ASRock is bringing better Internet connections to its upcoming Intel 8 Series motherboards with A-Style: 2T2R Dual Band 802.11ac WiFi + Bluetooth v4.0.
802.11ac WiFi is a new wireless computer networking standard that provides high-throughput wireless local area networks on the 5 GHz band with data transferring speeds up to 867 Mbps, a whopping 289% speed boost compared to the former models with 2T2R 802.11n WiFi. Besides the new WiFi, some models will also come with a new ASRock Wi-SD front tray which includes four USB 3.0 ports and an SD 3.0 card slot.
The new ECS family of motherboards featuring the new Intel 8-series chipset family designed specifically for the new 4th generation Intel Core processor family of CPUs, which will be available and shipping worldwide in Q2 2013. The new chipset features support for full SATA-600 internal ports and PCI Express 3.0 bus design. They also integrate USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, and enable responsiveness technologies like Intel Smart Response, Intel Smart Connect, and Intel Rapid Start.
ECS is also introducing a new family of motherboard tiers including: Pro series optimized for power computing, Deluxe series optimized for small office and home, and Essentials series optimized for home and multi-media. The new ECS family of motherboards will feature ECS’s new Durathon durability technology which includes a triple density PCB, extreme temperature resistance, 1.5K point marathon testing, and superior solid capacitors designed to greatly improve motherboard quality, stability, and longevity.
Additional features includes ECS’s exclusive Hyper Alloy Choke technology, Sound Blaster Cinema Technology, 4-way video output (DVI, HDMI, Display Port and VGA), EZ quick charger, Motherboard Intelligent Bios III, 4K video output, ECS EZ Bios, and ECS ADS (Anti-Dust Shield).
ECS will also be introducing a new brand and family of motherboards specially designed for gaming and high performance processing to be announced in Q2 of 2013. These motherboards will be designed for extreme gaming performance with the highest quality components, and numerous exclusive technologies designed to enhance the gaming experience.
ECS has introduced its new technology that improves reliability and stability of motherboards in overclocked conditions. Dubbed Durathon, this technology is a combination of top-notch components as well as tests of motherboards in stressful conditions.
ECS Durathon motherboards must have the highest level bi-directional splitting glass fabric, which is three times more effective humidity protection than general glass fabric. ECS bi-directional splitting glass fabric narrows the vacant space between the glass fabric of the PCB which can lower air permeability for dampness proofing and reduces short circuit or burn out malfunction. It improves the thermal stress of the PCB and makes the motherboard more reliable against heat. ECS bi-directional splitting glass fabric is the highest level splitting glass fabric with highest quality copper foil and resin.
ECS Durathon motherboards use only the highest grade ECS solid capacitors as opposed others motherboards to ensure that the performance will last longer than other motherboards and are designed to perform great in the most extreme environmental conditions. Typical electrolytic capacitors last only 32,000 Hours (3.6 Years) but ECS solid capacitors are designed to last up to 200,000 Hours (22 Years) with a lifespan six times longer at above normal operating temperatures of 65˚C. ECS solid capacitors are designed to operate consistently at temperatures of up to 100˚C meaning you get stable performance over time, even at high temperatures.
ECS Durathon motherboards have been tested for extreme operating conditions in the wide range temperature standard, which improves the lifespan of the entire motherboard including components and PCB, and also reduces stress on the motherboard due to drastic temperature fluctuations in cold environments. The Extreme Temp Resistance checks every board’s ability to keep working flawlessly – even when handling supremely demanding computing tasks under the most extreme environmental conditions, which is far above the industry standards for motherboards and gives you unmatched durability and stability.
In addition, every ECS Durathon motherboard must undergo the 1.5K marathon test: a comprehensive product testing. ECS Durathon motherboards are put through a thorough and comprehensive 1507 test points that checks every aspect of the motherboard in order to ensure high quality and stability. The test items go through a rigorous reliability test that includes not only different functional tests but also the minute details of the motherboards components. ECS Durathon motherboards completed the strictest reliability test that ensures the motherboards are ready to take whatever you throw at it.
MSI has announced the availability of its complete Gaming motherboard lineup. As part of the 2013 series of motherboards, the new Z77 Gaming models will be available far into 2014. Together with the recently introduced Gaming Graphics Cards from MSI, they allow awe-inspiring PC builds from PC gamers and enthusiasts.
The MSI Z77 Gaming motherboards are designed to have as little lag as possible, to have the best possible input relay connections from your devices (mouse, keyboard and headset) and have the best audio set up integrated in the motherboard, and have room for several video cards.
The MSI Z77A-GD65 GAMING is the top of the line Gaming motherboard. It is loaded up with all the MSI Gaming features such as Killer NIC the network lag killer, Sound Blaster Cinema for realistic surround sound even with stereo headphones, and Multi-GPU optimizations with Triple GPU support. It also comes with an array of overclocking tools like OC Genie 2, to extract even more Gaming performance out of their system.
ASRock has announced the debut of its most deluxe motherboard of the AM3+ Series, the 990FX Extreme9.
The ASRock 990FX Extreme9 is composed of the most luxurious hardware components. It uses AMD 990FX and SB950 chipsets and supports AM3+ processors with up to eight cores. The board comes with a 12+2 voltage regulator circuitry, gold caps that extend the motherboard’s life span, four PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots, one PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot, one standard PCI slot, four DDR3 memory sockets supporting up to 2,450 MHz when overclocked, eight SATA-600 ports, two eSATA-600 ports, eight USB 3.0 ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, an 8-channel audio (Realtek ALC898), and one Gigabit Ethernet port (Intel 82583V).
Furthermore, this motherboard features several of ASRock’s proprietary technologies, such as ASRock X-Boost, XFast 555, Fast Boot, and Restart to UEFI, Dehumidifier, OMG, Internet Flash, and Easy RAID Installer.
PC motherboards are most often equipped with analog display connectivity alone, with high definition digital outputs such as HDMI considered a feature commonly reserved for more expensive models.
Gigabyte has launched its latest HD series of value motherboards that bring both HDMI and DVI ports. It means that users can now enjoy true HD display capability using the most commonly integrated digital output technologies on today’s HD displays and TVs. The new Gigabyte HD motherboard series is comprised of models at attractive and affordable price points. See them below:
ECS has released its first motherboard with Thunderbolt support, the Black Series Z77H2-A5X Deluxe. Thunderbolt is a high-speed data connection technology that provides a maximum transfer rate of 10 Gbps. Just to give you an idea, USB 3.0 provides a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps.
The Black Series Z77H2-A5X Deluxe is based on the Intel Z77 chipset, comes with four DDR3 memory sockets, three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, two PCI Express x1 slots, one mini PCI Express x1 slot, two SATA-600 ports, three SATA-300 ports, an eight channel audio (Realtek ALC892), one Gigabit Ethernet port (Realtek 8111E), one HDMI port, one VGA port, one Thunderbolt port, two USB 3.0 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports.
For overclockers, the ECS Z77H2-A5X Deluxe provides a wealth of tweaking, control and adjustment features. ECS’s Hyper Alloy Chokes give overclockers more stability because of their high energy efficiency and heat reduction. Long-life capacitors in all critical areas guard against failure even in the most challenging conditions. Triple thickness gold plating on the CPU, memory, and add-on card sockets ensures the Z77H2-A5X Deluxe always provides a reliable connection, even with heavy use and in hostile environments. Improved heavy duty heatsinks and heatpipes help dissipate heat efficiently when overclocking. Thor Ultra Protection offers complete electrostatic discharge protection for VGA, USB, LAN, and HDMI ports against component damage from static electricity in dry climates. ECS’s latest UEFI II: EZ BIOS also provides a modern high resolution BIOS and Windows 8 ready to work with.
ECS has just announced the newest member of its high-performance Black Series of PC motherboards. The ECS A970M-A DELUXE supports AMD’s AM3 and AM3+ CPUs, and it comes with the latest ECS innovations.
This motherboard features two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots, two PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, two standard PCI slots, four DDR3 memory sockets, five SATA-600 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, one Gigabit Ethernet port and one eSATA-600 port. The A970M-A DELUXE is based on the AMD 970 chipset.
ASRock has announced that its new Z77 Extreme6/TB4 motherboard is equipped with two Thunderbolt ports. Thunderbolt is a high-speed data connection technology that provides a maximum transfer rate of 10 Gbps. Just to give you an idea, USB 3.0 provides a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps.
The ASRock Z77 Extreme6/TB4 motherboard comes with two PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, two PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, two standard PCI slots, four DDR3 memory sockets, six USB 3.0 ports, eight USB 2.0 slots, four SATA-600 ports, an eight channel audio (Realtek ALC 898), and an 8 + 4 voltage regulator circuitry.
Biostar has announced the start of sales for their ultra-compact motherboard, the A68I-350 DELUXE with an integrated APU chip, the AMD Fusion 350D. The board measures only 6.69 x 6.69 inches (170 x 170 mm), is equipped with one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, two DDR3 memory sockets (support for up to 16 GB of DDR3 800/1,066 MHz), three SATA-300 ports, two USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports. The Gigabit Ethernet port of this board is controlled by the Realtek RTL8111F chip, while the audio section is powered by the Realtek ALC662 chip (six channels) with support for digital SPDIF audio output.
The board features the latest Biostar technologies such as BIOS Flasher and BIOS Online Update for easy updating and restoration of the BIOS, as well as BIO-Remote2 for remote control of the system via Android and Apple devices. The A68I-350 DELUXE also features the Charger Booster function. It is a charging solution for Apple or Android devices such as iPad, iPhone and Android phones and tablets. Charger Booster Technology is able to boost the charging time to be more efficient and faster once any mobile device is connected to the motherboard. With Charger Booster technology, you are able to charge your devices up to 42 percent faster.
ASRock has announced the release of its Z77 Extreme11 motherboard, a high-end product equipped with eight SAS2/SATA-600 ports, an 8 + 4 regulator voltage circuitry, Japanese capacitors, a WiFi module that offers support for WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n connectivity standards and Bluetooth v4.0, two Gigabit Ethernet ports with teaming function, 12 USB 3.0 ports (four from the onboard header and eight on the rear panel), one Firewire port, and one eSATA-600 port.
In addition, the Z77 Extreme11 motherboard comes with three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, one mini-PCI Express slot, four DDR3 memory sockets, and an eight channel audio (Realtek ALC898).
The Z77 Extreme11 motherboard has several of ASRock’s unique features, including a dehumidifier, which automatically dehumidifies the system when the computer is turned on. According to ASRock, after running the “Dehumidifier Function” for 20 minutes, the humidity reduces by about 40 percent. See below a demonstration video of the “Dehumidifier Function.”
ASUS has announced their F2A85 series of motherboards based on the new AMD A85X chipset and FM2 socket, designed for the upcoming AMD’s second generation Accelerated Processing Units (APU), codename Trinity.
F2A85 series motherboards come with a variety of ASUS-exclusive features, including Dual Intelligent Processors 3 (DIP3) with new DIGI+ Power Controls to save up to 65% in system energy, GPU Boost to enhance integrated graphics up to 17%, a worry-free USB BIOS Flashback tool and Remote GO! to stream multimedia content from PC to DLNA devices. In addition to the ASUS exclusive features is a superior design built with high quality components. Examples include a more efficient and silent heat-pipe cooling design that provides better overclocking ability, along with Super Alloy Chokes that give the motherboard both a high current capability and low heat generation.
In the table below we’ve listed the models launched and their main specs.
Biostar has officially launched the Hi-Fi A85X, a socket FM2 motherboard that comes with a sophisticated audio configuration. The socket FM2 will be used by the upcoming AMD’s APUs codename, Trinity.
The Biostar Hi-Fi A85X features four DDR3-2400 memory sockets, three PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (x16 + x8 + x4), three PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, one standard PCI slot, seven SATA-600 connectors, one eSATA connector, two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one Gigabit Ethernet port (Realtek RTL8111F), one HDMI and one VGA video output.
Targeting audiophiles, the Hi-Fi A85X 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. In addition, the audio section of this motherboard was physically separated from the other components. This was done to minimize interference, improving audio quality.
Information on pricing or availability was not provided.
EVGA has expanded its motherboard line-up with the launch of two products based on the Intel Z77 and Z75 chipsets.
EVGA Z77 FTW: This motherboard supports 4-Way SLI, has two 8-pin CPU power connectors, 300% more gold content in the CPU socket, and a right angled 24-pin power connector. Designed from the ground up for overclocking, the EVGA Z77 FTW offers the flexibility and support that enthusiasts demand.
EVGA Z77 Stinger: A mini-ITX motherboard designed to accommodate large cards, comes with overclocking features and native SATA-600 and USB 3.0 ports. Coming soon.
EVGA Z75 SLI: Features native USB 3.0, SATA-600 and 2-Way SLI + PhysX, besides a great deal of overclocking options.
In the table below we’ve listed the main specs for the already launched models.
MSI has announced the availability of the MSI Z77 MPOWER, its first OC Certified motherboard.
OC Certified is MSI’s overclocking testing procedure where motherboards are tested for stability with a 24-hour stress test. All OC Certified tests are run at 4.6 GHz CPU speed, in a high-temperature room (30°C) without airflow from a CPU cooler. Better power stability is tested by running Prime95 for 24 hours in these conditions.
The MSI Z77 MPOWER supports socket LGA1155 processors, features four DDR3 sockets, three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, four PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, two SATA-600 ports (with RAID support), four SATA-300 ports (with RAID support), six USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel, two USB 2.0 ports on the rear panel, one Gigabit Ethernet port (Realtek 8111E), eight-channel audio (Realtek ALC898), Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+HS, one DisplayPort, and one HDMI video output.
The board has military-class components, and several of MSI’s proprietary technologies, including Click BIOS II and OC Genie II.
