The motherboard for assembling PCs of middle and premium levels within the framework of the computer platform AM2 / AM2 + / AM3 - this is completely true for GA-M52L-S3. Although this solution was released a long time ago, but the system units based on it have sufficient speed and allow you to solve most problems. It is this computer component from a renowned manufacturer that will be considered in the future.
Motherboard positioning
As noted earlier, the motherboard model Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3 is perfect for creating a system unit based on the computing platform AM2 / AM2 + average and premium level. This positioning is indicated by support for the most productive chips in the Phenom X3 series. Also, its availability is indicated by the presence of SATA III ports for connecting drives. Most optimally, this board is suitable for assembling gaming systems, entry-level servers, graphics or workstations, print servers.
Equipment
The GA-M52L-S3 delivery list includes the following:
- This model of the motherboard.
- A dummy metal plate for mounting the board in the rear panel of the system unit.
- User manual with branded warranty card.
- A set of loops for connecting.
- A CD with electronic documentation and a set of drivers.
Chipset and socket
The nForce 520 LE chipset is at the core of the GA-M52L-S3. Its characteristics indicate that only one microcircuit is included. It simultaneously performs the functions of both the north bridge and the south. The processor socket in this motherboard is universal, and chips in both AM2 and AM2 + versions can be installed in it. The use of the latter as part of such a computing system is preferable.
Processors
A sufficiently large list of supported CPU models boasts the GA-M52L-S3. Supported processors can belong to the AM2, AM2 +, and even AM3 computing platforms. In the latter case, it will be necessary to perform the BIOS update operation to the latest version. Otherwise, this motherboard could work in combination with the following CPU models:
The following processors could be installed within the AM2 computer platform:
Athlon 64FX.
Opteron 1210.
Athlon X2.
Athlon 64X2.
Athlon LE.
Athlon 64.
Septron X2.
Septron LE.
Septron.
Among the CPU models of the AM2 + family, the following could be installed:
Phenom IIX4.
Phenom X4.
Phenom X3.
The list of compatible AM3 chips with this motherboard consists of the following processor solutions:
Phenom II.
Athlon II.
Septron.
An acceptable level of performance today only provide only the latest chip models that have 4 or even 6 computing modules. That is, Athlon IIX4, Phenom IIX4 and Phenom IIX6 belong to this list. The first two families are equipped with 4 cores, and the last with six. Phenom II series chips can boast higher performance for the reason that they have a cache memory consisting of 3 levels. But Athlon II has only 2 levels of fast memory, and this fact has an extremely negative effect on their performance. All other processor solutions within this platform are outdated and suitable for solving the simplest tasks, which include office suites, playing various multimedia files or surfing the Internet.
Organization of the RAM subsystem
The motherboard from “Gigabytes” of the GA-M52L-S3 model is equipped with a 2-channel DDR2 standard RAM controller. Therefore, it is more optimal to install more modules with less memory than one with a larger size. For example, the performance of such a PC will increase significantly if, instead of 2 brackets of 4 GB each, install 4 modules of 2 GB each. This will make it possible to obtain in some tasks an increase in performance at the level of 10-15 percent. The number of RAM slots for installing models is limited to 4. The largest amount of addressable RAM is set by the manufacturer at 16 GB. That is, in this case, you can install 4 modules of 4 GB. It is most optimal to install modules with a nominal frequency of 800 MHz on such a system board. In all other cases, the performance of the computing system will be reduced.
Expansion Slots and Communication Ports
The presence of such expansion slots boasts Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3:
- The discrete graphics adapter in this case can be installed in PCI-E version 16.X.
- To install new modifications of the internal boards of expansion controllers, 2 PCI E slots, version 1X, are provided.
- Outdated expansion controller models can be installed in PCI slots. There are 4 of them in this case.
Also included in this motherboard are the following communication ports:
- 2 PS / 2 sockets.
- 1 parallel LPT port .
- 4 universal serial USB ports.
- 1 game port.
- 6 audio jacks for various purposes in 3.5mm format.
- 1 network jack format RJ-45.
Motherboard Reviews
The motherboard GA-M52L-S3 is characterized by the owners in the reviews mainly only on the positive side. Its advantages include rich functionality (as for a given computer platform), acceptable performance and a high degree of reliability. Its only minus is the need to update BIOS in case of installing fresh processor solutions.
Summary
A really excellent product was a motherboard from one of the leading manufacturer of computer components of the company "Gigabyte" model GA-M52L-S3. Some system units based on it even now continue to be relevant, but most of them are able to solve only the simplest tasks. In the latter case, it makes sense to think about updating the configuration of the system unit. Well, something else to expect from a PC released about 10 years ago, and not necessary. During this time, computer technology made a phenomenal leap forward and radically changed.