Barebones mini PCs expert Shuttle Computer launched its first barebones featuring Intel Z77 Express chipset, ready for 3rd generation "Ivy Bridge" Core processors in the LGA1155 package, while retaining support for every LGA1155 "Sandy Bridge" processor launched till date. Shuttle also launched an Intel X79-based mini PC barebone, which supports Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E" processors.Called the SZ77R5, the Z77 barebone features four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting 32 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory, expansion slots that include one PCI-Express 3.0 x16, one PCI-Express 2.0 x4 and one mPCIe; two SATA 6 Gb/s, two SATA 3 Gb/s ports, one eSATA 3 Gb/s, and one mSATA; four USB 3.0 ports, gigabit Ethernet, and 8-channel HD audio. Its chassis features two 5.25" and one 3.5" drive bays, front-panel that includes two of the four USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port with "fast charging" (high current), and front-panel HD audio. To power the machine, a 500W 80 Plus-compliant PSU is included. The SZ77R5 measures 332 x 216 x 198 mm (WxDxH). It will be priced around 32,800 JPY (US $404).The Sandy Bridge-E barebone is called SX79R5, its chassis is just as big as that of the SZ44R5, with the same chassis features. It's the motherboard, where all the changes are. The LGA2011 socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting 32 GB of quad-channel DDR3-1600 memory, it is wired to two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 and one mPCIe slots. Two SATA 6 Gb/s, two SATA 3 Gb/s, one eSATA 3 Gb/s, and one mSATA make for the storage connectivity. Other features include two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, 8-channel HD audio, four USB 3.0 ports (two on front, two rear), and a number of USB 2.0 ports. The SX79R5 is priced at 36,800 JPY (US $465).