Gigabyte has launched its 8 series G1.Sniper motherboards for Intel’s 4th Generation Core processors with the G1.Sniper 5 and G1.Sniper M5 that aims to provide “everything you’ll need to build an uncompromising, high-performance gaming PC” and include a number of advanced audio features including the world’s first onboard OP-Amp socket.
These audio features are encompassed under Gigabyte’s Amp-Up Audio and include a discrete Creative Sound Core3D audio processor, Creative SoundBlaster software suite, an audio noise guard, front panel headphone amplifier and an onboard OP-Amp. The latter is upgradable and Gigabyte bundles in an amplifier upgrade kit that includes a pair of specialized Operational Amplifiers and an IC Extractor for easy installation.
| Name | G1.Sniper 5 | G1.Sniper M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel Z87 Express | Intel Z87 Express |
| Form Factor | XL-ATX | mATX |
| Memory | 4 x DDR3-1600 DIMMsMaximum of 32 GB | 4 x DDR3-1600 DIMMsMaximum of 32 GB |
| Video Outputs | 2 x HDMI1 x DisplayPort | 1 x DVI-I2 x HDMI1 x DisplayPort |
| Audio Outputs | 2/4/5.1/7.1 channelS/PDIF InS/PDIF Out | 2/4/5.1/7.1 channelS/PDIF InS/PDIF Out |
| Networking | 1 x Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2201 (10/100/1000 Mbit)1 x Intel GbE LAN phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) | 1 x Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2201 (10/100/1000 Mbit) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nBluetooth 4.0, 3.0+HS, 2.1+EDR | None |
| Expansion Slots | 2 x PCIe x16 (running at x16)2 x PCIe x16 (running at x8)3 x PCIe x1 | 1 x PCIe x16 (running at x16)1 x PCIe x16 (running at x8)1 x PCIe x16 (running at x4)1 x PCIe x1 |
| SATA Connectors | 10 x SATA 6Gb/s | 10 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | 6 x USB 3.02 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 | 6 x USB 3.02 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 |
As with other Gigabyte 8 Series motherboards, both the G1.Sniper 5 and M5 include Gigabyte’s Ultra Durable 5 Plus design philosophy that aims to extend the motherboard’s lifespan by providing features such as PWM controllers, ESD protection for USB and LAN ports, durable black solid capacitors and a gold plated CPU socket, power connectors, PCIe slots and DDR3 DIMMs.
Also included is Gigabyte’s new UEFI DualBIOS, a fully customizable user interface that provides complete access to all motherboard data and real time adjustment of performance settings. This is complemented by a revised version of EasyTune which allows users to fine-tune system settings and voltages in a Windows environment and removes the need to install additional software.
Both motherboards also feature a hollow body heatsink fitted with a silent integrated fan and employs an “extreme heatsink design” with tube connectors at each end for easy integration with water cooling systems.
Further information is available at the source link and at the respective product pages for the G1.Sniper 5 and G1.Sniper M5 motherboards.
