Desktop Computer Review: Intel DG45ID Media Series G45 micro-ATX Intel Graphics HDMI+DVI 1333MHz LGA775 Desktop Motherboard Review

I've been building computers since NT4, and I'm amazed how technology has come, so far. I'm specifically impressed with the Intel DG45ID MOBO. Built specifically for Media Center use. This MOBO works really well with my Vista x64 Ultimate. I watch Blu-ray, HD DVD's, and online movies. I set this up with a quad core processor, 8GB RAM (Corsair), on an Antec case. The built-in HDMI (video card) passes audio and video. I've tested other MOBO (not an Intel), & their built-in HDMI (video card), does not pass audio. This video card can only achieve 1080p, at 60hz. So if you have a 120 Hz TV, it will bump down to 60 Hz.
Good luck with watching Netflix movie, using this video card. There's some DRM, management rights issue.
There are no legacy peripherals/hookups on this MOBO; all SATA, USB, Firewire connections. I don't know how the integrated RAID controller performs, since I'm currently not using it. The only suggestion is to have integrated wifi included on this board. I'll purchase this MOBO again, if someone wants me to build them a Media Center.

*** April 2009 Update ***
I purchased and hooked-up the Sony STRDG820 Receiver. The Sony works really well with my HTPC. I'm still using the integrated HDMI in the MOBO.
Last week I updated the BIOS. I found out that I'm way behind and I could not update using Express BIOS update. I had to update using Recovery or Iflash. I don't have a USB floppy, so I updated using my USB stick. The app that I used is the HP USB Disk Storage. You can download that app for free. You should be able to create a DOS startup disk, with the downloaded BIOS, .BIO extension file from Intel.
BTW: I'm using the Corsair XMS2 PC2-6400 800 MHz 240-PIN DDR2 Dual-Channel Memory Kit - TWIN2X4096-6400C5. I have 8GB RAM, and BIOS setup for auto; my current memory speed is 800MHz.
Also, I'm not experiencing that weird DRM Netflix issue anymore.

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Product Description:
With the growing popularity of user-generated media, peer-to-peer sharing and the uploading and viewing of streaming video, photos and more, it's no secret that the creation and sharing of digital entertainment is on the rise. From tech-savvy hobbyists to professional designers, today's users need hardware that can run the advanced multimedia tools needed to create and enjoy audio, video and more.
Amazon.com Product Description
With the growing popularity of user-generated media, peer-to-peer sharing and the uploading and viewing of streaming video, photos and more, it's no secret that the creation and sharing of digital entertainment is on the rise. From tech-savvy hobbyists to professional designers, today's users need hardware that can run the advanced multimedia tools needed to create and enjoy audio, video and more. Intel® Media Series Desktop Boards Product Highlight
Incredibly versatile, Intel® Media Series Desktop Boards are designed to support high-bandwidth interfaces and are ideal for running demanding entertainment, education, and gaming applications. Big, unwieldy media files can quickly overcome mainstream desktop PCs. Intel Media Series Desktop Boards allow users to experience HD videos in surround sound, design school projects or presentations, or upload vacation videos right out of the box, and with superior speed and efficiency.

Graphics
Intel® Desktop Media Series Boards offer users an excellent visual experience thanks to the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD with Intel® Clear Video Technology. This built-in support for full 1080p high-definition visuals eliminates the need for an additional graphics card while offering support for today's most popular video outputs including HDMI and DVI. This feature enables incredible visual media capabilities including video and image editing, streaming video viewing, and HD home theater entertainment. Ever flexible, Intel® Desktop Media Series Boards also offer a PCI Express x16 graphics connector to support the latest high-end graphics cards for a great 3D gaming experience.

Onboard Audio
Utilizing the Intel® High Definition audio chipset, the Intel® Media series delivers rich, realistic 360° Dolby Home Theater audio with up to 8-channel, 7.1 surround sound. Included Dolby Control Center software allows you to tweak and adjust your audio experience to meet your exacting requirements. Immerse yourself in sound as you enjoy the latest film in high definition or simply relax with some favorite tunes. Whatever you do, enjoy every decibel coming at you in all directions.

Quad-Core Compatibility
With support for Intel's latest quad-core processors, Intel® Desktop Media Series Boards deliver highly efficient performance for the most demanding entertainment applications. With multiple computing "brains", new multi-core processing systems can run resource intensive games and multimedia applications with phenomenal ease and superior responsiveness.

Advanced Technical Specifications