Gigabyte releases G1.Sniper 2 gaming motherboard

Gigabyte has presented a new version of its G1.Sniper motherboard, which is based on Intel’s new Z68 chipset. The G1.Sniper 2 retains many features of its predecessor, but has one pci-express-x16 slot less.

While the Sniper could still handle the first generation of Core i CPUs, the Sniper 2 is compatible with Intel’s new Sandy Bridge CPUs because of its LGA-1155 socket. Other differences are a maximum of 32 instead of 24GB memory and an onboard HDMI output.

The Sniper 2 has a PCI Express x16 and a PCI Express x8 slot. When two video cards are run in a CrossFire or SLI setup, both slots run at x8 speed. A setup with three video cards, as was still possible with the G1.Sniper, is therefore not possible.

Sound is still provided by Creative’s X-Fi 20K2 sound chip with headphone preamp. Network traffic is handled by a Bigfoot Killer E2100 network chip. The chipset supports two SATA 600 and three SATA 300 connections. Gigabyte has built in another Marvell 88SE9172 chip, which adds another two SATA-600 ports.

Fourteen USB 2.0 connections are included on the ATX board, including internal headers. There are four of the new USB 3.0 type. The G1.Sniper 2 should be available mid-August for an as yet unknown price.