On its 30th anniversary as a motherboard maker, MSI unveiled a new premium socket LGA1151 board, the Z170A Krait Gaming 3X. This board features the white and black color-scheme distinctive of the Krait family of motherboards by the company, with bright white on the heatsinks and ports, contrasting the black PCB, and hints of red, reminding you of the "Gaming" family origins. Those aside, the Z170A Krait Gaming 3X is a performance-segment offering, built in the ATX form-factor. The board draws power from 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, and uses a 7-phase VRM to condition it for the CPU. It uses high-capacity "Titanium" chokes.

The LGA1151 socket is wired to four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting dual-channel DDR4-3600 memory, and two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots. Other expansion slots include a third PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (electrical gen 3.0 x4), wired to the Z170 PCH, besides four other PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage connectivity includes a 32 Gb/s M.2 slot, a 16 Gb/s SATA-Express port, and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. The onboard AudioBoost 3 solution features dual headphones amplifiers, audio-grade capacitors, ground-layer isolation, Nahmic Audio Enhancer, and a 115 dBA SNR CODEC. Networking is care of an Intel I219-V GbE controller. Modern connectivity includes two USB 3.1 ports (one each of type-A and type-C on the rear panel), and six USB 3.0 ports. MSI didn't reveal pricing.

MSI, world leading in gaming hardware design, is heartened to announce a new M-ATX GAMING motherboard, the B150M GAMING PRO. This new Micro-ATX motherboard is based on the Intel B150 chipset supporting 6th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA1151, and is designed for gamers looking for a small gaming PC while getting the best gaming features & performance. DDR4 Boost technology is available, providing maximum performance and stability while also offering improved memory compatibility. Audio Boost and GAMING LAN ensure you have upper hand on your enemies on the battlefield, ready to finish on top. But there's more... For a limited time, with the new B150M GAMING PRO you get the great and nimble MSI DS B1 GAMING mouse for free.

By fully isolating the memory circuitry from other components, DDR4 Boost ensures the purest possible memory signal for maximum performance and stability. Get ready to crush your enemies on the battlefield with MSI GAMING LAN, featuring carefully selected components to ensure the best online gaming experience without lag. With optimized traffic prioritization and low latency, MSI GAMING LAN Manager automatically classifies and prioritizes the latency-sensitive applications for online games. The LED illuminated LAN connector features 15KV anti-surge protection for safety.

Arctic unveiled a new fan-less CPU cooler for Intel LGA115x sockets, the Alpine M1 Passive. With a rated cooling capacity of 48W (TDP), the cooler is only recommended for dual-core LGA1150 and LGA1151 Core i3, Pentium, Celeron, or energy-efficient Core i5 processors. Its design couldn't get any simpler - a big chunk of aluminium that's ridged to make up fins of the heatsink, with a bulge near the CPU area, with pre-applied thermal paste. Measuring 95 mm x 95 mm x 69 mm (LxDxH), it weighs in at 508 g. Available now, it's priced at 13€. It could prove to be an interesting option for low-power builds that never game.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, is proud to launch exciting new high-end desktop motherboards and a new lineup of the award-winning GIGABYTE BRIX powered by the 6th Gen. Intel Core processors.

At CES 2016, GIGABYTE will be showing off these groundbreaking products, along with our latest developments in IPC and IoT solutions in the Pacific Ballroom of the Bally's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. There will be product demonstrations designed by case modders such as Richard Surroz, Marc Molella, and Bob Stewart of BS Mods. Aside from all the product demonstrations there will also be live overclocking on site from GIGABYTE's world renowned overclocker, HiCookie, and demo systems from multiple system integrators such as; Cybertron PC, NCIX, ABS, CyberPowerPC, Network Allies and Digital Storm.

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.

MSI, world leading in motherboard technology, announces its 2nd generation of ECO motherboards, based on Intel's 100-series 'Skylake' chipset. Introducing 3 new models, the MSI H170M ECO, B150M ECO, and H110M ECO motherboards offer industry leading power efficiency while retaining optimal performance. This is made possible through the new MSI ECO Series motherboards optimized PCB and circuitry design. This allows for saving more energy without sacrificing performance, compatibility or functionality. ECO Genie and ECO Center Pro allows the user to completely control the system's power consumption and feature set through an easy to use interface.

The 2nd generation MSI ECO Series motherboards offer more features than ever, without impacting it's power efficiency or performance. Reliable and efficient Intel Gigabit LAN with 15kv anti-surge LAN Protect offers a stable and secure networking solution. Through carefully selected and thoroughly tested components and materials, Guard-Pro and Military Class 4 provide industry leading stability. Even Audio Boost can now be found on MSI ECO Series motherboards as a testament to technical ingenuity.

Intel's tick-tock product development cycle is disturbed. The cadence of launching a new CPU microarchitecture on a given silicon fab process, miniaturizing it to a smaller fab process, and then launching an even newer micro-architecture on that process; is about to change with the company's 7th generation Core "Kaby Lake" processor. When launched, it would be the third microarchitecture built on the company's 14 nm process, besides "Skylake" (current new architecture) and "Broadwell" (miniaturization of "Haswell" to 14 nm.) Some of the very first documents related to Kaby Lake began to move about, making news along the way. The architecture is scheduled to launch along with its companion 200-series chipset some time in 2016.

To begin with, Core "Kaby Lake" will continue to be built on the LGA1151 package, and will likely be backwards compatible with existing 100-series chipset motherboards with a firmware update. From what we get to understand from leaked material, it will not be a vastly newer architecture than Skylake, at least not of the kind Skylake was to Broadwell. There are still CPU performance enhancements on offer, an "enhanced full-range BClk overclocking," which could mean improved overclocking on chips with upwards-locked multipliers (although we won't get our hopes too high and call it a return of the BClk overclocking era). A bulk of the R&D will fall into improving the integrated graphics, to support multiple 5K displays, 10-bit HVEC and VP9 hardware-acceleration; platform-integrated Thunderbolt 3, and platform interface support for Intel Optane (3D XPoint memory).

GIGABYTE refreshed its premium socket LGA1151 motherboard lineup with the new Z170X-Gaming 6. Pitted in the company's coveted G1.Gaming series, this board is targeted at premium gaming PC builds with fairly high CPU and memory overclocks. Built in the ATX form-factor, the board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors; and conditions it for the CPU with a 11-phase CPU VRM. Large heatsinks deck the VRM area, which extend into an I/O area cover. Expansion slots include three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, of which two are wired to the CPU (x16/NC or x8/x8), with the third slot being electrical gen 3.0 x4 and wired to the PCH. Four PCIe gen 3.0 x1 slots make for the rest of the expansion area.

Storage connectivity includes a pair of 32 Gb/s M.2 slots, three 16 Gb/s SATA-Express, which are made up of six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. USB connectivity includes two USB 3.1 ports (one each of type-C and type-A), eight USB 3.0 ports, and a number of USB 2.0/1.1 ports. Networking is care of two gigabit Ethernet connections, of which is driven by an Intel controller, and the other Killer E2201. The 8-channel AMP-UP onboard audio solution features a 115 dBA CODEC, user-replaceable OPAMP, electrolytic capacitors, ground-layer isolation, and gold-plated analog jacks. Display outputs include HDMI and DisplayPort. GIGABYTE didn't unveil pricing.

As with two previous product launches from Shuttle, the new DH170 becomes a member of the product family of Skylake-compatible Mini-PCs. This means there are three models in different case designs available now for the new generation of Intel Core processors - one model in classic cube format, one versatile 3-litre machine and today the DH170 debuts with a particularly compact case volume of 1.3-litre.

"This type of case is also suitable for locations where conditions are tough, but high computing performance is still required," says Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "The 43 mm flat steel case offers maximum protection from mechanical stresses and can also cope with ambient temperatures of up to 50 °C."

Here are some of the first pictures of GIGABYTE's upcoming B150N Phoenix mini-ITX motherboard for socket LGA1151 processors. Positioned between its mainline 100-series N products, such as the H170N-WiFi and its more premium Z170-based ones; this distinctively branded board features an orange+black color scheme (probably signifying the legend of the Phoenix?). Its PCB is a slight variation on that of the H170N-WiFi, although the two aren't identical.

The B150N Phoenix takes input from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, with a simple 5-phase VRM conditioning it for the CPU. The CPU socket is wired to two DDR4 DIMM slots, and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. An mPCIe 3.0 x1 slot wired to the PCH, drives the board's included WLAN+Bluetooth card. Modern connectivity includes USB 3.1 (one each of type-A and type-C ports), six other USB 3.0 ports (four on the rear panel, two by header), gigabit Ethernet, and 8-channel HD audio. Display outputs include HDMI and DVI. Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports and a 32 Gb/s M.2 slot (reverse side of the PCB) make up for the storage connectivity. The company didn't disclose pricing.

The sixth generation of Intel Core processors is now supported by a compact 3-litre Mini-PC. The new barebone model goes by the name of XPC slim XH170V and is based on Intel's H170 chipset. "3-litre PCs have for a long time represented a really serious alternative to conventional PCs," says Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "Increasingly, they are matching larger PCs in terms of processor, memory and drive support, and in many scenarios the improved integrated graphics function makes dedicated graphics cards obsolete."

With a height of just 72 mm, the XH170V can be operated in various positions, either lying flat, installed upright with a stand, or fitted behind monitors and to any suitable surface with a VESA-compatible mount. Its black steel chassis can accommodate two 2.5" drives plus one slimline drive, or alternatively three 2.5" drives. All connectors and the bay for the optical drive on the front of the machine are elegantly concealed behind high-gloss drive doors.

Introducing the B150M Night Elf and Z170I Gaming Pro AC. A great gaming rig doesn't have to be large anymore. The Z170I GAMING PRO AC is the next-generation ITX GAMING model featuring Wi-Fi AC while the B150M NIGHT ELF motherboard is the unique mATX GAMING choice featuring an imprinted NO.1 IN GAMING RED LED highlight to add style to gaming. The new B150M NIGHT ELF and Z170I GAMING PRO AC motherboards are the perfect foundation for a portable yet powerful system. MSI managed to pack the most advanced gaming features into these small sized powerhouses, ideal for gamers on the go.

The B150M NIGHT ELF has gaming in its looks but also in its DNA. This Micro-ATX motherboard is based on the Intel B150 chipset supporting 6th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA1151, combined with four DDR4 memory slots. DDR4 Boost technology provides maximum stability and compatibility while also improving memory performance. No more broken PCI-Express slots because of heavy high-end graphics cards, the Steel Armor reinforced slot can handle even the most extreme models. MSI Gaming LAN ensures lagfree gaming by automatically prioritizing games above other applications. The motherboard is also equipped with Audio Boost 3 technology for studio grade sound quality using an EMI-shielded HD audio processor and an isolated PCB for crystal clear audio. The red LED illumination makes the Night Elf a real eye-catcher in any gaming system.

If you've got a "green-thumb" with PC building, GIGABYTE has you covered, with its latest green+black motherboard, the G1.Sniper-B7. This socket LGA1151 motherboard, designed for 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors, is based on Intel B150 Express chipset, and should target a mid-range price around the $100-120 mark. The board is fit for single graphics card builds. It draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, and offers a 7-phase CPU VRM. The CPU is wired to four DDR4 DIMM slots, and one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. The second x16 slot is electrical gen 3.0 x4, and wired to the B150 PCH. Two each of PCIe 3.0 x1 and legacy PCI, and an mPCIe 3.0 x1, with preparation for WLAN antennae on the rear panel, make for the rest of the expansion area.

Storage connectivity includes one each of M.2 32 Gb/s and SATA-Express 16 Gb/s; and eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Networking is care of an Intel i219V gigabit Ethernet controller. The AMP-Up onboard audio solution combines a 115 dBA SNR CODEC with ground-layer isolation, audio-grade electrolytic caps, and a user-replaceable OPAMP. The board offers three USB 2.0 DAC-UP ports, that are modified for USB headsets, to offer stable current with no E/M noise. Four USB 3.0 ports are on offer, two on the rear panel, two by header. Among its other cool features are a green LED strip that runs through its length near the front, and dual-UEFI BIOS.

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.

PC thermal solution innovation brand CRYORIG is releasing a new addition to it's C Series line up and also it's smallest cooler to date, the C7 compact cooler. First revealed in Computex 2015 the C7 is a low profile cooler with a max height of 47mm. The C7's 47mm height also makes it only 2mm taller than the Intel Stock Heatsink, meaning it will fit in almost all case designs.

Despite it's size the C7 also packs a heavy dose of cooling with a total of 4 high performance heatpipes, phenomenal for it's size. Fitted with a dedicated 92mm 2500rpm PWM fan with CRYORIG's proprietary Quad Air Inlet System for maximum airflow. The C7 effectively provides 25% more cooling capacity than stock heatsinks from Intel/AMD, while being up to 20% lower in noise. It's (W)97x(L)97x(H)47mm dimensions also makes it compatible with the latest 1151/115x Intel boards and AMD offerings, with no interference with PCI-E GPU cards or RAM slots.

GIGABYTE introduced the H170-Gaming 3 D3 motherboard to help you better spread your upgrade budget. Say you just bought a fast 16 GB dual-channel memory kit recently, to use on your older machine, and want to upgrade to Core "Skylake," choosing a DDR3-based socket LGA1151 motherboard will let you spend the money saved on buying a DDR4 memory kit on a better processor. The H170-Gaming 3 D3 is built in the ATX form-factor, taking in power from 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors. It uses a 7-phase VRM to condition power to the CPU. The CPU is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, and one PCI-Express 3.0 x16.

Other expansion slots include a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (electrical gen 3.0 x4, wired to the PCH), and two each of PCIe 3.0 x1 and legacy PCI. Storage connectivity includes two M.2 32 Gb/s slots, two SATA-Express 16 Gb/s, and six SATA 6 Gb/s. USB connectivity includes eight USB 3.0 ports (four on the rear panel, four by headers). Display outputs include one each of HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub. The AMP-UP onboard audio solution combines a 115 dBA SNR 8-channel CODEC with ground layer isolation, audio-grade capacitors, and a user-replaceable OPAMP chip. Networking is care of Killer E2200 NIC. UEFI dual-BIOS makes for the rest of it. Expect this board to be priced around $100-$120.

Intel expanded its 6th generation Core "Skylake" processor lineup for the desktop, with seven new models. Built in the LGA1151 package, these chips work on motherboards running the company's 100-series chipset. Besides the overclocker-friendly Core i7-6700K and the i5-6600K already launched, the lineup now includes the i7-6700, i5-6600, i5-6500, i5-6400, i3-6320, i3-6300, and the i3-6100. Of these, the Core i7 and Core i5 models are quad-core, while the Core i3 ones are dual-core.

The Core i7-6700 and i5-6600 are not just different from the i7-6700K and i5-6600K in that they lack unlocked BClk multipliers, they also come with lower clock speeds out of the box. The i7-6700 is clocked at 3.40 GHz with 4.00 GHz max Turbo Boost (i7-6700K offers 4.00 GHz with 4.20 GHz Turbo), while the i5-6600 is clocked at 3.30 GHz, with 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost (i5-6600K offers 3.50 GHz with 3.90 GHz Turbo). The i7-6700 is priced at US $312, while the i5-6600 goes for $213 (single-unit box price).

GIGABYTE rolled out its premium SFF gaming PC motherboard that supports 6th generation Core processors, the Z170N-Gaming 5. Bearing the company's coveted G1.Gaming branding, this mini-ITX motherboard supports socket LGA1151 processors, with dual-channel DDR4 memory. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, and conditions it for the CPU using a 5-phase VRM. The CPU is wired to two full-size DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel memory; and the board's lone expansion slot, a PCI-Express 3.0 x16, with a reinforcing brace.

Storage connectivity on the Z170N-Gaming 5 includes an M.2 slot with 32 Gb/s bandwidth (reverse side of the board), two SATA-Express 16 Gb/s ports, and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Display outputs include dual-link DVI and HDMI. USB connectivity includes two USB 3.1 ports (one type-C, one type-A), five USB 3.0 ports (three on the rear panel, two by header), and four USB 2.0/1.1 ports by headers. Network connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet (Killer E2200 controller), 802.11 ac WLAN (up to 867 Mbps), and Bluetooth 4.2. The onboard 8-channel audio solution combines a 115 dBA SNR CODEC with audio-grade electrolytic capacitors, and a headphones amp. Dual-UEFI BIOS makes for the rest of it. Expect premium pricing that's just north of $150.

ASUS today announced TUF Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1, an enduringly-tough new ATX motherboard with many exclusive TUF features, including trailblazing TUF Thermal Armor and TUF Fortifier technologies, TUF ICe, TUF Thermal Radar 2 and TUF Detective 2 for ultimate cooling, strength and easy monitoring and control.

The new Intel Z170 Express-based motherboard for 6th-generation Intel Core processors also boasts bang-up-to-date connectivity with both USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and reversible Type-C on board, and delivers 24/7 durability with military-grade TUF Components, upgraded TUF ESD Guards 2 to fend off electrostatic discharge and a five-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

MSI launched its premium socket LGA1151 motherboard for the mini-ITX form-factor, the Z170I Gaming Pro AC. The board offers a premium feature-set, including support for dual-channel DDR4 memory, with MSI's DDR4 Boost technology. It draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, and conditions it using a 5-phase VRM. Expansion slots include a PCI-Express 3.0 x16, an mPCIe (for the WLAN card), and an M.2 (reverse side of the board), with PCI-Express 3.0 x4 wiring.

Storage connectivity includes an M.2 slot (reverse side of the PCB), with 32 Gb/s PCIe bandwidth, and four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, two of which convert to a SATA-Express 16 Gb/s connector. Display outputs include one each of DisplayPort and HDMI. Networking features include a gigabit Ethernet interface (Intel controller), 802.11 ac, and Bluetooth 4.0. The onboard audio solution packs an 8-channel 115 dBA SNR CODEC. There's also a USB 2.0 port specialized for USB headsets. Six USB 3.0 ports make for the rest of it.

Retail availability of the two Core "Skylake" SKUs Intel debuted, the Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K, begins today. This is when you will be able to pick up a boxed chip off the shelf, or order one online. To help ease the socket confusion, online retailers are selling bundles of these chips with compatible socket LGA1151 motherboards at a nominal discount, some of which include DDR4 memory, depending on the motherboard bundled. On its own, the Core i7-6700K is priced at US $343, while the Core i5-6600K is priced at $250.

The i7-6700K offers clock speeds of 4.00 GHz out of the box, with Turbo Boost frequency of 4.20 GHz. It also offers 8 MB of L3 cache, and HyperThreading, which enables 8 logical CPUs for the OS to address. The Core i5-6600K, on the other hand, offers 3.50 GHz clocks with 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost. It offers 6 MB of L3 cache, and lacks HyperThreading. Both are quad-core chips, with unlocked base-clock multipliers, for overclocking. The retail packages of both chips lack stock cooling solutions, so you need to have an LGA115x-compatible cooler ready. The TDP of both chips is rated at 91W. Intel will put out some of the finer micro-architecture details on the 16th of August, 2015. More Core i5 quad-core SKUs in the series will be released on the 29th of August, 2015. Dual-core Core i3 SKUs will be launched towards the end of September, 2015.

MSI, which debuted its socket LGA1151 motherboard lineup with its Gaming series, launched its first mainline LGA1151 board, the Z170A PC Mate. A departure from the MS-7850 common-PCB, which the company used on various Intel 8-series and 9-series chipsets, the Z170A PC Mate features a boarder form, and covers all the platform basics. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, and features a 6-phase CPU VRM. The CPU is wired to four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory, and one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot.

Other expansion slots on the Z170A PC Mate include a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (electrical gen 3.0 x4), wired to the Z170 PCH, three PCI-Express 3.0 x1, and two legacy PCI slots. Storage connectivity includes an M.2 32 Gb/s slot, a SATA-Express 16 Gb/s connector, and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Display outputs include one each of DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI 2.0 connectors. USB connectivity includes two USB 3.1 ports (both type-A and on the rear panel), and six USB 3.0 (four on the rear panel, two by header), and four USB 2.0/1.1 ports by header. 6-channel HD audio with ground-layer isolation, and Realtek gigabit Ethernet make for the rest of it. The MSI Z170A PC Mate is priced at US $120.

Intel announced its first 6th generation Core processors, codenamed "Skylake." Built on Intel's swanky new 14 nanometer silicon fab process, and in the new LGA1151 package, these processors bring DDR4 memory to the mainstream, and offer IPC improvements over the previous-generation Core "Haswell" and "Broadwell" processors. Making its debut at Gamescom, Intel is starting its lineup off with two chips that are predominantly targeted at the DIY gaming PC crowd, the Core i7-6700K and the Core i5-6600K quad-core processors. More models in the series will be launched towards the end of this month. The company also announced the Z170 Express chipset.

The Core i7-6700K features a nominal clock speed of 4.00 GHz, with a Turbo Boost frequency of 4.20 GHz. It features 8 MB of L3 cache, and HyperThreading. Its integrated Intel HD 530 graphics ticks at 350 MHz, with 1200 MHz Boost. The Core i5-6600K, on the other hand, features clock speeds of 3.50 GHz, with 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost. It features 6 MB of L3 cache, and lacks HyperThreading. It features the same integrated graphics solution as its bigger sibling. The TDP of both chips are rated at 91W. Both chips feature integrated memory controllers with support for DDR3L-1600 and DDR4-2133. The Core i7-6700K is priced around $350, and the i5-6600K around $243, in 1000-unit tray quantities. The retail packages of both chips will lack a stock cooling solution. The LGA1151 cooler mount will be identical to that of the outgoing LGA1150, so you shouldn't have any problems using your older cooler.

ASRock unveiled its smallest socket LGA1151 motherboard, the Z170 Gaming-ITX/ac. Built in the mini-ITX form-factor, the board is based on Intel's new Z170 Express chipset, and supports 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors, with DDR4 memory support. The board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors, and conditions it for the CPU using an 8-phase VRM. The CPU is wired to two standard-size DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory; and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. Connectivity on the Z170 Gaming-ITX/ac appears to include six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, one SATA Express 16 Gb/s, roundup up the storage; two HDMI and one DisplayPort making up the display connectivity; Intel-made gigabit Ethernet and 802.11 ac with Bluetooth 4.0 making up the networking; and 6-channel HD audio.

Noctua today announced that it will continue its tradition of supplying customers with its premium-class SecuFirm2 mounting kits for novel platforms free of charge. While most Noctua heatsinks support Skylake's LGA1151 socket out of the box, older models can be upgraded with the NM-i115x kit at no additional cost.

"We're determined to provide the best possible support to our customers and over the years, we've sent many thousands of mounting kits free of charge to users who wanted to upgrade to new platforms", says Mag. Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "With Skylake just around the corner, we're pleased to announce that we'll extend this offer for LGA1151. Owners of older Noctua retail heatsinks that don't support LGA1151 out of the box will be able to upgrade to the new socket free of charge!"

Due to the spacing of the mounting holes being identical on LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156, Noctua's previous SecuFirm2 mounting systems for LGA115x also support Intel's upcoming 'Skylake' platform. All current Noctua coolers already include SecuFirm2 mounting systems for LGA115x and can thus be used on LGA1150 mainboards without any upgrades or modifications.