More Details:

Ports Clearly Marked

Fret not over the thought of quality being skipped just because it's a budget board. This platform offers a couple unique features hidden within. If I were to describe them in very easy understandable terms, it would be "scalable power management" for greater efficiency, or VRD Support, and hardwired data security, or Ultra TPM.

VRD 11.1 Support is basically a dynamic multi-gear power design by Intersil. Depending on the processor and system, the motherboard can add more or less power as the load increases and decreases. This means greater power is provided along with better efficiency. This is just another extra bonus to compliment Dynamic Energy Saving (DES).

Ultra TPM offers 2048 bit encryption security and manageability. The TPM Utility is included in the bundle allows the user to set up passwords and keys via a USB flash drive. And the BIOS also can backup the user key in the event you misplace your USB key. Without that key, an intruder is literally going no where.

Realtek 7.1 HD Audio & Dual Gigabit

Something else worth noting is the High Velocity 2X Bandwidth Boost. The two Gigabit connections can act as one possibly doubling the bandwidth. This may or may not be a noticeable benefit. It really depends on your network. But, if it offers any benefits, why not use it.

There is an newly returned feature to the Gigabyte P45 series motherboards not seen on the X48 platform. There are two BIOS chips which adds redundancy in the event the primary BIOS fails or becomes corrupt. The way it works is that the board can use the back up BIOS to reprogram the profile chip in the event your overclock or settings don't take. You'll see the Bios Recovery feature listed at the bottom of the boot screen if you need it to get back up and running.

Dual B_BIOS & M_BIOS Chips

Speaking of bundles, the one that comes with the board isn't completely lacking at all. Budget bundles always offer a few less cables, CDs, or games. You will at least get enough of a bundle to get a decent number of components connected. And of course, there's the TPM Utility and a couple extras.

Bundle

Contents

Looking at the back of the motherboard, it doesn't come up short when looking for USB 2.0+1.1 High Speed ports. There are a total of eight on the back of the motherboard along with Firewire, dual GIGALAN, Coaxial, and Optical Out ports. There are also two onboard USB headers for connecting your case, HUB, or whatever your needs may be. The board also offers High Definition 7.1 Channel ALC889A and fully supports Blu-ray playback. There is also a bundled Dolby Home Theater utility for optimizing your motherboard's audio potential. Good theater audio isn't just limited to Micro-ATX systems.

Plenty of Connectivity

Remember, there's no eSATA on the back of the motherboard because Gigabyte includes their really cool little PCI eSATA bracket which supports two eSATA devices including the power port built in to the bracket. The bundle also includes the power cable so you're not left hanging with a cool feature and no power.

Got News? Send 'em in!