Thoughts
ABIT's KV8 Pro has a lot going for it. Decent layout, a low street price, above-average audio, excellent presentation, a robust BIOS, and decent performance. That would normally propel a motherboard close to an Editor's Choice award. There's one huge stumbling block that hinders the KV8 Pro. At the time of writing, ABIT's -11 BIOS was the latest. It didn't provide a means for locking the AGP/PCI buses. Considering that this is one of the new K8T800 Pro's chief advancements over its predecessor, we're at a complete loss as to why it's been left out.With such an obvious chipset failing, one forgets about a lot of good that the board carries. That, then, encapsulates everything you need to know about the KV8 Pro. It's a decent board when considered in relation to its street price of around £70. It, however, needs a BIOS overhaul if enthusiasts are going to be wooed. This could have been the S754 motherboard to own in the sub-£80 category. It still can. I'll say it again for those left in any doubt - ABIT needs a bus-locking BIOS out as soon as possible.
Editor's Note: Since the initial review of the KV8 was completed back in May, ABIT have released BIOS images with working clock locks for the KV8. Bearing that in mind, an adjusted score is presented that reflects the board's new standing with the latest BIOS.
