asmedia | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Fri, 28 Aug 2015 21:53:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png asmedia | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Not all USB type-C ports are equal: Nine versions of USB-C incoming https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/not-all-usb-type-c-ports-are-equal-nine-implementations-of-usb-c-incoming/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/not-all-usb-type-c-ports-are-equal-nine-implementations-of-usb-c-incoming/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2015 21:45:44 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=265404 The reversible USB type-C connector is something that the industry has been waiting for since the introduction of the original USB bus in 1997. This year PCs, computer components and mobile devices finally started to incorporate USB-C receptacles, but not all implementations necessarily support all features introduced by the latest version of the USB specification. …

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The reversible USB type-C connector is something that the industry has been waiting for since the introduction of the original USB bus in 1997. This year PCs, computer components and mobile devices finally started to incorporate USB-C receptacles, but not all implementations necessarily support all features introduced by the latest version of the USB specification. Apparently, there are nine possible implementations of USB-C ports with different functionality.

The latest Universal Serial Bus 3.1 specification introduces the new reversible 24-pin type-C receptacle as well as a number of innovative features that greatly expand usage of the USB bus, but retain full compatibility with previous versions of the standard. Key improvements of the USB 3.1 and the USB type-C are higher performance, improved power delivery, universal connector and vendor-specific capabilities. The key idea behind the USB 3.1 type-C is to create one interconnection that does everything.

usb_31_implementations_one

The USB 3.1 not only increases physical data signaling rate to 10Gb/s, but it also changes its encoding scheme to 128b/132b (inherited from PCI Express 3.0), which greatly lowers line encoding overhead to 3 or 4 per cent. In theory, peak bandwidth of a perfect USB 3.1 implementation could be as high as 1.2GB – 1.25GB/s. In addition, the USB 3.1 supports USB power delivery 2.0 specification, which allows one cable to transfer up to 100W of power to a device. Finally, USB type-C and USB 3.1 allow IHVs [independent hardware vendors] to implement their own functional extensions via Alternate and Accessory Modes to differentiate their products. Unfortunately, far not all features are compulsory for implementation.

usb_31_implementations_tb

As it turns out, the USB-C receptacle can be used with virtually any USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 controller. This allows various vendors to build new devices without using of advanced, expensive and power hungry USB 3.1 controllers as well as appropriate power and signal management ICs. However, this means that different devices with the exact same connector will support different (480Mb/s, 5Gb/s or 10Gb/s) data-rates. Moreover, vendors may or may not add support for DisplayPort functionality via USB-C port, which means that select devices will feature display output, whereas others with the same port will not. Finally, some devices will support USB Power Delivery technology, whereas others will not. A good news is that the USB implementers forum has designed eight distinguished labels that describe capabilities of different USB-C ports. A bad news is that the presence of a USB 3.1 type-C connector does not automatically mean anything.

usb_31_implementations_cables_1

At present the only implementation of the USB 3.1 type-C connector that fully supports all features of the standard can be built using Intel Corp.’s “Alpine Ridge” controller, which also supports the company’s 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 technology. Ironically, to support all the capabilities of the USB 3.1 spec, IHVs have to use a controller that supports competing Thunderbolt 3 interconnection bus. At present Gigabyte Technology is the only maker of mainboards, which uses Intel’s “Alpine Ridge” on its Intel Z170-based platforms and supports all the features that the USB 3.1 has to offer with Thunderbolt 3 on top of that.

usb_31_implementations_cables

In addition to different kinds of USB type-C ports, there are different types of USB type-C cables, including USB 3.1 type-C to type-C cable assemblies with 15 wires inside as well as USB 2.0 type-C to type-C cables with 5 wires inside. A fully-fledged USB type-C cable is active, electronically marked cable, with an ID chip that contains vendor-defined messages (VDMs) from the USB Power Delivery 2.0 specification as well as other information necessary to support additional functionality. To make things even more complicated, there will be a host of legacy cable assemblies and adapters that will help to connect new devices to old systems as well as old devices to new systems.

thunderbolt3_presentation

Over time, all implementations of the USB type-C receptacles will support 10Gb/s data-rates as well as power delivery capabilities. However, nowadays there is a clear mess with different USB-C versions. The only way to get a device with a USB 3.1 type-C port done right is to get a product that supports Intel’s Thunderbolt 3, the port that truly does it all.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Different implementations of USB-C allow to build cheaper devices and make the new connector more widespread. However, such approach creates an incredible mess and confuses a lot of potential buyers and greatly devalues the USB 3.1 type-C technology in general.

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Asus USB 3.1 UPD Panel upgrade kit: USB type-C, 10Gb/s, 100W power delivery https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/asus-unveils-front-panel-usb-3-1-type-c-upgrade-kit-with-10gbs-transfers-power-delivery/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/asus-unveils-front-panel-usb-3-1-type-c-upgrade-kit-with-10gbs-transfers-power-delivery/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:35:06 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=264591 Asustek Computer has rolled-out the most sophisticated USB 3.1 type-C upgrade kit to date. The Asus USB 3.1 UPD Panel not only boasts with two USB type-C receptacles, but also supports USB type-C power delivery feature, which allows transferring up to 100W of power using one connector. The kit is compatible with any Intel Z170-based …

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Asustek Computer has rolled-out the most sophisticated USB 3.1 type-C upgrade kit to date. The Asus USB 3.1 UPD Panel not only boasts with two USB type-C receptacles, but also supports USB type-C power delivery feature, which allows transferring up to 100W of power using one connector. The kit is compatible with any Intel Z170-based mainboard featuring SATA Express.

The Asus USB 3.1 UPD Panel consists of a card featuring the Asmedia ASM1142 controller and various power and signal management ICs [integrated circuits], a 5.25” front panel adapter to host the card and a SATA Express cable. The card can be installed into the adapter and connected to a spare SATAe port (in case USB 3.1 ports are needed on the front), or into a spare PCI Express x1 slot (if USB-C ports are needed in the back), providing a lot of flexibility to the end-user or system integrator.

asus_usb_31_upgrade_kit asus_usb_31_upgrade_kit_4

The card sports two 12V Molex power connectors as well as a quite sophisticated power circuitry in order to enable USB type-C power delivery capability. One port out of two can supply any device with up to 100W of power for charging or operation. In fact, Asustek’s USB 3.1 UPD Panel is the first product of such kind that supports USB type-C power delivery.

asus_usb_31_upgrade_kit_2

Asustek Computer claims that the USB 3.1 UPD Panel is designed for Intel Z170-based platforms. Theoretically, the USB 3.1 UPD Panel is compatible with any motherboard that has a SATA Express connector and/or a spare PCI Express 3.0 x1 slot. However, previous-generation mainboards implement SATA Express using PCI Express 2.0 x2 interface, which means that maximum bandwidth is limited to around 1GB/s., which is less than USB 3.1 (10Gb/s or 1.25GB/s) transfer rate. On the other hand, Asmedia’s ASM1142 controller uses PCIe 2.0 x2 or PCIe 3.0 x1 bus, which means that it also does not support maximum data-rate of the USB 3.1 specification.

asus_usb_31_upgrade_kit_3

The Asus USB 3.1 UPD Panel is set to become available shortly. Pricing of the product is unknown.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The Asus USB 3.1 UPD Panel is the USB 3.1 done right: two type-C connectors and USB power delivery – key features of the SuperSpeed+ USB specification – are fully supported. The Asmedia ASM1142 controller has its own limitations, but since it is widely utilized by makers of motherboards, its usage by the upgrade kit can hardly be called a drawback.

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Asrock introduces USB 3.1 type-C front panel for desktop PCs https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/asrock-introduces-usb-3-1-type-c-front-panel-for-desktop-pcs/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/asrock-introduces-usb-3-1-type-c-front-panel-for-desktop-pcs/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2015 23:55:46 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=263461 While there are many mainboards with USB 3.1 support available today, they feature type-C ports on their back panels and it is uncomfortable to use such connectors. Asrock this week introduced a special adapter that places one USB type-C and one USB type-A ports on the front panel of any desktop PC. Asrock's front USB …

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While there are many mainboards with USB 3.1 support available today, they feature type-C ports on their back panels and it is uncomfortable to use such connectors. Asrock this week introduced a special adapter that places one USB type-C and one USB type-A ports on the front panel of any desktop PC.

Asrock's front USB 3.1 panel for 5.25″ bays is based on the Asmedia ASM1142 controller and the EtronTech EJ179V switch IC for type-C implementation. The EJ179V can provide 3A at 5V, or 15W of USB power delivery, which should be sufficient to charge portable devices, but is not enough to power demanding consumer electronics. The panel should be plugged to a SATA Express port.

asrock_front_panel

Initially, Asrock’s USB 3.1 type-C front panel will be sold together with Asrock’s mainboards, such as Asrock's Fatal1ty Z170 Gaming K6+ motherboard just reviewed by KitGuru. However, it is possible that the device will also be available separately.

USB-3_1-FP-2

The Asrock USB 3.1 type-C front panel can theoretically be compatible with any mainboard with a spare SATA Express connector, but there could be certain limitations as there are platforms with rather imperfect SATAe implementations.

USB-3_1-FP-1

The approximate price of Asrock’s USB 3.1 type-C front panel is unknown, but do not expect it to be considerably more expensive than USB 3.1 adapters for PCI Express slots.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is uncomfortable to utilize USB type-C ports located on the back panel of a PC. Thus, the new device from Asrock seems to be quite useful. If Asrock makes the device available widely and it does not cost too much, then it can easily become popular.

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Designers of controllers expect rapid adoption of USB 3.1 by PCs, phones https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/designers-of-controllers-expect-rapid-adoption-of-usb-3-1-by-laptops-phones/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/designers-of-controllers-expect-rapid-adoption-of-usb-3-1-by-laptops-phones/#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:31:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=261555 Although this year far not all mobile devices will get USB 3.1 type-C ports, next year a lot will change, according to Taiwan-based designers of controllers. Thanks to reversible form-factor, improved performance, higher durability and other benefits of USB 3.1 interface and type-C ports, many laptops and smartphones will adopt both technologies in 2016. Apple …

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Although this year far not all mobile devices will get USB 3.1 type-C ports, next year a lot will change, according to Taiwan-based designers of controllers. Thanks to reversible form-factor, improved performance, higher durability and other benefits of USB 3.1 interface and type-C ports, many laptops and smartphones will adopt both technologies in 2016.

Apple and Google were first PC suppliers to offer notebooks with USB 3.1 type-C ports. PC makers tend to follow Apple, so expect a lot of branded PCs with Intel “Skylake” processors inside to feature USB type-C ports already this year. Thanks to lowered prices of USB 3.1 controllers by Asmedia and Intel, implementation of both USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 got a lot cheaper recently.

usb_31_3_1_type_c_connector_apple_2

As Intel ramps up its “Skylake” chips, more laptops will get USB 3.1. In fact, Intel itself expects 30 mobile designs to feature USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt next year, the company revealed in a conversation with KitGuru earlier this year.

“We expect strong PC adoption of Thunderbolt 3 because of the inclusion of Thunderbolt with USB 3.1 and the USB-C connector, and compelling new uses such as single-cable docking and external graphics,” said Anna Cheng, a representative for Intel. “We are expecting more than 30 mobile PC designs from the top PC OEMs due out within the next year.”

Smartphone makers are slightly more conservative than PC makers, but even some of China-based handset makers have already started to adopt USB type-C connectors, reports DigiTimes. Next year major makers of smartphones are expected to offer USB type-C ports on their devices.

In fact, Taiwan-based designers of controllers, such as Asmedia Technology, Etron Technology and Via Labs are all gearing up “to offer USB 3.1 type-C solutions as they anticipate the interface will see widespread adoption.” Moreover, even makers of mobile gadgets, such as USB flash drives, are already adopting USB type-C ports, which indicates that they expect certain demand for such products.

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Asmedia currently offers ASM1142 USB 3.1 controller that supports up to 10Gb/s transfer-rates. Etron sells USB power delivery (UPD) controllers compatible with USB 3.1 specification. Via Labs yet has to offer a proper USB 3.1 chip, but it has certified its VL150 USB 3.0 controller to work with type-C receptacles and cables.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: USB 3.1 interface and type-C connectors will significantly improve mobile gadgets. Thanks to cheaper controllers by Asmedia and Intel, the new technologies will likely be adopted much quicker than usually.

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Asmedia and Intel cut prices of USB 3.1 chips, speed up adoption https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/asmedia-and-intel-cut-prices-of-usb-3-1-chips-speed-up-adoption/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/asmedia-and-intel-cut-prices-of-usb-3-1-chips-speed-up-adoption/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2015 21:05:13 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=258887 Asmedia and Intel Corp. have started to reduce prices of their USB 3.1 controllers in a bid to gain market share. Intel Corp.’s “Alpine Ridge” chip offers Thunderbolt 3 in addition to USB 3.1, but Asmedia’s controller is significantly cheaper to make and can be sold a very low price. Intel planned to sell its …

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Asmedia and Intel Corp. have started to reduce prices of their USB 3.1 controllers in a bid to gain market share. Intel Corp.’s “Alpine Ridge” chip offers Thunderbolt 3 in addition to USB 3.1, but Asmedia’s controller is significantly cheaper to make and can be sold a very low price.

Intel planned to sell its “Alpine Ridge” controller for $10 originally, but in a bid to speed-up adoption of Thunderbolt 3 by various makers of mainboards and improve its revenues, the company decreased the price of the chip to $6. As a result, Asmedia had to cut the price of its popular ASM1142 controller to below $3.

msi_z97a_gaming_6_USB-3_1-Type-C

Gigabyte Technology was the only maker of mainboards, who planned to adopt Intel’s “Alpine Ridge” for a wide range of its new platforms. The rest of the motherboard manufacturers – Asustek Computer, Asrock, MicroStar International (MSI), Biostar and Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) – planned to continue using Asmedia’s ASM1142 to enable USB 3.1 on their Intel 100-series LGA1151 mainboards for ‘Skylake’ processors, reports DigiTimes.

Thanks to the price-cut by Intel and the fact that the “Alpine Ridge” is considerably more advanced because it supports Thunderbolt 3 (with maximum data transfer-rate of 40Gb/s), HDMI 2.0 as well as PCI Express 3.0 x4 interface, Asus and MSI have reconsidered their original plans and decided to use Intel’s solution instead of Asmedia’s for their high-end platforms.

thunderbolt3_presentation

Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 combines four interconnection technologies: Thunderbolt 3, SuperSpeed+ USB 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2 and PCI Express 3.0. The TB3 features maximum bandwidth of 40Gb/s, it can deliver up to 15W of power to any bus-powered device and up to 100W for charging, everything using an industry-standard USB 3.1 cable and type-C connectors. As an added bonus, the “Alpine Ridge” chip also supports HDMI 2.0.

intel_thunderbolt_alpine_ridge_40gbps

Intel does not produce “Alpine Ridge” silicon at its fabs. It is believed that production is outsourced to TSMC or UMC, who manufacture the chip using one of their 28nm fabrication processes.

While it remains to be seen whose USB 3.1 solution will eventually get more popular, it is evident that both Asmedia and Intel helped the new standard to become more widespread.

Asmedia, Intel and makers of mainboards did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: In many cases, price-wars slow-down progress. However, in the case of USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3, the competition between Asmedia and Intel will evidently help to drive adoption of both technologies as well as the USB type-C connector.

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AMD to offer USB 3.1 controller under its own brand https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/amd-to-offer-usb-3-1-controller-under-its-own-brand/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/amd-to-offer-usb-3-1-controller-under-its-own-brand/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:52:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=253876 At present, only MicroStar International offers platforms for AMD processors with USB 3.1 type-A connectors. By contrast, virtually all leading makers of motherboards now sell mainboards for current-generation Intel processors with the new bus. Apparently, Advanced Micro Devices wants to change that. In a bid to catch up with Intel Corp. when it comes to …

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At present, only MicroStar International offers platforms for AMD processors with USB 3.1 type-A connectors. By contrast, virtually all leading makers of motherboards now sell mainboards for current-generation Intel processors with the new bus. Apparently, Advanced Micro Devices wants to change that.

In a bid to catch up with Intel Corp. when it comes to platform features, Advanced Micro Devices plans to offer its partners a USB 3.1 controller to install it on mainboards designed for its processors. While the chip will carry AMD brand, it will be a rebadged version of Asmedia’s USB 3.1 controller that has been available for some time.

AMD intends to sell its partners its AMDUA3102A USB 3.1 controller along with its chipsets, reports BenchLife. The chip is a rebadged version of Asmedia’s ASM1142 host controller used by numerous makers of mainboards. The solution will cost $4 per unit and all volume discounts for AMD’s partners will apply.

msi_990fxa_amd_am3_socket_am3_usb_mainboard

Selling Asmedia’s controller will likely help AMD to slightly increase its revenues.

Intel recently introduced its code-named “Alpine Ridge” controller that enables USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.

AMD did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Last year AMD reportedly signed an agreement with Asmedia over development of core-logic sets. Apparently, for now AMD will only offer rebranded chips by Asmedia, not exclusive chipsets developed for Advanced Micro Devices.

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Next-gen AMD platform: processor-direct NVMe storage, USB 3.1, Promontory PCH https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amds-next-gen-pc-platform-processor-direct-nvme-storage-promontory-pch-usb-3-1/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amds-next-gen-pc-platform-processor-direct-nvme-storage-promontory-pch-usb-3-1/#comments Thu, 07 May 2015 03:20:45 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=248382 Next year Advanced Micro Devices plans to introduce not only all-new accelerated processing units and central processing units, but also fresh platforms for client PCs. While AMD will do a lot to unify its next-gen platforms, there will still be major differences between systems powered by different microprocessors. AMD’s client platforms next year will rely …

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Next year Advanced Micro Devices plans to introduce not only all-new accelerated processing units and central processing units, but also fresh platforms for client PCs. While AMD will do a lot to unify its next-gen platforms, there will still be major differences between systems powered by different microprocessors.

AMD’s client platforms next year will rely on code-named “Promontory” core-logic that will support various APUs and CPUs from the company, including code-named “Summit Ridge”, “Bristol Ridge” based on “Zen” micro-architecture and other. All next-gen desktop microprocessors from AMD will use unified AM4 packaging and will be compatible with a variety of appropriate mainboards, which will make it easy for system makers to design PCs powered by AMD’s APUs or CPUs.

AMD “Promontory” chipset will be rather feature-rich: it will connect to processors using PCI Express 3.0 x4 bus (up to 4GB/s of bandwidth) and will support USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports; one PCI Express 2.0 general-purpose port for various controllers; Serial ATA-6Gb/s and SATA Express port(s). Since “Promontory” platform controller hub (PCH) will rely on a single 4GB/s interconnection to microprocessor, do not expect it to enable a lot of 10Gb/s USB 3.1 ports along with numerous fast SATA Express ports.

amd_promontory_features_capabilities

In fact, the crucial input/output interfaces of AMD’s next-gen client PC platforms will be integrated into APUs and CPUs themselves, according to a block diagram published by BenchLife web-site. AMD’s future microprocessors will built-in processor-direct storage controller: next-gen AMD FX “Summit Ridge” will feature a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe port or one PCIe 3.0 x2 along with two Serial ATA 3.0 ports, whereas less advanced “Bristol Ridge” and other chips will support PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe and two Serial ATA 3.0 ports (or one SATA Express). The upcoming processors will also incorporate four USB 3.0/2.0 ports as well as audio, SPI and LPC interfaces.

What is a bit alarming is that the next-generation AMD FX processors based on “Zen” micro-architecture code-named “Summit Ridge” will support only 16 built-in PCI Express 3.0 lanes for graphics cards, which means that it is not exactly designed for multi-GPU systems with more than two graphics cards.

AMD did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: AMD’s next-gen client PC platform for high-performance APUs and CPUs looks pretty competitive by today’s standards. Unfortunately, the “Summit Ridge” + “Promontory” platform does not support a lot of PCI Express 3.0 lanes, which are needed to build multi-GPU systems with multiple SATA Express (PCIe 3.0 x4) SSDs, like the Intel Z170 does, but it fully supports USB 3.1 and ensures maximum performance for NVMe SSDs thanks to processor-direct storage.

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MSI unveils world’s first USB 3.1-supporting platforms for AMD processors https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-unveils-worlds-first-usb-3-1-supporting-platforms-for-amd-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-unveils-worlds-first-usb-3-1-supporting-platforms-for-amd-processors/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2015 23:20:03 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=239920 Nearly all leading manufacturers of mainboards have introduced motherboards supporting USB 3.1 technology. Since at present the new interconnection tech is positioned as a high-end feature for enthusiasts, mainboards featuring USB 3.1 are all designed for various processors from Intel Corp. However, MicroStar International (MSI) decided to add the new technology to platforms for AMD …

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Nearly all leading manufacturers of mainboards have introduced motherboards supporting USB 3.1 technology. Since at present the new interconnection tech is positioned as a high-end feature for enthusiasts, mainboards featuring USB 3.1 are all designed for various processors from Intel Corp. However, MicroStar International (MSI) decided to add the new technology to platforms for AMD chips as well.

Shortly from now MSI’s partners around the world will begin to sell new revisions of MSI 990FXA Gaming and MSI 970A SLI Krait Edition motherboards for AMD FX-series microprocessors in AM3+ form-factor with 10Gb/s USB 3.1 ports. The mainboards are designed for enthusiasts who prefer multi-core FX processors from AMD and support advanced overclocking capabilities as well as multi-GPU technologies from AMD and Nvidia.

msi_990fxa_amd_am3_socket_am3_usb_mainboard

Just like the rest USB 3.1-supporting platforms from MSI, the 990FXA Gaming and the 970A SLI Krait Edition use the Asmedia ASM1352R controller, which utilizes two PCI Express 2.0 lanes with up to 10Gb/s transfer rate, to enable USB 3.1 ports.

At present the new revisions of MSI’s 990FXA Gaming and 970A SLI Krait Edition are the only USB 3.1-supporting platforms for AMD FX processors in the world. Unfortunately, the motherboards only feature USB 3.1 type-A receptacles, not reversible USB 3.1 type-C ports. Google recently revealed that many smartphones and even netbooks with USB type-C receptacles would hit the market in the near future. Their launch will encourage manufacturers of various gear, such as memory sticks and other peripherals, to release loads of products with the new connectors.

USB-3_1-Image

Prices of MSI’s USB 3.1-supporting mainboards for AMD central processing units are unknown, but do not expect them to be considerably higher than those of existing revisions of the same motherboards.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Low popularity of AMD processors among enthusiasts and performance-demanding users is the reason why the latest technologies reach AMD platforms with a massive delay. In fact, AMD FX platform still does not support PCI Express 3.0 bus. It will take quite a while before AMD-based PCs will get USB 3.1 since at present such computers are positioned as affordable solutions, whereas adding the new interconnection tech requires an addition chip that costs money.

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MSI adds USB 3.1 to 12 motherboards https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-adds-usb-3-1-to-12-motherboards/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-adds-usb-3-1-to-12-motherboards/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:55:58 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=239887 MicroStar International (MSI) on Friday said that it is adding USB 3.1 technology to 12 of its mainboards based on various core-logic sets and designed for different microprocessors. While all new USB 3.1-enabled motherboards from MSI will support 10Gb/s transfer rates, only two of them will sport reversible USB 3.1 type-C connector. MSI uses the …

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MicroStar International (MSI) on Friday said that it is adding USB 3.1 technology to 12 of its mainboards based on various core-logic sets and designed for different microprocessors. While all new USB 3.1-enabled motherboards from MSI will support 10Gb/s transfer rates, only two of them will sport reversible USB 3.1 type-C connector.

MSI uses the Asmedia ASM1352R controller, which utilizes two PCI Express 2.0 lanes with up to 10Gb/s transfer rate, to enable USB 3.1 ports on its motherboards. Since no core-logic currently supports USB 3.1 natively, manufacturers of mainboards have to use external chips from various designers to build platforms with the new interconnection technology. Unlike other makers of mainboards, MSI installed USB 3.1 receptacles and controllers directly on its motherboards, which is a very cost-effective way to enable the technology.

msi_z97a_gaming_6_USB-3_1-Type-C

MSI’s mainboards featuring USB 3.1 type-A connectors are all marked with appropriate logotypes. At present the family of USB 3.1-supporting platforms from MSI looks as follows:

  • Intel Z97: Z97A Gaming 9 ACK, Z97A Gaming 7, Z97A Gaming 6 (supports USB 3.1 type-C connector);
  • Intel X99: X99A Gaming 9 ACK, X99A Gaming 7, X99A Xpower AC, X99A Mpower, X99A SLI Krait Edition, X99A SLI Plus X99A Raider;
  • AMD: 990FXA Gaming and 970A SLI Krait Edition.

Check out KitGuru’s hands-on preview of MSI’s implementation of USB 3.1 HERE.

msi_usb31_logo

For an unknown reason, MSI decided to install the all-new reversible USB 3.1 type-C receptacle only on its Z97A Gaming 6 mainboard. All other motherboards in MSI’s lineup of USB 3.1-enabled platforms use traditional type-A ports. The decision not to use USB type-C is regrettable. Google believes that many smartphones and even netbooks will feature USB type-C receptacles in the near future, which will catalyze makers of memory sticks and other peripherals to release loads of products with appropriate connectors.

USB-3_1-Image

The family of USB 3.1-supporting mainboards from MSI is the industry’s most comprehensive lineup of platforms featuring the new interconnection technology, which contains motherboards for different processors, including Intel’s chips in LGA1150 and LGA2011-3 form-factors as well as AMD’s processors in AM3+ form-factors.

Prices of MSI’s USB 3.1-supporting platforms are unknown, but do not expect huge increases compared to existing solutions.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is nice to see that MSI offers twelve USB 3.1-supporting mainboards. Unfortunately, the company decided not to use the new USB type-C port. Moreover, it is evident that the company currently considers USB 3.1 as a solution for high-end market, which is why it decided not to install new controllers on motherboards for mainstream market. Since other manufacturers of platforms do the same, it will take some time before USB 3.1 becomes a mainstream tech.

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AMD to unify platforms for high-end FX chips, mainstream APUs https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amd-to-unify-platforms-for-high-end-fx-chips-mainstream-apus/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amd-to-unify-platforms-for-high-end-fx-chips-mainstream-apus/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2015 04:03:12 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=233089 At present Advanced Micro Devices, just like Intel Corp., has two desktop platforms: socket FM2+ for mainstream accelerated processing units and socket AM3+ for high-end FX central processing units. When AMD introduces its new chips in 2016, the company will unify the two platforms, a media report claims. AMD’s forthcoming code-named “Bristol Ridge” and “Summit …

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At present Advanced Micro Devices, just like Intel Corp., has two desktop platforms: socket FM2+ for mainstream accelerated processing units and socket AM3+ for high-end FX central processing units. When AMD introduces its new chips in 2016, the company will unify the two platforms, a media report claims.

AMD’s forthcoming code-named “Bristol Ridge” and “Summit Ridge” products will use socket FM3 platforms, according to SweClockers. Mainboards with the FM3 sockets will utilize DDR4 memory, but will sport an unknown number of channels. Other peculiarities of the platform remain unknown, but given the fact that they will support both FX-series and A-series processors, expect their feature-set to be flexible.

amd_kaveri_fx_mobile

AMD’s “Bristol Ridge” APUs will feature four code-named “Excavator” cores, a Radeon graphics engine based on the GCN 1.2 or more advanced architecture and 95W thermal design power. The chip will be similar to this year’s “Carrizo”, but will be optimized for operation at high clock-rates. The APUs will be made using 28nm fabrication process.

By contrast, AMD’s “Summit Ridge” central processing units will sport up to eight next-generation “Zen” high-performance x86 cores, L3 cache and up to 95W thermal design power. The CPUs will be manufactured using 14nm manufacturing technology.

The “Bristol Ridge”, “Summit Ridge” processors as well as the FM3 mainboards will become available in the third quarter of 2016, more than 1.5 years from now. The new platforms will use I/O controllers code-named “Promontory”, which are rumoured to be developed by Asmedia.

amd_fusion_kaveri_steamroller_piledriver_excavator

The unification of the platforms has both pros and cons. On the one hand, it means that mainboard makers will not have to support two types of motherboards for AMD processors. On the other hand, it means that AMD will be unable to incorporate any exclusive features into its high-end platforms. For example, Intel’s high-end desktop (HEDT) processors integrate quad-channel memory controller and feature up to 140W of thermal design power, which allows the company to offer CPUs with unprecedented performance. Moreover, Intel's X99 platform offers considerably better I/O feature configuration than Intel's Z97 chipset.

AMD did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Looks like either AMD is extremely confident of its Zen architecture and it believes that it will be able to address all markets with 95W parts and mainstream platform capabilities, or it simply has no plans to address the market of high-end PCs even with its next-gen offerings.

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AMD and Asmedia sign chipset development outsourcing deal – report https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amd-and-asmedia-formally-sign-chipset-development-outsourcing-deal-report/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amd-and-asmedia-formally-sign-chipset-development-outsourcing-deal-report/#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:33:45 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=223492 Advanced Micro Devices and Asmedia have reportedly signed a pact under which the latter will develop core-logic sets for the former. The move will help AMD to reduce its expenses and use internal engineering resources to develop leading-edge microprocessors and graphics processing units. Earlier this year AMD licensed SATA Express-related intellectual property from Asmedia. Then, …

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Advanced Micro Devices and Asmedia have reportedly signed a pact under which the latter will develop core-logic sets for the former. The move will help AMD to reduce its expenses and use internal engineering resources to develop leading-edge microprocessors and graphics processing units.

Earlier this year AMD licensed SATA Express-related intellectual property from Asmedia. Then, rumours about tighter collaboration between the two companies emerged. According to DigiTimes, which cites an Asmedia filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the chip designer had signed a contract with AMD. While no details were revealed, it was noted that the projects are related to next-generation chipset technology.

AMD and Asmedia did not comment on the news-story. The filing from Asmedia was also not available at the TSE’s web-site at press time.

amd_fusion_kaveri_steamroller_piledriver_excavator

Chipsets were a crucial part of PC platforms some five – ten years ago since they defined feature-set and performance of computers. However, in the recent years the most crucial PC components, such as memory controllers, graphics processing units, PCI Express controllers and other, migrated into central processing units; as a result, chipsets no longer play as vital role as they used to do. Nonetheless, there are a lot of input/output interfaces, such as Serial ATA, Ethernet, USB, additional PCI Express controllers and other that still remain inside the I/O controllers (which are also called FCH [fusion controller hub], PCH [platform controller hub] or south bridges). Asmedia is expected to develop next-generation I/O controllers for AMD platforms.

Recently AMD outlined its mobile microprocessor roadmap and revealed that all the new chips it plans to offer next year will be system-on-chips with integrated I/O functionality. As a result, next-gen chipsets for the company’s accelerated processing units will not have to support a lot of things, but only some basic interfaces, which cannot be integrated into APUs.

amd_mobility_carrizo_roadmap

It makes a lot of sense for AMD to outsource development of consumer-class core-logic to Asmedia, since this lowers its expenses and may also improve its relationship with Asustek Computer, one of the major shareholders of Asmedia. Nonetheless, when it comes to platforms for servers, AMD will have to keep chipset development in-house as server makers demand maximum stability and reliability on the platform level. As a result, AMD will have to keep its chipset development team, which means that its savings from chipset development may not be very high.

Keeping in mind that at present AMD is developing two all-new ARMv8 and x86 micro-architectures, several new GPUs as well as multiple microprocessors and APUs, it makes a lot of sense for AMD to outsource certain development to a third-party.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It will be extremely interesting to see what kind of I/O functionality AMD will integrate into its next-generation “Carrizo” and “Carrizo-L” chips and what will be supported by Asmedia-developed chipset. Keeping in mind that AMD licensed SATAe-related IP from Asmedia several months ago, it looks like storage controllers will be inside APUs.

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AMD reportedly plans to outsource chipset development to Asmedia https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amd-reportedly-plans-to-outsource-chipset-development-to-asmedia/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/amd-reportedly-plans-to-outsource-chipset-development-to-asmedia/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2014 22:57:38 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=197131 Advanced Micro Devices reportedly plans to outsource development of its core-logic sets to Asmedia, a controller chip developer co-owned by Asustek Computer. While the plan may further reduce AMD’s costs and potentially will allow to quicker respond to market demands, it will also shrink AMD’s ability to offer fully-integrated platform solutions. Historically, Advanced Micro Devices …

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Advanced Micro Devices reportedly plans to outsource development of its core-logic sets to Asmedia, a controller chip developer co-owned by Asustek Computer. While the plan may further reduce AMD’s costs and potentially will allow to quicker respond to market demands, it will also shrink AMD’s ability to offer fully-integrated platform solutions.

Historically, Advanced Micro Devices was solely a large manufacturer of microprocessors, which mostly relied on core-logic sets from third-party developers (the company did offer its own chipsets at times, though). After the company acquired ATI Technologies in 2006, AMD decided to exclusively develop its own chipsets in a bid to boost its revenue and provide fully-integrated platforms consisting of processors and supporting logic. Today AMD processors for desktops, notebooks and servers are only supported by the company’s own chipsets.

The general market trend that has been ongoing for more than ten years is integration of additional functionality into microprocessors. The key PC components, such as memory controllers, graphics processing units, the PCI Express controllers and other have been integral parts of central processing units for some time now. However, input/output interfaces, such as Serial ATA, Ethernet, USB, additional PCI Express controllers and other things still remain inside the I/O controllers (which are also called FCH [fusion controller hub], PCH [platform controller hub] or south bridges). Nonetheless, given the market trend, the majority of I/O capabilities over time will move into the central processing units, just like it happened on the market of mobile system-on-chips for smartphones and tablets.

apufch

In a bid to support SATA Express (SATAe) interconnection technology with its next-generation core-logic sets that are due in 2015 and thus make its next-generation FCH chips more competitive, AMD recently licensed intellectual property from Asmedia (at least, according to unofficial information). The move helps AMD to cut-down its costs; reduces expenses of mainboard makers, who will not have to buy additional chips to enable the SATAe on their 2015 mainboards for AMD processors; and lets Asmedia capitalize on its IP.

If another piece of unofficial information from Taiwan is correct, then AMD plans to significantly broaden its relationship with the designer of controllers. According to DigiTimes web-site, AMD is now considering to completely outsource development of its FCH chips to Asmedia.

The move has several major advantages as well as a number of disadvantages for AMD. On the one hand, it allows AMD’s partner to develop core-logic in tight contact with mainboards makers as well as PC manufacturers in China and Taiwan; it gives AMD an opportunity to better address the rapidly growing market of PCs in China; it lets AMD to fully focus on creation of competitive microprocessors and system-on-chips. On the other hand, development of the FCH chips by a third party will bring AMD back into pre-ATI acquisition era and will hypothetically lower excellent compatibility between AMD processors and supporting chipsets; it will potentially reduce trust into AMD platforms; since AMD needs to integrate all the I/O into its chips for mobile devices (such as media tablets), it will have to continue developing its own I/O or FCH solutions anyway, hence, outsourcing of core-logic development will provide very limited amount of benefits.

amd_apu_beema_mullins_puma_jaguar_x86_fusion

At present AMD’s development teams in the U.S. and Canada are busy with several projects that will completely reinvent the company. AMD is working on the code-name Skybridge chips that will integrate either ARM Cortex-A57 or x86 Puma+ cores; besides, the firm is developing its new accelerated processing units based on the high-performance Excavator cores; additionally, AMD is designing its K12 ARMv8-based low-power/high-performance architecture; finally the company is reportedly working on an all-new x86 micro-architecture that will power high-end chips for demanding applications. There are a lot of things under development at AMD and the company may have reasons to outsource non-key R&D activities to a third-party. However, this will bring it a number of disadvantages.

AMD did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Looks like AMD is considering rather tough options. Outsourcing chipset development will basically return AMD to its past. However, in a bid to secure its place on the rapidly changing market of microprocessors and system-on-chips, unusual decisions have to be made sometimes. For example, even Intel Corp. recently signed a contract with Rockchip under which the latter will design a quad-core Atom-based SoFIA SoC for Intel.

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MSI displays Intel-based World Firsts at Computex 2014 https://www.kitguru.net/channel/computex/faith/msi-displays-intel-based-world-firsts-at-computex-2014/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/computex/faith/msi-displays-intel-based-world-firsts-at-computex-2014/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2014 05:13:15 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=196937 Hot on the heels of its ECO drive, MSI has also been showing two World Firsts in the mainboard area. One is set to improve all round performance through superior bandwidth, while the other promises a high-speed interconnect for your everyday peripherals (or, at least, the ones you will buy when they are available). KitGuru …

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Hot on the heels of its ECO drive, MSI has also been showing two World Firsts in the mainboard area. One is set to improve all round performance through superior bandwidth, while the other promises a high-speed interconnect for your everyday peripherals (or, at least, the ones you will buy when they are available). KitGuru interrogates Joran Schoonderwoerd about his recent public displays.

While the world is starting to dip its toe into Intel's Tickety-Tock ‘K' chip refresh goodness, corporate eyes are on Q3 and the promise of a new set of serious chips for high-end professional chips and boards.

The idea of having memory sticks that have much faster throughput – sitting on a quad channel board – certainly bodes well for applications that saturate the bus on a regular basis.

In this area, MSI is claiming a World First. Please ignore the burst of green goodness in the bottom right hand corner, new batteries in the KitGuru flash gun seem to have temporarily saturated one corner of the board.

MSI-Worlds-First-X99-DDR4-Mainboard-KitGuru

MSI-Worlds-First-X99-DDR4-Mainboard-Spec-KitGuru

Similarly, while Intel's promise of USB 3.1 with Z97 has failed to materialise (with rumours rife that it has been let down by a chip supplier), MSI seems to have found an alternative source and ploughed ahead anyway.

Here's Joran, chipping in with an index finger – just when we needed it most.

MSI-Worlds-First-USB-3.1-Mainboard-KitGuru

You just KNOW how much Cartman would appreciate the controller being made by ASMedia.

MSI-Worlds-First-USB-3-close-up-performance

KitGuru says: Anyone who's sat at on their PC when a full backup kicks in, will have desired the kind of bandwidth that DDR4 on X99 promises. At the same time, we've ALL wished for a faster data transfer to/from USB devices. Nice to see someone innovating with technology that will improve many, many lives.

Let us know over on Facebook if you feel the need for more transfer speed.

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