Epox EP-8KRA2+: Best Performance

Epox with slots for 8 IDE devices and Port 80 card

Board-Revision 1.0

Bios KRA23805 (08/05/2003)

The packaging is not a question of taste since in this case it's what's inside that counts.

Epox is known in testing circles above all for its viable motherboards with VIA chipsets. Whenever the Taiwanese module-maker brings out a new design, you can get it first on an Epox board. And there's a good reason for that. In the test, the producer is represented by the 8KRA2+, a model that is more than just up to snuff. It comes with Serial ATA and IDE RAID, FireWire and a 100 MB networking capability.

Unique among the entire test field, the Epox has connections for up to eight IDE devices. Those familiar with the brand will know the integrated Port 80 card well - Epox has been adding this feature to numerous boards for some time now. The power supply to the 8KRA2+ is safeguarded by the three-phase regulator, meaning that overclocking fans are also accommodated. The Epox can easily handle maximum processor dissipation (on an overclocked Athlon XP 3200+) of 90 watts and more.