GIGABYTE G1 Sniper 2 Intel Z68 Review

👤by David Mitchelson Comments 📅11-08-11
Packaging & First Look

The Sniper 2 has a far from ordinary packaging design. The Sniper 2 is from the G1-Killer gaming motherboard series and carries with it the military paraphernalia. It’s good to see something a little bit different than the typically plain – solid colour boxes that usually protect the motherboard.

On the front we have the recognised Intel technology badges showing that our G1 Sniper 2 uses the Intel Z68 chipset and supports Intel’s 2nd generation processors. GIGABYTE are also keen to express that this motherboard uses X-FI audio solutions and Killer E2100 NPU (Network Processing Unit). Spinning the box round – the reverse has a diagram of the G1 Sniper 2 with various significant features specified to give you a rough idea about this motherboard’s feature-set.


The packaging for the G1 Sniper 2


The reverse of the box with details regarding the feature-set


Opening the box up, inside we have a multitude of accessories within the bundle including:

• Documentation - User’s manual, Smart Response Technology Guide, Guidebook
• 4x SATAIII 6Gbps cables
• Fitting screws
• 2-Way SLI bridge
• GIGABYTE case badge
• I/O panel cover
• 5.25” USB3.0 front panel
• 2x G1 Killer posters
• Software CD


The accessories bundle has all the necessary items


GIGABYTE has included a 5.25” USB3.0 device to provide 2x USB3.0 ports, eSATA/USB and a Quick Boost button. This is certainly a step-up from what most brands bundle with the USB3.0 ready motherboards – we have better build quality and a stylish front panel device that will look great installed on any black case.


A nicely designed USB3.0/eSATA/USB device for the front of your case


Finally, we get our first glimpse of the G1 Sniper 2. A striking black PCB against against alternating black and green PCI-E and memory slots set the motherboard off really well. The heatsinks also capture your attention. Around the MOSFETs the heatsink design is oversized and certainly aggressive and the Intel Z68 chip has an impressive looking heatsink . Visually the board is aesthetically pleasing. One or two features that we expect are however absent, there are no onboard power buttons or support for Tri-SLI.


An overview of a deadly looking motherboard


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