|
Board Layout & Features
**click to enlarge**
This
is not meant to be an enthusiast board so there's no cool colored PCB.
In fact, at first glance, it looks just like any other motherboard. It's what it
offers that sets it apart from all the rest. The board is almost
identical to Soyo's SY-P4VGA with the exception that it carries the Whizpro
BIOS utility instead of the AWARD BIOS and also includes the etBIOS "Instant On" feature. It is based on VIA's
P4M266A/8235 chipset.
|
**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
One
nice feature is the support for both DDR and SDRAM memory modules. Being
that the average user would likely use memory they have lying around to build
an HTPC, it is certainly an excellent feature. Two slots support up to
2GB of DDR 200/266 and one slot supports up to 1GB of
PC100/133 memory. That's plenty of memory power for its intended
purpose. There's a warning label on the memory slots indicating that the
power should be unplugged prior to installing your memory modules. On
the other corner of the board, you'll find your IDE and floppy connectors.
Up to four drives can be installed if desired.
**click to enlarge**
The
Soyo SY-P4VAL supports 533/400 FSB Pentium 4 processors. What? No 800FSB
support? Yes, that's right, but considering that the board is not
targeted at the mainstream enthusiast where performance is the absolute
highest priority, it is quite clear why they chose this route. For its
intended use, that's plenty of power. To satisfy those who do crave the
extra power, the SY-P4VAL supports Pentium 4 processors up to 3.06GHz.
There is plenty of space around the socket to install a larger heatsink if
desired, however, being that the board would probably end up in a living room
or den, the added noise is really not necessary.
|
**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
The
SY-P4VAL is an ATX motherboard and therefore, offers the standard 5 PCI slots.
This motherboard comes with video onboard but they provide an AGP slot for
those who wish to upgrade. The AGP slot has a flip type retention
mechanism and has 2X and 4X support. The Northbridge is passively cooled
with a standard size aluminum heatsink.
**click to enlarge**
This
board has just about every feature you can ask for with the exception of
Firewire support. The I/O panel includes a VGA port, RJ45 LAN jack, four
USB ports and your audio jacks including line in/out and mic jacks.
The
only negative comment I'll make on the board's layout is the placement of the
ATX connector. It is located behind the I/O panel and creates
unnecessary cable clutter.
|
