Board Layout

Sadly, the black printed circuit board (PCB) used for the IT7-MAX2 is gone for the IT7-MAX2 V2.0. Instead, we’re back to plain old tan. The black PCB gave the IT7-MAX2 a very distinctive, sleek look. It fit well with the all-business attitude of the motherboard. Normally we wouldn’t complain about the color of the motherboard’s PCB, but as the IT7-MAX2 V2.0 is aimed at the high-end consumer (who frequently own high-end cases with case windows), we have a feeling that this disappoints many of you as well.

Southern half of the board

Layout

Fortunately for motherboard manufacturers, the 845PE chipset is pin-compatible with its predecessor, 845E. As a result, manufacturers don’t have to go back to the drawing board when designing their respective 845PE products. As a result, the IT7-MAX2 V2.0 is practically identical to the IT7-MAX2 from a layout perspective, you’d have to look really close to see any differences (other than the PCB color). The only real dramatic change is the location of the system battery, which has been moved to a more traditional orientation along the bottom edge of the motherboard. This is definitely a good thing, as the layout of the original IT7-MAX2 was pretty good.

Plenty of space between AGP and DIMMs

As you can see in the image above, there is now just enough space between the AGP slot and DIMMs to install the graphics card and system memory without interfering with either component. On many motherboards, you have to install the memory prior to installing the graphics card for lack of space.

No active cooling on the North Bridge

One last board shot

Speaking of space, there is also a wealth of space between the AGP and first PCI slot. So much that you can install a larger graphics card (such as the ABIT Siluro GF4 Ti 4200 OTES or the upcoming GeForce FX “Ultra” model with heat pipe cooling) without taking up the PCI slot beneath it. This makes the IT7MAX2 V2.0 (and its predecessor) one of the few motherboards on the market that doesn’t require two slots for these graphics cards. If you need them, the IT7-MAX2 sports four PCI slots. When you consider the level of integration the motherboard offers, four PCI slots should be more than enough for most users.

Other aspects of the IT7-MAX2 V2.0’s board layout that we like are the location of the four pin ATX power connector, which is placed just above the DIMM slots. This ensures efficient airflow on the upper half of the motherboard, and thus helps to keep CPU temperature in check. We also really like ABIT’s diagnostic LED display for troubleshooting system errors and the power and reset buttons located just below it. This makes testing the IT7-MAX2 V2.0 a snap for reviewers like us.

Media XP

For those of you who hate having to reach around the back of your case to install your peripherals, ABIT manufactures its Media XP module, which fits in a standard 5 ¼” bay on the front of your system case. Media XP contains two USB 2.0 compatible ports, as well as one for FireWire devices, in addition to supporting memory card readers (Compact flash, Sony Memory Stick, and Secure Digital). For audio duties, ABIT provides a S/PDIF output as well as microphone (or line-in) input and headphone output.

Not enough space to close aluminum door

ABIT Media XP module

Media XP remote unit

ABIT claims that the Media XP only works with its IT7/AT7 MAX series, but in all honesty, it uses the same universal connections for USB/IEEE-1394 headers we’ve seen on other motherboards. Setup is a snap, although if you own an aluminum case with a front panel door (such as the Cooler Master ATC-111-SX1) you won’t be able to close the door on your case, as the Media XP module protrudes too far.

If you want to take your Media XP experience a bit further, ABIT also offers its Media XP PRO. In addition to the aforementioned features, PRO models also ship with a copy of WinDVD and WinRip, as well as an accompanying IR remote control unit. The remote has buttons for launching both applications as well as providing functionality for them. As a result, you can control many common functions from your couch. The Media XP module is currently selling for $39.99 at Excalibur PC, while the Media XP PRO sells for $62.99.