Review: gigabyte ga-h61n

Gigabyte is a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and other hardware solutions. I recently announced the GA-H61N-USB3 motherboard with ITX format for socket 1155. It is a small motherboard equipped with Gigabyte Super 4 technology and ultra durable 4.

Product Loaned by:

GIGABYTE GA-H61N-USB3 FEATURES
Processor:	L3 cache varies by CPU. Support for Intel ® Core ™ i7 / Intel ® Core ™ i5 / Intel ® Core ™ i3 Processors / Intel ® Pentium ® / Intel ® Celeron ® on LGA1155
Chipset:	Intel H61 Express
Memory:	2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMMs supporting up to 16GB of system memory Dual Channel memory architecture DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz Support for non-ECC memory modules
Integrated graphics:	1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200 * DVI-D port does not support D-Sub adapter connection. 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1200 1 x D-Sub port
Audio:	Realtek ALC889 chipset S / PDIF out High definition audio 2/4 / 5.1 / 7.1-channel (To configure 7.1-channel audio, you need to connect to the standard high-definition audio port through the front panel and enable the multi-function audio channel through the Audio)
LAN:	Realtek 8111E chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Storage interface:	2 x SATA 3Gb / s connectors (SATA2_0, SATA2_1) supporting up to 2 SATA 3Gb / s devices 1 x 3 Gb / s eSATA connector on the back panel that supports up to 1 SATA 3Gb / s device
USB	Chipset: 8 x USB 2.0 / 1.1. Cool 1009 chip: 2 USB 3.0./2.0.
Rear Panel	1 x RJ-45 port 1 x 3 Gb / s eSATA connectors 1 x DVI-D port 1 x D-Sub port 2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 1 x HDMI 1 x S / P-DIF Optical Output 1 x S / P-DIF Coaxial Out 4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 3 x audio jacks (Line-in / Line-out / MIC)
Format	Mini ITX: 17 cm x 17 cm

New 100% Hardware Compatible CPU Power Design VRD 12: GIGABYTE 6 Series boards feature an Intel approved Intersil PWM controller that supports VRD 12 (Voltage Regulator Down). This supposes the inclusion of new functionalities like SerialVID (SVID) that transfers energy management information between the processor and the voltage regulation controller, allowing a more robust and efficient signaling control between the CPU and the PWM controller, and therefore leading to a more energy efficient platform.

Gigabyte Super4: GIGABYTE Super4 ™ boards represent the latest range of next generation desktop boards on top of the Intel® H61 Express chipset with support for 2nd generation 'Sandy Bridge' Intel® Core ™ CPUs. Not content with providing unrivaled performance and advanced integrated graphics capabilities from Intel, GIGABYTE Super4 ™ boards come equipped with a comprehensive range of functionality that makes conventional PC users available to the most attractive platform on the market today.

TOUCH BIOS EFI: Navigating the BIOS to modify system parameters can become a disproportionate task for users unfamiliar with function keys and mouseless navigation. Although some EFI BIOSs try to attack this problem with environments that include mouse, many implementations suffer from a certain ease of use that is necessary for most people. Thanks to GIGABYTE's Touch BIOS ™, GIGABYTE engineers have completely redefined the way users can interact with their BIOS thanks to a more intuitive user experience. In fact, with a touchscreen, GIGABYTE Touch BIOS ™ is as easy to use as most apps on your iPhone.

SUPERSPEED USB3.0: GIGABYTE boards boast SuperSpeed ​​USB 3.0 technology thanks to the integrated host controller. With ultra-fast transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, users can experience up to 10x theoretical improvements over USB 2.0. Also, backward compatibility with USB 2.0 ensures long-term use of older USB 2.0 devices.

The Gigabyte GA-H61N-USB3 is protected by a small white box. In it we can see all the main features printed.

The box includes:

• Gigabyte GA-H61N-USB3 Motherboard A set of SATA cable in blue color. Back hood. Instruction manuals and warranty. CD with drivers and applications.

General view of the motherboard.

Rear view of the motherboard.

Board connections. When carrying the H61 chipset it incorporates video output (integrated in the cpu): D-SUB, DVI and HDMI.

We really liked this heatsink on the chipset. In a small size plate the heat affects all the components. And any extra cooling is very important.

The phases are not refrigerated, but since it is the H61 chipset that does not allow us to perform OC and have Gigabyte quality phases it is not necessary.

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel 2600k 3.4GHZ
Base plate:	Gigabyte H61N-USB3
Memory:	Kingston Hyperx PNP 2x4GB
Heatsink	Corsair H60
HDD	Kingston Hyperx 120gb
Graphic card	Nvidia Geforce GTX570
Box	Benchtable Dimastech Easy V2.5

For our tests we have used an Intel 2600k and a powerful GTX570 graphics card. We have carried out some tests, then the results obtained:

• 3DMARK11: 52097Heave: 1410The Planet 2 1080P: 63FPSMetro 2033: 47 FPS.

The performance of the GA-H61N-USB3 with an Intel 2600k processor has been incredible. It has offered us excellent stability with the GTX570. In addition to efficient consumption (maximum peak of 200w). We have been able to play titles like Metro 2033 46 fps on average and Lost Planet 2 at 63 fps on average.

These small format plates can be used for various purposes:

• Multimedia equipment: we installed an Intel 2100t + an ATI 6450 graphics and a slim itx box. And we have a perfect team to play Counter Strike games, watch movies and surf the internet.

• Work station: every day space is more important to work with the office suite or company program. We can also use USB 3.0 for fast file transfer.

• Gaming: The ideal would be a motherboard with a Z68 chipset, but if we are not going to overclock it, it is not necessary.

We must not forget the Gigabyte Super 4 technology that allows us to install the new 2nd generation Sandy Bridge processors. So we can take advantage of the new advantage of 22nm processors.

We can also manage and monitor hot all the options on the motherboard, thanks to the TOUCH EFI BIOS.

In short, the GA-H61N-USB3 becomes a great alternative for the normal user, who does not want to practice OC and wants light equipment. It is already available in the market, its price ranges between € 66 and € 70.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ EXCELLENT COMPONENTS.	- MORE USB 3.0 CONNECTORS.
+ ULTRA DURABLE TECHNOLOGY.
+ COMPATIBILITY WITH 2ND GENERATION PROCESSORS LGA 1155.
+ FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE WITH 2600K + GTX570 PROCESSOR.
+ VERY COMPLETE BUNDLE.

The Professional Review team awards him the silver medal: