Gigabyte GA-8KNXP Ultra: Top Class At A Top Price, Continued
The color-coded connections are exemplary.
The enclosed "Easy Tune 4" for monitoring rotational speeds, voltages, temperatures and clock rates caused a surprise. The design is not too fussy and the menu items are arranged functionally.
Futuristic diagnosis monitor.
In tune with the times, the BIOS can be updated automatically to the latest version via Windows XP using the Internet - this is still not a standard feature, especially amongst established manufacturers. The list of accessories included with the product is long: ranging from the 1.3 meter-long round SCSI cable with terminator (which alone costs approximately $40 at specialty stores) and the sound panel with SP/DIF and digital audio connections to USB two-panel and IDE and Serial-ATA cables. In the performance test, Gigabyte is on a par with archrivals Asus and MSI.
Our assessment in brief: for just under $400, users obtain everything their hearts desire. The unique features include the six-phase voltage controller, the six DIMM clots and the integrated Ultra 320-SCSI controller, which alone costs just under $250 in the shops. Ultimately, this extravagant, high-performance board is intended for a group of individualists. Nevertheless, in view of the broad range of equipment, the $400 is justified!
