Tech News
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Happy New Year 2021 from Hardware Asylum
Published: Friday, January 1, 2021 | By: DennisMyself and everyone here at Hardware Asylum would like to wish you a Happy New Year. The world is a changed place by now everyone knows about the 2020 Pandemic and what it did to the world economy. As a result, world travel has come to a halt and lockdowns prevented people from attending work, school and friends. Despite the global trouble operations at Hardware Asylum continued and for the second time ever, the podcast was recorded “virtually” with video editions giving listeners a slightly different look into what it takes to plan and record content.
One thing that did change was computer hardware. The spring time lockdown prevented shipments of components and created worldwide shortages of everything from cases and coolers to video cards and processors. I spent several days attempting to buy a Threadripper 3 only to later find out the processor was overhyped and under preformed. The new NVIDIA RTX 30 Series was handled poorly and while I think there were alternative motives behind this the massive price drop and filtered benchmark numbers caused demand to skyrocket.
Overall, this is not a bad thing for NVIDIA or the Crypto Miners who bought up the available cards. It just makes things difficult for the rest of us.
Welcome to 2021, I hope this year serves you well and, if you voted for Pedro, then shame on you. (read my post from last year to know why)
It will be weird to skip CES this year. Due to the “situation” the show has gone 100% virtual and I decided to just send emails off to my mfg partners asking again for their support.
Happy New Year
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VIPER GAMING by PATRIOT launches high capacity VIPER STEEL RGB memory modules and kits
Published: Wednesday, December 23, 2020 | By: DennisAward-winning VIPER STEEL DDR4 memory forged with new RGB Illumination, 3200MHz - 3600MHz kits available in various capacities from 8GB to 64GB
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — December 17th, 2020 — VIPER GAMING by PATRIOT™, a trademarked brand of PATRIOT and a global leader in performance memory, solid-state drives, and flash storage solutions, today is pleased to announce the launch of its new VIPER STEEL RGB series DDR4 high-performance memory. The VIPER STEEL RGB series evolved from the award-winning VIPER STEEL series memory and now comes equipped with spectacular RGB illumination and dedicated to bringing desktop DRAM RGB lighting design to a whole new level. The VIPER STEEL RGB series memory kits are currently available at speeds 3200MHz and 3600MHz with the largest capacity of 64GB (2x32GB) kit. All modules are hand-tested and optimized across the latest Intel and AMD Ryzen platforms to deliver excellent stability and a visual feast of RGB lighting to PC enthusiasts and water-cooled PC modders.
For better thermal dissipation and distinctive appearance, the VIPER STEEL RGB series DDR4 memory features a redesigned heatshield comprised of high-quality aluminum coated in a pearlescent black paint and a scratch-proof finish. The lightbar embedded on the top of the heatshield brings 5 impressive multi-zones of RGB to the memory module. It fully supports the latest ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0, MSI Mystic Light Sync, ASROCK Polychrome Sync RGB Motherboard RGB applications.
Each of the VIPER STEEL RGB series memory kit modules has been strictly screened and is built on a ten-layer PCB with the best-quality components. The DRAM modules have been optimized separately across the latest Intel and AMD Ryzen platforms to deliver extreme performance with utmost signal quality and reliability. This series is available in single 8GB/16GB/32GB modules or dual module kits with a maximum 64GB(32x2) capacity and in frequencies between 3200MHz and 3600MHz. With the benefit of XMP 2.0 automatic overclock(OC) settings, the VIPER STEEL RGB series memory kit preserves potential headroom for additional overclocking performance and tuning. Backed by a PATRIOT limited lifetime warranty, the VIPER STEEL RGB series is tailor-made for hardcore gamers, case modders, and overclockers and is now available at major US retailers.
“We’re thrilled to launch our popular demand of VIPER STEEL RGB PERFORMANCE MEMORY for those enthusiasts who are obsessed with maximizing hardware performance” said Roger Shinmoto, Vice President of Patriot and Viper Gaming.
Features:
- Series: Viper Steel RGB
- Edition: Black headshield sides with golden Viper logo / Lightbar top
- Aluminum heat spreader with golden Viper logo design element
- RGB Sync up with ASUS/ASRock/MSI/Gigabyte motherboard app
- Feature Overclock: XMP 2.0 support for automatic overclocking
- Compatibility: Tested across the latest Intel/AMD platforms
- Limited lifetime warranty
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Funky Kit Review - HyperX Fury RGB 64GB DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory Kit
Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2020 | By: DennisThe Fury is here, phj34r the phury!!
The HyperX Fury RGB 64GB DDR4-3600 are an amazing memory kit for gamers and computer enthusiasts. It combines all the best features for the most demanding of users. HyperX once again delivers high quality, high performance, and outstanding compatibility. Those who are into overclocking will also be satisfied with Fury's great overclocking ability.
As many of us know there are several factors that influence system performance and while most reddit reading gamers will say Video Card I am here to say that the subsystem is the most important part.
Think of it this way. You are sitting in a chair, your hands and feet are bound and someone throws the chair into a 200ft deep pool. You would love to get out of the water before you drown but there is something stopping you.
This metaphor is basically your video card using the crack you have been reading on reddit. Bottom line, processor, memory and motherboard. Three components together that can break these rusty chains.
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AORUS RTX 3080 Master Review @ Vortez
Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2020 | By: DennisOk, so when I post reviews from other websites I do so with the following intent.
- To share what other sites are doing and help hardware enthusiasts find products to read about
- According to google I'm doing the worse thing ever and they tend to punish websites to the fullest extent of "their" law by refusing to index sites that post links to other websites and then bury the content they have indexed to that nobody will ever find it. While I see no harm in posting a link to another website it seems scammers figured out how to make money from it and thus hurting everyone. #ruinitforeveryone
- Get a chuckle out of the "quotes" that sites send out. You can sometimes feel their enthusiasm by the quotes they send
- Miskpell certain words to see if anyone will ever write in to complain.
I have a love hate relationship with Aorus, they make some good stuff but, have this internal power struggle preventing them from actually making the company better.
Today we’re set to take a look at what AORUS has to offer with their RTX 3080 Master. This graphics card is quite easily one of the biggest we’ve ever encountered.
And here we have that quote. It is like they want to do good but are scared that nobody will pay attention. I mean where is the hook to prompt people to click the link??
I might suggest giving them a click just to show some love.
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ASRock Radeon RX 6800 XT Taichi X @ TechPowerUp
Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2020 | By: DennisI will admit that I haven't followed the AMD Radeon RX releases much. They are pretty good cards but have typically run hotter than you would expect and, for the most part, are never in stock and companies rarely send them out for review.
Despite this, AMD fans love them some Radeon and thus a cult following is born.
The ASRock Radeon RX 6800 XT Taichi X comes with three 8-pin power inputs, which brings the card's maximum board power to 525 W. The cooler is a big triple-slot, triple-fan monstrosity that achieves excellent temperatures, better than any other RX 6800 XT custom design so far.
Funny thing, I forgot that ASRock made video cards. I wonder why that is.
Oh ya..
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Hardware Asylum and Lexar New Year Giveaway
Published: Monday, December 21, 2020 | By: DennisGreetings Everyone!
With the challenging year of 2020 coming to a close I wanted to wish you and yours a Happy New Year and to help close everything out on a positive note I teamed up with Lexar to give away some great memory products.
- 1x Lexar® SL200 Portable SSD
- 1x Lexar® Professional 1066x microSD™ UHS-I Card SILVER Series 256GB
- 1x Lexar® Multi-Card 2-in-1 USB 3.1 Reader
Total 3 winners will be announced on Jan 11st, 2021.
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GeIL Announces the Availability of ORION RGB Gaming Memory, Ready for AMD RYZEN 5000 Series Desktop Processors
Published: Friday, December 4, 2020 | By: DennisOptimized for the latest AMD and Intel latest platforms, frequencies from 2666MHz to 4400MHz, and capacities from 8GB to 128GB kit
Taipei, Taiwan - December 1st, 2020 – GeIL, Golden Emperor International Ltd. – one of the world's leading PC components and manufacturers today announced a new member of their award-winning ORION product line, the ORION RGB Gaming Memory. The new ORION RGB Gaming Memory delivers an advanced RGB LED array built on the understated aluminum heat spreader design for an enchanting RGB illumination. It is available in frequencies ranging from 2666MHz to the high-performance 4400MHz with larger capacities up to 128GB (4x32GB) as well as racing red and titanium gray spreaders with dual-channel and quad-channel. The new modules are optimized for the latest AMD and Intel platforms offering unparalleled performance to pro-gamers, enthusiastic builders, and video creators.
"Many of our customers have encouraged us to extend an RGB version for the ORION Memory. I'm pleased to announce the availability of the ORION RGB Gaming Memory, and it is designed for the gamers and enthusiast PC users who are looking for new ways to customize the interior of their gaming desktops." said Jennifer Huang, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at GeIL.
The ORION RGB Gaming Memory modules inherit the unique convex surface heat spreader design, which features high-quality aluminum for excellent heat dissipation and available in titanium gray and modish racing red. The sci-fi patterned light bar comes with an advanced LED array and is built to easily fit most PC cases in the market without mechanical interference to the CPU coolers. The ORION RGB Gaming Memory is 100% compatible with major motherboard RGB illumination applications, including ASUS Aura Sync, ASROCK Polychrome Sync, BIOSTAR RGB Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0, and MSI Mystic Light Sync. These provide several customizable combinations of RGB illumination. Users can synchronize the ORION RGB Gaming Memory with their motherboard's RGB illumination scheme to achieve the perfect color combination.
The ORION RGB GAMING Memory is launched in Intel and AMD package versions. It has been thoroughly tested and optimized separately to offer an ultra-fast DDR4 DRAM memory with superb stability and compatibility across the latest Intel and AMD Ryzen platforms. The series will be available as single 8G/16G/32GB modules in dual and quad module kits for a maximum capacity of 128GB (4x32). The ORION RGB Gaming Memory offers frequencies up to 4400MHz at CL19 in dual-channel and four voltage settings depending on the selected profile. The voltages 1.2V, 1.35V, 1.4V, and 1.45V provide stability at higher speeds and allow overclockers and system builders more options when configuring their builds. GeIL ORION RGB Gaming Memory is verified to bring stability and performance, which guarantees an ideal working environment for pro-gamers, overclockers, and video content creators.
Backed by the GeIL limited lifetime warranty, the ORION RGB Gaming Memory will be available at select retails and e-tailers in the middle of December 2020.
Official Webpage:
ORION RGB Gaming Memory: http://www.geil.com.tw/product/?id=56
ORION RGB Gaming Memory AMD Edition: http://www.geil.com.tw/product/?id=55 -
Introducing the EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Published: Tuesday, December 1, 2020 | By: DennisThe EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Graphics Cards have arrived.
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti lets you take on the latest games using the power of Ampere—NVIDIA’s 2nd generation RTX architecture. Get incredible performance with enhanced Ray Tracing Cores and Tensor Cores, new streaming multiprocessors, and high-speed G6 memory. Combined with the next generation of design, cooling, and overclocking with EVGA Precision X1, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Series redefines what it means to have The Ultimate Play.
NVIDIA Ampere Architecture
The all-new NVIDIA Ampere architecture features new 2nd generation Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd generation Tensor Cores with greater throughput. The NVIDIA Ampere streaming multiprocessors are the building blocks for the world’s fastest, most efficient GPU for gamers and creators.Pick the Graphics Card That Fits You Perfectly
EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti cards come in different sizes and offer different cooling solutions. From the redesigned iCX3 cooling assembly on the FTW3, to a shorter PCB and dual-slot cooling on the XC models, there's something for everyone trying to build that perfect system.EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti FTW3
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti FTW3 cards are designed for the gamer who demands a screaming-fast card, ice-cold three-fan cooling, an all-metal backplate*, and attractive ARGB lighting. The FTW3 cards also feature iCX3 Cooling to provide a unified copper block for GPU and memory, a thicker heatsink to provide exceptional cooling, three fans to cool the card efficiently and quietly, and a 2-slot bracket to ensure case compatibility.EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti XC
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti XC cards are designed for the no-frills gamer who needs a high-performance card that can also fit into tight spaces. Smartly designed to be cooled with two large fans, protected with an all-metal backplate, and carefully packaged into a short two-slot card for maximum compatibility with all types of gaming cases, the EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti XC cards embody what it means to have The Ultimate Play.Take Control With EVGA Precision X1
EVGA Precision X1 gives you full control over your fans, overclocking, monitoring, and ARGB lighting*.Add Your Own Personal Flair
With a customizable ARGB panel, the EVGA GeForce RTX™ 3060 Ti FTW3 cards feature a customizable RGB lighting experience to fit any color scheme.To learn more about EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Series graphics cards, please visit https://www.evga.com/articles/01458.
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MSI unveils NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Series
Published: Tuesday, December 1, 2020 | By: Dennis[Taipei, Taiwan] As a leading brand in True Gaming hardware, MSI is proud to share its take on NVIDIA's all-new GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU, with graphics cards that unite the latest in graphics technology, high-performance circuit board design, and advanced cooling.
Powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture and the 2nd generation of NVIDIA RTX, the world's most powerful PC gaming platform for real-time ray tracing and AI, the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti delivers blistering 1080p and 1440p gameplay starting at only $399 USD.
The RTX 3060 Ti also supports the trifecta of GeForce gaming innovations too, including performance-accelerating and IQ-enhancing NVIDIA DLSS technology which is now available in over 25 games; NVIDIA Reflex which reduces system latency ('input lag'), making games more responsive, and giving players in competitive multiplayer titles an extra edge over the opposition; and NVIDIA Broadcast, a suite of audio and video AI enhancements including virtual backgrounds and noise removal that users can apply to chats, Skype calls and video meetings. So whether they're playing traditional PC titles, powering through creator and productivity workflows, or marveling at the latest cutting-edge ray-traced titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Watch Dogs: Legion, and more, the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti delivers the best possible experience in its class for everyone everywhere.GAMING TRIO Series
GAMING has been refreshed with a new look while maintaining the same great balance between performance, cooling, and low-noise that gamers have come to trust. Leading the updated product series is the new TORX Fan 4.0 design with pairs of fan blades bound together with an outer link, forming a rim that focuses airflow into the updated TRI FROZR 2 cooling system. A matte-finish backplate made by "Graphene composites" not only reinforces the graphics card, but also provides passive cooling action through the implementation of thermal pads. Mystic Light adorns the exterior of the graphics card, illuminating color in synchrony with the rest of the PC through Mystic Light Sync and Ambient Link, all controlled with the Dragon Center software utility.
GAMING series
MSI brings GAMING to RTX 3060 Ti with the 8th generation of the iconic TWIN FROZR series too. The improved TWIN FROZR 8 design on the GeForce® RTX 3060 Ti GAMING X utilizes dual TORX 4.0 fans with pairs of fan blades bound together with an outer link, forming a rim that focuses airflow into the updated TWIN FROZR 8 cooling system. The heatsink features advanced aero- and thermodynamic technologies for efficient heat dissipation to keep the temperature low and performance high. The new look emphasizes the glorious glow of Mystic Light RGB infused into the card. Using the updated & improved MSI Mystic Light software, controlling and syncing your LED-lit components is easier than ever.
VENTUS Series
The popular VENTUS is revealed in GeForce RTX 3060 Ti as well, enhanced with well-known TORX Fan 3.0 and available in triple and dual fan variants. Whether it's for work or for play, VENTUS's performance-focused design maintains the essentials to accomplish any task at hand. A robust cooling system, reinforcing brushed-finish backplate, and rigid industrial aesthetic make this graphics card suitable for any build.
MSI AFTERBURNER
MSI Afterburner is the world's most recognized and widely used graphics card Overclocking software. It gives you full control of your graphics card and enables you to monitor your system's key metrics in real-time. Afterburner gives you a free performance boost for a smooth in-game experience thanks to higher FPS.MSI DRAGON CENTER
MSI Dragon Center is a brand-new software platform with the goal to integrate all MSI software for components, desktops, laptops and peripherals. The all-new software features Gaming Mode, which instantly optimizes your hardware for the best gaming experience including SSD, monitor and network settings. This budding new software platform will continue to improve and evolve, including more unique functionalities and benefits for MSI users.AVAILABILITY
The new MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ti series cards including GSMING TRIO and VENTUS series are expected to be available starting 2nd December, 2020. The GAMING series will be coming soon. -
ASUS ROG Z11 mini ITX chassis @ Guru3D
Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2020 | By: DennisDare I say we have a Mini ITX invasion occuring right under our noses. I'm not going to complain the Mini ITX form factor really is the future of the desktop PC. PC Hardware Enthusaists will hate it and gamers will think they are getting ripped off but for how people use desktops and towers these days it is all you will ever need.
We just need to have a SFF (Small Form Factor) case that can actually breathe.
We review the ASUS ROG Z11 in a dark finish, a PC housing for small form factor motherboards. This Mini-ITX ready chassis has a trick or two that will astonish you in terms of style, USB 3.x options. Next to that, it's so cute but also .. very confusing.
The pictures make this case look pretty darn cool.
