the Vcore voltage can be adjusted (as indicated by the above table) from within the "Chipset Features Setup" menu.Finally, the independant memory bus can be set to operate at a frequency of 100MHz, or 133MHz, or to an automatic setting determined by the system.
The Azza 815EPX is one of the newest boards on the market to base itself around the Intel 815EP chipset. One of the more interesting aspects of the 815EPX is its support for Azza-Up - a feature that allows USB and audio ports to be relayed to the front of the system, rather than the back. Azza-Up is included as part of the Jumbo Pack version of the 815EPX board. As for the rest, the 815EPX is essentially a conventional board, with all the normal features one might expect, including support for PC133 memory and ATA100 drives.Let's take a closer look.
Hardware Characteristics of the Azza 815EPX
CPU Intel(R) Pentium(R) III (FC-PGA) / CeleronTM Processor 500MHz~1GHz or faster processor
Chipset Intel(R) 815EP chipset. (544 BGA)+ Intel(R) ICH2 chipset. (241 BGA)
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 21cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 ISA - 2 CNR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 3X 168-pins DIMM SDRAM 512Mb PC133
FSB 66Mhz to 166Mhz in 1Mhz increment in the BIOS.
Vcore adj. +0.05v, +0.1v, +0.2v, +0.3v, +0.4v, -0.05v, -0.1v,
Vio adj. NA
Audio chipset embeded into the chipset
Configuration
Configuration of the Azza 815EPX is a mostly jumperless affair, with the BIOS being employed in most things. Only a single set of jumpers labeled SW1 are present, and they can be used to set the FSB to 66MHz, 100MHz, or 133MHz. As expected, the FSB frequency can also be set within "Frequency/Voltage Control" menu within the BIOS. Here, users will be presented the with frequencies ranging from 66MHz to 166MHz in 1MHz steps.The clock multiplier can also be set to between 3X and 8X from within the same menu. Next on the list, we found that the Vcore voltage can be adjusted (as indicated by the above table) from within the "Chipset Features Setup" menu.Finally, the independant memory bus can be set to operate at a frequency of 100MHz, or 133MHz, or to an automatic setting determined by the system.
Asus P2B 440BX motherboard
Introduction
Worldwide praised, this motherboard has gathered all the honors on every website where it has been reviewed. Thus I'll will cover this review with some enthusiasm because I am a bit curious to find out if my evaluation of this motherboard goes along with my predecessors. I also want to mention that this card has been generously provided by SID Distribution Canada.
At first glance, I didn't find anything exceptional on this motherboard. Actually, even if the design is quite carefully implemented, I didn't find any major innovation. Except a function that allow to start the computer by simply using the space bar of the keyboard and a system that detect opening of the casing. But nothing that can really make the difference compared to other similar motherboard.
Worldwide praised, this motherboard has gathered all the honors on every website where it has been reviewed. Thus I'll will cover this review with some enthusiasm because I am a bit curious to find out if my evaluation of this motherboard goes along with my predecessors. I also want to mention that this card has been generously provided by SID Distribution Canada.
At first glance, I didn't find anything exceptional on this motherboard. Actually, even if the design is quite carefully implemented, I didn't find any major innovation. Except a function that allow to start the computer by simply using the space bar of the keyboard and a system that detect opening of the casing. But nothing that can really make the difference compared to other similar motherboard.
The layout of the various components is good and is well made. The possibility of expansion is good but rather limited in my opinion because there is only 3 memory banks available. Provided with 4 PCI slots, 3 ISA slots, one AGP port and 3 memory banks. This motherboard offer to it owner enough possibilities for a high-end usage. The only glitch that I found is that some jumpers are located between slots which become no more accessible once the slots are used.
A picture of this motherboard is presented right below so that you can have a look by yourself on the layout.
Functionalities
Even if this is a new board, it doesn't offer any Jumper-less functionality and still uses jumpers to configure the frequency of the processor and the bus. Thanks to the jumpers it is possible to use unusual multipliers factors from 2.0x to 8.0x by .5x steps. Moreover, the frequency of the bus can be selected from a wide scale, practically from 66mhz to 133mhz offering at the same time unconventional frequencies like 83mhz and 112mhz. Even if I said earlier that this card was a bit obsolete with it's jumper based system, this card still has to offer undeniable possibilities for overclocking fans. One thing to remember is that high frequencies of the bus can only be reached if 8ns or even 6ns SDRAM memory is used because 10ns memory components won't work correctly above 112mhz and not at all at 133mhz! As a conclusion, provided with a broad variety of functionality, jumpers gives the false impression of an old fashion motherboard and it would certainly benefit from the latest technology at this point in order to be a genuine advanced motherboard.
Finally, before talking about the tests, I'd like to say a word on the manual included with this motherboard. I have to confess that the writing deceived me. Some problems are presented and the rest lacks clarity and precision in the conception. We can noticed that some topics are missing and better some mistake can be pointed out. For instance, the jumper identified as JTPWR on the motherboard is not mentioned in the jumpers description section while another described under the name PWR.SW is referred as a jumper with 2 pins even though it is really part of a jumper group located in the connectors panel. Also the HD led is not mentioned at all in the manual even if it is present on the motherboard. There is no polarity indication on the pins so that I had to try different combinations before I could make it work! Same thing with the BIOS parameters where some tuning are not explained in the manual. Finally, the font used to write the manual is so small that I had to use a lens to magnify the text while I was reading it.
Even if this is a new board, it doesn't offer any Jumper-less functionality and still uses jumpers to configure the frequency of the processor and the bus. Thanks to the jumpers it is possible to use unusual multipliers factors from 2.0x to 8.0x by .5x steps. Moreover, the frequency of the bus can be selected from a wide scale, practically from 66mhz to 133mhz offering at the same time unconventional frequencies like 83mhz and 112mhz. Even if I said earlier that this card was a bit obsolete with it's jumper based system, this card still has to offer undeniable possibilities for overclocking fans. One thing to remember is that high frequencies of the bus can only be reached if 8ns or even 6ns SDRAM memory is used because 10ns memory components won't work correctly above 112mhz and not at all at 133mhz! As a conclusion, provided with a broad variety of functionality, jumpers gives the false impression of an old fashion motherboard and it would certainly benefit from the latest technology at this point in order to be a genuine advanced motherboard.
Finally, before talking about the tests, I'd like to say a word on the manual included with this motherboard. I have to confess that the writing deceived me. Some problems are presented and the rest lacks clarity and precision in the conception. We can noticed that some topics are missing and better some mistake can be pointed out. For instance, the jumper identified as JTPWR on the motherboard is not mentioned in the jumpers description section while another described under the name PWR.SW is referred as a jumper with 2 pins even though it is really part of a jumper group located in the connectors panel. Also the HD led is not mentioned at all in the manual even if it is present on the motherboard. There is no polarity indication on the pins so that I had to try different combinations before I could make it work! Same thing with the BIOS parameters where some tuning are not explained in the manual. Finally, the font used to write the manual is so small that I had to use a lens to magnify the text while I was reading it.
Asus CUSL2-C Intel 815EP socket 370
Introduction
The release of a new Asus motherboard is usually quite an event around here. In fact, we were quite overjoyed when the chance finally came to test the newest member of the CUSL2 line of logic-boards, the Asus CUSL2-C. Revision "C" of this little family sets itself apart from its fellows by implementing the Intel 815EP chipset, thus divesting itself of internal video circuitry. What's more, the CUSL2-C does not include integrated sound support - though Asus does offer it as an option. In fact, Asus' CUSL2-C has been thoroughly stripped of all extraneous features, thus rendering it a pure & unblemished state of being that is oft' favored by old hands in the Overclocking world.So, let's say we skip all this, and head on in to the analysis itself.
Hardware setup CUSL2-C
CPU Intel Coppermine FC-PGA socket 370
Chipset Intel¨ 82815EP Memory Controller Hub, Intel¨ 82801BA Enhanced I/O Controller Hub 2, Intel¨ 82802AB Firmware Hub
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 20.8cm
Expansion 6 PCI - 0 ISA - 1 CNR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 3X 168-pin DIMM SDRAM 512Mb PC100 - PC133
FSB 66Mhz to 166Mhz in 1Hz increments
Vcore adj. Ajustable entre - 1.10vdc et +1.850vdc en pas de 0.025vdc.
Vio adj. 3.3v, 3.4v, 3.6v
Audio chipset (optionnel) compatible AC"97
The features
As we mentioned earlier, the i752 graphics card that had been an integrated component into the i815 and i815E chipsets is noticeably absent in the i815EP. This reflects the i815EP's new status as an economy chipset solution, while nevertheless maintaining the performance of its 815 fore bearers like support for ATA100 drives for instance. As a result, the i815EP is well positioned to satisfy the needs of the majority of computer users, who typically install a video-card of their own choosing.
Configuration of the CUSL2-C is accomplished entirely from within the BIOS, though an array of Dip switches is also provided, which can be used to change certain board settings. For example, by positioning jumper JEN to 1-2, SW1 becomes accessible and permits the FSB to be set between 66MHz and 160MHz. Setting JEN to 2-3, on the other hand, sets the board to Jumperfree mode, and at which point the FSB can be set from within the BIOS to a frequency ranging from 66MHz to 166MHz in 1MHz steps. A Vio jumper is also available, which allows the CPU's Vio voltage to be set to either 3.3v, 3.4v, or 3.6v. All other alterations are performed from the BIOS. The "Advanced" menu, for instance, permits users to set different FSB:SDRAM:PCI bus ratios. A second option allows users to adjust the FSB frequency while providing an indication of the corresponding PCI, and SDRAM settings. Quite handy, we must say. This option would probably prove very useful to those lucky individuals who happen to own memory capable of exceeding 133MHz, as well as those owning PC150 memory or better.
All adjustments related to memory timing can be performed from within the "Chip Configuration" submenu within the parent "Advanced" menu. From here, it's possible to even set the main memory system to address data in a normal, or aggressive fashion.
Of course, the CUSL2-C also includes the option to change the processor's Vcore voltage - a longtime favorite of Overclockers everywhere. Available settings range from 1.10v to 1.85v, in steps of 0,025v.
One thing to note, though, is that the BIOS system used by the Asus CUSL2-C is very different from that of the vast majority of other motherboards, and may throw off users who are inexperienced with Asus boards. If you happen to be one of those users, you may do yourself well to take some time to familiarize yourself with the CUSL2-C BIOS before jumping in head-first.
Finally, one last word has to be given concerning the manual assignment of IRQs: Not only is it provided with the CUSL2-C, but so is IRQ exclusion! Thus, with the CUSL2-C, it's not only possible to reserve a particular IRQ for a particular PCI slot, but also possible to explicitly prevent the system from sharing the said IRQ with another device.
Technical details
Some space has been cleared around the CPU socket, but not enough to allow for the installation of larger heatsinks.The memory slots are located far enough from the AGP port that there is no risk of the memory retention bars coming into contact with the graphics card.Nineteen 1500Mfs capacitors have been placed around the CPU socket. The CPU retention bar is made of metal, so there is no risk of it breaking.Three fan connectors are included.Hardware monitoring is controlled by an AS99127F circuit.A thermal sensor connector has been included.Assignment, and manual exclusion of IRQs is provided.Holding the "Insert" key at start-up will "roll-back" the BIOS to the last batch of valid settings.
The release of a new Asus motherboard is usually quite an event around here. In fact, we were quite overjoyed when the chance finally came to test the newest member of the CUSL2 line of logic-boards, the Asus CUSL2-C. Revision "C" of this little family sets itself apart from its fellows by implementing the Intel 815EP chipset, thus divesting itself of internal video circuitry. What's more, the CUSL2-C does not include integrated sound support - though Asus does offer it as an option. In fact, Asus' CUSL2-C has been thoroughly stripped of all extraneous features, thus rendering it a pure & unblemished state of being that is oft' favored by old hands in the Overclocking world.So, let's say we skip all this, and head on in to the analysis itself.
Hardware setup CUSL2-C
CPU Intel Coppermine FC-PGA socket 370
Chipset Intel¨ 82815EP Memory Controller Hub, Intel¨ 82801BA Enhanced I/O Controller Hub 2, Intel¨ 82802AB Firmware Hub
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 20.8cm
Expansion 6 PCI - 0 ISA - 1 CNR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
Memory 3X 168-pin DIMM SDRAM 512Mb PC100 - PC133
FSB 66Mhz to 166Mhz in 1Hz increments
Vcore adj. Ajustable entre - 1.10vdc et +1.850vdc en pas de 0.025vdc.
Vio adj. 3.3v, 3.4v, 3.6v
Audio chipset (optionnel) compatible AC"97
The features
As we mentioned earlier, the i752 graphics card that had been an integrated component into the i815 and i815E chipsets is noticeably absent in the i815EP. This reflects the i815EP's new status as an economy chipset solution, while nevertheless maintaining the performance of its 815 fore bearers like support for ATA100 drives for instance. As a result, the i815EP is well positioned to satisfy the needs of the majority of computer users, who typically install a video-card of their own choosing.
Configuration of the CUSL2-C is accomplished entirely from within the BIOS, though an array of Dip switches is also provided, which can be used to change certain board settings. For example, by positioning jumper JEN to 1-2, SW1 becomes accessible and permits the FSB to be set between 66MHz and 160MHz. Setting JEN to 2-3, on the other hand, sets the board to Jumperfree mode, and at which point the FSB can be set from within the BIOS to a frequency ranging from 66MHz to 166MHz in 1MHz steps. A Vio jumper is also available, which allows the CPU's Vio voltage to be set to either 3.3v, 3.4v, or 3.6v. All other alterations are performed from the BIOS. The "Advanced" menu, for instance, permits users to set different FSB:SDRAM:PCI bus ratios. A second option allows users to adjust the FSB frequency while providing an indication of the corresponding PCI, and SDRAM settings. Quite handy, we must say. This option would probably prove very useful to those lucky individuals who happen to own memory capable of exceeding 133MHz, as well as those owning PC150 memory or better.
All adjustments related to memory timing can be performed from within the "Chip Configuration" submenu within the parent "Advanced" menu. From here, it's possible to even set the main memory system to address data in a normal, or aggressive fashion.
Of course, the CUSL2-C also includes the option to change the processor's Vcore voltage - a longtime favorite of Overclockers everywhere. Available settings range from 1.10v to 1.85v, in steps of 0,025v.
One thing to note, though, is that the BIOS system used by the Asus CUSL2-C is very different from that of the vast majority of other motherboards, and may throw off users who are inexperienced with Asus boards. If you happen to be one of those users, you may do yourself well to take some time to familiarize yourself with the CUSL2-C BIOS before jumping in head-first.
Finally, one last word has to be given concerning the manual assignment of IRQs: Not only is it provided with the CUSL2-C, but so is IRQ exclusion! Thus, with the CUSL2-C, it's not only possible to reserve a particular IRQ for a particular PCI slot, but also possible to explicitly prevent the system from sharing the said IRQ with another device.
Technical details
Some space has been cleared around the CPU socket, but not enough to allow for the installation of larger heatsinks.The memory slots are located far enough from the AGP port that there is no risk of the memory retention bars coming into contact with the graphics card.Nineteen 1500Mfs capacitors have been placed around the CPU socket. The CPU retention bar is made of metal, so there is no risk of it breaking.Three fan connectors are included.Hardware monitoring is controlled by an AS99127F circuit.A thermal sensor connector has been included.Assignment, and manual exclusion of IRQs is provided.Holding the "Insert" key at start-up will "roll-back" the BIOS to the last batch of valid settings.
Asus A7N8X socket A nForce2
Introduction
The ASUS A7N8X motherboard rests at the pinnacle of AMD "Socket A" technology.As most of our readers know, we've reviewed quite a few KT333 and KT400 motherboards recently. The KT400 is supposed to be VIA's stab at supporting DDR400 memory, but so far, in our experience, stability has been a hit and miss affair. nVidia, on the other hand, seems to have done quite a bit better with their nForce2 chipset. The nForce2 dual memory channels have been its chief selling point, primarily because they allow it to achieve higher throughput levels than a single DDR400 bus.The Asus A7N8X comes with a wide range of other features too: SerialATA, two 10/100Base-T ports, support for Dual Channel DDR400, ATA133, Dolby Digital sound, and support for 8x AGP and Firewire. The A7N8X's BIOS also allows Overclockers to take full advantage of their systems by tweaking FSB settings, as well as the all-important Vcore, Dimm, and AGP voltages.Last, but not least, the Asus A7N8X comes with a number of proprietary Asus technologies, such as ASUS C.O.P., Q-Fan, and MyLogo2 -- all of which serve to make the user experience all the sweeter.
Characteristics of the Asus A7N8X nForce2
CPU Supports AMD-K7 Athlon /Athlon XP Socket A 200/266/333MHz FSB Processors Supports AMD-K7 Duron Socket A 200 MHz FSB Processors
Chipset nVidia nForce2 SPP - nForce2 MCP-T
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 24.5cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 CNR - 1 AGP 8X - 6 USB 2.0
Memory 3X 184-pin DIMM up to 3GB DDR SDRAM PC3200
FSB 100Mhz to 211Mhz in steps of 1Mhz
Vcore adj. 1.65 to 1.85v in steps of 0.025v
DDR/AGP Vadj. 2.6 to 2.8v in steps of 0.1v / 1.5 to 1.7v in steps of 0.1v
Audio chipset Realtek AL650
Audio
The Asus A7N8X's audio circuitry is based around a Realtek ALC650 sound-chip. The ALC650 supports AC3, Dolby digital and 5.1 Surround Sound, and allows users to hook-in upto six audio channels, including a center base channel.From a fidelity standpoint, the Realtek AL650 is quite good at what it does, and should satisfy most users.
Configuration
The ASUS A7N8X only sports a handful of jumpers, none of which relate directly to the CPU -- except for one, which can be used to set the FSB to 200FSB or 266/333FSB. So, once everything has been slapped in a case, configuration is a simple matter of dropping into the BIOS.Once there, users should immediately visit the "Advanced Chipset Setup" menu. From there, it's possible to set the FSB to between 100Mhz and 211Mhz in 1MHz increments, or set the system to determine a proper frequency automatically.The BIOS also allows user to set the memory bus frequency to 200/266/333/400Mhz, adjust the AGP/PCI frequency, and set the Vcore voltage (to between 1.65 and 1.85 Volts), the DDR voltage (to between 2.6 and 2.8 Volts) and the AGP voltages (to between 1.5 and 1.7 Volts).Memory timing options are also available to be tweaked at the users leisure.
The ASUS A7N8X motherboard rests at the pinnacle of AMD "Socket A" technology.As most of our readers know, we've reviewed quite a few KT333 and KT400 motherboards recently. The KT400 is supposed to be VIA's stab at supporting DDR400 memory, but so far, in our experience, stability has been a hit and miss affair. nVidia, on the other hand, seems to have done quite a bit better with their nForce2 chipset. The nForce2 dual memory channels have been its chief selling point, primarily because they allow it to achieve higher throughput levels than a single DDR400 bus.The Asus A7N8X comes with a wide range of other features too: SerialATA, two 10/100Base-T ports, support for Dual Channel DDR400, ATA133, Dolby Digital sound, and support for 8x AGP and Firewire. The A7N8X's BIOS also allows Overclockers to take full advantage of their systems by tweaking FSB settings, as well as the all-important Vcore, Dimm, and AGP voltages.Last, but not least, the Asus A7N8X comes with a number of proprietary Asus technologies, such as ASUS C.O.P., Q-Fan, and MyLogo2 -- all of which serve to make the user experience all the sweeter.
Characteristics of the Asus A7N8X nForce2
CPU Supports AMD-K7 Athlon /Athlon XP Socket A 200/266/333MHz FSB Processors Supports AMD-K7 Duron Socket A 200 MHz FSB Processors
Chipset nVidia nForce2 SPP - nForce2 MCP-T
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 24.5cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 CNR - 1 AGP 8X - 6 USB 2.0
Memory 3X 184-pin DIMM up to 3GB DDR SDRAM PC3200
FSB 100Mhz to 211Mhz in steps of 1Mhz
Vcore adj. 1.65 to 1.85v in steps of 0.025v
DDR/AGP Vadj. 2.6 to 2.8v in steps of 0.1v / 1.5 to 1.7v in steps of 0.1v
Audio chipset Realtek AL650
Audio
The Asus A7N8X's audio circuitry is based around a Realtek ALC650 sound-chip. The ALC650 supports AC3, Dolby digital and 5.1 Surround Sound, and allows users to hook-in upto six audio channels, including a center base channel.From a fidelity standpoint, the Realtek AL650 is quite good at what it does, and should satisfy most users.
Configuration
The ASUS A7N8X only sports a handful of jumpers, none of which relate directly to the CPU -- except for one, which can be used to set the FSB to 200FSB or 266/333FSB. So, once everything has been slapped in a case, configuration is a simple matter of dropping into the BIOS.Once there, users should immediately visit the "Advanced Chipset Setup" menu. From there, it's possible to set the FSB to between 100Mhz and 211Mhz in 1MHz increments, or set the system to determine a proper frequency automatically.The BIOS also allows user to set the memory bus frequency to 200/266/333/400Mhz, adjust the AGP/PCI frequency, and set the Vcore voltage (to between 1.65 and 1.85 Volts), the DDR voltage (to between 2.6 and 2.8 Volts) and the AGP voltages (to between 1.5 and 1.7 Volts).Memory timing options are also available to be tweaked at the users leisure.
Motherboard Reviews Asus A7A266 ALiMaGik 1 socket A
Introduction
The Asus A7A266 is a revised version of the A7V133 that uses the ALi Magik 1 chipset, rather than the earlier VIA KT133A. As a result of the switch over, the new A7A266 comes with support for both DDR, and SDR SDRAM. Combine that with its excellent design, and cornucopia of Overclocking features, and it seems that the A7A266 may be well-geared for the Overclockers' market...Let's take a closer look.
Characteristics of the Asus A7A266
CPU Socket A for AMD® AthlonTM / DuronTM 550MHz ~ 1GHz+ CPU
Chipset ALiMaGiK 1 M1647 - M1535D+
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 24.5cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 ISA - 1 AMR - 1 AGP Pro - 6 USB
Memory 2X 184-pin DIMM 2Gb DDR SDRAM PC1600 - PC21003X 168-pin DIMM 3Gb SDRAM PC100 - PC133 - VCM
FSB 100Mhz to 166Mhz in steps of 1Mhz
Vcore adj. 1.75 to 1.85 in steps of 0.025v
Vio adj. NA
Audio embeded into the chipset with the C-Media CMI8738 available as an option
Configuration
As is the case with most Asus boards, configuration of the A7A266 can be done through the use of on-board jumpers and Dip-switches, or through the BIOS.
By opting for a Jumperfree setup, users are afforded the ability to access all functions from within the convenience of the BIOS menu-system.To make use of the jumpers and Dips, however, users should set jumper JEN to position 1-2. Otherwise, a Jumperfree setup can be enabled by setting JEN to 2-3. In the case of the former configuration, Dip-array DWS switches 6 to 9 can be used to set the board's clock multiplier setting to between 5x and 12.5x, though it should be noted that this feature is also available from within the BIOS. Within the BIOS, most configuration settings are grouped together within the "Advanced" menu, which includes options for:
1.Changing the FSB frequency.
2.Setting the memory bus frequency to 100Mhz or 133Mhz.
3.Setting the Vcore voltage
4.Adjusting the clock multiplier
5.Tweaking various memory timing options
The Asus A7A266 is a revised version of the A7V133 that uses the ALi Magik 1 chipset, rather than the earlier VIA KT133A. As a result of the switch over, the new A7A266 comes with support for both DDR, and SDR SDRAM. Combine that with its excellent design, and cornucopia of Overclocking features, and it seems that the A7A266 may be well-geared for the Overclockers' market...Let's take a closer look.
Characteristics of the Asus A7A266
CPU Socket A for AMD® AthlonTM / DuronTM 550MHz ~ 1GHz+ CPU
Chipset ALiMaGiK 1 M1647 - M1535D+
Form factor ATX - 30.5cm X 24.5cm
Expansion 5 PCI - 0 ISA - 1 AMR - 1 AGP Pro - 6 USB
Memory 2X 184-pin DIMM 2Gb DDR SDRAM PC1600 - PC21003X 168-pin DIMM 3Gb SDRAM PC100 - PC133 - VCM
FSB 100Mhz to 166Mhz in steps of 1Mhz
Vcore adj. 1.75 to 1.85 in steps of 0.025v
Vio adj. NA
Audio embeded into the chipset with the C-Media CMI8738 available as an option
Configuration
As is the case with most Asus boards, configuration of the A7A266 can be done through the use of on-board jumpers and Dip-switches, or through the BIOS.
By opting for a Jumperfree setup, users are afforded the ability to access all functions from within the convenience of the BIOS menu-system.To make use of the jumpers and Dips, however, users should set jumper JEN to position 1-2. Otherwise, a Jumperfree setup can be enabled by setting JEN to 2-3. In the case of the former configuration, Dip-array DWS switches 6 to 9 can be used to set the board's clock multiplier setting to between 5x and 12.5x, though it should be noted that this feature is also available from within the BIOS. Within the BIOS, most configuration settings are grouped together within the "Advanced" menu, which includes options for:
1.Changing the FSB frequency.
2.Setting the memory bus frequency to 100Mhz or 133Mhz.
3.Setting the Vcore voltage
4.Adjusting the clock multiplier
5.Tweaking various memory timing options
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