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Zotac jumping in Ion-filled waters with new Mini-ITX motherboards
We'd heard a few whispers rolling through the gentle breeze that Zotac would be hopping on the Ion bandwagon early on, and sure enough, it looks like said firm is indeed latched on. Reportedly, the outfit will be producing a few Mini-ITX motherboards in the near future that support Intel's Atom 230 / 330 processors and come loaded with NVIDIA's GeForce 9400M G chipsets. The mobos would also include all of the basic amenities: Ethernet, two RAM slots, HDMI / DVI / VGA outputs, a trio of SATA ports and a WiFi module. There's still no word on what system maker is looking to slap these into their next-generation nettops, but who knows, maybe this will end up being the first standalone Ion-based board for the DIYers in attendance.[Via Expreview, thanks Shawn]
Video: Via announces Surfboard netbook with 1080p graphics
Via Technologies has announced its new Surfboard C855 mainboard reference design directed at the netbook market. This guy is built around the company's new VX855 chipset and promises 1080p Full HD video playback, 8-channel HD audio, hardware decoding for H.264, MPEG-2/4, VC-1 and WMV9, and support for Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and 3G connectivity. According to the company, the thing will play HD video with under 40 percent CPU use, supporting up to 1366 x 768 internal display resolution (1920 x 1440 external). What do you think? Are you a would-be netbook developer looking for "a complete, ready-to-build solution," that offers "a superior multimedia entertainment experience?" Be sure to check out that video after the break.
GIGABYTE BIOS hack subverts NVIDIA SLI certification, sticks it to the man
When NVIDIA announced support for SLI on motherboards sporting Intel's X58 chipset, there was something of a hidden catch -- manufacturers needed to pay to become "certified." Yes, you might have thought all you needed was a pair of parallel PCI-E slots and couple of matching video cards to get your SLI on, but non-certified boards find themselves shunned by NVIDIA graphics hardware. However, where there's a will there's usually a way, and for at least one of those woefully illegitimate mobos there's a workaround. GIGABYTE didn't bother to get certification for its EX58-UD4 motherboard, but it did for the EX58-UD4P, and it turns out the same BIOS works on both. Naturally it takes a little extra work to get the wrong version up in the right EEPROM, but the read link has all the details you need to re-flash with finesse.
Gigabyte shows off GA-IBP Core i5 motherboard at CeBIT
What, what? Core i5? What's that? In short, that's the response we got when prodding for details on this here motherboard at CeBIT, but sure enough, the object you see above just might be the first mainboard shown off designed to play nice with Intel's forthcoming Core i7 lite™. The Gigabyte GA-IBP will reportedly be available to purchase around July, which -- coincidentally enough -- is right when we're expecting the Core i5 chips to make their debut on the market. The on-hand Gigabyte rep wouldn't talk about specifics, noting that most everything about this board was still under NDA; when we strolled into Intel's hall, we were flat told that no Core i5 prototypes were available here in Hannover. At any rate, you can count on at least one motherboard to use on your next mid-range gaming rig, and you can peek that very board in the gallery below.
MSI Winki eyes-on: it's an instant-on OS, but for desktops
MSI did a laudatory job this morning baffling us with its Winki release, but we managed to find an exceptionally kind, English-speaking representative at its CeBIT booth today who broke it down for us. In short, Winki is MSI's new instant-on operating system. It's Linux-based, and looks a heck of a lot more elaborate than the HyperSpace instant-on OS that we toyed with in January. The kicker is that at least for now, this thing is only for desktops, as it's actually built into a small module (shown above) that plugs directly into an MSI motherboard. At first, only select mainboards will come bundled with Winki, but it just might roll out across MSI's entire mobo line. The dame we spoke with wouldn't divulge any details on whether this OS would ever come to its wide-ranging laptop line, but we suspect it will in due time. Winki provides easy access to IM services, Skype and the internet, which is a shortcut to Doom away from being all the true gamer needs in life, anyway.%Gallery-46705%
ASUS Marine Cool concept motherboard hands-off
We saw the first motherboard we'd actually consider buying a clear case for earlier this week when ASUS announced its new Marine Cool concept mobo, so we couldn't resist the urge to swing by and grab a few snaps of it here at CeBIT. Unfortunately, the board was sitting behind 3-inches of bulletproof glass, but that didn't stop our lens from getting as close as possible. We'll be frank -- this thing looks even better in person, and it just might be the catalyst the mobo world needed to start caring about design.%Gallery-46327%
ASUS to showcase Marine Cool concept motherboard at CeBIT
Check it, OC'ing freaks -- ASUS is apparently planning to debut a new concept motherboard at CeBIT, the aptly titled Marine Cool. The high-end mobo is said to be "unlike any other motherboard on the market," with the all new backplate being the showstopping feature. It's said that the backplate features a "micro-porous ceramic" technology, which delivers quicker heat dissipation than existing alternatives. If you're still scratching your head in a seemingly futile attempt to figure out why this matters, the new cooling tech should allow for components to handle even more extreme overclocking without having to hook up some sort of liquid nitrogen rig. One curious aspect was the decision to include dual SO-DIMM slots in place of traditional desktop-grade DIMM slots, though we don't suspect that'll be a deal breaker for those willing to accept sacrifices for maximum cooling. As is always the case with ASUS, there's no indication of a price or eventual commercialization date, but hopefully we'll get more from the show floor in Hannover.[Via HotHardware, thanks JC]%Gallery-46119%
Intel's Core i7 Extreme Edition 965 overclocked to 5.5GHz
Right, so Intel's 3.73GHz Core i7 Extreme Edition 965 is fast enough for the vast majority of PC users across the globe, but not for Japanese overclocking enthusiast duck. Oh no -- duck decided to pair the chip up with ASUS' ROG Rampage II Extreme motherboard, which facilitates hardware-based OC'ing, in order to reach a top speed of 5510.09MHz. The point of the exercise? Just to say he could, not to mention set the bar for OC Team Italy to try and demolish.
AMD's Maui HTPC platform demoed on video
If you were mildly intrigued by AMD's Maui HTPC platform, but have since pushed off the idea of crafting your very own media center PC, we're glad to have your attention once more. HotHardware had a chance to toy around with a Maui-based system, and rather than telling us about it in a dissertation-style writeup, it simply flipped on the video camera and hosted up a 7.5 minute clip showing it off. Have a look after the break.
AMD's Maui HTPC platform now on sale
HTPC-centric motherboards aren't exactly everywhere these days, so we figured it prudent to pass along this heads-up. AMD's flexible Maui platform is now on sale, bringing with it a low-power Phenom or Athlon X2 processor, an AMD 780-series (or higher) IGPU, an ATI TV tuner and AMD's Live media center software elements. Reviews from buyers have been generally positive thus far, and you can snag one now for $189.99.[Via HotHardware]
GeForce 9-Series motherboards maybe coming to the Mini
I think that at this point, the Mac mini has moved up into the ranks of the TRS-80 and the Apple IIe as one of my favorite computers of all time. Though it's been rumored dead more times than disco, it's still puttering along as the tiny little computer that could, racking up (we assume -- the mini doesn't carry with it any of the sparkle of the iPhone or the raw beauty of the MacBooks, and so Apple is relatively mum on info) enough sales to keep moving. And there might even be new life in store: Peter Cohen over at MacWorld suggests that after the recent MB and MBP updates, the mini is last in line to ditch the old Intel integrated motherboard design.Sounds great to us. The mini's so under the radar that you wouldn't even expect Apple to announce an upgrade for it -- it just sort of slipped up to Core Duo 2 the last time it got upgraded, like a cute little baby bear following the family. And it's a versitile little cubby, too, from taking it out to sea to turning it into a Mac Pro mini.What a great little computer. We hope that the Nvidia GeForce 9-series motherboards do find a home in there, and (more than anything else) that Apple sees fit to remember their roots and keep creative computing with the tinest Mac alive.
ASUS at it again, calling out Gigabyte's excessive copper usage
Oh ASUS, you bring us such joy. When this company isn't busy diluting its Eee brand, it loves to pick fights with noted rivals, and this latest spat with Gigabyte (who isn't at all innocent in this war) is wonderfully trivial. Apparently ASRock, ASUS's budget motherboard wing, has taken it upon itself to inform hardware review websites like HEXUS of Gigabyte's wasteful implementation of copper. The email ponders: "While the demand for copper keeps increasing and with that the price of this natural resource, why would manufacturers choose to use more copper without any valid reason?" And it gets better: "I [unidentified] am not talking about unnecessary heatpipes that most people do not need, but about Gigabyte's '2 oz Copper PCB'. Gigabyte is adding more copper to the PCB to reduce the heat that is produced by their motherboard, and to spread it across the motherboard so that the heat will dissipate more quickly." Naturally ASRock's own P45 motherboard falls into none such pitfalls, offering better cooling with less copper, and they even provided a handy chart up above in case you don't believe them, you idiot. Say no to waste![Thanks, Jordan]
ASUS has SideShow flashback with OC Palm mobo companion
We know this here device is real, but excuse us while we share our skepticism of ASUS' ability to deliver -- after all, we're still waiting patiently for that ROG XG Station to actually find a price and release date. That aside, this here motherboard companion was recently demonstrated by ASUS, and apparently, it gives users the ability to monitor their PC internals, overclock devices in real time and check out widgets on the side. The OC Palm is one of the very few devices we've seen of late to actually take advantage of SideShow-like functionality, though it's only compatible with the high(er)-end P6T DELUXE mobo right now. ASUS has yet to disclose a sticker / launch date, but it's not like you didn't see that coming, right? Check the read link for lots more hands-on shots.
Gigabyte shows off robust Core i7 prototype motherboard
Surely you've been wondering what types of motherboards would be surfacing to support Intel's Core i7, no? Regardless of your answer, we're pretty sure the gamers and performance mavens in the house will appreciate Gigabyte's latest effort. The prototype mobo, coined Extreme Edition, was recently displayed at NVIDIA's NVISION 08 expo, and if the final version is anything like this, we'd say some records are in real danger of being obliterated. The unit was said to be based on the X58 chipset and provide support for up to six graphics cards, 24GB of DDR3-1333 RAM (or 6GB of DDR3-1900/2000 using overclocked 2GB DIMMs) and a separated 12-phase power supply for the CPU. Interested yet?
Antec offers components for the DIY laptop crowd
Just because you haven't gotten up the nerve to build your own laptop doesn't mean that everyone's just running out and buying pre-fabricated lap warmers, now does it? Antec sure hopes not, else its new CBB component initiative will become a serious money loser. Said outfit has just revealed a slew of new interchangeable kit designed to act as "building blocks" for folks looking to piece together their own notebook. It even goes so far as to proclaim that this is the "first time that system builders will be able to build customized, personalized laptops from individual components," and while we're pretty sure that's exaggerating it, there's no doubt the commercialization here makes it easier to digest. The new enclosures, docking station, CBB / RC2-specific keyboards, AC adapters, battery packs, webcams and more are available now for tinkerers who care.[Via ExtremeTech]
Popcorn Hour's A-110 HD media streamer / B-110 motherboard reviewed
If you've been putting off that purchase of Popcorn Hour's evolutionary A-110 HD media streamer or all new B-110 motherboard, here's a decent compilation of facts and opinions to help you make up your mind once and for all. The cats over at DigitalReviews took the time to not only detail, test out and report back on the newest duo from the company, but it also revisited the original (and heralded) A-100 in order to give a better comparison. Overall, critics did tend to prefer the A-110 over its predecessor, but the minor list of changes made it a hard sell for folks teetering on upgrading. The B-110 was seen as an even tougher sell, with only the hardcore DIY crowd likely to even find it worth investigating. Nevertheless, we won't spoil the rest for you -- head on down to have a look for yourself.[Thanks, Anton]
Popcorn Hour's B-110 HTPC motherboard gets pictured, previewed
Ah, ha! There you are, Mr. B-110. When your partner in crime, the simultaneously announced A-110 HD media streamer, was spotted over at CNET UK, we knew you wouldn't be too far behind. Sure enough, the DIY motherboard -- which was designed for individuals looking to concoct their own HTPC -- has been unboxed and handled over at the aforementioned site. There is one part in particular that caught our eye in reading through the preview; the 7.1-channel analog outputs that are on the mobo will not be activated on this model, with CNETers suggesting that another, more robust version could be on the horizon. Yeah, HDMI 1.3a is still there for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD pass-through, but we are somewhat dismayed by the analog news. Anywho, check the read link for a few more snapshots and a read of what it's packing.[Thanks, John]
VIA ditches motherboard business, focuses on processors
It looks like VIA has finally had enough of the schoolyard fights with Intel and tauntings with hair dyers, as it has just dropped word over the weekend that it's quitting the motherboard chipset business in order to focus on processors and chipsets for motherboards that use its own Nano CPU. According to Custom PC, this is actually a move that VIA had seen coming all along, with vice president of corporate marketing saying that, "one of the main reasons we originally moved into the x86 processor business was because we believed that ultimately the third party chipset market would disappear." Of course, that also means that VIA is putting most of its "chips" in one basket (yes, we said it) and, as Slashdot points out, it leaves other third-party chip manufacturers like SiS with some tough questions to ask themselves.[Via Slashdot]
Popcorn Hour puts A-110 HD media streamer, B-110 mobo up for pre-order
Who knows if Popcorn Hour really is still working on a couple more HD media streamers, but its latest one is definitely up for pre-order. First whispered about a few months back, the $215 A-110 is a revamped A-100 that adds 2.5- / 3.5-inch SATA HDD and USB Slave functionality, HDMI 1.3a support (for full HD audio pass-through) and an optical S/PDIF to replace the coaxial S/PDIF socket. For those of you looking for even more flexibility, you can take a look at the outfit's new B-110 Baseline. This "Home Theater Motherboard" arrives with the media enthusiast in mind, boasting support for HDMI 1.3a, optical / coaxial S/PDIF connectors, four USB 2.0 ports and a mini-ITX form factor. Both pieces should ship out within two to four weeks, but considering just how sticky things were when the A-100 launched, we'd tack on a few weeks to that estimation just in case.[Thanks, Stephen and Jeff]
Fabled Opus motherboard appears in Xbox 360
Well, what have we here? One of those unicorn-like Opus motherboards? According to an image put forth by one Electric Tuner, that's exactly what we have. If you'll recall, we heard back in February that Microsoft may be utilizing the Opus mobos in order to fit the newer 65 / 90-nanometer CPU / GPU combo into RRoDed Xbox 360s that are just collecting dust in warehouses. Thus, you'll find no dedicated HDMI port here, but it should operate much cooler and in a more reliable fashion than the pre-Falcon rigs. There's no word on how exactly this unit was acquired (a replacement, perhaps?), but you can head on down to the read link for one more picture and a little discussion.[Via Xbox-Scene, thanks Leonardo]
