New Intel Core i7-980 released!

Intel Silently Retires i7-970, Introduces Non-Extreme i7-980 

The Core i7-980X Extreme Edition processor may have been taken off Intel's menu (although it's still available for orders until September 30th) but now another, very similar hexa-core chip has taken its place, offering pretty much the same performance for a lower price tag.

The 'new' hexa-core in question is the Core i7-980, a version of the i7-980X that lacks an unlocked multiplier but still features six cores clocked at 3.33 GHz, 12 threads, 12MB of L3 cache, and a TDP of 130W.

The Core i7-980 is a 32nm part, it can be used with LGA1366 motherboards and has a price tag of $583.

More news on:

Bright Side Of News - Intel Silently Retires i7-970 and Introduces Non-Extreme i7-980
TechConnect Magazine - Intel releases the non-extreme Core i7-980 hexa-core CPU
NordicHardware - New Intel Core i7-980 released
techPowerUp! - Core i7-980 Released at US $583
CPU World - Intel releases Core i7-980 processor
AKIBA PC Hotline! - LGA1366 - CPU i7-980 (3.33GHz)

Intel - PDF file: Intel Processor Pricing Effective!

GIGABYTE First to Bring AM3+ CPU Support to Entry Level Motherboards!

GIGABYTE TECHNOLGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the new revision 3.1 GA-M52LT-D3P, GA-M68MT-D3P and GA-M68MT-S2P motherboards now offer AMD AM3+ CPU support, providing users with an entry level solution that will still be able to take advantage of upcoming AMD FX series processors.

“GIGABYTE continues to provide its customers with options for their motherboards, including high-end CPU compatibility with entry level motherboards, because in our experience there are customers out there who need this combination,” commented Henry Kao, VP of Worldwide Service and Marketing at GIGABYTE. “In addition to bringing our signature GIGABYTE features such as Ultra Durable 2 Classic, 4+1 phase VRM support, On/Off Charge and 3X USB Power to mainstream and entry level segments, now users can also be assured that their motherboard is able to take full advantage of all the performance enhancements that AMD’s upcoming AM3+ CPUs have to offer.”

AMD FX Processor Support

GIGABYTE AM3+ motherboards feature the new AM3+ socket which support the forthcoming high performance AMD FX series processors, the first ever consumer oriented processors to feature up to 8 native processing cores, enabling incredible performance in processor-intensive applications like video editing and 3D model rendering with unrivalled application multitasking.

AM3+ Black Socket

GIGABYTE AM3+ motherboards also incorporate the new AM3+ ‘Black Socket’ which signifies support for AMD’s upcoming FX series processors, as well as backwards compatibility with AMD AM3 based Phenom II and Athlon II processors. The AM3+ ‘Black Socket’ also features more efficient power loading and improved heatsink mounting.

Ultra Durable™ 2 Classic

GIGABYTE was the first motherboard manufacturer to realize the importance of using only the highest quality components for the critically important CPU VRM zone of the motherboard which is responsible for delivering stable power to the CPU. The GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ 2 Classic design utilizes Solid Capacitors manufactured in Japan which are rated to last for at least 50,000 hours in operational use and also Lower RDS(on) MOSFETs which feature lower resistance, i.e. reduced power consumption and heat.

4+1 Phase VRM

These latest AM3+ motherboards feature a Split Power Plane design, with 4+1 phase VRM. This allows for more stable power delivery to the CPU, as well as help smooth out power ripple and noise which is important for clean CPU power delivery.

On/Off Charge Technology

GIGABYTE On/Off Charge technology allows you to charge your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch regardless of whether your PC is on, in standby mode or even off. A derivative of GIGABYTE's highly acclaimed 3x USB Power feature, On/Off Charge enables devices to draw more current from GIGABYTE motherboard USB ports than standard USB ports allow, so that charging from your PC can be as fast as with a charger

GIGABYTE 3X USB Power

GIGABYTE motherboards feature a 3x USB power boost, delivering greater compatibility and extra power for USB devices. GIGABYTE’s unique USB power design is also able to efficiently regulate output over the full voltage range, which greatly enhances USB device compatibility. In addition, dedicated lower resistance fuses ensure lower voltage drops, and provide more stable and plentiful power delivery.

More about Gigabyte 3X power on this page! Extremely Powerful GIGABYTE USB 3.0 3X Power!

Source: http://www.hardwareheaven.com

World’s Smallest Transistor (2nm in size) developed by joint research of South Korean, Japanese and British scientists!

Logic gates on Processors are created using Trasistors. And more the number of transistors present on the processor, more is the performance gain of the system. So, Scientists are always trying their level best to reduce the size of transistors to make them as small as possible, as it would lead to faster processing and greater performance by devices using them.
There was a joint research performed at the Chungbuk National University in South Korea, where the team of scientists from South Korea, Japan and Britain was led by professor Choi Jung-bum. This team worked on the applications of the quantum effect to successfully create the world’s smallest transistor.

A local researcher at the University said, “This transistor could be used to enhance the capabilities of mobile electronic devices”. So, even when we already have dual-core mobile processors with good processing capabilities, we can surely expect more!
Professor Choi Jung-bum said, “The quantum effect transistor, which is just 2 nanometers in size, can operate in regular room temperature and effectively changes the entire paradigm of such devices” (read: mobile devices)
No words regarding the mass production or the availability were mentioned.