Review gigabyte g1. sniper 5

Today we present a national exclusive: the review of the flagship PC Gaming, the Gigabyte G1. Sniper 5, which includes all the great news: Intel Chipset Z87, 4 Way SLI / CFx with PEX8747 chip, Killer BTW network card, Creative 3D Recon sound card with 600Ω headphone amplifier and a very aggressive aesthetic … ¿ Ready for takeoff? 3, 2, 1…

Base plate provided by:

I7 4770k processor provided by:

INTEL HASWELL AND CHIPSET Z87 FEATURES

The fourth generation of processors or Intel Haswell will be mounted on the LGA 1150 platform. In which we can find the different ranges of processors manufactured in 22 nm and with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology : Intel i7 with 4 cores and 8 threads of execution (Hyper Threading) for professional teams, Intel i5 for 4-core gamers and low / mid-range processors Intel Core i3, Pentium and Celeron. Although these last three will be listed in the coming months.

This time Intel classifies its range of desktop processors into four categories:

Without letter / Normal Version: The processor offers us its base frequency plus a frequency with Turbo and all the Intel features enabled. Example: i7-4770. K: Processor with multiplier unlocked. Aimed at professional users or enthusiastic Gamers. This series allows us to perform strong 4600 to 5000 mhz overclocks by touching 5 or 6 parameters in the BIOS. Note: VT-D virtualization option disabled. Example: i7-4770k. T and S: The most important feature is its power reduction. Converting them into low-power processors, without losing the qualities of the normal version. Example: i7-4770T / i7-4770S. A: This is the new version of Intel in BGA format. BGA? Yes, it is the version in which the soldered processors come on the motherboard. Like PRO, it has a more powerful integrated graphics card than the rest of the series. Example: i7-4770R.

The processor we have used in our review has been the Intel i7-4770k . We leave you a table that we have made with the most important models that have come onto the market.

And a summary of the most important features in this new range of processors.

8 Threading Hyper Threading Technology, this allows us to run two processes at the same time. I7 4770 series only + letter.> 8mb Intel Smart Cache. This is the shared cache memory of the processor (makes for faster read access) Turbo Boost 2.0. The processor base frequency is 3500 mhz, with the turbo we automatically go up to 3900 mhz. Native compatibility with DDR3 1600 RAM and XMP profiles. Absolute compatibility with the new range of Intel 8 series motherboards: Z87, H87, Q87 and B87.

We are realizing that each generation of chipset is lighter. This time, external video connections have been extracted. Further relegating the current NorthBridge.

What improvements did we find with Z87? Flexible I / O ports, 14 USB 2.0 ports controlled by XHCI, we switched to six USB 3.0, six SATA 6 Gbp / s connections and SFDP and Quad Read technologies.

* Frequently asked questions:

- My heatsink is compatible with socket 1155 and 1556. Is it compatible with socket 1150?

Yes, we have tested different motherboards and they all have the same holes as in socket 1155 and 1156.

- Is my power supply compatible with Intel Haswell?

There are no Haswell certified power supplies. Most of the manufacturers have already released the list of compatible sources: Antec, Corsair, Enermax, Nox, Aerocool / Tacens and Thermaltake. Giving 98% absolute compatibility.

GIGABYTE G1.SNIPER 5 FEATURES

CPU	Support for Intel ^® Core ™ i7 processors / Intel ^® Core ™ i5 processors / Intel ^® Core ™ i3 processors / Intel ^® Pentium ^® processors / Intel ^® Celeron ^® processors in the LGA1150 packageL3 cache varies with CPU (Please refer to “CPU Support List” for more information.)
Chipset	Intel ^® Z87 Express Chipset
Memory	4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory * Due to a Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than the size of the physical memory installed.Dual channel memory architectureSupport for DDR3 1600/1333 MHz memory modulesSupport for non-ECC memory modulesSupport for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules (Please refer to “Memory Support List” for more information.)
Onboard Graphics	Integrated Graphics Processor: 2 x HDMI ports, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096 × 2160 @ 24 Hz * Support for HDMI 1.4a version. 1 x DisplayPort port, supporting a maximum resolution of 3840 × 2160 @ 60 Hz * Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version.Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio	Creative ^® Sound Core 3D chipSupport for Sound Blaster Recon3DiHigh Definition Audio2 / 5.1-channelSupport for S / PDIF Out
LAN	1 x Qualcomm ^® Atheros Killer E2201 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1) 1 x Intel ^® GbE LAN phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2) * Teaming is not supported.
Wireless Communication module	Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n, supporting 2.4 / 5 GHz Dual-BandBluetooth 4.0, 3.0 + HS, 2.1 + EDR
Expansion Slots	2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1, PCIEX16_2) * For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express graphics cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots. 2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1, PCIEX8_2) * The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot and the PCIEX8_2 slot with PCIEX16_2. The PCIEX16_1 / PCIEX16_2 slot will operate at up to x8 mode when the PCIEX8_1 / PCIEX8_2 is populated. (The PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.) 3 x PCI Express x1 slots (All PCI Express x1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
Multi-Graphics Technology	Support for 4-Way / 3-Way / 2-Way AMD CrossFire ™ / NVIDIA ^® SLI ™ technology
Storage Interface	Chipset: 6 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors (SATA3 0 ~ 5) supporting up to 6 SATA 6Gb / s devicesSupport for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 Marvell ^® 88SE9230 chip: 4 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors (GSATA3 6 ~ 9) supporting up to 4 SATA 6Gb / s devicesSupport for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB	Chipset: Up to 2 USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (available through the internal USB header) Up to 6 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB headers) Chipset + 2 Renesas ^® uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hubs: Up to 8 USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (6 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header)
Internal I / O Connectors	1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector1 x PCIe power connector10 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors1 x CPU fan header7 x system fan headers1 x water cooling fan header (CPU_OPT) 1 x front panel header1 x front audio panel header2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 headers2 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 headers1 x Clear CMOS jumper1 x heatsink LED power connector1 x heatsink fan connector1 x power button1 x reset button1 x Clear CMOS button2 x BIOS switchesVoltage measurement points
Back Panel Connectors	1 x PS / 2 keyboard / mouse port2 x HDMI ports1 x DisplayPort1 x coaxial S / PDIF Out connector1 x optical S / PDIF Out connector6 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports2 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports2 x RJ-45 ports5 x audio jacks (Center / Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Line In / Mic In, Line Out, Headphone / Speaker Out)
I / O Controller	iTE ^® I / O Controller Chip
H / W Monitoring	System voltage detectionCPU / System / PCH temperature detectionCPU / CPU_OPT / System fan speed detectionCPU / System overheating warningCPU / CPU_OPT / System fan fail warningCPU / CPU_OPT / System fan speed control * Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you install.
BIOS	2 x 128 Mbit flashUse of licensed AMI EFI BIOSSupport for DualBIOS ™ PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a
Unique Features	Support for Q-FlashSupport for Xpress InstallSupport for APP Center * Available applications in APP Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard specifications. @BIOS EasyTune EZ Setup ON / OFF Charge2 USB Blocker
Bundle Software	Norton Internet Security (OEM version) Intel ^® Rapid Start TechnologyIntel ^® Smart Connect TechnologyIntel ^® Smart Response TechnologycFosSpeed
Operating System	Support for Windows 8/7
Form Factor	XL-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 26.4cm

GIGABYTE G1.SNIPER 5 IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA

Gigabyte's top-of-the-range board has to match up inside and out. The presentation is spectacular with a large box, handle and the best protection on the market.

The bundle includes:

Gigabyte G1.Sniper Motherboard 5.Backplate. CrossFire and SLI connectors. USB 3.0 front panel, OP-AMP replacement kit and Wifi connection. Manuals and quick guide. Installation CD.

The Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5 has a XL-ATX format of 30.5 cm x 26.4 cm and a truly spectacular design with the black / green colors in its heatsink, its black PCB, Ultra Durable 5+ technology and compatible with a maximum of 32GB DDR3. In the back we have no news about it.

As a high-end motherboard it allows us to connect up to 4 PCI Express 3.0 graphics cards in SLI (Nvidia) or CrossFire (ATI) by incorporating the PLX PEX8747 chip. It is great news for users with multi-monitor and high resolutions. This chip is cooled by the central heatsink (Second image - Gigabyte logo heatsink -).

The compatible configurations in the different cases would be:

2 Way SLI / CFX: x16 / No Graphics / x16 / No Graphics

3 Way SLI / CFX: x16 / No Graphics / x8 / x8 or x8 / x8 / x16 / No Graphics 4 Way SLI / CFX: x8 / x8 / x8 / x8.

It has a Hybrid Air / Water dissipation. This system allows us to choose between a passive / air active cooling system (without / with fan) or use the two fittings to install a Liquid Cooling (click to enlarge the first image). In addition, being a very effective system, it allows us to save on the cost of a specific block and its installation. It is usually around € 80 ~ € 100.

Among its novelties we also find full control of up to 9 fans (7 from BIOS) with their own probes.

The sound is commanded by the Creative chip "Sound Core 3D". That integrates AMP-UP and Nichicon MV trainers that will offer us the best integrated digital sound on the market. Your Red Killer E2200 card to reduce the ping of the most Gamers.

Although its design is focused on Gamers, it does not forget those of us who are lovers of overclocking. Therefore, it includes buttons for clear cmos, off / on (red), reset (blue), USB 3.0 and real-time voltage meter.

It is a great joy for us to see that all 10 SATA ports are SATA 6 Gbp / s. The 6 blacks are controlled by the internal Intel PCH controller and the other 4 by the Marvell 88SE9230.

The rear panel is full of inputs and outputs. We have two USB 2.0 ports, PS2 connection, six USB 3.0 ports, gold-plated HDMi outputs, audio outputs, and two 10/100/1000 network connections, including the aforementioned KillerNIC E2200.

And it is time to install our precious Intel i7 4770k. We open the cap, we see its golden pins and… Inside!

As we are very curious we have removed the dissipation of the G1.Sniper 5. We find that both the power phases and the chipset come with thermal foil. While the PLX chipset with thermal paste.

TEST BENCH - BIOS - TESTS

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel i7 4770k
Base plate:	Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5
Memory:	G.Skills Trident X 2400mhz.
Heatsink	Prolimatech Megahalems + Nidec 1850 RPM
HDD	Samsumg 840 250GB
Graphic card	Asus GTX770
Power supply	Antec HCP 850

To check the stability of the processor and the motherboard, we have made a moderate OC of up to 4400 mhz with Prime 95 Custom by air cooling. Although we will soon elaborate the results obtained when mounting a high-end liquid refrigeration. The graphics used is an Asus GTX 770. CineBench result 11.5 at 4400 mhz. Exceeding more than 1.5 points at stock speed.

We go to the results:

TESTS
3dMark Vantage:	Clock Stock: P34580 / Clock OC: 37387.
3dMark11	Clock Stock: P10347 PTS / Clock OC: P10579.
Heaven Unigine and Valley	1728 pts and 3585 pts.
CineBench 11.5	Clock Stock: 8.13 pts / Clock OC: 9.62 pts.
Games: Resident Evil 6 Lost planet tomb Raider Crysis 3 Meter	12601 PTS. 122.5 FPS. 138.9 FPS 47.1 FPS 78.2 FPS

And finally some tables of temperatures and consumption:

Final Words and Conclusion

The Gigabyte G1. Sniper 3 is a high-end motherboard with XL ATX format: 30.555cm x 26.4cm. With capacity of up to 32GB to 1600 natively, XMP profiles, 4 way SLI / CrossfireX certification with PLX chip, Dual BIOS and 10 SATA connections at 6Gbp / s.

The Ultra Durable 5+ Technology is present in the Sniper 5. Its condensers are of first quality solid state (Nippon Chemi for a time of 10, 000 hours at 105ºC), providing tranquility and absolute stability to our system. The PCB is black in color and has a double copper layer giving greater firmness. The socket pins are gold-plated for added stability.

Its innovative hybrid cooling allows us to install a liquid cooling circuit for intense overclocks and searching for records. Also, we have a very quiet little fan that we can enable / disable from the BIOS.

The G1 Killer series is designed for the most demanding gamers. So it brings two unique features:

- Creative 3D Recon dedicated sound card: Sound quality at the level of a dedicated high-end multi-core. It integrates AMP-UP, Nichicon MV capacitors and a 600 ohm amplifier for our high-end helmets. All managed by Sound Blaster software.

- Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2200 card: High performance, Gigabit connection, lower ping and high-end management software.

In our bank we have used high-end material: i7 4770k at 4400 mhz, 2GB GTX 770 graphics card, 16 GB DDR3 at 2400 mhz. Our team has given us very good results, for example in 3DMARK11: P10579.

In short, if you are looking for the best high-end motherboard, designed for gamers and overclocks. The Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5 is the perfect candidate. Its price is around € 400.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ DARE DESIGN.	- PRICE.
+ ULTRA DURABLE TECHNOLOGY 5
+ 4 WAY SLI, USB 3.0 AND PCI EXPRESS 3.0.
+ 3D RECON SOUND CARD AND ATHEROS KILLER.
+ BUTTONS FOR OC.
+ EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE AND UEFI BIOS.