abit mainboards do not need a special introduction. In fact, abit is the first contemporary overclocker brand. The company has gone a long way. They started off with the revolutionary in its principles but primitive in its looks SoftMenu that allowed jumper-free adjustment of different system settings and have now arrived to remarkable form of this technology represented by today’s abit μGuru. This was a thorny path. Computer enthusiasts know about all the difficulties the company had to face over the past few years. However, looks like the crisis is finally gone, and an extremely successful IP35 mainboard series released last year is a clear indication of that.

abit IP35 Pro is one of the best mainboards on Intel P35 Express chipset of the past year 2007. It not only got our prestigious Editor’s Choice, but also won numerous awards from other publications, and what is even more important got recognized by numerous users all over the world.

That is why we were extremely excited about the new abit mainboards and finally our patience was rewarded to the utmost. Our today’s article will be devoted to the new abit IX38 QuadGT mainboard based on Intel X38 Express chipset and its performance against the predecessors and competitors.

Package and Accessories

abit IX38 QuadGT Speedster mainboard is shipped in a vertical box with a carry handle for your convenience. The top slip-on box features racing design theme, which is also backed up by the mainboard model name. The box is decorated with photographs and tells you briefly about the mainboard features and specifics of the bundled software.

The internal box made of thick carton protects the mainboard from transportation damages. There is also a two-sectional box with accessories right beneath it. There are not too many accessories bundled with the board. The package contains:

• Colorful booklet with brief installation instructions;
• User’s manual;
• abit μGuru manual;
• CD disk with drivers and utilities;
• A slicker with connectors layout for the inside of the system case;
• Black FDD and HDD cables with abit logo;
• Four red SATA cables with metal clips.

Even abit IP35 Pro boasted more accessories, however, we have decided not to impose any penalties for that long time ago already. So, just take note that there are not too many goodies coming with the board.