Closer Look:

Abit Launches IL9 Pro Motherboard
The price/performance platform of choice for Core™ 2 Duo

November 1 , 2006 - Abit today announced their latest Intel® 945P chipset based motherboard for Core™ 2 Duo processors, the Abit IL9 Pro. This motherboard is particularly targeting the no-frills price conscious user requesting backward compatibility without having to compromise on future upgrades. Support for the latest Core™ 2 Duo processors with 1066 MHz FSB and a maximum memory capacity of 4 GB of Dual Channel DDR2 make the IL9 Pro a solid base for demanding computing. Abit's expertise in motherboard component cooling allows for a totally fanless design, making this noiseless platform ideal for office as well as home use.

Back and Into the Future

For many users legacy ports are still important to have so that they can continue to use the older peripherals they have come to love over the years. The continued support for the older LPT (e.g. text and graphics printers) and COM ports (e.g. scanners, modems and other specialized devices) in combination with integrated modern interfaces lend the IL9 Pro an attractive flexibility for various usage models and application environments. Modern peripheral connectivity is also guaranteed by the inclusion of 8 x USB 2.0 ports.

Expandability

This ATX form factor motherboard, with dimensions of 305 x 244mm, offers an adequate amount of space for expansion slots, such as 1 PCIe X1 and 3 conventional PCI slots. Two X16 PCIe slots even offer a wide range of multiple graphics options to the user. Despite one of the X16 PCIe slots only supporting PCIe X4 bandwidth it still caters adequately to most of today's graphics needs. Alternatively you can also use this slot for other PCIe cards such as LAN, RAID, TV or audio add-on cards. A simple and flexible solution that serves almost any high-speed expansion demands.

4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors for the fastest hard drives on the market form the basis for more than sufficient storage capacity, while 1 x Ultra DMA 100/66/33 IDE connector provides you with the option to keep your older optical drives and HDDs running.

Front

Back

Features

Light Bundle

Typically, a budget board comes standard green PCB. The ABIT IL9 Pro comes in ABIT's chosen blue PCB which helps their motherboards stand out and look more appealing. The color scheme and layout aren't intended to be eventful, but it does have a very clean and organized appearance. If you have a windowed case, then you'll probably opt for a motherboard with a bit more appeal than just anything.

Front

Back

Bottom

Top

The 975 chipsets tend to have a heat sink and fan that range from moderate to very loud. The ABIT IL9 Pro uses passive chipset cooling which you can't have on the more expensive 975X chipset motherboards. So, this platform makes a great alternative for users who like a more silent machine.

Passive Heat Sinks

This motherboard also has three PCI slots if you haven't made the choice or found it necessary to upgrade to PCIX based peripherals. Your PCI sound card will still work on this platform easily. Among the features, you get four 3Gb SATA ports as well as one ATA port. Four SATA ports should be plenty for the crowd this platform is aimed at.

4 DIMM, ATA, FDD, 24pin Power

BIOS, 4 SATA, Front Panel, CMOS

2 PCI-E, 3 PCI, 1 PCIx

So, you're on a budget because you spent your money on 2 graphics cards and memory modules that left you just short of buying the latest sound card. Don't worry. The integrated 8 Channel High Definition Realtek Audio is very, very capable of very good sound quality. You can rest easy that your video games and programs will serve you well using the onboard sound. And with the integrated Giga LAN, your online music or file sharing won't require any extra Network Integrated Cards.

PS/2, COM, USB, LAN, Sound Jacks

8 Channel Realtek HD Audio

CPU Socket and MOSFETs

The included bundle isn't anything spectacular, but it includes the necessary items to get you started. The board is aimed at giving the end user the best performance for the their hard earned dollar. You typically won't need or use half the things that come with the $200.00 range motherboards, so chances are you already have most of what you need in your current system when it comes to wires and cabling.

Budget Bundle