Mother card gigabytes. Gigabyte motherboards

A motherboard for assembling mid and premium PCs within the AM2 / AM2 + / AM3 computer platform - this is completely true for the GA-M52L-S3. Although this solution was released a long time ago, the system blocks based on it have sufficient performance and allow you to solve most of the tasks. It is this computer component from a renowned manufacturer that will be discussed later.

Positioning the motherboard

As noted earlier, the Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3 motherboard is excellent for creating system unit based on the AM2 / AM2 + computing platform of the middle and premium level. This positioning is indicated by the support of the most productive chips of the Phenom X3 series. Also, the presence of SATA III ports for connecting drives indicates its such belonging. This board is most suitable for assembling gaming systems, servers entry level, graphic or workstations, print servers.

Equipment

GA-M52L-S3 delivery list includes the following:

• This model motherboard.
• A metal dummy plate for mounting the board into the rear panel of the system unit.
• User manual with branded warranty card.
• A set of loops for connection.
• CD with documentation in in electronic format and a set of drivers.

Chipset and socket

The nForce 520 LE system logic set underlies the GA-M52L-S3. Its characteristics indicate that the composition includes only one microcircuit. It simultaneously performs the functions of both the north and south bridge. The processor socket in this motherboard is universal, and both AM2 and AM2 + chips can be installed in it. The use of the latter as part of such a computing system is preferable.

Processors

GA-M52L-S3 boasts a fairly large list of supported CPU models. Supported processors can belong to computing platforms and even AM3. In the latter case, it will be necessary to perform the BIOS update operation to latest version... Otherwise, this motherboard could work in combination with the following CPU models:

The following processors could be installed within the AM2 computer platform:

Among the CPU models of the AM2 + family it was possible to install the following:

List of compatible AM3 chips with this motherboard consists of the following models of processor solutions:

An acceptable level of performance today is only provided only by latest models chips that have 4 or even 6 computing modules. That is, Athlon IIX4, Phenom IIX4 and Phenom IIX6 belong to this list. The first two families are equipped with 4 cores, and the last with six. Chips of the Phenom II series can boast of higher performance due to the fact that their cache memory consists of 3 levels. But Athlon II has only 2 levels of fast memory, and this fact has an extremely negative effect on their performance. All other processor solutions within this platform are outdated and are suitable for solving the maximum simple tasks which include office packages playing various multimedia files or surfing the Internet.

Organization of the RAM subsystem

The motherboard from "Gigabyte" model GA-M52L-S3 is equipped with a 2-channel DDR2 RAM controller. Therefore, it is more optimal to install in it large quantity modules with less memory than one with a larger size. For example, the performance of such a PC will significantly increase when, instead of 2 4 GB strips, install 4 2 GB modules. This will allow you to get a performance increase of 10-15 percent in a number of tasks. The number of RAM slots for installing models is limited to 4. The largest amount of addressable RAM is set by the manufacturer at 16 GB. That is, in this case, you can install 4 modules of 4 GB. It is most optimal to install modules with a nominal frequency of 800 MHz on such a motherboard. In all other cases, the speed of the computing system will be reduced.

Expansion slots and communication ports

Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3 boasts such expansion slots:

• Discrete graphics adapter in this case it can be installed in PCI-E version 16.X.
• To install new modifications of internal cards of expansion controllers, 2 PCI E slots, version 1X, are provided.
• Legacy expansion controller models can be installed in PCI slots. There are 4 of them in this case.

Also included in this motherboard are the following communication ports:

• 2 PS / 2 sockets.
• 1 LPT.
• 4 universal USB serial ports.
• 1 game port.
• 6 audio jacks for various purposes, 3.5mm format.
• 1 RJ-45 network connector.

motherboards Gigabyte is a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of desktop basic components. With each generation, motherboards are improved and adjusted to the needs of modern users. New line, presented by the manufacturer in 2017, is designed to integrate with 6th and 7th generation processors Intel Core which are mainly used by gamers, desktop developers and graphic designers. Gigabyte has relied on personalizing computers with powerful and efficient motherboards. They allow the user to easily adjust the cooling modes, RGB LED lighting and other individual parameters in the operation of the PC.

With the new motherboards from Gigabyte, users have the opportunity to flexibly configure and expand the functionality of their PCs. The system motherboards include modern internal components for installing liquid cooling systems - G-Chill and G-Frost from Bitspower and EK Waterblocks. Thanks to them, advanced gamers were able to expand the horizons of the productivity of their computers, in particular, during the "overclocking" of the processor at the start of modern games that require the maximum possible processor performance.

Another advantage of using Gigabit motherboards is the ability to individually install and configure intelligent cooling systems instead of factory coolers, which cannot cope with their task under intensive processor conditions. Gigabit motherboards allow you to make the work of high-tech thermal sensors as efficient and accurate as possible, ensuring optimal distribution of processor power and other system components during operation.

Dual-channel memory controller is a key point in all the latest chipsets from Intel, NVIDIA, VIA. This is due to the rapid growth of the processor bus and, accordingly, insufficient memory bus bandwidth.

Having abandoned Rambus memory last year, Intel has directed its computing power towards DDR memory. Faster bus acceleration required more memory bandwidth, and the i7205 chipset was released last year. This set of logic was designed to work with processors 400 or 533 MHz bus coupled with dual-channel DDR266 SDRAM memory. The use of two 64-bit DDR SDRAM channels allows obtaining the necessary bandwidth of the memory subsystem for building high-performance systems.

With the release of the 800 MHz Pentium 4 processor, another upgrade of the memory subsystem of modern chipsets was required. The decision was not long in coming: Intel released the i875P. The key points were: a dual-channel DDR400 SDRAM memory controller and a high-speed bus. Bandwidth the memory subsystem has increased to 6.4 gigabytes per second, which has eliminated the drawback between the transfer of data on the processor - memory segment.

However, not everything is as good as it seems: the fact is that although a six-layer motherboard design is not required to build i875P-based motherboards, the boards are still quite expensive and cost about $ 200. At this price point, their primary use will be in the high-performance systems and workstation sectors.

But don't forget about the so-called "mainstream" market. The release of Intel's i865PE (codenamed Springdale) has filled a gap in the mid-range system market. Before the announcement of the i865PE, this sector of the market used a single-channel i845 chipset designed to work with DDR333. And support for processors with 800MHz bus was unofficial. Intel i865PE is intended to replace the i845.

Now let's move on to considering this set of logic.

KitlogicIntel 865PE

To begin with, let's give the tactical and technical characteristics:

• support for Pentium 4 processors with a bus frequency of 400, 533 or 800 MHz, as well as a future processor codenamed Prescott;
• support for AGP 8X (the practical benefit of using this bus on this moment absent, though, who knows what lies ahead? :);
• dual-channel DDR 266/333/400 memory controller (no ECC);
• separate CSA bus for connecting Gigabit Ethernet controllers;
• south bridge ICH5 (key points: two Serial ATA ports, 8 USB 2.0 ports and software RAID (only in ICH5-R)).

Looking at the performance characteristics, one can make an obvious statement: the i865PE is, in fact, the same i875P. True, without support for PAT technology (Performance Acceleration Technology - a technology for optimizing the algorithm for working with memory, in which the theoretical performance gain is about 2-5%) and the ability to use memory with ECC. That's all the differences, and the price gap is quite large: between i875P and i865PE - $ 50 and $ 34 between i875P and i865PE.

This difference is due to the PAT technology. The point is that the percentage of suitable crystals that allow the implementation of PAT is small, while the rest become i865PE.

The family of i865 chips, as one would expect, was not limited to one i865PE. The family was supplemented by the integrated i865GE chipset and the stripped-down i865P. The cut is due to the lack of support for the 800MHz bus. All this is good: the i865GE and i865P are produced from the same i875P crystals that have not passed the test tests. Therefore, most likely, one should not naively believe that it will be possible to get an 800MHz bus on the i865P, since, according to the idea, this set of logic is based on the "worst" crystals that have been rejected and could not become not only the i875P, but i865PE, i865GE.

With the set of logic sorted out, now let's look at a real product from one Taiwanese manufacturer.

Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 motherboard

Motherboard from Taiwanese manufacturer - by Gigabyte... Products of this manufacturer quite popular with us. It should be noted right away that Gigabyte motherboards are designed for the corporate market and are designed for system integrators, which means forget about the great customization options and such a term as "Overclocking" or "overclocking" in our opinion.

The Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 is a full-sized ATX board (the 8IPE1000 line also includes the GA-8IPE1000MT, a micro-ATX board).

The capabilities of this motherboard, as well as any, are mainly determined by the tactical and technical characteristics of the chipset. It is hardly worth repeating that the board is designed to work with processors with a bus frequency of 400, 533 or 800 MHz, and that it also supports Hyper-Threading technology and so on and so forth. After all, all the main features of the chipset, and hence of this motherboard, have already been discussed above.

Design, layout and thoughtfulness

The board is made in the latest style of the company. Multi-colored slots and a gold-colored heatsink leave a good impression of the exterior, the board looks very nice.

It is made on a blue textolite and has an average size. The number of slots is as follows: 4 DIMM, 5 PCI, 1 AGP (with a latch).

As mentioned above, boards based on the i865PE logic set work with both single-channel and dual channel memory... To enable dual-channel memory subsystem mode, you must install memory modules in pairs. Fortunately, this is easy to do: the memory slots are located on the Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 in pairs and are painted in different colors. But there are several complaints and recommendations concerning not only this motherboard, but all other motherboards based on the i865PE chipset. To get the best performance in dual channel mode, you need to:

• memory slots must be filled symmetrically;
• the need to match the capacity and number of banks in the installed memory modules;
• optional installation of identical memory modules, although maximum performance is achieved only when identical modules are installed (the point is that timings are set for the slowest memory module).

The cooling on the board is better than the standard one: the heatsink has high fins, which provide more efficiency than necessary.

The power module is three-channel, it has a sufficient number of capacitors.

The sound is realized through the six-channel Realtek ALC655 codec.

There are 4 USB ports on the board and 4 more are placed on a separate bracket. In addition to USB ports, the board also contains: two COM ports, one LPT port, connectors for connecting a keyboard and mouse, as well as audio connectors for connecting acoustics, a microphone ...

The design and layout are generally successful, however, there were some obvious mistakes: for example, the inconvenient location of the power connectors.

BIOS and board settings

The motherboard's BIOS did not please, since there are practically no memory settings. There are enough settings for overclocking: here you can change the bus in steps of 1 MHz, and the ability to change the power supply (processor, memory and AGP). However, the statement that this motherboard is not suitable for overclocking is too harsh. Most likely, the board will suit a non-advanced overclocker. But the fact that there are no memory settings is really a minus.

The board is shipped in a colorful box, which, in addition to the board itself, contains: a user manual, a set of cables (FDD, IDE and Serial ATA), a disk with drivers and utilities, a cover for the rear panel of the case with four USB ports.

Testing

Test stand:

• motherboards: Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 (i865PE), ASUS P4PE (i845PE);
• CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2400 MHz;
• memory: 2x256 MB PC3200 Samsung DDR SDRAM and 1x 512MB PC3200 Samsung DDR SDRAM;
• hard drive: Maxtor Fireball 3 30 GB;
• video card: NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX440.

Operating system, test programs and utilities

• operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional;
• SYSMark 2002;
• SiSoftware Sandra 2002;
• SPECviewperf;
• MadOnion 3DMark2001;
• ID Software Quake 3 Arena;
• 3Dmark03.
• Unreal Tournament 2003;
• Comanche 4.

The Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 (i865PE) mainboard was tested in two modes: with and without dual-channel.

Test results

Memory tests

The clear superiority of dual-channel DDR400 memory. Quite a large gap between the board under review and its predecessors - i845PE and i865PE.

Office and multimedia applications

In office applications, both sets of logic showed similar results. Intel i865PE was not helped even by dual-channel. The fact is that office applications are not so demanding on the memory subsystem, which is why we have similar results.

The situation slightly changes in multimedia applications: i865PE is not much ahead of its predecessor - i845PE.

Professional applications

Professional applications are where the processing power of half the memory system is needed. The numbers speak for themselves.

Synthetic gaming benchmarks and real gaming applications

In gaming applications, the leader is the same: i865PE is slightly ahead of its predecessor. Dual-channel performance in gaming tests gives a meagerly small performance gain.

conclusions

Intel i865PE is a good solution for building mid-range cars, it will quite cope with the mission of replacing the i845PE.

< нетребовательного самого лишь удовлетворить сможет однако справится, вполне плата разгоном с и Но разгон. или настройка тонкая входит не которых планы в пользователям, обычным подойдёт очередь, первую продукт, Данный изготовления. качеством хорошим производительностью хорошей неплохая - GA-8IPE1000>

Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 is a good motherboard with good performance and good quality manufacturing. This product, first of all, is suitable for ordinary users, whose plans do not include fine tuning or overclocking. But the board can handle overclocking quite well, but it can satisfy only the most undemanding overclocker.

Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 mainboard for testing provided by CD-Life

Motherboards based on NVIDIA nForce 2 system logic can be found today by almost every manufacturer of PC platforms. This list could be enumerated, starting with the most elite and famous companies, to almost unnamed. Yes, for a poor overclocker, a computer based on an nForce 2 motherboard coupled with low-end AMD processors, as a rule, is well overclocked ( vivid example- Athlon XP 1700+ or ​​Athlon XP 2500+) - is good choice... Of course, the Socket A platform is moving more and more into the category of inexpensive office machines every day and in the near future will be completely squeezed out by the new, much more productive Socket 754 platform (and then Socket 939), but so far this has not happened, and Athlon 64-bit processors still very expensive for mass use, it is too early to write off Athlon XP.

We reviewed a lot of nForce2 motherboards on the website, leaders and losers were revealed, but still some motherboards remained on the sidelines and today a product from GigaByte, specifically GigaByte GA-7N400, is waiting for its review in our test lab.

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The GA-7N400 series is represented by three models:

As you can see from the table, GA-7N400 is the simplest and, as a result, the cheapest motherboard in the entire series. Of course, it should be noted that GigaByte also has two more boards - GA-7N400E and GA-7N400E-L, assembled from the very chipsets for which the second memory channel refused to work at the factory. We do not claim that Dual Channel DDR is a huge plus for nForce 2, but still the chipset is not so expensive to look at its "cut-offs" and, moreover, it is mainly for office machines.

The choice of a motherboard can lead any user to a dead end. The thing is not easy, a lot depends on its characteristics. It is also not easy to understand the models of one segment, even if you have a rough idea of ​​what it is about. One way or another, at the beginning of a difficult path of choice, you need to decide on the manufacturer. For example, the Gigabyte motherboard performed well at the end of last year. The models are competitive, of high quality, diverse, and most importantly, affordable.

Variability

Motherboards can be categorized into various categories. Most often there are groups that include models with the most popular processor sockets. You can divide motherboards by chipset model or by options for certain platforms.

Considering the latest updated variations, the best way the Gigabyte motherboard on the Intel Z170 chipset has shown itself. In this category, you can find the largest number of good options that are suitable as ordinary user and a lover of computer games.

We will look at the three most popular models, which also differ in price. The most powerful of all is the Gigabyte Z170X-Gaming G1 motherboard. There are also Gigabyte Z170X-Ultra Gaming and Gigabyte Z170-HD3. What is the difference between them, we will consider further.

A budget option

It's worth starting with the cheapest and available option... We are talking about Gigabyte Z170-HD3. The model is presented on the flagship chipset from Intel, therefore it is quite popular among buyers. In addition, it features support for a new type of DDR3L RAM, which has a voltage of 1.35 V, as well as the ability to connect DDR3 with a voltage of 1.5 V. The cost of this option fluctuates around $ 120-130.

Equipment

The review of the Gigabyte motherboard should start with the package bundle and delivery. The fact is that each model has its own presentation option. The box looks presentable. On the front there is a large Ultra Durable logo, below is the model, memory support and brief information about the chipset.

There is a lot of necessary and not so much information behind the box. Here are given different connection diagrams, as well as brief technical characteristics, system requirements, key features and, of course, supported technologies.

The board itself is inside the box. It comes with instructions with step by step guide... There is a warranty brochure. Disc with "wood" and software. Provided 2 SATA cables, a set for connecting the "motherboard" to the front panel of the computer case. Also inside you can find a proprietary plug for the interface panel.

Appearance and features

The characteristics of the Gigabyte Z170-HD3 motherboard are very decent at the present time. The textolite of the board is made in brown, ATX board format. The width has become slightly smaller in relation to previous versions- only 20 cm. It's hard to say anything about design. But the board looks neat, restrained and strict. The layout of all the elements is successful, so even with self-assembly, there should be no problems.

The bottom margin takes up a huge number of connectors. There is also the possibility of connecting audio connectors, as well as a block for the front panel, a jumper for resetting CMOS. There are generally two pads for USB 2.0 ports. It is possible to use six ports, four of which are inside, and two are located on the interface panel.

The disk system is also widely represented. It is possible to use one M.2 Socket 3 port, three SATA Express connectors. There are four slots for RAM on the board. As mentioned earlier, you can install not only DDR3, but also DDR3L. The RAM mode is dual-channel here. For it to work correctly, you must insert the plates into either the odd or even ports. You can also occupy four slots at once.

Cooling

Naturally, any Gigabyte motherboard has its own cooling system. This model has two heatsinks, one of which removes heat from the chipset, and the other protects the batteries. Testing the system showed good results: the chipset only warmed up to 33 degrees, the power chokes - up to 42, and the power heatsink - up to 37.

During the board overclocking, the temperature rose slightly. In the case of the chipset, only by one unit, on the other elements - by 5-10 degrees.

Overclocking

Few people know that the company provides automatic overclocking in BIOS. Gigabyte Z170-HD3 managed to overclock quite well. The processor frequency increased to 4600 MHz, and the memory began to work at 2133 MHz.

In general, this model has shown itself to be the most good option when switching from Socket type LGA1150 to variant LGA1151. Also, many will appreciate the presence of support not only for DDR3, but also for DDR3L. The availability of this board also plays a huge role. The "motherboard" has practically no drawbacks. She has improved the element base, also added support for some technologies. In the presence of many ports, advanced audio subsystem.

Game option

Another good model is GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming. This board is slightly more expensive than the previous one, at $ 30-40. But it is already positioned as a gaming component for the PC. It supports all kinds of processors and also LGA1151.

The box turned out to be really attractive, bright and catchy. The main technologies and characteristics are indicated on the front. There is a description at the back key features, interfaces, ports, specifications, etc.

There is nothing unusual inside. Since the model is in the middle price segment, you shouldn't expect any special excesses in the package bundle. Inside there is required cables, CD with drivers and software, manual, SLI bridge and a branded label on the player's door.

Specification

Outwardly, this model differs from the previous one. But the board is in ATX form. The textolite received a black color and a laconic arrangement of elements. Surprised rear panel, which is not overgrown with a huge number of ports. It has everything you need for two types of USB 3.1 cables, also HDMI connections, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 / 2.0 and other useful ports.

For RAM, there are four slots and support for DDR4. The maximum amount of RAM has increased to 64 GB. In general, it is possible to connect two video cards at once. On the one hand, this option seems rather limited, but on the other, it is quite a common solution for the average gamer. After all, if a player needs something more, then he is more likely to choose a motherboard an order of magnitude higher.

In terms of overclocking potential, this Gigabyte motherboard received good reviews. This is not to say that the improvement has shown unprecedented results, but they are quite satisfactory, especially regarding the automatic overclocking.

In general, the GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming model, which doesn’t have any special characteristics, has nevertheless become an excellent option for those who would like to purchase a motherboard with the most advantageous combination of quality and performance. Basically, this model has it all to build a gaming PC.

Supports SLI and CrossFireX configurations. It is possible to simultaneously support four slots for RAM with an operating frequency of up to 3866 MHz. The contacts of the processor are gold-plated for extended service life. There are also a sufficient number of different ports and slots. A nice addition was the presence of a cool red backlight.

Expensive option

But the best motherboard on the Z170 chipset at the present time it is possible to consider the Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1. The option is perfect for those who are going to create a gaming machine for themselves and upgrade the motherboard. Gigabyte, as usual, spent a lot of time outward appearance, but also did not forget about the good filling and quality materials... The only reason that can stop the buyer is the high enough price.

Peculiarities

This motherboard has received the E-ATX format, which fully satisfies all the latest technologies and consumer desires. Since the model is the flagship not only among the cheaper models, but also in its price segment, it received all kinds of ports, connectors and slots. It also supports a huge number of technologies useful for the gamer.

It runs on the LGA1151 socket, the chipset is Intel Z170 Express, which additionally works with the PLX PEX8747. RAM here the DDR4 type is used. Four slots and support for two channels are allocated for it. As a result, you can equip your PC with 64 GB of RAM.

In general, all the elements are in their usual places, they are easy to find, connecting a Gigabyte motherboard will not cause any difficulties. In addition, in a box, besides a huge number different cables, adapters, there is also an accessible user manual.

The overclocking potential did not show particularly surprising results. Nevertheless, the model has it. In general, the model turned out to be too luxurious. The buyer will really have to fork out a lot. The Skylake platform often requires large investments, but they are aimed at excellent results.