Iwill KK266 Plus
VIA KT133A socket A
Friday, September 14, 2001
Introduction
The IWill KK266 Plus is the latest revision of the original KK266 motherboard. In fact, asides from a few minor modifications and a new audio circuit, the two appear to be practically identical; they come with the same features, offer the same functions, and integrate the same various refinements. Since we've already reviewed the previous rendition of this board, it will be interesting to see how the KK266 Plus pans-out. So, without further ado lets go to the analysis...
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Characteristics of the Iwill KK266 Plus
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CPU
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Supports Socket A for AMD Athlon and Duron™ processors
Supports AMD Athlon processors from 700 MHz to 1.6 GHz +
Supports AMD Duron processors from 600 MHz to 950 MHz +
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Chipset
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VIA KT133A - VT8363A/VT82C686B
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Form factor
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ATX - 30.5cm X 24cm
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Expansion
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6 PCI - 1 ISA - 0 AMR - 1 AGP - 4 USB
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Memory
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3X 168-pin DIMM 1.5Gb SDRAM PC100 - PC133 - VCM
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FSB
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100Mhz to 166Mhz in steps of 1MHz
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Vcore adj.
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1.125 to 1.850 in steps of 0.025v
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Vio adj.
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+5%, +10%
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Audio
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C-Media CMI8738
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Audio
As we mentioned in the introduction, the KK266 Plus comes complete with a new set of audio circuits that are based on the C-Media CMI8738 chip. The CMI8738 supports 5.1 configuration, and up to 6 audio-out lines - including one central base channel.
Much like the Iwill BD133u, the Super Audio version permits users to treat SPDIF digital signals, using optical connectors and RCA in & out jacks.
From an audio standpoint, the C-Media CMI8738 leaves very little to be desired; it's capable of supporting 32 polyphonic voices, EAX effects, and is compatible with both Microsoft DirectSound 3D, and Aureal A3D.
With that said, we can't exactly compare this integrated board to an SBLive card, but its certainly a much sound solution than the audio abilities of most VIA and/or Intel chipsets.
Whatever the case though, we found the KK266 Plus sound abilities to be excellent. Its quite capable of playing MP3s, CD sound-tracks, and 3D games with a surprising amount of depth and fidelity. The richness of the C-Media CMI8738's sound is pretty shocking, and will come as a pleasant surprise to many users.
Configuration
Some configuration of the KK266 Plus is done using the board's on-board jumpers, but the lion's share of the work will be done from within the BIOS, in most cases.
On the board itself, users will find the FSB jumper, which can be used to set the FSB frequency to either 100MHz or 133MHz. Please note that the FSB selection that is made available in the BIOS is linked to the jumper setting. If, for example, the FSB jumper is set to 100MHz, the BIOS will present choices ranging from 100MHz to 132MHz. If 133MHz is selected however, the BIOS will present a selection ranging from 133MHz to 166MHz.
A Vio jumper is also present on the board, which allows users to adjust the Vio voltage. Unfortunately, the same functionality is not available within the BIOS.
To access and change the FSB setting from within the BIOS, users will need to open the Iwill Smart Settings menu.
Within that same menu, it's also possible to adjust the CPU's clock multiplier setting, by setting it to between 5X and 14X.
The Vcore voltage can also be adjusted as indicated by the table above..
Finally, within the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu, users are presented with the option to adjust a number of memory settings. These include memory latency, bank interleave, the ability to set the memory bus frequency to either 100MHz or 133MHz, and a number of other miscellaneous memory parameters.
Next: Technical details.
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