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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Microchip Technology’s data-center portfolio updates span PCIe switching, NVMe controllers, RAID, Ethernet connectivity, power and system management. The changes arrive in stages: a broad connectivity and storage announcement in April 2025, PCIe Gen 6 switch and storage developments in 2025 and 2026, and a further portfolio update in October 2026. They target the movement and management of data in AI and high-performance computing (HPC) systems—not a single component that guarantees faster end-to-end performance.
What did Microchip update for AI data centers?
The portfolio combines products with distinct jobs: switches connect processors and devices; storage controllers manage NVMe drives; RAID controllers add storage-management functions; Ethernet components handle network links; and power, timing and management products support the surrounding system. Microchip’s April 28, 2025 announcement covered PCIe Gen 3, Gen 4 and Gen 5 switches, NVMe storage and RAID controllers, retimers, Ethernet PHYs, power management, system monitoring and precise timing. It said Gen 6 and Gen 7 PCIe technologies were then in development. Microchip’s April 2025 portfolio announcement describes the initial range.
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Later announcements put more detail behind the PCIe Gen 6 plans. In October 2025, Microchip introduced Switchtec Gen 6 fanout switches; in August 2026, it announced a demonstration pairing Switchtec switching with Micron 9650 NVMe SSDs; and in October 2026, it described a lower-lane-count PCIe 6.0 switch along with Flashtec controller and Adaptec SmartRAID updates. These announcements address different layers of a data-center design, so they should not be treated as interchangeable products.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat is a PCIe Gen 6 switch used for?
A PCIe switch expands and routes connections between host processors and devices such as NVMe SSDs. In an AI or HPC server, it can help connect compute resources to multiple storage devices and support topologies that distribute storage rather than tying every drive directly to one host. Microchip describes its Switchtec Gen 6 family as a fanout switch for these kinds of systems.
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- AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 MINI PC – THE NEXT GENERATION AI WORKSTATION --- GMKtec EVO-X3 introduces the next evolution of desktop AI computing powered by AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. Featuring 16 cores and 32 threads, Zen 5 architecture, TSMC 4nm FinFET process, up to 5.1GHz boost frequency, and 64MB L3 cache, EVO-X3 delivers flagship-level performance for AI applications, professional creation, gaming, and demanding multitasking. With up to 126 TOPS AI performance, this compact AI workstation brings powerful local computing to your desktop.
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- EIGHT CHANNEL LPDDR5X - LPDDR5X is a new ground breaking memory small form factor installed on-board. With blazing speeds up to to 8000MT/s, it runs 1.5x faster than the DDR5 SODIMMs; 90% better performance over DDR5 SODIMMs in video conferencing and photo editing; 30% better performance in productivity apps; 12% better performance in digital content workloads.
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Microchip says PCIe 6.0 provides 64 GT/s per lane, twice the signaling rate of PCIe 5.0, and describes the Switchtec Gen 6 family as supporting up to 160 lanes. Those are manufacturer-stated specifications, not independent comparative benchmark results. The October 2025 announcement also lists multicast, non-transparent bridging (NTB), error containment, diagnostics and ChipLink tool support. Microchip’s Switchtec Gen 6 announcement says the family uses a 3 nm process and describes hardware root of trust and secure boot with post-quantum-safe cryptography compliant with CNSA 2.0.
How the October 2026 switch differs
The October 12, 2026 update describes a lower-lane-count Switchtec PCIe 6.0 switch with up to 64 lanes and 32 ports, plus x2, x4, x8 and x16 bifurcation options. Integrated DMA is intended to support peer-to-peer transfers while reducing host CPU involvement. Microchip also lists multicast, partitioning, hardware root of trust and secure boot for this product. These specifications describe a different scale of switch from the up-to-160-lane family announced in 2025; system designers need to match lane count, port configuration and topology to their platform.
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- Built for Local AI and Advanced Workflows – The BOSGAME M5 AI Mini PC is powered by AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.1GHz, 50 TOPS NPU performance and up to 126 TOPS total AI performance. It is designed for local AI inference, private AI assistants, coding, data analysis, virtualization, content creation and demanding multitasking while keeping sensitive data on the device.
- 128GB Unified Memory for Large Models and Creative Projects – M5 includes 128GB LPDDR5X-8000 unified memory, giving the CPU and Radeon 8060S graphics access to a large shared memory pool. This helps support memory-intensive AI workloads, large project files, multiple virtual machines, 3D work, video editing and complex professional applications without the capacity limits of typical 32GB or 64GB mini computers.
- Radeon 8060S Graphics for Creation, Rendering and Gaming – Integrated Radeon 8060S graphics with 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units delivers high-end visual performance without a separate graphics card. Use the M5 creator workstation for 4K video editing, 3D rendering, CAD, AI image workflows, high-resolution media and modern gaming, while maintaining a compact desktop footprint.
- 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and Flexible Expansion – A pre-installed 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD provides fast access to models, datasets, media libraries and project files. A second M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot allows additional storage expansion, while the SD 4.0 card reader supports efficient photo and video workflows for creators and production teams.
- Professional Connectivity and Four-Display Support – Dual USB4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 support up to four displays and resolutions up to 8K@60Hz. WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and 2.5GbE deliver fast networking for cloud collaboration, NAS access and business deployment. Windows 11 Pro, performance-mode switching, Wake-on-LAN and auto power-on support flexible workstation use.
How does PCIe Gen 6 storage help AI and HPC?
AI training, inference and HPC jobs can involve moving large volumes of data between processors and storage. A faster interconnect can raise the available link bandwidth, while a switch can connect a host to multiple drives or support a disaggregated storage design. Actual application performance still depends on the complete system, including the processor, switch configuration, SSDs, software, workload and thermal and power limits.
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On August 4, 2026, Microchip announced a demonstration using Switchtec Gen 6 switches between host processors and multiple Micron 9650 PCIe Gen 6 NVMe SSDs. The companies framed the setup as a scalable, composable and disaggregated storage architecture for AI, HPC and cloud data centers. Microchip and Micron called the 9650 the first mass-produced PCIe Gen 6 SSD; that description is their claim, not an independently established market ranking. The announcement demonstrates a combined architecture, not an independent benchmark proving a particular application-level speedup. The Microchip–Micron demonstration announcement provides the setup details.
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- ▶ FLAGSHIP AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 MINI PC – Packing 16 Zen 5 cores, 32 threads (via SMT), 64MB L3 cache, and a 5.1GHz boost clock. Delivers 126 TOPS total AI compute – including a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU, 25% above Microsoft Copilot+ standard. Run 70B+ LLMs locally, keep data private, and tackle 8K editing, compiling, and rendering simultaneously. Recognized as the "most powerful x86 APU" for AI – a true game‑changer for creators, researchers, and power users.
- ▶ AMD RADEON 8060S iGPU – DESKTOP‑GRADE GAMING & CREATION – No discrete GPU needed. With 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and dynamic memory allocation (up to 96GB), play AAA titles at 1440p high settings, accelerate 8K video exports in DaVinci Resolve, or generate AI art locally. Outperforms RTX 4060 laptop GPUs in benchmarks – all in a silent, compact chassis that fits anywhere.
- ▶ 128GB LPDDR5X‑8000MHz + 2TB SSD + DUAL M.2 SLOTS – Onboard 128GB memory at 8000MHz offers 45% more bandwidth than LPDDR5 for blazing‑fast AI loading and seamless multitasking. GPU shares this pool to run 70B+ LLMs with ease. Pre‑installed 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, plus a second M.2 slot for expansion up to 8TB or RAID. Store massive datasets, 8K footage, and game libraries – scale as your needs grow.
- ▶2.5GbE + Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 — The mini computers come with 2.5GbE LAN ports enable firewall, link aggregation, soft routing, and NAS applications. Built-in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer stable, high-speed wireless connections for projectors, printers, monitors, speakers, and more—ideal for a versatile, clutter-free workspace.
- ▶QUAD 8K DISPLAY OUTPUT & DUAL USB4 – M5 Mini PC drives four 8K@60Hz monitors via HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, and dual USB4 (40Gbps, Thunderbolt 4 compatible, PD & DP Alt Mode). HDMI and DP each support 8K@60Hz; USB4 handles both video and high‑speed data. Perfect for immersive gaming, professional video walls, or complex multitasking – plus charge devices directly from USB4 ports.
Which other products were part of the portfolio updates?
The April 2025 announcement included networking, power and system-management components alongside storage products. Their roles and stated specifications differ:
| Product or family | Role | Details stated by Microchip |
|---|---|---|
| 800G active electrical cable (AEC) reference design | Supports development of high-speed cable links. | Uses the META-DX2C 800G retimer with 112G SerDes and software implementing CMIS 5.2 on a Microchip 32-bit microcontroller for QSFP-DD and OSFP AEC development. |
| META-DX2+ Ethernet PHY with Lambda Splitting | Ethernet physical-layer connectivity for coherent-optics systems. | Microchip says Lambda Splitting distributes traffic across wavelengths and can increase bandwidth efficiency by up to 50%. This is a company-stated capability, not an independently measured general result. |
| LAN9646 | Six-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. | Four integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs; SGMII, RGMII, MII and RMII interfaces; VLAN and QoS support; SPI and I²C management; Linux DSA compatibility; stated operating range of −40°C to +85°C. |
| MCPF1412 power module | Power conversion for data-center systems. | Up to 12 A output, 0.6 V to 1.8 V output from a 16 V input, in a 5.8 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.6 mm package. |
| dsPIC33A digital signal controllers | Power-supply control and platform security functions. | Presented for AI-server and data-center power control, diagnostics, firmware attestation and device authentication. |
| OpenBMC-related MPUs | Auxiliary platform management. | Intended for power shelves, enterprise storage, JBOD, cooling and chassis systems, with Redfish, out-of-band monitoring and secure-update functions described. |
These details come from Microchip’s April 28, 2025 announcement. They illustrate why “AI data-center products” is a portfolio label rather than a single product category: some devices move data, while others provide power conversion, system control or Ethernet connectivity.
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- 【Advanced Home Data & Media Hub】For advanced home users who need phone backup, file storage, and centralized data management. Centralize family photos, 4K videos, movies, computer backups, and personal files in one place while running multiple apps for home entertainment and everyday data management. Suitable for households with growing digital libraries and multiple NAS use cases.
- 【Built for Creators, Media Servers & Advanced Apps】Powered by the Intel N100 Quad-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 2.5GbE networking, and dual M.2 NVMe slots, DXP2800 handles large files and heavier workloads with ease. Run Docker, virtual machines, and media server applications compatible with Plex—ideal for content creators, tech enthusiasts, and advanced home users managing 4K videos, RAW photos, personal media libraries, and multiple NAS apps.
- 【Up to 80TB for Growing Digital Libraries】 Supports up to 80TB of storage using two HDD bays and two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for family photos, movies, RAW photos, 4K videos, work files, and device backups. AI photo management supports recognition of people, objects, scenes, and locations, album organization, and duplicate photo detection. HDDs and SSDs are not included.
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- 【One data Center Across Your Devices】Keep files from desktops, laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices together instead of scattered across cloud accounts and external drives. Access, back up, organize, and share data across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and compatible smart TVs—ideal for creators and advanced home users working across multiple devices.
What changed in Flashtec and Adaptec storage products?
Microchip’s October 2026 update also covered two storage-related product lines beyond PCIe switching:
- Flashtec NVMe 5016: Microchip described an enhanced PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD controller with CNSA 2.0 support and dual-port capability for redundant paths and load balancing.
- Adaptec SmartRAID 4300: Announced additions include self-encrypting drive key management, RAID 6 and RAID 60, Linux/Debian/Ubuntu/Windows 11 support, dynamic NVMe configuration, persistent event logging, peer-to-peer rebuild and StorageCore API integration.
These are features described by Microchip, not independent security assessments or compatibility tests. The SmartRAID additions matter to administrators evaluating drive protection, recovery behavior and management integration; the Flashtec update is aimed at SSD-controller capabilities and path resilience. Neither replaces the need to validate a specific server, operating system, drive and software configuration. Microchip’s October 12, 2026 portfolio update lists the announced additions.
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- LOW ENERGY HIGH PERFORMANCE MINI PC - The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U is part of the Ultra 5 lineup, using the Meteor Lake architecture with BGA 2049. Intel Hyper-Threading technology is available and effectly doubles the core-count of the P-Cores, to a total of 14 threads. Core Ultra 5 125U has 12 MB of L3 cache and operates at 1300 MHz by default, but can boost up to 4.3 GHz, depending on the workload. With a TDP of 15 W, the Core Ultra 5 125U consumes very little energy but outputs high performance efficiency
- 32GB DDR5 RAM + 512GB SSD - The K15 mini computer is equipped with Dual 16GB (Total 32GB) SO-DIMM DDR5 4800MHz memory sticks. 512GB PCIE 4.0 SSD Drive with 3x M.2 2280 Expansion slots. Each slot capable of reading up to 8TB. (24TB MAX)
- QUAD SCREEN 4K DISPLAY SUPPORT - K15 Mini PC support 4-screen 4K/8K output via HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz), DisplayPort 1.4 (4K@60Hz), and USB Type-C Transfer speed (supporting PD3.0/DP1.4/DATA). Ideal for gaming, video editing, and multitasking, it provides expansive and crisp multi-display support
- OCULINK PORT - The Oculink port on the rear interface enables higher bandwidth capabilities, better frame rates and lower lag. The standard also operates at PCIe x4 speeds, compared to Thunderbolt's x3. Gamers and content creators can benefit from Oculink's higher bandwidth, resulting in better performance and lower lag for eGPU setups
- DUAL NIC FAST 2.5GBE + WIFI 6E + BT 5.2 - Dual Ethernet 2.5GbE LAN port design provides more applications, such as firewall, multichannel aggregation, soft routing, file storage server. Built-in WIFI 6E / Bluetooth 5.2 is more stable and efficient to connect multiple wireless devices such as projector, printer, monitor, speakers and etc
What should buyers and system designers verify?
Choosing among these products is a system-design decision, not a simple ranking. The relevant checks depend on whether the need is PCIe switching, SSD control, RAID, Ethernet, or platform support.
- Workload and topology: Determine the number and type of hosts and devices, required lane count, port layout, and whether the design needs direct-attached or disaggregated storage.
- Performance evidence: Treat bandwidth figures as interface or vendor specifications, not proof of end-to-end application gains. The cited announcements do not provide independent comparative benchmark results.
- Security and recovery: Map requirements to the specific feature: switch root of trust and secure boot, controller CNSA 2.0 support, drive encryption and key management, RAID level, redundant paths or diagnostics. A feature announcement alone does not establish system-wide security.
- Compatibility: Check the exact switch, controller, SSD, operating-system release, management stack and server platform. The stated SmartRAID operating-system support and LAN9646 Linux DSA compatibility are product-specific.
- Power, cooling and space: Validate system-level power and thermal constraints; the MCPF1412’s dimensions and output limits are component specifications, not a complete server power design.
- Availability: Confirm the exact part’s sampling, production and inventory status in the relevant region with Microchip or an authorized distributor. Microchip says pricing and availability vary by device.
For the 2025 Switchtec Gen 6 family, Microchip named the PM61160-KIT evaluation kit and said switches were available for sampling to qualified customers at the time of that announcement. That dated sampling statement does not establish current inventory or general orderability.
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