ABIT BH7 - ABIT BH7

Layout and Feature Set

Here is a quote from ABIT on all the goodies you can expect to see on the BH7 motherboard.

"The BH7 is a next generation motherboard for Intel CPUs with Hyper-Threading Technology. The BH7 uses Intel's 845PE chipset to bring the latest in technology to ABIT's Intel platform. Only ABIT provides Intel users with 6-channel sound and S/PDIF IN/OUT as a standard feature for improved audio performance. With full support for USB 2.0, AGP4X and onboard LAN, the BH7 gives users an easy way to connect to today's hottest peripherals. ABIT offers users the MaxIImum Edge by also incorporating Serial ATA150 onboard. ABIT succeeds in creating an Intel PE-based motherboard with full features to ensure longevity and flexibility."

One of the first things I look for in a motherboard is the layout. The BH7 continues the ABIT tradition of finely thought out motherboards with plenty of room between IDE, Floppy, and memory ports. The IDE's are turned inward and is actually a pretty sweet concept and one you'd think we would have seen earlier in motherboard manufacturing but hey, better late than never. Also, the ATX connector is smartly placed on the outside of the board away from the CPU and HSF and any other components that could get in the way of the thick ATX Power Cable. I'm also happy to see the CMOS batter planeted flatly and the the CMOS jumper also has plenty of room to work with. If your an overclocker you know getting to the jumper easily is a welcome nicety.

There are also a total of 5 count them FIVE 3-pin fan headers on the motherboard. This is great for connecting an intake fan up front, 2 spots for your PSU and/or video card and a fan right by the CPU Socket. Once again thanks goes out to the ABIT engineers who keep giving us plenty of options for those of us who like to keep our systems cool.

Lets break down the mobo layout piece by piece in order to see all of the components we have here.

Nomenclature under the 5 PCI slots

Meat and Potatoes

Above we see the backside of the mobo that will sit at your ATX connector plate. Going from the IT7 MAX2 V2.0 I was worried that I wouldn't have enough items to accomadate my needs. However I was pleasantly surprised when I saw PS/2 and Keyboard connectors. 1 Serial, 1 Printer port, Optical 1 and 2, Audio 1 and 2, 4 USB 2.0 ports and the LAN input. Gladly, we see no firewire ports here. Why? Probably because firewire has failed to take off with PC users due to the popularity of USB 2.0. Sorry Apple, you guys just can't seem to get a foothold in the PC market :). While 4 USB ports should be enough for the average user, there is also another USB header on the motherboard to hookup 1 additional USB 2.0 port. Everything here is clean and simple. I am however looking forward to the day when the printer and serial ports are dropped on all motherboards. If you've still got a parallel only printer or serial device, well, it's time to upgrade to USB my friend. Moving on.  

Northbridge Chipset Cooler

            IDE 1 and 2                          Floppy and ATX connector

Onboard Audio Chip and Inputs

Intel standards continue to require only passive cooling for the Northbridge chipset. These seem to work well and I have yet to have any stability issues due to no active cooling. Also notice the turned IDE ports as previously mentioned. I really like this new setup and if you happen to still be using IDE ribbon cables, you can easily tuck the added length behind the motherboard nice and tidy. Floppy and ATX connectors up towards the top. Below we see the Realtek sound chip and audio connectors.

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