Do you desire for a free CPU upgrade? Of course, you do! ASRock Inc. today launched the UCC [Unlock CPU Core] Series motherboard that delivers added core processing power by enabling the ASRock exclusive UCC function of the AMD CPUs. Unprecedentedly integrated with ASRock exclusive UCC Chip, ASRock UCC function is well-designed to provide extra performance boost on ASRock UCC Series motherboards. In conjunction with AMD's 8XX Series chipsets, ASRock 890GX Extreme3 motherboard, the first UCC series motherboard, comes with unique UCC feature and supports both advanced rendering from HD 4290, DX10.1 graphics technology and ATI Quad CrossFireX, 3-Way CrossFireX technologies.

Equipped with an exclusive ASRock UCC Chip, ASRock 890GX Extreme3 is able to support the excellent UCC function. ASRock UCC feature allows users to enjoy an instant performance boost by simply tuning on the UCC switch on BIOS. ASRock 890GX Extreme3 is the ASRock True 333 series motherboards. The board offers the latest SATA3 6.0Gb/s and USB 3.0 5.0Gb/s technologies from the industry-leading NEC support. The real I/O includes 1 x external SATA3 connector through the Bundled eSATA3 Bracket and 2 x USB 3.0 ports for 10X faster data transfer speed. For memory part, it supports 4 X DDR3 1800(OC), Hyper Transport Bus 5200 MT/s, ATI Quad CrossFireX and 3-Way CrossFireX. For audio aspect, it features 7.1 CH, VIA 2020 audio codec with Premium Blu-ray audio support. Combined with advanced rendering from AMD Radeon HD 4290, DX10.1 graphics, ASRock 890GX Extreme3 offers the spectacular visual output (output options include: D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI) as well.

Following the successful launch of the ultrathin and light Vostro V13, Dell is offering business customers even more choice with the stylish Vostro 3000 series - a range of new thin, lightweight and durable laptop computers. Featuring powerful processors, high-end graphics and built-in security, the Vostro 3000 series is designed for small businesses that require robust mobile computing solutions.

Today's SMBs and entrepreneurs want notebooks that are powerful and attractive, and the new Vostro 3000 series was designed to meet and exceed both those needs. For the most demanding tasks, the Vostro 3000 series sports the latest powerful Intel Core processor technology, including, the optional, Core i7 Quad Core processor available on the Vostro 3700. For those that demand portability and productivity, the Vostro 3300 is one of the industry's thinnest commercial 13" laptop with an integrated optical drive. For those that can't afford to be chained to their desks, the 14" Vostro 3400 offers a full day of mobile productivity with up to 8 hours of battery life with an optional 9-cell battery.

Sceptre, world class manufacturers of high-quality TV and PC monitors, has just released its 27-inchtrue 1080p LCD widescreen PC monitors featuring industry-impressive 60,000:1 contrast ratios and ultra-fast 2 ms response times for a morerealistic and advanced PC gaming experience.

"In the crowded LCD display space, the jaw-dropping performance and stylish design of our monitors are second to none," said Cathy Chou, vice president of operations, Sceptre. "Specifically designed for the PC gaming community, the unparalleled quality of our high-def monitors creates a more life-like gaming experience that is a cut above the rest. Plus,its energy saving attributes make gamers feel better about indulging in their favorite pastime."

Without making much noise, Acer introduced its new D241H LCD monitor. This one stands out of being yet another 24" HD-ready PC display, in having its own instant-on operating system, and WiFi. Its built in OS lets you do some very basic tasks such as web-browsing, media playback (music and videos), and browsing through photos, without needing a PC. It can connect to the internet over both wired Ethernet and WiFi. As a monitor, the 24-inch panel has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels with a response time of 2 ms, and dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000:1. Display inputs include DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Other accessories built into it include a 2-port USB 2.0 hub and a multi-format memory card reader - both of which are of use to its OS, and can also be used by the PC it's connected to. Alas for what this 'monitor' is trying to be, a built-in webcam, and speakers are missing (standard issue on many premium displays). Pricing and availability are not known as yet. Finer details can be found on the product page.

HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, today announced, on behalf of the HDMI Founders, the release of HDMI Specification Version 1.4a featuring key enhancements for 3D applications including the addition of mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content as well as the addition of the 3D format referred to as Top-and-Bottom. The complete HDMI Specification Version 1.4a, along with the 1.4a version of the Compliance Test Specification (CTS), is available to Adopters on the HDMI Adopter Extranet.

An extraction of the 3D portion of Specification Version 1.4a is available for public download on the HDMI Website. The purpose of the extraction document is to provide public access to the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification for those companies and organizations that are not HDMI Adopters but require access to this portion of the Specification.

Sources wanting anonymity sent these pictures of PCB and cooling assembly to sections of the media. The PCB is that of the GeForce GTX 480, and is NVIDIA's reference design. It gives away a fair amount of information about the card that has created quite some hype over the months, which is slated for release on March 26. To begin with, the GF100 GPU on which GTX 480 is based, uses essentially the same type of package as the GT200 and G80. To help cool the large die (with a 3 billion-strong transistor count), an integrated heatspreader (IHS) is used. However, unlike with the G80 and GT200 (past two generations of extreme performance GPUs from NVIDIA), the display logic is integrated into the GPU package, instead of being spun off into NVIO processors.

With 12 memory chips on board, the GPU connects to them over a 384-bit wide memory interface. The reference design board is expected to have 1536 MB (1.5 GB) of memory on it. There's also an unusual amount of simplicity to the board design and choice of components. The GPU is powered by a 6-phase vGPU circuit using more standard DPAK MOSFETs. There is a 2-phase vMem circuit. With wide open spaces in the PCB, NVIDIA actually made two cutouts to help the blower's air intake.

Leading graphics card and motherboard manufacturer, MSI, is launching today R5570-MD1G graphics card in low-profile design to meet the demands of home theatre personal computer (HTPC) users. Powered by ATI Radeon HD 5570 GPU supporting DirectX 11 and Dolby 7.1 channels loss-less surround stereo and equipped with HDMI output for Full HD movie playback, MSI R5570-MD1G is featured with the compact size benefited from the low-profile design, making the product the best-ever choice for building any HTPC.

The brand new MSI R5570-MD1G features as low-profile design to fit the HTPC conventionally with limited space, especially for smaller or slim cases. On the other hand, the low-profile design is good for thermal dissipation to facilitate interior air ventilation. Ultimately, the mini size of R5570-MD1G makes installation much easier and more convenient.

Acer America today debuts a new high-end, high-resolution display that features a 120Hz refresh rate. This display can also perform as a full HD 3D display when combined with NVIDIA 3D Vision active-shutter glasses, making it perfect for showcasing high-definition 3D games, Blu-ray movies and other multimedia.

"As 3D content becomes more widely available in popular games and videos, users desire computing products that can take advantage of these new capabilities," said Irene Chan, senior product marketing manager for peripherals, Acer America. "We are excited to offer Acer's first monitor to support 3D technology, enabling consumers to fully immerse themselves in leading-edge 3D games and movies at an affordable price."

The 17" CR720 is the newest model in MSI's Classic Series. Through the all-new 2010 Intel Core processor with the latest Intel HM55 chipset, it gives you powerful audio/video entertainment and processing performance in a stylishly minimalist exterior. The classic horizontal design lines on the outer up lid and palm rest areas are treated with MSI's exclusive CFP coating that protects against scratches and wear. With its spirited performance, fashionable exterior and friendly disposition, the CR720 is an exceptional entertainment, learning, and work companion!

MSI Notebook Marketing Director Sam Chern noted that the CR720 is MSI's latest offering and features Intel's newest Arrandale notebook platform and an all-new 2010 Intel Core processor with HM55 chipset. The CR720's exterior structure is based on MSI's exclusive "wedge craftsmanship" that uses 45 degree angles to give the notebook a distinctive unified feel.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of a new commercial-grade product line, the E Series. Debuting for this entry-level series are the 32-inch E321 and 42-inch E421, which give corporate users an affordable option for lobbies, boardrooms and small conference rooms, while addressing the display needs of digital signage users in retails stores, waiting rooms, and health clubs.

Due in part to the continuing advancement of the display industry and breakthroughs in technology, NEC is able to offer high-definition resolution, integrated analog/digital tuner and 10W stereo speakers as standard options with this series. The E Series brings corporate and digital signage users the professional performance and looks of the latest large-screen displays in a flexible, affordable digital signage solution. Multiple source inputs allow users to work from a variety of sources and easily maneuver between desired content. These LCD displays feature brightness and contrast levels suitable for most applications, providing vivid image quality and easier viewing in areas with high ambient light such as lobbies and health clubs. Low power consumption in the E321 and E421 reduces energy costs, while the capability to adjust the backlight lowers total cost of ownership.

Followed by Intel recent 32nm "Clarkdale" Core i5 / i3 processor launch with built-in GPU engine, it is now a brand new page and competition for all-in-one PC. BIOSTAR, a professional manufacturer of motherboards after its top-line H55 motherboards "TH55XE" being released, today we see another main stream board "TH55B HD" in the market remains high quality component design, outstanding over clocking capabilities and new colorful slots. And of course, it also offers more competitive prices.

"TH55B HD" - a member of BIOSTAR famous "T-Series" with Micro ATX form factor design, black color PCB, and supporting latest Intel 32nm "Clarkdale" Core i5 / i3 processor.

EVGA introduced its lineup of three motherboards based on the new Intel H55 Express and H57 Express chipsets. These motherboards feature LGA-1156 sockets to support all current LGA-1156 Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors. With the Intel Flexible Display Interface support, the boards let you make use of the integrated GPUs on some dual-core Intel Core i3, Core i5, and Pentium processors. Models include EVGA H57 (123-CD-E637-KR), EVGA H55 (123-CD-E635-KR), and EVGA H55V (111-CD-E630-TR), with the H55V being a micro-ATX model.

The EVGA H55 and EVGA H57 offer a little more than the chipset's feature-set, with Firewire, and additional storage controllers for IDE and two additional SATA 3 Gb/s ports. The two feature nearly identical board layouts with 5+1 phase CPU VRM, DVI and D-Sub for display connectivity, 8-channel audio, and a number of USB 2.0 ports. The EVGA H55 has one set of internal USB headers less, and does away with the PCI-Express x1 slots between the PCI-E 2.0 x16 and PCI-E x16 (x4) slots.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and other computing hardware solutions is pleased to announce their latest generation H55/H57 series motherboards, based on the Intel H55 and Intel H57 chipset and leveraging the success of the GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 3 design featuring 2x copper PCB and delivering a host of cutting-edge features including innovative Smart6 PC management tools, Dynamic Energy Saver 2 power saving utilities, DualBIOS and support for Energy Using Products Directive (EuP), for a powerful, yet power efficient multimedia platform.

"GIGABYTE once again leads the motherboard industry and sets the standard for delivering high speed data transfer and richer video playback capabilities for HD multimedia home entertainment devices," commented Tim Handley, Deputy Director of Motherboard Marketing at GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd. "Featuring next generation storage capabilities including USB 3.0 and high performance digital DisplayPort connectivity, as well as GIGABYTE's own unique 3x USB Power Boost, the GIGABYTE GA-H57M-USB3 and GA-H55M-USB3 provide a compelling solution for users wanting the ultimate multimedia system."

World-renowned mainboard and graphics card manufacturer, MSI, today officially released H57/H55 Intel chipset products that offer outstanding performance, effective heat dissipation and remarkable power efficiency and stability. After installation of the 32nm Intel Core i5 and Core i3 processors with graphics cores integrated, ultra-strong display performance and outstanding multi-display capability complement MSI's exclusive OC Genie one-second overclocking technology. This enhances 3D performance by up to 45%, allowing smooth BD movie playback, and seize the advantage while gaming.

MSI H57/H55 Series mainboards with built-in industry leading OC Genie auto overclocking technology: Just press the OC Genie button on the mainboard and within one second; enjoy auto overclocking and an optimized processor. Memory module and chipset setting values give overall 3D performance a boost of up to 45%. Whether users want to watch a high bit-rate HD movie or go online for some head-to-head gaming, both can be enjoyed with image performance that is smoother and lag-free.

Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, the number one worldwide brand of LCD display products, today announced the launch of its latest premium LED monitor, the 23 inch Samsung Syncmaster PX2370. The PX2370 will be available in April from Samsung resellers at a price of $369, giving customers outstanding performance combined with sleek, attractive design and energy-efficient technology.

"With its slim 18mm depth and eco-sensitive design, the PX2370 leads the way with the smallest footprint possible, both on the desktop and the environment," said Young Bae, director Display Marketing, Samsung Information Technology Division. "Consumers no longer have to choose between a high-performance, feature-laden product and green technology."

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the VIA EPIA-P820, the first Pico-ITX form factor board to feature the high performance, 64-bit VIA Nano processor, bringing industry-leading digital multimedia performance and virtualization capabilities to the smallest of spaces with the VIA AMOS-3001 chassis system.

The choice of VIA Nano processor means that the VIA EPIA-P820 offers a range of advantages over competitor offerings, including full 64-bit software support, a high-performance superscalar architecture and full support of the latest virtualization technologies for next generation server and virtual machine applications. Paired with the VIA VX855 media system processor, the VIA EPIA-P820 is well equipped to handle smooth playback of the most demanding codecs at resolutions up to 1080p.

Lenovo today unveiled 11 new IdeaPad laptops and IdeaCentre desktops at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show that demonstrate the company's re-energized commitment to personal computing design and engineering specifically for consumers. The new IdeaPad laptop PCs - S10-3t, S10-3, Y460, Y560, G460, G560, V460 and V360 and IdeaCentre desktop PCs - A300, C310 and K320 - include industry leading design and technology that will help enhance performance, style and entertainment capabilities across Lenovo's consumer products lineup.

"Our new Idea PCs are the next step in our exciting new worldwide product portfolio designed with the consumer in mind," said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. "These additions to our Idea portfolio demonstrate Lenovo's commitment to giving our customers the capabilities they expect, at prices they can afford, while showcasing our forward-thinking innovations."

Following a recent expose of three of Gigabyte's upcoming motherboards based on the Intel H55 Express chipset supporting socket LGA-1156 processors, one of its first models based on the Intel H57 Express chipset surfaced, with the GA-H57M-USB3. This micro-ATX motherboard builds on the slightly expanded feature-set of the H57 PCH, which includes Intel Rapid Storage, Remote PC Assist, and a higher number of USB 2.0 ports and PCI-Express x1 lanes. It uses complete Ultra Durable 3 construction, which includes full solid-state capacitor design, 2 oz copper PCB, low RDS (on) MOSFET, and ferrite-core chokes. The processor is powered by an 8-phase VRM, it is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel memory.

Expansion slots include PCI-Express 2.0 x16, PCI-E x16 (x4), and two PCI slots. Five out of six SATA 3 Gbps ports from the PCH are assigned as internal ports, while an additional Gigabyte GSATA2 controller provides two SATA 3 Gbps ports and an IDE connector. An additional NEC controller provides two USB 3.0 ports. The rear-panel consists of 8-channel audio with optical SPDIF (supporting Dolby Home Theater), gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports (color-coded blue), four USB 2.0, FireWire, eSATA, keyboard/mouse combo port, and display connectivity which includes DVI, D-Sub, DisplayPort, and HDMI. The GA-H57M-USB3 is another of those boards slated for Q1 2010, when Intel releases new processors with embedded graphics along with the H55/H57 chipsets.

Come Q1 2010, and Intel will be expanding its socket LGA-1156 platform with dual-core processors, and processors with on-die graphics. Along with these, Intel will be releasing the H57 Express chipset which supports the Flexible Display technology which handles the connectivity for the processors' on-die graphics. Motherboard vendors seem to be ready well ahead, and the second such company with a product on display is MSI, with its H57M-ED65. This motherboard is based on the micro-ATX form-factor, and builds on the chipset's features, while also appearing to be enthusiast-friendly.

The CPU is powered by a lavish 10-phase VRM with elaborate heatsinks over the DrMOS chips. It completely does away with PCI, and features only PCI-Express slots. There are are two PCI-Express x16 slots (electrical x16, x4), and two PCI-Expres x1 slots. Apart from the six SATA 3 Gb/s ports the chipset provides, an additional storage controller provides two more SATA 3 Gb/s ports, and an IDE connector. The board makes full use of the Flexible Display technology, providing DVI, D-Sub, HDMI, and DisplayPort as display connectivity options. A number of USB ports, PS/2, gigabit Ethernet, 8-channel audio with optical SPDIF, eSATA, and FireWire make for the rest of the rear-panel. Its enthusiast-friendliness is further vindicated by the presence of the OC Genie feature, on the fly base clock controls, and power/reset buttons onboard. Expect this to feature in the company's first wave of H57 motherboards.

Dell today introduced the mini-sized Inspiron Zino HD, which is versatile enough to handle tasks from basic computing chores to driving a big-screen, High-Definition TV media center. With a choice of colors, the Inspiron Zino HD can be easily personalized to add flare to any room in the home.

Starting at $229, the Inspiron Zino HD includes standard HD-capable integrated graphics, HDMI output and built-in networking that make it smart for typical home and student computing activities such as word processing, e-mail, organizing photos and music, and surfing the Internet.

Acer today introduced the T23H LCD monitor with multi-touch touchscreen capabilities. With a screen area of 23 inches, the monitor provides a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, with a contrast ratio of 80,000:1, maximum brightness of 300 cd/m², and 2 ms response time. The panel provides a viewing angle of 160/160 degrees. It embeds a 1.5 W stereo speaker set. Its input connectivity options include DVI and HDMI.

Albatron Technology recently released 42-inch Albatron Optical Touch Monitor (OTM). Adopting optical touch technology that put a camera on the screen above left and right to detect the movement of fingers, Albatron OTM has no problem for the limit of touch panel size. Compared to the traditional resistive touch screen, Albatron OTM is more sensitive, accurate and durable and, of course, its price is very competitive. Furthermore, with advantages of Microsoft Windows 7 support, Albatron 42-inch optical touch monitor will bring consumers excellent multi-touch experience.

Dell's recently released SX2210T monitor is one of the first standalone HD monitors to come with multi-touch capabilities. The 21.5 inch display comes to rescue of anyone who wants multi-touch capability several recent all-in-one PCs are mushrooming up with, on their existing PCs. Its display features include a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, 2 ms grey-to-grey response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and display input connectivity that includes DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. With its built in USB hub that connects to the PC, the monitor provides three USB ports, drives the 2 megapixel fixed webcam, and drives the multi-touch touchscreen component. Available for US $469 on Dell's online store, the monitor provides support for multi-touch panning and zooming when attached to a machine with Windows 7.

Japanese firm Iiyama announced the ProLite E2210HD S Series 21.5 inch full HD monitor. It comes with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, with a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m², response time of 2 ms, static and average contrast ratios of 1,000:1 and 20,000:1, respectively. The Eco Panel feature decreases energy consumption by up to 41.5 percent. Its input connectivity options include the usual DVI-D (HDCP capable), HDMI, and D-Sub.

The new Gateway EC Series notebook PCs debut today in two of the most popular sizes for today's busy computer users - 15.6-inch mainstream size for productivity maximizers and the 11.6-inch ultraportable size for road warriors - both delivering up to eight hours of battery life. The new Gateway EC Series models will both be available this week in retail stores nationwide with the launch of Windows 7.

The new Gateway EC58, EC54 and EC14 notebook PC lines deliver all-day productivity, reliable wireless connectivity and 6-8 hours(1) of battery life, so customers can get more done while away from their home or office. Plus, the Gateway EC models let customers go longer without having to recharge, reducing energy consumption and making them very environmentally friendly.