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Unlike previous ABIT Slot-1 motherboards, the PCB design of the ABIT BF6 is somewhat different. The previous PCB layout had been modified to fit in additional features like the DIP switches (a reversion to the dinosaur age?), more capacitors, etc... The layout was also changed to correct certain deficiencies that were noticed in their previous Slot 1 motherboards. However, the new design brought with it a rather big problem which will be discussed in detail later.

Still, in keeping with the ABIT tradition, both the BF6 and the BE6-II share the same basic layout. This cuts down on development costs and enables ABIT to deliver the goods on time. But that's not what potential buyers just want to know, right?

We all want to know what makes the ABIT BF6 any different from the other 440BX Slot-1 motherboards out there and especially its stable mate - the ABIT BE6-II. At first glance, the BF6 appears to be nothing more than an ABIT BE6-II without the HPT366 controller and thus lack UltraDMA 66 support. But is that all the difference there is between the BF6 and the BE6-II? If so, how can the BF6 distinguish itself from the other 440BX motherboards and the BE6-II? That's what we intend to find out in this review.

First, let's take a look at what a new owner of the ABIT BF6 will find in the box...