Strengths: Video Ports - HDMI, DVI, VGA, S-Video, ComponentOn Board High Def AudioStableHDCP CompliantGood LayoutLots of USB portsPrice

Weaknesses: Supports only DDR2 memoryAMD 690G is about become legacyVideo OverscanLimited OCNo eSataHMDI 1.2

Summary: Nothing screams HTPC like this one. Loaded with all type of video, audio, USB, sata and other ports. Very easy to install and well laid out MB. Pretty stable so far. For the street price, this is the one to beat. Cons: Had to manually fix the overscan on my TV. I had the lower the resolution a bit from 1920X1080 in the video settings to fit the display on my TV. HDMI input on TV has to be active for the sound to work through HDMI i.e change HDMI input to HTPC before turning on the HTPC. I'm not sure if there is a way to can fix the above problems. No big deal though.

Strengths: good overclocker with right bios

Weaknesses: Bios overclocking options

Summary: In order to adjust voltage and memory options in bios had to search web for 3a and 4a updates. These are not offered on manufacturer website. Running 3.4GHZ with AM2 5000+ BE. Location of sata ports could be problem with some cases. I did not have problem in Apevia SFF cube type case.

Strengths: HPTC, comes bundled with several usefull software packages. So far its been a strong stable board despite the awesome price.

Weaknesses: I got 4-4-4-12 RAM but the motherboard ran it at 5-5-5-15. The angle of the SATA connectors could cause difficulties for some, instead of being perpindicular to the board, they lay across it.

Summary: The ram issue can be overcome if you can find a beta bios and set the RAM voltage higher. Currently works with an Athlon 64 6400 and an EVGA 8800 GT video card, no glitches.

Strengths: Great for overclocking, plenty of connections, HDMI. The features seem almost endless.

Weaknesses: sata port arrangement can make installation interesting, depending on your case layout.

Summary: I used this with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition overclocked to 3.0ghz and its stable as can be. Fitment was tough in my Antec NSK due to the sata ports, although I was able to use the 90* sata cables. The manual was great although the circles in the diagrams are vague. If I decide to build another HTPC, this will be my first choice.

Strengths: Solid performance, have plenty of connections including HDMI and DVI for monitor, HD-audio, 2 PCI, 1 PCI x1 and, 1 PCI x16

Weaknesses: 4 internal SATA ports are located horizontally, which makes them extremely difficult if not possible to access from small case like Antec HTPC NSK 2480.

Summary: I pair this Gigabyte motherboard with Antec NSK 2480 for HTPC purposes. One major point for this motherboard is having the 4 SATA internal ports located horizonally on the edge. Either users have to make rooms of the case by cutting the hold where all SATA ports needed to be connected, or using left-angle SATA cable (on TOP two SATA ports) before mounting the board on the case -- it is very poor design in this matter. The good part is that this board is running pretty solid, and there are certain allowance for overclock. I am running with 2 GB Corsair low latency, which from the spec should not be supported, yet they work fine. HDMI by ATI 1250 was OK specwise for movie. Still, I have trouble outputing 1080P at 60 Hz to my 47" Westinghouse monitor -- if using HDMI, the screen is 10% smaller than actual; however, is using DVI, randomly it shows freaker of overscan though it runs at full screen. It works fine if changing the setting to 1080i at 30 Hz -- I blame this largely to ATI driver. Prices of AMD X2 is very affordable, so one can pair with 5000+ or better affordably for better performance than my cheap 4000+. So far, it is a fine board for the prices. Audio by Realtek does the job, but is not coming close to dedicated audio graphic like my Hercules Game Theather for Karaoke purposes. For Gamers, opt for better graphic surely.

Strengths: Vista Compatible, Contains most if not all peripheral ports, and Simple, easy upgrade.

Weaknesses: None really.

Summary: Purchased this product to rebuild my wife computer which was having to many issues- drivers, hardwares, and software. Built was simple and painless. Did not have to install many (if any) drivers-the Vista drivers were fine and worked perfectly. Was able to use most of the previous hardware. Good Experience! 5200 AMD processor, 3GB Kingston 6400 Ram, 3 SATA Seagate hard drives(160gb,320gb,400gb), Foxconn PCIe video card 8400GS-256gb, and Antec 430 power supply,

Strengths: Rock solid with the right firmware for OC, and feature-rich for HTPC build.

Weaknesses: SATA connector layout can be tricky depending on case chosen, and Northbridge chips runs hot.

Summary: Went thru every possible HTPC suitable MB, and settled on Abit GA-MA69GM-S2H, due to overwhelming positive accolade and rapport on avsforum. Features are too numerous to name, some of which include DVI/VG/HDMI/S-video/Component output, DTS optical out (with coaxial/optical in/out optional), and legacy LPT/floppy interface still supported internally. Besides, enthusiast would also find a treasure of OC options - voltage/memory timing/HTT/Bus speed/multiplier that are adjustable, with the right firmware (f3a). See http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=924348 for all you ever need to know. Shortcomings are SATA connectors stacked parallel to the board, rather than perpendicular, and IGP that tends to run hot even at default speed.

Strengths: Wide variety of ports (HDMI, DVI, spdif, analog surround, plus component video bracket), straightforward installation

Weaknesses: SATA ports parallel to board, inferior DDR2 arrangement of RAM

Summary: I bought this board to use with the Antec NSK2480 case. Overall it has been a good buy. Currently running Linux/MythTV and no issues so far. HDMI and spdif ports give a great HTPC experience. Manual was detailed and helpful, especially for my first build. Main issue was that SATA ports are parallel to the board, and ran into the side of my case -- remedied this by using 90-degree connectors. DDR2 matched pairs of RAM should also have been placed in alternating slots for better cooling. In general, I recommend this MB to anyone building a HTPC.

Strengths: expandability, lots of multimedia ports, DVI and HDMI on board.

Weaknesses: no eSATA

Summary: I have been using this for two months with AMD 4400+. This is my first PC build and I am very happy with the manual that came with this MB. Installation was very easy and no issues so far. It came with two driver cds, one for Vista and other for XP.

Strengths: DVI and HDMI on board, 4 sata, good overcloking menu,2 cds:one for Vista one for XP

Weaknesses: Sata connections are strange (parralell)

Summary: I got this MB for my HTPC project. I was looking for a MB forsometime and came across this Gigabyte. With Amd 5000 black edition and OCZ memory this board rocks, very stable, no problem so far. Had some difficulties installing hard drives, since Sata connectors are parallel, instead of being perpendicular. The manual is very informative, also I like that it came with 2 installation cds, for Vista and XP.According to Newegg it is a winner of customer choice award.

Strengths: expandability, lots of multimedia ports

Weaknesses: limited OC options

Summary: I have been looking for an AMD motherboard with integrated video. This gigabyte board is definitely one of the best. There are enough PCIe/PCI and memory slots (well, for a microATX). The rear I/O panel is also full of connection ports, but can be better with eSATA.