Tech News
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EVGA X299 Motherboards are Built For Intel® Core™ X-Series 10000 Processor Family
Published: Monday, October 14, 2019 | By: DennisEVGA X299 motherboards immediately set the bar for performance, cooling and stability. Since then, EVGA has improved the cooling, reinvented the modern motherboard BIOS, and continued to shock the enthusiast world with the EVGA X299 DARK. And these boards are only just getting started….
With the release of Intel®’s Core™ X-Series 10000 Processor Family, EVGA X299 Motherboards are ready and waiting for them. Current owners need only update the motherboard BIOS for full compatibility; new owners can boot into the motherboard BIOS and update the BIOS with their brand-new CPUs.
Make EVGA X299 Motherboards Your Choice to harness the power of the latest and greatest Intel® Core™ X-Series 10000 Processors!
Learn more at https://www.evga.com/articles/01369/intel-x299-update/
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GIGABYTE X299X Motherboards Accelerate Your Creativity
Published: Wednesday, October 02, 2019 | By: DennisTaipei, Taiwan, October 2nd, 2019 - GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today launched the X299X Series Motherboards based on the newly upgraded X299 chipset. With up to a 16-phase digital power design, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards raise the bar for performance on enthusiast grade Intel Core X processors. Coupled with an 8-DIMM Quad Channel DDR4 design with up to 256GB memory support, the motherboards enable users to easily handle memory intensive tasks such as file conversion, video editing, and more. The new X299X stack features a trio of high-end models, the X299X DESIGNARE 10G, X299 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE, and the X299X AORUS MASTER, presenting users the most advanced tools for content creation, 3D modeling, audio/visual editing, and projects that require large-scale system resources, while also scratching that gaming itch for users who want to kick back and relax.
The GIGABYTE X299X lineup stands out with all-new power designs, thermal solutions, ultra-efficient data transmission for storage devices, and workstation graphics card certification. Features such as the lightning-quick Intel Thunderbolt 3 transmission interface, 5Gbps or 10Gbps network connectivity, multi-display configuration, M.2 Thermal Guard, PCIe slot armor, Smart Fan 5 and other GIGABYTE exclusive technology, enable users to put together their dream build so they can focus on sharpening their craft.
“Efficiency and reliability are at the top of the list for the needs of content creators but the versatility of a content creation focused workstation that can also be used a suitable gaming rig is also high in demand,” said Jackson Hsu, Director of the GIGABYTE Channel Solutions Product Development Division. “To fulfill the needs of users and content creators alike, we are introducing three all-new X299X series motherboards with fully validated support for Quadro Graphics Cards. We want to make sure our users get the fastest network connectivity and lightning-quick data transfer speed with Intel Dual 10Gbe connectivity and the Intel Thunderbolt 3 interface. These content creation focused motherboards bring more to the table than just pure content creation capabilities. With up to 16-phases, the power designs on X299X motherboards are geared towards unlocking the most efficient performance on Intel Core X series processors. Support for 256GB memory allows users to easily handle even the most memory-intensive tasks. The multi-graphical configuration also enables users to fulfill both their content creation as well as hardcore gaming needs, giving them the best of both worlds!”
As quintessential content creation motherboards, GIGABYTE X299X Series motherboards not only unleash the potential of the newest Intel Core X processors and support up to 256GB memory, they also pair with NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards flawlessly. Since GIGABYTE is the only Motherboard vendor that is an Authorized Distributor of NVIDIA Quadro in the market, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards have been tested with Quadro graphics cards extensively before release to ensure that they have the best compatibility with these high-end workstation graphics cards. With this level of support, the new content creation boards optimize performance on 3D modeling and video editing software so content creators have powerful tools for producing exciting new content.
The motherboard series retains the design principles of the GIGABYTE DESIGNARE series with its professional look but adds the AORUS touch with its design choices and customizability so even content creators can channel their inner gamer with the boards’ awesome style!
Extreme Storage Performance
With higher data transfer speeds, content creators can minimize read/write times and maximize working efficiency. To address this need, X299X AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE, X299X DESIGNARE 10G puts the data transfer process on the fast-track with its built-in Intel Thunderbolt 3 via two USB Type-C interfaces for 40 Gb/s bandwidth, which not only saves time but also facilitates transfers of larger files. With Daisy-Chain technology, users can connect up to 6 devices. The lane configuration between the board and the graphics card allows the Type-C interface to be used as a video and audio output. In addition to the increased bandwidth it provides, the Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller chip on the two X299X motherboards comes with built-in USB 3.2 technology for faster transmission speeds as well as backward compatibility with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, setting the standard for professional content creation motherboards. Support for DisplayPort 1.2 makes the Thunderbolt 3 interface even more indispensable for professional designers.
Built-in NVMe PCIe x4 M.2 slots on GIGABYTE X299X motherboards provide single slot transmission speeds up to 32Gb/s. For the M.2 slots, users can choose to allocate the lanes from the chipset or CPU to install Intel OPTANE MEMORY or set up VROC disk array for incredible storage performance. To combat thermal throttling and prevent excess heat from slowing down read/write speeds on M.2 SSD devices while they are operating at high speeds, GIGABYTE has done its research and implements M.2 Thermal Guard to ensure that heat doesn’t slow M.2 SSD performance.
X299X AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE and X299X DESIGNARE 10G models both come with the AORUS Gen4 AIC Adaptor which offers users four additional M.2 PCIe X4 slots for increased SSD expansion. Users can set up VROC or build a RAID disk array for ultra-fast data transfer, which are perfect when handling high-resolution, large-sized files for content creation. The active cooling design and the built-in fans keep all four sets of SSDs cool even under high-speed operation so that heat doesn’t marginalize storage performance!
Flagship 16 Power Phase Design, Server Grade Components
The power supply design, quality of components, and the number of power phases play a huge role in the performance and stability of the motherboard. To fully unlock the monstrous power of the Intel Core X series processors, GIGABYTE X299X utilizes a 16-phase power design with a capacity of 70A per phase and an excellent VRM design for the processor to function smoothly even under high loading. Aside from the refined VRM design, Ultra-Durable components such as server-grade inductors and 10K durable black solid caps reduce interference, increase the durability of important components, and prevent interference from affecting the PWM signals, allowing for optimized performance on the new generation of Intel Core X series processors and greater working efficiency for content creators. Aside from the excellent power design, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards feature a Quad-Channel DDR memory configuration that comes with 8 DIMM slots and 256GB memory support, making it a highly stable, high-performing platform that is perfect for video editors, designers, streamers and the like.
Extreme Connectivity, Extreme Performance Uninterrupted
The new GIGABYTE X299X lineup features an assortment of exclusive GIGABYTE technologies and features. With connection speeds of at least 5Gbps, X299X DESIGNARE 10G boasts a server-grade and high-end workstation level Intel X550-AT2 ethernet controller. The board’s Intel Dual 10Gbe connectivity provides users with high quality, highly stable network connectivity and makes the X299X DESIGNARE 10G the world’s first and only X299 motherboard with Intel Dual 10Gbe and dual Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.
Furthermore, X299X series motherboards add a great deal of versatility with its built-in Intel 802.11AX WiFi6 for ultra-stable network connectivity as well as its support for 2-Way NVIDIA NVLINK and 4-Way AMD CrossFire to boost graphical performance. With GIGABYTE exclusive compatibility testing and use of the finest components, GIGABYTE X299X motherboards deliver incredible graphical performance at a highly competitive value and offers 4K UHD resolution for users to indulge in. GIGABYTE exclusive PCIe armor adds Ultra-Durable level sturdiness to the card slots to mitigate any weight-inflicted damage by bulkier graphics cards, ensuring excellent performance.
Extreme Audio Experience
For the best audio experience content creation motherboards have to offer, select GIGABYTE X299X series motherboards come with the newest ALC 1220-VB IC and professional-grade ESS 9218 SABRE DAC. AMP-UP AudioTM technology ramps up the front and rear audio output for high-fidelity, 130 dB SNR, enhancing the overall audio quality. DTS:X Ultra Technology on all GIGABYTE X299X models enhances audio quality to improve the 3D sound experience and further calibrates audio on headphones and speakers through DTS Headphone: X technology. The Microsoft Spatial Sound function further enhances the audio fidelity and DTS Sound Unbound’s post-processing enhancements, device adjustments, and object-oriented surround sound technology, delivers a crisper, richer, and more immersive 3D audio experience. Users will be able to utilize the superior audio for content creation while indulging in rich audio experiences during their free time.
Fully Armored, Sleek Aesthetics
Effective heat dissipation is absolutely essential for content creation systems to perform at their best so a quick glimpse at the motherboard’s extensive armor gives users an idea of how extensive the cooling solution on these boards are. The armor also adds to the board’s aesthetics with its professional look and lighting configuration. Fins-Array heatsink, large diameter heatpipe, high thermal conductivity pad, and the thermal backplate maximize the heat dissipation on the board. X299X AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE takes cooling a step further with an AIO cooling design that delivers cooling to the CPU, VRM, chipset, M.2 SSDs for extreme cooling performance.
X299X motherboards come with Smart Fan 5 Technology, the ideal cooling solution. The newest edition of Smart Fan technology not only allows content creators to customize fan speeds and preferred heat thresholds to their liking but also comes with hybrid fan headers and temperature sensors to support different fan accessories and provide up to date information on temperature and fan speeds. Smart Fan 5 prevents overheating and stagnant coolant flow, making watercooling more convenient to use. In addition, Ultra-Durable components increase both the durability and performance of the motherboards.
GIGABYTE X299X series motherboards will be available soon. For more product related information and processor support information, please visit the official GIGABYTE website and stay tuned for further updates. -
MSI MEG X570 ACE Review @ Vortez
Published: Tuesday, September 24, 2019 | By: DennisThere once was a time when I didn't really like MSI and thinking back on that time it wasn't really so much to the products but how the company treated "me" as someone who wanted to help them promote their brand.
You'd be surprised at how much "that' factors into a reviewers mindset when it comes to deciding what to say about XYZ product.
I say this because over the past several years I have reviewed quite a few MSI products and most of them have made their way as permanent fixtures on my test bench and in the lab under LN2.
Vortez has done a review of the X570 ACE from MSI. This is a Ryzen based motherboard dressed in the new MEG Ace trim. Basically, lots of overclocking support and pleny of onboard features.
The X570 ACE sports a unique style. There’s a large portion of the board covered by extensive heatsinks adorned by a unique dark grey and copper theme, with a mirrored section for impressive RGB lighting. However, RGB lighting as a whole is kept to a minimum, contrary to many manufacturers at the moment.
On a side note I'm not a fan of dedicating an entire page to product specs that were flat out copied from the mfg website. Granted I have been known to sample from the official pages but, it would seem they didn't get the memo that spec pages are kinda worthless.
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TUNAI CREATIVE SQUARE Launches Portable Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth 5.0 USB DAC/Headphone Receiver
Published: Thursday, September 19, 2019 | By: DennisInstantly transform any wired earphones into Bluetooth wireless earphones
TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN, September 5th, 2019 – TUNIA CREATIVE, a Taiwan-based consumer electronics company, is thrilled tannounce the launch of SQUARE, the Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth 5.0 receiver, solving a common problem faced by consumers today by seamlessly transforming any 3.5mm headphones intwireless Bluetooth headphones. Featuring aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, Discrete Cirrus Logic DAC, low noise floor, cord management, and built-in microphone, TUNAI SQUARE makes the listening experience more joyful and with nlag.
Many consumers have headphones that must be connected directly ta media source tplay, which poses an obstacle for those whwant tenjoy hands-free music. The SQUARE comes tthe rescue with a robust solution. The SQUARE is compact and small enough tfit in the palm or a pocket. It is compatible with streaming service applications such as Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more.
Thanks taptX from Qualcomm, Bluetooth 5.0 technology and high-quality CIRRUS LOGIC DAC with 114dB DNR, the SQUARE ensures an exceptional listening experience that eliminates background noises. Users can enjoy the freedom of the wireless, and the original sound clarity and delicacy. As one of the very few Bluetooth receivers in the market that features aptX Low Latency technology, the SQUARE offers perfect audisync with nlag when watching the video, and playing games on an aptX Low Latency equipped the device.
The SQUARE comes ta play/pause, forward, and back button, volume control of the media, and answer/reject call functions. It can alsbe used with Siri and Google Assistant. The built-in cord management is a huge plus tavoid tangles and messes. The SQUARE features an impressive Bluetooth range of up t164 feet outdoor and 32 feet indoor. A long 7-hour battery life allows users tenjoy their Bluetooth listening experience for extended periods.
The SQUARE has the following technical specifications:- Bluetooth chip: Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth 5.0
- Discrete DAC: Cirrus Logic 114dB DNR
- Profile Support: A2DP, AVRCP
- Audiformat: aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC
- Bluetooth range: Extended 165 ft/50m (open space)
- Built-in microphone: Digital MEMS 62dB SNR
- World’s only built-in cord management
- Remote control: Play/pause/previous/next/volume / Answer/end/reject call / Mic mute / Access Siri
- Battery life: 7 hours of continuous playback
- Aluminum alloy clip design toperate with one hand
- Size: 1.97 in*1.77in*0.47in/50mm*45mm*12mm
- Weight: 0.59oz/17g
- Package content: 1 of SQUARE, 1 of micrUSB charging cable, 1 of the user Manu
Pricing and Availability:
$ 59.99 at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZW9V1h -
XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT Ultra THICC II @ TechPowerUp
Published: Monday, September 09, 2019 | By: DennisIt has been awhile since we have seen an XFX review in the wild which is sad since I consider them one of the premier brands when it comes to video card design. TechPowerUp has a review posted of the new Radeon RX 5700 XT Ultra THICC II.
Now, when it comes to product names this one is pretty bad. Sure the "THICC" implies the the triple slot cooler on the card but, also has some sexual overtones making the whole thing a nice failure when it comes to naming.
Or is it?? hummm
The XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT Ultra THICC II is one of the highest clocked Navi custom designs out there. It is cooled by a large triple-slot, dual-fan thermal solution that runs quieter than the AMD reference card and includes idle-fan-stop. With $440, pricing isn't unreasonable either.
The one nice thing about the card is the overall design of the Ultra THICC II (still a silly name) as it is really quite good. The cooler features a dual fan radiator with a curved aluminum shroud over the entire card, several polished accents which comes off as extremely clean.
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The New Magic Number for Gaming Laptops Is 300Hz @ Gizmodo
Published: Thursday, September 05, 2019 | By: DennisWe all know that gaming PCs (personal computers) are the best and most powerful platform for games however, there is a growing segment that seems to be getting special treatment. Gaming Laptops.
Case in point, there are two due to be on the market soon from Asus and Acer that both come with 300Hz refresh panels giving them the edge when it comes to smooth refresh and reduced tearing.
So, who exactly “needs” 300Hz gaming laptops. Both Acer and Asus said their laptops were aimed at hardcore gamers and esports competitors, but I’m willing to venture even the most obsessed amateur might flinch at Acer’s starting $2,800 price tag for the Triton 500. I asked Asus how much the Zephyrus S GX701 would retail for, but a representative demurred, saying, “It’ll depend on the locality.” It’s probably safe to say it’ll be expensive as hell though.
I like to think that gaming laptops are just a fad that might eventually die off however, hardware makers have become upset with PC Enthusaists and found that the gaming laptop segment to be more profitable.
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TUNAI CREATIVE’s Low Latency Long Range Bluetooth Transmitter Now Available on Amazon
Published: Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | By: DennisTUNAI CREATIVE’s Kickstarter-Backed aptX Low Latency Long Range Bluetooth Transmitter Now Available on Amazon.com
After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, the TUNAI WAND – a world’s smallest Bluetooth transmitter for TVs, home stereo, PCs, game consoles – is now featured on Amazon.com at a very attractive price.
TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN, AUGUST 22, 2019 – TUNIA CREATIVE, a Taiwan-based consumer electronics company, is thrilled to announce the launch of their Kickstarter-backed WAND, the long range aptX low latency transmitter for TVs, home stereos, PC, game consoles on Amazon today. The WAND is a never-before-seen world’s smallest Bluetooth transmitter offering the powerful audio experience with parallel streaming to up to 2 devices, the WAND is at 2.95 inches tall and provide an exceptional audio experience for sports, music, and much more. The WAND offers a powerful range of up to 164 feet, and supports Bluetooth 5.0 input as well as three different codecs, aptX, aptX low latency, and SBC.
Lip-sync delay is a common problem with Bluetooth transmitted products, and it’s noticeable when the latency is higher than 125ms. Thanks to dual aptX Low Latency support *, the WAND is one of the very few Bluetooth transmitters in the market that allow users to enjoy a lip-sync delay-free audio experience when two headsets are connected. The WAND is ultimate home entertainment accessory, offering a great range of up to 164 feet, and providing three different audio inputs, AUX/RCA, micro USB, and Optical S/PDIF Toslink, it is ideal for watching TV, video or playing games with no audio lag while using Bluetooth.
The TUNAI WAND is designed to be small and unobtrusive, but incredibly powerful, it launched on Kickstarter in 2018 to mass success - 471 backers pledged $32,812. Now, TUNAI Creative has announced the launch of the WAND on Amazon, where it has already garnered high reviews.
“We saw a big need to be filled with all of the users of PlayStation, home stereos, computers and other similar devices that weren’t Bluetooth-ready to use Bluetooth,” commented Judy Lin, the Marketing Manager from TUNAI. “Our R&D department met that need and then Kickstarter funded our launch. We were blessed to have so much support for this product while it was still in prototype. Now being on the world’s biggest marketplace, Amazon, is something we are supremely pleased with. It really opens up the door to people who want to use the TUNAI WAND.”
The WAND has the following technical specifications:- Bluetooth 5.0
- Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP
- CODEC support: aptX, aptX low latency, SBC
- Operation range: up to 164ft / 50m (open air) *
- Dual link CODEC support: aptX, aptX low latency, SBC
- 3 | P a g e
- Max device connection: 2 devices *
- Audio input: AUX/RCA, Optical, and USB
- Product dimension: 0.67in x 0.67in x 2.95in / 17mm x 17mm x75mm
- Weight: 0.77oz / 22g
Be sure to check out the Hardware Asylum Review of the Tunai Creative WAND here.
You can pick up your own TUNAI WAND at Amazon for $59.99 USD.
https://amzn.to/2Hq1sYT -
NVIDIA Gamescom News - Ray Tracing for ALL!
Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 | By: DennisThere is some great news coming out of Gamescom including a new list of game titles that will support NVIDIA RTX.
New Wave of Blockbuster Games Showcase Ray Tracing at Gamescom
In the year since NVIDIA made it possible to achieve real-time ray tracing in games, this revolutionary technology has been embraced across the industry,” said Matt Wuebbling, head of GeForce marketing at NVIDIA. “Looking at the number of games, the big-name franchises and the breathtaking visuals at our Gamescom 2019 event, it’s clear that ray tracing has arrived and is truly the way forward for game developmentThe Ray Tracing build up has been a pretty slow burn but when you get to the juicy center things tend to explode. Of the games that are getting Ray Tracing I'm actually excited about these two.
- Dying Light 2 Gets Ray Tracing!
- Minecraft Gets Ray Tracing!I have over 300 hours in Dying Light and am really looking forward to the second installment. As for Minecraft, have you seen the screenshots??
To be honest, this looks similar to what they did with Quake 2 but I'm not going to judge, too much at least.
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TUNAI CREATIVE announces the launch of its innovative TUNAI Button
Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 | By: DennisTAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN, AUGUST 12th, 2019 - TUNAI CREATIVE has again reiterated their goal of providing their customers across the globe with amazing technology-driven solutions to easy their daily lives with the introduction of the TUNAI Button. The device is a compact, portable media control that uses the Bluetooth 5.0 technology to help users get more from their smart mobile devices on-the-go.
The TUNAI Button features Bluetooth 5.0 with a 30-foot range and buttons for answering and rejecting calls and controlling media playback. It can be used to answer calls, access voice assistants, listen to media, control shutter, take selfies, set reminders, schedule alarms, and more. Users can get the most out of their smartphones on-the-go without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel. The Button is made of IPX5 grade material which can take some light rain or a splash when biking - making it a perfect companion for your commute.
The versatile and easy to use remote control is compatible with iPhone and most of the Android smartphones, allowing users to control their phone safely and easily from anywhere, including steering wheel, bike handlebar, and sofa. The gadget is also ideal for taking selfies and video recordings with the remote shutter button with easy pairing via Bluetooth and a long-lasting easily replace the battery.
The button’s magnetic base with 3 sizes of rubber strap also offers a fast and easy installation. It can also be easily removed, moved, and adjusted, leaving no mess on the surface.
TUNAI Button has quickly become one of the most sought-after products in its category on Amazon with accolades from different quarters. “I have it mounted on my bike. Used a few zip ties to keep it in place. It was hard to get my phone to do what I wanted with riding gloves on this makes it so easy.” said MIC, Amazon customer. “It's very handy for music looks great with my Google play music and Spotify equals many other entertainment sources. I would definitely suggest this or anybody that is looking for a good Bluetooth media remote.” said Roy, Amazon customer.
For anyone who has been looking for a sleek and streamlined way to control the most vital features of their smartphones and mobile devices without holding their devices, the TUNAI Button offers an exceptional option. More information can be found at http://www.tunai-creative.com/tunai/button/. TUNAI CREATIVE is also available across several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. -
Thermaltake View 71 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition Full-Tower Chassis
Published: Monday, August 19, 2019 | By: DennisSpectacular Views from Every Direction
Taipei, Taiwan-August 16th, 2019-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, is thrilled to announce the new member of the View 71 TG Series – the View 71 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition. Designed to expand the legacy of the View Series lineup, the View 71 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition Full-Tower chassis features three 140mm 5V ARGB fans for outstanding ventilation that can sync with motherboard brands including ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE, and ASRock.
The seven drive trays and modular drive racks deliver advanced storage capacity and excellent liquid cooling expansion. This elegant chassis utilizes swing-out side panels, and is enclosed in four-side 5mm tempered glass panels for users to demonstrate their DIY handwork and showcase their internal components. With support for the latest PC hardware, the View 71 TG ARGB Edition is not only fascinating in appearance but comes with endless possibilities for PC lovers.
