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Specs Cont'd

The 1AGP / 5PCI / 1ACR slot configuration warrants some notice. While most people are familiar with CNR (Communication Network Riser) slots, ACR slots are a but newer to the scene. ACR stands for Advanced Communications Riser and as the name suggests they provide essentially the same functionality as CNR slots. The only difference is that CNR slots are support by Intel chipsets and ACR slots are supported by VIA chipsets. Regardless of the details, they are useless for all but OEMs that are looking to build low-cost systems.

If you’ve looked at the shots of the AV32, you may be wondering where the ACR slot is. Taking a closer look at the PCI slots, you’ll see that the first one is flipped around and sitting slightly closer to the top of the PCB – this is the ACR slot. The one unfortunate factor that comes into play with the ACR slots is that they cannot be shared with PCI slots like CNR slots can. This means that boards featuring an ACR slot must sacrifice space that could be used for another PCI slot.

The overclocking features on the board are pretty sparse. With very limited FSB settings, limited core voltage settings, and no I/O voltage setting, this board definitely isn’t directed at the overclocking market. It also lacks fancier features, such as a second IDE controller, but includes onboard audio and an ACR slot, all of which are indications that this board is at least partially directed towards OEMs.

Box Contents

Box contents: The manual, one ATA 100 / 66 / 33 IDE cable, one floppy cable, the driver CD, and the motherboard.

The AV32's Box Contents

The AV32’s manual is one of the better ones I have seen. It is pretty thorough and even goes so far as to describe how to install the motherboard into the case. The layout of the board is very well documented and there are plenty of diagrams to clarify that which is unclear. The one area where the manual lacks is spelling and grammar. I noticed a number of mistakes – at least one of which led to some confusion. While this isn’t a major drawback, proper spelling and grammar adds an element of quality to a manual and the board as a whole.

Shuttle chose not to include a second IDE cable or a USB header in with this mobo. The absence of these two items is going to keep the cost of this board down, although some people (myself included), would prefer to receive them with the board.

Installation

The size of the PCB is definitely on the large side, measuring in about 30.5cm x 24.5cm – the same size as the dual CPU Epox D3VA. In comparison, the Epox 3SPA3 is only 30.5cm by 20.5cm. Part of the reason is probably due to having both DDR and SDR SDRAM slots on the board. Another part is likely due to the new chipset and short development cycle. The draw-backs to having a large board are that it costs more to produce and it may not fit in some smaller cases.

On to the layout of the AV32, with which I have a couple very common issues. One involves the ATX power supply connector, and the other the AGP slot.

The power supply connector sits about 5cm above the CPU forcing the power cables to run right over top of the HSF. These wires can reduce airflow over that area and result in a reduction of the overall performance of the cooler. This is a very common problem on motherboards these days which suggests that placing the power connector in a more convenient spot (such as in the lower-right corner of the PCB) is difficult design-wise. When you consider that this is one of the first Pro266 boards on the market, you must assume that it took a fair amount of sacrifices to expedite the design process.

Another, less common, problem is the interference of the AGP slot with the installation of memory modules. Take a look at the pictures of the board and you will notice that the video card blocks the DDR DIMM slot clips from being opened (which is a necessary step in proper memory installation :] ).

There is also a funky black clip on the AGP slot that goes oddly undocumented in the manual. It appears as though it just fits around the plastic slot casing so it may be a late addition to the board – possibly due to the popularity of the DIMM Slot style clips on recent motherboards. After using this, shall we say, “contraption”, I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like it. While it does hold the video card in place near as well as the clip, it makes removing the video card rather awkward work: you have to hold the plastic tab back while pulling out the card. It would be much easier with three hands, but unfortunately I only have two.

There is plenty of room around the CPU socket to fit oversized coolers (including Orbs); however, this doesn’t make too much of a difference because there won’t be much overclocking happening with the AV32.

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