Features and Layout:

     This is a small ATX form factor board and the layout is well thought out. The 3 RAM slots will take up to 3gb of non-ECC memory in single channel mode only. No Dual Channel DDR here. We had no problems mounting a large heatsink. The location of the power connector may bother some of you, but having it near the AGP and CPU socket  we have good clean power for the power hungry beasts. The now standard 4 pin, 12 volt "P4" connector is not used. The back panel has al the standard connectors, with 3 input/output jacks, 2 USB, and an Ethernet port.

     We have two standard IDE channels and two SATA drive connectors right next to the 8237 South Bridge chip. SATA RAID is available, and in testing we found the SATA single drive performance to be excellent. The South Bridge is VIA's latest and greatest, it supplies the SATA functions, and it has terrific sound for an on-board solution. The on-board 3Com Marvel 10/100 Ethernet is a nice touch and works very well. Albatron has done it's job and supplied all the necessities without skimping on the quality.

The Bundle:

     In the spirit of economy we have a basic bundle. 1 SATA cable, 1 SATA power adapter, 1 four port USB bracket, IDE cables, a quick start guide, a manual, and a driver CD is what you get. These basics will do the job and get you up and running.