• SPECIFICATIONS
  • Intel 3rd Generation Core-i3/i5/i7 Ivy Bridge support
  • Intel Z77 Express Chipset
  • LGA 1155 socket
  • Dual Channel Memory
  • Pros:
  • Full-featured
  • Decent performance
  • Intel SBA integration
  • Cons:
  • Only covers the basics

Barebones Computing

There are budget builders, and there are those who are simply looking to build a computer for work. GIGABYTE, in covering a wide spread of users of various kinds, has launched a motherboard that is given a motherboard tailored for the businesses. Here, we take a look at the GIGABYTE B75M-D3V.

The B75M-D3V truly is the definition of barebones computing. Featuring two RAM DIMM slots, capable of supporting up to 16GB of RAM, and six SATA ports, this motherboard is also ergonimically fit for smaller chassis types. The B75M-D3V does afford one PCIe 3.0 slot, which is able to support one external graphics card.

The I/O ports are also given a shrink job, with the board being given a VGA and DVI output port, four USB2.0 ports and two USB3.0 ports. The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port and 5.1 audio ports round up the connectibles at the back of the B75M-D3V.GIGABYTE has ensured that users have enough ports to make such a thing possible, which is really excellent in our books.

In terms of performance, we only noticed a minimal performance drop when it comes to tasks such as daily computing, web surfing and even video watching. Gaming takes a slight hit however as the PCIe bandwidth lanes find it a bit difficult to keep up with the pixel crunch. No performance is sacrificed here.

But the true strength of the B75M as a business motherboard lies in its Intel Small Business Advantage integration, a hardware-based security and productivity suite which allows you to schedule backups, PC checkups, start-up time and even monitor each antivirus other B75M computers have. You can even have it block unauthorised USB devices!

CHIP CONCLUDE: The GIGABYTE B75M-D3V is a true business-centric motherboard through and through. It is no slouch in terms of performance, as it helps tear through day-to-day computing with relative ease. The board is also well fitted with ports and components. Combined with its Intel SBA integration, this is one of the best boards to build a small office computer with.

(previously published in issue July 2012)