Q170 | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Fri, 22 May 2015 01:24:04 +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 Q170 | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Asustek readies 21 mainboards for Intel’s ‘Skylake-S’ processors https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asustek-readies-21-mainboards-for-intels-skylake-s-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asustek-readies-21-mainboards-for-intels-skylake-s-processors/#comments Fri, 22 May 2015 01:19:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=250661 Being the world’s largest maker of mainboards, Asustek Computer traditionally offers the broadest lineup of motherboards for all new microprocessors. This fall Asus plans to introduce 21 new platforms designed for Intel Corp.’s upcoming code-named “Skylake-S”central processing units. Intel’s “Skylake-S” processors will be supported by the company’s new 100-series core-logic sets, including Z170, H170, H110, B150, …

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Being the world’s largest maker of mainboards, Asustek Computer traditionally offers the broadest lineup of motherboards for all new microprocessors. This fall Asus plans to introduce 21 new platforms designed for Intel Corp.’s upcoming code-named “Skylake-S”central processing units.

Intel’s “Skylake-S” processors will be supported by the company’s new 100-series core-logic sets, including Z170, H170, H110, B150, Q150 and Q170. The vast majority of platforms for the channel and retail markets will be based on either the high-performance Z170 and H170 core-logic sets or the inexpensive H110 chipset. Other core-logic sets will be aimed at OEMs and producers of PCs for corporate customers.

Asustek plans to offer 13 mainboards based on the Intel Z170 chipset that supports overclocking of microprocessors, including flagship Sabertooth Z170, Maximus VIII Extreme, Maximus VIII Gene and Maximus VIII Hero, reports BenchLife web-site. The list of other Intel Z170-based mainboards for LGA1151 processors includes Z170 Pro Gaming, Z170-A, Z170-Deluxe, Z170-G, Z170-K, Z170-P and Z-170 Pro. Asustek will also offer two – Z170M-E and Z170i Pro Gaming – motherboards for compact systems in micro-ATX and mini-ITX form-factors respectively.

PR ASUS Z87 new color - CPU socket, power delivery heatsinks, and memory slots

The world’s largest maker of mainboards will also offer five platforms based on the Intel H170 chipset, including H170 Pro Gaming and H170-Plus in ATX form-factor, H170M-E and H170M-Plus in micro-ATX form-factor as well as H170i Plus in mini-ITX form-factor.

The list of Intel H110-based motherboards from Asus will include three models: H110H4-TM for ATX chassis, H110M-C for micro-ATX cases and H110i-Plus for compact mini-ITX systems.

The majority of Asustek’s mainboards for Intel’s “Skylake-S” microprocessors will rely on 288-pin DDR4 memory modules, but those designed for smaller systems will likely support 204-pin DDR3L SO-DIMMs.

Features, capabilities and prices of Asustek’s upcoming LGA1151 mainboards for Intel “Skylake” processors are currently unknown.

Intel's 100-series chipsets will feature a number of substantial upgrades when it comes to support for PCI Express 3.0 and some other things. The Z170 and the Q170 core-logic sets aimed at premium PCs will feature 20 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, whereas the H170 will support 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. The expanded support of PCI Express 3.0 will let mainboard makers to implement multiple SATA Express and M.2 ports for high-performance solid-state drives with up to 4GB/s of bandwidth (in case of PCIe 3.0 x4 interface). In addition, it will be possible to implement multiple additional PCI Express x8/x16 slots for multi-GPU systems. The Q170 will support corporate-oriented technologies like vPro, active management, small business advantage and some other.

Asustek Computer and Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Expect Asustek and other makers of mainboards to demonstrate their LGA1151 mainboards for Intel’s upcoming code-named “Skylake-S” microprocessors at the Computex Taipei 2015 trade-show in early June. Thanks to improved chipsets, the news platforms promise to be really powerful.

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Mainboards for Intel ‘Skylake’ chips to hit the market in September https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/mainboards-for-intel-skylake-chips-to-hit-the-market-in-september/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/mainboards-for-intel-skylake-chips-to-hit-the-market-in-september/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:32:30 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=240480 With 14nm fabrication process finally mature enough for production of high-end microprocessors, Intel Corp. feels itself pretty comfortable. With no or little competitive pressure from Advanced Micro Devices, the world’s largest chipmaker can release new products when it makes the most business sense for it. The company takes advantage of this situation and has no …

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With 14nm fabrication process finally mature enough for production of high-end microprocessors, Intel Corp. feels itself pretty comfortable. With no or little competitive pressure from Advanced Micro Devices, the world’s largest chipmaker can release new products when it makes the most business sense for it. The company takes advantage of this situation and has no intention to rush its next-generation “Skylake” processors to the market.

According to sources is Asia, Intel plans to start shipping its 100-series chipsets to its partners around August, which means that actual LGA1151 mainboards could only reach the market in September. The new Z170, H170 and Q170 core-logic sets for Intel’s upcoming “Skylake” central processing units will bring a number of innovative platform-related capabilities, such as SATA Express, enhanced PCI Express bus support and so on.

intel_core_i7_haswell_edited

Previously it was reported that Intel planned to formally introduce its code-named “Skylake-S” microprocessors for desktops between August and October, 2015. If mainboards for the new CPUs do not reach the market before September, then it is highly likely that the company and its partners will only release new chips and systems on their base in the second half of September, or in October.

It is not a secret that Intel decided to delay the roll-out of its “Skylake” platforms – both for desktops and notebooks. Officially, the company claims that everything is on-track, but the firm has clearly delayed introduction of new desktop processors from Q2 to Q3. In fact, evidence mounts that the chipmaker does not want a lot of “Skylake”-based systems to be available during the back-to-school season, which will allow its partners to sell off current-generation hardware and PCs powered by existing chips.

intel_roadmap_broadwell_unlocked_skylake

Despite of delayed launch of Intel Core i-series “Skylake” processors, KitGuru expects motherboards based on the Intel Z170, H170 and Q170 core-logic sets to show up at the Computex 2015 trade-show in June, based on conversations with industry contacts.

intel_chipsets_2015 intel_chipsets_2015_2
Specifications of Intel's upcoming chipsets. Slides originally published by Chinese VR-Zone.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While we are pretty sure that Intel will launch its highly-anticipated “Skylake” microprocessors this calendar year, various slips and delays imply that the company may release a limited amount of chips based on the new architecture. For example, the company could introduce a limited amount of models targeting specific market segments, not a whole new range of chips for every imaginable type of PC.

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Asrock shows off LGA1151 mainboard for Intel ‘Skylake’ processors https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asrock-shows-off-lga1151-mainboard-for-intel-skylake-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asrock-shows-off-lga1151-mainboard-for-intel-skylake-processors/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:24:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=237452 At the Embedded World 2015 trade-show this week Asrock demonstrated its first mainboard for LGA1151 central processing units code-named Skylake. DFI, a well-known maker of mainboards that no longer produces products for consumers, is also showcasing its embedded/industrial LGA1151 roadmap at the show. Although makers of desktop mainboards are not allowed to demonstrate motherboards for …

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At the Embedded World 2015 trade-show this week Asrock demonstrated its first mainboard for LGA1151 central processing units code-named Skylake. DFI, a well-known maker of mainboards that no longer produces products for consumers, is also showcasing its embedded/industrial LGA1151 roadmap at the show.

Although makers of desktop mainboards are not allowed to demonstrate motherboards for next-generation Intel Corp.’s processors code-named “Skylake” before actual launch, the situation is considerably different on the market of platforms for embedded applications. Given extremely long lifecycles of products there, manufacturers have to demo future mainboards as early as possible to give their clients a clear understanding what to expect.

asrock_imb_190_skylake_lga1151

Asrock’s IMB-190 mainboard for industrial PCs comes in mini-ITX form-factor and sports LGA1151 socket for next-generation Intel Core i-series or Celeron processors based on the code-named “Skylake” micro-architecture. The motherboard supports two DDR3 DIMM slots for up to 16GB of memory, one mSATA port, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, one miniPCIe port, two SATA-6Gb/s connectors as well as one mSATA. The platform has two Gigabit Ethernet adapters and supports an optional TPM module. The IMB-190 also features three HDMI outputs as well as one eDP or one dual-channel LVDS to enable embedded display support.

asrock_imb_190_skylake_lga1151_2

The Asrock IMB-190 motherboard, which image was published by ComputerBase, is nothing really special. It has all the connectors needed for industrial-grade platforms and design optimized for unfriendly environments. What is noteworthy is that Asrock decided not to implement the new M.2 slot for modern solid-state drives. While at present there are not a lot of rugged SSDs in that form-factor, this will change in the future.

asrock_imb_190_skylake_lga1151_3

DFI, a motherboards maker that is dedicated solely to embedded and industrial mainboards, outlined plans to introduce 17 platforms for Intel “Skylake” processors based on Intel’s Q170, H110, QM170 and C236 chipsets. The new motherboards will support chips with 15W, 35W, 65W and 95W thermal design power. DFI plans to sample its new LGA1151 mainboards in Q3 or Q4 this year and to start their mass production in Q1 2016, a year from now.

dfi_socket_lga1151_roadmap

If mainboard makers believe that Intel will roll-out embedded versions of its “Skylake” microprocessors in the first quarter of next year, then it is guaranteed that regular versions of the chips will hit the market in 2015. Of course, if Intel does not change its plans.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While Asrock’s IMB-190 is a year away, it looks like a finished product. Apparently, mainboard makers have already designed their platforms for Intel’s “Skylake” and are only waiting for the CPUs to arrive…

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Specifications of Intel’s ‘Skylake’ 100-series chipsets unveiled https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/specifications-of-intels-skylake-100-series-chipsets-unveiled/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/specifications-of-intels-skylake-100-series-chipsets-unveiled/#respond Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:07:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=233817 A web-site has published specifications of Intel Corp.’s 100-series core-logic sets designed for the code-named “Skylake” microprocessors due in the third quarter of the year. The new platforms will receive a significant upgrade of PCI Express lanes, which will improve their storage and multi-GPU capabilities. The family of “Skylake”-supporting Intel 100-series chipsets will include six …

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A web-site has published specifications of Intel Corp.’s 100-series core-logic sets designed for the code-named “Skylake” microprocessors due in the third quarter of the year. The new platforms will receive a significant upgrade of PCI Express lanes, which will improve their storage and multi-GPU capabilities.

intel_chipsets_artwork

The family of “Skylake”-supporting Intel 100-series chipsets will include six models: Intel Z170, Intel H170, Intel Q170, Intel Q150, Intel B150 and Intel H110, reports Chinese VR-Zone. Traditionally, different core-logic sets will be aimed at different market segments. The only SKU that will support overclocking will be the Z170. Another core-logic – the Q170 – will support corporate-oriented technologies like vPro, active management, small business advantage and some other.

intel_chipsets_2015

The advanced 100-series chipsets – such as Z170, Q170 and H170 – will receive substantial upgrade of PCI Express lanes. The Z170 and the Q170 core-logic sets will feature 20 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, whereas the H170 will support 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.

intel_chipsets_2015_2

The expanded support of PCI Express 3.0 will let mainboard makers to implement multiple SATA Express and M.2 ports for high-performance solid-state drives with up to 4GB/s of bandwidth (in case of PCIe 3.0 x4 interface). In addition, it will be possible to implement multiple additional PCI Express x8/x86 slots for multi-GPU configurations.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The improved PCI Express support by the new core-logic sets will make it considerably easier for mainboard makers to implement modern storage interfaces, something that will make SSD makers (including Intel) very glad as this will boost demand for higher-end SSDs.

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Intel to offer unlocked ‘Skylake’ processors for overclockers in Q3 2015 https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-to-offer-unlocked-skylake-processors-for-overclockers-in-q3-2015/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-to-offer-unlocked-skylake-processors-for-overclockers-in-q3-2015/#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2015 23:59:30 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=233328 Although Intel Corp. did not plan to offer central processing units featuring “Skylake” microarchitecture for overclockers along with the first wave of such chips, the company has changed its plans and will release unlocked versions of its “Skylake” CPUs in the third quarter of 2015. As reported last week, Intel will delay introduction of its …

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Although Intel Corp. did not plan to offer central processing units featuring “Skylake” microarchitecture for overclockers along with the first wave of such chips, the company has changed its plans and will release unlocked versions of its “Skylake” CPUs in the third quarter of 2015.

As reported last week, Intel will delay introduction of its new desktop “Skylake-S” processors to the third quarter of the year due to unknown reasons. However, when the company finally releases its new breed of chips, the family will include a lot of different processors in LGA1151 form-factor with two or four cores as well as 65W or 35W thermal design power. The new chips will be compatible with the Z170 and the H170 core-logic sets. Different “Skylake-S” platforms will support DDR3, DDR3L or DDR4 memory.

intel_core_i7_haswell_edited

The most intriguing thing about the “Skylake-S” family of products is that it will include quad-core “Skylake-K” chips with unlocked multiplier, according to an excerpt from a document that resembles those from Intel, which was published by Chinese VR-Zone web-site on Friday. The new CPUs will have 95W thermal design power and will be aimed at overclockers.

intel_roadmap_broadwell_unlocked_skylake

The decision to release “Skylake-K” microprocessors in the third quarter have both pros and cons. On the one hand, such chips will let makers of mainboards to introduce all-new models for enthusiasts and sell them at high profit margin. On the other hand, such motherboards will compete against motherboards for the “Broadwell-K” processors that are due in the second quarter.

As reported, co-existence of Intel’s “Broadwell” and “Skylake” microprocessors on the market this year will result in availability of five competing types of platforms for Intel’s desktop microprocessors. For makers of motherboards this means increased costs and internal competition. Since “Broadwell-K” and “Skylake-K” will be aimed at the same market segment, it will cause a lot of confusion on the market.

Since Intel’s “Skylake” platforms will offer all-new CPU micro-architecture (with AVX 3.2, 512-bit extensions and so on) with increased instructions per clock (IPC), native SATA Express support (which means they will support high-end SSDs with 2TB/s or even 4TB/s read speeds), optional Thunderbolt 3.0 (40Gb/s) and DDR4 memory, they will be Intel’s most technologically advanced desktop offerings this year. Moreover, unlocked multiplier will make them platforms of choice for many enthusiasts, provided that their overclocking potential is decent.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: 95W thermal design power of “Skylake-K” may indicate that it is not that easy for the microarchitecture and/or particular design to hit high clock-rates. By contrast, the “Broadwell-K” only has TDP of 65W. It is too early to make conclusions regarding overclocking potential of the two chips. However, what is absolutely clear is that this year Intel’s processors for overclockers will compete against each other.

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Intel to delay Skylake processors for desktops to third quarter https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-to-delay-skylake-processors-for-desktops-to-third-quarter/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-to-delay-skylake-processors-for-desktops-to-third-quarter/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2015 19:56:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=232241 Just a week ago Intel Corp. said that it would not postpone introduction of its code-named “Skylake” microprocessors in a bid to sell-off the remaining inventory of current-generation chips. However, a source with knowledge of Intel’s plans revealed on Friday that the world’s largest chipmaker will delay commercial launch of its future CPUs by about one quarter. …

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Just a week ago Intel Corp. said that it would not postpone introduction of its code-named “Skylake” microprocessors in a bid to sell-off the remaining inventory of current-generation chips. However, a source with knowledge of Intel’s plans revealed on Friday that the world’s largest chipmaker will delay commercial launch of its future CPUs by about one quarter.

Intel has always said publicly that it would ship its “Skylake” processors in the second half of 2015. However, for a number of times last year the company demonstrated in its confidential documents and presentations for partners that it intends to release the first “Skylake” central processing units for desktops in the second quarter of 2015. Back in early November, 2014, Intel showcased a slide at its technology conference for partners indicating that the first “Skylake” chips in LGA1151 form-factor along with Z170 and H170 platforms will hit the market in the first half of the year (i.e., Q2 2015). This will not happen, despite of claims made last week.

A source with knowledge of Intel’s plans said that the chipmaker will delay commercial launch of the “Skylake” processors to the third quarter of 2015. Traditionally Intel released new microprocessors in the first half of the year (it did so with Westmere, Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge, Haswell and Haswell Refresh), but this time the company will not ship its new chips earlier than sometimes in Q3 2015. Moreover, makers of mainboards and high-performance PCs may not even get commercial “Skylake” CPUs to showcase their latest products at the Computex Taipei trade-show in early June.

intel_core_pentium_devil_s_canyon_lga1150_haswell

The reasons for the delay are unclear. Moreover, given the fact that Intel is ramping up production of chips using 14nm process technology, it is relatively easy for the company to start volume production of processors based on the code-named “Skylake” micro-architecture. All Intel has to do, at least in theory, is to change photomasks in the scanner.

“[Broadwell and Skylake] are on the same technology, the same piece of silicon, the same factory,” said Brian Krzanich, chief executive officer of Intel, during a conference call with investors and financial analysts. “All we [need to] do is change the piece of glass in the scanner to get a different product. There is not a change or revamp of our factories that needs to occur for this.”

intel_broadwell_skylake_edited

While the delay of the “Skylake” central processing units will postpone introduction of certain new platform features, this may actually be good for makers of motherboards. The co-existence of Intel’s “Broadwell” and “Skylake” microprocessors on the market this year was expected to result in availability of five competing types of platforms for Intel’s desktop central processing units. For makers of motherboards this means increased costs and internal competition. If Intel helps its partners to sell through their existing chips and mainboards based on previous-generation chipsets, the slight delay could be a good thing for them.

intel_skylake_platform

Intel’s “Skylake” platforms will offer all-new CPU micro-architecture (with AVX 3.2, 512-bit extensions and so on), native SATA Express support (which means they will support advanced SSDs with 2TB/s or even 4TB/s read speeds), Thunderbolt 3.0 (40Gb/s) and DDR4 memory option. Unfortunately, they will not offer overclockability since Intel has no intentions to launch Skylake processors with unlocked multiplier in Q3 2015. By contrast, Intel’s “Haswell-K” and “Broadwell Unlocked” will offer overclockability, but will not provide native SATA Express support and will continue to use DDR3 memory.

Back in November, 2014, it was reported that Intel had set the “ready to ship” schedule for the mainstream “Skylake” processors (Skylake-H, Skylake-U) for notebooks to the 37th – 47th weeks of 2015 (early-September – mid-November). If the information is correct, then the first laptops based on the mainstream “Skylake” processors will hit the market in late-September at the earliest. Mobile platforms featuring “Skylake” chips will sport wireless charging, WiGig and other technologies, which will boost demand for new tablets, 2-in-1s and notebooks.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: In the light of recent delays of Intel’s “Broadwell” CPUs by about a year, the postponement of the company’s “Skylake” processors by a quarter does not seem dramatic. Still, it is rather alarming to see how Intel adjusts its plans…

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Release of Intel’s ‘Skylake-S’ may disrupt motherboard market https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/release-of-intels-skylake-s-may-create-a-mess-on-the-market-of-mainboards/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/release-of-intels-skylake-s-may-create-a-mess-on-the-market-of-mainboards/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:56:12 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=217928 Although the release of the code-named “Skylake-S” microprocessors in the second quarter of 2015 could please some users and generate additional demand for personal computers, for makers of mainboards as well as some other computer components it will create a rather huge mess. As reported earlier, Intel Corp.’s “Skylake-S” microprocessors for desktops may emerge on …

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Although the release of the code-named “Skylake-S” microprocessors in the second quarter of 2015 could please some users and generate additional demand for personal computers, for makers of mainboards as well as some other computer components it will create a rather huge mess.

As reported earlier, Intel Corp.’s “Skylake-S” microprocessors for desktops may emerge on the market as early as in the second quarter of 2015. The new central processing units will rely on motherboards with LGA1151 sockets powered by Intel 100-series chipsets (e.g., Z170, H170, Q170 and Q150). Since the “Skylake-S” chips support both DDR3 and DDR4 memory types, some of LGA1151 mainboards will feature 240-pin DDR3 DIMM slots, whereas other will sport 288-pin DDR4 DIMM slots.

intel_broadwell_skylake

The “Skylake-S” microprocessors will target select market segments, they will not replace anything on the market, but will complement existing offerings. As a result, in mid-2015 there will be five Intel-based platforms for desktops available: LGA1150 mainboards based on 8-series chipsets for existing “Haswell” processors, LGA1150 motherboards powered by 9-series core-logic for “Haswell” and “Broadwell” central processing units, LGA1151 mainboards featuring 100-series chipsets for “Skylake-S” chips that support either DDR3 or DDR4 and LGA2011 v3 motherboards based on the X99 core-logic for “Haswell-E” high-end desktop CPUs. It should be noted that Intel will also continue to offer entry-level all-in-one solutions based on the code-named “Bay Trail-D” and/or “Braswell” chips.

Since mainboards require different components, mechanical parts and logic sets, the complexity could create shipment and inventory challenges for manufacturers of mainboards, reports DigiTimes citing sources among makers of motherboards. Moreover, since many of Intel processors will offer similar performance and will address similar segments of the market, there will be inevitable internal competition between Intel’s own central processing units, which will create additional issues for distributors, PC makers and stores.

PR ASUS Z87 new color - CPU socket, power delivery heatsinks, and memory slots

Intel usually advices mainboard makers in advance regarding its shipment plans and product mixes for the coming quarters. As a result, producers of motherboards can figure out the split between platforms. However, since they cannot predict exact demand from the end user, they will inevitably face certain challenges with Intel’s platforms in 2015.

Given the cut-throat competition on the market of motherboards, Intel’s decision to offer a lot of different platforms at once will likely once again lower profitability of mainboard manufacturers. Perhaps, some of them will be forced to either exit the market of merge their platform businesses in order to remain competitive in terms of pricing.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While typically a choice is a good thing for the consumer, this does not seem to be the case right now. Many processors and platforms will offer similar levels of performance and will therefore create a lot of confusion. Moreover, in many situations it will be rather hard to make a choice. For example, Intel’s “Skylake-S” platforms will offer native SATA Express support, but will not offer overclockability (since Intel has no plans to release Skylake-K processors in Q2 2015); by contrast, Intel’s “Haswell-K” and “Broadwell-K” will offer overclockability, but will not feature native SATA Express support.

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Details of Intel Skylake client platforms leak online https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/details-of-intel-skylake-client-platforms-leak-online/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/details-of-intel-skylake-client-platforms-leak-online/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2014 22:59:47 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=202952 A web-site has published the first details regarding Intel 100-series chipsets that will power personal computers based on the code-named Skylake microprocessors. As expected, Intel’s next-generation core-logic sets will support SATA Express as well as some other innovations. What is interesting is that the new chipsets will also support enhanced number of PCI Express 3.0 …

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A web-site has published the first details regarding Intel 100-series chipsets that will power personal computers based on the code-named Skylake microprocessors. As expected, Intel’s next-generation core-logic sets will support SATA Express as well as some other innovations. What is interesting is that the new chipsets will also support enhanced number of PCI Express 3.0 lanes.

Intel’s 100-series family of chipsets for Skylake microprocessors will contain six members: Q170, Q150, B150, H110, H170 and Z170, according to a publication by Chinese VR-Zone web-site. The new core-logic sets will support from eight to 20 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, up to three SATA Express x2 ports, USB 3.0 SSIC specification (up to 10 ports) and so on.

intel_100_series_chipset_transition

Thanks to the fact that the 100-series chipsets will support PCI Express 3.0 technology, the new Skylake-based PCs will be able to take advantage of multiple graphics cards and very rapid solid-state drives with SATA Express PCIe 3.0-based interface (with up to 2GB/s peak bandwidth). Improved support of multi-GPU configurations and SATAe PCIe 3.0 SSDs will automatically make Skylake-based platforms a choice of enthusiasts even despite of the fact that Intel has no plans to offer unlocked Skylake processors next year, according to alleged roadmap of the company.

intel_100_series_chipset

Considering the fact that Intel preps six chipsets for its Skylake microprocessors, it is likely that availability of such chips will be very broad.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

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KitGuru Says: It looks like Intel’s 100-series chipsets will be the company’s most revolutionary core-logic sets in years. It is rather surprising that the new platforms will not support USB 3.1 with improved speed and a new connector. It remains to be seen whether Intel's 200-series chipsets will bring support for PCI Express 4.0 and USB 3.1 in 2016.

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