AMD announced first shipments of its 2nd generation accelerated processing units (APUs), under its A-Series "Trinity", and E/C-series "Brazos 2.0" lines. The new 2012 APUs by AMD, according to Senior PR Manager Phil Hughes, "improve on virtually every aspect of [the] current A-Series APUs while doubling the performance-per-watt over our previous generation." The APUs are available in FM2 uPGA for desktops, and FS1r2 uPGA, FP2 BGA for notebooks; targeting nearly all PC form-factors. Pictured below, is the very first shipment heading out to ASUSTek.

ASUS has introduced a new addition to their acclaimed TUF series of motherboards, the SABERTOOTH Z77, based on the latest Intel 3rd Generation Ivy Bridge processors and Z77 Chipset. The TUF Series' commitment to provide users a stable computing experience is built on strong foundations, starting with military-grade components to ensure long-lasting quality and reliability.

The latest iteration features a series of innovative thermal solutions, including a new Thermal Armor design with enhanced cooling of the VRM area and a unique convection hole design, while an upgraded Thermal Radar with a new function called Fan Overtime protects vital system components against overheating after PC shut down. Another design beneficial for the longevity of the motherboard is Dust Defender, which prevents dust accumulation and the interference that could affect the many contact points scattered throughout the motherboard.

The ASUS GeForce GTX 680 DirectCU II TOP graphics card delivers a true flagship product for dedicated PC gamers and performance enthusiasts. The TOP-selected 28 nm NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 GPU has been overclocked by ASUS to 1201 MHz to boost frame rates in games, offering users 143 MHz over reference. Its ASUS-designed DirectCU II thermal design runs 20% cooler than stock, while the twin 100 mm fans keep noise at bay with 14 dB quieter operation.

ASUS has added 10-phase DIGI+ VRM digitally regulated power delivery with 30% noise reduction, working in tandem with durable Super Alloy Power components that last 2.5 longer than reference. Users can tap the greater overclocking and overvolting capabilities of the card through both the hardware-level VGA Hotwire and the software-level GPU Tweak utility. Also released is the ASUS GeForce GTX 680 DirectCU II OC edition, with a 1019 MHz core capable of a 1084 MHz boost clock. This card uses the same DirectCU II cooler and PCB as the TOP version.

ASUS is working on an AMD-powered notebook under the K53TK line. The K53TK-SX0A8 from ASUS is a 15.6-inch notebook that incorporates AMD A8-3520M "Llano", which is a quad-core APU clocked at 1.60 GHz, with Radeon HD 6620G graphics. The APU's integrated graphics works in tandem with a discrete Radeon HD 7670M GPU, that has 2 GB of dedicated memory. Other vital components include 8 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333 MHz memory, and AMD A70M FCH chipset.

The 15.6-inch display packs 1366x768 pixels resolution. Display outputs include D-sub and HDMI. Storage is care of a 750 GB HDD and DVD SuperMulti drive. Connectivity includes 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, gigabit Ethernet, SD/SDHC/MMC card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, 1.3 MP webcam, and FireWire. The battery powering the beast can run it for 4 hours before needing a recharge. Measuring 391 x 266 x 30.5 ~ 40.5 mm (WxDxH), the notebook weighs 2.7 kg. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system comes pre-loaded. It will be priced around 79,800 JPY (US $970).

Not waiting on Intel to launch its Ivy Bridge line-up, HIDevolution.com has went ahead and put up a pre-order page for the ASUS G55VW-DS71 gaming laptop which is powered by the Core i7-3610M processor. Beside packing a 3rd-generation Core chip, ASUS' new ROG-branded mobile machine features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M 2 GB graphics card, up to 16 GB of RAM, and up to three storage drives (HDD, HHD, SSD options are available).

The G55VW-DS71 also has Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, an 8-in-1 card reader, a 2.0 megapixel webcam, a HDMI output, a Thunderbolt port, one USB 3.0 connector, and an 8-cell (5200 mAh / 75 Whr) battery. ASUS' laptop runs Windows 7 (Home Premium or Ultimate) and starts at $1,475.

An anonymous overclocker cracked a staggering DRAM speed (for dual-channel), using Intel Core i7-3770K processor (engineering sample) and ASUS Maximus V Gene motherboard, at DDR3-3256 MHz. The overclocker started off at DDR3-3153 (~1576 MHz actual) on boot, and carefully notched it up to DDR3-3256 (1628 MHz actual) in Windows. 16 GB of memory of an unknown make, was used.

What makes the feat impressive is that such DRAM clock speeds are difficult for dual-channel/multiple-module setups, and reserved only for single-module feats. Ahead of the launch of the 3rd Generation Core "Ivy Bridge" platform, every motherboard vendor is covertly showing off similar overclocking feats.A video recording of the feat follows.

Team Katana Japan set a new 3DMark 11 Extreme Preset single-GPU world record using their Radeon HD 7970 graphics card clocked at staggering clock speeds 1747 MHz (core) and 1971 MHz or 7.884 GHz effective (memory). These clock speeds were sustained using volt-modding (to maintain the right voltage stable), and liquid nitrogen cooling. The volt-mod was designed to override the OCP (over-current protection), and over-heat protection of the graphics card's VRM. The target core voltage was 1.895V.

The setup went on to bag a 3DMark 11 Extreme Preset single-GPU world record, where it scored X3757.69 points, bagging 1st Rank in HWBOT's "GLOBAL 1X GPU RANK" and "Radeon HD 7970 rank". Find the validation here. The GPU remained in the range of -145.0 °C (idle) -137.0 °C (load). The rest of the setup included a Core i7-2600K clocked at ~5.00 GHz, ASUS Maximus IV Extreme (P67), and a 1200W PSU.

ASUS has plans to give several of its Z77 and H77 chipsets-based motherboards support for Thunderbolt I/O by means of an optional add-on card. Several of currently-launched ASUS 7-series chipset motherboards feature a header marked "TB_HEADER", which lets the motherboard interface with the Thunderbolt I/O add-on card. This header most likely transmits the motherboard's DisplayPort link (from the Flexible Display Interface) to the Thunderbolt I/O card. The card itself is likely based on Intel's 2-channel "Cactus Ridge" Thunderbolt controller, and connects to the system bus over PCI-Express 2.0 x4. ASUS motherboards supporting the optional Thunderbolt add-on card with the TB_HEADER include Maximus V Gene, P8Z77-V Deluxe, P8Z77-V Pro, P8Z77-V, Sabertooth Z77, P8H77-V, and P8H77-M Pro. The Thunderbolt I/O card should be available starting April 27.

ASUS and Pegatron are headed for a complete split as far as motherboards and notebooks are concerned. Following reports of ASUSTek divesting in its former part and partner after split, Pegatron, ASUS plans to end manufacturing of its motherboards by it. ASUS will find other ODMs, such as Cal-Comp, ECS, Global-Brands Manufacture, and Info-Tek Corp. Pegatron is a notable ODM of motherboards, notebooks, AIO PCs, and other PC components. ASUS is also working to get its notebooks manufactured by ODMs such as Foxconn, Quanta, and Compal, while reducing its orders to Pegatron. This move could see further independence of ASUS and Pegatron from each other.

Taiwanese heavyweight ASUS has now rolled out in the US its newest U Series ultra-thin laptop, the U32U(-ES21) featuring a 13.3-inch (1366 x 768) LED-backlit display and an AMD 1.65 GHz E-450 APU with Radeon HD 6320 graphics.

ASUS' machine is one inch thick and has a hairline aluminum cover, 4 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, Altec Lansing speakers, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, a 3-in-1 card reader, a HDMI output, and an 8-cell battery enabling up to 10 hours of operation. The U32U-ES21 can be found on Amazon priced at $449.99.

ASUS today launches the VG23AH 3D IPS LED Monitor. Designed to be a well-rounded and customized display for entertainment and gaming, the VG23AH features the ASUS All-in 3D technology, providing users with the smart choice when it comes to the ultimate 2D and 3D multimedia.

The VG23AH immerses users in a cinematic 3D home theater experience with crisp, clear visuals accompanied by audio from its built-in 3 W stereo speakers. With a wide-view angle IPS display, 80,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio, and ASUS-exclusive Splendid Video Intelligence Technology, the VG23AH delivers a colorful visual experience in Full HD 1080p. It features a host of connectivity options that allows for greater compatibility with an array of media devices by way of dual HDMI 1.4 ports, single-link DVI, and D-sub input options. It has been ergonomically designed with the user in mind, with swivel, tilt and height adjustment capabilities; along with battery-free 3D glasses for a comfortable viewing experience.

The ASUS P8Z77 WS brings Intel Z77 Express Chipset and next generation processor technologies to a package custom-designed for small businesses and professionals. Gen3 four-Way CrossFireX graphics power works up to 50% faster than the previous, while dual Intel LAN ports leads to a 71% lower CPU utilization, increasing throughput to achieve outstanding performance as well as better support for diverse operating systems. And with the newly designed Virtual Vsync, users can enjoy a smoother gaming experience by eliminating tearing artifacts. ASUS also provides several exclusive features that augment computing experiences, including Fan Xpert 2 detailed fan management and Network iControl bandwidth allocation and prioritization.

At IDF Beijing, Intel showed off an almost unique new class of Ultrabook devices which could be sold by various notebook OEMs in the future, codenamed "Letexo". This is a tablet + slider ultrabook, similar in form (albeit larger) to the ASUS EeePad Slider, except that it has an Intel processor inside, and runs Windows 8 (the EeePad Slider was NVIDIA Tegra 2 and Android 3.0 driven). When slid down, Letexo is almost as compact and functional as a tablet PC, with its multi-touch screen, letting you take advantage of Windows Metro UI; when slid up, a keyboard and trackpad are revealed, letting you use it as just another laptop. Perhaps Letexo is intended to be a large-scale effort by Intel to bring about a transition between laptops and tablets, by shaping people's usage patterns towards more touch-based interface.A video presentation follows.

Entry by the Republic of Gamers into the dedicated sound product arena brings PC enthusiasts ROG Xonar Phoebus, a high fidelity audio component that directly addresses the needs and concerns of contemporary gamers. The Xonar Phoebus features the exclusive ROG Command technology which reduces up to 50% of ambient noise thus providing authoritative voice quality during online multiplayer gaming sessions. And with its clear 118 dB SNR, and a powerful 600 ohm headphone amplifier, the Xonar Phoebus delivers precise positioning and lifelike immersion audio for a distinctly impactful gaming environment. Its dedicated control box extends convenience and puts more intuitive functions within easy reach for a more ergonomic desktop gaming environment.

With eager OEMs such as ASUSTek, HP, Acer, and Lenovo breathing down its neck, Intel is reportedly pulling forward the official launch date of its 3rd Generation Core processor family based on 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" silicon, to the 23rd of April, from its older date of 29th April. 23rd April will be the day Intel announces all its processor models originally slated for the 29th.

Notebook OEMs are expected to launch their products based on these chips at the earliest, by May. The date of market-availability of these chips in the retail channel, however, remains unclear. One possibility is that Intel will announce and make these chips available on the same day (23rd), while another possibility is that it announces these chips on the 23rd, allows the media to digest them (by posting reviews), and open them up for sale on the 29th. Two models every PC enthusiast and their cat are looking out for, are the Core i7-3770K and Core i5-3570K.

The worldwide PC market saw a slight increase in volume during the first quarter of 2012 (1Q12) compared to the same quarter in 2011, with shipments rising 2.3%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. The results are slightly above IDC's February projections of a 0.9% year-on-year decline due to hard disk drive (HDD) supply constraints in addition to weak economic conditions, competition from other devices, and uncertainty about Windows 8.

HDD supply remained a key constraint through most of the first quarter, although PC makers generally had better access to drives than customers in the retail and distribution channels. As a result, large PC vendors were able to maintain shipments by managing inventory or absorbing price increases, while the impact to shipments from smaller PC makers was in line with expectations.

Over the weekend, ASUS ran a special event in Japan to launch a hot-pink colored variant of the Zenbook. ASUS is known for launching variants of the Zenbook to suit localized markets. For example, in late-February, ASUS launched Zenbook Rose Gold at Milan Fashion Week. The hot-pink Zenbook, too, is targeted at the fairer-sex. The hot-pink variant of Zenbook UX21E will otherwise have the same hardware specifications, as the original. It is a first-generation Ultrabook, powered by Core i5-2467M processor.

Now in its fifth generation, ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) has launched its Maximus V Series motherboards with the Maximus V GENE. This micro-ATX powerhouse is built using the latest Intel Z77 chipset, which supports Intel's latest LGA1155 processors. Featuring full PCI-Express Gen-3 capabilities with Intel's 3rd Generation processor the Republic of Gamers team equips the Maximus V GENE with exclusive features such as the Extreme Engine DIGI+ II power control design, SupremeFX III gaming audio, Intel Ethernet with ROG GameFirst software and the newly added mPCIe Combo card.

Give Your PC A Power Up With The ROG Exclusive mPCIe Combo Card

The mPCIe Combo card is a new innovation by the ROG team, combining the twin functions of mPCIe with mSATA into a single, extensible add-in card that still allows full use of the PCI-Express slots for multi-GPU graphics. With the addition of an mSATA SSD for use with Intel Smart Response Technology or simply installing the entire OS, this frees up standard SATA ports for other uses. The combination of a standard mPCIe socket on the other side allows unique upgrades such as WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G, GPS and other connectivity.

The ASUS EA-N66 3-in-1 dual band wireless-N900 Gigabit Ethernet adapter is equipped with a unique 3 x 3 patented antenna design, providing users high speed internet access. With selectable dual band operating modes and speeds of up to 450 Mbps per band, the EA-N66 caters to web browsing, smooth HD video streaming, and lag-free online gaming with ease.

Clearer and stronger signals with a unique 3 x 3 antenna design

Using custom patented antenna architecture, the EA-N66 minimizes interference and provides consumers the fastest Gigabit network speeds currently available, enabling access to wide-reaching coverage for internet access anywhere around the home.

ASUS-subsidiary ASMedia made its mark as a vendor of high cost/performance 2-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed host controllers, 2-port SATA 6 Gb/s controllers, and PCIe-PCI bridge chips, with good adoption by PC motherboard vendors. The company now eyes the emerging Thunderbolt-IO market. Thunderbolt will begin seeing adoption by the PC market starting this year, and the adoption of the interconnect by data storage device manufacturers, particularly of fast external storage, for use in the content-creation industry.

Thunderbolt host controllers are yet to receive widespread adoption due to three factors:

• Cost of the controller. Intel is yet to bring its Thunderbolt host controllers down to an a reasonable price.
• Deficiency of alternative controller providers, high scope for price-reductions the moment there are alternative providers
• A looming transition from Thunderbolt copper-electric to fiber-optic medium, which could make current 10 Gb/s-over-copper standard obsolete

ASMedia could address at least two factors here, it could provide an alternative to Intel-made controllers, and could offer a competitive price (or at least price-performance ratio). ASMedia president Lin Che-Wei told DigiTimes that his company will be ready with Thunderbolt-compatible SATA 6 Gb/s controllers, by the second half of 2012.

ASUSTek plans to release its holdings in of a 24.5% stake Pegatron Technology, according to a report by Taiwanese business daily Commercial Times. This release is said to occur some time in May, according to the report. ASUS will generate an income of NT$2.8-3.8 billion (US$94.69-128.51 million), or NT$3.7-5 EPS, according to the report. This release will grant Pegatron more autonomy, which holds a sizable share of the notebook contract-manufacturing business, and channel brands such as ASRock.

While it's certainly dedicated to the ultrabook 'cause', ASUS is not ignoring AMD's own slim mobile PC offering and is in fact prepping a new ultra thin machine powered by the E-450 APU (dual Bobcat cores @ 1.65 GHz, Radeon HD 6320 graphics).

Named U82U, ASUS' new ultra thin has a 14-inch display, 2 GB of RAM (up to 8 GB are supported), a 500 GB hard drive, two USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI output, and an 8-cell battery. ASUS has yet to reveal the machine's release date or price tag.

Wintel (slang for Windows+Intel architecture) tablets, which launch along with Microsoft's latest Windows 8 operating system, which grab a greater market-share than WoA (Windows on ARM) tablets by the end of 2012, DigiTimes research predicts. This, despite the fact that the x86 and ARM versions of the operating system will be released simultaneously. PC majors such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, ASUStek and Toshiba, have all pledged 1-3 models of Wintel tablets by the end of 2012. Although still an emerging market-segment, tablets will see a clash between x86 and ARM architectures, as they are wooing for the same exact class of devices for the first time in computing history. Intel has made a lot of progress in miniaturizing the Atom processor, while led by the likes of Qualcomm and NVIDIA, ARM processors are getting stronger.

Intel Core i7-3770K is turning out to be a monstrous overclocker, when assisted with extreme cooling such as liquid-nitrogen. One such test-bed, was overclocked close to the 7 GHz mark, and put through Super Pi (1M and 32M), and PiFast. At 6961.6 MHz, the chip ripped through Super Pi 1M, in 5.187 seconds. The same chip, clocked at 6650.1 MHz, crunched Super Pi 32M, in 5 minutes, 2.843 seconds.

In PiFast, with a clock speed of 6805.1 MHz, the chip hammered out a total computation time of 10.56 s. NordicHardware compiled a comparison table using HWBot and its own data, to reflect how much faster a ~7 GHz Core i7-3770K is, at Pi. The rest of the known test-bed consisted of ASUS ROG Maximus V Gene Z77 motherboard, and 4 GB (2x 2 GB) of dual-channel DDR3 memory, clocked at around 2652 MHz, with timings of 7-11-7-28-1T.

Today AVADirect, a leading custom computer manufacturer, announced that they are now selling the new NVIDIA GTX 680 graphic processing unit. The GTX 680 is based off of the previous 580 graphics processing unit that NVIDIA has been re-inventing for the past year. They produced ground-breaking performance benchmarks, and reached a whole new level of capabilities that were not tapped by the graphics community, until now. The GTX 680 promises to reach new heights and create a serious impact in gaming and 3D rendering performance.

NVIDIA GPU Boost Technology is similar to the Turbo Boost function seen in Intel Sandy Bridge processors. The graphics processing unit will increase the clock speed based on current demand allocated to the graphics card. If you're immersed in a game, and you come across a scenario that takes more graphics processing power, the Boost Technology will increase the core clock thus keeping gameplay as smooth as possible. TXAA Technology, developed by Nvidia, is a new form of anti-aliasing that combines core functions of FXAA to create a balance between performance and image quality. Adaptive Vertical Sync enables per your current frame rate to provide the most fluent gameplay throughout many games available. PCI Express 3.0 has recently been adopted by Intel's X79 chipset and promised increased bandwidth for more performance. By using this technology through the bus of the graphics card, performance will be heavily improved, over a PCI Express 2.0 expansion slot.