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DFI BloodIron G41-T33 Motherboard Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Friday, October 09, 2009
Conclusion
In terms of basic motherboards you can't go wrong with the DFI BloodIron G41, this MicroATX motherboard not only supports the latest Intel 775 processors but comes with an onboard graphics processor giving you the flexibility to use this system in a variety of different situations from a high-end HTPC application to a budget gaming or family rig.
As we mentioned earlier the DFI BloodIron G41 is based on the Intel G41 which is a mid-level chipset using the Intel X4500 Media Accelerator and ICH7 Southbridge. There is only a single PCIe video slot available so you'll be limited to only a single high-end video card or using the onboard video controller. Both are viable alternatives depending on how you plan to use your system. If you intend to do any sort of 3d gaming you'll want to get something better than what is found onboard but as we have seen normal desktop and video applications should run just fine.
From a performance standpoint we are not disappointed. The BloodIron G41 did a superb job at running thru our benchmarks; in fact the only disappointment came from 3D gaming. This was not un-expected and is why we re-ran the gaming benchmarks using a 3870.
Overclocking performance was virtually non-existent and unexpected; this is a LanParty motherboard after all. Keep in mind you CAN overclock using this motherboard however without a memory divider, limited memory voltage support, and 3-phase PWM there is only so much you can do. In fact the most we could get out of our Q6600 was 2.5Ghz.
Now for the ever popular list of Good things and Bad things.
As we mentioned earlier the DFI BloodIron G41 is based on the Intel G41 which is a mid-level chipset using the Intel X4500 Media Accelerator and ICH7 Southbridge. There is only a single PCIe video slot available so you'll be limited to only a single high-end video card or using the onboard video controller. Both are viable alternatives depending on how you plan to use your system. If you intend to do any sort of 3d gaming you'll want to get something better than what is found onboard but as we have seen normal desktop and video applications should run just fine.
From a performance standpoint we are not disappointed. The BloodIron G41 did a superb job at running thru our benchmarks; in fact the only disappointment came from 3D gaming. This was not un-expected and is why we re-ran the gaming benchmarks using a 3870.
Overclocking performance was virtually non-existent and unexpected; this is a LanParty motherboard after all. Keep in mind you CAN overclock using this motherboard however without a memory divider, limited memory voltage support, and 3-phase PWM there is only so much you can do. In fact the most we could get out of our Q6600 was 2.5Ghz.
Now for the ever popular list of Good things and Bad things.
Good Things
Compact MicroATX form factor
Excellent choice for the HTPC
Single PCIe Video support
Onboard Graphics (Intel X4500)
Sexy Red PCB
Ready to use design
Perfect for mom
Excellent choice for the HTPC
Single PCIe Video support
Onboard Graphics (Intel X4500)
Sexy Red PCB
Ready to use design
Perfect for mom
Bad Things
Lack of overclocking ability
Rather plain for the gamer
No fancy heatsinks or active cooling
Rather plain for the gamer
No fancy heatsinks or active cooling
Ninjalane Rating
DFI BloodIron G41-T33 Motherboard Review
Furious 5 of 5
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We would like to thank DFI Inc. for helping to make this review possible.
