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Tags : 1333fsb   DDR2   GA EG43M S2H   Gigabyte   gma x4500   integrated graphics   intel g43   Motherboard   onboard graphics   Reviews  

Introduction Features and Specifications Photos and Pictures Installation Test Setup, Procedures and BIOS CPU-Z and Everest Information Benchmarks: Sandra Pro XII Benchmarks: FutureMark Suite Benchmarks: Science Mark 2 Verdict and Conclusion

Using Intel's G43 chipset with integrated GMA X4500 graphics, Gigabyte delivers the GA-EG43M-S2H for consumers ... but how good is it?

 

INTRODUCTION

In all our motherboard reviews, the Intel P45 chipset have proven to be a real performer, and it was only a matter of time before Intel would release another version with integrated graphics for system integrators and HTPC users. Well, the time has come ... and we are now seeing the first few motherboards which uses Intel's G45 and G43 chipsets. This is great news for any system integrator and HTPC user who prefer to use an Intel 775 processor over an AMD processor. The G45/G43 chipset is Intel's successor to the older G35/G33 chipset what was release early last year, and only has DX9 support.

Believe it or not, 90% of all PCs sold have integrated graphics. And in most offices or home, you are more likely to find a PC made by manufacturers sich as DELL, HP, Packard Bell and others. So, it is important that motherboard manufacturers compete in this market very aggressively, but profitable market.

 

 

The Intel G45/G43 chipset is based around the original P45, however this time it has integrated graphics in the form of Intel GMA X4500.

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There are two versions available from Intel ... the GMA X4500 and the GMA X4500HD. Both are designed for desktop/mainstream market and was launched in June 2008. The GMA X4500 is used in the G43 chipset while the GMA X4500HD is used in the G45 chipset and supports HD 1080p. GMA stands for Graphics Media Accelerator, and it supports DX10, HDCP, DVI, HDMI, D-Sub, and Intel's Clear Video Technology. The accompanying southbridge for G45/G43 is the Intel ICH10R, which has support for 12 USB, gigabit ethernet, high definition audio, 6 SATA and many more. It all sounds very exciting ... for Intel, the G45/G43 chipset is their answer to AMD's 780G, which received rave reviews around the web. But can the Intel G45/G43 chipset do the same?

In this review, we'll taking a look at the Gigabyte GA-EG43M-S2H motheboard. It's designed for the lower-end to mainstream market, and will probably suit system integrators and HTPC users more. It utilises the Intel G43 chipset featuring Intel's GMA X4500 onboard graphics, and supports 1333FSB, DDR2-800 ram, as well as being 45nm CPU optimised. The motherboard also has the same ICH10R southbridge, as found on other P45 based motherboards and comes with Gigabyte's innovative DES feature.

 

 

 

It's good to know that Intel have finally come up with an onboard graphics solution that support DX10. It may not outperform a dedicated GPU, however it will give HTPC users and system integrators added value. What I am really interested in ... is how well will the Gigabyte GA-EG43M-S2H perform against others in its class, and more importantly, how well does it compare against a AMD780G based motherboard?

We will be testing this Gigabyte GA-EG43M-S2H with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor at default speed of 2.4Ghz, as well as 2Gb of Kingston HyperX DDR2 PC2-9200 ram, Western Digital 160Gb SATA hard drive and a PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 860W PSU. Both the BIOS settings and graphics memory buffer was set to auto for maximum compatbility. Windows Vista with native DX10 was used as our OS

OK, let's not waste any more time and take a closer look at the Gigabyte GA-EG43M-S2H motherboard.

 

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Introduction Features and Specifications Photos and Pictures Installation Test Setup, Procedures and BIOS CPU-Z and Everest Information Benchmarks: Sandra Pro XII Benchmarks: FutureMark Suite Benchmarks: Science Mark 2 Verdict and Conclusion