PCHardCores: May 2017

Wednesday 31 May 2017

Computex 2017: AMD stakes its claim to the high ground

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It's already been a big year for AMD. By the time it arrived in Taiwan, the chipmaker had already released its first Ryzen processors, announced the ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qDl05N
via IFTTT

Intel Core X-Series Already Overclocked To A Blistering 5.7GHz, Setting Cinebench World Record

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From top to bottom, Intel's new Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X series processors run the specs gamut; from the top dog, 18-core/36-thread beast, dubbed ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rmGFME
via IFTTT

Google cloud switches on Intel's Skylake Xeons and cloud CPU picker

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Google cloud switches on Intel's Skylake Xeons and cloud CPU picker ... only public cloud to deliver Intel's next-generation Xeon server processor”.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rGVHQl
via IFTTT

AMD Ryzen Processor Makes it Possible for Asus ROG Strix GL702ZC Gaming Laptop to Compete ...

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD earlier announced that it is bringing its Ryzen processors to laptops in late 2017. A few days later, Asus introduced the first ever Ryzen laptop at ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2sgoRmG
via IFTTT

ASRock Gives AMD Ryzen Mini-ITX Treatment, Launches X370 Gaming ITX/ac

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The ASRock X370 Gaming ITX/ac is based on the AMD X370 chipset and supports all currently available processors in the AM4 form-factor, including ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rGHiUq
via IFTTT

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66GHz CPU Processor SLACQ LGA775

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66GHz CPU Processor SLACQ LGA775 - 1066 Bus speed come with packet of thermal paste Can be booted to windows to ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rrjBOZ
via IFTTT

Intel announces Core i9 Extreme Edition 18-core

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The processor is known as the Core i9 Extreme Edition processor and it is definitely the first consumer desktop CPU with 18 cores and supporting 36 ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qCwruq
via IFTTT

Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 CPU Processor SLA9X 2.33GHz

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 CPU Processor SLA9X 2.33GHz. Cooling fan not included. Processor only.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qCCxel
via IFTTT

GIGABYTE Launches Aorus X299 Motherboards: X299-Gaming 3, Gaming 7 and Gaming 9

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In the wake of Intel's announcement of their upcoming Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X processors, GIGABYTE has unveiled their lineup of X299 LGA2066 ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rm1VlP
via IFTTT

AMD Posts EPYC Benchmarks, Teases Vega Frontier Edition

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The processor side of AMD's data center equation begins with EPYC, ... According to AMD, the EPYC processors also beat the Intel servers in a ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qCE7ZF
via IFTTT

Intel's Skylake-X CPUs will be as much of a thermal nightmare as Kaby Lake

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It looks like overclocking Intel's Skylake-X and Kaby Lake CPUs is going to be more than a ... Find out in our guide to the best gaming CPUs. ... voltage going into the processor, meaning 1.3V of power is roughly the maximum amount ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rVZPf5
via IFTTT

AMD Demos Prey 4K Gaming With Ryzen Threadripper 16-Core Monster Chip And Dual Radeon ...

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It took the 16-core Threadripper CPU just a few seconds to render the Blender ... has been showcasing since the introduction of its Ryzen processor.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rG5vKz
via IFTTT

Intel unveils Core i9 CPU - The most extreme desktop processor ever

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel also announced new i7 processors in the Core X-series, including an eight-core chip for $599, a six-core for $389, and four-core for $339.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rVJcAg
via IFTTT

ASUS ROG Strix GL702ZC Gaming Laptop Rocks AMD Ryzen Desktop CPU And Radeon RX 580 ...

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The top configuration comes with a Ryzen 7 1700 CPU based on the exact same silicon as current desktop parts. Variants of the laptop will also be ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qCcLTE
via IFTTT

AMD's 16-core Threadripper CPU has 64 PCIe 3.0 lanes

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With 18 CPU cores, Intel's upcoming Core i9 Extreme Edition processor may be ahead of AMD's new 16-core Ryzen Threadripper CPU in terms of the ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rVDP4a
via IFTTT

5 reasons you'll want Intel's crazy new Core i9 CPUs, and 3 reasons you won't

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

At Computex 2017, Intel announced a new series of desktop processors, under the Core X name. That's an enthusiast platform for desktop PC owners ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rbVza4
via IFTTT

Google is first to offer Intel's Skylake processors in the cloud

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Google has become the first major cloud provider to start offering virtual machine instances using a new generation of Intel Xeon processors powered ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qGQ9Rf
via IFTTT

Hooked On Horsepower: Intel To Sell 18-Core Processor For Speed Freaks

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Think your dinky quad-core computer is fast? Computer geeks are freaking out over the horsepower-heavy new processor unveiled by Intel ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rc0HLD
via IFTTT

EK Fluid Gaming A240G CPU & GPU Liquid Cooling review

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

EK today releases three new models CPU & GPU Liquid cooling kits. ... We will test the EK Fluid Gaming A240G kit with a Core i7 4790K processor ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qGqFTY
via IFTTT

Qualcomm working with Asus, HP and Lenovo on Snapdragon PCs

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In January the processor that was said to be key to the 'Cellular PC' ... I'd prefer the windows environment when using word processors, Excel etc.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rc3V1r
via IFTTT

AMD Exhibits PC Innovation Leadership at Computex 2017

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

At Computex 2017, AMD announced the worldwide launch date for EPYC™, the new AMD family of high-performance processors for cloud-based and ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qGwDUU
via IFTTT

ASRock Gives AMD Ryzen Mini-ITX Treatment, Launches X370 Gaming ITX/ac

http://ift.tt/2rUNQ1w

ASRock has introduced a miniature motherboard for AMD Ryzen microprocessors, one of a few such motherboards in the industry. Despite being very small, the X370 Gaming ITX/ac offers everything that a fairly powerful gaming system might require and its price is not too high.

The ASRock X370 Gaming ITX/ac is based on the AMD X370 chipset and supports all currently available processors in the AM4 form-factor, including A-series APUs as well as all Ryzen CPUs. The motherboard has a digital eight-phase VRM for the CPU designed to guarantee clean power supply (stability, overclocking potential, etc.). According to ASRock, the mainboard can handle DDR4-3200+ memory (assuming that particular modules work well with AMD Ryzen processors). The new platform has two DIMM slots in total.

Like many other motherboards in the Mini-ITX form-factor, the X370 Gaming ITX/ac has one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one M.2 slot for PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA SSDs, as well as four SATA ports. Meanwhile in a light bit of irony, the mainboard uses GbE and 802.11ac Wi-Fi controllers from Intel. As for other I/O, everything seems to be pretty standard here: the motherboard has two HDMI outputs, five USB 2.0 ports, six USB 3.0 headers (including one Type-C) as well as a 7.1-channel audio powered by Realtek ALC1220 codec with Creative’s Sound Blaster Cinema 3 enhancing software.

ASRock's Mini-ITX Motherboard for AMD Ryzen
		X370 Gaming ITX/ac
CPU Support		CPUs in AM4 form-factor AMD Ryzen and AMD A-series APUs
Graphics		PCIe 3.0 x16, or integrated in case of APUs
Chipset		AMD X370
Memory		Two DDR4 DIMM slots
Ethernet		2 × Intel GbE controllers
Display Outputs		2 × HDMI for APUs
Storage		4 × SATA 6 Gbps 1 × M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA)
Audio		Realtek ALC1220 7.1 channel audio Creative’s Sound Blaster Cinema 3 enhancing software
USB		5 × USB 3.0 Type-A 1 × USB 3.0 Type-C 5 × USB 2.0
Other I/O		802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2
Form-Factor		Mini-ITX
MSRP		$150 ~ $160

At present, the ASRock X370 Gaming ITX/ac has only one direct rival, the Biostar Racing X370GTN introduced earlier this year. The Racing X370GTN does not have Wi-Fi support, but it has two USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) headers, including one Type-C. Meanwhile, the X370 Gaming ITX/ac seems to have a more advanced VRM for those looking forward overclocking capabilities.

The ASRock X370 Gaming ITX/ac will be available in the coming weeks for $150 – $160, according to the manufacturer. Keep in mind that since there are only two AMD X370-based Mini-ITX motherboards announced so far and small form-factor systems are gaining traction, demand for the X370 Gaming ITX/ac will be very high. That said, don't be surprised if there's some overpricing from select retailers.

AMD: Hey Intel, we have lots of CPU cores too

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD's new 16-core Ryzen 9 series 1998X CPU is all set to take on Intel's ... The new Ryzen 9 CPUs, codenamed "Threadripper," are based on the ... Ryzen Mobile, that will feature its Zen processors as well as Vega-based graphics.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qGtYKT
via IFTTT

AMD Posts EPYC Benchmarks, Teases Vega Frontier Edition

http://ift.tt/2rEZca7

AMD is the only company that has both GPUs and CPUs under the same roof, which could lend it a tactical advantage against its competitors. That's where EPYC and the Vega Frontier Edition come in.

from News Tom's Hardware http://ift.tt/2rUqpFw
via IFTTT

Intel Core i9 with 18-Cores is The Latest CPU Beast in Town

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The 18-core chip is the first time the company is utilising an 18-core CPU for its processor. As would be expected, the new chip equally has a huge ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rFlbhd
via IFTTT

Asus reveals ROG Strix laptop with Ryzen 7 processor

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The top-of-the-range ROG Strix GL702ZC is powered by a Ryzen 7 1700 CPU, while model variants with smaller Ryzen processors will also be ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2sekpVv
via IFTTT

Is Intel Corporation Terrified of Threadripper? Core i9 Means No Chances Taken With AMD

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The new processors will work on the latest X299 Platform Controller Hub. Compared to Intel's X99, X299 offers greater I/O connectivity. Intel was ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rbwIDx
via IFTTT

AMD 16-core / 32-thread ThreadRipper processor coming to desktop late this summer

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The pricing details were not revealed but we expect AMD to price the SKUs below what Intel revealed yesterday with their Core X-series of processors.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2qGo3VZ
via IFTTT

Intel shapes the data-driven future at Computex 2017

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Highlights from Intel's keynote include the introduction of the latest Intel Core X-series processors, a Core-i9 Extreme edition, a demonstration of the ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rbhgY6
via IFTTT

AMD Details Ryzen Mobile CPUs, Asus Shows Them Off In ROG Strix GL702ZC

http://ift.tt/2qAkIwp

AMD took the wraps off its mobile Ryzen CPUs at its press conference at Computex in Taipei on Wednesday, and they're coming to laptops very soon.

from News Tom's Hardware http://ift.tt/2rkgkPo
via IFTTT

AMD Boasts Rising Support For Ryzen Chips: Should It Worry Intel?

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has stated that almost all top-notch PC makers are making computers based on its Ryzen desktop processors.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2sdNRe7
via IFTTT

Monster Core i9 7980XE 18-Core CPU Launched By Intel; Core X Series To Be The Most Powerful ...

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel has introduced the most powerful, most scalable desktop processors ever. The new Intel Core X-series processor family is the ultimate desktop ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2smE2tJ
via IFTTT

Intel Core i9-7900X breaks several benchmark world records

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel launched its Core-X Series processors including the new Core-i9 models at Computex on Tuesday. Already the overclocking crews at Computex ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2ro37Hl
via IFTTT

In Theory: Where next for the Nintendo/Nvidia partnership?

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The four ARM Cortex A57 processor cores are retained, along with Nvidia's own Denver 64-bit CPU architecture. It's a fascinating refresh of X1, though ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2smodDt
via IFTTT

Intel's Core i9 Extreme Edition CPU Chipset Features and Improvements

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Currently, Intel is raising the bar with an entirely new processors family dedicated to enthusiasts. We are talking about the Core X series, which brags ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rorJjk
via IFTTT

Intel i9 vs Ryzen ThreadRipper: Now AMD hits back with more on its 16-core beast

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD has colored in a few more details about its recently announced high-end Ryzen processor, dubbed ThreadRipper, a 16-core CPU with 32 ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2smrnXF
via IFTTT

AMD Details Ryzen Mobile, Threadripper, Radeon Vega, and Epyc at Computex 2017

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

All desktop Ryzen processors, including the upcoming budget-oriented Ryzen 3 lineup, have been certified as Oculus VR ready. A working sample of ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rovvsK
via IFTTT

ASRock Announces X299 Professional Gaming i9 with 3-Way Multi-GPU, 10Gb Ethernet, & Wi-Fi

http://ift.tt/2sdKzYa

ASRock has introduced its flagship motherboard for Intel’s upcoming Core X series HEDT processors. The Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 packs about everything that that is possible, including advanced VRMs, multiple PCIe slots, a Wi-Fi module, as well as a 10 GbE port. Despite being extremely feature-rich, the new product is not going to be too expensive.

Since Intel’s new X299 platform supports a very diverse range of processors that cost from sub-$300 all the way to $1999, makers of motherboards are trying to address different setups with their products accordingly. Some X299 platforms can be considered as “entry-level” (of the ultra high-end) based on their moderate feature set, others may be considered as mid-range and the most advanced models fit into the “extreme” or “workstation-grade” category for prosumers who need every bit of performance they may get. The ASRock Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 belongs to the latter category and is thus aimed at systems without compromises that run processors with 10 or more cores, feature multiple graphics cards, up to a dozen of storage devices, and so on.

One of the important features of the ASRock Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 is its 13-phase digital VRM that uses high endurance coils as well as solid-state capacitors and designed to ensure high overclocking potential. ASRock claims that this PWM can handle 720 A and deliver up to 1300 W of power, which is well above any CPU can consume (or survive).

The motherboard carries eight DDR4 DIMM slots and the manufacturer supports memory overclocking up to DDR-4400 and beyond. Previous-gen Intel Core Extreme (Broadwell-E) processors could not run DDR4 at extreme data transfer rates in quad-channel mode and it isn't clear whether the new multi-core Skylake-X will handle DDR4 at 4000+ GT/s in quad-channel mode. However since the X299 platform also supports quad-core Kaby Lake-X CPUs with a dual-channel memory controller that can handle high memory frequencies, support for high DDR4 frequencies may prove especially important for Kaby Lake-X.

Another key selling point of the ASRock Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 is the the Aquantia AQtion 10 Gb/s Ethernet controller (presumably the AQN-107) that also supports 2.5G and 5G operation. Installing this specific controller on a motherboard that is priced significantly below $500 makes a great deal of sense, as 10 GbE infrastructure (routers, switches) is still very expensive for most users (even those who buy Intel Core X-series CPUs), whereas 2.5G and 5G equipment promises to be a lot cheaper. Whether or not the owner of the X299 Professional Gaming i9 plans to invest in 10 GbE hardware, they will be ready for everything faster than GbE, and that adds value to the motherboard. In addition to the 10 GbE port, the mainboard also has two GbE headers enabled by controllers from Intel. For scenarios when wired connections are unavailable, the motherboard has a 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 module (based on an Intel controller).

Next up is expandability. The Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 has four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (2 × x16, 2 × x8): three can be used for graphics cards running in AMD CrossFireX or NVIDIA SLI multi-GPU mode, the fourth can be used for an SSD or any other device. Besides, the board has 10 SATA 6 Gbps connectors for systems that need a huge number of SATA storage devices.

ASRock's Fatal1ty X299 for Intel Core X-Series
		Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9
CPU Support		Intel Core i9 Intel Core i7 Intel Core i5 CPUs in LGA2066 form-factor
Graphics		4 × PCIe 3.0 x16 (2 × x16, 2 × x8) 3-way AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI supported
Chipset		Intel X299
Memory		Eight DDR4 DIMM slots
Ethernet		1 × Aquantia AQtion AQN-107 10 GbE 2 × Intel GbE controllers
Storage		10 × SATA 6 Gbps 3 × M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA)
Audio		Realtek ALC1220 7.1 channel audio
USB		8 × USB 3.0 Type-A 6 × USB 3.0 Type-A 1 × USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type-A 1 × USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type-C 1 × USB 3.1 internal header ASMedia ASM3142 controller for USB 3.1
Other I/O		Dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2
Form-Factor		ATX
MSRP		$350

When it comes to connectivity, the Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 has something to brag about even beyond its vast networking capabilities. The motherboard uses ASMedia’s latest ASM3142 controller that is backed by a PCIe 3.0 x2 connect (instead of x1 in case of the ASM1142) and thus offers higher bandwidth than its predecessor. In total, the board supports eight USB 3.0 Type-A ports, six USB 2.0 connectors, two USB 3.1 (Gen 2) receptacles (Type-A, Type-C) as well as one USB 3.1 (Gen 2) header for a USB-C port on the front of the PC that can deliver 36 W of power. Finally, the platform has a 7.1-channel audio sub-system (enabled by the Realtek ALC1220 controller) with the Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software enhancements by Creative.

The ASRock Fatal1ty X299 Professional Gaming i9 will be available in the coming months for about $350. For those, who don’t need a 10G Ethernet port, 36 W power delivery on the front USB-C port and some other minor things, ASRock will offer the X299 Taichi motherboard that uses the same PCB, but without the aforementioned features, at around $300.

Mighty Mini-ITX: ASRock X299E-ITX/ac with 4 Channel DDR4 and 3xM.2 Support

http://ift.tt/2rEnktu

ASRock has announced one of the industry’s first Mini-ITX motherboards for Intel’s latest Core X processors in the LGA2066 packaging. The new X299E-ITX/ac is small, but it takes full advantage of Intel’s new X299 platform, offering support for all CPUs with up to 18 cores, quad-channel DDR4 memory on the higher-end CPUs, three PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots as well as everything that one might expect from a Mini-ITX board, including Wi-Fi.

Besides being a miniature motherboard for Intel's HEDT processors, the most important aspect of the ASRock X299E-ITX/ac is support for quad-channel memory in this form-factor. The company’s previous-gen Intel X99-based Mini-ITX mainboard was feature-packed, but one of the things it missed was the quad-channel memory sub-system, which had an expected negative effect on performance in applications that required high memory bandwidth. By contrast, the new unit has four SO-DIMM DDR4 memory slots and even supports DDR4 overclocking (assuming that there are SO-DIMMs that can be significantly overclocked). In fact, putting four memory slots onto a small motherboard while also fitting the LGA 2066 socket and required high-capactiy VRMs is a rather remarkable engineering achievement. The flip side however is that the very tightly packed design of the X299E-ITX/ac may impose certain limitations on compatibility with large cooling systems.

Just like every other Mini-ITX motherboard around, the ASRock X299E-ITX/ac has only one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for graphics cards. In the meantime, the X299E-ITX/ac is the first miniature mainboard to feature three M.2 slots (PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA) for SSDs. In addition, the board carries six SATA 6 Gbps headers for builds that require multiple storage devices in drive form-factor. It is noteworthy that in order to fit everything it wanted onto a Mini-ITX PCB, ASRock had to place the USB 3.1 controller, SATA ports and one M.2 slot on custom DIMM-like modules - essentially going vertical when they ran out of horizontal space. Such modules add certain dimension-related limitations to the size of CPU radiators (plus, it remains to be seen how higher-end M.2 SSDs perform when located near a CPU cooler), but this is a tradeoff that the manufacturer had to take.

As for connectivity, the X299E-ITX/ac comes with a 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 module (based on an Intel controller), two GbE ports (Intel controllers too), two USB 3.1 headers (Type-A and Type-C), six USB 3.0 connectors, 7.1-channel audio sub-system (enabled by the Realtek ALC1220 controller) and so on.

ASRock's Mini-ITX Motherboard for Intel Core X-Series
		X299E-ITX/ac
CPU Support		Intel Core i9 Intel Core i7 Intel Core i5 CPUs in LGA2066 form-factor
Graphics		PCIe 3.0 x16
Chipset		Intel X299
Memory		Four DDR4 SO-DIMM slots
Ethernet		2 × Intel GbE controllers
Storage		6 × SATA 6 Gbps 3 × M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA)
Audio		Realtek ALC1220 7.1 channel audio
USB		6 × USB 3.0 Type-A 1 × USB 3.1 Type-A 1 × USB 3.1 Type-C
Other I/O		Dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2
Form-Factor		Mini-ITX
MSRP		$280 ~ $300

The ASRock X299E-ITC/ac will be available in the coming months for about $280 - $300, depending on the region and other factors. Such a price point is considerably higher than MSRPs of most Mini-ITX motherboards, but given the fact that this is a very high-end platform (with equally high component requirements) aimed at enthusiasts, it is not unusual. In fact, from many standpoint it may be considered as an entry-level X299 board simply because it does not provide opulence of its bigger brethren.

Acer introduces Chromebook 11 with up to 8GB RAM, Core i5 CPU

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Cheaper models will feature Celeron or Core i3 processors and as little as 2GB of RAM. Each version has a spill-resistant keyboard, a touchscreen ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rnVL6U
via IFTTT

AMD's ThreadRipper To Feature 64 PCIe Lanes; Vega Launching In July

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD divulged that the ThreadRipper processors provide 64 lanes of PCIe 3.0, and we assume the company will dedicate four to the chipset.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slVLS2
via IFTTT

GIGABYTE Launches Aorus X299 Motherboards: X299-Gaming 3, Gaming 7 and Gaming 9

http://ift.tt/2sduMbW

In the wake of Intel's announcement of their upcoming Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X processors, GIGABYTE has unveiled their lineup of X299 LGA2066 motherboards. Given the fact that this is a high-end platform, GIGABYTE has opted to use their premium AORUS brand for all three initial models, which are the X299 AORUS Gaming 9, X299 AORUS Gaming 7, and X299 AORUS Gaming 3.

Starting off with the flagship X299 AORUS Gaming 9, we get to see GIGABYTE's unconstrained vision for this new HEDT platform.

The X299 AORUS Gaming 9 has what appears to be a 12-phase CPU power design, and features Nippon Chemi-Con 10K Durable Black solid capacitors everywhere but in the audio subsystem. There are two 8-pin CPU/EPS power connectors, which should come in handy if a high TDP 18-core Skylake-X processor is installed or just when doing some extreme overclocking.

Making full use of this platform numerous PCIe lanes, there are five mechanical PCIe x16 slots, all of which have been mechanically reinforced with steel and additional anchor points for improved retention and shearing resistance. Two of the slots run at x16, one of the slots runs at x8, and the other two are limited to x4, which means that this motherboard will 'only' be able to handle up to three-way graphics card configurations.

Storage connectivity appears to be excellent with eight SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots that support SATA, PCI-E, NVMe M.2 solid state drives and Intel's new Optane Memory technology. All three slots feature a Thermal Guard cover to help protect and cool the M.2 drives. For those who need a fourth M.2 slot, GIGABYTE have also included an M.2 add-in card in the accessories bundle. If the lack of an U.2 port is a concern, worry not since there is also a M.2 to U.2 adapter included. This motherboard also supports four USB 2.0 ports (two headers), eight USB 3.0 ports (four rear, two headers), and seven USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (five rear, one header). Focusing on the full-speed USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, there are an impressive four Type-A ports and one Type-C port on the rear I/O panel, and a USB 3.1 Gen2 front-panel internal header next to the memory slots. At least some of this USB 3.1 Gen2 connectivity is courtesy of the brand new ASMedia 3142 controller.

When it comes to networking, there are two gigabit LAN ports, one powered by an Intel controller and one by a Rivet Networks Killer E2500 chip. The onboard dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi is courtesy of a Killer Wireless-AC 1535 module that supports transfer rates of up to 867Mbps. The wired and wireless Killer interfaces can be used together via the Killer DoubleShot Pro feature to direct high priority traffic to the fastest interface or they can be combined to create one very high throughput interface.

While the name might be familiar - Amp-Up Audio - this motherboard features a brand new high-end onboard audio design. It is based on the familiar Realtek ALC1220 codec, but it has been bolstered by some pretty serious components, like a ESS SABRE 9018K2M DAC, Texas Instruments LME 49720 and OPA1622 OP-AMPs, and WIMA audio capacitors. They have also included Creative's Sound BlasterX 720° audio engine software.

As should be pretty clear from the above picture, the X299 AORUS Gaming 9 has been outfitted with a ton of RGB LED lighting zones. There are LEDs between the individual memory slots, on both sides of each of the the PCIe slots, built into the chipset cooler, and there's even LED strips integrated into the I/O and audio section covers. Even the rear I/O shield glows! If that's not enough, there are also three headers on which you can plug LED light strips. Speaking of headers, there are seven fan headers, including three water pump headers, one of which is a high current 3 amp version. Apparently some of these Hybrid Fan headers that can provide up-to-the-second information on flow-rate and water temperature and can be monitored in the Smart Fan 5 software suite. The two onboard temperature sensor headers should also be able to feed data into the utility.

The bottom edge of the motherboards features an interesting assortment of power and reset buttons, clear CMOS button, ECO button, OC button, and a Debug LED. Last, but not least, the back of the motherboard is covered by a metal armor plate, which will add structural rigidity and protect the various components, solder points, and traces.

The X299 AORUS Gaming 7 is far more similar to the Gaming 9 than it is different. When it comes to expansion slots and storage connectivity everything is exactly the same. The only differences are that two of the three M.2 Thermal Guards are missing, and the M.2 to U.2 adapter is not included in the accessories bundle.

The onboard audio features the greatest change, with a swap from the ESS Sabre ES9018K2M to the ES9018Q2Ca and the removal of one of the two op-amps. The X299 AORUS Gaming 7 is also missing the fancy glowing I/O shield, though the other RGB FUSION lighting features all remain identical.

Since there is no Gaming 5 model yet, the step down from the X299 AORUS Gaming 7 to the X299 AORUS Gaming 3 is a little more severe than between the two previous models. Most notably, the Gaming 3 only has one 8-pin CPU/EPS power connector and only two of its PCIe x16 slots are steel-reinforced. The other clear difference is that there is only two M.2 slots - down one from the higher-end models - and there are no M.2 Thermal Guards at all.

The USB 3.1 Gen2 front-panel connector has been replaced with a USB 3.0 version, and three of the USB 3.1 Gen2 ports on the rear I/O panel have been replaced by USB 3.0 ports. So in total, this model has four USB 2.0 ports (two headers), ten USB 3.0 ports (six rear, two headers), and two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (two rear). Speaking of rear I/O, there is only one gigabit LAN port and no Wi-Fi on the X299 AUROS Gaming 3. The onboard audio has also been demoted, with no DAC or op-amps, and no plastic shroud covering that area either. The RGB FUSION lighting feature has also been cut-down a bit, with no LEDs in between the memory slots and only the two primary PCIe x16 slots being lit instead of all five.

While we don't yet have any pricing information for any of the models, the GIGABYTE X299 AORUS Gaming series will be available for purchase sometime in June 2017.

Gallery: X299 AORUS Gaming 9

Gallery: X299 AORUS Gaming 7

Gallery: X299 AORUS Gaming 3

from AnandTech http://ift.tt/2sdwmL0
via IFTTT

Can this monster 16-core PC chip challenge Intel's i9? AMD teases ThreadRipper

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Although the relative performance of Intel's and AMD's new processors is unknown, AMD teased a few more details about ThreadRipper at the ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slQU38
via IFTTT

AMD EPYC server CPUs to arrive from 20th June

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The first EPYC processors will launch on 20^th June. AMD expects to launch with widespread support from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rnCB0D
via IFTTT

AMD EPYC (codenamed 'Naples') server processors to launch June 20th

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD EPYC server processors have finally got a release date. At the COMPUTEX 2017 press conference today, AMD announced that the EPYC server ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slSQJ8
via IFTTT

ARM unveils Cortex-A55 and Cortex-A75 CPUs intended to boost artificial intelligence performance

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

ARM has unveiled two new processor cores at Computex that, it claims, are its most powerful to date. The Cortex-A55 and Cortex-A75 are the first ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rnRlwz
via IFTTT

Windows 10 Coming to Snapdragon 835-Powered Laptops

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Windows 10 — real, full Windows 10 — is coming to a mobile processor. ... While Intel's Y Series processors, which were formerly known as Core m, ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slBYSz
via IFTTT

AMD Details Ryzen Threadripper X399 Platform - 16 Cores, 32 Threads, 64 PCIe Gen3 Lanes ...

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD today officially announced its enthusiast high-end desktop X399 platform for its upcoming 16 core, 32 thread Threadripper processors.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rnv5D8
via IFTTT

LG G7 rumoured to be first phone to sport Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

And the LG G7 might be the first device to sport this CPU when it is ... the first to sport chip manufacturer's most powerful processor Snapdragon 835.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slXff5
via IFTTT

Intel announces monster 18-core Skylake X Core i9 CPU

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Its full name is the Intel Core i9-7900X X-series processor, and this first version will be made available with 10 cores and 20 threads, with 18, 16, ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rnltbt
via IFTTT

Computex 2017: AMD Demos Ryzen Mobile SoC with Vega Graphics

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

AMD claims that Ryzen mobile will offer 50% better CPU performance and 40% better GPU performance than the 7th Generation AMD APU. I can't ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slQREu
via IFTTT

Intel announces new Core processor series and, oh boy

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Not long after AMD announced its 16-core Threadripper CPU, Intel has used the Computex to announce its first 18-core processor, fully named ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rns5qw
via IFTTT

Intel makes it rain for PC enthusiasts

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel came out of the gate firing at this year's Computes Taipei, announcing a slew of processors for its new X-series of desktop CPUs at the company's ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2slIPLO
via IFTTT

PC Specialist Hyperion Zen Review

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With the AMD Ryzen CPUs proving to be a new dawn we take a look at a new PC Specialist system based around the Zen architecture.

from Overclock3D.Net http://ift.tt/2rTHUG9
via IFTTT

How Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 could blow connected computing wide open

http://ift.tt/2skUY3M

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 might be known as the latest and greatest mobile platform powering the Samsung Galaxy S8, but at Computex 2017, it’s the catalyst for the next wave of Windows 10 devices.

But, beyond seeing a ton of new laptops, tablets and 2-in-1s, Qualcomm’s vice president of global product marketing Don McGuire claims the Snapdragon 835 will cause a fundamental shift in the way we use our PCs.

“We came up with these basic principles, the next generation of the PC should be beyond fast, easy to use, portable, convenient and connected like a smartphone,” McGuire tells TechRadar. McGuire also believes that solving the PC battery life pain point is critical.

“We’re about to change the rules of a longstanding game by shifting the entire dialogue from CPU/GPU centric peak benchmarking and speeds and feeds, to the concept of ubiquitous connectivity, anywhere, anytime combined with beyond all day battery life and the Windows 10 experiences people know and love,” he says. “The days of being LAN dependent for your connection, unsatisfied by overpromised and under delivered battery life and of ‘not so’ connected standby will be over.”

The key behind this fundamental change is the integrated design of Snapdragon 835, which includes a CPU, modem, GPU, DSP, Audio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, PMIC and GPS all on a single integrated platform. Typically, all of these components in a traditional AMD or Intel machine would be spaced apart and connected by a motherboard.

By having the graphics chip, all the radios and other parts that much closer and integrated together should lead to lower operating tempertures, increased performance, and longer battery life. In fact, Qualcomm expects up to a 50% improvement in battery life and about four times improvements on connected standby.

At Computex in Taipei, Qualcomm is showing off a Snapdragon 835-powered system as a proof of concept device at Computex. It’s designed to run all of Microsoft’s Office applications and Universal Windows Platform programs as well as legacy x86 Apps – and all live with a Gigabit-class LTE connection.

Honey, I shrunk the die

Another way the Snapdragon 835 differentiates itself from the current PC processors is it is much smaller, thanks to its 10 nanometer (nm) die size. McGuire was quick to highlight “That might look like a number on a screen, but to stop and think, 10nm is a thousand times smaller than a strand of hair with three billion transistors.”

Comparatively, both Intel and AMD have only achieved a 14nm manufacturing process with their respective Kaby Lake and Ryzen chips.

“Based on our initial estimates, OEMS can take advantage of up to 30% more room on their boards,” McGuire highlights. “This smaller footprint results in not only more room for batteries, but also increased thermal efficiency, new ways of thinking about innovative PC designs.

Between the smaller chip and not needing to allocate space for separate radios and other components, Snapdragon 835-powered systems could be dramatically smaller and thinner.

“You can toss out the blueprints of some of your previous 2-in-1 designs, ultrathin designs and really go for extremely light and thin fanless designs,” McGuire says.

A more connected, more mobile PC

Ten years ago Qualcomm enabled always connected PCs with with its modem, and since then hundreds of thousands of PCs have shipped with Qualcomm 3G and 4G technology.

By McGuire’s count, there are currently, over 100 options of always-connected PCs with the embedded Snapdragon LTE modems that are discrete (i.e. not on the system-on-a -chip within systems available) from HP, Lenovo, Dell, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and the new Microsoft Surface Pro announced a few weeks ago.

Given Qualcomm’s strong background in mobile devices, the company wants to see connected laptops and 2-in-1 tablets to become as ubiquitous as smartphones.

“By the end of the year, you will see the launch of a new and improved class of always-connected PCs with gigabit LTE support thanks to being powered by the Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform, McGuire states. “It’s time for the PC to change.”

McGuire predicts over 1.1 billion new internet users are expected to connect for the first time in the next four years and Qualcomm wants to head off this massive surge with the next generation of always-connected PCs.

“As a company, we’ve invested billions in research and design, tens of thousands of engineers working to innovate in areas of wireless connectivity, ensuring our modems are top of the line and the cellular infrastructure of the future is in a substantial place to support this,” McGuire explains.

McGuire assures us that "Qualcomm isn't just thinking about 2-3 years down the line, but decades down the line."

from TechRadar: computing components news http://ift.tt/2scKjJf
via IFTTT

Intel Announces i9 Dode-Core CPU Starting At $999

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The next step up from there is a 14-core processor utilizing 28 different ... this is obviously Intel's answer to AMD's recently released Ryzen CPU line.

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2scRsZP
via IFTTT

Intel: 8th-Gen Processors Are 30% Faster Than 7th-Gen

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel announced during its Computex 2017 keynote that the eighth-generation Coffee Lake processors would feature 30% more performance than the ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rDSCkg
via IFTTT

Intel's New Core i9 Is An 18-Core Behemoth With A Price Tag To Match

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

All the chips have comparatively very high TDP thermal thresholds, so you'll need to invest in a gutsy water or air cooler to let these Core X processors ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2sdrLZ9
via IFTTT

Rise of the Tomb Raider Gets a Ryzen Performance Update

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

An area that AMD has struggled in though has been 1080p gaming – performance in those instances on both Ryzen 7 and 5 processors fell behind ...

from Google Alert - CPU processor http://ift.tt/2rDAJlx
via IFTTT

Intel promises a 30%+ performance improvement with their 8th Generation of CPUs

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Intel has officially promised to deliver a 30%+ performance boost with their new 8th Generation of CPUs.

from Overclock3D.Net http://ift.tt/2rn9ESI
via IFTTT

Qualcomm Announces First OEMs for Windows 10 on Snapdragon 835

http://ift.tt/2rDq4aB

Today, as part of Computex 2017, Qualcomm and Microsoft are joint announcing the next steps for their Windows on Snapdragon strategy. As previously reported, Qualcomm and Microsoft have collaborated to emulate x86 on the Snapdragon 835 SoCs such that 10/ARM can now run x86 Windows applications, and this emulation has reached a point where it's ready for devices to come to market.

ASUS, HP and Lenovo will be the first OEMs to adopt the platform, which means we will see devices (laptops, clamshells, 2-in-1s) with the desktop version of Windows 10 but running on ARM. Qualcomm notes that the ubiquitous connectivity akin to smartphones is becoming an important aspect to how users use their computers as well as consume content – introducing the Snapdragon 835 on a productivity platform combined with the integrated Gigabit LTE baseband (Qualcomm’s X16) is a step in that direction along with mobile SoC levels of power draw.

When we first heard about Windows on Snapdragon, we instantly thought that Qualcomm and Microsoft would be going after the Chromebook market, but the announcement today is clear that both companies are going for something a bit more substantial along with all-day battery life. The official press release states that ‘Sleek, thin and fanless PCs running a Windows 10 experience’, with the 10nm SoC, sounds something more than a basic Chromebook.

One might suggest that the Snapdragon 835 is a premium SoC, and Qualcomm certainly wants to promote their hardware in high-end premium devices. With Snapdragon 835 in high-end smartphones, one of the elements Qualcomm is promoting is the fact that their SoC solution has a smaller PCB footprint: OEMs can use the extra space and weight for extra battery. This is part of the story which Qualcomm states allowing a ‘truly always on’ device such that updates can run in the background when the system is in sleep modes.

Part of the demonstrations at the Computex show floor, Qualcomm was showing Windows 10 being used with UWP applications but also some non-UWP apps being used, such as 7-zip. The OS element is something we’re likely to hear during Microsoft’s announcements during the week, which I feel might be a tipping point for these sorts of platforms. I’ve been using the MateBook X this week during Computex, and the battery life is actually fairly decent for an 1800 Euro ultraportable with a 15W CPU: but there’s still a small amount of battery anxiety for sure, especially during network use. Qualcomm’s value-add is their baseband experience, which they say is a big plus on this new platform.

Having a proper productivity device is a plus, but big questions still surround performance, especially when emulating x86. It’s a problem that has been tackled and failed several times before. The Qualcomm issue here is somewhat smaller than previous attempts, because as far as we understand it only has to target Windows 10, and they’ve worked directly with Microsoft in order to support it. Qualcomm and Microsoft say that this combination is now a solved problem with minimal overhead.

The carousel image at the top shows the S835 compared to a 14nm equivalent, showing the 'board space' savings of up to 30%. Qualcomm is keen to point out that a competitor's platform will need things like M.2 in order to add storage, which they say also take up board space compared to a Qualcomm solution.

Gallery: Qualcomm Announces First OEMs for Windows 10 on Snapdragon 835

Footprints

As part of our briefing, Qualcomm showed off an example reference PCB design that might go into the devices that they are targeting.

On the left is an Intel solution, with on the right being from Qualcomm: 96.1cm2 compared to 50.4cm2 respectively. Here's a closer image of the Qualcomm solution (click through for high resolution):

The SoC is on the top right, with storage and memory to the left. It's worth noting on the far right is a USB Type-C connection, which would be the power input as well as how to connect other devices. There is no SIM card, as Qualcomm is integrated a multi-region eSIM which is activated at the time of purchase.

from AnandTech http://ift.tt/2rDnxgj
via IFTTT