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Intel makes your CPU; why not have them make your motherboard as well? The BOXDG45FC is an LGA775 board supporting Core 2 Duo, Pentium dual-core and Celeron D processors. You can add up to 4GB of DDR2 800 memory to support the operating system. The mini ITX form factor makes it a great choice for HTPCs.
The motherboard is designed to support the advanced features that today's power users are looking for. It has an 8 channel audio system with an optical SPDIF port and 5 analog audio ports that support Intel High Definition Audio. It also has 6xUSB, 1xFireWire and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The GMA x4500 processor has both DVI and HDMI outputs.
File sizes are getting larger, especially for audio and video, so we need more secure ways to manage our data. There are 6xSATA ports, including 1 eSATA, so you can hook up plenty of drives. Since you have plenty of available connectors you can use one drive for the OS and software and have extra drives for data. Or you can set up a RAID 0, 1, 5, or 10 array.
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- 5
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- 44%
- 4
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- 29%
- 3
-
- 12%
- 2
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- 3%
- 1
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- 12%
| Product Rating: |
 
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| Total Reviews: |
34 |
Perfect HTPC/Media server board
- Pros: When paired with the chenbro home server case http://usa.chenbro.com/corporatesite/products_detail.php?serno=100 this becomes the ultimate HTPC/media server computer. The case comes with a low profile heatsink, but the stock intel cooler fits as well! The case has room for 4 SATA drives (same amount as the DG45FC mobo), and all can be configured as hot-swappable with the removable tray. I've held off on buying this case for a while because I wanted a solution that used this case yet could use the faster intel processors and not VIA embedded. The DG45FC motherboard is the perfect solution.
ALL drivers/hardware work with the newest Alpha version of Ubuntu. Sound is messed up though, read below. Video is flawless, as is LAN.
- Cons: No memory voltage configuration in BIOS. This means if you buy ram that needs higher voltage to achieve its rated timings it will default to 1.8V timings. BIOS has a setting to change timings, but because voltage cannot be changed the ram will always be clocked at 1.8V speeds. I wish I hadn't spent the extra money for higher voltage ram when this can only handle 1.8V. My hope is that this will be fixed with a later BIOS update, because the ability to change timings is in there, just not implemented yet.
Also, the sound codec is not completely implemented in Linux yet. With the newest Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex Alpha 4 release you can get sounds, but they are very muted and if you turn the volume up on your stereo you get massive humming. My receiver and TV do not have HDMI output so I have not been able to test audio through HDMI in linux. It If you use XP MCE or Visa MCE this will not be a con. Also, I expect the next stable release of Ubuntu (Intrepid Ibex) will fix this issue
- Other Thoughts: If you've wanted a SFF HTPC that has 4+ harddrives, a DVD-burner, can play HD without a hitch, then buy this board with the chenbro case I link to above. The case is smaller and more feature packed than any case you can find on newegg.
I currently use this setup with Mythbuntu and an HDHomerun network TV tuner as my master backend connected to a HDTV projector. This also serves media to the rest of my network via the 4 SATA harddrives, which can be hot-plugged with the case. Currently using a USB sound card until the Linux driver has matured.
Good board, needs a couple tweaks
- Pros: SATA-only. HDMI. DVI. Optical audio. HDMI audio. Lots of goodies, good price, good documentation.
- Cons: Board gets (and stays) bent severely when installing stock heatsink that comes with core 2 duo cpu. The pushpin mounting design is dumb. Too much stress on board.
HDMI audio stream is not constant. So it only pushes audio data on the HDMI connector when windows emits a sound. This causes my receiver to make a "clack-clack" sound while it re-detects the stream data type and audio is not heard while it is doing so. XBox Elite for instance does not have this problem.
Video options need "desktop size reduction" option to counter LCD televisions that "overscan" otherwise windows desktop is cut off on all sides when using HDMI connection for video.
Apparently a windows bug (x64 only?) causes the usb ports to stop working if you install the intel chipset driver before doing all the windows updates because of some timing issue. If you don't update windows first you will have to reinstall the OS (unless you were smart enough to enable remote-desktop before installing the chipset d
- Other Thoughts: Ordered a cheap COOLER MASTER DI5-9HDSL-0L-GP heatsink that has a backing bracket, hopefully this fixes board flex issue.
Install the windows updates before the chipset driver so your keyboard and mouse won't stop working and preventing you from logging into windows ever again (safe mode won't help you here).
I never write reviews on here but I'd like to say that people that try to be funny in the "cons" section almost always aren't.
| Model | BOXDG45FC |
| CPU Socket Type | LGA 775 |
| CPU Type | Core 2 Duo / Celeron D |
| North Bridge | Intel G45 |
| Number of Memory Slots | 2×240pin |
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- 5
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- 44%
- 4
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- 29%
- 3
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- 12%
- 2
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- 3%
- 1
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- 12%
| Product Rating: |
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| Total Reviews: |
34 |
Quad-Core & 8GB RAM
- Pros: This DG45FC is a sweet motherboard with 4 SATA ports, 1 eSATA port, and HDMI and DVI ports. It is excellent for a small footprint media PC. Intel has updated the specifications to Core 2 Quad Processors and 8GB Memory. I'm running Windows 7 without any problems yet. Also, Intel has all the Windows 7 32/64 bit drivers. All this info is on Intel's website.
- Cons: Too bad it doesn't have a PCI-e x16 slot. The Southbridge runs hot, so get an aftermarket heatsink/cooler. I have no problems with the push pin CPU heatsink, just support the back of the motherboard when pushing the pins.
- Other Thoughts: My Build:
BOXDG45FC Motherboard N82E16813121353
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz
Dynatron T195 80mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler N82E16835114083
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) N82E16820231122
LITE-ON Slim 8X DVD Burner SATA N82E16827106260
IN WIN Mini-ITX Case 120W N82E16811108097
- Pros: G45 chipset with the X4500HD, which works great for everything except gaming. It has plenty of SATA ports, especially for a mini-ITX. Overall a great board, and being Intel it should be very stable.
- Cons: The Southbridge gets too hot. Intel claims it is safe up to 110C, but it runs normally at 100C. The reason behind this high temp is the lack of a heatsink. If it bothers you an aftermarket heatsink would be easy to add.
- Other Thoughts: Either use the stock Intel CPU cooler or measure carefully before you order an aftermarket cooler, the northbridge heatsink is close. Make sure to update the BIOS as it's been updated frequently.
great little board: Hot, but usable
- Pros: Small, lots of SATA, Quad support for low power 65W chips (I'm running the Q9400S), TONS of ports around back... ***WILL*** work in Chenbro ES34069 case (despite other review). IR support.
- Cons: Comes with OLD BIOS, ICH gets VERY hot, stock HSF's tend to flex the board, expansion is by way of a PCIe x1 port (they should've been able to do x16 or at least x8). Can't find easy IR support for the board, will likely have to build my own rx/tx unit.
- Other Thoughts: Currently running in the Chenbro ES34069 case with the 4 hot swap drives. If you get this, READ THE OTHER REVIEWS. I added a heatsink (and am looking for a good fan) to my ICH because it gets beyond toasty.
The Chenbro will support this board (even with the Q9400S) despite the other post to the contrary. If the ES34069 doesn't boot, contact Chenbro. They are aware of a bug in their power dist. boards that keep the box from booting. Their support is great and they sent me a new one right away. You NEED the 180W version.
Here's my config:
Chenbro ES34069-BK-180 (N82E16811123128)
BOXDG45FC Mainboard (N82E16813121353)
Q9400S (N82E16819115209)
4GB Crucial DDR2 800 (N82E16820148160)
4 x 1TB 3.5" WD Green for RAID (N82E16822136317)
60GB 2.5" Seagate drive as system/OS drive (from PS3)
Sony SATA DVD-RW Slim Drive (N82E16827118017)
PCIe x1 SATA controller 2 port (N82E16816132008)
PCIe x1 Riser (N82E16815158099)
I cut the excess off the Riser to make it fit (it twists, but wo
| Model |
| Brand |
Intel |
| Model |
BOXDG45FC |
| Supported CPU |
| CPU Socket Type |
LGA 775 |
| CPU Type |
Core 2 Duo / Celeron D |
| Chipsets |
| North Bridge |
Intel G45 |
| Memory |
| Number of Memory Slots |
2×240pin |
| Memory Standard |
DDR2 800 |
| Maximum Memory Supported |
4GB |
| Channel Supported |
Dual Channel |
| Expansion Slots |
| PCI Express x1 |
1 |
| Storage Devices |
| SATA 3Gb/s |
4 |
| SATA RAID |
0/1/5/10 |
| Onboard Video |
| Onboard Video Chipset |
Intel GMA X4500HD |
| Onboard Audio |
| Audio Chipset |
IDT 92HD73E |
| Audio Channels |
8 Channels |
| Onboard LAN |
| LAN Chipset |
Intel 82567LF |
| Max LAN Speed |
10/100/1000Mbps |
| Rear Panel Ports |
| USB 1.1/2.0 |
6 x USB 2.0 |
| S/PDIF Out |
1 x Optical |
| Audio Ports |
5 Ports |
| Physical Spec |
| Form Factor |
Mini ITX |
| Dimensions |
6.7" x 6.7" |
| Power Pin |
24 Pin |
Introduction
Intel makes your CPU; why not have them make your motherboard as well? The BOXDG45FC is an LGA775 board supporting Core 2 Duo, Pentium dual-core and Celeron D processors. You can add up to 4GB of DDR2 800 memory to support the operating system. The mini ITX form factor makes it a great choice for HTPCs.
The motherboard is designed to support the advanced features that today's power users are looking for. It has an 8 channel audio system with an optical SPDIF port and 5 analog audio ports that support Intel High Definition Audio. It also has 6xUSB, 1xFireWire and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The GMA x4500 processor has both DVI and HDMI outputs.
File sizes are getting larger, especially for audio and video, so we need more secure ways to manage our data. There are 6xSATA ports, including 1 eSATA, so you can hook up plenty of drives. Since you have plenty of available connectors you can use one drive for the OS and software and have extra drives for data. Or you can set up a RAID 0, 1, 5, or 10 array.
Highlights
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Intel G45 Express Chipset for Intel CPU
Based on the Intel G45 Express chipset, the Intel BOXDG45FC supports Intel LGA 775 (Socket T) processors including the Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, and Pentium and Celeron series.
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Integrated Intel GMA X4500HD Graphics Core
The onboard Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD (GMA X4500HD) graphics core is powered by Intel's innovative hybrid graphics architecture and Clear Video Technology for incredible 3D realism and home theater entertainment to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
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HDMI Output
The Intel BOXDG45FC features an HDMI output for connection to your high-definition video equipment. With the HDMI interface ensuring lossless transmission of high-quality HD video signals, play back HD contents on your computer and view them on your large HDTV set for more comfort.
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SATA II with RAID Support
The second generation SATA interface delivers up to 300MB/sec transfer speed, doubling that of the first generation Serial ATA. The on-board four ports support RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 and 10 for better performance, enhanced data security, and flexible capacity upgrades.
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Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The Intel BOXDG45FC features a fast Gigabit network interface for high-speed LAN connections at up to 1000Mbps data transfer rates with advanced security features to ward off malicious attacks. Gigabit LAN is ideal for supercharged seamless streaming of Internet audio and video content.
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Quick Specs
| Brand | Intel |
| CPU Socket Type | LGA 775 |
| CPU Type | Core 2 Duo / Celeron D |
| North Bridge | Intel G45 |
| Max LAN Speed | 10/100/1000Mbps |
| Maximum Memory Supported | 4GB |
| Memory Standard | DDR2 800 |
| Onboard Video Chipset | Intel GMA X4500HD |
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Reviewed By: tduffy83 on 8/26/2008
Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month
