Pros:
Despite targeting the low end market, the MP2 surprisingly offers many useful and innovative features.  For instance, the MP2 provides a Softmenu-like feature for configuring the processors.  The user is still required to select the multiplier manually via a set of four jumpers (JP2).  The process is very easy.  Then, the rest of the process, configuring the FSB, is within the software in the Award BIOS setup.  The BIOS offers a wealth of FSB options: 66,68, 75, 83, 100, 103, 112, and 133.  Although, these options are limited compared to some of the newer expensive boards, they are nevertheless adequate and standard.  However, with the multiplier locking on Intel's processors, there is no need for FSB beyond 112, if 112 can work at all.  I just can't understand why board makers don't include more FSB settings below 100 FSB.  This would be an invaluable asset for newer Celeron owners.  I can predict that the first board maker with additional FSB settings such as 90 MHz, 95 MHz, etc. will be the next big seller among Celeron owners.

In addition, the MP2 has many thermal sensing features.  The first of which is the motherboard temperature monitor, a feature that is quickly becoming the standard.  This is a nice option to have if you are an avid overclocker like me.  At all times, you will want to know how hot your system is getting.  However, the MP2 also adds two additional innovations. The first of which is a new feature among many boards: CPU temperature monitor.  Again, this feature is important for me as an overclocker because the temperature of the CPU is of more importance than of the motherboard.  Delta did an awesome job on this one.  The second feature works in conjunction with the first to help the overclocker.  The second feature allows the user to set a specified temperature for the CPU.  If that temperature is reached, the system will send out a warning beep.  Again, this additional feature helps to protect the investment of a CPU in case the CPU cooler fan dies, or if you run your processor way beyond recommended levels.  These features are great.  Now, if only ABIT can add this feature into the BH6 to go along with the Softmenu II.  In a way, this feature is more useful than ABIT's softmenu for the normal (non-overclocking user).

To compliment the many FSB options and thermal protection, the stability of the board is excellent for a "low end" board.  Throughout my torture testing, the system only crashed once.  And that was at an overclock state with inadequate cooling, so the board is not at fault.  There are 5 PCI slots and 2 ISA (1 shared) to satisfy most expansion options.  The connectors are in almost perfect position.  Even the ATX power connector is placed at the upper right corner of the board--a big plus.  Overall, this board is made like other more expensive boards.
 

Cons:
The user manual looks like someone put together at the last minute.  There were some spelling errors that I found, and that is just by quickly skimming through the manual.  The manual also lacked vital information about the features on the board.  There are very limited instructions to help beginners in installing the board.  Let's put it this way, the memory expansion section of the manual is about a quarter of a page--not much at all.  The manual also failed to fully describe the features in the BIOS.  In fact, it did not even warn beginners that fooling around with the BIOS settings can cause the system not to boot.  Almost every board makers have a warning about entering the BIOS.

Another downside of the board are the multiplier jumper pins (JP2) and front panel pin connectors (J2).  The multiplier pins are located at the end of PCI4.  Normally, it wouldn't be that bad, but once you installed a card into the PCI4 slot, you cannot get to the jumpers at all (unless you remove the card).  For most people, this is not major drawback as changing the multiplier usually involve changing a CPU--which is a rare event.  Like wise the front panel connectors are located at the end of PCI5 and ISA1.  This makes it very difficult to get access to once you installed a full length card.

Also, the chassis fan connector is located in a very strange and unusable place.  For some reason, Delta selected to placed the chassis connector at the bottom left corner of the board, a place that is practically impossible to get to.  If you install a female fan connector to it, there is potential interference if you have a card in the ISA2 slot because the connector is very close to the ISA2 slot.

Delta manages to cut the cost by not having a heat sink on the motherboard chipset, a feature that is done on pretty much all boards.  Although this was not a problem for me during testing, I noticed that the chipset got quite considerably hot during testing.  I would feel more comfortable if there was a heat sink on it.  The cost impacted with adding such an accessory would be minimal.
 

The test system consists of a formatted hard drive. Then a fresh copy of Windows 95/98/NT4 was installed.  No other drivers, other than necessary for system to function, were installed.

Test System:
 

The Winstone 98 scores are pretty much in line with other BX boards out there.  These days, buying a motherboard should not be based on performance as all Intel BX boards usually score within 1 point of another in Winstone.   Instead, the purchasing decision should be based on price, features, and support.
 

The MP2-BX is a very good board.  The estimated street price (ESP) is around $79.  This make the MP2-BX one of the cheapest BX boards out there.  There are some shortfalls but when you factor in the price and unique features of the board, the MP2 comes out a winner.  In fact, if overclocking is not important feature for me, then this board would even beat out the glorious ABIT BH6 (the BH6 allows for the adjustment of the CPU voltage to potentially increase the stability of the CPU at an overclock state).  Simply put, the Delta did a great job on the MP2-BX and added many unique and useful features and then priced the board so cheap.  How can I resist?  Additional information can be found at Delta's web page: (http://pc.delta.com.tw).
 

Price (ESP): $79
Where: Max Group (510-490-9800)