Computex 2007: Pre Show Tour

Abit IX38 QuadGT

Abit’s IX38 QuadGT packs many of the features that come with the IX38-MAX, but it comes at a more affordable price point – we don’t have specific pricing for either board yet because it’s too early. However, if we were to make educated guesses, the IX38 QuadGT would cost around £150 (or less) if the IX38-MAX was to cost around £200.

Probably the most interesting inclusion is support for DDR2 memory. Initially, we were under the impression that the X38 chipset only supported DDR3 memory – at least, that’s the official statement – but now it seems that DDR2 is also supported, on unofficial terms.

Like the IX38-MAX, the QuadGT sports 100 percent Japanese Solid State Capacitors, Abit’s µGuru technology, on-board power and reset switches, along with dual eSATA and the clear CMOS switch on the rear I/O. There are also three second generation PCI-Express x16 slots, with the outer two supporting CrossFire at full bandwidth, while the middle slot supports x4 bandwidth.

The specification list we were given states that the board will feature Abit’s patented Silent OTES technology but due to the nature of how early these boards are, the design hasn’t been finalised yet. During the development process, Abit may decide that a heatpipe solution isn’t the optimal design too, so this specification may change before launch.

One final thing to mention is that like all other 3-series motherboards, these two will support all current and future Core 2 processors with 800/1066/1333MHz FSBs, in addition to Intel’s next-generation Penryn family of 45nm processors. There is, of course, no support for processors based on the NetBurst architecture.

We should have some more information about these boards as their specifications are finalised in the run up to the launch – we’ll be sure to bring it to you as and when we get it.

Abit µGuru Panel

The other product that Abit showed to us was the µGuru Panel, which was initially unveiled at CeBIT. The design is now finalised and the firmware is almost finished, so expect this to be shipping in the next few weeks.

Abit says that the panel is designed to be a command centre for your Abit-powered machine and it’ll even work with older boards that feature the µGuru chip. The panel can control and monitor overclocking, temperatures, fan speeds, voltages and front side bus speed. Obviously, not all functions will be supported on older boards, as it is dependent on how advanced the board’s µGuru chip is.

The heat of the µGuru Panel is the large LED backlit LCD screen, which gives the user information pulled directly from the µGuru chip. In addition, it also shows things like the time and room temperature. The next inclusion takes Abit’s rear-mounted CMOS reset switch a step further, as the µGuru Panel brings it to the front of the chassis, making it even easier to reset your system after a failed overclocking attempt.

Probably the strangest inclusion is the wireless antenna, which is located above the CMOS reset switch. However, Abit explains that the reason it is implemented on a front panel solution is because many end users install their case under the desk and against the wall. Having suffered from poor wireless connectivity in similar circumstances myself, I think this is a novel idea. Although I can’t say that it’s a particularly attractive solution – I much prefer having an extension on the antenna that allows me to place it on my desk.

The µGuru Panel also comes with a selection of ports, including two USB 2.0, one eSATA, one Firewire and 3.5mm jacks for headphones and a microphone. These allow you to connect a wide range of devices to your PC without having to fiddle around behind your case, but the problem here is that many cases come with front mounted USB, Firewire and headphone sockets so the only real gain is the eSATA port.

Having said that though, the panel does include native support for Skype, and you’ll be able to make and receive calls using Abit’s remote. This is an interesting feature, but it’s one that we’re going to have to test before we pass final judgement on it.