ASRock reveals some of its Computex announcements

So far ECS is the only motherboard manufacturer to officially reveal some of its upcoming products for Computex, while pretty much everything else has been leaks. However, now ASRock has launched its Computex portal and were looking at a pretty interesting selection of new products being showcased.

First up we have the A75 Extreme6, ASRocks top-of-the-range AMD FM1 motherboard with the A75 chipset. This is so far the most feature rich A75 board weve seen and even at that, it looks like a fairly bare PCB. Were a little bit curious about ASRocks slot layout, as the board has no less than three x16 PCI Express slots. As far as we were aware support for CrossFire or SLI wasnt part of the A75 chipset, but theres no mistaking in the fact that ASRock has fitted lane switches on the board indicating that the primary and secondary slots are sharing bandwidth and ASRock is claiming quad CrossFireX support. The third slot is most likely a x4 slot, as the board only has a single x1 PCI Express and very few other PCI Express devices. There are also three PCI slots of which at least one will be usable even if two dual slot graphics cards are fitted.

The A75 Extreme6 has a total of eight SATA 6Gbps ports, six native to the chipset and two via a third party controller, although were not sure which controller this is. As were looking at native USB 3.0 support there are not third party USB 3.0 host controllers on this board, but were still looking at two rear ports and a pin-header around the front for a further two ports. The board also has pin headers for what appears to be six USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire port. The power regulation circuitry looks like a 8+2 phase design which is the most advanced weve seen so far for the FM1 platform.

Were not entirely sure about the rear I/O configuration, but wed guess on a single PS/2 port, four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a FireWire port, an eSATA port, 7.1-channel audio with optical S/PDIF out, Gigabit Ethernet and a DVI, HDMI and D-sub connector from what we can see, as well as a clear CMOS button. Overall this looks like a really decent board and it further shows how much ASRock has changed over the past two years and that the company is becoming a major player in the motherboard market space.

ASUS Transformer Prime to launch in Italy with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

ASUS has just announced that the Italian release of Eee Pad Transformer Prime will be delayed to the end of January next year, but forgood reason. Sources state that the release will come with Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), which gives credibility to the recentreports of ASUS readying Android 4.0 upgrades for existing tablets in the coming months. Thus far, the only device that is officially known to be runningAndroid ICS is the Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone. The release will probablymake the Transformer Prime one of the first tablets with the new mobile operating system. Ithas also been confirmed by ASUS that that WiFi-only version will be launched, which shadows the release strategy of Germany, in view of the redundancy of mobile data capabilities on tablets whereby smartphones and their tethering technology can cater adequately.

Source:Slash Gear

ASUS unveils Eee Pad Transformer TF101 with built-in WiMAX

ASUS has announced the Eee Pad Transformer TF101-WiMAX, which comes with a built-in WiMAX communication module. The Android tablet will be available in Japan from 25 February at 49,800 yen including tax (approximately US$639).The ASUS Eee Pad TF101-WiMAX features 10.1-inch touchscreen LCD with 1280×800 pixel resolution, and runs Google Android 3.2.1 Honeycomb. It is equipped with 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor with 16GB memory and offers IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN, IEEE 802.16e WiMAX (2005 compliant) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. The tablet was launched in June 2011 and this model basically has the same specifications except for the additional WiMAX communication module and the newer version of the OS. According to ASUS, the WiMAX capabilities can provide up to 40Mbps downlink and 15.4Mbps uplink, and you can tether to up tp six wireless LAN equipment. No word as to when the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-WiMAX will be available in other countries.

Source: ascii.jp

Asus' P8C WS motherboard target Xeon's with the C216 chipset

Its easy to forget that the LGA-1155 platform is also home to Intels E3-series of Xeon processors and Intel recently updated its entire E3-series of Xeons to Ivy Bridge. To go along with the new CPUs Intel also released a new chipset, the C216 and Asus has produced a new motherboard based on this chipset called the P8C WS where WS stands for Workstation.

Unlike the previously launched P8Z77 WS, the P8C WS is actually a fairly basic model that lacks features like a PLX bridge chip, extra SATA/eSATA controllers and so forth and its actually a fairly basic motherboard. The choice of chipset makes this more of a workstation board though, mostly due to certification which will make this an approved motherboard for a lot of businesses.

Unlike its consumer siblings, the Xeon E3 processors have 20 lanes of PCI Express bandwidth, but it doesnt looks like Asus has taken this to heart with the P8C WS as it sports two PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots that operate in dual x8 mode, two PCI Express x4 slots – one via the CPU and one via the chipset, as well as a single x1 PCI Express slot and a single PCI slot.

As mentioned, Asus didnt add any additional SATA controllers and as such the board only has four SATA 3Gbps and two SATA 6Gbps ports via the chipset. Other on board connectors consists of a single USB 3.0 pin header, two internal USB 2.0 ports, one USB 2.0 pin header, one FireWire pin header and a serial port, a parallel port and TPM module pin header.

The rear I/O couldve been a lot better considering the target market, as Asus has simply gone with the same layout as for the P8Z77WS and dropped a couple of features. The good news is that the dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet controllers are still in place, but beyond that you only get six USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port, two USB 3.0 ports, a FireWire port, 7.1-channel audio with optical and coaxial S/PDIF out and a single dual-link DVI port. What were really missing here is a DisplayPort connector, or two at that considering the target market and the ability of this motherboard to drive up to three displays and we feel Asus missed out here.

The only real tangible benefit of going for the P8C WS over the P8Z77 WS is the support for the extra four PCI Express lanes from the CPU rather than having to rely on a PCI Express bridge to be able to take advantage of all four slots, but you also miss out on extra SATA, eSATA and USB 3.0 ports to mention only a few features that arent included. The P8C WS is at least a fair bit cheaper to reflect this as it looks like itll retail for around US$240 (S$305) compared to about US$340 (S$435) for the P8Z77 WS which might still make it a worthwhile purchase for some.

Source: Asus

Angry Birds for Windows Phone 7, or not

Microsoft had conveniently placed an icon of the highly popular Angry Birds game on its Windows Phone site. Naturally, we would all assume that this hit game would be ported over to Microsoft's new mobile platform very soon.

However, the folks at Rovio Mobile weren't too happy once they realised that their Angry Birds icon had appeared completely out of the blue, and made an announcement on their Twitter page saying that they are currently not committed to making a Windows Phone 7 version of Angry Birds, and that "Microsoft had used the Angry Birds icon on their site without (Rovio Mobile's) permission".

Microsoft later issued a statement to apologize for the oversight, claiming that "information was mistakenly posted". That alone won't make their marketing team (antics included) angels overnight, for they allegedly tempted iPhone developers of popular applications with a wad of cash to port apps over to the new Windows platform a couple of months ago.

Microsoft definitely needs the support of popular applications and games in order for its Windows Phone 7 to gain market share; well, we know of people out there who buy an iPhone just to play Angry Birds. Rovio Mobile also commented later on in a follow-up that whether a Windows Phone 7 version appears is solely at their discretion, so riling a flock of angry birdsmight not bethe smartest thing to do...

Sources: Engadget, Rovio Mobile

Asus teases new tablet

Its no big secret that Asus is going to be unveiling new tablets at Computex, but now the first details are starting to trickle out. Asus Tech in Style website has put up a trio of pictures of what is said to be a new tablet that doesnt look anything like the models Asus has shown so far. The question is, is this Asus new 3D tablet, or is it an Atom powered MeeGo device?

The pictures dont reveal too much in terms of what were looking at, but judging by the fact that Asus and Intel are hosting a webinar later this week talking about MeeGo, wed at least daresay that Asus is planning an Atom Z670 powered tablet running MeeGo, be it this one or some entirely different device. Asus has also been talking about a 3D capable tablet in the past, but wed doubt this is it.

The design is quite interesting, as the tablet is very slim; however, it has a slightly thicker part around the back, towards the middle suggesting that this is where most of the hardware components requiring cooling are located. This is actually quite a clever design, as it means that the tablet is nice and thin where you hold it, while theres still sufficient room to cool the various components inside it.

The third and final picture is something of an enigma though, as apparently it features a "clip". Theres also what appears to be a latch switch here and a lens for a camera. The overall colours scheme is black, silver and a metallic brown and from whats show on the pictures it looks like a rather stylish device.

Asus is also running a teaser countdown on its Facebook page titled "Break the Rule: Pad or Phone?" Make what you want of that, but the first picture posted there doesnt give away a thing, apart from the fact that were looking at a square device with rounded corners. A new picture will apparently be posted every two days from now until Computex.

Source: Tech in Style, Asus Facebook page

ASUS HDTV Suite-HDMI Upgrades Monitors into High Quality Multimedia Display Centers

Catering to users who want to watch High Definition TV without requiring thepurchase of new and expensive LCD TVs, ASUS has today released the new ASUS HDTVSuite-HDMI. This standalone TV box provides the ultimate HDTV viewing solutionwith the highest video quality (1920*1200). Users simply have to connect it withtheir PC monitors, and they can easily utilize them not only as a Full HD TVset, but also as a multimedia center without the need to turn on the PC.

Enjoy a Visual Feast with Professional CE (Consumer Electronics) Quality HDTV

The ASUS HDTV Suite-HDMI is a professional analog standalone TV box thatcontains a built-in CE quality TV engine. With the latest technologies thatinclude “Dynamic Deblocking™”, “Dynamic Anti-flicker Brightness Adjustment”,“Advanced 3D Comb” and “Flesh Tone Correction”, it is able to displayhigh-quality video signals to bring about sharper and clearer images thattraditional video processing cannot achieve.

ASUS Hardware Splendid Video Intelligence Technology

Video playback from PCs pale in comparison to TVs because most PCs do not comewith the image-processing units commonly found in consumer electronics displaydevices. The ASUS HDVT Suite-HDMI, however, is built with an advanced hardwarevisual optimization innovation – the ASUS Splendid Video Intelligencetechnology. This cutting-edge technology can help analyze data read from variousmedia and fine-tune colors that are favorable to the human eye – creating imagesand colors that are more vibrant, lifelike and vivid.

Easily Transform PC Monitors into High Quality Multimedia Display Centers

Besides able to display the high quality TV experiences mentioned above, userscan also connect their gaming consoles like the PS3, PS2, Xbox360, Xbox or Wii;or even DVD players to the ASUS HDTV Suite-HDMI’s high quality videotransmission input (HDMI, YpbPr, S-Video or Composite) to enjoy superbmultimedia entertainment on their HDMI, DVI or VGA monitors. With numerousplug-n-play connection options, the ASUS HDTV Suite-HDMI transforms the PCmonitor into a high quality video and audio multimedia display center.

Highest 1920 x 1200 Visual Quality with 16:10, 4:3 or 16:9 Full-screenSupport

Regardless of the PC monitor’s dimensions (from15" to 24” or larger) orresolution (from 1024x768 to 1920x1200), the ASUS HDTV Suite-HDMI utilizesinnovative technology to help improve visuals to 1920x1200 high resolutionquality experiences.

Fashionable ID design and Intuitive Touch-sensitive Control Panel

Meeting the trend of simplistic style in home entertainment products, the ASUSHDTV Suite-HDMI combines optimum performance with a modern ID design. The artfulID design combines with the built-in touch sensor control panel for a functionalyet aesthetically pleasing outlook.

Enjoy Convenience with User-friendly Utilities

With no software installation required, users simply have to connect the ASUSHDTV Suite-HDMI to their TV/video source and the PC monitor, and they are readyto go! The convenient Picture-in-Picture (PIP) function allows surfing theInternet and watching TV or playing console games at the same time.Additionally, users will be able to enjoy total entertainment convenience withthe bundled full-function remote control and On Screen Display – which allowschanging channels, selecting source inputs and menu selections without evengetting off the couch!

Specifications

HDTV-Suite HDMI

TV system

Analog (PAL or NTSC)

Input

HDMI

DVI / VGA

Line-in (PC Audio)

VHF/UHF (TV signal in)

S-Video & Composite & YPbPr(up to 1080p)

Output

HDMI

DVI / VGA

Line-outEarphone& Speaker

Accessories:

Remote Kit

Controller

Adaptor & Cables

Power adaptor

Power Cord

DVI to VGA adaptor

VGA cable

Video in adaptor for S-Video & Composite & YPbPr

Manual

Printing user manual

aquagrafx amp; CoolIT Water-Cooled Plates For GT200

Two days after the start of the new Nvidia G200 generation aquacomputer presentsthe aquagrafx G200. The cooler is produced from highly purified electrolysiscopper and provides an extremely high cooling capacity. Due to the up to 20mmbroad channles inside the block it has an extremely low flow resistance.

The copper plate of the cooler is approx. 8 mm strong and weighs approx. 660 gcompletely. It is CNC milled from a solid raw part of almost 2.2 kg of copper.The GPU area is covered by an optimized cooling surface which offers around. 25%more surface than the one used until now.

The GPU, video chip, RAMs and voltage regulators are covered by the block.Altogether, 17 components on this card are cooled by the aquagrafx G200. Theconnections are G 1/4". The price will amount to EUR 94.90. The delivery starts25th of June 2008, but preorder is possible already.

AMD to demonstrate Zacate Fusion APU next week

AMD is set to demonstrate its first Fusion APU, Zacate, at San Franciscofrom 13th September through 15th September. Zacate, in essence, isbelieved to be a faster version of Ontario, with TDP of 18W. Including aRadeon DX11 GPU, AMD claims Zacate will "dramatically improve user's PCexperience". Zacate is targeted at nettops and low power notebooks,while Ontario is designed for netbooks and ultraportables.

The demonstrations will include:
Full HD streaming online video, showcasing the versatility of the “Zacate” APU-based platform to handle the most demanding multimedia tasksImmersive online gaming with high image-quality settings, demonstrating the DirectX® 11-compliant “Zacate” APU-based platformPreview of accelerated Internet browsing, showing how“Zacate” APU-based platforms support the future of GPU-enabled webbrowsing today and how these platforms perform side-by-side againstcurrently available AMD- and Intel processor-based notebooksWe have seen a Fusion APU play Aliens vs Predator at Computex 2010. It will be interesting to witness the gaming pedigree of the Zacate APU. Considering this is a competitor to Atom, which can barely even play HD video, a monumental increase in graphics performance is expected. The real question though, is, will it make gaming possible, realistically?

In what is surely no coincidence, AMD has scheduled the demonstration at exactly the same time (13th-15th Sept) and place (San Francisco) as Intel's IDF.

Reference: AMD Blogs

ASUS Launched Triton 81 Cooler For Core i7 CPUs

With the advancement of computational and processor power comes a worry that each user has to face—overheating. To combat this problem, ASUS has launched the new ASUS Triton 81—the latest member of the Triton family of highly effective thermal solutions. Capable of supporting powerful Quad-Core™ processors as well as the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processor (LGA 1366), it is equipped with an exclusive 4-way airflow heatsink design and dual-fan technology for highly efficient CPU cooling; while a diamond-blue LED provides aesthetic appeal for DIY and overclocking enthusiasts.

Unimpeded 4-way Airflow Design for Impressive Overclocking

The Triton 81 utilizes an exclusive 4-way airflow heatsink design to create an unobstructed passage of air circulation; and together with 4 U-shaped copper heatpipes for the most efficient heat transference, delivers ultimate cooling performance for a myriad of processor intensive applications and modifications.

Dual-Fan Technology for Maximum Airflow

Equipped with a diamond-blue LED with dual 90mm fans, the Triton 81 provides an effective channel of airflow to the system, delivering vital thermal protection for stable operations. Despite its powerful performance, the Triton 81 is a relatively silent yet effective performance component—running at a mere 18 dBA with its built-in PWM function, which automatically adjusts fan speeds according to the CPU’s temperature for an optimal operating environment.

Up-to-date Application

To keep up with both current and future gaming and processor technologies, the Triton 81 is also able to support multiple applications—and with support for the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processor (LGA 1366), DIY and gaming enthusiasts the world over will be able to easily utilize it to help push the potential of their computers faster than ever before.

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1Gbit/s 802.11ac Wi-Fi demoed by NTT

Japanese NTT has demoed a prototype setup using the next generation 802.11ac standard which should bring us 1Gbit/s Wi-Fi. The demo was shown last week at an event called Wireless Technology Park in Yokohama City in Japan.

In as much as the technology itself is rather impressive speed wise, there seems to be quite a few hurdles that still need to be overcome before this technology has a chance to win over consumers and business alike. The good news is that it seems to be sufficient with three antennas on the receiving end, but the transmitter at this stage is using no less than sixantennas.

If 802.11ac is going to be developed this way, then it means that Wi-Fi as we know it is going to turn asynchronous, something we have a feeling quite a few users arent going to be too keen on. On top of that, speeds at Gigabit level are currently only being achieved to a single receiver, whereas in a three user scenario the speed was dropped to an effective throughput of 120Mbit/s per user. This is still better than the current 802.11n standard, but far from ideal in a multi-user environment, something that Wi-Fi almost always is.

Were also moving to wider and wider data channels and the 802.11ac standard will move from the 40MHz per channel of 802.11n to 80MHz per channel. The 802.11ac standard is said to be ratified by 2013, so luckily theres still some time to work out the kinks. Faster Wi-Fi sounds like a great thing, but it almost seems like theres a need to come up with a better way of sending the radio signals, as we cant see a lot of router makers going down the route (no pun intended) of adding six antennas to their devices.

Source:Tech-On