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Intel’s DH55TC is a microATX LGA1156 motherboard. Its compact size and H55 Express chipset, which supports the HD-capable integrated graphics of the latest Core i3 and i5 processors, make it an appealing choice for building a home theatre PC. There’s an HDMI port for connecting a TV. An S/PDIF header is present for connecting a surround-sound amplifier once you’ve bought the necessary backplate. Unsurprisingly for an Intel motherboard, there aren’t any overclocking controls in the BIOS for eking out more performance from your processor. Intel would much rather you buy a faster processor instead. This isn’t a critical flaw for most people, however. If, for some reason, you feel the need to fit a massive 16GB of RAM, then this motherboard will recognise it all. There are six SATA ports, but no RAID support which isn’t surprising for a microATX motherboard. There are parallel and serial headers for connecting older peripherals, plus three USB headers allowing a total of nine ports if you use all USB headers. All slots and ports are sensibly laid out, with no tightly spaced slots or protruding parts to it tricky to fit components.
Intel’s DH55TC is a good microATX LGA1156 motherboard, but unless you must have an Intel board, the similar Biostar TH55B HD motherboard is better value at £14 less.
