ASRock 4Core1333-Viiv

Conclusion

Looking over these benchmarks, the ASRock 4Core1333-Viiv had no problems competing with and in some cases outperforming the Gigabyte P31 motherboard. When it came to the compatibility with Linux, we hadn't run into any problems and everything had worked smoothly with none of the components requiring extra work. Though this motherboard doesn't offer any unique features or distinct advantages for Linux users, it is cheaply priced at about $70 USD and is compatible with Intel Core 2 Quad CPUs, Viiv ready, and dual PCI Express x16 slots (though one is limited to PCI-E x4 lanes) with CrossFire support. Included with this motherboard is the ASRock DeskExpress, which is an interesting feature for allowing a desktop PC to interface with Express Cards via an adapter in an external 3.5" drive bay. While there isn't anything unique about this motherboard, it performed well and had no problems running both Ubuntu and Fedora making it a good offer for a $70 motherboard.