Conclusions and score
The unenthusiastic tone during the benchmark commentary was for a reason. Given the chipset and processor used, it isn't hard to predict the performance of the motherboard, unless it had some glaring issue. It didn't, it was fast, end of story really.Just like the original revision before it, just like with the other LanParty boards (I liked the KT400A version a lot too), the revision B board is all about the features. In that respect, it's hard not to be blown away by the new board, especially if you are building a brand new system around it using SATA drives.
4 port SATA, lots of USB2.0 and FireWire, Gigabit Ethernet, the FrontX and Transpo hardware, class topping Socket A performance, excellent audio, attractive looks. I'm struggling to think what else the board could do right. The layout has a couple of quirks, I ran into a BIOS issue or two, but on the whole I'm supremely impressed.
The older revision is just over £100. I'm guessing since it's yet to arrive at retail, but the price won't be too much higher than £110, if any different from the older revision at all. Given the performance, feature set and added extras, you'd be remiss to leave it off any Socket A shopping list you have.
It's as feature packed as any other and it paves the way for updated motherboards from other manufacturers, especially based on chipsets that should arrive in the new year. At the time of writing, possibly the best Socket A motherboard on the market, should the features and aesthetics take your fancy.
Very highly recommended.
Score
Pros
PerformanceExcellent update of features
Cheap given what you get
Attractive to many
Excellent presentation
Tweaker friendly BIOS
Cons
USB keyboard issueErr, that's it I think, bar the layout quirks. I'm clutching at straws
Thanks
Komplett for the digital camera used to take the shots.DFI for the sample.
