PCI-SIG has announced the official release of the PCIe 7.0 specification. This new standard boosts data transfer rates to 128 GT/s, providing powerful support for next-generation data-driven applications like AI, machine learning, 800 Ethernet, cloud computing, and quantum computing.
Key features of the PCIe 7.0 specification include:
- Providing a raw bit rate of 128.0 GT/s, achieving up to 512 GB/s of bi-directional bandwidth with an x16 configuration.
- Utilizing PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) signaling and Flit-based encoding.
- Improved power efficiency.
- Maintaining backward compatibility with previous PCIe technologies.
Al Yanes, PCI-SIG President and Chairperson, stated, “PCIe technology has been the interconnect of choice for high-bandwidth, low-latency I/O for over two decades. We are thrilled to announce the release of the PCIe 7.0 specification, continuing our long-standing tradition of doubling I/O bandwidth every three years.”
In addition to the specification release, PCI-SIG also announced a new optical interconnect specification revision to enable even higher PCIe technology performance. The Optical Aware Retimer Engineering Change Notice (ECN) revises the PCIe 6.4 specification and the new PCIe 7.0 specification, providing the first industry-standardized method for implementing PCIe technology over fiber optics.
Currently, the PCIe 7.0 standard is expected to complete pre-FYI testing in 2027, with the initial integrators list anticipated for release in 2028.
China Unveils “TurningQ Gen2” Optical Quantum Computer #
Alongside the new specifications, China’s independently developed new generation optical quantum computer, the “TurningQ Gen2 large-scale programmable optical quantum computing system,” has made its public debut.
This device, which is only the size of a household refrigerator, has a computing capability that approaches that of top supercomputers when solving specific problems. The optical quantum computer comprises three core components: a quantum light source unit, a quantum computing unit, and a detection unit. According to its developer, TuringQ, it achieves a quantum supremacy level with 56 photons. Estimates show that for certain types of problems, its computing power can almost rival the “Tianhe-2” supercomputer, while requiring far less floor space and energy consumption than traditional supercomputers.
Currently, this device has received recognition from several leading enterprises in fields such as aerospace, marine equipment, big data, and financial technology, and is now embarking on practical application research. For example, it’s being used to optimize fluid dynamics structural designs or predict large-scale communication load trends.
Notably, the key to the industrialization of this quantum computer – a photon chip based on 110-nanometer process technology – was also unveiled at the exhibition. In the future, with the continuous advancement of quantum computing technology, especially the optimization of CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) electro-optical co-packaging technology and micro/nano-fabrication processes, quantum computers are expected to significantly leap in computing power while further shrinking in size to that of a laptop.
Quantum computing is one of Shanghai’s key strategic directions for future intelligent industries. At the Zhangjiang exhibition area of this year’s Expo, focusing on future industries, over 60 cutting-edge technological achievements from 40 companies were showcased, including more than 10 world-first technologies and over 20 internationally leading products.
Asgard Launches New High-Capacity, Low-Latency DDR5 Memory Kits #
Chinese memory manufacturer Asgard has announced the launch of two new high-capacity, low-latency memory kits: the Thor DDR5-6000 CL28 192GB and the Balder II Chuisetsu Co-branded DDR5-6000 CL32 256GB. These kits are specifically designed to meet the demands of productivity creation and large-model AI applications.
The two kits are composed of four 48GB modules and four 64GB modules, respectively, both operating at a voltage of 1.4V. More detailed timings and appearance have not yet been announced.
Asgard states that the new memory has been specifically optimized for AMD Ryzen 9000 processors, including the X3D series. It has passed validation on multiple ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte X870E and B850 motherboards.
Both memory kits successfully passed stability tests on a ROG STRIX X870-A GAMING WIFI motherboard with a Ryzen 7 9700X platform.
Specific pricing and release dates were not mentioned, but they are certainly not expected to be cheap.
HKC Introduces New 27-inch 450Hz Gaming Monitor #
In the display market, HKC’s gaming sub-brand, Ant Gaming, has launched its new 27-inch monitor, the ANT275PQ, with a starting price of 4999 yuan.
The monitor panel uses HMO second-generation oxide material, which offers lower power consumption and a longer lifespan. It features a 2560x1440 resolution, 450Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, and a brightness of 600 nits. The display supports 10-Bit color (8-Bit + FRC) and covers 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Additionally, the monitor features an ergonomic stand design, supporting height adjustment, pivot, and tilt, allowing gamers to freely switch viewing angles for extended comfortable use. For connectivity, the ANT275PQ display is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DP 1.4 port, one 90W Type-C port, as well as an audio output, a USB upstream port, and two USB-A ports. This meets the needs of gamers connecting various console devices and supports external speakers and keyboard/mouse peripherals.