DFI has demo’d tech to flash a mobo’s BIOS using another PC connected via USB. [via]

MadShrimps compares DFI and MSI 790FX boards and decides it’d be better to build an AM3 system using an AM2+ board.

Hardware Canucks reviews the DFI board of my dreams, the LanParty UT X58-T3eH8. Excuse me while I swoon.

Just a few days back we brought word that a certain Biostar motherboard was unlocking the fourth core on a Phenom X3 720. First off, the fourth core is real. It is not a BIOS bug.

Here are the juicy bits that you need to know:

• The chip must be a Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition.
• It must come from batch number 0409 (Week 4 / 2009).
• Your motherboard must have the “Advanced Clock Calibration” option. DFI, Biostar, Asus and Gigabyte boards typically have this feature.
• This chip is sold out virtually everywhere.

It’s possible that 720s produced after batch 0409 can also do the voodoo that 0409 do, but there’s no guarantee.

In other news, TheInq is running a short op-ed on the merits of leaving this technique well alone. They say that letting enthusiasts do their thing will build a groundswell of much-needed goodwill:

The small amount of cannibalisation that occurs will be more than made up by word of mouth sales. Would you rather have one up-sell, or three new customers? Short story, let it be, and don’t ever ‘break’ the hack in a later BIOS. 99 per cent won’t ever do it, the other one per cent will be great ambassadors. All you will ‘fix’ by blocking this is their enthusiasm and pent-up good will.

Is the DFI LANParty UT X58-T3eH8 the hardest of the hardcore X58 motherboards? I think so.

The DFI Lanparty DK 790GX-M2RS is best suited for AMD overclockers, thanks to its robust BIOS and massive tweakability. It’s begging for a Phenom II.

The DFI Lanparty Jr X58-T3H6 is an mATX monster that brings Core i7 and Crossfire to tiny systems. VR-Zone has the preview.

It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to send yourself spiraling into crushing debt made possible by the power of plastic. While you could responsibly commit to a reasonable budget, we know that the seductive potential of a $600 PC that isn’t terrible may be too much for your feeble will. If you’re looking for a little rationalization to pull the trigger, chalk it up to aiding our abyss of an economy.

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MadShrimps reviews the DFI X48-T3RS motherboard. It’s both rewarding and frustrating.

MadShrimps reviews the DFI Lanparty DK P45-T2RS Plus motherboard and then does 6 GHz with LN2 cooling.

DFI gave TweakTown an exclusive preview of the forthcoming Lanparty UT X58 Nehalem motherboard. Start saving now.

DFI’s Auto Boost System makes overclocking easy for novices and experts alike.