Biostar TH55XE provides a good cost/benefit for users looking for a motherboard for the new Core i3/Core i5 processors with integrated video loaded with features. Though not the cheapest board on the planet, it costs only USD 10 more than Intel DH55TC, providing far more features.

The highlights from this motherboard include the good (but not outstanding) audio section with an on-board optical SPDIF output and independent 7.1 analog outputs, three video connector (VGA, DVI-D and HDMI) – although only two can be used at the same time –, and a high-quality voltage regulator circuit. Having also FireWire (IEEE1394) ports, this board is a good pick if you are building an HTPC (Home Theater PC) based on the new CPUs with integrated video from Intel.

In fact when you compare Biostar TH55XE with other motherboards with similar number of features, you invariable find that most competitors cost more, making TH55E a smart choice. Of course there are cheaper H55-based motherboards on the market, but not with so many features and not with a top-notch voltage regulator circuit.