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Aopen AX4SPE Max II Aopen?s AX4SPE has a solid look about it, with colour-coded fixtures to make the installation of components straightforward. It is one of the few entries in this test to feature a passively cooled northbridge, which allows it to run silently.
If you're looking for the best components to build a noiseless PC, the AX4SPE Max II also offers Silent Tek. This utility allows you to set your processor?s fan speed in relation to its current temperature in order to reduce the amount of noise it produces. This can also control the speed at which your CD-Rom rotates, which can reduce vibration considerably.
You get six Sata slots that are all Raid compatible in 0, 1 and 0+1 modes for striping and mirroring. There are also two IDE channels, although owners of older hard disks should note that these are not Raid compatible.
On the rear panel is the usual assortment of connectors. Aopen has also incorporated a Gigabit Lan port and four onboard USB2 slots. The AX4SPE can support four additional USB2 ports through the use of blanking plates, but the standard retail package only contains two extra connectors.
Inside the box is an EX sound module to enable the onboard 7.1-channel sound, plus a separate expansion plate housing two Firewire slots. There are also two Sata cables plus the necessary IDE-to-Sata power adapter, and rounded IDE cables.
Our review model was shipped with an older Bios, which we had to get upgraded for it to support the 3.2GHz processor used during testing. Once the firmware upgrade was complete, the AX4SPE Max II turned in a good performance. At just over £100, it proves to be good value for money, particularly if you want a solid foundation for a quiet computer.
Contact: Aopen +31 73 645 9516
www.aopen.com.tw
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Who needs designer chic when you can have a motherboard thats as gaudy as this one? 14 May 2004
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