PCB Design and Functionality

The features of DFI LANParty LT X38-T2R are truly impressive. Like all other mainboards on Intel X38 Express chipset, it supports all contemporary LGA775 processors, up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, allows using two graphics cards in CrossFire mode and can accommodate the third one for physics calculations. Intel ICH9R South Bridge supports up to 6 SATA hard disk drives in a RAID array and an additional onboard JMicron JMB363 controller provides another two SATA and one PATA channel with up to two devices support. Realtek ALC885 codec is responsible for 8-channel sound. The mainboard is also equipped with two Gigabit network controllers: Marvell 88E8052 and Marvell 88E8053 connected to the PCI-E bus, while IEEE1394 support is implemented by VIA VT6307 controller. This is a pretty impressive list, now we have to see how well they managed to place all these components on the mainboard PCB.

At first glance it looks very nice. The PCB layout scheme is a great tool is estimating how optimal the location of the major components is, but it doesn’t give us any reasons for criticism, too:

Now let’s check out the major components of DFI LANParty LT X38-T2R in greater detail. First we will talk about the onboard cooling system. The chipset South Bridge is topped with a small aluminum heatsink.

However, the chipset North Bridge has none on top of it. The default cooling system is so tall that it is shipped dismounted:

We have already come across this cooling solution on other DFI mainboards, such as DFI LANParty UT NF680i LT SLI-T2R, for instance. The heatpipe goes through a grove in the base of aluminum heatsink and is covered with a thin copper plate:

The heat is dissipated by the heatsink itself as well as the thin plates sitting on the heatpipe. The only difference is the way this cooler is fastened. It used to be fastened tightly with four resilient metal wire-hooks, while this time it is clipped to the PCB with only two plastic studs: