Much like The Microstar MS-6119 mainboard we tested last week, the Soyo SY-6BA+ is an overclocking delight. The addition of the 124MHz FSB speed allows for more options for boosting CPU speeds to ionospheric levels, but there's another feature to the Soyo board that should delight overclockers even more:
BIOS adjustable CPU settings.
Ah yes, our favorite! Comparable to the magnificent invention of the television remote control, BIOS adjustable CPU settings are a fantastic way for any amateur or first time overclocker to be able to adjust the raw speed setting of their CPU. Unlike the Abit BH6 or BX6 mainboards, there's no provision for manipulating the voltage that the CPU gets with the SY-6BA+, but in our most recent CPU tests voltage is becoming less important as Intel's deschutes core yields continue to improve.
Without any annoying jumpers or dip-switches to fiddle with, the SY-6BA+ allows the overclocker to test multiple configurations at will to determine the optimum speed/heat setup for their particular needs. In our testing, the SY-6BA+ allowed for our usual overclocks, and had the same degree of stability that we've seen from other boards like the BH6 and the MS-6119. That's good company, and again a sharp endorsement for the SY-6BA+'s prowess for high speeds.
All aces here, as the Soyo board ran through Sharky Extreme's endurance tests without failure. Impressive, but probably a stronger endorsement for the durability of Intel's 440BX core logic AGPset more than anything else.
