Gigabyte has begun to ship the new B3 version GIGABYTE 6 Series today: 25 Feb'11

[soarwitheagles]

Hi everyone!

Hot off the press: Gigabyte has begun to ship the new B3 version GIGABYTE 6 Series 02.25.11!

Time to rev up all those Intel 2500K's and 2600K's and step all over the competition everyone!

Here's their article fresh off the press:

Taipei, Taiwan - February 25, 2011 - GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and other computing hardware solutions, today announced that they have begun shipping the totally redesigned GIGABYTE 6 series motherboards featuring the new Intel® B3 stepping chipsets. Motherboards are expected to be available as early as next week, when shipments start to clear customs offices in markets around the world.

The new B3 version GIGABYTE 6 Series motherboards have been totally redesignedand renamedso that they can easily be distinguished from the older B2 versions through the signature "B3" at the end of the model name. For example, the GA-P67A-UD7 has been replaced by the GA-P67A-UD7-B3and the GA-H67A-UD3H has been replaced by the GA-H67A-UD3H-B3. The new model name is highly visible on the retail box, PCB, in the BIOS at start upand on applications such as the GIGABYTE 6 Series SATA Check utilityand CPU-Z.

GIGABYTE 6 Series SATA Check Utility
Immediately after learning about the B2 stepping Intel® 6 Series chipset design error, GIGABYTE released the easy to use GIGABYTE 6 Series SATA Check utility that helps to optimize SATA performance by identifying the white SATA 6Gbps that can be used, while advising users not to use the affected Intel® PCH SATA ports. As the new B3 versions on 6 Series motherboards start to ship, GIGABYTE just released an updated 6 Series SATA Check utility that also identifies the chipset and its stepping (either B2 or B3).

Another way to identify a B3 stepping chipset motherboard is to look for the motherboard model name as the PC boots.

The new B3 version 6 Series motherboard packaging features a large B3 Stepping logo that users will easily be able to identify.

Enjoy!

Soar

Here's the URL: http://www.gigabyte.com/press-center/news-page.aspx?nid=991

[ex58]

http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,4383.msg36745.html#new

[Dark Mantis]

Yes things seem to be moving on at a steady pace now and I am sure it won't be long before this issue is all but forgotten.  To be fair everyone involved have really got to grips with the problem and helped rectify it without any great inconvenience to the end user. It could have been far worse and if all issues were dealt with this way everything would run much more smoothly.

[soarwitheagles]

Yes things seem to be moving on at a steady pace now and I am sure it won't be long before this issue is all but forgotten.  To be fair everyone involved have really got to grips with the problem and helped rectify it without any great inconvenience to the end user. It could have been far worse and if all issues were dealt with this way everything would run much more smoothly.

I sure hope they make one available soon for me because I have been patiently waiting for the B-3 ever since ordering the GA-P67A-UD3!  My GA-P67A-UD3 is still sitting in it's nice new box, calling my name, winking at me, and trying to get my attention...but I told her no way!  I'm waiting for her older sister who has B-3's. 

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Not long now Soar. They are beginning to ship but are still in very short supply at least over here. Once they start moving though it shouldn't take long before the output ramps up.

[faizoff]

Im still debating on whether I really need to order a replacement. I haven't even upgraded the BIOS, running the stock version and use just one of the SATA 2 ports for a DVD drive.

Still have time to think about it.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes it is not something that requires your immediate attention because the motherboard is under warranty for three years anyway so if you don't need the other ports now but change your mind later and they go faulty then you can still RMA the board for exchange.

[soarwitheagles]

Im still debating on whether I really need to order a replacement. I haven't even upgraded the BIOS, running the stock version and use just one of the SATA 2 ports for a DVD drive.

Still have time to think about it.

Faizoff,
I am encouraged to read your B-2 version is up and running beautifully.  That is very good news.  Enjoy the wonderful increase in speed and performance!

For me personally, my thoughts on this were, "Why take the risk and why double my build time?"  And that is why I have waited and not built using the B-2 version.   I simply did not want to spend the time building a new system and then having to rip it apart and install the new B-3 MOBO.  I simply could not fit into my time budget.

The idea of building and then waiting 3 years to RMA is intriguing but in 3 years these boards may be semi obsolete and outdated!

Either way, I hope the B-3 version will do as good or better than the wonderful b-2 version...

A number of vendors here in the USA are saying they will begin receiving and shipping the new B-3's this week beginning Monday!

So here we go everyone!  Fasten your seat belts!

Up, up, and away into the much higher speeds of 2500/2600k's!

Time to soar higher!

Soar

[soarwitheagles]

Not long now Soar. They are beginning to ship but are still in very short supply at least over here. Once they start moving though it shouldn't take long before the output ramps up.

Thanks DM!

I am totally excited about this new build.  Can't wait to start it and complete it.  I found great deals on lots of new bells and whistles [140mm fans, really nice sound cards, new PSU's, new RAM, etc.] so this will be fun.

Best of all, I just sold my old Q9550/EP45-UD3P on Craigslist for $240, so it just paid nearly the full price for this new 2500k/P67A-UD3.  So I have paid $40 for this new upgrade.  Not bad at all.  I still cannot understand why people are willing to pay so much for outdated hardware...that is strange!

Will the BIOS issues be the same with this new board, or will Gigabyte have a new BIOS set and ready to use?

ANd I am wondering what version BIOS will ship on these B-3's?

Have you any idea?

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Soar,

Yes I guess spome people just don't shop around for the best prices and end up payng over the top, but that is our good fortune.

The new B3 boards  shouldn't have the original BIOS issue at all and should be able to be updated the same as normal. I tkae it you are referring to the hybrid BIOS/UEFI in your question. I don't know whether they will ship with it as standard but I would have thought the chances were high.

[soarwitheagles]

Hi Soar,

Yes I guess spome people just don't shop around for the best prices and end up payng over the top, but that is our good fortune.

The new B3 boards  shouldn't have the original BIOS issue at all and should be able to be updated the same as normal. I tkae it you are referring to the hybrid BIOS/UEFI in your question. I don't know whether they will ship with it as standard but I would have thought the chances were high.

Well, such is life I suppose.  I like to shop around and find the very best deals...and that usually pays off well.

Ok, do you have the new chip yet dear DM?  Do you plan on having fun with Sandy Bridge as well?

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Soar,

I have just received my motherboard and 2500K chip today and have got it nearly built up. I am just waiting on some memory now and then I can start testing. I will let you know how it goes when I post the review.

[faizoff]

I actually do tend to shop around to get the best prices, but at this particular instance I was pushed for time and had to make hasty decision on certain components like SSD. I probably could've saved an extra $50-60 had I waited a bit more but then again, you can't wait forever because you never know when the best deals are out.

[Dark Mantis]

No the comment about not shopping around wasn't aimed at you faizoff it was regarding Soar's comment about selling his older gear for a good price.

And I agree whenever you buy components there will always be a better deal just around the corner. Just the way of the industry.

[soarwitheagles]

Hi Soar,

I have just received my motherboard and 2500K chip today and have got it nearly built up. I am just waiting on some memory now and then I can start testing. I will let you know how it goes when I post the review.

Bravo!  Ok, may I ask what Motherboard did you order [I think you like the UD7's]!

And why not the 2600k?

Soar