Biostar M7VIB - A (the A is important!)
Written: Jan 19 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cost, minimum hassle with install, cost decent features, and cost.
Cons: Warranty support arrangement
The Bottom Line: I'd recommend it for use with an AMD chip if indeed it has the features you're looking for.
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| wardak's Full Review: Biostar M7VIB Motherboard |
This is a decent motherboard. I bought it to help rebuild a system that my case's power supply wiped out when it failed (UPS is no help there...). My original setup had a Biostar M7MIA which I'd say is the predecessor to this one (the m7mia had an ISA slot, the m7vib-A does not).
Note that the M7VIB-A is the improved version with a new chip on it, the version without the A is older, slower, and generally a dog from what I read on it. I specifically ordered the A version and when it arrived it was marked just like a non-A version, you can tell what you really have by the version number sticker on the board, or by pulling off the heat-sink/fan from the board's chipset to see if it's the KT266A.
I think my system ran quicker after the rebuild (new motherboard, but mostly the same other components)--it certainly boots up a lot quicker. The clean install was probably a contributor as well, but it was a clean software setup in the first place, the main new variable is the motherboard so it deserves some credit.
An overall decent product. Beware the warranty though--Biostar extends that directly to the reseller, and NOT to the end customer. My vendor went out of business and I could not get free warranty service from Biostar on the older M7MIA--they would've gladly helped me for $50 though... In light of this, I personally have no worries about the M7VIB-A, and I'd try to work through the vendor if I did--I'd recommend buying from a long-term stable dealer, not a fly-by-night place because of this, but that's your call.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 75-ish
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Epinions.com ID:
wardak
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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