The G1.Sniper M3 is the first m-ATX gaming motherboard of the GIGABYTE G1-Killer series, which have been designed from the ground up to provide the winning edge in a close 3D gaming contest. Precision is the watch word in all areas of the motherboard's design, with as much attention to detail paid to the motherboards aesthetic qualities as to its technical prowess.
Equipped with the latest Intel Z77 Express Chipset, the G1.Sniper M3 motherboard harnesses the outstanding performance of the new 3rd generation Intel Core processors. With an exclusive 'Digital' VRM design; GIGABYTE 3D Power and GIGABYTE 3D BIOS (Dual UEFI), The G1.Sniper M3 motherboard ensures exceptional power delivery and absolute control.
GIGABYTE 3D Power: Digital Voltage, Frequency and Phase ControlUtilizing a Digital controller array, GIGABYTE's 3D Power features precise Auto Voltage Compensation to deliver a steady flow of power to the system, no matter the loading. With digital controllers for the CPU (Vcore), users can make real-time adjustments with the exclusive GIGABYTE 3D Power Utility, that include settings such as OVP (Over Voltage Protection), Load-line Calibration and on-the-fly PWM frequency adjustment.
GIGABYTE 3D BIOSThe revolutionary GIGABYTE 3D BIOS application is based on GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS technology and is available to consumers in two exclusive modes (3D Mode and Advanced Mode) of interaction, providing enthusiast and mainstream users with a choice of unique and powerful graphical interfaces. At the heart of this exciting 3D BIOS technology is a pair of physical BIOS ROMs containing GIGABYTE's exclusive in-house designed UEFI BIOS technology. With a superior graphical interface capable of 32-bit color imaging and fluid user-friendly mouse navigation, UEFI DualBIOS makes BIOS configuration a new and exciting experience for novice and experienced users alike. UEFI BIOS also brings native support for large hard drives on 64-bit operating systems.
Super Sight - 2-way CrossFireX and 2-way SLI, plus PCI-E Gen. 3 SupportThe ability to see clearly through the fog of war can often tip the balance between the winning or losing force. That is why GIGABYTE has equipped the G1.Sniper M3 motherboard to offer utmost graphics flexibility and upgradeability. With multiple GPU support, GIGABYTE G1.Sniper M3 motherboard delivers maximum FPS (Frames Per Second), allowing gamers to see more clearly, aim faster, and move more quickly. GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards are also fully configured to provide gamers with the latest Gen.3 PCI Express technology, delivering maximum data bandwidth for forthcoming discrete graphics cards. (PCIe Gen. 3 is dependent on CPU and expansion card compatibility.)
Super HearingRevolutionary Sound Core3D Audio and Voice chipset accelerates THX TruStudio Pro and CrystalVoice processing effects, drastically improving your gaming experience with faster frame rates, more immersive gaming audio, and crystal clear voice communication. Specially designed for gamers, GIGABYTE G1.Sniper M3 utilize a high capacity amplifier which is able to drive 150O loads achieving a fuller range of dynamic sound with crisper details and less distortion when using high quality professional headphones. In addition, GIGABYTE has equipped G1.Sniper M3 motherboard with 4 additional amplifiers onboard for the center/sub woofer, rear speaker, side surround and line out. GIGABYTE G1.Sniper M3 motherboard also utilizes the highest quality Nichicon MUSE ES series and MW series Bi-Polarized audio capacitors at each channel layout for the highest quality sound resolution and sound expansion.
Super Speed and Super ShieldGIGABYTE 7 series motherboards feature GIGABYTE 333 Onboard Acceleration, a range of the latest technologies that are designed help speed up data transfer, including SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology, SATA Revision 3.0 (6Gbps) technology and an unprecedented 3x USB power boost on all USB ports for more power hungry USB devices. Enjoy optimized networking with Intel Gigabit Ethernet combined with industry leading cFosSpeed Internet bandwidth acceleration. Further helping to eliminate heat are the 4 strategically placed Smart Fan pin headers which allow for more precise control of system and CPU fans. Equipped with their own individual thermal sensors, the Smart Fans can be easily controlled via GIGABYTE's EasyTune 6 utility as well as in the BIOS.
Intel Rapid Start Technology & Intel Smart Connect TechnologyIntel Rapid Start Technology gets your device up and running faster from even the deepest sleep. This means users will be able to experience almost zero power draw from their PC, but be able to resume Windows 7 in a few seconds without having the PC go through a full system boot. With Intel Rapid Start Technology the previous session resumes to the exact as it was, so that applications are still in the same state and no application data is lost. Intel Smart Connect Technology means that your email, favorite apps, and social networks are continually and automatically updated even when the system is asleep. No more waiting for the latest world news or friends' updates to be delivered—just press the 'on' button and you're up-to-date and ready to go.
Learn more about the GIGABYTE G1.Sniper M3
Model
Brand
GIGABYTE
Series
G1 Gaming
Model
G1.Sniper M3
Supported CPU
CPU Socket Type
LGA 1155
CPU Type
Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1155)
Chipsets
Chipset
Intel Z77
Onboard Video
Onboard Video Chipset
Supported only by CPU with integrated graphic
Memory
Number of Memory Slots
4x240pin
Memory Standard
DDR3 2400(OC)/1600/1333/1066
Maximum Memory Supported
32GB
Channel Supported
Dual Channel
Expansion Slots
PCI Express 3.0 x16
2 (x16, x8)
PCI Express 2.0 x16
1 @x4
PCI Express x1
1 x PCI Express x1
Storage Devices
SATA 3Gb/s
3 x SATA 3Gb/s
SATA 6Gb/s
2 x SATA 6Gb/s
SATA RAID
0/1/5/10
Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset
Creative CA0132
Audio Channels
6 Channels
Onboard LAN
Max LAN Speed
10/100/1000Mbps
Rear Panel Ports
PS/2
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Video Ports
D-Sub + DVI
HDMI
1 x HDMI
DisplayPort
1 x DisplayPort
USB 3.0
2 x USB 3.0
USB 1.1/2.0
4 x USB 2.0
eSATA
1 x eSATA 3Gb/s
S/PDIF Out
1 x Optical
Audio Ports
5 Ports
Internal I/O Connectors
Onboard USB
2 x USB 3.0 + 6 x USB 2.0
Other Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 1 x CPU fan header 3 x System fan headers 1 x front panel header 1 x front panel audio header 1 x Clear CMOS jumper 1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header
Physical Spec
Form Factor
Micro ATX
Dimensions (W x L)
9.6" x 9.6"
Power Pin
24 Pin
Features
Features
GIGABYTE 3D Power: Digital Voltage, Frequency and Phase Control
GIGABYTE 3D BIOS
Super Sight
Super Hearing
Super Speed
Super Shield
3rd Generation Intel Core processors
Intel Rapid Start Technology
Designed for PCI Express Gen.3 Support
Intel Smart Connect Technology
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 - Insist on an Ultra Durable Motherboard
Pros: This board could be the best I've owned over the years. Everything worked as advertised from first installation.
1. RAM clocked and ran at correct speed/timings the second I selected profile1. No fishing around...applied the profile, and I was running at 2133 with CAS 9. I ran memtest86+ for awhile, and I was greeted with ZERO errors.
2. The header placements for fans, SATA2, and USB are all properly placed. I have no crazy cable runs to match this board.
3. The new 3D BIOS is a nice change from the past.
4. The performance has been excellent. There is no concern on this micro board about voltage or power phases.
Cons: 1. Only con...the SATA3 connects sit right in line with the graphics card. If you have a long graphics card, connect the SATA 3 cables before putting the board in the case or the end of the card will make it very hard to attach the connectors.
Gigabyte Tech Support Nightmare2/18/2013 1:01:26 PM
Pros: Great specs for the board
Cons: Heaven help you if you have an issue.
Overall Review: The board arrived DOA. My fault for waiting more than 30 days to buy the processor...I couldn't just return it to Newegg (who are superb in dealing with RMAs). I contacted Gigabyte, who made me pay the shipping costs to ship their own DOA board back to them. Two weeks later, I get the board back (it had a bad chip that Gigabyte repaired). Now it just power cycles.
Tech Support for Gigabyte had me pull the whole board back out (again) and test ram in each slot. Still no joy. Then I had to remove the heat sink and processor and photograph the processor bed. Tech support seemed to imply I had bent the pins. I told them "This is how the board came back to me...I know how to insert a processor. I did it fine the first time, and now there's an issue? Only people who have had their hands on it since it left my possession is you guys...and you didn't find any bent pins the first time, right?"
So now I'm dealing with a engineer who's trying to "assess" from pictures if the pins are bent or not. Please.
Just replace the board already.
If you buy a Gigabyte product, pray it works right out of the box and that you never need their help.
Manufacturer Response:
Thank you for your comments. Honest and constructive opinions are always welcome. We apologize for your difficulty with your Gigabyte product.
Your described rebot issue may occur for serveral reasons:
1. be sure to connect both the 24pin power and the ATX12V power cables.
2. your BIOS settings may be too aggressive. Please try using the Optimized default values or clear CMOS values.
3. Power supply issue - be sure the wattage of our PS is adequate to support your installed components
4. Memory issue - try 1x memory module as a test.
If you require further assistance, please contact us at newegg-support@gigabyte-usa.com with the case number xxxxxx. Include your complete system configuration.
GIGABYTE VIP Support Team
Pros: SATA 6Gbs with a SATA 6Gbs ssd hard drive. Wow, this thing flies. Popped in a 3570k and off she goes. Thing is faster than I can type. 5 seconds to windows splash screen. Inernal graphics are above average and look great running two monitors. Still waiting on AMD card....
Cons: Ummm... the "3d" bios is kind of weird. I like the old school bios. Just have to get use to it.
Overall Review: Coming from a q6600 and a budget board with 3.0 Gps transfer and old school hard drives, this thing is beyond my expectations. Glad I waited for this upgrade.
Cons: well, the problem was never fixed, and has only gotten worse. now, the board refuses to boot at all, even with 2 different power supplies and 3 know working sticks of ram. it will occasionally boot, but it is really a 1 in 5 chance whether or not it will even power on.....very disappointing.
Overall Review: It has been too long to send the board in for an rma....so now im stuck with a bad board. just freakin great.......
Manufacturer Response:
Thank you for your comments. Honest and constructive opinions are always welcome. We apologize for your difficulty with your Gigabyte product.
Please contact us at newegg-support@gigabyte-usa.com with the case number 2013021804. Include your complete system configuration.
GIGABYTE VIP Support Team
Pros: Packs a lot of punch in a small package! The Sniper recognized all four sticks of my ram and runs like a dream, which is something I cannot say about the Asus Gene V that I recently RMAd.
Cons: The board's second Pcie 3.0 slot is too close to my NZXT Vulcan's powersupply which means I cannot use a second GPU. I don't know if other computer cases have the same problem with space as the vulcan does, but this is a pretty big con for me. Also, I wish this card allowed onboard miniPCIE WIFI like the Asus Gene V does, but since I can't use a second GPU, I just got a TP-Link-WLD4800 instead.
Overall Review: This board is solid! It posted on the first try and has not given me any hassle. Unfortunately, I will eventually like to run two GPUs, so I'll probably go with the Asus Gene V in a few months when they become more reliable and have better bios & WIFI support.
Pros: -A quality of onboard sound you won't find on most mobos under $300, and likely better than many discrete sound cards. It is hands-down the standout feature of this mobo. It's nice not needing a discrete sound card, which just impedes airflow.
-4 PWM fan headers, which I'm using now instead of my fan controller.
-Intel NIC
-Solid, hefty. I was actually surprised how heavy it was. Maybe the copper/fiberglass lining accomplishes something and maybe it doesn't, but when you hold this board you definitely get the impression that Gigabyte puts more effort into construction than most brands. The I/O panel is even lightly padded. No corners cut, here.
-Everything booted up fine, which is as it should be.
Cons: -Poor utility software. The Gigabyte chipset/driver utility functioned like a half-written program, freezing and getting gui glitches.
-Would be nice if each fan could be controlled individually. Fan control only has two speed curve adjustments: one for the cpu fan and one for the other three combined..but, each case fan header has its own temp sensor and the speed presets in bios seem to control them rather intelligently.
-Gigabyte seems to think 130c is the red-line temp for Ivy. No, it's 105c, and that wouldn't be a big deal unless you tried to use the automated OC tool in EasyTune, which could attempt to push the chip to damaging levels.
-EasyTune is rather sad. I don't think they've given that software a real update in six years.
-Ridiculous decals and poster included. I know it's a gaming board , but what am I, 12?
Overall Review: Ultimately the utility software doesn't matter much to me because the hardware is solid. Feature for feature, this board really doesn't have any equals in this price range, with the possible exception of the ROG, and from what I've seen in recent years Gigabyte has upstaged their main competitor when it comes to build quality.
Had my 3570k stable at 4.7 *just changing the multiplier and leaving everything on AUTO*, which speaks well to the bios intelligence. I turned it down to 4.2 because it was a bit toasty at 4.7, though really the 3570 doesn't even need an OC.
Pros: I do not own this board, but I am here to elaborate one one rather... unglorifiying post. Not because I am nerd raging, but because the review doesn't really offer anything substantial.
Cons: This is a quote 'Cons: Now for "why the two stars?": Look very closely at the pics for this board: the PCIEx4 slot is the second from the board's edge. The PCIEx8 slot (required for SLI) is the last next to the edge. This means if you put a board with a double slot cooler in for SLI... well, you *WONT* - it can't fit! USB/case led/switch headers are in the way, even if you have case space for it. Put said card in the second to last slot and no SLI (or soup) for you given it's a x4 slot - your second GPU is a nice case warmer or PhysX accelerator. woo. No other vendor does this on their MicroATX boards. When was the last time you bought a high dollar "Gaming" MB to SLI two low cost single-slot cooler cards together? Hmmm??
Dumb."
Wiser words could not have been used. Dumb. Anyways... read Other thoughts.
Overall Review: Obviously our friend here doesn't understand the concept of low profile or single slot cards. Most people who use these boards use them for.... small cases. WOW. I know reviewers, I can't believe we didn't know that!!! What's more is if you want to a fully fledged GPU that takes up two slots on a small board like this.. well then it's better to have one unless your liquid cooling because of the tight parameters on small boards LIKE this SNIPER.
Know your facts, know the pyramid schemes because this isn't one. A big LOL to you m8.
Pros: This board could be the best I've owned over the years. Everything worked as advertised from first installation. 1. RAM clocked and ran at correct speed/timings the second I selected profile1. No fishing around...applied the profile, and I was running at 2133 with CAS 9. I ran memtest86+ for awhile, and I was greeted with ZERO errors. 2. The header placements for fans, SATA2, and USB are all properly placed. I have no crazy cable runs to match this board. 3. The new 3D BIOS is a nice change from the past. 4. The performance has been excellent. There is no concern on this micro board about voltage or power phases.
Cons: 1. Only con...the SATA3 connects sit right in line with the graphics card. If you have a long graphics card, connect the SATA 3 cables before putting the board in the case or the end of the card will make it very hard to attach the connectors.