We suppose that you really don't need it for normal stuff

Oct 24, 2014 08:05 GMT  ·  By

The PCI Express 3.0 interface standard was one of the main attractions of the latest generation of motherboard chipsets, but there are still products powered by core-logic sets that lack that ability, like the new Gigabyte H81M-Gaming 3 motherboard.

For many, the lack of PCI Express 3.0 might seem like a huge turnoff, but in truth, it's not such a big deal if you're not a gamer.

The interface is only needed if you're going to buy one of the latest NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards. But if you're not, the mainboard should meet all your other requirements.

Even the best PCI Express SSDs don't need more than PCI Express 2.0 x4 or x8 to work fully.

Of course, this kind of bangs heads with the name of the product, the Gigabyte H81M-Gaming 3. Then again, it's not like video boards use all the bandwidth of PCI Express 3.0 anyway.

The Gigabyte H81M-Gaming 3

Besides the lack of PCI Express 3.0 support (inherent in the HM81 chipset), the newcomer is pretty decently equipped. It even has some stuff that's better than the norm.

The Intel-made Gigabit Ethernet controller is an example, since it is superior in bandwidth and resource allocation to the (admittedly cheaper) Realtek-made offers on other platforms.

The audio seems to have been paid some nice attention too. You get an ALC892 CODEC, which doesn't have a three-figure SNR but does have the backing of audio-grade electrolytic capacitors and ground-layer isolation.

Storage-wise, you can use any of the two SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0/1) or two SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2 2/3).

On that note, the USB port loadout consists of two USB 3.0 connectors (on the back panel), two USB 2.0 ports (also on the back panel), and four USB 2.0 pin headers. This means that whatever case you buy won't be able to connect its front-panel USB 3.0 connectors to the motherboard, if any. Only USB 2.0 ones.

Other features include an HDMI output and one D-Sub (so that the iGP of whatever CPU you buy can be used), LAN, three audio jacks (line in, line out, microphone), heat monitoring for the CPU and system fans, and UEFI BIOS.

Availability and pricing

The Gigabyte H81M-Gaming 3 motherboard hasn't been given a price, but with the product page already live on the company website, we imagine that retailers will list it soon. If you're going to build an entry-level PC, you might want to at least consider this as the foundation for it.

Photo Gallery (6 Images)

Gigabyte H81M-Gaming 3 motherboard
Gigabyte H81M-Gaming 3 motherboard, front viewGigabyte H81M-Gaming 3 motherboard, stock shot
+3more