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Gigabyte G1.Sniper2 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) Motherboard

Core i7 / i5 / i3, ATX, DDR3 (max 32GB), 4 x USB3, 13 x USB2, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s, 3 x SATA 3Gb/s, eSATA, RAID, Bigfoot Killer E2100 LAN, X-Fi Audio.

Order Code: GIG-Z68S

Manf.Code: GA-Z68-G1-SNIPER2

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Please view our whole range of Intel 1155 (Z68 Chipset) Motherboards here

CPU, Chipset and Graphics Features



LGA1155 Intel Second Generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3 Processors Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel second generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3 processors in the LGA1155 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMM) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance. Intel second generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3 processors are among the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.

Intel Z68 Express Chipset
The Intel Z68 Express Chipset is a single-chipset design to support socket 1155 Intel second generation Core i7/Core i5/Core i3 processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally, Z68 chipset provides 2 SATA 6Gb/s and 4 SATA 3Gb/s ports for faster data retrieval at double the bandwidth of current bus systems. Moreover, Intel Z68 Express Chipset also supports iGPU function, letting users enjoy the latest Intel integrated graphic performance.

Maximum CPU Power Delivery
Like the pistons and cylinders of a car engine, the design of the motherboard Voltage Regulator Module (VRM), component quality and number of power phases greatly affects motherboard performance. GIGABYTE engineers were first to realize not only the importance of using the best quality components for this critical area, but also that with more power phases, there can be more power available to your CPU. With 8 phase power design, Dual CPU Power and Driver MOSFETs, GIGABYTE G1-Killer series motherboards deliver the best-in-class system performance and power stability required for elite gaming systems.

Dual CPU Power Technology
GIGABYTE's proprietary Dual CPU Power Technology allows CPU VRM power phases to split evenly into 2 sets of power engines that operate in tandem. This allows 1 set of power phases to rest while the other is active as opposed to a traditional power design where all the power phases are always active. As such, GIGABYTE Dual CPU Power effectively halves the amount of work done by each set of power phases to significantly increase motherboard durability and reliability.

Driver MOSFETs - Integration of VRM Components
By incorporating the MOSFETs and driver IC in accordance with the Intel Driver MOSFET specification, GIGABYTE G1-Killer series motherboards allows higher power transfer and increased efficiency at higher switching frequencies to satisfy the power requirements of modern processors. Driver MOSFETs also help to reduce VRM real estate requirements for a cleaner, less cluttered CPU zone.



Support for PCI Express Gen3
Approx. double the potential data bandwidth. The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper2 motherboard is one of the first to provide gamers with the latest Gen3 PCI Express technology, delivering maximum data bandwidth for the latest discrete graphics cards.

Switchable Graphics with LucidLogix Virtu GPU Virtualization
GIGABYTE Z68 motherboards are enabled with LucidLogix Virtu GPU Virtualization technology which allows users to dynamically switch between their built-in graphics and their high-end, 3D discrete graphics cards. This is ideal for gamers who require high-resolution gaming and still want to enjoy the built-in media features of 2nd generation Intel Core processors. In so doing, switchable graphics helps to dramatically reduce PC graphics power consumption.

Intel HD Graphics Support
GIGABYTE Z68 motherboards offer support for several 2nd generation Intel Core Built-in Visual Features. Intel Quick Sync Video offers up to 2X faster media processing than any other solution for incredibly fast conversion of video files for portable media players or online sharing. With Intel InTru 3D users can enjoy the ultimate 3D visual experiences–seamlessly–from their PC. Now you they can watch their favorite 3D movies with Blu-ray Stereo 3D playback using active shutter 3D glasses. It delivers it all in 1080p full, high-definition resolution on the TV over HDMI 1.4. Intel Insider allows users to view premium 1080p HD content on their GIGABYTE Z68 series system. Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) increases the performance of Accelerated Floating Point and Vector Computing Intensive Applications with minimal power gains.

HDMI - The Next Generation Multimedia Interface
HDMI is a High-Definition Multimedia Interface which provides up to 5Gb/s video transmitting bandwidth and 8-channel high quality audio all through a single cable. Able to transmit superior, uncompressed digital video and audio, HDMI ensures the crispest rendering of digital content up to 1080p without the quality losses associated with analog interfaces and their digital-to-analog conversion. In addition, HDMI is compatible with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), allowing the playback of Blu-ray/HD DVD and other protected media content.

Multi-display support with 2 way SLI and 2 way CrossFireX
Flexible graphics capabilities - Up to 2 VGA cards are supported for either 2 way CrossFireX or 2 way SLI action, delivering the ultimate in graphics performance for gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest frame rates without compromising on resolution.

Memory Features


Dual-Channel DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.

Transfer Features


SATA 3.0 (6Gbps) and USB 3.0
When you're behind enemy lines, intelligence data latency can get you killed. That is why GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 2 motherboard provides ultra fast data transfer performance with onboard integration of the latest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for up to 4 ports (2 front panel, 2 back panel), SATA Revision 3.0 (6Gbps) technologies, and an unprecedented 3x USB power boost on all USB ports for the most power hungry USB devices. Locked and Loaded Heatpipe Design

Front Access Control Panel
As part of its box kit, the G1.Sniper 2 motherboard features a convenient Front Access Control Panel that allows quick and easy access to 2 USB 3.0 ports and Power eSATA. The Front Access Control Panel also features a Quick Boost button that allows gamers to instantaneously overclock their system with a single press of a button. Imagine being in the thick of battle and being able to get a super charged on-the-fly performance boost without the need for a system reboot.

Cooling Features


Locked and Loaded Heatpipe Design
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 2 features a brand new heatpipe that was designed to be as deadly to heat as it looks. By effectively spreading the heat from the critical areas of the motherboard such as the CPU VRM zone and quickly dissipating it, GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 2 motherboard remain cool, even when the battle heats up. Modeled after the common firearms issued to soldiers deployed to a warzone including pistol, rifle and ammo clip, the Locked and Loaded heatpipe design utilizes a unique fluting technology similar to a rifle barrel fluting, which allows for maximum heat dispersion.



5 Smart Fan Connectors
Further helping to eliminate heat are the 5 strategically placed Smart Fan pin headers which allow for more precise control of system and CPU fans. Equipped with their own individual thermal sensors, the Smart Fans can be easily controlled via GIGABYTE's EasyTune 6 utility as well as in the BIOS.

Audio Features


Onboard Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Digital Audio Processor
Being able to hear where your enemy is located before you see them can put you at a distinct advantage in most gaming situations. That is why GIGABYTE has rigged the G1.Sniper 2 motherboard with the industry's most advanced audio solutions all onboard; giving you the highest caliber audio experience. GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 2 is the world's only gaming motherboard to feature Creative's top-of-the-line Soundblaster Digital Audio Processor (20K2) onboard with X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity and EAX Advanced HD 5.0 technologies, allowing you to experience sound in your gaming world exactly as you would in real life.

Dolby Digital Live
Enjoy audio from your PC through your home theater with Dolby Digital Live. A real-time encoding technology, Dolby Digital Live converts any audio signal into a Dolby Digital bitstream for transport and playback through a home theater system. With it, your PC can be hooked up to your Dolby Digital-equipped audio/video receiver or digital speaker system via a single digital connection, eliminating the confusion of multiple cables and ensuring the integrity of the audio signal.

DTS Connect
DTS Connect is the perfect solution to enhance your entertainment experience using your home theater's Audio/Video Receiver. DTS Connect is comprised of two DTS technologies including DTS Neo: PC which takes 2-channel (stereo) audio and transforms it into a full-bandwidth matrix of your speaker layout (up to 7.1 channels) and DTS Interactive which encodes digital audio sources into DTS Digital Surround, which can then stream out to your Audio/Video Receiver using a S/PDIF connection.

Built-in Front Audio Headphone Amplifier
Specially designed for gamers, GIGABYTE G1.Sniper2 utilizes a high capacity amplifier which is able to drive 150O loads, allowing gamers to enjoy a fuller range of dynamic sound with crisper details and less distortion when using high quality professional headphones. The amplifier also features wide band-width, low noise, high slew rate and low distortion, making it ideal for professional audio usage. In addition, GIGABYTE has equipped G1.Sniper2 motherboard with 4 additional amplifiers onboard for the center/sub woofer, rear speaker, side surround and line out.

Nichicon High-end Audio Capacitors
GIGABYTE G1.Sniper2 motherboard utilizes the highest quality Nichicon MUSE ES series and MW series Bi-Polarized audio capacitors at each channel layout. These professional audio capacitors deliver the highest quality sound resolution and sound expansion to create the most realistic sound effects for professional gamers.

Other Features


GIGABYTE Touch BIOS
Navigating through the BIOS to change system settings can be a daunting task for users not familiar with control “F”functions and mouse-less navigation. While some EFI BIOS try to address this with a mouse friendly environment, many implementations still lack a certain ease-of-use necessary for most people. With GIGABYTE Touch BIOS, GIGABYTE engineers have completely re-imagined how users can interact with their BIOS, allowing for a more intuitive user experience. In fact, with a touch screen monitor, GIGABYTE Touch BIOS is as easy to use as most apps on your iPhone.

GIGABYTE EZ Smart Response
The GIGABYTE EZ Smart Response utility is a simple application that allows users to quickly and easily configure their system for Intel Smart Response Technology. In the past, enabling Intel Smart Response meant users needed to enter the BIOS in order to configure their system for RAID mode, which then required a complete reinstall of the operating system. Once that processes was complete, users then needed to install the Intel Rapid Storage Utility as well as configure Intel's Smart Response Technology. GIGABYTE EZ Smart Response does all of this automatically, without users having to perform a complicated install process. This allows them to quickly and effortlessly enjoy a significant boost in system performance.

DualBIOS 3TB+ HDD Support (Hybrid EFI Technology)
Hybrid EFI Technology combines the benefits of GIGABYTE's mature BIOS platform including stability and compatibility with 3rd party products with 3TB+ HDD support from EFI technology, allowing GIGABYTE to offer the best of both worlds through a quick and easy BIOS update using GIGABYTE's @BIOS utility that is freely available from the GIGABYTE website. GIGABYTE DualBIOS is a patented technology that automatically recovers BIOS data when the main BIOS has crashed or failed. Featuring 2 physical BIOS ROMs integrated onboard, GIGABYTE DualBIOS allows quick and seamless recovery from BIOS damage or failure due to viruses or improper BIOS updating. In addition, GIGABYTE DualBIOS now supports 3TB+ (terabyte) hard drive booting without the need for partitioning, and enables more data storage on a single hard drive.

Ultra Durable 3
The GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 design features twice the copper for both the power and ground layers of the PCB, dramatically lowering system temperature by efficiently spreading heat from critical areas of the motherboard (such as the CPU power zone) throughout the entire PCB. GIGABYTE's Ultra Durable 3 also lowers the PCB impedance by 50%, which helps to reduce electrical waste and further lowers component temperatures. A 2x Copper layer design also provides improved signal quality and lower EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), providing better system stability and allowing for greater margins for overclocking.

Onboard Bigfoot Networks Killer E2100 Game Networking Platform
GIGABYTE is the only motherboard manufacturer to seriously address online gaming network lag issues by implementing the Bigfoot Networks Killer E2100 Game Networking Platform directly onboard the G1-Killer series motherboards. Utilizing a unique combination of dedicated Network Processing Unit (NPU) and exclusive Game Networking DNA technology, the Bigfoot Networks Killer E2100 Game Networking Platform was designed to give the best online gaming experience possible.

Killer E2100 Dedicated NPU. Dedicated Network Processing Unit (NPU) with 1Gb of dedicated DDR2 memory helps offload network traffic from the CPU, freeing it up to do other important computing tasks.

Game Networking DNA. Bigfoot Network's exclusive Game Networking DNA software offloads gaming data directly to the NPU by bypassing the Windows Network Stack, delivering tremendous speed benefits which allow you to move quicker, shoot faster and win bigger.

Up to 10X Faster. Whether you're playing MMOs or first-person shooters, the Bigfoot Networks Killer E2100 game networking platform delivers up to 10X faster networking performance for a whole new level of online gaming performance.

General

Part Number G1.Sniper2
Model Number G1.Sniper2
Form Factor ATX
Width 30.5cm
Depth 26.4m

Processor Information
Compatible Processors Intel Core i7
Intel Core i5
Intel Core i3
Socket Type LGA 1155

Note: Please refer to www.gigabyte.com for Intel CPU Support List

Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer Intel
Chipset Type Z68 Express

Memory
RAM Installed / Max Capacity 0 MB / 32 GB Max
RAM Slots 4 x DDR3 DIMM
Supported RAM Technology Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM
Supported RAM Speeds DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 Mhz

Expansion Slots
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (running at x16)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (running at x8)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
2 x PCI

VGA & Integrated Graphics Options
Video Controller N/A
Multi-GPU Support Supports 2-Way AMD CrossFireX
Supports 2-Way nVidia SLI

Ports & Connectivity - External IO Panel (Back of Motherboard)
Ports Present & Quantity 7 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x CPU overclocking button
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
1 x eSATA/USB Combo connector
1 x HDMI port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
5 x audio jacks

Ports & Connectivity - Internal IO (Header pins on Motherboard - Inside Case)
Ports Present & Quantity 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
3 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
4 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
1 x serial port header
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header
1 x clearing CMOS jumper
1 x heatsink LED power connector
1 x CPU overclocking button header

Storage Interfaces & Controllers
Intel Z68 Express Chipset 2 x SATA 6Gb/s
3 x SATA 3Gb/s
1 x eSATA 3Gb/s
RAID 0,1,5,10 Support
Marvell 88SE9128 Chip 2 x SATA 6Gb/s
RAID 0,1 Support

LAN & Networking
Controller Bigfoot Killer E2100
Lan Speed 10/100/1000
Ports 1 x LAN(RJ45) port

Audio
Controller/Codec/Information Creative CA20K2 Chip
Support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect
Support for X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity and EAX Advanced HD 5.0 technologies
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out

Features & Technologies
Feature List Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
Support for Download Center
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune
Support for Dynamic Energy Saver 2
Support for Smart 6
Support for Auto Green
Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Cloud OC
Support for 3TB+ Unlock
Support for TouchBIOS
Support for Q-Share

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