Overclocker Cafe - KT400 Mainboard Roundup

VIA KT400 Based Mainboard Roundup

Tyan Trinity S2495

Two features that differ from the typical KT400 board we have seen are the inclusion of RAID and a POST code display.

Both of these items are options but given the price of the board at $105 WITH these, I can’t see not getting them. I personally don’t run a RAID box for myself but it is nice to know you have the capability to if you choose to later on. Now the POST code display is Tyan’s answer to the Dr. Voice type warning programs. A two digit LED display gives various codes based on the mainboard’s status to give you a clear indication what is going on if a problem comes up. The manual has a whopping eight page appendices to look up a particular POST code display.

BIOS

Tyan chose to use the Phoenix Award BIOS with the Trinity S2495. Multiplier adjustments (given your processor is unlocked) range from 5 to 22.5 while the CPU FSB tops out at 200MHz. FSB speeds are adjustable in one MHz increments. One VERY nice thing is the display showing current settings and what they will be as you adjust items with the DDR and CPU speeds. Voltage adjustments are offered in small steps of -0.1 volts scaling up to +0.1 volts to your base voltage. Additional range is found with settings of 1.85V to 2.20 volts.

Memory adjustments are present in force.

Overview

Overall the Tyan board is a full featured gal offering all the features most of us would demand in an upgrade board and then some. RAID, POST code display options even when added in to the price made it remain extremely attractive in the price arena. Installation manuals were second to none here and the layout were very nice. If the Trinity's performance matches the rest of the board's presentation thus far it is going to be hard to beat.