AOpen AX64Pro Apollo Pro 133A Slot-1 ATX

AOpen's jumperless CPU configuration is carried over almost directly from the MX64 and the AX63Pro. Like those models, the AX64Pro features the AWARD 4.60PGMA BIOS core, which is a custom AOpen version of the more common 4.51PG. Now that Award has the improved 6.00PG, we'd like to see all manufacturers go ahead and implement it on their boards, including AOpen.

For overclockers, FSB settings of 66 / 75 / 83 / 100 / 103 / 105 / 110 / 112 / 115 / 120 / 124 / 124 / 133 / 140 / 150 are all available in the BIOS. While there are 7 FSB speeds between 100 and 124 MHz, we'd like to see more in the 133 - 150 MHz range, especially with the incredible overclocking ability of the Coppermine core. Clock multiplier is also configured in the BIOS, but since most Slot-1 CPU's today are multiplier-locked, this is almost a moot point.

More importantly, like other "Pro" models from AOpen, the AX64Pro features core voltage adjustments in the BIOS with options from 1.3V - 2.10V in 0.05V increments and 2.10V - 3.50V in 0.1V increments. Seven 2200 uF capacitors sit right behind the Slot-1 interface, with four more located near the memory slots. These 2200 uF capacitors are the same low ESR capacitors found on the AX6BC Pro Gold and potentially contribute to the AX64Pro's solid stability. While the stability of the AX64Pro was excellent, it fell a bit behind the ASUS P3V4X and its i440BX cousin, the AX6BC Pro Gold.

The non-jumperless part of the setup comes when you want to overclock. Two 6-pin jumper blocks determine what frequency range is available in the BIOS, with the option of Auto, 66-83 MHz, 100-124MHz, and 133-150MHz. The Auto setting determines what range of frequencies are available based on the CPU in use and its default speed. The other settings are, of course, intended for overclockers. All AGP and PCI ratios are automatically handled based on the FSB speed range selected via the jumpers or auto detected from the CPU.

With the AX64Pro, AOpen introduces a feature we've seen before from other manufacturers, but never on an AOpen board - a second BIOS flash ROM chip that serves as a backup in case of failure. AOpen likes to call it "Die Hard BIOS," but it operates much like Gigabyte's DualBIOS. The difference is that Gigabyte's solution includes a utility embedded in the BIOS to configure DualBIOS, while AOpen simply has two BIOS chips onboard and a jumper to switch between them. Nevertheless, the security blanket afforded by Die Hard BIOS against failed flashes BIOS attacking viruses is nice.

The BIOS options may come as a bit of a surprise for those that have never used a VIA based board before, as there are a number of options not found on Intel chipset-based systems. The most obvious is the memory setting mentioned above. As with other VIA Apollo Pro 133A boards, the AOpen offers the ability to enable or disable AGP 4X support from the Chipset Features Setup. Interestingly enough, there was no option for enabling/disabling AGP Fast Writes.

Like other Apollo Pro 133/133A boards, the AX64Pro supports an "asynchronous" memory clock, meaning that it can run at a different speed than the FSB. Options include FSB clock and FSB clock +/- 33 MHz. When using the 133 MHz bus, FSB + 33 MHz is not available, nor is FSB - 33MHz when using a 66MHz FSB. It should also be noted that the setting labeled +/- 33 MHz is actually adding or subtracting the PCI bus speed. So if you're running a 150 MHz FSB, with the memory clock set for FSB - 33 MHz, you're actually getting 150 - 37.5 = 112.5 MHz (FSB = 150 MHz, PCI clock = 150/4=37.5 MHz). This is a function of the VIA chipset rather than something unique to AOpen.

One feature that is included on this board, but is still missing on some motherboards, is the ability to configure what the system will do when AC power is restored after a power outage. The system can either remain off, turn on, or resume last power state when power is restored. This is a feature that has often been overlooked since ATX and soft power became available, but is critical for anyone using a system that must be on 24/7 or as close as possible. It also allows for users to shut the system on and off from a surge protector.

The VIA 686A Super South Bridge provides support for integrated hardware monitoring of 5 positive voltages, 3 temperatures, and 2 fan speeds. AOpen chose to monitor only 4 voltages, including Vcore, +12V, +5V, and +3.3V. Temperature is read from the CPU's on-die thermal diode, the 686A chip itself, and from a thermistor header placed next to the DIMM slots. Unfortunately, no such thermistor is included with the board. One fan header is located next to the CPU, while the other is at the front left corner of the board. No hardware monitoring information is shown in the BIOS, but can be read by the included utility or by many of the shareware utilities available on the web.

While AOpen still does not include a printed manual, they've expanded their Easy Installation Guide to a fold out poster that includes all the information you will need to get the system up and running. They even walk you through the installation of VIA's 4-in-1 service pack. A full manual is still included on the CD in PDF format and is more detailed than previous AOpen manuals, which is to say just about everything is covered in this manual. Also on that CD is an OEM copy of Norton Crash Guard and Norton AntiVirus for Windows 9x - not a bad bundle for a motherboard.