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DFI NB73-EA (i845E) Mainboard


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This is one of boards which are used for entry-level computers. 

Accessories: 

  • Package of a standard design; 
  • Documentation: user manual in English; 
  • Cables: 1 ATA66/100/133 and FDD; 
  • SmartCard and FlashCard Reader for Secure Digital and Memory Stick cards; 
  • Bracket for the rear computer panel with S/PDIF-In/Out (Coaxial); 
  • Bracket with a Game port; 
  • Bracket for the rear computer panel; 
  • CD containing: 
    • drivers;
    • system monitoring utility; 
    • Boostek (for changing a FSB frequency from Windows); 
    • software for the Smart/FlashCard Reader; 
    • DirectX 8.1. 

The layout is given a very thorough thought - the only downside is that it can be difficult to reach some jumpers when the board is already installed. Their functions are shown on the textolite. 

The 3-channel switching voltage regulator incorporates 15 capacitors of 2200 uF. 

The following controllers are integrated: 

  • audio controller based on the chipset's capabilities and Avance Logic ALC650 AC'97 codec supporting 5.1 audio systems and having connectors for front audio inputs and for SPDIF; 
  • network controller based on the Realtek RTL8100BL chip and supporting 10BaseT/100BaseTX. 

Thanks to the Winbond W83637HF-AW Smart I/O controller the board supports (and have a respective connector) the Secure Digital and Memory Stick Reader. 

+2.5 V supplied to the memory modules in the StandBy mode is indicated with the LED; also, there is a POST controller including 4 LEDs.  

Non-unsoldered connectors: none.

The system monitoring is supported by the Winbond W83627HF-AW chip. What is controlled: 

  • processor voltage, AGP bus, memory, +3.3, +5 and +12 V, VBAT and +5 V Standby; 
  • speed of 2 fans; 
  • temperatures of the processor (a built-in sensor) and the board (a built-in sensor). 

There are 2 connectors for adjustable and 1 for unadjustable connection of fans.

Brief characteristics of the board: memory slots - 2 DDR SDRAM; expansion slots - AGP/ 5 PCI/ CNR; I/O ports - 2 COM/ LPT/ 2 PS/2/ 6 USB 2.0; dimensions - 305x245 mm. 




Adjustment can be carried out with: 
 

jumpers and switches Jumper to clear up the CMOS  
Jumper for starting up computer from a PS/2 keyboard  
Switches for starting up the system from a USB keyboard  
Jumper to set a FSB frequency Auto, 100 and 133 MHz
Jumper to set a mode of the 6th USB port Onboard/CNR
BIOS based on the Phoenix AwardBIOS 6.00PG Setup of memory timings + CAS Latency, Active To Precharge Delay
Setup of memory frequency + Auto, DDR200, DDR266
Setup of AGP bus -  
Setup of PCI bus -  
Changeable scaler of AGP and PCI buses + AGP(PCIx2) = Auto, 66, 75 and 88 MHz
Manual assignment of interrupts +  
Changeable FSB frequency + 100-200 MHz in 1MHz steps
Changeable CPU multiplier + x8-x50
Changeable core voltage + 1.5-1.85 V in 0.025V steps
Changeable memory voltage -  
Changeable chipset voltage -  
Changeable AGP bus voltage -  

We used the BIOS of 20.09.2002 as the latest available version. 

The board looks well thought-out and offers a decent set of functions for the value, though they are much more scanty in comparison to other boards on this chipset. 

Test results: 

Dmitry Mayorov (destrax@ixbt.com



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