Updated ABIT's KT7 Socket A mobo, based on Via's KT133 chipset, debuts today. The KT7 is designed for use with all AMD-K7 Socket A Thunderbird and Duron 200MHz FSB processors. It supports AGP 1x/2x/4x and 100/133MHz SDRAM. The mobo features three 168-pin DIMM sockets supporting PC-100 and PC-133 SDRAM.

The KT7 is based on the earlier KA7, and like the KA7, it has no AMR slot or onboard sound. The obvious difference is the 462-pin socket, but the VT8363 North Bridge has been turned through 45 degrees, shortening the trace lengths between it and the CPU.

SoftMenu III has been enhanced to provide performance and enhancement tweaks specifically for Athlon, such as FSB settings from 100MHz to 183MHz in increments of 1 (84 settings) and CPU multiplier adjustment.

The KT7 supports UDMA 33/66 has six PCI slots and one ISA slot In addition to the normal serial and parallel ports the KT7 has two USB ports, plus an extra header for two extra USB channels. Miscellaneous features include hardware monitoring, built-in Wake on LAN, Wake on Ring, and IrDA TX/RX headers. CPU temperature monitoring is performed by a thermistor located directly below the processor.

The KT7 should be in stores towards the end of August and will also be available in a RAID variant a few weeks later.

ABIT has yet to provide official pricing, but dabs.com currently lists it at £98 plus VAT. ®