AMD has just released their Trinity APU's. For those not familiar with an "APU", it is a processor that has an on-die graphics processing unit. AMD developed the world's first APU just over a year ago and they call it "Fusion" technology. AMD's first Fusion APU was codenamed Zecate and featured x86 technology with a dual core processor coupled with the first on die GPU. Zacate went over well in the budget notebook market with prices as low as $299. The kicker was above average graphics for a low priced lap-top. Next came Llano which shifted to a higher level. AMD used the same x86 four star cores but added an on-die 6550D graphics processing unit with even better graphics than its predecessor Zecate. Llano went over very well in the mainstream market and is a shining star for AMD. Trinity takes Fusion to the next level and incorporates AMD's new processor technology called Piledriver. This is entirely different engineering from the previous x86 four star cores. AMD put 2 x86 cores onto one module and the entire architecture changes. Piledriver spawns from AMD's Bulldozer introduced about one year ago, but it uses an entirely new instruction set. In our A10-5800K review, we saw some dramatic improvements in processing power as well as better graphics with the built-in Radeon 7660D. Gigabyte is all prepped and ready for these AMD changes and today we have their GA-F2A85X-UP4 ready to roll. The GA-F2A85X-UP4 introduces a new chipset from AMD called the A85 and it look...

We have a combo review for you today. We are bringing you a full review of AMD's new FX-8350 series CPU, a.k.a. the "Vishera." In order to do that, we wanted just the right motherboard, and Asus happens to have the new Crosshair V Formula-Z ROG ready to step in. This gives us a chance to test the mettle of two top of the line products at once. Will it be a match made in heaven? We shall soon see. AMD first released its FX series chips last year with the FX "Bulldozer" series. Some of us were not too happy with the chip, because the performance did not live up to expectations. Despite (and because of) that hiccup, we are very excited to see what their "new tech" can bring to the table. Today we are going to look at the new FX-8350 series chip, code-named "Vishera," to see what it can do. AMD has reported that the new line of FX series chips will bring a 15% increase in performance from the previous series. We look forward to putting this claim to the test. The new line of FX-8350 series chip is made to compete with its rival, the Intel Core i5 3570k. Our intention is to show you how it stacks up against just that, and who is still wearing the performance crown at the end.

Introduction Halloween is coming soon and the eerie light of the moon shines down upon the tech-world. The sounds of howling wolves fill the air. Children dance in the pumpkin patch, and everyone is anxious to go trick or treating. Even the computer enthusiasts are hoping for a special treat. What better treat could there be than a really special motherboard? That’s exactly what we have today. Halloween is bearing down on us, and we have a special treat review in store today. Gigabyte has released their newest motherboard named the GA-Z77X-UP7, and by the look of things, they have brought some real cool Halloween colors into the mix. Is this a coincidence? Probably. However, we certainly appreciate the synergy. Regardless of the season, this new look is great, and the features of the board are massive, so let’s see what it can do!   IvyBridge is here for the interim. SandyBridge is being phased out and Haswell is due sometime next year. Those looking into new technology have a boatload of choices, and we have been seeing all motherboard manufacturers introduce some really “kick ass” product lately. Even though market conditions are still relatively slow, companies like Gigabyte have a full line of Z77 motherboards to choose from. So, which one will fit the bill for a top tier system? Perhaps Gigabyte will be able to take a nice chunk of the marketshare with products like this uniquely designed GA-Z77X-UP7. Enough with the hype. Let’s ...

In the past few years, we have seen the motherboard competition heat up. Asus, Gigabyte and ASRock are the leaders in marketshare but we have seen others step up their game lately, especially in their Z77 products. Names like MSI, Biostar and EliteGroup are also highly recognized names in the industry. Recently we have heard rumors that Asus may purchase ASRock, thus improving their marketshare through acquisition. Of course, the other industry leaders aren't going to just let Asus take all the pie. Today we get to take a look at the MSI Z77 MPower, and determine just how much more competitive they have become to reduce the potential dominance of an Asus-ASRock team-up. Last June, we reviewed MSI's Z77-GD65 and Z77-GD55. Both motherboards shined in performance, overclocking and value, showing they can hang with the big boys. Both motherboards overclocked as well as, if not better, than any of the higher-end boards. If you think MSI is going to stay quiet about the potential industry shake up, think twice. With MSI's progression, we can easily see them filling the number 3 spot provided the aqusition goes through. If if doesn't, MSI is still on the rise giving the other big boys a run for their money.

It has been sometime since we have seen any big changes from the AMD Camp. Intel successfully released IvyBridge months ago, and AMD seemingly gave up the chase for the performance crown after Bulldozer didn't live up to expectations. These factors, plus industry conditions over the last few years, changed AMD's business strategy. Now they are instead focusing on their successful APU's (Accelerated Processing Units) as well as the mobile sector. For those not familiar with AMD's APU's, they developed the world's first processor that was coupled with an on-die graphics processing unit. They called it Fusion technology. Fusion started in 2011 with AMD's "E" series processors codenamed Zacate, which did not offer very high performance; however, it was AMD's first round with their new Fusion technology. Zacate did not make a huge impact in the desktop market, but it offered a low price in primarily the laptop market. It also offered a much better integrated graphics package than its rival Intel. Although Zacate was AMD's entry level product, it offered a better all around package than Intel's Atom processors at a lower price point. Next came the long awaited Llano platform that was based on the same Fusion technology. It included the same x86 cores as Zacate, and it had up to four cores using a 32nm die coupled with a Radeon 6550D on-die GPU (400 Radeon cores). We saw up to 90% of the performance of AMD's retired Phenom II series, and the icing on the cake was that this...

Industry leading companies are not just born. They take time to mature, and as they evolve they slowly rise to the top. Take some of the auto manufacturers like Honda or even more currently, Hyundai, as an example. When both companies were in their infancy, they made rather mediocre looking products, yet they represented a great bang for your buck at the time. Today, Honda is now an industry leader and Hyundai manufactures some really great looking quality products. In relation, ASRock developed their company with a much similiar strategy. Only a few years back, many looked only at Asus and Gigabyte to fill their technological needs, and dismissed ASRock as a secondary company. ASRock made a very good product but they just lacked the marketing hype and reputation. They were missing that extra "thump." Over the past few years, ASRock has changed the game and is now considered by many to be one of the "Big Three" motherboard companies. In this time frame, Pure Overclock watched ASRock's products and company evolve. Not only have the aesthetics changed from yesteryear, but the quality of the components and overall package has also improved. Now, ASRock brings cutting edge & very innovative features as we recently saw with the X79 Extreme 11. Simply said, ASRock's products are now outstanding.