MSI P67 Motherboard Crams Eight x16 Slots onto its Face.

In the world of custom PC’s, there are an unlimited amount of options when building your own rig. With that freedom and creativity comes potential compatibility issues. But it’s nothing this particular type of crowd can’t figure out. On that note, PC enthusiasts have a new toy mere weeks from release — Sandy Bridge. This new line of processor and motherboard hardware provides some decent improvements in performance. Naturally, pc hardware manufacturers are primed and ready to unleash a slew of new hardware into the market once Intel makes it official. Today’s highlight: The MSI Big Bang Marshal.

This board’s claim to fame is a jaw dropping 8 x16 PCI slots. However, we must note that of those 8 slots, 4 are true x16 while the other 4 actually operate at x8. Nevermind the fact that 8 x16 slots would completely overwhelm the motherboard. But MSI’s Big Bang mobo makes use of the Lucid Hydra chip which theoretically allows you to mix and match GPU’s on the same mobo. However, in this instance the chip is implemented on the bridge making cross-GPU compatibility unlikely. The Hydra was used solely for its bandwidth properties.

Nevertheless, the Big Bang Marshal is a beast. Look for more information in the near future as currently, the Marshal still lacks a price or release date, not to mention a finalized design and spec.

Nvidia GTX 560 Debuting in Q1 2011. #nvidia

Nvidia currently has two dominating cards on the market — the GTX 570 and 580. Both are on the higher end of things with the 570 going for ~$350 and the 580 ~$500+. Whether it be because of budget constraints or simply not needing all the power in the world, you’re decision to choose lower-spec’d Nvidia equipment means you’ll have to pick the older, though perfectly capable GTX 460. But if you can hold off a few more weeks, Nvidia has a GTX 560 it would like to show you…

Skype: “Windows Bug Brought Down Our Systems”. #skype

Right before Christmas last week — Exactly the same time in which millions of separated individuals were trying to Skype loved ones no less — Skype’s service went down in a glorious explosion of failure. And now, we know why. Hint: Blame Windows…

Klipsch Designing Windows Phone 7 Headphones. #klipsch #wp7

Choosing a headset or specific set of headphones for an iPhone can be quite the challenge. There are literally dozens of different styles from an equally high number of different brands. For non-iDevices however, the attention isn’t nearly as great. Though Klipsch is reportedly working on changing that. A WPCentral tipster has claimed that Klipsch is working on a Windows Phone 7-specific headset complete with in-line controls for music playback. It would certainly be a worthy accessory for WP7 users.

We’re working on confirming this and/or finding out more details.

Unnamed Sony Xperia Mini Replacement Spied! #sonyericsson #android

While Sony may routinely wow us with flashy, stylish phones fraught with delays and overall mediocrity when they finally do arrive, every time we see a new device leaked we’re like mosquitoes to those buzzing, life altering lights. So when new images of a Sony Xperia Mini Pro replacement surface, we’re naturally interested.

For now, this phone doesn’t have a name. What we do know, however, is that it packs a 3-inch 320 x 480 multitouch display, a 1GHz processor and Adreno 205 GPU. Added together, the combination is good enough to net a 1,553 in Quadrant for all of you keeping track of such things. Finally, other features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS aren’t confirmed quite yet. But honestly, what self respecting smartphone doesn’t include said features these days?

If we don’t see Sony unwrap this at CES next week, expect to see it unveiled at MWC in February.

Epic 4G Android 2.2 (Froyo) Update Delayed. No ETA for Release. #android #epic4g

If you were one of many Samsung Epic 4G owners impatiently waiting for the Android 2.2 (Froyo) update to drop for your beloved device, sit down and take a breath — it’s not happening. At least not yet. The memo above was passed around Sprint internal channels recently and highlights how the Froyo update hasn’t been released for any Galaxy S devices nor does Samsung or Sprint have an eta for release.

Some may see this as Samsung’s attempt at pushing people to upgrade phones to get the latest software. It’s a weak theory, but a theory nonetheless. And lest we not forget the whole Samsung Omnia II upgrade fiasco. All I’m saying is that Samsung has done some shady things before regarding Android updates. Though hopefully, this isn’t a repeat offense.

In the meantime, twiddle your thumbs.

Motorola Cliq 2 Images Surface. #cliq2 #motorola #android

Before you settle in for the night, there’s one more treat for the mobile-loving crowd out there. Cellphone Signal managed to snag some pre-release shots of a new Motorola Android device. The phone displayed above is said to be the Motorola Cliq 2 (previously the “Begonia”). While it is in fact a “new” phone, the hardware is rather old news — 5-megapixel camera, wifi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and the revamped Moto BLUR UI.

One thing that has caught our eye, however, is that funky honeycomb-esque keyboard. While it certainly looks cool in pictures, I can’t help but wonder how it actually performs. And then there’s the realization that a lot of potential keyboard space is wasted on the design — not good on a mobile device.

As for shipping software, anything from Android 2.1-2.3 is possible. Once Motorola goes official with this phone at CES we’ll update accordingly. But if we’re to go out on a limb now regarding potential Android 3.0 rumors — the mid-January release date is too soon to snag the next version of Android. Not to mention, the Cliq 2 isn’t exactly a “flagship” device worthy of an exclusive launch of Android’s latest and greatest.

Gallery after the jump…