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We are used to expect very little, when talking about HTPC configurations. They are usually with mediocre performances that are enough for just cruising the net, multimedia reproduction, or doing some office work. But Gigabyte has decided to break that cliché by taking that kind of mini-ITX board and equipping it with that kind of capabilities that will make a lot of full size boards jealous.

H77N-WiFi is based on Intel’s H77chipset and it is adjusted to use the newest Ivy Bridge generation processors. It supports USB 3.0, SATA 3 as well as PCI express 3.0 platform with an x16 slot and a capacity to hold up to 16GB of DDR 3 RAM up to maximum 1600MHz. It also has a support for Smart response (Intel’s technology that uses the SSD devices for cashing the data and improving the performances of a classical hard disk drive). For great connectivity there are two gigabyte LAN controllers made by Realtek that will allow the user to team up the connection, thus giving them 2Gb of bandwidth, a Bluetooth, as well as a wireless controller that has a WiDi capability (Wireless Display output) that will give the user the ability to wirelessly connect to an external monitor, or a projector.  Two HDMI connectors and a HD audio chip with an optical out with a support for 7.1 surround speaker system; will grant the user a great audio experience.

It can work with second or third generation of Intel processors (i3, i5, i7) and it has 2xSATA 2 connectors and 2xSATA 3 connectors. It has 4xUSB 2.0 ports, as well as 2xUSB 3.0 ports.

The mentioned specifications will give the user the ability to make their HTPC into a monster home server, or a relatively powerful gaming configuration. So, if you are in a process of building your own HTPC or a mini server, this motherboard should be on top of your Christmas wish.