The motherboard specifications table we will be comparing in this article is available at link, and you can choose a motherboard from the full list of models of various types and manufacturers in the catalog.

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Integrated processor with video adapter, high-quality and reliable performance, UEFI DualBIOS, LPT port.
Cannot install graphics card, one PCI slot for system upgrade and few USB ports, problematic BIOS update.

Gigabyte GA-J1800N-D2P

Perhaps the simplest motherboard in this collection, but with a key feature that sets it apart from other models. She received a built-in energy-efficient dual-core processor Intel Celeron J1800 (which operates at a frequency of 2.41 GHz) and an integrated graphics adapter Intel HD Graphics. The advantages of the integrated CPU include a passive cooling system that works silently and does its job well. After all, the Celeron J1800 generates very little heat.

Given that this motherboard is made in a compact form factor, it also has small limitations — only one PCI expansion slot, which can be used to install an audio card, network adapter, etc. But the graphics card cannot be installed. The board also has a small number of USB ports (only one USB 3.0, not two or four like other models). This problem can be solved by using an optional USB hub. Another feature that emphasizes the purpose of the board for assembling an office computer is the presence of an LPT interface for connecting specialized equipment, which is usually used in the commercial sector.

Gigabyte GA-J1800N-D2P is designed using the proprietary Ultra Durable concept 4 Plus, the essence of which is the use of reliable and high-quality components. While the board is affordable, users can expect the reliability of more expensive solutions. UEFI DualBIOS technology will also be a nice bonus for some users. BIOS with a convenient graphical interface — dual (in addition to the main chip, there is a backup). If your PC fails to start due to a BIOS issue, a backup chip will help restore it to working order. Although this is unlikely to come in handy, because the board does not provide overclocking the system.

Gigabyte GA-J1800N-D2P can be described as a balanced low-cost-level motherboard for building a compact and silent computer for office tasks and playing Full HD video . The integrated processor and integrated graphics core will handle this and help save some money that can be redirected to additional hardware.
Ultra slim design (2.5 cm high), mSATA drive slot, eSATA and LVDS connectors , convenient BIOS.
Difficulties with choosing an external power supply, only two mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 expansion slots.

Asus H81T

The main difference and advantage of the Asus H81T board is a very thin design based on the Thin mini-ITX form factor. This will allow you to use it to build the most compact PCs and even for installation in a candy bar. By the way, to build a computer in the All-In-One format, this "motherboard" is equipped with an LVDS connector, which will allow you to connect a display to it. And you can choose a case for assembling a compact PC in our catalog .

Despite the fact that the manufacturer positions this motherboard as the basis for a system with a medium performance level, the Intel H81 Express chipset used together with the LGA1150 socket allows the use of fourth-generation Intel processors from the Celeron and Pentium families and ending with high-performance Intel Core i7.

Among other features, it is worth highlighting the thoughtful layout of the element base and a good set of interfaces for system scaling. So, Asus H81T received an extensive set of ports for connecting a disk subsystem, two "notebook" SO-DIMM slots for RAM and numerous USB ports for connecting peripherals. Despite these positive aspects, there is also a negative side of such a compact form factor — only two mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 expansion slots. The first of them is compatible with the mSATA standard, which is used to connect SSD drives. And the second mini-PCIe slot can be used to integrate wireless models, which fits into the concept of a very compact desktop or All-In-One system. Given the fact that a discrete graphics card cannot be used here, it is worth noting the presence of an HDMI video output, which, in conjunction with the graphics integrated into the processor used, is capable of producing a 4K image.

Among the motherboards in this collection, Asus H81T is a unique model with excellent functionality and support for fairly powerful Intel processors. In a word, this "motherboard" will become an excellent basis for a monoblock or an advanced and ultra-compact PC. The only thing that can make you doubt buying it is the need to use an external power supply like laptops (with a voltage of 19 W and a 7.4x5 mm connector).
Full size expansion slots, integrated module with 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless interfaces, support latest Intel processors.
No significant downsides.

MSI H97I ac

The MSI board is one of the most functional models in the TOP-5. The manufacturer managed to achieve this by using the Intel H97 Express chipset and the LGA1150 socket with support for a large list of processors from the leading chipmaker. Like the previous motherboard in this collection, MSI H97I ac can work with solutions from the Celeron and Pentium families, as well as with more advanced CPUs — Core i3, i5 and i7. Moreover, with a fresh BIOS, the board is compatible with the latest processors of the Broadwell Core i5-5675C and Intel Core i7-5775C families (which are notable, first of all, for relatively good performance in games thanks to the new generation of Intel HD Graphics).

< strong> An important factor in favor of choosing this "motherboard" is the use of full-size interfaces to scale the future PC. Unlike many mini-ITX form factor solutions, where RAM slots are implemented according to the SO-DIMM standard, classic DIMM connectors are used here. A PCIe 3.0 x16 slot is also available for system upgrades. This will allow you to use a discrete graphics adapter and end up with a powerful gaming computer.

Also worth noting are the large number of USB ports and the optical S / P-DIF output. An excellent move by the manufacturer was the implementation of the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 module, which provides Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless interfaces with support for 802.11 b / g / n / ac standards, as well as Intel Wireless Display technology. It will help to display the image on the display without the use of wires, via Wi-Fi. Two external antennas are supplied with the board.

In addition, it is worth noting the use of high-quality and reliable components within the framework of the Military Class 4 concept and the presence of a convenient UEFI BIOS shell. Excellent functionality and a wide choice of supported components make MSI H97I ac motherboard a versatile choice among Mini-ITX motherboards with good value for money.
Supports most current AMD processors, has a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and supports AMD Dual Graphics, integrated module with Wi-Fi 802.11 and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless interfaces, advanced audio codec.
Not the most well-thought-out board layout makes it difficult to install some cooling systems.

ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+

The only model in this article designed to use the AMD platform. The AMD A88X chipset and socket FM2+ support AMD Trinity, Richland, and Kaveri — Athlon and A-series processors. If you use an APU with advanced integrated graphics, such as AMD A10< /a>, then at no additional cost you can get a balanced PC that can cope not only with multimedia tasks, but also with simple games.

The presence of a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, in turn, will allow you to increase performance in games using discrete graphics card. In this case, you can assemble not only a compact, but also a powerful gaming station. Moreover, thanks to the support of AMD Dual Graphics technology, the potential of the AMD Radeon graphics card and the integrated APU video core will be summed up, which will help to slightly increase the processing speed of 3D graphics.

Despite the differences in terms of the platform used, ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+ has similar features with the previous motherboard in this compilation. It also boasts a well-thought-out element base, numerous communication interfaces, as well as an integrated wireless network module with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 support (ac only, b/g/n).

In addition, it is worth mentioning the profiles for automatic overclocking embedded in the UEFI BIOS and the flagship Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which, paired with a built-in amplifier, can even “pump” headphones with an impedance of 600 ohms. Another feature of the board is 6 SATA ports for conventional drives and 1 eSATA connector for connecting external ones. So you can build a compact file server based on it.
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Gaming purpose, full size expansion slots, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 module, advanced audio codec .
High cost.

Gigabyte GA-Z97N Gaming 5

The name of this model shows that the manufacturer positions it as a gaming motherboard with advanced features. At the same time, like other “motherboards” in the mini-ITX form factor, the GA-Z97N Gaming 5 is designed to assemble a compact desktop.

The board supports all the same processor models as other motherboards with a socket LGA1150 and Intel Z97 chipset — Celeron and Pentium series, as well as Core i3, i5 and i7. Here, excellent functionality due to the large number of available interfaces and full-size DIMM and PCIe expansion slots is complemented by an integrated module with the most up-to-date wireless interfaces, including ac Wi-Fi. Recall that the MSI H97I ac board from this collection is equipped with the same module. In addition, here you can draw an analogy with the ASRock FM2A88X-ITX + model, which uses a similar Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which should appeal to lovers of high-quality sound. The manufacturer shielded analogue components that are sensitive to interference, installed a headphone amplifier, etc.

And Gigabyte GA-Z97N Gaming 5 gaming positioning is confirmed by support for RAM with a frequency of up to 3200 MHz and advanced network Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2201 controller. The first feature is relevant for those who will use premium memory. And the second is useful for gamers who love online games (for example, World of Tanks, Dota 2, etc.) and often watch online videos (for example, game broadcasts). After all, Killer E2201 allows you to reduce the number of lags. Also, this motherboard can surprise you with a huge amount of proprietary software and technologies, including a UEFI BIOS with a dual bootloader, which, as we already mentioned in the case of the Gigabyte GA-J1800N-D2P board from this collection, will help you start the system in case of failures in the main BIOS at boot time.

Do not forget that in this model, the developers used high-quality and reliable components that can withstand even the most severe loads, which, usually, occur during overclocking. So in normal operation, the board will be able to please the owner with stable operation for many years.
See also:
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response time, high frequency.
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