Biostar A88W Hi-Fi 3D ATX Motherboard Review

Posted April 3, 2014 by Mike in CPU & Motherboards

Overview

Hardware: CPU & Motherboards

Manufacturer: Biostar

Release Date: Currently limited availability

Price at time of Review: $89

WHAT WE LIKED:

Mostly good build quality, nice color scheme, excellent built-in audio solution with nice accent lighting, nice software bundle with mostly useful apps, good amount of SATA ports, excellent internal header arrangement, PCI-E 3.0 on one slot

WHAT WE DISLIKED:

Lacks SLI or CorssFire compatibility, odd build quality issue with I/O shield/top USB ports, glaring BIOS issues regarding Kaveri overclocking, extremely hard to find, included Toverclocker software is not as good as it is in other offerings, back plate design limits aftermarket cooler installation.

BOTTOM LINE:

Once the BIOS bugs are sorted out this will be an excellent enthusiast option for Kaveri users. Until then it is still useful for Richland owners looking for excellent audio and overclocking.

by Mike

Full Article

Specifications*

Chipset: A88X

CPU Support: AMD A10 Processor, AMD A8 Processor, AMD A6 Processor, AMD A4 Processor, AMD E2 Processor, AMD Athlon™ II X4 Processor, (Maximum CPU TDP (Thermal Design Power) : 100Watt)

Memory: Support Dual Channel DDR3 2600(OC)/2400(OC)/2133/1866/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz
4 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot
Max. Supports up to 64GB Memory

Expansion Slots: 1 x PCI-E x16 3.0 Slot (supported by FM2+ CPU)
1 x PCI-E x16 2.0 Slot (x4)
2 x PCI-E x1 2.0 Slot
2 x PCI Slot

Storage: 8 x SATA3 Connector
Support SATA RAID: 0,1,5,10

USB: 2 x USB 3.0 Port
1 x USB 3.0 Header
4 x USB 2.0 Port
2 x USB 2.0 Header

LAN: Realtek RTL8111G – 10/100/1000 Controller

Multi Graphics: AMD CrossFireX

Integrated Video: By CPU model
AMD Dual Graphics Technology
Supports DX11.1
Supports HDCP

Codec: Realtek ALC892 8-Channel Blu-ray Audio

Rear I/O: 1 x PS/2 Keyboard
2 x USB 3.0 Port
4 x USB 2.0 Port
1 x HDMI Connector
1 x DVI (Dual Link) Connector
1 x VGA Port
1 x RJ-45 Port
6 x Audio Connector

Internal I/O: 1 x USB 3.0 Header
2 x USB 2.0 Header
8 x SATA3 6Gb/s Connector
1 x Front Audio Header
1 x Front Panel Header
1 x S/PDIF-OUT Header
2 x CPU FAN Header
3 x System FAN Header
1 x Serial Header
1 x CIR Header

Dimensions: 30.5cm x 23.5cm ( W x L ) (ATX)

OS Support: Windows XP/7/8

Accessories: 4 x SATA Cable
1 x I/O Shield
1 x DVD Driver
1 x User Manual

Features: Windows 8 Ready
Supports PURO Hi-Fi 3D
Supports Smart Speed LAN
Supports BIO-Remote2
Supports BIO-Remote
Supports 100% Solid capacitor
Supports Rapid Switch
Supports Rapid Debug3
Supports BIOS-Flasher
Supports Charger Booster
Supports BIOS Online Update

*Specs cited from product splash page

2600 MHz, A88X, amd, ATX, biostar, featured, Kaveri, motherboard, overclocking, PCI-E 3.0, pureoverclock, review, Richland, spotlight

About the Author

Mike

I am currently studying Computer Engineering. Computers have been my thing for a while, I just didn't realize it until the past year or two. I have done several different builds for several friends and family members, including some mild custom modding with more to come (hopefully in the near future). I'm also very into the craft beer scene and will spend obscene amounts of cash on the finest beers I can get my hands on, from Lagers to IPAs to Stouts and Porters.