Overclocker Cafe - KT400 Mainboard Roundup

VIA KT400 Based Mainboard Roundup

ASUS A7V8X

ASUS gets a double word score for all the documentation in the box. In addition to the manual you have a quick setup guide, a quick reference card, and a sticker with all the switch/jumper settings for a second quick reference. The sticker suggests affixing it to the chassis for easier reference. (Yea, I'm sure that will look great on your Lian Li. - NOT)

Layout:

The A7V8X has the expected six PCI / AGP 8X set up the other players have. Three DIMMs, each capable of a gig stick of RAM each. On the downside, is that DDR333 is limited to the use of two slots only and worse still, is using DDR400 limits you to only one DIMM slot.

This was an interesting way of making an AGP clip. Instead of the expected clip tab at the base of the AGP slot to hold the card in place a slide clip is employed. I routinely have trouble with my stubby fingers depressing the standard clip. The ASUS clip was a breeze. Now if only someone can tell me what real use these AGP clips serve?

ASUS gets a thumbs up for their placement of the ATX power connector. It is just above the IDE channels which keep it out of the way of your CPU heatsink. Anything that aids in cleaning up excess wire is a good thing in my book.

The CPU socket area is also clear of capacitors that could get in your way when it comes time to install or remove a heatsink. Nothing like prying back a heatsink clip and be trying to work around a bunch a capacitors.

Northbridge cooling is handled by an oversized passive sink. There is enough surface area here to keep the Northbridge comfortable.

The A7V8X has three fan headers placed at the top left side of DIMM one, just left of the Northbridge, and the lower right corner of the board.