Closer Look: MSI KT4A Ultra

Of course, KT4A Ultra is not a single product name but the name of the entire product family including three models: KT4A Ultra, KT4A Ultra-SR and KT4A Ultra-FISR. The difference between these models is the following. The first product is the basic model with minimal features set. The second one supports two SerialATA channels due to the onboard Promise PDC20276 controller. And the third one also supports Gigabit LAN due to onboard Broadcom 5702 controller and FireWire interface due to VIA VT6306. We managed to get the “SR” board. Unfortunately, the box didn’t say anything about it and I guessed that it is the SR model only after I had taken a really close look at it and consulted the MSI web-site. Another strange thing about the mainboard model variations had to do with the Bluetooth connector, which was called an optional feature in the user’s manual. However, the company web-site didn’t say which mainboard models have no Bluetooth connector. Anyway, the package didn’t include the Bluetooth module, so I really doubt that this feature is of much practical value, because I hardly ever saw these modules selling separately.

By the way, do you remember that I told you about the pin-to-pin compatibility of the VIA KT400 and KT400A chipsets? We got a very clear evidence proving this point much better than any VIA’s statements. Look at the mainboard: the model name is written on a piece of paper stuck to the PCB. I couldn’t help removing this paper sticker and... This is what we saw under it:

Of course! As you have already guessed, MSI decided to save time and money and didn’t even bother to rewrite the model name on the mainboard PCB. What a smart and economic move!

However, this is just a sample and I suppose that mass units will have the model name rewritten, of course. But even if they don’t do it, this is not much of a deal. Let’s better check the mainboard specs: