Micro-ATX boards used to mean a compromise in power and expandability but newer boards, like those from BIOSTAR, have proven you can get all the power you need in a small package. The newest micro-ATX motherboard based on the Intel B85 chipset, the Hi-Fi B85S3+ has been announced by BIOSTAR. Perfect for space conscious computer setups, micro-ATX boards can often be used for just about anything a normal full-sized ATX board can, especially with the BIOSTAR quality and features (such as a powerful built-in headphone amplifier) in play.

The Hi-Fi B85S3+ supports the Intel 4th generation Core i7 and Core i5 processors in the 1150 package using the Intel B85 single chip architecture. It has 4-DIMM DDR3-1600/1333 slots for up to 32 GB maximum RAM capacity. The board supports DVI+VGA+HDMI for a high-definition image display and the Hi-Fi B85S3+, like all BIOSTAR motherboards, boasts 100% solid capacitors.

BIOSTAR has released their newest micro-ATX motherboard based on the Intel H81 chipset, the "Hi-Fi H81S3". The board supports the Intel 4th generation Core i7 and Core i5 processors. It features Intel single chip architecture with HD 4600Graphics, along with a new integrated memory controller that will run at speeds up to 1600MHz. The H81 chipset has two SATA 6Gb/s ports (plus four SATA 3Gb/s ports), and two USB 3.0 headers. The "Hi-Fi H81S3" supports one DIMM per memory channel for a maximum of two sticks of RAM for up to 16Gigs. The "Hi-Fi H81S3" is a great option for small form factor systems where you rarely have more than one discrete card and two SATA drives. Being Intel based boards, they will also feature Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology.

ECS today releases the L337 (Leet) Z87H3-A3X GANK Drone Series motherboard, the first motherboard in the GANK Drone Series. This new entry level gaming motherboard brings together both great gaming features and an incredible value for aspiring hardcore PC gamers. The Z87H3-A3X GANK Drone Series motherboard is based on the Intel Z87 Express Chipset, enabling support for some of the fastest processors available, including the new Intel 4th generation Core i7, i5 and i3 processors.

All GANK Drone Series motherboards ship with an exclusively crafted L337 heatsink design, M.I.B X overclocking software tool, 8-Channel HD Audio with Sound Blaster Cinema software, and Intel I217-V Gigabit LAN optimized for gaming. The GANK Drone Series and the Z87H3-A3X motherboard represent ECS's next great expansion into the professional gaming motherboard arena.

ASUS launched its first The Ultimate Force (TUF) series motherboard based on a mid-range chipset by Intel, the TUF Vanguard B85. Designed for gamers who don't overclock their CPUs, and for businesses that change their IT infrastructure every decade, this motherboard is a tight ship. To begin with, it uses a simple 4-phase VRM to condition power for the CPU, but that VRM consists of high-grade components, and is cooled by heatsinks. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors. The LGA1150 socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel memory; and one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. A second PCI-Express x16 slot is electrical gen 2.0 x4, wired to the PCH. One each of PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and legacy PCI, make up the rest of the expansion area.

Storage connectivity on the TUF Vanguard B85 includes four SATA 6 Gb/s, and two SATA 3 Gb/s, all of which are assigned as internal ports. Display connectivity includes one each of dual-link DVI, HDMI, D-Sub, and DisplayPort. The board offers a total of six USB 3.0 ports, four on the rear panel, and two via internal headers. 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, PS/2 mouse/keyboard combi-plug, and a number of USB 2.0/1.1 ports, complete the connectivity package. The board feature all the TUF military-grade durability paraphernalia, including the Thermal Radar feature from the TUF Sabertooth series. Expect this one to go for about $110.

For gamers who don't plan on overclocking their CPUs, GIGABYTE announced a new gaming desktop motherboard, branded within its G1.Killer series no less. The G1.Sniper B5 combines the key ingredients of a G1.Killer motherboard, with the mid-range Intel B85 Express platform, supporting Core "Haswell" processors in the LGA1150 package. It's built in the standard ATX form-factor. Since the chipset doesn't support CPU overclocking, GIGABYTE went easy on the CPU VRM, with a 4+1 phase design, which is guaranteed to run any socket LGA1150 CPU at its stock speeds. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors.

Expansion slots include two long PCI-Express slots, but only one of them is wired to the CPU, and supports PCI-Express 3.0 x16 speeds. The other slot is electrical gen 2.0 x4, and wired to the B85 PCH. Two each of PCI-Express 2.0 x1 and legacy PCI, make up the remaining expansion slots. Storage connectivity includes four SATA 6 Gb/s, and two SATA 3 Gb/s ports. The audio solution is based on a Realtek ALC898 CODEC (110 dBA SNR), ground-layer isolation, Nichicon audiophile-grade electrolytic capacitors on the AMP stage, and a removable OPAMP chip. There's no Bigfoot Killer NIC, but a decent Intel-made GbE LAN chip. The board features AMI UEFI BIOS with GIGABYTE's latest G1.Killer series setup program (minus the CPU overclocking options, of course), backed by dual-BIOS.

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium water cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to introduce the EK-MOSFET ASUS M6G - a new water block for water cooling of the power regulation (VRM / MOSFETs) module on ASUS Maximus VI Gene and Hero series motherboards. This product features pre-installed nickel-plated brass standoffs and utilizes ASUS factory provided backplates.

EK-MOSFET ASUS M6G features a high flow design allowing the water block to be easily used with systems using weaker water pumps and is available in three different flavours:

• EK-MOSFET ASUS M6G - Nickel - 44,95€
• EK-MOSFET ASUS M6G - Acetal+Nickel - 44,95€
• EK-MOSFET ASUS M6G - Nickel (Original CSQ) - 44,95€

To cover the full range of motherboard form factors with the latest in chipset and motherboard technology, BIOSTAR has released their newest mini-ITX motherboard based on the Intel B85 chipset, the "Hi-Fi B85N 3D". Perfect for small form factor (SFF) computer systems, mini-ITX boards can often be passively cooled due to their low power consumption architecture, which makes them useful for home theater PC systems, for example.

The "Hi-Fi B85N 3D" supports the Intel 4th generation Core i7 and Core i5 processors in the 1150 package using the Intel B85 single chip architecture. It has 2-DIMM DDR3-1600/1333 slots for up to 16 GB maximum RAM capacities. The on board DVI+VGA+HDMI supports 4K/2K resolution for a high-definition image display.

After the release of MSI's X79 BIOS with support for the 4th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors (codenamed Ivy Bridge-E) in August and the launch of the 4th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors in September it was bound to happen; hardware performance world records getting shattered.

Several overclockers worldwide broke in total 7 CPU based world records, demonstrating that the MSI X79 motherboards can push the CPU to its maximum. MSI's X79 flagship - Big Bang XPOWER II - was used by various enthusiast overclockers to push the 4th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors to new heights breaking 3 world records; wPrime 32m, wPrime 1024m and CineBench R11.5.

MSI, the leading brand of embedded computers recently released a new Mini-ITX embedded board that focuses on advanced POS application. Powered by the 4th Gen Intel Core processor, MS-98D3 brings the POS system to a new level with the capability of multiple processing covering front-end retailing to back-end management at the same time, while keeps the system active and prompt at both ends.

The fast growth of information technology and network communication has made POS no longer in the stereotype of a stand-alone cash register in a store or restaurant, processing simple ordering and checkout works. With increasing POS system connected to network, wireless, or cellular communication to form a networked or even cloud-based POS system, high-end POS host is required by the market. The MS-98D3 is an embedded board designed in response to this demand.

MSI is pleased to announce the new A88X-G43 motherboard featuring the new AMD A88X chipset and FM2+ socket for all current FM2 Trinity and Richland APUs and AMD's upcoming 4th generation APUs for FM2+ codenamed Kaveri. AMD APUs are known for their excellent gaming and multi-media experience and support a wide range of display solutions. The MSI A88X-G43 has support for 3+1 screen Eyefinity and thanks to the HDMI 1.4 connector; it supports 4K resolutions (3840x2160) which provides much crisper images and life-like images on the biggest monitors currently available.

Striving to provide consumers with the highest quality and most stable products, MSI utilizes its new Military Class 4 components for the all new MSI FM2+ series. These key components have all been certified to seven MIL-STD-810G tests to ensure stable operation under the harshest conditions.

If you consider online gaming as a fundamental belief, pwning opponents online as a religion that fulfils your life, and the pursuit of a fast and stable internet connection as one of your core values, then ASRock has the answers to probably not all but at least most of your life's questions: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer Series motherboards! With the integrated Killer LAN chip, serious players may game carelessly with no lag, just frag!

No Lag, Just Frag with Killer LAN!
What makes ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer Series motherboards so special is that it adopts Killer E2200 Intelligent Networking Platform, which boosts the performance of online games, high quality streaming media and other time sensitive UDP (User Datagram Protocol) based applications up to 5 times! Experiments at our lab have proven that Killer LAN is especially good at reducing the latency in online games, for instance the latency in League of Legends can be reduced by 136%, and the latency in Diablo 3 is reduced by 60% and DOTA2 by 47%. When it comes to professional gaming, even millisecond decisions may turn the tides of war, either you kill LAG, or be killed by LAG. Hence with the onboard Killer E2200 LAN solution, LAG will never be an excuse for losing anymore.

BIOSTAR has released the "Hi-Fi A88W 3D" motherboard based on the new AMD FM2+ socket design that supports the Kaveri series of APUs. This is a revision of current FM2 APUs, both FM2+ & FM2 APUs can work on any FM2+ motherboard including "A88X", "A78" and "A55" chipsets; but FM2+ APUs cannot work on FM2 motherboards. This new AMD CPU socket FM2+ motherboard will retain backwards compatibility with previous generation AMD Socket FM2 APUs.

The "Hi-Fi A88W 3D", featuring BIOSTAR exclusive technologies "Puro Hi-Fi" audio technology and the "6+ Experience". The "6+ Experience" includes Audio+, Video+, Speed+, Protection+, Durability+ and DIY+.

In addition to the G1.Assassin 3, Gigabyte showed off its first motherboards with Thunderbolt 2.0 connectors. Armed with 20 Gb/s of bandwidth, Thunderbolt 2.0 gives you enough bandwidth to drive high-resolution displays (beyond WQHD), and storage arrays with SSDs. Among these motherboards are the Z87X-UD7 TH. Gigabyte distinguished the "UD7" brand extension from "OC," which marks products that prioritize performance-enhancing components over connectivity, while the UD7 leads the company's mainline Z87X pack with top-grade connectivity, and electricals not too far behind the Z87X-OC.

The Z87X-UD7 TH is built in the standard ATX form-factor. It draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX, 8-pin EPS, an optional 4-pin ATX, and an optional SATA power input. It uses a 16-phase VRM to power the CPU, which uses high-grade PowIRstage driver-MOSFETs. The VRM cooler is a combination of an active air-cooled heatsink, with a coolant channel that lets you make it part of your liquid cooling loop. This cooler shares some of its heat with the heatsink covering the PLX PEX8747 bridge chip, and the PCH, which also features a fan-heatsink. The board features five PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, of which three are gen 3.0 x16 capable, and four gen 3.0 x8 capable. A mechanism lets you bypass the bridge chip, and connect a single graphics card directly to the CPU. Two PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slots complete the expansion area.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) today announces its new H81 series motherboards, featuring new Intel 8-series Chipsets specifically designed for the new 4th Generation Intel Core processor family. ECS H81 series motherboards are designed for different applications, such as Internet café, multi-media, and general office productivity. Also, ECS H81 series motherboards are available in a full product lineup of ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors.

All H81 series motherboards are certified with ECS' new Durathon durability technology which includes Triple Density PCB, Extreme Temperature Resistance, 1.5K Point Marathon Testing, and Superior Solid Capacitors designed to greatly improve motherboard quality, stability and longevity. In addition, electrostatic discharge protection provides additional safety. Durathon motherboards use the highest quality components and go through rigorous testing that is above and beyond industry standards to ensure the highest standards of reliability.

Dear Oxford English Dictionary, instead of wasting time adding 'twerking', once you see this you'll want to redefine epic instead! Check the spec and engineering pride below and you'll understand that the new Rampage IV Black Edition is the ultimate LGA2011 motherboard, and the ideal companion for a new Ivy Bridge-E (4th Generation LGA2011) CPU.

Though not to be confused with the previous (non-real product) Rampage IV Extreme in black, the official Rampage IV Black Edition is a whole new product you can buy with a full stack of 2013 ROG innovations. The ROG team went through 5 full layout designs to find the best possible 8 DIMM memory layout topology, and where the ROG team was working on the five new Z87 boards in the first half on this year, that whole team has focused efforts on just the Black Edition this time around!

BIOSTAR is launching a series of motherboards based on the Intel H81 chipset supporting Intel 4th generation Core i7, i5 and i3 processors. These Haswell single chip CPU boards features Intel HD 4600Graphics, along with a new integrated memory controller that runs at speeds up to 1600 MHz. The H81 chipset supports two SATA3 ports (plus four SATA2 ports); two USB 3.0 headers; one DIMM per memory channel for a maximum of two sticks of RAM for up to 16GB.

BIOSTAR H81 chipset based motherboards will be a great option for small form factor systems where you rarely have more than one discrete card and two SATA drives. Every BIOSTAR H81 motherboard also features Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology.

Alas! We've all been through this before, through the everlasting pain and beset by the agony of waiting forever and ever. Beneath years of tears and doubt, it takes patience to wait for that special silver lining, and so is the long anticipated AMD FM2+ series. Although the new FM2+ "Kaveri" APUs will not be available until next year, AMD fans can still get the latest ASRock FM2+ motherboards that also support FM2 APUs first right now, and then wait for the upcoming FM2+ APUs, but don't hold your breath.

ASRock's first FM2+ motherboard, FM2A88X Extreme6+ is based on AMD's most high end A88X chipset, and as aforementioned, the socket will support both FM2+ and FM2 APUs. Major improvements for this next generation AMD motherboard includes support for PCIe Gen 3.0 with FM2+ APUs, Quad Monitor from the onboard DVI, D-Sub, HDMI, DisplayPort connectors, Dual channel DDR3 DIMMs that can reach up to 2600+MHz. And then there's also AMD Radeon HD 8000/7000 Series graphics with DX11.1, Japan made premium gold capacitors, Digi Power and 8+2 power phase design.

ASRock unveiled its first socket FM2+ motherboards, ready for the upcoming A-Series "Kaveri" APUs, and backwards-compatible with A-Series "Richland" and "Trinity" ones. Among the most notable of ASRock's FM2+ products are the FM2A88X-Extreme6+ and the FM2A88M-Extreme4+. The former is a feature-rich ATX form-factor offering, while the latter isn't too far behind with its feature-set, albeit in the micro-ATX form-factor. The FM2A88X-Extreme6+ features a 10-phase VRM to power the APU socket, which is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, and two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (electrical x8/x8 when both are populated). A third PCI-Express x16 is electrical gen 2.0 x4, and wired to the A88X FCH. Two each of PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and legacy PCI make for the rest of the expansion.

Storage connectivity on the FM2A88X-Extreme6+ includes seven SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and one eSATA 6 Gb/s. Display connectivity includes dual-link DVI, DisplayPort 1.2, and possibly HDMI 2.0. 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output, gigabit Ethernet, and six USB 3.0 ports. Moving on, the FM2A88M-Extreme4+ features a simpler 6-phase VRM for the APU socket, which is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, and a single PCI-Express 3.0 x16. The other long slot is electrical gen 2.0 x4. One each of PCI-Express 2.0 x1 and legacy PCI make for the rest of its expansion. Display connectivity includes dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI (2.0?). Four USB 3.0 ports, 8-channel HD audio, and gigabit Ethernet make for the rest of it.

BIOSTAR is preparing a series of motherboards based on the new AMD FM2+ socket design. This is a revision of current FM2 APUs, both FM2+ & FM2 APUs can work on any FM2+ motherboard, chipsets include A88X, A78 and A55; however, FM2+ APUs cannot work on existing FM2 motherboards due to different pin sockets ( A85X, A75, A55 chipsets).

In other words, the new AMD socket FM2+ motherboards will retain backwards compatibility with previous generation Socket FM2 APUs. BIOSTAR's new line of FM2+ APU motherboards is a great choice for users who wish to reserve the opportunity for future upgrades while taking advantage of AMD's new FM2+ infrastructure. The new BIOSTAR FM2+ socket boards are backwards compatible with the older generation APUs and are already in production. These boards will proudly show off BIOSTAR's in-house technology, such as audio, power regulation upgrades and more?

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the latest addition to its 8 series motherboards, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP. Supporting the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP motherboard boasts outstanding audio features never seen before on an mainstream platform motherboard. These include an upgradable onboard OP-Amp, exclusive USB DAC-UP which provides noise-less USB power for digital-to-analog converters, switches to boost overall gain levels, high-end Nichicon capacitors and more.

"The GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP is like no other motherboard currently available, addressing the important market of audio enthusiasts that don't necessarily require high-end PC gaming features," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "Delivering a potent combination of our exclusive audio technologies, and backed by our signature Ultra Durable design philosophy, the GIGABYTE H81.AMP-UP has certainly upped the ante in terms of must have features for mainstream H81 motherboards."

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced its latest range of 8 series motherboards based on the new Intel H81 Chipset (PCH) supporting the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors. GIGABYTE Intel H81 series motherboards include ATX and Micro-ATX models, bringing together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer the absolute best in terms of quality, durability and overall lifespan.

GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards stand out from the competition with signature features that guarantee the utmost in both performance and reliability. High quality components for key areas of the motherboard are joined by an updated and improved UEFI DualBIOS which offers a customizable, full HD BIOS environment, plus the new GIGABYTE App Center, which combines key GIGABYTE applications in a simple, unified interface. GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards also provide additional USB 3.0 ports and support the latest 4K resolution displays on both HDMI and DisplayPort.

Motherboards in the ATX form-factor, based on entry-level chipsets are a rarity, but one that MSI attempted anyway. The company rolled out its H81-P33 socket LGA1150 motherboard in the 220 x 305 mm ATX form-factor, based on Intel's entry-level H81 Express chipset. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors; and uses a 6-phase VRM to condition it for the CPU. The CPU socket is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory; and a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slot (gen 3.0 is unsupported on H81 platform).

Apart from the PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slot, two other PCIe 2.0 x1 slots, and three legacy PCI, make for the rest of the expansion. The H81 Express PCH gives out two each of SATA 6 Gb/s and SATA 3 Gb/s ports, wired out as internal ports on this board. Its four USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ports are wired out as two on the rear panel, and two via header. Display outputs include one each of dual-link DVI and D-Sub (VGA). 6-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, legacy PS/2 mouse/keyboard, and a number of USB 2.0/1.1 ports make for the rest of the connectivity. The board is driven by AMI UEFI BIOS, which supports Windows 8 fast boot. Expect a sub-$100 price-tag on this one.

ASUS posted official BIOS updates for its socket LGA2011 motherboards, that let them support Intel Core i7 "Ivy Bridge-E" processors. The updates can be installed either using an old LGA2011 processor, or using ASUS USB BIOS Flashback, in the absence of an older processor. For ASUS' mainline P9X79 series, "Ivy Bridge-E" support is lent by BIOS version number 4301. The P9X79 series includes P9X79 LE, P9X79, P9X79 Pro, and P9X79 Deluxe. For ROG Rampage IV Extreme and Rampage IV Gene, it's version 4401, and for ROG Rampage IV Formula, it's 4402. For TUF Sabertooth X79 it's version 4309. Get your corresponding BIOS file here.

ASUS is excited to announce the world's first motherboard certified by Intel with Thunderbolt 2 technology, the Z87-Deluxe/Quad. Based on the new Intel Z87 chipset and ready for the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors, the ASUS Z87-Deluxe/Quad ATX motherboard has two Thunderbolt 2 ports which allow for up to 12 simultaneously connected devices. Each port is capable of up to a 20Gbit/s transfer rate and is backward compatible with first generation Thunderbolt.

"Z87-Deluxe/Quad has been subjected to a tremendous amount of compatibility, BIOS, as well as video/audio and other tests to verify its quality and design," said Joe Hsieh, ASUS Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Motherboard and Desktop System Business Unit. "Being the world's first certified motherboard for Thunderbolt 2 technology also means setting the standard for all of the upcoming products, which is something that ASUS has always done."

ASUS announced six new entry-level motherboards based on the Intel H81 chipset in ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors. Designed for 4th generation Intel Core processors, the ASUS H81 Series features exclusive ASUS 5X Protection technology for superior reliability and is available in a range of specifications that cater for a variety of PC needs.

The ASUS H81 Series comprises the H81-Plus ATX motherboard; the H81M-Plus, H81M-A, H81M-C and H81M-E Micro-ATX motherboards; and the H81I-Plus Mini-ITX motherboard. All models feature two DDR3 (1600MHz) DIMM slots for up to 16GB RAM, one PCI-Express x16 (@x16) slot and two SATA 6Gbit/s ports. All models also include the latest ASUS UEFI BIOS, Realtek 7.1 audio and USB 3.0 with USB 3.0 Boost technology for data transfer rates up to 1.7 times faster than ordinary USB 3.0 with industry-standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) devices.