Here are some of the first pictures of a production version of an ASRock Z270 Fatal1ty-branded motherboard. While there's no picture of the board in full, Expreview scored pictures of its key sections, including its CPU VRM area, showing us prominent "Z270" badging on a VRM heatsink, a Fatal1ty logo on the PCH heatsink and its print on the PCB; and an Intel Gigabit Ethernet on the rear I/O hood, and Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 3 logo on the audio area hood; all pointing to this being a production version.

The rear I/O picture reveals two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, provision for a WLAN card, four USB 3.1 ports (of which one is type-C), two USB 3.0 ports, 8-channel HD audio with a TOSLINK connector; and display outputs including DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Storage appears to include eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports, and at least one M.2 slot (with Intel Optane support out of the box). Not much else is revealed by these pictures. Intel 200-series chipset motherboards are expected to launch alongside 7th generation Core "Kaby Lake" processors, in January 2017.

GIGABYTE unveiled a new high-end socket LGA1151 motherboard, the X170-Extreme ECC. Positioned as a workstation motherboard for the high-end desktop crowd, this board is based on Intel C236 chipset, and comes with support for Intel Xeon E3-1200 V5 processors in addition to 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors. It also supports DDR4 ECC memory, which partly lends it its name. Built in the standard ATX form-factor, the board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors. Expansion slots include two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (x8/x8 with both populated), a third PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (electrical gen 3.0 x4, wired to the PCH), and three other PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.

A star attraction here is GIGABYTE's choice of an Intel-made 2-port USB 3.1 controller, which connects to the PCH over PCI-Express 3.0 x4, compared to most other USB 3.1 controllers in the market, which connect over PCI-Express 3.0 x2. This ensures consistent 10 Gb/s bandwidth dedicated to each of the two ports, without any bandwidth loss to overhead. The board offers one each of type-A and type-C ports, wired to this controller. The board offers an additional four USB 3.0 ports from the chipset and a Renesas-made hub chip. Also on offer is a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 port, with DisplayPort 1.2 passthrough.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative iRoar Intelligent Portable Bluetooth Speaker System. This compact multipurpose iRoar represents the next step in the evolution of portable speakers -- with its audio performance, expandability, intelligent audio processing, personalization and a collaborative open platform that allows for value-added third-party add-ons. And, it is twice as powerful as the original Sound Blaster Roar and has a huge 20-hour battery life. The Creative iRoar has been named a CES 2016 Innovation Awards Honoree product in the Home Audio/Video Components and Accessories category. The speaker will be showcased at CES 2016 -- the world's largest consumer electronics show.

At the heart of the Creative iRoar's intelligence is the powerful, flexible and programmable multi-core floating point SB-Axx1 processor. It is responsible for all the audio and voice enhancement, and proprietary effect processing, as well as an open platform that allows users to customize the behaviour of the speaker. The built-in processor also allows the iRoar to function as a high-end sound card.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Sound Blaster Roar Pro -- a powerful compact Bluetooth Speaker made for audio entertainment and professional usage as a wireless personal PA system (public address system) when used with the optional wireless Creative iRoar Mic. The Sound Blaster Roar Pro is the first in the all new professional series of speakers by Creative and comes in exclusive Matte Black.

Compared to the Sound Blaster Roar Classic, the Sound Blaster Roar Pro features improved drivers for more refined audio performance, a longer battery-life of up to 10 hours, and a slideswitch that allows users to select different audio profiles (Warm, Neutral, and Energetic). "Creative's all new Roar Professional Series of speakers are designed to deliver powerful audio for personal entertainment on the go, and at the same time, double-up as powerful productivity tools when used to address groups of people at work, in classrooms, or in camps," said Low Long Chye, General Manager of Audio at Creative.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced at CES 2016 Las Vegas a brand new concept in advanced audio and video delivery systems: The Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier. The elegantly-designed carrier system is a high-end lifestyle entertainment platform that brings together all the advanced technologies and convenience in a single beautifully crafted aluminum body. Powered by a whopping 7 processors with 14 cores, this technology powerhouse carries a 15.2 high-resolution audio system in a 11.2.4 (front.sub.height) speaker configuration that also incorporates Dolby Atmos technology.

Furthermore, the Sonic Carrier features an advanced video playback engine that supports 4K (60fps) local and streaming video content. The intelligence and features of the system can even be further upgraded in the future. The X-Fi Sonic Carrier also comes with 3 distinct wireless technologies that allow multi-room Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a zero-latency speaker-to-speaker link to up to 4 subwoofer units.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the availability in the U.S., as part of the Sound BlasterX Gaming Series, the Sound BlasterX G5, a 7.1 HD audio portable sound card with built-in headphone amplifier. The Sound BlasterX G5 is an external sound card that comes with the built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core chipset for hardware accelerated SBX Pro Studio enhanced audio and transforms even basic stereo into 3D positional surround sound on your headset. The Sound BlasterX G5 also supports multi-channel content, delivering true 7.1 audio for ultra-realistic surround sound.

Built with precision audiophile components, the Sound BlasterX G5 is also a 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB DAC and headphone amplifier with 2.2 ohm output impedance for high fidelity playback -- driving studio-grade headphones up to 600 ohms and sensitive in-ear monitors. The illuminated volume control knob and dedicated SBX and Scout Mode buttons also allow for quick volume or audio adjustments during gaming sessions.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative Outlier, a powerful feature-rich Bluetooth MP3 headphones with changeable colorful acoustic rings. The headphone is specially designed for urban commuters and health enthusiasts who want to enjoy their music indoors or outdoors, with or without their smartphones. Creative Outlier is extremely lightweight -- weighing just 3.28 oz (93 g) -- and will fit easily into just about any rucksack, tote bag or attaché case. The headphone also comes with useful features for health enthusiasts such as the Pacer Mode to keep track of lap or workout timings.

When worn, the lightweight headphone is designed for comfort and durability -- it features an extremely flexible and durable headband construction with soft protein leatherette ear cushions. Customized for Creative Outlier, these soft ear cushions fit snugly on the ears for all day comfort.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative Woof 3, the ideal micro-size Bluetooth speaker companion for smartphone and tablet users who want to enjoy their music out loud on the go. The series comes in a flourish of rich metallic colors inspired by the four seasons: Spring Crystallite, Summer Rouge, Autumn Gold, and Winter Chrome; ideal for users who appreciate both great aesthetics and audio.

Shaped like an inverted bell, the speaker produces clear audio that is directed upwards and well distributed. Creative Woof 3 has been designed to deliver audio that punches above its weight for speakers in its class. Encased within the durable premium metal alloy housing is a 45mm driver (12% larger than its predecessors in the Woof series), and an additional oversized passive bass radiator for an enhanced audio performance. It even doubles up as a speakerphone with its built-in invisible microphone when connected via Bluetooth with a smartphone.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced at gamescom 2015, as part of the Sound BlasterX Gaming Series, the Sound BlasterX P5, a High-performance In-ear Gaming Headset. As a smaller and lighter headset solution with far superior noise isolation, the Sound BlasterX P5 is built with two custom-tuned, high-sensitivity 7 mm FullSpectrum drivers with port tubes for deep clean bass and clear highs, and a high-performance omni-directional inline microphone optimized for vocal capture.

Unlike other bass heavy in-ear gaming headsets, its well balanced audio signature offers a wide, layered soundstage with rapid response, giving gamers tactical advantage through the distinct ability to perceive cues, depth and location accurately. It is tuned to enhance the listening experience and not to overwhelm, allowing gamers to experience an amazing level of detail while being immersed in the gaming experience for extended hours without listening fatigue. The Sound BlasterX P5 sets the new audiophile in-ear standard for gaming while delivering powerful sound even at low volumes.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the availability in the United States of a brand new variant of the critically acclaimed Sound Blaster Roar portable Bluetooth wireless speaker -- the smaller, lighter, sexier, sweeter Sound Blaster Roar 2. The all new Sound Blaster Roar 2 portable Bluetoothwireless speaker retains the same 5 speaker drivers, electrical design, and 8-hour battery life as the Classic Sound Blaster Roar -- but is now 20% smaller and 10% lighter. And it is available in black or white.

Encased in a stylish sleek metallic housing that exudes the understated sophistication of a well-designed audio instrument, the smaller-lighter-sexier-sweeter Sound Blaster Roar 2 is sure to impress, whether it is used at the office, in a designer home, or at a party.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced at gamescom 2015 , as part of the Sound BlasterX Gaming Series, the Sound BlasterX G5, a 7.1 HD audio external sound card with built-in headphone amplifier. The Sound BlasterX G5 is an external sound card that comes with the built-in SB-Axx1 multi-core chipset for hardware accelerated SBX Pro Studio enhanced audio and transforms even basic stereo into 3D positional surround sound on your headset. The Sound BlasterX G5 also supports multi-channel content, delivering true 7.1 audio for ultra-realistic surround sound.

Built with precision audiophile components, the Sound BlasterX G5 is also a 24-bit/192kHz, 120dB USB DAC and headphone amplifier with 2.2 ohm output impedance for high fidelity playback -- driving studio-grade headphones up to 600 ohms and sensitive in-ear monitors. The illuminated volume control knob and dedicated SBX and Scout Mode buttons also allow for quick volume or audio adjustments during gaming sessions.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced at Gamescom 2015, as part of the Sound BlasterX Gaming Series, the Sound BlasterX H7, a premium ultra high-performance high definition 7.1 Surround USB Gaming Headset. Made for the discerning gamer, the flagship product in the new Sound BlasterX line, the Sound BlasterX H7, combines comfort and durability with the best audio performance available. The headset supports USB connectivity for high definition lossless digital audio which includes 7.1 surrround sound for immersive gaming.

Every detail of the product design was scrutinized based on feedback from pro-gamers as well as features that are in demand in the market. Two of the most important features for a gaming headset are durability and comfort. At its core, the Sound BlasterX H7 features a simplified design: less parts means less weight, and the highly flexible, single-piece reinforced steel band bends all the way around the head for a precise, comfortable fit. The earcups are lined with plush, replaceable protein leather/memory foam cushions to ensure lasting comfort and a perfect seal against unwanted ambient noise, and are connected to the headband with lightweight flexible aluminium brackets.

Creative Technology Ltd., today announced the launch of a brand new variant of the critically acclaimed Sound Blaster Roar portable Bluetooth wireless speaker − the smaller, lighter, sexier Sound Blaster Roar 2. The all new Sound Blaster Roar 2 portable Bluetooth wireless speaker retains the same 5 speaker drivers, electrical design, and
battery life as the Classic Sound Blaster Roar − but is now 20% smaller and 10% lighter. And it is available in black or white. Encased in a stylish sleek housing that exudes the understated sophistication of a well-designed audio instrument, the smaller-lighter-sexier Sound Blaster Roar 2 continues to impress, whether it is used at the office, in a designer home, or at a party.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Sound Blaster FRee, its latest multifunction portable Bluetooth speaker with two custom-tuned Neodymium drivers and twin passive radiators that deliver massive full-range audio with powerful bass. Featuring dual-orientation playback, the Sound Blaster FRee can be placed either horizontally for wide stereo imaging or vertically for 360-degree sound. This powerful yet lightweight speaker boasts a compact cylindrical form factor small enough to fit comfortably in the user's hand and carried in a bag, giving users the freedom to play music out loud everywhere they go. Everyone can experience awesome music now at home, at work, at play, and even by the pool - the Sound Blaster FRee is splash-proof.

The Sound Blaster FRee has extensive connectivity options. This includes wireless Bluetooth for smartphones or tablets, USB for PCs or Macs, as well as Aux-in for analog sources. It even comes with a built-in MP3 player for standalone playback from a microSD card up to 32 GB. Users can customise different microSD cards with music for different moments and easily swap them. Users can also arrange all their music into different folders on a microSD card and easily skip a folder with one touch. The Sound Blaster FRee also doubles up as a hands-free Bluetooth speakerphone when paired with a smartphone, allowing users to enjoy music and movies while effortlessly taking calls in between.

MSI, world leading in motherboard design, debuts the world's first USB 3.1 featured AMD GAMING motherboard, the 990FXA GAMING. Delivering blazing fast USB performance, up to 2 times faster than USB 3.0, the new 990FXA GAMING motherboard offers two USB 3.1 ports, which are fully backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices.

Inheriting the outstanding DNA of MSI's award winning GAMING family, the new MSI AM3+ 990FXA GAMING motherboard features Killer LAN for the best online GAMING experience, Audio Boost 2 powered by Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 2 for astonishing sound quality that gives you the upper hand on the battlefield, USB Audio Power and a completely new hardware and software design for enhanced gaming performance. Get ready for high-end AMD GAMING with MSI.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards is proud to announce today the addition of 4 new high performance motherboards to their comprehensive Intel X99 chipsets offering with the X99 Champion series. The new motherboards consist of the X99-Gaming 5P, X99-UD4P, X99-UD3P and the already famous X99-SOC Champion.

DDR4 memory modules are available at a stock frequency of 2133 MHz, but memory vendors encode XMP profiles which can automatically modify the frequency and timings of the supported memory modules to work in par with your CPU. With the X99 Champion Series, GIGABYTE is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 3200 MHz, and exclusively 3400 MHz for the X99-SOC Champion.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Sound Blaster X7, its most powerful and technologically advanced audio solution to date. Created to provide only the best audio experience for gamers, the Sound Blaster X7 incorporates Creative's renowned audio processing technologies with the finest audiophile-grade components and specifications, coupled with a whole slew of advanced features to cover all aspects of usage on different platforms.

Designed to connect with a whole range of gaming and entertainment systems, the Sound Blaster X7 functions as an ultra high-end external Sound Blaster with an impressive 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution 127dB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and 100 W-capable audio amplifier. The result: the clearest, most powerful high-resolution audio experience for games, music and movies.

Creative Technology Ltd today launched the Sound Blaster E5 - Flagship of the "Sound Blaster E-Series", and a new audio solution for USB DAC and headphone amplifier. Boasting audiophile-grade specifications and components, the Sound Blaster E5 is designed to deliver bit-perfect audio, allowing mobile users to experience audio as the artists intended.

The new flagship product is an extension of Sound Blaster's E-Series line of compact portable USB audio solutions. Launched in May 2014, the Sound Blaster E-Series includes the Sound Blaster E1 and Sound Blaster E3.

MSI, world leading in motherboard technology, is pleased to announce its release of the MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC motherboard. The MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC is a custom designed motherboard, specifically for gamers who demand the best onboard gaming features, ready to e0-mbrace all new DDR4 memory and 8 core CPU power. The imposing heatsinks and Dragon Armor on the MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC motherboard highlight its unique features. Its masterpiece is Streaming Engine, a premium dedicated onboard hardware streaming solution for streaming gaming activities at 1080p 60Mbps without impacting FPS and gameplay. The MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC also comes with Audio Boost 2, USB Audio Power, Killer LAN, Turbo M.2 32Gb/s, SATA Express, Intel Wi-Fi AC and 4-way Multi-GPU support.

MSI introduces the world's first onboard hardware streaming solution, called Streaming Engine. A dedicated onboard hardware card which delivers even better performance and quality than Intel Quick Sync (which is not supported on the X99 platform), because having superior video quality and streaming performance is essential when sharing gaming activities with the world. Gamers can stream at amazing 1080p 60 Mbps quality using HD H.264 hardware compression.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative T3250 Wireless 2.1 speaker system - the latest offering in its comprehensive range of wireless speakers with Bluetooth technology. Priced competitively at USD69.99, this sleek and compact speaker system offers superb audio performance in its class at great value.

Superb Audio Performance
Built to deliver impressive audio performance, the Creative T3250 Wireless features Creative Image Focusing Plate (IFP) that allows the speaker system to achieve a wide acoustic sweet spot with improved sonic directivity, and to preserve tonal accuracy. The audio spectrum of the satellites is further enhanced by incorporating Creative Dual Slot Enclosure (DSE), a truly functional port tube to deliver robust mid bass reproduction. The speaker system's custom-tuned down-firing subwoofer delivers a punchy bass performance.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative SB Inferno gaming headset for PC, Mac, mobile gaming and PS4.

The Creative SB Inferno represents the best audio for serious PC, Mac, smart device gamers as well as PS4. The headset's 40 mm full spectrum Neodymium drivers deliver powerful audio, while its plush earpads and lightweight headband provide excellent comfort. Furthermore, the headset's detachable microphone with an easily accessible in-line volume control makes it a perfect headset for gaming, as well as for music entertainment and voice communication.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative MUVO mini - the latest addition to the popular Creative MUVO family of near-field communications (NFC) Bluetooth portable wireless speakers.

Sporting a contemporary geometric compact encasement with four colour options of red, blue, white and black, the Creative MUVO mini is designed to deliver amazingly loud sound and powerful bass for its small size. Furthermore, it is engineered to withstand the harshest of weather elements, enabling users to enjoy and share all types of digital entertainment content out loud with family and friends - music, videos, movies, games, as well as voice calls - anytime, anywhere and in any weather.

Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Creative Hitz MA500 - a high performance noise-isolation in-ear headset with an ergonomic one-button in-line microphone and volume control on a flat, tangle-free cable for use with smartphones and tablets.

Stylishly designed with a premium chrome finish and available in two color options of black and white, the ultra-lightweight Creative Hitz MA500 is the latest addition to the popular Creative Hitz Series of headsets that aims to provide discerning users with high quality audio, clear voice communications at the best value, with added features such as a convenient one-button in-line microphone for easy volume adjustments, noise-isolation capability, and a flat, tangle-free cable design for ease of use and storage.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, launched today its latest 9 series G1 Gaming motherboards based on the Intel Z97/H97 Chipset with support for the latest Intel 4th and 5th generation Core processors. The new G1 Gaming motherboards are packed with absolutely everything you'll need to build an uncompromising, high-performance gaming PC.

The GIGABYTE G1 Gaming motherboards deliver a range of exciting features such as the GIGABYTE's Amp-Up Audio and several other advanced technologies for serious gamers and audiophiles, including the world's first onboard OP-Amp socket. Additionally, the Killer E2200 gigabit Ethernet controller offers enhanced online gaming and online media performance compared to standard solutions.

Creative Technology Ltd today launched an all-new series of small but powerful USB audio solutions for PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets -- The Sound Blaster E Series. Consisting of the Sound Blaster E3 and the Sound Blaster E1, the Sound Blaster E Series builds upon the popularity of the Sound Blaster X-Fi Go!Pro. They utilize USB plug-and-play connectivity to provide PC, and now even Mac users, with access to a powerful USB audio experience through real-time advanced audio processing.

Top audio quality is ensured even on smartphones and tablets through the Sound Blaster E Series' high SNR levels and 600Ω headphone amplifiers that supply more power than a standard headphone jack. The Sound Blaster E3 can also function as a high performance USB DAC for selected smartphones and tablets, and users can alternatively enjoy high quality wireless audio by pairing with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth.