Lucky Number 7(Series) for Intel

Ahead of the long anticipated launch of its 3^rd generation Intel Core processor, codenamed Ivy Bridge, Intel has officially released the 7-series chipset family. The new chipsets, which include the HM75 and HM76 for laptops and the H77 for desktops, will be used in a range of motherboards, designed to unlock all the benefits of the new processors.

The new 7 series motherboards will provide a number of new benefits compared to the previous motherboards. Chief among these is support for the new lightning-quick USB 3.0  standard. While this was available on 2^nd generation Intel Core Sandy Bridge-based systems, it was only through third-party solutions from NEC and others. The new motherboards and processors deliver native USB 3.0 support, which will make it even easier to take advantage of the blistering data transfer speeds this new format offers.

Speed is one of the key features that these motherboards offer, and this can be seen in three new features that Intel has integrated into the new chipsets. Intel Smart Response Technology will implement storage I/O caching for faster response times when starting applications and accessing data, while Intel Rapid Storage will make it easier to use multiple hard drives in raid arrays to improve hard drive speeds and improve data protection. Intel Rapid Start will improve start up times for computers in a hibernate state, which will encourage users to use this functionality, helping to cut power consumption.

Other features include:

• Support for two internal SATA ports running at 6Gbps, further increasing hard drive access speed
• An external SATA interface, allowing use of high speed external SATA storage running at up to 3Gbps
• PCI Express 2.0 interface, allowing faster PCIe cards to be used, including hi-end video cards, interfaces for peripherals and network cards
• Support for up to three separate displays

The new motherboards are great news for anyone looking to build a new system, offering support for a number of new technologies, such as USB 3.0. For many users, this will mean not having to upgrade the motherboard for many years to come, providing a great return on the initial investment. The increased speed that the processors and motherboards will deliver also makes them a great choice for anyone looking to build a high performance system, whether for business or pleasure.

Ivy Bridge is expected to launch on April 29^th. For more information on Intel’s new 7- Series chipsets please click here.

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Tags: 7-Series, chipset, Core Sandy Bridge, desktops, featured, hero, Intel, Intel Core, motherboard, notebooks, USB