G.Skill unveiled its newest line of memory for extreme overclocking, the Trident X. Its launch is timed to follow that of Intel's Core "Ivy Bridge" processor family, and is optimized for 7-series chipset motherboards (due to their support of latest Intel XMP 1.3 specification). Pictured below is what Trident X series modules look like: a black PCB with a slightly long black metal heatsink, which has a detachable crown heatsink (red). One can notice a slot for heat pipes in the juncture between the crown heatsink and the module's main heatsink.

Aesthetically, the Trident X series modules don a black+red color scheme, which goes well with the black+red motherboard in the background (in the press-shot). Pictured below are the DDR3-2400 MHz (PC3-19200) modules in dual-channel configuration. The XMP profile runs the module at its 2400 MHz DDR (1200 MHz real) speed, with timings of 10-12-12-31T, and DRAM voltage of 1.65V. The modules will be available in various other speed/timing configurations, and in densities of 4 GB and 8 GB, making up for 8 GB and 16 GB dual-channel kits, for the new "Ivy Bridge" platform; 16 GB and 32 GB quad-channel kits for the Sandy Bridge-E platform. The older Sandy Bridge LGA1155 platform might not be 100% compatible, since it lacks XMP 1.3 support. G.Skill Trident X will be formally announced on May 4.

Super Flower introduced a new 550W modular PSU for mid-range gaming PCs, the SF-550K14XP. Capable of 550W output with over 85% efficiency at 50% load, the SF-550K14XP features active PFC with LLC resonant half-bridge rectifier. It incorporates a single 12V rail design, with a single 45.5A rail. It is EPS 2.91 specifications compliant, and features various protection mechanisms such as OVP (over-voltage), OPP (over-power), and SCP (short-circuit). Key connectors such as 24-pin ATX, 4+4 pin ATX/EPS, and one 6+2 pin PCIe are fixed; while an additional 6+2 pin PCIe, SATA+SATA+Molex, 4x Molex, and 4x SATA cables are modular. The unit is cooled by a blue LED-lit 120 mm fan. Pricing information is awaited.

Lepa unveiled a mammoth-capacity 80 Plus Gold certified PSU, the G1600. As its name suggests, it is capable of delivering 1600W of power, which should be sufficient for quad-GPU gaming PCs or extreme overclocking benches. The PSU achieves its gargantuan capacity using six 12V rails, including two 20A and four 30A ones. The PSU is cooled by a 135 mm fan. It features fully-modular cabling, which appears to include two 8-pin EPS connectors, and as many as twelve 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, apart from a large number of SATA/Molex/Berg connectors. The PSU will start shipping very soon.

RAIDMAX, a computer chassis provider, is pleased to announce a chassis with a sports car theme incorporated in the outer appearance - RAPTOR. Designed for ATX and m-ATX motherboards, the RAPTOR is ideal for PC builders wanting a chassis that is both flexible and eye-catching at a great value.

Striking Outer Appearance

The RAPTOR has several aesthetic designs to make it stand out amongst the crowd. Imitating the back of a sports car, the airfoil design on the top of the RAPTOR sits above the LED illuminated fans. The dark-tinted airfoil not only gives this chassis a sporty appeal, but is also translucent, allowing users to see the LEDs and fans spinning. The fender-like blades on both sides of the front panel add even more to the sports car-like appearance. The RAPTOR is available in two colors: red and black as well as blue and black.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the two latest VIA modules in the growing VIA Modular Solutions portfolio, the VIA COMe-8X92 and the VIA QSM-8Q90. The modular design approach allows for short time-to market, application-specific customization, simplified development, high stability and long life cycles allowing customers to rapidly develop new and exciting devices.

Measuring 95mm x 95mm, the VIA COMe-8X92 is based on the industry standard Computer-on-Module (COM) Express Compact form factor, developed and maintained by the PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group). The VIA COMe-8X92 module combines a 1.2GHz VIA NanoTM X2 E-Series dual core processor and the VIA VX900H media system processor (MSP) providing a ruggedized solution targeted at industrial PC and large OEM customers focused on dynamic application segments, including medical, advanced gaming, industrial automation and digital signage.

Super Flower unveiled the GX550 (model: SF-550P14XE), a 550W modular PSU for gaming PCs. The PSU packs a semi-modular cabling design, with key cables such as 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors being fixed, with other connectors being modular. The modular ones feature flat cabling, which has its advantages with cable-management. The GX550 features a single 12V rail design, the single 12V rail can deliver 45.5A of current. It packs active PFC, and a patented LLC resonant converter design. The unit appears to be cooled by an illuminated 130 mm fan. Super Flower did not give out pricing information, though Expreview notes it will have a good price given its feature-set.

SGI, the trusted leader in technical computing, today announced that it is continuing its march toward exascale computing with the integration of the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 family into all of its high performance compute (HPC) server and storage platforms and product families. Full support for the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 family in the SGI Rackable, SGI ICE X HPC and SGI Modular InfiniteStorage (MIS) platforms is also now available.

SGI has been shipping Rackable servers to its public cloud customers since September 2011, and is shipping 26.73 teraflops per rack this month in its ICE X platform. The MIS server platform represents the densest storage server platform in the industry today, and is based solely on the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 family. As the most flexible, high-performance computing platform in the industry, the SGI Rackable line takes advantage of the new Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 family to drive the most dramatic performance improvements in a typical product generation - in some cases up to 2X¹ and beyond the performance of the previous generation for high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.

Thermaltake, being the industry pioneer brand with expertise in PC power and thermal solutions, carrying the corporate vision of "building Thermaltake Technology into a cultural brand for the enjoyment of entertainment, e-Sports, technology, and lifestyle" and continues to drive toward the corporate mission of "delivering the perfect user experience" in all segment of the market. This January [they probably mean February], Thermaltake is expanding both Toughpower and SMART PSU product line, by adding Toughpower 550 W, 650 W and 750 W 80Plus Gold certified as well as SMART 750 W and 850 W 80Plus Bronze certified PSUs to fulfill mainstream users' and enthusiasts' requirement.

Chinese storage and peripherals major Orico unveiled the X-Gear modular storage system, which consists of three products: the XG-2501p, which is a 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD enclosure; the XG-3502i, which is a slot-in docking-station for the XG-2501p that fits into an exposed 3.5-inch drive bay; and the XG-2516s, which is a combo-package of these two products (an enclosure of your choice, and the slot-in dock).

The XG-2501p enclosure sports a brushed-aluminum exterior, and is available in a variety of colors. The XG-3502i has a slot-in tray for the enclosure, with a mechanical eject button for any inserted XG-2501p, and an activity indicator. The XG-2501p is priced at 28 RMB (US $5), the XG-3502i at 49 RMB ($7.8), and XG-2516s at 69 RMB ($11).

Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components, announces the High Current Gamer M series, a mid-range wattage class of hybrid modular power supplies. The High Current Gamer M series is an extension of the HCG PSU line issued in late 2010 but features hybrid modularity, allowing for cleaner systems by reducing cable clutter behind the motherboard.

Antec's new desktop PSU series provides quiet, efficient power in 400W, 520W, and 620W models, accommodating casual gamers, home office and corporate consumers. The High Current Gamer M Series is the perfect combination of power and cabling that supply extreme levels of power and superb efficiency.