Each new year brings new ideas for the developers of PC hardware. Since motherboards are indisputably the main component in the PC integration, their design and facilities are given the most attention. Hence, each manufacturer tries to implement some unprecedented technologies to attract potential audience by an improved performance and possibilities. Intel Thunderbolt technology is a hit of 2012; that is why, motherboard designers turned their looks into this direction. Gigabyte was among the first companies to integrate Thunderbolt interface into its products: model Z77MX-D3H TH is a bright evidence of it.



Integration


Motherboard Gigabyte Z77MX-D3H TH resembles the modification of its predecessor Z77MX-D3H, except for the availability of Thunderbolt interface and design of PCB. The renunciation of the third PCIe x16 slot allowed the manufacturer to free four lines of PCIe bus and employ Thunderbolt technology for their activation. As a result, a new product has got a …

AMD has just released two new graphic processing units intended for solid server systems: AMD FirePro S7000 and S9000 models. According to the claimed specifications, both models are the most high-powered server GPUs currently available in the market. Their major destination is the application in different fields, including multimedia content editing and CAD. S7000 and S9000 can be used as graphics solutions in the complement of large data-centers and within the infrastructure of virtual desktops.



Both units are developed on an advanced Graphics Core Next architecture and support progressive brand technologies, like ZeroCore Power and PowerTune. Those technologies are called to reduce power consumption by almost 95% in idle mode. In addition, those GPUs support virtualization technologies designed by Microsoft, VMware, and some other developers. Both products are equipped with passive cooling system. High level of operating speed makes the models applicable in the most …

Chieftec is the company that tries to satisfy the needs of any customer, by supplying multifarious PC hardware. Its latest chassis series, codenamed Libra, is primarily aiming at gamers due to its splashy design and elaborated layout. Chassis Libra LF-01B-OP is a senior model in the series that is distinguished by a more distinct gaming directionality: ATX form-factor, bottom-part PSU localization, a line of fans, dock station for hard drives, and some other pleasing facilities.



Design


Chieftec Libra LF-01B-OP is notable by restrained design peculiarities with a bit rounded angles and straight lines. The casing is totally black from the outside and inside with the wee bit dull surfacing. The upper panel is made of plastic; its larger part is taken by a grid that serves a means of hot air blow-out. Closer to its front part, one can find a dock station for 3.5/2.5-inch drives and a recess for peripheral components. Interface panel is introduced by two USB 3.0 ports and the …