We may consider VIA KT400A as not really prospective chipset, but it is still a bit better than the KT400 core-logic and certain mainboard makers may go with the novelty especially if VIA “helps” them by phasing-out the older product.

Gigabyte Technology and Soltek are the first mainboard manufacturers to start selling their VIA KT400A powered mainboards. I do not think I should really tell you where such mainboards were seen for sale this weekend – that is the same country where the Sun Rises :)

There are different versions of Gigabyte’s KT400A-based mainboards, but they all support  Socket A processors with 200/266/333MHz FSB, come equipped with 3 DDR DIMM slots for up to 3GB of PC2700 or PC3200 memory, an AGP 8x slot, 5 PCI slots, LAN and 6-channel audio. In addition to a pair of Parallel ATA-33/66/100/133 ports and 6 USB 2.0 ports, Serial ATA-150, RAID and FireWire (IEEE1394) functionality is supported by more expensive versions of the GA-7VAXP-A. The mainboard is priced from $114 to $133.

Soltek’s product is less expensive and feature-rich – it only supports LAN and 6-channel AC’97 audio capabilities, but is equipped with 6 PCI slots. Its price is about $85-$90, what should definitely attract buyer’s attention.

I have no idea if mainboard makers go on with KT400A or not, but in case the KT600 really appears in late June or only in July, they will simply have no choice. In that case, Soltek and Gigabyte will not be alone. But if VIA KT600 comes in early June, not a lot of mainboard makers will go with KT400A.