The world's well-known graphics card and mainboard manufacturer, MSI, today officially announced new product of top-of-the-range Lightning series graphics card, N275GTX Lightning. The MSI N260GTX Lightning that is released in April has broken the world record by reaching incredible 1.1GHz GPU clock that no other GTX 260 cards can exceed. After N260GTX Lightning, MSI introduced the new N275GTX Lightning with Military Class components, 10 phase PWM, 1792MB GDDR3 memory, Twin Frozr II thermal design with SuperPipe technology, and several overclocking functions. The performance of MSI N275GTX Lightning is even faster than reference GeForce GTX 285 graphics cards, which prove its perfect design and best quality.

MSI announced two more socket AM2+ motherboards based on the AMD 740G chipset. This low powered chipset suits businesses and productivity applications. Paired with the SB710 southbridge, it's featured on the 740GTM-P21 and 740GTM-P25, both nearly identical, but for a minor difference. The latter features 8-channel audio instead of 6-channel on the former. Both in turn, look similar in terms of PCB layout, to the recently announced 785GT-E63.

The AM2+ socket (compatible with most AM3 processors) is powered by a 3+1 phase circuit. It connects to two DDR2 DIMM slots, with support for DDR2-1066 memory. The 740G chipset embeds a Radeon HD 3100 class IGP, which provides output through a single D-Sub connector, instead of the DVI+D-Sub cluster on the 785GT-E63. The lone connector makes room for a DE-9 serial port, with a header for a DB-25 parallel port (perhaps a bracket is provided for the same).

Expansion slots include one each of PCI-Express 2.0 x16, x1, and two PCI slots. Connectivity is care of a gigabit Ethernet controller. While the 740GTM-P21 packs a 6-channel HD audio codec, the 740GTM-P25 gets generous with an 8-channel one. Expect the two to be priced deep inside the sub-$100 segment.

MSI already has its task cut out when Intel's first socket LGA-1156 processors hit stores. With entry-level P55-CD53, mid-range P55-GD65, enthusiast-range P55-GD80, and a micro-ATX P55M-GD45 motherboard offering in place, the lineup seems just about complete, except for two mysterious motherboards that aren't part of the list. First being the G9P55-DC that packs an NVIDIA BR-03 bridge chip that enables 3-way SLI with better interface bandwidth to the three graphics cards, and second is under the looking-glass today. Codenamed "Big Bang", this prototype motherboard by MSI packs a LucidLogix Hydra technology, which clearly on paper, is the next big thing as far as multi-GPU systems go.

MSI P55 "Big Bang" looks similar to the P55-GD80, except for that under the top chipset heatsink (which, by the way, is purely cosmetic on the GD80), is a Lucid Hydra chip. The chip connects to all three (or four) PCI-Express x16 slots (lane configuration not known), and allows Lucid's multi-GPU technology that lets you make practically any combination of graphics cards, for performance scaling. The member cards needn't have parity on their performance, as the Hydra chip does all the load-balancing by itself. Products based on Hydra are slowly, but surely showing up in small numbers for now, including enterprise-grade rack-mount graphics rendering boxes like this one, conceived a long time ago. A lot of details are yet to emerge, especially around if there are more motherboard manufacturers eying Hydra, about when a Hydra-based product actually makes it to shelves, and more importantly, when does MSI plan to sell this and G9P55-DC.

MSI is ready with yet another motherboard for the AMD platform. This time, the company used NVIDIA's creme de la creme nForce 980a SLI chipset in its first socket AM3 implementation. The MSI NF980-G65 brings 3-way SLI to the socket AM3 crowd. The release trails ASUS by months, which introduced a AM2+ (DDR2) motherboard based on the chipset. While the actual picture is too small and blurry, the layout drawing is legible.

The NF980-G65 supports the entire range of socket AM3 processors, including future chips with 140W TDP. DDR3-2133 MHz memory is supported by overclocking. The layout uses 7 expansion slots, including three PCI-E 2.0 x16 slots (that arrange as x16, x16, NC, or x16, x8, x8) depending on the population of PCI-E x16 graphics cards. Between these are two PCI-E x1, and two PCI slots. nForce 980a SLI packs a GeForce 8300 class IGP, which supports GeForce Boost with supported low-end discrete graphics cards. Its display output is handled by DVI-D, D-Sub, and HDMI connectors on board. All the chipset's six SATA II ports are provided internally. Audio is care of a high-grade Realtek ALC889 CODEC, gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire make for the rest of the connectivity. Pricing and availability are not known at this point, though we expect this one to sell for under US $200.

MSI expanded its portfolio of motherboards based on AMD's new 785G chipset by adding two socket AM2+ models that support DDR2 memory standard. The company had recently announced three socket AM3 motherboards based on the chipset to launch the lineup. Among the two new products are the 785GT-E63 ATX and 785GTM-E45 micro-ATX. Both motherboards support the complete range of AM2, AM2+ and AM3 socket processors, with DDR2 memory running at up to 1066 MHz speeds depending on the processor.

The 785GT-E63 powers its processor with a 4+1 phase VRM. Four DDR2 DIMM slots are provided. Out of the five expansion slots available on this ATX motherboard, there's one each of PCI-Express 2.0 x16, PCI-Express x1, and three PCI slots. The 785G northbridge packs an ATI Radeon HD 4200 class IGP. In both motherboards, SidePort memory is absent. The IGP connects to its displays using DVI-D, D-Sub, and HDMI. The 8-channel audio CODEC also provides optical SPDIF output. One of the six SATA II ports the southbridge provides is assigned as eSATA. The 785GTM-E45 has a skimpier layout, with just two DDR2 DIMM slots to go with it. No eSATA here, with all ports internal. The 785GTM-E45 is priced at 69 Euro, with the 785GTM-E45 at a mere 6 Euro less, at 63 Euro.

MSI, in a slide circulated to distributors detailed its first wave of motherboards based on the Intel P55 chipset, supporting socket LGA-1156 Intel processors. Like ASRock and Gigabyte which recently circulated their presentations, the slide from MSI lists out the features and specifications of four models, one of which is micro-ATX. The lineup starts with the all-exclusive P55-GD80 that supports as many as three graphics cards in multi-GPU configurations. This is probably the first motherboard to sport an all-DrMOS (driver MOSFET) design. DrMOS chips have been usually confined to the CPU VRM areas on some MSI motherboards. Next up, is the P55-GD65, that offers nearly the same feature-set, except that it only support 2-way multi-GPU graphics. Below it is the P55-CD53, which supports only one PCI-E x16 graphics card, and forms the entry-level ATX P55 motherboard from MSI. Finally, there's the micro-ATX P55M-GD45, that crams every feature it can in 245x235 mm, including support for 2-way multi-GPU.

What MSI chose to leave in the dark are whether any of these motherboards support NVIDIA SLI, and about where is the coveted G9P55-DC, which packs an NVIDIA nForce 200 bridge chip for high-bandwidth 3-way SLI. Perhaps the board makes it much later. Also sourced are their tentative pricing. The P55-GD80 could be priced at 190 Euro, with P55-GD65 at 140 Euro, and the P55-CD53 at 106 Euro. There's no word on that of the P55M-GD45. Much more on the slide.

Global prestigious motherboard and graphic card manufacturer MSI, launched a high C/P ratio AMD 785G mainboard series. Additional support for gaming and video by Direct X 10.1 and UVD 2.0 enhance the performance of audio display and high definition. With multiple I/O port, exclusive user-friendly design, and powerful AMD platform, a new generation entertainment platform on the stage is to be expected.

MSI 785G Series mainboards, aiming at fitting consumers' demand for environmental protection and energy saving, introduced APS(Active Phase Switching).Auto power supply switch depending on system loading leads to more efficient power-using. MSI saves the earth and saves your money.

MSI is ready with perhaps the industry's first SLI-supportive socket AM3 motherboard, certainly its first. The MSI NF750-G55 is based on NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI chipset, and has its AM3 socket powered by a 4+1 phase circuit, that supports Active Phase Switching that powers down redundant power phases when the load is low. The socket is wired to four DDR3 memory slots supporting up to DDR3-1800 by overclocking.

The nForce chipset connects to two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots that arrange as electrical dual x8 when both are populated for 2-way SLI. Apart from this, the chipset also embeds a GeForce 8300 class IGP as a fallback, or for GeForce Boost features. The IGP connects using D-Sub, HDMI, and DVI-D. Other expansion slots include two PCI-E x1, and one PCI. The chipset provides six SATA II ports in all, one of which is designated as eSATA on the rear-panel, next to one gigabit Ethernet, a number of USB 2.0 and FireWire ports, and 8-channel audio. The NF750-G50 has started selling in Europe for under 100 Euros.

When it first surfaced that some triple-core and dual-core AMD Phenom series processors could make their disabled cores available under special circumstances thanks to shoddy BIOS-coding associated with the Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC), the anomaly quickly transformed into a potential selling-point for AMD processors, that with the right motherboard, a cheaper AMD processor could be unlocked into a significantly powerful processor for the price. Although AMD made noise calling motherboard vendors to quickly isolate and fix the issue, months on, it hasn't been fixed even with AMD's newest desktop platform based on the AMD 785G+SB710 chipset. An almost deliberate precedent, one we can't have problem with.

Chinese website Coolaler.com has learned that MSI's newest AMD 785G motherboard, the 785GM-E65, can not only unlock the two disabled cores on the Phenom II X2 550, but also provide reasonable overclocking stability for the processor. Coolaler used a retail Phenom II X2 550 on the new motherboard, and simply set the ACC feature in the BIOS setup to "auto" (which enables it from the BIOS end). The system booted with all physical cores on the processor enabled, and allowed overclocking it to 3.609 GHz (18 x 200 MHz, 1.344 V). The chip was subjected to full-load using two instances of Orthos to test its stability, to which it emerged fairly stable.

MSI received lots of attention after the release of its N250GTS graphics cards for the series' extraordinary price-performance ratio. Today MSI unveils two new cards - N250GTS Twin Frozr 1G and N250GTS Twin Frozr - which utilize the radical Twin Frozr thermal design coupled with dual PWM fans and 3 high-efficiency heatpipes to cool down the temperature and improve the cards' stability. Additionally, MSI's N250GTS Twin Frozr series features 128 stream processors, 256-bit GDDR3 high-speed memory, and Military Class components for the best lifespan and stability. With so many features on the powerful N250 Twin Frozr series, these cards are sure to provide smooth DirectX 10 game play for fantastic enjoyment.

The all new N250GTS Twin Frozr uses the Twin Frozr thermal design featuring intelligent dual PWM fans, which adjust their speed based on the GPU's loading and temperature. This design helps the card to run quietly for normal applications; while maintaining cool, low-noise operation when running 3D programs and games. The dual-fan design also helps to ensure stable operation, if one fan fails, another would be still able to keep running to dissipate heat.

MSI announces the release of the 17" C series CX700 & CR700 notebook computers. Featuring MSI's unique wedge-shaped design with streamlined 45 degree angled edges. With powerful multimedia capabilities, these notebooks offer unlimited mobility & classic design with audio and video features that will make the ground feel like its shaking beneath your feet.

MSI new Classic C series CX700 & CR700 feature the latest generation Color Film Print Technology, which protects the external shell while creating vivid crystal patterns, which when viewed from different angles, reveal unique layered lines. Whether at home or on the go, for business or pleasure, the CX700 & CR700 radiate a minimalist classic elegance that defines today's fashion-conscious lifestyles.

It looks like MSI's beating the drums about military-grade superiority of its N260GTX Lightning over its competitors has finally come to bear some fruit. Renowned enthusiast hipro5 from Greece set a new GPU core clock-speed record for the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260, with a stress-stable 1100 MHz, with its shader domain clocked at 2205 MHz. Aided with an Intel Core i7 975 XE clocked at 5.57 GHz (HTT disabled, 4 GB DDR3 memory clocked at 2064 MHz DDR), the bench stood Aquamark with scores of 392,063 points (GPU score: 71,955, CPU: 40,070). The score validation can be found here The memory of the graphics card remained at its stock frequency of 999 MHz. The same bench at slightly lower speeds of 1070/2205/999 MHz (core/shader/memory), ran 3DMark03 stable, scoring 73461 points. The stock cooler of the N260GTX however, was excluded from this feat. The HWBot record reveals that the graphics card was cooled using a liquid-nitrogen (LN2) cooler.

MSI has supplemented its classic C series notebook computers with two new 16 inch models, the CX600 & the CR600. Both devices feature wedge-shaped designs with streamlined 45 degree angled edges and optical drive & I/O ports designed with a clean, minimalist style. A distinctive imprint finish on the lid interacts with light to provide ever-changing patterns thanks to MSI's Color Film Print technology. Inside, the touch pad area is treated with sturdy, scratch resistant material that gives off a luminescent shine and brings classic design and functionality into daily life-ideal for entertainment, learning, and business applications.

MSI today announced the R4890 Cyclone graphics card. This Radeon HD 4890 card uses the same basic design as its R4870 Cyclone, and a lite version of AMD's reference PCB. The card first surfaced in May, during the run-up for the Computex event. The card's star attraction is the cooler, consisting of a GPU heatsink with radially-projecting aluminum fins, from this heatsink about four 8 mm heat-pipes arise, conveying heat to two suspended, curved aluminum fin blocks on either sides of the heatsink. The cooler is nucleated with a 10 cm PWM-controlled fan. The memory and VRM areas are care of this cooler's air-flow.

MSI used a few innovations of its own on the PCB which it calls "military class", including flat-bed high-c capacitors that can be found on server and workstation components, a solid-state choke that has lower core energy loss compared to traditional chokes, and an all-solid-state-capacitor design, which is a standard-issue for graphics cards in its class. The R4890 Cyclone comes in three variants based on clock speeds - R4890 Cyclone, R4890 Cyclone OC, and R4890 Cyclone SOC. These cards come with clock speeds of 850/3900 MHz, 880/3900 MHz, and 1000/4000 MHz, respectively (core/memory). Expect availability in a few weeks. The press-release follows.

Two of AMD's biggest setbacks with the 65 nm Phenom X4 series were 1. the TLB erratum fiasco with the B2 revision of the chip, and 2. the virtual TDP wall it hit with the 2.60 GHz Phenom X4 9950, at 140W. At that wattage, several motherboards were rendered incompatible with the processor because they lacked the power circuitry that could handle it. The company eventually worked out a lower-wattage 125W variant of the said chip, and went on to never release a higher-clocked processor based on the core.

MSI published the complete CPU support list of its a new BIOS for the 790GX-G65 motherboard a little early, revealing quite some about unreleased AMD processors. At the bottom of the list its the Phenom II X4 965. This 3.40 GHz quad-core chip will succeed the Phenom II X4 955 as AMD next flagship desktop offering. Its TDP is an alarming 140W. Alarming, because this is a chip with a mere 2 unit bus multiplier increment over the Phenom II X4 940, the launch-vehicle for AMD's 45 nm client processor lineup. There are, however, two things to cheer about. RB-C2 is not going to be the only revision of this core, future revisions could bring TDP down, or at least make sure clock-speeds of future models keep escalating, while respecting the 140W mark. A future variant of Phenom II 965 could come with a reduced TDP rating. The list interestingly also goes on to reveal that AMD will have a 95W version of the 3.00 GHz Phenom II X4 945.

MSI has announced the launch of its new "Classic" notebook series! Reflecting MSI's corporate philosophy of "Insist on the best," the Classic series embodies exquisite craftsmanship and outstanding industrial design. The models that make up the series include the 14-inch CR400, the 16-inch CX600 and CR600, and the 17.3-inch CX700 and CR700. The first model in the series, the 14-inch CR400 features a uni-body design with 45-degree angled edges, which significantly enhance both the visual and tactile appeal of the product. The Classic series really does radiate timeless classic elegance.

The use of MSI-developed CFM (Color Film Print) technology gives the CR400 a crystalline radiance. When the light falls on the laptop from different angles, new patterns appear, giving the product a classic low-key elegance perfectly suited to fashionable lifestyles! Although the CR400 features a large (14-inch) display and 6-cell large-capacity battery, it weighs only 2 kg. This lightweight, easy-to-carry notebook PC offers first-class mobility.
The CR400's keyboard makes use of MSI's unique EDS (Ergonomic De-Stress) technology. Tests have shown that the highly sensitive, responsive EDS keyboard can significantly reduce the strain on the user's fingers. With the CR400, users can enjoy both classic elegance and the latest in high technology.

MSI is working on yet another addition to its AM2+ socket motherboard lineup, this time the 770T-C45. This mainstream ATX motherboards draws more than just its layout from the recently announced 770-C35, and the AM3-based 770-C45, in fact an identical board layout with the addition of a few features. This board is uses an AM2+ socket with support for DDR2 memory, with the AMD 770 + SB710 chipset, which provides support for AMD OverDrive Advanced Clock Calibration feature. The CPU is powered by the same 4+2 phase design featured on the older model. An important difference is that this model features Active Phase Switching, which turns off redundant power phases when the load is low. Another change is the colour scheme for the expansion slots connectors, and heatsinks. It will be priced in the sub-$100 range.

The MSI EX460 with 14-inch LED backlight display and Intel Core Duo processor is so compact, it weighs just 2kg with a 6-cell battery. The minimalist style is perfectly suited to business users wanting a notebook with style but not opulence. Under the hood is a high-end ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 discrete 3D graphic card (with 512MB of graphic memory) for breathtakingly real visual effects. All of your needs for work and play can now be satisfied in just one package.

With hi-definition audio and visuals becoming ever more common, Home Theater PC (HTPC), offering improved audio support and hi-def multimedia playback, provide more upgradeability and compatibility for the coming future. In light of this trend, more and more people are seeking to build their own HTPC.
Global mainboard and graphic producer, MSI, has integrated Intel's current multimedia platform - the Intel G41 chipset - into its new series of mainboards to meet this growing demand.

With Microsoft close to the finalization of Windows 7, MSI today also announced that from June 26 onwards it will support the Windows 7 upgrade offer that gives consumers the opportunity to pre-book Windows 7 upgrades online for a small processing fee. Once Windows 7 is officially released, Windows 7 upgrade DVDs will be sent out to consumers by Microsoft so they can upgrade their Vista operating system to the latest Windows 7. This offer will apply to owners of specific new and used laptops and all-in-one PCs under the MSI brand with legal Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate operating systems. The offer is legit till January 31, 2010. You can find more information on the MSI Windows 7 upgrade offer here.

MSI' latest X-Slim X400 14" ultra-slim notebook based on Intel's new ultra low-voltage CULV platform is so slim it is thickness never exceeds one ich. When the battery is included, the notebook weighs just 1.5kg yet delivers long run times. The X400 produces very little noise and heat during its operation so it doesn't heat up after extended use. X-Slim's seductive lines and personalized color bezels redefine the allure of minimalism, making the X400 the best choice of the fashionable urban elite!

The external appearance of the X400 makes clever use of sensual urban curves and a special glossy finish. The perfect proportions enhance its minimalist style while the personalized color bezel gives the X400 a sense of depth. The indentations emphasize X400's exquisite attention to detail and quality, making it a perfect way to express your own personal metro style and professionalism. With the battery included, the X400 is a feather-light 1.5kg making it the world's lightest and thinnest 14" NB. All of these exclusive features on the X400 make its external design the perfect embodiment of minimalist appeal and high quality craftsmanship.

MSI launched a new AMD AM2+ socket micro-ATX motherboard targeting the value and SME markets. The 760GTM-P33 is based on the AMD 760G + SB710 chipset, and supports DDR2 memory from two DIMM slots. It extends compatibility to AM3-socket processors along the way. The CPU is powered by a 4+1 phase circuit, with support for MSI's APS (active phase switching) feature. The SB710 chipset connects to six SATA II ports internally, and one standard IDE connector. The 760G chipset embeds an ATI Radeon HD 3200 class IGP, with slightly lower clock speeds and higher energy efficiency compared to the 780G. Display connectivity includes DVI and D-Sub ports. 8-channel audio, and gigabit connectors, a PCI-E x16, x1, and two PCI slots make for the rest of the package. The MSI 760GTM-P33 will arrive at stores soon, at an expected price under $100.

Earlier today, we were tipped off about the high-end MSI P55-GD80 motherboard. Looking a little eastwards, we were able to get information on its little brother, the P55-GD65, a low-frills motherboard based on the Intel P55 chipset, supporting LGA-1156 socket CPUs. This board concentrates on the feature-set the P55 chipset alone provides. The CPU is powered by a 7-phase circuit, with the active-phase switching power management feature, that turns off redundant phases when the power demand is low.

The board provides two PCI-E x16 slots (electrically x8 when both are populated), one open-ended PCI-E x4, and two PCI-E x1 slots. Two legacy PCI slots neighbour them. The PCH provides six SATA II ports, while an external JMicron controller gives out one internal SATA port, an eSATA port, and an IDE connector. Four DDR3 DIMM slots support up to 16 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory. On the connectivity front, there are two gigabit Ethernet connections, 8-channel audio, Firewire, and USB.

MSI's lineup of LGA-1156 motherboards has a new high-end entry in the making, apart from a seeming higher-end G9P55-DC which was recently pictured. The P55-GD80 fills the lineup, perhaps a notch below it, and the other MSI LGA-1156 motherboards that lack an NVIDIA nForce 200 chip and 3-way SLI support. The P55-GD80 was pictured in all its glory (read: release grade chipset cooling), sourced by SAV-Computer. The picture reveals a PCB layout very similar to the G9P55-DC, with differences in the CPU power circuit, overclocker-friendly features, and the storage connectivity.

The board uses a 10-phase CPU power circuit with standard solid-state capacitors, compared to the 11-phase circuit with flat-bed ML capacitors on the G9P55-DC. This board surprisingly has more overclocker-friendly features, such as on-board controls for clock-speeds, clear-CMOS, OC-Genie, a DIP switch to control voltages, and voltage-sensing points that make measuring voltages convenient. Apart from the Intel P55 PCH, it uses an NVIDIA nForce 200 bridge chip that broadcasts 16 PCI-Express lanes (from the processor root complex) to 32 lanes on the PCI-E x16 slots. Apart from the six SATA II ports the PCH provides, an additional controller provides two internal and one external SATA ports, and one IDE connector. Two gigabit Ethernet connections, 8-channel audio, Firewire, and around 13 USB ports make for the rest of the package. The board supports Intel Lynnfield and Clarkdale processors.

The MSI X-Slim X600 notebook computer uses Intel's latest CULV platform to deliver perfect processing performance at just one-sixth of a conventional notebook's power consumption. The built-in discrete graphics card also delivers even better display performance so slim aesthetics and discrete graphics are no longer mutually exclusive options.

The lines of the X600 were inspired by the round shape of a feather. The feather represents lightness and the styling makes the notebook impression of stiffness a thing of the past. What makes the X600 stand out is that it weighs just 2.1kg with the batteries fitted, making it possibly the lightest and thinnest 15.6" notebook in the world.