Features and Layout
This content was originally featured on Amdmb.com and has been converted to PC Perspective’s website. Some color changes and flaws may appear.
One of the first things I noticed about this board upon opening the box is the small PCB size that is uses. Not since my review of the Soltek KX133 motherboard have I seen as compact a motherboard. Measuring 305mm x 193mm, the width of the motherboard allows for the most possible compatibility with OEM systems and system builders, which is where Iwill is targeting the KD266.
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Physically, Iwill has done a good job placing things on a such a smaller surface area. Starting at the top, the ATX power connector is kept out of the way of the DIMM slots as well as the CPU socket, which will keep it out of the heatsink’s way. The ZIF socket area is also well placed leaving enough room for easy heatsink installations and removals.
Three 168-pin DIMM slots are the used to implement the PC100/PC133 SDRAM support. Those of you familiar with the ALi chipsets will want to take note that the KD266 does not support DDR SDRAM. In fact, that is the one differentiating factor when you compare the M1649 to the M1647 chipset.
Directly to the right, you can see the two ATA100 IDE ports and single floppy connector. These are the standard features of the 1535D southbridge. They are a bit higher placed than I prefer, but for the market that Iwill is approaching with these boards, OEMs, initial installation is usually the only installation. Thus, the placement of the IDE ports makes little difference in a motherboard purchasing decision. Iwill decided against using the 1535D feature of the AC’97 on-board, and for what reason I cannot tell you. It would seem to me that to field to an OEM and cheap system build market; they could have used this feature to their advantage.
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The slot configuration of the KD266 motherboard is in the nice 6/0/1/0 (PCI/ISA/AGP/AMR) format. Again, for the market they are after, I am bit perplexed by Iwill’s lack of installing an AMR port. While few to any custom built home PC use them, OEMs are very found of an AMR port to lower costs.
Also take note that there are four fan headers, twice as many as other KT133A motherboards I have reviewed, and there are no dipswitches or jumpers on the board with the exception of CMOS clear. All the CPU settings are done the in the bios.
