Tech News
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ABKONCORE Helios 500 Sync PC Case
Published: Monday, November 04, 2019 | By: DennisMaarheeze, The Netherlands –14 October, 2019 – Introducing the Abkoncore Helios 500 SYNC middle tower PC case for the DYI, PC enthusiast and PC gamer alike. Cool front tempered glass design with large side ventilation intakes for fresh air enabled by the two 200mm large RGB SYNC Hurricane Spectrum cooling fans.
The body is built out of 0.65mm SECC steel with side temperred glass for best viewing your hardware. Ready to accommodate your high wattage power supplies up to 220mm long. Mainboard support for ATX, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX. Space for long graphics cards up to 355mm, large cpu coolers up to 178mm high and liquid cooling systems up to 360mm large. Total air cooling support locations: Front 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm or 2x 200mm, included 2x 200mm Hurricane Spectrum RGB SYNC. Top cooling space: 2x 120mm or 2x 140mm and rear exhaust space: 1x120mm or 1x 140mm, built in 1x120 Hurricance Spectrum RGB SYNC included.
The Helios 500 SYNC is prepared with two removable and washable dust filters, one on the bottom and one on the top. The Top metal panel is equpped with multipple I/O ports such as 2x USB3.0, 2x USB2.0 and HD Audio & Microphon jacks as well as the power button, reset button and power LED indicator.
The structure is simple and spacious and supplied with HDD/SSD multi-guide for up to 2 HDD or 4 SSD which are easy to instal and remove. Should you need more space for your long power supply, no worries, you can reposition the HDD/SSD cage in no time.
Specifications:- Product size: 225x440x472mm (WxDxH)
- Chassis size: 225x375x450mm WxDxH)
- Material: 0.65mm steel / tempered glass / Mesh / ABS
- USB3.0 *2 + USB2.0 *2 and HD-AC97 Audio
- 2* HDD & 4* SSD + 7* expansion slots
- Space for up to 6* 120/140/200mm cooling fans
- CPU cooler clearance: 178mm
- Graphics card clearance: 355mm
- Radiator compatibility: 120/140/240/280/360mm
- Bottom ATX PSU positioning 195-220mm
- N.W: 8.3 KG G.W: 10.1 KG
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Thermaltake Pacific DP100-D5 Plus/Core P5 DP-D5 Plus Distro-Plate
Published: Monday, November 04, 2019 | By: DennisTaipei, Taiwan-October 15th, 2019-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear and Enthusiast Memory solutions, has launched a top-end distro-plate– Pacific DP100-D5 Plus and Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 Plus. The application of the distro-plate aims to simplify the tube structure of hard tubing water cooling - a smarter way for beginners or experienced modders to present their water-cooled builds. The size of the Pacific DP100-D5 and 360mm radiators are similar, if your case supports more than two 360mm radiators, the distro can be easily installed on the fan mounting points. The Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 is specially tailored for the Core P5 TG, which is designed to fit on the radiator mounting points on the chassis with its L design. This gives users more flexibility to create tube runs and creative loops. All the distro-plates are equipped with preinstalled LED strips allowing users to set up different RGB lighting through the TT RGB PLUS software. This gives users complete control of their color themes. With these remarkable distro-plates, users can easily make their builds even more unique and reach a modder-like appearance. Also, the high-standard materials and superb performance of the distro-plate bring countless possibilities in modification.
For more details on the Thermaltake Pacific DP100-D5 Plus & Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 Plus, please visit:
Pacific DP100-D5 Plus- https://www.thermaltake.com/pacific-dp100-d5-plus.html
Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 Plus- http://www.thermaltake.com/pacific-core-p5-dp-d5-plus.html
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G.SKILL Announces Extreme Low Latency DDR4-4000 CL15 32GB (8GBx4) Memory Kits
Published: Monday, November 04, 2019 | By: Dennis(18 October 2019) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is delighted to announce an extreme low-latency, high-speed DDR4 memory kit at DDR4-4000 CL15-16-16-36 in a 32GB (8GBx4) capacity configuration under the classic Trident Z and the RGB-enabled Trident Z Royal memory series. Once again, these extraordinary memory kits are manufactured using high-performance Samsung B-die ICs to achieve the world's lowest latency of CL15 at DDR4-4000.
World’s Lowest Latency DDR4-4000 Memory Kit at CL15
At G.SKILL, we are always searching for the ultimate memory kit, tuned not only for speed, but also for efficiency. This means pushing for lower latency timings. Previously, the best CAS latency that memory kits at the DDR4-4000 level could achieve was at CL17. This is surpassed by the new DDR4-4000 CL15-16-16-36 32GB (8GBx4) memory kit running under 1.5V, shown validated on the MSI MEG Z390 ACE motherboard and Intel™ Core® i7-9700K processor in the screenshot below.Exceptional Bandwidth Performance on AMD X570
A lower CAS latency typically means a bump in bandwidth performance, and this is no different on the latest AMD Ryzen platform. Normally, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X processor bandwidth with popular DDR4-3200 CL14 kit would fall around 50GB/s for memory read bandwidth in AIDA64. With the new ultra-efficient DDR4-4000 CL15 memory kit, the memory read bandwidth breaks 61GB/s in AIDA64 with a few additional tweaks, along with over 58GB/s in memory write and 65GB/s in memory copy bandwidth speed, as demonstrated in the following screenshot with the MSI X570 Unify motherboard and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X processor.Availability & XMP 2.0 Support
This extreme low latency performance memory specification will support Intel XMP 2.0 for easy overclocking and will be available via G.SKILL worldwide distribution partners in Q4 2019. -
Thermaltake Releases High-Frequency TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 Memory Kit 4400MHz 16GB
Published: Sunday, November 03, 2019 | By: Dennisaipei, Taiwan-Oct 31 st, 2019-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling , Gaming Gear and Enthusiast Memory solutions, today announced the release of the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 Memory Series whichcomes in new frequencies of 4,000MHz, 4,266MHz and 4,400MHz 2x8 GB modules, supported by Intel and AMD platforms. Featuring 10-layer PCB construction, 2oz copper inner layers and 10μ gold fingers, the TOUGHRAM RGB enhances overclocking performance and betters gaming experiences. The high-frequency memory kits are constructed with higher standard chips, which have been tested to achieve higher and more stable overclocks. Our latest module 4,400MHz and 4,000MHz was tested with Intel’s Core i7 platform, ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI GENE and MAXIMUS XI HERO motherboards and remained stable under load.
Thermaltake CEO Kenny Lin is excited to launch the newest addition to the TOUGRAM RGB Series. “We are glad to embrace the new era of high-frequency memory. With the rapid rise of esports, higher frequency ram is essential for faster and smoother performance. Level up your gameplay with the next level TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 16GB Memory Kit in 4,000MHz, 4,266MHz, 4,400MHz.” stated Thermaltake CEO Kenny Lin.
Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 Memory Series 4,000MHz, 4,266MHz, and 4,400MHz come in black and are now available for pre-order on ttpremium.com. Please refer to the Thermaltake website or contact your local Thermaltake sales or PR representative for more information on pricing of the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 high-frequencies memory kits.
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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.
