Motherboards - Page 14

GIGABYTE this week released new BIOS updates for its x470 and B450 motherboard lineup that adds support for AMD's Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. It's too bad that you can't buy the processors.

AMD launched the Zen 3 architecture with its Ryzen 5000 series CPUs last month. At launch, only the newest boards equipped with AMD's x570 and B550 chipsets received support for the latest CPUs on launch day.

AMD said that BIOS updates for older x470 and B450 chipsets would come in the new year, but GIGABYTE didn't wait that long to add support for the latest CPUs on its older boards. BIOS version F60 is available now, and with it, you can drop one of AMD's shiny new Ryzen 5 5600x, Ryzen 7 5800x, Ryzen 9 5900x, or Ryzen 9 5950x CPUs into your board.

AMD unleashed its new Zen 3 architecture that powered the Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, and now they'll work on an ASRock B450 based motherboard.

ASRock has announced that it has new BIOS updates being pushed out to its AMD B450-based range of motherboards, which is a huge deal. You can buy the mid-range Ryzen 5 5600X processor with a cheaper B450 motherboard, and enjoy a super-powered but not super-overpriced gaming rig.

AMD revealed its new Zen 3 architecture and the first batch of next-gen Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, with the company promising support for its new Zen 3 processors on current-gen 500-series motherboards.

AMD has also confirmed that Zen 3 support will be included in the previous-gen 400-series motherboards, with beta firmware for 400-series motherboards arriving sometime in January 2021. Between now and then we'll see motherboard makers pumping out new BIOSes for AMD's new Zen 3 processors.

VideoCardz reports that ComputerBase has been collecting data from major motherboard makers, looking at the AGESA updates for Zen 3 on 500-series motherboards. Support for Zen 3 processors will come with AGESA Combo-AM4 v2 1.0.8.x firmware and optional BIOses with Zen 3 coming soon (v1.0.8.x at least).

ASUS has just teased its new Z490 ROG Maximus XII Extreme GUNDAM motherboard, which will have a pre-installed waterblock for enthusiasts to dip their toes in watercooled CPU goodness.

The new Z490 ROG Maximus XII Extreme GUNDAM motherboard is inspired by GUNDAM, the popular Japanese anime. The new GUNDAM Edition motherboard packs a pre-installed monoblock over the CPU, VRM, and chipset area -- with the GUNDAM-inspired silver, white, blue, yellow, and red style.

I'm sure most of these motherboards will end up being purchased and never used, being collectors items instead. Still, I'm hoping someone builds an all-GUNDAM-themed gaming PC with the new ASUS Z490 ROG Maximus XII Extreme GUNDAM motherboard.

AMD has now unveiled its next-generation Zen 3 CPU architecture, with ASUS quickly off the mark unveiling its new ROG Crosshair VII DARK HERO and ROG STRIX B550-XE motherboards ready for the new Ryzen 5000 series processors.

First up we have the ASUS ROG Crosshair VII DARK HERO was made specifically for AMD's new Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, packed with higher-end 14+2-phase design and titanium power stages that are good all the way through to a huge 90A. The board packs 8+4-pin power connectors, with two huge aluminum blocks that keep the VRMs cool with a huge heat pipe.

ASUS has a really slick matte and metallic black aesthetic, with RGB lighting through ASUS Aura Sync, with an RGB-lit ROG eye looking back at you, while keeping the PCH cool. There's no active cooler on this model, compared to its predecessor in the X570 boards.

NZXT introduced a new Z490 motherboard, which includes a shield covering the entire PCB and gives it a minimalist look. It's the perfect compliment to NZXT's minimalist case designs.

The N7 Z490 is a relatively simple Z490 motherboard. NZXT said it built the board "for builders." It emphasized that it optimized the location of ports and connectors to simplify assembly. The N7 Z490 doesn't come packed with the bells and whistles we often see on modern boards. It offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth V5.1, and RBG lighting headers that you can control with NXZT CAM software.

The most notable feature about the NZXT N7 Z490 is the full-cover shroud that comes with the board. These covers give the board a super clean look that matches the interior design of NZXT's computer case. NZXT offers black and white options to suit your preference.

EVGA has just unveiled its latest motherboard, the new Z490 DARK KINGPIN motherboard which costs $600 and is probably the most over-the-top motherboard ever.

But you will notice something instantly: there are only 2 x DIMM slots, and I'm sure some of you are wondering why. The reason why EVGA has used a pair of DIMM slots versus the traditional 4 that you'd get on any other full-sized Z490-based motherboard is for overclocking.

Nearly every professional overclocker will use a single stick of RAM, and only sometimes 2 sticks -- for most OC world records. This doesn't mean you won't have a heap of RAM to install, as it still supports a huge 64GB of DDR4-5000+ memory, while the normal board will support 128GB of DDR4-4400+.

ASUS has announced that overclock or using its latest ROG Maximus XII Apex motherboard have been able to break a number of world records and land multiple first place scores. The first of the benchmark records that ASUS is bragging about involves the overclocking of an Intel Core i9-10900K processor up to 7.7 GHz on all 10 scores.

ASUS wrote, "Because of the ongoing global situation, ASUS was unable to host its traditional overclocking gathering this year, so instead a smaller session took place at the ASUS headquarters in Taiwan, with local overclockers Jon 'Elmore' Sandstrom and Pieter 'Massman' Plaisier working alongside internal ASUS experts. Using a liquid-helium setup, the group managed to shatter the Intel Core architecture frequency record, the single-core Geekbench 4 record, and took global first-place positions in 10-core categories for Geekbench 3, Cinebench R15, and wPrime 32M."

Another of the records set using the ASUS motherboard also used G.Skill memory to hit a new DDR4-memory-overclocking-frequency record of 6666 MHz. 3DMark records are also broken using a system running the ASUS motherboard, and a number of other benchmark records fell as well. The full list of benchmark records set using ASUS hardware can be seen in the chart below.

The Biostar FX9830M SoC was unveiled today, aiming at business users. The motherboard has a built-in AMD Bristol Ridge seventh-generation quad-core processor. Biostar says that the motherboard caters to a variety of user requirements, such as small business owners looking for reliable and affordable solutions that can run daily business operations.

The specific integrated processor is an AMD FX-9830P that has support for AMD Radeon R7 graphics. The motherboard supports multiple hard drives and has an integrated TPM module that can be used in conjunction with other security technologies. The security technologies include things like biometric verification and antivirus to keep the data on the computer safe and protected.

Biostar's FX9830M SoC motherboard supports up to 32GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 memory in dual channels. The board also has a PCIe M.2 16 Gb/s slot to deliver the highest bandwidth with lower latency than other storage interfaces. Connectivity options include USB 3.2 Gen1 that supports data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with all USB products.

Biostar has announced the launch of a new motherboard that is explicitly designed to run the latest and future AMD Ryzen processors. The board is called the Biostar Racing B450GT, and it's a Micro-ATX form factor motherboard. The manufacturer says that it's ideal for gaming or HTPC builds where a smaller footprint is desired along with the ability to use up to a 16-core AMD Ryzen 3000 series processor.

The motherboard uses the signature Racing style along with the premium build and features the line of motherboards is known for. Features include LED Rock RGB Lighting System with Support for Both 5V ARGB LED and 12V RGB LED. The lighting can be controlled by the VIVID LED DJ software.

The Biostar Racing B450GT is based on the AMD B450 single chip architecture and can support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory over 4 DIMMs. The board also supports overclocking with speeds adjusted using a new BIOS interface that has a new EZ Mode. Other features include PCIe M.2 able to deliver stable 32 Gb/s bandwidth under lower latency and faster than SATA III 6 Gb/s hardware.

BIOSTAR has unveiled a pair of new H410 series motherboards designed to run the latest 10th generation Intel processors. The boards include the H410MHG and the H410MH. Both boards are aimed at business or casual users and are built with high-grade materials and functionality suitable for different uses.

Both boards are designed for the Micro-ATX form factor and feature USB 3.2 Gen1 ports with performance and connectivity needed for multiple devices. Integrated storage technologies include PCIe M.2 10Gb/s, offering 1.8 times more bandwidth compared to the SATA M.2 6Gb/s along with lowered latency.

Both the motherboards support up to 64GB DDR4 RAM with clock speeds up to 2933 MHz. Both also support gigabit LAN. The BIOSTAR H410MHG has TPM technology improving equipment effectiveness with an emphasis on proactive and preventative maintenance and provides a safe working environment. That board is built to suit government agencies and other commercial applications. It also includes a 4K HDMI connector.

Raspberry Pi 4 fans can get an upgraded version that just launched that offers up to 8GB of RAM. With the additional RAM version, the Pi 4 can now be had with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM. The Pi 4 is almost a year old and has sold 3 million units so far. Over the nearly 12 months since launch, there have been a couple of minor board revisions.

The rumored 8GB Raspberry Pi 4 is now available and costs $75. The 2GB version of the same board sells for $35. The BCM2711 chip used on the Raspberry Pi 4 can address up to 16GB of LPDDR4 SDRAM. The developers behind the board say that the barrier to offering the larger-memory version was the lack of an 8GB LPDDR4 package.

Pi.org says that its partners at Micron unveiled a suitable part earlier this year. The Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB of RAM is available right now. Eben Upton from Raspberrypi.org wrote, "If you're a power user, intending to compile and link large pieces of software or run heavy server workloads, or you simply want to be able to have even more browser tabs open at once, this is definitely the Raspberry Pi for you."

My wallet kinda cried a little when I originally saw ASRock's insane Z490 AQUA motherboard -- as it costs over $1000, but now it has been used by an overclocker to smash 4 world records.

Overclocker 'Splave' used the ASRock Z490 AQUA motherboard along with Intel's new Core i9-10900KF processor to secure himself 4 global first-place positions in benchmarks. The benchmarks in question are the wPrime-1024M, GPUPI for CPU, Cinebench R20, and Cinebench R11.5.

Splave smashed the wPrime-1014M benchmark, securing first place with the Core i9-10900KF with 35sec 562ms and the 10900KF processor clocked at 7070MHz. The GPUPI for CPU - 1B has a new record of 1min 25sec 15ms on the Core i9-10900KF and ASRock Z490 AQUA motherboard.

ASUS has unveiled a new series of mainboards that are aimed at supporting the latest AMD processors. Sitting at the top of the line is the ROG Strix B550-E Gaming mainboard. The E version of the board is aimed at gamers wanting to use AMD Ryzen processors using the AM4 socket with dual or triple expansion cards. The CPU socket is flanked by a 14+2 power stage VRM for reliable performance.

The board also supports reinforced PCIe x16 SafeSlots for heavy GPUs in SLI or CrossFireX modes. The board has six fan headers an AIO and pump headers to allow for setups as simple or intricate as the gamer wants. Automatic fan speed detection is supported using Q-Fan software controls with multiple presets to keep temperature and noise levels down.

A pair of SSDs up to 110mm long can be fitted into the dual M.2 slots that are both covered by heat sinks to prevent thermal throttling under load. The board also features Intel-power 2.5 Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 controllers. Bluetooth 5.1 is also integrated along with the trio of three USB ports, including a single Type-C and two Type-A ports.

Biostar has unveiled a pair of new mainboards that are designed to support 10th generation Intel processors. The new boards include the Racing B460GTA and Racing B460GTQ. Since both are Racing boards, they have the signature black, gray, and blue Racing colors. The boards are aimed at commercial and casual use and are designed with an eye towards power efficiency and cooling.

Both boards have similar features, including Super Hyper PWM with DCR current sensing architecture offering precision in delivering stable power with 100% fixed voltage. Biostar says that the differences between the B460GTA and B460GTQ boiled down to the GTA offering additional ports and connectivity options thanks to the ATX form factor while the GTQ is a micro-ATX mainboard.

Biostar says that both boards are designed to be extremely affordable and feature a stylish Armor Gear enclosure on the motherboard, helping to dissipate heat and housing the LED Rock Zone RGB lighting. Both boards have customizable light settings via the Vivid LED DJ software. The boards support up to 128 GB of DDR for RAM with four DIMMs.

MSI is continuing to introduce new members into its growing family of PC products, where today the company is announcing its first liquid cooler: the MAG CORELIQUID series.

The new MSI MAG CORELIQUID series comes in four different models, with the MAG CORELIQUID 360R, MAG CORELIQUID 360RH, MAG CORELIQUID 240R, and MAG CORELIQUID 240RH. As you can probably already tell by the product names here, there are two with 360mm radiators, and two models with 240mm radiators.

MSI has integrated the pump itself into the radiator, something that will reduce the sound emitted from the MAG CORELIQUID cooler. Not only that, but MSI has used a three-phase motor in the core of the pump which will reduce vibrations, also keeping the noise down.

ASRock has just unveiled an absolute beast of a motherboard in its flagship Z490 AQUA, with the company making just 999 units of this motherboard which means most people will want to keep it in the box -- right?!

As for the board, ASRock is putting its all into the Z490 AQUA motherboard. First off we have the latest 16-phase 90A Dr.MOS and 2oz Copper PCBs which have up to 95% VRM efficiency. Why the huge beefcake VRM? Intel's new 10th Gen Core processors (check out the review kit here) and especially the flagship Core i9-10900K processor which is a 10C/20T chip at up to 5.3GHz -- and 5.4GHz in early overclocks.

ASRock is using a high-end water cooling system on its Z490 AQUA motherboard, something that will better handle the huge heat from the CPU and VRMs. It also features an OLED display that ASRock uses to display CPU voltages, temperatures, system and POST statuses, and much more.

With the official announcement and release of the new Comet Lake CPU's, we can now showcase all of the new Z490 boards made for the new up to 10 Core mainstream platforms from Intel. Today we look at the offerings from Supermicro and what they have to offer.

The Supermicro C9Z490 series of boards only consists of two boards at the time of launch. The two boards are functionally and visually identical, except for Wi-Fi. The two models are C9Z490-PG, and C9Z490-PGW, where the W suffix denotes Wi-Fi inclusion.

First up, we have the C9Z490-PGW, which is the version of the Supermicro board with Wi-Fi. Being Supermicro, you know they have a history of building rock stable server platforms and proper component integration for high density and heavy workload servers and workstations. Now entering the consumer space, we expect the same level of build quality as we have seen before, along with a UEFI that is maturing to a less server and more consumer level. Unfortunately, information on this board pair is limited, so many areas will be TBD until we get the board in hands, at which point we will share all fo the details with you in a full review.

With the official announcement and release of the new Comet Lake CPU's, we can now showcase all of the new Z490 boards made for the new up to 10 Core mainstream platforms from Intel. Today we look at the offerings from MSI and what they have to offer.

The MEG or MSI Enthusiast Gaming line is the top end or upper echelon of board offerings from MSI. This means that these will be the highest featured and best overclocking motherboards of the MSI lineup.

The MEG Z490 Godlike is the top dog or the king of the hill for the MSI lineup. It is not the only board bearing the MEG name, but it is by far the highest featured, and the best for potential overclocks, with some minor caveats such as memory, where a 1DPC (DIMM per Channel) board will dominate.

With the official announcement and release of the new Comet Lake CPU's, we can now showcase all of the new Z490 boards made for the new up to 10 Core mainstream platforms from Intel. Today we look at the offerings from ASRock and what they have to offer.

The Taichi series from ASRock have been the enthusiasts pick for a reason, and that is that besides the OCF or OC Formula gear, the Taichi has proven to be a veritable powerhouse platform for enthusiasts users.

The Z490 Taichi is built to hold true to the Taichi performance we have gotten used to. Beyond the recognizable design ID, the Taichi also comes fully loaded with a VRM and features to make any right a potential powerhouse. The board is touted as supporting PCIe 4.0 which further adds credence to the rumors that Z490 and the LGA1200 socket will be a direct drop-in compatible with the future Rocket Lake architecture which is rumored to bring with it PCIe 4.0 support.