ASRock recently launched its 2Core1333-2.66G and 2Core1333DVI-2.66G motherboards bundled with Intel dual-core processors that support a 1333MHz FSB (front side bus) and 2.6GHz overclocked core frequency, according to sources at ASRock.The two motherboards adopt the Intel 945GC A2 chipset, which features support for Intel dual-core Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Pentium Dual Core, Pentium 4, Celeron and Celeron D processors and supports a FSB of up to 1333MHz (Intel officially only supports up to 800MHz), and dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB and an integrated Intel GMA950 graphics engine, noted the sources.The ASRock 2Core1333DVI-2.66G will be bundled with a DVI Graphics-HDCP card for DVI output. ASRock motherboards bundled with Intel CPU specifications Model 2Core1333-2.66G 2Core1333DVI-2.66G CPU support Bundled with selected dual-core CPUs operating at FSB1333 / 2.66GHz Supports Intel dual-core Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Pentium Dual Core, Pentium 4, Celeron and Celeron D processor with FSB up to 1333MHz Memory Dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB 4 DIMM slots Dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB 2 DIMM slots Chipsets Northbridge: Intel 945GC A2 Southbridge: ICH7 VGA Intel integrated GMA950 graphics engine Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007ASRock 2Core1333DVI-2.66G bundled with Intel CPUPhoto: CompanyASRock 2Core1333-2.66G bundled with Intel CPUPhoto: Company

Thermaltake Technology recently announced its 3.5-inch Max4 SATA HDD rack, which can be easily installed in any 5.25-inch drive bay and supports all of today's mainstream SATA hard disks with a transmission speed of up to 3Gb/s.Patented designed connectors reduce poor attachments from the HDD to the SATA interface, thereby increasing the life of the interface disconnect/removal up to 50,000 times. The smart ejection mechanism on the rack provides gentle and smooth insertion and ejection of hard drives, according to Thermaltake.Front panel ventilation holes on the Max4 SATA HDD rack are designed to maximize the lifespan of the HDD by keeping it cool, even in a state of continuous use, stated Thermaltake. The design and surface of the Max4 HDD rack compliments any color computer chassis, noted the company, adding that the fan-less design reduces noise and LEDs display status and power information of the rack. The HDD rack also has an anti-theft lock allowing for safe storage and security, stated Thermaltake. Thermaltake 3.5-inch Max4 SATA HDD rack specifications Item Details Product number N0023SN Case type 3.5" SATA HDD Weight 470g Dimension 42×149×184mm�@ Material Stainless and plastic Interface SATA to SATA SATA compatibility SATA-II, SATA-I Transfer rate 3Gb/s Power source 4 pin Molex power connector Accessories SATA and power management cable Security keys Screws Manual Source: Thermaltake, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Thermaltake 3.5-inch SATA HDD rackPhoto: Company

Transcend recently unveiled its JetFlash V35 line of multicolored USB flash drives with capacities ranging from 1-8GB.The drives come in a variety of translucent colors and have dimensions of only 58.3×17.3×8.8mm to fit into a shirt pocket or tight-fitting stacked USB ports on a desktop or notebook computer, according to the company. The drives weigh 8g.The V35 is currently available in 4GB (green apple), 2GB (peppermint) and 1GB (cherry) capacities priced at US$62.90, US$35.90 and US$21.30 (untaxed), respectively. An 8GB (grape) version is also planned. All drives are backed by a lifetime warranty, according to Transcend.Transcend's JetFlash V35 line of USB flash drivesPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer introduced the Asustek EAH2600PRO/HTDI/256M and EN8600GT/HTDI/256M graphics cards that feature bundled high-quality HDMI adaptors certified by HDMI Licensing.Both models utilize specially designed cooling fans and heatsinks to dissipate heat efficiently for better cooling in comparison to reference design boards, noted the company.Each card features either AMD's Avivo HD or NVIDIA´s PureVideo HD technology, to provide hardware acceleration for video decoding, noted the company.The Asustek EAH2600PRO and EN8600GT also come with the exclusive Asustek GamerOSD. This feature is able to deliver GPU overclocking and chat options from onscreen displays during gameplay. Additionally, it also provides users with the option to record live gaming action or live broadcasting over the Internet, added the company. Asustek HDMI certified graphics cards specifications Model EAH2600PRO/HTDI/256M EN8600GT/HTDI/256M Graphics engine ATI Radeon HD 2600PRO GeForce 8600GT Video memory 256MB DDR2 256MB DDR3 Engine clock 600MHz 540MHz Memory clock 1GHz(500MHz DDR2) 1.4GHz (700MHz DDR3) Memory interface 128-bit 128-bit Max resolution 2560×1600 Up to 3840×2400 Bus standard PCI Express X16 PCI Express X16 VGA output Yes, via DVI to VGA adapter Yes, via DVI to VGA adapter HDTV output Yes, via HDTV out cable Yes, via HDTV out cable TV output Yes Yes Dual DVI output Yes Yes HDCP compliant Yes Yes Adaptor/cable bundled DVI to HDMI Adapter DVI to HDMI Adapter Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Asustek EAH2600PRO/HTDI/256M Photo: CompanyAsustek EN8600GT/HTDI/256MPhoto: Company

Faraday Technology has launched its first ARM v5 instruction set architecture (ISA) compliant processor, the 32-bit RISC FA626TE. This processor is specially designed to target applications like infortainment, PNDs (portable navigation devices), IP set-top-boxes (STBs), industrial PCs, high-speed network and storage SoCs. The first hard core which reaches the worst case clock speed of 533MHz is available now in UMC 0.13-micron process, according to the company. Faraday expects its next versions for 90nm at United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), running at 667MHz and 800MHz in the worst case, will be available in early fourth quarter and the end of 2007, respectively. For ARM's v5 ARM9 family, to reach any speed beyond 650MHz is only doable at 65nm semiconductor processes. However, this requires very expensive mask costs and lengthy manufacturing time. Faraday's FA626TE is thus designed to enable 667 MHz and 800 MHz clock speed in today's mainstream 90nm process. "We are very glad with the delivery of this high differentiated v5 processor core, " said Charlie Cheng, vice president of marketing at Faraday. "As one of just a few architectural licensees in the ARM ecosystem, it's our responsibility to expand the ARM ISA into new territories, and in this case, reaching beyond 800 MHz to encroach into PowerPC and x86 architecture territories," he added.

D-Link has introduced a 48-port stackable managed switch that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to its xStack series of switches.The D-Link xStack DES-3052 is a managed 48-port 10/100 Layer 2 stackable switch with four Gigabit ports, and two Combo SFP slots. The DES-3052P version of the switch includes PoE support across all ports."More and more SMBs are looking to enhance the security of their networks, and need a high-density managed switch that will support both their networking, security, and PoE needs; with its support for ACLs, RADIUS authentication, guest VLANs, and IP-MAC binding, the DES-3052P provides a very cost-effective solution," said George Cravens, Technical Marketing Engineer, D-Link.Each port on the DES-3052P can also support up to 15.4W of power to PoE enabled devices, budgeting a total of 370W throughout all 48 ports, according to D-Link, adding that this can eliminate the need to place devices near power outlets and help clean up loose wires and cables. For any devices that are not PoE enabled, PoE Adapters such as the D-Link DWL-P50 can be used to provide power to non-compliant devices, stated the company.The DES-3052P supports security functions and its D-Link Safeguard Engine incorporates mechanisms to detect an attack against the CPU of the switch and takes corrective measures against the attacking interface, according to D-Link. It also provides support for Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1Q Virtual LANs (VLANs), and guest VLANs for improved security and bandwidth utilization. VLANs provide a means of securing each broadcast domain, segregating them from each other, which in turn prevents users on one VLAN from gaining access to resources on other network segments, noted D-Link.D-Link's DES-3052P supports a variety of ways to prioritize the packets to ensure QoS in a busy network. In addition, it supports a number of standards-based management protocols including SNMP, RMON, Telnet, web-based GUI, SSH/SSL protocols, and DHCP Relay Option 82. Management is via Single IP Management (SIM); a tool that allows multiple switches to be configured, monitored, and maintained from any workstation using a single IP address.Both the DES-3052 and DES-3052P are available now for purchase at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$889.99 and US$1419.99, respectively. The new switches are available through the company's network of value-added resellers and distributors.The D-Link DES-3052P managed 48-port 10/100 Layer 2 stackable switchPhoto: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) has announced that Micro-Star International's (MSI's) MS-7317 motherboard, which adopts the SiS671 chipset, has entered volume production. The MS-7317 motherboard is designed for the mainstream market, according to SiS.The motherboard supports Intel Core 2 Duo processors with 800MHz FSB and single-channel DDR2 667 memory up to 4GB. It includes the integrated Mirage 3 graphics engine, which supports DirectX 9 and SiS Real Video technology.The SiS968 southbridge on the motherboard supports a PCI Express x1 slot, and also provides two SATA connectors, high-definition (HD) audio and Gigabit Ethernet, according to SiS. MSI MS-7317 motherboard specification Item Detail CPU support Intel Core 2 Duo processors with 800MHz FSB Memory support Single-channel DDR2 667 memory up to 4GB VGA Integrated Mirage 3 IGP Chipsets Northbridge: SiS671 Southbridge: SiS968 Source: MSI and SiS, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007MSI MS-7317 motherboardPhoto: Company

Taiwan-based multimedia PC company KWorld Computer is offering a pair of Windows Vista-ready DVB-S TV-tuner cards, one for desktops and the other for notebooks, according to information on the company website.The Plus TV DVB-S PI210 enables almost any PC with a free PCI slot to receive free-to-air digital satellite broadcasts, as well as analog TV and FM radio. KWorld bundles the PI210 with its HyperMedia software package which supports functions including picture-in-picture (PIP), time-shifting and access to electronic program guides (EPGs) and allows scheduled recording even when the PC is powered off, according to specification listed on the website.The compact Plus TV DVB-S 300U offers similar capabilities as the PI210 but uses USB connectivity.Both products come packaged with a remote control allowing the PC to be controlled at a distance.The Plus TV DVB-S PI210 enables almost any PC to receive free-to-air digital satellite broadcastsPhoto: Company

BenQ has announced a new line of LCD monitors targeting high performance and value-focused home and business users. The new E-series offers 13 models ranging from traditional 4:3 to 16:10 widescreen, and all models feature a 5ms response time and a viewing angle of up to 170-degrees plus BenQ's proprietary Senseye+Photo Technology.BenQ's Senseye+Photo Technology offers preset modes that provide instant settings for different usage scenarios including standard, dynamic, movie, photo and sRGB mode, explained BenQ. The sRGB mode ensures color accuracy on-screen for precise color editing to reflect accurate colors that are compliant with the industry-standard sRGB color space and ensures color consistency when connecting to sRGB-compliant devices such as digital camera, scanner and printer, added the company.The E Series not only offers a sleek appearance, but also comes with a speaker bar hung beneath the screen, making it a fit to any desktop or room, according to BenQ.All models from the E-series offer a 5ms response time, making them suitable for business, home entertainment and other applications that require high display performance, said BenQ. With a fast response time, graphics and fast-moving scenes are rendered on the monitor screen, with no lagging or blurring, the company pointed out.Furthermore, all models offered in the E-series are Energy Star certified with reduced power consumption to minimize environmental impact.Availability of the monitors varies from region to region. The E-series will be first available in Asia in late July. BenQ E-series monitors specification Model Size Response time Contrast ratio Brightness Input connector Speaker E700 17-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E700A 17-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E700N 17-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D N/A E900 19-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E900A 19-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E900N 19-inch 5ms 800:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D N/A E900W 19-inch widescreen 5ms 700:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E900WA 19-inch widescreen 5ms 700:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E900WN 19-inch widescreen 5ms 700:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D N/A E2000W 24-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 300 nits D-sub / DVI-D/ HDMI 1W x 2 E2000WA 20-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 300 nits D-sub 1W x 2 E2200W 22-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 250 nits D-sub / DVI-D 1W x 2 E2200WA 22-inch widescreen 5ms 1000:1 250 nits D-sub 1W x 2 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has announced the entry-level P4M900T-M motherboard which provides support for Intel's Core 2 Quad processors.The P4M900T-M supports 1066 MHz FSB CPUs including Intel Core 2 Quad processors such as the Q6700 as well as Core 2 Duo, Pentium D/4 and Celeron D series. Users can optimize the overall performance of their computers at a reasonable cost without giving up the flexibility to upgrade, said ECS. ECS P4M900T-M motherboard specification Item Detail CPU Intel Core 2 Quad /Core 2 Duo / Pentium D/ Pentium 4 / Celeron D processor with 1066/800/533 MHz FSB Chipset Northbridge: VIA P4M900 Southbridge: VIA VT8237A VGA Integrated Chrome9 HC IGP with shared memory up to 256MB One PCI Express x16 port Memory Single-channel DDR2 667/533/400 memory up to 4GB Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007ECS P4M900T-M motherboardPhoto: Company