Features (cont’d)

The DPS2 module

DPS2 module installed on the board

DPS2 in action

DPS2

If you recall the original DPS system, it brings 6-phase power circuitry to Gigabyte’s motherboards. Unofficially Gigabyte will tell you that this will also have ramifications when overclocking. No, you won’t be able to overclock your processor any further, as that’s entirely reliant on the processor itself, but the motherboard will be able to supply your processor with a steady flow of power at even the most extreme clock speeds. This is one aspect that many 3-phase motherboards lack. As a result, system stability won’t be compromised by the power subsystem of the motherboard, but it will still be up to the end user to take care of properly cooling their processor.

Cool blue LED

The new DPS2 module adheres to Intel’s brand new VRM10.0 specification first implemented in its 800MHz bus Pentium 4 processors like the 3.0C GHz chip we tested with today. VRM10.0 basically removes support for the higher core voltages required by Intel’s original Pentium 4 processors based on the “Willamette” core. Gigabyte also claims: “and ready for future coming processor” on its GA-8KNXP packaging. In other words, the GA-8KNXP is ready for Pentium 4 processors based on Intel’s upcoming “Prescott” P4 core.

6 DIMMs

As you’ve seen in our pictures, the GA-8KNXP sports six DIMM sockets, the only 875P motherboard on the market that we’re aware of with this feature. Physically, the GA-8KNXP supports up to 4GB of memory just like any other 875P motherboard, however, with 6 DIMM sockets, end users have more flexibility for memory installation. With 256MB modules being so prevalent, you can load your GA-8KNXP system up with these DIMMs. Just keep in mind that you will have to use single-sided modules in DIMM sockets 2, 3, 5, and 6. Single-sided modules are pretty hard to find these days, so this may come as a bummer to some of you.

Color-coded DIMM sockets

Audio

RealTek’s ALC655 AC’97 CODEC handles audio duties. RealTek’s CODECs are used in a wide variety of motherboards, including NVIDIA’s popular nForce2 with Dolby Digital support. Like Analog Devices’ SoundMAX products, the ALC655 offers jack-sensing technology, meaning it will alert the end user if an audio device is connected improperly. This makes troubleshooting installation problems a snap for inexperienced users.

The sound quality of the RealTek CODEC isn’t bad, in fact if your PC isn’t equipped with a high-end speaker setup you’ll probably find it to be very acceptable, but real audiophiles and gamers will want to pass it up for a dedicated sound card. Gigabyte includes digital outputs and additional speaker connections in an external header. You’d be surprised how often other motherboard manufacturers overlook this feature in particular.

CSA

Intel’s Communications Streaming Architecture makes its presence felt on the GA-8KNXP. CSA provides a direct path between the 875P North Bridge and Intel’s Gigabit Ethernet controller. Offering up to 2Gbps between both components, CSA is a dramatic improvement over the PCI bus’ 133MB/sec that was previously implemented on motherboards with built-in networking. This ensures that the Gigabit network controller can live up to its full potential without bottlenecking the rest of the system. Considering that Gigabyte has implemented two external IDE controllers and Firewire (in addition to USB 2.0) the PCI bus is already burdened enough as it is.

Firewire and USB 2.0

Since the 875P chipset doesn’t offer native Firewire support, this capability is provided by the TSB43AB23 controller from Texas Instruments. An external header provides two ports, one of them being a mini-1394 jack (perfect for use with Sony’s camcorders). Gigabyte earns additional bonus points in our book for providing this feature, although we would like to see them include one additional port, the controller is fully capable of handling this.

USB is provided natively by the 875P chipset. The GA-8KNXP supports up to six USB devices out of the box. Four via the motherboard’s back plate, and two more via external an header.