The KT4 Ultra is a really nice board loaded with features - but it doesn't represent any sort of performance leap or overclocking flexibility over KT333 boards that are still being released. The most anticipated features didn't yield performance increases that we were hoping to see. DDR400 was mostly a disappointment - though we may see better results once CAS2 PC3200 RAM becomes commonly available. AGP8X also doesn't create any kind of excitement. Maybe when Microsoft officially releases DirectX9.0 with AGP8X support you will see something different, but for now current day applications will likely see little improvement.
For overclocking purposes, we were disappointed and frustrated by the low POST thresholds that locked up on POST with FSB settings far below what we know the chip can handle. The Vcore settings were also more limiting than we liked. And finally, there's no actual ability to set your own PCI divider or lock PCI and AGP bus speeds.
So overall, this isn't a very strong board for overclockers. We have a SOYO KT400 Dragon Ultra on hand that has a lot strong features then the KT4 Ultra, and we're really hoping to see whatever Epox is going to do with KT400.
Bottom line? If you're just looking to buy a board RIGHT NOW that's future ready and has all the bells and whistles, the KT4 Ultra might actually be your cup of tea. Overclockers and hardcore enthusiasts should stick with mature KT333 boards or find another KT400 offering.
Pros:
6 PCI slots
USB2.0 support
integrated LAN
integrated 5.1 channel audio
Bluetooth capability with optional Bluetooth bracket
Some performance increase over KT333 boards
Cons
DDR400 support not mature enough
Current PC3200 CAS2.5 RAM isn't any faster than DDR333 CAS2 RAM
AGP8X performance increase nowhere to be seen
Limited Vcore settings and picky POST
Lack of PCI/AGP divider settings
Hard core score: 70%
Score for the masses: 80%
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