Intel Identifies Chipset Design Error, Implementing Solution

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 31, 2011 - As part of ongoing quality assurance, Intel Corporation has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel® 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives. The chipset is utilized in PCs with Intel’s latest Second Generation Intel Core processors, code-named Sandy Bridge. Intel has stopped shipment of the affected support chip from its factories. Intel has corrected the design issue, and has begun manufacturing a new version of the support chip which will resolve the issue. The Sandy Bridge microprocessor is unaffected and no other products are affected by this issue. 

More info here: http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/blog/2011/01/31/intel-identifies-chipset-design-error-implementing-solution

Motherboard Voltage Regulator Circuit, Everything You Need to Know About

Voltage Regulator Circuit/Module/Section, 5-phase, solid capacitors, "japanese" capacitors, ferrite cores... does any of these ring bells to you?

Follow this Hardware Secrets article by Gabriel Torres:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/616

Foxconn Green Series G45MG Motherboard.

The Foxconn Green Series G45MG motherboard includes the integrated Intel X4500HD graphics core and support for the latest Intel Core2 Quad and Core2 Duo processors up to 95W power rating and up to 1600(o.c)/1333MHz FSB. Up to 8GB of Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz memory can be installed, bringing improved memory performance to business and mainstream home computers.

Source: http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/news/view.php?id=11867&cid=4

Intel® Desktop Board DG45FC (mini-ITX)

The official page [Link]

SilentPC Review [Link]

Built in the mini-ITX form factor, Intel® Desktop Board DG45FC is a small but powerful desktop board with integrated HDMI display output and hardware accelerated decode during high-definition playback. With support of Intel® Core™2 Duo processors and up to 1333 FSB, you can expect a lot from this tiny desktop board!

Intel Desktop Board DG45FC supports Dolby Home Theater* and is Microsoft Windows Vista* Premium WHQL certified.

ECS X48T-A Motherboard

The official page [Link]

The Tom's Hardware review [Link]

ASUS Unveils its X58 Board

The article: http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/articles/view.php?cid=6&id=2693

10 common mistakes when flashing the BIOS.

The TechRepublic Video

1. Misidentification of your motherboard make/model/revision number
2. Failing to research or understand the BIOS update details
3. Flashing your BIOS for a fix that is not needed
4. Flashing your BIOS with the wrong BIOS file
5. Using an outdated version of the manufacturer flash utility or tool
6. Not following or understanding the motherboard manufacturers specific directions
7. Flashing your BIOS without an UPS or at higher risk times
8. Flashing the BIOS from within Windows with other applications running
9. Flashing an overclocked system
10. Failing to have a recovery plan if the BIOS flash fails

MSI Eclipse - X58 motherboard for Intel Core i7.

the article: [link]


the gallery: [link]

ECS Black Series: A790GXM-A

Official Page

The A790GXM-A is ECS Black Series platform based on the best combination of the new AMD 790GX and SB750 chipset plus support for the latest 140W Phenom quad core processors up to HT 5200 MT/s with Hyper Transport™ 3.0 technology links and integrated DDR2 1066 memory controller on the latest AM2+ platform. The A790GXM-A provides the AMD latest technology Hybrid Graphics and CrossFireX technology for Pro Gamer. It also supports for AMD Special SidePort Memory for the extreme graphic performance computing ,and UVD 2.0, DirectX 10, PCI Express2.0 HDMI/HDCP… etc for Full HD Video entertainment.

Full Specs

AMD's SB750: Enabling Higher Phenom Overclocks?

See this Anandtech article:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3360

The web has been alive with rumors of an upcoming update to AMD's 7-series chipsets that will somehow unlock the true overclocking potential of its Phenom processors. The rumor goes something like this: an updated South Bridge (SB750) will improve communication with Phenom, removing a previous bottleneck and improving the maximum overclock possible. We can't begin to explain the many issues with the various rumors, but we have to allow that somewhere buried deep in these rumors there is a morsel of truth.

Gigabyte GA-EP45T-EXTREME

The official page.

Hybrid-Silent Pipe is all-copper thermal solution design which combines Air cooling with Liquid Cooling to enable effective heat removal from the North Bridge, South Bridge and CPU area.


PDF Manual


The Review by Hardware Zone.


More photos (courtesy of Hardware Zone):