Application:

 System Boards

Provided by:

 DFI

Available at:

 Monarch Computer

MSRP:

$140

Availability:

Now

Review by:

 Matt

Edited by:

 Scott

Review date:

 April 30th, 2005
   
 

Features

     The DFI is feature packed and that is the bottom line. Such ideas as nVidia's NCQ SATA II Raid, nTune, and ActiveArmor. Not to mention dual gigabit LAN. What is even more impressive is the overall package that you get with the board. I especially like the little Karajan Audio box that fits right onto the board as an option. If you have a PCI sound card you won't have to run the Karman, although I think anyone should try it out!

(click any image to enlarge)
 

     Contained with the Ultra-D is a complete package minus 2 SATA cables. Everything you need to put a new system is included, as well as, the driver disk(s) and power cables. Keep in mind that ClubOC definitely recommends a 450W name brand PSU for a setup such as this. You'll need it, trust us...

(click any image to enlarge)

     A nifty little tool for discovering the functionality of dual video cards through the use of jumpers, and grabbing IC BIOS modules is also included with the Ultra-D. The jumpers are made for the SLI model and are useless, although the tool will make a nice addition to my toolbox.

(click any image to enlarge)

     The overall board layout is simply stunning. I am in awe of the perfection this board has. Getting used to the CPU in the center is weird, but if you think about it it makes sense, hence the word 'Central Processing Unit'. Wouldn't it be nice if DFI consisted of a bunch of subcontractors that were hired for every board manufacturer to knock some sense into them. I would image it would lead to total anarchy. I will have to nitpick the chipset placement though, since I found out real quick my waterblock wasn't going to work. Not only that, but you can't even mount any kind of HSF to it because it hits the video card. Fortunately, it doesn't get too hot, but for those in doubt a little birdie told me Danger Den will have exclusive DFI NF-4 waterblocks very soon.