Technical characteristics
Chipset: Intel H55 Express * Supported processors: Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 (Socket 1156) * Supported memory: 4x DDR3-800/1066/1333/1600/1800/2200 MHz DDR3, up to 16 GB * Graphic connectors: 2x PCIE X16 (x16+x4) * Extensions connectors: 2x PCI * Disk subsystem: 5x SATA 2, IDE * Sound subsystem: Realtek Alc889, 8 channels * Rear panel: 6x USB 2.0, PS/2 (keyboard/mouse), HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, D-SUB, ESATA, GBLAN, S/PDIF -out, IEEE 1394A, Audio * Form factor: MATX * Dimensions: 244×230 mm * Price for May 2010: 3300 rub.
A total of a couple of months have passed since the moment the new line of processors Intel Clarkdale appeared in stores, and with it – a whole cloud of motherboard from different manufacturers. For those who missed our story about Clarkdale, we briefly recall that these are budgetary two -core processors in architecture Nehalem. The price for them starts at 3000 rubles. The most interesting thing is the presence of a built-in graphic core, which not only perfectly copes with the reproduction of HD films, but also draws old games tolerably.
It is clear that manufacturers of maternal boards simply could not miss such an event. On our test today, one of the best budget hits – Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H , – minimum possibilities in excellent performance.
Simple novelty
The GA-H55M-UD2H is based on a brand new chipset Intel H55 Express. This is a cut version of the elder H57 Express -without the support of RAID massives, two PCIE lines and two USB. Actually, the new Gigabyte fee is a canonical H55 Express, the company's engineers did not change anything.
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H is made very neatly and painted in the branded blue colors of the company. The cooling system is immediately striking – more precisely, its complete absence. For the first time in a long time, we meet a fee that has not a single radiator next to the power chain: all transistors, coils and capacitors are in the palm of your hand. The only small radiator is placed on the South Bridge.
With the power of the Gigabyte processor, I did not begin and organized a standard six-phase scheme, which https://lucky-mister-casino.co.uk/ is even unusual in our era of all sorts of 12 and even 24-phase sets. Although there is no difference between them anyway.
Due to the fact that H55 Express is deprived of the North Bridge, Gigabyte was able to place a huge number of different ports on the textolite. Two PCI and PCIe X16 were put under the processor (to the latter Gigabyte screwed support for Crossfirex). The engineers placed the expansion ports along the lower face: three exits to the USB panels, Firewire and Com. Plus to this on the right side there are two exits to FDD and IDE. They are located very compact, next to the nutrition of the motherboard itself. Of course, connecting three large cables in a row will be inconvenient, but nothing can be done, the MATX format obliges.
With support for RAM is standard: Four DIMM slots for DDR3 planks with a total volume of up to 16 GB. They set them well – away from the processor, so even a large cooler will not be able to block them. It is also convenient to have a 4-pin processor power outlet, you can always reach it. But finding the appropriate cable on modern power supplies is already difficult, so be more careful.
The external panel GA-H55M-UD2H is surprising. See DVI, D-Sub, HDMI, and even DisplayPort is still unusual. Otherwise, everything is standard: six USB 2.0, ESATA, RJ-45, IEEE 1394A, one PS/2 for mouse or keyboard, as well as six outcrops of acoustics, which are supported by the built-in Realtek Alc8889 chip.
In the service of good
Even being a budget motherboard, GA-H55M-UD2H is part of an elite ruler Gigabyte Ultra Durable 3. We have already talked a lot about its advantages, so we just recall the most interesting. A double layer of copper for better heat and high -quality signal is sewn into the textolite. The power chains are not easy: there are capacitors with solid dielectrics, coils with ferrite cores and advanced transistors. All this together provides less heating and a stable signal. Usually we still write about the best acceleration, but this time it is better to keep silent: to give a serious load on food without cooling is dangerous.
There are energy conservation technologies. Despite the fact that Clarkdale consumes extremely little energy, Gigabyte in every possible way contributes to its preservation. Technology Dynamic Energy Saver 2 allows you to disconnect unused phases of the processor power supply.
Under the gun
During testing the new motherboard from Gigabyte, we did not have a Clarkdale processor in our hands, so all tests were carried out with far from budget Core i7-860. There is no difference, they just did not appreciate the graphic outputs on the GA-H55M-UD2H (but this is not scary, the processor will be responsible for the quality).
Although we have before us and the MATX payment, we collected the system on it very quickly. Even after a large cooler has been put on the processor Cooler Master N620 , All ports remained available. We connected a hard drive, DVD drive without any difficulty and put a couple of strips Kingston Hyperx DDR3-1666 2 GB each. The only flaw: the installed video card MSI R4850-T2D512 rested on the back of the textolite on the latches of memory ports. Nothing critical-DDR3 bar can be pulled out without them, but somehow unpleasant.
The system started the first time, an hour later it had already been installed on it Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit and a package of fresh drivers. After that, we set the system the load with the program Linpack and forgot about her for a couple of hours. Everything worked for the offensive stable, and we decided to entertain ourselves over the acceleration.
BIOS settings do not differ in wealth. You can change the multiplier, change the BCLK values, QPI frequencies and set the RAM multipliers. Of course, there are voltage settings for all components, but the Gigabyte PR department asked us not to raise the voltage at the processor above 1.3 V, so as not to burn the socket. We ourselves thought about it, and therefore twisted BCLK to 185 MHz, dispersing our processor from 2.8 to 3.88 GHz. Then again boredom: two hours Linpack and not a single departure. The only thing – the power chains were replayed so that they were just right to break eggs and fry the scrambled eggs. We refused further experiments, and we do not recommend you to conduct them. Without cooling, burning the power chain is a trifle business, the fee and so balanced on the verge of life and death.
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Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H-exemplary budget motherboard. Before us is the standard H55 Express (well, we can’t seriously perceive Crossfirex with the X16+X4 scheme), but it is assembled by a wonderful. All elements are neatly soldered, the design is thought out to the smallest detail, and the number of connectors is completely amazing. At the same time, the board works stably and even allows you to slightly disperse the processor. For a simple game computer or htpc, it will be a great choice, especially since the price tag is 3300 rubles.