Posted on Thursday, November 07 2013 @ 18:38 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Gigayte introduced the G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard at Blizzcon 2013. This motherboard features Killer E2200 networking and comes with AMP-UP Audio, an onboard OP-Amp that can be upgraded to improve sound quality.
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the launch of its latest gaming motherboard the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z87 at Blizzcon 2013, one of the biggest US gaming events of the year. The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z87 combines our signature AMP-UP Audio feature set with Killer E2200 networking, gold hardware, ruthless performance and looks that could kill.
"The new G1.Sniper Z87 has PC gaming built-in to its DNA, an utterly compelling choice for any high performance PC built with fragging in mind," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "It's fantastic to be here as the exclusive motherboard sponsor at Blizzcon 2013, and also have the opportunity to showcase our latest gaming platform to thousands of true hard core gamers."
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z87
The latest addition to the GIGABYTE G1-Killer series of gaming motherboards, the G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard, is packed with an exclusive range of features that make it a champion's choice in the gaming arena.
GIGABYTE AMP-UP Audio: Redefining Motherboard Audio
The G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard features a range of unique features and technologies that are designed to give gamers more control over the game's audio, a crucial aspect of the modern gaming experience.
Exclusive Upgradable Onboard OP-Amp
GIGABYTE motherboards are the world's first to feature an upgradable onboard operational amplifier (OP-Amp). OP-Amps are commonly found in high-end audio equipment and offer not only amplification of the audio signal, but a superior audio experience generally. The motherboard's OP-Amp is mounted on a socket which allows users to physically switch out and try different OP-Amps which offer distinct and nuanced properties that make the audio clearer, punchier and more life-like. Additional OP-Amps can be purchased separately to further expand audio capabilities.
USB DAC-UP
Featuring a gold plated USB 2.0 port, GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP provides clean, noise-free power delivery to any Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). DACs can be sensitive to fluctuations in power from other USB ports; this is why GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP takes advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations, ensuring the best audio experience possible.
Gain Boost
To optimize the audio experience provided by the onboard OP-Amp, the G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard also features Gain Boost with onboard switches to select between 2.5x and 6x amplification modes depending on output device. Most OP-Amps are capable of providing a high-gain audio output that is ideal for high-end headphones and speakers that have higher impedance headroom.
Creative Sound Core3D
The G1.Sniper Z87 features a dedicated Sound Core3D audio processor from Creative, a multi-core sound and voice processor offering high-performance hardware audio processing, with leading-edge audio technologies including the latest SoundBlaster software suite.
Audio Noise Guard
To help protect and insulate the Creative Sound Core3D audio processor and onboard amplifiers from electrostatic interference (ESD), the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard features an audio noise guard that essentially separates the board's sensitive analog audio components from potential ESD pollution at the PCB level. LED trace path lighting illuminates to show the separation of the PCB layers.
Nichicon Pro Audio Caps
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard uses the highest quality Nichicon MUSE ES series audio capacitors at each channel layout. These professional audio capacitors deliver the highest quality sound resolution and expansion to create a true Hi-Fi audio experience.
Gold Audio Plated Hardware
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper Z87 motherboard uses top quality gold plated hardware for improved connectivity and long lasting durability for the USB DAC-UP port and audio connectors. Gold has superb signal conductivity and will not tarnish over extended periods of use. The Sound Core3D audio processor is also shielded by a gold-plated cover which eliminates electrostatic interference.
