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Pricing
of
ECS G33T-M2
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Conclusion
As
ECS G33T-M2 is a mATX mainboard with integrated graphics, we aren't expecting
much from the integrated DX9 graphics core. We already knew that in the past,
testing the G33 chipset using XP, it didn't really impress me with its so called
3D performance as compared to other competiting chipsets from NVIDIA or ATi. The
2D is disappointing in the HQV tests too with the not really clear Intel
ClearVideo technology.
Anyway, the board does perform much better when paired up
with an external graphics card. In our tests, we paired it up
with a HD 2600XT. Although this board only support DDR2-800, it's performance is
not far off from the P35 or X38 chipset which supports DDR2-1066. In fact, in
some tests, the performance is on par if not better than some of the more
expensive boards out there.
In terms of features, other than the lack of eSATA, 1394
(optional), the rest of the HDA, USB, GbE are more than enough for the average
user. The board also uses a passive heatsink for both chipsets. This noiseless
solution is definitely the traditional board design without the need of
expensive copper heatpipes.
This board has limited options
for overclocking. There are just some adjustments of the CPUCLK, ASync settings, ram timing
adjustments, voltage adjustments (see gallery for options).
In terms of overclocking, we managed to get it to overclock to 400MHz FSB x6.
In conclusion, this is a board
that you would go for if you are on a budget. My opinion is that I always pair
up Intel CPUs with Intel chipset based boards for minimum headaches. If you are
going to use it for HDDVD/BluRay playback, you might want to consider buying a
low profile HDCP / HDMI card for this board as an upgrade for the near future.
Pricing
Discuss
Pros
Cons
- Packaging
- Overclocking features
- 2D/3D performance in G33 chipset
- eSATA2
- No secondary PCIe slot
Ratings
Here are my ratings out of 10.
|
Category |
Score |
|
Performance |
8 / 10 |
|
Features |
8
/ 10 |
|
Ease Of Installation |
9 / 10 |
|
Overclocking Features |
6 / 10 |
|
Documentation |
7 / 10 |
|
Packaging |
7 / 10 |
|
Cost / Performance |
10 / 10 |
|
Overall Rating : |
7.8 / 10 |
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