MSC Vertriebs GmbH presents the first COM Express modules based on the 3rd generation Intel Core processor family (formerly codenamed 'Ivy Bridge'). The 3rd generation Intel Core processor family utilizes Intel's advanced 22nm process technology with three-dimensional transistors for higher performance at lower power. The new COM Express modules feature a further leap forward in computing power, graphics and video performance in comparison to modules based on the previous generation Intel platform. Important innovations of this new product generation are lower power consumption at higher clock frequencies and improved graphics and video performance. For the first time, the new Intel platform supports DirectX 11.Two new COM Express module families supporting Type 2 (MSC CXB-6SI) and Type 6 (MSC C6B-7S) pin-outs will be available. The first products of these module families are equipped with the quad-core Intel Core i7-3615QE processor with 45W thermal dissipation power (TDP) and the Intel Core i7-3612QE processor (35W TDP).

Additional versions will follow shortly. The quad-core processors include support for Intel 64 architecture, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel Advanced Vector Extensions and the Intel Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Thanks to the integration of enhanced Intel Turbo Boost Technology, single cores can be over-clocked in order to increase the performance.

The Intel HD 4000 Graphics controller on the processor die offers significantly better video and graphics acceleration than the 2nd generation Intel Core processors. One major advantage is the support of three independent displays. Besides accelerated full HD video encoding and decoding, DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.1 are supported. In addition, the Graphics Turbo Boost Technology provides excellent graphics performance. The MSC CXB-6SI and MSC C6B-7S module families are particularly suitable for demanding applications with 3D graphics, high-resolution videos and for the control of large area displays.

The MSC CXB-6SI module family uses the improved Intel 7-series chipset. Fast dual-channel DDR3 SDRAM modules (two SO-DIMM sockets) -- each with a maximum storage capacity of 8 GB -- also ensure high computing power and at the same time low power consumption.

The COM Express module family offers six PCI Express x1 channels, a PCI Express Graphics (PEG) x16 interface, the classical 32 Bit PCI bus, eight USB 2.0 ports, HD audio and Gbit-Ethernet. DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces with a resolution of up to 2560 x 1600 pixels multiplexed on the PEG lanes are available for the connection of high resolution displays. Data can be stored via four SATA II channels with up to 300 MB/s, an enhanced IDE port or on an optionally populated NAND flash SSD. An on-board connector for a speed controlled fan on a special cooling solution allows low-noise systems for noise-critical environments.
The MSC C6B-7S comes with a very similar feature set. Designed with a Type 6 pin-out definition, it additionally offers four USB3.0 interfaces and easy access to digital display interfaces such as DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI.

The powerful platforms run under the operating systems Window 7, Windows XP (embedded) and Linux. The AMI UEFI BIOS has been implemented on the modules.

MSC will distribute first customer samples and starter kits within a few weeks.

Pricing and Availability
Samples of select models will be available in June. The pricing for the high-end quad-core Intel Core i7-3615QE will be approximately $680.00 in volume quantities. Entry-level variants equipped with 2nd generation Intel Celeron 827E processors will be offered from $229.00.