14 DAY TRIAL // Biostar is well renowned among computer users for its high-quality, price friendly motherboards, so many will rejoice when hearing that the company has launched a mini-ITX solution for Intel's second-generation Core processors that use the LGA 1155 socket.
The board goes by the name of TH61 and is destined to be used in HTPC systems or in other small form factor computers that require high processing power (such as LAN party desktops).
As a result, Biostar's creation supports Sandy Bridge CPUs with TDPs as high as 95W, while power is delivered via a 3+1 phase PWM that uses 100% XDC solid capacitors.
Intel's Core processors can be paired with up to 16GB of 1333MHz DDR3 memory thanks to the two full-size DIMM sockets installed on the board, and the rest of the expansion features include a PCI Express x16 slot and four 3Gbps SATA ports.
These are driven by the Intel H61 chipset, which is also used for routing the video signal from the CPU to the back of the board, where Biostar has placed D-Sub, DVI and HDMI video outputs.
Outside of these connectors, the rear bracket includes four USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, a PS/2 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port and 7.1-channel audio with a digital S/PDIF output.
Two additional USB 3.0 ports can be routed to the front of the case by using the extra pin header that is installed on the board near the SATA ports.
The Biostar TH61 has already made its appearance in the retail channel, and prices hover around the $79.99 mark, which makes it one of the cheapest LGA 1155 mini-ITX motherboards on the market.
The only model cheaper than the TH61 is Foxconn's H67S, but we are talking about a $5 price difference and Foxconn's solution comes without any USB 3.0 ports. (via Xfastest)