Nvidia has announced the GeForce GTX 690, powered by dual Kepler architecture-based GeForce GPUs. The GTX 690 is powered by a total of 3,072 Nvidia CUDA cores. Designed for the gamer and ultra-high-resolution, multi-monitor Nvidia Surround configurations, the GTX 690 delivers close to double the frame rates of the closest single GPU product, the GTX 680. Plus, it is more power efficient and quieter when compared to systems equipped with two GTX 680 cards running in Nvidia SLI configuration, the vendor said. The GTX 690 graphics card is designed using GeForce GPUs based on NVIDIA's 28nm Kepler architecture, following the introduction late last month of the GTX 680. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 690 GPU will be available in limited quantities starting May 3, 2012, with wider availability by May 7, 2012 from Nvidia's add-in card partners, including Asustek Computer, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte Technology, Inno3D, Micro-Star International (MSI), Palit and Zotac. Expected pricing is US$999.

Intel has introduced the quad-core third-generation Intel Core processor family, delivering dramatic visual and performance computing gains for gamers, media enthusiasts and mainstream users alike. Available now in powerful, high-end desktop, notebooks and sleek all-in-one (AIO) designs, the new processors are the first chips in the world made using Intel's 22nm 3D tri-Gate transistor technology. The combination of Intel's 3D tri-gate transistor technology and architectural enhancements help make possible up to double the 3D graphics and HD media processing performance compared with Intel's previous generation of chips. As a result of the stunning, built-in visual performance, all the things people love to do on their PCs - from creating and editing videos and photos, surfing the Web, watching HD movies or playing mainstream games - are quicker, crisper and more life-like. With as much as 20% microprocessor performance improvements and new technologies to speed the flow of data to and from the chips, the new processors further extend Intel's overall performance leadership. In the coming months, additional versions of the third-generation Intel Core processors will be available to power a new wave of systems ranging from ultrabook devices, to servers and intelligent systems in retail, healthcare and other industries.

VIA Technologies has announced two latest additions to the VIA Modular Solutions portfolio, the VIA COMe-8X92 and the VIA QSM-8Q90. The modular design approach allows for short time-to market, application-specific customization, simplified development, high stability and long life cycles allowing customers to rapidly develop new and exciting devices. Measuring 95x95mm, the VIA COMe-8X92 is based on the industry standard Computer-on-Module (COM) Express Compact form factor, developed and maintained by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG). The VIA COMe-8X92 module combines a 1.2GHz VIA Nano X2 E-series dual-core processor and the VIA VX900H media system processor (MSP) providing a ruggedized solution targeted at industrial PC and large OEM customers focused on dynamic application segments, including medical, advanced gaming, industrial automation and digital signage. The VIA COMe-8X92 module also offers support for the latest connectivity standards including 18/24-bit single-channel LVDS, VGA, Display Port and HDMI with onboard I/O includes two SATA II ports, one GigaLAN port, one USB client port (shared with one of four USB 2.0 ports), four USB 2.0 ports, SDIO, expansion buses for one PCIe X4 and one PCIe x1 and the VIA Labs VL800 USB 3.0 host controller which offers support for four USB 3.0 ports. System memory support includes one slot for up to 4GB of SODIMM DDR3 RAM.