You'd
better run and grab a cold drink, maybe even a pillow. We have a lot to
discuss. We have on our test bench the first dual board based on DDR memory,
Iwill's DVD266-R. This marks several firsts for us: This is clearly our
first journey into the land of double-data rate memory, our first opportunity
to fondle a component from Iwill,
and lastly our first look at an AMI RAID controller!
I'm also
going to inundate you with pictures. The layout of this board has been
in question since day one. You know the positioning of the ATX power connector
isn't great, I know the positioning of the ATX power connector isn't great;
we're going to see how much of an effect it'll have on your box. Lastly
we're going to run more benchmarks then you're accustomed to seeing around
here. I want everyone to have an excellent idea what this platform can
give you. Not only on the gaming side of the coin, but also some workstation
oriented benchmarks. The bottom line is this: The DVD266-R is first and
foremost a dual board. A certain amount of perspective is necessary, here.
Don't get blinded, or overly excited about memory scores. Let's look at
this board as a whole. Is it worthy enough to be the heart of your next
workstation? Let's get on with it and find out.
The
Specs
- VIA Apollo Pro266
Chipset
- Supports Dual Intel
Pentium III Processors from 500 MHz to 1 GHz and higher
- Supports Single
Intel Celeron Processors from 300 MHz to 733 MHz
- V-Link Technology
(266MB/sec low latency bus between the Northbridge and Southbridge)
- Dual ATA 100/66/33
IDE Channels
- AMI 80649 ATA/100
IDE RAID Controller (RAID 0, 1, 0+1)
- C-Media CMI8738
Sound Chip
- 4 x 184-pin Sockets
to Support a Maximum of 4 GB of DDR Memory
- Vcore Adjustment
(not on a per processor basis, though), and
1 MHz FSB increments between 66 and 200 Mhz.
Simply put, this board
seemingly provides everything but the kitchen sink. From a features standpoint
the only thing that would have made this appear better on paper would
have been independant voltage adjustment for each processor a la the MSI
694D. Since even Abit chose not to implement this on the VP6,
maybe it's a quibble on my part. Let's run in a chronological order and
take a peak at how Iwill packaged the DVD266-R. It was a pleasant surprise...
How's
that Packaging?
Again,
Iwill impressed me. For those of you who know me, you'll understand that's
relatively impressive in its own right. Cynical to the end, I can generally
find fault with absolutely everything. The box itself isn't the impressive
part, it's the plastic casing that lies waiting for you when you crack
the lid on the box. The board is securely encased in its own plastic house
so to speak. Board on top, cables and manuals in compartments below.
Modem users beware,
pictures incoming. :-)
As I told my compadres,
Iwill has supplanted AOpen for the "Best Packaging" award in
my books. Inside that lovely box awaits two (yes two) ATA-100 cables,
a floppy cable, DVD266-R manual, a floppy disk containing AMI RAID controller
drivers, an installation guide for the AMI RAID controller, and a cd comprised
of drivers and utilities which will be touched on as the review progresses.
