Gigabyte GA-7ZM Socket-A KT133 microATX

AnandTech Motherboard Rating

Performance

The GA-7ZM performed below the VIA KT133 reference board, but the difference isn't huge in most cases. Unfortunately, our evaluation sample was acting up during Content Creation 2000, so while that number did come out quite low, we believe a simple BIOS update will fix it. We're working with Gigabyte on the problem as we speak.

Price

As a microATX board, the PCB is considerably smaller than a full ATX version, which helps to keep the cost down. Further, like other KT133 boards, the GA-7ZM is a 4 layer design that helps reduce cost. You do pay a bit more for Gigabyte's quality construction, however.

Stability

While the stability of the GA-7ZM was quite good, it wasn't quite up there with the leaders of the pack in this category, such as the ASUS K7V or the ABIT KA7 (although those are Slot-A boards).

Quality

Gigabyte is well known for the quality components and construction that go into their products, and the GA-7ZM is no exception.

Features

Beyond the standard KT133 features (AGP 4X, PC133/PC100 SDRAM support, etc.), the GA-7ZM doesn't have any big features that make it stand out from the pack. In fact, it's still on a DIP switch based configuration.

Layout

As a microATX board, things are packed together pretty tightly, but Giga-byte manages to keep everything organized anyway on the GA-7ZM. All the connectors are in the right place per the ATX 2.01 spec.

Availability

While Gigabyte products aren't available everywhere, it is relatively possible to find their motherboards relatively easily. Like most manufactures focused on motherboards, don't expect to find Gigabyte boards in a place like Best Buy or CompUSA. Some local computer shops will carry Gigabyte, but not many.

Documentation & Software Bundle

The GA-7ZM manual, like other Gigabyte manuals, was slightly above average and is at least included in print, unlike some that are only available on CD. Unfortunately, there was little in the way of a software bundle.