Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2H User Feedback?

[FireTech]

I'm looking for a cheap s775 MB with integrated GPU to pair with an e7300 or similar to replace my aging s939 box.

I was initially looking at the GA-G31M-S2L @ AU$72 (my work PC uses one) but I want DVI and Firewire onboard too and add-on cards would take the G31 well over the price of the 78PVM (AU$115).

I don't need gaming ability or HD playback (got my 780G for that) but will use it for normal home office purposes and a bit of video encoding now and then.

I note that memory is not dual channel but presume it won't impact too greatly for my needs. It also seems to get decent feedback on Newegg but would really like the viewpoint of the guys here

I'm receptive to any alternative options, of course.

 

[hans007]

you could just buy an add2-n card for a g31, and it will add a dvi port. i am not sure what these cost in australia, but they are $6-7 on ebay in the US

 

[FireTech]

Thanks but unfortunately the cheapest GPU locally is ATI HD3450 @ AU$39 and an add-in firewire card is $AU15-20 taking the G31 option up to AU$126 minimum.

 

[Kingbee13]

I own the GA-73PVM-S2H and I have to say I was mostly happy with it, I recently replaced it with a p45 board, performance isnt the best, and DDR2 1066 support isnt good

mine works at 300mhz fsb with no problems, just be sure to get DDR2 that runs at 1.8volts cause thats all the mobo will give them (some high end DDR2 wont even post at 1.8)

PROS
*cheap
*integrated HDMI works well
*good onboard audio via realteks 889a
*good number of ports for such a cheap board (firewire, dvi, vga, HDMI, ESATA)

*cons
no memory voltage adjustment
NVIDA mobo drivers (had issues with raid but it worked)
performance can be beat with an intel chipset board (genreal performance NOT gpu performance)

In fact, I'm resurecting mine, it's thats been gathering dust for the last couple weeks and using it for a WHS build

I used the board for about 6 months if you have any specific questions about it I'd be happy to answer, I wouldnt care to recomend it based on your stated needs

 

[FireTech]

Originally posted by: Kingbee13
I used the board for about 6 months if you have any specific questions about it I'd be happy to answer, I wouldnt care to recomend it based on your stated needs

Thanks for the feedback Kingbee.

So you don't think it will suit my requirements for a general office/internet/minor video encoding use PC?

 

[Kingbee13]

Originally posted by: FireTech

Originally posted by: Kingbee13
I used the board for about 6 months if you have any specific questions about it I'd be happy to answer, I wouldnt care to recomend it based on your stated needs

Thanks for the feedback Kingbee.

So you don't think it will suit my requirements for a general office/internet/minor video encoding use PC?

sorry if I was unclear, I do recomend it

 

[FireTech]

Thanks Kingbee