Gigabyte GA-B150M-D3H DDR3
 | Outdated Product $73.31 up to $83.56 Socket: Intel LGA 1151; Form factor: micro-ATX; Size (mm): 244x225; Chipset: Intel B150; DDR3 (slots): 4; Memory module: DIMM; RAM frequency (MHz): 1600; Max. memory (GB): 32; SATA 3: 6; M.2 connector: 1; PCI Express: 3.0; HDMI; Sound (channels): 7.1; LAN: 1 Gbps; USB 2.0: 2; USB 3.2 gen1: 4 |
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The transition to the new Intel platform is interesting not only for those who assemble a powerful PC for games and professional applications. Skylake will also be used in office machines (when previous generation Intel CPUs go out of sale). Therefore, inexpensive "office" boards like Gigabyte GA-B150M-D3H DDR3 will be in demand.
The best solution for offices and non-gaming PCs
The GA-B150M-D3H DDR3 is the solution for those who need a low cost Skylake board with DDR3L memory support and no special features or overclocking options. In principle, this is the best option for office machines and for inexpensive home PCs, whose owners are not enthusiastic gamers and overclocking enthusiasts. Together with an entry-level SSD drive and a Celeron, Pentium or Core i3, you get a low-cost PC with low power consumption and quiet operation. Especially if you take a processor with a TDP (maximum heat dissipation) of 35 watts, like, say, the G4400T or i3-6100T.
Intel Small Business Advantage
If you're looking for a similar cost effective solution with DDR4 support, Gigabyte can offer you the slightly more expensive GA-B150M-D3H. And if you want to experiment with overclocking a Core i5 or i7 with the K index, you can take the GA-Z170-HD3 DDR3 on the Z170 chipset for $130. Only the latter lacks the Intel Small Business Advantage option, which is useful for office machines. After all, it simplifies the management of a fleet of machines, allowing, for example, to remotely monitor their work, block the use of USB drives, etc.
Extended set of connectors and interfaces
Otherwise, the board meets the 2015 criteria. It has an M.2 PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot for compact SSD drives (like the Samsung 950 Pro) and three SATA Express ports for regular ones. There are also some "regular" SATA, so you can use any hard drives. And three outputs will allow you to connect any monitor, TV or projector. Considering the price ($100), the GA-B150M-D3H DDR3 has no critical disadvantages. Unless I would like to see a couple of USB 3.1 ports on it. Probably, Gigabyte will eventually have such models.
