14 DAY TRIAL // Not so long ago, Intel debuted its Clarkdale Core i5 and Core i3 central processing units (CPU) with integrated graphics. Since then, companies have been building and releasing motherboards that can take full advantage of said resources, and Biostar does not intend to stay out of the race. The company has introduced a new motherboard for the mainstream market, a product designed in such a way so as to appeal to HTPC and overclocking enthusiasts alike. The micro-ATX motherboard is dubbed TH55B HD.
The TH55B HD is based on the top-line H55 motherboard series known as the TH55HE and supports Intel chips based on the 32nm manufacturing process. The board features 4 DDR3 DIMM slots colored red and white and supports up to 16GB of 1066/1333/1600(OC)/1800(OC)/2000(OC) memory in total. Expansion capabilities include one full-speed PCI Express x 16 slot for graphics, one PCI Express x1 and two PCI slots. Furthermore, adding multiple storage units will be possible thanks to the six SATA 2.0 ports.
The Clarkdale-ready motherboard adopts a 5-phase X.D.C solid state power supply design. Each phase is meant to provide 3 MOS, securing a steady power flow. In addition, the motherboard employs Japan chemical PSE capacitors, which increase longevity and generate less heat, thus enabling an excellent overclocking environment.
The press release describes the new motherboard as “a perfect choice for your home entertainment” because of its various display, I/O and audio interfaces. The micro-ATX motherboard is designed with HDMI, DVI and VGA outputs, PS/2 connectors for peripherals, USB 2.0 ports and one Gigabit LAN connector. Finally, the product employs 5.1 channel audio, has Power and Reset buttons for easy usability and features the GT60 GPU overclocking function, which improves the performance of the CPU-integrated graphics core.
While there are no details on the price and availability, the TH55B HD motherboard should become available in the near future.