ECS Elitegroup H55H-M

In conjunction with the launch of the Core i3/i5 Clarkdale processors last month, Intel introduced the H55 and H57 Chipsets. The Intel H55 Express Chipset is designed for use with these new processors and Core i7 800 series CPUs. The H55 is compatible with the HD graphics found embedded onto the new Clarkdale CPUs as well as the PCI Express 2.0 slots and dual channel DDR3 memory controller provided by the CPU itself, while the chipset itself provides support for the digital displays, HD audio, six PCI Express x1 slots, Serial ATA, Gigabit LAN, and Intel ME Firmware / BIOS support. As our first Linux review of an Intel H55 motherboard we are checking out the ECS Elitegroup H55H-M.

Features:

Processor
- LGA1156 socket for latest Intel Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3 high-end desktop processors
- DMI 2.5GT/s

Chipset
- Intel H55 Express Chipset

Memory
- Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
- 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM socket support up to 8 GB
- Support DDR3 1333/1066 SDRAM

Expansion Slots
- 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
- 2 x PCI Express x1 slots
- 1 x PCI slot

Audio
- VIA VT1705 6-channel audio CODEC

LAN
- Atheros AR8131M Gigabit Fast Ethernet Controller
- Atheros AR8132M 10/100 Fast Ethernet Controller(Optional)

BIOS
- AMI BIOS with 16Mb SPI Flash ROM
- Supports Plug and Play, STR/STD, Hardware monitor, Multi Boot, DMI
- Supports ACPI revision 3.0 specification

Form Factor
- Micro-ATX Size, 244mm x 200mm

Contents:

ECS motherboards are always on the light side with not including many accessories, which they also pass onto the consumer in the form of a lower price. The ECS Elitegroup H55H-M motherboard is even lighter on accessories than the recently reviewed Intel P55-based ECS P55H-A, with the included items just being two Serial ATA data cables, I/O panel, Windows driver CD, hardware installation guide, and the Elitegroup user's guide.