GIGABYTE showcases a massive range of Intel motherboards

Chris Smith | Motherboards | Jun 2, 2015 7:58 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - On display in the suite this year by GIGABYTE is what can only be described as a plethora of Intel motherboards, including Z170 Chipset, H170 Chipset and B150 Chipset models on offer.

GIGABYTE showcases a massive range of Intel motherboards

The Z170 models begin with the GA-Z170-HR3 dual-channel DDR4 four port product with UEFI DualBIOS technology, two way PCIe support, 3 SATA-Express connectors (16 G/bs) and green GbE LAN with cFos Internet Accelerator Software. There's the GA-Z170M-D3H with four Dual-Channel DDR4 slots, a two way PCIe setup, four M.2 SATA connectors (32 G/bs), three SATA Express connectors (16 G/bs) and GbE LAN with cFos Internet Accelerator Software. Wrapping up the Z170 offerings is the GA-Z170-HD3 which includes four Dual-Channel DDR4 slots, two way PCIe support, four M.2 SATA connectors (32 G/bs), three SATA Express connectors (16 G/bs) and Audio Noise Guard technology with LED trace path lighting.

Up next is the H170 chipset, providing users with the GA-H170-HD3 supporting 6th Generation Intel Core Processors, four Dual-Channel DDR4 slots, two way PCIe connections, four M.2 SATA connections (32Gb/s) and two Sata Express ports (16G/bs). The GA-H170M-DS3H offers much the same but with different audio options and the GA-H170M-D3H offers only one PCIe video card port.

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Crucial shows off the Ballistix DDR4 16GB RAM kit

Michael Hatamoto | RAM | Jun 2, 2015 7:52 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - RAM and hardware company Crucial has unveiled the Ballistix DDR4 16GB performance memory kits.

Crucial manufactured the RAM so it's possible to have large-capacity modules in enthusiast machines and high-desktop systems, and not just in server systems anymore. The Crucial Ballistix DDR4 16GB RAM will be available starting in late July, with kits ranging in size from 16GB up to 128GB.

"This density of memory module will start to become broadly available in the desktop space with our new 8GB-based Ballistic DDR4 16GB modules," said Jeremy Mortenson, worldwide DRAM product marketing manager at Crucial. "We anticipate that our new modules and component densities will enable smaller form factors and the next generation of computers to have capacities that were traditionally limited to the server or high-end desktop space."

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The VivoWatch by ASUS claims to be 'the pulse of life'

Chris Smith | Wearable Computing & Fashion | Jun 2, 2015 7:38 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - We haven't seen too much about smartwatches since CES Las Vegas back in January, but ASUS has been working on a new model since then - the ASUS VivoWatch.

The VivoWatch by ASUS claims to be 'the pulse of life'

Featuring a 128x128 resolution, low power consumption and Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the internals boast a 3-axis accelerometer, optical heart rate sensors with "ASUS VivoPulse technology," Bluetooth 4.0 and up to 10 days worth of battery life with 'normal operation' taking place - ASUS claims this beast will charge in only 1-2 hours.

Wrapping up the feature list is a water resistance rating of IP67, a standard 22mm strap size and a small 50g weight.

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Mini-PCs everywhere thanks to ASUS, featuring the VivoPC and Chromebox

Chris Smith | Computer Systems | Jun 2, 2015 7:31 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - ASUS is surely not short on mini PCs thanks to its Chromebox and VivoPC series', showcasing a myriad of options in Taipei this week.

Mini-PCs everywhere thanks to ASUS, featuring the VivoPC and Chromebox

The Chromebox CN62 comes with a choice of three Intel processors (Celeron 3205U, i3-5010U, i7-550U), 2-4GB of Dual-Channel DDR3 memory at 1600MHz, Intel GD graphics, 1000 Mbps LAN and a 16GB M.2 SSD and comes in either silver or black. Claiming to draw only 6W of power at idle, it's "more efficient than a LED light bulb" as claimed by ASUS itself.

As for the VivoPC, there is the VC65 edition with a 6th generation Intel Core processor, RAID support for up to 1TB of 2.5" SATA 3 HDDs and up to 512GB of SSD storage space, adding to this is 4-16GB of dual-channel DDR3L RAM support at 1600MHz and 1000 Mbps LAN. Contrast to this is the VivoPC WM65N/VM65 with USB 3.1 and 801.11ac Wi-Fi and different storage options.

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Not happy with your game? Steam now lets you return it

Michael Hatamoto | Gaming | Jun 2, 2015 7:30 PM CDT

Valve has introduced a refund policy for Steam purchases, with gamers allowed to "request a refund for nearly any purchase on Steam - for any reason." The offer is good for Steam purchases within 14 days and the game must have been played for less than two hours - all requests can be filed through the Steam support system.

The refunds apply to downloadable content, in-game purchases (for Valve-developed games), pre-purchased titles, bundles, and Steam Wallet purchases. Anyone banned by the Valve Anti-Cheat system are ineligible for refunds, and no refunds will be made on purchases outside of Steam, or on purchased movies or gifts.

Prior to this sudden change, Valve would only issue refunds under extreme circumstances, so this could be a welcome change for PC gamers.

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Reversible USB 2.0 is here thanks to ASUS

Chris Smith | Motherboards | Jun 2, 2015 7:03 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - With the world fighting for USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A to be integrated into all products, ASUS has taken a different route with one of its motherboard options, producing the world's first reversible USB 2.0 onboard port.

Reversible USB 2.0 is here thanks to ASUS

A little weird yes and you might be thinking of it as old technology and useless. However, this could mean amazing applications in budget motherboards and office systems - no longer will you rock up to work, school or university and fiddle around with your presentation for 10 minutes trying to plug your USB key in.

Although I've tried to justify this technology to you, it's really up to the users to decide if they like it or not.

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Server and workstation boards by ASUS have arrived

Chris Smith | Motherboards | Jun 2, 2015 6:54 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - For those not interested in the ASUS ROG gaming focus of Computex 2015, this company has also shown off a new range of server and workstation boards as displayed on a product wall.

Server and workstation boards by ASUS have arrived

Featuring the X99-M WS, the X-99 WS/IPMI and the X99-E WS/USB 3.1, there was no AMD to be seen as the drive seems to be for X99 Intel only.

All based on similar architecture, the X99-M WS board lays claim to being "the most powerful X99 mATX board for small form factor gaming and professional market[s]," offering Intel Socket 2011 Core i7 Xeon support and four memory slots holding up to 64GB in total.

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Keep your home Wi-Fi powerful with the new ASUS offerings

Chris Smith | Networking | Jun 2, 2015 6:41 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - Adding to the plethora of models on offer in Taipei, ASUS has showcased two new Wi-Fi home products, the RT-AC3200 tri-band gigabit router and the RP-AC68U 3-in-1 access point, rage extender and media bridge.

Keep your home Wi-Fi powerful with the new ASUS offerings

This new router offers consumers tri-band Smart Connect technology which sets out to assign each connected device the ideal Wi-Fi band pending its needs, AiProtection to help keep your home safe from breaches of personal data and a traffic analyzer so you can find out exactly which housemate or child has been downloading torrents throughout the night.

As for specifications, this router operates on a frequency of concurrent 2.4GHz (600 Mbps), 5GHz-1 (1300 Mbps) and 5GHz-2 (1300 Mbps) and offers a single gigabit WAN port, four gigabit LAN ports, one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 connection.

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SmartHome aims to keep you safe through technology by ASUS

Chris Smith | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Jun 2, 2015 6:29 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - Adding something a little different to the Computex 2015 trade show is the ASUS series of SmartHome devices, designed to keep yourself and your technology safe at home.

SmartHome aims to keep you safe through technology by ASUS

Also winning a BC award as per the ASUS ROG GR6 mini gaming PC, these products are coupled with the tagline "Smart, Simple, Secure" and are aimed at everyone from the general consumer to the complete computer mastermind.

Pictured is the black circle-like object named the ASUS Smart Home Gateway, this sets out to let you control your home through one simple app installed on a smartphone or tablet and can work with third-party products - meaning you aren't locked into ASUS branded components only.

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ASUS shows off a plethora of stunning 4K monitors

Chris Smith | Displays & Projectors | Jun 2, 2015 6:15 PM CDT

Computex 2015 - If you're not looking to head down the flagship gaming path with the new ASUS 34" curved monitor, ASUS has plenty of other options on display this year in Taipei, Taiwan.

ASUS shows off a plethora of stunning 4K monitors

First up is the MG279Q, a 144Hz IPS Panel Plus with AMD FreeSync Technology and targeted at gamers who will enjoy the superior refresh rate. This is matched alongside the TechniColor-certified vibrant panel with a 100% sRGB rating and the 100% Adobe RGB monitor with ProArt Calibration for graphical designers and more. The last cab off the rank in the normal monitor range is the Designo - a 27-inch 4K frameless panel, a stunning addition indeed.

These 4K monitors help round out the 27-32" offerings by ASUS, with the PA329Q ProArt running at 2840x2160 resolution offering a viewing angle of 128 degrees and some impressive input/output port specifications including DisplayPort 1.2, mini-DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, two HDMI 1.4 and four USB 3.0 ports.

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