Biostar has been in the world of motherboards for many years and its experience is a degree when it comes to manufacturing motherboards. I would like to introduce you to the Biostar Hi-Fi B85N 3D with ITX format and Intel 8 series SFF (Small Form Factor) platform, with its novel Hi-Fi sound card with proprietary amplifier for better sound quality and its absolute compatibility with Windows 8.

Technical characteristics

BIOSTAR HI-FI B85N 3D FEATURES
Compatible processors	Intel® Core ™ i7 LGA 1150 ProcessorIntel® Core ™ i5 LGA 1150 Processor Intel® Core ™ i3 LGA 1150 Processor Intel® Pentium® LGA 1150 Processor Maximum CPU TDP (Thermal Design Power): 95Watt
Chipset	Intel B85
Memory	Support Dual Channel DDR3 1600/1333/1066 MHz2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot Max. Supports up to 16GB Memory
Integrated Graphics Multi-GPU Compatible	1 x PCI-E x16 3.0 Slot
Audio	Realtek ALC892 8-Channel Blu-ray Audio
LAN network card	2 x Realtek RTL8111G - 10/100/1000 Controller
USB ports	2 x USB 3.0 Port1 x USB 3.0 Header 4 x USB 2.0 Port 2 x USB 2.0 Header
SATAS connections	2 x SATA3 Connector2 x SATA2 Connector 1 x mSATA Connector
Rear panel I / O	1 x PS / 2 Keyboard / Mouse 2 x USB 3.0 Port 4 x USB 2.0 Port 1 x HDMI Connector 1 x DVI Connector 1 x VGA Port 2 x RJ-45 Port 5 x Audio Connector 1 x S / PDIF Out Port
BIOS	BIOSTAR Hi-Fi 3D Technology
Factory format	ITX 17 x 17 cm
Warranty	2 years

Biostar Hi-Fi B85N 3D in front of the camera

Biostar presents its Hi-Fi B85N 3D motherboard in a box with a compact and very colorful format. On the main face it has its name printed, it indicates that its format is ITX and it is compatible with the 4th generation of Intel processors.

Already in the back he explains his Hi-Fi technology , Smart EAR 3D, his amplifier for headphones, Hi-V capacitors and compatibility with Windows 8.

The bundle is very complete to be a B85 chipset board:

Biostar Hi-Fi B85N 3D ITX Motherboard. Instruction manual. 2 x SATA cables. Back plate. CD Installation with drivers.

Like all ITX motherboards, it measures 17 cm x 17 cm. It is compatible with the entire fourth generation of Intel (LGA 1150 ) i7 / i5 / i3 and Pentium processors. We have also been able to verify that it is compatible with any heatsink on the market, since on the back it does not hinder any component or circuit.

We have two DDR3 RAM sockets that are compatible up to a maximum of 16GB DDR3 at 1600mhz. More than enough for a workstation or everyday PC use. Today with 8GB we are more than enough in any application or game.

It features two SATA 6.0 connections and two other SATA 3.0 connections. If that were not enough and being a compact motherboard we have an mSATA connection for a mini SSD. In the following two images we can the USB connections and the chipset heatsink;).

It also includes a PCI Express 3.0 port that allows us to install a graphics card, SATA controller or a television capture. Depending on our needs, this expansion port can be very useful for us.

One of the strongest points is its sound card that comes equipped with Hi-Fi 3D technology. This has an integrated power amplifier to increase the volume of the speaker, that is, not only improves the quality of the headphones but the audio signal.

Hi-V are blue capacitors. Constructed of metallic polypropylene, special for audio channel circuits. Custom audio capacitors offer very little noise, lower distortion, and increase bandwidth for higher sound quality.

Finally we have the rear connectors: keyboard, USB 2.0, digital and analog video output, two Gigabit RTL8111G network cards, USB 3.0 and sound.

BIOS

We have a very friendly, simple, and above all very stable UEFI Bios. We do not have overclocking options because with the B85 chipset it does not allow us to use it. We leave you our pants.

Test bench and tests

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel i7-4770k.
Base plate:	Biostar Hi-Fi B85N 3D
Memory:	G.Skills Trident X 2400mhz.
Heatsink	Stock
HDD	Samsumg 840 250GB.
Graphic card	Asus GTX 770 DCII
Power supply	Antec HCP 850.

To check the stability of the processor we have used a very efficient motherboard in consumption / cooling. All tests are with the processor in stock, since the motherboard does not allow us to overclock. The graphic that we have used is TOP RANGE: the Asus GTX 770.

TESTS
3dMark Vantage:	Clock Stock: P34441
3dMark11	Clock Stock: P10311 PTS
Heaven Unigine and Valley	1690 pts
CineBench 11.5	Clock Stock: 7.92 pts
Games: Resident Evil 6 Lost planet tomb Raider Crysis 3 Meter	. 12610 PTS. 130 FPS. 135 FPS 43 FPS 71 FPS

Final words and conclusion

Biostar has been manufacturing base plates since 1986 and giving great support to its base plates. Although its market in Spain is limited to some stores, it has a large area in Germany and the rest of Europe.

On this occasion we have had the Biostar Hi-Fi B85N 3D with a very compact format, the ITX. Its compatibility is absolute with all LGA 1150 Haswell processors, going from i7 / i5 / i3 to Pentiums. It supports a maximum of 16GB of ram memory at 16000 mhz, incorporates the B85 chip ideal for daily work teams, companies. One PCI 3.0 to x16 port and 2 Realtek RTL811G Gigabit network cards.

Although the strongest point is found in its integrated Hi-Fi sound card ideal for multimedia equipment. And its innovative high-end headphone amplifier (AMP).

Regarding benchmark, it has been up to the task with our i7 4770k processor and a GTX 770. Obtaining great results as in 3dMARK 11: P10311 PTS. Being a B85 motherboard it does not allow us to overclock, so all the tests were passed through with factory clocks.

In short, if you are looking for a motherboard for fourth generation processors (LGA1150 - Haswell), with great features, excellent sound and double network connection. The Biostar Hi-Fi B85N 3D is your board. Its sale price ranges from € 80. All a bargain!

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ ITX FORMAT	- NONE.
+ QUALITY COMPONENTS.
+ HI-FI SOUND.
+ DOUBLE LAN GIGABIT (10/100/1000).
+ COMPATIBLE WITH I7.
+ PRICE