G45 And GeForce 9400: Integrated Chipsets For Core 2

DFI LANParty GF9400-T2RS

There aren’t many motherboards with this chipset on the market. One of them is from Gigabyte, but our sample of the GeForce 9400 mGPU is DFI’s LANParty GF9400-T2RS. Unlike Intel’s DG45ID—which is a multimedia or business product—the LANParty is an enthusiast motherboard, which is something special due to the MicroATX form factor. It implements all of the features you’d expect from a full-size ATX motherboard, but enables customers to build smaller systems based on MicroATX.

CPU and Graphics Options

DFI’s LANParty GF9400-T2RS has not just three voltage regulator phases, but instead comes with four of them. This qualifies the motherboard to run even the power-hungry Core 2 Extreme Editions, in addition to all other Core 2 models. The Pentium Dual Core and Celeron models are not listed on the DFI Web site. While the Intel DG45ID can only support one graphics card, this LANParty motherboard offers two x16 PCI Express slots, which can be operated at dual x8 link modes for SLI graphics. There is a DVI port as well as an HDMI interface for monitors and flat panel TVs.

Features

This motherboard offers traditional PS/2 keyboard and mice connectors, a Gigabit network port, four USB 2.0 ports, analog audio jacks, and both digital and coaxial digital audio outputs on the back panel. Three more headers are available to access six more USB 2.0 ports if needed. Floppy and IDE controllers were added by DFI as well, since many users still insist on these legacy devices. A double digit LED display with onboard debug feature, as well as comprehensive overclocking features based on DFI’s experience, complete the package for enthusiasts.

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