Review: gigabyte g1.sniper3

Today we bring you the analysis of some of the best boards for socket 1155 with Z77 chipset. This is the Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3 designed for the most gamer with PCI Express 3.0, 12 power phases, Atheros Killer E2201 network card and audio with 150Ω amplifier.

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These new boards are characterized by having the new Intel Z77 chipset. They are compatible with all "Sandy Bridge" Core I3, Core i5 and Core i7 and all "Ivy Bridge". The new chipset offers few features that differ from the Z68 Chipset, such as;

• Ivy Bridge LGA1155 processors. Native USB 3.0 ports (4). OC capacity. Maximum 4 DIMM modules DDR3. PCI Express 3.0. Digital phases. Intel RST technology. Intel Smart Response Technology (Z77 & H77). Dual UEFI BIOS. (Depends on model and manufacturer) Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Depends on model and manufacturer).

Here is a table to see the differences between the current chipsets of socket 1155:

In fact we must remind our readers that 90% of P67 and Z68 boards are "Ivy Bridge" compatible with a BIOS update.

We also don't want to bore you with a lot of information, but we find it necessary to highlight the new advantages of the Ivy Bridge processor:

• New manufacturing system at 22 nm. Increasing the Overclock capacity and decreasing the temperature. New random number generator that was left outside of "Sandy Bridge". Increases the maximum multiplier from 57 to 63. Increases the memory bandwidth from 2133 to 2800mhz (In step of 200 mhz).Your GPU includes DX11 instructions increasing ~ 55% performance.

Now we include a table with the new models of Ivy Bridge 22nm processors:

Model	Cores / Threads	Speed ​​/ Turbo Boost	L3 Cache	Graphics Processor	TDP
I7-3770	4/8	3.3 / 3.9	8MB	HD4000	77W
I7-3770	4/8	3.3 / 3.9	8MB	HD4000	77W
I7-3770S	4/8	3.1 / 3.9	8MB	HD4000	65W
I7-3770T	4/8	2.5 / 3.7	8MB	HD4000	45W
I5-3570	4/4	3.3 / 3.7	6MB	HD4000	77W
I5-3570K	4/4	3.3 / 3.7	6MB	HD4000	77W
I5-3570S	4/4	3.1 / 3.8	6MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3570T	4/4	2.3 / 3.3	6MB	HD2500	45W
I5-3550S	4/4	3.0 / 3.7	6MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3475S	4/4	2.9 / 3.6	6MB	HD4000	65W
I5-3470S	4/4	2.9 / 3.6	3MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3470T	2/4	2.9 / 3.6	3MB	HD2500	35W
I5-3450	4/4	2.9 / 3.6	3MB	HD2500	77W
I5-3450S	4/4	2.8 / 3.5	6MB	HD2500	65W
I5-3300	4/4	3 / 3.2º	6MB	HD2500	77W
I5-3300S	4/4	2.7 / 3.2	6MB	HD2500	65W

GIGABYTE G1.SNIPER 3 FEATURES
Processors	L3 cache varies by CPUSupport for Intel ® Core ™ i7 / Intel ® Core ™ i5 / Intel ® Core ™ i3 processors / Intel ® Pentium ® / Intel ® Celeron ® on LGA1155 (Some Intel® Core ™ processors require graphics card, see the "list of supported CPUs" for more information.).
Chipset	Intel Z77 Chipset
Memory	4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMMs supporting up to 32GB of system memory Dual Channel memory architecture Supports 2666 (OC) / 1600/1333/1066 MHz DDR3 memory modules Support for non-ECC memory modules Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules)
Integrated graphics	1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 2560x1600p1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200 * DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter. 1 x D-Sub port1 x HDMI port, support the maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200
Audio	Channels 2 / 5.1 Supports Sound Blaster Recon3DiChip CA0132 by Creative Support for S / PDIF output HD Audio
LAN	1 x Intel GbE LAN physical port (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2) * Does not support link aggregation. 1 x Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2201 LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)
Expansion Sockets	2 x PCI Express x8 slot, at x8 speed (PCIEX8_1, PCIEX8_2) * The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot and the PCIEX8_2 slot with the PCIEX16_2 slot. PCIEX16_1 / PCIEX16_2 slots will operate in x8 mode at most when PCIEX8_1 / PCIEX8_2 slots are busy. (PCI Express x16 slots comply with PCI Express 3.0 standard.) * PCIE Gen.3 at the expense of CPU and memory cards. Expansion are supported2 x PCI Express x16 slots, to x16 (PCIEX16_1, PCIEX16_2) * If you are installing only one PCI Express graphics card, for optimal performance make sure it is placed in the PCIEX16_1 slot; If you are installing 2 PCI Express graphics cards, it is recommended to use PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2.2 slots x PCI Express x1 slots (PCI Express x1 slots comply with PCI Express 2.0 standard.) 1 x PCI Supports 4-Way / 3-Way / 2-Way AMD CrossFireX ™ / NVIDIA SLI technology.
Storage interface	Chipset: 1 x mSATA connector * The SATA2 5 connector will be disabled when the mSATA connector is installed with a solid state hard drive. 4 x SATA 3Gb / s connector (SATA2 2/3/4/5) with capacity for 4 SATA 3Gb / devices s2 x SATA 6Gb / s connectors (SATA3 0/1) supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb / s devices Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 * When the RAID set is distributed on SATA 6Gb / s and SATA 3Gb channels / s, the system performance of the RAID set may vary depending on the connected devices. 2 x Marvell 88SE9172 chips: 4 x SATA 6Gb / s connector (GSATA3 6/7/8/9) with capacity for 4 SATA 6Gb / s devices Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
Rear I / O connectors	5 x audio jacks (Central / Subwoofer, Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Line In / Mic In, Line Out, Headphones) 1 x DVI-D1 port x D-Sub port1 x keyboard / mouse port PS / 22 x RJ port -451 x DisplayPort6 x USB 3.0 / 2.01 x HDMI1 x S / P-DIF Optical Output
BIOS	PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS 2 x 64 Mbit flash Supports DualBIOS ™
Format	E-ATX form factor: 30.5cm x 26.4cm

The G1.Sniper 3 is the newest member of the GIGABYTE G1-Killer series of motherboards designed specifically for gaming, which has been designed from the ground up to provide an added bonus in any 3D gaming contest. "Accuracy" is the key word in all areas of this motherboard design, a design where as much attention has been paid to the aesthetic details of the motherboard as to its technical value.

The GIGABYTE Z77 Z77 series takes advantage of the exclusive PWM All Digital controller array to power your third generation Intel ^® Core ™ processor. Using fully digital controllers means that the accuracy of power supply to the most demanding board elements in this regard can be improved. Among these elements are the CPU, VTT, processor graphics and memory, which are undoubtedly the most important elements of it. This All Digital Power system, with a highly accurate Auto Voltage Compensation subsystem, provides exceptional control over the power supply of GIGABYTE 7 Series boards.

GIGABYTE 3D Power: Digital Control of Voltage, Frequency and Phase

Using GIGABYTE's exclusive All Digital controller array, 3D Power provides a precise Auto Voltage Compensation (AVC) system that delivers a constant flow of power regardless of load. There are drivers for CPU Voltage (Vcore), VTT, Integrated Graphics and Memory (DDR). With the GIGABYTE 3D Power utility, parameters such as Over Voltage Protection (OVP), load line calibration and PWM frequency can be adjusted in real time.

Users can now enjoy a fully interactive 3D utility that makes it easy to adjust the three dimensions that control power supply to the CPU and memory: voltage, phase, and frequency. These parameters are crucial in determining how that power reaches critical elements on the motherboard and can help users achieve a more stable and larger overclock.

The voltage parameters can be modified from 3D Power, including the calibration of the CPU load line. Adjusting the CPU load line can prevent brownouts and maintain optimal voltage levels despite increasing current. OVP (over voltage protection) can also be adjusted to change the default protection range of the CPU, memory controller, VTT, and system memory.

Users can calibrate the OCP (Over Current Protection) for the power levels of the CPU, integrated memory controller, and system memory. This allows the phase control to send even more power to the system when needed.

The GIGABYTE digital PWM allows frequency adjustment to be controlled through an International Rectifier IR3567 PWM Controller (IR3567). 3D Power's frequency control allows users to change the frequency of the PWM controller so that the CPU VRM module can adjust the power supply rates more quickly. Users can also adjust the PWM spectrum or the maximum and minimum total frequencies.

The revolutionary Core3D audio and voice chipset accelerates the effects processing of THX TruStudio Pro and CrystalVoice, dramatically improving the gaming experience with higher sampling rates, more realistic and immersive sound, and crystal-clear voice communication.

Headphone Front Audio Amplifier: Specially designed for gamers, the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 3 uses a high-capacity amplifier that is capable of handling 150Ω loads, allowing players to enjoy a wider range of dynamic audio with more detail. Crisp and less distortion when using professional quality headphones. The amplifier also offers high bandwidth, low noise, high response speed (slew rate) and low distortion, making it ideal for use in professional audio. In addition, GIGABYTE has equipped the G1.Sniper 3 board with 4 additional built-in amplifiers for the center subwoofer, rear speaker, side speakers, and audio output.

GIGABYTE is the only motherboard manufacturer that integrates Intel® Gigabit Ethernet and Qualcomm's Atheros E2200 network gaming platform directly onto the G1.Sniper 3 motherboard, offering more possibilities than ever for online gaming connectivity.

The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 3 features a new heatsink that has been designed to efficiently disperse heat from critical areas of the motherboard, such as the VRM of the CPU, quickly dissipating heat and allowing G1 motherboards. GIGABYTE Sniper 3 remain cool even in the intense heat of battle.

As an additional aid to remove heat, the board has 5 Smart Fan connectors that allow more precise control over the system and CPU fans. Equipped with their own individual thermal sensors, smart fans can be easily controlled both through the GIGABYTE EasyTune ™ 6 utility and through the BIOS.

GIGABYTE B75 and Z77 series motherboards include the new Ultra Durable ™ 4, which encompasses a set of exclusive technologies that guarantee those who mount their own PCs their greatest and most absolute protection. Some of its features avoid common threats.

It also includes a unique PCIe expansion card that offers connectivity through Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b / g / n. The Bluetooth 4.0 standard includes Smart Ready technology that debuts on mobile devices like the Apple ^® iPhone ^® 4s. This means that transferring content from a smart phone or tablet will be easier and faster than ever.

The plate is protected in a bulky and robust. In it we can see all the technology that Gigabyte has used.

It is shaped like a briefcase and we have a handle to carry it.

The box is divided into two compartments. The first houses the motherboard and the second all accessories.

View of the beautiful G1.Sniper 3. As in its previous versions, the radioactive green color and the black color predominate.

The plate has a fantastic design. We highlight its 4 16x PCI Express 3.0 ports and its 10 SATA 3.0 / 6.0 ports.

View of the layout of the PCI ports.

View of the back of the plate. The color of the PCB is totally black.

The board includes a wide variety of internal USB ports, a control panel and connection for fans.

One of its improvements is the addition of an M-Sata port for solid state disks (SSD).

Dissipation is one of its strengths by hosting 12 Power Phases (VRM).

And the south bridge also includes a fairly robust heatsink with the skull logo.

The board includes a very good built-in sound card: Creative's CA0132 chip. Among its strengths is its 150 Ω amplifier, compatible with Sound Blaster Recon3Di, channels 2.1 / 5.1 and high definition audio. As we can see in the following image, the sound card is shielded from any interference.

As in all high-end motherboards we find a button to turn the equipment on / off, the reset button, clear bios and an indicator LED for any technical problem.

The box includes:

• Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3 Motherboard Wiring (Sata, audio, etc…). Instruction manual and disk with drivers / software. Bridges for SLI / CrossFireX system (2, 3 and 4 cards at the same time). Back jacket.

As happened in Sniper 2. We have posters and stickers to set our PC and room.

Another novelty is the Atheros AR5B22 wireless network card that supports 802.11 B / G / N and includes two antennas.

Your connection must be made on the PCI Express port.

It also includes two external USB 3.0 connectors.

We have made a video showing the advanced BIOS of the Sniper 3 with OC values ​​and testing the 4600mhz of an Intel i7 3770K.

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel 2600K
Base plate:	Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3
Memory:	Kingston Hyperx PNP 2x4GB
Heatsink	Corsair H60
HDD	Kingston Hyperx 120gb
Graphic card	ASUS GTX580 DCII
Power supply	Thermaltake TouchPower 1350W

To check the stability of the processor and motherboard. We have done a 4600 mhz OC to our Intel i7 2600k with Prime 95 Custom and a GTX580 at 780mhz. The performance has been incredible. We have also performed the following tests:

TESTS
3dMark Vantage:	26912 PTS TOTAL.
3dMark11	P5790 PTS.
Heaven Unigine v2.1	46.1 FPS and 1175 PTS.
CineBench	OPENGPL: 63.5 AND CPU: 8.73

The Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3 is one of the three best ATX-format Z77 boards on the market: Z77 chipset, 32GB DDR3 to 2666 compatible, XMP profiles, HDMI output, Creative CA0132 sound card, Atheros Killer E2201 network card and wireless and Dual BIOS.

The board has an excellent layout to install up to four NVIDIA or ATI graphics cards. By having the SLI and CrossFireX certificates. Other strengths are its 10 SATA hard drive / sata connections and its mSATA port for SSD.

Our tests have been carried out with an Intel i7 2600k and an Asus Direct CU II GTX580 graphics. The results have been excellent: 3DMARK Vantage: 26912 PTS, Heavin Unigine 1175 PTS. And we've tested games like Battlefield 3 and Starcraft II with excellent performance. Improving the latency of our connection thanks to the Atheros Killer card.

Another of its strong points is the dissipation that allows us to perform a strong overclock. We have tested two processors, an Intel 2600k (Sandy Bridge) and an Intel 3770k (Ivy Bridge). The first we have achieved up to 5200mhz and the second 4600mhz (being more warm). We have noticed the heatsinks heating up a bit, but it is logical.

Finally highlight the Atheros Killer E2201 LAN network card (10/100/1000 Mbit) and its Creative CA0132 sound card with 150 ohm amplifier for high-end helmets. What a combo !!!

The only but is its very high price of € 320. It is only available to very few…

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ DESIGN.	- PRICE.
+ EXCELLENT LAYOUT FOR 4 GRAPHICS.
+ T.LAN ATHEROS KILLER AND CREATIVE SOUND CARD.
+ 10 SATA PORTS AND M-SATA CONNECTION
+ ON / OFF BUTTONS, RESET, CMOS BUILT IN BOARD.
+ INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE.

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