BIOSTAR Hi-Fi A85W Motherboard Review

By Legit Staff February 4, 2013

Biostar Hi-Fi A85W Motherboard Review

When it comes to computers most people think that they have to spend a lot of money to be able to do every day tasking. Tasks on our computers can range anywhere from surfing the web to editing our favorite home videos. It is true, to a point, that the more money you put into your computer the faster the computer can do whatever tasking is needed to be done at that time. At the same time, though, we don’t always need to spend 1500+ USD to have a general purpose computer at our disposal. Most people can get away with an affordable computer and still manage to get their tasks done easily, effortlessly, and quickly.

Then as games start to become a part of our daily hectic lives, most people cannot afford to spend 1500+USD on a gaming computer, especially when there are Console systems that can be purchased for 300USD.

Since AMD introduced the Llano APU a couple of years ago, this single APU (GPU/CPU combination) has shaken the very computing world. Because now we not only can build an affordable computer that has all of the benefits of a much larger computing system, we now can have the ability of a gaming system while having it at the cost of a console system.

We here at legit Reviews are going to be looking at a motherboard from Biostar that is specifically built for the new AMD Trinity APU. This new type of APU from AMD operates at a much higher core frequency, as well as has an AMD 7660 GPU built right alongside the CPU. So let’s turn the page and see what exactly the Biostar Hi-Fi A85W motherboard can do while being paired up with an AMD 5800K Trinity APU.

Biostar Hi-Fi A85W Motherboard Specifications

Chipset	AMD A85X
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 2400(OC)/2133(OC)/1866/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz 4 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot Max. Supports up to 64GB Memory
EXPANSION SLOT	2 x PCI-E x16 2.0 Slot (x16 + x4) 2 x PCI-E x1 2.0 Slot 2 x PCI Slots
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 RTL8111F – 10/100/1000 Controller
INTEGRATED VIDEO	By CPU model AMD Dual Graphics Technology Supports DX11 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 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 1 x CPU FAN Header 2 x System FAN Header 1 x Serial Header 1 x CIR Header
DIMENSION	ATX Form Factor Dimension: 30.5cm x 23.5cm ( W x L )
OS SUPPORT	Support Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8
ACCESSORIES	4 x SATA Cable 1 x I/O Shield 1 x DVD Driver 1 x User Manual
FEATURES	Windows 8 Compatible Supports PURO Hi-Fi 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

Giving the Specifications a quick look through, we can see that the Biostar Hi-Fi A85W motherboard supports all AMD socket FM2 APUs. We also can see that this motherboard can handle up to 64GBs of memory that is rated up to 2400MHz (Overclocked). As far as the PCI-E/PCI expansion ports, this motherboard only supports up to a 16 X 4x configuration on two full length PCI-E VGA expansion ports; what this means is that we will not be able to run a fully compliant AMD Crossfire configuration, but you will still be able to run AMD Crossfire configuration; just your mileage will vary greatly. The Audio that is being used on this motherboard is from Realtek. In the past this audio chip has provided with decent high quality sound. The South Bridge is fully compliant with all SATA ports to fully support SATA 6GB/s interfacing, unlike Intel’s ability of only supporting up two SATA 6GB/s storage interfacing ports. The only other thing I am going to touch base on is the limited number of USB 3.0 ports; this particular board can only use up to four total USB 3.0 ports.

Biostar Hi-Fi A85W Features

Hi-Fi Power

Audio power is an important factor in audio quality. Most AV equipment isolates the power supply for each analog and digital signal to gather high-quality sound reproduction. Equipped with BIOSTAR Hi-Fi Power technology, it will utilize audio components with independent power design for a significant reduction in electronic noise and superb sound quality.
Hi-Fi Ground

BIOSTAR Hi-Fi Ground presents noise-blocking multi-layer PCB design which isolates analog audio signals from digital sources. The unique PCB layout is ideal for exceptional clarity and high fidelity sound. It’s focused on improving sound quality beyond the regular motherboard designs.
Hi-Fi 192/24

BIOSTAR Hi-Fi series motherboards have a sampling rate of 192kHz/24-bit which delivers a high quality audio through an analog connection to your home theater system, multi-channel speakers and high-end headphone. You can enjoy real Blu-ray grade high-definition sound that you’ve never experienced before.
High Quality ESD

BIOSTAR Hi-Fi series motherboards provide high quality ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) solution for its front I/O panel. This function prevents static electricity and reduces the damage to the motherboards when you are plugging or unplugging your headphones.
Hi-Fi AMP

The built-in amplifier can drive major high-end headphones with over 100dB loads and offer wide band-width, low noise, high slew rate and low distortion audio source from front panel I/O. Gaming enthusiasts can enjoy a fuller range of dynamic sound with crisper details and less distortion.
Smart Ear

Smart EAR is a windows-based audio utility which allows you to easily adjust system volume. With its user-friendly GUI, you can also increase or decrease the impedance setting (Low/High Gain) to optimize your headphone performance. You can easily enjoy high-quality and awesome sound.
Hi-Fi Resistor

Metal-oxide film resistors are made of metal oxides such as tin oxide. The electric characteristics are greater stability and reliability than regular metal film resistors when operating in an extremely broad working temperature range. This special component is used in applications with high endurance audio demands.
Hi-Fi Cap

BIOSTAR Hi-Fi series motherboards come with high quality ‘Non-Polarized Electrolysis Electric audio capacitors’ for each audio channel circuit. The customized audio capacitors deliver low noise, low distortion, and wide bandwidth to achieve the highest sound resolution and sound expansion. The critical component will ensure the most realistic sound effects to gaming enthusiasts.
SmartSpeedLAN

SmartSpeedLAN is a free software application which monitors and manages your PC’s network behavior. With user-friendly GUI, it allows you to select and prioritize different types of network traffic, including gaming, media streaming, communications or web surfing. You can also set any specific applications, choosing to prioritize or block accordingly. SmartSpeedLAN can feature automatic management options that use adaptive networking intelligence to ensure that you are getting the best online experience possible.
USB 3.0

Experience Fastest data transfers at 5 Gbps with USB 3.0–the new latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is backward compatible with previous USB 2.0 components.
100% Solid Caps

With armor-plated Biostar Technology, all capacitors are placed with 100% solid capacitors that have a lasting life cycle, durability and stability for crucial components.
G.P.U (Green Power Utility)

BIOSTAR G.P.U (Green Power Utility) is a new function that enhances energy efficiency by disabling extra phases while CPU is under light loading. It integrates a friendly GUI to monitor the resourcing and response of your CPU thus optimizing the power saving function in your system. G.P.U. constantly sets up the best power efficiency in your system, be it for heavy 3D gaming, Internet or MSN charting. more…
BIO-Remote 2

BIO-Remote2 Technology is featuring users a better Home Theater environment. Users who own either Android mobile or Apple goods are able to access and control your PC remotely; at this moment, your smart device became an intelligent and functional remote controller. More than that, BIO-Remote2 also includes both function of mouse pad and power point presentation mode. more…
Charger Booster

Charger booster is the best and most efficient charger solution for apple devices such as iPad and iPhone. Basically, Charger booster Technology is able to boost the charging time to be more efficiency and faster once any apple goods connect to our Motherboard. With charger booster technology, you are able to charge your apple devices up to 42 % faster. more…
Blu-ray Audio

Upgrading your Audio performance in the easiest way is choosing BIOSTAR ultimate Motherboard. It does support Blu-ray audio DRM (compatible driver/software) and provide the higher audio output of 24 bit/ 192KHz than the 16 bit/ 48KHz from the normal MB. You will experience the high quality sound effect with pure Blu-Ray Audio.

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