Strengths: The price is right (I paid $85 at TigerDirect) and the feature set rich (good built-in lan, audio and video support).

Weaknesses: Installation software must have been designed by an alumnus of Special Olympics.

Summary: The board doesn't work until all its features are installed -- but not to worry, Intel supplies an installation CD for this very purpose. Unfortunately the software makes the idiotic assumption that your OS is still at SP2 and demands all of the original installation CDs for SP3 before it will work. I DLed SP3 from M$, only to discover that it's an indivisible glob that won't allow itself to be broken up into 3 or 4 CDs, per Intel's requirement. To get this bloody thing to work I had to manually install every component -- lan, audio, video and chipset drivers -- by searching for the file on my already-SP3ed box and copying its location to Intel's dialog. What helpless, hopeless imbeciles these people are!

Strengths: Perfect for an HTPC

Weaknesses: Doesn't support over-clocking.

Summary: This is board has pretty much everything you need for an HTPC except the TV tuner! There's both an analog and DVI output so you can plug it into virtually any HDTV. The DVI supports HDMI with an optional converter. Picture quality is great from the on-board video. The board supports Firewire and USB 2.0 so I can plug in my cameras and other accessories.Too bad it doesn't support over-clocking.

Strengths: Built-in HD Video Output capabilities, good layout, legacy ports, good performance overall

Weaknesses: limitations of MicroATX (limited expansion), only one PCI slot, full manual not included in the box (available online)

Summary: I bought this board as part of a new system for my mother as an value media system. She takes LOTS of pictures, watches the occasional movie, and generally plays online/solitaire type games. I paired this board with an Intel Core 2 Due E7200 processor. The board installed easily. The documentation that came in the box was good (although the full manual was not included in the box). Configuration was easy and quick. Once running, performance was solid. Media was handled with quick response. Most surprisingly, the integrated GMA 3500 handles Windows Vista Aero Experience. I'm very pleased with the board's performance and I know my mother is going to be thrilled!!!