It's a busy day when it comes to Intel Raptor Lake benchmark leaks and this time around, we're looking at a pair of Core i5-13600K CPUs, but in two different motherboards. The first CPU sits in an ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme board and is paired with 32 GB of DDR5 memory, whereas the second CPU is in an ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WiFi 6E board, this one also paired with 32 GB of RAM, but DDR4 rather than DDR5. Both systems are running Windows 10 and unlike the Core i9-13900K results that we saw a couple of weeks ago, these two results are both valid according to the Geekbench results browser.

Courtesy of @harukaze5719 we have a nice graph with the results below, even comparing them to the average Geekbench results for a Core i5-12600K, as well as a Ryzen 9 5950X and a Ryzen 5 5600X. The Core i5-13600K beats everything in the single threaded results and the ASUS system is not far behind the Ryzen 9 5950X in the multithreaded tests. The ASUS system is significantly faster than the ASRock one though, so it seems like Raptor Lake is really making the most out of DDR5 memory. As we don't know the memory clocks, it's hard to say if that is also a contributing factor here, but it's likely that the ASUS system uses much faster memory, as in some of the sub-tests like Rigid Body Physics, the two systems are on par in terms of performance. It'll be interesting to see how Intel prices these upcoming CPUs, especially considering that the company has already warned it'll raise its prices in time for the retail availability of Raptor Lake.

Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, will soon release the BIOS update for Intel 600 series motherboards to bolster the new generation Intel Core processors. GIGABYTE has been working closely with Intel to provide users the optimal performance, compatibility, and user experiences. Along with the coming new generation Intel Core processors, GIGABYTE R&D team has prepared well-verified BIOS code exclusively for Z690, B660, and H610 motherboards. This ensures users a perfect articulation for platform upgrade once the new processor hit the market. Users can flash a BIOS file without installing a CPU, RAM, and even GPU by GIGABYTE ＠BIOS, Q-Flash, or Q-Flash Plus technology. Please visit the GIGABYTE official website for the latest BIOS update.

AMD over the weekend reportedly released the AGESA V2 PI 1.2.0.7 microcode to motherboard vendors and PC OEMs. This particular version of AGESA gains importance to those on Windows 11, as it corrects a performance-stuttering issue caused due to frequent polling of the fTPM by the OS. The new version of AGESA is also bound for AMD 300-series chipset motherboards, where it adds official (stable) support for Ryzen 5000 series processors, letting those on the 5-year old platform enjoy an IPC uplift as much as 60% (Zen 3 vs. Zen). 1.2.0.7 is also rumored to address certain stability issues with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, and enables BCLK overclocking on the chip, as long as the processor doesn't draw more than 1.35 V in the Vcore voltage domain. It's now over to the motherboard vendors and PC OEMs, to encapsulate 1.2.0.7 with their firmware and release to end-users.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the global leading motherboard, mini PC, notebook, mobile device, and smart solution provider, will physically and digitally participate the leading international faire for embedded technologies, Embedded World 2022 at Nuremberg, Germany from June 21 to 23 to showcasing the comprehensive LIVA Mini PC family and the latest commercial motherboards to apply in wide range applications.

ECS presents the complete LIVA Mini PC family including compact-size Q series, multi-function Z series and high-performance One series and its wide range applications during the event.

NVMe SSDs based on the M.2 form factor come in several different lengths today, ranging from 30 to 110 mm, although the 30 mm drives are rare and the 110 mm drives have so far been reserved for the server space. However, they've all had one thing in common, the 22 mm width, as otherwise there might be issues in terms of fitting the drives, especially in notebooks. However, it appears that the PCI-SIG snuck in a wider, 25 mm option for M.2 SDDs at the end of 2020, but seemingly forgot to mention it to anyone. The only reason we even noticed, was because Gigabyte listed its upcoming X670 and X670E motherboards as having support for 25110 SSD's, where you'd expect to see support for 2280 or 22110 drives.

An extra 3 mm in width might not sound like much, but many M.2 drives seem to be somewhat space constrained, mainly with regards to the passive components and the power regulation. It also seems like this is in preparation for PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives, where the host controller is expected to run hotter, even though it might not be as bad as initially expected. Regardless, it seems like motherboard makers are now making space for this slightly wider M.2 form factor, as well as implementing suitable cooling solutions to match. Whether we'll see drives using this slightly wider form factor or not, is still up in the air and one reason why the SSD manufacturers might choose not to go wider, is because new drives might not fit in older motherboards and laptops, if the clearance is too small.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions today announced all AIO liquid coolers lineup and tower fans for multi-platform are attached with brackets for Socket AM5 to support the new coming AMD motherboards, which provides users the optimal CPU heat dissipation and hands-down system upgrade without changing coolers.

Considering the inconvenience of upgrade CPU fans along with platforms, GIGABYTE always takes into account of the platform variation in the initial design stage of Cooler and tower fan. After confirmed the continuity of AM4 brackets on the Socket AM5 platform, GIGABTYE proved that all AIO liquid coolers lineup and tower fans can provide the optimal thermal performance to the new platform through rigorous tests. For users who has bought GIGABYTE coolers or tower fans designed for multi platforms, no change or adjustment will be needed to suffice the new platform.

Amazon's AWS division has been making Graviton processors for a few years now, and the company recently announced its Graviton3 design will soon to available in the cloud. Today, we are witnessing a full launch of the Graviton3 CPUs with the first instances available in the AWS Cloud. In theC7g instances, AWS customers can now scale their workloads across 1-64 vCPU instance variants. Graviton3's 64 cores run at 2.6 GHz clock speed, 300 GB/sec maximum memory bandwidth, DDR5 memory controller, 64 cores, seven silicon die chiplet-based design, 256-bit SVE (Scalable Vector Extension), all across 55 billion transistors. Paired with up to 128 GiB of DDR5 memory, these processors are compute-intensive solutions. AWS noted that the company used a monolithic computing and memory controller logic design to reduce latency and improve performance.

One interesting thing to note is the motherboard that AWS hosts Graviton3 processors in. Usually, server motherboards can be single, dual, or quad-socket solutions. However, AWS decided to implement a unique solution with three sockets. This tri-socket setup is designed to see each CPU as an independent processor, managed by a Nitro Card, which can handle exactly three CPUs. The company notes that the CPU is now in general availability with C7g instances and you can see it below.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, today announced to present the latest gaming products at COMPUTEX 2022. The innovations include its flagship gaming solutions powered by Intel 12th gen processors. The perfect combination of the IF Design Awarded Z690 AORUS XTREME motherboard, high-end key components, and big size monitors provide remarkable gaming experience. The Project Stealth kit enables an easy and simple assembly experience with special interface and cables hidden design while further enhances the system airflow for optimized cooling effect. Meanwhile, the new gaming PC, Model S delivers powerful, cool, and silent operation even on 3A games with its slick and neat aesthetics.

Moreover, the latest AMD Socket AM5 motherboards including gaming series of X670 AORUS XTREME, MASTER, PRO AX and X670 AERO D for designers will be first exposed in this exhibition as well. Users can take a sneak peek at the advanced design and extensive features of PCIe 5.0 graphics slot, M.2 Gen5 interface, exclusive PCIe/M.2 EZ-latch on GIGABYTE motherboards.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, announced today a new technology partnership with MAINGEAR, developing the newly developed Project Stealth computer assembly kit and MAINGEAR Stealth custom gaming PC's. Through the perfect combination of standard ATX compatible components with non-proprietary connectors consisting of a custom motherboard, graphics card and case, Project Stealth eliminates the headaches of cable clutter, installation challenges, and obstructed airflow. The innovative design makes assembling a clean and sleek PC build easier than ever before

When it comes to PC builds, beginners or experienced users alike might find it a difficult process. Since most cables are designed to connect to the front side of motherboards, cable chaos inside the case becomes a major concern in a system build. Others may also struggle with inserting USB, audio, PSU connectors, and front panel headers on the motherboards due to limited interior space in the chassis. In response to these challenges, GIGABYTE developed Project Stealth, utilizing MAINGEAR's revolutionary patent and design that shifts all connectors to back of the motherboard. Through this innovation, Project Stealth provides an exceptional solution composed of the Z690 AORUS ELITE STEALTH motherboard, RTX 3070 GAMING OC STEALTH graphics card, and AORUS C300G STEALTH case.

Many companies, including Intel and AMD, have stopped product shipments to Russia amidst the war in Ukraine in the past few months. This has left the Russian state without any new processors from the two prominent x86 designers, thus slowing down the country's technological progress. To overcome this issue, it seems like the solution is embedded in the Chinese Zhaoxin x86 CPUs. According to the latest report from Habr, a motherboard designer called Dannie is embedding Chinese Zhaoxin x86 CPUs into motherboards to provide the motherland with an x86-capable processor. More precisely, the company had designed a BX-Z60A micro-ATX motherboard that embeds Zhaoxin's KaiXian KX-6640MA SoC with eight cores based on LuJiaZui microarchitecture. The SoC is clocked at a frequency range of 2.1-2.7 GHz, carries 4 MB of L2 cache, 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0, and has integrated graphics, all in a 25 Watt TDP.

As far as the motherboard is concerned, it supports two DDR4 memory slots, two PCIe x16 connectors, M.2-2280 and M.2-2230 slots, and three SATA III connectors for storage. For I/O you have USB ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA/D-Sub, GbE, 3.5-mm audio, and additional PS/2 ports. This is a pretty decent selection; however, we don't know the pricing structure. A motherboard with KaiXian KX-6640MA SoC like this is certainly not cheap, so we are left to wonder if this will help Russian users deal with the newly imposed restriction on importing US tech.

MSI today announced that its full 300-series motherboard lineup, which includes A320, B350 and X370 chipset-based motherboards, now support AMD's latest Zen 3 CPUs in the Ryzen 5000 series. The full support will be backed into BIOSes developed under the latest AMD AGESA COMBO PI V2 1.2.0.7 BIOS, which MSI expect to rollout for its 300-series motherboards from the middle of May this year.

This announcement from MSI builds upon AMD's own promises of research into adding support for more recent Ryzen architectures towards even the beginning steps in its AM4 ecosystem. In theory, users rocking older motherboards can now take advantage of AMD's latest developments in power, performance, and core density, deeply increasing - and confirming - the value proposition of AMD's AM4 platform. Alongside the announcement, MSI has also pledged to launch a fix for fTPM-based stuttering issues present in 400-series and 500-series AM4 motherboards towards June.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today introduces their brand new B660M-SILVER motherboard. Top shelf performance packed in a compact uATX form-factor, BIOSTAR's new B660M-SILVER motherboard is ready to take the market by storm. Designed based on Intel's B660 chipset, the B660M- SILVER carries unparalleled compatibility with all the latest Intel 12th gen processors.

Highly suitable for content creators, casual gamers, or as a solid base for a daily driver pc, the new B660M-SILVER motherboard is a jack of all trades, built to cater to a broad use spectrum. Carrying BIOSTAR's signature SILVER range styling and added RGB customizability, the B660M-SILVER motherboard makes any build look special.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, unveils the brand-new Z690A-SILVER motherboard. Designed to unleash the maximum potential of Intel Alder Lake Z690 chipset, the Z690A-SILVER motherboard brings shiny new features to your desktop, packed with raw unhindered potential.

PCIe 5.0 takes center stage on the Z690A-SILVER motherboard, with data transfer rates reaching 128 Gb/s. Extract maximum performance from the latest graphics cards with PCIe 5.0 backed by Intel's all-powerful 12th gen processors. Take your gaming to the next level with BIOSTAR's all new Z690A-SILVER motherboard. The Z690A-SILVER motherboard supports up to 4 DIMMs of high-speed DDR4 RAMs capable of overclocking numbers exceeding 5000+MHz (O.C). Furthermore, features like PCIe M.2 4.0, USB 3.2 GEN2 TYPE-A, and C bring excellent utility for users.

AMD is slowly gearing up to launch the latest 7000 series Ryzen processors codenamed "Raphael." Thanks to the famous hardware leaker @9550pro on Twitter, we have evidence of B650 motherboards for the next-generation hardware. According to the image posted by the leaker, it appears like AMD's Ryzen 7000 series Raphael processor is running on MSI's MAG B650 motherboard at a very high voltage of 1.5 Volts VCore. While we don't know the exact SKU running here, we see a note referring to it as an Engineering Sample, meaning that this is not a final product. It is expected to see the new AM5 platform make a debut alongside DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 technology, so we have to wonder what the B650 chipset can support.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced that the two motherboards which design for creators - Z690 AERO D and Z690 AERO G, have won the 2022 Red Dot Design Awards with its durable quality and optimal design.

"We are honored that our Z690 AERO D and Z690 AERO G motherboards have won the 2022 Reddot award winner, which proves that GIGABYTE's design is on the right track. " said Jackson Hsu, Director of the GIGABYTE Channel Solutions Product Development Division. "Nowadays, creators demand more and more of performance, heat dissipation and aesthetics. Z690 AERO D and AERO G just hit the spot and enhance the convenience of usage as well. In particular, the VisionLINK function can provide creators with more friendly using experience and allows them to focus more on the presentation of their works. In the future, we will continue on this right track to provide creators the utmost solutions.

Intel made great efforts to prove its abilities as a market leader by releasing the latest Intel Core i9-12900KS Processor for Alpha DIY gamers and extreme enthusiasts who seek the best gaming performance. This special edition processor is based on the robust Intel Core i9-12900K architecture, a halo processor with even more performance with increased clock speeds and power limit.

The current MSI 600-series motherboards natively support Intel Core i9-12900KS Processor, but if you want to unleash even more performance, MSI provides the dedicated BIOS for this power-hungry monster. Currently, you can find the dedicated BIOS for selected Z690 motherboards, MSI will release more 600-series motherboards continuously.

The US Government reinstated over 350 products to a list of exclusions to American import tariffs that were in place in January 2021. This would exclude "printed circuit boards," which is an oversimplified classification of motherboards and graphics cards, along with a range of other PC components that appear like PCBs. The US-China trade-war had caused a curious situation of pre-built computers (such as notebooks, desktops, and workstations) enjoying lower prices than import of their various components. This has had a direct impact on prices of motherboards and graphics cards. Whatever the geopolitical motive behind the move, it should certainly take the pressure off pricing, which have been affected not just by the tariffs, but also component shortages, and spikes in material prices, as well as logistics costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the situation in Eastern Europe.

The global leading motherboard manufacturer, ASRock, announces that with BIOS update, ASRock AMD X570/B550/A520/X470/B450 motherboards will support the latest AMD Ryzen 5000/4000 series processors, including Ryzen 7 5800X3D. ASRock always design ahead to get for new processors and has been working with AMD to validate the latest BIOS AGESA code. The 3D V-Cache technology of AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor offers significant improvements on gaming performance, update to the latest BIOS and get ready to game with new AMD Ryzen processors.

AMD recently announced the latest "Zen 3" and "Zen 2" new processors are coming to the market very soon for DIY users, which includes the ground-breaking AMD 3D V-Cache technology processor, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D. Moreover, the mainstream Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 5 4600G, Ryzen 5 4500, and Ryzen 3 4100 are all here for different levels of system builds.

MSI is committed to deliver gamers and creators the best experiences. This is why BIOS update is always great for most users. The latest AMD AGESA COMBO PI V2 1.2.0.6c BIOS was released for some MSI 500- and 400-series motherboards. The purpose of AGESA 1.2.0.6c is not only for better compatibility but also for maximizing AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D performance. For the older 300-series motherboards, we will release the AGESA COMBO PI V2 1.2.0.6c beta BIOS by the end of April. Please refer to the following chart for more information.

ASUS today announced BIOS support and updates for a variety of motherboards supporting the new AMD Ryzen 5000 and 4000 series CPUs. Matching the new Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which has a dedicated 96 MB L3 cache, AMD has released AGESA version 1.2.0.6b to improve system performance. Many ASUS 500, 400, A320 and X370 series motherboards already have BIOS updates with this new AGESA version. Other compatible models will receive corresponding BIOS updates by March 25th.

All CPUs in this series are recognized by ASUS mainboards of the 400 and 500 series via existing BIOS updates - also with AGESA version 1.2.0.6b. The updates can be downloaded from the ASUS support website. Previous generation ASUS motherboards will receive support for these new CPUs according to the table below:

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, today announced X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, and A320 motherboards can support the newly launched Ryzen 5000 and Ryzen 4000 series processors without updating BIOS. Users can customize their system according to personal budget, performance request, and accustomed configuration to enjoy the full advantages of GIGABYTE motherboards.

The new launched AMD processors include Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 4600G and Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 5 4500, Ryzen 3 4100, bring users more comprehensive options with various performance and pricing segment. To fully support and unleash all advantages of the new processors, GIGABYTE X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, and A320 motherboards are shipped to market with the latest BIOS. Users can either get the optimal performance by X series motherboards with Ryzen 7 5700X processors, or build a price-competitive platform of A series motherboards with Ryzen 3 4100 processors.

ASRock Industrial launches a new range of industrial motherboards powered by 12th Gen Intel Core Processors (Alder Lake-S) with up to 16 cores and 24 threads, supporting the new Intel 600 Series W680, Q670, and H610 chipsets. Featuring high computing power with performance hybrid architecture and enhanced AI capabilities, rich IOs and expansions for up to quad displays 4K@60 Hz, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gbit/s), triple Intel 2.5 GbE LANs with real-time TSN, multi M.2 Key M, ECC memory, plus TPM 2.0, and wide voltage support. The new series covers comprehensive form factors, including industrial Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, and ATX motherboards for diverse applications, such as factory automation, kiosks, digital signage, smart cities, medical, and Edge AIoT applications.

Antec Inc., a leading provider of high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself market, presents the latest mid tower of their award-winning Gaming Series: the DF800 FLUX. The chassis features new visual effects with a geometrical front panel design which mirrors light effects through its special surface design. The full-view tempered glass side panel lets the user show off the build, while the interior of the chassis allows for thought-out ventilation thanks to huge air intakes as well as plenty of space for watercooling and case fans. The case is now commercially available from 93€ (suggested retail price including VAT).

The new DF800 FLUX measures 479 x 220 x 488 mm (DxWxH) and is compatible with ATX, micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. In terms of fan support, the case accommodates three 120 mm / three 140 mm in the front, three 120 mm fans / two 140 mm fans on top as well as one 120 mm fan in the rear and two fans on the PSU shroud. The DF800 FLUX features a number of pre-installed fans: three 120 mm ARGB fans in the front, one 120 mm reverse fan on the PSU shroud and one 120 mm fan in the rear of the case.

Intel debuted its Socket LGA1700 motherboard lineup with Z690, and later B660 and H610 chipset options, but the H670 seemed elusive. Motherboard vendors are slowly launching their H670-based offerings, and MSI joined the party with the MAG H670 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4. The board is very similar in design to the company's MAG B660 Tomahawk-series motherboards, but with a little more I/O, and a broader chipset bus. The key feature that sets the H670 apart from the B660 is the 8-lane DMI 4.0 chipset bus, compared to 4-lane DMI 4.0 on the B660.

Another key difference between the H670 Tomahawk and B660 Tomahawk is that the PCI-Express x16 slot is Gen 5 capable on the H670 board, but this is due to MSI's design choices. On paper, B660 platforms can have Gen 5 PEG slots. Yet another key differentiator between the H670 and B660 chipsets, is that the H670 puts out 12 PCIe Gen 4 downstream lanes, and MSI leveraged this to put out two chipset-attached M.2 NVMe slots with Gen 4 x4 wiring. Connectivity includes a 2.5 GbE wired networking interface driven by an Intel i225-V controller, an Intel AX200 WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2 module; and 8-channel HD audio driven by the 12-year old Realtek ALC897 CODEC. The company didn't reveal pricing.

When Intel announced the company's first hybrid design, codenamed Alder Lake, we expected to see more of such design philosophies in future products. During Intel's 2022 investor meeting day, the company provided insights into future developments, and a successor to Alder Lake is no different. Codenamed "Raptor Lake," it features a novel Raptor Cove P-core design that is supposed to bring significant IPC uplift from the previous generation of processors. Using Intel 7 processor node, Raptor Lake brings a similar ecosystem of features to Alder Lake, however, with improved performance across the board.

Perhaps one of the most exciting things to note about Raptor Lake is the advancement in core count, specifically the increase in E-cores. Instead of eight P-cores and eight E-cores like Alder Lake, the Raptor Lake design will retain eight P-cores and double the E-core count to 16. It was a weird decision on Intel's end; however, it surely isn't anything terrible. The total number of cores now jumps to 24, and the total number of threads reaches 32. Additionally, Raptor Lake will bring some additional overclocking improvement features and retain socket compatibility with Alder Lake motherboards. That means that, at worst, you would need to perform a BIOS update to get your previous system ready for new hardware. We assume that Intel has been working with software vendors and its engineering team to optimize core utilization for this next-generation processor, even though they have more E-cores present. Below, we can see Intel's demonstration of Raptor Lake running Blender and Adobe Premiere and the CPU core utilization.