Customer Reviews

Zotac GeForce 9300 HDMI Wi-Fi Mini ITX Intel Motherboard GF9300-D-E

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had this for a month now for my htpc running windows 7 RC media center
Specs:
Pentium 5200 (2.5GHz core 2)
4GB OCZ DDR2
WD green 1TB hdd
LG GGC H20L Super Multi Blue (blueray/ hdvd drive)
Antec veris basic multimedia station (IR receiver)

Pros:
1. Excellent nvidia 9300 graphics for htpc. Smooth playback with Blueray, HDDVDs & OTA HD
2. Tiny form factor & uses very little power, with great cpu support(core 2 duos & quad)
3. Perfect feature list for HTPC
4. Graphics upgrade possible with pci-e x16 slot

Cons:
1. NO WAKE ON USB!!!! Zotac u bastards, how do I turn on my htpc with my remote? I have a work around with an antec veris multimedia IR receiver.
2. Sound over HDMI has issues, nvidia HD audio driver crashes frequently. Optical out with realtek audio works fine.
3. Only 2 SATA ports, no firewire
4. Issues after waking from standby, doesn't initialize my USB devices properly. But I'm not sure if this is a windows 7 RC issue.
5. Wireless G only, no N

pros: compatible with all current C2Duos and C2Quads, integrated wi-fi, full pci-e 16x.
cons: limited heatsink & fan options; will accept stock intel hs/fan only a certain way; won't fit most aftermarket coolers.

other: great full-featured board at a nice price. stuck it in a old-school Nintendo box with intel C2Duo E8400 and 2x2Gb ram. using pico-psu 150/102W runs great with windows XP! a bit hot, but i'm not using a conventional case. using one sata port for hdd, and the e-sata for external backup hdd. no optical disk drive, but not a problem, have lots of usb ports. wi-fi reception is sometimes low, but it's dependent on the location. use it for work and study related operations, but can run Counter Strike: Source with no problems, for a quick break from it all. i'm very satisfied with this board, thinking of getting another, but Intel just made the socket obsolete :(

Pros: Size (Mini-itx), PCI-e 16x slot, NVIDIA ion chipset, Wireless conectivity.
Cons: DOA, did not get to tests the motherboard. Already returned it and I am getting an intel based motherboard. This is the second NVIDIA based chipset motherboard that has given me problems. Guess I will have to stick with the GMA 4500HD for my HTPC.

I've been struggling with this board from day one (I'm on day 7). There are some things that can't be fixed, and some things that can. First of all, before considering this board please understand there are only two internal SATA ports. My fault for not reading the fine print and simply assuming a chipset that supports six ports would have at least three on board for a standard double HD + optical drive configuration. Duh, I ended up running a SATA to eSATA cable through a hole in the rear of the case to get around this limitation, as I didn't want to take up the single PCIe slot.

Next, the onboard graphics were a bear. First, I installed XP, and simply could not get the display to run properly. I switched to Vista 64 Professional and had the same problem until I could finally get online for some updated drivers... which brings me to...

...the built-in wireless hardware has been an utter waste of time for me. I never did get it installed on XP, and after hours of tinkering it inexplicably started working on Vista.. which was great, until it inexplicably stopped working. Sometimes I can connect to the network, sometimes I can't even see it. Sometimes I can get a local connection, sometimes I actually get a full-on connection to the network PLUS internet! Wow! Until it inexplicably stops working again. Keep in my mind I am successfully connecting a Vista laptop, a Snow Leopard laptop, an iPod touch, AirTunes, and NAS box to this network. It ain't the network, it's the wireless card on this mainboard.

*update*
I finally brought this box close enough to an ethernet port for networking. Works like a charm, until the system spontaneously loses power... usually lasts about two minutes.