Intel creates these original LGA775/Socket T motherboards specifically for Dell. Dell has used them as the backbone for a number of its high-profile desktop computers, including the OptiPlex 755 and Dell Studio 540 or M017G. These boards are also available as OEM parts so that professionals and enthusiasts can upgrade and repair prebuilt computers. This motherboard can also be used for custom builds or even to fix some non-Dell PCs. Easily multitask and switch between programs as you work and play on your computer as you can get the power and speed you want with this Dell M017G motherboard.This desktop motherboard is configured for the small form factor and measures 10.6 by 9 by 1.4 inches. It can fit in everything from mini to full-size towers to laptops. The manufacturer has based this hardware on the Intel Q35 Express chipset. The CPU attaches to the mainboard via an LGA775 socket, which is also known as Socket T. The Dell OptiPlex 755 and Studio 540 often include a dual-core processor, such as a Core Duo; however, users can opt for any processor appropriate to that socket.Memory is provided via two 240-pin DIMM slots. The RAM type this board supports is DDR2 SDRAM. Dell Studio computers are often shipped with 2 x 1 or 2 x 2GB, but each slot supports up to 4GB, so you can have 8GB of system memory overall. You can also mix sizes, but all memory must be un-buffered, non-ECC, and 1.8v. Default clock rate can be 667 MHz, 800, or even higher.This motherboard features four Serial ATA-300 connections. Use a SATA cable to connect your storage device or devices of choice to the board. The Dell M017G would often ship with a hard drive and an optical drive. You could, however, have four solid-state drives, or mix and match SSDs, HDDs, optical drives, 3-inch devices, and so forth as needed. A RAID 1 setup is supported, or you can just use JBOD, and the maximum throughput on these connections is 3GB/s.Beyond storage, you will be able to expand your computer in a number of different ways, thanks to four full-height expansion slots. These slots include one PCI-e x16, one PCI-e x1, and two conventional PCI ports. These motherboards support either an iGPU or dedicated video card. The iGPU is a graphics controller integrated into the CPU. A video card is a dedicated, discreet graphics solution that will usually occupy the PCI-e x16 slot. This mainboard also features an onboard audio chip that can deliver high-definition, multi-channel sound.Network your computer with an integrated LAN controller accessed via an RJ-45 jack. This connection gives you 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet and features remote wakeup, active management technology, and PXE support. A VGA connection is provided for video output from an iGPU. Sound connections include a stereo-in, a front and back stereo-out, a headphone jack, and a microphone jack. This Dell Studio motherboard also features nine USB 2.0 ports total. Six are rear-mounted, and three are positioned internally for wiring to the case. PS/2 connections for a mouse and keyboard are also provided.