Today GIGABYTE has launched a new G1.Sniper Z87 model for the lower budget machine but still with overclocking support and SLI/Crossfire.
When the Z87 series has been released, very few models were aiming at gamers for the low-end. GIGABYTE for example has the G1.Sniper 5, a high end ($400 / €300 / £250) motherboard supporting removable OP-AMP technology and four-way graphics card support. For users wanting smaller systems, there is the G1.Sniper M5 which is a $205 / €153/ £129 micro-ATX alternative, or for non-overclockers there is the B85 model.
GIGABYTE’s Z87 gaming range is focused on audio, therefore we can see a Creative Sound Core3D audio codec paired with Nichicon Pro Audio Caps, an upgradable OP-AMP system, separation of digital and analog audio signals on the PCB to reduce crosstalk and interference, gold plated audio connectors and a specific USB DAC-UP port on the rear IO designed to provide a clean, low-noise power to any USB DAC.
Another feature is a direct gain switch in the audio, allowing users of high impedance headphones to choose between 2.5x and 6x amplification through the OP-AMP. To keep costs down, the motherboard uses the PCH for all SATA 6 Gbps and USB 3.0 ports, but the system does come with a Killer E2200 NIC to add to the gaming flavor.
The exact price has not yet been revealed, yet rumors tell of a price range around $170 / €127 / £106 , so we will just have to wait and see.
Thank you AnandTech for providing us with this information
Images courtesy of AnandTech
Question: “To keep costs down, the motherboard uses the PCH for all SATA 6 Gbps and USB 3.0 ports” – What’s the more expensive method, and how is it better?