Intel DG31PR

[Shehab]

I am planning to buy an Intel DG31PR but I have some questions and I hope someone helps me.
1- The chipset 31, how does it stack to 965, 945, 35, 45?
2- It has PCIe x16. Is it PCIe 1.0 or 2.0? How do I tell?
3- Can I install an ATI 4850 on this motherboard?
4- Do you recomment other, similary priced, motherboards? I am planning to run E8400 on it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[o1die]

The g31 is an older chipset, with no pci-e 2.0 support. I use it in my compaq, and it works great. For any board, just go to the manufacturer's website and it will tell you the specs. Newegg usually has a link. Any pci-e 2.0 card will work in boards with the older standard. Be sure your power supply has the newer connectors required for some motherboards and video cards, and the proper 12v amperage rating. 18-24 amps are required for a premium card such as the 4870, but the 4850 should be ok with an average ps in the 500-600 watt range. I won't use any other brands except the following: antec, enermax, seasonic, corsair, and pc power and cooling. Other brands may work ok, but not last as long. I acquired 2 asrock boards recently with the g43 and p45 chipsets; they work great. They sell one called the p43 1600 twins for around $70 at newegg. It may be all the board you need if you're not overclocking.

 

[Shehab]

Thanks for the reply.
I have checked Intel website and it said that the motherboard had 1 PCIe x16. I didn't know whether it is 1.0 or 2.0. That's why I asked here.
The AsRock looks great.
As I understood, it all comes to the power supply for the ATI card, no restriction on the motherboard.