G45 preview pics

[AmberClad]

THG-Taiwan has got preview pics of a G45 (it's a Gigabyte). I can't read most of that page, but I'm guessing that more details will be coming during Cebit. HD capabilities will be interesting.

The fact that most of it isn't in English makes it pretty confusing. The specs section seems to indicate only two dimms for 4GB max, while the pictures clearly show 4 slots as expected.

I think I see VGA, DVI, and HDMI ports.

 

[Zap]

"DIMMs per Ch. / # of Channels | 2 DIMMs / 2 Channels"

That sounds about right. 2x2 = 4.

That's an interesting looking slimline system in the picture. Doesn't look as if the chassis has any open slots in the back, though there's plenty of space. PSU looks kind of like an SFX sized unit made by FSP. Dual cold cathodes? LOL. Wonder if the chassis is too slim for the stock Intel HSF even... That I/O ports configuration looks familiar... similar to another Gigabyte (Nvidia 7150 chipset) that I have in the garage.

 

[AmberClad]

Wow, you're right, I hadn't even noticed that there are no expansion slot cutouts on that case. Also, the presence of the two CCFLs around what should be the top of the case. I see a Lian Li logo on a corner of the front of the case, and a cardboard box with the LL logo on it. But I can't find that case on the Lian Li website...

Heh, right now, that case is more fascinating than the G45 board :laugh:.

Edit: mystery solved...
I'm guessing they modded it by cutting a window into the top cover, to show off the parts at Cebit.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
Edit: mystery solved...
I'm guessing they modded it by cutting a window into the top cover, to show off the parts at Cebit.

Good find! I'm not sure about the window cover though... almost looks like they just left the cover off. Notice in the case4htpc link 3rd pic how the cover is off. The one with the G45 looks just like that, but with black sides. Also, looking at the bolt pattern on the PSU I'm pretty sure it is an SFX size, specifically this unit. The fan looks offset in the case because one edge of the PSU is covered by the case side. I ahve one of these PSUs (currently not in use) and it is pretty good. Really quiet, dual rails with around 22A +12v combined and has a 20+4 pin motherboard plug. When I bought it the FSP USA site was claiming 80% efficiency though Newegg's site just says > 75%. I think it's one of those that's close, but doesn't hit 80% at all the test points (20%/50%/80% output?).

If only... I could run a PCI-E video card in there using an L adaptor... ah well, I'll be content with my big Antec NSK2480. It was cheap at around $50AR and my HTPC runs really quiet and cool in it (down to a Scythe Mini Ninja running passive). I don't think the Lian Li case would make for a fast/cool/quiet system. <- This coming from a huge fan of using small cases. 🙁

 

[AmberClad]

Oh, I meant more that the actual cover, which isn't shown will possibly have a window, based on the presence of the CCFLs. I'd be curious to see the full blown system if anyone at Cebit manages to take pictures of it.

Btw, that case and it's lack of expansion slot cutouts sort of brings up the question of how you would add a TV tuner card to it without modding it...

I'm not sure I understand that design decision 😕, or what their intended market segment is.

 

[Zap]

You can always use USB TV tuners, but maybe it's meant to be more of a media player case. Heck, if it weren't for my Westinghouse 42" LCD not having a tuner, my HTPC wouldn't have one either.

 

[renethx]

For lazy people, translation is here:

- Tom's Hardware - First Look at the first CeBIT: GIGABYTE DS3R-P45-P45 INTEL new generation of mainstream success first exposures (February 25, 2008)
- Tom's Hardware - First Look at the first CeBIT: INTEL new generation of mainstream G45-Gigabyte GA-G45M-DS2H first exposures (February 26, 2008)

 

[gorobei]

don't bother figuring out how to get a dedicated video card in there. x4 pcie paths on the x16pcie slot. They did this before with the G33 boards. The DS2R was the overclocker with x16 and the S2H was the htpc with x4 graphics slot.

There should be a G45 DS2R version coming out as well, but the layout should be the same as this one.

 

[renethx]

d

 

[gorobei]

read the friken link. "GA-G45M-DS2H ........ 1*PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot (x4) 1 * PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot (x4)"

just telling it like they says it is.

 

[renethx]

d

 

[AmberClad]

Actually the ASUS P5Q-EM HDMI caught my eye. Like pretty much like the P5E-VM HDMI, but with G45 instead of G35.

I'm not sure what the "ASUS Express Gate" technology is referring to...

 

[Synomenon]

Nice. I got my P5E-VM HDMI in December. It's a very nice board, but once US retailers get the P5Q-EM HDMI, I'll be upgrading to that.

The P5Q-EM HDMI does look exactly like the P5E-VM HDMI.