Exclusive: Abit updates nForce2 boards, changes names and expands to 3 models

[MrIcee]

Check it out here, more info here
Based on the NVIDIA® nForce™2 SPP chipset, supporting the latest AMD Athlon XP CPUs with a 333MHz front-side bus, and featuring new dual 400MHz DDR memory controllers, ABIT's NV7-Series is multimedia perfection combined with advanced ABIT Engineering.
Maximum Memory for Multimedia Applications
Dual 400MHz memory controllers deliver up to a 50% increase in memory bandwidth, and optimized 128-bit architecture means reduced memory latency. Three DDR DIMMs allow support for up to 3GB of 333MHz or 2GB of 400MHz DDR memory, and advanced memory architecture provides the power to drive the latest 3D games and multimedia applications with unequalled smoothness and realism.
ABIT Engineered for Performance and Stability
Only ABIT allows for the Front Side Bus to be adjusted up to 237 MHz-at least 17 MHz higher than the closest competition. This overclocker friendly FSB is made possible through ABIT's use of a 5 bit Frequency ID (FID); other motherboards use a 4 bit FID. While others may offer higher voltage adjustments, only ABIT guarantees that all of our settings will work. Our ABIT Engineers are overclockers too, and have tested all the settings. The reason for this guaranteed overclockabity? ABIT's 3 phase power solution is back. This ABIT Engineered solution ensures more power to the CPU (up to 75-80 W v. 60 W with a 2 phase solution) while overclocking, providing rock-solid system stability. This means fewer crashes for ABIT users and higher overclocks. Finally, with ABIT's CPU H.T.P (CPU Hardware Thermal Protection) Technology for ABIT AT7-MAX2/KD7 and nForce 2 series motherboards, CPU burn-out through cooling malfunction is averted, ensuring your high performance ABIT motherboard won't crash and burn.

[JBELL]

I soo want the new nFORCE!!!!

and you need that link on the front page!

[OPPAINTER]

Looks like some interesting stuff coming up, this good take AMD up there with Intel as far as 3D

OPP

[IFMU]

Originally posted by JBELL
I soo want the new nFORCE!!!!

What he said

[ABIT Marketing]

Now let's hope the boards will arrive here next week!!!!
I will keep you guys updated.

[Hallowed]

A few questions if you don't mind:

1. Will the NF7-S include the 4 mounting holes?

2. How does its memory performance compare to similar NF2 boards (e.g. Asus A7N8X). At 166 FSB? 200 FSB?

3. I've seen a 200 FSB jumper on the A7N8X. Does this denote that the nF2 is capable of either a 1/6 PCI divider or locked PCI? Speaking in chipset generalities of course. It is known that AGP speeds are lockable.

4. Any word on pricing / availability?

Thanks in Advance.
We're all anxiously awaiting a viable option to via

[Smizack]

Originally posted by IFMU
What he said

fa sho!

[JBELL]

Originally posted by Hallowed
A few questions if you don't mind:

1. Will the NF7-S include the 4 mounting holes?

I hope so for my Qpower's sake!

2. How does its memory performance compare to similar NF2 boards (e.g. Asus A7N8X). At 166 FSB? 200 FSB?

ditto

3. I've seen a 200 FSB jumper on the A7N8X. Does this denote that the nF2 is capable of either a 1/6 PCI divider or locked PCI? Speaking in chipset generalities of course. It is known that AGP speeds are lockable.

I know on ASUS pci was locked .. would hope it was chipset standard

4. Any word on pricing / availability?

5. Could you send TheNakedReview a review sample?

...??

Thanks in Advance.
We're all anxiously awaiting a viable option to via

[ABIT Marketing]

All i know is no 4 holes is confirmed because the way the board is layed by the reference design of the nForce 2 chipset. I will have more updated information of your other questions when the production samples come in.

[DDTUNG]

I need some boards to test, or I am going to work for EPOX!

DDTUNG

[OPPAINTER]

Yea, what ever happened to DDTUNGs Mobos

OPP

[candjac]

Originally posted by MrIcee
Only ABIT allows for the Front Side Bus to be adjusted up to 237 MHz-at least 17 MHz higher than the closest competition. This overclocker friendly FSB is made possible through ABIT's use of a 5 bit Frequency ID (FID); other motherboards use a 4 bit FID.

This item could be very interesting. Wonder if they are talking about AMD's "4 bit FID" Multiplier "ID" settings which are sent to the Northbridge via 4 "separate" FID pins to set appropriate system data/timings, as with 4 bits the max setting = 12.5X and AMD says all data beyond 12.5X stays the same. If so, how do they get the 5th bit info??...thru system/Multiplier interrogation??

Or does this "FID" just apply to the FSB/Host Clock function, better "trimming/setting"...and have nothing to do with AMD's "FID"/Northbridge/sytem timings etc as speculated above??

ABIT Marketing...can you explain??
Thanks, John C.

[Kunaak]

any word on a working 1/6 pci divider?

thats what I want the most...
well, not really, but it sure would be nice.

[JBELL]

Originally posted by Kunaak
any word on a working 1/6 pci divider?

thats what I want the most...
well, not really, but it sure would be nice.

if PCI is locked 1/6th dividers will not matter...

[^^Gord^^]

Originally posted by ABIT Marketing
All i know is no 4 holes is confirmed because the way the board is layed by the reference design of the nForce 2 chipset. I will have more updated information of your other questions when the production samples come in.

Arrghhhhhhhhh! Nooooooooooo!

I really need those holes. I Leadtek board has them. Might be able to find a pic if your intrested.

[JBELL]

Originally posted by ^^Gord^^
Arrghhhhhhhhh! Nooooooooooo!

I really need those holes. I Leadtek board has them. Might be able to find a pic if your intrested.

Concept and production most likely will vary .. HArry should have some definitew answers for us tomorrow or the next day...


if you need water cooling and 4 hole boards are NOT availble... may I suggest this:



SWIFTECH MCW372â„¢ Revision 2 Liquid Cooling Block This is a sweet little block that is just as good as it's bigger brother the SWIFTECH MCW462-Uâ„¢ Liquid Cooling Block but does not require the 4 hole to mount to the board!! The good guys at XTWERKS are the ones to talk t6o if interested!

[^^Gord^^]

Thanks for the heads up but I just bought a watercooling setup that uses the mounting holes.

[Svenn]

I'm looking at getting a custom phase change setup built and no mounting holes won't do me any good... Argh!

[Wolf]

I have been waiting for this board and it looks great although I would like the option for 250-266fsb in there. I've seen other nforce 2 boards with the mounting holes. Please say this isn't true because it will definatley sway my decision about the board. I have to have the four mounting holes no exceptions for me.

[Bravo]

I think it has to do with how the PCB is layed. Space is at a premium around the processor, especially given the speeds at which these new boards operate.

[toddalaska]

all the epox pics got holes, but im hoping abit comes through

no holes = no buy for me

[Feiticeira]

Yeh, no mounting holes will be a bummer, im sure many buyers will be dettered and some may not even realise before buying
Dave

[Goldlocke]

I can't believe that ABIT would abandon the usual 4 holes. (though I saw the pics without them too)
It would prevent me from installing my watercooling-rig.
If ABIT will not change that, I will go with EPoX next.

[sysfailur]

Originally posted by ABIT Marketing
Now let's hope the boards will arrive here next week!!!!
I will keep you guys updated.

What does this mean? That boards will arrive that will be available to BUY? Or that sample boards will arrive that will be sent to reviewers?

Thanks.

[Dapper]

To: Abit Marketing,

So where do we stand, I have to build, when can I get one of the new N2?