AMD K6-2

In order for AMD to achieve the maximum performance out of the aging Socket-7 platform they knew that they would have to initiate their own set of modifications, these modifications to the Socket-7 platform became known as the Super7 standard.

The Super7 motherboard standard calls for the following requirements to be met: A motherboard must...

• support the reliable operation of a Super7 processor, such as the K6-2, at the 100MHz FSB

• support the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

• support Super7 CPUs

The big requirement from the above three is obviously the reliable support for the 100MHz FSB, something only two Socket-7 chipsets have been able to achieve, therefore making up the two ends of the current Super7 market.

ALi Aladdin V

The ALi Aladdin V chipset was the first Super7 chipset announced, in fact it was used internally by AMD for testing in the early developmental stages of the K6-2. While it went through quite a few revisions before finally hitting the market, the Aladdin V chipset is now ready for action. Out of the 10 motherboards AnandTech compared in the Super7 Comparison, only one featured the Aladdin V chipset, the Iwill XA100. While no awards were given out for Super7 motherboards in that comparison, if you're looking for the best overall Super7 Motherboard you will probably want to direct your attention to the ATX Microstar MSI 5169 which AMD used in their K6-2 Evaluation System shipped to AnandTech for testing. The 5169 is a very competitive performer, and although you won't see anything like a 112MHz FSB setting on an Aladdin V board, overall the 5169 is a very well rounded motherboard. Its spacious layout is much like the older Socket-7 AGP motherboards, and the initial setup and configuration of the motherboard isn't plagued by some of the complexities you will find on MVP3 based motherboards. If you are looking for the best overall Super7 motherboard, look no further than the MSI 5169...however if that doesn't suit your needs...

The Low Cost Alternative

You have an AT case, EDO SIMMs, and just enough money left in your upgrade fund for a cheap motherboard and a K6-2. Out of luck? Absolutely not. VIA Technologies has the answer to your prayers with their MVP3 chipset, the second Super7 chipset to emerge since AMD's initial K6-2 announcement. The MVP3 chipset allows for a user to select the option of running the system's Memory Clock at the same speed as the AGP Bus, which is, in most cases, at or around 66MHz. This means that you can re-use your old EDO SIMMs, or non-PC100 SDRAM without having to worry about stability issues with the 100MHz FSB. Considering the price of a decent MVP3 based motherboard is about $90 - $100, and the price of a K6-2 starts at around $160, you can easily have the power of a K6-2 in your system for under $300.