If you're looking for a low-cost motherboard that supports the latest Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors, the G31T-M is one of the most affordable around. It supports processors with a FSB of 1,333MHz and, although you could install any of the range of 1,066MHz processors and overclock them, there are limited options for doing this in the BIOS.
Its microATX shape makes the ECS is ideal for mini PCs, but the absence of an HDMI output reduces its appeal as the basis of a media centre. It has two DDR2 memory slots supporting up to 4GB of 800MHz RAM, four SATA/300 ports - without RAID support - and two PCI expansion slots. There is also a PCI-E x1 slot and a x16 full-length slot for a PCI-E graphics card.
Many graphics cards will extend past the end of the motherboard, though, as it is only 20cm wide. Long cards will sit close to the memory sockets, too, so you might not be able to add or remove DIMMs with a card in place. However, since the G31T-M uses Intel's new G31 chipset, there's integrated G3100 graphics anyway. These are fine for 2D applications, but despite DirectX 9.0c support they wouldn't run our Call of Duty 2 benchmark, so don't expect to be able to play games.
There are no fans on the motherboard so it runs silently, which is an advantage. Rear-panel connections include four USB2 ports, 10/100 Ethernet and, oddly, a serial port. There's no FireWire and no TV-out, and D-sub is the only video connection. Accessories in the box are limited to a SATA cable and an EIDE cable.
If you don't need RAID, FireWire or an HDMI output, the G31T-M is good value. It isn't the ideal media centre motherboard, though.
Intel G31 chipset, supports Intel LGA775 processors, 2x PCI, 1x PCI-E x16, 1x PCI-E x1, 2x DIMM slots, 4x USB2, serial, D-subAuthor: Jim Martin
ECS G31T-M