The elaboration of completely new APUs, codenamed Kaveri, compelled AMD work up one more suitable CPU socket – FM2+. Once after its launch, the leading manufacturers of motherboards have reacted on-the-fly, releasing proprietary models for a new platform. Asus, as usual, was among the first to introduce fresh solutions. Motherboard A88X-Pro is remarkable by the support of upcoming APUs, though it will be still possible to incorporate hybrid processors of the current generation for Socket FM2. For sure, this is not a mere advantage of the board. Let’s have a look at some other specs.



Key Peculiarities


Asus A88X-Pro is developed on AMD A88X chipset and houses an onboard Radeon HD 7000/8000 series graphics. The PCB allots 4 DIMM slots for DDR3 SDRAM modules. An overall capacity of modules set might achieve 64 GB, whereas an ultimate supported clock frequency makes up 2400 MHz. Expansion section is not as bright as a demanding customer would desire; nonetheless, it …

Asus decided to distinguish itself against the rivals by introducing a motherboard, based on Intel H110 chipset, which boasts a range of integrated facilities. One of such boons is the support for M.2 Socket 3 interface with a bandwidth index of 10 Gb/sec. However, when it operates in SATA mode, one out of four SATA 6 Gb/sec ports is disabled. If PCI-e drive is installed, there will be no restrictions.



Mainboard Asus H110M-E/M.2 supports all modern CPUs from Intel with Socket LGA1151. The PCB accommodates a pair of DIMM slots for the installation of 32 GB DDR4-2133 MHz memory. This micro-ATX board is equipped with a 4-phase Digi+ VRM as well as 5X Protection II protection technology.


The model houses a pair of PCI-e 2.0 x1 expansion slots & a single PCI-e 3.0 x16 slot. Storage subsystem is introduced by one M.2 slot and 4x SATA III ports. Audio subsystem is built on 8-channel Realtek ALC887 controller, whereas network facilities are backed by Realtek RTL8111H controller. …

Thermaltake, a viable designer of versatile PC hardware components, has recently unveiled its new series of liquid cooling systems. Entitled simply Water 3.0, the products constitute themselves as all-in-one cooling solutions with high efficiency and low noise level. The series is introduced by three models, — Water 3.0 Performer, Water 3.0 Extreme and Water 3.0 Pro, — targeting different customer groups.



All liquid coolers included into the lineup consist of a pump integrated into a waterblock, a copper base, a couple of 120 mm fans, and leak-proof pipes which protect the liquid from leakages or evaporation. Heatsink design is individual for each of the models. One should mention that Thermaltake delivers its liquid coolers with dedicated Windows-compatible software for the monitoring and adjustment of all key parameters, including fan rotational speed, liquid thermal conditions, and pump efficiency.


The first model, Water 3.0 Performer, features 120 mm heatsink of a …