Sapphire Technology has officially presented a new model of its graphics card with the implemented unique Flex solution. Codenamed HD 7870 Flex Edition, this card is based on Graphics Core Next architecture developed by AMD. One of the peculiarities observed in this model is the integration of a high-end cooling system Dual-X that is called to ensure efficient cooling down and practically silent work. Dual-X system consists of heat pipes and two fans, the bearings of which accommodate dirt-repellent coverage.



All models of Sapphire Flex series are able to support three DVI monitors in Eyefinity mode and create SLS conditions without the employment of active adapters. Two monitors are connected to the DVI ports, while the third one – to the HDMI to DVI connector. In addition, customers have got real opportunity to connect up to five monitors simultaneously due to the availability of two DisplayPort sockets. This might serve a good background for the creation of solutions for …

Chieftec has recently introduced four new power supply units, replenishing Smart series. The series is supplemented by GPS-400A8, GPS-500A8, GPS-600A8 and GPS-700A8 models. It should be stated that all the models are targeted only at European customers, since their specifications allow the connection only with 220V-230V networks. Those PSUs are also directed at average customers rather than gamers due to the company's plans to expand its horizons.



The major distinction between the upcoming models is their power that fluctuates in the measures of 400W and 700W. All PSUs are developed in PS2 form-factor and correspond to the ATX 2.3 international standard. Their casings have got black coloring and are characterized by non-modular design. The length of cables reaches 80 cm that is enough for the connection with various devices. Moreover, efficiency level of Smart series exceeds 80%. At the same time, all the models conform to the major environmental guidelines.


The PSUs are …

The second generation of AMD A-Series hybrid processors, announced earlier in October, are already integrated in a number of graphics solutions. The newly appeared products are compatible with Socket FM2 only and cannot be applied for Socket FM1 infrastructure. This implies that a number of motherboards lose their upgrade facilities and can't be updated with a new advanced solution. Still, the market is currently ready to present a few boards destined to operate with the updated AMD A-Series. Gigabyte is one of the pioneers in this respect, introducing its motherboard GA-F2A85X-UP4, developed specifically for Socket FM2.



Integration


Gigabyte GA-F2A85X-UP4 is designed in ATX form-factor with 305x244 mm PCB dimensions. AMD A85X chipset is a heart of the motherboard; it secures the compatibility with A-Series (second gen.) APU and Athlon CPUs in the implementation of Socket FM2. The overall TDP level claimed for the model is not more than 100W. The PCB allots four DIMM slots …