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The Intel 945G Express chipset delivers new, innovative features for interactive clients and many other embedded computing solutions requiring enhanced graphics capabilities. These new advancements, which expand on the capabilities of previous Intel chipsets, include dual-channel DDR2-667 memory technology, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (Intel GMA 950), enhanced manageability and storage security technologies with Intel Active Management Technology1 (Intel AMT), and Intel Matrix Storage Technology2. Designed for, and validated with, the Intel Pentium 4 processor 551 and 651 with Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology† and the Intel Celeron D processors 341Ξ”and 352 - all with Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology§ (Intel EM64T) - the Intel 945G Express chipset platform provides scalable performance and is an ideal price/performance solution for embedded computing applications.
The Intel 945G Express chipset consists of the Intel 82945G Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) and the Intel ICH7/ICH7R I/O Controller Hub (ICH). It delivers outstanding system performance through high-bandwidth interfaces such as PCI Express x16 graphics or I/O, PCI Express x1 I/O ports, next-generation Serial ATA (SATA II), and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity.
The new graphics core, combined with the Intel high-performance dual-channel memory interface, can deliver significant graphics performance over previous Intel platforms. With support for dual independent display, enhanced modes for widescreen flat panels, and optimized 3D, embedded platforms based on the Intel 945G Express chipset can deliver an intense, realistic visual experience without requiring a separate graphics card.
Fitting to the new just announced Asus Republic of Gamers EN9600GT MATRIX/HTDI/512M Video Card comes the announcement of the Republic of Gamers Maximus II Formula motherboard. The ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) Maximus II Formula motherboard is based on the Intel P45/ICH10R chipset and features ASUS-exclusive SupremeFX X-Fi sound card.The SupremeFX X-Fi sound card takes full advantage of the ADI 2000B audio codec, the Creative X-Fi suite, CMSS3D and the Crystalizer technologies. SupremeFX X-Fi natively supports the EAX standard to produce top-notch virtual 3D surround sound. The ASUS ROG Maximus II Formula motherboard is available immediately through authorized ASUS North American dealers at an introductory MSRP of $289. Via thsi Asus announcement.
Early this year we reviewed the Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe, a high-end Phenom supporting motherboard that featured the AMD 790FX chipset. But while gamers wanting to use Crossfire technology will no doubt be quite happy with that product, those wanting to use multiple Nvidia-based graphics cards are going to have to look elsewhere. Unfortunately SLI support does come at a price and choice premium for AMD users. The Asus Crosshair II Formula that we will be testing today features the Nvidia nForce 780a SLI chipset, which is currently the most advanced SLI capable chipset available to AMD users. This new Asus motherboard is a member of the elite “Republic of Gamers” series, meaning that it is geared towards gaming.
Given the continued pressure from Intel in terms of price and overall value, AMD has been put in a less than comfortable situation. Back in January when we reviewed the M3A32-MVP Deluxe, the Phenom pricing strategy was already on aggressive mode, but now AMD has been forced to accommodate further. Today you can get a quad-core 2.5GHz flagship model, namely the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition processor, for just $235. It is now also possible to pick up a triple-core Phenom for just under $150, making these new AMD processors an attractive option for bargain hunters.
There is already a huge range of AM2+ motherboards to choose from, many of which cost less than $100. However, for those looking for something a little more equipped than your typical sub-$100 motherboard, the Asus Crosshair II Formula is meant to be suited for those needs - or, of course, the M3A32-MVP Deluxe using the 790FX chipset, which currently retails for roughly $220. In the past, motherboards using the Intel variation of the Nvidia nForce 780 SLI chipset have not exactly impressed us, as they tend to consume considerably more power while providing users with no additional performance. Therefore it shall be interesting to see how the nForce 780a SLI stacks up against the 790FX in terms of performance and power consumption.
VIA have done a little extra shaving and come up with their latest Pico-ITX motherboard, the EPIA P700. By replacing the traditional ports with in-line I/O header pins, there’s been enough room for VIA to include an integrated power adaptor, while still keeping the whole thing down to just 10cm x 7.2cm. Accessory boards add normal ports, or you can simply wire up whichever connections you need.
Onboard there’s a choice of 1GHz VIA C7 or fanless 500MHz VIA Eden ULV processors, based on the VIA VX700 unified digital media IGP chipset with 2D/3D AGP graphics and video decoding acceleration for WMV and MPEG-2/4 video through the VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP graphics core. There’s also native S-ATA II support, Gigabit LAN, and support for GPIO, SM bus and LPC devices.
An integrated +12V DC 2-pin power jack and lock (which also includes a 5V S-SATA power cable) helps keep the final system small. Capable of eight channel digital surround sound, the P700 comes complete with the two accessory boards. While the P700-A board features an RJ45 port, a VGA port and a COM port, the P700-B offers four USB ports and three audio jacks. The VIA Pico-ITX EPIA P700 board is available to developers now.
Harnessing the advanced computing power of the Intel® Pentium® processor Extreme Edition, the Intel® Desktop Boards Extreme Series are optimized to deliver new levels of performance that is essential for needs of power-users and high-end gamers.The Extreme Series boards showcase one of the most advanced integrated audio solutions to be found on an Intel desktop board. Intel® High Definition Audio provides the sound quality foundation enabling a 24-bit/192Khz capable audio solution with support for 7.1 channel surround sound.
Including Models P5Q Deluxe, P5Q-E, P5QC, P5Q PRO, and P5Q, ASUS P5Q Series comes with hardware-based EPU that features auto phase switching to provide users with real-time detection and optimization of power with improved VRM efficiency. Series provides 80.23% CPU power savings and 96% power efficiency. With bootup time of 5 sec, ASUS Express Gate helps access Internet without entering Windows or hard disk. Intelligent Hardware-Based Power Savings with New ASUS EPUASUS P5Q Series with New EPU Combines Powerful Performance with Maximum Energy SavingsTaipei, Taiwan, March 26, 2008 - To cater to users who require a high performance motherboard solution that also encompasses effective power savings and a friendly operating environment, ASUS, worldwide leader in the motherboard industry, has announced the release of the ASUS P5Q series. This energy-conserving series of motherboards provide great performance; and is based on the upcoming Intel® P45 chipset - which supports the latest Intel® CPU and memory technology, and was displayed at CeBIT 2008 earlier this year. The P5Q Series also furthers the eco-friendly cause with the exclusive ASUS EPU, which provides 80.23% CPU power savings and 96% enhanced power efficiency - allowing users to help save the Earth every time they switch on their PCs!Save More with New EPU TechnologyThe P5Q Series of motherboards joins the ever-expanding ranks of ASUS' EPU-equipped motherboards. As the world's only intelligent hardware-based power saving IC controller, the exclusive new EPU features auto phase switching that provides users with real-time detection and optimization of power with improved VRM efficiency. This allows users to obtain up to 80.23% CPU power savings and an astonishing 96% enhanced power efficiency; with more energy saving improvements to come in the future. 5 Secs from Bootup to Web Access With only 5 seconds of bootup time, the ASUS Express Gate feature will allow users to easily and quickly access the Internet for Skype, IM, YouTube, webmail, listen to music and MP3s, and view pictures without entering Windows or the Hard Disk. Now, users can utilize file sharing and downloading with an Internet browser, check online mail and talk to friends instantly through instant messengers, and upload or view videos on YouTube as and when they like! The P5Q energy conserving series of motherboards consists of the P5Q Deluxe, P5Q-E, P5QC, P5Q PRO and the P5Q, and will be available in the second quarter of this year. Watch out for even more energy saving motherboard solutions from ASUS in time to come. ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than 8000 and a world-class R&D design team, the turnover for 2007 was 6.9 billion U.S. Dollars. ASUS has been ranked in Business Week InfoTech 100 for 10 consecutive years, and has been ranked No.1 by the Wall Street Journal Asia for best quality products in Taiwan.
The ZOTAC NVIDIA 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard and it shows that ZOTAC are back with a board featuring the socket 775 platform; this board may not be in Australia yet but it has a lot of potential. The added wireless Ethernet is a great feature that we don’t normally see on 790i motherboards, this gives ZOTAC’s version of the NVIDIA 790i Ultra chipset board a leg up.Tweak Town have given ZOTAC’s motherboard a full hands-on review, the results have been covered over 15 pages and in their final thoughts they said “ZOTAC has definitely made its mark with us. While our first board we received from them that was based on the GeForce 8300 chipset failed to impress, the 790i SLI Ultra board really got us going. While it’s a great feat of engineering as to how it’s laid out, ZOTAC isn’t to thank for that since it’s based right off the NVIDIA reference design. But it’s good to see ZOTAC not trying to modify it too much.The performance of the board was right up there with the likes of the X48 chipset, so if you’re planning on an SLI setup for your NVIDIA chipset, the 790i isn’t going to disappoint as much as the 780i does.Overall, the ZOTAC board is definitely worth your dollar. With a good software bundle as well as a few added extras like the wireless networking, you’re not going to be disappointed”.
