Gigabyte launches a new line of motherboards

On April 3, Gigabyte introduced a new series of motherboards - the GA-MA69, all based on AMD's latest 690 chipset platform.

Two of the three models of the GA-MA69 series have integrated HDMI connectivity and HDCP support, capable of optimizing advanced 3D graphics processing and Aero interface of Windows Vista Premium and Vista Business.

Both GA-MA69GM-S2 and GA-MA69G-S3 are integrated with AMD 690G chipset, supporting HDMI output and 8-channel HD audio; while GA-MA69VM-S2 is integrated with the 690V chipset but does not support HDMI.

Gigabyte GA-MA69 motherboard

AMD introduced the 690 series of chipsets to integrate the ATI Radeon x1250 graphics processor from the end of February. This chipset is designed to allow microchip manufacturers to add many features to the connection between a PC and a TV or other types of monitors with HDMI and DVI outputs.

According to AMD, the 690G chipset can also support dual VGA and DVI outputs or DVI and HDMI, and supports up to 3 monitors simultaneously ("SurroundView" mode), or up to 4 standalone displays. Setup if users use more video cards.

In addition to Gigabyte, a number of other motherboard manufacturers such as Asus, MSI, Albatron, and Biostar are also selling products that include the 690G chipset with HDMI and DVI output.

Currently GA-MA69VM-S2 (AMD 690V chipset) is available in the market for $ 69; GA-MA69G-S3H and GA-MA69GM-S2H (chipset 690G) will appear in early and mid-May with prices of $ 89 and $ 99 respectively.