Soltek 75KV KT133 Motherboard Review Plagued by numerous problems in the recent past, Intel now sees itself in a very difficult position. Quite a contrast from the days before the existance of the Athlon. Since the Athlon's conception, AMD has been moving forward at full speed and minimal hindrance many thanks to the vast pool of chipset and motherboard support.  80% Rating:    Table of Contents Filed under: Motherboards Published:  Author:  External Mfg. Website: Soltek Oct 12 2000   P. Masrani   Home > Reviews > Motherboards > Soltek 75KV

These speeds are selectable either through the DIP switches or BIOS through the Frequency/Voltage Control option. However, for all practical purposes the SL 75KV does support increases of FSB speed in very small steps of 1MHz. This is done by first setting a FSB speed through whichever means available. Then, two options known as "Method in Linear Function" and "CPU Host by Linear Function" allow the user to either add or subtract a value between 0 28MHz to/from the already set FSB speed.

Another attraction for overclockers is the option to manipulate core voltage value of the CPU. Starting from 1.50V, the SL 75KV allows Vcore to go as high as 1.85V in 0.025V increments. And of course, an option to boost the memory bus by 33MHz (over FSB) is available.

Unfortunately, this board does not provide for the much needed multiplier adjustment. As Duron's and T Birds are notorious for their overclocking potential through this avenue, it would have been ideal for Soltek to include such a feature. This being the case, we did not even hope to reap any substantial benefit from the SL 75KV.

And the result to our expectations was that we were partially correct. Previously, we were able to get a throbbing 950MHz out of the Asus A7V through the use of multipliers. A 672MHz overclock (112 x 5) was attainable on a Biostar mobo. Fortunately, the Soltek was able to secure a very stable 690MHz (115 x 6) under all applications. The reason I say this is because we were able to get a 714MHz (119 x 6) overclock running in all applications except for those which are graphics intensive. In such applications, frequent crashes were the result hence forcing us to come down to a 115MHz FSB.

Overall, the overclocking potential of this is much better than what the Biostar had exhibited but without a multiplier adjustment, the full potential of this otherwise very stable board is still to remain in darkness.

Conclusions

Thinking back to our earlier Soltek reviews and keeping this one in mind as well, it is clear that they have developed a consistent record for making high performing and very stable motherboards. This makes Soltek motherboards quite ideal for server use where mission critical applications are centralized. The added AGP Pro slot also gives the SL 75KV an added attraction towards graphics professionals. In fact, the availability of such a slot on a Socket A motherboard is quite rare. Hardcore overclockers and hobbyists may want to look at other options which are available.

The addition of 2 extra USB ports, another rarity among Socket A boards, adds a good amount of flexibility to the end user. The lack of an AMR slot an the addition of a single ISA slot makes this accommodation more feasible as AMR just has yet to click.

All in all, Soltek have done a very good job in designing such a well rounded motherboard. From what we have seen of them so far, it doesn't look at if they are going astray from being at the top of their game.

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