I have been waiting to say this for a very long time: GIGABYTE is ready to release their first G1 series motherboard for AMD! The forthcoming GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X FM2+ motherboard is going to be THE gaming motherboard for the AMD Kaveri APU when it launches in early 2014 (hopefully).
Let me just say up front that I also totally want a G1.Killer series for the AMD FX series and I am willing to wait until Steamroller for it. In the mean time, the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X will be the single most awesome APU motherboard ever. The A88X is designed for aforementioned AMD Kaveri APU which will natively support 4K resolution on HDMI and DisplayPort, PCIe Gen 3 (8 GT/s), and DX 11.1.
The G1.Sniper A88X still supports current FM2 APUs as well, so you can upgrade your motherboard sooner than later. For the best audio possible, GIGABYTE included USB DAC-UP, Gain Boost, upgradeable Op-Amps, Audio Noise Guard, gold-plated audio ports, and gold-plated shield for the Realtek ALC898 codec. You will not only have the best in class on-board audio components, but the most customizable options with control over practically everything. For a taste of this new feature, you can check out our video of the Haswell launch earlier this year where GIGABYTE demo’d many this and other features that will make an appearance on this board.
Audio is just the beginning here as the G1.Sniper A88X for “Team Red” comes with all the GIGABYTE bells and whistles as well. This includes On/Off Charge, two PCIe x16 slots, UEFI BIOS, and support for AMD Dual graphics. What more could you ask for? How about a price? Well, we’ll have to wait until GIGABYTE is closer to launch. The full press release is posted below.
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GIGABYTE Launch First AMD Gaming Motherboard: G1.Sniper A88X
Packs Exclusive GIGABYTE Audio Features: USB DAC-UP and Gain Boost
August 15th, 2013 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced its new FM2+ motherboards including the newest addition to its G1-Killer range of gaming motherboards, the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X. Debuting two exclusive audio features including GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP, an exclusive feature optimized for users employing a Digital-to-Analog Converter, and Gain Boost which provides high gain output for advanced headphones and speakers, the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X provides the highest caliber onboard audio experience for discerning audiophiles.
“We’ve had a lot of customer interest in expanding our G1-Killer gaming motherboard range to include an AMD platform model.” commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. ”By also developing unique audio features that make a real difference to the overall experience, we’re confident this board will be a real hit with gamers and audiophiles alike.”
GIGABYTE AMP-UP Audio: Redefining Motherboard Audio
GIGABYTE AMP-UP Audio combines a range of unique features and technologies that are designed to give audio enthusiasts and PC gamers more control over their motherboard audio than ever before.
USB DAC-UP
Featuring a gold-plated USB 2.0 port, GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP provides clean, noise-free power delivery to your Digital-to-Analog Converter. DACs can be sensitive to fluctuations in power from the other USB ports, which is why GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP takes advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations and ensures the best audio experience possible.
GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP also allows the port to be configured in BIOS for enthusiast system configurations which do not require USB power to the DAC. This makes it suitable for high-end audio enthusiasts building extreme fidelity audio systems.
Gain Boost
To further optimize the audio experience provided by the onboard OP-Amp, GIGABYTE motherboards also debut Gain Boost. Gain Boost provides onboard switches to select between 2.5x and 6x amplification modes depending on output device. Most OP-Amps are capable of providing a high-gain audio output that is ideal for high-end headphones and speakers that have higher impedance headroom. Gain Boost allows users to switch between 6x and x2.5 amplification modes depending on the speakers or headphones being used.
Upgradable Onboard OP-Amp
GIGABYTE motherboards are the world’s first to feature an onboard operational amplifier (OP-Amp). OP-Amps are commonly found in high-end audio equipment and offer not only amplification of the audio signal, but a superior audio experience generally. The motherboard’s OP-Amp is mounted on a socket which allows users to physically switch out and try different OP-Amps which offer distinct and nuanced properties that make the audio clearer, punchier and more life-like. Additional OP-Amps can be purchased separately to further expand audio capabilities.
Audio Noise Guard
To help protect and insulate the Realtek ALC898 audio processor and onboard amplifiers from electrostatic interference (ESD), the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X motherboard features an audio noise guard that essentially separates the board’s sensitive analog audio components from potential ESD pollution at the PCB level. LED trace path lighting illuminates to show the separation of the PCB layers.
Nichicon Pro Audio Caps
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X motherboard uses the highest quality Nichicon
MUSE ES series audio capacitors at each channel layout. These professional audio capacitors deliver the highest quality sound resolution and sound expansion to create the most realistic sound effects for professional gamers.
Gold Audio Plated Hardware
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X motherboard uses top quality gold-plated hardware for improved connectivity and long lasting durability for the USB DAC-UP port and audio connectors. Gold has superb signal conductivity and will not tarnish over extended periods of use. The Realtek ALC898 audio processor is also shielded by a gold-plated cover which eliminates electrostatic interference.
GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X: Ready for Kaveri on AMD Socket FM2+
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X motherboard features the new FM2+ APU socket, and is designed to get the most from forthcoming ‘Kaveri’ AMD APUs, while preserving compatibility for current AMD FM2 ‘Trinity’ and ‘Richland’ APUs.
FM2+ AMD APUs offer native support for 8 GT/s PCI Express gen 3.0 as well as DX11.1 support, integrating the high performance ‘Steamroller’ core. AMD socket FM2+ APUs also offer native support for 4K resolution displays on HDMI and DisplayPort.
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