Intel’s Z-series chipsets have been recently supplemented by a new Z97 Express companion. Its release coincides with the launch of an updated Haswell Refresh CPU line for LGA 1150 socket. The new platform is thought to support PCI Express M.2 interface that substitutes an old-fashioned mSATA one. It is also supposed to support SATA Express interface and the forthcoming Intel Core 5th generation CPUs. What are the real differences between Z97 and preceding chipsets? Let’s find it out through the example of Asus Z97-Deluxe motherboard.



Basic Specifications


— form-factor: ATX, 305x244 mm dimensions;

— chipset and CPUs: Intel Z97 Express, 4th/5th gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors for Socket LGA 1150;

— interface: DMI 2.0, 20 Gb/sec;

— memory: 4x DIMM slots, DDR3 standard, two-channel, 64 GB ultimate capacity, 1066 MHz-3300 (OC) MHz frequencies;

— multi-GPU support: AMD CrossFireX, Nvidia SLI;

— expansion slots: 3x PCI-e 3.0 x16, 4x PCI-e 2.0 …

Eizo Nanao Corporation, a Japanese innovator in the field of display design, has just announced the release of its new PC monitor, codenamed FlexScan S2133-H. The model features 21.3 inch display with 1600x1200 resolution, and nearly foursquare 4:3 aspect ratio. Based on IPS array with a power-saving LED backlit, this monitor is primarily targeting corporate and industrial users.



Monitor FlexScan S2133-H is notable by mat screen coverage and the availability of light sensor which allows adjusting the brightness in automatic mode, due to the support of Auto EcoView option. In free sale this model will be delivered in two color variations – white and black – and will be sustained by a 5-year’s limited warranty.


An advanced IPS panel ensures the most ‘true-to-life’ imaging and high-quality video effects. Therefore, the maximal brightness claimed for this model equals to 420 cd/m2, array response time equals to 6 ms, viewing angles achieve the index of 178/178 …

Xigmatek, a renowned Taiwanese designer of prime-class PC hardware, has launched a follower of the well-known Midgard case series – the Midgard III. It features 409(d)x515(h)x260(w) mm dimensions, always ready to accommodate mini-ITX, micro-ATX, and standard ATX motherboards. The case has got a sleek stern design, though is peculiar by the availability of a unique wireless charger station (Qi standard), leaving all competitors way behind (in terms of connectivity).



Xigmatek Midgard III comes with three external 5.25-inch bays, eight internal 3.5/2.5-inch bays, and seven expansion slots for add-ons. The framework is predestined to accommodate standard ATX/EPS power supply units, CPU coolers of 160 mm in height, graphics cards of 330 mm in length, and heatsinks of 300x50 mm dimensional type. The hidden in the top-front facet I/O panel houses Reset button, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, the same number of USB 2.0 ports, and two audio in/out sockets.


Optimal airflow within the …