Presentation and bundle
MSI's colourful approach continues with this pleasing number. Being a i845PE chipset-based motherboard, DDR333 support is emblazoned on the front cover.
The label on the side spells out the features on offer.
A well-written main manual covers all the basics, a second multi-language manual provides the basics. A third manual takes you through the RAID setup and maintenance. A custom backplane, 2 ATA133 cables, a floppy cable, driver CD, RAID floppy, and three brackets complete the package. The driver CD contains all the drivers you'll need to get started.
The one touch setup is a nice feature. It installs all the required drivers automatically. MSI also include their Windows-based overclocking utility and other useful applications.
Three Firewire ports powered by the VT6306 IC are catered for via the bracket shown above. They're notched and colour coded for easy installation.
We have 4 USB2.0 on the backplane and the remaining 2 from the ICH4 are catered for via the above bracket, once again colour coded. If you're planning on using the inherent Bluetooth support, you'll have to sacrifice one USB 2.0 port. You also receive rudimentary troubleshooting information from the 4 diagnostic LEDs.
To make the most of the on-board 6-channel sound, MSI have bundled another cable that provides S/PDIF sockets (digital and analogue), and support for centre / sub - rear speakers.
