News
June 3, 2002
Gigabyte GA-7VRXP review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 8:28:21 PM
EX reviews KT333 action from Gigabyte.
The Gigabyte GA-7VRXP is a solid board with lots of excellent features and quality components. The entire package comes with a generous bundle of accessories and software and although the GA-7VRXP is not the fastest board we've seen, stability is where the it shines and we have yet to encounter any problems with the board. Perhaps the only fault we could find was the lack of jumperless multiplier settings and more tweaking options in the BIOS. If you're seeking a good KT333 board for your system, be sure to check out the Gigabyte GA-7VRXP.
The Gigabyte GA-7VRXP is a solid board with lots of excellent features and quality components. The entire package comes with a generous bundle of accessories and software and although the GA-7VRXP is not the fastest board we've seen, stability is where the it shines and we have yet to encounter any problems with the board. Perhaps the only fault we could find was the lack of jumperless multiplier settings and more tweaking options in the BIOS. If you're seeking a good KT333 board for your system, be sure to check out the Gigabyte GA-7VRXP.
Computex 2002 coverage
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 8:22:09 PM
tBreak has their coverage up.
Computex is the biggest IT show in Asia held in Taiwan- home to some of the biggest hardware manufacturers like Asus, Abit, Lian Li, MSI, SiS and VIA amongst others. This is the third year t-break has visited Computex but its the first time for us to cover it live. We've let our digital camera go click-happy and every day at the end of the day, we're gonna show you what we saw.
Anandtech has their coverage up.
We have only been here for ten hours and already we have seen more at this years Computex than we could have hoped for. We came into the show not knowing what to expect. Taking into account that we are not too far removed from the slowest Comdex in memorable history and the fact that the tech market remains lower than it was at our first Computex in 2000, we hoped for signs of life at Computex 2002. We would not be disappointed.
Okay, I got my crappy camera and laptop all ready for PC Expo to take loads of pics, I also got my iPaq handy just in case (and for the meetings I have).
Computex is the biggest IT show in Asia held in Taiwan- home to some of the biggest hardware manufacturers like Asus, Abit, Lian Li, MSI, SiS and VIA amongst others. This is the third year t-break has visited Computex but its the first time for us to cover it live. We've let our digital camera go click-happy and every day at the end of the day, we're gonna show you what we saw.
Anandtech has their coverage up.
We have only been here for ten hours and already we have seen more at this years Computex than we could have hoped for. We came into the show not knowing what to expect. Taking into account that we are not too far removed from the slowest Comdex in memorable history and the fact that the tech market remains lower than it was at our first Computex in 2000, we hoped for signs of life at Computex 2002. We would not be disappointed.
Okay, I got my crappy camera and laptop all ready for PC Expo to take loads of pics, I also got my iPaq handy just in case (and for the meetings I have).
Fix Nvidia TV problems
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 4:32:32 PM
See, ATI doesn't have this problem. You can fix it (I believe) by downloading a program.[PAGEBREAK]
Goto Warp2Search for more.
Goto Warp2Search for more.
MS Office for Mac gets updated
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 4:15:27 PM
And it comes with some stupid instant messaging program...[PAGEBREAK]
As previously reported, Service Release 1 for Office v. X is a free download that offers more than 1,000 tweaks, bug fixes and performance enhancements. Among the more noticeable changes are improvements to the way text appears on the screen and tweaks that let Office communicate with the server version of Apple Computer's FileMaker database software.
The software giant is also releasing MSN Messenger 3.0, the first version of Microsoft's instant messaging program to fully take advantage of OS X. In addition to being adjusted for OS X, the new Messenger adds the ability to transfer files.
News.com has more.
As previously reported, Service Release 1 for Office v. X is a free download that offers more than 1,000 tweaks, bug fixes and performance enhancements. Among the more noticeable changes are improvements to the way text appears on the screen and tweaks that let Office communicate with the server version of Apple Computer's FileMaker database software.
The software giant is also releasing MSN Messenger 3.0, the first version of Microsoft's instant messaging program to fully take advantage of OS X. In addition to being adjusted for OS X, the new Messenger adds the ability to transfer files.
News.com has more.
Toshiba top notebook provider
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 4:12:23 PM
Toshiba gains the top provider of notebook PCs.
The Japanese company, which at one time dominated the notebook PC market before losing out to Dell, had a quarter to remember. The notebook maker took advantage of higher unit sales in Japan and the United States as well as a smaller-than-normal decline in overall quarterly unit sales for the market.
The Japanese company, which at one time dominated the notebook PC market before losing out to Dell, had a quarter to remember. The notebook maker took advantage of higher unit sales in Japan and the United States as well as a smaller-than-normal decline in overall quarterly unit sales for the market.
More hammer info
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 4:07:43 PM
INQ has some info regarding the hammer.
Heye provided some guidance on the performance of the Clawhammer. Although the final speed in high performance systems which will be sold in December of this year is top secret, he said that sample CPUs in the hands of the mainboard makers are all locked at 800MHz. The reason for this, he said, was that he didn't want his partners overclocking chips and so providing "great expectations" which AMD probably couldn't meet.
Heye provided some guidance on the performance of the Clawhammer. Although the final speed in high performance systems which will be sold in December of this year is top secret, he said that sample CPUs in the hands of the mainboard makers are all locked at 800MHz. The reason for this, he said, was that he didn't want his partners overclocking chips and so providing "great expectations" which AMD probably couldn't meet.
Gigabyte does wireless
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 4:00:39 PM
Soon I should make my house totally wireless.
Gigabyte Technology recently announced a range of wireless Internet access solutions aimed primarily at the small office and home office (SOHO) environments. The range includes a Bluetooth dongle (GN-BTD01), wireless PCMCIA card (GN-WLM01) and wireless broadband router (GN-BR402W).
Gigabyte Technology recently announced a range of wireless Internet access solutions aimed primarily at the small office and home office (SOHO) environments. The range includes a Bluetooth dongle (GN-BTD01), wireless PCMCIA card (GN-WLM01) and wireless broadband router (GN-BR402W).
Hammer cooling
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 3:55:37 PM
Hard has an article on cooling the hammer.
We used to think that TBird and Palomino CPUs required a lot pressure when mounting a heatsink, but it will be nothing compared to what's coming. The Sample 2 shown here will utilize an incredible 40 pounds of force per square inch. What's even more surprising is the the Sample 1 shown below that's the "true" Thermaltake reference design calls for 70 PSI to be exerted.
We used to think that TBird and Palomino CPUs required a lot pressure when mounting a heatsink, but it will be nothing compared to what's coming. The Sample 2 shown here will utilize an incredible 40 pounds of force per square inch. What's even more surprising is the the Sample 1 shown below that's the "true" Thermaltake reference design calls for 70 PSI to be exerted.
MSI KT3 Ultra-ARU review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 3:52:25 PM
KT333 from MSI is reviewed by Viperlair.
Feature-wise, MSI does not skimp here. USB 2.0 is coming in a big way, and until chipset manufacturers add native support, the NEC chip soldered into the KT3 Ultra-ARU is there waiting for you. The onboard sound is great, and the extras like RAID and LED diagnostics are nice additions to the board. Stock speeds, or overclocked, the KT3 Ultra-ARU withstood our abuse with nary an issue. It didn't quite run away in our benchmarks, but it was right up there with the fastest boards we've had the chance to test. For the money, you'll be hard pressed to find a better, all-round package.
Feature-wise, MSI does not skimp here. USB 2.0 is coming in a big way, and until chipset manufacturers add native support, the NEC chip soldered into the KT3 Ultra-ARU is there waiting for you. The onboard sound is great, and the extras like RAID and LED diagnostics are nice additions to the board. Stock speeds, or overclocked, the KT3 Ultra-ARU withstood our abuse with nary an issue. It didn't quite run away in our benchmarks, but it was right up there with the fastest boards we've had the chance to test. For the money, you'll be hard pressed to find a better, all-round package.
4 way Opteron demo PR
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 3:46:03 PM
It seems AMD has displayed a 4 way CPU system.
At Computex Taipei 2002, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today demonstrated a four-way multiprocessing server, based on its upcoming eighth-generation AMD Opteron™ processor. The demo marks the first-ever public showing of a four-way multiprocessing platform by AMD, and illustrates AMD’s unwavering commitment to the 64-bit server market.
At Computex Taipei 2002, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today demonstrated a four-way multiprocessing server, based on its upcoming eighth-generation AMD Opteron™ processor. The demo marks the first-ever public showing of a four-way multiprocessing platform by AMD, and illustrates AMD’s unwavering commitment to the 64-bit server market.
VIA C3 1Ghz review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 3:41:51 PM
Hexus reviews the 1Ghz C3.
If ever there was a time to invest in one of these processors it is now, the 1GHz milestone is a new era for these chips, they finally have the power that we have come to expect in this day and age. Ok so it might not match the Athlon's and P4's for raw power but have you ever heard of a passively cooled Athlon XP running at sub 50°C !?!
If ever there was a time to invest in one of these processors it is now, the 1GHz milestone is a new era for these chips, they finally have the power that we have come to expect in this day and age. Ok so it might not match the Athlon's and P4's for raw power but have you ever heard of a passively cooled Athlon XP running at sub 50°C !?!
How to get free cable TV from broadband
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 3:36:17 PM
How many people that you know own a black box?. Many.
Drawing on old-school methods to splice cable TV lines for unauthorized use, hackers say they can buy a splitter at the local electronics store and easily run an additional line from the cable modem line for the computer into the television. Without a set-top box, the result is free, basic, analog cable; with an illegal converter or set-top, hackers say they have access to premium channels such as HBO and Showtime.
Drawing on old-school methods to splice cable TV lines for unauthorized use, hackers say they can buy a splitter at the local electronics store and easily run an additional line from the cable modem line for the computer into the television. Without a set-top box, the result is free, basic, analog cable; with an illegal converter or set-top, hackers say they have access to premium channels such as HBO and Showtime.
HPQ getting into tablets
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 3:29:38 PM
HPQ will make a Tablet PC based on a Transmeta CPU running at 1Ghz.
HP will use a 1GHz version of Transmeta's Crusoe TM5800 processor for the Evo, making HP Transmeta's first North American PC customer. The vote of confidence is an important one for Transmeta, which is still battling chipmakers Intel and Via Technologies for business. The chipmaker is also working to recover from delays with its original 800MHz TM5800 chip.
HP will use a 1GHz version of Transmeta's Crusoe TM5800 processor for the Evo, making HP Transmeta's first North American PC customer. The vote of confidence is an important one for Transmeta, which is still battling chipmakers Intel and Via Technologies for business. The chipmaker is also working to recover from delays with its original 800MHz TM5800 chip.
SiS Xabre 400 Pro review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 3, 2002 at 2:40:54 AM
[H] got their hands on a Xabre 400 pro card. I should get one of these soon.
The Xabre is all about bringing features to a crowd that has not had this level of performance or features before. As we've seen here, this GPU is clearly not aimed at the hardcore gaming user or PC enthusiast. GF4 Ti 4200's and ATI 8500LE's easily outclass the Xabre 400. Performance switches between the GF4 MX 460 and Xabre 400 depending on the game you're playing and the features or quality settings used. What the Xabre 400 is good at is bringing features like Pixel shaders to the crowd that the GeForce4 MX 460 is aimed for. It's very easy to see that the Xabre 400 has more features than the GeForce4 MX 460. Performance right now however isn't the same story. I think that once the drivers are better optimized, it will help put the Xabre 400's performance over that of the GeForce4 MX 460.
The Xabre is all about bringing features to a crowd that has not had this level of performance or features before. As we've seen here, this GPU is clearly not aimed at the hardcore gaming user or PC enthusiast. GF4 Ti 4200's and ATI 8500LE's easily outclass the Xabre 400. Performance switches between the GF4 MX 460 and Xabre 400 depending on the game you're playing and the features or quality settings used. What the Xabre 400 is good at is bringing features like Pixel shaders to the crowd that the GeForce4 MX 460 is aimed for. It's very easy to see that the Xabre 400 has more features than the GeForce4 MX 460. Performance right now however isn't the same story. I think that once the drivers are better optimized, it will help put the Xabre 400's performance over that of the GeForce4 MX 460.
June 2, 2002
MSI 645E MAX-LRU Review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 6:03:37 PM
Hexus reviews a SiS 645DX MSI board.
If you're thinking of investing in a Pentium4 processor right now, the best path to take would be to considering buying a Northwood B, one that natively runs at 133FSB. Now, quite a few motherboards have the ability to run at 133FSB without undue difficulty, but only a few are officially ratified to do so, the MSI 645E Max-LRU being one of them. If you want a feature-laden, stable, fast and relatively inexpensive motherboard to complement your Pentium4, the MSI should really make it on to your shortlist.
If you're thinking of investing in a Pentium4 processor right now, the best path to take would be to considering buying a Northwood B, one that natively runs at 133FSB. Now, quite a few motherboards have the ability to run at 133FSB without undue difficulty, but only a few are officially ratified to do so, the MSI 645E Max-LRU being one of them. If you want a feature-laden, stable, fast and relatively inexpensive motherboard to complement your Pentium4, the MSI should really make it on to your shortlist.
fireLINE Pocket HotDrive review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 4:17:59 PM
30GB of storage to go.
The fireLINE Pocket HotDrive 30GB performed very well and its versatility definitely gives it some favor compared to other drives that are limited to only one interface, the only drawback we saw was its slightly higher price than say the La Cie PocketDrive 30 GB which runs about $260 at time of review. Other than the slight drawback in price, which is also justifiable because of the additional features we feel this is a product we can recommend to those looking for a convenient way of transferring data to and from an office or simply faced with the problem of being out of room for additional IDE devices. Overall fireLINE Pocket HotDrive 30GB a very solid piece of hardware which will greatly compliment any PC.
The fireLINE Pocket HotDrive 30GB performed very well and its versatility definitely gives it some favor compared to other drives that are limited to only one interface, the only drawback we saw was its slightly higher price than say the La Cie PocketDrive 30 GB which runs about $260 at time of review. Other than the slight drawback in price, which is also justifiable because of the additional features we feel this is a product we can recommend to those looking for a convenient way of transferring data to and from an office or simply faced with the problem of being out of room for additional IDE devices. Overall fireLINE Pocket HotDrive 30GB a very solid piece of hardware which will greatly compliment any PC.
Gigabyte GA-7DXR+ review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 4:06:12 PM
SocketA reviews a new AMD 760 chipset board. Old chipset...
Gigabyte has put out another attempt at a Socket A board with the 761 Northbridge from AMD. I am a fan of the 761 and its utter lack of issues, so I don't mind running slightly slower, if more stable technology, and am pleased with the performance of this product overall. I think that Gigabyte is a little behind the KG7 RAID's performance, but it is still a stable, high quality board with excellent performance and not too many faults. So while I still love the KG7, there is a place for this board... Right now it is providing the leverage under the 1800+ chip running in my system.
Gigabyte has put out another attempt at a Socket A board with the 761 Northbridge from AMD. I am a fan of the 761 and its utter lack of issues, so I don't mind running slightly slower, if more stable technology, and am pleased with the performance of this product overall. I think that Gigabyte is a little behind the KG7 RAID's performance, but it is still a stable, high quality board with excellent performance and not too many faults. So while I still love the KG7, there is a place for this board... Right now it is providing the leverage under the 1800+ chip running in my system.
America's Amry Screen Shots
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 3:55:19 PM
Warp2Search has the new screenies from this upcoming FREE game.
I already ordered it so why haven't you? The Game.
I already ordered it so why haven't you? The Game.
Vivid!XS 64 MB Kyro II review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 3:38:12 AM
Kyro 2 is still around I guess.
For the small purse, the Videologic Vivid!XS is the right choice. Itself modern games are playable with this graphic card. Who do not and looks absolutely for the newest graphic cards does not see any alternative in nVidia & ATI, should reach for the Videologic Vivid!XS.
For the small purse, the Videologic Vivid!XS is the right choice. Itself modern games are playable with this graphic card. Who do not and looks absolutely for the newest graphic cards does not see any alternative in nVidia & ATI, should reach for the Videologic Vivid!XS.
Rounded Cable review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 3:21:10 AM
Mikhailtech reviews some rounded cables. That would look nice with my Xoxide case 
.
Only two things I do not like that much. First, the fact that the cables do not bend easily is a small minus, but can be overlooked. The other "problem" is the choice of colors, actually the fact that you can't make that choice, Cooler Master made it for you. The cables only come in one color, yellow for the floppy cable, green for the PTC-A18 and red for the PTC-A24. I am sure most of you would like more colors, especially those of you that use case windows. I also would like dark gray or black cables instead of red, maybe in the near future Cooler Master will also add new colors.
.Only two things I do not like that much. First, the fact that the cables do not bend easily is a small minus, but can be overlooked. The other "problem" is the choice of colors, actually the fact that you can't make that choice, Cooler Master made it for you. The cables only come in one color, yellow for the floppy cable, green for the PTC-A18 and red for the PTC-A24. I am sure most of you would like more colors, especially those of you that use case windows. I also would like dark gray or black cables instead of red, maybe in the near future Cooler Master will also add new colors.
Shuttle AK35GT2R review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 2, 2002 at 3:17:09 AM
AMDmb reviews the KT333 board from Shuttle.
Shuttle has a big advantage on the DIY market because of their prices. As of this writing, the AK35GT2 board can be found online for around $75! If you want the RAID version, the AK35GT2R, that can be bought for under $100. At those prices, the other manufacturers such as MSI will have to depend on the extra features like USB 2.0 to bring in their customers.
Shuttle has a big advantage on the DIY market because of their prices. As of this writing, the AK35GT2 board can be found online for around $75! If you want the RAID version, the AK35GT2R, that can be bought for under $100. At those prices, the other manufacturers such as MSI will have to depend on the extra features like USB 2.0 to bring in their customers.
June 1, 2002
Socket A Fan Sale
Poster: Subjugation
Posted on June 1, 2002 at 11:53:22 PM
CoolerGuys.com has a whole lot of nice socket A fans on sale. This includes many nice ThermalTake fans along with the Dragon Orb 3.
Nearly every P4 fan they carry is on sale. Click here for P4 Sale.
Nearly every P4 fan they carry is on sale. Click here for P4 Sale.
IBM gets a monster sale
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 1, 2002 at 6:21:16 AM
$224 Million to enhance the Weather Service's computer mainframe.
The new weather system will improve forecasting, NOAA Chief Information Officer Carl Staton said in an interview. Today's system forecasts a week into the future. The new system will improve the detail and accuracy of those forecasts through better physical models and the incorporation of more data, and ultimately, Staton said, the system will be able to forecast two weeks in advance. And in other news, we had a Tornado warning here today... Nothing happened.
The new weather system will improve forecasting, NOAA Chief Information Officer Carl Staton said in an interview. Today's system forecasts a week into the future. The new system will improve the detail and accuracy of those forecasts through better physical models and the incorporation of more data, and ultimately, Staton said, the system will be able to forecast two weeks in advance. And in other news, we had a Tornado warning here today... Nothing happened.
IBM makes chip enhancement software
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 1, 2002 at 6:19:02 AM
IBM just wants their own CPUs to be the best possible.
The software, called EinsTuner, lets IBM chip designers build more-refined products without having to spend as much time hand-tuning them, said Leon Stock, senior manager of design automation at IBM Research. This could swing for hardware or software...
The software, called EinsTuner, lets IBM chip designers build more-refined products without having to spend as much time hand-tuning them, said Leon Stock, senior manager of design automation at IBM Research. This could swing for hardware or software...
Trasmeta 256-bit CPU
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on June 1, 2002 at 3:51:29 AM
First 256-bit consumer CPU? Let's see the performance of the 'code morphing' software...
With the processor, Transmeta will switch to a 256-bit VLIW (very long instruction word) which will allow the computer to carry out twice as many instructions in one clock cycle as current processors. Energy efficiency will see a 47 percent improvement and performance will be between 2 and 3.5 times better than the company's current chips, according to Ditzel.
With the processor, Transmeta will switch to a 256-bit VLIW (very long instruction word) which will allow the computer to carry out twice as many instructions in one clock cycle as current processors. Energy efficiency will see a 47 percent improvement and performance will be between 2 and 3.5 times better than the company's current chips, according to Ditzel.
May 31, 2002
Case Modding!
Poster: Subjugation
Posted on May 31, 2002 at 11:10:06 PM
OverClocker's Cafe has created an article for those who want to modify their cases with all kinds of cool things but don't know where to start. Check out this 3l33t article
AMD buys bug hunting lasers
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on May 31, 2002 at 9:49:33 PM
Zap those bugs!. Okay, bad joke...
Flaws in silicon can cost chip firms millions if they're not fixed quickly, or, even worse, get into the wild and are then discovered by journalists.
The machines cost around US$1 million and the newspaper says that they will be installed in facilities in Texas, Singapore and California.
Flaws in silicon can cost chip firms millions if they're not fixed quickly, or, even worse, get into the wild and are then discovered by journalists.
The machines cost around US$1 million and the newspaper says that they will be installed in facilities in Texas, Singapore and California.
Faster C3 cpu to come
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on May 31, 2002 at 9:45:35 PM
1 Ghz for low cost PCs. Hopefully it'll be faster than a 500mhz chip :|.
The company plans to push the new, faster C3 chip for use in low-price PCs sold mainly outside the United States. The C3 is also used in "white box" PCs manufactured in the United States. The white-box market is made up of small, local manufacturers that build computers for consumers and small businesses.
The company plans to push the new, faster C3 chip for use in low-price PCs sold mainly outside the United States. The C3 is also used in "white box" PCs manufactured in the United States. The white-box market is made up of small, local manufacturers that build computers for consumers and small businesses.
Xoxide review posted!
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on May 31, 2002 at 9:35:22 PM
I got that case review up. Ahh, now I've got class in two hours 
.
.Soltek SL-75DRV5 review
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on May 31, 2002 at 4:39:38 PM
Overclockers AU reviews a KT333 board from Soltek.
Once again, Soltek provide a pleasant surprise. This board does lack the extra features of, say, Asus's A7V333 - no RAID controller, no USB2.0, no FireWire - nothing onboard apart from the sound, in fact. However it's very stable, certainly no slouch speedwise and it seems, as far as I can test, to be a pretty good overclocker with the latest BIOS. There are some layout gripes but no killer ones - I used a GF4 Ti4600 for plenty of testing on this board, and the tall components do get in the way a bit, but you can work around it. Things like the Anti-Burn Shield and their RedStorm Overclocking feature are definitely handy inclusions. Where the Soltek really streaks ahead is pricewise, though - Altech list the A7V333 at $264 RRP ($330 with RAID), while the Soltek is a mere $185! If you're already running a DDR SocketA system such as KT266A, there's not a lot of reason to make the move to KT333 just yet. But if you're thinking about going to DDR SocketA without wanting to blow a heap of cash on a lot of features you don't need, the Soltek SL-75DRV5 looks like an unmissable opportunity. Recommended!
Once again, Soltek provide a pleasant surprise. This board does lack the extra features of, say, Asus's A7V333 - no RAID controller, no USB2.0, no FireWire - nothing onboard apart from the sound, in fact. However it's very stable, certainly no slouch speedwise and it seems, as far as I can test, to be a pretty good overclocker with the latest BIOS. There are some layout gripes but no killer ones - I used a GF4 Ti4600 for plenty of testing on this board, and the tall components do get in the way a bit, but you can work around it. Things like the Anti-Burn Shield and their RedStorm Overclocking feature are definitely handy inclusions. Where the Soltek really streaks ahead is pricewise, though - Altech list the A7V333 at $264 RRP ($330 with RAID), while the Soltek is a mere $185! If you're already running a DDR SocketA system such as KT266A, there's not a lot of reason to make the move to KT333 just yet. But if you're thinking about going to DDR SocketA without wanting to blow a heap of cash on a lot of features you don't need, the Soltek SL-75DRV5 looks like an unmissable opportunity. Recommended!