The second generation of AMD A-Series hybrid processors, announced earlier in October, are already integrated in a number of graphics solutions. The newly appeared products are compatible with Socket FM2 only and cannot be applied for Socket FM1 infrastructure. This implies that a number of motherboards lose their upgrade facilities and can't be updated with a new advanced solution. Still, the market is currently ready to present a few boards destined to operate with the updated AMD A-Series. Gigabyte is one of the pioneers in this respect, introducing its motherboard GA-F2A85X-UP4, developed specifically for Socket FM2.



Integration


Gigabyte GA-F2A85X-UP4 is designed in ATX form-factor with 305x244 mm PCB dimensions. AMD A85X chipset is a heart of the motherboard; it secures the compatibility with A-Series (second gen.) APU and Athlon CPUs in the implementation of Socket FM2. The overall TDP level claimed for the model is not more than 100W. The PCB allots four DIMM slots …

Model Matrix-HD7970-P-3GD5 is supposed to be the most powerful graphics card delivered by Asus that is based on Tahiti chip. This card belongs to Matrix series targeting primarily gamers and overclockers. In addition, Radeon HD 7970 is one of the most highly-productive adapters with a striking overclocking potential. Thus, Asus has managed to implement both performance and power in a single product to provide for the utmost results and utmost convenience.



Design


Graphics card from Asus features similar to other Matrix-series models design. Its frontal panel consists of a large cooler with two voluminous fans. This cooling system is covered by a shroud with red insertions. Its rear panel accommodates a perforated plate that leaves bare only a few zones on a textolite (CrossFire sockets, iROG controller, VGA Hotwire zone); spacing under the cooler is covered by a thick plate-heatsink that prevents textolite deformation. The side panel contains a pair of 8-contact power …

The range of chassis Mid Tower from the company the Akasa is added by new model called the Blade and its modification Blade Distinction Edition with a transparent window on the side wall, which are addressed in the first place for demanding users from among gamers and computer enthusiasts.



Both new products are painted black inside and out, have a grilled front panel and are available in versions with blue or red front LED. They are made of sheet steel of thickness 0.7 mm, have dimensions of 207 x 521,5 x 491,5 mm, compatible with standard Micro-ATX/ATX and have seven expansion slots.


Each of the buildings is equipped with one 3.5-inch and three 5.25-inch external bays, and has internal seats to install five 3.5-inch and three 2.5-inch drives. The maintenance of optimum temperature inside the products is managed by three fans, namely a 120-mm front, a 170-mm on the upper lid and one 120mm rear. In addition, realized the possibility of the application of liquid cooling …