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.

The layout of the Soltek 75DRV4 motherboard is what has become fairly standard for KT266A motherboards. The ATX power connector is at the absolute top of the board and is right between the processor socket and memory slots. The Socket-A is precariously positioned between some oddly looking out of place capacitors. However, due to their off-center position with the socket, they did not interfere with the several heatsink installations and removals that I attempted.

Soltek 75DRV4 KT266A Motherboard Review - Motherboards 28 To ensure the most stable platform possible with their setup, Soltek has included the 3-phase power system that enables use of the Athlon XP processors without a hitch. The amount of 2000 micro-Farad capacitors should also be more than enough to support the processor’s power requirements.

The KT266A north bridge is covered by a decent heatsink and fan so users should be able to get the most out of their front side bus overclocking. There are three DDR memory slots on the board, supporting the latest in PC2100 memory and some the better memory timings and settings.

Soltek included an on-board audio solution that is about as standard and plain as they get. I would only recommend using this kind of audio if you have no intention of buying a decent set of speakers. In all reality, you should have a Sound Blaster or better card if you enjoy music as well.

The slot configuration includes one AGP Pro slot, running at up to 4x speed, so if anyone actually has a card that needs the AGP Pro power and features, you will be compatible with the 75DRV4. Also included are five PCI slots and a single CNR slot. Even though 5 PCI slots isn’t the best expansion configuration available, it really should be more than adequate for almost all users, including the hardcore PC enthusiasts.

The final feature that Soltek is offering on their 75DRV4 is the inclusion of the VT8233A south bridge, which was added officially to the chipset with the KT333 chipset. This newer south bridge features the upgrade ATA133 support for VIA so if you are purchasing one of the Maxtor drives that supports it, you are ready without the need for an external PCI IDE card or RAID adaptor.

While there aren’t a lot of features on this motherboard, I think you will find that the numbers that the Soltek board shows us will more than make up for it.

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