Gigabyte GA-7VM Motherboard

Layout

Obviously, the micro design of the GA-7VM is limiting, and the resultant number of PCI slots (only three) and lack of an ISA slot can be a significant issue for many people. On the other hand, anyone who prefers a computer in a small case will find this board attractive.

In spite of its small size, the board's layout did not result in a cramped feeling when building a system. No difficulties were encountered in accessing the memory slots or IDE and floppy cable connectors. The design seems to indicate attention to the needs of the technician. This is not surprising when considering all the characteristics of the GA-7VM. Generally, the PC enthusiast will select a motherboard with as many slots as possible. However, those who buy boards to resell in complete systems have a different view; they tend to look for a motherboard with a different set of characteristics. Reliability is, of course, on top of the list. Who wants a customer coming back because of instability issues? Ease of building a system is also important and the GA-7VM fits this requirement. Appeal of the final product is a significant factor, and it's likely that the average computer user prefers a smaller case. The ability to add cards is not generally going to be a weighty consideration.

In all likelihood, the GA-7VM was designed for OEMs, not for enthusiasts. Nonetheless, it shouldn't be overlooked by the techie. Consider the needs of the average user; this board will satisfy them. Consider the needs of most corporate desktop applications; again, it is an excellent choice. Although the enthusiast might disdain a micro ATX board, it can be the perfect choice for a corporation, for building a friend's computer, or for a small shop building systems for sale.

The Manual

The manual is fair. In some areas, it's excellent, especially in terms of diagrams, which are quite clear. However, like so many manuals written by people not entirely fluent in English, the text left a little to be desired. It does, though, contain a more complete description of BIOS settings than most motherboard manuals. It's clear that it's aimed at the more experienced system builder, as no step by step how-to directions are included.

Installation

 Installation wasn't quite as straight forward as with other Athlon motherboards, though it was not a difficult process. A set of dip switches between the processor and RAM slots is unique for Athlon boards. The manual states that they are for setting CPU speed, and—hope springing eternal—the thought was that perhaps it held the ability to overclock. It was, of course, a vain (and momentarily silly) hope. A better expression would have been, "CPU-motherboard speed coordination". The purpose of the dip switches is to set them according to the AMD-defined Athlon speed. A little experimentation showed that the system would not boot unless the switches were set correctly.

Other than the quirk of the dip switches, installation was uneventful—a nice characteristic. The SDRAM cards snapped into place with a satisfying thwok, leaving no doubt about whether they were properly seated. An AGP clip is included. Though it wasn't used on this installation, the video card never dislodged as PCI cards were added. The case connector pins aren't labeled on the board, but the manual contained a figure that clearly defined which plugs to attach to which pins.

Compatibility Issues and Technical Support

One problem did occur with the GA-7VM operation. Although the fault cannot be laid on Gigabyte's doorstep, it does illuminate two important issues: compatibility and technical support. Initially, the system would hang on shut down every time. Consulting with tech support was not illuminating. They suggested a BIOS update, which did not work. There was no response to an e-mail stating so and the web site had no information regarding it. After nearly giving up, a swap in video cards from a Matrox G400 to an ELSA Synergy II resolved the problem. The fact that Gigabyte's technical support did not follow through is indicative of an nonsupportive attitude toward the individual customer.

The AMD web site contains a list of products that it accepts as compatible. If you check the site, you'll see that the Matrox G400 is not listed as a tested and compatible product. There is no reason to assume that something is wrong with the Matrox video card, since it functions without problem on other systems. However, it is clear that you must not assume that any product, no matter how mainstream, is compatible with an Athlon system, unless it is listed—though the lack of a listing does not mean that it won't function. Experience with an IBM Deskstar hard drive, which is not listed as compatible, has shown that: on one motherboard its function was erractic, while on another it had no problems. Using the same motherboard, some readers commented on having had the same trouble with the same drive, while others commented on having none. The suggestion here is that you check the list of compatible products before purchasing something for an Athlon system. (An interesting side note is that the ELSA Synergy II is not on the compatibility list. It does, nonetheless, operate on the reviewed GA-7VM with no problems.)

Overall, the Gigabyte GA-7VM motherboard is an excellent product. For any tech interested in a solid board that is reasonably priced, easy to install, and very stable, it would be hard to beat, although the person who is not yet comfortable with hardware or needs a board with more expansion capabilities might find it a less than optimal choice. Nonetheless, stability is the single most important factor in selecting a motherboard, and this one is rock solid. It's easy to see why AMD chooses Gigabyte boards for its evaluation systems.