There’s something fantastic about owning the biggest and baddest hardware. Who doesn’t want a kick-ass CPU and monster graphics card? Top-notch Ryzen and Core are all well and good on the processor front, but let me be honest with you. There’s an entirely different level of multi-core performance available from the latest workstation models. AMD’s impressive Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a brilliant chip for those with deep enough pockets. Based on a new platform, unlocking the beast requires motherboard and memory upgrades. ASRock reckons it has the best-supporting solution with the TRX50 WS mo ..read more

Jump to: Features | Firmware | Performance | Conclusion Small and powerful, are you? Master Yoda could well be saying those words about the latest slew of Mini-ITX motherboards capable of powering high-performance CPUs and GPUs. ASRock agrees and sets its stall out on promoting the itty-bitty form factor through a range of affordable motherboards. Sitting in the AMD camp is the £175 Ryzen 7000-supporting Phantom Gaming B650I Lightning WiFi. We first laid peepers on it during August’s Gamecom tradeshow. ASRock strips away most cost-inflating extras in the name of simplicity. Recall, if you will ..read more

Jump to: Specification | Performance | Conclusion Intel’s 14th Gen Core CPUs work best on the latest Z790 Refresh motherboards. Touting extensive features that get the most out of chips, such as beefed-up power circuitry, WiFi 7, and generally better connectivity than first-generation models, are particular highlights. The £380 Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Pro X is positioned as a prime proposition for high-power Core i7 and Core i9, so let’s examine whether there’s enough substance behind the rather lovely style. Presented in a standard ATX form factor, first impressions are positive. The board carri ..read more

Jump to: Specification | Performance | Conclusion The launch of a new range of CPUs is an opportune time to release additional motherboard models touting the latest features. Not wanting to miss a trick, ASRock is using the pretext of Intel’s 14th Gen Core, reviewed right over here, to reinvigorate Z790. Also considered a refresh of sorts, boards are receiving upgrades to cooling, I/O, and most notably wireless connectivity. ASRock puts its best foot forward with the all-new Nova WiFi. I got to say, the design aesthetic is right up my street. It’s as if ASRock has taken a good look at Club386 ..read more

Jump to: Features | Performance | Conclusion AMD’s path to the Ryzen 7000 Series AM5 platform has not been without issue. The DDR5-only setup was initially plagued by expensive memory and long boot times, while rival Intel stuck the proverbial boot in with cut-priced solutions for 12th and 13th Gen processors and accompanying chipsets. Now, however, AMD’s finest consumer solution is in fine fettle, offering numerous CPUs and motherboards to suit most budgets. Speaking to which, ASRock’s built a formidable AM5 motherboard lineup headlined by X670E Taichi – you know, the one laden with gold live ..read more

Jump to: Features | Performance | Conclusion Intel helped out motherboard partners by releasing more affordable 13th Gen Core chips at the turn of the year. Available for around £200, Core i5-13400F punches with heavy hands in its class. Though not strictly necessary, obtaining the best support comes via the premium Z790 chipset. There’s little need to spend £500-plus when pairing up these types of chips, so what’s relatively affordable and turns heads? Aside from a double Big Mac on a voucher deal, ASRock hopes to serve some tasty morsels with the Z790 LiveMixer motherboard. No, we haven’t s ..read more

Jump to: Specification | Performance | Conclusion AMD’s Ryzen 7000 Series launch heralds great opportunity for motherboard partners to release high-performance X670E and X670 solutions. ‘E’ is the way to go for full feature goodness, and presented in a two-chip arrangement, AMD integrates a heck of a lot of useful connectivity. Motherboard guys need to think carefully about how to lay out features and what to add to differentiate theirs from the competition. The Asus Crosshair Hero of any AMD generation is usually a good benchmark of how to do things right, and we have ..read more

Jump to: Specification | Performance | Conclusion AMD’s release of Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs and accompanying AM5 platform, touting a new LGA1718 socket and DDR5/PCIe 5.0, is a natural boon to motherboard makers looking to reinvigorate lineups. Performance X Series chipsets arrive first, and most enthusiast attention veers towards X670 Extreme, which offers the most complete feature set for AMD’s nascent chips. ASRock has a growing reputation in enthusiast-class motherboards most recently evidenced by the Intel Z690 Taichi. Offering distinctive looks and a clean aesthetic, Taichi is rife for an X ..read more

Jump to: Firmware | Performance | Conclusion Intel 12th Gen Core ‘Alder Lake‘ desktop processors now span the entire gamut from Core i3 to Core i9. Running from £100 to £550, PC builders looking for a new system or upgrade need next to determine which motherboard to buy. Z690 offers all the bells and whistles, but we’ve come away quietly impressed with the more affordable B660. Missing out on CPU overclocking and expensive features, value is the pre-eminent play. MSI duly sent in the MAG B660M Bazooka for technical evaluation. Armed with a £150 sticker fee and looking unique, let’s examine fur ..read more

Jump to: Comparison | Performance | Conclusion Intel’s 12th Gen Core Alder Lake CPUs serve as a great destination for PC enthusiasts. Spanning Core i3-12100F all the way up to Core i9-12900K, there is something for most budgets. Discerning buyers eyeing Core i9 will inevitably look at the Z690 chipset. Able to handle 241W maximum turbo power with ease – something not all cheaper B660 boards can do – there’s no shortage of competition. Gigabyte enthusiast subsidiary Aorus reckons Z690 Master is a great choice at £400, gracing good looks with impressive cooling, five M.2 ..read more