OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£90CPU socket:FM2+Chipset:AMD A88XForm factor:ATX

GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 19 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

40%

4.2

Technical score

20%

8.4

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.4

Sentiment score

10%

4.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 82% of motherboards
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
4.2

Technical score

Technical score
4.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

6.0

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

2.2

Ports

8%

4.6

Expansion

8%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

â–¼Worse than 90%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 57% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (19)
13 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 57%
4.2

User score

User score
4.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models

4.2

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.4

Rating

30%

7.2

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 94%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X

Based on 13 · 6

Reviewers praise the power delivery, cooling and audio, but criticize the graphics card slots; the BIOS divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X

Technical score
Technical score
4.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

6.0

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

2.2

Ports

8%

4.6

Expansion

8%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

4.2
Reviews score
8.4
User score
4.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.3
CPU socket
FM2+
This motherboard uses FM2+, which is less up-to-date than 97.7% of Motherboards and the same as 1.4% of Motherboards.
Backward compatible with FM2 processors.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD A88X
This motherboard uses AMD A88X, which is less capable than 98% of Motherboards and as capable as 1% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
2,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 84% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4, which is more generous than 42.1% of Motherboards and the same as 8.2% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
7
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 7 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 59.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
13
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 13 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 64.8% of motherboards and equal to 7.6% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111F
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8111F LAN controller, which is slower than 62.6% of Motherboards and equal to 0.8% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC898
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC898, which is higher-end than 50.5% of Motherboards and the same as 1.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
full 7.1 uses bundled Game Blaster.
Audio SNR
110 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 54.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.4% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRM phases
12+2
This motherboard has 12+2 VRM phases, which is more than 64% of motherboards and equal to 2.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
4
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 4 fan headers, which is fewer than 64.7% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+2 vs 10
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 57% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (19)
    13 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 57% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (19)
    13 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 66.7% cheaper
    GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is cheaper than the average motherboard (£90 vs £150).
    £90 vs £150
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111F vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111F vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+2 vs 10
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860).
    AMD A88X vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 43.2% lower user score
    User score
    4.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models

    4.2

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.4

    Rating

    30%

    7.2

    Popularity

    4.2 vs 7.4
  • 5.5% worse value for money
    GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.29 vs 7.7).
    7.29 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860).
    AMD A88X vs Intel B860
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (FM2+ vs LGA 1151).
    Backward compatible with FM2 processors.
    FM2+ vs LGA 1,151
  • Fewer BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers fewer BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2,000 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 48.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 52% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    7 vs 8
  • 2 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (13 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    13 vs 15
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    110 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    4 vs 5.5
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Linus Tech Tips
≈ estimated
07/04/2014
Hands-on review · overclocking and benchmark tests
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X stands out for looks and features, but the value case depends on overclocking the APU.
7.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
19/09/2013
First look · board tour and first impressions
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X stands out for looks and upgrade options, but its higher price needs justifying; full tests come later.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
21/11/2013
Feature tour · Audio-focused board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a gaming FM2+ board whose gold-plated audio parts and swappable op-amp are its main draw.
8.0
eteknix.com
≈ estimated
18/12/2013
Lab test · Upgradable audio
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a gaming FM2+ board for AMD APUs, best suited to headphone or 2.1 speaker users who want to tune their sound.
6.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
20/03/2014
Full test · Mid-range gaming board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a full-size ATX AMD APU board with plenty of room for expansion cards, but the cheaper Asus A88XM-PLUS offers much the same.
8.6
bjorn3d.com
✓ explicit
11/04/2014
Full review · Gamer-focused board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a tidy, gamer-focused AMD board with a slightly narrower ATX frame, though it lacks a DisplayPort and debug LED.
8.0
futurelooks.com
≈ estimated
06/07/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming FM2+ board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a tidy FM2+ board whose orderly layout and four bundled SATA cables suit a budget AMD build.
9.0
vortez.net
≈ estimated
02/05/2014
Hands-on test · Low-power gaming board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a sensible gaming board for low-power AMD APUs, with a simple 4+2 power design that suits its modest chips.
6.0
hexus.net
≈ estimated
04/02/2014
Hands-on review · AMD APU board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a value AMD APU board with an easy-to-use BIOS and 4K HDMI on Kaveri chips, though its gaming label feels out of place.
9.0
tweakpc.de
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Lab test · Gamer-focused APU board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X suits budget AMD APU gamers, with high-grade audio parts and efficient power use, though its CrossFire X support is weak.
9.5
profesionalreview.com
≈ estimated
14/10/2013
Full review · AMD FM2+ board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X suits AMD builders who want Kaveri support, eight SATA ports and easy overclocking, but it is limited to two graphics cards.
9.5
razorman.net
≈ estimated
12/11/2013
Hands-on review · AMD APU board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a Kaveri-ready AMD APU board with a strong audio section and green lighting.
9.0
xataka.com.mx
≈ estimated
23/08/2014
Hands-on test · Budget APU platform
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is an attractive FM2+ board whose upgraded audio and FM2 support suit a budget AMD build without major compromises.
9.0
muycomputer.com
≈ estimated
16/12/2013
Full analysis · AMD gaming board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X is a well-finished ATX board for AMD APUs, strong on audio, cooling and connections, though its performance trails the Intel Sniper boards.
6.0
hardaily.com
≈ estimated
20/05/2014
Lab test · AMD APU board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X suits AMD APU builds, handling Far Cry 3 on low at 1080p, but its narrow board has just six usable screw holes.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X

  • High-quality onboard audio featuring Gigabyte AMP-UP technology and upgradable OP-AMPs for sound customization
  • Excellent value for money, offering premium gaming features at a competitive budget-friendly price point
  • Dedicated USB DAC-UP port provides clean, noise-free power for external audio converters
  • Distinctive black and green aesthetic with LED trace lighting that appeals to gamers
  • Supports multiple monitors with a variety of outputs, including HDMI, DVI, and VGA
  • Solid reliability and build quality consistent with Gigabyte's Ultra Durable 4 Plus technology

What customers don't like about GIGABYTE G1.Sniper A88X

  • Vertical SATA port placement can be inconvenient for cable management and aesthetics
  • Early units often required a BIOS update to support newer 'Kaveri' APUs, which sometimes necessitated an older CPU to perform
  • Lacks advanced onboard features like power/reset buttons or a POST code LED display found on higher-end G1 Sniper models
  • Does not support NVIDIA SLI, only offering compatibility for AMD CrossFire configurations
  • Uses the older Realtek ALC898 audio codec instead of the more modern ALC1150 seen on competing boards of that era
  • No built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth connectivity

Verdict

The Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD A88X chipset with an FM2+ socket, providing native support for Kaveri APUs and backwards compatibility with FM2 Trinity and Richland processors. Key specifications include four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB at 2400MHz (O.C.), eight SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID support, and a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics. Its primary strengths lie in its premium AMP-UP audio suite, which features a swappable OP-AMP, Gain Boost switches, and a dedicated noise-less USB DAC-UP port for clean power delivery to external DACs. While it offers excellent value with a distinctive green-and-black aesthetic and robust Ultra Durable 4 Plus components, notable drawbacks include the lack of onboard power/reset buttons and diagnostic LEDs, as well as the use of vertical SATA ports which can lead to cluttered cable management.

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