Motherboards - Page 18

Intel is on a rampage of releasing new CPU architectures and motherboard chipsets to go with them, but if you thought we were another year away from a big release, you are wrong. Intel is ramping up for the next Z390 launch, something that should be revealed in early 2018.

The new Intel Z390 chipset has been spotted in SiSoftware's database, and should launch side-by-side with a new range of 4/6/8-core processors that will need to compete with the new threat of AMD's upcoming next-gen Ryzen CPUs in the first half of 2018. Intel is building the new Z390 chipset to handle the new 8-core CPUs they'll unveil, which should fill out the Coffee Lake-S family of processors.

SuperMicro is the board partner that the new Z390 chipset has been spotted on, with their SuperMicro Z7Z390-PGW motherboard spotted on SiSoftware's database. The CPU wasn't detected, which means that the motherboard is an early engineering sample that isn't capable of being detected by SiSoftware yet, or the board is so new SiSoftware is having problems with it.

GIGABYTE have announced their latest Z370 chipset based motherboard, the compact GIGABYTE Z370N WIFI motherboard. Designed for a mini-ITX form factor, the GIGABYTE Z370N WIFI motherboard is a versatile, yet powerful motherboard that is optimized to support Intel's 8th Generation Core Processors.

GIGABYTE have ensured that performance isn't compromised thanks to support for dual-channel DDR4-4600MHz (OC), dual M.2 PCIe slots, dual Intel GbE LAN, dual band 802.11AC wireless and seven USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. This motherboard also boasts onboard DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0a outputs, both are capable of HDR video with HDMI 2.0a able to provide cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio to provide the ultimate viewing experience.

What motherboard isn't complete without RGB lighting? GIGABYTE aren't novices in this department and have included RGB Fusion technology, this allows for customization of up to 300 individual LED's. This software allows you to connect 5V or 12V LED strips and customize each individual LED to suit your preference, this means you can alter the color and brightness of each of the 300 LED's. For overclocking, GIGABYTE have included an Intersil Hybrid Digital VRM design, this design ensures power is distributed effectively to create stable overclocks, XMP profiles is also provided for memory overclocking.

ASUS has just announced their new dual Xeon workstation motherboard, with the introduction of the WS C621E SAGE motherboard. ASUS' new offering is for high-end workstation users, who want a mind blowing amount of CPU grunt.

The new ASUS WC 621E SAGE motherboard rocks two LGA 3647 sockets, which will work with Intel's new Scalable family of Xeon CPUs. The board can support 205W TDP processors, which let it drive 2 x Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 processors with 28C/56T for a total of 56C/112T. There's also 4-way GPU support for both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire.

We have 12 x DDR4 DIMMs that support up to 768GB of DDR4 RAM, 7 x PCIe 3.0 x16 ports, with the full x16 PCIe 3.0 bandwidth required. There are 10 x SATA III ports, 4 x U.2 connectors (32GB/sec) and a single M.2 Socket 3 connector, all backed up with out-of-the-box support for NVMe PCIe SSD RAID 0. ASUS also includes 2 x GbE ports, Realtek 7.1-channel audio, and a bunch of USB 3.1 Gen 2/Gen 1, and USB 2.0 ports.

ASUS ROG is bringing Ryzen to Mini-ITX with their latest motherboards, ROG Strix X370-I Gaming and Strix B350-I Gaming motherboards for AM4 sockets. Catering for small-form-factor Ryzen builds, these ASUS ROG motherboards are nearly identical and are packed full of cutting-edge features like their full-sized counterparts including RGB lighting, M.2 SSD heat sink, liquid cooling ready and a host of other features for your AMD Ryzen build.

ASUS Maximus Impact series showcased improved audio with a dedicated riser card, and the Strix X370-I and B350-I Gaming go one step further with an M.2 Audio Combo card that contains both SupremeFX sound and M.2 storage. As for overlocking, these motherboards feature unlocked multipliers, six-phase VRM design and support for DDR4-3600 memory. To make overclocking even easier, ASUS ROG have introduced exclusive 5-Way Optimization technology, this intelligent auto-tuning technology automatically overclocks the CPU and configures the cooling performance based on the components of your build.

Both the ROG Strix X370-I Gaming and Strix B350-I Gaming motherboards will be available late October.

BIOSTAR have unleashed their flagship Z370 motherboard, and it sounds like an exotic supercar, the RACING Z370GT7. Supporting the latest 8th generation Intel Core processors and DDR4-3866 memory, this motherboard is aimed at enthusiasts who like to go extreme with their overclocks, modifications and designs of their builds.

Finished in a luxurious black color theme with golden highlights spread across the design of the board, the RACING Z370GT7 is also able to satisfy RGB fanatics thanks to utilizing BIOSTAR's Advanced VIVID LED DJ that can provide up to 10 flashing modes. As with any flagship product, BIOSTAR have included some new toys with the RACING Z370GT7 including smart A.I FAN, reinforced PCI-E slots and dual Intel Optane-ready M.2 slots. A.I Fan allows for complete fan control via an individual fan controller for each connected fan, this means your fans will adjust their speeds to maintain cool temperatures of your hardware. RACING Z370GT7 boasts dual gold M.2 heat sinks that allow for ultra-high cooling efficiency, this protects and prolongs the like of your M.2 slot.

BIOSTAR RACING Z370GT7 rear I/O ports include legacy PS/2 connector support, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen2 Port, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Port, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Port 2 x USB 2.0 Port, 1 x HDMI Connector, 1 x DVI-D Connector, 1 x RJ-45 Port and 6 x Audio Connectors.

The amount of drama surrounding Intel's recent launch of their Coffee Lake/8th generation CPU architecture and the new Z370 chipset has been astounding, and it just got a lot more interesting.

ASUS ROG motherboard Product Manager, Andrew Wu, confirmed with Bit-Tech that Intel's previous-gen Z270 chipset is compatible with Coffee Lake CPUs, with Wu saying it would require a small change "depending on Intel's decision". Bit-Tech asked if it was a "physical limitation", but Wu replied saying "Not really. It [the power delivery] makes a little bit of difference, but not much".

Then the big question: "so if you wanted and Intel let you, you could make Z270 compatible", to which Wu replied: "Yes, but you also require an upgrade from the ME (Management Engine) and a BIOS update. Intel somehow has locked the compatibility". There you have it folks, Intel is locking users out of upgrading to Coffee Lake on their current Z270 boards, by forcing users to buy a Z370 motherboard.

MSI have announced their new motherboard for AMD Ryzen Threadripper builds, the MSI X399 SLI PLUS. MSI's latest motherboard is an optimized workstation and an excellent choice for professionals looking for performance and stability that we've came to expect from MSI.

Featuring a slick full-black color scheme and a first for MSI's PRO series, Mystic Light RGB, the X399 SLI PLUS can provide impressive performance and style that is customizable by the user. MSI have provided USB 3.1, M.2 SSD support and STEEL ARMOR PCI-E slots that have all been designed and thoroughly tested to achieve quality standards and are geared for longevity and performance. Capable of supporting quad-channel DDR4-3600 memory, 4 xPCI-E 3.0 x16 slots and backed with impressive performance features include DDR4 Boost, Turbo M.2 with RAID support, Audio Boost, X-Boost, Network Manager and many more, the X399 SLI PRO provides impressive compatibility and features.

With any workstation orientated build, stable and fast networking is paramount. MSI have optimized the X399 SLI PLUS for professional and multimedia use and is equipped with a high quality Gigabit network solution and Audio Boost 4. MSI haven't provided pricing or availability yet, but expect this motherboard to be released Q4 2017.

While AMD's Threadripper/X399 launched a few months ago, until now, we hadn't seen much information about new X399 motherboards. GIGABYTE teased pictures of their X399 Designare EX, which is part of their "second wave" of X399 motherboards. The motherboard arrived a few days ago from Taiwan, and I can't wait to review it and see what it has to offer over the first wave of X399 motherboards.

The X399 Designare EX looks more professional than the X399 Aorus Gaming 7, which looks more like a gaming motherboard, but that isn't where the differences end. The motherboard features an integrated IO shield, and there is also a built-in fan under the IO cover that should help to cool down the VRM heat sink, which has also been redesigned.

We also see a header labeled THB_C, which we have seen on other GIGABYTE motherboards as a GPIO header for Thunderbolt 3 add-in cards. However, there is zero mention of the header on the internal connectors list, motherboard diagram, or in the header/port descriptions section of the manual. There are a few possibilities as to why it was omitted, as the header is visible on GIGABYTE's official images of the motherboard. The main one is probably that the certification process isn't over. We have seen the same thing happen on some of GIGABYTE's Z270/Z170 motherboards, where they had the hardware but no certification, so they left any mention of the feature out of the official documentation.

ASUS ROG have announced two new motherboard series based on Intel's Z370 chipset, the Maximus X and Strix Z370 series. These motherboards support up to 6C/12T 8th Generation Intel Core Coffee Lake processors to deliver exceptional performance, unmatched versatility and impressive overclocking potential. The Maximus X is designed for enthusiasts and gamers while the Strix family provides performance to a wide range of builds and budgets.

The Maximus X range is designed for gamers who demand exceptional performance with the latest games and for overclocking enthusiasts. The Maximus X Apex is an overclocking beast and perfect for hardcore gamers. While the Maximus X Hero is a premium balanced choice of performance and premium extras. The Maximus X code is the perfect balance for gaming and enthusiasts and the Maximus X Formula is the centerpiece of a showcase PC.

The Strix Z370 range provides everything gamers need in a motherboard without breaking the budget. Full-sized ATX options include the Strix Z370-E, Z370-F Gaming and the retro-revival of the Strix Z370-H Gaming. Smaller form factors are served by the mATX Strix Z370-G Gaming and Mini-ITX Strix Z370-I Gaming.

ASUS hasn't yet announced the purported ROG STRIX B350-I-Gaming motherboard, but Swedish online retailer Inet has, with plenty of details and photos to look at.

The new ROG STRIX B350-I-Gaming motherboard uses the B350 chipset, with support for up to 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, and any Ryzen 3/5/7 processor. ASUS will be including a single PCIe 3.0 x16 port with 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, and 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.

Storage wise, we have 2 x M.2 slots and 4 x SATA 6Gbps ports, and considering this is a mini-ATX there is an awesome amount of storage capabilities provided by ASUS. There's also GbE and built-in Wi-Fi as well as SupremeFX 8-channel High Definition Audio on-board.

ASUS has secured the #1 spot for motherboard market share, with DigiTimes reporting that the Taiwanese PC component giant has 45% of the motherboard market in their hands.

ASUS still has plenty of next-gen motherboards on the horizon with Intel launching their new Coffee Lake CPU architecture and Z370 chipset, with ASUS preparing a new arsenal of Z300-series motherboards. Not only that, but we also have AMD's current-gen Ryzen and Ryzen Threadripper-ready motherboards from ASUS in the form of X370 and X399 chipsets, and AMD's upcoming Ryzen 2 processors and next-gen chipset with new motherboards again in early 2018.

ASUS should only continue to at least keep that lead, or push it harder with next-gen boards, something I'm sure we'll see in 2018 and beyond. The main question is: what motherboard do you have? Comment below so that we can see how many people reading this story actually have ASUS motherboards or not.

ECS is hitting the Z370 motherboard game with their upcoming lets-throw-all-the-cool-words-in ECS Leet Gaming Z370-Lightsaber, a new motherboard ready for Intel's eighth-gen Coffee Lake CPU architecture.

The new Leet Gaming Z370-Lightsaber rocks a pretty plain look given its burst-in-your-face name, but inside still supports 4 x DIMMs capable of memory at up to 3200MT/s, 3 x PCIe x16 ports, and 2 x M.2 ports that are connected to a PCIe 3.0 x4. We also have 6 x SATA ports, and 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports that are backed up by Realtek's ALC1150 codec and Killer E2500 Ethernet.

ECS is aiming the Leet Gaming Z370-Lightsaver at overclockers, with some beefy VRM heat sinks, and on-board power and reset buttons. Next to the power and reset buttons, ECS has placed diagnostic LEDs that will help you know what's happening to your motherboard when your overclock fails. There are three other buttons that provide you with an update BIOS, reset CMOS settings, or a "quick OS" button.

ASRock have shown that when it comes to overclocking, their X299 OC Formula motherboard is an absolute BEAST! With the NDA lifted for the final few Intel Core X series processors, ASRock with the help of overclocker Splave, were able to display some incredible results for overclocking website HWBOT. Breaking not 1, not 2, but 3 benchmark World Records and an impressive 23 out of 27 global first place finishes, proving that this board is the ultimate choice for extreme overclockers.

Designed by professional-overclocker Nick Shih, the X299 OC Formula features 13 phase Dr.MOS CPU power and 2 phase memory power design, one DIMM per channel memory layout, Hyper BCLK Engine III and XXL aluminum alloy heat sinks. The results speak for themselves, this combination is UNREAL. Throw is support for quad-chanel DDR4-4600Mhz, 5 PCIe 3.0 x16 and 4-way SLI/CrossFireX, the ASRock X299 OC Formula is the perfect overclockers board, and now these results proves it!

The last time we heard about BIOSTAR's upcoming RACING Z370 GT7 motherboard it was from our friends over at VideoCardz, but now we have an exclusive look at the GT6 variant before it becomes available to the public.

BIOSTAR's new RACING Z370 GT6 motherboard looks awesome, with a slick black and gold style that is joined by an array of RGB LEDs that you can customize for the perfect gaming PC.

BIOSTAR did have only 4 nodes on their previous RGB utility, but now they have 10, along with two RGB 5050 headsers on the motherboard for additional RGB LED strips.

GIGABYTE have unveiled their range of new Z370 AORUS motherboards that are based on Intel's Z370 chipset. The Z370 AORUS range fully supports Intel's 8th Generation Intel Core processors and includes support for high-speed RAM up to 4400Mhz. Other features on offer include ESS Sabre DAC, Smart Fan 5 and RGB Fusion, creating the ultimate gaming motherboard range.

"Following Intel's release of the Z370 chipset platform, GIGABYTE has designed a new, groundbreaking motherboard," said Vincent Liu, Senior Associate Vice President of GIGABYTE's Motherboard Business Unit. "GIGABYTE Z370 AORUS motherboards are designed for gamers who value powerful, yet highly durable motherboards. With our new digital power design, not only will Z370 AORUS motherboards unleash the power of the 8th generation Intel Core processors' they will easily fulfill gamers' demands."

The Z370 AORUS Motherboards utilize a new VRM and PWM design, this allows for 60 amps per power phase and strengthens the signal between the processor and voltage regulator. Z370 AORUS Motherboards is also able to provide extreme video quality, 4K UHD, and uninterrupted streaming to users through the use of HDCP 2.2 Technology, a HEVC 10-bit decoder, as well as a VP9 hardware decoder.

GIGABYTE's upcoming X399 Designare EX motherboard is on the way, with it being the new flagship motherboard that will be perfect for AMD's super-powered Ryzen Threadripper CPUs.

There's a slick as hell silver theme, with dual GbE ports, USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C and Type-A) ports, 8 x DDR4 DIMMs, 4-way CrossFire and SLI support (awww YES), and 3 x M.2 slots. All of the PCIe slots on GIGABYTE's new X399 Designare EX motherboard are protected with metal shielding, while the M.2 slots have heat sinks by GIGABYTE.

The blue LED that GIGABYTE is using on the chipset cooler looks beyond awesome, as it works beautifully with the black and silver style on the X399 Designare EX motherboard. I want one so bad.

Intel's upcoming Coffee Lake-S architecture is nearly here, something that will be led by the flagship Core i7-8700K processor. But now we have Biostar's upcoming RACING Z370 GT7 motherboard spotted, and it looks GOOD.

Biostar says that the upcoming RACING Z370 GT7 motherboard will support DDR4 RAM up to 3866MHz, with reinforced PCIe slots, more M.2 slots, Realtek ALC1220 audio chipset, and the Intel I219V gigabit ethernet controller.

I'm loving the black and yellow style on the motherboard, with M.2 cooling teased at the bottom. The RGBs above the I/O panel look great too, but I think this board is going to look great when used in a specific black/blue build... giving me some ideas. Watch this space.

We all know about the cryptocurrency mining phenomenon that has lasted longer than fidget spinners and Pokemon GO combined, but now Colorful is entering the game with the most unique motherboard... well... EVER.

Colorful has just announced a non-standard form factor motherboard that uses Intel's LGA 1151 socket, with the new C.B250A-BTC PLUS V20 motherboard (you won't forget that easily, don't worry) rocking a huge 8 x PCIe x16 slots. The board is a massive 485mm in length and even 195mm wide... meaning even huge HPTX cases won't house it.

The new motherboard is built for mining-specific racks, with 8 x PCIe x16 slots and 2-slot spacing between them for 8 high-end graphics cards to mine 24/7.

The crypomining phase is slowing fading, but this hasn't stopped BIOSTAR releasing the first Micro-ATX Intel H110 Chipset Motherboard dedicated for crypto mining systems. Built ground up for mining, BIOSTAR have removed features don't enhance mining performance to keep costs down and efficiency up.

The compact design still allows for 6 x PCI-E support (1 x PCI-E x16 3.0, 5 x PCI-E x1 2.0) and supports all the essentials in optimizing your mining rig including 7th generation Intel Core processors, 2-DIMM DDR4-2400MHz RAM to 32GB, HDMI and USB 3.0. Featuring HDMI KVM support, this allows for easy management of multi-mining setups or D-Sub KVM for more conventional multi-monitor setups.

The BIOSTAR H110M-BTC is a great choice for entry miners, that require affordable pricing and still offering support and performance for multiple GPU's.

GIGABYTE has reached out to TweakTown over our previous story, with the F5 BIOS on X370 motherboards from the company over-volting Ryzen CPUs, which we're going to clarify now. GIGABYTE released the iffy BIOS on 25/8, but on 31/8 the company realized there were some problems with the F5 BIOS.

GIGABYTE quickly pulled the F5 BIOS from their website, and on the morning of 9/1 they had the announcements on their forums, with information on the updated BIOS. GIGABYTE is reaching out to affected customers now.