(Taipei - Taiwan) At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2012, world-renowned mainboard manufacturer MSI showcased the Z77A-GD80 mainboard, featuring the world's first mainboard with ThunderboltTM support. The leading technology on display in the Z77A-GD80 resulted in unprecedented interest and coverage by global media, and is now officially released today. The Z77A-GD80 is equipped with the newest Intel Z77 chipset with support for the new generation 22nm processors, and is equipped with the newest ThunderboltTM transfer interface. With ThunderboltTM, external device connectivity problems faced by high-end users are alleviated such as: poor data transfer rates, every device requiring an independent connection port, and transfer speed dropping low when sending and receiving files simultaneously due to lack of bandwidth, etc. The all new ThunderboltTM transfer technology provides an extremely large bi-direction 10Gbps bandwidth, which allows simultaneous connection of high resolution monitors, storage devices and even a graphics card. 8-channel audio signal is also supported, allowing multiple devices to be connected via a single cable. The Z77A-GD80 mainboard utilizes Military Class III components, which passed through 7 rigorous MIL-STD-810G standard tests and have also been certified by independent third-party laboratories, providing the best quality and stability. It is also equipped with the MSI's proprietary one-second overclocking OC Genie II and UEFI / Windows dual-graphical interface ClickBIOS II, allowing users to easily achieve high system performance with an easy operational experience.

The world's fastest external transfer technology - Thunderbolt^TM
The MSI Z77A-GD80 features the newest and fastest external connection technology – ThunderboltTM. It provides two-way bandwidth that reaches as high as 10Gbps and can also provide electric power for external devices. HD video content can be transferred within only a few seconds! The two-way and independent bandwidth design allows users to send and receive files simultaneously through the ThunderboltTM interface and not reduce the respective transfer speed. Additionally, only one cable connection is required from the computer to other external peripherals such as high-resolution monitors and large capacity external storage devices. 8-channel audio signals are also supported. Compared to the traditional interface which requires one connection cable to connect each device or multiple external hubs, ThunderboltTM can increase convenience and ease of connectivity, fully meeting the needs of professionals and high-end users.

Highest quality and stability – Military Class III components
Continuing MSI's commitment to the product's stability and durability, MSI's Z77A-GD80 also imported Military Class III components. In addition to importing Highly-conductive Polymerized Capacitors (Hi-c CAP), Super Ferrite Choke (SFC) and Solid Capacitors (Solid CAP), there is also the next generation DrMOS - DrMOS II. DrMOS II embedded with fully automatic dual-thermal protection; when the operating temperature reaches to about 115℃, an indicator on the motherboard will light up, warning the enthusiast to check MOSFET's cooling status; if the operating temperature reaches to about 130℃, the system will automatically power off, ensuring the motherboard will not be damaged from high temperature! These components all passed rigorous testing conducted by third party laboratories: extreme temperature, humidity, pressure, vibration and dropping; and have received the Military Class certification, making MSI's Military Class III components the synonym for the highest quality and stability.

Better performance increase and usage experience
MSI's exclusive OC Genie II technology only requires one second to generate amazing performance increase, and also release the CPU, iGPU and memory performance at the same time. It also maximizing under the most stable situation and considerably saving enthusiast's time for system adjustment. The brand new My OC Genie function allows users set the overclocking settings manually for better performance. Click BIOS II is the world's first system tool that integrated UEFI BIOS and Windows application programs; it allows you to adjust system settings under different environments through the mouse or even the LCD touch panel. MSI Z77A-GD80 supports not only the latest PCI Express Gen 3 standard to deliver a staggering 32GB/s of bandwidth, but the new generation 22nm processors; double that of the previous generation. It allows users enjoy the latest standard for better use experience.

For more information on the MSI 7 series mainboards, please visit:
http://event.msi.com/mb/7Series/