Cable Matters Inc., a leading connectivity solutions provider, has announced the launch of its Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, setting an important benchmark for speed, simplicity, and reliability, and offering unmatched performance for modern professionals, gamers, and content creators.

Utilizing Thunderbolt 5 technology, the docking station offers up to 120 Gbps of bandwidth-three times more than Thunderbolt 4-enabling ultra-fast data transfers and superior display experiences. It features an upstream Thunderbolt 5 port compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, and USB4 based hosts, and three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports for versatile connections to monitors, SSDs, and other devices. The downstream ports support up to three 8K@60 Hz monitors or two 8K@120 Hz displays for enhanced visual clarity, gameplay, and multitasking.

Western Digital announced it has released several new Flash storage solutions to help pros and consumers get ready for the holidays. Whether looking for the perfect gift, or planning a new venture in the New Year, the innovative products from its award-winning SanDisk and WD_BLACK brands reach new levels of speed, reliability, and capacity, serving a diverse set of digital storage needs.

High Performance, Super Capacity Portable SSDs
The expanded SanDisk portfolio of portable SSDs includes two offerings that feature next-generation SSD speeds and help defy the limits of durability. The new drives are perfect for pros or creators and anyone else who needs to store large amounts of data on the go in the toughest of climates.

In the era of content creators, preserving precious visual records is a part of the creator's daily routine. T-CREATE, the creator brand of leading memory provider Team Group Inc., meets the strong market demand with the launch of the T-CREATE EXPERT P32 Desktop External SSD. With a sleek and modern design, it offers a massive 16 TB storage capacity and transfer speeds of up to 1,800 MB/s, making it the perfect option for professional content creators and users with high-capacity needs for image processing, data backup, and efficient operations.

Available in both 8 TB and 16 TB configurations, the T-CREATE EXPERT P32 significantly expands storage capacity for videos, photos, and important files to meet the consumer's diverse needs. Featuring a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C interface, it delivers transfer speeds of up to 1,800 MB/s and is compatible with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt devices. This high compatibility not only improves users' workflow efficiency but also ensures fast and convenient data transfer. In addition, the T-CREATE EXPERT P32 is crafted from aluminium alloy using 4-axis CNC cutting technology to create a sturdy unibody structure. The SSD's sleek industrial design fully embodies the union of space and aesthetics. The product also features an exclusive patented graphene heat dissipation pad, which ensures improved cooling during use while maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of the device.

MSI launches its latest All-in-One PCs: the Modern AM273QP AI and Modern AM273Q AI Series. These devices integrate the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, featuring Intel AI Boost NPU, along with DDR5 memory, Microsoft Copilot, and the MSI AI Engine.

Enhanced Your Productivity
The Modern AM273Q/QP AI Series features a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel that delivers crystal-clear visuals and an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processor with Intel AI Boost NPU, these PCs offer smooth multitasking and advanced AI capabilities. With Microsoft Copilot integration, users can simplify their daily tasks and enhance productivity using intuitive AI-driven features.

Hot on the heels of Gigabyte, ASUS has also put its Thunderbolt 5 card up on its website, although there are some differences between the two. Obviously the physical appearance differs somewhat, but that's largely cosmetic. However, the one key difference is that the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 only sports a single 6-pin PCIe power connector. ASUS still claims USB PD support of up to 130 W—a feature the company calls Flexible FastCharge—however, a single USB Type-C port is limited to a maximum of 96 W, which means you can charge your MacBook Pro at full tilt, but not some other laptops. Admittedly the 4 W discrepancy compared to the Gigabyte card is fairly minor, but the second port gets left with only 34 W, although that's still enough for charging most phones. Oddly enough, ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 card, allowed for up to 100 W on a single port.

ASUS has also implemented a single Thunderbolt 5 pin-header for the GPIO, SPI I2C and UART interfaces, plus a standard USB 2.0 header, for adding USB 2.0 support to the Thunderbolt 5 ports. Just as with the Gigabyte card, we find Intel's JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller at the heart of the card and once again it uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and supports up to three DP 2.1 8K displays at 60 Hz, although ASUS mentions that this requires DSC. The card features three mini DP inputs and comes with three DP to mini DP adapters, as well as the two aforementioned USB Type-C ports. Note that if you use tree displays, you can only use two Thunderbolt devices with the card. ASUS only mentions Windows 11 64-bit support, so it looks like Windows 10 won't be getting a driver and so far it would seem neither is Linux.

Gigabyte has quietly added the first Thunderbolt 5 add-in card to its website under the rather unimaginative name of Thunderbolts 5. The card itself is nothing remarkable when compared to Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards, although it sports a third mini DisplayPort input for unclear reasons, as well as two USB Type-C outputs. This time around Gigabyte has added support for more power though, as the card features a pair of what appears to be 6-pin PCIe power connectors and the card supports up to 100 W USB PD charging. Courtesy of the new JHL9580, or Barlow Ridge controller, the card offers support for DP 2.1 with resolutions of up to 8K at 60 Hz, as well as data speeds of up to 80 Gbps, or 120/40 Gbps in asymmetric mode.

Intel's JHL9580 controller has a PCIe 4.0 x4 host interface, the same as ASMedia's ASM4242 USB4 host controller and it's a big step up from Intel's previous Thunderbolt 4 controllers that were stuck with PCIe 3.0. Note that the JHL9580 is also offered in a Thunderbolt 4 version known as the JHL9540 which also uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and offers DP 2.1 support, but slower speeds. Both of the new Barlow Ridge controllers also support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), something previous Thunderbolt controllers didn't. Intel has a list price for the JHL9580 of US$19, which is just over US$8 more than the JHL8540 Maple Ridge controller which launched in 2020, as such, expect Thunderbolt 5 add-in cards to come at an even higher price point than previous Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards. Gigabyte might be first out of the gate, but we expect most motherboard makers to follow suit with products of their own before the end of the year.

ASRock has unveiled a full lineup of Z890 motherboards, led by the new Taichi series flagship models. This series offers a powerful mix of options for extreme enthusiasts, including the ASRock Z890 Taichi AQUA, Taichi OCF, Taichi, and Taichi Lite. Other ASRock Z890 motherboards include the gaming-focused Phantom Gaming series, featuring the Nova, Riptide, and Lightning models, as well as the popular Steel Legend, LiveMixer, and Pro series for mainstream users. The new Z890 motherboards support the latest Intel Core Ultra 200 series processors, offering more high-speed expansion such as PCI-Express 5.0 support for a graphics card, as well as M.2 SSD, and more importantly up to two Thunderbolt 4 ports for all Z890 motherboards.

The New Era of Taichi
The white-styled ASRock Z890 Taichi AQUA introduces a unique hybrid thermal design developed in collaboration with Alphacool, which combines air and water cooling for the VRM and M.2 block. The Z890 Taichi AQUA also features the first detachable M.2 water block for Gen-5 SSDs, simplifying and streamlining installation.

GIGABYTE Technology, one of the top global manufacturers of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, today announced the launch of its revolutionary Z890 motherboards. These next-generation motherboards are set to redefine the standards in performance, AI integration, and user experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Powered by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, these motherboards push the boundaries of what's possible in computing.⁠

Infinite Memory Performance
GIGABYTE Z890 lineup equips the D5 Bionic Corsa technology to create phenomenal new peaks in memory performance to DDR5 XMP 9500 and above. A true marvel of AI-enhanced overclocking technology for DDR5 memory, D5 Bionic Corsa boasts four key technologies from software, hardware to firmware side. The AORUS AI SNATCH and AI SNATCH Engine present AI-overclocking for ultimate performance, while AI-Driven PCB Design and HyperTune BIOS deliver AI-design for signal enhancement on motherboards. The AORUS AI SNATCH is an auto-overclocking software by AI model, and enables users to unleash utmost performance with one-click activation. The AI SNATCH Engine is the AI model served as the core of AORUS AI SNATCH software, trained by AI TOP on diverse overclocking datasets to improve precision and optimize performance with stability. The AI-Driven PCB Technology employs AI algorithms to optimize vias, routing and stackups, while the Hypertune BIOS uses AI to optimize MRC and adapt to signals for peak efficiency, significant memory clock boost, and enhanced overall performance.

It's finally here! ASUSTOR NAS devices with AMD Ryzen CPUs have finally launched! With four to ten drive bays; the Lockerstor Gen3 series arrives with both flexibility and performance. The Lockerstor Gen3 series is designed for extreme performance while maintaining extreme efficiency. In a first for ASUSTOR, the Lockerstor Gen3 features a Quad-Core AMD Ryzen Embedded SoC that boosts to 3.8 GHz. Take advantage of four to ten drive bays, and four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs that use PCIe 4.0, dual 10GbE, dual 5GbE, and dual USB4. 16 GB of ECC DDR5-4800 memory that's expandable to 64 GB. This combination of powerful hardware is not only faster, but sets the new performance standard.

The AMD Ryzen V3C14 SoC is built on a 6 nm process for maximum performance and efficiency. At a 25 W maximum TDP, it achieves energy savings even when crunching high-performance tasks. All Lockerstor Gen3 devices are equipped with dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE network ports, with single-port 10 GbE read/write speeds reaching up to 1176 MB/s and 1018 MB/s, while SMB multi-channel performance using RAID 5 can reach up to 2005 MB/s and 1090 MB/s respectively.

MSI unveils the X870E and X870 motherboards, designed to harness the full power of AMD's Ryzen 9000 Series desktop processors. The lineup includes four models: MEG X870E GODLIKE, MPG X870E CARBON WIFI, MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI, and PRO X870-P WIFI. These motherboards deliver exceptional value and performance with cutting-edge features and exclusive MSI innovations. Offering top components, innovative features, and easy DIY options, MSI's X870E and X870 motherboards make building and using your PC seamless.

Introducing MSI's Ultra Connect feature in the X870E and X870 motherboards, offering next-gen networking, storage, and expansion. With built-in 5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7, users can enjoy lightning-fast speeds, reaching up to 5.8 Gbps. As well as TriLink Connectivity, Expansion is made to future-proof with PCIe Gen 5.0 for next-gen graphics cards and SSDs. The USB4 ports, which are Thunderbolt compatible, enable fast data transfers and support a wide range of next-gen devices, including display output through USB-C.

Detailed specifications and a somewhat blurry slide showing off all the details of MSI's upcoming high-end MEG Z890 Unify-X motherboard have leaked courtesy of @ChamberTech_ on X/Twitter. The motherboard is likely to appeal to those looking to squeeze every extra bit of performance out of their new Ultra 200K series CPU when they launch next month. You get support for memory speeds of up to 10,000 MT/s and with only two DIMM slots, it might be able to go even higher with the latest DDR5 CUDIMMs. The board also sports a 110 Ampere 20+1+1+1 VRM design on an eight layer PCB, and it also ships with what MSI calls an OC Tuning Controller, suggesting the board is targeting overclockers.

MSI has included a pair of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for GPUs that presumably operate in dual x8 mode when both slots are in use, and a third PCIe 4.0 x16 slot that operates in x4 mode, as well as a single PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. There's also no less than six M.2 slots, of which two are PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0, as well as six SATA ports. Where things get a bit interesting is in the network connectivity, as the slide claims that the board features a 5 Gbps Intel Killer Ethernet interface, which is the first we've heard of such a thing, as well as an Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 module for wireless connectivity.

Iodyne, a company dedicated to providing Pro users with the best technology, announced its Pro Mini external solid-state drive sporting unique features like the dual AirJet cooling system. This technology allows the drive to maintain sustained performance without the thermal throttling that plagues other portable SSDs. The Pro Mini can deliver speeds of 3 GB/s, up to two times the sustained throughput of standard professional SSDs, even with active encryption and internal RAID protection.

The drive features a triple-anodized machined aluminum chassis and hardened glass protection with a customizable 2.1" E-paper display. Offered with 4 TB or 8 TB capacities, the iodyne Pro Mini offers versatile connectivity, including a bus-powered USB-C port that automatically detects the connection type and adjusts its speed accordingly, supporting up to 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt connections. Security is another point where this product stands out with the use of Passkeys instead of passwords, along with enterprise-grade encryption and hardware-accelerated RAID-6 data protection. The Pro Mini also incorporates an integrated Bluetooth beacon for location tracking.

Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, today announced significant updates to its S14I semi-rugged laptop, expanding its product line supporting modern-day data-intensive tasks. With the performance of Intel Core Ultra processor, this AI-powered 14" semi-rugged laptop exceeds expectations by delivering a powerful, premium performance and exceptional user experience.

Durabook also produces the Z14I fully rugged laptop, the world's most durable and reliable fully rugged PC designed specifically to support demanding AI applications in the field. Twinhead's CEO, Fred Kao, said: "AI technology has emerged as an important tool to handle and maximise data and create new, more capable and powerful systems. Durabook aims to equip our mobile computing devices with optimum capability for professional users in the field. Our customers can exploit these advancements to their advantage and greatest benefit with laptop solutions delivering up to 100 TOPS with AI accelerator."

MSI, a leading brand in gaming, content creation, and business & productivity laptops, proudly launched several next-gen AI+ gaming and business productivity laptops featuring the new Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) and AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series at IFA 2024. These laptops offer more AI computing power, making it the most robust platform for AI PC development, with more AI models, frameworks, and runtimes enable. Additionally, MSI officially launched the new Claw 8 AI+ Windows 11 gaming handheld device, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) and an 8-inch screen, providing a smoother and broader mobile gaming experience. MSI also announced the whole new Venture series laptops, redefining the combination of thin, light and powerful. Equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) and varieties of different size, from 14, 15.6, 16, to 17 inches.

"MSI not only brings the industry's most comprehensive AI+ PC lineup but also introduces multiple new laptops and handheld devices designed for gamers worldwide," said Eric Kuo, MSI's Executive Vice President and General Manager of NB Business Unit. "We welcome global guests to visit the MSI booth to experience next-gen AI computing and exciting gaming products."

Intel today launched its most efficient family of x86 processors ever, the Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors. They deliver exceptional performance, breakthrough x86 power efficiency, a massive leap in graphics performance, no-compromise application compatibility, enhanced security and unmatched AI compute. The technology will power the industry's most complete and capable AI PCs with more than 80 consumer designs from more than 20 of the world's top manufacturing partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI and Samsung. Pre-orders begin today with systems available globally on-shelf and online at over 30 global retailers starting Sept. 24. All designs featuring Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors and running the latest version of Windows are eligible to receive Copilot+ PC features as a free update starting in November.

"Intel's newest Core Ultra processors set the industry standard for mobile AI and graphics performance, and smash misconceptions about x86 efficiency. Only Intel has the scale through our partnerships with ISVs and OEMs, and the broader technology ecosystem, to provide consumers with a no-compromise AI PC experience."
--Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group

Silkland, a tech brand specializing in cables and accessories, has released the first-ever 16K VESA-certified USB C to DisplayPort 2.1 cable to support the future of visual display technology, now available on Amazon. With support for 16K resolution, users can expect an unparalleled level of detail and realism, making the cable ideal for high-end computing, gaming, and professional applications. It is also backward compatible with 8K and 4K resolutions, ensuring a versatile and future-proof solution for all display needs.

One of the standout features of this cable is its bi-directional support, allowing it to connect USB C devices like laptops, phones, and tablets to DisplayPort monitors or connect DisplayPort devices like PC to USB C monitors. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Additionally, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3, offering a plug-and-play experience with no drivers needed.

ASMedia announced that its USB4 host controller chip, ASM4242, has received Thunderbolt 4 certification, following its USB-IF certification earlier this year. This marks a significant milestone for the ASM4242, toward providing a comprehensive high-speed transmission solution and an outstanding user experience. The Thunderbolt 4 certification signifies that ASM4242 meets Thunderbolt's stringent standards in signal quality, compatibility, and reliability, ensuring exceptional connection stability and compatibility.

Thunderbolt 4 is fully compatible with USB4, integrating power, data transmission, and video display into a single interface, offering up to 40 Gbps bandwidth to meet the demands of high-speed file transfer, 100 W fast charging, and multi-display setups. A single cable can daisy-chain up to 5 devices, driving high-bandwidth data, power, and video transmission. Gamers, creators, and professionals can connect multiple displays and accessories through this powerful connection standard. They can also enjoy a clean and convenient workspace.

Cable Matters, a leader in developing cutting-edge connectivity solutions, introduces a USB4 20 Gbps Switch, meeting the diverse needs of today's dynamic remote workforce. This versatile, powerful device seamlessly blends performance, adaptability, and cost efficiency, offering users an unparalleled connectivity solution.

"The vision of this product grew from the needs of today's remote workforce," says Jeff Jiang, CEO of Cable Matters. "People are doing more than ever with multiple devices and require connectivity solutions that provide performance and flexibility at an affordable price." Unlike traditional switches, the USB4 20 Gbps Switch is engineered to handle two USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt enabled devices concurrently, effortlessly scaling to match the demands of gadget-intensive users. Users can instantly share a USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt monitor or docking station between two devices, and easily switch between them using either the unit's button or the included remote control.

ASUS today announced ASUS NUC 14 Performance, a business-friendly barebones mini PC that offers a dynamic fusion of efficiency and raw power. Featuring Intel Core Ultra 9 or 7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or 4060 graphics, ASUS NUC 14 Performance delivers the computing prowess enterprises need for AI-based workloads.

New AI-enabled performance
The latest Intel Core 9 and 7 series CPUs employ new Intel processor technology that enhances computing performance by approximately 21.5% (versus previous-generation processors) while reducing power consumption by up to 40%. An integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) helps boost AI applications, giving the processor exceptional energy-efficiency and endurance for sustained AI computing tasks like image generation and facial recognition.

ASUS today announced the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+, an ultracompact PC that offers best-in-class performance thanks to the power of the new Intel Core Ultra processor, which gives it the ability to locally run generative AI workloads. The machine's robust computing capabilities are further boosted by certified Bluetooth dongle-free connectivity, energy-efficient WiFi Sensing, and three AI engines (GPU, NPU, and CPU) that enable high throughput, low power consumption, and fast response. The eye-catching 5 x 4-inch anodized aluminium chassis is perfect for corporate or home office settings, and it features toolless access for fast, safe, and easy upgrades.

Style meets AI-driven performance
Available with Intel Core Ultra 9, 7, or 5 CPUs, the Intel Arc GPU for enhanced graphics, and Intel AI Boost (NPU), the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ meets most computing needs and combines style with powerful performance. Together, its three AI engines - GPU, NPU, and CPU - enable higher throughput, lower power consumption, and faster response to locally run generative AI workloads. The Intel Core Ultra processors represent Intel's most power-efficient client processors to date. Compared to its predecessor, the NUC 13 Pro Mini PC, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ offers significantly enhanced AI processing performance, offering unmatched stability and up to 35% faster local computing, especially noticeable in tasks such as text-to-image generation using stable-diffusion software.

ASUS Republic of Gamers today announced the launch of the ROG NUC gaming PC. The first-ever ROG NUC PC is packed with cutting-edge technology and performance for AAA gaming and more.

Gaming, redefined
Featuring Intel Core Ultra 9 or Intel Core Ultra 7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or 4060 discrete graphics, the ROG NUC PC is a compact powerhouse that delivers unmatched gaming experiences. The high-performance hybrid architecture of Intel Core Ultra processors provides gamers with the power needed to stream, edit, record and play without skipping a beat. The 2.5-liter chassis is designed for quick system access to make upgrades and cleaning easy. Plus, the compatible ROG Raikiri Pro controller can be used to deliver a console-like experience for gamers seeking uncompromised performance and flexibility in a compact form factor.

LG Electronics USA (LG) is expanding its thinnest and lightest lineup of laptops with the LG gram SuperSlim in a crisp white colorway. The 2024 LG gram SuperSlim (15Z90ST-G.AAW4U1) stands out with an upgraded processor and sleek profile. Customers can now purchase the new LG gram SuperSlim for $799, a $600 savings from its retail price of $1399. Designed with ultra-portability in mind, the new 15.6-inch white model measures just 0.49-inches and weighs a scant 2.18lbs.

With Intel Evo Edition powered by Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processors, the 15Z90ST-G.AAW4U1 delivers improved performance for more productivity, content creation and entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core ️ Ultra Processor with an integrated AI Boost, this LG gram SuperSlim is faster than previous-generation CPU-only systems. Intel Core Ultra processors include a specialized AI processing unit alongside supercharged performance to support advanced, innovative use cases and demanding applications. The architecture enables smooth graphics and power efficiency for improved battery life.

Cable Matters, a leader in providing top-tier connectivity solutions, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Thunderbolt 5 cable manufactured by Lintes Technology Co., Ltd. The cable is available in 3 different lengths: 1 foot, 1.6 feet and 3.3 feet. This latest innovation delivers unparalleled performance, supporting up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional data transfer and up to 120 Gbps of video bandwidth, a substantial leap from the previous Thunderbolt 4 technology.

The new Thunderbolt 5 cable by Cable Matters represents a significant advancement in connectivity technology, offering increased bandwidth and power delivery capabilities. The Bandwidth Boost technology enables the cable to transmit up to 120 Gbps for the best display experience, providing up to 3 times increase over Thunderbolt 4's maximum bandwidth. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for demanding applications such as high-resolution video streaming, extensive data transfer, and high-speed gaming.

The Minisforum MS-01 is a mini workstation with a sleek and portable design, rich ports and strong expansion capabilities. It has four M.2 slots and PCIE×16 slots inside, which can be used to install half-height graphics cards. Optional Intel 13th generation Core i9-13900H and other processors offering high cost performance.The efficient cooling design ensures optimal performance, meeting the needs of professional users in fields such as engineering, design, and programming.

At this year's product launch event, Minisforum showcased the MS-01 i9-12900H version, i9-13900H version, positioned as a mini workstation. As a potential competitor to the known brands, this new model impressed me with its dual 10-gigabit network ports and unparalleled expansion capabilities. Now the Minisforum MS-01 i5 version has finally been officially launched, provides users who have been struggling with the high prices of top brand mini workstations that are always lacking in expansion capabilities with a relatively affordable option.

Intel Socket LGA1851 will be the new infrastructure driving at least the next two generations of Intel desktop processors, and the new Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-S" will be the first processor generation to use it. These chips pack new "Lion Cove" P-cores, "Skymont" E-cores, an updated PCIe Gen 5 I/O, and new Xe2 "Battlemage" integrated graphics; with generational performance leaps to be had. At the ASUS Computex 2024 booth, we spotted some of the company's first high-end gaming PC motherboards for the platform, based on what could be the Intel Z890 chipset.

Our first find is the ROG Maximus Z890 Hero, or at least a variant of it featuring the ASUS BTF backside I/O connectivity. There will be a regular variant with conventional front-facing I/O, too. The LGA1851 socket looks almost identical to the LGA1700. In fact the two have the same physical dimensions, and are cooler compatible—your LGA1700-compatible coolers will work on LGA1851 motherboards. Intel added to the pin-count by tweaking the pin pitch, and reducing the size of the "courtyard" (the central void in the land grid meant for SMDs). LGA1851 is a pure-DDR5 platform, and has more PCIe Gen 5 connectivity than LGA1700, such as CPU-attached Gen 5 NVMe slots that don't subtract lanes from the x16 PEG slot. The ROG Maximus Hero appears to be a feature-packed motherboard geared for CPU overclocking, as well as connectivity galore. It also comes with Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, USB4, 5 GbE, and next-generation SupremeFX onboard audio.