Closer Look:

As I mentioned, there are only a few features you won't find which most users won't miss. None the less, there are still a lot of features that you aren't left without entirely like the single e-SATA support, Giga-Bit LAN, 8 Channel HD Audio, and even support for Intel's Viiv Multi-Media technology. So, essentially, any user could purchase this motherboard with the intention of building a powerful Home Theater PC. Granted, it would be a little over kill given that it has so many features, but it's still a feasible idea.

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Features

Bundle

The P35T-A Motherboard is built upon a very dark purple PCB that ECS has used for other motherboards. It appears black in color in the lack of direct lighting. Under the direct flash of the camera or lights, it appears more like more of a regular purple. The heat sinks aren't heat pipe cooled by any measure and are the simpler stock, brushed aluminum type. The South Bridge chipset isn't even covered with a heat sink. Most often, passive or simpler heat sinks indicate a limited range of overclocking.

Another thing that you'll notice is that the P35T-A is made with top grade Japaneses and solid state capacitors. In case you aren't completely familiar with all the hype around the use of solid state or Japanese capacitors, it's mainly in regard to how efficient and clean the power is distributed around the motherboard. The more efficient, reliable solid capacitors are especially appreciated around the areas that provide power to our most serious components such as the processor and graphics slots.

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Top

The Red PCI Express slot offers you at least one slot for a full 16X speed graphics slot for those long hours of gaming. The second blue PCI Express slot is only 4X speed which means, you could use it for a secondary Crossfire graphics card. There is one 1X PCI slot and 3 regular PCI slots for anyone with some older components they would like to use. Positioned to the right of the slots are a three USB headers with six more on the back of the motherboard. The HD audio port is in an the lower left of the board out of the way which good for users who don't need it. The front panel connectors are next to the six black SATA ports which is actually a very easy place to get your fingers around. Basically, there isn't anything poorly located, including the CMOS jumper.

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Many budget boards limit the number of SATA and add extra PATA ports to make up for the limitations. The P35T-A offers six SATA ports and one rear External SATA port for power users needing quick access to their external files. There are also six USB and one GigaLAN port which should be enough even for the widget enthusiast. If that's not enough for you, you'll find three more onboard USB headers which should be more than enough for your external devices and your front case port.

6 SATA, 3 USB, 1 PATA, Front Panel

SP, eSATA, USB, GLAN, Audio

If you're wondering about the integrated sound and whether or not it's sufficient, it really depends on your own audio perception. For the typical user who likes to play the occasional MP3 and maybe a bit of hardcore gaming, the integrated Realtek 883 7.1 HD audio is more than enough. The playback quality is actually very clear and sounds pretty accurate. Past experiences with the Realtek series has at least improved with the 8XX series and has slowly continued to change. However, it won't quite be enough for the audio-phile who requires a bit more recording quality.

Lower ports

RealTek 7.1 HD Audio

It's not uncommon for the budget minded motherboards to come with a limited software and accessory bundle. When you get a single SATA cable, ATA cable, I/O shield, and Software disc, that doesn't quite equate in to a successful bundle. A couple more SATA cables would have been nice since most anyone buying these P35 based motherboards are going to have more than one IDE or SATA drive. Of course, SATA cables cost a mere $.50 to $1.50 each at local PC stores and online retailers. It's just a nice thing to not have to go hunting for accessories.

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