As far as the listing of included components goes, the AA8-DuraMAX falls right in line with most other ABIT board we have dealt with in the past. ABIT includes a single rear expansion bracket that provides for additional USB 2.0 and IEEE1394 support. The rear I/O panel is already outfitted with a wide array of USB 2.0 and IEEE1394 connections, so it is nice to see ABIT still include this item even though most users will get by with merely the provided connections. ABIT also includes custom IDE and Floppy cables to add a little flare to your system. We also find that ABIT has included four grey Serial ATA data cables with the AA8-DuraMAX. This will allow for support of all four connections to each of the various Serial ATA capable ports on the motherboard. Other than these few items, the remainder of the package is quite quiet on the component end, as we have come to expect from ABIT.

     As I’ve said over and over again, the real strength of ABIT packaging is the quality of the documentation. Ever since I first started dealing with ABIT motherboards years back, they have always provided solid user manuals that give detailed and accurate instructions and descriptions that could be found useful not only by beginning users, but by more experienced builders as well. The AA8-DuraMAX does not fail to disappoint in this category. ABIT has included a short, but detailed Quick Installation guide to help get the system up and running if you’re new to the world of building PC’s. They’ve also thrown in detailed manuals covering both the motherboard and the uGuru software. With the capabilities that are offered up by ABIT’s uGuru, I was expecting nothing but the best on the documentation end, and that’s what I got. ABIT has also chosen to hop on the bandwagon of manufacturers who include large stickers that cover the various headers and connections on the motherboard. These stickers can be affixed in the case, and make life much easier when it comes time to hook up the system, or add additional components on down the line.

     In the end, the product package for the AA8-Durmax is exactly what I was expecting. ABIT recently announced their “3rd Eye” and “Guru Clock” support for the AA8-DuraMAX. This new technology adds some flavor to ABIT’s packaging that others have not yet venture into. This type of implementation is what I have been waiting for from ABIT for a long time. This new technology allows for ever present monitoring of critical system measurements on an exterior clock / digital readout display. I personally can’t wait to get a hold of one of these units for some testing, only then will we see if this is a real useful item, or more for looks and flash than anything. Overall, solid product package, but to get the extras it will likely cost you in the end.