In The Zone | MSI G41TM-E43 microATX Motherboard: An In-betweener For Advanced Beginners

MSI G41TM-E43 microATX Motherboard: An In-betweener For Advanced Beginners

littlelion | 25 June, 2009 22:44

It has been a while since we featured something new from MSI and like their notebook which we reviewed a few months ago, it is another media-centric product. In spite of their quite hectic schedule, sandwiched between by the recently concluded Computex and the upcoming MSI Master Overclocking Arena (MOA), the Taiwan-based computer company has managed to send us the G41TM-E43 motherboard for our scrutiny.

The fairly unassuming box of the MSI G41TM-E43 motherboard shows us a glimpse of what to expect from a modern media-centric motherboard – the presence of an HDMI connector.

Opening the box reveals an orthodox set of contents for a desktop motherboard. Included in the gang are the drivers and utilities disc, SATA cable, back plate, IDE cable, quick installation guide and manual booklet.

By all accounts, it should be a relatively standard motherboard but it isn’t. Conspicuous on it are the two stickers that indicate the addition of some features that we commonly and exclusively see on higher end, overclocking motherboards from MSI.

The first one is the Active Phase Switching (APS), a technology which automatically regulates the supply of electricity to the motherboard depending on the processor load. This technology enables users to gain greater power savings.

The second feature is the Easy Overclocking Switch which allows you to increase the FSB of the processor up to 400MHz.

Adjacent to the Easy Overclocking Switch are the onboard connectors where the serial and parallel headers should be connected.

Additionally, near the switch is the Realtek RTM875T-605 chip which controls the overclocking functions of the motherboard. Another Realtek chip, the ALC888 or ALC889, handles high definition audio.

With the stickers being taken out, we can see here the G41TM-E43 motherboard in her full naked glory. Apparent are the solid capacitors and ferrite chokes on the layout, which give to potential early adopters a fair assurance of durability and long lasting performance.

A relatively spacious territory for the processor, giving moderately advanced users the likelihood of installing a larger non-stock CPU cooler if necessary.

Here is a closer look at the colored pair of DDR2 DIMM slots which can support capacities of up to 8GB at 800MHz memory clocks.

Standard copper heatsinks for the Northbridge and Southbridge chipsets.

The blend of connectors at the back includes the legacy PS2 keyboard and mouse ports, VGA, DVI, HDMI, four USB 2.0 slots, Gigabit Ethernet and 8-channel audio connectors. As what its name clearly suggests, the G41TM-E43 makes use of the Intel G41 chipset, a close relative of the enthusiast grade G45 chipset. Hence, for their viewing intentions, users of this motherboard are privileged to take full advantage of its built-in Intel GMA X4500. Unlike the X4500HD on the G45 chipset, the X4500 is not capable of full 1080p high definition video playback theoretically.

Therefore, if the integrated graphics seems to be quite inadequate, users are given the chance to add a discrete graphics card with the presence of a PCI-Express x16 slot. Moreover, a PCI-Express x1 and a pair of PCI slots secure future expansion.

Aside from the typical onboard connectors for USB headers as well as front panel switches and LED indicators, present at the lower right hand side of the motherboard is the connector dedicated for the optional Trusted Platform Module (TPM) microcontroller which stores keys, passwords and digital certificates.

The four SATA connectors, IDE interface and main power connector are all arranged in one row.

In close proximity to the expansion slots, there is the Fintek F71889F chip which assists the hardware monitoring function of the motherboard. To maximize this function, users could use the MSI Dual Core Center application.

Judging the MSI G41TM-E43 motherboard according to its comprehensive feature set, it is not one of those Plain Jane multimedia motherboards that you normally see on the street. Borrowing some of the advanced features that were once exclusive for MSI’s enthusiast grade offerings, while keeping itself within the confines of the media-centric category, it is a good choice for beginners who are looking for a formidable HTPC foundation. For the in-depth print review of the MSI G41TM-E43 motherboard, do grab a copy of HWM Philippines these coming months!

MSI G41TM-E43's Specifications
CPU Support	Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad/Extreme (LGA 775 Package)
Chipset	Intel G41 + ICH7
Memory	2x DDR2-800, 8GB Maximum
Storage	4x SATA 3.0Gbps, 1x IDE, 1x Floppy Connectors
Rear I/O	1x PS/2 Keyboard, 1x PS/2 Mouse, 1x DVI, 1x VGA, 1x HDMI, 4x USB 2.0, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 8-channel Audio Ports
Expansion Slots	1x PCI-E 1.0 x16, 1x PCI-E x1, 2x PCI 2.3 Slots
Special Features	Active Power Switching, Easy OC Switch, Live Update Online, Live Update 3, Dual Core Center
Form Factor	mATX (244 x 205mm)

comments

cool

battery | 27/06/2009, 03:47

dell Inspiron 6000 laptop batteries

serial and parallel?

captain syd | 29/06/2009, 18:19

Then, why did MSI add a serial and a parallel connector on this board? Is there anyone out there who are still using these old technologies?

serial and parallel

spartan king | 30/06/2009, 23:00

In any case, since they are look like any anonymous onboard connector, you can just ignore them.

confused

helios | 05/07/2009, 12:46

It actually looks like a confused motherboard for me. A multimedia mobo/an overclocking mobo wannabe.

overclocking?

nlexslex | 10/07/2009, 19:02

So what's the point of overclocking with this mobo if it is not intended for such a purpose at all?

x4500?

pessi mystic | 12/07/2009, 12:57

They call it a value-for-money HTPC motherboard but the Intel GMA X4500 graphics chipset is not totally capable of supporting full HD playback? That's quite odd.

oc

overclocker | 16/07/2009, 00:04

Simply put, minimal overclocking is the USP of this motherboard. That's what makes this mobo unique!

x4500?

marsse | 22/07/2009, 23:25

If you want better performance, why don't you search for an NVIDIA 9300 mobo?

balance

eddard | 03/08/2009, 17:39

@ captain syd - there is no parallel connector on this board, unless you mean parallel IDE. Regardless, serial is not totally useless especially for specialized devices. http://www.mastec.co.nz/Quatech/Quatech_cutting_the_cord%20Whitepaper.pdf

I agree with pessi mysti - if a sports car is only meant to run very fast and have good handling, does that mean car makers should remove the passenger seat and cut down fuel capacity to a few liters to improve performance at the expense of usability?

@ marsse
There's always the issue of price ya know... this board gives a good balance of performance, features, and price.

MSI G41TM-E43 microATX Motherboard: An In-betweener For Advanced Beginners

comments

cool

serial and parallel?

serial and parallel

confused

overclocking?

x4500?

oc

x4500?

balance

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