Intel Cracks Down on Motherboard Vendors Offering Overclocking on non-Z Chipset
Over the past couple of months, motherboard vendors from across the industry offered BIOS updates for their motherboards based on Intel B85 Express and H87 Express chipsets, which enable CPU overclocking for Intel's unlocked Core processors denoted by "K" brand extension (Core i7-4770K, i5-4670K). This reportedly hasn't gone down well with Intel. The company charges anywhere between $35 and $45 per piece of its Zxx Express and Xxx series chipsets to motherboard vendors, while Bxx and Hxx series are significantly cheaper ($25 to $35). Sensing a clear threat to its revenue, from the prospect of motherboard vendors coming up with high-end or overclocking-ready (strong CPU VRM) motherboards based on cheaper chipsets in the near future, Intel cracked down on them.
Intel is giving final touches to a CPU microcode update that restricts Core "K" Haswell processors from overclocking on chipsets other than Z87 Express. A microcode update can be deployed both through BIOS updates, and surreptitiously through Windows Update. Intel's used the tried and tested "stability" bogey to justify the update. While it's true that motherboards based on B85 and H87 tend to feature weaker CPU VRM, there's nothing to say that ASUS wouldn't have gone on to design its next ROG Maximus on H87 Express, and save on manufacturing costs. While it's purely hypothetical, something like that wouldn't be in Intel's commercial interests. What next? Intel will push this new microcode update on to motherboard vendors, instructing them to issue BIOS updates with it; and future batches of Intel "K" CPUs may not support overclocking. If that isn't enough to contain the problem, Intel may give Microsoft a ring, and ask it to push the update through Windows Update. It tried that once in the past.
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Deltatronic Rolls Out Silentium Fanless All-in-One Desktop
German PC maker Deltatronic announced Silentium, a completely fanless all-in-one desktop. Its designers took advantage of the space behind the main body to deploy a large heatsink that passively cools its various hot components, like the chipset and CPU, which isn't a wimpy low-TDP Atom fare, but full-fledged a Core i7-3770T "Ivy Bridge" quad-core, backed by Intel Q77 Express chipset. The i7-3770T runs at a manageable 45W TDP. It features a 24-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels native resolution, handled by Intel's integrated graphics. Other specs on the Silentium include 4 GB of DDR3-1600 memory, 128 GB Samsung 840 Pro SSD, a DVD writer, a 4-in-1 card reader, a 0.3 MP webcam, 6W stereo speakers, and connectivity that includes Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, and gigabit Ethernet. The desktop uses a 120W external power brick. Available now, Deltratronic Silentium starts at 990 EUR.
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Intel SSD 530 Series High Performance Client SSDs Launched
Intel launched its newest line of high-performance client SSDs, the SSD 530 series. Built in the 7 mm-thick 2.5-inch, 80 mm M.2, and mSATA form-factors, with SATA 6 Gb/s interface, these drives come in capacities starting from 80 GB. In the 2.5-inch form-factor, the SSD 530 series is available in 80 GB, 120 GB, 180 GB, 240 GB, 360 GB, and 480 GB variants; the 80 mm M.2 and mSATA form-factors it will be sold to OEMs in 80 GB, 120 GB, 180 GB, and 360 GB.
In its product brief, Intel didn't mention performance numbers specific to capacities, but gave out numbers applicable to all capacities - up to 540 MB/s reads, up to 490 MB/s writes, up to 41,000 IOPS 4K random reads, and up to 80,000 IOPS 4K random writes. The series is built around the latest version of SandForce SF-2281 controller with a few LSI refinements. It's based on Intel's 20 nm MLC NAND flash. The SSD 530 series, at least in the 2.5-inch form-factor, are expected to displace SSD 525 and SSD 520 series models from their current price-points.
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(PR) Logitech Announces First Quarter Financial Results for FY 2014
Logitech International today announced financial results for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2014. Sales for Q1 FY 2014 were $478 million, up 2 percent from $469 million in Q1 FY 2013, with exchange rates having no impact. Excluding those retail product categories that the Company is exiting (reported in the financial statements as "Retail - Other"), sales for Q1 FY 2014 were up 5 percent year over year. The Company posted a small operating profit compared to an operating loss of $59 million in the same quarter a year ago. Net income for Q1 FY 2014 was $ 1 million ($0.01 per share) compared to a net loss of $51 million ($0.32 per share) in the prior year. Gross margin for Q1 FY 2014 was 35.2 percent, up from 31.0 percent a year ago.
The Company's total retail sales for Q1 increased by 5 percent year over year, up 12 percent in the Americas and 4 percent in Asia, and down 3 percent in EMEA. Excluding "Retail - Other," Logitech's retail sales for Q1 FY 2014 increased by 8 percent over the prior year. OEM sales decreased by 6 percent and sales for the LifeSize division decreased by 18 percent.
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(PR) Western Digital Announces Fiscal Year Revenue Of $15.4 Billion
Western Digital Corp. today reported revenue of $15.4 billion and net income of $1.7 billion, or $6.75 per share for fiscal year 2013, compared to fiscal 2012 revenue of $12.5 billion and net income of $1.6 billion, or $6.58 per share. On a non-GAAP basis, fiscal 2013 net income was $2.1 billion or $8.53 per share, compared to fiscal 2012 net income of $2.1 billion or $8.61 per share.
For its fourth fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2013, the company reported revenue of $3.7 billion, hard-drive shipments of 59.9 million and net income of $416 million, or $1.71 per share. On a non-GAAP basis, net income was $477 million or $1.96 per share. In the year-ago quarter, the company reported revenue of $4.8 billion, net income of $745 million, or $2.87 per share, and shipped 71.0 million hard drives. Non-GAAP net income in the year-ago quarter was $872 million, or $3.35 per share.
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(PR) ASUS Launches World's First Motherboards for AMD FM2+ APUs
ASUS today announced the new A88XM-A and A55BM-A/USB3 motherboards, the first from any manufacturer to support new Socket FM2+ APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) from AMD. The A88XM-A with AMD A88X chipset and A55BM-A/USB3 with A55 chipset are both Micro-ATX motherboards for existing AMD 'Richland' and 'Trinity' FM2 APUs, and are hardware-ready for upcoming AMD 'Kaveri' FM2+ APUs that support DirectX 11.1 and PCI Express 3.0 natively. ASUS is committed to supporting the latest in PC technology. The new FM2+ motherboards offer customers the very latest in motherboard design, with the added flexibility of both backward and forward compatibility with AMD APUs.
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(PR) ASUS Announces P1801-T Portable AiO with 18.4-inch Screen
ASUS today announced the P1801-T Portable AiO, a new kind of portable that combines the easy flexibility of an Android tablet with the broader productivity and entertainment options offered by an 18.4-inch multi-touch display with Full HD resolution.
With a sleek, self-contained design, Portable AiO slips easily into the smallest of rooms and a built-in kickstand positions the screen at a comfortable angle for tabletop use. At just 2.4kg, Portable AiO can be carried easily around the home using the integral handle and is light enough to use on the lap when relaxing. The built-in battery removes the need for a nearby mains socket, too, and Portable AiO lasts for up to five hours with 1080p Full HD video playback.
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(PR) ROCCAT Kone Pure Optical Mouse and Sense Meteor Blue Mousepad Now Available
ROCCAT Studios, the Hamburg-based manufacturer of competition gaming peripherals, today announces immediate availability of the optical version of its award-winning Kone Pure gaming mouse. This release ensures that there is now a Kone for both breeds of gamer: those preferring the maxed out DPI of a laser mouse, and those yearning for the unique feel of an optical sensor gliding over their mousepad.
The Kone Pure Optical combines the design innovations and ergonomic shape of original Kone Pure - 91% the size of the Kone - with an ultra-accurate, cutting-edge Pro-Optic (R3) optical sensor. Equipped with high-quality Omron switches, ROCCAT innovations such as Easy-Shift[+], Easy-Aim, and ROCCAT Talk, and a top-end sensor with DPI adjustable up to true 4,000 DPI, the Kone Pure Optical is designed for discerning gamers who want the best from their peripherals.
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(PR) Seagate Technology Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2013 Financials
Seagate Technology plc today reported financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended June 28, 2013. During the fourth quarter, the Company reported revenue of approximately $3.4 billion, gross margin of 27.4%, net income of $348 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.94. On a non-GAAP basis, which excludes the net impact of certain items, Seagate reported gross margin of 28.0%, net income of $447 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.20. During the fourth quarter, the Company generated approximately $394 million in operating cash flow, paid cash dividends of $137 million and repurchased 1 million of ordinary shares for approximately $42 million. The Company issued long-term debt of approximately $1 billion, and repurchased approximately $700 million total par value of its 2016 Notes and 2018 Notes.
For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2013, on a GAAP basis the Company reported revenue of $14.4 billion, gross margin of 27.5%, net income of $1.8 billion and diluted earnings per share of $4.81. On a non-GAAP basis, the Company reported gross margin of 28.0% and diluted earnings per share of $5.31. In fiscal year 2013, the Company returned 71% of its operating cash flow, or 96% of free cash flow, to shareholders in dividends and share redemptions. Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments totaled approximately $2.3 billion at the end of the fiscal year.
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Intel To Ship Limited Quantites of 4.5W SDP Haswell BGA Chips
Intel is going in for the kill. The company has lowered the lowest SDP (Scenario Design Point, different from TDP) rating of Haswell based microprocessors from 6W to just 4.5W. The difference might not look like it's much (just 1.5W), but it is quite significant. While 6W wouldn't allow OEMs to use the processor in compact form factors like tablets, 4.5W will allow the same OEMs to go for fanless, passive-cooled Haswell powered tablets. Intel will ship very limited quantities of 4.5W SDP Haswell SKUs.
Of course, this opens up the possibility of these new Haswell chips to end up being used in Microsoft's next-generation Surface Windows 8 Pro tablet. If Intel manages to squeeze in an underclocked HD5000 GPU, there'll be nothing like it. Intel hasn't released any information regarding the exact specifications of the SKUs, pricing, or shipping dates.
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(PR) HARMAN Introduces the JBL WR2.4 Wireless Headphones
HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, announces the availability of great-sounding home headphones with unprecedented comfort and convenience. The most noticeable feature of the JBL WR2.4 headphones is a thing that is missing: the cord. Listeners will enjoy untethered freedom to move, as they enjoy JBL's signature great sound. These wireless headphones give the user a generous 100 feet (30 meters) of reception range. Built-in rechargeable batteries extend freedom from the AC outlet, as well, with over eight hours of continuous playtime.
"We've married premium audio for your TV, home theater, MP3 player, DVD or cable box with the freedom you've always enjoyed with room-filling stereo systems," said Michael Mauser, President HARMAN Lifestyle. "These headphones deliver the carefully-crafted listening experience we're famous for, without tying you down with cables."
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Curious-looking Core i7-3910K LGA2011 Processor Surfaces
Intel's Core i7 "Ivy Bridge-E" series may be less than two months away from seeing the light of the day, but in the run up to that, a curious-looking Core i7-3910K "Sandy Bridge-E" part cropped up on roadmaps with retailers. We're pretty sure it's not a typo misread by someone for "i7-3970X," because the list even mentions the S-spec code "SR0TN," which doesn't correspond with the "SR0WR" s-spec code of the i7-3970X.
The Core i7-3910K is based on the same Sandy Bridge-E C2-stepping silicon as the i7-3970X, and is said to feature 3.00 GHz clock speed. There's no clarity on exactly how many cores it features, but given that it's named in the i7-3900 series, and not the i7-3800 series, we're leaning toward it being a six-core part. A bid by Intel to clear out "imperfect" Sandy Bridge-E silicon by giving it a relatively low clock speed? We doubt that, it features the "K" brand extension, which denotes unlocked base-clock multiplier. Intel's cheapest LGA2011 six-core part is the i7-3930K, which goes for roughly US $550. If Intel prices this chip just right, by that we mean $400-ish, it could be a tease for all those shelling out $350 for a Core i7-4770K. Low clock speed, but unlocked. Two extra cores, quad-channel memory, and a bigger PCIe budget, albeit an older micro-architecture. Decisions, decisions.
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(PR) MSI Launches the Adora24 Ultra-Slim All-in-One PC
MSI, the leading international motherboard, graphics card and All-in-One (AIO) manufacturer has launched an all new, ultra-slim AIO series. The Adora24 is the first AIO PC in the world to use flickerfree display technology. The casing has a thickness of just 21 mm at its thinnest point and the visual golden ratio achieved through the use of staggered lines make the Adora24 look even slimmer. The flowing lines down the sides enhance the feeling of crisp speed as well.
The Adora24 is equipped with the Intel 3rd Gen Mobile Core i3 / i5 multi-core processor and a high-end NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M discrete graphics card. In addition to the flicker-free display technology, the anti-glare display allows the user to use the computer for extended periods without experiencing eyestrain. Furthermore, the Adora24 comes with an SSD (optional) and Creative Sound Blaster Cinema speakers. The MSI Adora24 will become available in Europe by the first week of August.
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(PR) ASUS Z87-C First Motherboard WHQL Certified for Windows 8.1
ASUS today announced that its Z87-C is the first motherboard in the world based on the Intel Z87 chipset to receive Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification for Window 8.1. The ASUS Z87-C is a Socket 1150 motherboard for use with 4th generation Intel Core, Pentium and Celeron processors. WHQL certification is a confirmation from Microsoft that both the ASUS Z87-C hardware and drivers are fully reliable and compatible with Windows 8.1. ASUS makes the best motherboards in the world and this pioneering WHQL certification for Windows 8.1 is further testament to the fact. ASUS is a key Microsoft partner and offers wide support for Windows 8.1 with Intel and AMD-based motherboards. WHQL certification for other models will be announced at a later date.
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(PR) EVGA Announces Rise of the Triad Bundle
EVGA announced the Rise of the Triad Bundle. Buy EVGA GeForce GTX 600 Series - 650 and Above - Get Rise of the Triad free. Bigger, better and more ludicrous than ever before, the EVGA exclusive Rise of the Triad bundle has just launched! Now for a limited time when you purchase an EVGA GeForce GTX 650, 650 Ti, 650 Ti BOOST, 660, 660 Ti, 670, 680 or 690, you will get Rise of the Triad absolutely free! This will be a Steam code that will allow you to redeem the game when it launches on July 31st.
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AMD Kaveri APU Successor Named, Carizo Coming In 2015
Even though AMD's next-generation Kaveri APU, based on the Steamroller x86 CPU, GCN (Graphics Core Next) GPU, and HUMA memory architecture might not arrive until late in 1H of 2014, its successor is already named and being worked on by AMD. Carizo, successor to Kaveri, will arrive sometime in 2015, we are betting before the end of 1H 2015, and will feature further improvements in AMD's big APU push.
While nothing is confirmed, Carizo most probably packs AMD's next-in-line Excavator CPU core and perhaps an improved GCN based GPU core. Memory architecture will undoubtedly feature further improvements, in line with AMD's big push for heterogeneous computing and unified memory.
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AMD Kaveri APU Delayed To 1H 2014?
AMD's next generation Kaveri APUs might be delayed until early 1H 2014. The Steamroller architecture based APU is officially slated for Q4 2013, but a new report says that Kaveri based APUs are yet to achieve the mass production levels required for a full-scale launch. Of course, AMD could still launch the APUs in limited supply, with the supply eventually improving over the months, but that doesn't ever go well with consumers.
"AMD originally expected to start supplying its Heterogeneous System Architecture (HAS) Kaveri APUs in the second half of 2013, but according to the company's latest plans, the CPU maker will only provide two A10 and one A8 APU pilot production samples to its clients in December 2013, indicating that Kaveri APU-based PC products may have difficulties showing up in the retail channel before April 2014, the sources said."
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(PR) Swiftech Withdraws H220 CPU Liquid Cooling Kit from US Market
Rouchon Industries Inc., d/b/a/ Swiftech today announced the withdrawal from US sales of the H220 CPU cooling kit. On June 7 2013, Rouchon Industries Inc., d/b/a/ Swiftech received a letter from Asetek' s lawyers claiming that the H220 CPU cooler infringes on their US patents 8,240,362 (the '362 patent) and 8,245,764 (the '764 patent) and to cease selling, offering for sale and importing the H220 CPU cooler in the United States. Pending final disposition of this matter, Swiftech immediately placed a hold on shipments of the H220 CPU cooling kits into the USA.
On June 27, 2013 Swiftech's counsel responded to Asetek' s attorney by a letter stating that preliminarily, Swiftech does not believe that the H220 product infringes any valid claim of the '362 and '764 patents. Nonetheless, in an effort to avoid any unnecessary litigation Swiftech also asked whether Asetek would be willing to offer a nonexclusive license for the asserted patents. On July 12, 2013 Swiftech received a response from Asetek' s law firm stating that the company does not offer licenses.
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(PR) Eurocom shipping full line of NVIDIA Quadro based 15.6-17.3" Mobile Workstations
Eurocom is shipping a full line of professional grade Mobile Workstations powered by NVIDIA Quadro Graphics, with display sizes ranging from 15.6" to 17.3".
Eurocom Mobile Workstations are designed for the new breed of professional who must travel but still needs access to powerful, reliable and long lasting professional grade hardware.
Supporting the most powerful mobile professional graphics solutions including the NVIDIA Quadro in Eurocom Mobile Workstations ensure they are able to run the most demanding engineering and design software with ease, while on the go.
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(PR) Diamond Introduces USB303HE 3-port USB 3.0 Hub and Mini Docking Station
Diamond Multimedia has introduced the newest addition to their USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter line, the Diamond USB303HE 3-port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Hub with 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Port and mini docking station. The high performance plug-and-play Gigabit Ethernet port offers energy efficient settings while still providing the most proficient Ethernet adapter services for most operating systems by using a standard USB port. It is equipped with ASIX AX88179 chipset and USB to RJ45 connection. The pocket-sized USB303HE does not require an external power supply, making it ideal for not just the home and office but also traveling -- when WiFi is not easily available.
The USB303HE is fully functional, easy to use and outfitted for desktops, notebook PCs, Ultrabooks, Macbooks, docking stations, game consoles and digital-home appliances. It ensures true 10/100/1000Mbps network speed through an existing USB port with a small form factor and simple, fast plug-n-play connectivity. The USB303HE can provide high-speed wired connectivity for Ultrabooks that don't have a standard RJ45 port. The USB303HE is able to outfit many operating systems such as: WIN 8. WIN 7 64, WIN VISTA 64, WIN XP, MCE, MAC OS X. Additionally it is compliant with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 specifications.
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(PR) Acer Announces Veriton Z Series 20-Inch Class AIO Desktop
Acer America today announced that its new 20-inch class Veriton Z2640G all-in-one (AIO) commercial desktop is now available for users in business, education and government. The new all-in-one desktops feature a screw-less chassis design and modular components for easy maintenance and upgrades. Removable feet and VESA wall-mount support enable these systems to be hung on the wall to save space, while a flexible frame that tilts from 6 to 60 degrees can be adjusted for maximum viewing comfort. These systems also come with an integrated 2.0 MP Full HD webcam that can be adjusted up to 180 degrees, which is particularly useful when collaborating via web chats with others in the same room.
The Veriton Z2640G series includes two models offering a choice of either Windows 8 Pro or Windows 7 Professional. The Acer Veriton Z2640G-UC1007X comes with an Intel Celeron processor 1007U (2M cache, 1.50 GHz, Dual Core) and 2GB SDRAM DDR3 (expandable to 16GB) and is available for an estimated selling price (ESP) of $539. The Veriton Z2640G-UP2117X with an Intel Pentium Processor 2117U (2M cache, 1.80 GHz, Dual Core) and 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (expandable to 16GB) is available for an ESP for $599.
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Core i7 "Ivy Bridge-E" Arrives Before September 11
Intel's next HEDT (high-end desktop) processors, Core i7 "Ivy Bridge-E," should launch in most global markets before September 11. The launch window for these chips opens on September 4th, and the last of the targeted markets should see these chips launched by the 11th. Among the parts launched, are the Core i7-4960X Extreme Edition flagship, the Core i7-4930K, and the Core i7-4820K.
The i7-4960X is a six-core part, with 3.60 GHz clock speed, 4.00 GHz maximum Turbo Boost, and 15 MB L3 cache; the i7-4930K is the other six-core part, which offers 3.40 GHz clocks, 3.90 GHz maximum Turbo Boost, and 12 MB L3 cache. The i7-4820K is the only quad-core part in the series, featuring 3.70 GHz clocks, 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost, and 10 MB of L3 cache. All three are based on the 22 nm "Ivy Bridge-E" silicon, are built into the LGA2011 package, feature unlocked BClk multipliers, and will run on existing motherboards based on the X79 Express chipset, with BIOS updates. It's also rumored that Intel could launch a new chipset for the platform, which offers more SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and integrated USB 3.0.
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Intel Issues PCN to Improve NUC Cooling
Intel issued a product change notification (PCN), marked 112432-00, which attempts to improve the reliability of the system under heavy wireless network stress. A design flaw in Intel's reference NUC boxes equipped with wireless LAN and Thunderbolt came to light late last year, when a reviewer at TechReport discovered that when under stress, the mPCIe WLAN card can overheat, causing the neighboring mSATA SSD to malfunction. In its latest PCN, Intel included a 9.5 mm-thick flexible thermal pad on the top panel, which draws heat from the SSD, and conducts it to the chassis.
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Available Tags:Intel , SSD , Logitech , Western Digital , ASUS , Motherboards , AMD , Seagate , Wireless , MSI , Windows 8 , WHQL , Windows , EVGA , APU , CPU , NVIDIA , USB 3.0 , USB , Acer , Ivy Bridge , i7 ,
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