Thoughts

Looking past the testing issues and slightly off-balance performance from the core logics, there's a lot to like about PT880 Pro and PT894. Starting with PT894, setup alongside VT8251, it's clear that VIA have created a low-cost, feature-rich alternative to Intel's premium core logic products. PT894 supports the same memory, CPU and graphics standards as 925XE at much less unit cost. Intel's 925XE pricing lies upwards of $60 per ASIC in quantity, stopping their all-conquering product from proliferating. While there's some standout examples of 925XE on the market (the ASUS board I used for testing is fantastic for Pentium 4), it's not cheap.

PT894 wants to bring the features to the table for much less money. Performance seems fine and if AIB partners are to pick it up, expect some low-cost exciting Pentium 4 boards on the market in due course, targetting PCI Express.

PT880 Pro is just what the doctor ordered for those not interested in Athlon 64. If you're a P4 fan and you want to continue on that path into 2005 and fancy a piecemeal upgrade to PCI Express and DDR2, PT880 Pro is for you. Good performance matches obvious upgrade potential. The ability to bring AGP and your existing DDR400 to a board that supplies LGA775, DDR2 and PCI Express is not to be underestimated.

Being able to use both graphics slots at the same time is a major boon and while there are some physical implementation issues for AIB partners to work through in that respect, it has serious appeal on paper.

Again, the cost of PT880 Pro means that Pentium 4 boards can be created at a price point that undercuts even 915P, VIA arguing that cost is a barrier to entry for good Pentium 4 at the moment. I'd side with that in the main.

While testing was a royal pain in the backside and I urge VIA's reference platform engineers to tighten up on what they release to press, even in the early days with obvious engineering samples, it was great to experience a new wave of Pentium 4 products for a platform in a state of suspension.

Here's hoping AIB partners don't ignore either piece of core logic and bring some attractive products to market in a timely fashion. That's been the issue in the past for VIA's products, let's see that change this time around.

Masses of obvious promise, we just need to see partner hardware.



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