Introduction:

Intel has two chipsets in the P3x family, the Intel P35 Express and the P31 Express. The P35 Express is designed for higher performance platforms, with support for DDR2 or DDR3 memory and the ICH9 series Southbridge. The P31 being tailored for budget systems, only supports DDR2 memory and features Intel’s older ICH7 series Southbridge. However the P31 has one major advantage price. Today I’ll be reviewing Gigabyte’s GA-P31-DS3L platform based on the Intel P31 chipset. Let’s dig in and see how this board stacks up.

Features:

Introduction The GA-P31-DS3L is GIGABYTE high performance platform based on the new Intel P31 chipset plus support for the latest multi-core processors up to FSB 1333MHz, including the upcoming 45nm platform.   The Industry's Leading All-Solid Capacitor motherboard Design To ensure a longer for systems in daily operation and boost system stability under extreme conditions, this platform adopts cutting-edge Conductive Polymer Aluminum Solid Capacitors from the world's leading vendors. With these high-quality components, users can take advantage of better electronic conductivity and excellent heat resistance for enhanced system durability.   Intel® Core™ 2 multi-core and upcoming 45nm processors GA-P31-DS3L supports Intel latest high performance CPU delivers the most energy-efficient performance available today. Based on Intel's Micro Architecture, the Intel multi-core processors with 4 cores and two shared L2 caches provide the best capability-per-watt solutions and are an ideal choice for multi-media enthusiasts and intensive multi-tasking environments. This cutting-edge processor offers significant performance boosts and provides an overall more energy efficient platform.   Intel® P31 Express Chipset The Intel® P31 Express Chipsets support the latest multi-core processors up to FSB 1333MHz, including the upcoming 45nm platform, with its record breaking performance and greater energy efficiency.   Windows Vista Premium Logo Certified Windows Vista Premium promises to deliver a streamlined computing experience designed to fundamentally change how users view, find and organize their digital information. With P35/G33/P31/G31/P965/G965/946/945 solutions all enabling support for Vista Premium, GIGABYTE offers a fresh and unique desktop experience that will be more informative, intuitive and completely new...more   Dual Channel DDR2 1066 Experience the advanced technology of DDR2 1066* memory, featuring faster speeds and higher data bandwidth, which delivers superior performance for the most demanding applications. * Please refer "Memory Support List" for memory support information.   SATA 3Gb/s storage interface The SATA specification doubles bus bandwidth from 1.5Gb/s to 3Gb/s. Native Command Queuing is a new specification that enables out-of-order execution of commands for efficient retrieval of data. Hot Plug support allows users to insert and remove hard disk drives without shutting off power to the system.   Intel® High Definition Audio Intel® High Definition Audio enables 8 channel premium digital sound in the PC for an immersive surround sound experience. In addition, Intel HD Audio delivers multiple audio channels in your PC so you can listen to two different streams simultaneously in two separate rooms   Gigabit LAN connectivity The Gigabit network interface delivers a high speed LAN connection with data transfer rate up to 1000Mb/s, providing new generation connectivity for the broadband era. Gigabit LAN is ideally for seamless internet connection such as streaming audio and video contents   RoHS compliant As a member of the global community to look after the environment, Gigabyte complies with the European Union's Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive which limits the use of lead, mercury, cadmium and other hazardous substances in electronic products. From components and material selection to production processes, make up of accessories, packaging/color boxes etc; GIGABYTE has carefully examined and designed this product to be 100% RoHS compliant. GIGABYTE will continue to develop RoHS compliant PC components and commit valuable resources to promoting and advancing RoHS directive goals and objectives.   Speed The Speed compliant motherboards of GIGABYTE S-series provide intelligent over-clocking and over-voltage software settings through both hardware and software design...more   Smart The Smart featured motherboards of GIGABYTE S-series provide GIGABYTE proprietary innovative software such as Download Center, @BIOS, Q-Flash, Xpress Install, Boot menu, and Smart Fan. BIOS and driver management now becomes much easier and user friendly through GIGABYTE Smart features!...more   Safe Safe is the key feature of GIGABYTE S-series motherboards with the following elements: Excellent hardware design reinforced BIOS protection through GIGABYTE Virtual Dual BIOS Technology and GIGABYTE BIOS Setting Recovery Technology. Unique system software such as Xpress Recovery 2, PC Health Monitor, HDD S.M.A.R.T., and C.O.M. further strengthen the stability and reliability of your PC!...more

Packaging:

Retail Front

Retail Side

Retail Back

All Accessory Items

The front of the box shows off the green logo. On the back of the box is where most of the marketing lingo is located and gives a great deal of info about the board. The accessories bundle included with the Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L is not as elaborate as some of the high end motherboards. The accessories with the GA-P31-DS3L include two SATA cables, one ribbon IDE cable, one ribbon FDD cable, Windows driver CD, I/O panel, Gigabyte case sticker, and product documentation. For such a low price tag, the included accessories are easily considered satisfactory.

GIGABYTE GA-P31-DS3L Layout Overview:

Here's a picture I took from newegg.com since quite honestly, it shows off the layout better than I could:

Gigabyte did a great job with color coding on this board. The different ports and dual DDR channels all stand out with contrasting colors. It's the equivalent of hardware installation for dummies, as you would have to work hard not to pay attention to the different colored ports, when installing hardware. Also of note is the passively cooled Northbridge and Southbridge. With the somewhat smallish size of the heatsinks, fairly decent airflow will be required for aggressive overclocking.

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