Conclusion
This content was originally featured on Amdmb.com and has been converted to PC Perspective’s website. Some color changes and flaws may appear.
The Iwill KD266 motherboard has hit its market: squarely. The M1649 and the KT133E chipset are head-to-head and toe-to-toe. The few times that the KD266 falls behind, the difference isn’t by much. I am sure that Iwill’s positive relationship with ALi helped them in their decision to use the M1649 over the equally powerful and inexpensive KT133E from VIA.
Like much of the online press, I was a bit confused by some of the options that were included or left out on the KD266 considering the audience it was intended for. If Iwill was aiming squarely at the OEM market, including on-board sound and leaving off the 6th PCI slot and adding an AMR slot would have been the best option, at least from where I am sitting. However, the PCI slot and great overclocking options seem to lend Iwill’s hand toward the high end and overclockers table.
In the end, the KD266 may not come out as the top performing motherboard, but it’s intended purpose is fulfilled. It will be marketed as a low-cost (around $90-95 I’m told) budget motherboard that offers good stability and performance. This is exactly what Iwill has done. They never intended to have the KD266 out-show their reigning SDRAM board, the KK266. If you are looking for a low cost board for a second system or a ‘Mom & Dad’ system, the KD266 may be what you are looking for.
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