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For the entry-level / budget conscious user, manufacturers have provided a solution to this market in the form of integrated motherboards. With onboard graphics, audio (usually in the form of an AC97 audio CODEC) and at times including RAID, SCSI, or an Ethernet solution, all-in-one motherboards have been accepted and implemented on a relatively wide scale.
70% Rating: 
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Iwill WS133 |
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BIOS and Conclusion
The WS133's firmware
exhibits a number of features that are commonly available on other boards.
Though only the name is unique, "IWill Smart Setting" allows the
user to modify CPU/SDRAM clock speeds depending upon the corresponding jumper
setting (the table is found on the previous page). So although you can modify
CPU/SDRAM frequencies, having it depend on a jumper does not allow the
flexibility that most overclockers want. Something not found on many boards out there is the ability to
control the processors speed in event the CPU temperature attains its default
protection point.
This allows the CPU to run
slower (at user configurable speeds in the range of 12.5% - 87.5% of maximum CPU
performance) in order to lower the core temperature. A really useful utility for
overclockers who want to maintain the life of their CPU. Unfortunately, the
WS133 does not have the facility for modifying CPU core voltage from the BIOS
itself (this is taken care of through jumpers).
Monitoring of various
voltages is made available either through monitoring software (included on the CD)
or through the BIOS itself courtesy of the Winbond 83627 HF-AW chip. To be
precise, the WS133 monitors 7 voltages, 3 fan speeds and CPU temperature. In
addition, the CPU temperature is read from its on die thermal diode instead of a
thermistor. This naturally, adds accuracy to temperature readings.
During
POST, a couple of hot keys are listed that give you access to fail safe
defaults, optimized performance defaults, clock speed configuration, as well as
the Award BIOS flash program that is built into its BIOS. On the motherboard
itself are two small green LED's, one is to designate that the system is
receiving power and the other denotes DIMM power reception. The latter is quite
useful in STR situations.
It seems as though Iwill has thought of it all.
Being an 810E board, Iwill has implemented options for the user with regard to
the on-board display adapter. One can change CAS latency as well as setting
the video memory bus speed at either 100MHz or 133MHz (default). Though the
default CAS latency value is 3, you can attempt to tweak it and lower down to
2.
The usual power management options such as STR (Suspend-to-RAM), STD
(Suspend-to-Disk), Wake-on-LAN / mouse, etc. The manual provides a very well
detailed "how to" on implementing the STD option along with a utility for that
on the CD.
Conclusion
Features, features and more
features. This is probably the most loaded 810E-based board on the market today.
Though graphics performance leaves something to be desires (as is the case will
ALL 810 boards), it overclocking potential, stability and overall system
performance make up for it tremendously. Of course a board like this would
certainly suit general purpose as well as business users
perfectly.
The only market the WS133 excludes are hard core
gamers, period. Occasional gamers should not find the WS133 lacking in graphics
performance at all! Its 6 PCI slots ensure that you will never lack in terms of
expandability and support for CuMine CPUs and the Cyrix III's should give you
peace of mind for future upgrades.
A quality product? I would say
so.
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