Biostar Hi-Fi Z77X Motherboard

The Audio Section

This motherboard supports 7.1+2 audio format, i.e., eight channels plus two independent channels for audio streaming. On this motherboard, the audio is generated by the chipset using a Realtek ALC898 codec, which is an outstanding solution, providing an impressive 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the analog outputs, 104 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the analog inputs, and up to 192 kHz sampling rate for both inputs and outputs, with 24-bit resolution. This means you are able to capture and edit analog audio (e.g., converting LPs to CDs or MP3, converting VHS to DVDs or any other digital format, etc.) with this motherboard without adding any background noise.

Biostar added an electromagnetic shield around the codec and added an on-board audio amplifier, as you can see in Figure 6. In addition, the audio section of this motherboard was physically separated from the other components, as you can see in Figure 7. This was done to minimize interference, improving audio quality.

Figure 6: The audio amplifier and the EMI shield around the codec

Figure 7: The audio section was physically separated from the other components

The analog audio outputs are independent, so you won’t need to use the “mic in” or the “line in” jacks when installing an analog 7.1 speaker set.

Sadly, the manufacturer didn’t add an on-board SPDIF output to this motherboard. One can be added, though, installing an adapter (that doesn’t come with the motherboard) on a header called “JSPIFOUT1.” On the other hand, you have digital audio on the on-board HDMI connector.

This motherboard comes with a microphone in its box.