AMD today introduced the new AMD A10-7800 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) to the component channel. This 4th generation A-Series APU with 12 Compute Cores (4CPU + 8 GPU) unlocks the APU potential with Heterogeneous System Architecture (HSA) features, and boasts powerful AMD Radeon R7 Series graphics for outstanding performance across applications. Combined with AMD's acclaimed Mantle API, the AMD A10-7800 APU can enable accelerated performance across select AMD Gaming Evolved partner titles.

"The AMD A-Series APUs bring a superior level of gaming and compute experiences to the desktop PC," said Bernd Lienhard, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Business Unit, AMD. "With support for AMD's acclaimed Mantle API that simplifies game optimizations for programmers and developers to unlock unprecedented levels of gaming performance transforming the world of game development to help bring better, faster games to the PC."

AMD's desktop processor and APU platforms are not expected to see any major changes till 2016, according to a BitsnChips report. The delay is attributed to a number of factors, including DDR4 memory proliferation (i.e. for DDR4 memory to get affordable enough for target consumers of APUs), and AMD's so-called "project Fast-Forward," which aims to place high-bandwidth memory next to the APU die, for the AMD's increasingly powerful integrated graphics solutions to overcome memory bottlenecks.

The company's upcoming "Carrizo" APU is targeted at low-TDP devices such as ultra-slim notebooks and tablets; and is the first chip to integrate AMD's next-generation "Excavator" CPU micro-architecture. "Carrizo" chips continue to use DDR3 system memory, and therefore it's possible that AMD may design a socket FM2+ chip based on "Excavator," probably leveraging newer silicon fab processes. But otherwise, socket FM2+ is here to stay.

ASUS showed off its first socket FM2+ motherboard in its Republic of Gamers family, the ROG Crossblade Ranger. Based on the AMD A88X FCH chipset, the Crossblade Ranger offers an 8-phase CPU VRM, four DDR3 DIMM slots, two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (gen 3.0 x8/x8 when both are populated), a third PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4) slot, eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports, Intel-made gigabit Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard, and SupremeFX audio. The board supports both SLI and CrossFire. We expect this board to be priced under $150.

BIOSTAR has released the A88MQ motherboard based on the new AMD FM2+ socket design that supports AMD Multi-Core (x4, x2) socket FM2+/FM2 processors AMD A-series/ E2-series processors all in a micro ATX form factor. Using the AMD A88X Chipset, the A88MQ, gives users the options for small build using the MicroATX form factor. It gives 4 DIMM slots supporting DDR3 RAM up to 64GB. It uses the newest SATA3 6Gb/s bus which is twice the speed of previous SATA2. There is also support for AMD Dual Graphics Technology.

The A88MQ will give users the 6+ Experience. The first, Audio+ includes audio features from BIOSTAR which are extensive with True Blu-Ray Audio and SPDIF out. The Video+ features support for full HDMI 3D 1080p and a Dual-Link DVI port for resolutions up to 2560x1600. The Speed+ features include support for SmartSpeedLAN which is a free software application that monitors and manages your PC's network behavior. There is also Charger Booster, the fastest and most efficient charger solution for Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones.

MSI rolled out a new mid-range, socket FM2+ motherboard in the ATX form-factor, the A88X-G41 PC Mate. As its name suggests, it's based on the A88X FCH chipset by AMD. Drawing power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors, the board uses a 5-phase VRM to condition power for the FM2+ socket, which is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, that support up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1866 MHz memory; and a single PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. The second x16 slot is electrical PCI-Express 2.0 x4, and wired to the FCH.

Storage connectivity on the A88X-G41 PC Mate includes just six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, even as the A88X FCH offers eight. The board offers a total of four USB 3.0 ports, two on the rear panel, two by header. Also on offer are ten USB 2.0 ports, four on the rear panel, six by headers. There's quite some legacy connectivity on offer, such as LPT and COM, by headers. Display outputs include a dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a. 6-channel HD audio, and gigabit Ethernet make for the rest of it. The A88X-G41 PC Mate is driven by AMI UEFI BIOS. Expect this board to be priced around the $100 mark.

ECS (Elitegroup Computer Systems) today announced the whole new AMD FM2+ Platform motherboards - A78F2P-M2, A58F2P-M4, and A55F2P-M2 , featuring the new AMD FM2+ APU socket, transcending the already strong performance FM2 motherboards by adding a host of powerful new features from the Kaveri Technology platform. ECS AMD FM2+ motherboards offer native support for PCI Express Gen 3.0 as well as DirectX 11.1 support integrating the high performance "Steamroller" core. In addition, ECS AMD FM2+ motherboards provide native 4K resolution for ultimate visual experience.

ECS FM2+ Motherboards with AMD Radeon Graphics
AMD A-Series APUs with AMD Radeon R7 graphics are designed with game-changing new features that deliver superior computing and heart-pounding gaming performance. AMD Radeon graphics is based on the new intelligent computing architecture to optimize users' visual experience with the most advanced graphical technology.

ECS unveiled the A78F2-TI, an interesting thin mini-ITX motherboard. Don't be fooled into thinking it's a socket AM1 board. It's socket FM2+, with the cooler mount hole design of Intel LGA115x. That's right, this is arguably the first AMD platform board with square, spaced out cooler mount holes. Don't get your hopes up just yet. Between an FM2 socket, and the APU's chunky IHS, there's more thickness than an Intel socket with a CPU installed. So it may not support all heatsinks. The board draws power from an external 2-pin power brick. It uses a 3+1 phase VRM to condition power for the FM2+ socket.

The A78F2-TI runs AMD A78 FCH chipset. The APU is wired out to two DDR3 SO-DIMM slots, and mPCIe slots. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Display outputs include two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and an LVDS. Two USB 3.0, six USB 2.0/1.1 ports, gigabit Ethernet, and 6-channel HD audio make for the rest of it. The A78F2-TI is built not just for SFF builds, but also (and especially) all-in-one desktops.

Tipsters pointed us to a peculiar sounding new processor by AMD in the wild, and being distributed by certain OEMs, such as HP. Called AMD FX-670K, the chip is being sold by HP, pre-installed on its Pavilion 500-266ea desktops. Some digging around on specifications available point us to a chip that's essentially "Richland" APU with its integrated GPU disabled. So while it will run on socket FM2 motherboards, you'll have to use graphics cards. "Richland" integrates a dual-module / quad-core CPU component based on AMD's "Piledriver" micro-architecture. The FX-670K features CPU clock speeds of up to 3.70 GHz. So why did AMD choose the FX branding and not Athlon X4, like it usually does with iGPU-devoid APUs? Perhaps the "K" brand extension holds the answer. The FX-670K features an unlocked base-clock multiplier. The HP Pavilion 500-266ea features a socket FM2 motherboard based on the AMD A75 chipset, and discrete AMD Radeon R7 240 graphics. It's priced at CA $650.

MSI launched the A78M-E45, a fairly well-equipped socket FM2+ motherboard in the micro-ATX form-factor, based on the AMD A75 chipset. The board supports the latest A-series "Kaveri" APUs, in addition to previous generation "Richland," and "Trinity" ones. It features a 5-phase VRM to power the FM2+ socket, which is cooled by VRM heatsinks. The socket is wired to a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. Other expansion slots include a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4), a PCIe 2.0 x1, and a legacy PCI, all wired to the A75 FCH.

Display connectivity on the A78M-E45 includes dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a. The board offers a total of six USB 3.0 ports, four on the rear panel, and two by headers. Storage connectivity includes six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, PS/2 mouse/keyboard connectors, and a number USB 2.0/1.1 ports make for the rest of the connectivity. The board is driven by UEFI BIOS. MSI didn't reveal pricing.

MSI, world leader in motherboards, launches 3 new AMD A58 series FM2+ socket based motherboards, the MSI A58-G41 PC Mate, MSI A58M-E35 and MSI A58M-E33. The MSI A58 motherboards support the new AMD Kaveri APU and are backwards compatible with FM2 processors (Richland and Trinity). Featuring onboard LAN, PCI Express 3.0 and multiple display support, the MSI AMD A58 series motherboards presents a rich blend of features and technologies offering the most stable and best cost/performance solution available.

The best solution for small, efficient internet & office PCs
MSI A58 series motherboards are available in ATX and microATX form factors and offer a great choice in connectivity with a Dothill RAID controller, onboard LAN, PCI Express 3.0, SATA and up to 12 USB ports. Featuring a wide variety of multimedia solutions such as H.264 hardware decoding and encoding, support for 4K UHD video, Blu-Ray playback and 8-channel HD Audio through HDMI it also offers everything you need for multimedia use.

BIOSTAR has released the "A88M" motherboard based on the new AMD FM2+ socket design that supports AMD Multi-Core socket FM2+/FM2 processors AMD A-series/ E2-series processors all in a micro ATX form factor.

Using the AMD A88X chipset, the "A88M", featuring BIOSTAR exclusive in-house audio technology, gives you the options for small build using the MicroATX form factor. It gives 2 DIMM slots supporting DDR3 RAM; adopt the newest SATA 6 Gb/s bus which is twice the speed of current SATA 3G connections along with USB 3.0. There is also support for AMD Dual Graphics Technology.

MSI, a world leader in motherboards, debuts its first AMD FM2+ socket based Mini-ITX motherboard, the MSI A88XI AC. The MSI A88XI AC supports the new AMD Kaveri APU and is FM2 backwards compatible (Richland and Trinity). Equipped with a rich feature set including Intel Dual Band Wireless AC WiFi/Bluetooth and PCIe Gen 3.0 support, the MSI AX88XI AC is the ideal small form factor multimedia, office or gaming solution without compromising on features.

The MSI A88XI AC motherboard features a wide variety of multimedia solutions such as H.264 hardware decoding, support for 4K UHD video, Blu-ray playback and 8-channel HD Audio through HDMI. When combined with today's processors featuring advanced integrated graphics, MSI motherboards support triple display configurations for more efficiency and flexibility of the desktop layout. The MSI A88XI AC motherboard is ready for 4K UHD resolution with support up to 4096 x 2160. 4K UHD and triple display support deliver an amazing experience when watching movies and playing games.

BIOSTAR has released the "Hi-Fi A88S3+" motherboard based on the new AMD FM2+ socket design that will support AMD Multi-Core (x4, x2) socket FM2+/FM2 processors AMD A-series/ E2-series processors.

Using the AMD A88X chipset, the Hi-Fi A88S3+, featuring Puro HiFi audio technology, brings 4 DIMM slots supporting DDR3 RAM. It uses the newest SATA 6 Gb/s bus which is twice the speed of current SATA 3G connections along with USB 3.0. There is also support for AMD Dual Graphics Technology.

BIOSTAR has released the Hi-Fi A88W 3D motherboard based on the new AMD FM2+ socket design that will support AMD Multi-Core (x4, x2) socket FM2+/FM2 processors AMD A-series/ E2-series processors.

Using the AMD A88X Chipset, the Hi-Fi A88W 3D, featuring Puro HiFi audio technology, brings 4 DIMM slots supporting DDR3 ram. It uses the newest SATA 6 Gb/s bus which is twice the speed of current SATA 3G connections along with USB 3.0. There is support for AMD Dual Graphics Technology and the board uses 100% X.D.C solid capacitors.

MSI, one of the world leaders in motherboards, debuts its first AMD FM2+ socket based GAMING motherboards A88X-G45 GAMING and A88XM GAMING.

Inherited with the outstanding DNA of MSI's award winning GAMING family, the new MSI FM2+ GAMING series motherboards features Killer LAN, Audio Boost sound enhancement technology, and a whole new software and hardware design for enhanced gaming performance. In addition, purchase a MSI A88X-G45 GAMING motherboard and get Assassin's Creed Liberation HD FREE!

AMD announced its 2014 A-Series APU for the desktop platform, code-named "Kaveri," after the southern-Indian river. Built in the new FM2+ package, the APUs run only on socket FM2+ motherboards based on the AMD A88X, A78, and A55 chipsets; while the socket itself can seat older FM2 APU families, "Trinity" and "Richland." In many ways, the socket transition is similar to that of socket AM3+. "Kaveri" sees AMD integrate two of its newest CPU and GPU micro-architectures, "Steamroller" for CPU, and Graphics CoreNext 2.0 for the GPU. "Kaveri" is also built on newer generation 28 nm silicon fab process.

"Steamroller" is an evolution of the same modular CPU core design as its predecessors, "Piledriver" and "Bulldozer." AMD promises a 10 percent improvement in performance clock-by-clock, per core, which falls in line with AMD's normal scheme of annual incremental performance updates on its CPU micro-architectures. A "Steamroller" module is a combination of two 64-bit x86 cores, which feature dedicated and shared components. "Kaveri" has two such modules, and so physically, it features a quad-core CPU.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced official support for next generation AMD A-Series APUs based on the highly anticipated 'Kaveri' architecture. GIGABYTE 'Kaveri' support includes current AMD A88X and A55 (rev3.0) platform motherboards plus forthcoming A78 platform motherboards.

"By enabling support on current GIGABYTE AMD motherboards for these new AMD A-Series APUs, GIGABYTE ensures our customers are able to take advantage of a whole new approach to PC architecture design," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "Combining the highest level of quality design with the most advanced set of features, GIGABYTE FM2+ motherboards offer the best user experience for these new A-Series APUs."

BIOSTAR, manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, industrial computing systems and peripherals, has officially launched their latest edition to their AMD FM2+ motherboard lineup, the A58MD. This newest micro-ATX form factor motherboard is the most cost effective solution that supports AMD Socket FM2/FM2+ APUs and offers native support for SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and dual-channel DDR3 memory.

The A58MD supports AMD Mutil Core (x4,x2) and has AMD 100W processor support. It uses the AMD A55 Chipset supporting 2 DIMM DDR3-2600(OC) / 2400(OC) / 2133/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066/ 800. The other standout feature is the support for integrated video according to the APU model used.

While tossing and turning in bed, great minds often stumble upon the same philosophical questions of life. Are you there God? What is love? And what are the definitive attributes that differentiate a gaming motherboard from regular motherboards? Now ASRock elaborates the definition of real gaming motherboards with their new Killer Series - Z87 Killer, B85 Killer, 990FX Killer and FM2A88X+ Killer!

Specifications of two of AMD's top next-generation APUs, the A10-7850K and A10-7700K, were leaked to the web, revealing an incremental or evolutionary upgrade over the 6000 "Richland" series. To begin with, the two are based on the 28 nm "Kaveri" silicon. Straightaway we find that AMD hasn't been able to catch up with Intel's 22 nm leap for close to two years. All that it manages is to bring the rated TDP of the overclockable "K" chips down to 95W, from the traditional 100W. "Kaveri" puts three of AMD's recent innovations in CPU and GPU on one chip - "Steamroller" CPU micro-architecture, "Graphics CoreNext" GPU architecture, and hUMA (heterogeneous Uniform Memory Access), a technology that allows the CPU and GPU to access the same portion of memory simultaneously.

"Steamroller" features the same component hierarchy and basic design as its predecessors "Piledriver" and "Bulldozer," in which clumps of two cores that feature dedicated and shared number-crunching resources, called modules, make up the basic units of a processor. "Kaveri" features two such modules, and hence features four CPU cores. "Kaveri" misses out on an L3 cache cushioning transfers between the modules, and other uncore components on the APU yet again, and each module features a 2-megabyte L2 cache at its last level, totaling the L2 cache amount to 4 MB on "Kaveri." The integrated memory controller features a 128-bit (dual-channel) DDR3 memory interface, with support for standards as high as DDR3-2133 MHz on some models. The PCI-Express root complex complies with the newer PCIe gen 3.0 standard, as do we imagine the A-Link (chipset bus). AMD introduced huge changes with the GPU component.

MSI is pleased to announce a full line-up of FM2+ Military Class 4 motherboards featuring the new AMD A88X/A78/A55 chipset and FM2+ socket. These motherboards not only support the current FM2 Trinity and Richland APUs but are also ready for AMD's upcoming 4th generation Kaveri APU. AMD APUs are known for their excellent gaming and multi-media experience and support a wide range of display solutions.

4K UHD Output
Thanks to the AMD Kaveri APU and the MSI FM2+ motherboard native HDMI 1.4 connector it supports 4K resolutions (3840x2160) which provide much sharper and life-like images in combination with a 4K monitor.

Highlighting 6 areas of focus for AMD based FM2+ motherboards, BIOSTAR hopes to provide a solid base for system and DIY builders of gaming, entertainment and productivity computers. These new AMD socket FM2+ motherboards will retain backwards compatibility with previous generation Socket FM2 APUs.

With BIOSTAR's enhancements users will enjoy enhancements in these areas of BIOSTAR expertise: "Audio+", "Video+", "Speed+", "Protection+", "Durability+" and "DIY+".

AMD kicked off its 2013 Developer Summit (APU13) today, announcing a new unified Software Development Kit (SDK,) an improved CodeXL tool suite with added features and support for the latest AMD hardware, and added heterogeneous acceleration in popular Open Source libraries. Together, these tools provide a substantial step forward in productivity and ease-of-use for developers wishing to harness the full power of modern heterogeneous platforms spanning form servers to PCs to handheld devices.

"Developers are essential to our mission of realizing the full potential of modern computing technologies," said Manju Hegde, corporate vice president, Heterogeneous Solutions, AMD. "Enriching the developer experience by harnessing these technologies is a critical part of AMD's mission to accelerate developer adoption."

A leaked AMD slide detailed key dates in the product launch cycle for the company's next-generation desktop APU, codenamed "Kaveri." The chip will be officially announced on December 5, 2013. This is when AMD will post press-releases about the chip, but lack of market availability will make it more of a soft-launch. The chips should begin to ship to OEM vendors by late-December, 2013. It won't be until mid-February, 2014, that you'll be able to buy one of these chips in the retail channel. Built in the new socket FM2+ package, supporting the company's new A88X chipset, "Kaveri" will feature CPU cores based on the next-generation "Steamroller" micro-architecture, which offers an incremental (conservatively, around 10 percent) performance upgrade over "Piledriver;" a new GPU based on the Graphics CoreNext micro-architecture, TrueAudio technology, support for faster DDR3 memory standards, and PCI-Express gen 3.0 bus interface.

MSI is pleased to announce the new A88X-G43 motherboard featuring the new AMD A88X chipset and FM2+ socket for all current FM2 Trinity and Richland APUs and AMD's upcoming 4th generation APUs for FM2+ codenamed Kaveri. AMD APUs are known for their excellent gaming and multi-media experience and support a wide range of display solutions. The MSI A88X-G43 has support for 3+1 screen Eyefinity and thanks to the HDMI 1.4 connector; it supports 4K resolutions (3840x2160) which provides much crisper images and life-like images on the biggest monitors currently available.

Striving to provide consumers with the highest quality and most stable products, MSI utilizes its new Military Class 4 components for the all new MSI FM2+ series. These key components have all been certified to seven MIL-STD-810G tests to ensure stable operation under the harshest conditions.