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MSI KT6 Delta-LSR

The KT6 Delta-LSR is MSI’s entry into the fanfare and hype that centers around the VIA KT-600 chipset. Just how well was MSI able to engineer this solution to withstand the onslaught of the nForce2 based boards?

Introduction

MSI is among the top motherboard manufacturers due to their dedication to creating a quality user experience. Within the past few years, they have come out with innovative designs and technology, winning over the hearts and minds of enthusiasts everywhere. Their latest series of AMD motherboards is no exception to this trend. Mating the latest VIA chipsets with their own CoreCell overclocking technology, it makes for a wild ride.

The KT6 Delta-LSR is one of the KT6 Delta series of MSI boards based on the new VIA KT600 chipset. The VIA KT600 chipset offers support for all AMD processors, including their performance line of 400 MHz FSB processors. The chipset also offers support for DDR RAM spec’d up to PC3200 operating in Single Channel mode only. Similar to most newer motherboards, the KT6 Delta-LSR is a feature complete solution which includes the following in-built components: 2 ATA-133 ports, 2 SATA-150 ports, 6 in-built USB 2.0 capable ports (8 total with 1 header supporting 2 ports), integrated 10/100 Ethernet, 6 channel audio, along with serial, parallel, and PS/2 port support.

Main Specifications Overview:

Detailed Mainboard Specification List:

Board Layout

As far as space is concerned on this board, there’s a lot of it. MSI did an excellent job of spreading things out on the board so that nothing really steps on anything else. You can also see the a few places around the Southbridge where space was left for additional controller chips. One of the few layout related complaints I have concerning this board is the CPU HSF mounting mechanism. Specifically, MSI chose not to include the four mounting holes around the CPU socket, thereby limiting the choice of HSF units you can choose from. Notice that the board is a version 2 model. Also take note that MSI chose to include capacitors manufactured by Rubycon (Japan) and Luxon Electronics Corp. (Taiwan). The capacitors marked with MBZ are manufactured by Rubycon, while those marked with FJZ are manufactured by an unknown company.

The CPU socket itself is mostly clear of capacitors and other obstructions on all sides, with the exception of the capacitor sitting between the socket and the Northbridge chipset. The capacitor in question seems to be placed far enough away from the socket not to be too much of a hindrance (right on the edge of the no-mount zone), but it is something to be wary of nonetheless. Unfortunately, MSI did not choose to include the four motherboard mounting holes around the CPU socket, relying instead on the more traditional socket lug attachment method for your HSF. While this is in specification according to AMD, MSI’s decision does limit what HSF and waterblock units can be used with the board.

Immediately to the left of the CPU socket is the Northbridge chipset. The Northbridge itself is passively cooled by a good size aluminum heatsink, attached via two spring mounted clips. The clips go through the motherboard, requiring motherboard removal in order to remove the heatsink itself. To the lower left of the Northbridge is the monitored NBFAN1 header, with the ATX12V connector above and to the left of the Northbridge. The jumper block to the left of the ATX12V connector is the header for an Infrared module, while the jumper on the other side of the connector is for connecting to a chassis intrusion switch. The monitored CPUFAN1 header is located along the board’s edge between the CPU socket and the upper DIMM slot.

The board’s 3 DIMM slots are located just below the CPU socket and the Northbridge chipset. The DIMM slots are placed so that there is no interference between them and the AGP slot or CPU socket area. Just below the lower DIMM slot are the floppy connector and the board’s 2 ATA-133 IDE connectors. To the right of the IDE connectors is the ATX power connector. The location of all these connectors is optimal for air flow through the case, allowing for easier cable management and shorter cable runs.

The VIA VT8237 Southbridge chipset is located just below PCI slots 1 and 2, with its associated SATA-150 ports between it and the board’s edge. The CMOS reset jumper is located to the left of the SATA ports, with the unmonitored SFAN1 header located just above the jumper. The fan header is positioned in such a way that the jumper remains easily accessible with a fan lead plugged in to the header. In the lower left corner of the board are the front panel headers, with the D-Bracket2 header just to its right. The D-Bracket2 device is an optional system diagnostic tool very useful for troubleshooting system related issues. The USB 2.0 header is located just above the front panel header.

The KT6 Delta-LSR comes standard with a total of 5 PCI slots and a single AGP slot. The JSP3 header, used to connect to the optional S-Bracket containing S/PDIF ports, is located between PCI slot 5 and the board’s edge. The front audio panel header is located just above the S-Bracket header. Note that the rear panel audio ports will not function unless pins 5/6 and 9/10 on the front panel audio header are jumpered. The JS1 jumper, which controls the center and subwoofer channel, is located just above PCI slots 4 and 5. The JS1 jumper should remain enabled if the S-Bracket is not installed in the system, otherwise, the jumper should be removed from the block. The CD-IN connector and the CMOS battery are both located just above PCI slot 3.

The KT6 Delta-LSR's rear panel contains the following ports: PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, a parallel port, 2 serial ports, 6 USB 2.0 capable ports, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and 3 analog audio ports.