GIGABYTE G1.Sniper

Introduction

Since the release of the P67 chipset for Intel's Sandy Bridge processors, the interest of the consumer market has shifted away from the X58 chipset. However, the majority of hardcore computer enthusiasts still remain faithful to their older Core i7 systems for several valid reasons. The primary reason is that unless equipped with NF200 chip, the P67 chipset is only able to support up to 16 PCI-E lanes, which can be split into (x8/x8) configuration for SLI/CrossFire. In comparison, the X58 chipset supports 32 lanes, meaning both PCI-E slots can run at x16, providing a sigificantly higher threshold for the bandwidth. While a regular computer user might not notice the difference between 8x and 16x PCI-E performance, those that use SLI or CrossFire set ups with dual GPU graphics will notice a slight drop in performance. In addition, LGA 1366 socket is able support 6-core processors, while the LGA 1155 socket can only support 4-core processors. Certainly at some point, the release of 6-core Sandy Bridge processors may change the outlook on which system can deliver maximum performance, but as of now, the fact remains that the X58 chipset is capable of delivering slightly higher performance for gamers.

At CES 2011, GIGABYTE announced the release of a completely new series of motherboards: the G1.Killer series. The series consists of three different variants: the G1.Assasin, the G1.Sniper, and the G1.Guerilla, all of which utilize the old X58 chipset, while bringing in a set of new features that are not observed in any other modern motherboard. The G1 series motherboards have been designed to deliver maximum performance without depriving the user of the room for creativity. The most definitive features of these motherboards are the built-in high quality audio utilzing the Creative 20K2 chip and the Bigfoot Killer E2100 Network Processing Unit. These features are geared towards the gaming audience, but are not limited to one particular group of users. Without the need to use expansion slots for audio or LAN hardware, users are able to make full use of the provided PCI-E bandwidth to either stock up on GPUs or add additional cards to their liking. 

The G1 Sniper is the second motherboard in G1.Killer series. Unlike the larger XL-ATX form factored G1.Assassin, the Sniper is an ATX board, demonstrating most of the same features that the G1.Assassin has to offer. Priced at USD 450, this board strikes a good balance, providing all the features for a medium range price. While the overall price of the series is rather steep, considering that other high end motherboards like ASUS Sabertooth X58 and Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7 cost 199.99 and 345.99 accordingly, the quality of the components on the motherboards as well as addition of dedicated audio solution (Creative CA20K2 audio) and dedicated network platform (Killer E2100) can be worth the price.

GIGABYTE targets the G1.Sniper at the gaming market. With 3-way SLI/CrossFire support and an ATX form factor, this motherboard can serve as a valuable contribution to practically any gaming rig. A dedicated audio solution and LAN Network Processing Unit are not only designed in order to free the third PCI-E slot for an additonal card, but also to reduce the workload of the central processor in order to improve overall performance. The quality of components does not seem to fall far from GA-XA57-UD7, which implies that this motherboard has all of the functionality observed in other high end X58 motherboards. The Dual-BIOS, 2 oz. copper PCB (twice the copper in both power and ground layers of the PCB), dual CPU power, and driver MOSFETs all suggest that this motherboard is a secure station for overclocking. Let's go deeper in and see what the G1.Sniper has to offer.