ASUS today announced B150I Pro Gaming/WiFi/Aura, B150I Pro Gaming/Aura and B150M Pro Gaming, three new small-form-factor gaming motherboards packed with exclusive features and the latest technologies to maximize gaming performance and fun.

Accompanied by the ASUS BEST brand promise - built on the four core pillars of Best-selling, Easy to use, Stable and Trusted - the mini-ITX (mITX) B150I Pro Gaming/WiFi/Aura and B150I Pro Gaming/Aura both include the all-new Aura RGB lighting technology to cast spectacular illumination effects, flexible cooling with an integrated water-pump header and lightning-speed game loads with exclusive RAMCache technology. B150I Pro Gaming/WiFi/Aura also has built-in 2×2 (2T2R) 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) for maximized range and reliability.

ASUS today announced its latest mini PCs, the VivoMini VC65 Series. The VC65 and VC65R mini PCs feature a versatile modular design with three storage and optical drive configurations for increased performance, productivity, and entertainment. They are the world's smallest mini PCs that can accommodate up to four 2.5-inch SSD or HDD storage modules. VivoMini VC65 Series mini PCs are designed for a wide range of computing tasks for the home or office, and are powered by up to desktop-grade 6th-generation Intel Core processors. The top-of-the-line VivoMini VC65R model features built-in RAID support, making it ideal for a network attached storage (NAS) or mini server system. These mini PCs feature a compact design with an embedded power adapter, and can be placed horizontally or vertically. VivoMini VC65 Series can also be VESA-mounted.

The VivoMini VC65 Series is the first of the range of sub-2-liter ASUS consumer PCs that will bear the new ASUS VivoMini name. Existing VivoPC models (VM62N, VM62, VM60, VM42, VM40B, VC62B, VC60V, and VC60) will retain the VivoPC branding.

ASUS today announced 970 Pro Gaming/Aura, the world's first motherboard based on the highly-anticipated AMD 970+SB950 chipset, with official NVIDIA SLI certification for epic up to quad-GPU graphics, plus integrated Aura RGB - the all-new, awesome illumination technology invented by ASUS. As the latest member of the value-packed ASUS Pro Gaming series, 970 Pro Gaming/Aura has multiple exclusive features for superior gaming experiences. These include gaming-grade Intel Gigabit Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies for fast, safe and lag-free networking, and SupremeFX with Sonic Radar II for flawless in-game audio that keeps 970 Pro Gaming/Aura gamers one step ahead on the battlefield.

Compatible with the latest processors for the AMD AM3+ socket, 970 Pro Gaming/Aura delivers flexible cooling with a dedicated water-pump header, plus intuitive Fan Xpert controls. The new board also has the very latest connectivity built in, including USB 3.1 Type-A and NVM Express (NVMe) M.2. Exclusive RAMCache technology accelerates game loads, durable Gamer's Guardian components ensure longevity, and smart DIY features protect users and ease every build.

Cooler Master, today announced the Case Mod World Series 2016, a competitive modding event designed to connect modders everywhere with US$30,000 in cash and prizes to be won. Cooler Master has brought together sponsors such as ASUS, Avexir, Dremel, NVIDIA, and OCZ to support and engage with the PC modding community. The Case Mod World Series is now in its seventh installment and this year, Cooler Master is expanding the scope of the series to include local meet and greets, and modding sessions.

"Modding has exploded in recent years and is taking root in every corner of the globe. The Case Mod World Series is about fuelling that growth. It's about igniting the modding spirit - the maker spirit - on the web and right in your community," said Michelle Wu, Global Community Manager. "This year, we will be running local events to involve modders everywhere. Together, with the generous support of our sponsors, we hope to enable the modding community the world over. "

ASUS today announced Cerberus Gaming Keyboard, Cerberus Gaming Mouse, and Cerberus Gaming Mouse Pad. These new Cerberus Series gaming peripherals offer a compelling blend of solid build quality, precise control, and comfortable ergonomics for gamers of all types who want dependable, no-nonsense gear that can stand up to the rigors of intense, marathon gaming sessions.

Cerberus Gaming Keyboard is an LED-backlit USB gaming keyboard with a rugged, splash-proof design, rubberized feet for enhanced stability, and dedicated macro keys. Forged from a full SECC (steel, electro-galvanized, cold-rolled coil) metal plate, Cerberus Gaming Keyboard has a tough, durable build that easily handles the stresses of continuous, intense gaming. Its splash-proof design protects against accidentally spilled liquids, while an integrated drain hole prevents liquids from being trapped inside the keyboard, ensuring easy cleanup after spills and minimal disruption from gaming. Fully rubberized feet provide enhanced friction on any surface to keep Cerberus Gaming Keyboard firmly in place during even the most intense gaming sessions.

SUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced Maximus VIII Formula, a Z170 Express chipset-based ATX gaming motherboard with exclusive CrossChill EK cooling, epic aesthetics and strength with Aura RGB lighting and ROG Armor, and 5-Way Optimization, Intel Gigabit Ethernet and LANGuard to deliver game-conquering performance.

Equipped with an LGA1151 socket and optimized to unleash the maximum performance of 6th-generation Intel Core ('Skylake') processors and DDR4 memory, Maximus VIII Formula is also engineered with champion-level SupremeFX 2015 audio technology to elevate even the smallest in-game sound details - making every battle arena sound as real as life.

ASUS today announced E3 Pro Gaming V5, an ATX motherboard based on the latest Intel C232 Express chipset and packed with game-enhancing exclusive features for superior gaming experiences, including gaming-grade SupremeFX and Sonic Radar II audio, gaming-grade Intel Gigabit Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies for fast, safe and lag-free online play.

E3 Pro Gaming V5 offers desktop gamers the unique opportunity to benefit from the performance, stability and ready availability of the latest server-grade Xeon E3-1200 v5 processors based on Intel's high-efficiency 14nm 'Skylake' architecture. It also supports the newest high-speed DDR4 memory modules, for cooler, faster and more efficient performance.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is thrilled to announce new DDR4 specifications based on 16GB and 8GB modules, upgrading the speed from DDR4 3000MHz CL14 16GB (2x8GB) up to a blazing DDR4 3200MHz CL14 64GB (4x16GB) extreme speed memory kit, assembled with ultra-high performance Samsung ICs.

Seeing the future trend of DDR4 16GB module-based kits becoming the mainstream in the hardcore PC enthusiast communities, G.SKILL is now providing higher speed in ultra-high density memory solutions. The flagship DDR4 3200MHz CL14 64GB (4x16GB) memory kit provides enthusiasts with the perfect combination of higher capacity and faster frequency, with an incredible CL14-14-14-35 low CAS Latency. This memory kit represents the fastest DDR4 64GB memory kit by far.

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.

ASUS announced the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Maximus VIII Hero Alpha. This socket LGA1151 motherboard, based on Intel Z170 Express chipset, is what the company claims to be the first with native support for multi-color RGB LED headers. The board features an RGB LED controller with a Windows app that lets you set RGB color lighting across two independent 4-pin headers (typically connected to RGB LED strips). The ROG "eye" logo on the PCH heatsink features an RGB LED, too, and the app lets you set even that. ASUS' reference LED strip for this board, named AURA, can be purchased separately.

The rest of the board's feature-set is similar to the original Maximus VIII Hero. You get a powerful 10-phase CPU VRM, four DDR4 DIMM slots, and two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots feeding in and out of the CPU socket. The storage connectivity does away with bulky SATA-Express connectors, replacing them with two U.2 16 Gb/s connectors, sitting next to six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. USB 3.1 10 Gb/s ports, including type-C and type-A ports, sitting next to 802.11 ac WLAN, are a highlight in the feature-set. Expect the board to be priced slightly higher than the original Maximus VIII Hero.

ASUS today announced that it is has been independently verified as the most-reliable motherboard brand based on analysis of return rates conducted by LDLC subsidiary Hardware.fr. According to the latest report by Hardware.fr, owners of ASUS motherboards requested to return their products in just 1.89% of cases - the lowest overall return rate in the industry. ASUS is also the only motherboard brand to achieve a reliability rate of below 2% returns, adding to the cachet - and providing reassurance for ASUS customers.

With continuously improving the product reliability, ASUS remains the lowest-return-rate brand for the whole 2015. The full Hardware.fr report and breakdown of the return rates is available here. ASUS has been the world's leading motherboard brand for over 10 consecutive years. ASUS is also the BEST motherboard brand, with products built on four core pillars - Best-selling, Easy to use, Stability and Trusted.

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to release ASUS X99 motherboard monoblock - EK-FB ASUS X99 Monoblock. It's compatible with four ASUS X99 motherboard models - X99-A, X99-DELUXE, X99-PRO, X99-S.

EK-FB ASUS X99 Monoblock is a complete all-in-one (CPU and motherboard MOSFETs) liquid cooling solution for Intel X99 socket Haswell-E CPUs and the upcoming Broadwell-E CPUs, and the following ASUS X99 motherboards:

• ASUS X99-A (USB3.1)
• ASUS X99-DELUXE (USB3.1)
• ASUS X99-PRO (USB3.1)
• X99-S

ASUS today celebrates 20 years of producing the world's most award-winning and innovative graphics cards with the release of a special limited 20th Anniversary Gold Edition GTX 980 Ti graphics card. Featuring the latest GeForce GTX 980 Ti graphics processing units (GPUs) - clocked at 1367MHz - this meticulously-crafted, highly-collectible graphics card delivers up to 21.6%-faster performance than reference cards in the 3DMark 11 Extreme benchmark test and 22.1%‑faster gaming performance in GTA V.

Combined with exclusive ASUS technologies including industry-exclusive, fully-automated Auto-Extreme manufacturing for premium reliability, and Memory Defroster for subzero overclocking stability, 20th Anniversary Gold Edition GTX 980 Ti continues the pioneering ASUS spirit of developing the world's fastest, most-innovative GTX 980 Ti graphics cards.

ASUS today announced the latest X Series laptops - X456, X556, and X756. These 14-, 15.6- and 17.3-inch laptops feature elegant glossy, spun-, or brushed-metal-effect finish chassis and are available in five expressive colors: Chocolate Brown, Navy Blue, Arctic Snow, Glamour Red, and Icicle Gold. ASUS X Series is powered by up to the latest 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, and feature up to NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics for gaming-grade Full HD visuals. In addition, ASUS Eye Care technology reduces blue light emission by up to 33% to protect users' eyes during long hours of use.

Intel Core performance and NVIDIA graphics
ASUS X Series laptops are powered by the up to latest 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with up to 8GB RAM (expandable to 16 GB), and NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics. With Windows 10 preinstalled, X Series is ideal for daily computing and entertainment tasks. Users can opt for a 2 TB hard disk, or upgrade to a solid-state disk for faster data access speeds.

ASUS today announced two new N Series laptops, the 15.6-inch N552 and the 17.3-inch N752. These are the latest and most powerful models in this entertainment-focused range, delivering unprecedented performance from the latest 6th-generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processors with gaming-grade NVIDIA GTX series graphics.

The new models incorporate the latest and fastest technology, including 10 Gbit/s SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) with the revolutionary Type-C port, DDR4 RAM, and ultra-fast PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD storage options. Stunningly-detailed, immersive visuals with accurate color reproduction are provided by up to 4K/UHD (3840x2160) wide-gamut IPS displays. Both models feature exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio, incorporating ICEpower technology, for incredible sound quality. The aluminum-clad, easy-to-open design of N552 and N752 is practical yet sophisticated, with a wealth of gorgeous design details that make these stunning laptops stand out from the crowd.

Here are the first pictures of three AIB-branded Radeon R9 380X graphics cards, including one each from ASUS, XFX, and GIGABYTE. The ASUS branded Radeon R9 380X graphics card, the R9 380X STRIX, features the company's dual-slot, dual-fan DirectCU II cooling solution. ASUS is also giving it a slick back-plate, and offering it in two variants based on factory-overclock (or lack of it).

The XFX branded R9 380X features a similar product size to the ASUS card, featuring a moderately long PCB, and a dual-slot, dual-fan "Double Dissipation" cooler. XFX will sell variants of this card in reference and factory-overclocked speeds. Lastly, there's GIGABYTE. Like the others, this card features a medium-size PCB, with the company's dual-slot WindForce 2X cooling solution. Based on the 28 nm "Tonga" aka "Antigua" silicon, the R9 380X reportedly features 2,048 GCN 1.2 stream processors, 128 TMUs, 32 ROPs, and a 256-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface, holding 4 GB of memory. It's expected to launch later this week.Souces: VideoCardz, HardwareInfo, WCCFTech

ASUS today announced B150 Pro Gaming/Aura and B150 Pro Gaming, two new ATX motherboards packed with multiple exclusive features for superior gaming experiences, including gaming-grade SupremeFX and Sonic Radar II audio, gaming-grade Intel Gigabit Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies for fast, safe and lag-free networking - plus awesome illumination technology in B150 Pro Gaming/Aura.

Based on the latest Intel B150 Express chipset and ready for the newest 6th-generation Intel processors, B150 Pro Gaming/Aura and B150 Pro Gaming also deliver gaming-grade cooling with a dedicated water-pump header plus intuitive Fan Xpert 3 controls. The new boards also have the very latest connectivity built in, including both USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and reversible Type-C, plus NVM Express (NVMe) M.2.

ASUS unveiled a limited edition Radeon R9 Nano graphics card with a matte white cooler shroud, replacing its matte-black reference twin. Besides this, there's absolutely nothing that sets this card from AMD's reference design. The underlying PCB is reference, and so are the clocks, with up to 1000 MHz core, and 500 MHz (512 GB/s) memory. It remains to be seen if ASUS seeks a small premium for this card, and if that's enough to lure case-modders building machines around this color scheme.

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to release ASUS MAXIMUS VIII motherboard monoblock - EK-FB ASUS M8G Monoblock. It's compatible with three ASUS MAXIMUS VIII motherboard models - Hero, Ranger and Gene.

EK-FB ASUS M8G Monoblock is a complete all-in-one (CPU and motherboard) liquid cooling solution for Intel LGA-1151 socket Skylake CPU and the following ASUS MAXIMUS VIII motherboards:

• ASUS MAXIMUS VIII Hero
• ASUS MAXIMUS VIII Ranger
• ASUS MAXIMUS VIII Gene

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced G752, a powerful gaming laptop powered by a 6th-generation Intel Core i7 ('Skylake') processor and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M discrete graphics. ROG G752 has an aggressive design and sports the new ROG Armor Titanium and Plasma Copper color scheme. It features the ROG-exclusive mobile 3D Vapor Chamber thermal system for more efficient cooling and increased stability, along with a backlit anti-ghosting gaming keyboard with 30-key rollover for precise input. ROG G752 can be upgraded to up to 64GB DDR4 RAM for faster, more energy-efficient performance.

ROG G752 has Windows 10 pre-installed and is powered by the latest 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, paired with discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M graphics for superior gaming performance and sharp, detailed visuals. ROG G752 features support for the latest DDR4 memory, which is 30% more efficient and 20% faster than the previous-generation DDR3. The four DDR4 slots allow RAM to be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced Maximus VIII Impact, a mini-ITX motherboard with ATX-grade performance for enthusiast gamers, and engineered and tested for the best compatibility with both mini-ITX case designs and CPU coolers - giving users the confidence to build small to game big.

Based on the new Intel Z170 Express chipset and LGA 1151 socket for the latest 6th-generation Intel processors, Maximus VIII Impact offers extreme performance and overclocking features in mini-ITX, with the vertically-mounted Impact Power III full-scale voltage-regulator module (VRM), 5-Way Optimization and bundled Fan Extension Card for easy tuning and cooling, Pro Clock technology to push base-clock frequencies beyond the limits, and compatibility with the latest DDR4 memory modules - for extreme overclocked-RAM speeds of 4133 MHz and higher.

Microsoft Corp. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS) on Thursday announced the expansion of an earlier patent licensing agreement between the companies. The deal includes a broad cross-license covering, for example, ASUS Android-based phones and tablets and Microsoft software, devices and services. It paves the way for closer integration between the two companies, including pre-installation by ASUS of Microsoft Office productivity services on ASUS Android smartphones and tablets. The agreement also facilitates technology sharing toward the development of new, innovative product solutions.

"This agreement delivers significant value for both companies. Beyond ensuring continued improvements to our products, it opens the door to the kind of collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS made possible only through mutual respect and alignment on intellectual property," said Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC. ASUS General Counsel Vincent Hong said, "This agreement will give us both a greater ability to innovate for our customers. We see it leading to broad partnership opportunities for future technologies and a strengthened relationship between our two companies as leaders of the technology industry."

Ever wondered why nobody made a SATA-Express SSD? We guess it's probably because of its IDE-sized connector. The SSD industry is turning its attention to other connector standards, such as M.2 and the newer U.2 (formerly known as SFF-8639). The U.2 is essentially a cabled M.2 connector, designed for drives in more common form-factors, such as 2.5-inch. The connector itself is more narrow, although it has the same pin-count as M.2, and the same bandwidth (up to 32 Gb/s with current PCI-Express standard).

ASUS debuted the connector on its flagship Maximus VIII Extreme motherboard, but MSI doesn't plan to be left behind. MSI released a new accessory that converts M.2 slots into a U.2 port. The MSI Turbo U.2 Host Card has wiring to support 32 Gb/s physical layer. The card could be included in MSI's upcoming high-end motherboards, and looking at the way it's branded and packaged, it could even be sold separately. One of the first U.2 drives is Intel SSD 750 in its 2.5-inch avatar.

Ahead of its launch, ASUS showed off its flagship socket LGA1151 motherboard, the ROG Maximus VIII Extreme. Based on the Intel Z170 Express chipset, this board offers the largest feature-set from ASUS' stable, for the enthusiast crowd. Built in the ATX (almost E-ATX wide) form-factor, the board retains the styling of its series siblings, such as the Maximus VIII Hero, but does away with the red+black for a more contemporary golden orange+black scheme, which made its debut with the GeForce GTX 980 Ti MATRIX Platinum graphics card (also pictured here).

The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX, 8-pin EPS, and 4-pin ATX power connectors, and conditions it for the CPU with a 16-phase VRM. The CPU socket is wired to four DDR4 DIMM slots. Expansion slots include four PCI-Express 3.0 x16, from which three are wired to the CPU, and one to the PCH. All four are PCIe gen 3.0. Storage connectivity includes an SFF-8639 U.2 32 Gb/s connector, an M.2 32 Gb/s slot, two SATA-Express 16 Gb/s, and eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Networking includes 802.11 ac WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, and gigabit Ethernet (all Intel controllers). The new SupremeFX onboard audio solution borrows a lot of tech from ASUS' discrete sound cards, and comes with an 5.25-inch front-panel bay with rotary controls, and front-panel jacks. The board features a boat-load of overclocker-centric features, including dual-BIOS.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced G20CB, a compact and powerful 9.5-liter gaming desktop designed to dominate the small-form-factor segment. ROG G20CB packs up to a 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics for exceptional gaming and multitasking computing performance. ROG G20CB has an aggressive chassis design that features a matte-black finish, Mayan-inspired markings and customizable 8-million-color LED effects. The exclusive Aegis II app helps gamers monitor system performance, with GameAlive allowing for easy gameplay recording, editing, and sharing on social media.

Intel Core performance and NVIDIA GeForce graphics
ROG G20CB is designed to be a one-stop gaming and entertainment system. Its 9.5-liter chassis houses a 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 graphics. The former delivers a 10% performance boost and 23% more efficiency over previous-generation Intel processors to give ROG G20CB the power to take on the most demanding of tasks, allowing users experience today's games at their highest settings. NVIDIA GeForce-powered graphics draws gamers into an immersive world of colors and 4K/UHD resolution visuals; it even supports output on up to three HD displays, while a fourth display can be added via a HDMI connection.