Stories about: ASRock

Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corp.'s attempts to confine netbooks to the low end of the market to protect mainstream notebook PC sales have taken another hit.

When buying a motherboard for an Intel CPU, the most important consideration is the chipset. This will determine whether or not it will support the latest connectivity features, memory technology and, most importantly, the latest-model CPUs. There's a stack of chipsets on the market just for Intel motherboards -- and an even larger stack of motherboards based on different implementations of those chipsets -- ranging from entry-level chipsets with integrated graphics, right up to high-performance chipsets that are ripe for serious overclocking. What follows is a run-down of the top five boards we think are best for a new system or upgrade, but discussed in order of their chipset (from mainstream to high-end performance).

Buying a new motherboard for an Intel-based system can be tough, as there are so many options to choose from. But this particular Gigabyte model seems to have all bases covered thanks to its support for DDR2 and DDR3 memory modules, as well as 45nm-based CPUs, and it's well-under $200. Not only that, it also ships with a utility that will tell you how much power your board -- or more accurately, your CPU -- is consuming, and allow you to customise it in order to save power.

When it comes to motherboards, the most prominent names are ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI, but there are lesser-known players out there who also offer well-featured models at competitive prices. ASRock is one such player, and the company names its products so that you know exactly what you're getting without even having to read the specs.

In this month's issue we show you the tried and true strategies (and some new tricks!) that will keep your network up and running. We also put Vista's new DirectX 10 to the test with seven of GeForce's graphics cards and how they will perform with the latest and hottest games. We also have tutorials, news, reviews and features to keep you up-to-date on everything tech.

The ASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2 AMD-based board is inexpensive, and while it does have a limited supply of expansion options, it comes with some cool features, namely eSATA and ATI CrossFire support.

Altech's Sputnik X2 is an Intel Core 2 Duo-based system for users on a budget. It's a relatively plain PC, but it includes good core components and plenty of upgrade room for future expansion. It scored well in our tests, considering its price and configuration and will suffice for basic, everyday computing needs.

ASRock's products generally find a sweet spot between price and features and the 939SLI-ESATA2 is no exception, even though it does feature a lesser-known chipset

In the May 2006 issue of PC World, available now:

Get ready for Vista - Our preview of Microsoft's first full-featured version of its new operating system. Windows hacks - Easy tricks to make Windows XP run at its best. Super-size me - 10 of the best projectors for home and business use revealed. The new virus fighters - A complete update of the latest antivirus products on the market. 23 things to do with a thumb drive - you'll be surprised by some of the handy uses for your humble USB drive. Better ways to eBay - An insider's guide to making money and picking up bargains on the popular auction site.
PLUS, our regular sections: Industry news; Quick Takes - a glance at the hottest new high tech. Best Buys charts - head-to-head comparisons at a glance detailing the latest and best PCs, notebooks, TV tuners, LCD monitors, DVD burners, high-end graphics cards, wireless routers and ADSL2+ modems. First Looks - the latest in hardware and software, reviewed; Here's How; Backbytes - Gadgets, games and Dr Backbytes' casts a quirky eye over what's new in high tech.

Best Buys report card: Altech NRG Hydro

DISCLAIMER: Microsoft® Digital Image 2006 Suite Starter Edition 30 Day Trial CD

PLUS, on the cover DVD: FULL report cards from all Best Buys categories; Free Full Versions: Ulead VideoStudio 8SE, Personal Diary, iPIG mobile security. FREE GAME DEMO: Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-Earth II; FREE TRIALS: Trend Micro Internet Security plus other antivirus software, Digital Image 2006 Suite Starter Edition. Essentials for your PC and Internet; Patches & Updates; HelpScreen, Here's How and Features software.