Computex: ASUS AM3 + boards with Thunderbolt support

Computex has also released some really interesting ASUS motherboards.

The new motherboards rely on the 9-series chipset – including Crosshair V Formula-Z (990FX + SB950), M5A99FX PRO R2.0 (990FX + SB950), Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 (990FX + SB950) and M5A99X EVO R2.0 (990X + SB950) -, practically only underwent a minor update. The telltale sign of Thunderbolt support is the header line called “TB_HEADER”.

"TB_HEADER"

If we see this on the motherboard, there is a good chance that Thunderbolt technology will be available, as this guarantees communication with the ASUS Thunderbolt EX expansion card. The latter is an add-on card with a PCI-Express 2.0 x4 connector, which includes the Intel “Cactus Ridge 2C” controller.

ASUS Thunderbolt EX

“TB_HEADER” provides a low-level connection, which means that we have full control of the device from the BIOS, and we have received all important information about it. This row of spikes has already appeared on some boards equipped with ASUS 1155 sockets - of course, the company's Thunderbolt EX expansion card can also be used here.

ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 and M5A99X EVO R2

The Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 didn’t miss out either.

Source: techpowerup.com