Ten best mobos of month reviewed

US MAG PC World has a table of the five best value for money motherboards for AMD and for Intel. Asus bags the first two slots in the AMD camp with the A8R and the A8N32 motherboards while grabbing the top spot in the Intel camp. PCworld allows you to compare motherboards in between them. Two points to be noted. Intel platforms are generally quite expensive - four are above $200 while AMD platforms are relatively cheap with three models under $130 with one model costing less than $99. Secondly, Crossfire or SLI functionality is now a common point amongst high end motherboards.

MVKTech tests the Crucial Ballistix - Flashing LED's - Tracer PC4000 1GB memory kit. This memory kit is a DDR 500 model and is packaged in a less flashy way compared to its competitors. The Tracer modules overclocks nicely, reaching up to 257MHz. The reviewer reckons that the relatively low-power P4 cooling was why the Tracer modules did not reach much higher speeds. Nice design, beautiful heat spreaders, solid overclocking abilities and much more. No downside according to MVKtech.

AMDzone reviews the Seasonic S12-600 PSU. Compatible with PCI Express, Serial ATA, it has most features that you could dream off. The PSU comes with a 120mm fan - slower, quieter and more efficient. No flashing LEDs and unnecessary switches there as well as a honey combed grill that improves airflow. The Seasonic PSU comes with nine types of connectors which carry a patented Easy Swap tabs as well as carrying a three year warranty. The Seasonic PSU impressed the AMDzone reviewer with almost an inaudible noise. A powerhouse that won't suit anyone though.

Thinkcomputers tests the Blue Gears B-Cool fan. It is a 80mm fan, with a very high rotational speed - the faster, generally the noisier it is. The fan is a semi transparent purple housing with a small number of accessories. Thinkcomputers gives it a 10/10 rating. It looks cool, looks great, quiet and has a LED display. Unfortunately, it exists only in 80mm size with no 120mm models and the B-Cool even made an impact on the reviewer's wife. Quite a feat for a smallish fan.

Sysopt reports on the Silverstone Nitrogon NT06 heat sink fan. Silverstone is known for its high end cases. The NT06 has uses the heat pipe technology combined with a 120mm size fan to allow good air circulation. Even with this size, it will fit easily into smaller cases and overcrowded motherboards. The speed of the fan can be controlled using a controller. It is not much more expensive or less efficient than much larger competitors. Installation though will require the removal of the motherboard.

A1-electronics has a go at the eSATA SATA2 Muse 3.5-inch external Enclosure. By all standards, it is quite an attractive enclosure with the blue analogue reader on the right hand side. The Muse is a tool less casing and will house any 3.5-inch SATA on the market - up to a 750GB model. But you will need an eSATA compatible motherboard to get the full eSATA functionality. Easy installation, top notch quality and a huge selling point - no separate power supply. µ