14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to Advanced Micro Devices, there isn't a way to create a computer strong enough to run in the same league as computers based on Intel Core i7 CPUs, but it's still possible to make some really strong computers, especially if you use a motherboard like the one that Biostar has just revealed.
You see, there is a certain standard feature set that mainboards abide by, just like monitors, video cards and laptops have a certain set of guidelines to follow.
Biostar used the “normal” feature set of FM2+ motherboards as a starting point for the A88MQ, but went quite a bit beyond the norm with its refinements.
Thus it was that the 6+ Experience technology was applied, a six-pronged tactic if you will, meant to place the newcomer ahead of its peers in all ways.
So yes, while on the surface the A88MQ does look like your “average” quad-DDR3, single-PCI Express 3.0 micro-ATX platform, it isn't exactly normal.
The Video+ feature, for example, allows resolutions up to 2560x1600 over dual-link DVI and 3D 1080p video over HDMI.
Speed+ is another thing, composed of Charger Booster (quick recharge of iPads and iPhones from Apple) and SmartSpeedLAN (free software that manages network behavior).
Audio+ is another thing, consisting of True Blu-Ray Audio and SPDIF out, plus a bunch of other Biostar audio assets.
Moving on, there’s the Durability+ entry: 100% solid capacitors with armor-plated Biostar Technology, 5-phase Power Phase Design, and high quality power components like low RDS (on) Mosfets (low temperature and better OC ability).
Adding to the benefits of Durability+ is the Protection+ feature set: high quality ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) protection for I/O panels, and USB Polyswitch (power fuse that prevents USB failures).
Finally, DIY+ means that buyers can employ the many features of UEFI BIOS and BIO-Remote 2 to use their computer as a standard PC or HTPC (home-theater PC, like a smart TV). You even have on-board switches for shut down / restart, an LED indicator (for CPU power/state, memory, PCI Express, MB power and SATA errors) and Header Zone (use data discs/accessories to assemble certain PC types).
As for the core technical details, we're looking at four DIMM memory slots (up to 64 GB of DDR3 memory), SATA 6.0 Gbps storage, and AMD Dual Graphics Technology (it lets the GPU in the APU and an AMD add-in card to join forces), all held together by the AMD A88X Chipset.