PLX Technology, Inc., a leading global supplier of high-speed connectivity solutions enabling emerging data center architectures, today announced a new trio of ultra-high lane count PCI Express (PCIe) Gen3 switches developed for cutting-edge markets like storage systems, high-end graphics, and communications platforms. The high-performance ExpressLane PCIe Gen3 switches include the PEX8796 (96 lanes, 24 ports), PEX8780 (80 lanes, 20 ports) and PEX8764 (64 lanes, 16 ports), which expand the PLX portfolio to 14 PCIe Gen3 devices. Designers choosing the PEX8796 switch -- touting bandwidth of 8 Gigatransfers per second, per lane, in full duplex mode -- are rewarded with amazing throughput of 1,536 gigabits per second (192 gigabytes/s), delivering performance that challenges all other interconnect technologies.

Individual racks making up the core of data centers now have a new choice when considering fabrics for external box-to-box rack connectivity. By implementing a PCIe-based ExpressFabric, architects can take advantage of native PCIe-based systems to increase performance and lower overall cost.

Other markets experiencing growth via PCIe include oil and gas exploration, Wall Street trade routing, test and measurement, communications, and general-purpose computation on graphics processing units (GPGPU) used to accelerate a wide range of applications like embedded systems, mobile appliances, computers, and gaming graphics.

PLX Product Features
An enhanced PLX multi-host architecture allows users to configure each device in legacy single-host mode or multi-host mode, which enables designers to build PCIe-based systems supporting high-availability, failover, redundant, and clustered systems. In multi-host mode, a virtual switch is created for each host port and its associated downstream ports inside the device. The traffic between the ports of such a virtual switch is completely isolated from the traffic in other virtual switches. The devices also employ a multi-clock domain, which allows the user to terminate spread spectrum clock (SSC)-enabled domains (supported on all ports), thus removing the need to pass a common clock across a backplane.

The PLX performancePAK architecture supports packet cut-through with a maximum latency of 150ns (in a x16-to-x16 configuration). This low latency, combined with large packet memory, support for a packet payload size of up to 2048 bytes, flexible common buffer/credit pool, and a non-blocking internal switch architecture, enables a full-line rate on all ports in performance-hungry applications.

PLX's unique visionPAK software provides diagnostic support, including per-port performance monitoring, capturing SerDes eye width and height, a PCIe packet generator tool, and support for error injection and loopback tests. The complementary software toolkit reduces cost by getting designs to market faster and reduces test equipment overhead.

"PCIe 3.0 adoption is proliferating, with workstation and desktop computing motherboards shipping since late 2011, followed by support from major server vendors and the emergence of PCIe 3.0-capable networking and storage I/O adapters this year," said Abhi Dugar, research manager, wired communications semiconductor research at IDC and author of Worldwide Enterprise Networks, Security Appliances, Telecommunications, and Wireless Infrastructure Semiconductor 2012-2016 Forecast. "With its broad portfolio of PCI Express-compliant switches, PLX is well positioned to take advantage of this transition to the next generation of interconnect technology."

Pricing and Availability
PEX8796, PEX8780 and PEX8764 samples are expected in Q4 2012 with full production planned for Q1 2013. Volume pricing ranges from $150.00 to $250.00. All other PLX Gen3 switches are already sampling or in full production today, with many more Gen3 devices in development.

Gigabyte has also showed off another one of its upcoming ATX motherboard, the GA-990FXA-D3. Based on AMD 990FX + SB950 chipset, the board supports for AM3+ processors and features four DDR3 memory slots (up to 32GB RAM), two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots, two PCI-Express 2.0 x4 slots, two PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slots and one PCI slot. In terms of connectivity ports, it has six SATA 6.0 Gbps, two USB 3.0, fourteen USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet. The GA-990FXA-D3 will start shipping from late July for around 10,000 Yen (about $128). [Gigabyte]

BIOSTAR, major manufacturer of motherboards, VGA cards, industrial computer systems and other peripherals, officially launches their latest edition to their high-end motherboard lineup, the Hi-Fi Z77X.

This newest ATX form factor motherboard supports all Socket 1155 CPUs and offers native support for SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and dual-channel memory up to DDR3-2600 in overclocking mode. But what sets the BIOSTAR Hi-Fi Z77X really apart from all the rest of the competition is exactly the integrated BIOSTAR Hi-Fi technology called "Puro Hi-Fi Technology", targeting audiophiles, HTPC enthusiasts and high-end gamers alike, Puro Hi-Fi sports an integrated independent audio power design with a built-in amplifier.

The Puro Hi-Fi technology utilizes audio components with an independent power design for a significant reduction in electronic noise and superb sound quality. The unique noise-blocking multi-layer PCB layout is ideal for exceptional clarity and high fidelity sound. With sampling rate of 192 kHz/24-bit which delivers a high quality audio through an analog connection to your home theater system, multi-channel speakers and high-end headphone. You can enjoy real Blu-ray grade high-definition sound that you've never experienced before in true 7.1-channel surround sounds.

High quality 'Non-Polarized Electrolysis Electric audio capacitors' for each individual audio channel circuit deliver low noise, low distortion, and wide bandwidth to achieve the highest sound resolution and sound expansion to ensure the most realistic sound effects. Furthermore, the Hi-Fi Resistors are made of metal-oxide film resistors with metal oxides such as tin oxide. The electric characteristics are greater stability and reliability than regular metal film resistors when operating in an extremely broad working temperature range. This special component is used in applications with high endurance audio demands.

With BIOSTAR's four unique technologies, Puro Hi-Fi, THX, Lucid MVP and SmartSpeedLAN, the brand new Hi-Fi series of motherboards increases sound, network and graphics performance dramatically. For a unique gaming masterpiece even with a limited budget, this new Hi-Fi series is surely the best choice and will become a favorite among gamers.

We review the ASUS Maximus V Extreme. There is a kind of people that feel enough is not enough, they want moar' and for exactly that kind of enthusiast end user ASUS creates ROG EXTREME products. This is a ROG (Republic of Gamers) motherboard, and that means extra enthusiast features alright, as for overclockers, here's where things start to get serious, the board is designed with a 12-phase Digi+ VRM, Subzero Sense, has voltage-measurement points and the ROG Connect technology (overclock the board via Bluetooth from their phone).

And yes there's still more, ASUS throws in the OC Key as well, which creates an overlay on the active DVI monitor to adjust overclock settings in real-time without using additional software or hardware (it connects to the graphics card DVI port). The ASUS Maximus V Extreme just breathes overclock potential.

Read the article right here.

EVGA just posted a teaser picture of their upcoming Intel Z77 based mini-ITX motherboard. Back in May, EVGA

Kontron has developed the KTT30/mITX, a new 170mm x 170mm Mini-ITX motherboard that's based around NVIDIA's Tegra 3 SoC. The board can run most distributions of Linux for ARM (including Android and Chrome OS) and should be capable of running Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 RT.

The GPU can mange 1080p displays and pbviously H264 MPEG-4 encoding/decoding acceleration.

Display outputs include HDMI 1.4a (up to 1920x1080 pixels), and LVDS 24-bit (up to 2048x1536 pixel @ 18bpp). The Kontron KTT30/mITX packs 2 GB of DDR3L memory. For storage, it has an mSATA 3 Gb/s port, two SD card slots, and a bootable eMMC slot. Two mPCIe slots and a SIM card slot (for 3G HSDPA) handle on-board expansion. System interfaces include two RS232 (serial/COM), three USB 2.0. Apart from 3G HSDPA, the board supports gigabit Ethernet. For audio, there's 2-channel analog and multi-channel digital (S/PDIF) audio outputs. The board draws power from a 2-pin DC input.

Gigabyte has released their newest ATX motherboard, the GA-B75-D3V. Based on Intel B75 Express Chipset, the board supports for LGA1155 processors and features four DDR3 DIMM memory slots (up to 32GB RAM), one PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot, one PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot, three PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots and two PCI slots.

In terms of connectivity ports, it has one SATA 6.0 Gbps, four SATA 3.0 Gbps, one mSATA, four USB 3.0, eight USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet. The GA-B75-D3V retails for 6,500 Yen (about $81). [Product Page]

Gigabyte announced the latest GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards, the very first to offer fully certified dual onboard Thunderbolt ports. Capable of connecting up to 12 devices plus 3 digital displays simultaneously, with breathtaking data transfer speeds that can transfer 1 TB of data in only five minutes, GIGABYTE Thunderbolt motherboards offer the fastest connection interface ever on the desktop PC.

GIGABYTE Thunderbolt motherboards allow users to daisy chain up to 12 devices simultaneously via an incredible bi-directional 10 Gbps data pipeline that includes both PCIe and DisplayPort traffic. GIGABYTE Thunderbolt motherboards redefine desktop PC connectivity to make it far easier to connect multiple high speed storage devices and HD displays to your PC than ever before.

GIGABYTE Dual Thunderbolt motherboards open up a wealth of new possibilities regarding high-performance storage devices. GIGABYTE has worked closely with several leading device partners, including Promise Technology, LaCie, BlackMagic, Western Digital, Seagate, Elgato, CalDigit and cable manufacturer Sumitomo:

GIGABYTE's new dual port Thunderbolt motherboards are an exciting innovation, giving incredible performance and are perfect for video and film professionals using Thunderbolt and the PC," said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. "Customers using our wide range of Thunderbolt devices will now be able to choose to work in whatever format they need, giving them the flexibility to build whatever production and post production workflow they need."

 Dual Thunderbolt - Fast, Flexible and Simple Connectivity for your Motherboard
GIGABYTE Thunderbolt motherboards are the first to be certified by Intel featuring dual Thunderbolt ports directly on the motherboard back panel I/O, with each Thunderbolt port supporting a maximum data transfer speeds with simultaneous bi-directional data transfer at speeds of up to 10 Gbps - this means you can transfer a full HD 1080p movie in under 30 seconds.

GIGABYTE's dual port Thunderbolt implementation ensures the absolute maximum potential connectivity, with support to connect up to 12 individual devices simultaneously, with each port offering full 10 Gbps bandwidth.

Thunderbolt combines both DisplayPort and PCI Express protocols over a single cable so that users can connect a multitude of device types in tandem with HD streaming video and 8-channel audio, simultaneously in one specially developed cable. Users can also enjoy improved flexibility by 'daisy-chaining' several devices while still enjoying low latency and industry-leading data transfer speeds.

Dual Thunderbolt Ports are featured on the following GIGABYTE motherboard models:

• Gigabyte Z77X-UP5 TH
• Gigabyte Z77X-UP4 TH
• Gigabyte Z77MX-D3H TH

We review the EVGA Z77 FTW motherboard. As always EVGA separates itself from the herd by manufacturing a motherboards that might not be the most pleasing one to the eyes, but does make technology that will raise the heartbeat of many enthusiast PC aficionado's. The motherboard also comes with triple BIOS, Clear CMOS, Power and Reset buttons.

Along with its 100% solid state capacitors, EVGA Dummy OC tech and EVGA E-LEET Tuning support. 5 x16 PCie slots -- that will boil down to four x8 gen 3.0 with an added PLX (+16 lanes Gen 3.0) chip so the board also supports quad SLI and Crossfir.

Read the review here.

DigiTimes reports motherboard makers ASUS and Gigabyte have both lowered prices and expanded their motherboard warranty services to attract customers:

Gigabyte announced that the company will offer free repairs for all problems on Gigabyte-brand motherboards during their warranty period and if the problems are cased by the user, the company will also try to repair them for free. The company is also extending its motherboard products' four-year warranty activity to the end of 2012.

To counter Gigabyte's assault, Asustek also recently offered free repair services for user damage on its motherboards and if the motherboards are un-repairable, the company will offer a free exchange as well as free motherboard pick up and delivery.

The ASUS Maximus V Formula Z77 Motherboard just arrived @ our grounds. The feature packed and highly tweakable motherbaord certainly is looking good. Obviously we'll be working on a full review soon but should we have tickled your taste-buds, have a peek at some photo's we took (click on the thumbnails):

We test the new Thunderbolt connector with 2x SSDs in RAID0 with the help of the ASUS P8Z77 vPro Thunderbolt motherboard and the LaCie Little Big Disk which has two Intel 320 SSDs. We RAID-0 them to stripe and check out if the 10 Gbps Thunderbolt connection can keep up.

You can read all about it right here.