Changing standards can suck for many reasons, but sometimes a product comes out that allows you to easily make the switch from old to new. Biostar’s Hi-Fi H170Z3 MicroATX motherboard is just such a product, with support for both DDR3 and DDR4 memory.
The Biostar Hi-Fi H170Z3 motherboard is based on Intel’s H170 chipset. It features a LGA1151 socket that supports the 6th generation Intel Core processors. Normally this CPU and chipset combo would focus on new technology, namely using DDR4 memory to drive it. However the Hi-Fi H170Z3 pulls a bit of a switcharoo, giving you the ability to use either DDR3 or DDR4 on the same board.
In addition to the dual memory standards, the board has the iGPU function enabled. This means you can take advantage on the graphics tech found on your chosen CPU. The Hi-Fi in the board’s name isn’t just for show either, as this board has a host of components meant to cut down on on-board audio noise and increase sound quality. Furthermore, the Hi-Fi H170Z3 supports USB 3.0, PCIe M.2(32Gb/s), SATA Express(16Gb/s) and 4K monitors for triple display configurations. It even comes with network management tools for you to tweak you LAN connection.
But back to the DDR3/DDR4 split personality, is it really necessary? I’ve seen dual memory standard boards before, and they were beneficial back when there was a huge price delta between new and old RAM technology. Currently there’s only a $30 price difference between similar kits of DDR3 and DDR4. This board is definitely more for the builder on a very strict budget, who wants to hold onto their old RAM as long as possible.
The Biostar Hi-Fi H170Z3 can be had for an MSRP of $104.99 USD and is available now. Check out the press release below for more info.
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Biostar’s Hi-Fi H170Z3 – a Micro ATX Board with Combo DDR3/DDR4 Support
September 14th, 2015, Taipei, Taiwan – Biostar’s latest Intel H170 chipset board is ready for duty for any scenario and comes with combination support for either DDR3 or DDR4 memory modules to allow for maximum flexibility. The Hi-Fi H170Z3 is the first ever Motherboard to support both DDR3 and DDR4 showing its commitment to innovation and development.
The Hi-Fi H170Z3 is based on Intel’s H170 chipset which is a single chip design that supports Intel® 6th generation socket 1151 Intel® Core™ processors. With the Intel® H170 chipset, the Hi-Fi H170Z3 also has the iGPU function enabled, letting users enjoy the latest in Intel® integrated graphics performance.
Of course as a Biostar motherboard, the Hi-Fi H170Z3 comes with Hi-Fi technology built inside. Puro Hi-Fi technology features an integrated independent audio power design with a built-in amplifier. The technology utilizes audio components with an independent power delivery design for a significant reduction in electronic noise producing superb sound quality. The Hi-Fi H170Z3 supports USB 3.0, PCIe M.2(32Gb/s), SATA Express(16Gb/s) and 4K monitors for triple display configurations.
There is also Biostar’s Smart Speed LAN included which is a free software application that monitors and manages your PC’s network behavior. With user-friendly GUI, it allows you to select and prioritize different types of network traffic, including gaming, media streaming, communications or web surfing. You can also set any specific applications, choosing to prioritize or block accordingly. Smart Speed LAN can feature automatic management options that use adaptive networking intelligence to ensure that you are getting the best online experience possible.
Not only that, this board also adopts X.D.C (eXtreme Durable Capacitors) which are quality solid capacitors to help make sure the board remains rock solid and stable. These are low ESR and high ripple conductive solid state capacitors that provide a stable power supply to the CPU. The life span can also be more 6.25 times than ordinary liquid caps.
The board features the user-friendly tools such as BIOS Flasher and BIOS Online Update for easy updating and restoration of the BIOS. Also included is BIO-Remote2 Technology which gives users a better Home Theater environment. Users can use either Android or Apple mobile devices to access and control the PC remotely. Your smart device can become an intelligent and functional remote control. Moreover, BIO-Remote2 also includes both the function of mouse pad and power point presentation modes.
The Hi-Fi H170Z3 fully meets the requirements for systems running under the Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10.
The MSRP for the Hi-Fi H170Z3 is $104.99 USD. For more info on the Hi-Fi H170Z3 please go to http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=812
About Biostar
Biostar is a manufacturer dedicated to the production of motherboards, graphics cards and industrial computing systems. Since its establishment in 1986, the Biostar GROUP has become a major motherboard supplier in the PC industry. In order to pursue continuous growth, Biostar has invested heavily in acquiring the physical and human resources to excel at research and development. With a constant emphasis on quality, Biostar always seeks to offer products with the highest price-performance ratio.
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