GIGABYTE is working on a new mini-ITX form-factor motherboard for HTPCs and home servers. The H77N-WiFi, built for socket LGA1155 Core Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors, and based on Intel H77 Express chipset, features three network interfaces: two gigabit Ethernet, and an 802.11 b/g/n WLAN. Revving up its HTPC credentials, the board also features two HDMI display outputs, so you can plug your TV to one, and home theater receiver to the other (for multi-channel digital audio). Further, the 8-channel HD audio CODEC gives out an optical SPDIF (TOSLINK) output for 7.1 channel audio.

The GIGABYTE H77N-WiFi draws power from 24-pin ATX and 4-pin CPU power connectors. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 4+1 phase VRM that appears to use common ferrite core chokes and LFPAK MOSFETs. The LGA1155 CPU is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 16 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory; and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16. The Intel H77 PCH gives out two SATA 6 Gb/s and two SATA 3 Gb/s ports, with support for Smart Response technology (SSD caching). Apart from dual-HDMI, the board supports DVI-I.The rest of its connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports (two on the rear panel, two by header), six USB 2.0 ports (four on rear panel, two by header), PS/2 mouse/keyboard combo port, and serial COM by header. The 8-channel HD audio appears to be driven by a Realtek-made CODEC. The two gigabit Ethernet interfaces also appear to be Realtek-made. Interestingly, the 802.11 b/g/n WLAN card also supports WiDi (wireless display output), and Bluetooth. The H77N-WiFi from GIGABYTE is expected to be officially announced a little later this month.