Friday, August 30th 2013
GIGABYTE Introduces the H81.AMP-UP Motherboard
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the latest addition to its 8 series motherboards, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP. Supporting the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard boasts outstanding audio features never seen before on an mainstream platform motherboard. These include an upgradable onboard OP-Amp, exclusive USB DAC-UP which provides noise-less USB power for digital-to-analog converters, switches to boost overall gain levels, high-end Nichicon capacitors and more.
"The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP is like no other motherboard currently available, addressing the important market of audio enthusiasts that don't necessarily require high-end PC gaming features," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "Delivering a potent combination of our exclusive audio technologies, and backed by our signature Ultra Durable design philosophy, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP has certainly upped the ante in terms of must have features for mainstream H81 motherboards."
GIGABYTE AMP-UP Audio: Redefining Motherboard Audio
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard features a range of unique features and technologies that are designed to give audio enthusiasts more control over their motherboard audio than ever before.
AMP-UP AUDIO - Upgradable Onboard OP-Amp
GIGABYTE motherboards are the world's first to feature an 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.
Gain Boost
To optimize the audio experience provided by the onboard OP-Amp, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP 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.
USB DAC-UP
Featuring a gold plated USB 2.0 port, GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP provides clean, noise-free power delivery to Digital-to-Analog Converters. DACs can be sensitive to fluctuations in power from other USB ports, which is why GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP takes advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations, ensuring the best audio experience possible.
GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP also allows the port to be configured in BIOS for enthusiast system configurations which do not require USB power to the DAC. This makes it suitable for high-end audio enthusiasts building extreme fidelity audio systems.
Audio Noise Guard
To help protect and insulate the the Realtek ALC898 audio processor and onboard amplifiers from electrostatic interference (ESD), the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP 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 H81.AMP-UP motherboard uses the highest quality Nichicon 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 Plated Audio Hardware
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP 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 Realtek ALC898 audio processor is also shielded by a gold-plated cover which eliminates electrostatic interference.
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 Plus
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 Plus focuses on "Ultra Performance" and "Ultra Safe", with a range of features and component choices that provide optimal performance, cool and efficient operation and extended motherboard lifespan.
Ultra Performance
GIGABYTE uses All Solid Caps (Capacitors) and Low RDS(on) MOSFETs which are rated to work at higher temperatures to provide a longer lifespan. Specially designed to produce lower switching for faster electric current charging and discharging, Low RDS(on) MOSFETs have lower power consumption during the switching process, resulting in a faster switching process and less heat generation.
Ultra Safe
GIGABYTE motherboards feature GIGABYTE DualBIOS, an exclusive technology from GIGABYTE that protects arguably one of your PC's most crucial components, the BIOS. GIGABYTE DualBIOS means that your motherboard has both a 'Main BIOS' and a 'Backup BIOS', protecting users from BIOS failure due to virus attack, hardware malfunction, improper OC settings or power failure during the update process.
High ESD Protection for USB and LAN
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard raises the bar in terms of protecting your system, providing advanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for both your Ethernet LAN and USB ports, both common sources of ESD-related failures. Each LAN and USB port is paired with a dedicated protection filter that can withstand high electrostatic discharges, protecting your system from common electrical surges and even direct lighting strikes.
Additional USB 3.0 Ports
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard features an onboard USB 3.0 host controller that provides an additional four USB 3.0 ports. Together with USB 3.0 ports provided by the Intel H81 chipset, users can enjoy SuperSpeed connectivity on a total of six USB 3.0 ports.
4K Ultra HD Support
GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards provide native 4K support with integrated Intel HD Graphics via HDMI or DisplayPort. 4K resolution is the next technological milestone in high-definition content delivery, utilizing approximately 4,000 pixels on the horizontal axis, more than four times today's standard HD pixel density.
New GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS with Dashboard Mode
GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS features a fully customizable user interface that allows users to adjust overclocking and performance settings in real-time. With smooth mouse control and shortcuts for fast navigation, the new and exclusive Dashboard Mode provides complete access to all data related to the motherboard, including CPU, graphics and memory clocks, temperatures and voltages.
New GIGABYTE App Center
GIGABYTE App Center gives you easy access to a wealth of GIGABYTE apps that help users get the most from their GIGABYTE motherboard. Using a simple, unified user interface, GIGABYTE App Center allows users to launch all GIGABYTE apps installed on their system. The GIGABYTE App Center is also customizable with three attractive color schemes.
The GIGABYTE App Center Includes:
www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4485#ov
"The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP is like no other motherboard currently available, addressing the important market of audio enthusiasts that don't necessarily require high-end PC gaming features," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "Delivering a potent combination of our exclusive audio technologies, and backed by our signature Ultra Durable design philosophy, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP has certainly upped the ante in terms of must have features for mainstream H81 motherboards."
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard features a range of unique features and technologies that are designed to give audio enthusiasts more control over their motherboard audio than ever before.
AMP-UP AUDIO - Upgradable Onboard OP-Amp
GIGABYTE motherboards are the world's first to feature an 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.
Gain Boost
To optimize the audio experience provided by the onboard OP-Amp, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP 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.
USB DAC-UP
Featuring a gold plated USB 2.0 port, GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP provides clean, noise-free power delivery to Digital-to-Analog Converters. DACs can be sensitive to fluctuations in power from other USB ports, which is why GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP takes advantage of an isolated power source that minimizes potential fluctuations, ensuring the best audio experience possible.
GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP also allows the port to be configured in BIOS for enthusiast system configurations which do not require USB power to the DAC. This makes it suitable for high-end audio enthusiasts building extreme fidelity audio systems.
Audio Noise Guard
To help protect and insulate the the Realtek ALC898 audio processor and onboard amplifiers from electrostatic interference (ESD), the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP 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 H81.AMP-UP motherboard uses the highest quality Nichicon 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 Plated Audio Hardware
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP 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 Realtek ALC898 audio processor is also shielded by a gold-plated cover which eliminates electrostatic interference.
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 Plus
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 Plus focuses on "Ultra Performance" and "Ultra Safe", with a range of features and component choices that provide optimal performance, cool and efficient operation and extended motherboard lifespan.
Ultra Performance
GIGABYTE uses All Solid Caps (Capacitors) and Low RDS(on) MOSFETs which are rated to work at higher temperatures to provide a longer lifespan. Specially designed to produce lower switching for faster electric current charging and discharging, Low RDS(on) MOSFETs have lower power consumption during the switching process, resulting in a faster switching process and less heat generation.
Ultra Safe
GIGABYTE motherboards feature GIGABYTE DualBIOS, an exclusive technology from GIGABYTE that protects arguably one of your PC's most crucial components, the BIOS. GIGABYTE DualBIOS means that your motherboard has both a 'Main BIOS' and a 'Backup BIOS', protecting users from BIOS failure due to virus attack, hardware malfunction, improper OC settings or power failure during the update process.
High ESD Protection for USB and LAN
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard raises the bar in terms of protecting your system, providing advanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for both your Ethernet LAN and USB ports, both common sources of ESD-related failures. Each LAN and USB port is paired with a dedicated protection filter that can withstand high electrostatic discharges, protecting your system from common electrical surges and even direct lighting strikes.
Additional USB 3.0 Ports
The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard features an onboard USB 3.0 host controller that provides an additional four USB 3.0 ports. Together with USB 3.0 ports provided by the Intel H81 chipset, users can enjoy SuperSpeed connectivity on a total of six USB 3.0 ports.
4K Ultra HD Support
GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards provide native 4K support with integrated Intel HD Graphics via HDMI or DisplayPort. 4K resolution is the next technological milestone in high-definition content delivery, utilizing approximately 4,000 pixels on the horizontal axis, more than four times today's standard HD pixel density.
New GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS with Dashboard Mode
GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS features a fully customizable user interface that allows users to adjust overclocking and performance settings in real-time. With smooth mouse control and shortcuts for fast navigation, the new and exclusive Dashboard Mode provides complete access to all data related to the motherboard, including CPU, graphics and memory clocks, temperatures and voltages.
New GIGABYTE App Center
GIGABYTE App Center gives you easy access to a wealth of GIGABYTE apps that help users get the most from their GIGABYTE motherboard. Using a simple, unified user interface, GIGABYTE App Center allows users to launch all GIGABYTE apps installed on their system. The GIGABYTE App Center is also customizable with three attractive color schemes.
The GIGABYTE App Center Includes:
- EasyTune
- @BIOS
- EZ Setup
- Live Updates
- USB Blocker
- Smart Recovery
- Smart Time Lock
www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4485#ov
4 Comments on GIGABYTE Introduces the H81.AMP-UP Motherboard
This kind of effort totally makes sense for an ITX board since this is the only thing holding people back from going ITX... due to absence of discrete quality audio solutions (of course, no expansion slot option for a soundcard so you're stock with on-board - not considering external DACs though).
But better yet, they could just make an ITX version of the Sniper...