CLOSER LOOK
[one_half][singlepic id=14244 w=400 h=400 float=center][/one_half][one_half_last][singlepic id=14245 w=400 h=400 float=center][/one_half_last]We’ve mentioned in earlier reviews that the new generation of GIGABYTE’s products now utilize a black box instead of their previously all-white design. The packaging pretty much retains the former cues like the model name printed in bold in the box cover and the sides adorned with the same model designation. The back of the packaging is littered with marketing highlights.
[singlepic id=14232 w=600 h=600 float=center]The package consists of a simple bundle of the mainboard itself, some manuals, installation discs, a pair of SATA cables and the unified WIFI/BT antenna. They used to bundle two antennae but the new unified design is a nice change and with the base of the new antenna now magnetic and the rod able to pan in two directions, it makes placement easier.
[one_half][singlepic id=14235 w=400 h=400 float=center][/one_half][one_half_last][singlepic id=14236 w=400 h=400 float=center][/one_half_last]In true GIGABYTE fashion, the GA-F2A85XN-WIFI features that matte black PCB that we’ve come to love from these GIGABYTE motherboards and their ITX offerings don’t skimp out on that. The overall layout is typical for ITX boards with most internal headers found around the socket area making for a really cramped setup.
Rear I/O ports from left to right include a legacy PS/2 port paired with two USB2.0 ports. Next to these are a pair of HDMI output ports along with a DVI output. The gold-plated antennae connectors are easily spotted above the DVI output and right next to it are the USB3.0 ports followed by another pair of USB2.0 ports together with the LAN port. Rounding up this area are the audio ports, a total of 5 for surround options and an optical output option.
[singlepic id=14238 w=600 h=600 float=center]We’re kinda glad GIGABYTE decided to put some heatsinks on the PWM area on this board. The GIGABYTE F2A85XN-WIFI features a 6 phase VRM to supply plenty of efficient power for the APU. From this angle you can also see the tethered CMOS battery. They placed it that way to save space ’cause come on, there’s barely anymore space in there. And in case you haven’t noticed, there’s a hair strand on the chokes… which scares the hell outta me ’cause I’m too young to have my hair falling out on me.
[singlepic id=14240 w=600 h=600 float=center]The upper area of the F2A85XN-WIFI is where most of the board headers are located: the 24-pin PSU, the SATA3 ports and the USB3.0 header. The smaller headers are the front panel connectors and also a USB2.0 header. An Atheros WiFi/BT module is also in this area.
[singlepic id=14241 w=600 h=600 float=center]A single x16 PCI-e slot is present for those who want to use a full-sized GPU. Just a bit above this is the ATX 12v connector which is a really weird place to have it.
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