Biostar B85Z: Micro-ATX Mainboard for Audiophiles

Biostar is about to release a new oblectation for audiophiles – the B85Z system board. Featuring micro-ATX form-factor (224x174 mm dimensions), the model combines a full-blown spectrum of facilities each full-format board has. It is developed on Intel B85 Express chipset with Socket LGA1150 for Intel Haswell processors of Core, Pentium and Celeron families. The nominal delivery kit will allegedly comprise DVD with drivers, a pair of SATA cables, a user’s manual, and a rear panel plug.

Biostar B85Z comes equipped with prime-quality capacitors, field-effect transistors, and 4-phase VRM. Memory subsystem is introduced by two slots for DDR3-1600 MHz modules (up to 16 GB overall capacity). The availability of a single PCIe x16 & a pair of PCIe x1 slots ensures sufficient expansion facilities. Moreover, the user is free to create a voluminous storage by means of four SATA III and two SATA II ports.

To continue, the major peculiarity pertained to the motherboard is an integrated audio subsystem. It consists of a 7.1-channel Realtek ALC892 controller, an isolated audio path, an amplifier for headphones, hand-picked capacitors, and resistors.

Network environment is enabled due to Realtek RTL8111GR Ethernet-controller. The connection of peripherals is backed by three standard 3.5 mm audio ports, six USB ports (four v3.0, four v2.0), RJ-45 port, PS/2 as well as a pair of video ports (VGA & DVI). In addition, this mainboard is thought to support Intel Rapid Storage Technology and Intel Rapid Recovery Technology.