Intel's current chipset lineup is oriented towards streamlining data transfer by using a system of hubs, instead of the traditional North/South Bridge to connect the various system components.

Their flagship platform, the i820, is focused on the high-end market. Delivering speed through RDRAM, AGP 4x, and a 133MHz FSB, it is apparent that Intel's main goal is to expedite the transfer of data across the board.

Unfortunately the i820 has endured serious criticism due to the hyper-inflated price of RDRAM, the uncertain usefulness of AGP 4x and the minimal performance gain that has been realized over the previous BX chipset.

Realizing that the i820 would appeal to a select niche, Intel also made plans for a more cost-effective platform called the i810. Supporting both the 100 and 66MHz busses, the i810 serves as one of the remaining options for Celeron owners wishing to upgrade their motherboards.

Similar in architecture to the i820, Intel's budget platform negated RDRAM for the more feasible SDRAM already present in most systems. Further streamlining the i810, Intel has built the graphics controller into the MCH (Memory Controller Hub), delivering a GMCH (Graphics/Memory Controller Hub - essentially a glorified i740 + memory controller).

In a nutshell, the i810 is designed for the extreme low-end gaming rig or business workstation. Offering nothing spectacular in terms of performance, we merely view it as one of the only options for Celeron owners once the BX chipset is phased out.

Attempting to place another chipset between the high-end i820 and the low-end i810, Intel gave birth to the i810e. Dubbed mid-range, our testing has shown the i810e is essentially an i810 with enhanced compatibility. The i810e supports a 133MHz front side bus (for the new Coppermine processors) and increases the frequency of the display cache from 100 to 133MHz.

Enter FIC and their KW15.

One of the most noteworthy features of the KW15 is the option for either a Slot 1 or Socket 370 CPU. Offering support for almost any Intel CPU available (from Celeron to Coppermine), FIC's i810e offering can't be accused of limiting your CPU choices. With the ability to support a single ISA slot, 5 PCI slots, and an AMR connection, our only wish would be for the i810 chipset to support an AGP upgrade.

Two DIMM slots comprise the maximum allowed by Intel's i810 chipset and both are present on the KW15, offering support for up to 512MB of PC100 SDRAM. It should be taken into account that although the front side bus may be operating at 133MHz, the RAM will be run at 100MHz.