GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, is proud to launch a whole new series of High-End Desktop (HEDT) motherboards with the X170 and X150 series, based on Intel C236 and C232 chipset. In addition to supporting the new Intel Xeon E3-1200 v5 processor and ECC DDR4 memory (for select motherboards), the new motherboards are also compatible with Intel 6th Gen. Core i3, Pentium and Celeron processors.

These new high-end desktop motherboards will bring support for Xeon Processors to users who desire a professional solution whether it's for Photography, Designing, Video Streaming and more. "I know GIGABYTE is providing the best HEDT experience with the X170 and X150 Motherboards, combining performance, stability and durability," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE's Motherboard Business Unit.

MSI unveiled its latest desktop under its coveted MSI Gaming logo - the Vortex. This compact gaming desktop features a design that's heavily inspired by the Mac Pro - a cylindrical case with three planes, and key components arranged along those planes, with a common air channel running through the bore of the cylinder. Much like the Mac Pro, the MSI Vortex packs a wallop.

In its base configuration, the MSI Vortex comes with an Intel Core i5 "Skylake" desktop quad-core processor, and two GeForce GTX 960 (desktop) graphics cards in SLI. The top variant gives you a Core i7-6700K quad-core chip, and two GeForce GTX 980 (desktop) cards in SLI, making it capable of 4K Ultra HD gaming. Sharp edges aside, the Vortex comes with RGB LED lighting. Not just design, MSI appears to have taken cues from Apple on even pricing - the base model is expected to be priced around US $2,000.

Intel's 6th generation Core "Skylake" architecture is faced with a major bug. Responding to a support question on its Communities page, on how certain multi-threaded stress tests like Prime95 can cause the system to freeze; Intel confirmed that an issue affects all 6th generation Core products. In certain highly-specific workloads, such as Prime95, "Skylake" chips hang or cause "unpredictable behavior."

Intel stated that it identified the issue and has released a fix. The company is working with its motherboard partners to get the fix across to users through a system BIOS update:

Intel has identified an issue that potentially affects the 6th Gen Intel Core family of products. This issue only occurs under certain complex workload conditions, like those that may be encountered when running applications like Prime95. In those cases, the processor may hang or cause unpredictable system behavior. Intel has identified and released a fix and is working with external business partners to get the fix deployed through BIOS.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is delighted to announce the world's fastest DDR4 128GB (8x16GB) 1.35V kit at 3000MHz CL14, designed for high capacity and low latency for the Intel X99 platform.

After releasing the ultimate DDR4 3200MHz 64GB(4x16GB) kit for Intel Skylake & Z170 platform in mid-December 2015, G.SKILL has continued the development of high speed DDR4 16GB module for Intel X99 platform. Today, G.SKILL is excited to announce the release of a colossal memory kit of DDR4 128GB (8x16GB) ultra-capacity at the extreme speed of 3000MHz with CL14-14-14-34 ultra low CAS Latency. It's truly one of the highest-end DDR4 solutions available for building the ultimate workstation for content creation, 3D rendering, scientific calculation, or other professional applications.

CyberPower Inc., a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs, gaming laptops, and performance workstations, will unveil some PC gaming eye candy when it debuts a new series of 2-in-1 gaming & streaming PCs, a 34-inch curved screen All-In-One, a new line of gaming laptops, and several gaming PC series that are "VR Ready" at CES 2016. CyberPowerPC's new products can be previewed at the Aria Penthouse Suite, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV during CES 2016.

CyberPowerPC will debut the first 2-in-1 gaming & streaming PC with its Pro Streamer series. Pro Streamer models come pre-installed and configured with the OBS open source streaming and recording program and XSPLIT live streaming applications so you can start streaming immediately. CyberPowerPC pre-installs your streaming software to match your hardware so you'll get a great quality stream out of the box. Pro Streamer will be offered in three models including the latest 6th Gen Intel Core i3 processor for good quality lag free streams, or up to a 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor for the highest quality stream. Pro Steamer systems include 8GB DDR4 memory, 128GB SSD, H110 Mini-ITX mainboard and an Avermedia Live Gamer HD capture card. Pro Streamer prices start at $1899 for an Intel Core Intel Core i5-6600K + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 system along with the Core i3-6100 3.70GHz "Standard" streaming setup with Windows 10 Home.

Patriot, a leading manufacturer of SSDs, computer memory, flash storage solutions, mobile accessories and gaming peripherals, today announced the release of their latest solid-state drive offerings, the Patriot Hellfire M.2 PCIe SSD and the Hellfire PCIe AIC (Add-in Card).

The Hellfire will be Patriot's first M.2 PCIe SSD, and an impressive one at that. With a Gen 3 x 4 interface and NVMe 1.2 compliant, the Hellfire M.2 will reaches speeds of up to 2,500MB/s read and 600MB/s. Designed with the needs of content creators, gamers and PC enthusiasts in mind the, Hellfire will lower latency while increasing the productivity and response times of any PC, laptop or notebook. The Hellfire M.2 will be released in capacities of 240GB, 480GB and 960GB in a M.2 2280 form factor to fulfill the high performance storage needs of consumers looking to upgrade their systems. Powered by the Phison 5007 controller and MLC NAND, the Hellfire will be your weapon of choice when battling those latency bottlenecks.

Team Group Inc., the world's leading memory brand, today announced the launch of the all new generation of overclocking memory for gaming - Dark Pro Series. Since every motherboard manufacturer is focusing on competing in Skylake platform, besides model for the mainstream Z170 motherboard, we also provide other advanced models for overclocking enthusiasts and gamers to test their passion. Team Group is pushing the overclocking limit of our all new Dark Pro series for targeted overclocking enthusiasts & gamers. Combining extreme performance and stability that hardcore gaming required, we will provide gamers the finest gaming experience with our solid technology strength.

Dark Pro's all new cooling design combines the low key style of the Dark series and the multi colors design of the Vulcan series. The reinforced aluminum heat spreader with a punched dots design concept is used to express the hidden strength within. It also matches with the word of Dark Pro printed on the black Tungsten steel heat spreader. No matter it's for assembling or upgrading, gamers will be satisfied with the excellent performance and the overall visual design.

Overclocking has been reserved mostly for high-end unlocked CPUs including the latest Skylake K series processors and many overclockers and high-performance gamers want this processors because of their easy overclocking capabilities via their unlocked multiplier. The time has come to empower everyone, BIOSTAR makes overclocking a reality on non-K 6th-generation Intel Core CPUs and makes it even easier now with the announcement of BIOSTAR HyperOC Technology for overclockers and performance seekers that enables overclocking on non-K Intel 6th-Generation Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium Skylake processors on BIOSTAR Z170 motherboards.

Take your non-K Core i5 and i7 and give it that boost you need without an unlocked multiplier to overclock. With BIOSTAR HyperOC, you can take entry-level processors like the 3.3GHz Pentium G4400 and increase its clock speed up to 36%*, bringing it to a lofty 4.48Ghz clock speed. The same can be done with a Core i3-6100T from a 3.2GHz frequency, via HyperOC, you can now enjoy up to 4.32Ghz. That's a 35% overclock.

The Intel Skylake CPUs are getting very popular at the moment. For a much better cooling performance many users are removing the heatspreader from the CPU. This has some negative effects on the secure installation of the CPUs. Aqua Computer has developed a protective spacer to allow a much more secure mounting and usage of Skylake CPUs without the original heat spreader. The spacer is available at a price of 6.99 Euro.

Why is it recommended to use a spacer after removing the heat spreader? The first problem is that the brittle silicon die is not protected against tilted mounting of a CPU cooler - due to this fact edges of the die can easily be broken. The same issue can happen during transportation of the system.

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to release another ASUS MAXIMUS VIII motherboard monoblock - EK-FB ASUS M8I Monoblock. It's compatible with ASUS MAXIMUS VIII Impact motherboard.

EK-FB ASUS M8I Monoblock is a complete all-in-one (CPU and motherboard) liquid cooling solution for Intel LGA-1151 socket Skylake CPU and the ASUS MAXIMUS VIII Impact motherboard.

Intel Skylake K series CPUs are on every hardcore overclocker's wish list, due to the fact that they are the only ones with an unlocked multiplier that allows users to overclock the CPU frequency effortlessly. However, there seems to be a shortage of these ultra high performing processors lately. Thankfully ASRock has prepared a nice Christmas present for the overclocking community named SKY OC, an alternative for users to overclock any Intel Skylake i7/i5/i3 or even Pentium non K CPUs on their ASRock Z170 motherboard.

Engineers at ASRock picked up from where they left off last time, and decided that besides DDR4 memory modules, there might be a way to overclock Intel non-K CPUs without tinkering the multiplier. So here you have the game changing SKY OC which is obtainable simply by a BIOS upgrade from ASRock's official website. It's not the same as overclocking an Intel K series CPU, because it's mainly changing the BCLK, but it will be an interesting alternative while people are still waiting for their K series CPUs to come down the chimney. Lab tests show that the once not overclockable Intel Core i5-6400 CPU can now be overclocked up to a 60% frequency boost with SKY OC on ASRock's Z170 Pro4!

MSI has received news from various media websites about possible bending of Intel 6th Generation Processors when using heavy-weight cooling solutions. Possible bending might not occur straight away, however, as your system sits on its desk or moving it anywhere, could result in unwanted effects. To make sure you will never encounter this problem we developed the CPU GUARD 1151 to protect your Socket 1151 Intel Xeon E3 v5 / Core / Pentium or Celeron processor which strengthens the corners to withstand more vertical pressure.

Besides protecting your CPU, the CPU GUARD 1151 is also the perfect tool for anyone looking to 'delid' their 6th Generation Intel processor. When re-applying the IHS, the design of the CPU GUARD 1151 tightly locks the HIS ensuring it will stay in its place and you will never have to worry about optimal thermal performance or it moving. Recently the CPU GUARD 1151 was used during an overclocking event, helping top overclockers push their Skylake CPU to the max, breaking world records.

Since Intel fully integrated the core logic (northbridge) with its processors, overclocking them by tinkering with the base-clock (BClk, the primary clock domain from which the CPU's clock speed is set using multipliers), became unstable, as it was used as a cadence for other key components on the chip, such as iGPU and PCIe root-complex. Apparently, with its 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors, Intel has de-linked base-clock from other clock domains, re-enabling overclocking using BClk, which is particularly helpful on non-K (upwards multiplier locked) SKUs.

Some of the first motherboards that enable BClk overclocking on Skylake CPUs come from Supermicro, the server/workstation motherboard maker that's dipping its toes into DIY enthusiast platforms these days. "Dhenzjhen," an overclocker from the Philippines struck gold by achieving a 5.00 GHz overclock on a Core i3-6320 dual-core chip, using a Supermicro C7H170-M motherboard (which is driven by an Intel H170 chipset). Shortly after news of this feat broke, ASRock fired an email to the press, stating that its Z170 Extreme7+ motherboard is able to support 4.50 GHz clocks on a Core i5-6600 quad-core chip, using an experimental BIOS. ASRock is validating this BIOS internally, and hopes to release it "very soon."

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and leading manufacturer of graphics cards, original manufacturer of ZBOX Mini PCs, and solid state drives, brings next gen performance in ZBOX Mini PCs by introducing a 6th generation Intel Skylake processor in the ZOTAC ZBOX MI551.

The ZBOX MI551 is equipped with an Intel Core i5-6400T quad-core processor, featuring desktop level performance at near-mobile level TDP. The result is a CPU which delivers tremendous speed at a fraction of desktop power consumption level capable of driving up to three displays.

We at CRYORIG have the following information and statement to make, regarding the recent news and discussion regarding damaged PCB's on Skylake CPU's, which many in the industry believe is caused by abnormal heatsink mounting pressure during transportation of the PC system. First of all we want to assure users of CRYORIG products that currently no CRYORIG heatsinks have displayed this problem, either through media reports, third party sales channels or internal testing. CRYORIG heatsinks are fully compatible with socket 1151 processors, and follow specifications set forth by CPU manufacturers. But as a note of precaution we suggest users to lay their PC system flat (with the heatsink in a vertical position) whenever they are transporting their PC system.

Based on the information and testing reports we currently have at hand, although CRYORIG's own products did not show this problem, we have derived the following suggestions and insight into the Skylake PCB damage problem. From our observation the cause of the bent/damaged PCB is caused by the combination of two factors.

A) High mounting pressure from the CPU heatsink mounting system, with no flexibility in the system.
B) Increased directional force created by the weight of the heatsink and movement of the PC chassis.

Intel is readying its most powerful NUC (next-unit of computing) compact desktop, codenamed "Skull Canyon." Slated for the first quarter of 2016 (between January and March), this NUC will feature Intel's most powerful implementation of its 9th generation Iris Pro graphics. According to FanlessTech, we're looking at a chip with Core "Skylake" CPU cores, and an iGPU with 72 execution units, and 128 MB eDRAM L4 cache, which makes up the company's Iris Pro 580 solution. It remains to be seen how small Intel can make this thing.

Certain CPU coolers may damage Intel's current Skylake processors for socket LGA 1151 - this has just become known. The Background is obviously a too high pressure, which can cause damage.

With this official statement we would like to assure that ARCTIC coolers are not affected by these problems - and thus fully Skylake compatible.
All ARCTIC CPU Coolers complies concerning the released sockets with the mechanical specification from Intel. With our coolers there are no problems on Intel CPUs of the 6th generation (Skylake) for LGA 1151.

MSI, world leading in motherboard technology, announces its 2nd generation of ECO motherboards, based on Intel's 100-series 'Skylake' chipset. Introducing 3 new models, the MSI H170M ECO, B150M ECO, and H110M ECO motherboards offer industry leading power efficiency while retaining optimal performance. This is made possible through the new MSI ECO Series motherboards optimized PCB and circuitry design. This allows for saving more energy without sacrificing performance, compatibility or functionality. ECO Genie and ECO Center Pro allows the user to completely control the system's power consumption and feature set through an easy to use interface.

The 2nd generation MSI ECO Series motherboards offer more features than ever, without impacting it's power efficiency or performance. Reliable and efficient Intel Gigabit LAN with 15kv anti-surge LAN Protect offers a stable and secure networking solution. Through carefully selected and thoroughly tested components and materials, Guard-Pro and Military Class 4 provide industry leading stability. Even Audio Boost can now be found on MSI ECO Series motherboards as a testament to technical ingenuity.

Intel isn't new to giving away games or in-game DLC with its processors. The company is making a comeback on that front with an even bigger game bundle. Called "Never Stop Gaming," it rewards buyers of the company's Core i7 processors (Skylake, Haswell-E, and Haswell LGA1150); with $125 worth games/DLCs. These include Just Cause 3, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and World of Warships ($50 worth items and in-game currency). The offer will be applicable to retail channel boxed processor purchases, as well as branded PCs with Core i7 processors. The bundle will be shipped as a voucher given with each Core i7 product purchase, which can be redeemed on Intel website. It is valued at $125, with the $60 Just Cause 3, $50-worth in-game goodies for World of Warships, and $15 worth Counter Strike: Global Offensive. The offer will be retailer specific.

Intel's tick-tock product development cycle is disturbed. The cadence of launching a new CPU microarchitecture on a given silicon fab process, miniaturizing it to a smaller fab process, and then launching an even newer micro-architecture on that process; is about to change with the company's 7th generation Core "Kaby Lake" processor. When launched, it would be the third microarchitecture built on the company's 14 nm process, besides "Skylake" (current new architecture) and "Broadwell" (miniaturization of "Haswell" to 14 nm.) Some of the very first documents related to Kaby Lake began to move about, making news along the way. The architecture is scheduled to launch along with its companion 200-series chipset some time in 2016.

To begin with, Core "Kaby Lake" will continue to be built on the LGA1151 package, and will likely be backwards compatible with existing 100-series chipset motherboards with a firmware update. From what we get to understand from leaked material, it will not be a vastly newer architecture than Skylake, at least not of the kind Skylake was to Broadwell. There are still CPU performance enhancements on offer, an "enhanced full-range BClk overclocking," which could mean improved overclocking on chips with upwards-locked multipliers (although we won't get our hopes too high and call it a return of the BClk overclocking era). A bulk of the R&D will fall into improving the integrated graphics, to support multiple 5K displays, 10-bit HVEC and VP9 hardware-acceleration; platform-integrated Thunderbolt 3, and platform interface support for Intel Optane (3D XPoint memory).

BIOSTAR announces its latest motherboard designed for Intel 6th-generation processor which offers a packed array of features perfect for gaming and entertainment. The BIOSTAR Hi-Fi H170S3H features Hi-Fi Audio, Hi-Fi Power and 3D Hi-Fi to fully maximize your listening experience. This coupled with the full barrage of BIOSTAR enhancements, gives you the ultimate value for your gaming build without breaking the bank. Native support for PCI-E M.2 allows you to arm yourself with high-speed M.2 storage and choosing H170 gets you more USB3.0 ports along with native PCI-E RAID0 and RAID1 support. The board supports DDR3 memory so no need to change DIMMs when you upgrade your PC.

The BIOSTAR Hi-FI H170S3H comes with an optimal power design with MOSFET cooling for sturdier power delivery to the CPU to enhance performance, coupled with Crossfire support with 2x PCI-E X16 slots gives you more flexibility in upgrading later on with another GPU. The board also supports onboard dual-HDMI, both are 4K ready. The Hi-Fi H170S3H is certified BIOSTAR 6+ Experience board covering BIOSTAR's expertise: Audio+, Video+, Speed+, Protection+, Durability+ and DIY+.

Intel officially launched its new generation NUC desktops, complete with reference-design chassis; based on the company's 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors. Intel launched two main models, which each have variants based on chassis design - the NUC6i5SY, based on the Core i5-6260U processor; and the NUC6i3SY. The two each have variants with a compact chassis, with just enough room for an M.2 SSD (NUC6i5SYK and NUC6i3SYK); and those with room for a 2.5-inch SATA drive in addition to the M.2 SSD (NUC6i5SYH and NUC6i3SYH). NUC boards for the two are available without the chassis, opening things up for custom, third-party cases.

ORIGIN PC launches Intel's latest "Skylake" i7-6700HQ mobile processor in their line of EVO15-S thin and light laptops for gamers, artists, professionals and enthusiasts. The new Intel Core i7-6700HQ mobile processor features enhanced Intel Turbo Boost Technology and Intel Hyper-Threading Technology to optimize your workflow, increase productivity, and offers the best mobile gaming experience in its class.

Weighing in at a mere 4.36 lbs and measuring only .78 inches thick, the new EVO15-S is the perfect laptop to take with you anywhere to game, stream, and/or work on the go.

TechPowerUp released version 0.8.6 of GPU-Z, the popular graphics subsystem information and diagnostics utility, which gives you detailed info on your installed graphics chips, and lets you monitor the various sensors of your GPUs. To begin with, the new version comes with DirectX 12 support, with the ability to tell which feature-level of Direct3D your hardware supports. Command-line usage has been added with the "/help" argument. Support was added for several GPUs, notably GTX 950, Microsoft Surface Book GPU, R9 Nano, and AMD "Carrizo" iGPU.

The app can now wake up AMD GPUs in laptops that are power-gated to conserve power (and which would hence not get properly detected). BIOS reading is improved, and incorrect fan-speed reading, and a rare BSOD in AMD R9 Fury series GPUs, are fixed. Several stability improvements for Intel iGPUs were made, with the addition of support for Intel "Braswell," "Cherry Lake," and "Skylake" iGPUs. AMD GPU clock speed detection with no AMD driver installed, has been improved. A rare case of misreading BIOS in multi-GPU setups, has been fixed. Voltage monitoring on some Sapphire graphics cards has been fixed.DOWNLOAD: TechPowerUp GPU-Z 0.8.6 | GPU-Z 0.8.6 ASUS ROG Themed

The change-log follows.

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics card and ZBOX Mini PCs, makes the case for small form factor gaming with NEN, the most powerful small form Steam Machine. ZOTAC taps into NEN to draw out a truly powerful Steam Machine with minimalism, portability, and an all new design for a new way to game.

ZOTAC, the original Mini PC manufacturer, has been producing Mini PCs since 2008 and are continuing to innovate with more power, higher efficiency and smaller size. With the recent release of the MAGNUS, the most powerful small form barebones Gaming Mini PC, ZOTAC is pushing their momentum forward to unleash an even more potent machine.