Gigabyte's elusive G1-Killer X58 motherboard has quite some task ahead of it, to compete in a nearly-saturated socket LGA1366 motherboard market, including its high-end segment. Merely sporting a black PCB (new and rare for Gigabyte), and an ammo-clip shaped heatsink, and a handful of PCI-E slots isn't going to cut it, well...much. So Gigabyte decided to load the G1-Killer X58 with a Creative X-Fi CA20K2 PCI-Express audio processor, and Bigfoot Networks Killer E2100 network processor with 1 GB of dedicated DDR2 memory.

The CA20K2 from Creative sits at the heart of sound-cards such as the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium series, X-Fi Titanium HD, and Auzentech X-Fi Forte. It features 128 hardware channels, and handles the audio stack on-chip when applications and games use OpenAL in Windows Vista or Windows 7. Apart from X-Fi regulars such as CMSS-3D and Crystalizer, the CA20K2 gives you EAX 5.0 HD support. The audio processor is backed by Nighicon high-end audio capacitors which can be found in premium sound-cards. The Killer E2100 ASIC is Bigfoot's high-end PCI-Express network processor that can completely offload the network stack from the CPU. The G1-Killer X58 is expected to be unveiled at CES.

Intel's Desktop Board division is readying two new high-end socket LGA1366 motherboards under its Extreme Series line. The company's last high-end LGA1366 motherboard, the DX58SO "SmackOver", was released more than 25 months ago in November 2008, when the first Intel Core i7 processors came to be. The new motherboards are up to date in terms of features. They use the latest Rev. 13 X58 northbridge, all solid-state capacitors, support the latest LGA1366 processors out of the box, and feature USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s support. The two motherboards consist of DX58SO2 "SmackOver II", and its "lite" variant, the DX58OG.

The DX58SO2 uses digital PWM CPU power circuit, a sporty blue heatsink cluster over the northbridge, VRM area, and southbridge, with heat spread between the northbridge and VRM using a heat-pipe. It features six internal SATA 3 Gb/s, two internal SATA 6 Gb/s, and two eSATA 3 Gb/s ports, two USB 3.0 ports, 8-channel HD audio, and expansion slots that include three PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (x16/x16/NC or x16/x8/x8), two PCI-E x1, and one PCI.

Mushkin Enhanced (Mushkin) released two new DDR3-1600 MHz (PC3-12800) memory kits bearing the company's Radioactive-themed FrostByte heatspreaders. The release includes a 4 GB (2x 2 GB) dual-channel kit best suited for socket LGA1156 systems, and a 6 GB (3x 2 GB) triple-channel kit, best suited for LGA1366 systems. The modules operate at 1600 MHz with timings of 7-9-7-24, with module voltage of 1.65V. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the 4 GB kit is priced at US $67.49, and the 6 GB one at $101.49.

As reported last month, Gigabyte has been working on a premium motherboard brand targeted at high-end gaming PCs, rivaling the Republic of Gamers (ROG) series from ASUS and Big Bang/XPower from MSI. One of the first products in this lineup is called "G1-Killer", and as it turns out is a socket LGA1366 motherboard based on the Intel X58 chipset. Gigabyte continues to tease us with new "cutout" pictures of the upcoming product. The latest poster shows a portion of the motherboard revealing the heatsink over the southbridge area, which is shaped like a 5.56 magazine, with even a round sticking out. One can also faintly see the six memory slots, four PCI-Express x16 slots, eight SATA ports (probably six 3 Gb/s and two 6 Gb/s). Said to be unveiled at CES 2011, the G1-Killer range is expected to start at US $299.

Noctua today officially introduced its new NH-C14 CPU cooler. Sporting an exquisite, uniquely flexible 140mm dual fan setup of two Noctua NF-P14, the NH-C14 is a highly customisable, premium-class top-flow solution that further boosts the renowned quiet cooling performance of the company's much acclaimed NH-C12 series.

"Our NH-C12 coolers are renowned to rank among the most capable top-flow cooling solutions on the market, so we're truly proud to offer a further substantial improvement in quiet cooling performance with the new NH-C14", says Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "This model really closes the gap to good tower coolers while being much lower in height and ensuring better component cooling."

AMD's next-generation PC processor architecture that seeks to challenge the best Intel has, codenamed "Bulldozer", is set to make its desktop PC debut in 2Q next year, with a desktop processor die codenamed "Zambezi". AMD is seeking to target all market segments, including an enthusiast-grade 8-core segment, a performance 6-core segment, and a mainstream 4-core segment. The roadmap reveals that Zambezi will make its entry with the enthusiast-grade 8-core models first, starting with 125W and 95W models, trailed by 6-core and 4-core ones.

Another couple of architectural details revealed is that Zambezi's integrated memory controller (IMC) supports DDR3-1866 MHz as its standard memory type, just like Deneb supports DDR3-1333 MHz as its standard. DDR3-1866 MHz, or PC3-14900 as it's technically known, will churn out 29.8 GB/s in dual-channel mode, that's higher than triple-channel DDR3-1066 MHz (25.6 GB/s), which is Intel Core i7 LGA1366 processors' official memory standard. The 8-core and 6-core Zambezi models feature 8 MB of L3 cache, while the 4-core ones feature 4 MB. Another tidbit you probably already knew is that existing socket AM3 processors are forwards-compatible with AM3+ (Zambezi's socket), but Zambezi processors won't work on older AM3/AM2(+) socket motherboards.

Eurocom Corporation, the world's leading developer of highly personalized, high-performance notebook PCs and energy efficient All-in-One PCs, is now supporting the groundbreaking Intel Xeon X5690 Processor in its ine of Mobile Server and Mobile Workstation notebooks. The EUROCOM Mobile Server Technology significantly reduces the time and cost of deploying short-term LAN based solutions and of extending usage of existing business applications to users wherever is required.

Eurocom's Panther line of high performance Mobile Workstations and Mobile Servers will be bolstered by the introduction of the Intel XEON X5690 Processor. Eurocom Mobile Workstations and Mobile Servers are ideal for the professional who frequently travels yet needs access to high performance computing. All Eurocom systems are designed to be fully configured with many optional components to choose from to allow each customer the opportunity to customize a system to fit their needs exactly.

Mushkin, a global leader in high-performance computer products, announces the availability of new Radioactive memory kits tailored for the gaming and enthusiast markets. This new Radioactive Series launches with DDR3-1600 CL6 memory kits for Intel's LGA1366 and LGA1156 platforms, as well as a 2000 MHz 6GB CL8 triple kit. In the near future, more kits with different specifications will be available.

"We're elated to offer viscerally engaging products for our friends in the gaming and high performance sectors. We have many plans to cater to enthusiasts, and this kit release is just the tip of the iceberg." - Wade Shiflett, Mushkin, Inc. marketing director. These new high performance memory kits are available now at mushkin.com and our partners around the globe. Shortly, these kits will be bundled at newegg.com with Bethesda Softworks's "Fallout: New Vegas" PC video game titled for great savings.

EVGA introduced the third motherboard in its socket LGA1366 lineup refresh, the X58 Classified3 (model number 141-GT-E770-A1). EVGA's motherboard lineup refresh, usually denoted by a "3" suffix to the model name, is centered on feature additions that include USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gb/s, and out of the box support for the latest processors. The X58 Classified3 sports a high-end 10-phase digital PWM voltage regulation for the CPU that makes use of a Prodalizer for better power conditioning. Unlike the original X58 Classified design and like the X58 Classified E760, this board does not make use of any additional nForce 200 bridge chips, the four PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots are wired directly to the X58 northbridge (configured as x16, NC, x16, NC; or x16, NC, x8, x8; or x8, x8, x8, x8; depending on how they're populated). The PWM area is cooled by its own heatsink, while that over the X58 northbridge is elaborate, complete with a fan. The ICH10R southbridge has a large heatsink to chill with. Other expansion slots include one each of PCI-E x1 and PCI.

Connectivity features include two SATA 6 Gb/s internal ports (color coded red), six internal SATA 3 Gb/s ports, and one legacy IDE connector, two USB 3.0 ports (rear), a number of USB 2.0 ports, 8-channel HD audio, dual gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire. Known more for its "record-shattering" overclocking prowess, the X58 Classified series of motherboards make use of a strong VRM overall (to support high voltage settings), a CPU socket with 300% more gold on the pins, vDroop control, consolidated voltage measure points, support for the EVGA EVBot accessory, Dummy OC (one touch overclocking), and a diagnostic LED display. The Classified3 from EVGA sells for US $369.99.

Xigmatek unveiled its newest CPU cooler targeted at value-conscious gamers, the LOKI SD963. Its conventionally-shaped tower heatsink measures 92 x 50 x 134 mm (W x H x D), weighing 330 g. It uses a dense aluminum fin array that channels air (it's blocked on its narrow sides). Three 6 mm thick copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU at the base. A 92 mm fan that spins at 1200~2800 rpm with a noise output of 20~28 dBA is bundled, though the heatsink is designed with provision for a second (pull) fan. Vibration-dampening rubber bolts hold the fan and the heatsink together. All current CPU socket types are supported, including LGA1366, LGA1156, AM3/AM2(+), and LGA775. The company did not reveal pricing, though one can expect it to be on the lower side.

EVGA released its newest socket LGA1366 motherboard, the EVGA X58 SLI3 (model: 131-GT-E767-TR). This model completes EVGA's lineup of new LGA1366 motherboards that pack USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s support, other models include the EVGA X58 FTW3 and EVGA X58 Classified3. Among the three, the X58 SLI3 is the most affordable, and targets a sub-$200 price point. The model and its overall design are derived from the X58 SLI, but with 2-port USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s controllers.

The LGA1366 socket is powered by a 6-phase VRM, it's wired to six DDR3 DIMM slots for triple-channel memory support. The motherboard supports all released Intel Core i7 LGA1366 processors, including the six-core models, out of the box. Expansion slots include one PCI-Express 2.0 x16, two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x8), two PCI-E x1, and one PCI. 2-way and 3-way SLI are supported. Apart from the six SATA 3 Gb/s ports from the ICH10R southbridge, there are two SATA 6 Gb/s ports (color coded red). Connectivity includes 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 and a number of USB 2.0 ports. The EVGA X58 SLI3 is listed on the company's store, at US $199.99.

Japanese manufacturer Scythe officially announces the new CPU Cooler Rasetsu. This cooler, already shown at the CeBit 2010, combines the outstanding design of the Yasya CPU Cooler with a top-flow layout. The heatsink is divided into two blocks, and each is equipped with the T.M.L.F. (Trident Multi Layer Fin) structure. Because of this irregular lamellar structure and the unparallel arrangement of six copper heatpipes, surface directly cooled by the fan is highly increased and thus maximum heat dissipation is achieved.

New 120 mm "Slip Stream 120 PWM Adjustable" fan is supplied for optimized airflow. Although the fan supports the PWM feature, user can manually adjust the bandwidth between 470 to 1,370 rpm and 740 to 1,900 rpm. Easy mounting is available by the famous V.T.M.S. (Versatile Tool-Free Multiplatform System) which requires no motherboard removal for the heatsink mounting. Rasetsu CPU Cooler is compatible to all current sockets, including the new socket LGA 1156, LGA 1366 and AM3.

Innovative motherboard maker ASRock seems to be liking designing high-end motherboards - a lot. The latest model in the works is a socket LGA1366 motherboard based on the Intel X58+ICH10R chipset, called the ASRock X58 Extreme6. This motherboard provides no less than six SATA 6 Gb/s and six USB 3.0 ports, a large step beyond the chipset's original specifications. ASRock is achieving this using three NEC µPD720200 2-port USB 3.0 and three Marvell 88SE9123-NAA2 2-port SATA 6 Gb/s controllers, some of which are connected to the system over a PLX PEX8613 PCI-Express 2.0 switch chip. All six SATA 6 Gb/s ports are internal, and color-coded white, next to the six SATA 3 Gb/s ports from the southbridge, while four out of six USB 3.0 ports are on the rear-panel (color-coded blue), and two ports are via an internal header, that connects to USB 3.0 case front-panels or expansion brackets.

Apart from this 'unique' feature set, the ASRock X58 Extreme6 is fairly standard, with six-core processor support out of the box, an 8-phase VRM that powers the CPU, six DDR3 DIMM slots for triple-channel memory, expansion slots that include three PCI-Express 2.0 x16 with 3-way SLI and CrossFire support, two each of PCI-E x1 and PCI, 8-channel HD audio with optical and coaxial SPDIF connectors, a gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, eSATA, and a number of USB 2.0 ports. Exclusive features include THX TruStudio Pro support, debug LEDs, OC DNA, ASRock Instant Boot, Instant Flash, and OC Tuner. One can expect the board to be out soon.

Intel is readying its fastest six-core processors ever. While the company is working to introduce the Core i7 990X Extreme Edition for launch sometime in Q4 2010, it's already begun sampling the Xeon X5690. The X5690 is a dual-socket ready LGA1366 processor based on the 32 nm Westmere-EP silicon. It carries a nominal clock-speed of 3.46 GHz (26.0 x 133 MHz), with a Turbo Boost speed of 3.60 GHz (27.0 x 133 MHz). It features a QuickPath Interconnect speed of 6.4 GT/s, and supports triple-channel registered DDR3 memory with its integrated memory controller. Cache levels include 256 KB L2 cache per core, and 12 MB shared L3 cache.

The processor is compatible with most server boards based on the Intel 5500 and 5520 chipsets with BIOS updates. A quick overclocking feat by Fitseries3 on the EVGA Classified SR-2 motherboard yielded a speed of 5 GHz making use of the high BClk multiplier. The chip is likely to carry a rated TDP of 130W. Intel may release this processor in the next quarter, either displacing the X5680 from its US $1,730 price point, or occupying a higher one. The CPU-Z validation of the mentioned overclocking feat can be found here.

Having turned its most profitable quarter, Intel is banking on its vast lineup of the 2010 Core processors, which will be updated towards the end of the year. By 2011, Intel will have a new series of second generation Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 processors, based on a brand new architecture, and built for new sockets and chipsets. A roadmap of the same reached sections of the European media, which shows the company to be almost ready with a full-fledged lineup of desktop processors covering most price-points, by 2011.

The new architecture on which these processors are based is referred to by Intel as "Sandy Bridge", key features of which include the inclusion of the new Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX), a more advanced instruction set than SSE, to accelerate complex applications. AVX aside, there's Turbo Boost technology 2.0 that comes with even smarter algorithms to automatically manage clock speeds of individual processor cores to maximize performance within the processor's TDP envelope, AES-NI, which is a more manageable hardware data encryption instruction set, and processors with integrated graphics (IGP) controllers will have even faster ones, because Intel will be relocating the IGP and memory controller to the same die as the processor cores, this IGP is referred to as Intel "GT2" graphics.

Xigmatek today introduced its Aegir SD128264 CPU cooler. While it looks like yet another tower-design CPU cooler with push-pull ventilation, Xigmatek implemented a new technology in this cooler, which it calls "Double Layer with Heat-pipe Direct Touch" or DLHDT. The design involves four heatpipes, of which two are 8 mm thick and two are 6 mm thick (alternating), making direct contact with the processor, with another set of two heatpipes making direct contact with these four HDT heat pipes, so that some of the processor's heat is indirectly offloaded to those heatpipes between the two sets of heat pipes. In all, the six heat pipes disperse heat to various parts of the aluminum fins.

The unit measures 120(W) x 120(H) x 25(D) mm, weighing 630 g. Air circulation is care of two 120 mm fans that guide air through the aluminum fin array at speeds between 1,000 and 2,200 rpm, with a noise level of 20 dBA. The fans are fitted with white LEDs. The cooler supports all current CPU socket types, including LGA1366, LGA1156, AM3/AM2(+), and LGA775. Xigmatek unfortunately, did not give out pricing or availability information.

ASUS showed of the slightly less expensive ATX sibling of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) Rampage III LGA1366 motherboard series, the Rampage III Formula. The Formula model comes months after the high-end Extreme and M-ATX Gene models, and aims to fill in all the essentials of the ROG series into an overclocker-friendly design. ASUS claims that the Rampage III Formula delivers a "balance of gaming-related features at a superior value." The LGA1366 socket fits all Core i7 processors in the package, including six-core ones out of the box. The CPU is powered by an 8-phase VRM, it is wired to six memory slots for triple-channel DDR3 memory, which are powered by a 4-phase VRM. The board supports DDR3 memory with speeds of up to 2000 MHz.

Expansions slots include three PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x16, NC, x16; or x16, x8, x8, depending on how they're populated), two PCI-E x1, and one PCI. 3-way NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX. The ICH10R southbridge gives out six SATA 3 Gb/s ports while an additional controller provides two SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Connectivity includes ASUS SupremeFX X-Fi audio, dual gigabit Ethernet (including one Intel NIC that provides teaming support), two USB 3.0 ports, Bluetooth, and a number of USB 2.0 ports.

Thermalright released a black variant of the MUX-120 tower CPU cooler it released back in September 2009. The Thermalright MUX-120 Black uses nickel-plated black aluminum fins, along with a black-teal X-Silent 120 mm fan. Built on the same design as most tower coolers, the MUX-120 133 x 38 x 160 mm (L x W x H), weighing 670 g. It makes use of four heat pipes to convey heat from the copper convex base to the aluminum fin array. The fan spins at speeds of 600~1300 rpm, with noise levels of 17~25 dBA. The cooler supports sockets LGA1366, LGA1156, and LGA775. It is expected to be moderately priced.

Intel's next six-core desktop processor, the Core i7 970, has started to surface on online stores, with UK-based Digital Fusion listing it for an uncomfortable £ 600.44 excluding applicable tax. The listing confirms the processor's clock speed to be 3.20 GHz, while it is known to be based on the 32 nm Gulftown die. The processor comes in the LGA1366 package, and should be compatible with all LGA1366 motherboards, with some requiring BIOS updates.

MSI is ready with a new feature-rich "value" LGA1366 motherboard, the X58A-GD65. Among LGA1366 motherboards, this model is priced at a relatively-affordable 210€, building on X58's feature-set, coupled with USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s using additional controllers on board. The X58A-GD65 uses an 8-phase VRM with high-C capacitors. It uses simple heatsinks over the VRM, X58 IOMMU, and ICH10R southbridge. Expansion slots include three PCI-Express x16 slots, of which the first two are wired to the X58 with full-bandwidth, while the third one is wired to the ICH10R, and is electrical x4; other slots include two each of PCI-E x1, and PCI. ATI CrossFireX is the only multi-GPU standard supported.

Connectivity includes six SATA 3 Gb/s ports from the southbridge, two SATA 6 Gb/s from an additional controller, two eSATA ports, two USB 3.0 ports, 4+6 USB 2.0 ports, 8-channel audio with optical and coaxial SPDIF connectors, FireWire, and one gigabit Ethernet connection. To lure enthusiasts, MSI advertises military-grade components used in critical power-delivery circuits, active-phase switching, support for six-core processors out of the box, and DDR3-2133 MHz memory support.

A recent report by HKEPC shows that Intel will be cutting the prices of certain key SKUs to make them and the price-point they're targeting, more competitive. For instance, until now available for over US $500, and replaced by the Core i7 960, the Core i7 950 (LGA1366, 3.06 GHz, quad-core) chip will be placed at the $294 price-point, displacing the Core i7 930 2.80 GHz chip.

With the value segment, the socket LGA1156 Core i3 500 series chips will have a new SKU, the Core i3 560. This dual-core chip is clocked at 3.33 GHz, and priced at $138. Intel has recently released its new $200 LGA1156 quad-core chip, the Core i5 760 2.80 GHz. The new pricing will be effective from August 29.

Thermalright is ready with a Black variant of its Venomous X CPU cooler. It uses essentially the same materials as the standard model, except for its black nickel-plating, which makes it suit aesthetics of certain builds. It uses Thermalright's standard tower design, with six heatpipes. It has provision to hold a 140 mm fan on either side. The unit measures 127 x 63 x 160 mm, weighing 755 g. It supports all current sockets, including LGA1366, LGA1156, AM3/AM2(+), and LGA775. The Venomous X comes with a tube of Chill Factor III TIM bundled. It will be priced around the 55 EUR mark.

EVGA is ready with a large full-tower case and power supply that's tailor-fit for the Classified SR-2 dual-socket LGA1366 motherboard, both carrying the Classified SR-2 brand markers for easy identification. The SR-2 case is larger than XL-ATX and EATX. Its motherboard tray is as wide as EATX, while being as long as XL-ATX. It has 10 expansion slots, 7 internal 3.5"/2.5" drive bay trays, 5 larger 5.25" trays, and holes punched out in the motherboard tray at the right spots to help manage CPU coolers for both the sockets better, and help with cable-management.

On its front-panel (located on the top), apart from the usual power, reset, and basic LEDs, there is also a system diagnostic LED display which takes input directly from the motherboard's system management module. A pop-up panel holds four USB, audio, FireWire, and eSATA ports.

ASUS showed off its latest high-end motherboard, and latest entry into its premium Republic of Gamers line, the Rampage III Gene. The "Gene" identifier tells that the board is of the micro-ATX form-factor, while Rampage III is the latest series of socket LGA1366 motherboards based on the Intel X58 Express chipset. Compared to the Rampage II, Rampage III embraces latest technologies as well as ASUS innovations, this includes support for USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gb/s, and ASUS ROG Connect, to name a few. The CPU is powered by an 8-phase PWM circuit, 2-phase for the six DDR3 DIMM slots for triple-channel memory support.

Expansion slots include two full-bandwidth PCI-Express 2.0 x16, an open-ended PCI-Express x4, and a legacy PCI. NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossfireX are supported. The ICH10R southbridge drives six SATA 3 Gb/s ports, while an additional Marvell-made controller drives two SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Connectivity includes 8-channel audio (probably SupremeFX X-Fi), two USB 3.0 ports, a number of USB 2.0 ports including one which holds a Bluetooth module, gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire. ROG-exclusive features include ROG Connect, which allows you to control overclocking with any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone that has the ROG device installed and is Bluetooth-paired with the board, a more flexible BIOS, iROG motherboard management system, and power, reset, and clear-CMOS buttons at convenient locations. Pricing and availability are yet to be known.

EVGA is readying a new high-end socket LGA1366 motherboard building on its FTW (for the win) moniker, the X58 FTW3, carrying the EVGA SKU code of 132-GT-E768-KR. The new motherboard was spotted on the North American online retailer NCIX.com, where it was listed for US $342.39 and CA $319.99, before EVGA even launched the product or gave it a product page on the company website.

The 132-GT-E768-KR is a standard ATX motherboard. The CPU is powered by an 8-phase standard VRM, it is wired to six DDR3 slots for triple-channel memory support. The X58 IOU is cooled by a larger than usual heatsink, which slants towards the socket to give clearance to large CPU coolers. The X58 and ICH10R stick to the specifications, with no additional bridge chip. Expansion slots include three PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (x16, x8, x8 when all three are populated, x16, x16, NC when the first two are), supporting 3-way SLI, 2-way SLI, and ATI CrossFireX. Connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s and six 3 Gb/s ports, two gigabit Ethernet controllers, 8 channel audio, two USB 3.0 and 8 USB 2.0 ports, and support for the EVBot OC module. EVGA should officially introduce this board soon.