14 DAY TRIAL // Abit diversifies its motherboard line-up with their first product based on ATI's Radeon Xpress 1250 integrated graphics Northbridge.
The Xpress 1250 integrates a rather old X700 graphics core. Since the chipset supports Intel CPUs, it includes a memory controller (Intel's CPUs do not integrate a memory controller as of yet). The Abit homepage does not specifically state whether the motherboard's Northbridge is based on older "RS480" technology or on the latest "RD600" chipset. As with previous products, Abit added a SB600 Southbridge which supports four SATA 3Gbps ports, ten USB 2.0 connectors and a single IDE port.
As part of the Fatal1ty family, the board comes in the usual red and black color scheme, while the Fatal1ty branding is displayed on the Northbridge heat sink. The Fatal1ty F-I90HD motherboard is supposed to be a perfect choice for gamers on a budget, although one could easily upgrade to a discrete graphics card supported by the PCI-Express x16 slot.
The interesting part is that gamers who enjoy HD video content have not been forgotten. In this sense, the board integrates a gold plated HDMI connector, as well as the usual VGA and AVIVO connectors for GPU video decoding. Gamers can now set up a fully fledged high definition home theater system with true digital HDTV in 1080p resolution directly from their Fatal1ty F-I90HD motherboard. The AVIVO connector ensures an optimal image on CRT monitors, LCD panels, and all other display devices, including HDTVs.
Standard features also include two PCI-Express x1 slots and only one PCI slot. The audio component is powered by a 7.1 channel HD Audio CODED which supports auto jack sensing and an optical S/PDIF Out connector. Not to mention that the motherboard is designed to provide a noise free operation.