Gigabyte's Mid-Range LGA1155 Motherboard Pictured

Earlier this year, Gigabyte surprised us by displaying its first motherboards that use a black-colored PCB, the higher end of its socket LGA1155 motherboard lineup based on the P67 Express chipset, the GA-P67A-UD5 and GA-P67A-UD7; the company's mid-thru-entry range of P67 and H67 based motherboards got their photo-shoot. Pictured below (in order) are the P67A-UD3R, P67A-UD3, and H67MA-UD2H. The P67A-UD3R is the third Gigabyte motherboard to be pictured with a black PCB, it is decked in black overall (slots and connectors), with a dash of white. The LGA1155 socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots for dual-channel memory. Expansion slots include three PCI-E x1, one PCI-E 2.0 x16, one PCI-E x16 (electrical x4), and two PCI.

The P67A-UD3 marks a return to blue PCB (indicating that lower-mainstream Gigabyte motherboards will retain the blue color-scheme. It's is a slightly skimpier version of the UD3R, and probably has the SATA RAID function disabled. Connectivity of this, and the UD3R are nearly identical: 8+2 channel HD audio, two USB 3.0 ports, a number of USB 2.0 ports, two SATA 6 Gb/s and four SATA 3 Gb/s ports. The H67MA-UD2H is a micro-ATX motherboard optimized for processors with on-die graphics, it features the flexible display interface (FDI), with display connectivity including one each of DVI, D-Sub, DisplayPort, and HDMI. Expansion slots include two PCI-E x16 (electrical x16, x4); and two PCI-E x1. Connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s, three SATA 3 Gb/s, one eSATA, 8 channel HD audio with optical SPDIF, two USB 3.0 and a number of USB 2.0 ports. Gigabyte's P67 and H67 series motherboard will launch in early 2011, in time for Intel's latest processor lineup.

Nvidia GTX 580 Reference Design Graphic Card Pictured

Here are the first pictures of what is touted to be the GeForce GTX 580 reference design graphics card by NVIDIA, by sections of the Chinese media. There are some interesting inferences that can be drawn just by the looks of the card. To begin with the cooler bears an uncanny resemblance to one of the earliest design iterations of the GeForce GTX 480 (pictured here and here). In its final iteration, NVIDIA gave the GTX 480 a more massive cooler, perhaps to keep up with its finalized clock speeds. If the design of the GTX 580 cooler is anything to go by, it means that either NVIDIA refined the GF100 architecture in the GF110 (on which GTX 580 is based) a great deal, increasing performance per Watt; or that since GTX 580 is in its development stage, its final version could look different. GeForce GTX 580 is being designed as a counter to AMD's Radeon HD 6900 series single-GPU graphics cards that are based on the new Cayman graphics core, which is slated for release in late November. It is expected to be 20% faster than the GTX 480.

ATI New Catalyst 10.10 WHQL Driver Suite

On the occasion of kick-starting its new generation of graphics processors, the Radeon HD 6800 series, AMD backed it up with the launch of [the first] AMD Catalyst, version 10.10 WHQL. The Catalyst software suite installs drivers for installed ATI/AMD Radeon graphics processors, AMD chipsets, as well as installs relevant system software. The major change of course is added official support for Radeon HD 6800 series GPUs, but also a big set of new features, namely support for Blu-ray 3D, Stereoscopic 3D powered by Dynamic Digital Depth (DDD) and iZ3D; AMD Catalyst Accelerated Parallel Processing (APP) technology; added hardware video acceleration for HD WMV, and enahnced Dynamic Contrast video controls. It doesn't stop here, a boat-load of game and GPU-specific performance increments were announced, that covers a number of Radeon HD 5000 series GPUs, which are detailed below.

A detailed list of changes follows.

New Features

• Introduction of AMD HD3D Technology
• Blu-ray 3D support
o This release of AMD Catalyst provides support for Blu-ray 3D playback
o Requires Blu-ray 3D player software, 3D supported display and 3D Stereoscopic glasses
o Supported on the AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series

• Stereo 3D gaming support
o This release of AMD Catalyst provides support for Stereo 3D gaming via 3rd party Stereo 3D Conversion Software from Dynamic Digital Depth (DDD) and iZ3D
o Requires 3D supported display and 3D Stereoscopic glasses
o Supported on the ATI Radeon HD 5000 Series and AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series

• Introduction of AMD Catalyst Accelerated Parallel Processing (APP) technology Edition
• There will now be two variants of the AMD Catalyst package available:
1. AMD Catalyst – includes the Direct3D, OpenGL, Display driver and AMD Catalyst Control Center components
2. AMD Catalyst Accelerated Parallel Processing (APP) technology Edition Edition (same as ATI Catalyst, but includes the OpenCL driver) – Everything found in AMD Catalyst, plus the OpenCL driver

• Users can still grab all of the individual AMD Catalyst components as well (which will also include the OpenCL driver as well)
• Video accleration for HD WMV video content
• This release of AMD Catalyst provides video acceleration support for WMV HD (Microsoft video codec) under Windows 7
• Supported on the ATI Radeon HD 5000 Series of products
• Enahnced Dynamic Contrast video controls
• This release of AMD Catalyst enhances the Dynamic Contrast setting found in the Catalyst Control Center by adding support for histogram based detection

Performance Highlights of the AMD Catalyst 10.10 release include:

• Metro 2033:
o Performance increases up to 7% on ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series single and CrossFire configurations
o Performance increases up to 8% on ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series single and CrossFire configurations
o Performance increases up to 5% on ATI Radeon HD 5600 Series in DirectX 11 and 10 modes
o Performance increases up to 5% on ATI Radeon HD 5500 Series in DirectX 11 and 10 modes
o Performance increases up to 4% on ATI Radeon HD 5400 Series in DirectX 11and 10 modes

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. : Call of Pripyat Benchmark:
o Performance increases up to 7% on single ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products

• Unigine Heaven:
o Performance increases up to 9% on ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series single and CrossFire configurations with anti-aliasing enabled
o Performance increases up to 8% on ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series single and CrossFire configurations with anti-aliasing enabled

• World in Conflict:
o Performance increases up to 9% on ATI Radeon HD 5600 Series
o Performance increases up to 10% on ATI Radeon HD 5500 Series

• Aliens vs. Predator DirectX 11 Benchmark:
o Performance increases up to 6% on ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series single and CrossFire
o Performance increases up to 5% on ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series single and CrossFire
o Performance increases up to 5% on ATI Radeon HD 5600 Series
o Performance increases up to 5% on ATI Radeon HD 5500 Series
o Performance increases up to 4% on ATI Radeon HD 5400 Series

• Crysis Warhead:
o Performance increases up to 9% on Single ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products with anti-aliasing enabled

• Far Cry 2:
o Performance increases up to 7% on Single ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products

AMD Aims to Deliver Perfect Graphic Card for Gamer with ATI Radeon HD 6800 Series

AMD today introduced the next generation of PC gaming, the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series, designed to be “perfect graphics cards” for gamers by delivering unprecedented game performance starting at $179 SEP. The new AMD Radeon HD 6800 series graphics cards provide more than 30 percent greater game performance than competing products, harnessing AMD’s second-generation Microsoft DirectX 11-capable architecture, best-in-class energy efficiency, and an unmatched feature set, including AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology. The AMD Radeon HD 6800 series is available immediately from etailers worldwide.

“AMD is the market share leader by a landslide in DirectX 11 graphics,” said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, GPU Division, AMD. “Through our sweet spot strategy and our open, industry standards approach, we’ve worked to deliver the best possible experience for gamers. Today, our laser focus on gamers continues with the introduction of what we think is far and away the best graphics card series today, the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series. With exceptional game performance, an unrivaled feature set including breathtaking DirectX 11 gaming, AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology, AMD Accelerated Parallel Processing, and more, the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series will have all gamers wanting to get Radeon in their systems.”
“One of the great advantages of PC gaming is the rapid pace at which the experiences evolve and improve, and the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series delivers on the promise of DirectX 11 gaming with significantly improved visuals and enhanced performance,” said Craig Owens, marketing director, EA. “With Medal of Honor, EA is pushing the boundaries of gaming technology to deliver a whole new online experience, and it only makes sense that we leverage the latest DirectX 11 technology supported by AMD Radeon graphics cards to deliver an amazing experience for gamers.”

Leading DirectX 11 Performance and Eye-Definition Graphics

• Ultimate efficiency for ultimate performance: With the AMD Radeon™ HD 6800 series, AMD aims to recreate the same incredible value proposition of the original “sweet spot” products, the ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics cards. Taking full advantage of AMD’s experience with DirectX 11, the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series is AMD’s second-generation DirectX 11-enabled chip designed to deliver more than 30 percent greater game performance over the closest competing products in their class and even faster tessellation for a more realistic gaming experience.1,3 The AMD Radeon HD 6800 series’ architectural efficiency and advances in power management technology deliver in best-in-class energy efficiency.1
• New and improved image quality features: AMD Radeon 6800 series graphics cards feature improved image quality, including all-new morphological anti-aliasing compatible with DirectX 9, DirectX 10, or DirectX 11 applications, and improved anisotropic filtering.
• Built for DirectX 11 games and more: DirectX 11 has quickly become the new standard for PC games. The majority of game developers chose AMD Radeon graphics cards as their development platform of choice for their DirectX 11 games, and today AMD continues to enjoy strong relationships with those developers and many more. Beyond DirectX 11 games, the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series also delivers an exceptional game play experience in DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL titles in single card or multi-card AMD CrossFireX configurations.

Expand Your Experience with AMD Eyefinity Technology and Leading Display Technologies

• Continued industry leadership in multi-display computing: The AMD Radeon HD 6800 series graphics cards are the first in the industry to offer support for both DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4a, providing PC users with expanded options for multi-monitor configurations, display selection, and new DisplayPort audio features.
• Simple, flexible, affordable multi-display computing with AMD Eyefinity: AMD Eyefinity technology continues to be the most affordable multi-display solution available, offering incredible choice in display compatibility and configurations. More than 45 game titles have been AMD Eyefinity-validated or are AMD Eyefinity-ready titles, and there are hundreds of more games that are AMD Eyefinity-compatible. Additionally, continuing improvements to AMD Catalyst graphics drivers may unlock new functionality and flexibility in AMD Eyefinity features and configurations.
• AMD HD3D technology for even more choice in 3D entertainment: With the AMD Radeon HD 6800 series graphics cards, AMD is introducing AMD HD3D technology, the result of our open 3D initiative for stereo 3D gaming and movies. AMD HD3D technology supports over 400 titles through its partners, and AMD’s open 3D ecosystem approach encourages the broadest selection of 3D solutions, available at the most affordable cost.

Live Life at EyeSpeed with AMD Accelerated Parallel Processing

• Do more, faster with AMD Accelerated Parallel Processing (APP) technology: Enjoy new features, functionality and improved performance in top media, entertainment and productivity applications made possible by AMD APP technology.
• Enhanced video quality features: The AMD Radeon HD 6800 series graphics cards features Unified Video Decoder 3 (UVD), a dedicated video playback accelerator that enables users to get the most out of Blu-ray 3D movies, other HD video formats, and online video, while enjoying video quality improvements such as advanced post-processing and scaling, dynamic contrast enhancement, color correction and more.
• Extensive support of industry standards: The AMD Radeon HD 6800 series graphics cards fully support both DirectCompute and OpenCL, ensuring broad application support.

The AMD Radeon HD 6800 series graphics cards is supported by a dozen add-in-board companies, including ASUS, Club 3D, Diamond Multimedia, Force3D, GIGABYTE, HIS (Hightech Information Systems), MSI, PowerColor, SAPPHIRE Technology, VisionTek and XFX.

MSI GTX480 Lightning Edition

The Lightning graphics card series from the world-leading graphics card and mainboard manufacturer, MSI, has been receiving unanimous recognition from power users and major media worldwide. The new member of the series, N480GTX Lightning, is tailored for extreme overclocking. By the world's first Power4 architecture to provide sufficient and stable power, the OC potential of the N480GTX Lightning has been significantly increased. With its incredible core clock – 1450MHz, N480GTX Lightning created the new world record of 3DMark Vantage at 39281. Without a doubt, the N480GTX Lightning is, by far, the top graphics card designed for Extreme Overclocking.

Furthermore, the N480GTX Lightning is equipped with a number of the latest MSI-exclusive features, including the Twin Frozr III thermal solution that maintains GPU temperature at 18°C lower than the reference thermal design; the GPU/Memory/PLL triple overvoltage functions by the Afterburner utility and the new-generation Military Class Components. In addition to showing MSI’s demand for continuous improvement, these state-of-the-art features bring consumers more powerful OC features beyond their imagination.

World's first Power4 Architecture for the most stable OC power
Continuing the improvement of the power system in the previous version, the N480GTX Lightning features the industry-first Power4 Architecture to enhance the relevant design and material of four types of power supply. These include 16 Phase PWM design to provide three times more electricity for the GPU; the next-gen capacitor, Proadlizer, to significantly enhance signal stability; the industry-best MOSEFT, CopperMOS, to supply sufficient and stable power to the GPU and memory; and the uniquely designed 6-pin power connector to provide the pure power for memory. For either general users or extreme OC users, all these bring a more stable operating environment.

The latest Twin Frozr III thermal design to lower 18℃ than the reference design
MSI has won numerous awards for its Twin Frozr thermal solution since it was launched and the new N480GTX Lightning is equipped with the latest Twin Frozr III. In addition to the MSI-exclusive 8mm SuperPipe technology and two form-in-one heat-sinks as in all Twin Frozr thermal solutions, MIS has enlarge the size of the two PWN fans from 8cm to 9cm to provide more airflow. When working under full load, Twin Frozr III lowers the GPU temperature of the N480GTX Lightning 18℃ than the reference design and thereby enhances greater OC potential.

Triple overvoltage (GPU/Memory/PLL) support to unleash OC potential
In terms of software, the N480GTX Lightning is equipped with the MSI-exclusive Afterburner utility (V2.0.0). Users can adjust the GPU and memory clocks as well as the voltage of GPU/Memory/PLL2 to unleash the OC potential of the N480GTX Lightning totally. The triple overvoltage function boosts the OC performance of the N480GTX Lightning up to 34%3 more than the reference design and allows users to exert the best-ever performance of the N480GTX Lightning.

Extreme OC performance to build the king of graphics cards
The N480GTX Lightning even adapts the MSI-exclusive Extreme OC Functions to fulfill the hardware demand of power users. In addition to the V-Check Points and V-Switch for measuring and adjusting GPU/Memory/PLL voltage instantaneously, the Dual BIOS and XtremeCool can effectively prevent any potential problem under LN2 extreme overclocking. Moreover, the PWM Clock Tuner enables to raise the OC capability. All in All, the N480GTX Lightning is the king of graphics cards designed for extreme overclocking.

Next-gen Military Class Components for superb quality and stability
Apart from the industry-first power system, the best thermal design and the MSI-exclusive OC functions, the N480GTX Lightning is built with the select next-gen Military Class Components. These include the Hi-c CAP with a lifespan eight times longer than ordinary solid state capacitors, the SFC (Super Ferrite Choke) that enhances current flow by 30% and solid state capacitors with a lifespan of 10 years. With the top quality components, the N480GTX Lightning has longer product lifespan and best stability to build the best performance.

Sapphire Radeon HD 6800 Series Cards

Sapphire is ready to launch its Radeon HD 6800 series products. As AMD's one of front-line partners, why wouldn't it be? The company will kick off its lineup with a Radeon HD 6870 model that sticks to the AMD reference design, and a Radeon HD 6850 based on an in-house design, probably marketed with the company's popular "Toxic" or "Vapor-X" brands. The Radeon HD 6870 card is compliant with the reference design, and uses reference clock speeds of 900/1050(4200) MHz (core/memory(effective memory)). It features DirectX 11 support, 1120 enhanced stream processors, 1 GB of GDDR5 memory over a 256-bit wide memory interface, and display connectivity that includes two DVI, two mini-DP 1.2, and one HDMI 1.4a. 2-way CrossFire is supported.

The Radeon HD 6850 card, on the other hand, sports an in-house design with both the PCB and the cooler. The PCB is colored in Sapphire's favourite shade of blue. The cooler looks quite muscular with a heatsink (probably making use of vapor-chamber technology) over the GPU, a 90 mm fan, and 8 mm heat pipes conveying heat to additional aluminum fin arrays. This card also reportedly sticks to reference clock speeds of 775/1000(4000) MHz, and features 960 stream processors, and 1 GB of GDDR5 memory over a 256-bit wide interface. Display connectivity on this card is more akin to what we're used to seeing on the HD 5800 series: two DVI, one standard-size DisplayPort 1.2, and one HDMI 1.4a. Expect both these cards to be out on the 22nd. A non-reference HD 6870 later down the line from Sapphire can't be ruled out.

Nvidia to Counter Radeon HD6970 "Cayman" with Geforce GTX580

AMD is undertaking its product development cycle at a breakneck pace, NVIDIA trailed it in the DirectX 11 and performance leadership race by months. This November, AMD will release the "Cayman" GPU, its newest high end GPU, the expectations are that it will outperform the NVIDIA GF100, that is a serious cause for concern, for the green team. It's back to its old tactics of talking about GPUs that haven't even taken shape, to try and water down AMD's launch. Enter, the GF110, NVIDIA's new high-end GPU under design, on which is based the GeForce GTX 580.

The new GPU is speculated to have 512 CUDA cores, 128 TMUs, and a 512-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface holding 2 GB of memory, with a TDP of close to that of the GeForce GTX 480. In the immediate future, there are prospects of a more realistic-sounding GF100b, which is basically GF100 with all its 512 CUDA cores enabled, while retaining its 384-bit GDDR5 memory interface, 64 TMUs, and slightly higher TDP than that of the GTX 480.

Gigabyte Announces the Aivia K810 Keyboard

GIGABYTE is proud to launch the first product from its highly anticipated Aivia series – Aivia K8100 Gaming Keyboard. Especially designed for gamers, Aivia K8100 is equipped with four major features – enhanced ergonomic gaming keystroke keyboard design, GHOST macro engine, 20 anti-ghosting keys, and touch and slide volume control. With these four features, obtaining victory during gaming battles is no sweat.

GIGABYTE designed the world’s 1st gaming keystroke keyboard with three different built-in keystroke forces, 70 grams, 60 grams and 50 grams. Professional gamers are able to intuitionally make accurate commands with these different keystroke forces. Taking into account of mainstream gaming control buttons such as WASD, Ctrl, Space and arrow keys, these most commonly used gaming keys are assigned 70g weight for elastic force. The other keys commonly pressed by the little finger such as Tab, Caps-Lock and Shift buttons are assigned 50 grams to reduce pressure on the finger.

GHOST Macro Engine

Aivia K8100 Gaming Keyboard comes with GIGABYTE’s GHOST Macro Engine. It is an incredible macro editing software for the memorized macros to be carried around even if the keyboard is connected to a different computer. For this keyboard, each mode allows for 5 macro keys, 5 modes make up to 25 sets of macros; users can change modes easily with mode button on top left corner of the keyboard. 4M bits onboard memory enables up to 100 programmable macro sets, of which 25 can be stored on the keyboard and launched with hot keys. Gamers are able to switch between pre-defined key or button easily. GHOST Macro Engine software first debuted with M8000X Extreme Macro Gaming Mouse, continuing the engine’s critically acclaimed easy-to-use drag-and-drop operating system, GIGABYTE has added feature functions of built-in mouse cursor point positioning record, and IE/ Folder path quick launch.

20 Anti-Ghosting Keys

Gamers hate it when a command is lost or misread during gaming battles. GIGABYTE successfully incorporates 20 anti-ghosting keys to ensure no interference when multiple keys are pressed whereas a standard USB keyboard is limited to about 6 simultaneous buttons. Gamers can press up to 20 simultaneous buttons without the “ghosting” effect.

Touch and Slide Volume Control

Touch and slide volume control is the industry’s leading design. Designed with touch sensor of highly sensitive capacitor, there are two optional control methods. First, keep pressing the control bar’s far right or left to increase or decrease volume linearly. Users can also fine-tune volume as the finger slides smoothly to the right or left. By placing the volume control bar on top, it allows gamer’s left hand to adjust volume while the right hand is busy controlling the mouse during engaged gaming activity.

Razer Launches Wireless Version Naga Mouse

Razer today announced the launch of an elite wireless MMO gaming mouse that’s an upgrade from the original award-winning and best-selling Get Imba mouse – the Razer Naga Epic. Designed by the highly-acclaimed Razer R&D labs, the Razer Naga Epic epitomizes that fine balance between keyboard and mouse with 17 MMO-optimized buttons, and takes it to a whole new level with three ergonomic interchangeable side panels for optimal fit, the choice to customize the backglow from over 16 million colors, and a dual mode wired/wireless functionality. Gamers can now enjoy a MMO gaming mouse with no strings attached – literally.

“With the Naga Epic, Razer gives MMO gamers around the world more freedom than ever before,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, President, Razer. “We combined the MMO gaming capabilities of the original best-selling Razer Naga and took it to the next level by giving it a true gaming-grade wireless option utilizing the same technology that we developed for the ultra high-end Razer Mamba.”

The final design of the Razer Naga Epic, from optimal button configuration to its form factor, was achieved through the scientific testing and screening of more than 80 different model iterations by Razer’s ergonomics team.

“Every aspect of the Razer Naga Epic’s design, from its ergonomic form factor to button sizes, placement and angles was rigorously tested both internally in our R&D labs in San Francisco and Singapore, and with seasoned pro-gamers,” said Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Creative Director, Razer. “The Naga Epic is also one of the most comfortable mice we’ve ever designed, with 3 interchangeable side panels that ensure an ideal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles.”

The end result is a mouse that not only provides a personalized level of comfort, but with its dual wired/wireless functionality and unique MMO-optimized multi-button thumb grid also lets gamers fully immerse in their favourite MMO games knowing they have the full range of character abilities at their fingertips.

This high-end MMO gaming mouse is an advanced version of the original and award-winning Razer Naga, combining wireless functionality, ergonomic form factor, a customizable backlight glow, and 17 MMO-optimized buttons, making it truly epic.

The Razer Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse allows gamers to easily organize their character abilities for any game by enabling them to fully remap and assign programmed macros to all 17 buttons. With three interchangeable side panels for optimal fit designed for various hand sizes and grip styles, the Razer Naga Epic allows gamers to quest, raid, or PVP in comfort for hours on end. The true gaming-grade wireless connection on the epic mouse also allows gamers a greater variety of movement without any sacrifice of mouse control or accuracy, with zero downtime as the mouse charges while in wired mode.

Price: US $129.99 / RM 416+-

Availability: November 2010

Product Features:

• 17 Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
• Wired/Wireless dual mode capability
• Three interchangeable ergonomic side panels
• Charging dock (also functions as a wireless receiver unit)
• Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
• Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
• 16 million color backlight illumination
• 5600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
• 1000 Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
• Approximate size: 116L x 77W x 41H (in mm)
• Battery Life: 12hrs (continuous use); 72 hours (normal gaming usage)

Intel Reports First S11 Bilion Revenue Quarter

Intel Corporation today reported that third-quarter revenue exceeded $11 billion for the first time, up 18 percent year-over-year to $11.1 billion. The company reported operating income of $4.1 billion, net income of $3.0 billion and EPS of 52 cents.

“Intel’s third-quarter results set all-time records for revenue and operating income,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “These results were driven by solid demand from corporate customers, sales of our leadership products and continued growth in emerging markets. Looking forward, we continue to see healthy worldwide demand for computing products of all types and are particularly excited about our next-generation processor, codenamed Sandy Bridge, and the many new designs around our Intel Atom processors in everything from the new Google TV products to a wide array of tablets based on Windows, Android and MeeGo operating systems.”

Q3 2010 Highlights

•PC Client Group revenue was up 3 percent sequentially, with record mobile microprocessor revenue.
•Data Center Group revenue was up 3 percent sequentially, with record server microprocessor revenue.
•Intel Atom microprocessor and chipset revenue of $396 million, down 4 percent sequentially.
•The average selling price (ASP) for microprocessors was approximately flat sequentially and up significantly year-over-year.
•Gross margin was 66 percent, consistent with the company’s revised expectation of 65 to 67 percent.
•R&D plus MG&A spending was $3.2 billion, consistent with the company’s expectation.
•The net gain from equity investments and interest and other was $115 million, lower than the company’s revised expectation of $175 million.
•The effective tax rate was 30.5 percent, slightly below the company’s expectation of approximately 32 percent.

Business Outlook

The Outlook for the fourth quarter does not include the effect of any acquisitions, divestitures or similar transactions that may be completed after Oct. 12.

Q4 2010

•Revenue: $11.4 billion, plus or minus $400 million.
•Gross margin: 67 percent, plus or minus a couple percentage points.
•R&D plus MG&A spending: Approximately $3.2 billion.
•Impact of equity investments and interest and other: Approximately $20 million gain.
•Depreciation: Approximately $1.1 billion.
•Tax rate: Approximately 31 percent.
•Full-year capital spending: $5.2 billion, plus or minus $200 million.

Zalman announced the CNPS 9900 Max. The new CNPS 9900 Max comes with Zalman’s outstanding heat transfer solution by utilizing ‘composite heatpipe’(Q Max 300W), along with switching noise eliminated 135mm quiet LED fan for ultra quiet operation and broad compatibility for both Intel 1156/1366/775 & AMD AM3/AM2+/AM2. This new awesome CPU cooler should be more than enough to satisfy overclockers and users who want to look for ultra powerful cooling performance in silent operation.

Key Features:

• Heat is effectively dispersed by using composite heatpipe with greater than 1.5 times the heat transfer rate of normal heatpipe and aerodynamically designed heatsink. In addition,
• Switching noise eliminated 135mm Blue or Red fan incorporated for powerful cooling performance in the ultra quiet operation
• PWM Fan automatically adjusts fan speed(RPM) according to the CPU’s temperature, while the included resistor cable(RC7P) provides the option of reducing the input voltage for overall reduction of fan speed and noise.
• Black-pearl nickel plating for long term corrosion resistance reinforce its powerful aesthetics with high intensity blue & red LEDs.
• Extreme performance super thermal grease ZM-STG2 maximizes heat transfer from the CPU to the base of CNPS9900 Max for intensified cooling performance.
• Versatile compatibility of a broad range of socket Intel 1156/1366/775 & AMD AM3/AM2+/AM2.

Nvidia GT430 Graphic is in the Town Now

NVIDIA today announced the latest addition to its Fermi class of graphics processing units (GPUs), the NVIDIA GeForce GT 430, which was specifically designed to provide the horsepower needed to power today’s digital media PCs and provide the high definition video and audio experiences that desktop customers demand.

The GeForce GT 430 utilizes the Company’s latest 40nm GPU, codenamed GF108, which is already designed into a variety of desktop and notebook platforms from the world’s leading OEMs, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung, Sony and others. For customers looking for a viable desktop upgrade from lowly integrated solutions, the GeForce GT 430 is a major step up, delivering unparalleled experiences in photo and video editing, Blu-ray 3D, as well as the next generation of GPU-accelerated Web browsers and Web content. And, when combined with NVIDIA 3D Vision technology and a compatible display, the GT 430 is also the only GPU in its class that allows consumers to experience their digital content in full stereoscopic 3D.

Offering up to 1.5x the gaming performance of previous generation products, the GeForce GT 430 also adds support for DirectX 11 (DX11), the industry standard for game development. Most importantly, the GT 430 delivers unmatched out-of-the-box game compatibility and playable frame rates in all of today’s top 30 games, when compared to integrated graphics solutions.

Key features of the new GeForce GT 430 include:

• Support for HDMI 1.4a, a TV standard for delivering 3D content and advanced multi-channel digital audio
• Special video engine to accelerate Blu-ray 3D content, delivering optimal 3D visuals at a full 1080p resolution
• High-definition 24-bit multi-channel audio up to 192KHz, and lossless DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD audio bit streaming
• Dedicated video processing engine for reduced system power and heat
• Support for NVIDIA PhysX technology, the industry’s most comprehensive, cross-platform physics solution

Starting today, the GeForce GT 430 is available as an add-in card from the world’s leading suppliers, including ASL, ASUS, Colorful, ECS, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision 3D, Jetway, KFA2, Leadtek, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY, Sparkle, Zotac and others. For more information, visit this page.

Asus Crosshair IV Extreme ROG Motherboard

ASUS launches the highly anticipated Republic of Gamers (ROG) Crosshair IV Extreme motherboard in North America today. Featuring a class leading design and innovative features, the Crosshair IV Extreme sets a new standard for a world class enthusiast motherboard based on an AMD chipset. Rigorously tested and approved by leading enthusiasts, the Extreme series is engineered from the ground up for exceptional performance, stability, overclocking prowess, cutting edge BIOS controls and most of all, reliability under extreme conditions.

ASUS ROG Crosshair IV Extreme Pushes AMD Performance to New Levels with World Class Performance and Multi-GPU CrossLinx 3 Technology

Innovation Design and Features are the standard in ROG Extreme Motherboards

Solid and efficient power management is something every overclocker and enthusiast knows is critical in board design. This includes enhanced trace layout ensuring optimal performance and efficiency under varying loads. The VRM and electrical components have been carefully chosen to provide levels of performance allowing AMD CPUs or high frequency DDR3 to reach new levels of performance. The use of high quality chokes, capacitors and effective heatsink assembly ensure leading performance in all aspects of usage.

The Crosshair IV Extreme is based on the AMD® 890FX / SB850 chipsets and fully supports the six-core Phenom™ II X6 processors and up to 4-way video card configurations utilizing AMD CrossfireX™ technology. ASUS also implemented emerging technologies such as ASUS’ CrossLinx 3™ technology with the innovative Lucid® HYDRALOGIX™ engine.

New features helping to differentiate the Crosshair IV Extreme from other motherboards whether it is in gaming or overclocking are:

CrossLinx 3 Technology

With ASUS CrossLinx 3 technology, Crosshair IV Extreme users gain the ability to mix and match multiple graphics cards from both NVIDIA and AMD, including models of different GPU generations as well as offering 2-way and 3-way NVIDIA® GeForce™ support. This technology uses the Lucid HYDRALOGIX engine, which bridges various graphics cards to enable their simultaneous usage. By removing compatibility hurdles, CrossLinx 3 makes it possible to experiment with different configurations of graphics cards for maximum performance.

ROG Connect and RC Bluetooth

The award winning and community praised ROG Connect hardware / software implementation offers class leading overclocking and monitoring tools that can be controlled with a smartphone or a separate computer via quick connects technology to ensure the best possible overclocking experience. With the Crosshair IV Extreme ASUS is excited to introduce remote overclocking support using the Apple® iPad™, iPod Touch™ and iPhone™. In addition ROG Connect Bluetooth allows for normal Bluetooth functionality when not in ROG Connect mode.

USB BIOS Flashback and Dual Bios

Continuing the trend of providing class leading features and functional designs ASUS implemented the award winning USB BIOS Flashback technology on the Crosshair IV Extreme. USB Bios Flashback offers low-level bios flashing without the need to mount or install a CPU, memory, or graphics card. This allows for the easiest and quickest way to ensure the newest bios is in place prior to setting up a system. All that is required is a flash drive, the BIOS ROM file and connection to the ROG Connect USB port with standby power.

With ASUS’ dual BIOS technology, users can keep two unique BIOS versions for different purposes. The first BIOS can be used for the overclocking, while the second BIOS can used for gaming or applications. In addition if a BIOS becomes corrupted, users can still use the system with the secondary BIOS.

Next Generation SATA6G and USB3.0 and Intel Lan

The Crosshair IV Extreme also incorporates the latest in I/O technologies with full support for true SATA 6G and USB 3 to ensure the highest levels of performance for internal and external storage devices. The Crosshair IV Extreme features a class leading Intel® based Gigabit network controller to ensure the user’s online experience is exceptional whether playing the latest game or viewing HD media content.