MSI G31M3-F - motherboard - micro ATX - iG31

Description: The MSI G31M3-F is an Intel G31 Express-based, compact motherboard.Compared to other compact motherboards on the market, it is inexpensive at around $60.This motherboard supports Celeron, Pentium 4, Pentium D, Pentium Dual Core, and Core 2 processors that use the LGA775 interface.

Pros: This board supports up to 4GB of RAM.This should be enough for complex tasks such as database and photo-editing.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Built for those who want to assemble a small form-factor PC.

Value: Given its inexpensive price, this motherboard has great features for the money.

Suggestions: (1) Be sure that you are using a LGA775-compatible processor with this motherboard.(2) If you want to take full advantage of the on-board SATA controller, you will want to consider a hard drive upgrade.Existing IDE hard drives will run on the ATA-133 bus.(3) For motherboard add-ons, check out the storage and components section of CNET's website.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: MSI Computer Corp.
• Part Number: G31M3-F

• General

• Product type (AE) Motherboard
• Form factor Micro ATX
• Width 8.6 in
• Depth 9.6 in
• Compatible Processors Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Celeron Dual Core, Pentium Dual Core, Celeron 400 sequence
• 64-bit Processor Compatibility Yes
• Mainboard processor socket LGA775 Socket
• Mainboard / Multi-Core Support Dual-Core / Quad-core
• Chipset Type Intel G31 Express / Intel ICH7
• Data bus speed 1333 MHz
• Storage key information ATA-100, Serial ATA-300
• Power connectors 4-pin ATX12V connector, 24-pin main power connector

• Processor

• Installed Qty (Max Supported) 0 ( 1 )

• Memory

• Cache Memory Type None
• Supported RAM Technology DDR2 SDRAM
• RAM Installed ( Max ) 0 MB / 4 GB (max)
• Supported RAM Speed PC2-5300, PC2-6400

• Video

• Graphics Controller Intel GMA 3100 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0

• Audio

• Audio Output Sound card
• Audio codec Realtek ALC888
• Sound Output Mode 7.1 channel surround
• Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio

• Telecom / Networking

• Modem None
• Networking Network adapter - Realtek RTL8111C - Ethernet, - Fast Ethernet, - Gigabit Ethernet

• Features

• BIOS Features DMI support, ACPI 2.0 support, MSI Dynamic Overclocking Technology (D.O.T.)
• Hardware Features Chassis intrusion detection, Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

• Expansion / Connectivity

• Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 Memory ( 1.8 V ) - DIMM 240-pin, 1 Processor - LGA775 Socket, 1 PCI Express x16, 1 PCI Express x1, 2 PCI ( 3.3 V/ 5 V )
• Storage Interfaces Intel ICH7 : ATA-100 - connector(s): 1 x 40pin IDC - 2 device(s), Intel ICH7 : Serial ATA-300 - connector(s): 4 x 7pin Serial ATA - 4 device(s)
• Interfaces 1 x Storage - Floppy interface - 34 pin IDC, 1 x Mouse - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 1 x Keyboard - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 1 x Parallel - IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP) - 25 pin D-Sub (DB-25), 1 x Serial - RS-232 - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9), 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 4 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Audio - Line-in, 1 x Audio - Line-out, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio - Line-out (rear), 1 x Audio - Line-out (center/subwoofer), 1 x Audio - Line-out (side surround)
• Additional connectors (optional) 4 x Hi-Speed USB

• Miscellaneous

• Software Included MSI Live Update 3, MSI Dual Core Center
• Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
• Compliant Standards ACPI 2.0, Plug and Play

MSI Computer Corp.

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.msicomputer.com/
• Address: 901 Canada Court, City of Industry, CA. 91748
• Phone: 1-626-913-0828
• Email: chadl@msicomputer.com
• Fax: 1-626-913-0818