MSI Shows Z97 Motherboards Including Mini-ITX http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2014/04/15/msi-z97-motherboards-spotted-including-mini/1
Does the M.2 slot mean a small SSD can be mounted directly to the motherboard? Sorry for the n00b question.
i would of liked to seen the 8pin and the 24 pin connectors next to each other at the edge of the board like the Asus ones
Indeed - about 30% quicker I think (than SATA 3) which is what MSATA is - a direct attached SATA drive.
For once the stars have aligned, ...my new PC build is going to coincide with an Intel CPU/Mobo refresh as well as falling RAM and SSD prices.
Are you sure about that? I am waiting for later in the year once full blown Maxwell GPUs are unleashed. P.S. Am I the only one who thinks that the shield logo/design looks like a sports car badge? Not sure I really want my PC to look similar.
Bit-Tech: I have noticed over my last few posts that when I post, I get directed straight to the forum pages rather than staying within the article. Is this a change at your end or something funky going on at mine? It's rather annoying not being able to scroll up to the article to check a detail if needed.
I particularly love how the front panel, power, SATA and audio connectors are scattered all about on the m-ITX board instead of being neatly consolidated...
Is the release date for these still mid may? I have literally JUST bought the MSI Z87 gaming m-itx... ops! Possible should have waited, but not to fussed though, i'm not exactly and "enthusiast" and needed a new PC! Any idea on costs of these?
That ITX board does look pretty. However, judging from that red RJ45 socket I assume their still using that KILLER NIC...thing on these boards? Not really a fan of KILLER based on past experience... :/ Wonder if their using it "just because " or if INTEL charges more than KILLER for NICs?
They're doing it because Killer NIC is a gaming designed product. IE - a gaming network card. As poor as they may actually be IRL they will appeal to gamers. I have one in my gaming rig and whilst I can't really say it improves anything I must admit I'm smitten by the software because it's just so easy to use.
While I love MSI boards their ITX layouts are terrible... I hate the CPU socket so close to the PCI-E.
Love the socket cover on the ITX board - "Install Processor Before Removing Cover" hmm I think thats beyond my skill set.