G.Skill,has announced the brand new Ares series of low profile performance DDR3 memory. With a low profile heat spreader design (3.2cm in height), G.Skill Ares series DDR3 memory modules are the perfect choices for building high performance PCs with large CPU coolers, small form factor desktop computers or any other systems with more restricted space.

Every Ares memory kit is hand-tested with G.Skill rigorous internal validation process to ensure the maximum stability and compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms.

Compliant with the latest Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) function, G.Skill Ares series DDR3 memory provides PC enthusiasts and extreme gamers a trouble free overclocking experience on Intel platforms, while enjoying the enhanced memory bandwidth. G.Skill Ares specifications are listed as below. Specifications are subject to change without notice. For further details please check the G.Skill website.

Gamers and enthusiasts already know about Intel’s i7-3960X 6-Core processors and now they are trying to find DDR3 modules worthy of their new expensive systems. The Quadra, DDR3 Quad-kits, come in 1600 MHz and 1866 MHz and pair perfectly with the i7 processors, which now handles 4 channels of memory (known as Quad Channel). By fully populating all 8 slots of memory with Super Talent’s 4GB DIMMs, users will be able to get 32GB of system memory at up to 1866MHz speeds.

Validated using the X79 chipset, the 1600 MHz and 1866 MHz overclocking DDR3 DIMMs are now available either individually or as a kit of four modules. The 1600MHz kits are targeted at more mainstream levels of memory performance while the 1866MHz kits offer that bit extra performance that could mean the difference between a couple of FPS in some games and extra system responsiveness when loading applications.

Super Talent Quadra’s are available now and although they haven’t been priced we expect $160 for the 4X4GB 1866MHz kit and $90 for the 4X4GB 1600MHz kit as these kits are nothing out of the ordinary.

Source: Press Release

Adata are introducing their 8GB DDR3 1600MHz modules. With 1600MHz becoming the norm for most DDR3 systems now, it makes sense for Adata to move towards these types of modules. The modules will feature the latest in high density memory chips to achieve the large 8GB capacity. The modules are going to take the standard 240 pin unbuffered non-ECC specifications for desktop users and notebook users will be offered the standard 204 pin unbuffered non-ECC SODIMM modules. An operating voltage of 1.5v is required to hold these modules at 1600MHz or PC3 12800. Adata is keen to point out that these new modules are both JEDEC and RoHS compliant. They also offer power savings over existing set ups, for example 8GB across two 4GB modules will consume substantially more power than a single 8GB module.

Adata has made their modules immediately available to partners and distributors so we should expect to see them in the shops within a week or so. Adata didn’t specify its pricing expectations for the products so we will just have to wait and see what each individual retailer decides on.

KINGMAX DDR3 module utilizes only the IC chips of highest quality to ensure each module is 100% compatible to other hardware and is Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles) ready so it is able to auto execute overclocking. KINGMAX‘s exclusive TinyBGATM technology is applied to produce chips that are small, cools down fast, low power consumption, less electrical interference and various advantages. Thus making overclocking accessible even for entry-level overclocking enthusiast.

KINGMAX DDR3 2200MHz quad channel overclocking Memory Series is manufactured under a lead-free production process. All products adhere to the RoHS standard, and are certified by CE and Intel XMP. All KINGMAX products come with warranty to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee to customers.

KINGMAX DDR3 quad channel overclocking memory module series: 1333MHz / 1600MHz / 2000MHz / 2200MHz

Features:

• Compatible to all DDR3 quad channel computer platforms
• Intel X79 chips support
• Manufactured under lead-free production process
• TinyBGA Technology yields various advantages: chips are small, cools down fast, low power consumption, large capacity, less electrical interference
• 100% compatibility and stability
• RoHs and CE certified

Specifications:

• 240-pin DDR3 1333MHz / 1600MHz / 2000MHz / 2200MHz
• CAS-Latency: 1333MHz：CL=9, 1600MHz：CL=9, 2000MHz：CL=9 and 2200MHz：CL=10.
• Capacity: quad channel– 4GB/8GB/16GB
• Voltage: 1.5~1.6V
• Lifetime warranty

Source: Press Release

Most of you will have heard of G.Skill, they are one of the better known RAM manufacturers that have rose to prominence in the past few years alongside the dominant presence of Corsair and Kingston. Now they are truly expanding their presence in Europe by establishing an RMA service centre in Europe. Designed to deal with faulty products the Return merchandise authorisation (RMA) service will set up in the Netherlands. The new RMA service will allow G.Skill to deal with every request in a time period of under 5 working days unlike before.

G.Skill had this to say on the matter:

G.Skill International Enterprise Co Ltd., a worldwide leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and solid-state storage, today announces the establishment of Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) service center for end-users in Netherlands, Europe.

Align with G.Skill’s business strategy for growing customer segments, G.Skill’s RMA service center established aims to provide more efficient and effective RMA support throughout European region starting January 2012. End users in Europe will receive quick replacement within five working days for any G.Skill product identified faulty.

G.Skill guarantees that all RMA replacement products are new kits and fully-tested under G.Skill’s rigorous qualification procedure to ensure the maximum quality product. G.Skill customers can count on product quality as well as timely after-sale services across the European region.

All G.Skill memory products come with a lifetime warranty and the G.Skill technical team is always ready to provide consumers with complete technical support via online forums, telephone and email.

Source: Press Release

Barely 7 cm high, this Slim-PC barebone extends the product range and introduces a modern 32 nm-architecture CPU platform. The Intel H61 Express chipset selected for this new product supports second-generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors for the LGA1155 socket with a TDP of max. 65 W. The two memory banks on the pre-installed motherboard can take DDR3 modules up to a total capacity of 16 GB.

The XH61 is provided with UEFI and has 4x SATA 3 Gbit/s, 6x USB 2.0, 7.1 Sound, Gigabit-LAN and Kensington Lock. An HDMI and D-Sub port in combination with the graphics function integrated in the second-generation Intel Core processors enable dual monitoring and smooth HD playback.
The compact case (24.2 x 20 x 7.3 cm) still provides space for an optical Slimline drive and 2.5″ hard disk or SSD. An external 90 W power unit provides a noiseless energy supply. The optionally available PS01 pedestal accessory enables vertical operation. Alternatively, the optional PV02 VESA monitor mount allows the user to fit the XH61 to a range of screens and surfaces.

“With the XH61, we can now fit second-generation Intel Core processors in our smallest and fastest PCs”, states Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. “The practical format of the XH61 and its predecessor, the XG41, has proven its worth and will continue to be developed in future. 3-litre PCs represent a good compromise between space requirements and computing performance.”

The recommended price for the Shuttle Barebone XH61 is EUR 146 (ex VAT).

Source: Press Release

The global leading brand Team Group Inc. takes the lead again by launching the Xtreem LV DDR3 2600 Quad-Channel CL10 for top specification, yet again dropping another bomb in the of OC memory market.

As its previous Xtreem LV DDR3 2400 CL9 has won overwhelming compliments, the company gets the chance again to bring out the upgraded Xtreem LV DDR3 2600 Quad-Channel CL10. This limited edition is by far the fastest and the only manufacturer to meet the extremely high standards of the 1T Command rate in the market. Its efficiency is 10% better than any other Quad-Channel memory. In addition, it supports the latest Intel X79 flagship platform and adopts the new Intel Core i7 premium processor Sandy Bridge-E (LGA-2011). The excellent stability and compatibility have passed strict tests to satisfy overclocking players’ needs all at once.

Director of Team Group Inc. Danny Hsia further emphasized that “The firm always provides the best consumer service and constantly invests in R&D for better products. Leading the market with the Xtreem LV DDR3 2600 Quad-Channel CL10 for top specification is a milestone and technology breakthrough for us! We expect to bring true and high-quality experiences to every overclocker.”

As a leading provider of memory storage products to the consumer market, Team Group is committed to providing the best storage, multimedia and data sharing solutions. All Team memory module products come with a lifetime warranty, repair and replacement services. For more information, please visit the Team website.

Source: Press Release

Crucial has today announced the availability of the 8GB modules for the Ballistix Sport, Tactical and Elite series.

With the use of Micron’s 4 Gb DRAM technology, Crucial’s new 8GB modules ensures to provide the users with maximum capacity, performance and density needed to run data and graphic-intensive applications smoothly and efficiently.

With the low latency DDR3-1600 MHz and DDR3-1866 MHz modules, as well as the update to 8GB per module, the new Intel X79 platform will be able to obtain up to 64GB of RAM with a great performance boost.

To top things off, the complete line of Ballistix memory has been treated with a new logo and heat spreader design.

“The new Crucial Ballistix 8 GB modules enable users to take advantage of award-winning Micron innovations to maximize the installed memory for optimal performance on today’s most advanced systems,” said Jeremy Mortenson, senior product manager, Crucial. “Featuring stylish new designs and an updated logo, Crucial now provides its customers eye-catching and reliable memory solutions for performance enthusiasts at every interest level.”

Ballistix Sport

The new Crucial Ballistix Sport 8 GB DDR3-1600 MHz memory module is designed to provide mainstream users and general PC enthusiasts with an affordable, reliable, no-hassle gaming experience. The Crucial Ballistix Sport series offers timing and voltages for maximum memory stability and system compatibility.

Ballistix Tactical

Well-suited for gamers, power users, and performance enthusiasts, the new Crucial Ballistix Tactical 8 GB DDR3-1600 MHz memory has lower latencies and features the Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) which enables easy setup. The Crucial Ballistix Tactical series provides high speeds and features a black PCB and enhanced heat spreader design for improved thermal performance.

Ballistix Elite

Designed for extreme overclockers and advanced users, the new Crucial Ballistix Elite 8 GB DDR3-1866 MHz memory utilizes Intel XMP, and features a thermally efficient extruded aluminum heat spreader design, black PCBs, and integrated thermal sensors for real-time monitoring of temperature utilizing the Ballistix Memory Overview Display (M.O.D.) utility.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Crucial Ballistix memory modules are rigorously tested in order for them to meet or exceed the high-quality performance specifications costumers expect.

The Crucial Ballistix Sport, Tactical, and Elite memory modules are now available from retailers/e-tailers or directly at Crucial’s website for the following prices:

• Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3-1600 Single Channel: $99.99
• Ballistix Tactical 8GB DDR3-1600 Single Channel: $109.99
• Ballistix Elite 8GB DDR3-1866 Single Channel: $139.99
• Ballistix Sport 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3-1600 Dual Channel: $199.99
• Ballistix Tactical 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3-1600 Dual Channel: $219.99
• Ballistix Elite 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3-1866 Dual Channel: $279.99

Source

Team Group Inc. has recently launched a new RAM memory module packed in a single channel package for gamers and overclockers; the Xtreem Dark.

This new module features the same characteristics as the DARK series, only it is offered in a single channel, for computer upgrades on limited budget, and can easily be a simple yet cheap addition to any gamer’s station to provide a simple boost.

Team Group also offers it as the best tool for professional OC gamers, thanks to its DARK series’ features, it provides outstanding quality and efficiency. Furthermore, the Xtreem Dark needs to pass through strict testing with 100% in order to reach the shelves, thus providing consumers with the best only.

Price and availability haven’t been precised, although the modules do come with a lifetime warranty.

Source

• HP Omni27 PC – the company’s first 27-inch all-in-one PC, and the first non-touch HP PC to feature HP’s exclusive Magic Canvas software for a truly engaging experience.
• HP Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix PC – the most powerful HP Pavilion PC to date, it is engineered to run power-hungry applications, such as video editing and games, with ease.
• HP Compaq L2311c Notebook Docking Monitor – built to pair with a notebook PC via its USB port, creating an efficient, comfortable workspace for mobile professionals.
• Affordable HP LV1911 and LV2011 LED Backlit LCD Monitors – delivering intelligent design and reliable business performance at a great value.

Pricing and availability

• The HP Omni27 All-in-One PC is expected to be available on Jan. 8 in the United States at a starting price of $1,199.99.
• The HP Pavilion HPE Phoenix h9 PC is expected to be available on Jan. 8 in the United States at a starting price of $1,149.99.
• The HP Compaq L2311c 23-inch Notebook Docking Monitor is expected to be available in February in the United States at a starting price of $319.
• The HP LV1911 and LV2011 LED Backlit LCD Monitors are expected to be available in March and February in the United States at starting prices of $125 and $135, respectively.

Standout style, performance and simplicity
The HP Omni27 All-in-One PC is crafted for consumers who demand meticulous design, enhanced performance and an expanded viewing experience. Its elegant flat-panel display features edge-to-edge glass and tilts up to 25 degrees, allowing users to adjust the 27-inch-diagonal high-definition screen to their comfort level.

The HP Omni27 features HP Magic Canvas software, enabling users to expand the desktop horizontally to accommodate photos, videos and applications. Microsoft Windows desktop shortcuts, task bar and start menu can all be accessed through the HP Magic Canvas, so users can work without ever leaving the interface. HP LinkUp lets users access and edit content from a notebook PC on the HP Omni27 PC’s large display with virtually no file transfer hassles.

The HP Omni27 offers multicore processors, advanced HD graphics and up to 2 terabytes (TB) of storage. Additionally, features such as Beats Audio, HDMI-in and an optional Blu-Ray disc drive or TV tuner make it the ultimate multimedia machine. Users also can connect the optional HP Pulse Subwoofer to complement the rich sound of Beats Audio and add depth of sound to movies and games.

Attention-grabbing design that exudes power
The HP Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix is the most powerful HP Pavilion PC to date and offers a cutting-edge design and expandability for users focused on content creation and immersive gaming.

Distinct hardware details, including an armor-plated design that extends across the top and front of the bezel, attention-grabbing lighting and a slanted window on the side of the chassis to see its inner technology, make the HPE Phoenix a standout among desktop PCs. It also offers a valet tray equipped with USB ports for easy access and charging of smartphones, digital cameras and MP3 players.

Exclusive features such as HP Magic Canvas, HP LinkUp and Beats Audio offer users the latest in convenience and sound. Users also can enjoy playing “RIFT,” the dynamic role-playing game from Trion Worlds Inc., included at no additional cost with the HPE Phoenix.
The HPE Phoenix includes four dual in-line memory modules (DIMM) to accommodate up to 16 gigabytes (GB) of DDR3 memory and three internal hard drive bays, while its high-end discrete graphics cards, up to 250W, can support multiple displays and deliver captivating video performance and picture quality. An optional liquid cooling system draws heat away from high-performance processors, helping to protect sensitive components from heat overload and extending the life of the PC.

Convenient display solutions for businesses on any budget
HP also announced the HP Compaq L2311c 23-inch Notebook Docking Monitor, designed to provide mobile professionals with a desktop experience via one easy connection from a USB cable to any notebook PC with a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.

Ideal for notebook users in shared or permanent work spaces, the HP Compaq L2311c sports a full HD, LED backlit LCD display panel and features HP Smart AC Technology that powers and charges HP notebook PCs while also detecting and regulating the capacity of the electrical current.

The HP Compaq L2311c efficiently creates an expanded plug-and-play workspace for increased productivity with one USB connection that provides full HD video, internet connectivity and access to peripherals directly from the monitor’s integrated Ethernet, SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports.

The monitor also features a built-in 720p HD webcam and is equipped with HP MyRoom business edition software and Cyberlink YouCam, a productive webcam tool that eases communication with coworkers and clients in any location.

Also new from HP are the HP LV1911 and LV2011 LED Backlit LCD Monitors, which provide business performance at budget-friendly prices. The HP LV1911 and LV2011 respectively measure 18.5 and 20 inches diagonally and offer VGA inputs, 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratios and 5 millisecond response times.

The LED backlighting employed in all three new displays reduces the number and overall size of panel components for an attractive, slim form factor, while also minimizing power consumption when compared to previous CCFL panel monitors.

Via has come out with the latest in their series of mini-ITX boards with integrated processor and graphics. The VB7009 model comes in a 17cm by 17cm form factor, with a dual core 1.2GHz Via Nano X2 processor and a VX900 graphics media processing unit. The board comfortably supports playback of all resolutions up to and including 1920 by 1080. The system also supports up to 4GB of DDR3 memory and hardware acceleration for latest VC1, H.264, MPEG-2 and WMV9 HD formats at screen resolutions of up to 1080p without incurring a heavy CPU load.

As far as the motherboards rear input and output panel is concerned you get one VGA port, four USB 2.0 ports, one COM port, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, one PS/2 keyboard/mouse port and three audio jacks for line-in/out and mic-in. Onboard pin headers provide support for an additional four USB 2.0 ports, three COM pin headers, an LPC connector, SMBus connector, PS/2 support, audio jacks, and LVDS. The VIA VB7009 is fully compatible with Microsoft and the most popular Linux operating systems and is available in a variety of configurations.

]]> http://www.eteknix.com/news/via-announces-latest-vb7009-mini-itx-board/feed/ 0 http://www.eteknix.com/news/gigabyte-updates-lga-775-boards-as-demand-grows/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gigabyte-updates-lga-775-boards-as-demand-grows http://www.eteknix.com/news/gigabyte-updates-lga-775-boards-as-demand-grows/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:05:59 +0000 Ryan Martin http://www.eteknix.com/?p=15572

For a large proportion of computer users the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ principle applies and this is certainly the case with Intel’s LGA 775 platform. Even though Intel are discontinuing LGA 775 there is still substantial demand for the remaining stock which is falling in price as retailers look to clear stock. This combined with the relatively high prices of DDR2 compared to DDR3 (4GB DDR2 ~£40 and 4GB DDR3 ~£20) has made a lot of people look to getting a DDR3 capable LGA 775 board.

Consequently Gigabyte have updated a popular LGA 775 board (GA-EG41MFT-US2H) that has DDR3 support, as for many customers it is cheaper to buy a new board and some DDR3 than it is to invest in some high density DDR2 modules for an existing board. Not to mention the fact DDR3 RAM brings lower power consumption and better bandwidth.

The new board features improved quality VRM in a 3+1 Phase and an updated Ethernet chip to bring improved speed and stability. In addition to that everything else remains the same :

‘The processor is wired to Intel’s G41 northbridge. Surprisingly, its graphics controller gives out an HDMI connection apart from DVI and D-Sub. It is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 8 GB of memory. Expansion slots include two PCI, one each of PCI-Express 1.1 x16 and PCIe x1. The ICH7 southbridge drives four SATA 3 Gb/s ports, and an IDE connector. The gigabit ethernet controller has been updated to RTL8111E, from the 8111D found on the older revision. Other features include 8-channel HD audio, Firewire, FDC, COM, and a number of USB 2.0 ports’

So if you have a DDR2 LGA 775 board, now has never been a better time to buy an upgrade to DDR3 as prices fall on LGA 775 boards, processors and DDR3 RAM.

Source: TechPowerUp

Intel is pushing ahead with the development of server boards for the Sandy Bridge-E Xeon platform. Their latest board is a titan of computing packing four CPU sockets for four Sandy Bridge-E 130W Xeon processors and 48 DIMM slots. The board supports 8-core Xeon E5-4600 series Sandy Bridge-EP processors. It is driven by Intel C600 “Patsburg” chipset with up to 8 SCU ports and 2 SATA 6 Gb/s ports.

The b0ard features no expansion options on it but it does include two PCI-E 3.0 x48 bandwidth rinsers to which additional boards can be attached which have provisions for expansion cards, you can see an example of that in the above image. The board features dual Intel LAN with VT support. KVM and BMT logic is in-built. The Server Board S4600LH from Intel will be available in Q2 2012.

Source: VR-Zone

Both modules have a staggering price tag of $340 and are currently available in Japan only. Buffalo bundles software tools with both these RAM modules.

Source: Hermitage Akihabara

I had never really used ASRock boards in the past, on a personal level, and only being in charge of motherboard reviews saw me having a glance at their potential. After looking at their Z68 boards, I instantly knew they had something special going on. X79 confirmed this, when we looked at the X79 Extreme4 which was one of the best looking boards that had passed through my hands. It also showed great performance and utilised the new X79 structure in terms of benchmarking, overclocking and a nice, easy to use UEFI BIOS.

After concluding the Extreme4 with our “Editor’s Choice” award, we were extremely keen to see what the other boards in the X79 range were capable of, as the Extreme4 comes in as an entry level motherboard in ASRock’s X79 product lineup.

Today sees us taking a look at their top-end Extreme9 X79 board, which offers up a full ATX form factor layout, with eight DDR3 DIMM slots, and a whopping five PCI-Express x16 slots ready for the most extreme gaming experience.

Whilst this board isn’t aimed specifically at gamers, it looks to be more than capable to push things to the extreme, and with a product marketed into the “Overclock King” range of boards, we’re more than aware of the overclocking ability that this board should include. Due to that, we wanted to get straight into looking at how this board can cope with our 3960X Extreme Edition processor cooled by the Corsair H80 and 16GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR3 memory. It all seems to be a match made in heaven, at least on paper, so let’s get to it and start with taking a look at what ASRock offer in this extreme motherboard, for extreme users.