3.0

Intel is working on NUC (Next Unit of Computing), a Mini PC with a 100mm x 100mm form factor. The system is equipped with an Intel Core i3/i5 Sandy Bridge processor, integrated graphics (Intel HD 3000), Thunderbolt, HDMI, and USB 3.0. The system is designed for the digital signage market.

SOURCE: GUR3D

Palit Microsystems Ltd, the leading graphics card manufacturer, announced a brand new Jetstream series at the GeForce GTX 680 The Palit Jetstream series of graphics cards features innovative cooling and an optimized product design to deliver gamers the ultimate gaming experience. As the latest and most powerful GPU in the series, the Palit Jetstream GeForce GTX 680 Jetstream guarantees gamers cutting-edge performance and an explosive new gaming experience.

It is not often we find a new motherboard gets our full attention, but a new Mini-ITX motherboard from ASUS has really succeeded in doing so. The board gets a relatively large VRM section in relation to its overall size and looks well prepared for overclocking.

Intel's Thunderbolt interconnect interface may not be mainstream just yet, but Intel is determined to push it forward making use of the latest PCI Express 3.0 standard.

Right now, Thunderbolt does not even come close to its full potential, mostly because it uses copper wires instead of optical cables.

Had it been made with fiber optics from the start, it would have easily attained its apex of 50 Gbps, but the current iteration only hovers around 10 Gbps. Still, not only does the standard relay data, but it integrates the DisplayPort connection as well, for displays.

While rival manufacturers flooded CeBIT with their Z77 motherboards, EVGA has been rather low key and only today decided to give us a look at what it's preparing for next's month's Ivy Bridge launch. Seen below is one high-end LGA 1155 board EVGA is currently working on.

Ok benchmark lovers, UNINGINE is serving up version 3.0 of their Heaven DX11 Benchmark chock full of all kinds of new features and fixes. To name a few, there's OSX 10.7+ compatibility, multi-monitor support, NVIDIA 3D support, and improvements in GPU detection and Mesa driver compatibility. The basic version is available for free and the professional edition is available for purchase through their online store for a mere $495.

ASUS unveiled the Republic of Gamers Maximus V Formula motherboard, at CeBIT. Its latest bad boy is based on Intel Z77 chipset, and supports "Ivy Bridge" and "Sandy Bridge" Core processors in the LGA1155 package. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 12-phase Digi+ VRM, which takes power from one 8-pin EPS, and one 4-pin ATX, apart from the 24-pin ATX, and an optional 4-pin Molex. The VRM area of this motherboard is cooled by a heatsink that is embedded with a liquid-cooling channel that lets you plug it to your water-cooling loop.

ASUS unveiled the Republic of Gamers Maximus V Formula motherboard, at CeBIT. Its latest bad boy is based on Intel Z77 chipset, and supports "Ivy Bridge" and "Sandy Bridge" Core processors in the LGA1155 package. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 12-phase Digi+ VRM, which takes power from one 8-pin EPS, and one 4-pin ATX, apart from the 24-pin ATX, and an optional 4-pin Molex. The VRM area of this motherboard is cooled by a heatsink that is embedded with a liquid-cooling channel that lets you plug it to your water-cooling loop.

ASUS hasn't completely ditched the "Thermal Armour" concept it introduced with the TUF Sabertooth P67, which we thought it did away, with the Sabertooth X79. The newest member in the series, the Sabertooth Z77, still very much features it. Thermal Armour is ASUS' idea of blanketing most of the motherboard's component area with a perforated sheet that directs air-flow, and also lends it an aesthetic touch (depending on your taste, you may love it, or hate it).

Z77 motherboards are to be reelased on April 8, with Ivy Bridge processors a few months later. Still, the motherboards can house a Sandy bridge processor as well. Below you can see a ASRock Z77 Extreme6 motherboard, the top of the tine product from Asrock.