Gigabyte GA-6VX-4X Apollo Pro 133A Slot-1 ATX

The 694X North Bridge also drives the AGP 4X support claimed by the 6VX-4X. Our sample featured the updated AGP 4X core that's available on the CE revision of the chipset. The updated stepping of the AGP core eliminates all problems with running graphics accelerators in AGP 4X mode, an issue which plagued some of the first AGP 4X boards based on VIA's chipsets but, because of the updated core, are not present on the 6VX-4X. All VIA 133A boards, including that 6VX-4X, that are in the channel now should feature the CE revision of the 694X.

The board itself features a universal AGP slot which isn't keyed specifically for AGP 2X or AGP 4X cards, which lets the user install virtually any currently available AGP card in the slot, whether it is an AGP 1X/2X or 4X card. Gigabyte adds a nice little feature to the AGP slot - an AGP retention mechanism. Apparently some OEM's were having trouble with AGP cards coming loose during shipping, so the retention mechanism serves to make sure this doesn't happen.

The VIA 686A Super South Bridge helps reduce costs by integrating a number of features into a single chip. The VIA 686A actually adds a number of features, including support for 4 USB ports, integrated hardware monitoring, and an AMR interface. Two of those USB ports are available via the standard ATX I/O panel, while the other two are only available with an optional cable that can run to the front or back of your case. The Analog Devices 1881 AC97 CODEC provides host-based audio support. Gigabyte also offers the option to include a true hardware based PCI audio solution in the form of an Aureal 8810 sound chip onboard. The onboard sound can be disabled in the BIOS or by a jumper.

Unlike just about every other manufacturer out there, Gigabyte still uses a DIP switch based CPU setup. Four dip switches and one jumper control the FSB speed, while 4 more control the CPU multiplier. Generally, the multiplier is not necessary to set as all current Intel CPU's are multiplier locked. FSB speeds include a paltry 7 settings, including 66 / 100 / 112 / 124 / 133 / 142 / 152. With so few selections, you probably won't be able to overclock your CPU to its fullest. Fifteen 1200 uF, two 1000 uF, and five 330 uF capacitors surround the Slot-1 interface and contribute to the 6VX-4X's high level of stability.

Although the BIOS is technically the AMI Simple Setup, it looks exactly like the Award 4.51PG setup that we've come to know and love. All the tweaking options of the Award BIOS are still there, including control of the AGP transfer mode and the status of AGP fast writes, just like other VIA 133A boards.

Gigabyte does, however, bring a unique feature to the BIOS side of things - their DualBIOS utility means there is actually a backup copy of the BIOS on the motherboard. If there is corruption in the main BIOS for any reason, the backup BIOS takes over to allow the system to boot. With viruses beginning to attack the BIOS and the possibility of failed flashes, DualBIOS is a good safe guard measure that you'll see some other manufacturers implement soon.

The typical Gigabyte manual ships with the 6VX-4X, which means that it lacks details on installing a motherboard, but is otherwise pretty good for the experienced user, and includes information on all connector pin outs as well as the various BIOS settings.