We covered leaked reports regarding Nova Lake processors recently, which Intel is preparing as the new Core Ultra 400 desktop generation, that should be launching before the end of this year. The leaker known as Jaykihn—currently perhaps the most reliable source on Intel’s roadmap—also shared details about the chipset lineup that will accompany Nova Lake (the CPUs will introduce a new LGA 1954 socket platform). Read more “Intel chipsets for Nova Lake boards: Specs and features”
Sapphire and motherboards? It’s a thing now. We’ve focused on analyzing a model for the AMD platform—the Nitro+ B850A WiFi7. Just as with graphics cards, “Nitro+” signifies richer features and more premium design, though it still positions itself more in the mid-range. The use of the B850 chipset (AMD B850) also points to this tier, though its capabilities are more than sufficient, even exceeding the needs of many users. Read more “Sapphire Nitro+ B850A WiFi7 motherboard details”
For a time, we weren’t sure whether AMD would stick with the current AM5 socket—used for Zen 4 and Zen 5 desktop CPUs (Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000)—and extend support to the next generation with Zen 6 cores. Multiple sources have now confirmed it will. What’s more, AM5 may last even longer: evidence suggests these motherboards could eventually accept upgrades to processors using an entirely new architecture. Read more “AM6 socket due in 2030. Even Zen 7 will come to AM5 boards”
This year is the first time you can actually buy graphics cards using PCI Express 5.0—despite motherboards having support since 2021 for Intel and 2022 for AMD. But the PCI-SIG consortium, creator of the standard, has now officially announced work on PCI Express 8.0, the next stage of this technology, which will be eight times faster than today. Crucially, PCIe 8.0 will still be backward compatible with existing hardware. Read more “PCI Express 8.0 Coming in Three Years: 32 GB/s Per Lane”
Zen 6 based AMD Ryzen CPUs expected next year should still use the AM5 socket and remain compatible with current motherboards. A new platform is slated to arrive after that though, most likely with a socket designated AM6, and the first information about it has now appeared online. A socket change will break CPU compatibility, but the physical dimensions are expected to be similar — meaning cooler compatibility may remain intact. Read more “First information on socket AM6. Cooler compatibility retained?”
Among other things at Computex, a rather interesting board for compact Mini-ITX systems made an appearance. Recently there is a push for boards with connectors on the backside of the PCB, allowing cables to be hidden from view. Maxsun has however come up with a board that even puts the PCI Express ×16 slot on the back side. Normally, that wouldn’t make much sense, but in Mini-ITX builds, this idea could be very useful. Read more “Neat idea for Mini-ITX rigs: Board with PCIe slots on both sides”
For a very long time, PCs were stuck at gigabit Ethernet. Only recently did we move toward so-called multigigabit (2.5Gb/s and 5Gb/s) NICs. Now, the era of truly accessible 10Gb/s NICs might be about to start. Realtek is launching a 10Gb/s adapter that could enable the production of affordable cards and even integration onto motherboards – just as its earlier chips helped mainstream the 2.5Gb/s and the 5Gb/s standards. Read more “Affordable 10Gbps Realtek NICs coming to motherboards this year”
We have a colleague attending Taiwan’s Computex trade show, one of the highlights of the PC and hardware calendar, where manufacturers showcase their biggest innovations. We visited Asus, and we picked out a some interesting highlights the company is presenting. Asus, too, showcased motherboards with hidden connectors, along with one improvement that addresses the issue of GPU power cables. There was also a hub for wireless fan control. Read more “Asus at Computex: BTF boards and GPUs, anime, and ProArt design”
Ever since Intel released its new desktop LGA 1851 platform for Arrow Lake processors last fall, there has been speculation that this socket might have only a short lifespan. The LGA 1851 platform never received the originally planned Meteor Lake processors, and the third generation (Panther Lake) won’t come to desktops either. It looks like those concerns were well-founded. No new generation of CPUs will be released for LGA 1851. Read more “Intel Nova Lake CPUs to use a new socket, LGA 1851 is done”
A smaller form factor, but still well-prepared for even the most powerful processors. The ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi motherboard has a sufficiently robust power delivery system even for the Core Ultra 9 285K, and its advantage lies in its lower height. This makes the motherboard suitable for use in smaller and more space-efficient cases, of which there are relatively few on the market, just like decent μATX motherboards. Read more “Asus ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi: Micro ATX? Also an option”
Gigabyte also offers more affordable motherboards (compared to Z890 models) featuring the B860 chipset. While the specifications in this class are relatively modest, they are reflected in the lower price, making the B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 (Ice) an attractive choice for builds. This is especially true for the tested Ice variant if you’re looking for motherboards with a white PCB. Such models do exist, but they are relatively rare. Read more “(Gigabyte) B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice: Affordable in white”
We’re concluding the tests of B850 motherboards with the MSI Tomahawk Max WiFi. In terms of price, it sits between the already tested B850 Aorus Elite WiFi7 and Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi, with its features leaning closer to the latter. In some aspects, it even surpasses it. The word “Max” in its name is well justified – three PCIe 5.0 slots, 5-gigabit Ethernet, more USB ports… Read more “MSI B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi: Cheaper chipset, but better features”
Configurations on the LGA 1851 platform have been possible for some time even on motherboards with the Intel B860 chipset. These are cheaper and primarily aimed at lower-power processors, but they also have headroom for high-performance CPUs. This is the case with the Tomahawk WiFi variant by MSI. A lower price, yet still a high standard, includes support for the future-proof PCI Express 5.0 interface, among other features. Read more “MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi: Arrow Lake for less money”
A relatively pricier B850 motherboard. But one that outperforms both equally priced and X870(E) motherboards in several ways. It does so with features that are not directly related to the chipset used, but those are often what matters. The ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi motherboard may thus end up being exactly what you’re looking for in a powerful and timeless setup. This can include, for example, two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support. Read more “Not just the basics: Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi”
The AMD B850 chipset is a good option for users who won’t take advantage of the broader capabilities of more expensive motherboards (typically with the X870 or X870E chipsets). The reward is a lower price, and in the case of the B850 Aorus Elite WiFi7, it really is lower. This motherboard is one of the most affordable models that Ryzen 9000 or Ryzen 7000 CPU owners may be interested in. And in tests, it does not perform badly at all. Read more “(Gigabyte) B850 Aorus Elite WiFi7: Is it really cheaper? Yes”
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