Gigabyte 7VT600-1394 KT600 Mainboard
Review (2) Overclocker 18th Aug 2003
Introduction
GA-7VT600 1394 is Gigabyte's latest offering
for Athlon K7 series. Equipped with the newly launched VIA KT600 chipset, it is
one of the first boards to deliver integrated Serial ATA via VIA 8237
SouthBridge. This board supports the AMD Athlon™ XP 400FSB processor and earlier
models including the Durons.
The VIA Apollo KT600, the succeeding product of
market leading Chipsets for AMD K7 platform, is furnished with a complete set of
today's cutting-edge features combined with VIA's brand new FastStream64™ memory
controller technology delivering superior performance. DDR400 memory support and
the advanced 400MHz processor bus unleash the full power of AMD Athlon™ XP
processors. This resulted in a better memory benchmark compared to previous
generations of VIA chipsets.
In addition, the AGP 8X graphics is built to
derive the maximum performance from the most powerful graphics accelerator. In
addition, the IEEE1394, USB 2.0, 6-channel audio and Fast Ethernet connection
are equipped to provide a complete solution for platforms used in home and
office environment. GA-7VT6001394 will definitely deliver the uppermost platform
with stunning performance across the full spectrum of applications.
So will this board be able to challenge with
the nForce2 and SiS748 solutions? We will see it in the next few pages.
Specifications
Advanced
400 Front-Side Bus Support
This platform supports the highest CPU frequency and system bandwidth for
fully utilizing the intense computing power of latest AMD Athlon™ XP 400FSB
processor and providing enhanced system responsiveness.
Superb
bandwidth AGP 8X graphics interface
Featuring AGP 8x (AGP 3.0) the new generation VGA interface specification,
this platform delivers enhanced graphics performance with high bandwidth
speed up to 2.12GB/s. Allowing users to have a more realistic graphics
experiences while gaming or movie watching
DDR400+
memory support
With the optimized DDR400+ memory support, this platform provides high
bandwidth up to 3.2GB/s and high capacity of 3GB with 3 DIMM slots to ensure
greatest memory performance.
Serial ATA
interface
Serial ATA is the revolutionary ATA interface that provides scalable
performance for IDE device. With up to 150MB/s data transfer rate, Serial
ATA is faster than current Parallel ATA and delivers superior input/output
performance
Great
Expandability of 8 USB 2.0 ports
USB 2.0 interface, with data transfer rate up to 480Mbps, 40 times faster
than USB1.1, provides a faster interface for computer peripherals.
Highly
anticipated IEEE1394 FireWire interface
For the multi-purpose platform, the IEEE1394 interface will enhances PC
connectivity with consumer electronics audio/ video (A/V) appliances,
storage peripherals, and portable devices.
6-Channel
Audio with Jack Sensing Support
Users can experience the 3D surround sound through integrated 6-channel
audio. It fulfills the requirements for a variety of audio applications,
such as MP3 or Audio CD playback, DVD movies and gaming. With Jack-Sensing
feature users won't have to worry about how to install audio devices
correctly
Ethernet
10/100Mb LAN Network Connection
Ethernet 10/100Mb LAN Network Connection Provides high-quality 10/100
Ethernet performance for value-minded users who need straight forward
network connectivity. Ensure a high-speed, stable solution for new broadband
era
GIGABYTE
Patented DualBIOS™
Patented technology prevents BIOS from virus attacks to provide double
security thus assuring the PC stability. Once the main BIOS fails to operate
due to virus infection or catastrophic failure, the backup BIOS will
automatically take over on the next system boot up.
Norton
Internet Security™ Included
Norton Internet Security™ 2003 is the essential protection from viruses,
hackers, and privacy threats. It protects user during the online activities
such as e-mailing, shopping, banking, and game playing.