What’s new? PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 and brief instructions for the PCs

24.08.2017

With PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2, new standards are set to double data rates, graphics cards are becoming more expensive and we now have quick reference guides for the majority of our mini PCs.

Almost ready: PCI Express 4.0

The next PCIe generation is nearing completion: the PCI-SIG (Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group) standardization committee has now presented version 0.9 of the new 4.0 standard, which is intended to double the data rate compared to the current PCIe 3.0. However, it may be 2019 before PCIe 4.0 is actually installed in systems. Nevertheless, the PCI-SIG has already held out the prospect of the 5.0 standard with a further doubling of bandwidth. We are curious to see when this will be available in our Mini PCs.

Price of graphics cards increases: KUMO IV not affected

Due to the current mining hype surrounding the cryptocurrency Ethereum, powerful mid-range graphics cards such as Geforce GTX 1060 and 1070 as well as Radeon RX 580 and 570 are virtually sold out and, if at all, only available at extremely high prices. Fortunately, our high-end mini PC KUMO IV is not affected by this. The GTX 1060 is already integrated on the mainboard.

Even faster: USB 3.2 announced

A new standard was recently introduced by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group. USB 3.1 will now be followed by USB 3.2, which should double the data rates to 20 Gbit/s. To achieve these transmission rates, all devices and cables must of course comply with the new standard. However, it may be another year before the first devices are equipped with USB 3.2 ports. However, the goal of the new version is already clear: the flexible USB Type-C port is set to become the standard in the PC industry and replace the widely used Type-A interface. Will it be that easy? We will be surprised.

Simple commissioning: quick guides for spo-comm Mini-PCs

Anyone who needs help with commissioning or assembling their Mini-PC, or wants to make BIOS settings such as Wake On LAN or Restore on AC Power Loss, can now get simple help. Quick guides are now available for almost all spo-comm Mini-PCs. These can be downloaded from the respective product page under the "Product Details & Downloads" tab and can also be found on the driver sticks.