Gigabyte is always on the lookout and is the first to move part before the next FM2 + (Kaveri) processor release and a few weeks ago it already launched its two flagship boards of the new A88X Chipset for Kaveri (FM2 +). These are the Gigabyte GA-F2A88X-UP4 and Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X from the "Sniper" family.

In our laboratory we have had the Sniper A88X with an outstanding result. In this analysis we will show you all its secrets and, as always, our objective opinion.

Product ceded by:

Technical characteristics

APU	FM2 + Socket: AMD A series processorsAMD Athlon ™ series processors (Please refer to “CPU Support List” for more information.)
Chipset	AMD A88X
Memory	4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64GB of system memory * Due to a 32-bit Windows operating system limitation, when more than 4GB of physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed by the system Operating memory may be less than the size of the installed physical memory. * The maximum of 64GB of system memory can be achieved using memory modules of 16GB or larger. GIGABYTE will update the list of supported memories on the official website as modules become available on the market. Dual Channel Support Architecture for DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333 MHz memory modules Supports AMD Memory Profile (AMP) memory modules / Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Please refer to the "Memory Support List" for more information
Integrated Graphics	APU with integrated graphics AMD Radeon ™ HD series 8000/7000: 1 x DVI-D port, with resolutions up to 2560 × 1600 * Support for 2560 × 1600 resolution requires both monitor and cable to support Dual Link DVI. * DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter. 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096 × 2160 * The resolution of 4096 × 2160 can be supported when using an FM2 + APU; the maximum resolution supported is 1920 × 1200 when using an FM2 APU. * Support for HDMI 1.4a version. 1 x D-Sub port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200 Maximum shared memory of 2 GB * To use the onboard graphics port, you must install an AMD APU with integrated graphics.
Audio	Realtek® ALC898 codec Support for S / PDIF output High definition audio 2/4 / 5.1 / 7.1-channel
LAN	Realtek® GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Sockets	1 x PCI Express x16, to x16 (PCIEx16) (The PCIEX16 slot complies with the PCI Express 3.0 standard.) * To support PCI Express 3.0, you must install an FM2 + APU. 1 x PCI Express x16, to x4 (PCIEX4) 3 x PCI Express x1 slots (The PCIEX4 and PCI Express x1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.) 2 x PCI slot
Multi Graphics Technology	Support for AMD Dual Graphics technology Only A-series APUs support AMD Dual Graphics.
Storage interface	Chipset: 8 x SATA 6Gb / s connectorsSupport for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
USB	Chipset: 4 USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header) 9 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (5 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB headers)
Internal I / O connectors	2 x gain control switches 2 x USB 2.0 / 1.11 connectors x USB 3.0 / 2.01 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) connector TPM function is optional according to different local policies 8 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors 1 x ATX 12V 8-pin power connector 3 x system fan connector 1 x front panel connector 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector 1 x audio connector on front panel 1 x serial port connector 1 x APU fan connector 1 x Clear CMOS jumper 1 x S / PDIF Out connector
Rear I / O Panel	2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports, 1 x RJ-45 port, 1 x S / PDIF Out optical connector, 5 x Audio jack connector (output to center / subwoofer speaker, output to rear speaker, line input, line output, microphone input) 5 x USB 2.0 / 1.11 port x HDMI1 x PS / 21 keyboard / mouse port x D-Sub port1 x DVI-D port
I / O controller	ITE® I / O Controller Chip
Hardware monitoring	System Voltage Detection APU / System Temperature Detection APU / System Fan Speed Detection APU Overheat Warning APU / System Fan Failure Control System / APU Fan Speed Control * The fan speed control function APU / system will depend on the model of fan installed.
BIOS	2 x 64 Mbit flashUse of AMI EFI BIOS with licensePnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0aSupports DualBIOS ™
Other features	Q-Flash Support Supports EasyTune * The EasyTune function will be available depending on the motherboard model.Support Smart Recovery 2Support Xpress InstallSupport @BIOSSupport for On / Off Charge
Included Software	cFosSpeedNorton® Internet Security (OEM version)
OS	Support for Windows 8/7 32-bit / 64-bitSupport for Windows XP 32-bit * To support Windows XP 32-bit, you must install an AMD FM2 Trinity APU
Format	ATX form factor: 30.5cm x 22.5cm
Observations	Due to different Linux support conditions provided by chipset manufacturers, please download Linux drivers from the manufacturer's website or a third party website. Most hardware / software manufacturers do not offer drivers to support Win9X / ME / 2000 / XP. If drivers are available from vendors, they will be available on the GIGABYTE website.

Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X in detail

Gigabyte presents us with the motherboard in a standard size box, decorated in an elegant black color. In addition to having the screen model printed on the motherboard, it has an image of the heatsink. At the rear we have all the features and novelties of this new A88X series compatible with Kaveri APUs.

Once we open the box, we check that the motherboard is protected in a plastic anti static electricity. The bundle is quite discreet:

Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X MotherboardTwo pairs of SATA 6.0 cable sets.Instruction manual and quick guide.CD with drivers, applications and software.

Like previous Gigabyte Sniper models, radioactive green and black count as dominant colors. The PCB is Black in color and its aesthetics can be classified as impressive when it comes to the FM2 + socket.

We have a broad branch of high-speed PCI Express connections up to the classic normal PCI of old generations. In PCI 16X connections (green color) it allows us to connect up to two ATI graphics cards in CrossFireX.

The board comes very well equipped with internal connections: high definition sound, S-PDIF connector, TPM connector (used for security, such as encryption and decryption of data), USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectors.

Regarding cooling, Gigabyte has included a single heatsink in the VRM circuit. While the EPS (Auxiliary) power supply connector is located in the left corner.

The south bridge has a large sink that will always leave this area cool, without the need for a fan.

We should not worry because, if our heatsink was compatible with socket FM1 or AM2 / AM3 +, it will also be with this new socket FM2 +.

We have a total of four RAM memory slots that support up to a total of 64 GB DDR3 at frequencies 1066/1333/1600/1866 and 2133 mhz. Reaching 2400 by overclocking with the BCLK.

Gigabyte incorporates a Realtek ALC898 sound chip with better connectivity thanks to its gold-plated capacitors and a USB DAC-UP port. As we see in the image, the chipset is protected by a gold-colored heatsink that eliminates electrostatic interference.

The use of Nichicon Pro Audio Caps condensers. They are professional audio condensers that offer higher resolution, quality and sound expansion. It also includes GIGABYTE Audio AMP-UP technology that combines a number of features and technologies that are designed to give exquisite ears and PC gamers greater control and receive sounds that we never could reach before.

We have a total of 8 SATA 6.0 connections in the right corner that allows us to use it as a Home Server and add a multitude of hard drives to our PC at maximum speed.

It supports RAID 0, 1, 10 and JBOD configuration.

Detail of the rear panel, below all its connectors:

1 x PS / 2 keyboard / mouse port 2 x USB ports 1 x DVI port 1 x VGA port 1 x HDMI port 2 x USB 3.0 ports 3 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x RJ-45 port 1 x S / PDIF optical connector 5 x Audio connectors

WE RECOMMEND YOU Review. Asus P8P67 Deluxe B3

Here we have an image mounted with an A10-6800k, 8 GB DDR3 Trident X at 2400 mhz and a Scythe Kabuto 2 heatsink. The image leaves us speechless… AWESOME.

A walk through the BIOS

Gigabyte has used the same UEFI interface as in normal FM2 series and Intel Z77. Very complete, useful and easy to overclock.

We have to keep in mind that the motherboard includes DualBIOS. This technology implies that the motherboard has a 'Main BIOS' and a 'Backup BIOS', which protects users from BIOS failures due to virus attacks, hardware malfunction or configurations. incorrect made by overclocking. Imagine if you have a power outage while updating the BIOS, we would lose the motherboard. Well, we would have a second BIOS to recover the first one.

I leave you some captures that I have taken from the plate in question:

Test bench and tests

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	AMD A10-6800K
Base plate:	Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X
Memory:	8GB G.Skills Trident X 2400mhz.
Heatsink	Scythe Kabuto II
HDD	Samsumg 840 250GB
Graphic card	Integrated in processor.
Power supply	Antec HCP 850

To check the stability of the processor and the motherboard we have passed our battery of tests. In it we can see from synthetic tests like games, all in full hd configuration with serial values. We have also overclocked reaching 4900 mhz in a matter of 5 minutes and 100% stable by air.

TESTS Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X
3dMark Vantage	6052 PTS.
3dMark11	1588 PTS.
Fritz chess	7363.
CineBench 11.5	3.56.
Games: Battlefield 3 Alien VS Predator Resident EVIL 10 Meter	25 FPS. 50 FPS 48 FPS 51 FPS

Final words and conclusion

Gigabyte has left us an extraordinary taste in the mouth after trying its Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X. This is a compatible motherboard for AMD's next-generation APUs: Kaveri and previous ones: Trinity and Richland.

The Sniper series is designed with the latest technologies and features for the quintessential gamers. The first that we highlight in its surround sound " GIGABYTE AMP-Up Audio " that integrates Japanese gold-plated condensers (Nichicon Pro Audio Caps condensers) and a USB DAC-UP port. Bottom line: Professional audio quality. To test the sound quality I have tried several videos (series, movies…) and music in FLAC, having a captivating result for my ears.

As we expected the board has two very good components: Ultra Durable 4 and two large heatsinks in the VRM (Power Phases) and in the south bridge. When we overclocked 4900mhz to APU A10-6800k it has started to heat up a little bit, but always within normal ranges.

To get the most out of the equipment we have used the current top range: APU Richland 10-6800k, 8 Gigs of DDR3 memory at 2400 mhz and a mid-range heatsink such as the Scythe Kabuto 2. The results have been fantastic: 6052 pts in 3dMark11: 1588 points and in cinebench 3.56. Although at the moment of truth in games like Metro, Resident Evil 10 and Alien VS Predator it has always been at 50 FPS. Incredible performance!

I also want to highlight its eight SATA 6.0 ports natively we have no capacity limitation at any time. It is even possible to mount a Home Server with RAID 0, 1, 10 and JBOD.

In short, if you are looking for a motherboard with absolute compatibility with Kaveri, with top-of-the-range components, a rock-stable BIOS, surround sound and a knock-down price (€ 105), the Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X is your motherboard. We are sure that if Gigabyte is encouraged to release a Micro ATX version, it will destroy their sales.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ ULTRA DURABLE COMPONENTS 4.	- NONE.
+ COMPATIBLE WITH TWO GRAPHICS CARDS IN CROSSFIREX AND THE NEXT KAVERI PROCESSORS.
+ EXCELLENT LEVEL OF OVERCLOCKING.
+ 8 SATAS PORTS.
+ MAXIMUM QUALITY SOUND.
+ SPECTACULAR PRICE.