Initially, the budget motherboard was the ASUS P5GZ-MX. Its similar positioning is indicated by the microATX form factor and the lack of support for microprocessors with four computing modules. This component of the PC will be fully devoted to this review.
Which computers are best used? Layout and delivery
As previously noted, this motherboard had the dimensions of the microATX form factor. Also, the installation of chips with four cores is not allowed in its socket. Already two of these factors indicate its budgetary affiliation. Also, its positioning is proved by low cost. As a result, the board is best used in the implementation of multimedia computing systems and office PCs. In the first case, the level of computer performance will be sufficient. Moreover, its cost will not be so high. In the case of the implementation of the office system, the presence of an integrated video subsystem comes to the fore, and with this the solution in question is in full order.
The processor socket of this motherboard is located strictly in the center of its upper part. To the right of it are grouped slots for installing RAM, a power connector and a place to connect IDE format drives. On the left are external communication ports. Strictly in the center of the component is the northern chip of the chipset. Immediately below it are the internal expansion slots. To the right of them in the lower part of the motherboard is already soldered the southern microcircuit, which is part of the chipset.
The main element that is included in the package is the motherboard model ASUS P5GZ-MX. The instruction manual and a separately issued warranty card are a complete list of the documentation for this solution. Also in the delivery list there is a special steel plate - a plug for mounting the motherboard in the PC case and a set of interface cords. And all this is supplemented by a disk on which the accompanying software and electronic documentation are located.
Chipset
The Intel 945GZ Chipset is at the heart of the ASUS P5GZ-MX. Her characteristics indicate that the north bridge of her set of system logic has the same marking. This component is responsible for ensuring the interaction between the CPU and the RAM controller. Also through it is built interaction with external peripherals. But the southern chip is ICH7. It, in turn, is the link between external controllers that are installed in expansion slots.
Processors
A very modest set of supported models of central processors boasts the motherboard ASUS P5GZ-MX. The key limitation in this case comes from the set of system logic, which supports only such Intel semiconductor chip models:
- Core 2Duo processors with E4X00 indices;
- Pentium chips with E2X00 marking;
- CPU Pentium 4 and Celeron for LGA775 in a single-core layout.
But the microprocessors of Core 2Quad in such a motherboard, as previously noted, will not be able to function.
Memory. Integrated graphics card
Only with DDR2 RAM can the ASUS P5GZ-MX work. There are two slots for its installation. Each of them is capable of addressing modules whose size does not exceed 2 GB inclusive. That is, the amount of RAM in this case in the maximum layout cannot exceed 4 GB. The clock frequency of the installed straps can be either 400 MHz, or 533 MHz.
The structure of this motherboard includes an integrated video core. His model is GMA950 from Intel. A separate video memory for debugged work is not provided, and in the process of functioning it uses the internal RAM of a personal computer.
Communications
To install additional controllers, the following connectors are provided on the motherboard of this model:
- 1 x PCI Ex 16X for mounting a discrete graphics adapter;
- 2 PCI slots, in this case, you can install obsolete controller modifications, for example, a television tuner or sound adapter.
Definitely on this list there are not enough 1X and 4X slots in the PCI Ex version. That is, new versions of additional controllers in this case cannot be installed.
There are also external connectors on the motherboard:
- 2 x PS / 2 for corresponding manipulators and keyboards;
- 4 x USB - connectors are the most versatile, they can be connected to both peripheral devices and drives.
- 1 x LPT and 1 x COM - these two ports are used in cases where it is necessary to connect legacy versions of external peripheral solutions to the PC.
- 1 x VGA - a monitor is connected to this jack when the built-in video core is used for image output.
- 3 x 3.5 mm audio ports for switching with various external speakers.
Reviews Relevance. Cost
At the moment, ASUS P5GZ-MX can still be purchased at a price of 1200 rubles, in new condition from stock. If you pay attention to the trading floors that sell supported computer equipment, the price will decrease even more and amount to 600-800 rubles, depending on the degree of its wear.
Be that as it may, the LGA775 platform, which underlies this component, is completely outdated. Therefore, even ultra-budget PCs based on it are not practical to assemble.
Users also focus on its versatility and accessibility. Its disadvantages include only the lack of support for Core 2Quad.
Conclusion
By the standards of 2006, the ASUS P5GZ-MX was a really great budget-level motherboard. It was perfect for building office PCs or multimedia stations. Now it is completely outdated.