Software
Abit includes a software package specifically geared to interact with µGuru.
Abit does include a nice manual that covers the functions of the software, but in summary, the Abit EQ monitors the heath and user (or default) defined settings of the system. The OC Guru allows for On-the-fly overclocking from within Windows. The Fan EQ can be used to control and monitor the fans in your system. In addition to these tools, the FlashMenu can update the BIOS from within Windows and the BlackBox utility will collect system settings for the user to send to Abit in the troubleshooting process.
Overclocking
Our particular Pentium 840XE CPU isn't the friendliest of overclockers. With the Abit AW9D-MAX we reviewed earlier in the month, we managed a solid 3.824GHz from 3.2GHz with a Koolance EXOS water-cooling kit. This equates to a 239FSB overclock which is a little higher than what we've been able to achieve in the past using the same cooler on other boards.
Initially, we did not reach those heights with the AB9-Pro, setting for 224FSB. During testing, Abit did send over a newer BIOS, which should be public to everyone at this time, and we managed to match the exact overclock as with the AW9D. This bodes well as it does show the AB9-Pro is a solid overclocker and it seems like our chip is the limitation.
Final Words
There are a number of people who would probably assume the 975X chipset is a better chipset than the 965 simply because the number is higher. This impression is probably also influenced by the bundles we see from many motherboard manufacturers, including Abit themselves, by marketing the 975X as enthusiast boards and 965 as cheaper, more mainstream alternatives.
While the bundle and pricing may make the 975X appear to be a "better" product, that isn't really the case. As the AB9-Pro proved today, the 965 chipset is consistently faster than its older cousins. Not only is it faster, the chipset package offers more features than the 975X, most of which make it into Abit's board.
The Abit AB9-Pro is thus far the fastest Intel board I've tested, CPU and peripheral hardware being equal. Oveclocking went well, especially once we updated the BIOS. Whether overclocked or stock, the AB9-Pro was rock solid during testing. Out of the box, once everything was hooked up, the system ran like a champ. Those of you with extensive storage needs should be very happy with the nine SATA connections available.
While we were pleased with the product, there were two areas we felt the AB9-Pro fell a little short. The board is more than capable of running the latest video cards, but as long as you only run one of them. The 965 chipset does support ATI's CrossFire, but given that there is only one PEG slot on the board, you can scratch this out. Of course, the does reflect that the AB9-Pro is a mainstream product more so than an enthusiast. Than again, if you're not a fan of ATI, this is a moot point.
The second issue we had was with the JMicron PATA connection, both in its placement and the controller itself. Drivers will need to be installed separately if you do not reinstall Windows which may be problematic for some. The location of the connection can be an obstacle, but it can be worked around as well.
Neither issue is a deal breaker in our opinion and the Abit AB9-Pro gives pretty good value for the money. For you get a very fast motherboard with all of Intel's latest chipset features that is also a good overclocker and very stable. We think gamers with deep pockets will want to consider another board simply for the fact that the motherboard only supports one video card. Otherwise, the Abit AB9-Pro is highly recommended.
If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.
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