A tale of two tiny Llano motherboards

Subject: Motherboards | October 11, 2011 - 04:47 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: mITX, llano, amd, asus, F1A75-I Deluxe, zotac, A75-ITX WiFi

If you are planning a microITX Llano build, it will be well worth your time to drop by The Tech Report as they are comparing two different mITX A75 boards.  The ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe and Zotac A75-ITX WiFi boards have many similarities, a pair of DDR3 slots, a single PCIe 16x slot, 4 SATA 6Gbps slots, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs with audio from the Realtek ALC892.  The differences lie in the outputs, where ASUS only has a pair of USB 3.0 ports, Zotac managed to squeeze a half dozen in at the cost of lowering the USB 2.0 port count.  To find out if there are any performance differences, you will have to read the full article.

"The tight integration of AMD's Llano platform is perfectly suited to Mini-ITX motherboards. We test two of 'em from Asus and Zotac to see what's what."

Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:

Motherboards

• AMD A75 3-way Motherboard Shootout @ Techspot
• Gigabyte GA-A55M-DS2 Motherboard Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• Zotac A75-ITX WiFi Motherboard Review @ t-break
• Asus Crosshair V Formula Motherboard Review @ Niinjalane
• GIGABYTE A55M-S2V (AMD A55) mATX @ Tweaktown
• BIOS Option Of The Week - PEG/Onchip VGA Control @ TechARP
• ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 @ Tweaktown
• Gigabyte Z68XP-UD5 LGA 1155 Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks
• GIGABYTE H61N-USB3 (Intel H61) Mini-ITX @ Tweaktown
• Gigabyte G1.Sniper 2: Military-Style Gaming LGA1155 Mainboard @ X-bit Labs
• Asus Maximus IV Extreme: LGA1155 Mainboard for Three Graphics Cards @ X-bit Labs

Just Delivered: Asus HD 6770 DirectCU Silent

Subject: Graphics Cards | October 5, 2011 - 12:49 AM | Josh Walrath
Tagged: silent, Passive, HD 6770, cooling, asus, amd

Something nice was dropped off at the house today, and I thought I would share.

Passive, eh?  HD 6770?  Sure enough...

How long has it been since I last saw a passive midrange video card?  Well, I would guess it would be in 2007 with the Gigabyte 8600 GTS Silent Pipe.

Don't worry, I have permission from the owner of that site to use this picture.

Read more about this delivery here.

How do you surpass the ASUS Maximus III? Add a V and go for four

Subject: Motherboards | October 3, 2011 - 01:19 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: asus, maximus iv extreme, lga1155, p67, NF200, x68

The ASSU Republic of Gamers is a fast growing family line, the newest arrival being the ASUS Maximus IV Extreme.  That pairs the Intel X68 chipset with the nForce 200 MCP to give you additional PCIe lanes.  In fact you can manually tweak the PCIe lanes assigned to the PCI3 16x slots, a feature that experienced overclockers will probably use frequently.  Speaking to the overclockers, [H]ard|OCP wanted to stress two very important capabilities of the board, not only did it hit 5.1GHz at a CPU voltage of 1.475v, it also boasted the lowest temperatures that [H] saw on their watercooling rig.  This board is not for the plug and play crowd but for the enthusiast crowd it will shine.

"ASUS expands its Intel based Republic of Gamers line once again with the Maximus IV Extreme. This motherboard has a lot to live up to as each Maximus before this was nothing short of excellent and quite possibly the best motherboards available at the time of release. The Maximus IV Extreme continues the tradition and exceeds expectations."

Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:

Motherboards

• GIGABYTE G1.Sniper 2 @ [H]ard|OCP
• MSI Z68A-GD80-G3 @ kitguru
• Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 Z68 @ kitguru
• MSI Z68A GD65 G3 @ OC3D
• Intel D525MW Motherboard Review @ Hardware Secrets
• BIOS Option Of The Week - Refresh Mode Select @ TechARP
• ECS A55F-A Review @ t-break
• Sapphire Pure Platinum A75 (PT-A8A75) @ Bjorn3D
• ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe @ Tweaktown
• ASUS Crosshair V Formula AM3+ Motherboard Review @ Neoseeker
• ASUS F1A75-V Pro Motherboard Review @ Legit Reviews
• ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe Review – Llano and Mini-ITX @ AnandTech
• ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe @ kitguru

The birth of the $600 gaming laptop; thank you AMD

Subject: Mobile | September 28, 2011 - 06:10 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: llano, amd, A6-3400M, HD 6720G2, HD 6650M, HD 6520G, asus, A53T

Asus' A53T is powered by the Llano A6-3400M and 6GB of DDR3-1333 with graphics from the discrete HD6520G and the built in HD 6650M, which is apparently labelled as the HD6720G2.  A 15.6" 1366x768 LCD gives you decent resolution on the road and the HDMI and D-Sub out give you better resolution when you are at home.  The Tech Report were not incredibly impressed with the battery life, during movie playback it died after a bit over 3 hours, though still long enough to get through Avatar.  Gaming was more than satisfactory at the native resolution of the monitor and will handle higher resolutions with the video out acceptably well.  Head on over for the full review.

"Here we have our first example of a genuine, honest-to-goodness consumer laptop powered by AMD's latest and greatest accelerated processing unit. How does it perform?"

Here are some more Mobile articles from around the web:

Mobile

• Toshiba Satellite P755-3DV20 Review @ TechReviewSource
• ASUS U36SD-A1 Notebook Review @ Hardware Canucks
• MSI GT780 Gaming Laptop Review @ Madshrimps
• Alienware M18x Laptop @ kitguru
• Cooler Master 120W Universal Laptop Charger Review @ HardwareHeaven
• ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 Tablet Review @ Legit Reviews
• Hands-on With The Galaxy Tab 8.9 @ AnandTech
• Sony Tablet S (Android 3.2 16GB) Review @ HardwareHeaven
• Speck CandyShell Wrap for iPad 2 Review @ Tech-Reviews
• Cygnett WorkMate Pro iPhone 4 Case Review @ ThinkComputers
• Waterfield IPad2 Suede Jacket Sleeve Case @ PCSTATS
• Apple iPod Touch 5 Specs – What to expect @ Tech-Reviews
• Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Review @ t-break
• Initial impressions using Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) @ t-break
• Nokia N9 hands-on preview @ t-break
• Windows Phone 7.5 Mango @ The Inquirer

ASUS Unveils a New Series of Innovative and Powerful All-in-One PCs

Subject: Systems | September 26, 2011 - 12:11 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: asus, all-in-one, AIO, ET2410 Series

Fremont, California (September 26, 2011) — Designed to offer versatile performance for a wide variety of users, ASUS is excited to unveil three new All-in-One (AIO) models featuring the 21.5” ET2210, 23.6” ET2410, and 27” ET2700. All three models feature vibrant 1080P LED backlit touchscreens, 2nd generation Intel Core processors, USB 3.0 and e-SATA connectivity, 802.11 N wireless LAN, Digital camera, SonicMaster Audio and VESA-mount points. Options including hard drive storage capabilities up to 1TB, Blu-ray combo optical drive, 8GB of DDR3 memory and more — are all housed inside an elegant yet modern designed enclosure.

All-in-One Form Factor is the latest trend in PC technology
The popularity of the All-in-One form factor continues to grow in both the consumer and business markets as they deliver a smaller, more efficient footprint with a similar level of performance as traditional desktops yet with expanded multimedia and collaborative work features. “The new ASUS All-in-One PC series is the perfect technology tool to meet this increased market demand. ASUS continues to be an innovation leader with the release of these all-new AIOs, which offer premium features, stylish design, immersive multi-touch technology, and affordability in an energy efficient platform,” said Margaret Chen, President of Open Platform Business (OPBG) Group for ASUS Computer International.

Convenient and rich in usability
The first to market ET2410 Series comes with a multitude of convenient features including the touch-optimized ASUS Cinema software, making it easier and more comfortable to surf the web, browse through movies and music, or edit photos. The power of Intel’s 2nd generation Core Processor technology ensures that creating media content or handling demanding workloads is smoother and quicker than ever. The touchscreen models feature multi-touch controls for an intuitive and immersive touch experience in addition to the standard wireless keyboard/mouse inputs.

Connectivity is not a problem with two USB 3.0 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, a 3-in-1 card reader, e-SATA port and 802.11 N wireless capabilities. A HDMI input port turns the ET2410 into a brilliant 23.6” display for gaming consoles or for use as a second monitor with a desktop or notebook computer. Engineered by audio experts, SonicMaster technology delivers crystal-clear, immersive audio that is perfect for music, movies or presentations. DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC further enhances audio enjoyment by offering incredible surround sound options. Its VESA mount allows the slim (2.36”) all-in-one PC to be placed almost anywhere, making it ideal for small living areas or professional offices where space is at a premium.

The ASUS ET2410 is available now through leading resellers with prices starting at $899 (MSRP). The 21.5” ET2210 will be available in October and the 27” ET2700 in November. To learn more about the ET2410 or other ASUS products, visit http://usa.asus.com/ for further details. Pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change.

Everyone's favourite Transformer

Subject: Mobile | September 21, 2011 - 04:06 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: asus, eee pad transformer, Transformer

You had better not think this refers to Bumblebee.  The real Transformer you shold be be thinking about comes from ASUS, the ARM based Tegra 250 T20 powered Eee Pad Transformer.  More than a tablet thanks to the special dock, which turns the tablet into a netbook with a full keyboard, this device has received a lot of positive press.  TechSpot had a chance to use one, powered by Honeycomb 3.2, and they agree with the other reviewers; considered as a simple tablet it isn't quite as good as the iPad but the real selling point of the Transformer is the keybaord.  Read on.

"The Eee Pad Transformer goes beyond what most tablets are capable of by doubling as a Honeycomb-based netbook. Based on that premise and an attractive price since launch, it quickly became one of the most attractive Android tablets around.

If you are willing to look past the widely dominant iPad, we are paying another visit to Android Honeycomb (currently on version 3.2) along with one of the most popular and well regarded tablets under its umbrella."

Here are some more Mobile articles from around the web:

Mobile

• Mobile GPU Faceoff: AMD Dynamic Switchable Graphics vs. NVIDIA Optimus Technology @ AnandTech
• MSI X460 Laptop @ kitguru
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Review (with battery slice 39+) @ kitguru
• Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim Notebook Cooler @ Tweaktown
• HP Touchpad Performance Hacking @ Benchmark Reviews
• Root Hacking the HP Touchpad Tablet PC @ Benchmark Reviews
• Maxell Air Voltage Wireless Qi Charging Mat and Sleeve Review @ Tech-Reviews
• Nokia X7 Smartphone Review @ Tech-Reviews
• Quick Look: Three iPad 2 covers @ t-break
• PowerSkin iPhone4 battery case @ HardwareBistro
• How to replace cracked iPhone 3GS screen @ Tech-Reviews
• LG Optimus 2X Review @ Tech-Reviews
• Konnet iCrado Plus Sync and Charge Dock Review @ Tech-Reviews
• Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray Smartphone Review @ t-break

A home for your Bulldozer, the ASUS Crosshair V Formula

Subject: Motherboards | September 16, 2011 - 03:27 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: asus, Crosshair V Formula, am3+

The ASUS Republic of Gamers is already waiting for Bulldozer to arrive as the Crosshair V Formula was designed for it.  Seven SATA III 6Gb/s ports in total, a dozen USB 2.0 and a half dozen USB 3.0 ports will give you as much connectivity as you want.  SupremeFX X-Fi 2 8-channel HD audio codec provides sound and four PCIe 16x slots will ensure even multiple GPUs will be running full out.  There will even be a Thunderbolt version, though that was not the one that took Gold at [H]ard|OCP.

"The Crosshair V Formula is ASUS' ROG-based answer for the next generation AMD silicon, codenamed "Bulldozer." Built with all the bells and whistles you've come to expect from a Republic of Gamers' motherboard, the Crosshair V Formula looks to be the perfect companion for any AMD processor."

Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:

Motherboards

• Zotac FUSION350-A-E Motherboard Review @ Hardware Secrets
• MSI A75MA-G55 Llano Motherboard @ Benchmark Reviews
• ECS Black Series A990FXM-A Review @ OCC
• ASRock A75M-ITX @ Tweaktown
• ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z Motherboard Review @ t-break
• Gigabyte 990FXA-UD5 Motherboard Review @ OCIA
• BIOS Option Of The Week - PCI Bus Parking @ TechARP
• PCI Express 3 - Gigabyte vs MSI @ OC3D
• Intel Smart Response Technology Showdown w/ GIGABYTE Z68XP-UD3-iSSD @ Tweaktown
• Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD: LGA1155 Mainboard Fully Ready for Intel Smart Response @ X-bit Labs
• P67 Roundup Part Two @ OCC
• Gigabyte G1.Sniper2 @ Overclockers.com
• ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM Motherboard @ Hardware Secrets
• Sapphire Pure Platinum Z68 @ Tweaktown
• ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z LGA1155 @ techPowerUp
• GIGABYTE Z68XP-UD3-iSSD Motherboard @ Bjorn3D
• GIGABYTE G1.SNIPER2 Intel Z68 Motherboard Review @ Legit Reviews

IDF 2011: ASUS UX21 Ultrabook Still Sexy, I Still Want It

Subject: General Tech, Processors, Mobile | September 14, 2011 - 11:48 AM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: idf, idf 2011, asus, ultrabook, ux21

Yes, I realize the ASUS UX21 was first shown at Computex in June, but this was my first chance to get my hands on it and I have to say after using it for just a few minutes and comparing it to the aging Lenovo X201 that I am typing this on, I am in love with the form factor.

I don't have anything else to report yet - no performance metrics, no real-world testing, but I couldn't pass posting these few pictures of it.  Enjoy!