WebSite: Chaintech

In a day where the cost of a high-end video card surpasses one month’s rent and CPUs have to be budgeted a year ahead of time, value is a term we seldom associate with performance. The i815 chipset from Intel is the first product we’ve seen from them since the 440BX that realistically brings these two concepts together. A combination of integrated graphics, integrated sound, and optionally integrated Ethernet make the i815 an all-in-one chipset that, with a few additions (like a new video card), will rival the fastest systems available but at a lower overall cost.

Unlike ASUS’ CUSL2 i815E board that we reviewed a few days ago, Chaintech’s 6OJV is based on the i815 chipset. As we outlined in the i815/i815E Chipset Guide, the difference between the two chipsets is a substitution of the original ICH for the ICH2 in the i815E. What does this mean for consumers? Boards based on the i815 are designed for the more cost-conscious consumer, but lack ATA/100, a second USB controller, and the integrated LAN functions of the i815E. Many people who’d otherwise never even notice the difference between the two chipsets would likely be more interested in saving money and opting for the i815.