ECS KN1 SLI Extreme

ECS have opted for cheaper 10/100 Fast Ethernet to compliment the PHY Gigabit Ethernet. While this offers little disadvantage considering most home and small office users will still be using 10/100 Fast Ethernet switches, it lags behind the opposition that usually all incorporate dual Gigabit Ethernet. However, the saving of using a cheaper 10/100 versus Gigabit chip means that the board is cheaper for consumers.

The NForce 4 chipset supports Realtek's AC'97 audio and the majority of NVIDIA's motherboard partners are not opting to include anything more flamboyant. ECS incorporate the best AC'97 solution currently available by using the Realtek ALC850, providing 7.1 channel sound at up to 16bit/48KHz. No High Definition audio here, but you do get surround sound for no extra cost.

The 24pin ATX socket is backwards compatible with the classic 20pin version and there's an extra optional 4pin male molex built into the motherboard to provide extra power when using two graphics cards. It helps spread the power use so you don't burn out the ATX plug (of recommended use if you still use a 20pin power plug and are going SLI) but you do need the 4pin 12V plug at the top left of the motherboard.

The rear I/O panel provides the usual goodies, like PS2 ports, a single legacy serial port, and four USB ports in a 2x2 configuration with both Ethernet RJ45 sockets on top of them. Then there is the sound; with six 3.5mm analogue audio sockets as well as RCA and optical S/PDIF out.

BIOS:

The BIOS is a standard Award Phoenix BIOS, with all the necessary options for the onboard components. The CPU frequency is adjustable from 200 to 400MHz, with HTT bus width adjustment from 8/8bit to 16/16bits and HyperTransport multiplier adjustments from 1-5x.

Memory timings are also extensive including the complete set of timings as you'd expect them, CAS, tRAS, tRCD, tRP and command rate are adjustable. In addition you get Read Preamble adjustment (higher is better) and Async Latency value (lower is better) settings. Voltages for CPU can go up to +375mV and vDIMM up to 3.11V. Overall, it's a reasonably solid and extensive package for the enthusiast.