ABIT BH7 i845PE

Conclusion and thoughts

Performance-wise, running at default settings of 133FSB and 166MHz RAM, the ABIT BH7 performs just like a well-tuned i845PE motherboard. That's of no surprise as manufacturers know how to release a stable, performance-based motherboard on a mature chipset. Running the BH7 at default speeds is like driving a Porsche at 30 MPH. Sure, they'll both work fine, but you would be missing the whole point.

The BH7 is aimed at those that like to see how far their components can go. The usual limiting factors of FSB ceiling, CPU and DDR voltage have generally been taken out of the equation. With enhanced circuitry the BH7 is able to run at 200FSB without missing a beat. Finding a current processor that can match the board's FSB capabilities is the challenge that faces us. Using a mobile P4 CPU, 215FSB was as solid as 133FSB was; a testament to ABIT's engineering. Not all ABIT P4 motherboards have been this good. My personal MAX v1 becomes decidedly wobbly at 180FSB. With DDR voltage that actually delivers a RAM-frying 3v+ and almost 2v of CPU voltage, one needs excellent cooling. As Nelly would put it "It's getting hot in here".

We've heard word that some of Intel's new OEM CPUs, 2.4Bs in particular, have been hitting well over 3GHz at default voltage. The SL67RX stepping is rumoured to hit 3.2GHz+ at default. With these speeds and associated FSBs, one needs a motherboard capable of matching their FSB requirements. Here is where the BH7 should fit in. We already know that 200FSB P4s are on the horizon, so the BH7 is ready and waiting.

Features-wise, the BH7 is just about average. Serial ATA support comes in the form of a single port capable of running a single drive. There's no RAID either. Sound, though, is well catered for with dual S/PDIF optical input / output connections. 6-channel sound via the ALC650 CODEC is available, as is 10/100 LAN. I also liked the fact that 4 USB2.0 ports were integrated into the backplane. That's important in the context of the BH7, as ABIT don't bundle an extra USB2.0 cable to take advantage of the on-board PCB header.

Think of the BH7 as bridging the gap that will exist between the present i845PE and i865 / i875 chipsets (Springdale and Canterwood). It can run the CPUs designed for them, but can only do so in single-channel DDR mode. Priced at around £80, it represents pretty good value for money. Available now. Recommended.

Highs