In a previous thread I mentioned that this review will be broken down into parts, and then updated once I have time. The reason for which is that I am testing A FEW heatsink ideas for the IN932 max of which I will update once the test results are out.
Abit have very kindly sent out a ab9 quad gt which is the replacement for the AB9 Pro so let us see what has been changed and what the design is like.
The AB9 QUAD GT
As we know this board uses the Intel 965 chipset, so officialy its a ATI crossfire board only (no OFFICIAL SLI support)
I will not go on about the bumf in the box, as that is all just standard, so lets get on with the mainboard itself.
The first thing I noticed is that the motherboard design is lightyears beyond the old AB9 Pro.
As when looked closer at the board many things just became apparent to me.
Firstly is the placement of the IDE connector.
You may have noticed by the image above that instead of the IDE connector being placed next to the PCI slots which made NO SENSE at all it is no placed at right angles on the trailing edge of the motherboard.
Another thing I really liked was that though the firewire header is on not next to the USB Headers the fact is that it is still on the edge of the motheboard, therefore preventing the cables being stretched over the board itsself.
The same is for the USB headers.
Once again we have that 'Pulse chip' as with the IN932 MAX to control flow digitally, so we also now know that wasnt unique to the NVidia chipset design, it looks like this will be the way forward for ALL abit top-end boards from now on.
Another thing I have noticed is that the heatsink over the PWMS' is actually COPPER yes thats right FULL copper and not the FAUX copper effect type.
However I have not looked at the northbridge heatsink yet to see if this is really copper, I will keep you posted on this.
The Sata ports although not at right-angles like the IN932 MAX are still close to the edge of the board
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71909665@N00/375467035/
Once again abit have included the EZ-Clear COS switch which is always a welcome function in my book
On a purlEy cosmetic point of view I kind of life this cobalt blue effect on the board, as shown by the overclocking strips.
THe only real major gripe I have is the placement of the molex connector for crossfire mode.
As I mentionEd before abit have obviousLy put some thought into the design of this motherboard, which I am pleased with, obviously they have listened to their fans.
OK thats it for part one.
Next is Initial BIOS impressions.
gilgamesh