|
|
Mainstream users really can't hope for much more, but if you're looking to build a low cost entry level computer I'll bet you want something a little cheaper than P35 can afford. Well just your luck, Intel has released a stripped down iteration of the P35 called the P31 Express chipset.
88% Rating: 
|
|
|
|
Home >
Reviews >
Motherboards >
Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L |
|
|
Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L Motherboard highlights
|
Here is a good shot
of the expansion options in the Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L motherboard. There
are three PCI Express x1 slots (in black), the PCI Express x16 slot and
three 32 bit PCI slots for the older expansion hardware. Below the last
PCI slot is the floppy drive connector, too bad GIgabyte couldn't have
moved it elsewhere.
|
|
There is a good amount
of space in front of the PCI Express x16 connector so if a
videocard with a dual slot cooler is installed, the PCI slot will
still be usable.
|
|
At the bottom right hand corner of the Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L motherboard
we find the four Serial ATA II ports and IDE connector. Just below
are the USB headers (in yellow) and the front panel I/O header. There's a
PWM four pin fan header to the right of the memory slots and the Intel ICH7
Southbridge is cooled with a small passive aluminum
heatsink.
|
|
There are the four DDR2 memory
slots and the motherboard can accept a total of 4GB of DDR2-800/667 memory.
Install the memory in the same coloured slots to enable dual channel
memory support. The main 24 pin ATX connector is located to the right of
the memory slots which helps keep that big cable away from other
devices.
|
|
There's a fair
amount of space around the LGA775 Intel CPU socket so why not install
a big quiet heatsink like the Zalman CNPS9700LED? The Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L motherboard supports all
current and upcoming Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad processors including the 45nm
models.
|
|
|
|
|
RSS Newsletter
