Specification and Features
| Chipset | NA |
| CPU | AMD Fusion APU A4-5000 Quad-Core Processor |
| MEMORY | Support DDR3 / DDR3L 1600/1333/1066/800 MHz 2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot Max. Supports up to 16GB Memory |
| EXPANSION SLOT | 1 x PCI-E x16 2.0 Slot (x4) |
| STORAGE | 2 x SATA3 Connector |
| USB | 2 x USB 3.0 Port 2 x USB 2.0 Port 2 x USB 2.0 Header |
| LAN | Realtek RTL8111G – 10/100/1000 Controller |
| INTEGRATED VIDEO | AMD Radeon™ HD8330 Graphics, On Board Graphic Max. Memory Share Up to 2GB Supports DX11.1 Supports HDCP |
| CODEC | Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio |
| REAR I/O | 1 x PS/2 Mouse 1 x PS/2 Keyboard 2 x USB 3.0 Port 2 x USB 2.0 Port 1 x HDMI Connector 1 x VGA Port 1 x RJ-45 Port 3 x Audio Connector |
| INTERNAL I/O | 1 x Printer Header 2 x USB 2.0 Header 2 x SATA3 6Gb/s Connector 1 x Front Audio Header 1 x Front Panel Header 1 x S/PDIF-OUT Header 1 x CPU FAN Header 1 x System FAN Header 1 x Serial Header |
| H/W Monitoring | CPU / System Temperature Monitoring System Fan Monitoring System Voltage Monitoring |
| DIMENSION | Mini ITX Form Factor Dimension: 17cm x 17cm ( W x L ) |
| OS SUPPORT | Support Windows XP / 7 / 8 / 8.1 |
| Bundle Software | BIO-Remote2 |
| ACCESSORIES | 2 x SATA Cable 1 x I/O Shield 1 x DVD Driver 1 x Quick Guide |
| FEATURES | Windows 8 Ready Supports Solid capacitor Supports BIOS-Flasher Supports Charger Booster Supports BIOS Online Update |
The APU is running at 1500 MHz but if power saving features are enabled then we can see it lowering the clock speed to 800 MHz. It is also good that even such a cheap APU has all of the new CPU instructions which will for sure improve performance.
One more thing worth to mention is that the Kabini series APUs have real cores, not two threaded modules as we can see in every high-end AMD APU and CPU series. This will also affect performance directly.
Below are the screenshots from CPU-Z’s CPU and Motherboard tabs. The Biostar A68N-5000 came to our office with the latest BIOS/UEFI version so we did not need to update it. As we can see its date is April 22 2014 and there were no notable issues past this date so there was no need for any update.
The BIOS has been made by AMI which is the most common used manufacturer recently and I think it is a good choice. We will talk more about the BIOS/UEFI and its options on the BIOS/UEFI page of this review.
Bundle Software
The Biostar A68N-5000 comes with a software CD where we can find standard drivers and additional software:
- BIOSCreen Utility
- eHot-Line Utility
- Smart Speed LAN Utility
- BIOS Update Utility
- Internet Security Bullguard ( Free 90 days trial with registration )
- Temperature Monitor Utility
- BIOSTAR Magix Multimedia Software Suite
- BIO-Remote2 Utility
Below we can see how it looks like on the software disc menu.
There is more software included than I was expecting. Especially since the Magix Multimedia Software Suite seems like a good addition considering price of the motherboard.
Features
BIO-Remote2
BIO-Remote2 Technology is featuring users a better Home Theater environment. Users who own either Android mobile or Apple goods are able to access and control your PC remotely; At this moment, your smart device became an intelligent and functional remote controller; more than that, BIO-Remote2 also includes both function of mouse pad and power point presentation mode.
BIO-Flasher
Update BIOS effortlessly from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. BIO-Flasher is a convenient BIOS update tool. Just launch this tool and put the BIOS on USB pen driver before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS with only a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy disk or other complicated flash utility.
SmartSpeedLAN
SmartSpeedLAN is a free software application which monitors and manages your PC’s network behavior. With user-friendly GUI, it allows you to select and prioritize different types of network traffic, including gaming, media streaming, communications or web surfing. You can also set any specific applications, choosing to prioritize or block accordingly. SmartSpeedLAN can feature automatic management options that use adaptive networking intelligence to ensure that you are getting the best online experience possible.
Charger Booster
Charger booster is the best and efficient charger solution for apple devices such as iPad, iPhone. Basically, Charger booster Technology is able to boost the charging time to be more efficiency and faster once any apple goods connecting to our Motherboard. With charger booster technology, you are able to charge your apple devices up to 42 % faster.
Moistureproof PCB
With the popularity of PC usage and working environment has getting deteriorating and moist(such as rural, coastal). The PCB will be oxidizing easily by damp or absorbed moisture. And then ionic migration or CAF(Conductive Anodic Filament) will be generated. Moisture-proof PCB meets high density and high reliability requirements for moisture proofing.
ESD Protection
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is the major factor to destroy PC by electrical overstress(EOS) condition, ESD occurred by PC users when touch any devices connect to PC, which may result in damage to motherboard or parts .ESD protection is designed to protect the motherboard and equipment from damage by EOS
X.D.C (eXtreme Durable Capacitors)
Biostar adopts low ESR and high ripple conductive solid state caps that provide sufficient, stable power supply to the CPU. The life span can also be more than 6.25 x of ordinary liquid caps.
All BIOSTAR special circuit design detects overvoltage conditions and prevents voltage surges from spreading in real time. It also actively cuts off the overvoltage supply to protect your system. Over current protection, avoid motherboard from damage when doing overclock or an unusual current import. Over heat protection, avoid motherboard & CPU from burning when exceeding the temperature limitation.
