The motherboard model ASUS P5G41T-M LX was aimed at the implementation of entry-level PCs in the framework of the computing platform LGA775. This positioning is indicated by the microATX form factor and a very affordable price. It is about this computer component from a renowned manufacturer that will be discussed in the framework of this material.
Positioning
Although the motherboard of the ASUS P5G41T-M LX model is implemented on one of Intel's most advanced G41 chipsets for this computing platform, it aimed at assembling the most affordable PCs for LGA775. This group of computing systems includes budget computers or economy-class home multimedia stations. It is in these two cases that the use of the solution in question is most justified.
Equipment
The manufacturer included the following components in the delivery list of ASUS P5G41T-M LX:
The motherboard of this model.
A set of interface wires for connecting various types of drives in SATA and IDE formats.
Metal plug for mounting the board into the PC case.
A disk with a full set of current software. If necessary, you can also find documentation in electronic format on it.
Coupon with warranty of the manufacturer.
A complete paper user guide.
There are no questions regarding the configuration of the computer component in question; it is quite enough to assemble a fully computer system and start using it for its intended purpose.
Solution Layout
The board in question was made in microATX format. Its dimensions are 201 mm in width and 244 mm in length. As it should be, in the upper left corner there are all communication ports, with the help of which connection to various peripheral devices is realized. Immediately behind them are solid-state capacitors of the CPU power supply system. Next is the processor socket LGA775 for installing chips. To the right of the socket are two slots for installing RAM strips. Further, on the very edge of the board there are connectors for connecting IDE drives and organizing power supply. Under the processor socket is the northern chip of the logic set - 82G41. Above it is an aluminum radiator. Expansion slots are displayed under the radiator. To their right is the southern ICH7 chipset. Along the bottom edge of the PCB, 4 ports are grouped for connecting new SATA drives and a front panel. Another power connector is located in the upper right corner of the device in question.
Key device parameters
As previously noted, the LGA775 processor socket is at the core of the ASUS P5G41T-M LX. The characteristics of the Intel G41 chipset G41 indicate that any chip of this platform can be installed in it. The northern chip is 82G41. It includes a RAM controller. It also provides interaction with peripheral devices and RAM. The second component is ICH7. Its second marking is NH82801GB. With its help, interaction with expansion controllers and disk drives is provided. Among other features of this board, it is also necessary to note the presence of the integrated video subsystem GMA X4500 from Intel. This is an entry-level accelerator, it can only output a signal in analog format using a VGA port.
Microprocessor list
The following CPU models are supported by the ASUS motherboard of this model:
Base level chips are Celeron. One or two computing cores based on the NetBurst architecture, low clock frequencies and minimized cache size allowed solving only the simplest tasks.
The middle segment was filled with Pentium CPUs. They had a similar layout, but the frequencies increased, and the cache of the 2nd level was increased.
Conventionally, Core 2 Duo series solutions were considered to be premium processors. They have already been produced according to the new architecture - Core. Also in this case, the basic parameters of the silicon base improved and the clock frequencies increased.
Chips of the Core 2 Quad series were intended for computer enthusiasts. These CPUs had 4 compute modules. Also, other parameters and characteristics they were much better.
Memory subsystem
The RAM subsystem in the ASUS P5G41T-M LX is rather modestly organized. The memory in this case can only be the DDR3 standard. Recommended clock frequencies of the chips can be 800 or 1066 MHz. Again, you can install more high-speed straps, but their mode of operation will correspond to the maximum possible 1066 MHz. The largest amount of RAM in the composition of such a PC can be 8 GB (2 modules of 4 GB). The volatile memory controller is part of the northern chipset, and it is dual-channel. The latter circumstance indicates that it is better to use an increased number of modules with less volume in a PC than one, but with a larger one. For example, instead of one bracket for 2 GB, it is better to install 2 modules of 1 GB. This will allow in practice to increase the performance of the RAM subsystem by 10-15 percent.
Communications. Ports and slots for installing controllers
An impressive set of ports for connecting peripherals and expansion slots for installing expansion controllers boasts the ASUS motherboard of this model. The first group includes the following:
2 standard PS / 2 jacks. Information from the manipulator and keyboard comes from them.
1 serial COM port. With its help, switching of obsolete modifications of printers or manipulators is implemented.
1 parallel LPT. It is used in cases where you need to connect a printer or scanner to the PC.
1 VGA-socket for outputting graphic information to the monitor from the integrated graphic core.
4 universal USB ports. Any modern peripheral device can be connected to them.
1 network port of the RJ-45 format for connecting to a computer network.
3 round sockets for realization of various speaker systems.
To install external controllers in this motherboard, the following slots are provided:
1 x PCI-E 1X for installing external controllers in a new format.
1 x PCI-E 16X for mounting a discrete video card into a PC.
2 x PCI. Outdated versions of expansion controllers are installed in these expansion slots.
Connecting the front panel and other components
Connecting the ASUS P5G41T-M LX comes down to the following actions:
Switching power connectors from the power supply. The main one is installed on the right edge of the board, and the second additional one is in the upper left corner.
The appropriate drives are connected to the IDE port. To SATA - new modifications of hard drives and solid state drives.
To the bottom edge of the board are 4 connectors on the front panel of the case. One of them is SPEAKER. This is a loudspeaker. The second includes HDDLED (hard disk indicator), PWRLED (indicates power is available), PWSW (power button) and RSSW (emergency reset button). The third and fourth connectors are front USB.
Cost
The computer platform LGA775, in which the motherboard ASUS P5G41T-M LX was manufactured, is now outdated. Therefore, all its components have become significantly cheaper, and it is suitable only for the implementation of the simplest PCs, which include only office computer systems or stations for processing multimedia content. Now, such a fee can still be found in new condition in stock at a price of 3,000 rubles. In second-hand form, it can be purchased for just 1,500-2,000 rubles.
Reviews
There are significant flaws in the ASUS P5G41T-M LX. The reviews focus on the fact that it is based on an outdated computing platform by today's standards. But the pros include the low cost, good functionality, an improved set of radio components, reliability and acceptable energy efficiency.
Conclusion
ASUS P5G41T-M LX is still great for creating an office system. It has a modest cost and acceptable functionality. As a result, it can still be used in such computing systems. Well, for something more, it is no longer suitable. And there is one simple explanation: the processor socket of the LGA775 format is outdated today and is suitable only for assembling the most simple PCs.