Gigabyte GA-M61SME-S2L - motherboard - micro ATX - GeForce 6100

Advantages: Quiet, micro ATX, onboard VGA
Disadvantages: Slow

...So I bought this board without doing any research... what a mistake. This is a poor performer. Why? Let me explain. I ran 3dMark05 with a 7600GT graphics card and a AMD 3800+ x2.... score 4300. I ran Aquamark 57,000. I then tried to overclock this setup... nothing... 204mhz. The feature list is short but acceptable for boards in this range and worked fine. I was lucky enough to be allowed to swapped this board for a Asus-M2N (paid extra for it). I fitted the new board run 3dMark05 and what do you know? 6050. I then run aquamark and also up to 74,000. Overclocked the setup to 280mhz Aquamark scored 86,000 Bottom line: If you are looking for a cheap quiet motherboard with onboard graphics to do your office work on or/and for home cinema purposes then I would recomend this board. In to gaming and serous graphic rendering... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, Fast, 4 PCI Slots
Disadvantages: quite confusing to install

...Lets start with the advantages. It has 4 PCI slots, while most of it rivals - AM2 boards - has less. It has built -in video interface, although it's not powerful. It has a firewire port, but I had't the opportunity to test it. The built-in 7Ch sound car is also nice.Its durable, comes in a beautiful and carefully arranged packaging with all the nessecery cables. Also you get a GigaByte sticker - some enthusiasts collect them. The manual is very helpful, the provided CD has a LOT of utilities and various programs, such as Acrobat Reader. It is fast and has a good overclocking potential. And yes, the Gigabit LAN is also very nice. 8 USB ports, how can you need more? Its great, in general. And now, the disandavtages. Once I got a fake temperature reading - it showed that my system temp was 127degrees Centigrade! I was really scared... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap and very stable
Disadvantages: The Instruction manual needs improvement.

...The GA-965GM-S2 is based on the Intel 965 chipset with support for all current versions of the LGA 775 processor including 1066 FSB processors. If you choose Windows Vista, this motherboard is certified Vista ready. The integrated graphics X3000 (Intel GMA X3000) are strong enough to support business applications, general computer use, Web surfing or email. Even if It has 256 bits and pixel shader 4 it won't hold up to most games. This motherboard could be built into a strong gaming machine or even a formidable LAN box. Even the most hardcore gamers would be more then happy to include into LAN going arsenal so if you're looking for a Mini ATX motherboard, then look no further then the GA-965GM-S2 you won't be disappointed. I know i'm not:)... Read review

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