Should I stick with the GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H

[Dari]

I was recommended this board but there have been many complaints that the Northbridge overheats frequently. The reason behind this is because of the IGP that's comboed on the Northbridge. The computer I'll be building is just a server so an IGP isn't really that important. So, should I get this MB anyway or should I get something tested and more reliable. My main requirements are 5+ SATA/ESATA ports.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128090

 

[Winterpool]

Have been pondering this myself. Whilst I like the idea of a low-power HTPC, that's not the primary concern right now (I don't even own an HDTV): I wanted a modern low-power yet inexpensive home server capable of running virtual machines efficiently, and the AMD 780G platform seemed a good bet. Running as a server, however, I assume the graphics wouldn't be stressed. I wish all the rave reviews of this board on professional geek sites had discussed the rather flat northbridge heatsink and how much heat might develop.

If you look at the Newegg photos, you'll see that the ASUS competitor as well as the more expensive Gigabyte (GA-MA78G-DS3H) possess taller heatsinks. It may be worth paying an extra $10 -- less money and pain than getting an aftermarket chipset cooler. The costlier Gigabyte board is full ATX, which may be a pro or a con, depending on your needs.

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: Winterpool
Have been pondering this myself. Whilst I like the idea of a low-power HTPC, that's not the primary concern right now (I don't even own an HDTV): I wanted a modern low-power yet inexpensive home server capable of running virtual machines efficiently, and the AMD 780G platform seemed a good bet. Running as a server, however, I assume the graphics wouldn't be stressed. I wish all the rave reviews of this board on professional geek sites had discussed the rather flat northbridge heatsink and how much heat might develop.

If you look at the Newegg photos, you'll see that the ASUS competitor as well as the more expensive Gigabyte (GA-MA78G-DS3H) possess taller heatsinks. It may be worth paying an extra $10 -- less money and pain than getting an aftermarket chipset cooler. The costlier Gigabyte board is full ATX, which may be a pro or a con, depending on your needs.

Thanks for the heads up on that other board. The case I have can handle a full ATX board. Would you recommend anything else or do you think the other gigabyte should suffice?

 

[Winterpool]

The ATX Gigabyte 780G board is relatively new and has few reviews, so it's hard to tell, though I should think it's more or less the same board, on a bigger piece of circuitboard, better caps, and, yes, a nicer heatsink.

One of the reasons I've been waiting on buying a 780G system is I'm not the early adopter type (the chipset is still only a couple of months out in the wild). If, for instance, Gigabyte decides to instal a bigger heat sink on the GA-MA78GM-S2H in later versions, I'd probably go with that over the more costly board. Though, since I want to build the server before the warm weather begins in earnest, I've a feeling I probably will be getting the DS3H version next month...

 

[will889]

Why not just take the HS assembly off and apply some TIM to it and use a decent CPU HSF that will in effect spread good air across the mainboard? Relatively easy to do.

 

[FireTech]

Originally posted by: WinterpoolOne of the reasons I've been waiting on buying a 780G system is I'm not the early adopter type (the chipset is still only a couple of months out in the wild). If, for instance, Gigabyte decides to instal a bigger heat sink on the GA-MA78GM-S2H in later versions, I'd probably go with that over the more costly board.

There is a Rev 1.1 coming (June?) and the picture shows a larger heatsink however that's just a promo picture and may not represent the retail board.

There's also the GeForce 8200 board on the site and I'm sure reviews will appear soon for that.