Conclusion
Performance exhibited by the SR7-8X falls into line with results obtained from SiS645DX motherboards. Stability-wise, it was rock-solid when running using the supported 166MHz memory option. I couldn't engineer a crash at that setting. The situation, however, when running memory at 200MHz (DDR-400), was in stark contrast to that of 166MHz. Even using some proven Corsair XMS3200 C2, and increased voltages, didn't solve the stability problem completely. I could run most benchmarks without issue, but prolonged load caused errors. Having said that, I've got no real complaints on the performance front as DDR-400 is, as yet, an unsupported memory speed. I was also a bit underwhelmed by the headroom potential of this particular motherboard, ~ 145FSB with semi-stability pales into comparison at the stable 180+ FSBs obtained by a number of i845e motherboards.
ABIT have purposely aimed this motherboard at those that want a reasonably well-specified motherboard, one that works flawlessly with all current P4s, at the lowest possible cost. Reasonable on-board, USB2.0 (two ports provided), and on-board LAN are welcome extras. The BIOS, classic ABIT, is easy to work with, too.
The Pentium 4 motherboard world is littered with chipsets and numerous motherboards based on each variant. This motherboard will appeals to those whose budget is on the wrong side of £100. It does its core duties well, as it's extremely stable, well-priced, and should be available from all good retailers very soon.
If you're after a motherboard that is to be run at its rated FSB, and are looking to build a value Pentium 4-based PC, the SR7-8X would be a reasonable option. If, however, you like your extras and need to have the ability to run high FSBs, you'd be best off looking elsewhere.
Highs
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Extremely stable when running memory at 166MHz
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Cheap, looks to be priced at around £80 at various retailers.
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Some useful extras in USB2.0, decent on-board sound and LAN
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Decent BIOS
Lows
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Poor overclocking potential
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The Pentium 4 has a number of excellent motherboards already
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Hasn't fully realised the full potential of the impressive 963 Southbridge
Overall rating, 7/10.
