MSI showcased two motherboards based on the forthcoming Intel Z77 chipset, which will be released together with the new “Ivy Bridge” processors from Intel. The main new feature for this chipset is the native support for USB 3.0 ports. PCI Express 3.0 is also supported if an “Ivy Bridge” CPU is installed. This new CPU still uses the socket 1155, so “older” CPUs can also be installed.
The MSI Z77A-GD65 will feature four USB 3.0 ports, four SATA-600 ports, three PCI Express x16 slots, and four PCI Express x1 slots.
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The Z77A-GD80 will feature a Thunderbolt port, which is an optical I/O connection developed by Intel. The prototype displayed didn’t have this port soldered on it yet, though. (It will be available below the VGA connector.) This motherboard will also feature four USB 3.0 ports, four SATA-600 ports, three PCI Express x16 slots, and four PCI Express x1 slots.
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Originally at http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/news/CES-2012-MSI-Showcases-Intel-Z77-Motherboard-with-Thunderbolt/6203
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