Having already planned the discontinuance of a heap of Ivy Bridge processors, Intel has this week confirmed that several supporting chipsets - the Z77, H77, Z75 and Q75, will also be 'going away' in 2015. According to Intel's product change notification the four LGA1155 desktop chipsets will be available for ordering until January 23rd, 2015 and will continue shipping until July 10th.

An identical schedule was also announced for seven Ivy Bridge-based mobile processors, the Celeron 1020M, 1005M, 1000M, 1037U, 1017U, 1007U and 1019Y.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the debut of its latest motherboards series based on the Thin Mini-ITX form factor. The new GIGABYTE H77TN and B75TN motherboards enable the creation of slim and compact All-In-One (AIO) PC designs that adhere to Intel's AIO PC specification.

Featuring a low profile design that is 43% thinner than traditional Mini-ITX motherboards, GIGABYTE Thin Mini-ITX motherboards offer a full featured PC experience with performance and specification options that you'd expect from a traditional desktop PC setup. In addition, GIGABYTE's Thin Mini-ITX motherboards also offer flexible power input and IO expansion specifications that make them suitable for a broad range of commercial and industrial PC designs that also conform to Intel's Thin Mini-ITX specification.

Fujitsu unveiled the Stylistic QH77, a 11.6-inch convertible, which works as a large-sized tablet PC, and as a notebook, when docked. Its 11.6-inch screen packs 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. Under the hood is an Intel Core i5-3427U (dual-core, 1.80 GHz) processor, 4 GB of memory, and 64 GB SSD. Windows 8 64-bit and Office Home and Business 2010 come pre-installed.

Connectivity on the Stylistic QH77 includes USB 3.0, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, HDMI, D-Sub, and multi-format card-reader. The keyboard base adds physical connectors for additional USB 2.0 ports, the RJ45 jack for Ethernet, and D-Sub. As a tablet, the QH77 packs 4.8 hours battery life. The keyboard base, with its additional battery packs give it 10.7 hours to go on. With the base attached, it measures 302 x 203 x 26.1 mm weighing 1.7 kg. Detached from its base, it measures 302 x 195 x 12.7 mm, weighing 850 g. It is slated for October 26.

Gigabyte launched its pair of mini-ITX form-factor motherboards based on Intel 7-series chipset, supporting processors in the LGA1155 package. These include the Z77-based GA-Z77N-WiFi, and H77-based GA-H77N-WiFi. The two are virtually identical, with the exception of the Z77-based model supporting CPU overclocking. This is made possible due to the fact that Z77 and H77 PCH chips are pin-compatible, and it's only a matter of pairing either of those with compatible micro-code. The GA-H77N-WiFi has been detailed length in our older article. The two are perhaps the only mini-ITX motherboards in the industry to feature three network interfaces (two gigabit Ethernet and an 802.11 b/g/n WLAN). Further, the WLAN adapter supports Intel Wireless Display Technology (WiDi), adding to three other ways to connect your display to it: HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI.

GIGABYTE is working on a new mini-ITX form-factor motherboard for HTPCs and home servers. The H77N-WiFi, built for socket LGA1155 Core Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors, and based on Intel H77 Express chipset, features three network interfaces: two gigabit Ethernet, and an 802.11 b/g/n WLAN. Revving up its HTPC credentials, the board also features two HDMI display outputs, so you can plug your TV to one, and home theater receiver to the other (for multi-channel digital audio). Further, the 8-channel HD audio CODEC gives out an optical SPDIF (TOSLINK) output for 7.1 channel audio.

The GIGABYTE H77N-WiFi draws power from 24-pin ATX and 4-pin CPU power connectors. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 4+1 phase VRM that appears to use common ferrite core chokes and LFPAK MOSFETs. The LGA1155 CPU is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 16 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory; and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16. The Intel H77 PCH gives out two SATA 6 Gb/s and two SATA 3 Gb/s ports, with support for Smart Response technology (SSD caching). Apart from dual-HDMI, the board supports DVI-I.

Team Group Inc., one of the leading memory storage manufacturers in the world, pronounces that all memory module series, including Xtreem and Elite, now provide complete supports for the latest Series 7 chipsets of Intel! Meticulous verification tests have proven that Team Group's modules are perfectly compatible with major motherboards available in the market. This is a major performance improvement, and brings out the best of the new generation Core processor.

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics cards, mainboards and mini-PCs, today debuts the ZOTAC Intel 7-series powered mainboards for the latest 3rd Generation Intel Core family processors. The new ZOTAC Z77-ITX WiFi and H77-ITX WiFi mainboards pack support for Intel LGA1155 processors into a mini-ITX form factor without sacrificing expansion capabilities.

"ZOTAC is the global innovator when it comes to mini-ITX mainboards. We continue to push the performance envelope with mini-ITX to rival much larger systems," says Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "The latest Intel Ivy Bridge processors paired with our ZOTAC Intel 7-series mini-ITX mainboards make an unbeatable performance combination without sacrificing energy-efficiency."

The new Intel 7-series Chipset family is now available and shipping in mobile and desktop OEM systems and motherboards worldwide. These new chipsets provide the companion logic to the 2nd Generation Intel Core processors today and will support the 3rd Generation Intel Core processor family (codenamed Ivy Bridge) later in Q2.

The new Intel 7-series Chipset family also integrates USB 3.0 and enables responsiveness technologies like Intel Smart Response, Intel Smart Connect, and Intel Rapid Start in desktop and mobile platforms. Intel is also introducing several desktop motherboards that feature the new Intel 7-series Express Chipset.

MSI, the manufacturer of World's fastest mainboard and graphics card is happy to announce the availability of the new MSI Intel 7 Series mainboards for the LGA1155 socket, powered by MSI's renowned Military Class III components.

The new Intel Z77, H77 and B75 chipset based mainboards support both 2nd Generation Intel Core CPUs as well as the upcoming 3rd Generation Intel Core CPUs. Built on this basis of Quality components and technology the MSI Intel 7 series mainboards have overclocking features to match with OC Genie II. Not only does OC Genie II enhance CPU, Memory and hard-drive speed but now, in combination with Lucid Virtu MVP, also Discrete DirectX 11 Graphics performance can be boosted! Well-known for its power saving hardware features such as Active Phase Switching (APS) and DrMOS II, MSI Intel 7 series mainboards can combine its performance with best-in-class power saving. MSI's Intel 7 series mainboards are truly one of the most well-rounded mainboards ever created and will surely find its way in many PC builds.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today launched their long awaited 7 series motherboards designed to deliver the ultimate performance for 3rd generation Intel Core processors. Combining the world's first Dual UEFI BIOS, a new and unique All Digital power design, and the latest GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 4 technologies, GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards offer an extremely compelling case for a system upgrade.

"The new GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards are designed to offer a seamless upgrade for enthusiast PC DIYers by providing specifications and features that will be compatible with future CPUs, VGA cards, memory, SSDs, and wireless protocols for years to come," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "It makes sense then for us to aggressively transition to GIGABYTE Z77 and H77 motherboards so that enthusiasts can purchase them in anticipation for the release of Intel's highly sought after 3rd Gen Core processors."

Intel activated product pages of nearly all its upcoming Desktop Board products based on 7-series chipsets. Last week, we were treated to detailed pictures of Intel's Z77 chipset-based Desktop Board products. Now we move on to other Desktop Board Media Series motherboards, those based on Intel's other 7-series client chipset the H77. Pin-compatible with Z77, Intel's H77 chipset provides nearly all features of its sibling, with the exception of overclocking. So motherboard designers needn't dedicate resources to implementing strong VRM designs on their H77 products, and can instead focus on other features such as connectivity and expansion.

Intel is launching motherboards in its Desktop Board brand, based on its Z77 Express chipset this Sunday (April 8), sources told DigiTimes. The product-pages of many of these are already active, on the company website. Among the products launched, will be Extreme Series DZ77GA-70K, Media Series DZ77BH-55K, and Media Series DH77KC.

April 8 will also be the day the Z77, H77, Z75 and B75 chipsets will be formally launched, and it is expected that other PC motherboard vendors will follow Intel in launching their products based on these chips. Apart from out-of-the-box compatibility with 3rd Generation Core "Ivy Bridge" processors, 7-series chipset support new CPU features, native USB 3.0, and improved display output (select models). In related news, April 29 is still the date enthusiasts have to keep marked on their calendars, for that's when new processor models such as Core i7-3770K and Core i5-3570K, will be launched.

World renowned computer manufacturer MSI announces today motherboard products based on Intel's Z77/H77/B75 series chipsets, with support for the new generation of 22 nm process CPUs featuring PCI Express Gen3 specification. The all-new Military Class III products utilizes high-specification components that meet MIL-STD-810G's seven rigorous testing standards, and have passed certification by credible third party laboratories, providing the best quality and stability.

The complete product line includes the high-end Z77 chipset: Z77A-GD80, Z77A-GD65, Z77A-GD55, Z77A-G45, Z77A-G43, the intermediate H77 chipset: ZH77-G43, H77MA-G43 and also the mainstream B75 chipset B75A-G43 and B75MA-P45. All products are equipped with MSI's exclusive one second overclocking tool, OC Genie II, and the UEFI / Windows-based dual-graphical interface ClickBIOS II, allowing enthusiasts to easily establish high performance and enjoy a hassle-free operating experience. Also found on the MSI 7-series motherboards is native USB 3.0 support, with better performance than external controllers. Additionally, the Z77A-GD80 is equipped with the all-new Thunderbolt interface from Intel, allowing multiple connections to monitors, storage devices, and even graphic cards, easily meeting the demands of various types of professional enthusiasts! The MSI 7-series motherboard's rich product line supports the newest specifications and components, making it the consumer's best choice!

Apart from other Z77 chipset-based models that have been exhaustively covered in the past, MSI is working on a media-oriented ATX LGA1155 motherboard based on the H77 chipset, the ZH77A-G43. Why MSI added a "Z" in the model name beats us. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a simple 5-phase VRM. MSI is kind enough to provide passive cooling for the entire CPU VRM area. The CPU is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, providing dual-channel DDR3 support.

Expansion slots include one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (wired to the CPU), one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4, wired to the PCH), two PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and three legacy PCI slots. PCI slots are still in good demand by media-professionals who need them for pro-grade sound production cards. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s, and four SATA 3 Gb/s. All four USB 3.0 ports on this board (two on the rear-panel, two via header) are provided by the H77 PCH. HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub form the display IO. To top it off, you get 8-channel HD audio with THX TruStudio Pro support, and gigabit Ethernet. Expect a value price-point.

Two models from Intel's Desktop Board Executive series of motherboards for office PCs got pictured and detailed by VR-Zone. These socket LGA1155 motherboards are mostly based on Intel 7-series Q77 and B75 chipsets, that provide some manageability, and data security features over the feature-set of H77. Intel has three Executive series models planned, the DQ77MK, the DQ77KB, and DB75EN. Of these, the DQ77MK and DB75EN are built in the micro-ATX form-factor, while the DQ77KB is mini-ITX.

The two micro-ATX parts use a similar PCB layout, with some features differing between the two. The DQ77MK is pictured below, it has all the features a small-business PC will ever need. Expansion slots include one each of PCI-Express x16, PCI-Express x4 (open-ended), PCI-Express x1, and legacy PCI. Storage connectivity includes six SATA (one of which is mSATA, for SSD caching). The PCH gives out four USB 3.0 ports, which are wired two each on the rear-panel and via a header to the front-panel. It uses a simple 5-phase VRM that should be enough to run LGA1155 processors. The socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel memory. It has a variety of external connectivity.

ZOTAC showed off a pair of socket LGA1155 motherboards based on Intel's upcoming H77 "Panther Point" chipset, geared for compact desktops and HTPCs. These boards have not yet been named. The first one (pictured below), appears to be the more affordable of the two. It uses a simple 4-phase VRM to power the LGA1155 CPU, which is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory. Its lone expansion slot is a PCI-Express 3.0 x16. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s, two SATA 3 Gb/s, and an mSATA (probably 3 Gb/s). Its VRM uses cost-effective chokes, and LFPAK MOSFETs.

The more expensive-looking board of the two provides all the features of the other, while making room for an extra SATA 3 Gb/s port, higher-quality VRM that makes use of durable coils, and DriverMOSFETs (DrMOS), and DisplayPort connectivity. Other than the DisplayPort difference, both boards feature 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, wireless b/g/n (N 300) connection, USB 3.0, and display connectivity that includes DVI and HDMI.

Apart from the Z77H2-AX, ECS showed off a mainstream socket LGA1155 motherboard based on the H77 "Panther Point" chipset, in the micro-ATX form-factor. The H77 chipset has the same feature-set as the Z77, except it lacks Rapid Storage Technology, and overclocking features. Out of the box, this board supports next-generation "Ivy Bridge" Core processors.

The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 6-phase VRM. It is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel DDR3 memory; and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. Other slots include a PCIe 2.0 x1, and two legacy PCI slots driven by an ITE-made bridge chip. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s, and four SATA 3 Gb/s, all wired to the PCH. Display connectivity includes DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Other connectivity includes 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, and four USB 3.0 ports (all driven by the PCH). The board uses cost-effective electrolytic capacitors on all circuits that don't deal with large currents, only the power conditioning circuits have solid-state capacitors.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced its participation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas where it is debuting a number of new and exciting motherboard technologies that will be central to it's motherboard design in 2012 and beyond. International media and customers will get a sneak peak of GIGABYTE's new technologies at their suite in The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, from January 10-13.

GIGABYTE is showing forthcoming 7 series motherboards featuring the very latest in CPU power delivery with GIGABYTE's unique Digital Power Engine called 3D Power. Offering digital control over all the main onboard power zones, this new digital PWM design allows users to manipulate and monitor the power provided to 2nd Gen Intel Core and Next Gen processors for the LGA 1155 socket.

Here are some of the first motherboards by Intel's Desktop Board brand of consumer motherboards. Towards the end of 2011, Intel will release its Sandy Bridge-E high-end desktop platform. Like with the launch of any new chipset or desktop platform, Intel will have its Desktop Board products in place, that follow the chipset and branding specifications to the letter. With Sandy Bridge-E, Intel will launch two Extreme Series motherboards, the DX79SI and the DX79TO. In the second half of 2011, Intel will also launch a variety of Intel Atom boards, including one codenamed "Marshaltown".

Then in the first half of 2012, Intel will launch its next-generation 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" desktop processors in the LGA1155 package (compatible with Sandy Bridge). To back its launch, Intel will release a new chipset called Z77 Express. There will be no discrete graphics chipsets. H77 is the client desktop chipset that lacks overclocking features. Z77 has them, and support for Smart Response technology. Q77 adds a few enterprise management features. Intel's Z77 based motherboards include two Extreme series models, and two top-end Media Series models.