Review: Foxconn G33M-S

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Integrated graphics solutions are rarely exciting and the GMA 3100 is no exception. Fact is, it actually reduces the feature set of the G965's GMA X3000. So, for the next 'full-fat' IGP from Intel, we'll have to wait for the G35 chipset, with its DirectX 10 compatible GMA X3500.

However, for those who don't need the level of 3D performance required for games, the GMA 3100 is perfectly capable of running Windows Vista's Aero interface - and the G33 chipset offers strong performance across our 2D test suite.

As for Foxconn's implementation, in the form of the G33M-S, the board has both good points and bad.

The layout is clean, with intelligent component placement and a strong feature-set for a microATX board. There is also a reasonable degree of overclocking flexibility to allow users to extract some extra performance from their system.

Less positive is the poor range of output options on the board. While the G33 chipset does not appear to support HDCP, we would still have liked to have seen a DVI output. Furthermore, the lack of co-axial or optical digital audio output also disappoints.

Unfortunately, boards based on the G33M-S and G33 chipset are not priced low enough in the retail market to make them a compelling choice for the end-user.

We found the lower-spec G33M available for £65 - almost double the price of some 690G and 945G boards - and you can expect the G33M-S to come in slightly higher.

Okay, 690G uses the generally-slower Athlon 64 processors and 945G lacks 1333 MHz FSB support but does either shortcoming matter?

For 3D performance, either of those two chipsets combined with even the most basic of discrete graphics card would obliterate the difference in performance gained by choosing a board using a Core 2 CPU, even one with a 1333MHz FSB.

In terms of value-for-money, it simply doesn't make sense to spend this kind of money on a board with integrated graphics.

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Foxconn G33M-S

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Foxconn G33M-S is not available in the UK at the time of writing but the G33M is available from Misco at £64.99 inc VAT.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS.net, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If representatives from Foxconn choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

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