Conclusion:
The ECS GF7100PVT-M is not the answer for computing enthusiasts looking for a high performance board on a budget, but it doesn't claim to be. It provides the necessary features to handle the basic demands of an HTPC in a package that won't break the bank. While it does lack in some areas, it does include integrated video capable of VGA, DVI, or HDMI output, HD audio, four SATA headers capable of a variety of RAID configurations, and a handful of expansion slots to allow you to upgrade to greater audio and video solutions if you should so desire.
A few refinements could make the GF7100PVT-M much more appealing for use in a desktop computer or in an HTPC. The performance boost provided by a dual channel memory controller would be welcomed, as would opening up the BIOS to some optimizing / overclocking features. With the ability to support 1333MHz processors, including quad core, it would be nice to put something faster than PC2-6400 in there, especially in dual channel mode. If you have a processor with a 1333MHz FSB there will be no CPU overclocking for you, and for those with lower FSBs the only option is to go straight from one preset to the next (like taking a 800MHz CPU straight to 1066MHz or 1333MHz, if you think you can make the leap).
In use as HTPC I was very pleased. While connected to a 720p HDTV via HDMI, Windows applications looked sharp, movie playback was perfect, and even under the most demanding conditions the system stayed cool and quiet. Even though the scores weren't great in tests like 3DMark06, the CPU and chipset coolers remained cool to the touch under this heavy stress. One HTPC specific wish list item would be the ability to send digital audio out with the digital video. Even if it can't be via HDMI, making the onboard SPDIF header useful by including an adapter would be nice.
A search of PriceGrabber shows that the ECS GF7100PVT-M is presently available at a few merchants for about $65 (US), and jumping right over to Newegg.com shows it is only $55 there. Couple this relatively low price with a mail in rebate and for a short time the price drops as low as $40. While you would want to spend more if you require some of the bells and whistles of an enthusiast grade motherboard, the price is definitely right for a low cost HTPC setup or basic desktop.
Say you picked up this board for $55, you could add something like the Intel E2180 processor for another $80, and 2GB of basic PC2-6400 for around $40. You will still need some other items like a case, power supply, and hard drive, but for under $175 (less if you bother with the rebate) you have the main components for a low heat, low noise HTPC that will perform well. The need for a graphics card (potentially one of the bigger expenses), has been eliminated, but you can still connect via VGA, DVI, or HDMI.
Given the price and performance when considering the ECS GF7100PVT-M GeForce 7100 mATX motherboard for a budget friendly HTPC system, it earns the "Good Value" award with ease.
Pros:
» Runs cool and quiet, even when CPU and integrated GPU are being worked hard
» Onboard video capable of VGA, DVI, and HDMI output
» Support for 1333MHz FSB processors, including quad core
» Four 3Gbps SATA ports onboard capable of RAID 0, 1, 0+1, and 5
» Low price
Cons:
» Just about zero overclocking options in the BIOS
» Single channel memory controller
» Analog audio output only (despite a SPDIF header onboard)
» PCI Express x1 slot right next to PCI Express x16 slot
Special thanks to ECS for providing the ECS GF7100PVT-M GeForce 7100 mATX Motherboard to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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