EPoX 8K3A+ Review (7)
Overclocker 12 Mar 2002

Conclusion

Update : With the new BIOS, we see an improvement in the 3D performance. The results can range between 7-10 fps increase in Q3 and 3Dmark2001 marks an impressive score of 6512 in Async DDR333 mode. We are also able to run at 6x183Mhz using a Morgan 1Ghz easily at default voltages.

The EPoX 8K3A+ has excellent performance in Content Creation but in gaming and graphical applications, the performance is not up to expectation. This could be due to some glitches in this BIOS. In fact, this is the latest BIOS we received direct from EPoX. The initial BIOS's result was even worse than the benchmark results.

Features-wise, this board has one of the best features, 6 ch audio support, Highpoint HPT372 ATA-100 RAID 0/1/0+1. It also included overclocking features in the BIOS with 1Mh stepping up to 250Mhz. Vcore adjustments up to 2.2v is also available. There is also a watchdog feature in the BIOS which will reset the BIOS to defaults if the fsb is set to high and system couldn't boot. The max fsb we attained using AthlonXP1500+ is 150Mhz (10x150=1.5G or AXP1800+).

Installation is very straightforward, we did not encounter any major hiccups so far. The heatsink that is attached on the chipset is stuck onto the chipset using a double sided tape. This is definitely not a good way to cool down the chipset for higher overclockability and stability. I personally find that a heatsink with a fan should be attached through thermal paste. 

We also tried the board with a MSI GF4 Ti4600, there are no problems installing it at all.

In conclusion, this board is rich with overclocking features. The disappointment is the absence of LAN port and USB 2.0 support. The 3D performance also has room for improvements. I think it is only a matter of time where new official BIOS that will correct some of the performance issues.

Below, we list down some pros and cons of this board :

Pros:

• ATA-133 RAID
• CPU ratio, FSB (1mhz) up to 250Mhz, Vcore,  DDR voltages adjustable
• 6 channel audio
• Diagnostic LED

Cons:

• No USB 2.0
• No Onboard LAN

Ratings

Here are my ratings out of 5 stars.

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