Gigabyte has announced a new Intel G45-based motherboard that on paper looks like a very interesting choice for HTPC builders, GIGABYTE Debuts Richly Featured GA-EG45M-UD2H Motherboard with Ultra Durable 3 Technology. Intel’s G45 chipset may not be the most powerful around but as Intel has solved the Blu-ray acceleration problems it has grown to a much more capable platform for those looking for a power efficient yet capable media computer. We’re working on a similar article and one problem with the G45 chipset is that the integrated graphics core gets really hot even when idle. Something Gigabyte’s new G45 motherboard has remedied.
The solution is called copper and lots of it. Gigabyte has doubled the amount of copper on the circuit board and managed to spread the heat throughout the board, which in the end should result in much lower temperatures. Gigabyte claims that its Ultra Durable 3 motherboard can get up to 50°C cooler temperatures than competing motherboards. Even if this is hardly normal it sounds very promising in cramped HTPC environments, especially with Intel’s G45 chipset that can easily hit close to 90°C.
We hope to return later with more information on Gigabyte’s new G45 motherboard and how efficient the massive copper really is.
GIGABYTE Debuts Richly Featured GA-EG45M-UD2H Motherboard with Ultra Durable 3 Technology
Taipei, Taiwan, February 11, 2009 – GIGABYTE Technology Co., LTD, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards today is proud to announce the new GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H powered by the Intel® G45 Express chipset. Featuring the GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 Technology with 2 ounces of copper for both the Power and Ground layers, the GA-EG45M-UD2H is able to provide dramatically lower system temperatures and improved energy efficiency, and combined with a rich array of multi-media connectivity options, promises to deliver an exceptional high-definition video and audio experience for the latest high-definition digital multimedia systems.
Benefits of 2 oz Copper Design
Doubling the amount of copper provides a more effective thermal cooling solution by delivering a more efficient spreading of heat from critical areas of the motherboard such as the CPU power zone throughout the entire PCB. In fact, GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 motherboards are able to deliver up to 50°C cooler working temperatures than traditional motherboards.
Offering the Latest Platform Support and Connectivity Options
The GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H supports the powerful and energy efficient Intel multi-core processors up to FSB 1600MHz (by OC), including the latest Intel 45nm processors, and also offer support for high speed DDR2 1066 (by OC) memory, making them the highest value Microsoft® Window Vista™ Premium capable motherboards available. Utilizing a 4 phase power design featuring Japanese Solid Capacitors from leading manufacturers, Ferrite Core Chokes and Lower RDS(on) MOSFETs, users are ensured maximum upgradability through its future-proof design and longer system durability.
Providing an exceptional high-definition multimedia experience, the GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options including D-sub and DVI, as well as support for HDMI. In addition to featuring support for Intel® Clear Video™ technology for unprecedented picture clarity and smooth video playback, the GA-EG45M-UD2H allows for playback of HD content up to 1080P, with full support for HDCP for Blu-Ray™ HD content.
HDMI-The Next Generation Multimedia Interface
HDMI is the latest High-Definition Multimedia Interface able to provide up to 5Gb/s video transmitting bandwidth and 8-channel high quality audio all through a single cable. Able to transmit superior, uncompressed digital video and audio, HDMI ensures the crispest rendering of digital content up to 1080p without the quality losses associated with analog interfaces and their digital-to-analog conversion. In addition, HDMI is compatible with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), allowing the playback of Blu-ray/HD DVD and other protected media content.
106dB SNR ALC889A Audio Controller
GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H motherboards are also equipped with the built-in High-Definition 7.1 + 2 channel Realtek ALC889A sound chip, whose 106dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) significantly reduces noise during signal transmission and supports Blu-ray playback for an exhilarating home theater entertainment experience.
Other GA-EG45UM-UD2H Features
GIGABYTE Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced
GIGABYTE’s Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced (DES) has once again proven itself as the industry leading energy saving technology, featuring improved algorithms that provide a more accurate power saving calculation, better energy saving capabilities and enhanced system performance. GIGABYTE Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced is the world’s only motherboard energy saving technology with hardware-based Dynamic 4-Gear* Switching. With support for VRD 11.1, GIGABYTE’s DES Advanced allows the motherboard to switch to 1 Gear phase switching during idle, allowing for a dramatic increase in power savings.
50,000 Hour Japanese Solid Capacitors
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 motherboards are equipped with solid capacitors developed by leading Japanese manufacturers. With an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, these solid capacitors provide the stability, reliability and longevity essential to meet the meet the power needs of high-end processors and other components running today’s most demanding applications and games.
Dual BIOS™- Patented Dual Hardware BIOS Protection
DualBIOS™ is a GIGABYTE patented technology that automatically recovers BIOS data when main BIOS has crashed or failed. Featuring 2 physical BIOS ROMs integrated onboard, GIGABYTE DualBIOS™ allows quick and seamless recovery from BIOS damage or failure due to viruses or improper BIOS updating.
Dolby Home Theater®
In addition, GIGABYTE has also included the powerful Dolby Home Theater® suite of audio technologies, which deliver a vivid surround sound listening experience for music, movies, and games using two to eight speakers or any set of headphones. Designed to automatically deliver the best possible listening experience, Dolby Home Theater® includes Dolby Pro Logic IIx for maximum surround sound expansion, Dolby Headphone and Sound Space Expander for a virtualized audio experience, and Natural Bass enhancement for the richest quality sound.
