ABIT BH7 (845PE): Entry Level 800MHz FSB

Final Words

After thoroughly testing the ABIT BH7, it's quite clear that it's one of the best 845PE motherboards we've ever tested. As a low cost, high-performance motherboard the ABIT BH7 is definitely one of the top two 845PE motherboards to purchase, accompanying Albatron's PX845PEV Pro motherboard released in October of last year.

All in all the ABIT BH7 is the most overclocker-friendly desktop Pentium 4 motherboard we've ever come across, rivaling Epox, ASUS and Albatron motherboards of all chipsets and varieties. Overclocking most certainly isn't the BH7's only strength, as its combination of USB 2.0, Serial ATA, LAN, sound, and rear SPDIF ports among other onboard features makes it a steal considering it's currently selling for anywhere between $90-100 in the U.S. Combine the BH7's overclocking ability, features, and price with the best RMA and tech support combination we've seen in the U.S. and you have your perfect desktop motherboard.

This is all despite the fact that 865 and 875 motherboards are coming, as their presence in the retail channel won't really be felt for weeks, and even then they will never reach the price point ABIT is able to hit with the BH7, mostly due to the BH7's 845PE/ICH4 costs versus what motherboards with 865/875/ICH5 chipsets will run for.

Speaking of Intel's 865 and 875 chipsets, stay tuned for upcoming technology and motherboard reviews on these chipsets, in addition to coverage of SiS 648FX and 655FX.