FEATURES: The board is built around a mainstream chipset, the Intel G31-a scaled down version of the G33. The FSB speeds are common in both, going up to 1333 MHz, and the onboard graphics is courtesy of the Intel GMA 3100. However, the south bridge and the support for RAM differ. Even though it is a mainstreamchipset , the G33 supports up to 8 GB of DDR3-800 MHz and features the ICH9 whereas this board supports only up to 4 GB of DDR2-800 MHz and features the Intel ICH7 with the mainstreamchipset.
The most striking feature is the onboard Power Stabilizer chip. The power flows through the chip before it gets distributed to the sub-systems. It also monitors and controls the flow of current, saving the board from getting fried in the case of
a power surge. The standard features include four SATA, one PATA and eight USB (four via headers) ports. There are serial and parallel ports too. The onboard graphics suffices for basic office work or just enough to watch a movie. Gaming on thischipset, however, is not ideal. Finally the package includes a user manual, driver disc and data and power cables for both SATA and PATA connectivity.
LAYOUT: While this may be a budget board, the layout is quite good. For instance, all the ports such as SATA and are placed at the edges of the board. If you decide to use a graphics card, it will not obstruct any installed components or ports. There is sufficient breathing space for RAM modules and the CPU socket clearance too.
PERFORMANCE: The board does justice to the entry-level segment as it performs well enough to handle light applications. However, if you want to play games or get decent graphics, then you need to install a graphics card separately.
VERDICT: At this price, it is an ideal pick for entry-level computing, especially for people living in towns and cities that are prone to unstablepower supply conditions. Do not expect anything more than being able to watch a movie using the onboard graphics.