tbf said:
G31 is a generation old, absolutely no question of getting a g31 now, using a igp reduces the power consumption drastically(almost halves), and newer igps are directx10 compatible and support hardware video acceleration, these should satisfy everybody except hardcore gamers(they need a game console really).
Having a more powerful IGP also usually limits the OC potential of the board, and raises the price.
You do realize that there is a vast difference in talking about the G31 chipset as it is and Gigabyte's G31 series.
Basically, the above's purpose is to be paired with low cost CPUs like the E5200 and the E7400. What the X2 550 has done is made the E7400 (and in some cases, maybe even the E8400) and every combination with that processor irrelevant.
The E5200 on the other hand is 1 tier lower in terms of both performance and price, and is still a strong low cost option if you're on a shoe string budget and can't go with the x2 550+AM3+DDR3(going AM2 and DDR2 is pointless IMO if you're building a new PC, while perfectly acceptable/a smart choice if you're upgrading from older AMD processors)
Always look at the cost of the whole platform and not the individual components.
What we need right now is this board under 4k with local warranty:-
Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P
After that it's goodbye Giga G31 for everything else but the E5200, it will be missed!