L337 Gaming and Pro Gaming Team Complexity are hosting "L337 TOP GANKS COMPETITION" and winners will be able to get the most anticipated L337 Gaming Motherboard-L337 GANK Drone Z87H3-A3X, a new-release gaming motherboard, using Intel Z87 Express Chipset with Intel 4th generation Core processors CPU i7, i5, i3, bringing together both great gaming features and an incredible value for aspiring hardcore PC gamers. All participants just simply have to go to "L337 TOP GANKS COMPETITION" event page and share the information on Tweeter or Facebook, and there will be three lucky winners who can bring back L337 GANK DRONE Z87H3-A3X, best gaming motherboards. Entries close on October 15, 2013. For more information, visit this page.

If you're on the hunt for a computer that is not merely capable of running all of the latest hardcore PC games on maximum performance, but also decorated in such sophisticated appearance that it constitutes your right to be a gamer no matter how old you get, then ASRock and BMW Group DesignworksUSA has the perfect answer for you! Gamers beware, the long anticipated Intel 8 Series gaming rig M8 is hitting the markets!

"Our goal was to create desirability and iconic differentiation in a small Gaming-PC," said Sonja Schiefer, Director, Munich Studio, BMW Group DesignworksUSA. "To enhance the perception of pure power we created a design language focused on superlative and a design solution that is very much an exaggerated mode of expression."

After releasing the ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe full cover block in August, Bitspower is currently working on a second full cover motherboard block, this time around designed for ASUS' latest mITX marvel, the Maximus VI Impact, arguably the top Haswell mITX motherboard currently available. The block, like it's previously released sibling, is what Bitspower calls a U.S.C design (Unibody Style Construction Design), which is a concept Bitspower uses to define a single solid block that covers all the major heat generating parts on a motherboard. In this case, the Z87 chipset, the CPU/socket and the vertical VRM.

Bitspower uses C1100 Copper for the block's base and hi-quality acrylic for the top cover. The base comes in two versions, Nickel plated or bare Copper, while the top can be had in ICE Black of Clear acrylic, making possible a total of four chromatically distinct versions of the block. The product package will include a thermal pad, a 2.5 grams syringe of Arctic Matrix thermal compound, a backup o-ring and the usual assortment of mounting screws and accessories.

If you consider online gaming as a fundamental belief, pwning opponents online as a religion that fulfils your life, and the pursuit of a fast and stable internet connection as one of your core values, then ASRock has the answers to probably not all but at least most of your life's questions: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer Series motherboards! With the integrated Killer LAN chip, serious players may game carelessly with no lag, just frag!

No Lag, Just Frag with Killer LAN!
What makes ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer Series motherboards so special is that it adopts Killer E2200 Intelligent Networking Platform, which boosts the performance of online games, high quality streaming media and other time sensitive UDP (User Datagram Protocol) based applications up to 5 times! Experiments at our lab have proven that Killer LAN is especially good at reducing the latency in online games, for instance the latency in League of Legends can be reduced by 136%, and the latency in Diablo 3 is reduced by 60% and DOTA2 by 47%. When it comes to professional gaming, even millisecond decisions may turn the tides of war, either you kill LAG, or be killed by LAG. Hence with the onboard Killer E2200 LAN solution, LAG will never be an excuse for losing anymore.

In addition to the G1.Assassin 3, Gigabyte showed off its first motherboards with Thunderbolt 2.0 connectors. Armed with 20 Gb/s of bandwidth, Thunderbolt 2.0 gives you enough bandwidth to drive high-resolution displays (beyond WQHD), and storage arrays with SSDs. Among these motherboards are the Z87X-UD7 TH. Gigabyte distinguished the "UD7" brand extension from "OC," which marks products that prioritize performance-enhancing components over connectivity, while the UD7 leads the company's mainline Z87X pack with top-grade connectivity, and electricals not too far behind the Z87X-OC.

The Z87X-UD7 TH is built in the standard ATX form-factor. It draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX, 8-pin EPS, an optional 4-pin ATX, and an optional SATA power input. It uses a 16-phase VRM to power the CPU, which uses high-grade PowIRstage driver-MOSFETs. The VRM cooler is a combination of an active air-cooled heatsink, with a coolant channel that lets you make it part of your liquid cooling loop. This cooler shares some of its heat with the heatsink covering the PLX PEX8747 bridge chip, and the PCH, which also features a fan-heatsink. The board features five PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, of which three are gen 3.0 x16 capable, and four gen 3.0 x8 capable. A mechanism lets you bypass the bridge chip, and connect a single graphics card directly to the CPU. Two PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slots complete the expansion area.

The world's leading motherboard brand ASRock today announced the winner list of the 8 Series OC Competition with HWBOT, sponsored by Intel, Kingston, Antec, Nvidia and Gainward. Two contestants broke the record for the highest Haswell CPU frequency and both crossed the threshold of 7.1GHz, which is also the only two in the world to exceeded 7.1GHz for the time being. The final champion of CPU-Z, Dfordog (China) reached an all-time high CPU-Z score of 7.13609 GHz with ASRock Z87 OC Formula and Intel Core i7 4770K Haswell CPU and won the bonus prize of USD1,000.

Besides the incredible result in the CPU-Z category, the final champion of memory clock CherV (Hong Kong) created a stunning score of 2155.7 MHz which ranks second on the worldwide memory frequency chart. The contest successfully generated awesome OC results with ASRock 8 series motherboards: Five scores entering the top 10 Haswell CPU frequency scores, two scores entering the HWBOT Super Pi 32M Hall of Fame and three scores entering the HWBOT Memory Clock Hall of Fame. The final and bi-weekly champions either utilized ASRock Z87 OC Formula or Z87M OC Formula, which strongly corroborates the power of Z87 OC Formula Series, regardless the form factor.

ASUS is excited to announce the world's first motherboard certified by Intel with Thunderbolt 2 technology, the Z87-Deluxe/Quad. Based on the new Intel Z87 chipset and ready for the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors, the ASUS Z87-Deluxe/Quad ATX motherboard has two Thunderbolt 2 ports which allow for up to 12 simultaneously connected devices. Each port is capable of up to a 20Gbit/s transfer rate and is backward compatible with first generation Thunderbolt.

"Z87-Deluxe/Quad has been subjected to a tremendous amount of compatibility, BIOS, as well as video/audio and other tests to verify its quality and design," said Joe Hsieh, ASUS Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Motherboard and Desktop System Business Unit. "Being the world's first certified motherboard for Thunderbolt 2 technology also means setting the standard for all of the upcoming products, which is something that ASUS has always done."

ASUS today announced Maximus VI Impact, a mini-ITX gaming motherboard based on Intel Z87 chipset for the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors. Maximus VI Impact is the first ROG mini-ITX motherboard to be fully loaded with exclusive gamer-pleasing innovations and proves size is no longer an indicator of performance. It features the SupremeFX Impact discrete sound card for best-in-class 115 dB SNR audio and Impact Power digital power-management technology for the same renowned overclocking control as ROG full-size ATX motherboards. Maximus VI Impact also takes connectivity to the next level with onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Maximus VI Impact has undergone hundreds of rigorous tests to ensure compatibility with popular mini-ITX cases and processor coolers. So if something's made for mini-ITX, it's made for Maximus VI Impact.

The new Z87 XPOWER, the top of the line overclocking motherboard recently broke all previous overclocking records for the Intel Core i7-4770K by validating a smashing 7068.52 MHz clock speed. All previous records were set on Engineering samples unavailable to normal users and the Z87 XPOWER record was set on a Retail CPU available in stores right now. This latest score puts MSI firmly at the top of Z87 Overclocking leaderboards.

Known more for its server and workstation motherboards; and rackmount server chassis; Supermicro dipped its toes into consumer (DIY) motherboards, announcing the C7Z87-OCE, a socket LGA1150 motherboard based on the Intel Z87 Express chipset. Built in the standard ATX form-factor, this board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX, and 8-pin EPS connectors. It features a rather bland blue PCB, with seemingly basic heatsinks over the chipset and CPU VRM. In reality, the 22 nm-built Z87 Express PCH, with a 4.1W TDP can make do with a heatsink like that. The one on the VRM, on the other hand, is suspect. It appears to use a 6-phase digital PWM circuitry with driver-MOSFETs.

The LGA1150 socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, and three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x16/NC/NC, x8/x8/NC, x8/x4/x4). A trio of close-ended PCI-Express 2.0 x4 find room in between them. The board offers a total of eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports, six from the Z87 PCH, two from a third-party controller. Also on offer, are eight USB 3.0 ports, four on the rear panel, four by headers. The board offers 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output, a pair of gigabit Ethernet interfaces, Thunderbolt (which doubles up as mini-DisplayPort), dual-link DVI and D-Sub display outputs. Although driven by AMI Aptio UEFI BIOS, it features a classic keyboard-driven setup program UI. The company didn't release pricing. Find a complete review at the source.

With Core i7-4770K "Haswell" and Z87-based motherboard combos going for as low as $450, Intel is shaping its upcoming Core i7 "Ivy Bridge-E" HEDT platform in a way that doesn't create a big pricing gap between the two platforms, and that those with the monies for an i7-4770K + Z87 platform are sufficiently tempted to drop in a few extra coins for an HEDT platform.

To begin with, Core i7-4820K is expected to be priced at US $310, a whole $40 cheaper than the Core i7-4770K. This quad-core chip features 3.70 GHz clocks, 3.90 GHz maximum Turbo Boost, 10 MB of L3 cache, 48 PCI-Express gen 3.0 lanes, and a quad-channel memory controller; compared to the 3.60 GHz clocks, 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost, 8 MB L3 cache, 24 PCI-Express gen 3.0 lanes, and a dual-channel memory controller. To its credit, the i7-4770K features higher IPC thanks to its more advanced micro-architecture. Socket LGA2011 motherboards, such as Intel's DX79TO can be had for as low as $150. Tempting offer there.

MSI, the leading motherboard manufacturer announced today that the Z87-G43 has passed Microsoft Windows 8.1 official certification requirements! MSI Z87-G43 is the World's First motherboard completely compliant with Microsoft Windows 8.1, other MSI motherboards will soon follow in its footsteps. Not only bringing the best user experience, but also standing proof for the skill and dedication of MSI's R&D team. If you want to enjoy the full benefits of Microsoft's latest operating system, MSI motherboards are your best choice.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, announced today the launch of the latest XPG V2 series overclocking memory, running at a stellar 3100 megahertz. This new product's dual channel is designed to bring ultimate performance to gamers using Intel Core fourth-generation processors and the latest Z87 platform.

The XPG 3100 V2 is the result of special cooperation with Asrock, and suitable for all motherboards that employ the enthusiast oriented Z87 chipset. Due to strict compatibility testing and QVL (Qualified Vendor List) certification, the modules can be directly overclocked using XMP (EXtreme Memory Profile) to the highest frequency of 3100Mhz. This unprecedented speed will gratify those who always seek an edge in boosting system performance.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced Maximus VI Formula, an ATX gaming motherboard ready for the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors and packed with exclusive ROG features.

Based on the new Intel Z87 chipset, Maximus VI Formula is brimming with the kind of innovative and exclusive features that ROG fans expect. CrossChill hybrid air and water-cooling gives efficient heat dissipation for extreme overclocked performance, SupremeFX Formula onboard audio with a dedicated 600ohm headphone amplifier ensures immersive high-quality audio and a mini-PCIe Combo II card adds dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi for next-generation wireless networking. Maximus VI Formula also features Extreme Engine DIGi+ III technology and high-quality electronic components for precise power delivery with stable performance.

Over the past couple of months, motherboard vendors from across the industry offered BIOS updates for their motherboards based on Intel B85 Express and H87 Express chipsets, which enable CPU overclocking for Intel's unlocked Core processors denoted by "K" brand extension (Core i7-4770K, i5-4670K). This reportedly hasn't gone down well with Intel. Intel's Bxx and Hxx chipsets are significantly cheaper than its Zxx series chipset. Sensing a clear threat to its revenue, from the prospect of motherboard vendors coming up with high-end or overclocking-ready (strong CPU VRM) motherboards based on cheaper chipsets in the near future, Intel cracked down on them.

Intel is giving final touches to a CPU microcode update that restricts Core "K" Haswell processors from overclocking on chipsets other than Z87 Express. A microcode update can be deployed both through BIOS updates, and surreptitiously through Windows Update. Intel's used the tried and tested "stability" bogey to justify the update. While it's true that motherboards based on B85 and H87 tend to feature weaker CPU VRM, there's nothing to say that ASUS wouldn't have gone on to design its next ROG Maximus on H87 Express, and save on manufacturing costs. While it's purely hypothetical, something like that wouldn't be in Intel's commercial interests. What next? Intel will push this new microcode update on to motherboard vendors, instructing them to issue BIOS updates with it; and future batches of Intel "K" CPUs may not support overclocking. If that isn't enough to contain the problem, Intel may give Microsoft a ring, and ask it to push the update through Windows Update. It tried that once in the past.

ASUS today announced that its Z87-C is the first motherboard in the world based on the Intel Z87 chipset to receive Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification for Window 8.1. The ASUS Z87-C is a Socket 1150 motherboard for use with 4th generation Intel Core, Pentium and Celeron processors. WHQL certification is a confirmation from Microsoft that both the ASUS Z87-C hardware and drivers are fully reliable and compatible with Windows 8.1. ASUS makes the best motherboards in the world and this pioneering WHQL certification for Windows 8.1 is further testament to the fact. ASUS is a key Microsoft partner and offers wide support for Windows 8.1 with Intel and AMD-based motherboards. WHQL certification for other models will be announced at a later date.

ASUS today announced that the latest UEFI BIOS for its motherboards based on Intel H87 and B85 chipsets unlocks previously inaccessible overclocking features for 4th generation Intel Core processors. Before this update, the overclocking features of new Haswell 'K Series' processors could be enjoyed only with motherboards based on the Intel Z87 chipset. Now, however, performance enthusiasts can exploit the power of Haswell K Series processors using ASUS 8 Series motherboards like the ASUS H87M-PRO and B85-PRO. The BIOS update is a free download for 10 ASUS motherboards - the H87-PRO, H87-PLUS, H87M-PRO, H87M-PLUS, H87M-E, H87I-PLUS, B85-PRO, B85-PLUS, B85M-E and B85M-G.

Once installed, the update enables frequency multiplier-based overclocking in one simple step for unlocked Intel K Series processors such as the Intel Core i7-4770K and Core i5 4670K. The BIOS also includes several features to make life simpler for PC users. A 'Last Modified' log makes it easy to determine when and how a particular setting was changed, and custom settings can be saved to a 'favorites' list for rapid switching to suit different applications.

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium water cooling gear manucturer, is proud to introduce two new water cooling solutions for the latest generation GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-OC and GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-OC Force motherboards.

EK-FB KIT GA Z87X-OC water block kit is a complete liquid cooling solution for GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-OC motherboard. This water block kit directly cools Intel Z87 southbridge (PCH) and power regulation (VRM / MOSFETs) module. The two-piece set of water blocks features high flow design that can be easily used with systems using weaker water pumps.

Closely trailing ASRock and ECS, Gigabyte began releasing beta BIOS updates for its socket LGA1150 motherboards based on chipsets other than Z87 Express, which let you overclock Core "Haswell" K-series processors. Intel intended Z87 Express to be the only LGA1150 platform that lets you overclock processors, but motherboard vendors found their ways around the limitation, enabling a few overclocking features for motherboards based on other chipsets such as H87 Express, and B85 Express. These BIOS updates are marked beta, and typically feature the version number "FXc," with a change-log entry reading "enables K SKU CPU multiplier." With this BIOS installed, you can overclock K-series processors such as Core i7-4770K and Core i5-4670K, by tinkering with their base-clock multipliers.Many Thanks to DJElectric for the tip.

ASUS announced that the Intel Z87-based Republic of Gamers Maximus VI Extreme motherboard has achieved a decisive 91% success rate at a Computex Taipei 2013 overclocking summit sponsored by Intel and Corsair. Additionally, the board tallied eight world performance records at a separate gathering that took place at ASUS headquarters, all mere days after its official launch.

Ten out of eleven wins at the Intel and Corsair Computex OC Main Event
Competing against top-tier overclocking motherboards from a variety of brands, Maximus VI Extreme took ten out of eleven top spots (or 91%) at the Intel and Corsair Computex OC Main Event. Full details found here.

Z87 MPOWER and Z87 MPOWER MAX, two of MSI's top overclocker-targeted socket LGA1150 motherboards, are joined by the company's new flagship motherboard, the Z87 XPOWER. Built in the XL-ATX (345 x 264 mm) form-factor, this board gets you the best MSI has to offer, and is ideal for both CPU and VGA overclocking benches. The CPU is powered by a gargantuan 32-phase digital-PWM power supply, which draws power from two 8-pin EPS connectors, in addition to the 24-pin ATX, and an optional 6-pin PCI-Express connector.

The CPU socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR3-3000+ memory, and a PLX PEX8747 PCI-Express gen 3.0 bridge chip, which gives out four PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots, two of which are x16 capable, all four of which are x8-capable. One of the five x16 slots, the second one from top, is directly wired to the CPU, and plugging a graphics card on that slot will bypass the bridge-chip. This slot is ideal for when you have just one card. Two PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slots take seat between the x16 slots, wired to the PCH. In addition to 4-way NVIDIA SLI and 4-way AMD CrossFireX, the board includes Lucid Virtu MVP 2.0 software.

During the week of Computex 2013, 6 overclocking records were shattered by professional overclockers with G.SKILL extreme performance DDR3 memory. Established in 1989 by computer hardware enthusiasts, G.SKILL is a leading memory & Solid State Drive manufacturer based in Taipei, Taiwan. The company's top priority is quality. All of the products undergo a series of the most rigorous tests and strict quality control processes. In addition to a committed, qualified IC testing house to examine the products, all G.SKILL products are 100% tested to ensure the highest yield, reliability and quality.

Accidents happen, especially when you try to avoid them. But rest assured that ASRock's latest ATX sized OC Formula Series motherboards, including Z87 OC Formula/ac (with 802.11ac WiFi support) and Z87 OC Formula are protected by a special layer of Conformal Coating. As you've probably already heard, Conformal Coating protects the motherboards from conductive liquids, dust, corrosion and extreme temperatures*. And if you still feel skeptical about the lifespan of your overclocking oriented motherboards, fear not! ASRock guarantees 5 year warranty!

ASRock's Z87 OC Formula/ac and Z87 OC Formula are designed by the world famous overclocker Nick Shih. These two motherboards possess both hardware and software features for extreme overclocking, and they are also fully loaded with a set of lifestyle based features named A-Style. ASRock provides the five year warranty package as long as the malfunctions and defects occur under normal use conditions and aren't caused by misuse or abnormal operations**. If unfortunately the motherboard cannot be repaired, ASRock will replace the product with equivalent or next generation products.

The one and only ace of overclocking Nick Shih continues to push DDR3 memory frequencies to new boundaries which no man has ever set foot on. He has reached a ludicrous DDR3 4285.6MHz with ASRock's Z87M OC Formula, the micro sized Z87 motherboard he designed specifically for overclocking, and it all happened on this year's overclocking show at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013.

ASRock's Z87M OC Formula meets Team Group Xtreem-LV-2666! Nick Shih tops the memory clock world record with an unbelievable DDR3 4285.6MHz score (validation). The masterpiece is done by the world's best overclocking team : Nick Shih, HKEPC's John Lam and Splave.

ORIGIN PC has officially launched their most powerful small form factor (SFF) chassis yet, the Silverstone SG10, to their award-winning desktops. Designed as the ultimate SFF with full support of standard size components such as ATX power supplies, full tower CPU coolers and up to DUAL NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690's in QUAD-SLI, the SG10 has the ability toplay any PC Game, including popular AAA titles CRYSIS 3 and METRO: Last Light at a visually stunning 2560x1600 resolution with buttery smooth frame rates.Who says power can't be achieved with at small footprint? With the new SG10 you can now experience the performance of a full-size desktop, but at a fraction of the size.