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Tuesday, January 31st 2023
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro Review
Being the refresh of 2019's Basilisk Ultimate, the Basilisk V3 Pro has been updated across the board: Razer's latest Focus Pro 30K sensor, 3rd-generation optical main button switches, a highly adjustable scroll wheel, up to 90 hours of battery life, and compatibility with Razer's 4000 Hz HyperPolling Wireless Dongle and MouseDock Pro.
Quick Look: FiiO JD3 Black Edition In-Ear Monitors
FiiO has updated its wallet-friendly set of well-tuned IEMs to appeal to entry-level music lovers worldwide. The new JD3 Black Edition goes for only $20 and comes with a more balanced tonality from an updated 9.2 mm dynamic driver paired with a semi-open acoustic chamber and an all-aluminium unibody construction for improved build quality. You even get an integrated microphone with line controls for the great price!
Intel LGA-7529 Socket for "Sierra Forest" Xeon Processors Pictured
Intel's upcoming LGA-7529 socket designed for next-generation Xeon processors has been pictured, thanks to Yuuki_Ans and Hassan Mujtaba. According to the latest photos, we see the massive LGA-7529 socket with an astonishing 7,529 pins placed inside of a single socket. Made for Intel's upcoming "Birch Stream" platform, this socket is going to power Intel's next-generation "Sierra Forest" Xeon processors. With Sierra Forest representing a new way of thinking about Xeon processors, it also requires a special socket. Built on Intel 3 manufacturing process, these Xeon processors use only E-cores in their design to respond to AMD EPYC Bergamo with Zen4c.
The Intel Xeon roadmap will split in 2024, where Sierra Forest will populate dense and efficient cloud computing with E-cores, while its Granite Rapids sibling will power high-performance computing using P-cores. This interesting split will be followed by the new LGA-7529 socket pictured below, which is a step up from Intel's current LGA-4677 socket with 4677 pins used for Sapphire Rapids. With higher core densities and performance targets, the additional pins are likely to be mostly power/ground pins, while the smaller portion is picking up the additional I/O of the processor.
20:20 UTC: Updated with motherboard picture of dual-socket LGA-7529 system, thanks to findings of @9550pro lurking in the Chinese forums.
The Intel Xeon roadmap will split in 2024, where Sierra Forest will populate dense and efficient cloud computing with E-cores, while its Granite Rapids sibling will power high-performance computing using P-cores. This interesting split will be followed by the new LGA-7529 socket pictured below, which is a step up from Intel's current LGA-4677 socket with 4677 pins used for Sapphire Rapids. With higher core densities and performance targets, the additional pins are likely to be mostly power/ground pins, while the smaller portion is picking up the additional I/O of the processor.
MSI to Launch Laptops with RTX 40-series Graphics During the MSIology Virtual Event
MSI, a world-leading laptop brand, has hold their brand new laptop virtual event MSIology: The Leap to Singularity today. Featuring the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs and up to 13th Gen Intel Core HX series processors which is now available for pre-order and early bird rewards.
MSI strives for perfection and a premium experience in the laptop lineup which comes with innovative technology breakthroughs, extremely powerful performance and aesthetic brand new design. "We have been leading the trends for high-end laptops, and it continues!" Said MSI Notebook Worldwide Sales & Marketing Director, Derek Chen.
MSI strives for perfection and a premium experience in the laptop lineup which comes with innovative technology breakthroughs, extremely powerful performance and aesthetic brand new design. "We have been leading the trends for high-end laptops, and it continues!" Said MSI Notebook Worldwide Sales & Marketing Director, Derek Chen.
Philips Releases Professional 4K OLED Monitor that Highlights Impressive Color Features
EPI, the leading display specialist and brand license partner for Philips monitors introduces the Philips 27E1N8900. Designed for professionals working from home and looking for a monitor that offers impressive visual contrast, the Philips monitor provides a novel experience. The main feature of this monitor, OLED, is known for its stark contrast and state-of-the-art pixel responsiveness.
In addition to the new OLED technology, this monitor is packed with features that make the screen come to life, such as UltraClear 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution for precise imagery, DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 for shadowing, Ultra Wide-Color for a vivid picture, True 10-bit display for smoother gradients, 99 percent Adobe RGB/DCI-P3, and an antiglare film. These features, along with LowBlue mode, make this monitor the perfect tool.
In addition to the new OLED technology, this monitor is packed with features that make the screen come to life, such as UltraClear 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution for precise imagery, DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 for shadowing, Ultra Wide-Color for a vivid picture, True 10-bit display for smoother gradients, 99 percent Adobe RGB/DCI-P3, and an antiglare film. These features, along with LowBlue mode, make this monitor the perfect tool.
Lenovo Expands Portfolio of Smart Collaboration Solutions with New Standalone ThinkSmart View Plus
Lenovo announced today at Information Systems Europe (ISE 2023) in Barcelona the all new ThinkSmart View Plus running Microsoft Teams display, a standalone collaboration display with premium audio, video, and whiteboarding features. The smart collaboration solution is purpose built for hot desking, phone booths, executive desks and home office use cases. Also joining the portfolio of smart collaboration solutions are the newly announced Lenovo IP Controller for collaboration spaces and the newly available ThinkSmart One.
ThinkSmart View Plus
As the way people work continues to evolve, it is vital to stay connected and engaged, regardless of how and where they work. The innovative ThinkSmart View Plus running Microsoft Teams display is a solution that enables hybrid work by increasing productivity, flexibility, and collaboration through its personal and hotdesking experiences.
ThinkSmart View Plus
As the way people work continues to evolve, it is vital to stay connected and engaged, regardless of how and where they work. The innovative ThinkSmart View Plus running Microsoft Teams display is a solution that enables hybrid work by increasing productivity, flexibility, and collaboration through its personal and hotdesking experiences.
CORSAIR Launches Innovative New RMx SHIFT ATX 3.0 PSUs
CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced the revolutionary RMx SHIFT Series of ATX 3.0 certified power supplies, giving custom PC enthusiasts a new way to build. Available in wattages from 750 W up to 1200 W, these fully modular 80 PLUS Gold-certified PSUs feature the DC connector panel on the side of the unit, granting easier access to your cables and simpler, cleaner cable management.
The RMx SHIFT Series' repositioned side panel (patent-pending) gives you a clear view and better access to all modular micro-fit connections, making connecting and maintaining your cables a breeze. Not only does this make attaching and detaching cables easy, it also means they won't be bent or twisted as much to reach the connectors, resulting in less strain and a cleaner build.
The RMx SHIFT Series' repositioned side panel (patent-pending) gives you a clear view and better access to all modular micro-fit connections, making connecting and maintaining your cables a breeze. Not only does this make attaching and detaching cables easy, it also means they won't be bent or twisted as much to reach the connectors, resulting in less strain and a cleaner build.
EK Launches a Momentum² Monoblock for ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero
EK, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is releasing a new AMD AM5 socket-based monoblock, the EK-Quantum Momentum² ROG Crosshair X670E Hero D-RGB - Plexi. The monoblock is engineered specifically for the ROG Crosshair X670E HERO motherboard from ASUS. It features addressable D-RGB LEDs compatible with ASUS Aura Sync RGB control and offers a full lighting customization experience for every single diode at any given time. This Quantum monoblock is EK-Matrix7 compliant and allows the use of the stock I/O shield with LED implementation.
This is a complete, all-in-one (CPU and motherboard) liquid cooling solution for AMD's Ryzen 7000-series processors compatible with the AM5 socket on the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard. The monoblock packs the latest generation Velocity² cooling engine to ensure the best possible CPU cooling without reducing flow to other components. It directly cools the AMD Ryzen 7000-series CPU and VRM section.
This is a complete, all-in-one (CPU and motherboard) liquid cooling solution for AMD's Ryzen 7000-series processors compatible with the AM5 socket on the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard. The monoblock packs the latest generation Velocity² cooling engine to ensure the best possible CPU cooling without reducing flow to other components. It directly cools the AMD Ryzen 7000-series CPU and VRM section.
Noctua Introduces NA-FG1 Fan Grills with Offset Push-pin Mounting
Noctua today introduced its new NA-FG1 series of fan grills for 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92, 120, 140 and 200 mm fans. Available in sets of 2 (Sx2) or 5 (Sx5) including screws and a tool-free mounting system that can help to reduce turbulence and thereby improve both airflow performance and noise levels, Noctua's NA-FG1 are premium grade fan grills for the highest demands in acoustic optimisation and ease of installation.
"Fan grills may seem like a trivial accessory, but many available solutions can seriously hamper your fans' acoustics and performance, so we decided to offer our own selection of grills", explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "Our NA-FG1 use a proven, highly efficient design and top it off with a convenient tool-free mounting system that introduces an extra offset and can thereby help to improve both airflow and noise levels."
"Fan grills may seem like a trivial accessory, but many available solutions can seriously hamper your fans' acoustics and performance, so we decided to offer our own selection of grills", explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "Our NA-FG1 use a proven, highly efficient design and top it off with a convenient tool-free mounting system that introduces an extra offset and can thereby help to improve both airflow and noise levels."
Cyberpunk 2077 Gets NVIDIA DLSS 3 Support
CDProjekt Red today released a major update to Cyberpunk 2077, which adds support for the NVIDIA DLSS 3 performance enhancement. DLSS 3 leverages the Optical Flow Accelerator component of GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" graphics cards to generate nearly every alternate frame entirely using AI, without involving the main graphics rendering pipeline, with which it nearly doubles frame-rates at quality comparable to native resolution. When used in conjunction with DLSS quality settings, DLSS 3 ends up working like a frame-rate multiplier. The feature also ends up positively impacting energy efficiency of the GPU. DLSS 3 requires a GeForce RTX 40-series GPU.
Projected YoY Growth Rate of Global Server Shipments for 2023 Has Been Lowered to 1.87% Due to North American Cloud Service Providers Cutting Demand
Facing global economic headwinds, the four major North American cloud service providers (CSPs) have scaled back their server procurement quantities for 2023 and could make further downward corrections in the future. Meta is the leader among the four in terms of server demand reduction, followed by Microsoft, Google, and AWS. TrendForce has lowered the YoY growth rate of their total server procurement quantity for this year from the original projection of 6.9% to the latest projection of 4.4%. With CSPs cutting demand, global server shipments are now estimated to grow by just 1.87% YoY for 2023. Regarding the server DRAM market, prices there are estimated to drop by around 20~25% QoQ for 1Q23 as CSPs' downward corrections exacerbate the oversupply situation.
Looking at the four CSPs individually, the YoY decline of Meta's server procurement quantity has been widened to 3.0% and could get larger. The instability of the global economy remains the largest variable for all CSPs. Besides this, Meta has also encountered a notable obstacle in expanding its operation in Europe. Specifically, its data center in Denmark has not met the regional standard for emissions. This issue is expected to hinder its progress in setting up additional data centers across the EU. Moreover, businesses related to e-commerce account for about 98% of Meta's revenue. Therefore, the decline in e-commerce activities amidst the recent easing of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Meta's growth momentum. Additionally, Meta's server demand has been affected by the high level of component inventory held by server ODMs.
Looking at the four CSPs individually, the YoY decline of Meta's server procurement quantity has been widened to 3.0% and could get larger. The instability of the global economy remains the largest variable for all CSPs. Besides this, Meta has also encountered a notable obstacle in expanding its operation in Europe. Specifically, its data center in Denmark has not met the regional standard for emissions. This issue is expected to hinder its progress in setting up additional data centers across the EU. Moreover, businesses related to e-commerce account for about 98% of Meta's revenue. Therefore, the decline in e-commerce activities amidst the recent easing of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Meta's growth momentum. Additionally, Meta's server demand has been affected by the high level of component inventory held by server ODMs.
Acer Launches Trio of Durable TravelMate Laptops for Education
Acer today announced its latest additions to the TravelMate series of Windows 11 Education laptops, designed to improve students' overall learning experiences and boost productivity whether in school or at home. The Acer TravelMate B5 14 features up to an FHD display and is powered by up to Intel Core i3 N-series processors to support the essential needs of mobile college students, as well as secondary school students. The newest 11-inch TravelMate laptops let students get more out of their blended classroom experience as the TravelMate B3 Spin 11 comes with an optional dockable Wacom AES stylus for added flexibility, while the TravelMate B3 11 has up to 9.5 hours of battery life to provide students with a reliable laptop that could be maximized throughout the school day.
Additionally, these laptops are shipped with Acer's new User Sensing Software,[1] which combines Break Reminder, Screen Distance Reminder, and User Sensing technology to help reduce digital eye strain and ensure data security. The dependable TravelMate B series laptops alsoconform to military-grade durability standards that could withstand drops as high as 122 cm, possess reinforced I/O ports and spill-resistant keyboards to protect inner components from damage, and HD webcams that come with a camera shutter for added privacy protection. With Acer's dedication to achieving its Earthion mission in mind, all the education laptops possess recycled materials in their components and packaging, an EPEAT ecolabel, and are TCO Certified, the leading sustainability certification for IT products worldwide.
Additionally, these laptops are shipped with Acer's new User Sensing Software,[1] which combines Break Reminder, Screen Distance Reminder, and User Sensing technology to help reduce digital eye strain and ensure data security. The dependable TravelMate B series laptops alsoconform to military-grade durability standards that could withstand drops as high as 122 cm, possess reinforced I/O ports and spill-resistant keyboards to protect inner components from damage, and HD webcams that come with a camera shutter for added privacy protection. With Acer's dedication to achieving its Earthion mission in mind, all the education laptops possess recycled materials in their components and packaging, an EPEAT ecolabel, and are TCO Certified, the leading sustainability certification for IT products worldwide.
Acer Chromebook Vero Debuts for Education Market
Acer today launched four new Chromebooks to meet the needs of students, teachers and administrators, including its first Acer Chromebook Vero model designed specifically for the education market. These new models provide the latest in durability, performance, and features, making them a powerful tool for helping educators deliver better learning outcomes.
"As a leading provider of Chromebooks for the K12 education market, Acer knows what students and teachers need to keep the focus on learning - and these new Acer Chromebooks deliver what's needed and more," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. "Our new Chromebooks provide advances in all the areas that have helped establish them as an essential tool for learning: student-focused durability features, reliable performance and advanced connectivity options to support school technology initiatives."
"As a leading provider of Chromebooks for the K12 education market, Acer knows what students and teachers need to keep the focus on learning - and these new Acer Chromebooks deliver what's needed and more," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. "Our new Chromebooks provide advances in all the areas that have helped establish them as an essential tool for learning: student-focused durability features, reliable performance and advanced connectivity options to support school technology initiatives."
Sharkoon Releases M30 Black & M30 RGB Cases
Sharkoon Technologies is an international supplier of high-quality, high-performance PC components and peripherals. With the M30 Black and the M30 RGB, Sharkoon introduces new models, following on from its popular M25 series. Thanks to its unpretentious yet elegant design, the M30 Black should be able to be integrated harmoniously into any work environment. The M30 RGB, on the other hand, should primarily appeal to gamers thanks to a gaming-styled look with an RGB fan and a side panel made of tempered glass.
Both the M30 Black and the M30 RGB have an elegant, rather minimalist appearance with a clearly purposeful design. The center of attention is the front panel with rounded edges and a large perforated, mesh surface that should enable a strong airflow. Near the front of the top panel, both case versions have a modern USB Type-C connection for fast data transfer. There is also a generous amount of options for cooling: Each case offers space for up to seven 120-millimeter fans, and if the installation of a water-cooling system is desired, there is enough room for a radiator with up to 360 millimeters either under the top of the case or behind the front panel.
Both the M30 Black and the M30 RGB have an elegant, rather minimalist appearance with a clearly purposeful design. The center of attention is the front panel with rounded edges and a large perforated, mesh surface that should enable a strong airflow. Near the front of the top panel, both case versions have a modern USB Type-C connection for fast data transfer. There is also a generous amount of options for cooling: Each case offers space for up to seven 120-millimeter fans, and if the installation of a water-cooling system is desired, there is enough room for a radiator with up to 360 millimeters either under the top of the case or behind the front panel.
AQIRYS Launches ADARA Compact Mechanical Keyboard
AQIRYS, the trending Romanian gaming brand, announces the launch of ADARA, the most advanced gaming keyboard in its portfolio. The model announced today is aimed at the most discerning and demanding users of compact keyboards, and it has been engineered for silence, smoothness, and future customization and upgrade possibilities.
Named after the brightest star in ultraviolet light, ADARA fuses in a versatile compact form factor, the latest features and innovations in mechanical keyboard design with customized switches from HaiMu, the newest OEM name in the high-end switches arena. Thanks to its 1800 compact form factor and 95-key layout, the new keyboard offers similar space-saving benefits for performing ample mouse movements, just like the TKL format preferred by e-sports professionals, while preserving the convenience of the Numpad.
Named after the brightest star in ultraviolet light, ADARA fuses in a versatile compact form factor, the latest features and innovations in mechanical keyboard design with customized switches from HaiMu, the newest OEM name in the high-end switches arena. Thanks to its 1800 compact form factor and 95-key layout, the new keyboard offers similar space-saving benefits for performing ample mouse movements, just like the TKL format preferred by e-sports professionals, while preserving the convenience of the Numpad.
Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2022 Results, Profits at an 8-year Low
Samsung Electronics today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year 2022. The Company posted KRW 70.46 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 4.31 trillion in operating profit in the quarter ended December 31, 2022. For the full year, it reported 302.23 trillion in annual revenue, a record high and KRW 43.38 trillion in operating profit.
The business environment deteriorated significantly in the fourth quarter due to weak demand amid a global economic slowdown. Earnings at the Memory Business decreased sharply as prices fell and customers continued to adjust inventory. The System LSI Business also saw a decline in earnings as sales of key products were weighed down by inventory adjustments in the industry. The Foundry Business posted a new record for quarterly revenue while profit increased year-on-year on the back of advanced node capacity expansion as well as customer base and application area diversification.
The business environment deteriorated significantly in the fourth quarter due to weak demand amid a global economic slowdown. Earnings at the Memory Business decreased sharply as prices fell and customers continued to adjust inventory. The System LSI Business also saw a decline in earnings as sales of key products were weighed down by inventory adjustments in the industry. The Foundry Business posted a new record for quarterly revenue while profit increased year-on-year on the back of advanced node capacity expansion as well as customer base and application area diversification.
Sony, Xbox, and Nintendo Won't Participate in E3 2023 Gaming Show
According to IGN, the first physical in-person E3 2023 show in four years will not be accompanied by the biggest names in the gaming industry—Sony, Xbox, and Nintendo. Historically, gaming shows like E3 have been the primary source of news and hype machines that allowed gaming publishers to showcase their latest work and partnerships with other companies/brands alike. However, as IGN's sources note, this year's E3 will lack the presence of the biggest names in the industry, like Sony, Xbox, and Nintendo. With the first physical E3 event in four years, it is only logical that companies look forward to participating and showing their upcoming work to generate interest. But, the leading console makers will not do so.
It means that the latest E3 show will be a bit different and that the rest of the gaming industry has to adapt. IGN has contacted Sony, Xbox, Nintendo, and Entertainment Software Association (ESA) representatives, with no response at the time of writing. ReedPop, E3's parent company, has issued a statement that notes that there have been some changes to E3's format, which we are yet to see in June once the Los Angeles event starts. You can read the statement for IGN below.
It means that the latest E3 show will be a bit different and that the rest of the gaming industry has to adapt. IGN has contacted Sony, Xbox, Nintendo, and Entertainment Software Association (ESA) representatives, with no response at the time of writing. ReedPop, E3's parent company, has issued a statement that notes that there have been some changes to E3's format, which we are yet to see in June once the Los Angeles event starts. You can read the statement for IGN below.
Sanctions-hit YMTC Laying Off 10 Percent of its Workforce
YMTC, China's premier NAND flash and DRAM memory manufacturer, is reportedly laying off 10 percent of its workforce as it sees demand drop from loss in sales to major American customers. The company has a cutting-edge lineup of NAND flash memory at competitive prices and quality enough to meet Apple's standards. It had scored a major NAND flash supply deal with the iPhone maker in 2020, which fell through in 2022 as the U.S. government placed trade embargoes on Chinese chipmakers. The company continues to supply NAND flash chips to many of the popular Chinese smartphone and PC manufacturers. YMTC identified 10 percent of its workforce that it categorized as "underperforming," and laid them off. This even ended incentives such as discounted apartments. One terminated employee was reportedly asked to cough up RMB 400,000 (this discount) to keep their home.
MSI Kicks Off New Partnership with Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing
MSI announces its partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing for the upcoming Bathurst 12 Hour! Team Craft-Bamboo Racing has enjoyed a multitude of success throughout the numerous global race programs and garnered years of world championship experience. This partnership marks MSI's first involvoment in the real world of 4-wheel motorsport. With the rapid global rise in popularity of sim racing and gaming, MSI remains committed to bringing the best products to enable racers and gamers to achieve success in the virtual and real world of racing.
"We are excited to be partnering with Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing for the upcoming Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia. On top of being our first partnership in the world of GT racing, we are really looking forward to bringing new gaming technology for racers to excel in the virtual world. This partnership is a testament to our dedication as we strive for cutting-edge innovation and enable the best user experience for our consumers," said Sam Chern, MSI Marketing Vice President.
"We are excited to be partnering with Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing for the upcoming Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia. On top of being our first partnership in the world of GT racing, we are really looking forward to bringing new gaming technology for racers to excel in the virtual world. This partnership is a testament to our dedication as we strive for cutting-edge innovation and enable the best user experience for our consumers," said Sam Chern, MSI Marketing Vice President.
Monday, January 30th 2023
Today's Reviews
Desktop PC
Graphics Cards
Motherboards
NAS
Other
Forspoken: FSR 2.1 vs. DLSS Comparison Review
Forspoken is out now, with support for NVIDIA's DLSS Super Resolution (DLSS 2.5) and AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1 (FSR 2.1). In this mini-review we take a look, comparing the image quality and performance gains offered by these technologies.
Dead Space Benchmark Test & Performance Analysis Review
Dead Space is a remake of the cult horror classic, with modern next-gen graphics based on EA's Frostbite engine. In our performance review, we're taking a closer look at image quality, differences between the graphical setting presets, VRAM usage, and performance on a selection of modern graphics cards.
Cooler Master Mobius 120 Fan Review
Today we examine Cooler Master's new Mobius 120 fan that uses a "ring blade" design aimed to produce more stable and efficient airflow across different applications: case fans, heatsinks, even radiators. It features a zero RPM mode and a long PWM control range in addition to good build quality and a long 5-year warranty.
ASRock NUCS BOX-1360P/D4 Mini-PC Review
ASRock's NUCS BOX-1360P/D4 brings Intel's latest and greatest, namely Raptor Lake, to the mini-pc world. The powerful and efficient Core i7-1360P processor, with its combined 12 cores, 16 threads, and Iris Xe Graphics. Just don't forget you need to supply the memory, SSD, and operating system.
COLORFUL Launches B760 Series Motherboards
Colorful Technology Company Limited, a world-renowned manufacturer of desktop components, laptops, desktops, AIO PCs, and storage, launches the B760 Series motherboards for the 13th Gen and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. The Intel B760 Series motherboards are ideal gaming and content creation with DDR5 and DDR4 memory support depending on model.
COLORFUL introduces the CVN B760M FROZEN WIFI D5 and CVN B760I FROZEN WIFI motherboards for gamers and enthusiasts. Coming in a compact micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors, both motherboards feature PCIe 5.0 x16 slot to support the latest high-end graphics cards. The CVN B760 motherboards also come with Wi-Fi 6, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for the CVN B760M FROZEN WIFI D5 and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for the CVN B760I FROZEN WIFI Mini-ITX motherboard. COLORFUL also presents the BATTLE-AX B760M-F PRO motherboard with DDR4 memory support and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.
COLORFUL introduces the CVN B760M FROZEN WIFI D5 and CVN B760I FROZEN WIFI motherboards for gamers and enthusiasts. Coming in a compact micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors, both motherboards feature PCIe 5.0 x16 slot to support the latest high-end graphics cards. The CVN B760 motherboards also come with Wi-Fi 6, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for the CVN B760M FROZEN WIFI D5 and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for the CVN B760I FROZEN WIFI Mini-ITX motherboard. COLORFUL also presents the BATTLE-AX B760M-F PRO motherboard with DDR4 memory support and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.
Western Digital Launches the Dual Actuator Ultrastar DC HS760 20 TB Hard Drive
Western Digital has launched its first dual actuator hard drive, in the shape of the Ultrastar DC HS760 Hard Drive, which is currently only available in a single 20 TB SKU. This places WD's new drive head to head with Seagates Exos X20 drives, although Seagate offers an 18 and a 20 TB SKU. WD offers the Ultrastar DC HS760 with a SAS interface, whereas Seagate offers its Exos drives with either SATA or SAS connectivity. Both companies are using traditional CMR platters that spin at 7,200 RPM.
WD didn't provide too many details when it comes to the performance of the Ultrastar DC HS760, as the company only claims it offers twice the sequential throughput and 1.7 times higher random performance compared with the Ultrastar DC HC560. WD appears to have a potential performance advantage over Seagate, as WD has integrated its OptiNAND technology based on WD's iNAND, which means that the Ultrastar DC HS760 should have at least twice as much cache as Seagates Exos X20 drives which top out at 256 MB. This is based on WD's DC HC560 drives which ship with 512 MB of cache. Just like Seagates Exos drives, the Ultrastar DC HS760 is a helium filled drive and WD claims 2.5 million MTBF time and offers a five year warranty. No pricing was revealed.
WD didn't provide too many details when it comes to the performance of the Ultrastar DC HS760, as the company only claims it offers twice the sequential throughput and 1.7 times higher random performance compared with the Ultrastar DC HC560. WD appears to have a potential performance advantage over Seagate, as WD has integrated its OptiNAND technology based on WD's iNAND, which means that the Ultrastar DC HS760 should have at least twice as much cache as Seagates Exos X20 drives which top out at 256 MB. This is based on WD's DC HC560 drives which ship with 512 MB of cache. Just like Seagates Exos drives, the Ultrastar DC HS760 is a helium filled drive and WD claims 2.5 million MTBF time and offers a five year warranty. No pricing was revealed.
ASUS Announces All-New Vivobook Go 15 OLED and Vivobook Go 14
ASUS today announced the 15.6-inch Vivobook Go 15 OLED (E1504F) and 14-inch Vivobook Go 14 (E1404F), two exciting and affordable lifestyle laptops that help make users productive or keep them entertained, wherever they go. These light and compact laptops feature superior OLED (E1504F) or IPS (E1404F) displays and powerful ASUS SonicMaster sound systems with DTS Audio Processing for immersive entertainment. The design is stylish and practical, with thoughtful touches that make the user's life easier, such as a 180° lay-flat hinge. Built to survive any lifestyle, these tough laptops are US military-grade tested for durability using the world's strictest test regime.
Speedy performance for any task is assured by up to AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series processors, 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD. Other user-friendly features include an ASUS ErgoSense keyboard; smart conferencing via the HD webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR), AI noise cancelation, and a physical privacy shield; and a useful suite of ASUS apps including MyASUS, GlideX and ScreenXpert 3.
Speedy performance for any task is assured by up to AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series processors, 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD. Other user-friendly features include an ASUS ErgoSense keyboard; smart conferencing via the HD webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR), AI noise cancelation, and a physical privacy shield; and a useful suite of ASUS apps including MyASUS, GlideX and ScreenXpert 3.
Sony Electronics Announces Two 4K IP-Based Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras with AI Analytics
Sony Electronics is expanding its lineup of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras with the addition of two 4K models with built-in AI analytics. The SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 cameras automatically and consistently track, and naturally frame presenters, regardless of movement or posture, for seamless content creation and control - all without operating a computer. The new Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Auto Framing technology features automatic operation for quick object tracking and rediscovery, as well as multiple Auto Framing options. Highlights of the cameras include image quality with automation, the flexibility of IP, powerful zoom, remote control, and easy configuration and operation. They are ideal for use in education, corporate, medical, government, broadcast, and faith applications, as well as for live events.
"Our latest PTZ cameras truly represent a new generation," said Rich Ventura, Vice President of Professional Display Solutions, Sony Electronics. "While they incorporate the image quality that is Sony's bedrock, these efficient new models are even smarter than ever with the addition of built-in AI analytics which enable PTZ Auto Framing, paired with the potential resulting from remote control. Our customers have told us that the way in which they capture content - and even the location from which they do it - has changed drastically over the last few years. We listened and created a new user-friendly series that enables mounting freedom, prioritizes location-free operation and creates a streamlined workflow that empowers operators with varying degrees of expertise to create extremely professional content while keeping operating costs down."
"Our latest PTZ cameras truly represent a new generation," said Rich Ventura, Vice President of Professional Display Solutions, Sony Electronics. "While they incorporate the image quality that is Sony's bedrock, these efficient new models are even smarter than ever with the addition of built-in AI analytics which enable PTZ Auto Framing, paired with the potential resulting from remote control. Our customers have told us that the way in which they capture content - and even the location from which they do it - has changed drastically over the last few years. We listened and created a new user-friendly series that enables mounting freedom, prioritizes location-free operation and creates a streamlined workflow that empowers operators with varying degrees of expertise to create extremely professional content while keeping operating costs down."
AMD Allegedly Prepares an Even Cheaper A620 Chipset, Set to Deliver $125 Motherboards
According to HKEPC, AMD is set to introduce two versions of the A620 chipset for its lower-end motherboards, providing a lower barrier of AM5 entry for users on a smaller budget. As the new source notes, AMD is going to use its Promontory 21 (PROM21) module for A620 motherboards, the same one used on B650 and X670 models. However, for the first time, we are hearing about Promontory 22 (PROM22), a module that will allow A620-based motherboards to start at 125 US dollars—a promise made by AMD in its marketing slides (which you can see below). Two A620 chipsets will enable users to choose basic functionality or some additional features on a reasonable budget.
With PROM21 going inside all chipset SKUs, it carries silicon functionality disabled by AMD to create different categories. However, the PROM22 is a new silicon that doesn't need bells and whistles of the high-end boards inside a feature-deprived chipset like A620. This drives down AMD's costs, making it easier for vendors to adjust pricing. We have to wait for the launch and see how much of this will be fulfilled, so stay tuned for further updates.
With PROM21 going inside all chipset SKUs, it carries silicon functionality disabled by AMD to create different categories. However, the PROM22 is a new silicon that doesn't need bells and whistles of the high-end boards inside a feature-deprived chipset like A620. This drives down AMD's costs, making it easier for vendors to adjust pricing. We have to wait for the launch and see how much of this will be fulfilled, so stay tuned for further updates.
AMD "Navi 31" Memory Cache Die Has Preparation for 3D Vertical Cache?
AMD possibly has a straightforward path to increasing the performance of the "Navi 31" RDNA3 GPU to power future high-end SKUs, according to semiconductor engineer Tom Wassick. The GPU's main SIMD machinery is located in the Graphics Compute Die (GCD) built on the 5 nm EUV foundry process, surrounded by six Memory Cache Dies (MCDs) built on 6 nm, which each contain GDDR6 memory controllers, and a 16 MB segment of the GPU's 96 MB Infinity Cache memory.
In microscopic observations, Wassick noticed structures on the MCD which he thinks look like an array of through-silicon vias (TSVs), of the kind used in "Zen 3" and "Zen 4" CCDs, to wire out stacked 3D Vertical Cache memory on the L3D (L3 cache die). If the theory holds up, it could be possible for AMD to increase the L3 cache segment size per MCD from 16 MB, and the GPU's overall Infinity Cache memory size. With its RDNA2 graphics architecture (RX 6000 series), AMD significantly enlarged on-die caches on its GPUs, particularly the last-level L3 cache, even giving them the special branding of "Infinity Cache," claiming that they had a big impact in lubricating the memory sub-system, letting GPUs with 256-bit memory buses compete with NVIDIA GPUs with wider 320-bit to 384-bit interfaces.
In microscopic observations, Wassick noticed structures on the MCD which he thinks look like an array of through-silicon vias (TSVs), of the kind used in "Zen 3" and "Zen 4" CCDs, to wire out stacked 3D Vertical Cache memory on the L3D (L3 cache die). If the theory holds up, it could be possible for AMD to increase the L3 cache segment size per MCD from 16 MB, and the GPU's overall Infinity Cache memory size. With its RDNA2 graphics architecture (RX 6000 series), AMD significantly enlarged on-die caches on its GPUs, particularly the last-level L3 cache, even giving them the special branding of "Infinity Cache," claiming that they had a big impact in lubricating the memory sub-system, letting GPUs with 256-bit memory buses compete with NVIDIA GPUs with wider 320-bit to 384-bit interfaces.
Sunday, January 29th 2023
This Week in Gaming (Week 5)
We're entering the second month of the year this coming week and the games being released next week are a mix of turn-based strategy RPG, Sci-Fi and something a bit more child friendly. There are multiple AA, but no AAA titles being released this week and of course, don't forget to vote in the poll.
The King's Dilemma: Chronicles / Monday 30 January
Lead the King's Council for generations as the consequences of your decisions decide the kingdom's resources and political standing. Form alliances, solve dilemmas, and prepare for the final uprising that was foretold by an ancient prophecy.
The King's Dilemma: Chronicles / Monday 30 January
Lead the King's Council for generations as the consequences of your decisions decide the kingdom's resources and political standing. Form alliances, solve dilemmas, and prepare for the final uprising that was foretold by an ancient prophecy.
Saturday, January 28th 2023
NVIDIA RTX 4090 Ti / RTX TITAN (Ada) Pictured, Behold the 4-slot Cinder Block
Here's the very first picture of an alleged upcoming NVIDIA flagship/halo product to be positioned above the GeForce RTX 4090. There are two distinct brand names being rumored for this product—the GeForce RTX 4090 Ti, and the NVIDIA RTX TITAN (Ada). The RTX 4090 only uses 128 out of 144 (88 percent) of the streaming multiprocessors (SM) on the 4 nm "AD102" silicon, leaving NVIDIA with plenty of room to design a halo product that maxes it out. Besides maxing out the silicon, NVIDIA has the opportunity to increase the typical graphics power closer to the 600 W continuous power-delivery limit of the 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connector; and use faster 24 Gbps-rated GDDR6X memory chips (the RTX 4090 uses 21 Gbps memory).
The card is 4 slots thick, with the rear I/O bracket covering all 4 slots. The card's display outputs are arranged along the thickness of the card, rather than along the base. The cooler is a monstrous scale-up of the Dual-Axial Flow Through cooler of the RTX 4090 Founders Edition. The card is designed such that the PCB doesn't come up perpendicular to the plane of the motherboard like any other add-on card, but rather, the PCB is parallel to the plane of the motherboard. The PCB is arranged along the thickness of the card. This has probably been done to maximize the spatial volume occupied by the cooling solution, and probably even make room for a third fan. We also predict that the PCB is split in such a way that a smaller PCB has the display I/O, and yet another PCB handles the PCI-Express slot interface. Sufficed to say, the RTX 4090 Ti / RTX TITAN will be an engineering masterpiece by NVIDIA.
The card is 4 slots thick, with the rear I/O bracket covering all 4 slots. The card's display outputs are arranged along the thickness of the card, rather than along the base. The cooler is a monstrous scale-up of the Dual-Axial Flow Through cooler of the RTX 4090 Founders Edition. The card is designed such that the PCB doesn't come up perpendicular to the plane of the motherboard like any other add-on card, but rather, the PCB is parallel to the plane of the motherboard. The PCB is arranged along the thickness of the card. This has probably been done to maximize the spatial volume occupied by the cooling solution, and probably even make room for a third fan. We also predict that the PCB is split in such a way that a smaller PCB has the display I/O, and yet another PCB handles the PCI-Express slot interface. Sufficed to say, the RTX 4090 Ti / RTX TITAN will be an engineering masterpiece by NVIDIA.
Japan and the Netherlands Said to Join US in Blocking Access to Chip Making Tools for China
According to Bloomberg, Japan and the Netherlands are getting ready to join the US in limiting access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment for China. The three nations are currently in talks—that might end as soon as today—over how they can impose joint limits on what kind of equipment and tools can be exported to China. Apparently there will be no official announcement if a deal is struck, instead the restrictions will simply be implemented as required.
Bloomberg states that the Netherlands will expand export restrictions that ASML is already under, which according to the publication means stricter export rules around DEUV machines, which are used in cutting edge semiconductor nodes. Japan is said to implement similar export restrictions for Nikon as well as Tokyo Electron, with the US already having implemented restrictions for Applied Materials. The export restriction deal is in part being done to appease US equipment makers, who have complained that their international competitors haven't been under the same export restrictions when it comes to China, as they have. The question is if the export restrictions will hinder China in the long run, or if the nation will simply push ahead and develop its own, competing semiconductor manufacturing tools.
Update Jan 28th: Japan and the Netherlands reached an agreement with the US on Friday and the two countries are said to be making individual announcements with regards to their individual agreements with the US.
Bloomberg states that the Netherlands will expand export restrictions that ASML is already under, which according to the publication means stricter export rules around DEUV machines, which are used in cutting edge semiconductor nodes. Japan is said to implement similar export restrictions for Nikon as well as Tokyo Electron, with the US already having implemented restrictions for Applied Materials. The export restriction deal is in part being done to appease US equipment makers, who have complained that their international competitors haven't been under the same export restrictions when it comes to China, as they have. The question is if the export restrictions will hinder China in the long run, or if the nation will simply push ahead and develop its own, competing semiconductor manufacturing tools.
Update Jan 28th: Japan and the Netherlands reached an agreement with the US on Friday and the two countries are said to be making individual announcements with regards to their individual agreements with the US.
Friday, January 27th 2023
Today's Reviews
Cooling
Gaming PC
Monitors
Notebooks
PSUs
XMG NEO 17 (M22) Laptop Review - with OASIS Liquid Cooling
XMG's latest water-cooled high-end laptop has reached our shores, bringing with it a top-tier AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX and a full-power NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti. The sleek NEO 17 (M22) doesn't even need the optional Oasis LCS to put out full performance, yet offers even more with the Oasis attached, including nearly silent operation. We take an extensive look at the XMG NEO 17 (M22) and put it through the paces.
Forspoken Benchmark Test & Performance Analysis Review
Forspoken is the newest open-world action RPG from Square Enix. It uses the Luminous engine, which supports DirectX 12, ray tracing and Direct Storage. In our performance review, we're taking a closer look at image quality, differences between the graphical setting presets, VRAM usage, and performance on a selection of modern graphics cards.
NexDock Transforms Your Phone Into a Laptop Wirelessly
Today, Nex Computer is excited to announce the launch of NexDock Wireless, the latest version of its innovative device that turns smartphones into a laptop. With NexDock Wireless, users can now connect their smartphones to the device wirelessly using Bluetooth and Miracast technology. This means that they can enjoy all the benefits of NexDock, including a larger screen, physical keyboard, and trackpad, without the need for a cable.
"We're thrilled to bring NexDock Wireless to market," said Emre Kosmaz, CEO and founder of Nex Computer. "This latest version takes the convenience and versatility of NexDock to the next level, and we can't wait for users to experience it for themselves."
"We're thrilled to bring NexDock Wireless to market," said Emre Kosmaz, CEO and founder of Nex Computer. "This latest version takes the convenience and versatility of NexDock to the next level, and we can't wait for users to experience it for themselves."
Corsair Accidentally Reveals MP700 PCIe 5.0 SSD, Running at 10 GB/s
Corsair has teased its fastest PCIe 5.0 SSD yet in an M.2 form factor. The company published some initial details about its upcoming product in a short video. However, the video has been taken private, indicating that the launch date may be at a later stage of the year. Thanks to Overclock3D, we saw its looks and got a slight peek at the product. Called the MP700, the SSD is supposedly boasting a fantastic 10 GB/s read capability. The write section is also impressive, with the NVMe SSD capable of reaching around 9 GB/s of what we suppose is a sustained write speed. It uses 3D TLC NAND Flash and supports Microsoft DirectStorage technology for faster load time. Below is a quote from Corsair about the MP700.
CorsairExperience the performance of PCIe Gen5 storage in your system, with up to 10,000MB/sec sequential read and 9,500MB/sec sequential write speeds for amazingly fast save, boot, and load times.
The high-bandwidth NVMe 2.0 interface and high-density 3D TLC NAND flash memory offer outstanding performance and longevity. Slot the MP700 directly into your motherboard thanks to its M.2 2280 form-factor, while a stylish aluminum heatsink helps manage temperatures and reduce throttling. Microsoft DirectStorage enables unprecedented load times when playing compatible games.
Intel Ends Network Switch Business and RISC-V Pathfinder Program Amidst Economic Slowdown
Yesterday, Intel reported that the company experienced one of the most challenging quarters and year overall revenue results, which led the company's share price to plummet and erase almost 10 billion dollars from its market cap. Amid the economic downtrend, the company is preparing to axe unnecessary developments and research costs that it would get in low-margin markets. Today, this has been reflected in the company's network switch business and the RISC-V pathfinder program. In 2019, the company acquired Barefoot Networks, which ended up in a line of Tofino series of standalone network switches. Apparently, this has been a low-margin or unprofitable business for Intel. "NEX continues to do well and is a core part of our strategic transformation, but we will end future investments in our network switching product line, while still fully supporting existing products and customers," noted Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, adding, "Since my return, we have exited seven businesses, providing in excess of $1.5 billion in savings". Intel NICs are not affected, and the company's investments in other networking businesses continue.
Additionally, the company is also doing a shutdown of its RISC-V Pathfinder program. Thanks to Yusuke Ohara, who questioned Intel's Pathfinder for RISC-V program support, we have information that the company is discontinuing the program "effective immediately." The support also advises that Intel will not provide additional advancements or bug fixes, so everyone should consult 3rd parties for any software and development.
Additionally, the company is also doing a shutdown of its RISC-V Pathfinder program. Thanks to Yusuke Ohara, who questioned Intel's Pathfinder for RISC-V program support, we have information that the company is discontinuing the program "effective immediately." The support also advises that Intel will not provide additional advancements or bug fixes, so everyone should consult 3rd parties for any software and development.
Akasa Intros 41.3 mm-tall Low-profile Socket AM5 and AM4 CPU Cooler
Akasa today introduced the AK-CC1110EP01, a low-profile CPU cooler capable of handling thermal loads of up to 65 W, and supporting AMD sockets AM5 and AM4. The cooler features a classic top-flow design, with an extruded aluminium monoblock heatsink, and a low-profile 80 mm fan. The heatsink is made entirely of copper, and comes with a pre-applied TIM. The factory-fitted 80 mm fan is just 10.8 mm thick, takes in 4-pin PWM connection, turns at speeds ranging between 600 to 3,000 RPM, pushing up to 26.53 CFM of airflow, at 1.81 mm H₂O static-pressure, and up to 27.09 dBA noise output. Measuring 80 mm x 80 mm x 41.3 mm, the cooler weighs 222 g. The company didn't reveal pricing.
Forspoken Simply Doesn't Work with AMD Radeon RX 400 and RX 500 "Polaris" GPUs
AMD Radeon RX 400 series and RX 500 series graphics cards based on the "Polaris" graphics architecture are simply unable to run "Forspoken," as users on Reddit report. The game has certain DirectX 12 feature-level 12_1 API requirements that the architecture does not meet. Interestingly, NVIDIA's "Maxwell" graphics architecture, which predates AMD "Polaris" by almost a year, supports FL 12_1, and is able to play the game. Popular GPUs from the "Maxwell" generation include the GeForce GTX 970 and GTX 960. Making matters much worse, AMD is yet to release an update to its Adrenalin graphics drivers for the RX Vega, RX 5000, and RX 6000 series that come with "Forspoken" optimization. Its latest 23.1.2 beta drivers that come with these optimizations only support the RX 7000 series RDNA3 graphics cards. It's now been over 50 days since the vast majority of AMD discrete GPUs have received a driver update.
AOC Launches Powerful Business Monitor Lineup P3 with USB-C Docking, Daisy-chaining or Built-in Webcams
Display specialist AOC announces the professional P3 line-up with seven new monitors in three different sizes (24"/60.4 cm 24P3CW, 24P3CV and 24P3QW, 27"/68.6 cm Q27P3CW, Q27P3CV and Q27P3QW, and 34"/86.4 cm ultrawide CU34P3CV). 3-sides frameless, punchy and vivid IPS or VA panels offer 178°/178° wide viewing angles for increased viewing comfort when working online, on texts, spreadsheets, coding, graphic work and more. While their ergonomic stands enable a comfy working environment, 4-port USB 3.2 hubs on all models give further versatility in any business setting.
What makes these monitors stand out, however, are in varying combinations their built-in 2 MP or 5 MP webcams with Windows Hello support to let users instantly log in to their sessions, a DisplayPort output to create clean and sleek multi-monitor setups, and built-in USB-C docking stations to transform a laptop-based working environment to a productive desktop-based one with only a single cable. All new P3 models come in sustainable paper cushion packaging, and they are certified with the latest environmental regulations such as EPA, EnergyStar 8, TCO 9.0 and EPEAT.
What makes these monitors stand out, however, are in varying combinations their built-in 2 MP or 5 MP webcams with Windows Hello support to let users instantly log in to their sessions, a DisplayPort output to create clean and sleek multi-monitor setups, and built-in USB-C docking stations to transform a laptop-based working environment to a productive desktop-based one with only a single cable. All new P3 models come in sustainable paper cushion packaging, and they are certified with the latest environmental regulations such as EPA, EnergyStar 8, TCO 9.0 and EPEAT.
Intel Foundry Services Onboards a Fabless Customer, Deal Expected to Fetch over $4 Billion
Intel Foundry Services, the semiconductor foundry business of Intel, has onboarded an undisclosed fabless customer, the company disclosed in its Q4-2022 Financial Results presentation. This signals that the company wants to serve the semiconductor manufacturing industry beyond its own products, and scale up to demands, just like TSMC, UMC, Samsung Foundry, or other such semiconductor foundries do. The customer is looking to build chips on the Intel 3 foundry-node, which is rumored to offer performance/Watt and transistor-density figures comparable to TSMC 4N (4 nm EUV). Intel will extensively use Tower Semiconductor's silicon fabrication IP in the deal. Throughout its manufacturing lifecycle (from risk production to mass-production and completion), the deal is expected by Intel to generate over $4 billion in revenue for the company.
Image Courtesy: VideoCardz
Give Your Nintendo Switch New Life with nOS New Operating System
A new operating system for Nintendo Switch? Yes, please! Download nOS new Operating System today and join the revolution! Explore the various options nOS has to offer, including some not yet seen on this console, from writing texts to your day planning. Have fun, customize the platform, and make it your very own.
nOS new Operating System will allow you to transform your favorite console into an amazing, and surprisingly small personal computer. Enjoy every awesome feature of the nOS. Draw, write, calculate, organize your day, and play around at your convenience. Brighten up your day and customize the nOS to suit your every need. Find your favorite setup and create the fantastic user experience you deserve.
nOS new Operating System will allow you to transform your favorite console into an amazing, and surprisingly small personal computer. Enjoy every awesome feature of the nOS. Draw, write, calculate, organize your day, and play around at your convenience. Brighten up your day and customize the nOS to suit your every need. Find your favorite setup and create the fantastic user experience you deserve.
Intel's GPU Business AXG Split and Distributed to Client and Enterprise Businesses, Plans "Alchemist+" and "Battlemage" Launches Over Next 2 Years
Intel in its Q4-2022 Financial Results presentation confirmed that it has split Accelerated Computing Group (AXG), the business that designs both client GPUs and scalar compute processors, and distributed its IP among the CCG (client computing group), and DCAI (data-center and artificial-intelligence group). CCG is Intel's largest breadwinner, and the group behind its Intel Core client processors. This business was receiving iGPU IP from AXG, and will now oversee all its client graphics portfolio. The DCAI group will handle the company's Data Center GPU lineup, with products such as "Ponte Vecchio."
Over 2023, Intel is expected to update its Arc Graphics series with the refreshed "Alchemist+" graphics architecture. Very little is known about "Alchemist+," except that it is rumored to introduced a more advanced third-party foundry node than its current TSMC 6 nm node; and while retaining the same IP as the current "Alchemist" GPUs, scale upward—either in terms of Xe core counts; or performance, by increasing clock-speeds. 2024 will see Intel introduce "Battlemage," its second client graphics architecture for discrete GPUs. "Battlemage" is expected to introduce new architectural changes, utilize an even newer foundry node, and significantly increase performance. Raja Koduri hinted in late 2022 that he still wants to build GPUs in the 200-300 W power-range, without implying that this constitutes "mid-range," so we'll have to wait and see how "Battlemage" improves performance/Watt over "Alchemist+."
Image Courtesy: VideoCardz
Over 2023, Intel is expected to update its Arc Graphics series with the refreshed "Alchemist+" graphics architecture. Very little is known about "Alchemist+," except that it is rumored to introduced a more advanced third-party foundry node than its current TSMC 6 nm node; and while retaining the same IP as the current "Alchemist" GPUs, scale upward—either in terms of Xe core counts; or performance, by increasing clock-speeds. 2024 will see Intel introduce "Battlemage," its second client graphics architecture for discrete GPUs. "Battlemage" is expected to introduce new architectural changes, utilize an even newer foundry node, and significantly increase performance. Raja Koduri hinted in late 2022 that he still wants to build GPUs in the 200-300 W power-range, without implying that this constitutes "mid-range," so we'll have to wait and see how "Battlemage" improves performance/Watt over "Alchemist+."
LG's Gram Style Notebooks to Feature Samsung OLED Display
At CES, LG announced its new Gram Style notebooks with OLED displays and news out of Korea now suggests that the 14 and 16-inch notebooks will sport OLED displays from LG's main competitor, Samsung. This might not be entirely surprising, as there's a limited number of laptop sized OLED panel manufacturers and it seems like LG would rather go with a local, Korean option, rather than using a Japanese or Chinese panel in its upcoming notebooks.
The report by the Elec suggests that the LG Gram Style notebooks will use Samsung's rigid OLED panels based on a standard glass substrate. This is also the type of panel that most other notebook manufacturers are using today, as it's the most cost effective type of OLED panels, regardless of manufacturer. LG Display doesn't currently manufacture this type of OLED panels, even though it apparently could do so, using its flexible OLED production lines, albeit at a higher cost. The irony in the situation is still hard to miss though, as the two companies are fierce competitors in many of their core businesses.
The report by the Elec suggests that the LG Gram Style notebooks will use Samsung's rigid OLED panels based on a standard glass substrate. This is also the type of panel that most other notebook manufacturers are using today, as it's the most cost effective type of OLED panels, regardless of manufacturer. LG Display doesn't currently manufacture this type of OLED panels, even though it apparently could do so, using its flexible OLED production lines, albeit at a higher cost. The irony in the situation is still hard to miss though, as the two companies are fierce competitors in many of their core businesses.
Intel Xeon "Sapphire Rapids" to be Quickly Joined by "Emerald Rapids," "Granite Rapids," and "Sierra Forest" in the Next Two Years
Intel's server processor lineup led by the 4th Gen Xeon Scalable "Sapphire Rapids" processors face stiff competition from AMD 4th Gen EPYC "Genoa" processors that offer significantly higher multi-threaded performance per Watt on account of a higher CPU core-count. The gap is only set to widen, as AMD prepares to launch the "Bergamo" processor for cloud data-centers, with core-counts of up to 128-core/256-thread per socket. A technologically-embattled Intel is preparing quick counters as many as three new server microarchitecture launches over the next 23 months, according to Intel, in its Q4-2022 Financial Results presentation.
The 4th Gen Xeon Scalable "Sapphire Rapids," with a core-count of up to 60-core/120-thread, and various application-specific accelerators, witnessed a quiet launch earlier this month, and is shipping to Intel customers. The company says that it will be joined by the Xeon Scalable "Emerald Rapids" architecture in the second half of 2023; followed by "Granite Rapids" and "Sierra Forest" in 2024. Built on the same LGA4677 package as "Sapphire Rapids," the new "Emerald Rapids" MCM packs up to 64 "Raptor Cove" CPU cores, which support higher clock-speeds, higher memory speeds, and introduce the new Intel Trust Domain Extensions (TDX) instruction-set. The processor retains the 8-channel DDR5 memory interface, but with higher native memory speeds. The chip's main serial interface is a PCI-Express Gen 5 root-complex with 80 lanes. The processor will be built on the last foundry-level refinement of the Intel 7 node (10 nm Enhanced SuperFin); many of these refinements were introduced with the company's 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" client processors.
The 4th Gen Xeon Scalable "Sapphire Rapids," with a core-count of up to 60-core/120-thread, and various application-specific accelerators, witnessed a quiet launch earlier this month, and is shipping to Intel customers. The company says that it will be joined by the Xeon Scalable "Emerald Rapids" architecture in the second half of 2023; followed by "Granite Rapids" and "Sierra Forest" in 2024. Built on the same LGA4677 package as "Sapphire Rapids," the new "Emerald Rapids" MCM packs up to 64 "Raptor Cove" CPU cores, which support higher clock-speeds, higher memory speeds, and introduce the new Intel Trust Domain Extensions (TDX) instruction-set. The processor retains the 8-channel DDR5 memory interface, but with higher native memory speeds. The chip's main serial interface is a PCI-Express Gen 5 root-complex with 80 lanes. The processor will be built on the last foundry-level refinement of the Intel 7 node (10 nm Enhanced SuperFin); many of these refinements were introduced with the company's 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" client processors.
Intel Core "Meteor Lake" On Course for 2H-2023 Launch
Intel in its Q4-2022 Financial release call reiterated that its Core "Meteor Lake" processor remains on course for a 2H-2023 launch. The company slide does not mention the client form-factor the architecture targets, and there are still rumors of a "Raptor Lake Refresh" desktop processor lineup for 2H, which would mean that "Meteor Lake" will debut as a high-performance mobile processor architecture attempting to dominate the 7 W, 15 W, 28 W, and 35 W device market-segments, with its 6P+16E CPU that introduce IPC increases on both the P-cores and E-cores; and a powerful new iGPU. The slide also mentions that its succeeding "Lunar Lake" architecture is on course for 2024.
"Meteor Lake" is Intel's first chiplet-based MCM processor, in which the key components of the processor are built on various silicon fabrication nodes, based on their need for such a cutting-edge node; such that the cost-optimization upholds the economic aspect of Moore's Law. The compute tile, the die that has the CPU cores, features a 6P+16E setup, with six "Redwood Cove" P-cores, and sixteen "Crestmont" E-cores. At this point it's not known if "Crestmont" cores are arranged in clusters of 4 cores, each. The graphics tile features a powerful iGPU based on the newer Xe-LPG graphics architecture that meets full DirectX 12 Ultimate feature-set. The processor's I/O is expected to support even faster DDR5/LPDDR5 memory speeds, and feature PCIe Gen 5.
"Meteor Lake" is Intel's first chiplet-based MCM processor, in which the key components of the processor are built on various silicon fabrication nodes, based on their need for such a cutting-edge node; such that the cost-optimization upholds the economic aspect of Moore's Law. The compute tile, the die that has the CPU cores, features a 6P+16E setup, with six "Redwood Cove" P-cores, and sixteen "Crestmont" E-cores. At this point it's not known if "Crestmont" cores are arranged in clusters of 4 cores, each. The graphics tile features a powerful iGPU based on the newer Xe-LPG graphics architecture that meets full DirectX 12 Ultimate feature-set. The processor's I/O is expected to support even faster DDR5/LPDDR5 memory speeds, and feature PCIe Gen 5.
GoDeal24 Software Big Sale Continues: Epic Deals on the Software You Need
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TechPowerUp Staff Opening: News Editor
At TechPowerUp we are currently looking for one, maybe two additional news editors to strengthen our ranks. This is a paid, part-time, remote position. You will be publishing news stories and press releases on our frontpage under minimal supervision.
As candidate you should bring a drive to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the tech industry, and a passion to write. Your written English should be excellent; non-native writers are welcome. Some basic image editing skills are required.
If you are interested, send the following to w1zzard@techpowerup.com:
As candidate you should bring a drive to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the tech industry, and a passion to write. Your written English should be excellent; non-native writers are welcome. Some basic image editing skills are required.
If you are interested, send the following to w1zzard@techpowerup.com:
- Some personal info. Who? Where? Age? A bullet list will do.
- Pick any recent hardware news topic, write your own news story about it. Length should be similar to TPU news posts (between 150 to 200 words).
- Write a second story, an opinion piece on a different hardware news topic of your choosing. 200 to 250 words.
Thursday, January 26th 2023
Today's Reviews
Keyboards
Mouse
NAS
- QNAP TS-464 Clubic (fr)
HIFIMAN HE-R9 Closed-Back Wired/Wireless Headphones Review
HIFIMAN introduces an inexpensive set of closed-back over-ear headphones using in-house developed dynamic drivers. The HE-R9 comes in wired or wireless options with the latter making use of the novel Bluemini R2R DAC/amplifier, and goes with a bass-first tuning that may well appeal to you.
Intel Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Financial Results, Largest Loss in Years
Intel Corporation today reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2022 financial results. The company also announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.365 per share on the company's common stock, which will be payable on March 1, 2023, to shareholders of record as of February 7, 2023.
"Despite the economic and market headwinds, we continued to make good progress on our strategic transformation in Q4, including advancing our product roadmap and improving our operational structure and processes to drive efficiencies while delivering at the low-end of our guided range," said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. "In 2023, we will continue to navigate the short-term challenges while striving to meet our long-term commitments, including delivering leadership products anchored on open and secure platforms, powered by at-scale manufacturing and supercharged by our incredible team."
"Despite the economic and market headwinds, we continued to make good progress on our strategic transformation in Q4, including advancing our product roadmap and improving our operational structure and processes to drive efficiencies while delivering at the low-end of our guided range," said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. "In 2023, we will continue to navigate the short-term challenges while striving to meet our long-term commitments, including delivering leadership products anchored on open and secure platforms, powered by at-scale manufacturing and supercharged by our incredible team."
IK Multimedia Launches the iRig Stream Mic Pro
IK Multimedia releases iRig Stream Mic Pro, combining a professional multi-pattern condenser microphone and 24-bit, 96 kHz audio interface for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and PC into a single ultra-portable solution for music and content creation. iRig Stream Mic Pro makes it easier than ever for users to share their voice and music.
Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone
With dual mic capsules, iRig Stream Mic Pro offers selectable cardioid, figure 8, omnidirectional or stereo pickup patterns. These patterns range from noise-rejecting to immersive audio, so whether it's recording a podcast, interview, instrument or ensemble, the sound signal is crisp, clear and detailed with easily adjustable gain and selectable high-pass filter.
Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone
With dual mic capsules, iRig Stream Mic Pro offers selectable cardioid, figure 8, omnidirectional or stereo pickup patterns. These patterns range from noise-rejecting to immersive audio, so whether it's recording a podcast, interview, instrument or ensemble, the sound signal is crisp, clear and detailed with easily adjustable gain and selectable high-pass filter.
Sony Electronics Unveils Two New Walkman with Enhanced Sound Quality and Longer Battery Life Including the NW-ZX707 Premium Walkman
Sony Electronics Inc. today announced two new music players, the NW-ZX707 as part of the ZX Series, and the NW-A306 as part of the A Series, to the Walkman family. Both players are designed for listeners to enjoy music the way the artist intended with high-quality sound with a sleek design. Built with updated components of high-end models, the NW-ZX707 offers astonishing sound quality. With enhanced battery life, balanced connection, a larger 5.0" (diag.) display, Wi-Fi compatibility for easy downloading and streaming functions, it is also portable and stylish for the most demanding music lover.
Inheriting the philosophy of the Signature Walkman, the NW-ZX707 has upgraded fine-tuned capacitors and a FTCAP3 (high-polymer capacitor) and a large solid high polymer capacitor which offers large capacitance and low resistance. While an OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) milled block covering the digital block, allows the NW-ZX707 to bring listeners sound that appears to rise-up from silence. Additionally, a large 8 mm coil for balanced output creates an improved sound resolution across all frequencies. All four kinds of components stated here are also used in the latest Signature Walkman model.
Inheriting the philosophy of the Signature Walkman, the NW-ZX707 has upgraded fine-tuned capacitors and a FTCAP3 (high-polymer capacitor) and a large solid high polymer capacitor which offers large capacitance and low resistance. While an OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) milled block covering the digital block, allows the NW-ZX707 to bring listeners sound that appears to rise-up from silence. Additionally, a large 8 mm coil for balanced output creates an improved sound resolution across all frequencies. All four kinds of components stated here are also used in the latest Signature Walkman model.
Meet the Odyssey Neo G7 43" — The First Mini-LED Flat Gaming Monitor From Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics today announced the global launch of Odyssey Neo G7 (Model name: G70NC), the company's first flat Mini-LED model, adding a new form factor to the industry-leading Odyssey lineup. The new monitor delivers a large screen designed to give gamers a more comprehensive range of vision and details—inviting them to the worlds of their games with lifelike picture quality.
"The gaming monitor market is only going to get bigger, and gamers are now seeking more out of their monitors," said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We are not just delivering better gaming experience—we are rebuilding new smart capabilities into our screens that give gamers an all-in-one place for technology and entertainment. Our innovations are enabling gamers everywhere to stay absorbed in their games with visual performance that enhances the intense emotional experiences."
"The gaming monitor market is only going to get bigger, and gamers are now seeking more out of their monitors," said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We are not just delivering better gaming experience—we are rebuilding new smart capabilities into our screens that give gamers an all-in-one place for technology and entertainment. Our innovations are enabling gamers everywhere to stay absorbed in their games with visual performance that enhances the intense emotional experiences."
Alphacool Launches Eisblock Aurora Coolers for GeForce RTX 4090/4080 AIB Cards
Now even more compatibility for Geforce RTX 40XX GPUs! Alphacool expands the range for active water cooling of Nvidia's Geforce RTX 4080 and 4090 graphics cards with the new and innovative Eisblock Aurora coolers.
Compared to the previous model of the cooler, several optimizations have been made, which perfectly dissipate the enormous waste heat of the new graphics card generation. The modified fin structure enables a very good water flow and increases the cooling surface at the same time. The modification of the jet plate with revised inflow engine furthermore perfects the distribution of the water on the cooling fins. The chrome plating of the copper base over the entire surface not only provides resistant protection against acids, scratches and damage, but also achieves a beautiful homogeneity and special shine.
Compared to the previous model of the cooler, several optimizations have been made, which perfectly dissipate the enormous waste heat of the new graphics card generation. The modified fin structure enables a very good water flow and increases the cooling surface at the same time. The modification of the jet plate with revised inflow engine furthermore perfects the distribution of the water on the cooling fins. The chrome plating of the copper base over the entire surface not only provides resistant protection against acids, scratches and damage, but also achieves a beautiful homogeneity and special shine.
Intel Xeon W9-3495X Unlocked Processor Surfaces on Geekbench, Could be Threadripper 7000WX Rival
Intel is preparing to launch HEDT/workstation processors based on its "Sapphire Rapids-WS" MCM, and one of the first of these parts, the Xeon W9-3495X, surfaced on the Geekbench online database. The W9-3495X is a 56-core/112-thread processor with 56 "Golden Cove" P-cores, each with 2 MB of L2 cache, and sharing 105 MB of L3 cache in a mesh-topology layout. The processor likely features an 4-channel (8 sub-channel) DDR5 memory interface, with ECC; and supports up to 4 TB of memory. The PCI-Express Gen 5 lane counts remain unknown. Intel is expected to launch these processors along with companion W790 chipset motherboards, on February 15, 2023. This processor, running on a Supermicro-designed motherboard, and 128 GB of DDR5 memory, scored 1284 points in Geekbench 5, along with 36990 points multi-threaded.
Seagate Technology Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ: STX) today reported financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended December 30, 2022. "Seagate is effectively managing through a tough macroeconomic environment. In the December quarter, we delivered revenue and non-GAAP EPS slightly above our guidance midpoint and extended a decade long trend of generating positive free cash flow," said Dave Mosley, Seagate's chief executive officer. "We are executing our industry leading product roadmap, which positions us well as the markets ultimately recover. We expect to launch our 30-plus terabyte HAMR-based product family in the June quarter enabled by 3-plus terabyte per disk densities."
During the fiscal second quarter the Company generated $251 million in cash flow from operations and $172 million in free cash flow, and paid cash dividends of $145 million. The Company reduced debt by $220 million, exiting the fiscal second quarter with total debt of $6.0 billion, and cash and cash equivalents of $770 million. There were 206 million ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the quarter.
During the fiscal second quarter the Company generated $251 million in cash flow from operations and $172 million in free cash flow, and paid cash dividends of $145 million. The Company reduced debt by $220 million, exiting the fiscal second quarter with total debt of $6.0 billion, and cash and cash equivalents of $770 million. There were 206 million ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of the end of the quarter.
Wednesday, January 25th 2023
Today's Reviews
Cooling
CPU Coolers
Keyboards
Motherboards
PSUs
Synology DS923+ 4-Bay NAS Review
The Synology DS923+ is a notable upgrade to the DS920+ when it comes to data transfers, which are the main dish for a NAS server. Besides higher transfer speeds, it can utilize NVMe drives as storage, and it comes with up to 32 GB upgradeable ECC memory, so your data is protected. The only downgrade is in the multimedia section.
EK Releases ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7900 Series VGA Water Blocks
EK, the premium water-cooling gear manufacturer, is launching the EK-Quantum Vector² water block for the ASUS TUF models of the new AMD Radeon RX 7900 GPUs. This water block has been engineered to fit both versions of these GPUs, the XTX and the XT. The EK-Quantum Vector² TUF RX 7900 XTX D-RGB is a fully EK-Matrix7 compatible liquid cooling solution engineered exclusively for ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XT and XTX GPUs. It encompasses a Vector² series water block and a black-anodized aluminum backplate in the same package. Like the rest of the Vector² series water blocks, its looks are dominated by minimalistic straight lines and the backplate coming around the side of the GPU to cover the PCB in its entirety.
What differs from all other Vector² water blocks is that the cooling engine for this water block has been rotated by 90°, making the fins perpendicular to the die. For optimal delta, the coolant flows over the Graphics Core Die first and Memory Cache Die after. Consequently, all MCDs get the same coolant temperature thanks to the high-precision 3D-machined acrylic jet insert.
What differs from all other Vector² water blocks is that the cooling engine for this water block has been rotated by 90°, making the fins perpendicular to the die. For optimal delta, the coolant flows over the Graphics Core Die first and Memory Cache Die after. Consequently, all MCDs get the same coolant temperature thanks to the high-precision 3D-machined acrylic jet insert.
ASML Reports €21.2 Billion Net Sales and €5.6 Billion Net Income in 2022
Today ASML Holding NV (ASML) has published its 2022 fourth-quarter and full-year results. "Our fourth-quarter net sales came in around the midpoint of our guidance at €6.4 billion. The gross margin of 51.5% was above our guidance due to additional upgrades and insurance settlement for last year's ASML Berlin fire. "For ASML, 2022 was another strong year ending with total net sales for the year of €21.2 billion, gross margin of 50.5% and a record backlog at the end of 2022 of €40.4 billion.
"We continue to see uncertainty in the market caused by inflation, rising interest rates, risk of recession and geopolitical developments related to export controls. However, our customers indicate that they expect the market to rebound in the second half of the year. Considering our order lead times and the strategic nature of lithography investments, demand for our systems therefore remains strong.
"We continue to see uncertainty in the market caused by inflation, rising interest rates, risk of recession and geopolitical developments related to export controls. However, our customers indicate that they expect the market to rebound in the second half of the year. Considering our order lead times and the strategic nature of lithography investments, demand for our systems therefore remains strong.
Open Compute Project Foundation and JEDEC Announce a New Collaboration
Today, the Open Compute Project Foundation (OCP), the nonprofit organization bringing hyperscale innovations to all, and JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in the development of standards for the microelectronics industry, announce a new collaboration to establish a framework for the transfer of technology captured in an OCP-approved specification to JEDEC for inclusion in one of its standards. This alliance brings together members from both the OCP and JEDEC communities to share efforts in developing and maintaining global standards needed to advance the electronics industry.
Under this new alliance, the current effort will be to provide a mechanism to standardize Chiplet part descriptions leveraging OCP Chiplet Data Extensible Markup Language (CDXML) specification to become part of JEDEC JEP30: Part Model Guidelines for use with today's EDA tools. With this updated JEDEC standard, expected to be published in 2023, Chiplet builders will be able to provide electronically a standardized Chiplet part description to their customers paving the way for automating System in Package (SiP) design and build using Chiplets. The description will include information needed by SiP builders such as Chiplet thermal properties, physical and mechanical requirements, behavior specifications, power and signal integrity properties, testing the Chiplet in package, and security parameters.
Under this new alliance, the current effort will be to provide a mechanism to standardize Chiplet part descriptions leveraging OCP Chiplet Data Extensible Markup Language (CDXML) specification to become part of JEDEC JEP30: Part Model Guidelines for use with today's EDA tools. With this updated JEDEC standard, expected to be published in 2023, Chiplet builders will be able to provide electronically a standardized Chiplet part description to their customers paving the way for automating System in Package (SiP) design and build using Chiplets. The description will include information needed by SiP builders such as Chiplet thermal properties, physical and mechanical requirements, behavior specifications, power and signal integrity properties, testing the Chiplet in package, and security parameters.
Crypto Miners Paint GDDR Memory Chips to Hide Wear and Tear
With the once-lucrative business of cryptocurrency mining now slowly falling out of favor for discrete graphics, crypto miners are turning their heads to creative solutions to "refurbish" and sell their remaining inventory to third-party users. When GPU components, such as the die or GDDR memory, overheat, they can produce visual signs of damage, such as discoloration or melting. Some miners have started painting the memory on their GPU's boards with special thermal paint to hide the wear and tear from the naked eye and make the GDDR chips appear new in hopes that no one would notice. According to Iskandar Souza and TecLab, their cases are now getting debunked.
As these reports note, miners are removing the stock cooling systems from GPUs to install a third-party solution or recently tried to resolder failed GPU dies back in place and paint the yellowish GDDR memory chips. According to the testing done by Iskandar Souza, you can see below the difference between a worn-out yellowish GDDR chip and its painted deception standing next to one another. Below you can also see the process of resoldering failed GPUs back in place. Crypto miners have been very careful to make them look almost as brand new, so GPU buyers from third-party sources need to be extra cautious before making a purchase.
As these reports note, miners are removing the stock cooling systems from GPUs to install a third-party solution or recently tried to resolder failed GPU dies back in place and paint the yellowish GDDR memory chips. According to the testing done by Iskandar Souza, you can see below the difference between a worn-out yellowish GDDR chip and its painted deception standing next to one another. Below you can also see the process of resoldering failed GPUs back in place. Crypto miners have been very careful to make them look almost as brand new, so GPU buyers from third-party sources need to be extra cautious before making a purchase.
Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4090 Beta Released
Intel Graphics today released the latest version of its Arc GPU Graphics Drivers. Version 101.4090 beta comes with launch-day optimization for "Forspoken." The company also fixed a couple of issues with this release. For Arc "Alchemist" discrete GPUs, an application freeze issue with "A Plague Tale: Requiem" has been fixed. Box corruptions noticed in "Need for Speed: Unbound," have also been fixed. For Intel Core processors with Xe LP-based iGPUs, a screenspace corruption issue with NFS: Unbound has been fixed; besides an intermittent application crash with Total War: Warhammer III in DirectX 11 mode, and color corruption in Battlefield: 2042. Grab the drivers from the link below.
DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4090 beta
DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4090 beta
League of Legends Source Code Stolen in Riot Games Cyberattack
Riot Games provided its first response to last week's cyberattack on its company network. The company alleges that the attackers have exfiltrated with the source-codes for "League of Legends," "Teamfight Tactics," and a proprietary anti-cheat software that's no longer in use. Riot Games assures all that no game user data was compromised with this attack (particularly passwords or payment-instrument details); and at worst the stolen source code could help the attackers create cheats. The company also received a ransom e-mail from the attackers demanding payment, failing which they threaten to release the source code to public; but Riot said that it does not intend to pay. Since user information isn't compromised, and the games themselves are protected by IP laws globally, there's little reason to pay up.
Tuesday, January 24th 2023
Today's Reviews
Headphones
Memory
Motherboards
Mouse
Processors
Speakers
Corsair M65 RGB Ultra Review
Corsair updates its classic M65 with several new features: Optical Omron switches for the main buttons, true 8000 Hz polling owing to Corsair's custom 26,000 CPI Marksman sensor, and a particularly low lift-off distance along with the ability to use tilt gestures to execute actions. Staples such as the weight adjustment system are still on board, too.
Astell&Kern x Campfire Audio PATHFINDER In-Ear Monitors Review
Premium audio brand Astell&Kern partners with IEM mainstay Campfire Audio to put out the PATHFINDER with several unique driver and acoustic chamber technologies inside. This hybrid set comes with deluxe accessories and boasts a high-end build and design while aiming to be your personal audio end game.
Bitspower Intros Nebula VGA Radeon RX 7900 XTX Full-coverage Water-block
Bitspower today introduced the Nebula VGA full-coverage water-block for the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX reference-design graphics card (model: BP-VG7900XTXRD). The block uses nickel-plated copper as its main material, and comes with a clear-acrylic top that's studded with addressable-RGB LEDs. It also includes a metal backplate. The block features a mirror-finish contact area for the GPU, and comes with thermal-pads for the card's twelve GDDR6 memory chips, and its VRM areas. The lighting setup takes in a common 3-pin ARGB connection. The block itself comes with industry-standard G1/4" threads for fittings. The block measures 270 mm x135.5 mm x 30.7 mm. Up for pre-order, the Nebula RX 7900 XTX FC-block is priced at the equivalent of USD $250.
SK hynix Develops LPDDR5T, World's Fastest Mobile DRAM
SK hynix Inc. announced today that it has developed the world's fastest mobile DRAM 'LPDDR5T (Low Power Double Data Rate 5 Turbo)' and provided sample products to customers. The new product, LPDDR5T, operates at a data rate of 9.6 gigabits per second (Gbps), 13% faster than the previous generation LPDDR5X unveiled in November 2022. To highlight the maximum speed the product features, SK hynix added 'Turbo' at the end of the standard name LPDDR5.
LPDDR5T, which operates in the ultra-low voltage range of 1.01 to 1.12 V set by the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council), is a product that not only features utmost speed but ultra-low power consumption. "The company pushed the technology to new limits in just two months after LPDDR5X, mobile DRAM with 8.5 Gbps specification, was introduced to the market in November 2022," SK hynix said. "We will solidify our leadership in the mobile DRAM market by providing products of various storage capacities that meet customers' needs."
LPDDR5T, which operates in the ultra-low voltage range of 1.01 to 1.12 V set by the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council), is a product that not only features utmost speed but ultra-low power consumption. "The company pushed the technology to new limits in just two months after LPDDR5X, mobile DRAM with 8.5 Gbps specification, was introduced to the market in November 2022," SK hynix said. "We will solidify our leadership in the mobile DRAM market by providing products of various storage capacities that meet customers' needs."
AMD Software Adrenalin 23.1.2 for RX 7900 Series Third Straight Exclusive Driver, No New Driver for RX 6000 Series Since 48 Days
AMD today released the Adrenalin 23.1.2 drivers exclusively for the Radeon RX 7900 series, making it the third straight driver of the kind. There has been no new driver for older GPUs, including the RX 6000 series, including the 7-month old RX 6950 XT, since December 8, 2022 (48 days now), which means the overwhelming majority of AMD Radeon users don't yet have optimization for games such as Forspoken and Valhiem. The latest 23.1.2 drivers only work with the RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX. These introduce day-zero optimization for "Forspoken," and a handful background improvements for the Vulkan API. AMD fixed the "Delayed Write Failed" error noticed on Windows 11 22H2; less than expected performance with "SpaceEngine," and flickering issues noticed with "Emergency 4."
DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 23.1.2 for RX 7900 Series
DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 23.1.2 for RX 7900 Series
Western Digital and Kioxia Said to be Considering Merging Flash Production Business
According to a report from Bloomberg, Western Digital and Kioxia are holding new talks about a potential merger of both companies' flash production businesses. The merger appears to be quite complex, as not only does it involve Western Digital spinning off its flash production business unit, which is then said to be merged with Kioxia, into what will be a publicly traded company in the US, but there will also be a second listing in Japan for the company.
Considering that Kioxia came out of Toshiba's DRAM and NAND flash manufacturing business, in which Western Digital was a partner until Toshiba divested its business into Kioxia. This caused quite some tension between the two companies, but Western Digital and Kioxia kept producing NAND flash in the shared facilities. The report by Bloomberg suggests that a management team from Western Digital will be running the combined company, which could potentially lead to future issues between the US and Japanese sides of the company. Time will tell if a merger will actually take place or not, as the two companies failed to come to an agreement in 2021, but it's possible that something has changed since then. Back in 2021, the merger was valued at US$20 billion plus.
Considering that Kioxia came out of Toshiba's DRAM and NAND flash manufacturing business, in which Western Digital was a partner until Toshiba divested its business into Kioxia. This caused quite some tension between the two companies, but Western Digital and Kioxia kept producing NAND flash in the shared facilities. The report by Bloomberg suggests that a management team from Western Digital will be running the combined company, which could potentially lead to future issues between the US and Japanese sides of the company. Time will tell if a merger will actually take place or not, as the two companies failed to come to an agreement in 2021, but it's possible that something has changed since then. Back in 2021, the merger was valued at US$20 billion plus.
AMD Announces Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Bundle with Ryzen 7000-series CPUs
From today, until the first of April, AMD will bundle a game code for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor with all of its Ryzen 7000-series CPUs. The promotion appears to be largely global, but limited to certain retailers, so if your favourite shop doesn't offer the bundled game code, you might have to look elsewhere. AMD offers a list on its website with participating retailers and in the US and Canada, this only appears to be Amazon and Newegg, whereas it varies much more widely in other parts of the world.
Oddly enough, many large retailers in various countries are missing and several countries are absent too, especially in Europe, for no apparent reason. What's even stranger, is that AMD doesn't appear to be offering the game code bundle through its own online shop, at least not in Europe. We should also point out that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn't launch until the 17th of March, so if you jump the gun now, you're going to have to wait a few weeks before you'll be able to play the game.
Oddly enough, many large retailers in various countries are missing and several countries are absent too, especially in Europe, for no apparent reason. What's even stranger, is that AMD doesn't appear to be offering the game code bundle through its own online shop, at least not in Europe. We should also point out that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn't launch until the 17th of March, so if you jump the gun now, you're going to have to wait a few weeks before you'll be able to play the game.
HyperX's "Coco" the Cozy Cat Collectable Keycap Arrives Soon for Gamers, Streamers and Cat Enthusiasts
HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the first 3D product drop of 2023 for the new HyperX HX3D program, a limited-edition "Coco" the Cozy Cat Keycap available on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. EST exclusively on Hyperx.com. Designed to add a personal and unique flair to gaming setups, the custom keycap can be used as an escape key enhancement or a modified key of your choice. Gamers, influencers, streamers and cat lovers alike can enjoy the "purr-fect" feline companion on their keyboard or showcase it as part of their favorite cat collectibles and memorabilia.
HyperX HX3D is an exciting new program bringing gamers a range of ways to customize and personalize their favorite gaming gear by leveraging HP's best-in-class 3D printing technology. The first planned series of 3D printed peripheral upgrades are limited edition custom keycaps, designed to fit on HyperX and most other mechanical keyboards. These will be available to consumers over the coming months. "Coco" is the first of many planned HX3D products to personalize keyboards, headsets, mice, and other gaming products.
HyperX HX3D is an exciting new program bringing gamers a range of ways to customize and personalize their favorite gaming gear by leveraging HP's best-in-class 3D printing technology. The first planned series of 3D printed peripheral upgrades are limited edition custom keycaps, designed to fit on HyperX and most other mechanical keyboards. These will be available to consumers over the coming months. "Coco" is the first of many planned HX3D products to personalize keyboards, headsets, mice, and other gaming products.
Intel Board of Directors Appoints Frank D. Yeary as New Independent Chair
Intel Corporation today announced that Frank D. Yeary has been appointed as the new independent chair of its board of directors. This follows Dr. Omar Ishrak's decision to step down as chair. Ishrak will remain on Intel's board as an independent director and continue to serve on the audit and finance committee and corporate governance and nominating committee.
"I'm pleased to welcome Frank as chair of Intel's board. His expertise in unlocking stockholder value, focus on corporate governance and familiarity with Intel are powerful assets to both the board and the company as we execute our strategy," said Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel. "I also want to thank Omar for his tremendous contributions as chair. He was instrumental in bringing me back to the company as CEO and has fostered a high-impact working dynamic across the board and management team. I look forward to his continued service as a valued member of the board."
"I'm pleased to welcome Frank as chair of Intel's board. His expertise in unlocking stockholder value, focus on corporate governance and familiarity with Intel are powerful assets to both the board and the company as we execute our strategy," said Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel. "I also want to thank Omar for his tremendous contributions as chair. He was instrumental in bringing me back to the company as CEO and has fostered a high-impact working dynamic across the board and management team. I look forward to his continued service as a valued member of the board."
TechPowerUp NVCleanstall v1.15.0 Released
TechPowerUp today released the latest version of TechPowerUp NVCleanstall, a handy utility that lets you take greater control over your NVIDIA GeForce software installation. NVCleanstall lets you disable stuff you probably don't need, such as Telemetry, or legacy components, giving your PC a leaner set of system software from NVIDIA. Version 1.15.0 introduces several handy changes. To begin with, the title screen shows whether the currently installed driver is a Studio driver (optimized for creators). A crash during the background update check for new NVIDIA drivers has been fixed.
We've added two more installer tweaks with this release. The first one lets you disable Multiplane Overlay (MPO)—doing so is known to fix certain rare system stuttering issues. Another tweak lets you disable the NVENC concurrent session encoding limits, so you can encode more than two streams in parallel. This tweak uses keylase's patch scripts from GitHub. The "build package" option has been improved to ensure it runs well on systems with more than 20 CPU cores, and better error reporting has been added. Grab TechPowerUp NVCleanstall v1.15.0 from the link below.
DOWNLOAD: TechPowerUp NVCleanstall 1.15.0
We've added two more installer tweaks with this release. The first one lets you disable Multiplane Overlay (MPO)—doing so is known to fix certain rare system stuttering issues. Another tweak lets you disable the NVENC concurrent session encoding limits, so you can encode more than two streams in parallel. This tweak uses keylase's patch scripts from GitHub. The "build package" option has been improved to ensure it runs well on systems with more than 20 CPU cores, and better error reporting has been added. Grab TechPowerUp NVCleanstall v1.15.0 from the link below.
DOWNLOAD: TechPowerUp NVCleanstall 1.15.0
Noctua Presents NH-L9a-AM5 Low-profile CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen
Noctua today presented the latest addition to its successful NH-L9 series of low-profile CPU coolers: At a height of only 37 mm, the new NH-L9a-AM5 and NH-L9a-AM5 chromax.black are an excellent choice for quiet, ultra-compact HTPCs or Small Form Factor (SFF) systems using AMD's latest, AM5-based Ryzen processors.
"AMD's just-released 65 W Ryzen CPUs are ideal for building small yet highly powerful systems, and our new NH-L9a-AM5 is the perfect cooler to match", explains Roland Mossig (CEO). "It can easily cool the new 7900, 7700 and 7600 at ultra-quiet fan speeds and offers plenty of headroom if customers want to push them beyond 65 W - we've actually been running up to 130 W on the Ryzen 7950X and 7900X!" Since the original NH-L9a coolers for AM3 and AM4 have received more than 100 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites and magazines, the new AM5 revision builds on the same proven heatsink design to provide excellent low-profile cooling performance for AMD's latest Ryzen processors.
"AMD's just-released 65 W Ryzen CPUs are ideal for building small yet highly powerful systems, and our new NH-L9a-AM5 is the perfect cooler to match", explains Roland Mossig (CEO). "It can easily cool the new 7900, 7700 and 7600 at ultra-quiet fan speeds and offers plenty of headroom if customers want to push them beyond 65 W - we've actually been running up to 130 W on the Ryzen 7950X and 7900X!" Since the original NH-L9a coolers for AM3 and AM4 have received more than 100 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites and magazines, the new AM5 revision builds on the same proven heatsink design to provide excellent low-profile cooling performance for AMD's latest Ryzen processors.
be quiet! Launches the Pure Power 12 M ATX 3.0 Power Supplies
be quiet!, market leader for PC power supplies in Germany since 2007, is proud to announce Pure Power 12 M, its second power supply series to receive full ATX 3.0 compatibility. Pure Power 12 M comes in five models with 550, 650, 750, 850 and 1000 watts. All models are certified 80 PLUS Gold, featuring high-class technology such as LLC topology and up to five PCIe connectors for both PCIe 5.0 GPUs and GPUs with PCIe 6+2 connectors. Additionally, Pure Power 12 M features fully modular cables for ease of installation. This makes Pure Power 12 M a future-proof choice for all who strive for a PSU with high performance and yet very low noise for their current- or next-gen graphics card. Also new to the product portfolio are DC2 and DC2 Pro thermal grease solutions. DC2 thermal grease is the choice for any cooling application that requires top heat transfer, while DC2 Pro is a liquid metal thermal paste that provides an extreme level of cooling performance for demanding systems.
Pure Power 12 M includes full support for the ATX 3.0 standard, which observes the power specifications defined by PCI Express 5.0. Compared to ATX 2.X, which supports high load peaks but does not define a maximum above the nominal power of the power supply, ATX 3.0 defines clear target values - specifically, the PCIe connection for the graphics card must allow load changes of up to three times the power consumption. Pure Power 12 M is designed to handle these extreme transient loads with ease. ATX 3.0 power supplies with 450 watts or more also require a new 12VHPWR connector, which is able to deliver significantly more power. Additionally, all Pure Power 12 M models also offer up to four "traditional" PCIe 6+2 connectors for full graphics card compatibility. This makes the PSU extremely versatile and a perfect, future-proof choice for upcoming next-gen devices and current high-end systems alike.
Pure Power 12 M includes full support for the ATX 3.0 standard, which observes the power specifications defined by PCI Express 5.0. Compared to ATX 2.X, which supports high load peaks but does not define a maximum above the nominal power of the power supply, ATX 3.0 defines clear target values - specifically, the PCIe connection for the graphics card must allow load changes of up to three times the power consumption. Pure Power 12 M is designed to handle these extreme transient loads with ease. ATX 3.0 power supplies with 450 watts or more also require a new 12VHPWR connector, which is able to deliver significantly more power. Additionally, all Pure Power 12 M models also offer up to four "traditional" PCIe 6+2 connectors for full graphics card compatibility. This makes the PSU extremely versatile and a perfect, future-proof choice for upcoming next-gen devices and current high-end systems alike.
NVIDIA GeForce 528.24 Game Ready Drivers Released
NVIDIA today released the latest version of its GeForce Game Ready drivers. Version 528.24 WHQL introduces optimization for DLSS 3 support on "Hitman 3," "Marvel's Midnight Suns," and "Deliver us Mars." The drivers add day-zero optimization for "Dead Space" (2023 remake) and "Forspoken." Among the issues fixed with this release include stability improvements with Adobe Photoshop Pro, Photoshop, and Lightroom; Photoshop 24.1 instability with GeForce 528.02 when using GeForce Experience; ProRes RAW files appearing completely black in previews in Adobe Premiere Pro; transparent windows appearing opaque in Autodesk Alias; and OctaneBench 2020 failing intermittently due to renderer failure. Grab the drivers from the link below.
DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 528.24 WHQL
DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 528.24 WHQL
Blizzard is Closing its Servers in China Today. China Market Future Uncertain
Blizzard is about to shut down its services in China today, as it was unable to reach a favorable partnership renewal with NetEase, the Chinese company handling Blizzard's business in the Chinese market, including local regulatory compliance, geographic localization of servers, and accepting payments. NetEase CEO William Ding said the partnership renewal negotiations fell apart due to "material differences on key terms." This means gamers in China no longer have a means to play the genre-defining MMORPG "World of Warcraft," "Starcraft," and other popular titles. A lot has changed in China's domestic gaming industry over the past two decades, and there are dozens of popular game studios with their titles in the MMORPG genre.
Samsung 990 PRO Flagship SSD Has an Endurance Problem, Users Notice Rapid Drive-Health Drops
Samsung 990 PRO is the company's flagship client SSD, which is among the fastest Gen 4 NVMe SSDs you can buy. It also commands a very high price premium, with the 1 TB variant priced at $170, and the 2 TB variant at $290. When you're buying in this segment, you expect the highest endurance figures for your SSD. Client SSD endurance figures are already on the rise, as NAND flash technology evolves. Neowin noticed that their 990 PRO isn't meeting this vital expectation, and with a little digging, found that there are others with this problem, and they didn't just get a bad drive.
Apparently, the "drive health" reading in Samsung Magician—the utility software for Samsung SSDs—drops rather rapidly for the 990 PRO. After a clean software installation on a new drive, Neowin observed that their drive's health reading was already at 99% (something very unexpected for a new drive); and what's worse was that even with regular use of the drive in the following days, the drive health would drop by 1 percentage point every day. Drive health is interchangeable with endurance, as it indicates the number of program-erase (PE) cycles left on the NAND flash memory before regions of the drive's user-area become unwritable.
Apparently, the "drive health" reading in Samsung Magician—the utility software for Samsung SSDs—drops rather rapidly for the 990 PRO. After a clean software installation on a new drive, Neowin observed that their drive's health reading was already at 99% (something very unexpected for a new drive); and what's worse was that even with regular use of the drive in the following days, the drive health would drop by 1 percentage point every day. Drive health is interchangeable with endurance, as it indicates the number of program-erase (PE) cycles left on the NAND flash memory before regions of the drive's user-area become unwritable.
ZikeTech Launches the ZikeDrive USB4 Portable SSD
ZikeTech is a crowd-funded peripherals startup, which claims to have the "world's first and fastest USB4 SSD." The ZikeDrive is a portable SSD that features an extruded aluminium chassis that doubles up as a heatsink for the M.2 NVMe SSD underneath. The drive features a M.2-2280 slot with PCI-Express 4.0 x4 connection, and a bridge chip that converts this to a 40 Gbps USB4, giving it slightly more bandwidth than PCI-Express 3.0 x4 (32 Gbps). This allows a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD to have sequential transfer speeds of up to 3.8 GB/s. The ZikeDrive starts at $99 for the bare enclosure, or with pre-installed 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB drives that offer sequential speeds of up to 3763 MB/s reads, with up to 3146 MB/s writes; however, it is currently an Indiegogo project. Find more details on how to get one here.
Intel Arc A380 MXM Card Surfaces with 50-75 W Power Limits
A Chinese OEM put a desktop Intel Arc "Alchemist" A380 GPU on an MXM board for notebooks and mobile workstations with upgradable graphics. This isn't the mobile A380M, but rather the desktop A380 that has been designed into an MXM 3.1 type-A board that's capable of PCIe Gen 4 x8. The 6 nm ACM-G11 ASIC is flanked by three GDDR6 memory chips that make the board's 6 GB of memory across its 96-bit memory bus. What's interesting about this board is its tight power limits, which are set at 50 W, that can draw up to 75 W. The card puts out three HDMI and one DP outputs. Its cooling solution mount-hole spacing appears to match that of the popular GeForce GTX 1050 Ti.
Monday, January 23rd 2023
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
Keyboards
Monitors
Motherboards
Networking
Speakers
Reyee RG-E5 WiFi 6 Router Review
Reyee wants to shake up the budget router space with its RG-E5 WiFi 6 router. It costs far less than competing solutions from mainstream brands while offering decent performance, a feature-rich control panel for setup and monitoring, a mobile app for easier use, and the ability to form a mesh network as needed.
AMD Product Pages Say Upcoming 7950X3D and 7800X3D "Unlocked for Overclocking"
The product pages of the upcoming AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 7 7800X3D "Zen 4" processors went online, which say that the two chips are unlocked for overclocking. This normally implies that the processor has an unlocked base-clock multiplier, which makes it easy to overclock. The previous-generation Ryzen 7 5800X3D processors came with locked base-clock multipliers, making them complicated to overclock. Both the 16-core/32-thread 7950X3D and the 8-core/16-thread 7800X3D come with a TDP rating of 120 W, which for the 7950X3D is significantly lower than the 170 W that the 7950X is rated at. It's also worth noting that the T-junction max (TJmax) value is lower, at just 89°C, compared to 95°C of the 7950X and 7700X.
Slated for a February 2023 market release, the two chips introduce stacked 3D vertical cache technology (3DV cache). The 7800X3D comes with 64 MB of 3DV cache stacked on top of the 32 MB of on-die L3 cache, taking its L3 cache size to 96 MB, and total cache (L2+L3) to 104 MB. On the other hand, the 7950X3D and the 12-core/24-thread 7900X3D only come with the 3DV cache memory on one of the two "Zen 4" CCDs. The first CCD has 96 MB of L3 cache (including the 3DV cache), while the second CCD is a standard "Zen 4" CCD with just 32 MB of on-die L3 cache. For these chips, the L3 cache adds up to 128 MB, and total cache to 140 MB for the 7900X3D, and 144 MB for the 7950X3D.
Update Jan 24th: AMD updated their product pages to remove this field altogether. It looks like we'll have to wait a bit for AMD to finalize its specs.
Slated for a February 2023 market release, the two chips introduce stacked 3D vertical cache technology (3DV cache). The 7800X3D comes with 64 MB of 3DV cache stacked on top of the 32 MB of on-die L3 cache, taking its L3 cache size to 96 MB, and total cache (L2+L3) to 104 MB. On the other hand, the 7950X3D and the 12-core/24-thread 7900X3D only come with the 3DV cache memory on one of the two "Zen 4" CCDs. The first CCD has 96 MB of L3 cache (including the 3DV cache), while the second CCD is a standard "Zen 4" CCD with just 32 MB of on-die L3 cache. For these chips, the L3 cache adds up to 128 MB, and total cache to 140 MB for the 7900X3D, and 144 MB for the 7950X3D.
Intel Slams the Brakes on Hillsboro R&D Center as Part of Cost Savings
Alongside its facilities in Hillsboro, Oregon, Intel was meant to build a state of the art, $700 million R&D centre, but it appears that the company has decided to slam the brakes on that project, as part of its cost saving measures. The "mega lab" as it has also been referred to, will most likely not get built at all, despite the comparably small cost in relation to building a semiconductor fab, but $700 million saved is still going to make Intel look good in front of its shareholders. In total, Intel is said to be looking at cutting US$3 billion in spending for 2023 and cancelling the construction of the R&D facility contributes almost a quarter of that sum.
The "mega lab" was supposed to cover 18,580 square metres of floor space, largely dedicated towards data centre R&D projects. According to Intel, those projects will still go ahead, just at other facilities, according to a statement sent to Oregon Live. Intel is apparently also scrapping plans for a much smaller, US$200 million R&D facility in Israel, while potentially also pushing back its plans for new fabs in Europe. The latter might come down to what kind of subsidies Intel can get from the German government and the EU.
The "mega lab" was supposed to cover 18,580 square metres of floor space, largely dedicated towards data centre R&D projects. According to Intel, those projects will still go ahead, just at other facilities, according to a statement sent to Oregon Live. Intel is apparently also scrapping plans for a much smaller, US$200 million R&D facility in Israel, while potentially also pushing back its plans for new fabs in Europe. The latter might come down to what kind of subsidies Intel can get from the German government and the EU.
Phanteks Launches The Glacier R220C DDC Combo, White Gen 4 Vertical GPU Bracket and White Gen 4 Riser Cables
Phanteks launched a range of PC enthusiast products to help PC builders create incredible systems. The all-new Glacier R220C DDC Combo, white Vertical GPU bracket, and white Flat Line PCIe Gen 4 Riser Cables are designed for both gamers and PC enthusiasts who want to improve the performance of their system and stand out from the crowd.
The new Glacier R220C DDC Combo is equipped with a pre-installed high-performance DDC 4.2 pump with power management control via PWM through motherboard bios or a fan controller. The compact design is quiet and powerful and comes with a SATA power connector for easy installation to run any complex liquid-cooled system.
The new Glacier R220C DDC Combo is equipped with a pre-installed high-performance DDC 4.2 pump with power management control via PWM through motherboard bios or a fan controller. The compact design is quiet and powerful and comes with a SATA power connector for easy installation to run any complex liquid-cooled system.
Kingston Technology Server Premier DDR5 4800MT/s Registered DIMMs Receive Validation on 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor
Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced its 64 GB, 32 GB, and 16 GB Server Premier DDR5 4800MT/s Registered DIMMs have been validated on the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor (formerly codenamed Sapphire Rapids). For over 35 years Kingston has been the memory brand trusted by leading server manufacturers and the world's largest data centers. Server Premier is Kingston's industry standard memory solution sold by specification for use in white-box servers, and is platform validated and qualified by leading motherboard/system manufacturers. Featuring a locked BOM (Bill of Materials) to provide a consistent brand and revision of primary components (including DRAM, register, PMIC, SPD hub, thermal sensors, and PCB), all Kingston server memory solutions are 100% tested and undergo a rigorous dynamic burn-in process designed to catch early-life failures at the factory.
Intel's 4th Gen Xeon Scalable Processor is their first to support next-generation DDR5 server-class memory and features eight memory channels, arranged in up to two DIMMs per channel, or 16 DIMMs per CPU socket. At 4800MT/s, each DDR5 Registered DIMM provides a peak bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, which when grouped in multi-channel configurations provides a marked increase in performance over DDR4-based servers. DDR5 introduces advanced features for a more reliable and more efficient memory subsystem, including on-die ECC (ODECC), double the number of banks and double the burst length, improved refreshes, inclusion of a power management circuit (PMIC), additional temperature sensors, decision feedback equalization (DFE), and dual independent 32-bit subchannels (40-bit for ECC).
Intel's 4th Gen Xeon Scalable Processor is their first to support next-generation DDR5 server-class memory and features eight memory channels, arranged in up to two DIMMs per channel, or 16 DIMMs per CPU socket. At 4800MT/s, each DDR5 Registered DIMM provides a peak bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, which when grouped in multi-channel configurations provides a marked increase in performance over DDR4-based servers. DDR5 introduces advanced features for a more reliable and more efficient memory subsystem, including on-die ECC (ODECC), double the number of banks and double the burst length, improved refreshes, inclusion of a power management circuit (PMIC), additional temperature sensors, decision feedback equalization (DFE), and dual independent 32-bit subchannels (40-bit for ECC).
Microsoft and OpenAI Extend Partnership with Additional Investment
Today, we are announcing the third phase of our long-term partnership with OpenAI through a multiyear, multibillion dollar investment to accelerate AI breakthroughs to ensure these benefits are broadly shared with the world.
This agreement follows our previous investments in 2019 and 2021. It extends our ongoing collaboration across AI supercomputing and research and enables each of us to independently commercialize the resulting advanced AI technologies.
This agreement follows our previous investments in 2019 and 2021. It extends our ongoing collaboration across AI supercomputing and research and enables each of us to independently commercialize the resulting advanced AI technologies.
Qualcomm Allegedly Preparing a Rival to Apple M SoC, Codenamed Hamoa
Qualcomm has been working on its Snapdragon SoCs for quite some time now, with massive success in the mobile phone space. However, the company's processors needed to be up to the task regarding laptops. For a user to not look at x86 offerings, the only remaining performant alternatives are Apple's M processors. In 2021 Qualcomm purchased the Nuvia team that was developing massively efficient and high-performance IP for laptops, similar to Apple M processors. Today, according to the insights from Kuba Wojciechowski (@Za_Raczke) on Twitter, we have some potential information about the upcoming Nuvia-powered SoC codenamed Hamoa.
According to the Twitter thread, Qualcomm's Hamoa processors are part of the Snapdragon 8xc Gen 4 compute platform and feature up to eight high-performance P-cores and four low-power E-cores, all based on Nuvia's IP. Allegedly the P-cores are being tested at 3.4 GHz, while the E-cores are tested at 2.5 GHz. The SoC splits CPU cores into blocks, each being a four-core group with 12 MB of shared L2 cache. There is also an 8 MB L3 cache structure; it needs to be clarified whether it is per core block or for the entire SoC. The chip employs 12 MB of system-level cache, with 4 MB of memory for graphics-related tasks handled by iGPU. The iGPU of choice is Adreno 740, with all modern APIs supported. Discrete graphics solutions are supported by the top-end SKUs, which allow eight PCIe 4.0 lanes to be directed toward dGPU, along with an additional four PCIe 4.0 lanes for NVMe SSD. For RAM, the chip uses up to 64 GBs of LPDDR5X eight-channel memory with up to 4.2 GHz speeds. Chip's media engines are structured to support decoding up to 4K120 and encode up to 4K60 with AV1.
According to the Twitter thread, Qualcomm's Hamoa processors are part of the Snapdragon 8xc Gen 4 compute platform and feature up to eight high-performance P-cores and four low-power E-cores, all based on Nuvia's IP. Allegedly the P-cores are being tested at 3.4 GHz, while the E-cores are tested at 2.5 GHz. The SoC splits CPU cores into blocks, each being a four-core group with 12 MB of shared L2 cache. There is also an 8 MB L3 cache structure; it needs to be clarified whether it is per core block or for the entire SoC. The chip employs 12 MB of system-level cache, with 4 MB of memory for graphics-related tasks handled by iGPU. The iGPU of choice is Adreno 740, with all modern APIs supported. Discrete graphics solutions are supported by the top-end SKUs, which allow eight PCIe 4.0 lanes to be directed toward dGPU, along with an additional four PCIe 4.0 lanes for NVMe SSD. For RAM, the chip uses up to 64 GBs of LPDDR5X eight-channel memory with up to 4.2 GHz speeds. Chip's media engines are structured to support decoding up to 4K120 and encode up to 4K60 with AV1.
CaseLabs Makes a Comeback Under New Management
Friends, fans, and former customers of CaseLabs, I have the great pleasure to announce that CaseLabs is officially back after the bankruptcy in 2018! We are now under new management and have re-located to Sweden, but don't worry, everything you knew and loved about CaseLabs will remain the same. We will carry on the spirit of CaseLabs as best as we can while updating existing models and bringing new models to the market.
Let me introduce myself very briefly: My name is Emil, I'm almost 37 years old, I live in Sweden, and I am the new owner of CaseLabs since October 2021. Ever since I first heard that CaseLabs went bankrupt I've been trying to buy CaseLabs' intellectual property. After a long and drawn-out process the trustee and I finally came to an agreement in the spring of 2021 and the purchase was finalized in October 2021. Since then Daniel and I have been working on bringing CaseLabs back to life again.
Let me introduce myself very briefly: My name is Emil, I'm almost 37 years old, I live in Sweden, and I am the new owner of CaseLabs since October 2021. Ever since I first heard that CaseLabs went bankrupt I've been trying to buy CaseLabs' intellectual property. After a long and drawn-out process the trustee and I finally came to an agreement in the spring of 2021 and the purchase was finalized in October 2021. Since then Daniel and I have been working on bringing CaseLabs back to life again.
Sunday, January 22nd 2023
AMD Adaptive Computing Technology Enables Next-Generation DENSO LiDAR System
AMD announced that its adaptive computing technology is powering leading mobility supplier DENSO Corporation's next-generation LiDAR platform. The new platform will enable over 20X1 improvement in resolution with extremely low latency for increased precision in detecting pedestrians, vehicles, free space and more. The DENSO LiDAR platform, targeted to begin shipping in 2025, will leverage the AMD Xilinx Automotive (XA) Zynq UltraScale+ adaptive SoC and its functional safety suite of developer tools to enable ISO 26262 ASIL-B certification.
DENSO is using the AMD XA Zynq UltraScale+ multi-processor system-on-a-chip (MPSoC) platform in its Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) LiDAR system, which generates the highest point-cloud density level of any LiDAR system on the market today. Point-cloud density describes the number of points within a given area and is analogous to image resolution, where richer data ensures that crucial decision-making details are captured.
DENSO is using the AMD XA Zynq UltraScale+ multi-processor system-on-a-chip (MPSoC) platform in its Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) LiDAR system, which generates the highest point-cloud density level of any LiDAR system on the market today. Point-cloud density describes the number of points within a given area and is analogous to image resolution, where richer data ensures that crucial decision-making details are captured.
QNAP Delivers the TS-1655 High-Capacity 2.5GbE Hybrid Storage with 8-Core Intel CPU
QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today introduced the high-capacity TS-1655 tower 2.5 GbE NAS that can accommodate twelve 3.5-inch hard drives and four 2.5-inch solid-state drives. Designed with a hybrid storage architecture that balances performance and cost, the TS-1655 integrates 8-core computing power, 2.5 GbE high speed and PCIe expansion to improve business efficiency for cross-team file sharing, collaboration, backup and disaster recovery, and virtualization.
"The TS-1655 strikes a cost-performance balance with the HDD/SSD hybrid storage design, while also supporting RAID 50/60 that provides high-capacity NAS users with higher data protection and optimum storage space utilization," said Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "Moreover, its SSD-focused design includes built-in M.2 NVMe PCIe slots and dedicated 2.5-inch SSD bays to drive performance-demanding business applications while enabling tiered storage for maximized cost-efficiency."
"The TS-1655 strikes a cost-performance balance with the HDD/SSD hybrid storage design, while also supporting RAID 50/60 that provides high-capacity NAS users with higher data protection and optimum storage space utilization," said Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "Moreover, its SSD-focused design includes built-in M.2 NVMe PCIe slots and dedicated 2.5-inch SSD bays to drive performance-demanding business applications while enabling tiered storage for maximized cost-efficiency."
Razer Kishi V2 for Android Updated with Controller Support for Touchscreen-only Games
Following the release of the award-winning Razer Kishi V2 for Android last year, Razer announced a major update to their Razer Nexus software and Kishi V2 for Android controller firmware. The new Virtual Controller Mode allows all Kishi V2 for Android owners to use their controller to play touch-screen games. This new addition brings console-quality controls to all mobile platforms for the ultimate mobile gaming experience.
Razer's solution relies on a novel combination of hardware in the Kishi V2 controller and software in the Razer Nexus app, to enable reliable, secure, and easy-to-use controller support on countless touch-screen games. Virtual Controller Mode is available as a free update to all Kishi V2 for Android owners today, via the Razer Nexus app on the Google Play Store. This feature will also be rolling out to the Razer Edge in Q1 2023.
Razer's solution relies on a novel combination of hardware in the Kishi V2 controller and software in the Razer Nexus app, to enable reliable, secure, and easy-to-use controller support on countless touch-screen games. Virtual Controller Mode is available as a free update to all Kishi V2 for Android owners today, via the Razer Nexus app on the Google Play Store. This feature will also be rolling out to the Razer Edge in Q1 2023.
This Week in Gaming (Week 4)
We're already approaching the end of January and this coming week we're looking at both a new AAA title and a remake of an older AAA title that also gets a collectors edition. In other words, a lot of exciting things are happening, if you're looking at getting a new or old game with improved graphics to play.
Forspoken / This Week's AAA Title / Tuesday 24 January
Mysteriously transported from New York City, Frey Holland finds herself trapped in the breathtaking land of Athia. A magical, sentient bracelet is inexplicably wrapped around her arm, and Frey discovers the ability to cast powerful spells and use magic to traverse the sprawling landscapes of Athia. Frey nicknames her new golden companion "Cuff" and sets off to find a way home.
Forspoken / This Week's AAA Title / Tuesday 24 January
Mysteriously transported from New York City, Frey Holland finds herself trapped in the breathtaking land of Athia. A magical, sentient bracelet is inexplicably wrapped around her arm, and Frey discovers the ability to cast powerful spells and use magic to traverse the sprawling landscapes of Athia. Frey nicknames her new golden companion "Cuff" and sets off to find a way home.
Friday, January 20th 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Headphones
NVIDIA DLSS 2.5.1 Review - Significant Image Quality Improvements
NVIDIA has released an update for their Super Resolution Technology (DLSS 2.5) and it contains improved fine detail stability, reduced ghosting, improved edge smoothness in high contrast scenarios and overall image quality improvements. In this mini-review we take a look, comparing the image quality of DLSS 2.4 and DLSS 2.5.1 versions in Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED Review
EVGA kicks off 2023 with its renowned Classified series. Using the Intel Z790 chipset for Raptor Lake, the new Classified impresses with its unique motherboard layout. Featuring a top of the line 14+2+2 VRM using 105 A power stages, DDR5 support, PCIe Gen 5, 10 Gb LAN and fast USB ports, EVGA's board ticks all the boxes! In our review we check out everything the EVGA Z790 Classified has to offer.
Jelly Key Launches New Zen Pond Artisan Keycaps Group Buy
For those unfamiliar with Jelly Key, I highly encourage going through our previous coverage of the Vietnamese artisan's works wherein we've seen several different examples of highly detailed themes which get put to life on your keyboard courtesy artisan keycaps that use a resin pour over a layer-by-layer assembly incorporating individually molded tiny pieces. In particular, we've covered a keycap each from the Zen Pond III and Zen Pond IV group buy series that depict a school of Koi fish swimming in a pond. This was the design that made Jelly Key famous and also where it introduced the so-called "Eden Effect" that makes the resin background feel like it is part of the scene itself.
Jelly Key's latest group buy is active now and it builds upon the previous two in the new Zen Pond V series group buy titled "Zen Pond - Lost then found". Thanks to some shipping logistics issues, once again the prototype sent over came after the group buy had begun so I had no time to do a quick look article on it. Instead, I figured those interested in the Zen Ponds theme that were not able to pick one up last time should know now is the time to do so, especially given the new Droplet profile that makes for spherical corners and an overall rounded structure to make the resin and craftsmanshop more easily appreciated at a typical viewing angle. The Koi fish models are larger and look more naturally swimming in the resin pond too, including with wakes left behind the tail fins. The new group buy started Jan 18 and is scheduled to end Jan 25, however they usually sell out a few days earlier to where you might want to jump into the pond early if these keycaps interest you. The Zen Pond V keycaps are available in five designs, four keycap profiles, and 12 sizes. These cost $55-105 each and, as seen on the group buy page, there are further discounts and free shipping for those buying multiple keycaps. Read past the break for photos of my prototype space bar keycap.
Update: Jelly Key had kindly provided TPU readers with a 5% discount code: 5%-tpu-498djh9
Jelly Key's latest group buy is active now and it builds upon the previous two in the new Zen Pond V series group buy titled "Zen Pond - Lost then found". Thanks to some shipping logistics issues, once again the prototype sent over came after the group buy had begun so I had no time to do a quick look article on it. Instead, I figured those interested in the Zen Ponds theme that were not able to pick one up last time should know now is the time to do so, especially given the new Droplet profile that makes for spherical corners and an overall rounded structure to make the resin and craftsmanshop more easily appreciated at a typical viewing angle. The Koi fish models are larger and look more naturally swimming in the resin pond too, including with wakes left behind the tail fins. The new group buy started Jan 18 and is scheduled to end Jan 25, however they usually sell out a few days earlier to where you might want to jump into the pond early if these keycaps interest you. The Zen Pond V keycaps are available in five designs, four keycap profiles, and 12 sizes. These cost $55-105 each and, as seen on the group buy page, there are further discounts and free shipping for those buying multiple keycaps. Read past the break for photos of my prototype space bar keycap.
Update: Jelly Key had kindly provided TPU readers with a 5% discount code: 5%-tpu-498djh9
SiFive Reveals HiFive Pro P550 RISC-V Development Platform in microATX Form Factor
Back in February 2022 SiFive announced its partnership with Intel Foundry Services (IFS), to bring its "Horse Creek" SoC to market and now SiFive has announced that it's getting ready to launch its first development board on said SoC. This summer, SiFive will launch the HiFive Pro P550 development board, which will kick things up a serious notch when it comes to embedded SoC development boards, regardless of the CPU core the SoC is built around. The HiFive Pro P550 will be one of few microATX based embedded SoC development boards out there and so far, to our knowledge, the only one with a RISC-V based SoC. The Horse Creek SoC sports quad core, 2.2 GHz, 13-stage, triple-issue, out-of-order pipeline RISC-V RV64GBC CPU built on the Intel 4 node. The SoC also has a DDR5 5600 MHz memory interface, support for eight lanes of PCIe 5.0 and comes in a 19 x 19 mm FBGA package.
The HiFive Pro P550 will offer 16 GB of DDR5 memory, but based on the render of the motherboard, this is soldered to the board, rather than relying on standard DDR5 DIMMs. Furthermore, the board has two x16 PCIe 3.0 expansion slots, although it's unclear how many PCIe each slot features, as well as a PCIe 3.0 M.2 2280 M-key slot for NVMe SSDs and a PCIe 3.0 M.2 E-key slot for a WiFi/Bluetooth module. The board also sports multiple USB/USB 3.0 ports and even a pair of USB-C ports. The press release also mentions both Gigabit and 10 Gbps Ethernet support, as well as support for onboard graphics and remote system management, without going into any further details. It'll be interesting to see if the Horse Creek SoC can deliver on its expected performance target, especially as SiFive has a lot to prove, especially as the company calls the RISC-V architecture inevitable.
The HiFive Pro P550 will offer 16 GB of DDR5 memory, but based on the render of the motherboard, this is soldered to the board, rather than relying on standard DDR5 DIMMs. Furthermore, the board has two x16 PCIe 3.0 expansion slots, although it's unclear how many PCIe each slot features, as well as a PCIe 3.0 M.2 2280 M-key slot for NVMe SSDs and a PCIe 3.0 M.2 E-key slot for a WiFi/Bluetooth module. The board also sports multiple USB/USB 3.0 ports and even a pair of USB-C ports. The press release also mentions both Gigabit and 10 Gbps Ethernet support, as well as support for onboard graphics and remote system management, without going into any further details. It'll be interesting to see if the Horse Creek SoC can deliver on its expected performance target, especially as SiFive has a lot to prove, especially as the company calls the RISC-V architecture inevitable.
LG Electronics USA Debuts its new Cinebeam Smart Portable Projector
LG Electronics USA has introduced and announced immediate availability of its new CineBeam Smart Portable Projector, joining the brand's extensive line of premium CineBeam models. Weighing in at 2.2 pounds, the CineBeam Smart Portable Projector is made to deliver a transformative home theater experience with ease in any room. The PF510Q model is currently available at LG.com for $599. From streaming their favorite movie, to engaging in a virtual fitness class, users can enjoy the versatility and portability of the PF510Q projector.
The PF510Q is LG's new innovative projector that offers users a unique entertainment experience without sacrificing convenience or quality. Strategically built with a lightweight and compact design, the PF510Q is easy to carry from room to room or on the go and blends seamlessly with any space. The Smart Portable Projector presents a wide range of display sizes from an intimate 30" up to an impressive 120", providing the benefit of adjusting the screen size to best-fit for a variety of viewing preferences. Its full HD resolution allows users to watch movies or play video games in high quality, whether they're studying in a small dorm room or enjoying a movie in their backyard. Additionally, the PF510Q's Auto Vertical Keystone feature adjusts the vertical keystone alignment, eliminating tilts and distortion for crisp, incredible views.
The PF510Q is LG's new innovative projector that offers users a unique entertainment experience without sacrificing convenience or quality. Strategically built with a lightweight and compact design, the PF510Q is easy to carry from room to room or on the go and blends seamlessly with any space. The Smart Portable Projector presents a wide range of display sizes from an intimate 30" up to an impressive 120", providing the benefit of adjusting the screen size to best-fit for a variety of viewing preferences. Its full HD resolution allows users to watch movies or play video games in high quality, whether they're studying in a small dorm room or enjoying a movie in their backyard. Additionally, the PF510Q's Auto Vertical Keystone feature adjusts the vertical keystone alignment, eliminating tilts and distortion for crisp, incredible views.
IonQ to Open First Quantum Computing Manufacturing Facility in the US
IonQ, Inc. (NYSE: IONQ), an industry leader in quantum computing, today announced plans to open the first known dedicated quantum computing manufacturing facility in the U.S., located in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington. The new facility will house IonQ's growing R&D and manufacturing teams, as they develop systems to meet continued customer demand. With public support from U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) - an early proponent of the CHIPS and Science Act - and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, US representative from Washington's 1st congressional district,today's announcement is part of IonQ's broader intent to invest $1 billion through expansion in the Pacific Northwest over the next 10 years.
"IonQ making the decision to open the first ever quantum computing manufacturing facility in the country right here in Bothell is a very big deal—and it's great news for Washington state," said Senator Murray. "Opening this facility will absolutely help ensure Washington state continues to be a leader in innovation and cutting-edge technologies—but it also means jobs that will be an investment in our families and their futures. These are the kinds of investments that happen when we pass legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act to invest in American manufacturing and build the economy of the future right here at home."
"IonQ making the decision to open the first ever quantum computing manufacturing facility in the country right here in Bothell is a very big deal—and it's great news for Washington state," said Senator Murray. "Opening this facility will absolutely help ensure Washington state continues to be a leader in innovation and cutting-edge technologies—but it also means jobs that will be an investment in our families and their futures. These are the kinds of investments that happen when we pass legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act to invest in American manufacturing and build the economy of the future right here at home."
Google to Lay Off Around 12,000 Staff to "Set up for the Future"
Google's chief executive officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai today uploaded a blog post titled "A difficult decision to set us up for the future." This message highlights the decision to lay off around 12,000 working staff from Google's fleet of employees. That includes the US and international teams represented in the figure mentioned above. While we don't have information about the specific headcount deficit per country, US employees are expected to be hit first and international employees second, as the company has to comply with local state laws in which it employs the staff. The figure represents about 6% of its total staff. Given the recent economic climate and a slight downturn in tech, Google is joining other big companies in cutting head counts to adapt to the new economy. Below you can read a piece of Google's announcement.
Sundar PichaiI have some difficult news to share. We've decided to reduce our workforce by approximately 12,000 roles. We've already sent a separate email to employees in the US who are affected. In other countries, this process will take longer due to local laws and practices. This will mean saying goodbye to some incredibly talented people we worked hard to hire and have loved working with. I'm deeply sorry for that. The fact that these changes will impact the lives of Googlers weighs heavily on me, and I take full responsibility for the decisions that led us here.The rest of the announcement can be read in the Google blog post.
PSA: Intel I226-V 2.5GbE on Raptor Lake Motherboards Has a Connection Drop Issue: No Fix Available
The Intel Ethernet i226-V onboard 2.5 GbE controller appears to have a design flaw that causes the Ethernet connection to drop at random times for a few seconds. The I226-V is the latest version of Intel's cost-effective 2.5 Gbps Ethernet networking chips meant for PC motherboards with chipsets that have integrated MACs (i.e. Intel chipsets). It succeeds the I225-V, which was Intel's first consumer 2.5 GbE PHY. The I225-V was plagued by various issues that caused it to be unstable at 2.5 Gbps (but could be worked around by forcing 1 GbE mode). Many premium Intel 700-series chipset Socket LGA1700 motherboards integrate the new I226-V, which is the I225's successor, as their default onboard 2.5 GbE controller. Some enthusiast-segment motherboards have a second Ethernet controller that's either of a different brand (such as Realtek or Marvell), or a different kind of wired Ethernet (such as 10 GbE).
Since mid-December, users of Intel 700-series chipset motherboards (which debut the I226-V), have been reporting random connections drops to Intel's Support Community, Microsoft, ASUS and Reddit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. These drops are momentary, last a few seconds, and you'll mostly not notice it; however for applications that need an uninterrupted connection (such as online gaming, video conferencing, VPN, Remote Desktop etc.), such a link drop will be noticeable. You can check if you are affected by opening Windows Event Viewer, navigate to "Windows Logs," "System" and search for "e2fnexpress," in particular Event 27 "Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V, Network link is disconnected." and Event 32 "Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V. Network link has been established at 1 Gbps full duplex." We've experienced the issue in our labs. We tried updating to the latest 27.8 drivers from Intel, and used the latest motherboard BIOS, at 1 Gbps speed, but the issue couldn't be fixed reliably. In the end, we just switched over to the motherboard's second network interface, which is not an Intel NIC, and the issue went away. Another option could be to buy a cheap PCI-Express network card or use the board's integrated Wi-Fi. Still, such issues aren't acceptable, especially not from a world-leading manufacturer like Intel, who once was reputed for the quality of its networking equipment. Intel and its motherboard partners need to get on top of this issue.
Update Mar 1st: Intel has issued a Windows workaround and patch for these issues. Let us know if this fixes it for you.
Update Mar 4th: User @lovingbenji reports that on his system this new driver version does not fix the disconnect issue.
Since mid-December, users of Intel 700-series chipset motherboards (which debut the I226-V), have been reporting random connections drops to Intel's Support Community, Microsoft, ASUS and Reddit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. These drops are momentary, last a few seconds, and you'll mostly not notice it; however for applications that need an uninterrupted connection (such as online gaming, video conferencing, VPN, Remote Desktop etc.), such a link drop will be noticeable. You can check if you are affected by opening Windows Event Viewer, navigate to "Windows Logs," "System" and search for "e2fnexpress," in particular Event 27 "Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V, Network link is disconnected." and Event 32 "Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V. Network link has been established at 1 Gbps full duplex." We've experienced the issue in our labs. We tried updating to the latest 27.8 drivers from Intel, and used the latest motherboard BIOS, at 1 Gbps speed, but the issue couldn't be fixed reliably. In the end, we just switched over to the motherboard's second network interface, which is not an Intel NIC, and the issue went away. Another option could be to buy a cheap PCI-Express network card or use the board's integrated Wi-Fi. Still, such issues aren't acceptable, especially not from a world-leading manufacturer like Intel, who once was reputed for the quality of its networking equipment. Intel and its motherboard partners need to get on top of this issue.
Update Mar 4th: User @lovingbenji reports that on his system this new driver version does not fix the disconnect issue.
GoDeal24 Winter Big Software Sale: Get Your Favorite Windows and Office Editions at Frosty Prices
GoDeal24 released the 2023 Winter Big Software Sale. Get the software you need from the comfort of your home, delivered instantly, at deep discounts. Get Genuine Windows 10 Pro at just $7.25, or as low as $6.01 in a 5-PC pack. The latest and greatest Windows 11 Pro can be had at just $10.25. Supercharge your domestic productivity with Genuine Office 2021 Professional Plus at $25.25. Also check out great deals on older editions of Office, and Mac editions you might want. Save more when you combine Windows and Office.
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Thursday, January 19th 2023
Today's Reviews
Memory
PSUs
Speakers
Skyloong GK75 Triple Mode Keyboard Review - Switch to Knobs!
Skyloong comes out of its OEM shell and offers its own branded keyboard in the form of the heavily customizable GK75. It offers unique knob modules and offers various case, plate, switch, and keycap options on top of hardware and software control to make for one of the most impressive keyboards we've ever tested!
GUNNIR Outs 16GB Arc A770 Photon Graphics Card with Triple-Fan Cooler
GUNNIR, the Chinese Intel Arc board partner, unveiled a 16 GB version of its Arc A770 Photon graphics card with specs that partially match Intel's A770 16 GB Limited Edition. Custom-design versions of the A770, such as the one from ASRock Phantom Gaming, only come with 8 GB of memory. The card comes with GUNNIR's heaviest dual-slot, triple-fan cooling solution. While the card offers an overclocked GPU, with the A770 running at 2.40 GHz (compared to 2.10 GHz reference), the memory runs at the same 16 Gbps GDDR6-effective speed as the A770 8 GB version, and not the 17.5 Gbps that the A770 16 GB Limited Edition comes with. This leaves you with a still-respectable 512 GB/s of memory bandwidth on tap. The card draws power from two 8-pin PCIe power connectors. GUNNIR is pricing the card at RMB ¥3,199 ($470).
ASRock Returns to its Roots with Wacky X670 Upgrade Card
For those that don't remember the early days of ASRock, the company started out making some rather unusual motherboards, often with some wild and wacky upgrade paths, such as both a slot and a socket for a CPU or both AGP and PCIe graphics card slots. Since then, ASRock has become a much more mainstream motherboard maker, but the company appears to have gone back to its roots with what the company calls the X670 Xpansion Kit. Right now, the expansion card appears to be working with the B650 LiveMixer motherboard and it's unknown if it's compatible with other models from ASRock. It seems to be limited to ASRock motherboards only, due to the fact that the add-in card requires not only a x4 PCIe slot with all lanes attached, on the motherboard, but also a custom cable that is most likely for "low-speed" I/O's such as I2C, SPI and so on.
As the name suggests, the X670 Xpansion Kit allows B650 motherboards to be turned into X670 motherboards, more or less. The card is home to a second chipset, which enables not only two additional M.2 slots for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, but it also features two SATA ports, a 10 Gbps USB-C port, three USB-A ports and—maybe most interestingly—a 10 Gbps Ethernet interface. It's unclear if this will be a retail product, but the card provided to Level1Techs doesn't appear to be an engineer unit, but a full retail ready product. It's definitely an interesting upgrade path for those that have invested in a B650 motherboard and there's no real reason why this shouldn't work as well as having the second chipset on the motherboard, especially as ASRock appears to have fitted a signal re-driver on the add-in card to make sure the PCIe signals are handled properly.
As the name suggests, the X670 Xpansion Kit allows B650 motherboards to be turned into X670 motherboards, more or less. The card is home to a second chipset, which enables not only two additional M.2 slots for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, but it also features two SATA ports, a 10 Gbps USB-C port, three USB-A ports and—maybe most interestingly—a 10 Gbps Ethernet interface. It's unclear if this will be a retail product, but the card provided to Level1Techs doesn't appear to be an engineer unit, but a full retail ready product. It's definitely an interesting upgrade path for those that have invested in a B650 motherboard and there's no real reason why this shouldn't work as well as having the second chipset on the motherboard, especially as ASRock appears to have fitted a signal re-driver on the add-in card to make sure the PCIe signals are handled properly.
Philips Announces the Evnia 27M2C5500W Gaming Monitor
Today's gamers have higher expectations than ever. They're looking for a truly immersive experience that engages their senses and allows them to enjoy the full thrill of the game. They want a setup with cutting-edge specs, but these gamers also want the emotion of gaming. Seeking to give gamers the excitement they're looking for, Philips monitors has developed a range of monitors and accessories designed to ensure rich and rewarding gaming experiences for players of all tastes and all ages. The latest member of the Evnia family to be released is the Philips Evnia 27M2C5500W, a 27" Quad HD gaming monitor that combines a lightning fast 240 Hz refresh rate with a compact, ergonomic design and a rich variety of high-performance features, ensuring that every gaming session is nothing less than epic.
"Reflecting Evnia's mission to provide today's gamers with the equipment they need to get the most enjoyment out of every gaming session, the Philips Evnia monitors combine smooth gameplay, visual fidelity, and rapid response times in one elegantly designed package. We're proud of this irresistible model, of Evnia and what it stands for." said Xeni Bairaktari, Global Marketing Lead and Senior Brand Manager EU at MMD Monitors & Displays.
"Reflecting Evnia's mission to provide today's gamers with the equipment they need to get the most enjoyment out of every gaming session, the Philips Evnia monitors combine smooth gameplay, visual fidelity, and rapid response times in one elegantly designed package. We're proud of this irresistible model, of Evnia and what it stands for." said Xeni Bairaktari, Global Marketing Lead and Senior Brand Manager EU at MMD Monitors & Displays.
Alphacool Unveils Core Distro Plate Series
The new Core Distro Plate from Alphacool is a must-have for every performance-oriented custom water cooling system. It greatly simplifies the planning, construction and maintenance of complex water loops. The Distro Plate features an integrated reservoir with pump top for VPP/D5 pumps. Due to the arrangement of the G1/4" connections, confusing and complicated tubing paths will be a thing of the past. Therefore, the Core Distro Plate is ideally suited for custom water loops in which CPU and graphics card(s) are to be cooled simultaneously.
A beautiful and elegant element of the Core Distro Plate are the chrome-plated, brass G1/4" connectors. Recessed into the acrylic and fitted with an O-ring, the connectors are absolutely leak-proof and support the clean and functional look of the Alphacool Core Design series. The connections are not screwed directly into the acrylic to prevent cracking and resulting leakage.
A beautiful and elegant element of the Core Distro Plate are the chrome-plated, brass G1/4" connectors. Recessed into the acrylic and fitted with an O-ring, the connectors are absolutely leak-proof and support the clean and functional look of the Alphacool Core Design series. The connections are not screwed directly into the acrylic to prevent cracking and resulting leakage.
Foundry Revenue is Forecasted to Drop by 4% YoY for 2023, TrendForce Notes
TrendForce's recent analysis of the foundry market reveals that demand continues to slide for all types of mature and advanced nodes. The major IC design houses have cut wafer input for 1Q23 and will likely scale back further for 2Q23. Currently, foundries are expected to maintain a lower-than-ideal level of capacity utilization rate in the first two quarters of this year. Some nodes could experience a steeper demand drop in 2Q23 as there are still no signs of a significant rebound in wafer orders. Looking ahead to the second half of this year, orders will likely pick up for some components that underwent an inventory correction at an earlier time. However, the state of the global economy will remain the largest variable that affect demand, and the recovery of individual foundries' capacity utilization rates will not occur as quickly as expected. Taking these factors into account, TrendForce currently forecasts that global foundry revenue will drop by around 4% YoY for 2023. The projected decline for 2023 is more severe when compared with the one that was recorded for 2019.
About 300 MSI Motherboard Models Have a Faulty Secure Boot Implementation with Certain UEFI Firmware Versions
The UEFI Secure Boot feature is designed to prevent malicious code from executing during the system boot process, and has been a cybersecurity staple since the late-2000s, when software support was introduced with Windows 8. Dawid Potocki, a New Zealand-based IT student and cybersecurity researcher, discovered that as many as 300 motherboard models by MSI have a faulty Secure Boot implementation with certain versions of their UEFI firmware, which allows just about any boot image to load. This is, however, localized to only certain UEFI firmware versions, that are released as beta versions.
Potocki stumbled upon this when he found that his PRO Z790-A WiFi motherboard failed to verify the cryptographic signature boot-time binaries at the time of system boot. "I have found that my firmware was… accepting every OS image I gave it, no matter if it was trusted or not." He then began examining other motherboard models, and discovered close to 300 MSI motherboard models with a broken Secure Boot implementation. He clarified that MSI laptops aren't affected, and only their desktop motherboards are. Potocki says that affected MSI motherboards have an "always execute" policy set for Secure Boot, which makes the mechanism worthless, and theorized a possible reason. "I suspect this is because they probably knew that Microsoft wouldn't approve of it and/or that they get less tickets about Secure Boot causing issues for their users."
Potocki stumbled upon this when he found that his PRO Z790-A WiFi motherboard failed to verify the cryptographic signature boot-time binaries at the time of system boot. "I have found that my firmware was… accepting every OS image I gave it, no matter if it was trusted or not." He then began examining other motherboard models, and discovered close to 300 MSI motherboard models with a broken Secure Boot implementation. He clarified that MSI laptops aren't affected, and only their desktop motherboards are. Potocki says that affected MSI motherboards have an "always execute" policy set for Secure Boot, which makes the mechanism worthless, and theorized a possible reason. "I suspect this is because they probably knew that Microsoft wouldn't approve of it and/or that they get less tickets about Secure Boot causing issues for their users."
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Possible Specs Surface—160 W Power, Debuts AD106 Silicon
NVIDIA's next GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" graphics card launch is widely expected to be the GeForce RTX 4070 (non-Ti), and as we approach Spring 2023, the company is expected to ramp up to the meat of its new generation, with xx60-segment, beginning with the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. This new performance-segment SKU debuts the 4 nm "AD106" silicon. A set of leaks by kopite7kimi, a reliable source with NVIDIA leaks, shed light on possible specifications.
The RTX 4060 Ti is based on the AD106 silicon, which is expected to be much smaller than the AD104 powering the RTX 4070 series. The reference board developed at NVIDIA, codenamed PG190, is reportedly tiny, and yet it features the 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connector. This is probably set for 300 W at its signal pins, and adapters included with graphics cards could convert two 8-pin PCIe into one 300 W 16-pin connector. The RTX 4060 Ti is expected to come with a typical graphics power value of 160 W.
The RTX 4060 Ti is based on the AD106 silicon, which is expected to be much smaller than the AD104 powering the RTX 4070 series. The reference board developed at NVIDIA, codenamed PG190, is reportedly tiny, and yet it features the 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connector. This is probably set for 300 W at its signal pins, and adapters included with graphics cards could convert two 8-pin PCIe into one 300 W 16-pin connector. The RTX 4060 Ti is expected to come with a typical graphics power value of 160 W.
AMD RX 7900 XTX OC Does Cross 3 GHz Barrier, But in Non-Gaming Workloads
AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XTX RDNA3 graphics card does cross the 3 GHz engine clocks barrier, but not in gaming use-cases, finds a ComputerBase.de article, in which the German publication compares the overclocking experience between the RX 7000-series RDNA3 and NVIDIA RTX 40-series "Ada" architectures. The RX 7900 XTX was found to hit engine clock speeds as high as 3455 MHz, but when handling the Blender rendering benchmark, and not typical gaming workloads.
The GPU could even be pushed to 3548 MHz with a power-draw of around 400 W, but it wasn't stable, the article notes. The top frequencies the GPUs could hit with gaming workloads were around 2.90 GHz. We could be happening with games is that more of the GPU's hardware resources are tapping into its power-limit (such as the memory controllers, caches, and other special SIMD functions, which could be impacting the engine clock boosting headroom. ComputerBase.de used a Sapphire RX 7900 XTX NITRO+ custom-design graphics card in its testing, which comes with three 8-pin PCIe power connectors, and a higher overclocking headroom than what the reference-design cards are capable of.
The GPU could even be pushed to 3548 MHz with a power-draw of around 400 W, but it wasn't stable, the article notes. The top frequencies the GPUs could hit with gaming workloads were around 2.90 GHz. We could be happening with games is that more of the GPU's hardware resources are tapping into its power-limit (such as the memory controllers, caches, and other special SIMD functions, which could be impacting the engine clock boosting headroom. ComputerBase.de used a Sapphire RX 7900 XTX NITRO+ custom-design graphics card in its testing, which comes with three 8-pin PCIe power connectors, and a higher overclocking headroom than what the reference-design cards are capable of.
Chips are the New Oil with Geopolitics: Intel CEO
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, in an interview with CNN at WEF Davos, stated that semiconductor chip supply chains will have a greater influence on geopolitics than oil supply-chains over the next 50 years. Modern civilization is increasingly digitized, and most modern conveniences are "chipped" and connected in some form, which would put the chip-producing nations, or entities producing/supplying the chips at a distinct geopolitical advantage, similar to the oil-producing ones today. The location of "oil reserves [has] defined geopolitics for the last five decades," Gelsinger said; "where the technology supply chains are, and where semiconductors are built, is more important for the next 5 decades," he added.
We caught a taste of exactly what he meant when global semiconductor supply chains buckled around 2020-onward, hitting a multitude of other industries, including automobiles, construction, remote-work, consumer electronics, and much more. Unlike oil, which is a geographically constrained being a natural resource, chips can be manufactured almost anywhere, dictated only by geopolitical, trade, and IP barriers. Gelsinger calls for a much wider geographic spread of chip-production, so the supply-chains get resilient to disruptions due to unforeseen events. "We need this geographically balanced, resilient supply chain," he said. Gelsinger is at the forefront of advocating semiconductor manufacturing on U.S. soil to not only meet local demand, but also contribute to global supply-chain resilience. The CHIPS Act passed by U.S. Congress in 2022 will oversee more than $200 billion in public investments on semiconductor manufacturing and tech-research in the U.S.
We caught a taste of exactly what he meant when global semiconductor supply chains buckled around 2020-onward, hitting a multitude of other industries, including automobiles, construction, remote-work, consumer electronics, and much more. Unlike oil, which is a geographically constrained being a natural resource, chips can be manufactured almost anywhere, dictated only by geopolitical, trade, and IP barriers. Gelsinger calls for a much wider geographic spread of chip-production, so the supply-chains get resilient to disruptions due to unforeseen events. "We need this geographically balanced, resilient supply chain," he said. Gelsinger is at the forefront of advocating semiconductor manufacturing on U.S. soil to not only meet local demand, but also contribute to global supply-chain resilience. The CHIPS Act passed by U.S. Congress in 2022 will oversee more than $200 billion in public investments on semiconductor manufacturing and tech-research in the U.S.
Wednesday, January 18th 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Headphones
ThieAudio Wraith Planar Magnetic Headphones Review
ThieAudio wants to take on the emerging world of open-back planar magnetic headphones with its new $550 Wraith over-ear set. It comes with three pairs of ear pads to go with excellent build quality and comfort, making for nice looking headphones with some unfortunate issues to be aware of.
Synology Announces Highly Scalable SA6400 Storage System
Synology today announced the availability of the 12-bay SA6400, its most versatile general-purpose storage system designed to provide enterprises and large studios with lightning-fast data transfer speeds and on-demand capacity expansion. "SA6400 is the ideal solution to tackle today's ever-increasing amounts of unstructured data," said Julien Chen, Product Manager at Synology. "Its ability to quickly scale as data demands grow makes it suitable to serve as file or backup storage in agile and dynamic environments, getting businesses ready for future data growth."
Storage capacity is seamlessly expandable by adding up to 8 RX1223RP expansion units for a total of 108 drive bays, making room for over 1.9 petabytes on a single system—9 times the original capacity. With a throughput of over 6,500/4,000 MB/s sequential read/write, SA6400 ensures smooth operations even in the most demanding scenarios, including enterprise data centers, large production studios, and applications in the retail or hospitality sectors. Performance can be further boosted to accommodate more streams or tackle specialized applications by upgrading the built-in 10 GbE networking to 25 or even 40 GbE.
Storage capacity is seamlessly expandable by adding up to 8 RX1223RP expansion units for a total of 108 drive bays, making room for over 1.9 petabytes on a single system—9 times the original capacity. With a throughput of over 6,500/4,000 MB/s sequential read/write, SA6400 ensures smooth operations even in the most demanding scenarios, including enterprise data centers, large production studios, and applications in the retail or hospitality sectors. Performance can be further boosted to accommodate more streams or tackle specialized applications by upgrading the built-in 10 GbE networking to 25 or even 40 GbE.
Apple Introduces the New HomePod with Breakthrough Sound and Intelligence
pple today announced HomePod (2nd generation), a powerful smart speaker that delivers next-level acoustics in a gorgeous, iconic design. Packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence, HomePod offers advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. With convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home, users can now create smart home automations using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check temperature and humidity in a room—all hands-free.
The new HomePod is available to order online and in the Apple Store app starting today, with availability beginning Friday, February 3. "Leveraging our audio expertise and innovations, the new HomePod delivers rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With the popularity of HomePod mini, we've seen growing interest in even more powerful acoustics achievable in a larger HomePod. We're thrilled to bring the next generation of HomePod to customers around the world."
The new HomePod is available to order online and in the Apple Store app starting today, with availability beginning Friday, February 3. "Leveraging our audio expertise and innovations, the new HomePod delivers rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With the popularity of HomePod mini, we've seen growing interest in even more powerful acoustics achievable in a larger HomePod. We're thrilled to bring the next generation of HomePod to customers around the world."
LG's Newest UltraGear Gaming Monitor Named Official Display of LEC 2023
LG Electronics' (LG) latest UltraGear gaming monitor (model 25GR75FG) has been named the official display of the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) 2023. The new monitor will make its debut during the upcoming LEC season, which begins this weekend, supporting players from the region's top teams as they battle it out for tournament honors. LG UltraGear is proud to continue its strong partnership with LEC, one of the world's most popular esports leagues, and remains committed to fostering the growth of esports internationally.
Designed for competitive esports, the latest LG UltraGear gaming monitor delivers outstanding picture quality and speed thanks to a 24.5-inch Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS display with a 360 Hz refresh rate and 1 millisecond Gray-to-Gray (GTG) response time. The performance of LG's new gaming display is further boosted by the integration of NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, which minimizes screen-tearing for seamless visuals, and NVIDIA Reflex, which helps to reduce click-to-display latency for more precise control of the onscreen action. VESA Display HDR 400 certified, the 25GR75FG also ensures bright, clear images and has a 3-sided borderless design that helps increase players' sense of immersion, making it easier to focus during fierce competition.
Designed for competitive esports, the latest LG UltraGear gaming monitor delivers outstanding picture quality and speed thanks to a 24.5-inch Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS display with a 360 Hz refresh rate and 1 millisecond Gray-to-Gray (GTG) response time. The performance of LG's new gaming display is further boosted by the integration of NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, which minimizes screen-tearing for seamless visuals, and NVIDIA Reflex, which helps to reduce click-to-display latency for more precise control of the onscreen action. VESA Display HDR 400 certified, the 25GR75FG also ensures bright, clear images and has a 3-sided borderless design that helps increase players' sense of immersion, making it easier to focus during fierce competition.
ASUS Announces All-New ExpertCenter Tower Desktops for 2023
ASUS today announced the latest additions to its business-friendly range of ExpertCenter desktop PCs—the all-new ExpertCenter D5 Tower (D500TE) and ExpertCenter D7 Tower (D700TE) models.
Powered by up to the latest 13th Generation Intel Core i9 processor and professional-grade NVIDIA graphics, these new ExpertCenter desktops benefit from a voluminous 27-liter case for maximum expandability. Embracing the ExpertCenter ethos, the new models are meticulously engineered to deliver professional performance, easy maintenance, enterprise-grade security and manageability. They're also built to and tested to military-grade standards of strength and resilience. Sustainability and efficiency are also cornerstones of the ExpertCenter design, from manufacturing and packaging to daily use—achieving multiple certifications for their environmental consideration.
Powered by up to the latest 13th Generation Intel Core i9 processor and professional-grade NVIDIA graphics, these new ExpertCenter desktops benefit from a voluminous 27-liter case for maximum expandability. Embracing the ExpertCenter ethos, the new models are meticulously engineered to deliver professional performance, easy maintenance, enterprise-grade security and manageability. They're also built to and tested to military-grade standards of strength and resilience. Sustainability and efficiency are also cornerstones of the ExpertCenter design, from manufacturing and packaging to daily use—achieving multiple certifications for their environmental consideration.
ASUS IoT Announces the PE3000G with Discrete GPU Support via MXM Module
SUS IoT, the global AIoT solution provider, today announced PE3000G—the industry's first edge AI system to support Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) GPUs from both NVIDIA and Intel. Specifically, the all-new industrial PC works seamlessly with NVIDIA Ampere/Turing or Intel Arc A-series MXM GPUs. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core processor and up to 64 GB of DDR5 4800 MHz memory, and combining a proven power design, guaranteed and fanless thermal performance, and superior physical and mechanical ruggedness, PE3000G brings unprecedented longevity, computing power, flexibility and reliability to AI computing at the edge—making it an ideal option for scenarios where resilience, longevity and both CPU and GPU scalability are paramount.
"PE3000G is ASUS IoT's response to the burgeoning demand for accelerating AI inference and extreme deployment in industrial settings," commented KuoWei Chao, General Manager of the ASUS IoT business unit. "With robust power, thermal and mechanical design, it pushes versatile edge-AI-inference applications to business-critical applications. PE3000G is an ideal fit to accelerate edge AI inference in SWaP-constrained applications, such as machine vision in factory automation, outdoor surveillance system and AI-inference systems for autonomous vehicles."
"PE3000G is ASUS IoT's response to the burgeoning demand for accelerating AI inference and extreme deployment in industrial settings," commented KuoWei Chao, General Manager of the ASUS IoT business unit. "With robust power, thermal and mechanical design, it pushes versatile edge-AI-inference applications to business-critical applications. PE3000G is an ideal fit to accelerate edge AI inference in SWaP-constrained applications, such as machine vision in factory automation, outdoor surveillance system and AI-inference systems for autonomous vehicles."
Intel Reincarnates VROC Functionality for Xeon Processors
Intel's Xeon processors feature a wide range of embedded functionalities that the company has developed over the years. One such is the Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) that enabled the functionality of an NVMe RAID card on the CPU, simplifying the installation, cost, and maintenance of high-performance storage arrays. Debuting in 2017, it is present in some consumer-facing Core models and Xeon Scalable platforms where it sees the highest usage. However, on January 6, Intel posted a product change notice that notified the users that the VROC function would be discontinued, with the last orders being placed on January 23 and the last shipping with VROC being made on March 31. This caused confusion, especially in the enterprise sector, which utilizes Intel Xeon processors for their workloads and storage arrays.
Tom's Hardware has reached out to Intel for clarification and got the following statement:
Tom's Hardware has reached out to Intel for clarification and got the following statement:
Intel SpokespersonThe PCN [Product Change Notice] was prematurely posted while the decision was under evaluation. After discussing with the ecosystem and customers we realize there is significant demand for this product and intend to continue to support it.
Microsoft to Reduce its Workforce by 5%, Almost 11,000 Jobs Impacted
Amidst the global economic downturns, Microsoft is reportedly joining other tech giants in reducing the amount of the company's working staff. According to Sky News, citing its sources, Microsoft will lay off as many as 5% of its workers. The company's massive team of over 220,000 employees will affect a large group estimated to be close to 11,000 people. In addition, Sky News' Wall Street Analyst source suggests that the people familiar with the matter would not be surprised if the reported figure is higher. If finalized, the decision is expected to be made official by Microsoft's chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, on January 24.
The company's current market capitalization is $1.79 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies. However, more than the investment in expanding Azure cloud services is needed to offset the stagnating consumer segment where Microsoft dominates with its Windows and Office services, so the company is forced to cut a part of its workforce. We don't have exact details on which segment is getting the highest deduction in staff; however, we expect to hear more at the company's Q4 2022 results call on January 24.
The company's current market capitalization is $1.79 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies. However, more than the investment in expanding Azure cloud services is needed to offset the stagnating consumer segment where Microsoft dominates with its Windows and Office services, so the company is forced to cut a part of its workforce. We don't have exact details on which segment is getting the highest deduction in staff; however, we expect to hear more at the company's Q4 2022 results call on January 24.
GALAX GeForce RTX 4070 (non-Ti) Graphics Cards Pictured
Marketing pictures of two custom-design GeForce RTX 4070 "Ada" (non-Ti) graphics card models by GALAX, were leaked to the web. The more simple-looking of the two is very likely the GALAX RTX 4070 EX Gamer White; while the other more flashy of the two, could be the GALAX RTX 4070 SG White. What's interesting is that both cards are triple-slot, including with their I/O brackets, for what is supposed to be a mid performance-segment product positioned below the recently launched RTX 4070 Ti.
Rumored specifications of the RTX 4070 (non-Ti) have it, that the SKU is based on the same 4 nm "AD104" silicon as the RTX 4070 Ti, albeit significantly cut-down, with only 46 out of 60 streaming multiprocessors (SM) on the silicon being enabled (that's 76% of the available SIMD machinery). This works out to 5,888 CUDA cores, 46 RT cores, and 184 Tensor cores. The card might get the same 12 GB memory size, across the 192-bit GDDR6X memory bus of the AD104, with the same 21 Gbps memory speed, working out to 504 GB/s bandwidth. One reason why GALAX's cards look this buff could have to do with NVIDIA's partners reusing their RTX 4070 Ti board designs for their premium RTX 4070 cards.
Rumored specifications of the RTX 4070 (non-Ti) have it, that the SKU is based on the same 4 nm "AD104" silicon as the RTX 4070 Ti, albeit significantly cut-down, with only 46 out of 60 streaming multiprocessors (SM) on the silicon being enabled (that's 76% of the available SIMD machinery). This works out to 5,888 CUDA cores, 46 RT cores, and 184 Tensor cores. The card might get the same 12 GB memory size, across the 192-bit GDDR6X memory bus of the AD104, with the same 21 Gbps memory speed, working out to 504 GB/s bandwidth. One reason why GALAX's cards look this buff could have to do with NVIDIA's partners reusing their RTX 4070 Ti board designs for their premium RTX 4070 cards.
HiCookie and GIGABYTE Achieve DDR5-11316 Memory OC
Professional overclocker HiCookie and GIGABYTE partnered to smash the memory overclocking record out of the park, with a jaw-dropping DDR5-11316 memory OC (5567.5 MHz memory clock). This memory OC record was achieved in a single-channel (single module) configuration, on a GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Tachyon motherboard that has a 1DPC (one DIMM per channel) memory slot topology; while the processor in charge was a Core i9-13900K. A single 16 GB GIGABYTE AORUS DDR5 memory module was used, and the DDR5-11316 speed was achieved at timings of 64-127-127-127-127, with 2T command-rate; although the DRAM voltage remains unknown. The CPUID validation can be found here, and the HWBOT listing here.
Logitech Brio 300 Series Webcams Affordably Enhance Video Experiences
Today, Logitech unveiled its Brio 300 series, a line of compact, plug-and-play webcams with Full-HD 1080p resolution, auto light correction and a noise-reducing mic, for more natural and productive video call experiences at an attractive price. "We surveyed more than 3,000 remote workers and found that most non-webcam users struggle with poor lighting conditions, unflattering camera angles, and low-quality sound from their laptop speakers. Brio 300 series webcams are perfect for those who want to make the easy but substantial jump to significantly improve their video meeting experiences with an external webcam," said Scott Wharton, general manager of Logitech B2B. "And for companies who need to provide certified, simple-to-use webcams to employees' home or office workstations, Brio 305 is that budget-friendly option."
The Brio 300 series (Brio 300 and Brio 305) are Full-HD 1080p webcams with high dynamic contrast, auto light correction, and a single digital microphone with noise reduction, so users are seen and heard clearly despite poor lighting and background noise. With a reliable meeting experience every time, users can join video calls feeling confident and engaged. The webcams connect to computers through a USB-C port, making it simple to join video meetings. Afterward, a quick spin of the built-in privacy shutter gives users assurance the camera lens is blocked and no longer showing their workspace.
The Brio 300 series (Brio 300 and Brio 305) are Full-HD 1080p webcams with high dynamic contrast, auto light correction, and a single digital microphone with noise reduction, so users are seen and heard clearly despite poor lighting and background noise. With a reliable meeting experience every time, users can join video calls feeling confident and engaged. The webcams connect to computers through a USB-C port, making it simple to join video meetings. Afterward, a quick spin of the built-in privacy shutter gives users assurance the camera lens is blocked and no longer showing their workspace.
Fractal Ridge Case PCIe Riser Has Trouble Running in PCIe Gen 4 Mode, Company Outs Workaround
The Fractal Design Ridge SFF tower-type case won critical praise including from us, for its unique design, well-planned interiors, and room for even triple-slot graphics cards with a little adjustments. The case relies on a PCIe riser cable to maintain its SFF form, since the graphics card has to be oriented vertically. The riser included with the case meets PCI-Express 4.0 standards, but end-users started experiencing problems running their latest-generation PCIe Gen 4 graphics cards with this case, with the problem being localized to the riser cable. Fractal investigated this issue, and confirmed the issue.
Apparently, the PCIe riser included with the Fractal Ridge, while rated for PCIe Gen 4, has a design flaw that affects signal integrity. The riser is found to be only stable with PCIe Gen 3 or lower. The company is recommending a workaround for end-users while it works on a solution: to confine PCIe to Gen 3 mode using the motherboard's UEFI setup program (BIOS setup program), in which you can restrict the x16 PEG slot to Gen 3 mode. "We are developing a solution to enable full PCIe 4.0 compatibility, but until that is ready, we will update our listings to reflect that only PCIe 3.0 compatibility is guaranteed," the company said in a statement.
Apparently, the PCIe riser included with the Fractal Ridge, while rated for PCIe Gen 4, has a design flaw that affects signal integrity. The riser is found to be only stable with PCIe Gen 3 or lower. The company is recommending a workaround for end-users while it works on a solution: to confine PCIe to Gen 3 mode using the motherboard's UEFI setup program (BIOS setup program), in which you can restrict the x16 PEG slot to Gen 3 mode. "We are developing a solution to enable full PCIe 4.0 compatibility, but until that is ready, we will update our listings to reflect that only PCIe 3.0 compatibility is guaranteed," the company said in a statement.
AAEON Unveils UP Xtreme i12 Edge AI Desktop
AAEON, a leading manufacturer of AI development solutions, announces the UP Xtreme i12 Edge, its latest addition to the UP product series. The UP Xtreme i12 Edge makes substantial upgrades on its predecessor with the power-efficient multicore architecture of 12th Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3/Celeron Processors (formerly Alder Lake-P), onboard LPDDR5, and AI module support all contributing to its potential as a system suited to industrial, healthcare, and transport applications.
Providing exceptional expansion options, the UP Xtreme i12 Edge has four M.2 Keys for Wi-Fi 6, 5G, AI and PCIe 4.0 storage module support. With such options, users are able to bring edge AI computing capabilities to a wider variety of markets. Further, the UP Xtreme i12 Edge supports Intel Iris Xe graphics, Intel DL Boost, and the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO Toolkit, boosting GPU image classification inferencing performance by up to 2.81 times that of the previous generation.
Providing exceptional expansion options, the UP Xtreme i12 Edge has four M.2 Keys for Wi-Fi 6, 5G, AI and PCIe 4.0 storage module support. With such options, users are able to bring edge AI computing capabilities to a wider variety of markets. Further, the UP Xtreme i12 Edge supports Intel Iris Xe graphics, Intel DL Boost, and the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO Toolkit, boosting GPU image classification inferencing performance by up to 2.81 times that of the previous generation.
TerraMaster Announces TNAS Mobile 3 for Remote Storage Management
TerraMaster, a professional brand that specializes in providing innovative storage products for home, businesses and enterprises, announces the TNAS Mobile 3, a dedicated mobile client developed by TerraMaster for remote storage management for TNAS devices running on TOS 5 operating system. TNAS Mobile 3 features a redesigned user interface for better navigation. The app also comes with new functions including phone backup, photo management, personal folder, team folder, coffer, remote administrator, and others.
Tuesday, January 17th 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Headphones
Keyboards
Memory
Motherboards
Speakers
SSD
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Review
After the Viper V2 Pro, Razer also gives their DeathAdder a complete makeover. Aside from Razer's latest Focus Pro sensor capable of 30,000 CPI, up to 90 hours of battery life, and a lower weight of just 62 g, the DeathAdder V3 Pro also comes with an updated and refined shape, coupled with 4000 Hz HyperPolling compatibility.
Neo Forza TRINITY DDR5-6000 CL40 2x 32 GB Review
Neo Forza is back with DDR5 and debut the new Trinity series. The 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) Trinity Black memory kit reviewed today is high-capacity aimed at content creators and streamers alike. Follow along as we dive into this review and see what Neo Forza has to offer!
Apple Introduces new Mac mini with M2 Processors
Apple today unveiled the new Mac mini, supercharged by M2 and the all-new M2 Pro. With the M2 chip, Mac mini is even more powerful, capable, and affordable with a new starting price of just $599. The new M2 Pro chip delivers pro-level performance to Mac mini for the first time, enabling users to run high-performance workflows that were previously unimaginable in such a compact design. Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro delivers faster performance, even more unified memory, and advanced connectivity, including support for up to two displays on the M2 model, and up to three displays on the M2 Pro model. Paired with Studio Display and Magic accessories, along with the power and ease of macOS Ventura, Mac mini provides a phenomenal desktop experience that will take users' productivity and creativity to the next level. Customers can order the new Mac mini models today, with availability beginning Tuesday, January 24.
"With incredible capabilities and a wide array of connectivity in its compact design, Mac mini is used in so many places, in so many different ways. Today, we're excited to take it even further with M2 and M2 Pro," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Bringing even more performance and a lower starting price, Mac mini with M2 is a tremendous value. And for users who need powerful pro performance, Mac mini with M2 Pro is unlike any other desktop in its class."
"With incredible capabilities and a wide array of connectivity in its compact design, Mac mini is used in so many places, in so many different ways. Today, we're excited to take it even further with M2 and M2 Pro," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Bringing even more performance and a lower starting price, Mac mini with M2 is a tremendous value. And for users who need powerful pro performance, Mac mini with M2 Pro is unlike any other desktop in its class."
Next-Generation Dell PowerEdge Servers Deliver Advanced Performance and Energy Efficient Design
Dell Technologies expands the industry's top selling server portfolio, with an additional 13 next-generation Dell PowerEdge servers, designed to accelerate performance and reliability for powerful computing across core data centers, large-scale public clouds and edge locations. Next-generation rack, tower and multi-node PowerEdge servers, with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, include Dell software and engineering advancements, such as a new Smart Flow design, to improve energy and cost efficiency. Expanded Dell APEX capabilities will help organizations take an as-a-Service approach, allowing for more effective IT operations that make the most of compute resources while minimizing risk.
"Customers come to Dell for easily managed yet sophisticated and efficient servers with advanced capabilities to power their business-critical workloads," said Jeff Boudreau, president and general manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. "Our next-generation Dell PowerEdge servers offer unmatched innovation that raises the bar in power efficiency, performance and reliability while simplifying how customers can implement a Zero Trust approach for greater security throughout their IT environments."
"Customers come to Dell for easily managed yet sophisticated and efficient servers with advanced capabilities to power their business-critical workloads," said Jeff Boudreau, president and general manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. "Our next-generation Dell PowerEdge servers offer unmatched innovation that raises the bar in power efficiency, performance and reliability while simplifying how customers can implement a Zero Trust approach for greater security throughout their IT environments."
ViewSonic Revolutionizes Video Conferencing with Its New Webcam Docking Monitors
ViewSonic Corp, a leading global provider of visual solutions, announces the launch of the VG56V Series, a collection of premium webcam-docking monitors that elevates the video conferencing experience. Crafted to be versatile and functional for the home and office, the VG2456V and VG2756V-2K displays deliver next-level video conferencing capabilities with a pop-up webcam that features built-in LED fill lights and a two-way AI noise reduction function for both input and output audios.
"As more of us move towards a hybrid mode of working and collaborating across different regions, online video conferences will increasingly become more universal for working professionals. That's why we focused on designing our latest VG56V series with cutting-edge video conferencing features," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "With an intuitive design and simple set-up, these user-centric monitors are the perfect tool to escalate the video conferencing experience."
"As more of us move towards a hybrid mode of working and collaborating across different regions, online video conferences will increasingly become more universal for working professionals. That's why we focused on designing our latest VG56V series with cutting-edge video conferencing features," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "With an intuitive design and simple set-up, these user-centric monitors are the perfect tool to escalate the video conferencing experience."
ASUS Announces Vivobook S 16 Flip OLED
ASUS today announced Vivobook S 16 Flip OLED (TP3604), a convertible 16-inch laptop that's just 19.6 mm slim and 1.9 kg light. It's designed to give users the 360° of freedom they need to explore all the possibilities. Available in stylish Midnight Black or Cool Silver, this exciting laptop is built to be tough, undergoing the world's strictest US military-grade durability testing regime, and features the formidable power of the latest 13th Gen Intel Core H-series processors and a long-lasting 70 Wh battery.
Users can treat their eyes to the gorgeous visuals on the 3.2K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge touchscreen with its Corning Gorilla Glass NBT scratch-resistant covering, and capture all their greatest ideas using the optional ASUS Pen 2.0, an MPP 2.0 stylus with 4096 pressure levels. Built with hygiene in mind, ASUS Vivobook S 16 Flip OLED uses ASUS Antimicrobial Guard Plus to inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria by up to 99% on frequently-touched surfaces. Its environmental credentials are solid, too: it uses 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in its construction, and is shipped in 100% recyclable packaging.
Users can treat their eyes to the gorgeous visuals on the 3.2K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge touchscreen with its Corning Gorilla Glass NBT scratch-resistant covering, and capture all their greatest ideas using the optional ASUS Pen 2.0, an MPP 2.0 stylus with 4096 pressure levels. Built with hygiene in mind, ASUS Vivobook S 16 Flip OLED uses ASUS Antimicrobial Guard Plus to inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria by up to 99% on frequently-touched surfaces. Its environmental credentials are solid, too: it uses 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in its construction, and is shipped in 100% recyclable packaging.
Apple Unveils MacBook Pro Laptops with M2 Pro and M2 Max Processors
Apple today announced the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring M2 Pro and M2 Max, Apple's next-generation pro silicon that brings even more power-efficient performance and battery life to pro users. With M2 Pro and M2 Max—the world's most powerful and efficient chip for a pro laptop—MacBook Pro tackles demanding tasks, like effects rendering, which is up to 6x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro, and color grading, which is up to 2x faster. Building on the unprecedented power efficiency of Apple silicon, battery life on MacBook Pro is now up to 22 hours—the longest battery life ever in a Mac. For enhanced connectivity, the new MacBook Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is up to twice as fast as the previous generation, as well as advanced HDMI, which supports 8K displays for the first time. With up to 96 GB of unified memory in the M2 Max model, creators can work on scenes so large that PC laptops can't even run them. Rounding out the unrivaled features of MacBook Pro are its renowned Liquid Retina XDR display, extensive array of connectivity, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, six-speaker sound system, and studio-quality mics. When combined with macOS Ventura, the MacBook Pro user experience is unrivaled. Customers can order the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro today, with availability beginning Tuesday, January 24.
Apple Unveils M2 Pro and M2 Max: Next-generation chips for Next-level Workflows
Apple today announced M2 Pro and M2 Max, two next-generation SoCs (systems on a chip) that take the breakthrough power-efficient performance of Apple silicon to new heights. M2 Pro scales up the architecture of M2 to deliver an up to 12-core CPU and up to 19-core GPU, together with up to 32 GB of fast unified memory. M2 Max builds on the capabilities of M2 Pro, including an up to 38-core GPU, double the unified memory bandwidth, and up to 96 GB of unified memory. Its industry-leading performance per watt makes it the world's most powerful and power-efficient chip for a pro laptop. Both chips also feature enhanced custom technologies, including a faster 16-core Neural Engine and Apple's powerful media engine. M2 Pro brings pro performance to Mac mini for the first time, while M2 Pro and M2 Max take the game-changing performance and capabilities of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro even further.
"Only Apple is building SoCs like M2 Pro and M2 Max. They deliver incredible pro performance along with industry-leading power efficiency," said Johny Srouji, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. "With an even more powerful CPU and GPU, support for a larger unified memory system, and an advanced media engine, M2 Pro and M2 Max represent astonishing advancements in Apple silicon."
"Only Apple is building SoCs like M2 Pro and M2 Max. They deliver incredible pro performance along with industry-leading power efficiency," said Johny Srouji, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. "With an even more powerful CPU and GPU, support for a larger unified memory system, and an advanced media engine, M2 Pro and M2 Max represent astonishing advancements in Apple silicon."
CORSAIR Launches TC100 RELAXED Gaming Chair
CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced the newest addition to its growing lineup of gaming chairs. Debuting the new RELAXED Series, the CORSAIR TC100 RELAXED offers wider seating and ergonomic contact points for the support you need to sit in comfort for hours, available in either soft fabric or plush leatherette exterior with a stylish racing-inspired design.
The TC100 RELAXED's wide bolstering provides a roomy seat with a comfortable width of 375 mm and full-body support whether you lean forward in the heat of battle or recline after the victory. Regardless of your choice between fabric and leatherette exteriors, a detachable high-density foam lumbar pillow and memory foam neck pillow are included to help you maintain a healthy posture while gaming.
The TC100 RELAXED's wide bolstering provides a roomy seat with a comfortable width of 375 mm and full-body support whether you lean forward in the heat of battle or recline after the victory. Regardless of your choice between fabric and leatherette exteriors, a detachable high-density foam lumbar pillow and memory foam neck pillow are included to help you maintain a healthy posture while gaming.
BIOSTAR Outs the B760M-SILVER Motherboard
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, is delighted to announce the brand new B760M-SILVER motherboard. Constructed around the INTEL LGA1700 socket, which supports 12th / 13th Generation Intel Core processors, the B760M-SILVER carries BIOSTAR's RACING pedigree, with visual flair and innovative features strategically picked to enhance the user's overall experience.
The B760M-SILVER features the MicroATX form factor, which makes it ideal for space and cost-conscious applications, coupled with the BIOSTAR-certified 10+1+1 Phase / 70 A power delivery solution great for gaming and entertainment builds. It comes further equipped with BIOSTAR's DIGITAL PWM technology, which provides exceptionally precise power delivery across all its components.
The B760M-SILVER features the MicroATX form factor, which makes it ideal for space and cost-conscious applications, coupled with the BIOSTAR-certified 10+1+1 Phase / 70 A power delivery solution great for gaming and entertainment builds. It comes further equipped with BIOSTAR's DIGITAL PWM technology, which provides exceptionally precise power delivery across all its components.
GELID Intros the Nexus Premium Headset Stand
Tech innovator GELID Solutions uncovers the new NEXUS Premium Headset Holder as a product of GELID Solutions product line. The new Premium Headset Holder includes a flexible design. The hook holder is attached to a rotatable arm that can easily move 360° in, out, left and right according to your needs. The two clip cable organizers are integrated to hold cables in place, preventing them from dragging to the ground and keep your desk organized. The stand comes with five expansion ports. Three USB ports for high-speed data transfer and charging, one TF and one SD expansion port to facilitate your audio enjoyment.
NEXUS can be attached to desks up to 42 mm thickness and as narrow as 10 mm for a near universal fit on most desks. The spring clamp is easy to remove and reattach with its non-slip silicone pad. The detachable design makes it easy to clean and install. GELID Solutions hands a 1 year warranty.
NEXUS can be attached to desks up to 42 mm thickness and as narrow as 10 mm for a near universal fit on most desks. The spring clamp is easy to remove and reattach with its non-slip silicone pad. The detachable design makes it easy to clean and install. GELID Solutions hands a 1 year warranty.
Notebook Shipments for 1Q23 Are Projected Reach 10-Year Low for First-Quarter Result, Says TrendForce
Due to the various major events that affected the global economy and politics, the overall demand for consumer electronics made a sharp downward turn in 2022, and global shipments of notebook (laptop) computers began to fall over the quarters. TrendForce's latest analysis finds that global shipments of notebook computers (from ODMs) reached just around 186 million units for 2022, showing a YoY drop of 24.5%. As for 2023, the outlook on the performance of the notebook computer market remains uncertain at this moment. TrendForce expects the YoY decline to moderate to about 7.8%, but shipments are projected to total only 171 million units.
Because market demand was anemic in 4Q22, promotional activities related to the traditional year-end peak season did not generate a lot of sales momentum. Looking at regional markets, notebook brands (PC OEMs) slashed prices in the US and China, but their sales results still did not meet expectations. This development was mainly attributed to factors such as high inflation suppressing consumers' disposable income. Since the sales results for 4Q22 were lackluster, efforts to get rid of the existing stockpile of whole devices might continue through 2Q23. Furthermore, order placements from channels are going to be much more restrained.
Because market demand was anemic in 4Q22, promotional activities related to the traditional year-end peak season did not generate a lot of sales momentum. Looking at regional markets, notebook brands (PC OEMs) slashed prices in the US and China, but their sales results still did not meet expectations. This development was mainly attributed to factors such as high inflation suppressing consumers' disposable income. Since the sales results for 4Q22 were lackluster, efforts to get rid of the existing stockpile of whole devices might continue through 2Q23. Furthermore, order placements from channels are going to be much more restrained.
Alphacool Released Water Blocks for Radeon RX 7900 series and RTX 4080
Even more performance for RTX 4080 Suprim/Strix and RX 7900XT (X) GPUs! Alphacool presents new and innovative solutions for active water cooling of NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4080 as well as AMD Radeon RX 7900XT (X) graphics cards with the Eisblock Aurora coolers.
In order to dissipate the enormous waste heat of the new graphics card generations in the best possible way, numerous optimizations were implemented on the water cooler compared to the previous models of these coolers. The fin structure has been modified and allows an optimal water flow while increasing the cooling surface. The modified jet plate with improved inflow engine ensures the best possible distribution of water on the cooling fins. The fully chrome-plated copper base is resistant to acids, scratches and damage. In addition, the chrome plating provides homogeneity and shine that cannot be achieved by nickel plating.
In order to dissipate the enormous waste heat of the new graphics card generations in the best possible way, numerous optimizations were implemented on the water cooler compared to the previous models of these coolers. The fin structure has been modified and allows an optimal water flow while increasing the cooling surface. The modified jet plate with improved inflow engine ensures the best possible distribution of water on the cooling fins. The fully chrome-plated copper base is resistant to acids, scratches and damage. In addition, the chrome plating provides homogeneity and shine that cannot be achieved by nickel plating.
Antec Rolls Out P20C and P20CE Mid-tower Cases
With a massive mesh front and metal panel design and flexible configuration options, Antec Inc. presents the latest two additions to the Antec Performance Series: the P20C (with glass side panel) and the P20CE (with sound-dampening side panel). Both versions are now commercially available from 124,99€ (suggested retail price including VAT).
The P20C / P20CE allows limitless possibilities for building a show case. The new flagship is ready to provide users with a more flexible layout as it features seven reusable PCI-E slots for vertical GPU installation. By supporting dual CPU motherboards with a width of up to 330 mm, the P20C / P20CE is the evolution of compatibility. The new chassis adopts a unique metal design, providing a massive airflow. With the full-size dust filter, the case reaches the balance between cooling and easy maintenance. The pin-type metal front panel is effortlessly removable, and the clip-on dust filters make the cleaning process a walk in the park.
The P20C / P20CE allows limitless possibilities for building a show case. The new flagship is ready to provide users with a more flexible layout as it features seven reusable PCI-E slots for vertical GPU installation. By supporting dual CPU motherboards with a width of up to 330 mm, the P20C / P20CE is the evolution of compatibility. The new chassis adopts a unique metal design, providing a massive airflow. With the full-size dust filter, the case reaches the balance between cooling and easy maintenance. The pin-type metal front panel is effortlessly removable, and the clip-on dust filters make the cleaning process a walk in the park.
Intel "Lunar Lake" a Ground-Up Architecture Designed to Dominate the 15W Segment
Intel faces its stiffest long-term challenge not from AMD in the client desktop and server segments, but from the likes of Apple and Qualcomm in the ultraportable notebook SoC market. The company is looking to meet the challenge head-on with not just its current Hybrid architecture-based "Rocket Lake-U" processors, but the upcoming "Meteor Lake" and "Arrow Lake" architectures, which disaggregate the processor into chiplets build on various foundry nodes, including ones that are external to Intel. The move here is to keep Intel ahead of the curve with Moore's Law buckling. The real ace up Intel's sleeves is "Lunar Lake."
Slated for "beyond 2024" (which could mean 2025 or later), "Lunar Lake" is reportedly a fresh ground-up design for not just the SoC, but also the CPU microarchitecture, with a design focus on performance/Watt, and a focus on mobile devices. This, according to a statement to Dr Ian Cutress. Intel has already brought Hybrid CPU cores to the PC, and with Arm partners loading their SoCs with three or more kinds of CPU cores; Intel could possibly give "Lunar Lake" even more [kinds of] Hybrid processing capabilities. Another hint on the direction in which Intel is heading comes from unlikely quarters—"Sapphire Rapids." Intel's latest enterprise processors attempt to overcome the CPU core-count deficit to AMD, by incorporating various on-die accelerators—these are fixed-function hardware that accelerate specific kinds of enterprise workloads. Intel could give us another lick about "Lunar Lake" in its January 26 Q4-2022 Financial Disclosures Day.
Slated for "beyond 2024" (which could mean 2025 or later), "Lunar Lake" is reportedly a fresh ground-up design for not just the SoC, but also the CPU microarchitecture, with a design focus on performance/Watt, and a focus on mobile devices. This, according to a statement to Dr Ian Cutress. Intel has already brought Hybrid CPU cores to the PC, and with Arm partners loading their SoCs with three or more kinds of CPU cores; Intel could possibly give "Lunar Lake" even more [kinds of] Hybrid processing capabilities. Another hint on the direction in which Intel is heading comes from unlikely quarters—"Sapphire Rapids." Intel's latest enterprise processors attempt to overcome the CPU core-count deficit to AMD, by incorporating various on-die accelerators—these are fixed-function hardware that accelerate specific kinds of enterprise workloads. Intel could give us another lick about "Lunar Lake" in its January 26 Q4-2022 Financial Disclosures Day.
Monday, January 16th 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Keyboards
Memory
Motherboards
NAS
Processors
PSUs
CORSAIR AF120 ELITE Fan Review - A Tender Hurricane
CORSAIR has updated its airflow-optimized fan series to include the new AF120 ELITE. It comes in two color options and uses a brand new rotor paired with a low-noise Fluid Dynamic Bearing and a motor that turns off at idle operation, making for a compelling product for your PC DIY cooling needs.
Truthear HOLA IEMs + SHIO Portable DAC/Amplifier Review
Truthear comes back with a 1-2 punch to the rest of the audio industry courtesy its take on the budget IEM space with the impressive $19 HOLA in addition to joining the portable DAC/amp market with the SHIO. The HOLA is a single DD set that is tuned better than many more expensive IEMs and the SHIO reminds me of a popular ~$200 product to where you certainly need to read this entire review!
EK-Quantum Velocity² Water Blocks for LGA1700 get an ILM Replacement (Contact Frame)
EK, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is releasing the EK-Quantum Velocity² ILM Replacement - 1700, a product that replaces the motherboard's Integrated Loading Mechanism (ILM) with a frame that bolsters the structural rigidity of the socket, motherboard, and even the CPU. It is used for cooling 12th and 13th generation Intel Core CPUs with regular EK-Quantum Vector² CPU water blocks, not Direct Die models.
Due to the rectangular and elongated design of these CPUs and the way the stock ILM holds the CPU down, the Intel 12th and 13th-gen CPUs are prone to warping caused by uneven pressure. The new contact frame from EK mitigates this issue as it prevents any warping or bending of the CPU and its surrounding area. This improves the cooling efficiency due to more even pressure applied on the CPU. As a result, the bending is removed and the CPU's center that contains the heat source is no longer concave, enabling improved contact with the cooler.
Due to the rectangular and elongated design of these CPUs and the way the stock ILM holds the CPU down, the Intel 12th and 13th-gen CPUs are prone to warping caused by uneven pressure. The new contact frame from EK mitigates this issue as it prevents any warping or bending of the CPU and its surrounding area. This improves the cooling efficiency due to more even pressure applied on the CPU. As a result, the bending is removed and the CPU's center that contains the heat source is no longer concave, enabling improved contact with the cooler.
MSI Announces GeForce RTX 4090 SUPRIM X Classic—Reuses RTX 30-series SUPRIM X Cooler
MSI quietly rolled out the GeForce RTX 4090 SUPRIM X Classic. Positioned alongside its air-cooled flagship graphics card, the RTX 4090 SUPRIM X, the new SUPRIM X Classic appears to be reusing the older version of MSI's SUPRIM X cooling solution that the company shipped with RTX 30-series "Ampere" graphics cards, such as the RTX 3090 Ti SUPRIM X. The older cooler should capable of handling the thermal loads of the RTX 4090, as it has much lower power-draw than the RTX 3090 Ti. This isn't the only "Classic" graphics card from MSI, with the company planning Radeon RX 7900 series Gaming X Classic graphics cards that reuse the Tri Frozr III cooling solution that the company used with its RX 6900 series Gaming X products. Besides the cooler and product-design there don't appear to be any other difference in specs for the SUPRIM X Classic compared to the RTX 4090 SUPRIM X.
AMD Entry-level A620 Chipset Nears Launch, Promises Motherboards Starting at $125
AMD's entry-level A620 chipset for Socket AM5 motherboards is nearing launch, as manufacturers such as GIGABYTE and ASUS have started regulatory filing their upcoming products with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). These would hopefully bring the starting prices of AM5 motherboards down to the USD $125 figure AMD promised. AMD will sufficiently differentiate A620 from the B650, using specs such as the lack of CPU overclocking capabilities, only a handful PCIe Gen 3 downstream lanes, and the lack of PCIe Gen 5 on both the PEG and CPU-attached M.2 slots (which could at least be limited to Gen 4 if not Gen 3).
While the motherboards themselves may be cheap, the overall platform costs may still end up higher than Intel's H610 or upcoming H710 chipsets; as Socket AM5 lacks DDR4 memory support, and even at the entry-level you'll be forced to buy DDR5. That said, what A620 promises is platform longevity, that the platform will support future processor generations that launch even beyond 2025. AMD dropped a major hint on A620 chipset motherboards availability in its 2023 CES Keynote address, when it pointed to "65 W CPUs and entry-level motherboards" alongside each other. The 65 W Ryzen 7000 series processors are already out, which means A620 should be just around the corner. February 2023 is when AMD looks to launch its high-end Ryzen 7000X3D processors.
While the motherboards themselves may be cheap, the overall platform costs may still end up higher than Intel's H610 or upcoming H710 chipsets; as Socket AM5 lacks DDR4 memory support, and even at the entry-level you'll be forced to buy DDR5. That said, what A620 promises is platform longevity, that the platform will support future processor generations that launch even beyond 2025. AMD dropped a major hint on A620 chipset motherboards availability in its 2023 CES Keynote address, when it pointed to "65 W CPUs and entry-level motherboards" alongside each other. The 65 W Ryzen 7000 series processors are already out, which means A620 should be just around the corner. February 2023 is when AMD looks to launch its high-end Ryzen 7000X3D processors.
QNAP Introduces the Half-width Rackmount QSW-M2106R-2S2T 2.5GbE & 10GbE L2 Web Managed Switch
QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, today released the Half-width Rackmount QSW-M2106R-2S2T 10-port Layer 2 Web managed Switch. Supporting 2.5GbE, 10GbE and practical Layer 2 management functions, the QSW-M2106R-2S2T satisfies high-bandwidth requirements of servers and LAN infrastructure for SMBs. With its half-width design, the QSW-M2106R-2S2T is an ideal networking solution for server rooms in small businesses and organizations.
"Compared with the previous QSW-M2108R-2C, the QNAP QSW-M2106R-2S2T includes two 10GbE SFP+ and two 10GbE RJ45 ports," said Ricky Ho, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the half-width rackmount design also allows IT administrator to make efficient space utilization of server racks and cabinets, fulfilling high-bandwidth applications at a cost-optimized price."
"Compared with the previous QSW-M2108R-2C, the QNAP QSW-M2106R-2S2T includes two 10GbE SFP+ and two 10GbE RJ45 ports," said Ricky Ho, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the half-width rackmount design also allows IT administrator to make efficient space utilization of server racks and cabinets, fulfilling high-bandwidth applications at a cost-optimized price."
UMC Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Results
United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC" or "The Company"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its consolidated operating results for the fourth quarter of 2022. Fourth quarter consolidated revenue was NT$67.84 billion, decreasing 10.0% QoQ from NT$75.39 billion in 3Q22. Compared to a year ago, 4Q22 revenue grew 14.8% YoY from NT$59.10 billion in 4Q21. Consolidated gross margin for 4Q22 was 42.9%. Net income attributable to the shareholders of the parent was NT$19.1 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT$1.54.
Jason Wang, co-president of UMC, said, "In the fourth quarter, due to a significant slowdown across most of our end markets and inventory correction in the semiconductor industry, our wafer shipments fell 14.8% QoQ while overall fab utilization rate dropped to 90%. Average selling price increased slightly during the quarter as a result of our ongoing product mix optimization efforts, moderating the decline in revenue."
Jason Wang, co-president of UMC, said, "In the fourth quarter, due to a significant slowdown across most of our end markets and inventory correction in the semiconductor industry, our wafer shipments fell 14.8% QoQ while overall fab utilization rate dropped to 90%. Average selling price increased slightly during the quarter as a result of our ongoing product mix optimization efforts, moderating the decline in revenue."
Yealink Reveals the BH7X Bluetooth Headsets, the New Standard for Hybrid Work
Yealink, a leading global provider of enterprise communication and collaboration solutions, held an online demo to showcase the brand-new BH7X Series Bluetooth headsets on Jan. 12th, including the Brand-new BH71 mono Bluetooth headset, especially designed for hybrid working, the upgraded BH72 essential Bluetooth headset for daily usage, and the BH76 premium Bluetooth headset, featuring exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) abilities.
During some demonstration, Yealink showed it to the world how the crystal-clear sound quality, sleek design and seamless collaboration with united communication (UC) devices and platforms deliver an intuitive experience for hybrid workers in the post-pandemic era, delivering a reliable performance in day-to-day life, against the challenges of different environments, long-time wearing and multi-device collaboration.
During some demonstration, Yealink showed it to the world how the crystal-clear sound quality, sleek design and seamless collaboration with united communication (UC) devices and platforms deliver an intuitive experience for hybrid workers in the post-pandemic era, delivering a reliable performance in day-to-day life, against the challenges of different environments, long-time wearing and multi-device collaboration.
CAMM to Replace the Decades-old SO-DIMM Laptop Memory, JEDEC and Dell Argue
Laptop memory has been a controversial topic for many years. Its proprietary standard, SO-DIMM, has shown signs of aging as the decades-old JEDEC standard didn't adapt to other expanding capacities and speed trends. Today, JEDEC and Dell think that the future of laptop memory is in the new CAMM standard that both companies are working on. The introduction of CAMM comes from Dell, whose Senior Distinguished Engineer Tom Schnell is working on it. "We have unanimous approval of the 0.5 spec," said Mr. Schnell for PCWorld. One of the problems that SO-DIMM is facing is the capacity and speed issue, where the current DDR5 SO-DIMM memory stops at around 6400 MT/s. CAMM, on the other hand, starts from that speed and works its way up to offer higher capacities as well.
With Dell introducing CAMM in its laptops, it had no intentions of creating a proprietary solution but rather an expandable and upgradable memory platform with various benefits. With JEDEC's involvement in finalizing this, the CAMM standard is slowly on its way to becoming a viable option for different laptop manufacturers. Dell's Tom Schnell didn't reveal what companies are in the process of creating the final specification; however, we know that 32 of them are present, including Apple. If others join, the standard could take over future laptop designs and offer higher speeds and higher capacities, especially in the mobile workstation space where it matters. Below is an example of a CAMM memory module with a patent showing the SO-DIMM (upper left) versus CAMM (lower right) and CAMM's smaller trace path. With smaller tracing, the latency is also going down, so the new standard will bring additional efficiency. Additionally, devices that are based on LPDDR memory could have an upgrade path with the installment of CAMM.
With Dell introducing CAMM in its laptops, it had no intentions of creating a proprietary solution but rather an expandable and upgradable memory platform with various benefits. With JEDEC's involvement in finalizing this, the CAMM standard is slowly on its way to becoming a viable option for different laptop manufacturers. Dell's Tom Schnell didn't reveal what companies are in the process of creating the final specification; however, we know that 32 of them are present, including Apple. If others join, the standard could take over future laptop designs and offer higher speeds and higher capacities, especially in the mobile workstation space where it matters. Below is an example of a CAMM memory module with a patent showing the SO-DIMM (upper left) versus CAMM (lower right) and CAMM's smaller trace path. With smaller tracing, the latency is also going down, so the new standard will bring additional efficiency. Additionally, devices that are based on LPDDR memory could have an upgrade path with the installment of CAMM.
Silicon Power Unveils UD85 Series Gen 4 NVMe SSDs
Silicon Power releases the new UD85, the perfect entry-level, budget-friendly choice for those looking to make the switch to the latest generation of PCIe interface. The UD85 is the perfect introduction to the power of PCIe 4.0. With support for NVMe 1.4 and Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, you'll get uninterrupted productivity via higher performance and lower latency for seamless execution across applications.
The UD85 delivers a fast and smooth experience with read speeds up to 3,600 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It achieves improved sequential read/write and random read/write performance with support for SLC Caching. The UD85 is all about value: it's available in large storage capacities up to 2 TB with an affordable price tag. Get all the space you need for applications, documents, photos, and videos without breaking the bank.
The UD85 delivers a fast and smooth experience with read speeds up to 3,600 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It achieves improved sequential read/write and random read/write performance with support for SLC Caching. The UD85 is all about value: it's available in large storage capacities up to 2 TB with an affordable price tag. Get all the space you need for applications, documents, photos, and videos without breaking the bank.
NVIDIA Updates GeForce RTX 4080 Silicon with AD103-301 SKU
NVIDIA has reportedly begun shipping NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics cards with a newer GPU SKU that changes the requirement for PCB design and is set to lower manufacturing costs. Previously, the company shipped its AD103-300-A1 SKU to power the GeForce RTX 4080 graphics cards. However, the new AD103-301 SKU will power the upcoming RTX 4080 cards that the company plans to ship to its AIBs and possibly use in the reference design. With the new 301 version, the GPU performance and power envelope should not change. What does change is the PCB design requirements, as the new SKU revision possesses a different chip pinout that doesn't correspond to the old design.
HKEPC has reported that GPUs with AD103-301 SKU are shipping, while VideoCardz confirms the AIB update with Gainward also offering updated cards. GALAX offers RTX 4080 models with either AD103-300/301 as well. Additionally, the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti will also see an SKU update, with AD104-250 being replaced by AD104-251. With these new silicon revisions, customers will not see any difference. However, the AIBs and NVIDIA could see a cost reduction to improve margins. HKEPC estimates around $1 BOM cost reduction with the new SKU, which will make a difference in thousands of cards shipped.
HKEPC has reported that GPUs with AD103-301 SKU are shipping, while VideoCardz confirms the AIB update with Gainward also offering updated cards. GALAX offers RTX 4080 models with either AD103-300/301 as well. Additionally, the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti will also see an SKU update, with AD104-250 being replaced by AD104-251. With these new silicon revisions, customers will not see any difference. However, the AIBs and NVIDIA could see a cost reduction to improve margins. HKEPC estimates around $1 BOM cost reduction with the new SKU, which will make a difference in thousands of cards shipped.
Intel and Microsoft Resume Support in Russia
According to multiple reports and sources close to Tom's Hardware, Intel and Microsoft have quietly resumed operations and a basic level of support in Russia. As to comply with sanctions imposed by Europe, the UK, and US, Intel and Microsoft are forbidden to sell any new technology within the state of Russia. This has made Intel and Microsoft block official software downloads. However, Intel has stated that the company is obliged to provide warranty services that are a part of purchasing an Intel product. "Intel continues to comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions in the countries in which it operates. This includes compliance with the sanctions and export controls against Russia and Belarus issued by the US and allied nations. Access to resources that meet driver update needs, such as the Intel Download Center and Intel Download Support Assistant (IDSA), are part of Intel's warranty obligations," said Intel, adding that "There have been no recent changes to our operations."
These changes are not exactly "recent," as reports close to Tom's Hardware have noted that downloads were resumed towards the end of 2022. Izvestia and CNews reported that users could access the Intel download portal without VPN and IP masking. This required finding a download section through Google/Yandex, as the official Intel Russia website is still not officially reachable by Russian IPs.
These changes are not exactly "recent," as reports close to Tom's Hardware have noted that downloads were resumed towards the end of 2022. Izvestia and CNews reported that users could access the Intel download portal without VPN and IP masking. This required finding a download section through Google/Yandex, as the official Intel Russia website is still not officially reachable by Russian IPs.
Sunday, January 15th 2023
This Week in Gaming (Week 3)
Three weeks into the new year and another week without any big game releases, although SEGA/Atlus is about to release updated versions of Persona 3 and 4, which ends up being the most well known game releases this coming week. That said, there are a couple of other potentially interesting games coming out, so check out the full list for more details on those.
WW2 Rebuilder / Monday January 16
It's 1945. It's the end of World War II, the war that left a mark. Now people like you have to leave their hometowns to rebuild their countries. Motivated by different reasons, they get set on the same quest - to repair and renovate places completely destroyed during the war.
WW2 Rebuilder / Monday January 16
It's 1945. It's the end of World War II, the war that left a mark. Now people like you have to leave their hometowns to rebuild their countries. Motivated by different reasons, they get set on the same quest - to repair and renovate places completely destroyed during the war.
Friday, January 13th 2023
Today's Reviews
Cases
CPU Coolers
Headphones
Motherboards
Mouse
Processors
Corsair M65 RGB Ultra Wireless Review
With the M65 RGB Ultra Wireless, Corsair cuts the cord on one of their most popular models. Sporting a durable aluminium frame, Marksman sensor capable of 26,000 CPI, optical switches, weight-tuning system, alleged 2000 Hz wireless polling, and up to 120 hours of battery life using Bluetooth, the M65 is exceptionally rich on features.
Quick Look: iKKO Heimdallr ITB03 Portable DAC/Amplifier
iKKO adds to its portable DAC/amplifier line with the new Heimdallr ITB03 that offers both wired and wireless connectivity on top of 3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm BAL outputs. It also sports an OLED screen with physical buttons to make for a complex but rich menu system with digital filters and operating modes alike.
KeysOff Winter Sale: Get Jaw Dropping Prices on Genuine Software
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ASUS Announces its Latest Vivobook Classic Series
ASUS today announced six of the latest models in its popular Vivobook Classic series of everyday laptops, led by the updated Vivobook 14 OLED (X1405), Vivobook 15 OLED (X1505) and Vivobook 16 (X1605). These are accompanied by new versions of the affordable Vivobook 14 (X1404), Vivobook 15 (X1504) and Vivobook 17 (X1704).
Smooth performance is delivered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core H-series processors with 16 GB RAM and up to a 1 TB SSD. Quiet and efficient cooling is provided by the dual-vented cooling system with an IceBlade fan and up to two heat pipes. The long-lasting up to 50 Wh battery gives users more freedom, and there's up to WiFi 6E for ultrafast connectivity. Other helpful design features include the latest ASUS AI noise-canceling audio technology for crystal-clear communications, and there are bundled productivity-enhancing ASUS apps including GlideX, MyASUS and ScreenXpert.
Smooth performance is delivered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core H-series processors with 16 GB RAM and up to a 1 TB SSD. Quiet and efficient cooling is provided by the dual-vented cooling system with an IceBlade fan and up to two heat pipes. The long-lasting up to 50 Wh battery gives users more freedom, and there's up to WiFi 6E for ultrafast connectivity. Other helpful design features include the latest ASUS AI noise-canceling audio technology for crystal-clear communications, and there are bundled productivity-enhancing ASUS apps including GlideX, MyASUS and ScreenXpert.
XGIMI at the 2023 International CES: RS Pro 2 and MoGo 2 Pro
Home- and portable projectors specialist XGIMI showed off its two bestselling compact short-throw projectors at the 2023 International CES, the RS Pro 2, and the MoGo 2 Pro. The RS Pro 2 is designed for premium home-projection needs, with 2,200 ANSI lumens brightness, a lossless optical zooming mechanism, 4K Ultra HD native resolution, automated keystone adjustments, and smart TV features. The projector is designed for screen-sizes ranging between 30-inch to 300-inch (100-inch recommended by the manufacturer). The projector also integrates a 2.1-channel speaker set designed by Harman-Kardon. On sale now, the RS Pro 2 can be had around the $1,449-mark but it currently just planned for the Asian market. The MoGo 2 Pro is the latest version of XGIMI's award-winning ultraportable projectors. It packs a 350 ANSI Lumens LED light source, and can project Full HD (1920 x 1080) video with autofocus and keystone adjustments, onto a small-medium size screen.
Cooler Master Shows Off Cooling X, a Unique Prebuilt with Whole-body Liquid Cooling
Cooler Master at the 2023 International CES showed off the Cooling X, a patent-pending unique desktop PC architecture by the company where the liquid cooling of the CPU and GPU isn't confined to a couple of closed loop AIOs, but rather a giant liquid-cooling loop that even involves the side-panels of the case itself, that double up as additional heat-dissipation surfaces. Notice how some compact fanless cases use extruded-aluminium body panels that double up as heatsinks, to cool the hot components? The Cooling X re-imagines this, where instead of dissipating heat from a heatpipe, the extruded-aluminium body panels have coolant channels, so some of the heat from the liquid-cooling loop is dissipated. These panels supplement a conventional liquid-cooling radiator that's located along the rear panel, which has active ventilation. The liquid-cooling loop cools the processor and GPU.
For its compact dimensions of just 266 mm x 149 mm x 371 mm (LxWxH), the Cooling X prebuilt packs some mighty high-end hardware—an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16-core processor, and a Radeon RX 6800 XT GPU up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory, two 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSDs, and a homebrew 850 W 80 Plus Gold SFX power supply. For now Cooling X is just a codename, and Cooler Master intends to take this concept forward with high-performance gaming/creator prebuilt desktops sold under its own marquee.
For its compact dimensions of just 266 mm x 149 mm x 371 mm (LxWxH), the Cooling X prebuilt packs some mighty high-end hardware—an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16-core processor, and a Radeon RX 6800 XT GPU up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory, two 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSDs, and a homebrew 850 W 80 Plus Gold SFX power supply. For now Cooling X is just a codename, and Cooler Master intends to take this concept forward with high-performance gaming/creator prebuilt desktops sold under its own marquee.
Cooler Master Keyboards at 2023 CES: MasterKeys MK770 and CK721 in New Colors
Cooler Master introduced several new color schemes of its MasterKeys MK770 and CK721 mechanical gaming keyboards at the 2023 International CES. The MK770 has a unique 99-key layout that retains the Numpad, squeezes the arrow keys between the main QWERTY key-cluster and the Numpad, and relocates the insert/delete/home/end/page-up/page-down cluster. This is essentially a full-size keyboard, but only 38 cm in length (comparable to some TKL keyboards). The MK770 supports three kinds of connectivity—USB (including type-C), wireless over Bluetooth 5.1, or wireless over a low-latency proprietary 2.4 GHz RF.
The MK770 comes with hot-swappable Kailh Box V2 mechanical switches, a gasket mounted construction, PBT doubleshot keycaps with four distinct colors per color-set; and pre-lubed stabilizers for the keycaps. You get individual-key RGB lighting, a multi-function customizable wheel, and a 4000 mAh battery (the company didn't mention battery life on a full charge). In the USB and 2.4 GHz RF mode, the keyboard offers a 1000 Hz interface polling-rate, which drops down to 125 Hz in Bluetooth mode. A 512 KB onboard memory stores lighting and macro data. The four color sets the MK770 are offered in are: cyan+magenta+gray; mint-green+forest green+off-white; an Attack on Titan theme; and Fruity Pebbles theme. The CK721 Sakura Limited Edition is a 65% format mechanical gaming keyboard that uses TTC mechanical switches, PBT doubleshot keycaps, a 3-way digital dial, RGB lighting for each key, and triple interface just like MK770 (USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz RF). A 2,000 mAh battery provides up to 73 hours of use without lighting.
The MK770 comes with hot-swappable Kailh Box V2 mechanical switches, a gasket mounted construction, PBT doubleshot keycaps with four distinct colors per color-set; and pre-lubed stabilizers for the keycaps. You get individual-key RGB lighting, a multi-function customizable wheel, and a 4000 mAh battery (the company didn't mention battery life on a full charge). In the USB and 2.4 GHz RF mode, the keyboard offers a 1000 Hz interface polling-rate, which drops down to 125 Hz in Bluetooth mode. A 512 KB onboard memory stores lighting and macro data. The four color sets the MK770 are offered in are: cyan+magenta+gray; mint-green+forest green+off-white; an Attack on Titan theme; and Fruity Pebbles theme. The CK721 Sakura Limited Edition is a 65% format mechanical gaming keyboard that uses TTC mechanical switches, PBT doubleshot keycaps, a 3-way digital dial, RGB lighting for each key, and triple interface just like MK770 (USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz RF). A 2,000 mAh battery provides up to 73 hours of use without lighting.
Cooler Master New Case Fans at 2023 CES: MasterFan Halo2 and Mobius Series
Cooler Master at the 2023 International CES introduced several new case fans for various use-cases—case ventilation, air-heatsinks, and liquid-cooling radiators. The MasterFan Halo2 is the brightest and most striking of these, and the company is including them with some of their latest Hyper-series CPU coolers. They will be sold in standalone kits, too. The Halo2 gets its name from its two ARGB LED lighting zones—one along the bore of the frame, and the other inside the impeller hub. There are a couple of upgrades of the original MasterFan Halo series from 2020, including enlarged fan blades, a redesigned hybrid frame structure that minimizes frame footprint without sacrificing the fan's axial airflow; and updated motor driver IC. The MF Halo2 comes in 120 mm and 140 mm sizes; and in black- and white color trims. Both sizes feature rifle bearings that are rated for over 160,000 hours of operation.
The MasterFan MF140 Halo2 features up to 1,600 RPM of speed, up to 58.5 CFM airflow, at up to 2.53 mm H₂O static pressure, and up to 27 dBA noise output. The MF120 Halo2 turns at speeds of up to 2,050 RPM, pushing up to 51.88 CFM of airflow, at up to 2.89 mm H₂O static pressure, and up to 27 dBA noise output. The fans take 4-pin PWM for their main function, and 3-pin Gen 2 ARGB for both their lighting zones.
The MasterFan MF140 Halo2 features up to 1,600 RPM of speed, up to 58.5 CFM airflow, at up to 2.53 mm H₂O static pressure, and up to 27 dBA noise output. The MF120 Halo2 turns at speeds of up to 2,050 RPM, pushing up to 51.88 CFM of airflow, at up to 2.89 mm H₂O static pressure, and up to 27 dBA noise output. The fans take 4-pin PWM for their main function, and 3-pin Gen 2 ARGB for both their lighting zones.
Cooler Master MasterLiquid Atmos AIO Liquid CPU Cooler Features User-replaceable Block Covers
At the 2023 International CES, Cooler Master showed off a unique all-in-one liquid closed-loop CPU cooler that features user-replaceable pump-block covers, the MasterLiquid Atmos. The top cover of the pump-block comes off, so you can replace it with something with a different shape or color. Examples of these covers include a frosty-white cover made of recycled plastic resin, or a tinted acrylic diffuser. Underneath is a white silicone diffuser for an ARGB lighting element. The lighting extends to the included Cooler Master Sickleflow ARGB fans.
The MasterLiquid Atmos model shown at CES was the ML360 Atmos, featuring a 360 mm x 120 mm radiator with a trio of Sickleflow ARGB fans. These fans come pre-installed on the radiator, to minimize packaging waste. The ML360 Atmos uses a dual-chamber pump-block, which features CM's Gen 2 ARGB lighting. The company didn't go into the technical details of the fan, but mentioned its top speed to be 2,400 RPM. The MasterLiquid Atmos series comes in two variants, 240 mm and 360 mm. Among the CPU socket types supported are LGA1700, LGA1200, AM5, and AM4.
The MasterLiquid Atmos model shown at CES was the ML360 Atmos, featuring a 360 mm x 120 mm radiator with a trio of Sickleflow ARGB fans. These fans come pre-installed on the radiator, to minimize packaging waste. The ML360 Atmos uses a dual-chamber pump-block, which features CM's Gen 2 ARGB lighting. The company didn't go into the technical details of the fan, but mentioned its top speed to be 2,400 RPM. The MasterLiquid Atmos series comes in two variants, 240 mm and 360 mm. Among the CPU socket types supported are LGA1700, LGA1200, AM5, and AM4.
MINISFORUM HX99G 6900HX + RX 6600M Mini PC Goes on Sale
Minisforum introduced a new variant called HX99G in its Neptune portfolio today. It is an upgraded version of the first member, the HX90G (5900HX processor + RX6600M GPU), which was announced in May 2022 before going up for sale in September 2022. The Neptune HX99G looks practically identical to the HX90G. Measuring 205 x 203 x 69 mm (8.1" x 8" x 2.7"), both models feature 45 watts, 8-cores/16-threads graphics and the same laptop-class discrete GPU. However, it updates the Ryzen 9 5900HX with a faster Ryzen 9 6900HX and replaces the two DP ports with two speedier USB4 ports.
R9 6900HX integrates all eight cores based on the Zen 3+ microarchitecture. It's clocked at 3.3 (guaranteed base clock) to 4.9 GHz (max boost). Ryzen 6000 brings a slew of technological advancements, like support for USB 4, PCI-E Gen 4, DDR5-4800MT/s, WIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The other AMD performance component is the RDNA 2 graphics architecture Radeon RX 6600M (GDDR6 8 GB) with a TDP of up to 100 watts. Users can expect to utilize the full performance of this dedicated GPU to handle professional-class photo and video editing as well as content creation. Also, this GPU packs enough firepower to hit 60 frames per second at 1080p (depending on the specific game and settings).
R9 6900HX integrates all eight cores based on the Zen 3+ microarchitecture. It's clocked at 3.3 (guaranteed base clock) to 4.9 GHz (max boost). Ryzen 6000 brings a slew of technological advancements, like support for USB 4, PCI-E Gen 4, DDR5-4800MT/s, WIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The other AMD performance component is the RDNA 2 graphics architecture Radeon RX 6600M (GDDR6 8 GB) with a TDP of up to 100 watts. Users can expect to utilize the full performance of this dedicated GPU to handle professional-class photo and video editing as well as content creation. Also, this GPU packs enough firepower to hit 60 frames per second at 1080p (depending on the specific game and settings).
NZXT Announces H9 Series ATX Cases, C1200 PSU, and Duo RGB Fan
NZXT, a leader in PC gaming hardware and services, today announces mid-tower ATX cases, the H9 Flow and H9 Elite, the C1200 power supply, and the RGB Duo fans. The H9 Series features two new ATX compatible cases that will be the latest and largest options featured in NZXT's mid-tower lineup; they feature enough room for up to ten fans and direct airflow to cool off the most powerful video cards. The H9 Flow and H9 Elite are flexible to suit any type of build due to their large size, radiator support, and color schemes. For people who want to focus on thermal performance, the H9 Flow is designed to give you optimized cooling thanks to a mesh top panel. The H9 Elite is designed for people who want to build an RGB focused PC with some additional benefits, such as NZXT CAM support and a glass top panel to show off RGB lighting components.
A perforated mesh top panel gives the H9 a greater focus on cooling performance. In addition, the case comes equipped with four 120 mm F Series Quiet Airflow fans to supplement airflow further. With superior airflow, the H9 Flow is the perfect case for people who want to build a system with the latest components with greater cooling requirements. The H9 Elite is an elegant way to accommodate builders who want a large tempered glass enclosure to show off their RGB builds, whether they want to share their setup on social media or their stream. With tempered glass on three sides for an uninterrupted look, a top radiator/fan, and with three included RGB Duo fans with an NZXT RGB and Fan controller V2, it is a perfect case to show off premium components.
A perforated mesh top panel gives the H9 a greater focus on cooling performance. In addition, the case comes equipped with four 120 mm F Series Quiet Airflow fans to supplement airflow further. With superior airflow, the H9 Flow is the perfect case for people who want to build a system with the latest components with greater cooling requirements. The H9 Elite is an elegant way to accommodate builders who want a large tempered glass enclosure to show off their RGB builds, whether they want to share their setup on social media or their stream. With tempered glass on three sides for an uninterrupted look, a top radiator/fan, and with three included RGB Duo fans with an NZXT RGB and Fan controller V2, it is a perfect case to show off premium components.
Cooler Master Power Supplies at 2023 International CES: GX III, V Gold, V SFX Gold, and V SFX Platinum
Cooler Master brought a wealth of new power supplies at the 2023 International CES, to match the anticipated growth in PSU upgrades with the advent of the ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 standards. The GX III series will be the main workhorse for Cooler Master in its gaming-grade modular PSU lineup. Boasting 80 Plus Gold efficiency, the GX III comes in capacities ranging between 550 W and 1250 W, and cram in a half-bridge APFC, DC-to-DC switching, LLC, and a fan which offers zero-RPM mode up to a certain load. The 650 W, 750 W, 850 W, 1050 W, and 1250 W models include a 600 W-rated 12VHPWR connector, while the 550 W model includes a 450 W-rated 12VHPWR. Two EPS (CPU power) connectors are standard across all models. Depending on the model, you get two to six 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors. Cooler Master is backing the GX III series PSUs (along with most other PSU models it's launching at CES), with a 10-year warranty.
The V Gold i series features an interesting brushed-gold design element on the body. These 80 Plus Gold-rated modular PSUs come in 750 W and 850 W models. What sets these apart from the GX III series is their semi-digital control, with the PSUs interfacing with the MasterPlus software over USB, for real-time monitoring and basic control. Both models include one 16-pin 12VHPWR connector capable of 600 W continuous power, two 8-pin EPS, three 6+2 pin PCIe power, twelve SATA power, and a couple of legacy power connectors.
The V Gold i series features an interesting brushed-gold design element on the body. These 80 Plus Gold-rated modular PSUs come in 750 W and 850 W models. What sets these apart from the GX III series is their semi-digital control, with the PSUs interfacing with the MasterPlus software over USB, for real-time monitoring and basic control. Both models include one 16-pin 12VHPWR connector capable of 600 W continuous power, two 8-pin EPS, three 6+2 pin PCIe power, twelve SATA power, and a couple of legacy power connectors.
Thursday, January 12th 2023
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Motherboards
Epomaker EP75 Triple Mode Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review
Today we look at the Epomaker EP75 that features pretty much everything you can expect in a $150 keyboard including unique keycaps and switches, lubed stabilizers and foam dampening, extensive customization options, plenty of RGB lighting, and even hybrid wireless connectivity. The best part? It costs far less than $150!
NETGEAR Orbi RBK863S Tri-Band WiFi 6 Mesh System Review
NETGEAR has updated its popular Orbi WiFi 6 mesh systems with the all-new RBK860 series that gets several new features compared to the previous generation. Today we examine the triple pack RBK863S that uses one router and two satellites to provide excellent and secure performance across a long operating range.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Series Brings the Iconic 212 up to 2023 Standards
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 series over the years has become synonymous with aftermarket CPU cooling, as possibly the most popular custom CPU cooler. The company modernized it over the years with new heatsink and fan technologies, and it's has undergone a major design- and tech overhaul with the new Hyper 212 Halo. It retains the conventional aluminium fin-stack (type-U) design, with four 6 mm-thick copper heatpipes making direct contact with the CPU at the base, conveying heat to an aluminium fin-stack heatsink that's been capped off with a die-cast aluminium top-plate. The included 120 mm Halo fan features rifle-bearings rated for over 160,000 hours, and features two sets of addressable-RGB LEDs—along the bore of the fan-frame, and the impeller hub. The fan turns at speeds ranging between 650 to 2,050 RPM, pushing up to 51.88 CFM of airflow at 2.89 mm H₂O static-pressure, and 27 dBA maximum noise output. As part of its design modernization, the Hyper 212 Halo gets support for the latest Sockets LGA1700 and AM5.
NexiGo Aurora PJ90 is a Unique Ultra Short-Throw Projector for Space-Constrained Environments
NexiGo Aurora PJ90 is one of the few jaw-dropping UST (ultra short-throw) projectors we've come across at the 2023 International CES. This device can project onto a screen as large as 150-inch, from a very short throw distance (think a TV console right underneath the screen), with a very sophisticated automated keystone adjustment mechanism. What you get is a pristine 4K Ultra HD with HDR10 projection at up to 120 Hz refresh-rate, up to 2,500 ANSI lumens brightness, and in-built 60 W (RMS) Dolby Audio 2.1 speakers; along with a fully-fledged Android TV package, and HDMI 2.0 input. If you're in a space-constrained environment like a studio apartment, this is the one to get; however, get ready to fork out USD $2,100.
Audio-Technica Makes a Big Push into the Game Streaming and Competitive Gaming Audio Segments
Known more for its audiophile-grade headphones, Audio-Technica this CES announced a big push into two distinct markets—the creator market led by game streamers; and the competitive gaming market. For creators and game streamers, the company announced variants of its popular headphones such as the ATH-M50x, with attached 10 mm condenser microphones, turning them into streaming-grade headsets, such as the ATH-M50xSTS (analog) and the ATH-M50xSTS-USB (USB). The company also revealed standalone microphones for streaming sets, in the form of the ATR-2100x-USB, the AT2020USB-X. For the podcasting and radio-show communities, the company launched the AT2040 and AT02020, a set of boom armature-suspended high-grade mics.
Gamers are in for a treat, as Audio-Technica is now firmly into the gaming headset territory, with the ATH-G1 (wired analog) and ATH-G1WL (wireless). Both feature 45 mm high-end drivers from the ATH-M40x, a sound-stage that's tuned for a variety of gaming use-cases, weight reductions wherever possible, to improve extended use, and an in-line volume stock. The wireless version comes with buttons on the earcup, uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz RF wireless tech, and its battery offers 15 hours of use on a full charge. The ATH-G1 is priced at $169, and the ATH-G1WL at $249. The ATH-GDL3 is a wired analog headset for console gaming, with similar 45 mm drivers and a gaming soundstage, but is considerably lighter, and priced at $129.
Gamers are in for a treat, as Audio-Technica is now firmly into the gaming headset territory, with the ATH-G1 (wired analog) and ATH-G1WL (wireless). Both feature 45 mm high-end drivers from the ATH-M40x, a sound-stage that's tuned for a variety of gaming use-cases, weight reductions wherever possible, to improve extended use, and an in-line volume stock. The wireless version comes with buttons on the earcup, uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz RF wireless tech, and its battery offers 15 hours of use on a full charge. The ATH-G1 is priced at $169, and the ATH-G1WL at $249. The ATH-GDL3 is a wired analog headset for console gaming, with similar 45 mm drivers and a gaming soundstage, but is considerably lighter, and priced at $129.
Audio-Technica Unveils ATH-WB2022 Flagship Wireless Headphones with Wooden Chambers
Premium personal audio solutions maker Audio-Technica at the 2022 International CES showed off its flagship wireless headphones, the ATH-WB2022. This $2,700 pair of ultra-luxury headphones features wired + wireless dual-use mode, a 9-hour wireless playback ability on a full-charge, and the company's most premium 45 mm drivers. A high-end integrated DAC + OPAMP circuit power the headphones in wireless mode. The ATH-WB2022 is technically a headset, and packs a 10 mm condenser microphone. It's most striking aspect has to be its true-wood chamber design that helps produce more natural sounding notes. Positioned as a 60th Anniversary limited-edition product, the ATH-WB2022 could make it to lifestyle catalogs.
EK Announces Direct Die Cooling for Intel 12th and 13th Gen Core Processors
EK, the premium liquid cooling hardware manufacturer, is launching the Direct Die product series aimed at delidding and achieving the ultimate cooling of the LGA 1700 socket-based Intel CPUs from the 12th generation Alder Lake and 13th gen Raptor Lake families. Kitguru teamed up with EK to investigate the potential benefits of direct die cooling for Intel's Alder Lake CPUs to achieve the best possible thermal performance on a daily basis. After publishing the first video announcing this collaboration, EK was overwhelmed by the response from Kitguru's audience. In order to bring these products to market, EK reached out to Der8auer, a renowned expert in delidding and direct die applications.
EK has prepared a total of four products to start this Direct Die series: two CPU water blocks (one Limited Edition), a delidding tool, and an upgrade kit for existing EK-Quantum Vector² LGA1700 water blocks. So far, these products are aimed at Intel's LGA1700 socket and 12th and 13th-generation Intel Core CPUs. Delidding is the process of removing the integrated heatspreader (IHS) to reduce the distance between the CPU core die and the coldplate of the CPU cooler. Another benefit involves the removal of an entire layer of thermal transfer from the CPU die to the IHS. The delidding process enables a direct heat transfer from the CPU core to the water block. All this results in a significant reduction in overall thermals and less thermal difference between CPU cores. The procedure is typically performed by experienced enthusiasts because it involves a physical modification of the product that voids the CPU warranty. For a more in-depth explanation, please refer to this EK's blog post on delidding.
EK has prepared a total of four products to start this Direct Die series: two CPU water blocks (one Limited Edition), a delidding tool, and an upgrade kit for existing EK-Quantum Vector² LGA1700 water blocks. So far, these products are aimed at Intel's LGA1700 socket and 12th and 13th-generation Intel Core CPUs. Delidding is the process of removing the integrated heatspreader (IHS) to reduce the distance between the CPU core die and the coldplate of the CPU cooler. Another benefit involves the removal of an entire layer of thermal transfer from the CPU die to the IHS. The delidding process enables a direct heat transfer from the CPU core to the water block. All this results in a significant reduction in overall thermals and less thermal difference between CPU cores. The procedure is typically performed by experienced enthusiasts because it involves a physical modification of the product that voids the CPU warranty. For a more in-depth explanation, please refer to this EK's blog post on delidding.
MSI Launches the Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless Gaming Mouse
MSI, a leading global computer brand for gamers, has announced 2 new additions in the lightweight gaming mouse series—Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless and Clutch GM31 Lightweight (wired version). As the successor of the award-winning Clutch GM41 Lightweight Wireless, the Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is a better fit for gamers with small to medium-sized hands. The Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless is packed with a ton of features including state-of-the-art low latency wireless technology, up to 110 hours of battery life, a charging dock, and other various features that provide performance boosts to your gameplay.
Lightweight, Small, yet Ergonomic
Utilizing the same lightweight plastic material as its predecessor, the Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless weighs in at an ultra-light 73 g. This results in rapid yet effortless movement, delivering outstanding gameplay with each move. The small ergonomic chassis makes the mouse a better choice for gamers with small to medium-sized hands and provides excellent comfort in most grip styles. It also features gaming grade 100% pure PTFE mouse skates which have a single-directional surface texture and double-cut edges that make each move faster and more precise.
Lightweight, Small, yet Ergonomic
Utilizing the same lightweight plastic material as its predecessor, the Clutch GM31 Lightweight Wireless weighs in at an ultra-light 73 g. This results in rapid yet effortless movement, delivering outstanding gameplay with each move. The small ergonomic chassis makes the mouse a better choice for gamers with small to medium-sized hands and provides excellent comfort in most grip styles. It also features gaming grade 100% pure PTFE mouse skates which have a single-directional surface texture and double-cut edges that make each move faster and more precise.
Synology Unveils DiskStation DS723+, a Capable Storage Device with a Small Footprint
Synology today announced the new 2-bay Synology DiskStation DS723+, the smallest expandable option in its lineup of all-in-one solutions for home offices and small businesses. Powered by the versatile Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, the DS723+ offers comprehensive solutions to protect and manage business data, easily collaborate on documents, access files remotely, and monitor physical assets, all within a compact desktop format.
"This new unit delivers impressive performance and capability for its size," said Michael Wang, Product Manager at Synology. "With its extremely compact form factor, it will certainly appeal to those that have smaller storage requirements but don't want to give up on the convenience of centralized storage and the possibility to scale in the future."
"This new unit delivers impressive performance and capability for its size," said Michael Wang, Product Manager at Synology. "With its extremely compact form factor, it will certainly appeal to those that have smaller storage requirements but don't want to give up on the convenience of centralized storage and the possibility to scale in the future."
QNAP Introduces TVS-h874 NAS with 12th Gen Intel Core i9 Sixteen-core, i7 Twelve-core Processor and Intel Core Hybrid Technology
QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today launched new high-performance TVS-h874 QuTS hero NAS models that incorporate 12th Gen Intel Core i9 sixteen-core, i7 twelve-core multi-thread processors with Intel Core Hybrid Technology for optimal computing performance and smooth multiple virtual machine (VM) operation. Integrating the reliable ZFS-based operating system, PCIe Gen 4 expandability, M.2 NVMe SSD caching, and 2.5GbE/10GbE connectivity, the TVS-h874 assists businesses in building high-performance storage environments for hosting multiple VM, application servers, and running business data backup/restore applications.
"The new TVS-h874 models adopt Intel Core Hybrid Technology, combining Performance-cores and Efficient-cores," said Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "The Performance Hybrid Architecture intelligently allocates CPU cores to different tasks, thus increasing the performance of the new TVS-h874 models by 3.55 times compared with previous models."
"The new TVS-h874 models adopt Intel Core Hybrid Technology, combining Performance-cores and Efficient-cores," said Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "The Performance Hybrid Architecture intelligently allocates CPU cores to different tasks, thus increasing the performance of the new TVS-h874 models by 3.55 times compared with previous models."
Intel Launches Core i9-13900KS 8P+16E Flagship Processor at $700
Intel today formally launched the Core i9-13900KS "Raptor Lake" flagship desktop processor. At an MSRP of USD $700, the i9-13900KS is positioned a notch above the $590 i9-13900K, which it replaces as the top 13th Gen Core desktop part you can buy. The i9-13900KS features the same 8P+16E core-configuration as the i9-13900K, but at increased clock speeds and power limits. It is the world's first 6 GHz processor, with its maximum boost frequency set at exactly 6.00 GHz, up from 5.80 GHz of the i9-13900K. This is not just a minor +200 MHz speed bump, but backed by increased power-limits, which enable improved multi-threaded boost-frequency spread thanks to the Adaptive Boost Technology carried over from the previous-generation i9-12900KS.
The 8 "Raptor Cove" P-cores of the i9-13900KS are clocked at 3.00 GHz base with up to 6.00 GHz boost, compared to 3.00/5.80 GHz of the i9-13900K, while the E-core frequencies are left untouched at 2.20 GHz base and up to 4.30 GHz boost. The big change here is the processor base power value, which is now set at 150 W, compared to 125 W of the i9-13900K, and while the maximum turbo power value is the same 253 W, Intel has changed the way its power headroom is utilized to support improved boost frequency spread across the P-cores. It seems like Intel hasn't sampled tech publications this processor, and the handful publications that have posted their reviews today using processors sourced from friendly retailers, report increased power-draw, and the need for large aftermarket cooling solutions even at stock frequencies. The i9-13900KS is being offered as an overclocking-friendly chip to those who know what they're doing and can handle extreme cooling solutions.
The 8 "Raptor Cove" P-cores of the i9-13900KS are clocked at 3.00 GHz base with up to 6.00 GHz boost, compared to 3.00/5.80 GHz of the i9-13900K, while the E-core frequencies are left untouched at 2.20 GHz base and up to 4.30 GHz boost. The big change here is the processor base power value, which is now set at 150 W, compared to 125 W of the i9-13900K, and while the maximum turbo power value is the same 253 W, Intel has changed the way its power headroom is utilized to support improved boost frequency spread across the P-cores. It seems like Intel hasn't sampled tech publications this processor, and the handful publications that have posted their reviews today using processors sourced from friendly retailers, report increased power-draw, and the need for large aftermarket cooling solutions even at stock frequencies. The i9-13900KS is being offered as an overclocking-friendly chip to those who know what they're doing and can handle extreme cooling solutions.
Corsair RMx Shift Series PSU Reimagines the Modular PSU
It's scary how nobody else thought of this. Imagine a modular PSU whose connectors are not at its tail end, but one of the sides that usually face right side-panel of your case, vastly minimizing cable clutter. That's the new Corsair RMx Shift series. All of the PSU's modular connections, including a 24-pin ATX, a couple of 4+4 pin EPS, a 16-pin 12VHPWR, six-odd 6+2 pin PCIe power, and a dozen SATA power connections, all wire out from the longer right side panel of the PSU (when oriented with its intake fan facing down). In most "cases," this would open up the connectors right below the motherboard tray, from where you can easily access them, without having to wrestle with them as you would on conventional modular PSUs. The RMx Shift includes new Corsair type-5 modular cables, and we expect these to be right angled, so further minimize cable clutter from having to bend these cables against the side-panel of your case. Pictured below are the RM1200x Shift, a 1200 W model with 80 Plus Gold efficiency, and the shorter RM850x Shift, its 850-Watt sibling.
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 5 Pictured
At the 2023 International CES, Razer unveiled its latest Wolverine V2 Pro wireless controller for PlayStation 5, an officially licensed aftermarket controller for the console. This is an evolution of the Wolverine V2 the company unveiled in 2021, but designed for PS5 instead of the Xbox, which means you get all of the buttons, triggers, and touchpad of the Sony DualSense controller. The controller features Razer's proprietary HyperSpeed low-latency wireless technology. Among its unique features are the mecha-tactile action buttons with much lower actuation times and 3 million-press endurance; the company's HyperTrigger pull-locks, an 8-way microswitch D-pad, six remappable buttons and and replaceable thumbsticks to match different game genres. At $250, the Wolverine V2 Pro sells at a $50 premium over the new Sony DualSense Edge, but promises superior ergonomics, more game genre-specific configurability, and a lower-latency wireless interface.
ASRock Industrial Releases Upgrades in Industrial Motherboards with 13th Gen Intel Core Processors
ASRock Industrial is pleased to introduce a range of upgrades in industrial motherboards powered by 13th Gen Intel Core Processors (Raptor Lake-S) with up to 24 cores and 32 threads, supporting Intel W680, Q670, and H610 chipsets. Featured as the first DDR5 ATX motherboards, the IMB-1714, IMB-X1714, and IMB-1713 are brand-new selections while encompassing upgraded support for the 12th Gen Intel CPU motherboards lineup through BIOS update. They guarantee computing power with performance hybrid architecture and enhanced AI capabilities, rich IOs and expansions for up to PCIe Gen 5 slots, quad displays 4K@60 Hz, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gbit/s), triple Intel 2.5 G LANs, multi-M.2 Key M, ECC memory, TPM 2.0, and more. The 13th Gen Intel CPU motherboards cover comprehensive form factors, including Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, and ATX for diverse Edge AIoT applications, such as factory automation, kiosks, digital signage, smart cities, medical, and more.
13th Gen Intel Core Motherboards for Upgraded Performance
The upgraded motherboards feature 13th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processors (Raptor Lake-S) with performance hybrid architecture, plus up to 24 cores and 32 threads that boost compute-intensive edge performance. They leap up to 1.04x/1.34x/1.25x faster in single-thread/multi-thread/CPU image classification inference performance compared to 12th Gen Intel Core processors. Leveraging its engineered flexibility and power, the new 13th Gen Intel Core motherboards run up to DDR5-5600 memory module for higher bandwidth, and PCIe 5.0 for additional expansion while supporting engaging video and digital signage experiences with Intel UHD Graphics driven by Xe architecture.
13th Gen Intel Core Motherboards for Upgraded Performance
The upgraded motherboards feature 13th Gen Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processors (Raptor Lake-S) with performance hybrid architecture, plus up to 24 cores and 32 threads that boost compute-intensive edge performance. They leap up to 1.04x/1.34x/1.25x faster in single-thread/multi-thread/CPU image classification inference performance compared to 12th Gen Intel Core processors. Leveraging its engineered flexibility and power, the new 13th Gen Intel Core motherboards run up to DDR5-5600 memory module for higher bandwidth, and PCIe 5.0 for additional expansion while supporting engaging video and digital signage experiences with Intel UHD Graphics driven by Xe architecture.
SK hynix Obtains Industry's First Validation for 1anm DDR5 DRAM on the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor
SK hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) announced today that its DDR5 product for servers using 1anm, the fourth generation of the 10 nm process technology, has been validated on the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor (formerly codenamed Sapphire Rapids) for the first time in the industry. "The validation of the 1anm DDR5 compatibility by Intel for its newest processor that supports DDR5 for the first time is monumental," SK hynix said. "We will seek a fast turnaround in the semiconductor memory industry by actively responding to the growing server market through DDR5, which is already in mass production."
The validation of the company's 1anm DDR5 product, which adopts 1anm technology using the EUV lithography process, is for 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, Intel's latest server CPU launched on January 10th. The 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor has been cited as a key to a turnaround in the industry, given that the launch of a next-generation server CPU requires server replacement and thus, results in a rapid increase in demand for high-performance memory chips. Experts predict that DDR5, expected to meet customers' such needs, will soon become the flagship product in the server DRAM market.
The validation of the company's 1anm DDR5 product, which adopts 1anm technology using the EUV lithography process, is for 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, Intel's latest server CPU launched on January 10th. The 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor has been cited as a key to a turnaround in the industry, given that the launch of a next-generation server CPU requires server replacement and thus, results in a rapid increase in demand for high-performance memory chips. Experts predict that DDR5, expected to meet customers' such needs, will soon become the flagship product in the server DRAM market.
TSMC Announces Fourth Quarter '22 Results
TSMC today announced consolidated revenue of NT$625.53 billion, net income of NT$295.90 billion, and diluted earnings per share of NT$11.41 (US$1.82 per ADR unit) for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022. Year-over-year, fourth quarter revenue increased 42.8% while net income and diluted EPS both increased 78.0%. Compared to third quarter 2022, fourth quarter results represented a 2.0% increase in revenue and a 5.4% increase in net income. All figures were prepared in accordance with TIFRS on a consolidated basis.
In US dollars, fourth quarter revenue was $19.93 billion, which increased 26.7% year-over-year but decreased 1.5% from the previous quarter. Gross margin for the quarter was 62.2%, operating margin was 52.0%, and net profit margin was 47.3%. In the fourth quarter, shipments of 5-nanometer accounted for 32% of total wafer revenue; 7-nanometer accounted for 22%. Advanced technologies, defined as 7-nanometer and more advanced technologies, accounted for 54% of total wafer revenue.
In US dollars, fourth quarter revenue was $19.93 billion, which increased 26.7% year-over-year but decreased 1.5% from the previous quarter. Gross margin for the quarter was 62.2%, operating margin was 52.0%, and net profit margin was 47.3%. In the fourth quarter, shipments of 5-nanometer accounted for 32% of total wafer revenue; 7-nanometer accounted for 22%. Advanced technologies, defined as 7-nanometer and more advanced technologies, accounted for 54% of total wafer revenue.
Samsung Electronics Unveils High-Performance PC SSD That Raises Everyday Computing and Gaming to a New Level
Samsung Electronics today announced production readiness of a high-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, the PM9C1a. Integrated with a new controller based on Samsung's cutting-edge 5-nanometer (nm) process and the company's seventh-generation V-NAND technology, the PM9C1a will provide elevated computing and gaming performance in PCs and laptops.
"Our new PM9C1a SSD will deliver a robust combination of superior performance, greater power efficiency and increased security, which are the qualities that matter most to PC users," said Yong Ho Song, Executive Vice President of Memory Solution Product & Development at Samsung Electronics. "We are committed to creating storage that satisfies the diverse and changing market requirements as we continue to advance innovation in the PC SSD space."
"Our new PM9C1a SSD will deliver a robust combination of superior performance, greater power efficiency and increased security, which are the qualities that matter most to PC users," said Yong Ho Song, Executive Vice President of Memory Solution Product & Development at Samsung Electronics. "We are committed to creating storage that satisfies the diverse and changing market requirements as we continue to advance innovation in the PC SSD space."
AMD Software Adrenalin 23.1.1 for Radeon RX 7900 series Released
AMD for the past couple of weeks, has been releasing exclusive driver updates for the Radeon RX 7900 series, with which it hopes to iron out some glaring launch-time bugs for these cards. The latest from this driver branch is the Adrenalin 23.1.1 for RX 7900 series (these drivers won't work with older Radeon GPUs, for which drivers are released in the main trunk). AMD promised to release updates for all other GPUs. Version 23.1.1 addresses an intermittent driver timeout issue when applying Auto Overclock performance tuning; a driver timeout or crash may occur when playing "Valheim" with the Vulkan API, which has been fixed. With the latest "Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" update, a crash or driver timeout may occur with ray tracing enabled, which has also been fixed. Performance degradation observed after applying Factory Reset settings, has been fixed.
An AMD employee has confirmed on Reddit that a driver for owners of older graphics cards will be released soon.
DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 23.1.1 for Radeon RX 7900 series
An AMD employee has confirmed on Reddit that a driver for owners of older graphics cards will be released soon.
DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 23.1.1 for Radeon RX 7900 series
Cooler Master MA826 Stealth and Hyper 662 Halo Dual Fin-Stack Coolers Detailed
At the 2023 International CES, Cooler Master showed off two of its latest premium dual fin-stack (type-D) air CPU coolers, the MasterAir MA826 Stealth, and the Hyper 662 Halo. The MA826 Stealth is, unsurprisingly, the more upmarket of the two, and measures 162.2 mm x 150.6 mm x 165.6 mm (LxWxH). A nickel-plated copper base makes contact with the processor. From here eight 6 mm-thick composite-material "superconductive" heatpipes make their way to two aluminium fin-stacks, which are then ventilated by two Mobius series fans—a 120 mm "push" fan, and a 135 mm conveyor fan located between the two fin-stacks. The two stacks are capped off by a die-cast aluminium top-plate. Both fans feature loop dynamic bearings that are rated for over 200,000 hours operation.
The Hyper 662 Halo leads the company's immensely popular Hyper series that's synonymous with aftermarket CPU cooling. This cooler comes in all-white and all-black trims, and is visibly smaller than the MA826 Stealth. It features the same nickel-plated copper base, but with six heatpipes making their way to the two fin-stacks, and a pair of 120 mm fans handling the ventilation. The fans feature two ARGB LED zones (along the bore of the frame and inside the impeller hub), which is where the Holo name derives from. Both coolers support the latest CPU socket types, including LGA1700 and AM5.
The Hyper 662 Halo leads the company's immensely popular Hyper series that's synonymous with aftermarket CPU cooling. This cooler comes in all-white and all-black trims, and is visibly smaller than the MA826 Stealth. It features the same nickel-plated copper base, but with six heatpipes making their way to the two fin-stacks, and a pair of 120 mm fans handling the ventilation. The fans feature two ARGB LED zones (along the bore of the frame and inside the impeller hub), which is where the Holo name derives from. Both coolers support the latest CPU socket types, including LGA1700 and AM5.
Philips Introduces New 40-inch Ultrawide PC Monitors
Professionals around the world are undoubtedly setting ambitious goals for the coming twelve months. Seeking to provide users with solutions designed to meet their evolving needs, the Philips monitors portfolio welcomes two all-new models equipped with a rich variety of features that are sure to please: the Philips 40B1U5600 and the Philips 40B1U5601H. Both models offer the easy connectivity of USB-C technology, the superb picture quality of an UltraWide QHD resolution with HDR, the convenience of MultiClient Integrated KVM, and even a headset hook, making them the ideal choice for dynamic professionals who want to make 2023 their most productive year ever.
ENERMAX Introduces a Range of New Products Including its First ATX 3.0 Power Supply at CES 2023
ENERMAX, an industry-leading force dedicated to design extreme performance computer power supplies and cooling solutions, announces a range of new products at CES 2023 designed for the increasing power demands of new graphic cards including its first ATX 3.0 power supply, the Revolution ATX 3.0; and a fully upgraded 80 PLUS Gold certified power supply, the Revolution D.F. 2; the high-performance CPU AIO liquid cooler series, the AQUAFUSION ADV and the next-generation mesh panel gaming PC case with superior ventilation potential, the Marbleshell MS31 & MS21.
Revolution ATX 3.0 series is ENERMAX's first power supply that is fully compatible with Intel ATX 3.0 specification. To prepare for the next-gen graphics cards, the series is designed with one native PCIe Gen 5 12+4 pin 12VHPWR connector with power output up to 600 W, an extra one dual 8 pin to 12+4 pin (12VHPWER) cable will also be included for gamers and creators to install up to 2 of the latest NVIDIA graphics cards to enjoy the most advanced performance.
Revolution ATX 3.0 series is ENERMAX's first power supply that is fully compatible with Intel ATX 3.0 specification. To prepare for the next-gen graphics cards, the series is designed with one native PCIe Gen 5 12+4 pin 12VHPWR connector with power output up to 600 W, an extra one dual 8 pin to 12+4 pin (12VHPWER) cable will also be included for gamers and creators to install up to 2 of the latest NVIDIA graphics cards to enjoy the most advanced performance.
TEC Makes a User-friendly Comeback as the Cooler Master ML360 Sub-Zero Evo AIO CLC
Cooler Master is working with Intel to bring TEC cooling back to the PC mainstream under an Intel-designed standard. Back in the 2010s, the professional overclocking scene was pervaded with various sub-zero cooling methods including liquid-nitrogen or dry-ice evaporators, refrigerated cooling solutions, and an exotic technology called TEC (thermoelectric couple). A TEC based cooler relies on the Peltier Effect, where high-voltage is passed through a TEC plate that has a cool side, and a hot side. The cool side makes contact with the processor/GPU through a base-plate, whereas the hot side is cooled by a liquid-cooling loop. The net result would be that the cool side ends up considerably bringing down temperatures, sometimes even below 0°C. The only drawback for TEC solutions were the need for liquid cooling (for the hot side), and that the TEC mechanism itself is very power-hungry.
The new MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero Evo AIO implements the Intel Cryo Cooling Technology specification that blends TEC technology with a user-friendly all-in-one, closed loop liquid cooling solution. The TEC contributes to the cooling by bringing down CPU temperatures to low-double digits, while the AIO CLC handles the hot-side of the TEC. This part of the cooler uses Cooler Master's most advanced pump-block, and a 360 mm x 120 mm radiator with a trio of the company's high static-pressure Mobius series fans. The cooler is designed for Intel Socket LGA1700. In the pictures below, you see the ML360 Sub-Zero Evo, with its four key components as per the Intel specification: the radiator, the condensation controller, the block (with the TEC), and the pump.
The new MasterLiquid ML360 Sub-Zero Evo AIO implements the Intel Cryo Cooling Technology specification that blends TEC technology with a user-friendly all-in-one, closed loop liquid cooling solution. The TEC contributes to the cooling by bringing down CPU temperatures to low-double digits, while the AIO CLC handles the hot-side of the TEC. This part of the cooler uses Cooler Master's most advanced pump-block, and a 360 mm x 120 mm radiator with a trio of the company's high static-pressure Mobius series fans. The cooler is designed for Intel Socket LGA1700. In the pictures below, you see the ML360 Sub-Zero Evo, with its four key components as per the Intel specification: the radiator, the condensation controller, the block (with the TEC), and the pump.
Wednesday, January 11th 2023
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
Motherboards
Networking
Processors
Speakers
G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6800 CL34 2x 16 GB Review
G.SKILL is once again pushing the boundaries of high performance memory with the newest generation of DDR5. These new Trident Z5 kits range from 6800 MT/s to 8000 MT/s. Equipped with a 6800 MT/s XMP profile, using modest CL34-42-42-108 timings, G.SKILL is ready for those new Intel Z790 motherboards. Tag along as we check out the G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6800 and test our hands at some serious high frequency overclocking!
Dream Machines DM7 Switch Duo Review
The DM7 Switch Duo is one of the few mice not released by ASUS that allows one to conveniently swap the main button switches. Other than that, the ambidextrous DM7 Switch Duo comes with PixArt's PAW3370 sensor, up to 72 hours of battery life, and Kailh GM 8.0 switches by default.
NVIDIA Pairs 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors with H100 GPUs
AI is at the heart of humanity's most transformative innovations—from developing COVID vaccines at unprecedented speeds and diagnosing cancer to powering autonomous vehicles and understanding climate change. Virtually every industry will benefit from adopting AI, but the technology has become more resource intensive as neural networks have increased in complexity. To avoid placing unsustainable demands on electricity generation to run this computing infrastructure, the underlying technology must be as efficient as possible.
Accelerated computing powered by NVIDIA GPUs and the NVIDIA AI platform offer the efficiency that enables data centers to sustainably drive the next generation of breakthroughs. And now, timed with the launch of 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, NVIDIA and its partners have kicked off a new generation of accelerated computing systems that are built for energy-efficient AI. When combined with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, these systems can deliver dramatically higher performance, greater scale and higher efficiency than the prior generation, providing more computation and problem-solving per watt.
Accelerated computing powered by NVIDIA GPUs and the NVIDIA AI platform offer the efficiency that enables data centers to sustainably drive the next generation of breakthroughs. And now, timed with the launch of 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, NVIDIA and its partners have kicked off a new generation of accelerated computing systems that are built for energy-efficient AI. When combined with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, these systems can deliver dramatically higher performance, greater scale and higher efficiency than the prior generation, providing more computation and problem-solving per watt.
Cooler Master ORB-X and DYN-X Detailed: Step Aside Tables and Chairs, Purpose-built Gaming Furniture is Here
Cooler Master thinks that the gaming furniture should just be tables, desks, or chairs with certain gamer-specific functions or comforts, but entirely purpose-built rigs that work to improve immersion. The company over 2022-23 has been on a mission to bridge the gap between the conventional desktop, and a pro-grade simulator, with the 2022 announcement of the ORB-X, and the 2023 unveiling of the DYN-X. The ORB-X is a specialty gaming furniture that combines a desk and seat. You're supposed to install a curved gaming monitor on its top armature that envelopes you when you're seated; while a tray slides out with your input devices. The whole setup barely takes more space in your room than a payphone booth would, but promises hours upon hours of uninterrupted gameplay as you feel like Giger's Space Jockey. The DYN-X is a set of rigging for a DIY race simulator. The first portion of it is a set of stands that can hold on to three curved gaming monitors that you can span a single display-head across, for an immersive motorsport or flight simulator experience. The second portion of it is a race-sim "rollcage" that features race sim input devices.
Memory OEM Datotek Showcases Latest Products: Gen 5 NVMe SSDs and DDR5 Memory
Taiwan-based memory products OEM Datotek has been in business selling flash memory and DRAM products since 2004, with one of its most notable clients being HP. At the 2023 International CES, the company showcased its latest-generation memory products spanning not just HP-branded flash drives, but also flash drives under its own marquee, besides M.2 NVMe and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs; and PC memory spanning DDR5 and DDR4 generations. The company sells various vanilla (JEDEC spec) DDR5 and DDR4 memory modules in both standard U-DIMM and SO-DIMM form-factors. For gamers and enthusiasts, the company has the Ares line of premium DDR5 and DDR4 memory products, which come in overclocked speeds such as DDR5-6000 or DDR4-4000, including with RGB LED illumination.
Among its SSD products are a new PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD under the Ares brand, Gen 4 NVMe drives under the Ares Dark Sword brand, and various Gen 3 NVMe SSDs under the main Datotek brand. We also spotted several USB 3.2 portable SSDs, as well as 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gbps ones under the main brand. The idea here is to attract more brands for OEM partnerships the way rival Biwin makes SSD and DRAM products for various top brands (such as HP and Acer).
Among its SSD products are a new PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD under the Ares brand, Gen 4 NVMe drives under the Ares Dark Sword brand, and various Gen 3 NVMe SSDs under the main Datotek brand. We also spotted several USB 3.2 portable SSDs, as well as 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gbps ones under the main brand. The idea here is to attract more brands for OEM partnerships the way rival Biwin makes SSD and DRAM products for various top brands (such as HP and Acer).
TYAN Refines Server Performance with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors
TYAN, an industry-leading server platform design manufacturer and a MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation subsidiary, today introduced 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor-based server platforms highlighting built-in accelerators to improve performance across the fastest-growing workloads in AI, analytics, cloud, storage, and HPC.
"Greater availability of new technology like 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors continue to drive the changes in the business landscape", said Danny Hsu, Vice President of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation's Server Infrastructure Business Unit. "The advances in TYAN's new portfolio of server platforms with features such as DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and Compute Express Link 1.1 are bringing high levels of compute power within reach from smaller organizations to data centers."
"Greater availability of new technology like 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors continue to drive the changes in the business landscape", said Danny Hsu, Vice President of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation's Server Infrastructure Business Unit. "The advances in TYAN's new portfolio of server platforms with features such as DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and Compute Express Link 1.1 are bringing high levels of compute power within reach from smaller organizations to data centers."
Formovie Exhibits S5 and V10 Portable Home Projectors at CES
Formovie brough its two latest portable laser home projectors to CES. These include the cuboidal S5 laser projector; and the cylindrical V10 4K UHD projector. The V10 has an Apple HomePod-inspired shape, which actually serves a function. Besides being a portable projector, the V10 packs an omnidirectional 2.1 speaker system not unlike the HomePod. It measures 200 mm x 200 mm x 210 mm (WxDxH), weighing about 3.8 kg.
The V10 offers a 4K Ultra HD native resolution, and uses an LED light-source with up to 2,500 ANSI lumens maximum brightness, and a 1.27:1 throw-ratio. The V10 is suitable for screen-sizes ranging between 60-inch to 150-inch, and has automatic keystone adjustments. The projector supports dual-band WiFi and a smart TV OS. Besides it, inputs include HDMI 2.1 with analog output, and you get two USB 3.1 ports for mass-storage devices.
The V10 offers a 4K Ultra HD native resolution, and uses an LED light-source with up to 2,500 ANSI lumens maximum brightness, and a 1.27:1 throw-ratio. The V10 is suitable for screen-sizes ranging between 60-inch to 150-inch, and has automatic keystone adjustments. The projector supports dual-band WiFi and a smart TV OS. Besides it, inputs include HDMI 2.1 with analog output, and you get two USB 3.1 ports for mass-storage devices.
Sheetak Announces Product Line Expansion with CENTUM C3 Multi-Stage Cooler Based on Novel Patented Thermoelectric Device Structures
Sheetak is expanding their flagship CENTUM product line, based on newly patented thermoelectric device structures, that offer the highest temperature difference with significant increases to cooling power and COP. These new trailblazing CENTUM C3 chips are now available for sample orders. High-volume manufacturing will start in Q2 2023 at Sheetak's Austin facility.
CENTUM C3 chips have been characterized, using standard thermoelectric testing methods, and demonstrate significant increases in maximum temperature differentials, cooling power, and efficiency (COP). The new chips attain temperature differentials more than 115°C for 2-stage coolers with hot-side at 50°C, and more than 160°C for 4-stage devices. The performance and cost metrics are unchallenged by other commercially available products.
CENTUM C3 chips have been characterized, using standard thermoelectric testing methods, and demonstrate significant increases in maximum temperature differentials, cooling power, and efficiency (COP). The new chips attain temperature differentials more than 115°C for 2-stage coolers with hot-side at 50°C, and more than 160°C for 4-stage devices. The performance and cost metrics are unchallenged by other commercially available products.
AIC Introduces Server Systems Powered By 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors
AIC Inc., (from now on referred to as"AIC"), a leading provider in enterprise storage and server solutions, today unveiled its new server systems powered by 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors (formerly codenamed Sapphire Rapids). The new server platforms are designed to accelerate performance across the most in-demand workloads that businesses rely on including enterprise, storage, AI and HPC.
The newly launched AIC servers, SB102-HK, SB201-HK and HP202-KT, are designed to offer superior processing performance and energy efficiency by leveraging the innovative features of 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. With built-in accelerators, the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors optimize the utilization of CPU core resources and feature enhanced memory bandwidth with DDR5, advanced I/O with PCIe Gen 5 and Compute Express Link (CXL) 2.0/1.1, and the ability to accelerate PyTorch real-time inference performance by up to 10x using Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (Intel AMX) compared to the previous generation. The new AIC servers are empowered by advanced security technologies from 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, allowing them to protect data and unlock new opportunities for business collaborations.
The newly launched AIC servers, SB102-HK, SB201-HK and HP202-KT, are designed to offer superior processing performance and energy efficiency by leveraging the innovative features of 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. With built-in accelerators, the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors optimize the utilization of CPU core resources and feature enhanced memory bandwidth with DDR5, advanced I/O with PCIe Gen 5 and Compute Express Link (CXL) 2.0/1.1, and the ability to accelerate PyTorch real-time inference performance by up to 10x using Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (Intel AMX) compared to the previous generation. The new AIC servers are empowered by advanced security technologies from 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, allowing them to protect data and unlock new opportunities for business collaborations.
Inspur Announces G7 Server Platform Supports the Latest 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors
Inspur Information, a leading IT infrastructure solutions provider, announced that its G7 server platform fully supports 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors. The 16 servers making up the brand-new lineup are industry-leading in terms of performance, openness, intelligent operation & maintenance, and sustainability. Compared with the previous generation of Intel-based products, these servers have 61% higher performance and up to 30% higher computing performance per unit of power consumption. The server platform is designed to be deployed in general-purpose computing, critical computing, AI, and other application scenarios.
Inspur Information's brand-new G7 platform was designed with green technology, open-source solutions, security, and intelligence as priorities. It is an industry-leading example of system design, energy efficiency, and operation & maintenance management. G7 servers support diversified computing, with the most comprehensive product lineup in the industry. With a focus on green energy, this product line supports cold plate and immersion cooling schemes, and has unique cooling designs such as T-shaped radiator and advance heat detection with intelligent regulation, which all work together to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. The new series also supports cloud operation and maintenance for intelligent fault diagnosis with an accuracy rate up to 95%.
Inspur Information's brand-new G7 platform was designed with green technology, open-source solutions, security, and intelligence as priorities. It is an industry-leading example of system design, energy efficiency, and operation & maintenance management. G7 servers support diversified computing, with the most comprehensive product lineup in the industry. With a focus on green energy, this product line supports cold plate and immersion cooling schemes, and has unique cooling designs such as T-shaped radiator and advance heat detection with intelligent regulation, which all work together to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. The new series also supports cloud operation and maintenance for intelligent fault diagnosis with an accuracy rate up to 95%.
MSI Shows off its QD-OLED Displays at CES
Back at Computex 2022, MSI first announced the MEG 342C QD-OLED display, which finally appears to be ready to hit retail, as the company was showing off it, alongside its upcoming MEG 491C QD-OLED display, which was teased back in November. MSI revealed some additional details of the 34-inch MEG 342C QD-OLED, beyond the fact that it's using a curved 1800R, 3440 x 1440 resolution panel with a 175 Hz refresh rate. As such, we now know the monitor has an unspecified DisplayPort input, a pair of HDMI 2.1 inputs, a USB Type-C input with DP Alt mode support and 65 W USB Power Delivery support, as well as a USB-B upstreams port and four USB-A downstreams ports. MSI has also kitted out the monitor with OLED Care, which the company claims reduces image sticking and burn-in. Other features include a built in KVM, PBP and PIP support as well as a VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, although the monitor has a peak brightness of 1000 nits. The MEG 342C QD-OLED is said to have an MSRP of around US$800.
The MEG 491C QD-OLED appears to be based on the same QD-OLED panel as Samsung's OLED G9. The model on display at CES was apparently non functional, which suggests that we might have to wait another six months before it becomes available, if the MEG 342C QD-OLED is anything to go by. The monitor sports the same 1800R curvature as the Samsung OLED G9 and obviously has the same 5120 x 1440 resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate. MSI didn't share much else in terms of specifications, so we're going to have to wait for the actual launch to find out more, including what will probably be a prohibitively high price tag.
The MEG 491C QD-OLED appears to be based on the same QD-OLED panel as Samsung's OLED G9. The model on display at CES was apparently non functional, which suggests that we might have to wait another six months before it becomes available, if the MEG 342C QD-OLED is anything to go by. The monitor sports the same 1800R curvature as the Samsung OLED G9 and obviously has the same 5120 x 1440 resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate. MSI didn't share much else in terms of specifications, so we're going to have to wait for the actual launch to find out more, including what will probably be a prohibitively high price tag.
iBuyPower Trace Gaming Case and Peripherals at CES Hands On
At the 2023 International CES, the lifestyle PC case brand HYTE shared its booth with its parent brand iBuyPower, a leading prebuilt gaming PC vendor, which showed off a premium mid-tower case under its own marquee rather than under HYTE. The new iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh can be purchased as a standalone case, or you can buy prebuilt gaming desktops featuring it. The ATX mid-tower features a conventional horizontally-partitioned layout with an airy mesh front-panel. The case is tested to support many of the newer-generation graphics cards with 3+ slot thickness and 16-18 cm height. Among the fan-vents included with the case are three 120 mm along the front, with room for a 360 mm radiator, two 120 mm top exhausts that can hold onto a 240 mm radiator, and a 120 mm rear exhaust.
Among the two new gaming peripherals released by iBuyPower are the Chimera K7 gaming keyboard, and the Chimera M7 gaming mouse. The two will be part of the Chimera KM7 combo, which can be added to your iBuyPower build, or sold piecemeal. The Chimera K7 is a membrane-type gaming keyboard with 24 RGB lighting zones that can be controlled via the HYTE Nexus software; while the Chimera M7 is a palm grip-optimized pseudo-ambidextrous wired mouse with an RGB diffuser that makes up the top grip. The HYTE Nexus software is used for fine-tuning the performance and lighting of this mouse.
Among the two new gaming peripherals released by iBuyPower are the Chimera K7 gaming keyboard, and the Chimera M7 gaming mouse. The two will be part of the Chimera KM7 combo, which can be added to your iBuyPower build, or sold piecemeal. The Chimera K7 is a membrane-type gaming keyboard with 24 RGB lighting zones that can be controlled via the HYTE Nexus software; while the Chimera M7 is a palm grip-optimized pseudo-ambidextrous wired mouse with an RGB diffuser that makes up the top grip. The HYTE Nexus software is used for fine-tuning the performance and lighting of this mouse.
Level Up Ethernet Connectivity with NEXCOM's New High-Performance Network Appliance
NEXCOM, a leading supplier of network appliances, launched a new platform based on the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor - the NSA 7160. This high-performance 2U rackmount is a long-awaited enhancement of NEXCOM's well-established cyber security product line. NSA 7160 is equipped with the latest Intel technologies, featuring eight PCIe Gen5 extension slots for LAN modules, built-in accelerators, CXL1.1 and supports installation of RunBMC module & full-height full-length (FHFL) card.
NEXCOM's NSA 7160 is intended for network security and 5G network applications, with cutting-edge features like multi-core computing performance, high memory capacity, high-speed I/O interface, and improved Intel QuickAssist Technology (Intel QAT) hardware acceleration for both enterprise and telecommunication applications. By leveraging 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, NSA 7160 accelerates performance across the fastest-growing workloads and delivers value across multiple applications.
NEXCOM's NSA 7160 is intended for network security and 5G network applications, with cutting-edge features like multi-core computing performance, high memory capacity, high-speed I/O interface, and improved Intel QuickAssist Technology (Intel QAT) hardware acceleration for both enterprise and telecommunication applications. By leveraging 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, NSA 7160 accelerates performance across the fastest-growing workloads and delivers value across multiple applications.
Lenovo Unveils Next Generation of Intel-Based Smart Infrastructure Solutions to Accelerate IT Modernization
Today, Lenovo unveiled 25 new ThinkSystem and ThinkAgile server and hyperconverged solutions powered by Intel's 4th Generation Xeon Scalable Processors as part of its recently announced Infrastructure Solutions V3 portfolio. Designed to help accelerate global IT modernization for organizations of all sizes, the integrated solutions deliver advanced performance, efficiency and management capabilities specifically optimized for complex workloads, including mission-critical, AI, HPC and containerized applications.
"In today's competitive business climate, modern infrastructure solutions that generate faster insights and more efficiently enable complex workloads from the edge to the cloud are critical across every major industry," said Kamran Amini, Vice President and General Manager of Server & Storage, Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group. "With the performance and management improvements of the Intel-based ThinkSystem V3 portfolio, customers can reduce their IT footprint by up to three times to achieve greater ROI and more easily transform their infrastructure with one seamless platform designed for today's AI, virtualization, multi-cloud and sustainable computing demands."
"In today's competitive business climate, modern infrastructure solutions that generate faster insights and more efficiently enable complex workloads from the edge to the cloud are critical across every major industry," said Kamran Amini, Vice President and General Manager of Server & Storage, Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group. "With the performance and management improvements of the Intel-based ThinkSystem V3 portfolio, customers can reduce their IT footprint by up to three times to achieve greater ROI and more easily transform their infrastructure with one seamless platform designed for today's AI, virtualization, multi-cloud and sustainable computing demands."
HYTE Y40 Up Close: Truly a Next-Gen Case for Next-Gen Hardware
At first glance, the HYTE Y40 may seem like a short and stout Micro-ATX tower, but up close, it's actually an ATX mid-tower that just so happens to look stout, and ready for the latest generation of CPU cooling solutions and 4-odd slot graphics cards. The Y40 retains HYTE's essential design language of making sure the front-left panel seems like a contiguous glasshouse. The case is horizontally partitioned, with the bottom compartment having the PSU- and drive bays, while the upper compartment has a spacious motherboard tray. This is where things get very interesting.
The HYTE Y40 is unconventional in that all the 7 expansion slots of its motherboard tray are half-height (low-profile), while there are four full-height vertical slots, which is where you're supposed to install your graphics card. HYTE includes a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 riser with the case. All other expansion cards need to be half-height. Most aftermarket non-graphics add-on cards these days, such as WLAN cards, 10 GbE cards, USB/Thunderbolt cards, or even some sound cards, are half-height and include low-profile brackets anyway. The case is much longer than the motherboard tray itself, which opens up room for a 280 mm radiator mount along the plane of the motherboard tray. The Y40 offers clearance for graphics cards up to 4 slots thick, up to 94 mm tall, and up to 42.2 cm in length (the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 should fit). There's also room for CPU coolers up to 18.3 cm in height.
The HYTE Y40 is unconventional in that all the 7 expansion slots of its motherboard tray are half-height (low-profile), while there are four full-height vertical slots, which is where you're supposed to install your graphics card. HYTE includes a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 riser with the case. All other expansion cards need to be half-height. Most aftermarket non-graphics add-on cards these days, such as WLAN cards, 10 GbE cards, USB/Thunderbolt cards, or even some sound cards, are half-height and include low-profile brackets anyway. The case is much longer than the motherboard tray itself, which opens up room for a 280 mm radiator mount along the plane of the motherboard tray. The Y40 offers clearance for graphics cards up to 4 slots thick, up to 94 mm tall, and up to 42.2 cm in length (the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 should fit). There's also room for CPU coolers up to 18.3 cm in height.
innocn Shows Off Mini-LED, Fast IPS, and Curved OLED Gaming Monitors at CES
New entrant innocn showed off five new gaming monitors at the 2023 International CES, of various shapes and sizes, and with various display panel technologies. The 27B8U is a stunning, no-nonsense, 27-inch planar monitor with 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution, standard 60 Hz refresh rate, and 0.03 ms response time from its OLED panel. The 32A6U is another planar beauty, albeit larger at 31.5-inch panel size. It features an IPS panel with mini-LED backlighting, and 2,304 local dimming zones. This one, too, has a 60 Hz refresh-rate. The S48A8V-S is a 48-inch "large-format" gaming monitor with an OLED planar panel that has 4K Ultra HD resolution, 138 Hz refresh-rate, and 0.03 ms response time.
Things get interesting with the company's curved gaming monitors, starting with the 45E3R, a 44.5-inch curved super-ultrawide monitor with 32:9 aspect ratio for the VA panel that has a native resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels, 1500R curvature, and 120 Hz refresh-rate. The 34E7R has a more conservative 21:9 aspect ratio on its 34-inch, 1500R curved panel, but a much faster VA panel with mini-LED illumination that offers 2,304 LDZs, and 165 Hz refresh-rate. The 34E9R is the most advanced curved gaming monitor from the lot, with a 34-inch 1800R-curved OLED panel, 3440 x 1440 pixels resolution, 175 Hz refresh-rate, and 0.03 ms response time.
Things get interesting with the company's curved gaming monitors, starting with the 45E3R, a 44.5-inch curved super-ultrawide monitor with 32:9 aspect ratio for the VA panel that has a native resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels, 1500R curvature, and 120 Hz refresh-rate. The 34E7R has a more conservative 21:9 aspect ratio on its 34-inch, 1500R curved panel, but a much faster VA panel with mini-LED illumination that offers 2,304 LDZs, and 165 Hz refresh-rate. The 34E9R is the most advanced curved gaming monitor from the lot, with a 34-inch 1800R-curved OLED panel, 3440 x 1440 pixels resolution, 175 Hz refresh-rate, and 0.03 ms response time.
HYTE Unleashes the Potential of its Unique Y60 Case Design with Touchscreens and Distro Plates
HYTE started out as a DIY retail channel brand for the unique case and peripheral designs of gaming PC builder iBuyPower, but has grown into a unique brand on its own. Their most iconic product, the Y60 case, stands out for its "corner plot" design, where the front-left corner of the case has been carved out into a corner-facing side. In most trims of the Y60, this would be a tempered glass panel; and some of the newer themed variants, this is an additional surface for air—either decals or stained-glass/prints. At the 2023 International CES, the company unlocked two unique uses for this corner panel.
The first of these is a touchscreen that spans the entire height of the panel, and connects to your graphics card like any other display, and takes up a USB header for the touch input. The possibilities for this screen are endless—scroll through Windows 11 Start widgets, use a hardware monitoring app, as a game HUD, or what have you. The second of these is a really groovy distro-plate + pump device designed by iBuyPower. You no longer need to cover the entire front-panel with one of these, can they can take up the corner panel. The coolant ports of the plate are optimally located for builds using this case. The company even designed HYTE branded fittings to go with these.
The first of these is a touchscreen that spans the entire height of the panel, and connects to your graphics card like any other display, and takes up a USB header for the touch input. The possibilities for this screen are endless—scroll through Windows 11 Start widgets, use a hardware monitoring app, as a game HUD, or what have you. The second of these is a really groovy distro-plate + pump device designed by iBuyPower. You no longer need to cover the entire front-panel with one of these, can they can take up the corner panel. The coolant ports of the plate are optimally located for builds using this case. The company even designed HYTE branded fittings to go with these.
Team Group Announces JEDEC-standard DDR5-6400 Memory with Client Clock Drivers
World-leading memory brand, Team Group, has announced new breakthroughs in the Team Group ELITE U-DIMM DDR5 Standard Memory. To ensure compatibility with next-generation platforms, Team Group has pioneered the first high-performance 6400 MHz spec per JEDEC definitions for consumers to enjoy upgraded performances with ease in the DDR5 generation.
To ensure a stable performance of 6400 MHz and above of the DDR5, Team Group has adopted the new CKD (client clock driver) components designed to strengthen, buffer, and steadily output high-frequency signals from the CPU to DDR5 memory kits, effectively ensuring high frequencies while supporting reliable high-speed transmissions. Team Group is dedicated to R&D and working simultaneously with motherboard manufacturers for rigorous compatibility testing, offering high-quality and highly compatible memory products for desktops and laptops to consumers around the world, fulfilling user demands for PC, laptops, or other small systems.
To ensure a stable performance of 6400 MHz and above of the DDR5, Team Group has adopted the new CKD (client clock driver) components designed to strengthen, buffer, and steadily output high-frequency signals from the CPU to DDR5 memory kits, effectively ensuring high frequencies while supporting reliable high-speed transmissions. Team Group is dedicated to R&D and working simultaneously with motherboard manufacturers for rigorous compatibility testing, offering high-quality and highly compatible memory products for desktops and laptops to consumers around the world, fulfilling user demands for PC, laptops, or other small systems.
Wizmax Micronics PC Cooling at CES: MA Frigate and MA Falcon CPU Coolers, Warp Shield Heatsinks
Wizmax by Micronics introduced a handful new CPU coolers and purpose-build heatsinks at the 2023 International CES. The CPU cooler lineup is led by the MA Frigate series. The MA4 Frigate, a thick single aluminium fin-stack tower-type cooler. Five 6 mm-thick copper heatpipes make direct contact with the CPU at the base, conveying heat through a thick aluminium fin-stack, which is ventilated by a custom-design 130 mm fan. With this fan in place, the cooler measures 132 mm x 95 mm x 156.4 mm (WxDxH), weighing 990 g. The fan turns at speeds of up to 1,500 RPM, pushing up to 71.7 CFM of airflow at 1.9 mm H₂O static-pressure. The MA4 Frigate is rated for handling thermal loads of up to 210 W.
The Wizmax MA6 Frigate is the larger sibling, with a type-D dual fin-stack design. Six 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heatpipes make indirect contact with the CPU through a copper base, conveying heat to two fin-stacks, which are ventilated by a pair of 140 mm fans in push-pull arrangement. One-third of the fins in the two fin-stacks are made of copper, and the rest aluminium. Each of the two 140 mm fans turns at speeds of up to 1,500 RPM, pushing up to 83 CFM of airflow at 2.2 mm H₂O. With the fans in place, the cooler measures 146 mm x 165 mm x 165 mm (WxDxH), weighing 1.6 kg. The MA6 Frigate is rated for 250 W thermal loads. Both coolers support the latest CPU socket types, including AM5 and LGA1700.
The Wizmax MA6 Frigate is the larger sibling, with a type-D dual fin-stack design. Six 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heatpipes make indirect contact with the CPU through a copper base, conveying heat to two fin-stacks, which are ventilated by a pair of 140 mm fans in push-pull arrangement. One-third of the fins in the two fin-stacks are made of copper, and the rest aluminium. Each of the two 140 mm fans turns at speeds of up to 1,500 RPM, pushing up to 83 CFM of airflow at 2.2 mm H₂O. With the fans in place, the cooler measures 146 mm x 165 mm x 165 mm (WxDxH), weighing 1.6 kg. The MA6 Frigate is rated for 250 W thermal loads. Both coolers support the latest CPU socket types, including AM5 and LGA1700.
Wizmax Micronics New 2023 Power Supplies at CES: Amped Up for ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5
Wizmax by Micronics showed off four new PSU lines at the 2023 International CES. At the top of the stack is the Astro II Gold, a monstrous high-end PSU with 1650 W continuous output, 80 Plus Gold switching efficiency, ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 standards compliance, and a patented digital-VRM voltage controller by Micronics. Other internal features include DC-to-DC switching a 135 mm fluid-dynamic bearing fan Zero RPM mode up to a certain electrical load, and fully-modular connectivity that includes two 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connectors with 600 W continuous output each, twelve 6+2 pin PCIe power, two 4+4 pin EPS, and fourteen SATA power connectors.
The Astro II Platinum is technically positioned a notch below the Astro II Gold 1650 W, but is more efficient. The Astro II Platinum comes in 1300 W, 1000 W, and 850 W variants. The 1300 W variant offers two 16-pin 12VHPWR connectors (each 600 W), while the 1000 W and 850 W ones offer one such 16-pin connector. The three get their names from the 80 Plus Platinum switching efficiency on offer, besides a feature-packed AC receptacle with Surge 4K and ESD 15K tolerance, and fluid-dynamic bearing fans with zero RPM up to a certain load.
The Astro II Platinum is technically positioned a notch below the Astro II Gold 1650 W, but is more efficient. The Astro II Platinum comes in 1300 W, 1000 W, and 850 W variants. The 1300 W variant offers two 16-pin 12VHPWR connectors (each 600 W), while the 1000 W and 850 W ones offer one such 16-pin connector. The three get their names from the 80 Plus Platinum switching efficiency on offer, besides a feature-packed AC receptacle with Surge 4K and ESD 15K tolerance, and fluid-dynamic bearing fans with zero RPM up to a certain load.
Tuesday, January 10th 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Keyboards
Motherboards
Processors
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Clubic (fr)
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Guru3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7700, and Ryzen 5 7600 ComputerBase (de)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700 Cowcotland (fr)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900 Guru3D
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7700, and Ryzen 5 7600 HotHardware
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700 KitGuru
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700 MadBoxPC (es)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7700, and Ryzen 5 7600 NikkTech
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7700, and Ryzen 5 7600 Tweaktown
Sound Cards
Endorfy Navis F280 AIO Review
Endorfy's Navis F280 all-in-one liquid cooler is a remarkable mix of performance and elegance rarely seen at its price point. While it may not outright dominate its competition, the combination of performance, value, and looks make it a hard option to ignore.
MOONDROP VOID Dynamic Driver Headphones + DAWN Dongle Review
Time for another 2-in-1 review as we cover MOONDROP's debut into the over-ear dynamic driver headphones market with the new open-back VOID headphones. It pairs well with the company's recently released DAWN 4.4 mm balanced dongle that provides plenty of clean power in a small form factor.
An Introduction to Wizmax, a New Gaming PC Hardware Brand Storming the Gates of CES
Wizmax is a brand that came out of nowhere, with a strong presence at the 2023 International CES, debuting several new DIY gaming PC products, spanning cases, CPU coolers, case fans, peripherals, and power supplies. Wizmax is making inroads to western markets, and has its origins in South Korea, where it was started as a DIY channel brand by electronics OEM giant Micronics, which has been in business since 1996. While it works to set up a more organized distribution network, Wizmax is selling through a brand store on Amazon, with their lineup currently focused on gaming peripherals.
EK Pro Releases 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable CPU Water Blocks
EK, the leading liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is announcing the availability of two high-performance liquid cooling solutions for the Intel "Sapphire Rapids" processor family. These single-socket LGA4677 water blocks are specifically designed to cool the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs that are optimized for advanced workstation professionals and go up to 60 cores.
EK is quite experienced with demanding needs of heavily threaded, I/O intensive workloads across the industries like Architecture, Engineering and Construction, Media and Entertainment, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This enabled them to create the EK-Pro CPU WB 4677, a water block designed to provide sufficient thermal headroom to maximize the performance benefits of Intel Turbo Boost Technology while maintaining healthy processor operating temperatures. EK aimed to create a liquid cooling solution that enables customers to operate at peak performance unrestricted by any thermals.
EK is quite experienced with demanding needs of heavily threaded, I/O intensive workloads across the industries like Architecture, Engineering and Construction, Media and Entertainment, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This enabled them to create the EK-Pro CPU WB 4677, a water block designed to provide sufficient thermal headroom to maximize the performance benefits of Intel Turbo Boost Technology while maintaining healthy processor operating temperatures. EK aimed to create a liquid cooling solution that enables customers to operate at peak performance unrestricted by any thermals.
be quiet! Launches Dark Power 13 ATX 3.0 Power Supplies
be quiet!, market leader for PC power supplies in Germany since 2007, introduces its first full ATX 3.0 compatible power supply series: Dark Power 13. Consisting of three models with 750, 850, and 1000 watts, Dark Power 13 directly replaces its predecessor Dark Power 12. All models offer full ATX 3.0 compatibility for next-gen graphics card compatibility and an improved frameless Silent Wings 135 mm fan, while retaining the extraordinary 80 PLUS Titanium efficiency and performance. Enthusiasts can rely on an Overclocking Key, which combines the four 12 V rails into one with higher power output, ideal for overclocked processors or graphics cards.
Dark Power 13 includes full support for the ATX 3.0 standard, which observes the power specifications defined by PCI Express 5.0. Compared to ATX 2.X, which supports high load peaks but does not define a maximum above the nominal power of the power supply, ATX 3.0 defines clear target values - specifically, the PCIe connection for the graphics card must allow load changes of up to three times the power consumption. Dark Power 13 is designed to handle these extreme transient loads with ease. ATX 3.0 power supplies with 450 watts or more also require a new 12VHPWR connector, which is able to deliver significantly more power. All Dark Power 13 models support up to 600 watts of power on the 12VHPWR connector, while still offering four "traditional" PCIe 6+2 connectors for full graphics card compatibility.
Dark Power 13 includes full support for the ATX 3.0 standard, which observes the power specifications defined by PCI Express 5.0. Compared to ATX 2.X, which supports high load peaks but does not define a maximum above the nominal power of the power supply, ATX 3.0 defines clear target values - specifically, the PCIe connection for the graphics card must allow load changes of up to three times the power consumption. Dark Power 13 is designed to handle these extreme transient loads with ease. ATX 3.0 power supplies with 450 watts or more also require a new 12VHPWR connector, which is able to deliver significantly more power. All Dark Power 13 models support up to 600 watts of power on the 12VHPWR connector, while still offering four "traditional" PCIe 6+2 connectors for full graphics card compatibility.
Lian Li Announces Uni Fan SL Infinity 140: Bigger and More Hypnotic
LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, adds the 140 mm format to the UNI FAN SL INFINITY series. The SL INFINITY 140 offers the same limitless lighting style with an infinity mirror at the front and sides, and thin angular RGB strips at the front and rear. The SL INFINITY 140 delivers much-improved airflow with a maximum of 72.7 CFM, 2.88 mm H2O of air pressure; noise levels reaching only 28 dBA while running at 1600 RPM, or completely inaudible at 0 RPM with the Start/Stop function in L-Connect 3. The SL INFINITY 140 is fully compatible with the SL INFINITY controller hub, giving users the flexibility of using different combinations of daisy-chained clusters of 120 mm or 140 mm fans in their build. Similar to the 120, it comes equipped with the improved connecting mechanism of removable interlocking keys and a multidirectional power module cable.
The SL INFINITY 140 features 40 LEDs which are dispersed perfectly to provide continuous lighting at the fan blades and around the LIAN LI medallion in the back. The front fan axis offers a glimpse into the first infinity mirror ring which has been carefully designed to create a deep, hypnotic infinity effect with 0.5 mm between each layer of light. The second infinity mirror is surrounded by an aluminium trim located on both sides of the frame. With the L-Connect 3, users can decide between preset light effects or combine center and side light strips for a customized look.
The SL INFINITY 140 features 40 LEDs which are dispersed perfectly to provide continuous lighting at the fan blades and around the LIAN LI medallion in the back. The front fan axis offers a glimpse into the first infinity mirror ring which has been carefully designed to create a deep, hypnotic infinity effect with 0.5 mm between each layer of light. The second infinity mirror is surrounded by an aluminium trim located on both sides of the frame. With the L-Connect 3, users can decide between preset light effects or combine center and side light strips for a customized look.
Micron DDR5 Delivers Increased Performance and Reliability for the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Family
Micron Technology, Inc., today announced that its DDR5 server memory portfolio for the data center is now fully validated on the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor family. Micron DDR5 memory delivers up to twice the memory bandwidth over previous generations, which is essential to fueling the rapid growth of cores in today's data center processors. Transitioning to DDR5 will help alleviate a potential bottleneck for years to come by providing higher bandwidth to unlock more computer power per processor. Micron DDR5, in combination with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, benefits a wide range of workloads including SPECjbb, which delivers up to 49% performance improvement on benchmarking for Critical-jOPS (Java operations per second) compared to previous generations. In addition to increased memory bandwidth and performance, Micron DDR5 memory is also designed to improve reliability across the data center with features such as on-die Error Correction Code (ODECC) and bounded faults. On-die ECC corrects single-bit errors and detects multi-bit errors.
"The deep collaboration we have established with Intel as a highly valued ecosystem partner, has allowed Micron to remain at the forefront of the industry transition to DDR5," said Raj Hazra, senior vice president and general manager of Micron's Compute and Networking Business Unit. "This work has been pivotal in developing solutions that meet the complex needs and challenges of our data center customers as they convert massive amounts of data into insights."
"The deep collaboration we have established with Intel as a highly valued ecosystem partner, has allowed Micron to remain at the forefront of the industry transition to DDR5," said Raj Hazra, senior vice president and general manager of Micron's Compute and Networking Business Unit. "This work has been pivotal in developing solutions that meet the complex needs and challenges of our data center customers as they convert massive amounts of data into insights."
Tachyum Closes DDR5 Timing at over 6400MT/s Providing Massive Bandwidth for Prodigy Chip
Tachyum today announced that the IP components -DDR5 RAM controller and high-performance, low-power DSP-based PHY - incorporated into the Prodigy Universal Processor have allowed it to achieve speeds of 6400 MT/s at nominal voltage for Prodigy chip which provides headroom for expected speeds of up to, or even over, 7200 MT/s.
The critical components supplied by a global leader in high-speed DDR DRAM controllers and DDR DRAM PHYs for the world's technology infrastructure, have enabled Tachyum engineers to integrate its IP into Prodigy less than 7 months after entering into a technology partnership. The quality of this IP and the support provided by working closely with Tachyum engineers have allowed the company to close DDR5 timings in record time.
The critical components supplied by a global leader in high-speed DDR DRAM controllers and DDR DRAM PHYs for the world's technology infrastructure, have enabled Tachyum engineers to integrate its IP into Prodigy less than 7 months after entering into a technology partnership. The quality of this IP and the support provided by working closely with Tachyum engineers have allowed the company to close DDR5 timings in record time.
Intel Launches 4th Gen Xeon Scalable Processors, Max Series CPUs and GPUs
Intel today marked one of the most important product launches in company history with the unveiling of 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors (code-named Sapphire Rapids), the Intel Xeon CPU Max Series (code-named Sapphire Rapids HBM) and the Intel Data Center GPU Max Series (code-named Ponte Vecchio), delivering for its customers a leap in data center performance, efficiency, security and new capabilities for AI, the cloud, the network and edge, and the world's most powerful supercomputers.
Working alongside its customers and partners with 4th Gen Xeon, Intel is delivering differentiated solutions and systems at scale to tackle their biggest computing challenges. Intel's unique approach to providing purpose-built, workload-first acceleration and highly optimized software tuned for specific workloads enables the company to deliver the right performance at the right power for optimal overall total cost of ownership. Additionally, as Intel's most sustainable data center processors, 4th Gen Xeon processors deliver customers a range of features for managing power and performance, making the optimal use of CPU resources to help achieve their sustainability goals.
Working alongside its customers and partners with 4th Gen Xeon, Intel is delivering differentiated solutions and systems at scale to tackle their biggest computing challenges. Intel's unique approach to providing purpose-built, workload-first acceleration and highly optimized software tuned for specific workloads enables the company to deliver the right performance at the right power for optimal overall total cost of ownership. Additionally, as Intel's most sustainable data center processors, 4th Gen Xeon processors deliver customers a range of features for managing power and performance, making the optimal use of CPU resources to help achieve their sustainability goals.
MSI's RadiX BE22000 Turbo WiFi 7 Router Looks Like Something From a Sci-Fi Movie
If you're looking at upgrading to WiFi 7, but don't want a router that looks like a dead bug, then maybe MSI has the router for you, with its upcoming RadiX BE22000 Turbo router. The BE22000 part in the name refers to 802.11be which is the IEEE naming for WiFi 7 and the max theoretical throughput of the router, i.e. 22 Gbps combined across all bands. The RadiX BE22000 Turbo supports 320 MHz channel width, or twice that of WiFi 6 and it's the main reason why WiFi 7 can be so much faster than WiFi 6.
Other features include AI QoS which MSI claims automatically prioritises gaming packets over other types of data packets being sent by the router and it can be configured via a companion app. The RadiX BE22000 Turbo also supports MLO or Multi-Link Operation, which enables supported clients to connect to the router using more than one frequency band for increased throughput. MSI didn't reveal much when it comes to the hardware features of the router, but it does have a pair of 10 Gbps ports, as well as four 2.5 Gbps, making it a better choice than ASUS' recently announced RT-BE96U, which only has Gigabit ports in addition to its two 10 Gbps ports.
Other features include AI QoS which MSI claims automatically prioritises gaming packets over other types of data packets being sent by the router and it can be configured via a companion app. The RadiX BE22000 Turbo also supports MLO or Multi-Link Operation, which enables supported clients to connect to the router using more than one frequency band for increased throughput. MSI didn't reveal much when it comes to the hardware features of the router, but it does have a pair of 10 Gbps ports, as well as four 2.5 Gbps, making it a better choice than ASUS' recently announced RT-BE96U, which only has Gigabit ports in addition to its two 10 Gbps ports.
MSI Announces the MAG321QR-QD Quantum Dot IPS Gaming Monitor
MSI, the world's leading manufacturer of true gaming hardware, is proudly expanding the hardware possibilities for all gamers. We're proudly introducing the latest addition to MSI's renowned QD series monitor - MAG321QR-QD. Equipped with a 1440p resolution IPS panel, it gives you a great viewing angle and clear image quality thanks to MSI's quantum dot technology. The color performance of MAG321QR-QD is fantastic. The color volume reaches 97% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3 and presents the most vivid colors in default Premium Color Mode. MSI also prepared built-in color limitation modes for those gamers who prefer the precise colors of productivity work.
MSI's renowned console mode has also been upgraded on this monitor for the latest next-gen console update. The MAG321QR-QD can perfectly support MSI's console mode with a new update of VRR function support. It let users fully enjoy gaming on next-gen consoles without sacrificing image quality and suffer from screen tearing. Meanwhile, MSI also released another 32-inch 1440p monitor G321Q with the latest updated console mode function for different options. This monitor is also equipped with 170 Hz high refresh rate IPS panel for stunning image quality. Always improving, MSI will keep challenging itself in the design of gaming monitors, and ensure that you are always one step ahead of your opponents.
MSI's renowned console mode has also been upgraded on this monitor for the latest next-gen console update. The MAG321QR-QD can perfectly support MSI's console mode with a new update of VRR function support. It let users fully enjoy gaming on next-gen consoles without sacrificing image quality and suffer from screen tearing. Meanwhile, MSI also released another 32-inch 1440p monitor G321Q with the latest updated console mode function for different options. This monitor is also equipped with 170 Hz high refresh rate IPS panel for stunning image quality. Always improving, MSI will keep challenging itself in the design of gaming monitors, and ensure that you are always one step ahead of your opponents.
Enjoy the Evolution of Speed with AORUS Gen4 7300 NVMe SSD
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions today announced the evolutionary AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD, which is the upgraded PCIe 4.0 SSD with read speed up to 7300 MB/s. Enhanced by the select PCIe 4.0 controller with advanced 3D-TLC NAND Flash, it provides superior performance than the previous generation PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD with M.2 2280 interface comes in two capacity variants of 2 TB and 1 TB, along with a unique packaging design of separated SSD and heatsink packing to offer more flexible thermal solutions. Meanwhile, the GIGABYTE exclusive GCC software management platform provides the instant overview and adjustment of SSD status for a cool storage operation with high performance.
AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD equips the select Phison E18 8-channel controller, which provides users with ultimate random access rate, as well as the high-speed 3D-TLC NAND Flash and SLC cache design that brings the PCIe 4.0 into full play. Under the real test, AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD can reach a read speed up to 7300 MB/s and a write speed up to 6850 MB/s, which is faster than the previous gen. PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, two times faster than PCIe 3.0 SSD, and up to 13 times faster than SATA SSD. Enhanced by the multi-core architecture of the E18 controller, AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD not only improves AI multitasking to lessen the bottleneck of system performance, but powers up content creators, gamers, and users eager for extreme performance.
AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD equips the select Phison E18 8-channel controller, which provides users with ultimate random access rate, as well as the high-speed 3D-TLC NAND Flash and SLC cache design that brings the PCIe 4.0 into full play. Under the real test, AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD can reach a read speed up to 7300 MB/s and a write speed up to 6850 MB/s, which is faster than the previous gen. PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, two times faster than PCIe 3.0 SSD, and up to 13 times faster than SATA SSD. Enhanced by the multi-core architecture of the E18 controller, AORUS Gen4 7300 SSD not only improves AI multitasking to lessen the bottleneck of system performance, but powers up content creators, gamers, and users eager for extreme performance.
Giga Computing Announces Its GIGABYTE Server Portfolio for the 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor
Giga Computing is an industry leader in high-performance servers and workstations, today announced the next-generation of GIGABYTE servers and server motherboards for the new 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor to achieve efficient performance gains with built-in accelerators. The new processors have the most built-in accelerators of any processor on the market to help maximize performance efficiency for emerging workloads; and do so while boosting virtualization and AI performance. Generational improvements make this platform ideal for AI, cloud computing, advanced analytics, HPC, networking, and storage applications. For these markets, Giga Computing has announced fourteen new series that constitute seventy-eight configurations for customers to choose from. And all these new GIGABYTE products support the full portfolio of 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, including those with high bandwidth memory (HBM) in the Intel Xeon Max Series.
ROCCAT Announces Magma Mini 60% Sized RGB Membrane Gaming Keyboard
ROCCAT, the award-winning PC peripherals brand from best-selling gaming headset and accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR), today unveiled the newest addition to its PC gaming keyboard lineup - the Magma Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard. The Magma Mini's compact footprint is 60% the size of a full-size keyboard - perfect for PC gamers who need more room for large mouse movements, and its fully illuminated top plate has five programmable zones which showcase ROCCAT's stunning AIMO RGB lighting. Magma Mini features membrane switches with a midway actuation point, expanded key functionality with ROCCAT's EasyShift[+] technology, and the latest IP33-rated resistance against water and dust. Magma Mini's attractive $49.99 MSRP also makes it a great starter keyboard for PC gamers seeking beauty and functionality in a mini form factor.
"Magma Mini is the standout entry-level mini PC gaming keyboard because it blends the popular 60% format with the performance and RGB lighting ROCCAT is known for," said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Magma Mini also offers durable IP33-rated protection against dust, particles, and spills, and its $50 MSRP makes it an easy choice for PC gamers looking to add RGB lighting to their desktop."
"Magma Mini is the standout entry-level mini PC gaming keyboard because it blends the popular 60% format with the performance and RGB lighting ROCCAT is known for," said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Magma Mini also offers durable IP33-rated protection against dust, particles, and spills, and its $50 MSRP makes it an easy choice for PC gamers looking to add RGB lighting to their desktop."
Microsoft Announces Acquisition of Fungible to Accelerate Data Center Innovation
Today, Microsoft is announcing the acquisition of Fungible Inc., a provider of composable infrastructure aimed at accelerating networking and storage performance in datacenters with high-efficiency, low-power data processing units (DPUs). Fungible's technologies help enable high-performance, scalable, disaggregated, scaled-out datacenter infrastructure with reliability and security.
The Fungible team will join Microsoft's datacenter infrastructure engineering teams and will focus on delivering multiple DPU solutions, network innovation and hardware systems advancements.
The Fungible team will join Microsoft's datacenter infrastructure engineering teams and will focus on delivering multiple DPU solutions, network innovation and hardware systems advancements.
ASUS Shows Off its First Gaming Grade WiFi 7 Routers
ASUS at the 2023 International CES showed off its first gaming-grade next-generation WiFi 7 (802.11be) routers. These include the ASUS RT-BE96U dual-band WiFi 7 router under the company's main marquee, and the ROG Rapture GT-BE98, which the company says is the world's first quad-band WiFi 7 gaming router. The RT-BE96U features two 10 GbE ports, and has a total network switching bandwidth of 19 Gbps. The router includes a 6 GHz frequency band with 320 MHz radio band and 4096 QAM, which doubles the data-rate over WiFi 6E. The router supports WiFi 7 MLO (multi-link operation), allowing data-transmissions to span multiple frequency bands at the same time. The WLAN module also supports Multi-RU punctuating that works to reduce channel interference. The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 supports nearly all the features of the RT-BE96U, but with a quad-band radio setup, with peak switching bandwidth of 25 Gbps. Besides these, the router gets the distinctive ROG product styling, several game-specific QoS optimizations, game console optimizations, and Aura RGB LED setup that can sync with your PC's Aura setup over network.
ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP 540 Hz and ROG Swift PG27AQDM OLED 240 Hz Monitors
It may be small, but it's fast! The new ROG Swift Pro PG248QP is a 24.1-inch planar gaming monitor with a measly Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, but an at an incredible 540 Hz refresh rate, making it the world's fastest E-Sports display. This display is so quick, and ASUS set up a 144 Hz display next to it for comparison, and one could tell the difference. The monitor also features NVIDIA G-SYNC, and NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer, along with a USB 3.2 hub, so you can plug your Reflex-compatible gaming mouse to the monitor, and the monitor itself to an upstream USB 3.2 source, besides the DisplayPort connection. Another interesting aspect about this monitor is that ASUS has integrated a high-end USB audio DAC sourced from ESS, so you can plug your analog headset to the display and get audio quality on par with a high-end onboard audio solution, or even a mid-range discrete sound card.
Elsewhere across the ASUS ROG booth, we caught the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM-OLED, the company's fastest gaming monitors to use an OLED panel. This 27-inch monitor offers WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution, with 0.03 ms response time, and 240 Hz refresh rate, besides 1,000 nits peak brightness, and 99% DCI-P3 coverage. The panel features an anti-glare micro-coating. OLED displays tend to produce more heat than backlit LCD displays, and so this monitor packs a series of thermal innovations to prolong the lifespan of the OLED panel. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium,
Elsewhere across the ASUS ROG booth, we caught the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM-OLED, the company's fastest gaming monitors to use an OLED panel. This 27-inch monitor offers WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution, with 0.03 ms response time, and 240 Hz refresh rate, besides 1,000 nits peak brightness, and 99% DCI-P3 coverage. The panel features an anti-glare micro-coating. OLED displays tend to produce more heat than backlit LCD displays, and so this monitor packs a series of thermal innovations to prolong the lifespan of the OLED panel. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium,
ASUS ROG Peripherals at CES: ROG Azoth Keyboard and ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition
ASUS ROG showed off a slender lineup of gaming input devices at the 2023 International CES. These included the ROG Azoth wireless keyboard, and the ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition wireless mouse. Both of these are being offered as tournament-grade peripherals for e-sports professionals, implementing the ASUS ROG SpeedNova ultra low-latency wireless technology. The ROG Azoth is a slick compact wireless keyboard with an 81-key set (not including the volume rocker). It is characterized by an monochrome OLED display that can be programmed to display real-time HUD information from the game, hardware monitoring, or just about anything.
The ASUS ROG Azoth features hot-swappable, ROG NX mechanical switches that are factory pre-lubed; along with ROG keyboard stabilizers, and PBT doubleshot keycaps. The keyboard features a gasket-mount design with 3-layer dampening. The switches can be re-lubricated, a starter kit is included with the keyboard. The ROG SpeedNova wireless module supports RF, Bluetooth, as well as USB direct connection. The ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition is a 54 g ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a 3+2 button set, along with Aim Lab Settings Optimizer. Under the hood is a 36,000 dpi ROG Aimpoint sensor, and the ROG SpeedNova wireless tech. The mouse offers up to 90 hours of playtime in its 2.4 GHz RF mode (with the lighting turned off).
The ASUS ROG Azoth features hot-swappable, ROG NX mechanical switches that are factory pre-lubed; along with ROG keyboard stabilizers, and PBT doubleshot keycaps. The keyboard features a gasket-mount design with 3-layer dampening. The switches can be re-lubricated, a starter kit is included with the keyboard. The ROG SpeedNova wireless module supports RF, Bluetooth, as well as USB direct connection. The ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition is a 54 g ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a 3+2 button set, along with Aim Lab Settings Optimizer. Under the hood is a 36,000 dpi ROG Aimpoint sensor, and the ROG SpeedNova wireless tech. The mouse offers up to 90 hours of playtime in its 2.4 GHz RF mode (with the lighting turned off).
Phison E26 Controller Powering Several Upcoming PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs Detailed
At the 2023 International CES, we caught a hold of Phison, makes or arguably the most popular SSD controllers, which sprung to prominence on being the first to market with PCIe Gen 4 NVMe controllers, and now hopes to repeat it with PCIe Gen 5. We'd been shown a reference-design Phison E26-powered M.2 SSD, along with some hardware specs of the controller itself. The drive itself isn't much to look at—a standard looking M.2-2280 drive with a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 host interface, and the Phison E26 controller with its shiny IHS being prominently located next to a DDR4 memory chip, and two new-generation Micron Technology 3D NAND flash memory chips.
The Phison E26 controller, bearing the long-form model number PS5026-E26, is an NVMe 2.0 spec client-segment SSD controller. It has been built on the TSMC 12 nm FinFET silicon-fabrication node. The controller features an integrated DRAM controller with support for DDR4 and LPDDR4 memory types for use as DRAM cache. Its main flash interface is 8-channel with 32 NAND chip-enable (CE) lines, support for TLC and QLC NAND flash, a dual-CPU architecture, and hardware-acceleration for AES-256, TCG-Opal, and Pyrite. The controller features Phison's 5th generation LPDC ECC and internal RAID engines. For its reference-design 2 TB TLC-based drive, Phison claims sequential transfer rates of up to 13.5 GB/s reads, with up to 12 GB/s writes. The 4K random-access performance is rated at up to 1.5 million IOPS reads, with up to 2 million IOPS writes.
The Phison E26 controller, bearing the long-form model number PS5026-E26, is an NVMe 2.0 spec client-segment SSD controller. It has been built on the TSMC 12 nm FinFET silicon-fabrication node. The controller features an integrated DRAM controller with support for DDR4 and LPDDR4 memory types for use as DRAM cache. Its main flash interface is 8-channel with 32 NAND chip-enable (CE) lines, support for TLC and QLC NAND flash, a dual-CPU architecture, and hardware-acceleration for AES-256, TCG-Opal, and Pyrite. The controller features Phison's 5th generation LPDC ECC and internal RAID engines. For its reference-design 2 TB TLC-based drive, Phison claims sequential transfer rates of up to 13.5 GB/s reads, with up to 12 GB/s writes. The 4K random-access performance is rated at up to 1.5 million IOPS reads, with up to 2 million IOPS writes.
ASUS ROG Gaming Notebooks at CES: "Zen 4" and "Raptor Lake" Choices
At the 2023 International CES, ASUS ROG announced several of its upcoming gaming notebooks across several form-factors. ASUS was one of the very few gaming PC brands to show off upcoming products based on an AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors besides those based on 13th Gen Intel Core processors. The star-attraction is the ROG Flow Z13 (GZ301-2023), an ultraportable gaming tablet that folds into a notebook—a very rare device. It packs a 13-inch 16:10 ROG Nebula display with 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution, 165 Hz, 3 ms response time, and NVIDIA G-SYNC. Under the hood, the ROG Flow Z13 rocks an Intel Core i9-13900H 6P+8E processor, GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with Advanced Optimus. The device puts out a 170° kick stand, and a detachable full-size keyboard.
The 2023 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the company's fastest gaming notebook to be powered by an AMD processor. The 14-inch conventional form-factor notebook packs a 2560 x 1600 pixels mini-LED display with 165 Hz refresh-rate, 3 ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and G-SYNC. The main muscle is an AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor (very likely from the "Phoenix Point" Ryzen 7045 series), and a GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU. While not an AMD Advantage laptop, ASUS has given this its own in-house ROG Intelligent Cooling system that incorporates vapor-chamber base plates and liquid-metal TIM.
The 2023 ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the company's fastest gaming notebook to be powered by an AMD processor. The 14-inch conventional form-factor notebook packs a 2560 x 1600 pixels mini-LED display with 165 Hz refresh-rate, 3 ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and G-SYNC. The main muscle is an AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor (very likely from the "Phoenix Point" Ryzen 7045 series), and a GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU. While not an AMD Advantage laptop, ASUS has given this its own in-house ROG Intelligent Cooling system that incorporates vapor-chamber base plates and liquid-metal TIM.
Iceberg Thermal Gives Competitors the Chills at 2023 International CES
A relatively new entrant to the PC cooling space, Iceberg Thermal had its first major in-person outing at CES, with the exhibition of several of its newest CPU coolers, purpose-built heatsinks, case fans, and thermal pastes. To begin with, the company showed off its IceGale Xtra, IceGale ARGB, and IceGale Silent case fans. The IceGale Xtra comes in 80 mm, 120 mm, and 140 mm sizes, and in color options of icy-blue, gray, and black. These fans lack illumination, but offer a solid combination of high RPM range and dual-ball bearings. The IceGale ARGB fans are essentially the same, but come only in 120 mm and 140 mm sizes, and only in icy-blue and black frame options. These ones feature addressable RGB LEDs in the fan impeller hub, with the frost-finish impeller blades diffusing the light. The IceGale Silent series is a line of entry-level case fans that come in 120 mm size and black trim, with sleeve bearings. The fan is claimed to offer a noise output of just 12.3 dBA.
The FuzeIce thermal interface material ships in flattened piston syringes that double up as applicators. This is an electrically non-conductive TIM that offers thermal conductivity of 11.25 W/mK, 56,000 poise viscosity, and 2.6 g/cm³ density. It comes in 3.5 g and 7 g syringes. Iceberg Thermal also showed off a wide range of custom-design heatsinks that are purpose-built for a wide range of cooling needs. These are not sold to customers in the retail channel, but the company is looking to become an OEM for purpose-built air-cooling solutions. Moving on to the good stuff, and we see the company show off a trio of its IceSleet series CPU coolers for the DIY retail channel. These include the IceSleet G4 OC, IceSleet G4 Midnight, IceSleet X5, IceSleet X6, IceSleet X7 Dual, IceSleet X9 Dual, and a couple of IceFloe low-profile coolers.
The FuzeIce thermal interface material ships in flattened piston syringes that double up as applicators. This is an electrically non-conductive TIM that offers thermal conductivity of 11.25 W/mK, 56,000 poise viscosity, and 2.6 g/cm³ density. It comes in 3.5 g and 7 g syringes. Iceberg Thermal also showed off a wide range of custom-design heatsinks that are purpose-built for a wide range of cooling needs. These are not sold to customers in the retail channel, but the company is looking to become an OEM for purpose-built air-cooling solutions. Moving on to the good stuff, and we see the company show off a trio of its IceSleet series CPU coolers for the DIY retail channel. These include the IceSleet G4 OC, IceSleet G4 Midnight, IceSleet X5, IceSleet X6, IceSleet X7 Dual, IceSleet X9 Dual, and a couple of IceFloe low-profile coolers.
Hisense Makes a Big Push Into Premium Gaming Monitors and Home Cinema
The metoric rise of Hisense as a consumer electronics giant is attributable to its cost-effective smart TVs and home appliances, but with the 2023 International CES, the company stated it intention to dominate the gaming monitor and home cinema markets. The company showed off a wealth of conventional-sized and large-format gaming displays based on cutting-edge tech such as Mini-LED illuminated Fast IPS. The new G7H is a new line of planar 25-inch and 27-inch gaming monitors that feature just that—a Fast IPS panel with 576 min-LED backlit illumination diodes, 170 Hz refresh-rate with 1 ms response time, 1440p resolution, DisplayHDR 600 certification, and 97% coverage of DCI-P3, along with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
The U7K is technically a 43-inch TV that Hisense wants to market as a large format gaming monitor, although it does pack the entire set of the company's smart TV features. The display offers 4K Ultra HD resolution a Mini-LED illuminated Quantum Dot panel, 144 Hz refresh-rate, Dolby Vision Atmos, and 1,000 nits maximum brightness. Hisense also unveiled its Laser TV home projectors ranging for projection sizes ranging between 65-inch to 150-inch, featuring a triple-laser light source, 107% BT.2020 coverage, 1,600 ANSI lumens brightness, 4K Ultra HD native resolution, and Dolby Atmos. Its in-built 2.1 speaker set has been sourced from JBL by Harman. The projector supports both Chromecast (in-built), and Apple AirPlay.
The U7K is technically a 43-inch TV that Hisense wants to market as a large format gaming monitor, although it does pack the entire set of the company's smart TV features. The display offers 4K Ultra HD resolution a Mini-LED illuminated Quantum Dot panel, 144 Hz refresh-rate, Dolby Vision Atmos, and 1,000 nits maximum brightness. Hisense also unveiled its Laser TV home projectors ranging for projection sizes ranging between 65-inch to 150-inch, featuring a triple-laser light source, 107% BT.2020 coverage, 1,600 ANSI lumens brightness, 4K Ultra HD native resolution, and Dolby Atmos. Its in-built 2.1 speaker set has been sourced from JBL by Harman. The projector supports both Chromecast (in-built), and Apple AirPlay.
PlayStation at CES: VR2, DualSense Edge, Grey Camouflage Collection, and GoW Ragnarok Collection
Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) at the 2023 International CES set up a small but popular booth, drawing crowds to go hands-on with the new DualSense Edge wireless controllers for the PlayStation 5, and the PlayStation VR2 virtual-reality system, besides a few more interesting bits of gaming gear. The new DualSense Edge goes on sale from January 26, and is a feature-packed new wireless controller that offers advanced new-generation haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, the ability to fine-tune stick sensitivity, user-replaceable stick caps and back button, and button-remapping. The premium controller is expected to be priced at USD $200.
The PlayStation VR2 headset launches in February 2023, and works exclusively with the PlayStation 5, for a new selection of VR2-optimized games. The VR2 packs much faster hardware than the original PSVR from 2016, a higher resolution display with a native resolution of 4000 x 2040 pixels, HDR, a 110° FOV, and refresh-rate of at least 90 Hz, that can be pushed up to 120 Hz in certain high-motion scenarios. The VR2 headset features "inside-out" tracking of the user with cameras embedded in the headset determining your body movements, augmenting the inertial sensors. The headset also features eye-tracking, advanced haptic feedback, and improved 3D spatial audio. We also got to see new gray camouflage body scheme for the PlayStation 5, its stock DualSense wireless controller, and Pulse 3D headset, and "God of War: Ragnarok" themed DualSense wireless controllers.
The PlayStation VR2 headset launches in February 2023, and works exclusively with the PlayStation 5, for a new selection of VR2-optimized games. The VR2 packs much faster hardware than the original PSVR from 2016, a higher resolution display with a native resolution of 4000 x 2040 pixels, HDR, a 110° FOV, and refresh-rate of at least 90 Hz, that can be pushed up to 120 Hz in certain high-motion scenarios. The VR2 headset features "inside-out" tracking of the user with cameras embedded in the headset determining your body movements, augmenting the inertial sensors. The headset also features eye-tracking, advanced haptic feedback, and improved 3D spatial audio. We also got to see new gray camouflage body scheme for the PlayStation 5, its stock DualSense wireless controller, and Pulse 3D headset, and "God of War: Ragnarok" themed DualSense wireless controllers.
Cleer Audio Unveils Arc II Open-ear TWS Earbuds
At the 2023 International CES, Cleer Audio unveiled its the latest version of its pioneering open-ear design headphones, the Arc II. These true-wireless (TWS) earphones are characterized by their open-ear design with flexible hinges. The design allows for a more secure grip around your hear, and enables the use of larger drivers. The Arc II gets 16.2 mm graphene diaphragm drivers for deeper lows. The hinge is utilized to add larger batteries, and on a full charge, the Arc II offers up to 8 hours of playback on their own, and up to 27 hours added by the charge-case. The IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant earphones come with touch-based controls for playback and volume; and can be configured via an iOS or Android app. Body colo options include light gray and black.
Monday, January 9th 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Review - Affordable Zen 4 Powerhouse
The Ryzen 7 7700 is AMD's most affordable eight-core Zen 4 processor. For $330 you even get a good cooler included that features RGB illumination. Performance data in our review confirms that the 7700 non-X offers pretty much the same performance as the 7700X.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Review - Affordable Zen 4 for the Masses
Ryzen 5 7600 is AMD's most-affordable Zen 4 processor. It retails for only $230 and even comes with a heatsink. The testing in our review confirms that the performance difference to the more-expensive 7600X is minimal, and gaming performance even beats the 5800X3D.
Dell Announces 32-inch UltraSharp 6K Monitor With Thunderbolt 4 at CES
For those of you that find a 4K monitor to lack in resolution, but 8K being a bit too pricey, Dell announced a 6K option at CES in the shape of the 32-inch U3224KB monitor. The IPS Black panel features a 6144 x 3456 pixel resolution with 178 degree viewing angles, a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and it's also VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified. As this is a professional monitor, it offers a colour gamut that meets 99 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space, as well as 100 percent of the sRGB and Rec. 709 standards.
On the connectivity side, it supports Thunderbolt 4, with one input and one throughput, which includes 140 W power delivery, the highest we've seen to date from a monitor. It also has a pair of additional pop-out front facing USB-C ports, which can deliver 15 W of power, as well as a USB-A port, all of which are able to deliver data speeds of up to 10 Gbps and four rear mounted USB-A ports. Display inputs consist of one HDMI 2.1, one mini DP 2.1, one USB-C with unknown DisplayPort standard support, as well as one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. Finally the U3224KB also features an RJ45 jack for Ethernet connectivity.
On the connectivity side, it supports Thunderbolt 4, with one input and one throughput, which includes 140 W power delivery, the highest we've seen to date from a monitor. It also has a pair of additional pop-out front facing USB-C ports, which can deliver 15 W of power, as well as a USB-A port, all of which are able to deliver data speeds of up to 10 Gbps and four rear mounted USB-A ports. Display inputs consist of one HDMI 2.1, one mini DP 2.1, one USB-C with unknown DisplayPort standard support, as well as one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. Finally the U3224KB also features an RJ45 jack for Ethernet connectivity.
CHERRY Announcing Exciting New Keyboard and Mouse Options
Cherry Americas, part of the global leader in computer input devices, today announced the launch of two exciting new products for office and home users. The new products include the DW 9500 SLIM combo, bringing together the very popular KW 9100 wireless keyboard and the MW 8C ERGO mouse, and the addition of three new color variations to the popular GENTIX BT mouse. Both offerings are focused on delivering great value and performance while showcasing the style and sophistication users have come to expect from CHERRY.
"Our focus is on delivering the innovative, stylish and easy to use products to our customers in both office and home settings while simultaneously providing unmatched value and quality," said Richard Simone, CEO of Cherry Americas.
"Our focus is on delivering the innovative, stylish and easy to use products to our customers in both office and home settings while simultaneously providing unmatched value and quality," said Richard Simone, CEO of Cherry Americas.
Zyxel Launches 2.5G Ethernet Managed Switches for SMBs
Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure, AI- and cloud-powered business and home networking solutions, today announced the launch of the XMG1930 Series of Multi-Gigabit Lite-L3 Smart Managed Switches. XMG1930 series switches provide SMBs, system integrators, managed service providers, and small internet service providers with an ideal solution to support the increasing bandwidth requirements driven by advanced business applications.
XMG1930-30 and XMG1930-30HP switches are layer 2 switches that are equipped with 24 2.5G multi-gigabit ports, delivering higher bandwidth capacity to support wireless access points, servers, and workstations. Both switches can be upgraded to Lite-L3 with the purchase of a license that also adds the capability to manage the switches via Command Line Interface (CLI). A first for SMBs, both XMG1930 models offer six 10G uplinks that support fiber or copper infrastructures, enabling service providers to upgrade customers' network speeds from 1G to 2.5G without re-cabling, and provide extensibility and resilience for network expansion.
XMG1930-30 and XMG1930-30HP switches are layer 2 switches that are equipped with 24 2.5G multi-gigabit ports, delivering higher bandwidth capacity to support wireless access points, servers, and workstations. Both switches can be upgraded to Lite-L3 with the purchase of a license that also adds the capability to manage the switches via Command Line Interface (CLI). A first for SMBs, both XMG1930 models offer six 10G uplinks that support fiber or copper infrastructures, enabling service providers to upgrade customers' network speeds from 1G to 2.5G without re-cabling, and provide extensibility and resilience for network expansion.
CES is Back and Thriving - CES by the Numbers
CES 2023 ended today after an incredible week of product launches, major company announcements and innovation that will help to solve global challenges. CES shattered expected attendance drawing over 115,000 industry professionals - marking the largest audited global tech event since early 2020. With over 3200 exhibitors, including 1000 startups, CES 2023 showcased the next era of innovation from transportation and mobility to digital health, sustainability, Web3, metaverse and beyond.
For the first time, CES had a theme focused on Human Security for All. CES partnered with the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art and Science on the Human Security for All (HS4A) global campaign to foster food security, access to health care, personal income, environmental protection, personal safety, community security and political freedom. The products unveiled at CES 2023 tackle global issues such as access to clean water, food security, smart cities infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, personal security and more. CES also featured the latest in accessibility tech, with innovation helping those in the disability community.
For the first time, CES had a theme focused on Human Security for All. CES partnered with the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art and Science on the Human Security for All (HS4A) global campaign to foster food security, access to health care, personal income, environmental protection, personal safety, community security and political freedom. The products unveiled at CES 2023 tackle global issues such as access to clean water, food security, smart cities infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, personal security and more. CES also featured the latest in accessibility tech, with innovation helping those in the disability community.
Montage Technology PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer Chip Achieves Mass Production
Montage Technology, a leading data processing and interconnect IC design company, announced today that its PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer has successfully achieved mass production. This chip is a key upgrade based on Montage's PCIe 4.0 Retimer, providing a stable and reliable PCIe 5.0 and CXL 2.0 interconnect solution with high bandwidth and low latency for the cloud and high-performance computing market.
Montage's PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer employs advanced signal conditioning technologies to improve signal integrity and increase the effective transmission distance of high-speed signals. Compliant with relevant PCI-SIG and CXL specifications, the chip meets mainstream package requirements, supports transfer rate up to 32 GT/s, and takes the lead in supporting ultra-low transmission latency of less than 5 ns. The chip supports various complex system topologies such as SRIS and Retimer cascading, offering an ideal solution to address the PCIe/CXL signal integrity challenges in next-generation servers, enterprise storage, and AI acceleration systems. The PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer has passed extensive interoperability testing with a variety of compute, storage and networking products, such as CPU, PCIe switches, SSDs, GPUs and NICs, thus laying a solid foundation for the large-scale deployment of cloud computing and data centers.
Montage's PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer employs advanced signal conditioning technologies to improve signal integrity and increase the effective transmission distance of high-speed signals. Compliant with relevant PCI-SIG and CXL specifications, the chip meets mainstream package requirements, supports transfer rate up to 32 GT/s, and takes the lead in supporting ultra-low transmission latency of less than 5 ns. The chip supports various complex system topologies such as SRIS and Retimer cascading, offering an ideal solution to address the PCIe/CXL signal integrity challenges in next-generation servers, enterprise storage, and AI acceleration systems. The PCIe 5.0/CXL 2.0 Retimer has passed extensive interoperability testing with a variety of compute, storage and networking products, such as CPU, PCIe switches, SSDs, GPUs and NICs, thus laying a solid foundation for the large-scale deployment of cloud computing and data centers.
MSI Afterburner Developer Hasn't been Paid for a Year, Product Development in Limbo
MSI Afterburner is arguably the most popular graphics card overclocking utility that everyone from gamers to professional overclockers swear by. It is used across graphics card brands, and helps you tune up both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. While you enjoy Afterburner with your new-generation GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" and Radeon RX 7000 series RDNA3 GPUs that were released in 2022, do remember that Afterburner's developer hasn't been paid a penny for it.
MSI Afterburner is developed by Russian national Alexey Nicolaychuk, who goes by the name Unwinder across tech forums. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early-2022, MSI stopped payments to Unwinder citing "political reasons." Unwinder had been independently (read: without payment) supporting Afterburner out of personal interest throughout 2022 in hopes that MSI would figure out a way to pay him. Interestingly, MSI PC hardware continued to be sold in the Russian market throughout 2022. Despite continuing to develop Afterburner throughout 2022 without payment, MSI hasn't resolved its payments. In a community post, Unwinder announced that he is finally calling it quits, and is halting development of the app. This development ensures that the app works reliably with new GPUs as they're being launched, fixes bugs, and patches security issues.
MSI Afterburner is developed by Russian national Alexey Nicolaychuk, who goes by the name Unwinder across tech forums. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early-2022, MSI stopped payments to Unwinder citing "political reasons." Unwinder had been independently (read: without payment) supporting Afterburner out of personal interest throughout 2022 in hopes that MSI would figure out a way to pay him. Interestingly, MSI PC hardware continued to be sold in the Russian market throughout 2022. Despite continuing to develop Afterburner throughout 2022 without payment, MSI hasn't resolved its payments. In a community post, Unwinder announced that he is finally calling it quits, and is halting development of the app. This development ensures that the app works reliably with new GPUs as they're being launched, fixes bugs, and patches security issues.
Micron Technology Announces 9400 Series Enterprise NVMe SSDs
Micron Technology, today announced the Micron 9400 NVMe SSD is in volume production and immediately available from channel partners and to global OEM customers for use in servers requiring the highest levels of storage performance. The Micron 9400 is designed to manage the most demanding data center workloads, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) training, machine learning (ML) and high-performance computing (HPC) applications. The drive delivers an industry-leading 30.72 terabytes (TB) of storage capacity, superior workload performance versus the competition, and 77% improved input/output operations per second (IOPS). The Micron 9400 is the world's fastest PCIe Gen4 data center U.3 drive shipping and delivers consistently low latency at all capacity points.
"High performance, capacity and low latency are critical features for enterprises seeking to maximize their investments in AI/ML and supercomputing systems," said Alvaro Toledo, vice president and general manager of data center storage at Micron. "Thanks to its industry-leading 30 TB capacity and stunning performance with over 1 million IOPS in mixed workloads, the Micron 9400 SSD packs larger datasets into each server and accelerates machine learning training, which equips users to squeeze more out of their GPUs."
"High performance, capacity and low latency are critical features for enterprises seeking to maximize their investments in AI/ML and supercomputing systems," said Alvaro Toledo, vice president and general manager of data center storage at Micron. "Thanks to its industry-leading 30 TB capacity and stunning performance with over 1 million IOPS in mixed workloads, the Micron 9400 SSD packs larger datasets into each server and accelerates machine learning training, which equips users to squeeze more out of their GPUs."
Mushkin Vortex Redline and Votex LX NVMe SSDs Detailed, Epsilon Gen 5 SSD Teased
Mushkin at the 2023 International CES showed off its Vortex Redline and Vortex LX M.2 NVMe SSDs. The Vortex Redline is the company's top PCIe Gen 4 drive, combining an Innogrit IG5236 NVMe 1.4 controller with 3D TLC NAND flash, to offer transfer speeds of up to 7415 MB/s. The Vortex Redline comes in capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The Vortex LX is a more value-oriented product, based on an unnamed Innogrit-sourced DRAMless controller. This drive features a PCIe Gen 4 interface, but offers slightly lower performance that the company didn't disclose.
The star attraction at the Mushkin booth was its Epsilon SSD that features a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 + NVMe 2.0 interface, a Phison E26-series controller, and next generation 3D NAND flash memory (possibly 232-layer). The drive features active cooling from a fan-heatsink, and while the company didn't talk about performance, drives based on this controller are known to offer up to 12 GB/s of sequential transfers. Lastly, the company showed off its lineup of 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gbps SSDs in capacities ranging all the way up to 16 TB, which are meant to be HDD replacements, and "warm" storage devices.
The star attraction at the Mushkin booth was its Epsilon SSD that features a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 + NVMe 2.0 interface, a Phison E26-series controller, and next generation 3D NAND flash memory (possibly 232-layer). The drive features active cooling from a fan-heatsink, and while the company didn't talk about performance, drives based on this controller are known to offer up to 12 GB/s of sequential transfers. Lastly, the company showed off its lineup of 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gbps SSDs in capacities ranging all the way up to 16 TB, which are meant to be HDD replacements, and "warm" storage devices.
Battery Generators at CES: AllPowers, Jackery, Bluetti, and Ecoflow
Smart battery generators were a recurring theme this CES. These are devices with large batteries—usually lithium ion—connected to an integrated sine-wave AC inverter, and other goodies such as direct low-voltage DC charging points for all your devices. These come in pretty handy as a replacement for small gas-powered gensets you take along for camping, as the battery drains much slower than the genset burns fuel at its lowest-load state; and many of these batteries include a means to recharge with solar power, using portable, foldable PV panels.
NVIDIA Could Release AI-Optimized Drivers, Improving Overall Performance
NVIDIA is using artificial intelligence to design and develop parts of its chip designs, as we have seen in the past, making optimization much more efficient. However, today we have a new rumor that NVIDIA will use AI to optimize its driver performance to reach grounds that the human workforce can not. According to CapFrameX, NVIDIA is allegedly preparing special drivers with optimizations done by AI algorithms. As the source claims, the average improvement will yield a 10% performance increase with up to 30% in best-case scenarios. Presumably, AI can do optimization on two fronts: shader compiles / game optimization side or for power management, which includes clocks, voltages, and boost frequency curves.
It still needs to be made clear which aspect will company's AI optimize and work on; however, it can be a combination of two, given the expected drastic improvement in performance. Special tuning of code for more efficient execution and a better power/frequency curve will bring the efficiency level one notch above current releases. We have already seen AI solve these problems last year with the PrefixML model that compacted circuit design by 25%. We need to find out which cards NVIDIA plans to target, and we can only assume that the latest-generation GeForce RTX 40 series will be the goal if the project is made public in Q1 of this year.
It still needs to be made clear which aspect will company's AI optimize and work on; however, it can be a combination of two, given the expected drastic improvement in performance. Special tuning of code for more efficient execution and a better power/frequency curve will bring the efficiency level one notch above current releases. We have already seen AI solve these problems last year with the PrefixML model that compacted circuit design by 25%. We need to find out which cards NVIDIA plans to target, and we can only assume that the latest-generation GeForce RTX 40 series will be the goal if the project is made public in Q1 of this year.
DeepCool Unveils PX-P and PX-G Series ATX 3.0 + PCIe Gen 5 PSUs at CES
At CES, DeepCool unveiled its latest PX-P and PX-G line of new-generation power supplies meeting the ATX 3.0 and PCI-Express Gen 5 specifications. The PX-P series offers 80 Plus Platinum switching efficiency and comes in two high-wattage variants of 1000 W and 1300 W. The PX-G, on the other hand, gives you 80 Plus Gold switching efficiency, and comes in 850 W, 1000 W, and 1200 W variants. What's common to both is that they offer one 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connector that's capable of 600 W continuous power delivery, along with 200% excursions within the PCIe Gen 5 specs. The PX-P series PSUs offer five PCIe power connectors on the PSU's end besides the 12VHPWR, while the PX-G offers three. Each of these split out to two 6+2 pin connector's on the cable's end. The PX-P series uses a 120 mm fluid-dynamic bearing fan, while the PX-G uses 135 mm FDB fan.
DeepCool AIO CLCs at CES and Unique FT14 Case Fan
DeepCool brought a pair of new all-in-one liquid CPU coolers to the 2023 International CES. These include the LT series, the LS520 series, and the new FT14 case fan. The LT series is characterized by the unique geometric shape of its pump-block, which looks like a metal cube has been peeled to reveal a more solid geometric shapes inside, thanks to an illusion created by an infinity-mirror setup. DeepCool already launched debuted the LT series in October 2022, but at CES it introduced new all-white variants.
The LS520 series "smart" AIOs feature pump-blocks with LCD displays that provide real-time monitoring of the pump-speed, base-plate- and coolant temperature. These are otherwise identical to the LS series from mid-2022. Also making its debut is the FT14, a unique 140 mm case fan with a square fan-frame, which can be made to fit 120 mm fan vents, by pulling out the four corners of the frame, to reveal an inner frame with 120 mm mounts. This could prove useful where you have a 120 mm fan vent that has room for a larger impeller.
The LS520 series "smart" AIOs feature pump-blocks with LCD displays that provide real-time monitoring of the pump-speed, base-plate- and coolant temperature. These are otherwise identical to the LS series from mid-2022. Also making its debut is the FT14, a unique 140 mm case fan with a square fan-frame, which can be made to fit 120 mm fan vents, by pulling out the four corners of the frame, to reveal an inner frame with 120 mm mounts. This could prove useful where you have a 120 mm fan vent that has room for a larger impeller.
QoQ Decline in DRAM ASP Will Moderate to Around 13~18% for 1Q23, but Slump Will Continue, Says TrendForce
TrendForce's latest analysis of the DRAM market finds that the inventory pressure on suppliers remain significant due to the persistently weak demand for consumer electronics. Among the top three DRAM suppliers, only Samsung has seen a slight drop in inventory level thanks to its highly competitive pricing strategy. To prevent DRAM prices as a whole from making another sharp dive, a few suppliers such as Micron have been cutting production. Therefore, the QoQ decline in DRAM prices are projected to shrink to around 13~18% for 1Q23. However, the slump will have yet to reach the bottom at that time. Regarding the QoQ changes in the prices of the major categories of DRAM products for 1Q23, PC DRAM and server DRAM are projected to again register a drop that is near 20%. Conversely, mobile DRAM will experience the smallest price decline because its profit margin is ready the thinnest.
DeepCool Gives Air CPU Coolers the Smarts with the Digital Series
With the latest crop of AIO liquid coolers getting some smarts such as displays on the pump-block that put out real-time monitoring information, DeepCool figured why not extend this to air coolers? The new Digital series air CPU coolers by DeepCool come with LCD displays that put out real-time monitoring information such as CPU temperature (as measured at the base-plate), and fan speed.
These are essentially upgrades to the company's aluminium fin tower-type CPU coolers with top-plates that have the display and some electronics, instead of what should normally be a die-cast aluminium plate with some optional lighting. Shown at CES were at least four models with a single fin-stack (type-U) design of various sizes, and one dual fin-stack (type-D) design. All of these have a glossy piano-black acrylic top-plate that's framed by an ARGB diffuser. The LCD segment display is somewhere toward the center. The electronics work independently, but you'll need a 4-pin PWM connection for the fan(s), which also power the electronics; and 3-pin ARGB for the lighting.
These are essentially upgrades to the company's aluminium fin tower-type CPU coolers with top-plates that have the display and some electronics, instead of what should normally be a die-cast aluminium plate with some optional lighting. Shown at CES were at least four models with a single fin-stack (type-U) design of various sizes, and one dual fin-stack (type-D) design. All of these have a glossy piano-black acrylic top-plate that's framed by an ARGB diffuser. The LCD segment display is somewhere toward the center. The electronics work independently, but you'll need a 4-pin PWM connection for the fan(s), which also power the electronics; and 3-pin ARGB for the lighting.
DeepCool Assassin IV is the "Air Apparent" to the Company's CPU Cooler Lineup
DeepCool brought a wealth of new PC cooling and casing solutions to the 2023 International CES, and one of the new stuff that caught our eye is their new Assassin IV CPU cooler. When installed, this looks like big dark cube inside your case, with a shroud covering all its sheet-metal. A large aluminium fin-stack heatsink is concealed inside the shroud, to which heat is fed by seven 6 mm-thick heatpipes. A combination of 140 mm and 120 mm fluid-dynamic bearing fans ventilate the heatsink. The cooler is capable of handling thermal loads of up to 280 W, and can match up to 240 mm AIO coolers, so you can even run the top Zen 4 or Rocket Lake processors. In more ways than one, the Assassin IV tries to match the aesthetic of NVIDIA's Founders Edition cards as shown in the example build below.
Altec Lansing at CES: Hydra Series "Everything Proof" Party Speakers, Kids-safe Headphones
Altec Lansing introduced a lineup of party speakers, portable speakers, and kids-safe headphones at the 2023 International CES. The stall had a small selection of these in the new "wildlife camo" pattern. It includes two of the company's "everything proof" Hydra series wireless party speakers that pack powerful stereo+woofer speakers with a high degree of tuning to match the Hi-Fi systems of the old; and an internal lithium battery designed to last almost all day long. These speakers double up as power-banks, so you can recharge your smartphones, tablets, or ultraportable notebooks. The lineup also included palm-sized portable speakers, and a pair of new kids-safe headphones models.
Sunday, January 8th 2023
This Week in Gaming (Week 2)
After a couple of weeks of very limited releases, new games are starting to trickle out again and we're back to give you a heads up on what's coming. From now on we'll also add a poll, so you can vote on the game you're most interested in each week. Please keep the feedback coming if there's something we can improve in this weekly section.
One Piece Odyssey / This Week's AAA Title / Thursday January 12
One Piece Odyssey transports the Straw Hat Crew to a mysterious new island where they embark on quests and fight powerful enemies and massive bosses in exciting turn-based battles. The game is introducing a new chapter for these famed pirates, with an original story and new characters developed under the guiding hand of series creator Eiichiro Oda.
One Piece Odyssey / This Week's AAA Title / Thursday January 12
One Piece Odyssey transports the Straw Hat Crew to a mysterious new island where they embark on quests and fight powerful enemies and massive bosses in exciting turn-based battles. The game is introducing a new chapter for these famed pirates, with an original story and new characters developed under the guiding hand of series creator Eiichiro Oda.
LG UltraGear Unveils the World's First 240 Hz OLED Gaming Monitor
LG UltraGear at the 2023 International CES showed off the world's first gaming monitor with a blistering fast 240 Hz OLED panel. An in-house development by LG Display, the LG UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE is a 45-inch ultrawide gaming monitor with a 21:9 aspect-ratio, 3440 x 1440 pixels native resolution, an 800R curvature, and a surreal 240 Hz refresh rate with 0.03 ms response time. It supports both G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium to help it twiddle its thumbs while it awaits new frames from your GPU. The display takes input from HDMI 2.1, and features a high-performance DAC + headphones amplifier along with support for DTS Headphone X. For these and more, the monitor bagged a 2023 CES Innovation Award.
GIGABYTE Shows Off AORUS and AERO OLED Notebooks Powered by 13th Gen Core and RTX 40-series
The AORUS brand of GIGABYTE originated with gaming notebooks. At the 2023 International CES, AORUS presented a large number of gaming notebooks covering various market-segments, powered by the latest-generation 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" mobile processors, and GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" Laptop GPUs. The AORUS 17X (17-inch) and AORUS 15X (15-inch) are the company's key performance gaming notebooks. Both come with 1440p Fast IPS 240 Hz displays, and rock an Intel Core i7-13700HX 8P+8E processor. The company didn't specify the GPU model in use, but we expect options to range from the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, all the way up to the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU. 16 GB dual-channel DDR5-4800 memory, and 1 TB Gen 4 NVMe SSDs make for the rest of the specs.
GIGABYTE has a special treat for creators on the move, with the AERO 16 OLED (16-inch) and AERO 14 OLED (14-inch). As their names suggest, they feature OLED displays. These come with 16:10 aspect-ratio displays. The 14-inch model rocks a 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution, and the 16-inch one does 3840 x 2400 pixels. Both displays are Samsung AMOLED sourced, and Pantone validated for a very wide color gamut. The 14-inch model is powered by a Core i7-13700HX 8P+8E processor and 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory; while the 16-inch model rocks a Core i9-13900H 6P+8E processor with 32 GB of DDR5-4800 memory. Both come with a variety of RTX 40-series Laptop GPU options, and 1 TB of Gen 4 NVMe storage.
GIGABYTE has a special treat for creators on the move, with the AERO 16 OLED (16-inch) and AERO 14 OLED (14-inch). As their names suggest, they feature OLED displays. These come with 16:10 aspect-ratio displays. The 14-inch model rocks a 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution, and the 16-inch one does 3840 x 2400 pixels. Both displays are Samsung AMOLED sourced, and Pantone validated for a very wide color gamut. The 14-inch model is powered by a Core i7-13700HX 8P+8E processor and 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory; while the 16-inch model rocks a Core i9-13900H 6P+8E processor with 32 GB of DDR5-4800 memory. Both come with a variety of RTX 40-series Laptop GPU options, and 1 TB of Gen 4 NVMe storage.
Saturday, January 7th 2023
Today's Reviews
Keyboards
AMD Ryzen 7040 Series "Phoenix Point" Mobile Processor I/O Detailed: Lacks PCIe Gen 5
The online datasheets of some of the first AMD Ryzen 7040 series "Phoenix Point" mobile processors went live, detailing the processor's I/O feature-set. We learn that AMD has decided to give PCI-Express Gen 5 a skip with this silicon, at least in its mobile avatar. The Ryzen 7040 SoC puts out a total of 20 PCI-Express Gen 4 lanes, all of which are "usable" (i.e. don't count 4 lanes toward chipset-bus). This would mean that the silicon has a full PCI-Express 4.0 x16 interface for discrete graphics, and a PCI-Express 4.0 x4 link for a CPU-attached M.2 NVMe slot; unlike the "Raphael" desktop MCM and the "Dragon Range" mobile MCM, whose client I/O dies put out a total of 28 Gen 5 lanes (24 usable, with x16 PEG + two x4 toward CPU-attached M.2 slots).
Another interesting aspect about "Phoenix Point" is its memory controllers. The SoC features a dual-channel (four sub-channel) DDR5 memory interface, besides support for LPDDR5 and LPDDR5x. DDR5-5600 and LPDDR5-7600 are the native speeds supported. What's really interesting is the maximum amount of memory supported, which stands at 256 GB—double that of "Raphael" and "Dragon Range," which top out at 128 GB. This bodes well for the eventual Socket AM5 APUs AMD will design based on the "Phoenix Point" silicon. Older Ryzen 5000G "Cezanne" desktop APUs are known for superior memory overclocking capabilities to 5000X "Vermeer," with the monolithic nature of the silicon favoring latencies. Something similar could be expected from "Phoenix Point."
Another interesting aspect about "Phoenix Point" is its memory controllers. The SoC features a dual-channel (four sub-channel) DDR5 memory interface, besides support for LPDDR5 and LPDDR5x. DDR5-5600 and LPDDR5-7600 are the native speeds supported. What's really interesting is the maximum amount of memory supported, which stands at 256 GB—double that of "Raphael" and "Dragon Range," which top out at 128 GB. This bodes well for the eventual Socket AM5 APUs AMD will design based on the "Phoenix Point" silicon. Older Ryzen 5000G "Cezanne" desktop APUs are known for superior memory overclocking capabilities to 5000X "Vermeer," with the monolithic nature of the silicon favoring latencies. Something similar could be expected from "Phoenix Point."
GIGABYTE Motherboards and Graphics Cards at the 2023 International CES
GIGABYTE displayed their latest motherboards and graphics cards at the 2023 International CES, covering their Socket LGA1700 Intel 700-series chipset; and Socket AM5 AMD 600-series chipset. The Z790 AORUS Tachyon is the company's top-grade LGA1700 motherboard targeting the professional overclocking crowd. The board is designed to chase down CPU and memory overclocking world records, featuring the company's most powerful CPU VRM solution, and a 1 DIMM-per-channel DDR5 memory setup that preferred by overclockers for supporting the highest memory overclocks with the tightest timings. There are several overclocker-friendly features besides the onboard buttons—dual-BIOS ROMs, angled connectors for bench cases, consolidated voltage measurement points, and a feature-packed BIOS setup program.
Over in the AMD side, GIGABYTE's top Socket AM5 motherboard is the X670E AORUS Xtreme, which is a feature-packed motherboard with possibly the strongest CPU VRM solutions in the market for Ryzen 7000 processors, and with the best VRM cooling. In addition to the PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slot wired to the AM5 SoC, you get additional Gen 5 slots that subtract from the x16 PEG slot. The AORUS Xtreme also has the most feature-rich BIOS available among GIGABYTE's AM5 lineup. The B650I AORUS Ultra is a premium Mini-ITX Socket AM5 motherboard based on the AMD B650 chipset. Despite its compact size, it gives you a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 PEG slot, a Gen 5 M.2 slot, and two additional Gen 4 M.2 slots, besides the latest wired- and wireless connectivity. We also snapped the B650 AERO G motherboard targeting creators, and the mainstream B650 AORUS Elite AX.
Over in the AMD side, GIGABYTE's top Socket AM5 motherboard is the X670E AORUS Xtreme, which is a feature-packed motherboard with possibly the strongest CPU VRM solutions in the market for Ryzen 7000 processors, and with the best VRM cooling. In addition to the PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slot wired to the AM5 SoC, you get additional Gen 5 slots that subtract from the x16 PEG slot. The AORUS Xtreme also has the most feature-rich BIOS available among GIGABYTE's AM5 lineup. The B650I AORUS Ultra is a premium Mini-ITX Socket AM5 motherboard based on the AMD B650 chipset. Despite its compact size, it gives you a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 PEG slot, a Gen 5 M.2 slot, and two additional Gen 4 M.2 slots, besides the latest wired- and wireless connectivity. We also snapped the B650 AERO G motherboard targeting creators, and the mainstream B650 AORUS Elite AX.
GIGABYTE Stealth 500 PC Continues to Grab Eyeballs at CES
A showstopper from Computex 2022, the Stealth 500 DIY gaming PC kit from GIGABYTE continues to grab eyeballs at the 2023 International CES, where it's been awarded for innovation. Imagine you've assembled a gaming PC but forgot to install a single power cable from your modular PSU—that's what the Stealth 500 looks like. You won't find a single cable sticking out when you view the motherboard from the left side panel. Every connector and header of the motherboard has been discretely wired out either using 180° inflexible backplanes, or the motherboard itself has some of its headers located on the reverse side of the PCB. Even the RTX 3070 graphics card included with the build has a discretely located power connector that remains out of sight when installed. The challenge with this build will be to give it a highly capable air CPU cooler, as even cooling tubing from an AIO could spoil the look!
In Win Shows Off P-II Line of ATX 3.0 Power Supplies
In Win showed off the P-II line of power supplies offering ATX 3.0 + PCIe Gen 5 specs support, and 80 Plus Gold efficiency. The lineup includes four models based on Wattage—the P75II (750 W), P85II (850 W), P105II (1050 W), and the P130II (1300 W). The top-of-the-line 1300 W model comes with two 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connectors that can deliver 600 W continuous power and excursion-tolerance within PCIe Gen 5 spec, whereas the other three models include one of these connectors. The 1050 W and 1300 W models also include six 6+2 pin PCIe power, whereas the lower models include four of these. Under the hood, these feature single +12 V rail design, and most common electrical protections. In Win didn't reveal pricing, but is backing these PSUs with a 5-year warranty.
In Win Mod Free Takes Case Modularity to the Nth Level
Over the past decade, PC cases have grown increasingly compartmentalized, but rarely modular. A case could be partitioned horizontally, or vertically to accommodate the various purpose-built chambers, but why should you stick to a particular pre-set arrangement of the compartments? In Win has an answer to this question with Mod Free. This case can either be a tall full-tower, or a horizontal stack of compartments, depending on how you want it. You can reconfigure the case as many times are you like, to grow with your hardware upgrades. The detachable modules can even hold secondary ITX-based machines, entire DIY liquid-cooling setups, large arrays of storage devices, or dedicated to graphics cards. Reconfigure and reshape the case as you like.
A video presentation by In Win follows.
In Win Envisions an Ikea-like Future for PC Cases for Sustainable Shipping with POC and Dubili
In Win is always a stand-out attraction at PC trade-shows, and at the 2023 International CES, they presented a vision for what PC cases could ship like in the near-future. PC cases, particularly $20-50 ones, are incredibly uneconomical to ship, as they take up vast amount of spatial volume for the market-price. The new In Win POC isn't exactly an entry-level case, but adds a heavy DIY element to it, similar to what you'd find with Ikea furniture.
The In Win POC case comes in completely knocked down kits, with nealy all its metal panels flattened. There are cutouts on the panel, along which you manually bend and fold the sheet-metal to construct 3D shapes, as shown in online instructional videos made by In Win. A few bends and tightening of joints later, your case is ready for the hardware to be installed. The knocked-down case comes in an incredibly compact box that's a fraction of the volume of what would've been for a factory-assembled case, and needs much less protective Styrofoam. The concept carries on to the Dubili, a rather upmarket-looking ATX mid-tower which, although doesn't come with "fold here" sheet-metal, remains in a completely knocked-down state out of the box, with mostly flat bits that you join using a series of thumb-screw joints to give the case its 3-dimensional form.
A video presentation by In Win follows.
The In Win POC case comes in completely knocked down kits, with nealy all its metal panels flattened. There are cutouts on the panel, along which you manually bend and fold the sheet-metal to construct 3D shapes, as shown in online instructional videos made by In Win. A few bends and tightening of joints later, your case is ready for the hardware to be installed. The knocked-down case comes in an incredibly compact box that's a fraction of the volume of what would've been for a factory-assembled case, and needs much less protective Styrofoam. The concept carries on to the Dubili, a rather upmarket-looking ATX mid-tower which, although doesn't come with "fold here" sheet-metal, remains in a completely knocked-down state out of the box, with mostly flat bits that you join using a series of thumb-screw joints to give the case its 3-dimensional form.
Twinkly Shows How Little Tiles of 64 ARGB Squares Can Make for Some Jaw-Dropping Wall Lighting
Most PC peripheral companies betting big on addressable RGB lighting have shown off some room lighting products, but one of them that stand out for us is a lesser-known brand called Twinkly. Their device is a tiny 15 cm x 15 cm tile that has 64 squares, each with an addressable RGB LED. You daisy-chain several of these tiles as shown in the example below, and create some amazing wall-art that you can show off as a backdrop in your game stream. These tiles are controlled by a PC software that lets you program them whichever way you want them—cycle presets, work as ambient lighting, or even mirror your main display.
Toshiba Unveils Canvio Gaming Portable Hard Drives, Canvio Advance, and N300 Pro NAS HDDs
Toshiba may have spun off its flash memory business into Kioxia, but the company still makes mechanical hard-drives and derivative products such as portable HDDs. At the 2023 International CES, the company showed off its Canvio Gaming line of portable HDDs. These USB 3.1 portable hard drives come in capacities of up to 4 TB, and support both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, where they can be used to store entire libraries of games that can be made ready to play faster than fetching the game from the Internet.
The Canvio Advance series targets professionals on the move providing storage of up to 4 TB, with auto-backup both to itself and the cloud (though your PC), and data-encryption. The Canvio Ready and Canvio Flex target consumer use-cases. The latter in particular has a broad device compatibility spanning PCs, Macs, tablets, and handhelds, with USB-C and type-A interfaces. Lastly there's the N300 line of enterprise hard drives targeting NAS applications, which come in capacities of up to 18 TB, with up to 7,200 RPM spindle speed, and CMR recording (no SMR). These drives are designed for 24x7 operation, come with up to 1.2 million hours MTTF at 300 TB/year workload, and are backed by 5-year warranties.
The Canvio Advance series targets professionals on the move providing storage of up to 4 TB, with auto-backup both to itself and the cloud (though your PC), and data-encryption. The Canvio Ready and Canvio Flex target consumer use-cases. The latter in particular has a broad device compatibility spanning PCs, Macs, tablets, and handhelds, with USB-C and type-A interfaces. Lastly there's the N300 line of enterprise hard drives targeting NAS applications, which come in capacities of up to 18 TB, with up to 7,200 RPM spindle speed, and CMR recording (no SMR). These drives are designed for 24x7 operation, come with up to 1.2 million hours MTTF at 300 TB/year workload, and are backed by 5-year warranties.
Lexar Renews Enthusiast Interest in DDR4 with Latest ARES Memory, Also Shows Off EXPO+XMP3 Memory Modules
Lexar extended its latest-generation ARES RGB memory enthusiast product design to the DDR4 segment, with its ARES RGB DDR4 memory series. Available in 16 GB (2x 8 GB) dual-channel kits, these modules come with an Intel XMP 2.0 profile for DDR4-4000, and come with software-controllable RGB LED illumination. Over in the DDR5 camp, we see Lexar show off its DDR5-6000 memory module that's been validated on the AMD Ryzen 7000 "Zen 4" platform, with an AMD EXPO profile that enables the advertised speeds, timings, and AMD-specific sub-timings. On Intel machines, the included XMP 3.0 profile enables the relevant timings and sub-timings besides the DDR5-6000 speed. There's a non-RGB version of the ARES DDR5 series at lower speed variants, at DDR5-5200 (JEDEC-standard SPD).
Lexar Fly microSDXC Cards for Camera Drones and 1900 MB/s CFexpress Cards Pictured
Lexar at the 2023 International CES showed off the Fly series of microSDXC cards optimized for small camera drone applications. These cards come with a wider temperature-range, are optimized for low power, and meet SD V30 class (at least 30 MB/s of stable write speeds), making them capable of 4K UHD @ 30 Hz video recording. The Play series of microSDXC cards are optimized for high read performance, and targets handheld game consoles, offering up to 150 MB/s reads, and capacities of up to 1 TB. The cards come in sizes of 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. Elsewhere in the Lexar booth, we come across their fastest CFexpress cards for DLSRs and high-performance video cameras.
The new Lexar Professional series CFexpress type-A cards come in capacities of up to 320 GB, with transfer rates of up to 900 MB/s and 400 MB/s guaranteed write-speeds. The larger CFexpress type-B cards can be as large as 2 TB in size, with transfer-speeds of up to 1900 MB/s and 400 MB/s guaranteed writes (the 400 MB/s figure is an arbitrary industry standard to ensure a particular format of video recording doesn't run into media-write errors). The more premium Lexar Professional Gold series are being targeted at 8K RAW video recording rigs (the latest crop of ARRI and Red cameras), supporting XQD, 1900 MB/s max reads, and 1500 MB/s max writes. Both the type-A and type-B formats come in capacities of up to 2 TB.
The new Lexar Professional series CFexpress type-A cards come in capacities of up to 320 GB, with transfer rates of up to 900 MB/s and 400 MB/s guaranteed write-speeds. The larger CFexpress type-B cards can be as large as 2 TB in size, with transfer-speeds of up to 1900 MB/s and 400 MB/s guaranteed writes (the 400 MB/s figure is an arbitrary industry standard to ensure a particular format of video recording doesn't run into media-write errors). The more premium Lexar Professional Gold series are being targeted at 8K RAW video recording rigs (the latest crop of ARRI and Red cameras), supporting XQD, 1900 MB/s max reads, and 1500 MB/s max writes. Both the type-A and type-B formats come in capacities of up to 2 TB.
BenQ Showcases OLED and Fast-IPS Gaming Monitors at CES
PC display and projection major BenQ showed off three of its latest Mobiuz gaming monitors at the 2023 International CES. The star-attraction was the Mobiuz EX480UZ, a large-format 48-inch gaming display with an OLED panel. This display provides 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution with blistering fast 0.1 ms (GTG) response-time, and covers 98% of DCI-P3 with delta ≤2. It uses HDMI 2.1 inputs, and includes a powerful internal speaker-set consisting of two 5 W front-channels, and 10 W woofer. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Pro.
The Mobiuz EX270QM is a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) monitor with a Fast-IPS panel that offers 240 Hz refresh rate, with 1 ms (GTG) response time, and 98% of DCI-P3 coverage, along with DisplayHDR 600 support. It uses a full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 input and supports AMD FreeSync Pro. Lastly, there's the Mobiuz EX270M, which is the same 27-inch size, but with lower Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, the same 240 Hz refresh-rate and 1 ms response time, but with 99% sRGB coverage and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. This monitor packs a 2.1 speaker setup with 2.5 W front-channel speakers, and a 5 W subwoofer.
The Mobiuz EX270QM is a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) monitor with a Fast-IPS panel that offers 240 Hz refresh rate, with 1 ms (GTG) response time, and 98% of DCI-P3 coverage, along with DisplayHDR 600 support. It uses a full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 input and supports AMD FreeSync Pro. Lastly, there's the Mobiuz EX270M, which is the same 27-inch size, but with lower Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, the same 240 Hz refresh-rate and 1 ms response time, but with 99% sRGB coverage and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. This monitor packs a 2.1 speaker setup with 2.5 W front-channel speakers, and a 5 W subwoofer.
Kingston Exhibits its 5 Top Secure Storage Devices at CES
Kingston dominates the secure portable storage market with its IronKey brand of self-encrypting USB flash drives and portable SSDs. At the 2023 International CES, the company showed off its five top products from the IronKey brand. These include the IronKey Locker+ 50, the IronKey S1000, the IronKey Vault Privacy 50, the IronKey Keypad 200, and the IronKey Vault Privacy 80ES. The Locker+ 50 is an affordable secure encrypted flash drive with self-processing XTS-AES encryption and automatic cloud backup. It comes in capacities of up to 128 GB, and offers transfer rates of up to 145 MB/s reads with up to 115 MB/s writes, over 5 Gbps USB 3.1. The IronKey S1000 is a big step-up from the Locker+ 50, and features an on-device cryptochip for a self-contained root of trust, besides hardware-accelerated encryption without involving the host machine. It comes in capacities of up to 128 GB, and offers transfer rates of up to 230 MB/s reads, with up to 240 MB/s writes, leveraging 5 Gbps USB 3.1.
The Vault Privacy 50 series is usually what enterprises buy in bulk, with hardware-accelerated XTS-AES, and 256-bit AES. It can be had with USB type-A or type-C (Vault Privacy 50C), and comes in capacities of up to 128 GB, pushing data at up to 250 MB/s reads, with up to 180 MB/s writes. The Keypad 200 is one of the most recognizable of Kingston's IronKey products. It meets FIPS 140-3 Level 3 data-security standards, and a physical keypad that unlocks the device without having to use any software running on the host. It transfers at speeds of up to 145 MB/s reads with up to 115 MB/s writes. Lastly, there's the Vault Privacy 80ES, a 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 portable SSD that comes in capacities of up to 2 TB, a touchscreen-based on-device user-interface to lock/unlock without any software running on the host machine, and transfer rates of up to 250 MB/s.
The Vault Privacy 50 series is usually what enterprises buy in bulk, with hardware-accelerated XTS-AES, and 256-bit AES. It can be had with USB type-A or type-C (Vault Privacy 50C), and comes in capacities of up to 128 GB, pushing data at up to 250 MB/s reads, with up to 180 MB/s writes. The Keypad 200 is one of the most recognizable of Kingston's IronKey products. It meets FIPS 140-3 Level 3 data-security standards, and a physical keypad that unlocks the device without having to use any software running on the host. It transfers at speeds of up to 145 MB/s reads with up to 115 MB/s writes. Lastly, there's the Vault Privacy 80ES, a 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 portable SSD that comes in capacities of up to 2 TB, a touchscreen-based on-device user-interface to lock/unlock without any software running on the host machine, and transfer rates of up to 250 MB/s.
Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-7200, FURY Beast DDR5-6000, and FURY Impact DDR5 Pictured
At the 2023 International CES, market leader Kingston expanded their FURY line of enthusiast-gaming PC memory with the introduction of several new DDR5 memory kits. The top-of-the-line FURY Renegade series comes in RGB and non-RGB trims, and with speeds of up to DDR5-7200 with Intel XMP 3.0 support. For the AMD crowd, the company showed off the FURY Beast RGB, which comes in speeds of up to DDR5-6000, and features AMD EXPO profiles along with extensive validation with Ryzen 7000 series processors.
For those still making the transition between DDR4 and DDR5, Kingston introduced the FURY Beast DDR4 RGB, which looks visually similar to their DDR5 FURY Beast, but comes with speeds of up to DDR4-3600, with validation on AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. It also supports an Intel XMP 2.0 profile. For high-end gaming notebooks and SFF platforms, including the Intel NUC 12 Extreme, Kingston introduced the FURY Impact line of DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, which comes in speeds of up to DDR5-5600.
For those still making the transition between DDR4 and DDR5, Kingston introduced the FURY Beast DDR4 RGB, which looks visually similar to their DDR5 FURY Beast, but comes with speeds of up to DDR4-3600, with validation on AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. It also supports an Intel XMP 2.0 profile. For high-end gaming notebooks and SFF platforms, including the Intel NUC 12 Extreme, Kingston introduced the FURY Impact line of DDR5 SO-DIMM memory, which comes in speeds of up to DDR5-5600.
Friday, January 6th 2023
Today's Reviews
Game Controllers
Graphics Cards
PSUs
AFUL Acoustics Performer 5 In-Ear Monitors Review
AFUL Acoustics is a new company aiming to shake up the competitive IEM market with its Performer 5 hybrid driver set. It uses a 1 DD/4 BA configuration paired with novel engineering and electronics to make for a compellingly smooth tonality and a highly comfortable listening experience at a reasonable price.
HyperX HX3D Hardware Customization Program is Basically Hummels for Game Streamers
For the latest crop of game streamers, the set is as important as the gear and the gameplay itself, and so HyperX launched HX3D Hardware Customization Program. This is basically a new range of 3D-printed accessories for your HyperX gaming peripherals, which can liven up your streaming set to suit your personality/style. HyperX showed off several examples, such as a pretty slick Giger-inspired rib-cage enclosure for a Quadcast mic that doubles up as a Cloud headset stand; a giant mushroom holding a nest with a Quadcast sticking out, a bunny figurine headset stand, and countless new custom keycaps—basically Hummels for streamers.
HyperX Clutch Gladiate and Pulsefire Haste 2 Thumbs-on
At the 2023 International CES, HyperX launched its most powerful wired Xbox controller, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate. An official Xbox-licensed third-party controller, the Clutch Gladiate comes with locks for each of the two triggers, and re-mappable rear buttons. Haptics are care of a dual-motor rumble rigging, with fine-grained force feedback. The controller also comes with a 3.5 mm analog headset jack.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 gaming mouse comes in wired- and wireless variants. It has a pseudo-ambidextrous shape (the side buttons are only accessible for righthanders). The wired version weights 53 g, while the wireless one surprisingly isn't much heavier, at just 62 g, yet with up to 100 hours of battery life on a single charge. These mice use in-house HyperX Switches rated for 100 million clicks; and HyperX 26K (26,000 dpi) sensor. Its electronics provide a staggering 8000 Hz polling rate. The mouse comes with PTFE skates that strike a balance between both speed and precision. The Clutch Gladiate is priced at $35, the wired Pulsefire Haste 2 at $60, and the wireless Pulsefire Haste 2 at $80.
The Pulsefire Haste 2 gaming mouse comes in wired- and wireless variants. It has a pseudo-ambidextrous shape (the side buttons are only accessible for righthanders). The wired version weights 53 g, while the wireless one surprisingly isn't much heavier, at just 62 g, yet with up to 100 hours of battery life on a single charge. These mice use in-house HyperX Switches rated for 100 million clicks; and HyperX 26K (26,000 dpi) sensor. Its electronics provide a staggering 8000 Hz polling rate. The mouse comes with PTFE skates that strike a balance between both speed and precision. The Clutch Gladiate is priced at $35, the wired Pulsefire Haste 2 at $60, and the wireless Pulsefire Haste 2 at $80.
HyperX Armada Gaming Monitor Pictured
HyperX, the former gaming peripherals brand of Kingston, was acquired by PC OEM giant HP in 2021. It was only natural for HP to use the HyperX brand to ship gaming monitors at some point, as the company has a vast lineup of not just PC and professional displays, but also some gaming displays under its HP OMEN brand. The company announced the HyperX Armada brand of gaming monitors in the 25-inch and 27-inch planar category in September 2022. We spotted it at the 2023 CES. It has prominent HyperX badging, some peel-off stickers on the front bezel detailing its key gamer-friendly features; and an NVIDIA G-SYNC logo. Key specs include WQHD (1440p) resolution, 165 Hz refresh-rate, DisplayHDR 400, and a fast IPS panel with 1 ms response time. HP will probably retain the OMEN brand for ultra-premium gaming monitors, with the HyperX Armada series in the mid-range.
AMD Ryzen 7000X3D Processors Have a Distinct Retail Packaging
Here's the first look at the retail PIB package of an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor with 3D Vertical Cache technology. These chips come in box design that's distinct from the rest of the Ryzen 7000 lineup. Bright orange and silver accents make up the front face of the box, with "3D Vertical Cache technology" being mentioned prominently. With the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, the PIB package design was probably found to look too similar to the rest of the lineup and practically indistinguishable from those of the 5000G "Cezanne" desktop APUs, which is probably why AMD took this route.
It's very likely that we'll see Socket AM5 desktop APUs based on the "Phoenix Point" monolithic silicon later this year, with its 12 CU RDNA3 iGPU and 8-core/16-thread "Zen 4" CPU that has a 32 MB on-die L3 cache. These processors will have yet another distinguishable retail PIB packaging. AMD's then technical marketing director, Robert Hallock, assured us that the company will continue to invest in desktop APUs (processors with powerful iGPUs), despite Ryzen 7000 desktop processors coming with a low-power iGPU as standard.
It's very likely that we'll see Socket AM5 desktop APUs based on the "Phoenix Point" monolithic silicon later this year, with its 12 CU RDNA3 iGPU and 8-core/16-thread "Zen 4" CPU that has a 32 MB on-die L3 cache. These processors will have yet another distinguishable retail PIB packaging. AMD's then technical marketing director, Robert Hallock, assured us that the company will continue to invest in desktop APUs (processors with powerful iGPUs), despite Ryzen 7000 desktop processors coming with a low-power iGPU as standard.
BIOSTAR Launches the B760A-Silver Motherboard
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, is excited to announce the brand new B760A-SILVER motherboard. Constructed around the Intel LGA1700 Socket, which supports both 12th and 13th-generation Intel processors, the B760A-SILVER motherboard is a jack of all trades, highly suitable for gamers and content creators who look for the most advanced features with a tolerable price tag.
Based on BIOSTAR's globally acclaimed RACING DNA, it offers efficient, reliable functionality typically found only on top-shelf motherboard offerings from market competitors. Signature RGB features, including the RGB ROCK ZONE, give any build a new level of depth and futuristic appeal that complements any color, style, or theme. The B760A-SILVER motherboard supports dual-channel DDR5 memory powered by advanced features like support for both AMD and Intel XMP RAM modules designed to facilitate unparalleled hardware acceleration and performance.
Based on BIOSTAR's globally acclaimed RACING DNA, it offers efficient, reliable functionality typically found only on top-shelf motherboard offerings from market competitors. Signature RGB features, including the RGB ROCK ZONE, give any build a new level of depth and futuristic appeal that complements any color, style, or theme. The B760A-SILVER motherboard supports dual-channel DDR5 memory powered by advanced features like support for both AMD and Intel XMP RAM modules designed to facilitate unparalleled hardware acceleration and performance.
ASUS Unveils Cutting-Edge Arsenal of Gaming and Business Routers at CES 2023
ASUS today announced the ROG Rapture GT-BE98, the world's first quad-band WiFi 7 gaming router, and the ASUS RT-BE96U, a tri-band WiFi 7 router for home and business, at CES 2023. Both routers feature the latest technologies exclusive to WiFi 7, including extended 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band, 4K QAM modulation, Multi-Link Operation and Multi-RU Puncturing.
For businesses, ASUS is also unveiling three new ExpertWiFi devices: the EBM68 mesh system, EBR63 router and EBA63 access point, with more networking solutions to follow in the second half of 2023. These devices support the highest number of SSIDs in the industry, self-defined networks, up to 12 mesh nodes, and enterprise-grade network security. Each device can be easily managed using the free ASUS Router mobile app. For locations impacted by thick walls made of brick or concrete, ASUS offers the ZenWiFi Hybrid XC5, the world's first Multimedia over Coaxial (MoCA) mesh router, which provides four ways to connect to hybrid backhauls while supporting up to 2.5 Gbps connections through wired backhauls.
For businesses, ASUS is also unveiling three new ExpertWiFi devices: the EBM68 mesh system, EBR63 router and EBA63 access point, with more networking solutions to follow in the second half of 2023. These devices support the highest number of SSIDs in the industry, self-defined networks, up to 12 mesh nodes, and enterprise-grade network security. Each device can be easily managed using the free ASUS Router mobile app. For locations impacted by thick walls made of brick or concrete, ASUS offers the ZenWiFi Hybrid XC5, the world's first Multimedia over Coaxial (MoCA) mesh router, which provides four ways to connect to hybrid backhauls while supporting up to 2.5 Gbps connections through wired backhauls.
AAEON Introduces AI Edge Solutions Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin SoM
Following the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), AAEON introduced a number of additions to its line of award-winning AI edge solutions, powered by the new NVIDIA Jetson Orin system-on-module platform.
The first products are the BOXER-8641AI and BOXER-8640AI, which were first announced back in March, following the release of the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin developer kit, and are both powered by Jetson AGX Orin 32 GB modules. These are followed by the more recently planned BOXER-8646AI, which will also utilize the Jetson AGX Orin module.
The first products are the BOXER-8641AI and BOXER-8640AI, which were first announced back in March, following the release of the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin developer kit, and are both powered by Jetson AGX Orin 32 GB modules. These are followed by the more recently planned BOXER-8646AI, which will also utilize the Jetson AGX Orin module.
ASUS and ROG Unveil Innovative Monitors at CES 2023
ASUS and ROG today announced an exciting lineup of displays for gaming, professional content creation, hybrid work, and entertainment. ROG continues to drive display innovation with the introduction of Swift OLED PG27AQDM, the first ROG 1440p OLED gaming monitor, and Swift Pro PG248QP, the world's fastest esports gaming monitor that delivers supersmooth visuals at an astounding 540 Hz. Also on show were the new ultra-wide curved 49-inch Strix XG49WCR, the Swift PG32UQXR DisplayPort 2.1 gaming monitor, and TUF offerings for mainstream gamers.
Content creators will appreciate the latest ProArt Display OLED PA32DCM and ProArt Display PA279CRV. The former is an advanced 4K UHD DCI-P3 professional monitor that features an RGB Stripe OLED panel with 700 nits maximum brightness. ProArt Display PA279CRV is a 4K UHD IPS monitor that features 99% DCI-P3/Adobe RGB, and includes USB-C with 96 W power delivery, so it's perfect for MacBook and Windows laptop users. Plus, it meets EPEAT Gold, ENERGY STAR, and TCO global environmental standards.
Content creators will appreciate the latest ProArt Display OLED PA32DCM and ProArt Display PA279CRV. The former is an advanced 4K UHD DCI-P3 professional monitor that features an RGB Stripe OLED panel with 700 nits maximum brightness. ProArt Display PA279CRV is a 4K UHD IPS monitor that features 99% DCI-P3/Adobe RGB, and includes USB-C with 96 W power delivery, so it's perfect for MacBook and Windows laptop users. Plus, it meets EPEAT Gold, ENERGY STAR, and TCO global environmental standards.
ASUS Unveils Zenbook Pro 16X OLED With ASUS Supernova SoM Design
ASUS today announced the exciting 2023 version of the 16-inch Zenbook Pro 16X OLED (UX7602BZ) creator laptop, featuring a unique Intel processor and a brand-new ASUS Supernova system-on-module (SoM) Design. Developed in partnership with leading technology companies, this new laptop is the most powerful version ever released.
The breakthrough, ultra-compact ASUS Supernova SoM Design enables ultra-powerful performance from the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13905H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with NVIDIA Studio drivers, and support for LPDDR5X DRAM that offers 7500 MHz memory frequency speeds, which is much higher than the previous LPDDR5. The new 2023 Zenbook Pro 16X OLED will noticeably improve video-editing performance and 3D rendering capacity—drastically shortening processing times for creative workflows.
The breakthrough, ultra-compact ASUS Supernova SoM Design enables ultra-powerful performance from the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13905H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with NVIDIA Studio drivers, and support for LPDDR5X DRAM that offers 7500 MHz memory frequency speeds, which is much higher than the previous LPDDR5. The new 2023 Zenbook Pro 16X OLED will noticeably improve video-editing performance and 3D rendering capacity—drastically shortening processing times for creative workflows.
Samsung Profits Down by 69 Percent in Q4 2022
Consumer electronics giant Samsung had what can only be described as a terrible fourth quarter in 2022, with profits falling by around 4.3 trillion Korean Won, or US$3.4 billion, a drop of 69 percent compared to the previous year. This will be Samsung's lowest profit since Q3 2014 and Samsung has grown a lot as a company in those eight years. The revenue was also down nine percent from the third quarter of 2022, suggesting that Samsung is in for a rough start to the new year.
There seems to be a combination of reasons for the drop in profit, from lower demand for Samsung's range of smartphones and other consumer electronics, but also due to lower demand for memory chips, both DRAM and NAND, both of which Samsung is a big producer of. Samsung stated that "for the memory business, the decline in fourth-quarter demand was greater than expected as customers adjusted inventories in their effort to further tighten finances," which places Samsung in the same situation as its major competitors, who have also reported huge demand slumps.
There seems to be a combination of reasons for the drop in profit, from lower demand for Samsung's range of smartphones and other consumer electronics, but also due to lower demand for memory chips, both DRAM and NAND, both of which Samsung is a big producer of. Samsung stated that "for the memory business, the decline in fourth-quarter demand was greater than expected as customers adjusted inventories in their effort to further tighten finances," which places Samsung in the same situation as its major competitors, who have also reported huge demand slumps.
Schenker XMG Unveils Enthusiast "Raptor Lake" and RTX 4090 Powered Mobile Powerhouses
German boutique gaming notebook and mobile workstation builder Schenker XMG unveiled its latest line of mobile powerhouses that combine 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake-HX" mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada Lovelace" Laptop GPUs. The 2023 XMG Neo 17 packs an 8P+16E Core i9-13900HX processor, two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 175 W power limit, and a 17-inch 16:10 2560 x 1600 pixels display that supports G-SYNC. The machine supports NVIDIA Advanced Optimus power management. Its centered keyboard features Cherry MX ULP Tactile mechanical keyswitches. The XMG Neo 17 is designed to provide a power-packed mobile workstation and gaming experience on the move. There is a slightly smaller version of the same notebook, the XMG Neo 15, but with a 15.6-inch display, but the same hardware.
While the XMG Neo 17 is positioned more like a mobile workstation, the 2023 XMG Ultra 17 is thoroughly wooing competitive gamers and PC enthusiasts, with its RGB LED-illuminated keyboard, a meatier heatsink designed for extended gameplay sessions, and an overall racy product design. Under the hood is similar hardware to the Neo, with an i9-13900HX 8P+16E processor, two DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots, an M.2 NVMe Gen 5 SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 interfaces, and that sweet GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 175 W PL. the XMG Neo has an interesting air+liquid hybrid cooling solution that is detachable.
While the XMG Neo 17 is positioned more like a mobile workstation, the 2023 XMG Ultra 17 is thoroughly wooing competitive gamers and PC enthusiasts, with its RGB LED-illuminated keyboard, a meatier heatsink designed for extended gameplay sessions, and an overall racy product design. Under the hood is similar hardware to the Neo, with an i9-13900HX 8P+16E processor, two DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots, an M.2 NVMe Gen 5 SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 interfaces, and that sweet GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 175 W PL. the XMG Neo has an interesting air+liquid hybrid cooling solution that is detachable.
MSI Shows Off Spatium M570 PRO and M570 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs
MSI in its 2023 International CES booth showed us their upcoming M.2 PCIe Gen 5 + NVMe 2.0 SSDs, the Spatium M570 PRO and the Spatium M570. The M570 PRO unsurprisingly is the faster of the two, and rocks a sophisticated new cooling solution by MSI. A vapor-chamber plate makes direct contact with the controller and other hot components on the drive, conveying heat to a heatsink with a very fine aluminium fin-stack, whcih is capped off by a die-cast aluminium top-plate. This design, MSI claims, optimizes convectional airflow without interference from nearby airflow sources (such as CPU coolers).
The Spatium M570 PRO offers sequential transfer rates of up to 12 GB/s reads, with up to 10 GB/s writes, and is available in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB. The MSI Spatium M570 (non-PRO) rocks a simpler ridge aluminium monoblock heatsink, and comes in the same capacity options, but with lower maximum read performance. You get up to 10 GB/s sequential reads, with up to 10 GB/s sequential writes with this one.
The Spatium M570 PRO offers sequential transfer rates of up to 12 GB/s reads, with up to 10 GB/s writes, and is available in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB. The MSI Spatium M570 (non-PRO) rocks a simpler ridge aluminium monoblock heatsink, and comes in the same capacity options, but with lower maximum read performance. You get up to 10 GB/s sequential reads, with up to 10 GB/s sequential writes with this one.
GIGABYTE Shows Off AORUS Gen5 10000 NVMe SSD with a Large Heatsink
GIGABYTE in its 2023 International CES booth, showed off its upcoming flagship M.2 NVMe SSD, the AORUS Gen5 10000. Built in the M.2-2280 form-factor with PCI-Express 5.0 x4 interface and supporting NVMe 2.0 protocol, the drive is based on a Phison E26-series controller. coupled with the latest 3D TLC NAND flash. It comes in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB. Sequential transfer-rates put out by GIGABYTE put the drive at up to 12 GB/s reads, with up to 10 GB/s sequential writes.
That's hardly the most striking aspect of this drive, which is a massive aluminium dual-fin-stack heatsink that uses two fin-stacks joined at the hip by a pair of heatpipes, in what is a callback to GIGABYTE's Nehalem motherboards that used such enormous heatsinks over the X58 northbridge. GIGABYTE calls this heatsink the AORUS Xtreme Thermal Guard. The company's current flagship is the AORUS 7000, which rocks a Gen4 interface, offering up to 7 GB/s reads, with up to 5 GB/s writes.
That's hardly the most striking aspect of this drive, which is a massive aluminium dual-fin-stack heatsink that uses two fin-stacks joined at the hip by a pair of heatpipes, in what is a callback to GIGABYTE's Nehalem motherboards that used such enormous heatsinks over the X58 northbridge. GIGABYTE calls this heatsink the AORUS Xtreme Thermal Guard. The company's current flagship is the AORUS 7000, which rocks a Gen4 interface, offering up to 7 GB/s reads, with up to 5 GB/s writes.
A Walk Through the KIOXIA Memory Lane
KIOXIA is betting big on enterprise flash storage, and demoed several of its new and already-launched NVMe products based on the company's 162-layer 3D NAND flash memory, aka 6th Generation BiCS flash. Starting off, we see several single-chip solutions, namely the BiCS5 eTLC, the BiCS Industial TLC, and the BiCS5-QLC. These are complete NVMe SSDs on a single package, targeting embedded systems, industrial PCs, and the likes. They can even be directly embedded on server motherboards to serve as boot drives, freeing up precious chassis space for the main storage devices.
The EM6 is an enterprise network-attached SSD in a 2.5-inch form-factor. This is a NAS-on-a-stick that can be deployed at large scale, and accessible as a network resource, or as an NVMe-over-Fiber device. The CM7 is a high-capacity 2.5-inch (EDSFF E3.S) SSD that comes in sizes of up to 30 TB, and has PCI-Express 5.0 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 protocol, with endurance of up to 3 DWPD and offering FIPS 140-33 security. We also see the XD6 line of EDSFF E1.S form-factor NVMe SSDs with PCIe 4.0 interfaces, up to 3.84 TB capacity, and 1 DWPD endurance.
The EM6 is an enterprise network-attached SSD in a 2.5-inch form-factor. This is a NAS-on-a-stick that can be deployed at large scale, and accessible as a network resource, or as an NVMe-over-Fiber device. The CM7 is a high-capacity 2.5-inch (EDSFF E3.S) SSD that comes in sizes of up to 30 TB, and has PCI-Express 5.0 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 protocol, with endurance of up to 3 DWPD and offering FIPS 140-33 security. We also see the XD6 line of EDSFF E1.S form-factor NVMe SSDs with PCIe 4.0 interfaces, up to 3.84 TB capacity, and 1 DWPD endurance.
Patriot Viper Venom Hits DDR5-8000, A Quick Look at the Company's Memory Lineup for 2023
Patriot Memory is, well, a PC memory company first, and it acts like one, by bring to CES its fastest DDR5 memory offerings. The new Patriot Viper Venom RGB/non-RGB is the company's new high-end enthusiast memory product, and comes with speeds ranging between DDR5-5200 to DDR5-7400, and capacities up to 64 GB. The Viper Xtreme 5 rules the pack with capacity ranging up to 32 GB, but speeds between DDR5-7600 and the top DDR5-8000. The Viper Elite 5 is a notch below the two, and comes in speed ranges between DDR5-5600 to DDR5-6000. Intel XMP 3.0 profiles enable the advertised speeds and the click of a button.
The Signature and Signature Premium lines of DDR5 memory come in speeds of up to DDR5-5600, and cover the company's mainstream lineup. The Signature Premium includes a heatspreader, the Signature doesn't. It's good to see Patriot continue to ship DDR4 kits to the crowd that's transitioning between the two memory standards. The new Viper 4 Blackout series features a retro-Patriot style that's reminiscent of the company's DDR2 days, comes in densities of up to 64 GB, and speeds of up to DDR4-4400.
The Signature and Signature Premium lines of DDR5 memory come in speeds of up to DDR5-5600, and cover the company's mainstream lineup. The Signature Premium includes a heatspreader, the Signature doesn't. It's good to see Patriot continue to ship DDR4 kits to the crowd that's transitioning between the two memory standards. The new Viper 4 Blackout series features a retro-Patriot style that's reminiscent of the company's DDR2 days, comes in densities of up to 64 GB, and speeds of up to DDR4-4400.
Patriot Viper Shows Off Swanky New Gen 5 NVMe SSDs, Fast Gen 4 SSDs, and More Storage Products This CES
Patriot Memory showed off its fastest gaming PC storage solutions at the 2023 International CES. The star attraction is an unnamed prototype M.2 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD which features active cooling. This is actually the second Gen 5 SSD we've come across today that has active cooling, signaling that future NVMe SSDs are about to get hot. The ES drive comes in capacities ranging between 1 TB to 4 TB, features a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 protocol, an unknown controller+flash combination, and claimed performance of up to 12 GB/s sequential reads, with up to 10 GB/s sequential writes.
Among the other internal drives shown are the Viper P450, a Gen 4 NVMe drive offering sequential speeds of up to 7 GB/s and up to 6 GB/s writes; and capacities ranging between 512 Gb to 2 TB; a more cost-effective VPR450 drive based on a DRAMless Phison Gen 4 controller offering up to 6 GB/s reads and up to 5 GB/s writes. The Viper VXD is an external SSD enclosure meant for M.2-2280 PCIe SSDs. It offers a USB-C connection, which connects to a Realtek RTL9210B chip that converts a 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 uplink to a PCI-Express 3.0 x4 downlink, offering sequential transfer rates of up to 1 GB/s.
Among the other internal drives shown are the Viper P450, a Gen 4 NVMe drive offering sequential speeds of up to 7 GB/s and up to 6 GB/s writes; and capacities ranging between 512 Gb to 2 TB; a more cost-effective VPR450 drive based on a DRAMless Phison Gen 4 controller offering up to 6 GB/s reads and up to 5 GB/s writes. The Viper VXD is an external SSD enclosure meant for M.2-2280 PCIe SSDs. It offers a USB-C connection, which connects to a Realtek RTL9210B chip that converts a 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 uplink to a PCI-Express 3.0 x4 downlink, offering sequential transfer rates of up to 1 GB/s.
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is an Incredibly Versatile Dual-Screen Convertible PC: A Walkthrough
It's a laptop, but it can be anything—the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i has the conventional shape of a clamshell notebook, except that there's a second touchscreen where you'd expect the keyboard an trackpad to be. You get a folio-type silicone keyboard with physical keys that provide tactile feedback, or you can pull up an on-screen keyboard on either screen and type with haptic feedback. As a Yoga product, the hinge turns 360°, and at 180° it can become a dual-screen setup. The possibilities are endless.
Under the hood is an Intel Core i7 U-series "Raptor Lake-U" 15 W 2P+8E SoC with 16 GB LPDDR5X memory; NVMe Gen 4 SSD, integrated Iris Xe graphics, and an 80 WHr battery. Each of the two 13.3-inch touchscreens has a 16:10 aspect-ratio and 1920 x 1200 resolution. Comms include Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 (a 5G modem would be incredible).
Under the hood is an Intel Core i7 U-series "Raptor Lake-U" 15 W 2P+8E SoC with 16 GB LPDDR5X memory; NVMe Gen 4 SSD, integrated Iris Xe graphics, and an 80 WHr battery. Each of the two 13.3-inch touchscreens has a 16:10 aspect-ratio and 1920 x 1200 resolution. Comms include Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 (a 5G modem would be incredible).
ATX 3.0 and 12VHPWR Flavor of the Season with Thermaltake's Latest PSUs
Thermaltake this CES updated its entire premium PSU product-stack with the introduction of several new models that meet the ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specifications; and come with native 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR power connectors that can deliver up to 600 W of continuous power, and tolerate excursions within the PCIe Gen 5 spec. The ToughPower iRGB Titanium comes in 1250 W and 1650 W capacities, and is 80 Plus Titanium certified. The 140 mm fans cooling these beasts come with 18 addressable RGB LEDs. Both models include two 16-pin 12VHPWR connectors, and support a feature-rich monitoring software from which you can also control the fan and its lighting.
The ToughPower PF3 comes in capacities of 750 W, 850 W, 1050 W, and 1200 W; offers 80 Plus Platinum efficiency, a compact 14 cm body depth, and at least one 16-pin 12VHPWR connector. The ToughPower GF3 ARGB series makes the new-generation connectivity more affordable, and comes in the same 750 W, 850 W, 1050 W, and 1200 W capacities, but with 80 Plus Gold efficiency, and an illuminated 140 mm cooling fan. The highlight here has to be the new ToughPower SFX series, which comes in high-Wattage 850 W and 1000 W models, purely SFX form-factor, offer 80 Plus Platinum efficiency, and at least one 16-pin 12VHPWR connector.
The ToughPower PF3 comes in capacities of 750 W, 850 W, 1050 W, and 1200 W; offers 80 Plus Platinum efficiency, a compact 14 cm body depth, and at least one 16-pin 12VHPWR connector. The ToughPower GF3 ARGB series makes the new-generation connectivity more affordable, and comes in the same 750 W, 850 W, 1050 W, and 1200 W capacities, but with 80 Plus Gold efficiency, and an illuminated 140 mm cooling fan. The highlight here has to be the new ToughPower SFX series, which comes in high-Wattage 850 W and 1000 W models, purely SFX form-factor, offer 80 Plus Platinum efficiency, and at least one 16-pin 12VHPWR connector.
Thermaltake's Cooling Products Hands-on: Analog Dashboard, Stackable SwaFan EX Series, ToughAir Dual-Stack Cooler
Thermaltake unleashed a wealth of new PC cooling products across a whole range of form-factors and applications. The star attraction, though, is a cool new accessory the company calls the Pacific TF3 Liquid Cooling System Dashboard. This accessory is intended to be installed in place of the rear 120 mm case-fan, and plumbed to your DIY liquid-cooling setup. It puts out real-time analog readouts of the ambient temperature inside the case, the coolant temperature, and coolant pressure, through three analog gauges.
The company updated the stackable SwaFan line of radiator fans. These fans can be "joined at the hip" in clusters of up to three, so you can ventilate a 360 mm radiator without cables sticking out of each individual fan. With the SwaFan EX, the inter-fan "bridge" handles PWM power, as well as addressable RGB. Thermaltake made improvements to inter-fan coupling by leveraging magnetic joints (similar to a MagSafe connector); adding detachability to the impeller (making it easy to clean); and introducing two sets of ARGB LEDs (the first one inside the impeller hub, and the second one along the bore of the frame), with a total of 20 diodes per fan. The SwaFan EX comes in 120 mm and 140 mm sizes.
The company updated the stackable SwaFan line of radiator fans. These fans can be "joined at the hip" in clusters of up to three, so you can ventilate a 360 mm radiator without cables sticking out of each individual fan. With the SwaFan EX, the inter-fan "bridge" handles PWM power, as well as addressable RGB. Thermaltake made improvements to inter-fan coupling by leveraging magnetic joints (similar to a MagSafe connector); adding detachability to the impeller (making it easy to clean); and introducing two sets of ARGB LEDs (the first one inside the impeller hub, and the second one along the bore of the frame), with a total of 20 diodes per fan. The SwaFan EX comes in 120 mm and 140 mm sizes.
Thermaltake Pushes ToughRAM D5 RGB Memory to Higher Frequencies, More Color Options
Thermaltake's CES booth was lit up with a vibrant mix of illuminated enthusiast PC memory modules, from its ToughRAM D5 RGB series. The company is going beyond boring black and white heatspreader color options, and now has die-cast aluminium heatspreader in a number of colors, including gold, red, and turquoise. Even the usual black and white ones come with new printed patterns, under the ToughRAM D5 RGB XG series. The ToughRAM D5 RGB XG comes in speeds of up to DDR5-6600, and per-module capacity of up to 32 GB along with 16-diode RGB LED setup; whereas the regular ToughRAM D5 RGB ticks at speeds of up to DDR5-5600, up to 32 GB density, and a 6-diode LED setup diffused through a silicone band.
Thermaltake Shows Off the Tower 200: Puts on Weight with Room for the Latest GPUs
Thermaltake at the 2023 International CES showed off its latest original-design case, the Tower 200. This case was the centerpiece at Thermaltake's booth, and retains the iconic design of the Tower 100 cuboidal Mini-ITX case with that characteristic front-panel glasshouse. The Tower 200 was designed keeping in mind the increasing sizes of modern high-end graphics cards, and increasing cooling needs of today's high-end processors.
It is visibly larger than the Tower 100, and has been extensively tested to support all of the air-cooled custom-design NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards available (including the ROG Strix). The side-panels serve up even more room to mount radiators, including 280 mm AIOs, to keep your high-end processors cool. You can optionally buy an LED dot-matrix display that interfaces with software over USB 2.0, and can be made to display just about anything. The Tower 200 comes in black and white color options. The white is shown with a DIY liquid-cooling setup, while the black one has an AIO cooling the processor, and an air-cooled MSI RTX 4090 Gaming X (a fairly huge graphics card) installed.
It is visibly larger than the Tower 100, and has been extensively tested to support all of the air-cooled custom-design NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards available (including the ROG Strix). The side-panels serve up even more room to mount radiators, including 280 mm AIOs, to keep your high-end processors cool. You can optionally buy an LED dot-matrix display that interfaces with software over USB 2.0, and can be made to display just about anything. The Tower 200 comes in black and white color options. The white is shown with a DIY liquid-cooling setup, while the black one has an AIO cooling the processor, and an air-cooled MSI RTX 4090 Gaming X (a fairly huge graphics card) installed.
Thermaltake Shows Off New CTE Case Form-factor to Enable Higher Airflow
Thermaltake in its CES 2023 booth, showed off a new line of PC cases that introduce its proprietary-design CTE (centralized thermal efficiency) "form-factor." Don't worry, you'll not need a new motherboard type to go with these cases. Thermaltake's idea here is to not just rotate the motherboard 90° clockwise (pointing all its I/O upward), but also position the motherboard tray itself toward the center of the case. This way, the front-, bottom-, and rear panels are dedicated entirely to fan-vents that can either be set up to maintain a high positive air-pressure, or hold onto radiators. On some of the larger models, there's plenty of room between the motherboard's top and the front-panel, so an additional column of fans (or an additional radiator) can be mounted along the vertical partition.
The CTE C750 Air is an example of a large case, with the CTE position of the motherboard freeing up four positions for radiators that are at least 360 mm and as big as 420 mm in size. This particaular case has two additional 120 mm mounts along the top panel, so a total of 14 fan mounting positions are opened up. The CTE C700 Air is a slightly lower-depth variant that lacks the side-mounted row, and instead gives you 3x 120 mm mounts along the front- and rear-panels; 2x 120 mm along the bottom panel, and a 120 mm along the top. The CTE C700 TG and CTE C500 TG are smaller cases still, but still have mounts along the front- and rear-panels.
The CTE C750 Air is an example of a large case, with the CTE position of the motherboard freeing up four positions for radiators that are at least 360 mm and as big as 420 mm in size. This particaular case has two additional 120 mm mounts along the top panel, so a total of 14 fan mounting positions are opened up. The CTE C700 Air is a slightly lower-depth variant that lacks the side-mounted row, and instead gives you 3x 120 mm mounts along the front- and rear-panels; 2x 120 mm along the bottom panel, and a 120 mm along the top. The CTE C700 TG and CTE C500 TG are smaller cases still, but still have mounts along the front- and rear-panels.
NVIDIA's CES Booth: RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 4090 Laptops Go to Town
To the gaming community, NVIDIA brought a neat pair of high-end graphics cards to go hands-on with. For starters, we got to see almost every brand's custom-design GeForce RTX 4070 Ti desktop graphics card. We reviewed six of these on launch day. Much of the attention was grabbed by the mobile graphics side of the booth, where we could check out gaming notebooks from popular brands such as Razer, ASUS ROG, Acer Predator, Dell Alienware, and MSI Stealth; powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop, RTX 4080 Laptop, and even the RTX 4060 Laptop.
Each of these was set up to show off a different new aspect of the GeForce "Ada Lovelace" architecture, including DLSS 3 frame-generation, RTX real-time ray tracing in games such as Portal RTX, G-SYNC, Reflex, and a single RTX 4090 Laptop-based notebook powering a surround-display setup for racing sims, as well as AAA gaming with maxed out settings and newer ray tracing performance presets. Some of these had real-time FRAPS monitoring of frame-rates, GPU power-draw, and temperatures. A common theme with all the notebooks we've seen is that none of them were bulky moble workstations pretending to be notebooks, including the ones powered by the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU.
Each of these was set up to show off a different new aspect of the GeForce "Ada Lovelace" architecture, including DLSS 3 frame-generation, RTX real-time ray tracing in games such as Portal RTX, G-SYNC, Reflex, and a single RTX 4090 Laptop-based notebook powering a surround-display setup for racing sims, as well as AAA gaming with maxed out settings and newer ray tracing performance presets. Some of these had real-time FRAPS monitoring of frame-rates, GPU power-draw, and temperatures. A common theme with all the notebooks we've seen is that none of them were bulky moble workstations pretending to be notebooks, including the ones powered by the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU.
A Stroll Through ViewSonic at CES: Delightful Sights for Gamers
ViewSonic had a delightful set of displays and projectors targeting the DIY PC crowd, particularly gamers, under its Elite brand of gaming monitors. The Elite XG272-2K isn't just another 27-inch planar WQHD (1440p) gaming monitor, it comes with a blistering-fast 400 Hz refresh rate, support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC (compatible); 1 ms response time, 400 nits brightness, DisplayHDR 400, and inputs that include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C (90 W power input + DP passthrough).
The Elite XG341C-2K is an Ultrawide (21:9) gaming monitor with a 1500R curvature, and a native resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, with a maximum refresh-rate of 200 Hz and 1 ms response time. FreeSync Premium Pro, DisplayHDR 1400, and PureXP Motion Blur reduction. Inputs include HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C. You also get an in-built KVM. It is priced at USD $1,500. The VX2722-4K-OLED is a 27-inch pure OLED monitor with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution, with 100% Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 coverage, 540 cd/m² brightness, and HDR True Black 400. This monitor will be available from Q4-2023.
The Elite XG341C-2K is an Ultrawide (21:9) gaming monitor with a 1500R curvature, and a native resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, with a maximum refresh-rate of 200 Hz and 1 ms response time. FreeSync Premium Pro, DisplayHDR 1400, and PureXP Motion Blur reduction. Inputs include HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C. You also get an in-built KVM. It is priced at USD $1,500. The VX2722-4K-OLED is a 27-inch pure OLED monitor with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution, with 100% Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 coverage, 540 cd/m² brightness, and HDR True Black 400. This monitor will be available from Q4-2023.
Acer Predator DDR5 and NVMe Products Revealed, PC Giant Makes Inroads to DIY Market
Acer at the 2023 International CES showed off its latest lineup of memory and storage products targeting the DIY PC enthusiast market segment under its high-end Predator brand. Leading the booth is the Vesta II line of DDR5 memory modules featuring a high-end product design, and RGB LED lighting. The one shown to us featured a rather modest DDR5-5200 speed and 2x 16 GB density, but the company assured it is spreading the lineup to higher frequencies. The Pallas II line of performance-segment memory targeting creators, for example, does DDR5-6000.
A star attraction in the booth was the Predator GM7 M.2 NVMe SSD. Built in the M.2-2280 form-factor, the drive features a PCI-Express 4.0 x4 + NVMe 2.0 host interface, and combines a Maxiotech MAP1602 controller with YMTC 232-layer 3D TLC NAND flash based on the Xtacking 3.0 architecture. The drive offers sequential transfer speeds of up to 7400 MB/s reads, with up to 6300 MB/s writes, and comes in sizes of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB, priced at USD $49.90, $89.90, and $159.99, respectively. Acer is backing these drives with a 5-year warranty.
A star attraction in the booth was the Predator GM7 M.2 NVMe SSD. Built in the M.2-2280 form-factor, the drive features a PCI-Express 4.0 x4 + NVMe 2.0 host interface, and combines a Maxiotech MAP1602 controller with YMTC 232-layer 3D TLC NAND flash based on the Xtacking 3.0 architecture. The drive offers sequential transfer speeds of up to 7400 MB/s reads, with up to 6300 MB/s writes, and comes in sizes of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB, priced at USD $49.90, $89.90, and $159.99, respectively. Acer is backing these drives with a 5-year warranty.
GoDeal24 Unveils the 2023 New Year Flash Sale: Jaw-dropping Discounts on Software
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MSI Finally has Radeon RX 7900 Series Products to Show
MSI was conspicuous in its lack of a Radeon RX 7900 series RDNA3 graphics card when AMD launched these cards on December 13, 2022. The company later came out with a clarification that while it was skipping reference-design made-by-AMD (MBA) graphics cards under its marquee, it would release custom-design RX 7900 series cards in the first half of 2023 with some of the first cards being unveiled at CES. Well, here they are.
The MSI Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT Gaming Trio Classic gets the latter part of its name from the fact that MSI used the older Tri Frozr 2.0 cooling solution from the previous-generation of graphics cards (RX 6000 series and RTX 30-series), rather than the latest Tri Frozr 3.0 it unveiled with the RTX 40-series. This cooler also gets the slightly older TorX 4.0 fan compared to newer TorX 5.0 fans with the RTX 40-series. This cooler has dealt with 350 W-ish TDP cooling requirements of GPUs such as the RX 6950 XT or the RTX 3090, so we reckon they could suit the RX 7900 series. There's still a brand new custom-design PCB underneath it, which pulls power from a trio of 8-pin PCIe power connectors, and so we could expect a fairly good power-limit for these cards.
The MSI Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT Gaming Trio Classic gets the latter part of its name from the fact that MSI used the older Tri Frozr 2.0 cooling solution from the previous-generation of graphics cards (RX 6000 series and RTX 30-series), rather than the latest Tri Frozr 3.0 it unveiled with the RTX 40-series. This cooler also gets the slightly older TorX 4.0 fan compared to newer TorX 5.0 fans with the RTX 40-series. This cooler has dealt with 350 W-ish TDP cooling requirements of GPUs such as the RX 6950 XT or the RTX 3090, so we reckon they could suit the RX 7900 series. There's still a brand new custom-design PCB underneath it, which pulls power from a trio of 8-pin PCIe power connectors, and so we could expect a fairly good power-limit for these cards.
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 4080 Gaming X Trio White Pictured
MSI has, for the first time, released white variants of its Gaming X Trio line of graphics cards, from the company's most recognizable high-end graphics card sub-brand. This new original design retains the black PCB, but combines it with a variant of the Tri Frozr 3 cooler that replaces matte+gloss black for a 2-tone white+gray scheme, with some matte silver bits. The TorX 5 fan impellers are white, too, but the underlying heatsink remains in its original anodized-aluminium form. There's just enough work put into the design so the card doesn't end up looking like a SUPRIM X product. The factory-overclock on these cards will be similar to their conventional cousins. We got confirmation that MSI is giving the Gaming X White treatment to at least two graphics card SKUs, the GeForce RTX 4080, and the RTX 4070 Ti.
be quiet! 2023 Thermal Pastes and Light Wings White Fans Pictured
Also at the 2023 International CES, be quiet! showed off its new and upcoming thermal interface materials and new Light Wings lines of case/radiator fans. The DC2 PRO is an enthusiast-grade liquid-metal thermal interface material for high-performance applications, targeting overclockers who know how to handle liquid metal. The company wouldn't put out thermal conductivity numbers but mentioned that the DC2 PRO should be competitive with the best liquid-metal TIMs out there (north of 70 W/mK). The DC2 (non-PRO) is a conventional ceramic base TIM that's electrically non-conductive, and can be used with bare copper surfaces (such as coolers with direct-touch heatpipes). We expect this one's conductivity to be north of 10 W/mK.
be quiet! also showed off its Light Wings White 140 mm fans in two variants, one with a standard RPM range, and another with an undisclosed high-RPM limit. These fans feature high-endurance dynamic bearings, 4-pin PWM control, and 3-pin ARGB control for their addressable RGB LED diffusers along the bore of the frame. These are sold in packs of 3.
be quiet! also showed off its Light Wings White 140 mm fans in two variants, one with a standard RPM range, and another with an undisclosed high-RPM limit. These fans feature high-endurance dynamic bearings, 4-pin PWM control, and 3-pin ARGB control for their addressable RGB LED diffusers along the bore of the frame. These are sold in packs of 3.
be quiet! Dark Power 13 and Pure Power 12M PSUs Detailed
At the 2023 International CES, be quiet! showed off its latest power supplies to capitalize on the PSU upgrade boom among PC enthusiasts. Leading their booth is the Dark Power 13, a successor to the Dark Power 12 series from 2021. This high-end PSU meets ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specifications, particularly for excursion tolerance. It is expected to come in several high-Wattage models starting from 850 W upward, but the one shown to us was 1000 W. The Dark Power 13 offers 80 Plus Titanium switching efficiency, a quadruple +12 V rail setup, and offers the latest power connectivity, including one 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connector capable of 600 W continuous output along with excursions within PCIe Gen 5 specs.
The be quiet! Pure Power 12M series is a performance-segment product positioned a notch below the Dark Power 13, though still meeting both ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specs. It features a dual +12 V setup, and a nice touch with the modular connector backplane is that the rail connection of each connector is labeled. These PSUs offer a 600 W continuous 16-pin 12VHPWR connector just like the Dark Power 13, and offer 80 Plus Gold switching efficiency. The Pure Power 12M series comes in several upper triple-digit capacities, including 750 W, 850 W, and 1000 W. We were shown a 1000 W box.
The be quiet! Pure Power 12M series is a performance-segment product positioned a notch below the Dark Power 13, though still meeting both ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specs. It features a dual +12 V setup, and a nice touch with the modular connector backplane is that the rail connection of each connector is labeled. These PSUs offer a 600 W continuous 16-pin 12VHPWR connector just like the Dark Power 13, and offer 80 Plus Gold switching efficiency. The Pure Power 12M series comes in several upper triple-digit capacities, including 750 W, 850 W, and 1000 W. We were shown a 1000 W box.
ASUS x Noctua RTX 4080 Graphics Card is 5 Slots Thick, We Go Hands-on
ASUS showed us its GeForce RTX 4080 Noctua Edition graphics card that it formally announced yesterday. To call this card thick would be an understatement, as it's possibly the first graphics card that is 5 slots thick! The card easily overshoots what constitutes 4 slots, and is technically 4.2 to 4.3 slots; but then expansion slot counts are whole numbers rounded to the next digit despite what marketing says.
This card combines an ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4080 PCB with an air-based cooling solution designed by Noctua. The cooler has two large aluminium fin-stacks that have been skewered by eight 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heatpipes, and ventilated by a pair of Noctua's top-of-the-line NF-A12x25 120 mm fans that feature fluid-dynamic bearings. The fan-tuning for this card is a Noctua-ASUS collaboration, and promises to make this the quietest air-cooled RTX 4080 you can buy.
This card combines an ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4080 PCB with an air-based cooling solution designed by Noctua. The cooler has two large aluminium fin-stacks that have been skewered by eight 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heatpipes, and ventilated by a pair of Noctua's top-of-the-line NF-A12x25 120 mm fans that feature fluid-dynamic bearings. The fan-tuning for this card is a Noctua-ASUS collaboration, and promises to make this the quietest air-cooled RTX 4080 you can buy.
Thursday, January 5th 2023
Today's Reviews
Cases
Graphics Cards
- NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti ComputerBase (de)
- Gigagbyte RTX 4070 Ti Gaming OC Cowcotland (fr)
- Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti Gaming OC Guru3D
- Gainward RTX 4070 Ti Phoenix GS Guru3D
- MSI RTX 4070 Ti Suprim X Guru3D
- ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4070 Ti OC Guru3D
- KFA2 and Zotac RTX 4070 Ti Hardware-Mag (de)
- ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC HotHardware
- Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti Gaming OC KitGuru
- Inno3D RTX 4070 Ti iChill X3 KitGuru
- ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC LAN OC
- MSI RTX 4070 Ti Suprim X LAN OC
- Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti AERO OC MadBoxPC (es)
- ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC The FPS Review
- Colorful RTX 4070 Ti Advanced OC ThePCEnthusiast
Motherboards
PSUs
HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop R2R DAC and Headphone Amplifier Review
HIFIMAN returns to the desktop DAC/amplifier market with its EF400 source that uses the company's self-developed R2R HIMALAYA DAC paired with a truly balanced topology and a Class AB amplification circuit. It offers extensive headphones and line outputs off just USB input and puts out a unique sound signature which plays very well with HIFIMAN's own planar magnetic headphones.
ADATA Caster RGB DDR5-8000 Memory, ACE-6400, Lancer ROG and SD 8.0 Card Pictured
Last year it felt like DDR5-6000 to DDR5-6400 was the top of the PC memory food-chain, and in a year, this has been pushed up to DDR5-8000. Platforms such as the 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" can already handle such high memory speeds, and ADATA has designed such a memory module that includes an Intel XMP 3.0 profile that enables the advertised DDR5-8000 speed at the click of a button. The new ADATA XPG Caster RGB DDR5-8000 features a chunky aluminium heatspreader that's crowned by a silicone addressable RGB LED diffuser. It's been tested for compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms, however only an XMP 3.0 profile is included.
Elsewhere across the ADATA booth, we also came across the company's latest SD 8.0 memory card that uses PCI-Express 3.0 x2 physical layer and NVMe 1.3 protocol layer, to offer sequential speeds of up to 1600 MB/s reads, with up to 1300 MB/s writes, including LDPC ECC. The card comes in 256 GB and 512 GB capacities, and is backwards-compatible with UHS-I devices. Back at the memory section, we found an XPG + ASUS ROG co-branded Lancer ROG DDR5 memory that comes at speeds of up to DDR5-6600. Lastly, there's the ACE-6400, a mid-range DDR5-6400 memory module targeting creators, that runs at DDR5-5600 native (JEDEC), and its advertised DDR5-6400 using an XMP 3.0 profile.
Elsewhere across the ADATA booth, we also came across the company's latest SD 8.0 memory card that uses PCI-Express 3.0 x2 physical layer and NVMe 1.3 protocol layer, to offer sequential speeds of up to 1600 MB/s reads, with up to 1300 MB/s writes, including LDPC ECC. The card comes in 256 GB and 512 GB capacities, and is backwards-compatible with UHS-I devices. Back at the memory section, we found an XPG + ASUS ROG co-branded Lancer ROG DDR5 memory that comes at speeds of up to DDR5-6600. Lastly, there's the ACE-6400, a mid-range DDR5-6400 memory module targeting creators, that runs at DDR5-5600 native (JEDEC), and its advertised DDR5-6400 using an XMP 3.0 profile.
ADATA USB4 Portable SSD Can Give Some M.2 Drives a Run for their Money
ADATA SE920 is the company's first portable SSD to take advantage of USB4 and offer transfer-speeds that utilize that added interface bandwidth. The drive features a 40 Gbps USB4 interface, with a single cable handling both power and host connectivity. Internally, this is an M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD that's been wired to an ASMedia ASM2464PD chip that converts a 40 Gbps USB4 uplink to a PCI-Express 4.0 x4 downlink, and hence the internal drive has slightly more bandwidth than PCI-Express 3.0 x4 (32 Gbps).
The ADATA SE920 comes in capacity variants of 1 TB and 2 TB. Both variants offer sequential transfer rates of up to 3800 MB/s reads, with up to 3200 MB/s writes. The brushed aluminium enclosure has a mechanism that slides out a diagonal insert with air vents for an active cooling mechanism inside, which cools the internal drive, the bridge chip, and some power components. A USB4 type-C to type-C cable is included with the drive.
The ADATA SE920 comes in capacity variants of 1 TB and 2 TB. Both variants offer sequential transfer rates of up to 3800 MB/s reads, with up to 3200 MB/s writes. The brushed aluminium enclosure has a mechanism that slides out a diagonal insert with air vents for an active cooling mechanism inside, which cools the internal drive, the bridge chip, and some power components. A USB4 type-C to type-C cable is included with the drive.
ADATA XPG PCIe Gen 5 SSD with Active Cooling Pictured
Here are some of the first pictures of the yet-unnamed PCIe Gen 5-based NVMe SSD by ADATA XPG. Built in the M.2-2580 form-factor, the drive features a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 host interface and NVMe 2.0 protocol. At its core is a Silicon Motion SM2508 series controller, coupled with the latest generation 3D TLC NAND flash over a large number of flash channels; and a faster DRAM cache. The drive offers sequential transfer rates of up to 14 GB/s reads, with up to 12 GB/s writes. and 2 million IOPS 4K random transfers. It comes in capacity-based variants, with 8 TB being the largest one.
The most striking aspect about this drive is its active cooling solution. A ridged aluminium monoblock heatsink is used to cool the SM2508 controller. nestled in its center is what appears to be a miniature 10 mm lateral fan. The heatsink has surface-crystallization treatment to increase surface area for heat dissipation. A die-cast aluminium top-plate and 3-sided backplate sandwich the fan-heatsink and the main PCB. The fan is tightly controlled by temperature, and ADATA claims you should barely notice it. To use the drive to its fullest, you'll either need an AMD Ryzen 7000 "Zen 4" platform that has dedicated PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slots wired to the processor, or an Intel 700-series chipset motherboard that puts out a Gen 5 M.2 slot by subtracting lanes from the Gen 5 PEG slot.
The most striking aspect about this drive is its active cooling solution. A ridged aluminium monoblock heatsink is used to cool the SM2508 controller. nestled in its center is what appears to be a miniature 10 mm lateral fan. The heatsink has surface-crystallization treatment to increase surface area for heat dissipation. A die-cast aluminium top-plate and 3-sided backplate sandwich the fan-heatsink and the main PCB. The fan is tightly controlled by temperature, and ADATA claims you should barely notice it. To use the drive to its fullest, you'll either need an AMD Ryzen 7000 "Zen 4" platform that has dedicated PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slots wired to the processor, or an Intel 700-series chipset motherboard that puts out a Gen 5 M.2 slot by subtracting lanes from the Gen 5 PEG slot.
ADATA XPG PSUs: Fusion Titanium, Cybercore II Platinum and Core Reactor II Gold
ADATA in its exhibition on the sidelines of CES, showed off the Fusion 1600 TITANIUM, an enthusiast-segment 1600 W PSU for highly overclocked PC builds. Designed in collaboration with Delta Electronics (popular for server PSUs and laptop power bricks), the Fusion TITANIUM uses GaNFETs and a planar transformer in its switching circuitry, and is Cybenetics Titanium and 80 Plus Titanium certified. The PSU complies with both ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specs for excursion tolerance.
The XPG Fusion 1600 TITANIUM offers two native 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connectors that are each capable of 600 W continuous power delivery, with 200% excursions within specified limits. You also get at least twelve 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, and multiple 4+4 pin EPS. A USB 2.0 connection interfaces the PSU with software, with a dedicated UWP app giving you real-time monitoring and data-logging for the PSU.
The XPG Fusion 1600 TITANIUM offers two native 16-pin ATX 12VHPWR connectors that are each capable of 600 W continuous power delivery, with 200% excursions within specified limits. You also get at least twelve 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, and multiple 4+4 pin EPS. A USB 2.0 connection interfaces the PSU with software, with a dedicated UWP app giving you real-time monitoring and data-logging for the PSU.
iBUYPOWER Announces Trace 7 Mesh Case and New Peripherals at CES 2023
iBUYPOWER (iBP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance custom gaming PCs, today, announced the latest offering in its Trace series of cases, the Trace 7 Mesh and Trace 7 Mesh Pro.
A new generation of iBUYPOWER in-house cases
The latest installation of iBP's Signature Trace series of cases, the new Trace 7 Mesh and Trace 7 Mesh Pro feature a metal mesh down the center of the front panel flanked by two mirrored tempered glass segments. With three included addressable RGB (ARGB) 120 mm fans installed behind the front panel and one fan in the rear for exhaust, the addition of the mesh feature on the Trace 7 Mesh will ensure systems run at ideal temperatures. The Trace 7 Mesh Pro will come with upgraded fans with PWM control and HYTE Nexus software to manage lighting and provide an even more spectacular display.
A new generation of iBUYPOWER in-house cases
The latest installation of iBP's Signature Trace series of cases, the new Trace 7 Mesh and Trace 7 Mesh Pro feature a metal mesh down the center of the front panel flanked by two mirrored tempered glass segments. With three included addressable RGB (ARGB) 120 mm fans installed behind the front panel and one fan in the rear for exhaust, the addition of the mesh feature on the Trace 7 Mesh will ensure systems run at ideal temperatures. The Trace 7 Mesh Pro will come with upgraded fans with PWM control and HYTE Nexus software to manage lighting and provide an even more spectacular display.
Altec Lansing Announces the HydraBud TWS Earphone Series with Multipoint Support
Altec Lansing adds a new series to their growing line of true wireless (TWS) earphones with the addition of three brand new models announced today at CES 2023. The HydraBuds, HydraBuds Sport, and HydraBuds ANC will make up the new Altec Lansing HydraBud series, a new line of TWS earphones. The all-new HydraBuds are compact, waterproof and affordable earphones that come in a range of colors. Each model in the HydraBud Series comes with Altec Lansing Helix Wings to keep the earbuds securely in your ears. Each model comes with a charging case that provides 3 extra charges.
"True wireless earphones have become a staple today as we see the market moving away from wired headphones and earphones for something more compact and convenient," said Joe Campos, VP Sales and Marketing at Altec Lansing. "We strive to create products that anticipate demand by our consumers. By providing options, they can pick an earphone that best fits not only their needs, but also their price point."
"True wireless earphones have become a staple today as we see the market moving away from wired headphones and earphones for something more compact and convenient," said Joe Campos, VP Sales and Marketing at Altec Lansing. "We strive to create products that anticipate demand by our consumers. By providing options, they can pick an earphone that best fits not only their needs, but also their price point."
Altec Lansing Introduces New Whisper ANC Headphones
Altec Lansing adds two active noise cancelling (ANC) headphone models to expand their product offering. The Whisper Lite and Whisper 2.0 are added to the collection of ANC headphones. Highlighted by the Whisper 2.0, these headphones set themselves apart from others in the line with impressive quick charge technology which provides four hours of battery life for ten minutes of charging. The Whisper Lite and Whisper 2.0 also include key features such as the foldable on-the-go design, multipoint connections, and a battery life of 32 hours.
"We strive to provide a diverse range of products to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of our consumers," said Joe Campos, VP Sales and Marketing at Altec Lansing. "Our current line of active noise cancelling headphones provides a range of options to fit your needs and budget. The Whisper collection is just another example of the high-quality products we continue to introduce."
"We strive to provide a diverse range of products to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of our consumers," said Joe Campos, VP Sales and Marketing at Altec Lansing. "Our current line of active noise cancelling headphones provides a range of options to fit your needs and budget. The Whisper collection is just another example of the high-quality products we continue to introduce."
Thermaltake Unveils the CTE Form Factor Series
hermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Case, Power, Cooling, Gaming peripherals, and enthusiast Memory solutions, is excited to announce the launch of CTE Form Factor Series at CES 2023. CTE, which stands for Centralized Thermal Efficiency, is focused on providing high-level thermal performance to critical components. The series includes CTE C750 Air, CTE C750 TG ARGB, CTE C700 Air, CTE C700 TG ARGB, CTE T500 Air and CTE T500 TG ARGB, giving plenty of options for your next build.
The CTE Form Factor Series breaks the conventional chassis design with its newly reimagined body created from the ground up by utilizing a 90-degree rotation of the motherboard, which provides more efficient airflow pathways. Such design gives the CTE Form Factor chassis a lead in cooling configurations. As the TDP of new graphics cards and CPUs increase, we thought to move the critical heat sources closer to intakes, achieving thermal extraction benefits as the CPU location has been moved slightly towards the front panel and the GPU closer to the rear, providing an independent cold air induction to your components. The overall approach has allowed CTE to provide better and more efficient intake airflow through the placement of main components and cooling, as well as optimization to heat extraction for the system.
The CTE Form Factor Series breaks the conventional chassis design with its newly reimagined body created from the ground up by utilizing a 90-degree rotation of the motherboard, which provides more efficient airflow pathways. Such design gives the CTE Form Factor chassis a lead in cooling configurations. As the TDP of new graphics cards and CPUs increase, we thought to move the critical heat sources closer to intakes, achieving thermal extraction benefits as the CPU location has been moved slightly towards the front panel and the GPU closer to the rear, providing an independent cold air induction to your components. The overall approach has allowed CTE to provide better and more efficient intake airflow through the placement of main components and cooling, as well as optimization to heat extraction for the system.
Razer pushes the boundaries of gaming innovation with exciting announcements at CES 2023
Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, ushers in its showcase at CES 2023 with all-new, innovative technologies for attendees to get exclusive first looks. Among groundbreaking concepts and product announcements, CES 2023 is the first opportunity for gamers and tech enthusiasts to get hands-on with the upcoming Razer Edge, the ultimate Android handheld gaming device.
Razer Edge and Razer Edge 5G - Exclusive Hands-On and Release Date revealed at CES
Developed with a 6.8" AMOLED display and 2400×1080 FHD+ resolution that boasts a 144 Hz refresh rate, the Razer Edge is ideal for an always-connected mobile gaming experience. The handheld is the first device powered and developed exclusively for the latest Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Gaming Platform, and is purpose-built with active cooling for long gaming sessions playing top AAA titles and native games on the go without having to compromise performance. The Razer Edge will release in two versions in the US on January 26: Razer Edge (Wi-Fi) exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStore locations across the US for $399.99, and the Razer Edge 5G exclusively at Verizon.com and Verizon store locations. More details for Razer Edge 5G pricing are available through Verizon here.
Razer Edge and Razer Edge 5G - Exclusive Hands-On and Release Date revealed at CES
Developed with a 6.8" AMOLED display and 2400×1080 FHD+ resolution that boasts a 144 Hz refresh rate, the Razer Edge is ideal for an always-connected mobile gaming experience. The handheld is the first device powered and developed exclusively for the latest Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Gaming Platform, and is purpose-built with active cooling for long gaming sessions playing top AAA titles and native games on the go without having to compromise performance. The Razer Edge will release in two versions in the US on January 26: Razer Edge (Wi-Fi) exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStore locations across the US for $399.99, and the Razer Edge 5G exclusively at Verizon.com and Verizon store locations. More details for Razer Edge 5G pricing are available through Verizon here.
Audio-Technica Introduces ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet Models, World's First Streaming Headsets
Audio-Technica today announced the release of its ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB streaming headsets. These models are the world's first headsets specifically developed to address the needs of live-streaming content creators. Based on the critically acclaimed ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones and incorporating technology from the iconic 20 Series microphones, the ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB deliver full-spectrum, studio-quality for users and listeners on the receiving end.
The headsets are equipped with the same 45 mm large-aperture drivers to provide exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. The streaming headsets come with two sets of distinct earpads: M50x earpads that stress audio quality and sound isolation; mesh and leatherette earpads that emphasize breathability and comfort.
The headsets are equipped with the same 45 mm large-aperture drivers to provide exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. The streaming headsets come with two sets of distinct earpads: M50x earpads that stress audio quality and sound isolation; mesh and leatherette earpads that emphasize breathability and comfort.
ASUS Launches All-New TUF Gaming Laptops
ASUS today announced the all-new TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition, an all-AMD gaming laptop with a redesigned chassis and an incredibly immersive 16-inch display. The TUF Gaming A15, A17, F15 and F17 laptops also make a triumphant return, sporting the latest silicon from AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA to power players into the next generation of gaming performance.
TUF A16 Advantage Edition announced
Built for serious gaming with subtle styling, the TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is a sleek gaming laptop built to demolish the competition. Powered completely by AMD, the TUF Gaming A16 features up to an AMD Ryzen 9 Zen 4 processor and AMD Radeon RDNA 3 mobile graphics. "AMD and ASUS have partnered to deliver our latest 'Zen 4' and RDNA 3 technologies into the most innovative form factors," said Jason Banta, CVP and GM OEM PC. "The TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition delivers blistering gaming performance and outstanding power efficiency in a sleek portable chassis."
TUF A16 Advantage Edition announced
Built for serious gaming with subtle styling, the TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is a sleek gaming laptop built to demolish the competition. Powered completely by AMD, the TUF Gaming A16 features up to an AMD Ryzen 9 Zen 4 processor and AMD Radeon RDNA 3 mobile graphics. "AMD and ASUS have partnered to deliver our latest 'Zen 4' and RDNA 3 technologies into the most innovative form factors," said Jason Banta, CVP and GM OEM PC. "The TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition delivers blistering gaming performance and outstanding power efficiency in a sleek portable chassis."
Lenovo Goes Bigger and Bolder with New Dual-Screen Yoga Book 9i and Premium Consumer Devices
As hybrid living continues to blur the lines between work and recreation, consumers are prioritizing convenience and premium experiences from more multifaceted and personalized technology. Both at home and on the go, people now demand versatile tech that can enable them to do more in all aspects of their lives - whether collaborating across devices or simplifying to fewer.
With this in mind, today Lenovo introduced bold new products to address the wide-ranging needs of the modern consumer. The new, cutting-edge Yoga Book 9i hails a new chapter for Yoga in incredible innovation, premium style, and performance for versatile experiences. Redefining what an all-in-one desktop computer could look like, the Yoga AIO 9i is more than meets the eye. In tablets, the new feature-rich Lenovo Tab Extreme and Lenovo Smart Paper digital notepad introduce exciting capabilities for school, home, and beyond. Last but not least, Lenovo's Project Chronos concept (formal name forthcoming) is a new technology that captures a user's movement and enables them to interact with and perform activities in 3D virtual worlds without glasses or wearables.
With this in mind, today Lenovo introduced bold new products to address the wide-ranging needs of the modern consumer. The new, cutting-edge Yoga Book 9i hails a new chapter for Yoga in incredible innovation, premium style, and performance for versatile experiences. Redefining what an all-in-one desktop computer could look like, the Yoga AIO 9i is more than meets the eye. In tablets, the new feature-rich Lenovo Tab Extreme and Lenovo Smart Paper digital notepad introduce exciting capabilities for school, home, and beyond. Last but not least, Lenovo's Project Chronos concept (formal name forthcoming) is a new technology that captures a user's movement and enables them to interact with and perform activities in 3D virtual worlds without glasses or wearables.
Lenovo Unveils the World's Most Powerful 16-inch AI-Tuned Gaming Laptops and an Ecosystem of Gaming Products
The newest 2023 Lenovo Legion lineup of battle-ready PCs, monitors, and accessories are unveiled today, setting a new standard in PC gaming for 2023 that gives gamers the edge they need to top the leaderboards. Lenovo is harnessing the pure power of PC gaming with its new lineup for CES 2023, unlocking the freedom to dominate the battlefield with AI-tuned performance that lets gamers crush both framerates and the competition. Brand new for 2023 is the new Lenovo LA AI chip, the world's first dedicated AI chip on a gaming laptop, installed on the new Lenovo Legion Pro 7 and 7i (16", 8) laptops and the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 and 5i (16", 8) laptops.
Lenovo AI Engine+, powered by the Lenovo LA AI chip, deploys a software machine learning algorithm to optimally tune system performance. The chip uses software machine learning, deployed through Lenovo Vantage, to help monitor in-game FPS and dynamically adjust for the highest performance output. Offering up to 15% higher TDP, this chip and machine learning software combo allows Legion Pro Series laptops to deliver higher performance compared to previous generations. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i and Lenovo Legion Pro 5 and 5i laptops also come with Tobii Horizon, providing gearless head tracking that gives players an extra level of immersion when playing their favorite games, as well as Tobii Aware.
Lenovo AI Engine+, powered by the Lenovo LA AI chip, deploys a software machine learning algorithm to optimally tune system performance. The chip uses software machine learning, deployed through Lenovo Vantage, to help monitor in-game FPS and dynamically adjust for the highest performance output. Offering up to 15% higher TDP, this chip and machine learning software combo allows Legion Pro Series laptops to deliver higher performance compared to previous generations. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i and Lenovo Legion Pro 5 and 5i laptops also come with Tobii Horizon, providing gearless head tracking that gives players an extra level of immersion when playing their favorite games, as well as Tobii Aware.
Intel Hikes 12th Gen Core Processor Pricing by 10 Percent
With everyone busy enjoying the announcements of new shiny toys at CES, Intel has taken the opportunity to jack up the prices on its older 12th Gen Core processors by around 10 percent. This wasn't entirely unexpected though, as Intel announced back in June of last year that it was going to increase the MSRP of its 12th Gen Core processors. The price increase affects different SKUs wildly differently, as the Core i9-12900K for example, is seeing a US$59 price increase and its new MSRP is now US$648, which is more than the Core i9-13900K which has an MSRP of US$589. On the other hand, the Core i3-12100 only gets a $12 price increase, which puts its new MSRP at US$134, which places it in the same price bracket as the Core i3-13100.
This is a very unusual move by Intel and it affects all of its 12th Gen Core desktop processors and possibly some other SKUs as well. Considering the 13th Gen Core parts are either priced cheaper or fall in the same price bracket, it's hard to see how Intel is going to see any sales of its older 12th Gen Core processors, especially as the two share the same socket. It's highly unlikely that this move will affect its shareholders in a positive way either, as Intel is likely to see lower sales with this price increase of its previous generation of processors, which in turn will result in even lower revenue. That said, it's unclear if this will affect retail pricing or not, as it's possible that many stores won't replenish their stock of 12th Gen Core CPUs once their current stock sells out.
This is a very unusual move by Intel and it affects all of its 12th Gen Core desktop processors and possibly some other SKUs as well. Considering the 13th Gen Core parts are either priced cheaper or fall in the same price bracket, it's hard to see how Intel is going to see any sales of its older 12th Gen Core processors, especially as the two share the same socket. It's highly unlikely that this move will affect its shareholders in a positive way either, as Intel is likely to see lower sales with this price increase of its previous generation of processors, which in turn will result in even lower revenue. That said, it's unclear if this will affect retail pricing or not, as it's possible that many stores won't replenish their stock of 12th Gen Core CPUs once their current stock sells out.
Alphacool Launches NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Water Block
Even more performance for RTX 4070 Ti GPUs! With the Eisblock Aurora cooler, Alphacool presents a new, innovative solution for active water cooling of Nvidia's Geforce RTX 4070 Ti graphics cards in the reference design.
In order to dissipate the enormous waste heat of this graphics card generation, in the best possible way, numerous optimizations have been carried out on the water cooler compared to the cooler models of the 30XX card generation. The fin structure was adapted and enables an optimal water flow while simultaneously increasing the cooling surface. The modified nozzle plate with improved Inflow Engine ensures the best possible distribution of water on the cooling fins. The fully chrome-plated copper base is resistant to acids, scratches and damage. In addition, the chrome plating provides homogeneity and reflectivity that cannot be achieved by nickel plating.
In order to dissipate the enormous waste heat of this graphics card generation, in the best possible way, numerous optimizations have been carried out on the water cooler compared to the cooler models of the 30XX card generation. The fin structure was adapted and enables an optimal water flow while simultaneously increasing the cooling surface. The modified nozzle plate with improved Inflow Engine ensures the best possible distribution of water on the cooling fins. The fully chrome-plated copper base is resistant to acids, scratches and damage. In addition, the chrome plating provides homogeneity and reflectivity that cannot be achieved by nickel plating.
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces New ROG Strix SCAR and Strix G Lineup
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is proud to announce the new ROG Strix SCAR and Strix G lineup of gaming laptops. Brand-new designs come to the Strix SCAR 16, Strix SCAR 18, Strix G16, and Strix G18, with updated internals for the Strix SCAR 17 and Strix G17. When combined with ROG's Nebula and Nebula HDR displays and an updated Intelligent Cooling thermal solution, these powerhouse laptops are prepared to power victories among esports pros and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Top-level CPUs and GPUs
As ROG's highest-performing laptops, the Strix series is powered by the latest and greatest chips from Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA. The Strix SCAR 16 and 18 feature up to an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor with 24 cores and 32 threads, alongside up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU capable of up to 175 watts, for a total system power of 240 W (with Dynamic Boost and Manual performance modes). A MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus intelligently ensures optimal framerates when plugged in, and better battery life when untethered, with no manual intervention needed. The Strix G16 and G18 are powered by up to an Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with up to 175 W of power using Dynamic Boost and the same MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus.
Top-level CPUs and GPUs
As ROG's highest-performing laptops, the Strix series is powered by the latest and greatest chips from Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA. The Strix SCAR 16 and 18 feature up to an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor with 24 cores and 32 threads, alongside up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU capable of up to 175 watts, for a total system power of 240 W (with Dynamic Boost and Manual performance modes). A MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus intelligently ensures optimal framerates when plugged in, and better battery life when untethered, with no manual intervention needed. The Strix G16 and G18 are powered by up to an Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with up to 175 W of power using Dynamic Boost and the same MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus.
ASUS Announces the GeForce RTX 4080 Noctua Edition Graphics Card
ASUS today announced the GeForce RTX 4080 Noctua Edition graphics card, a continuation of its collaboration with the legendary cooling company, building on the previous GeForce RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 Noctua variants. This year ASUS and Noctua have worked together to tame the power of the mighty GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card. Noctua fan-design prowess and an ASUS custom-built vapor chamber combine to create the quietest air-cooled RTX 4080 on the market.
Cool and quiet
The ASUS GeForce RTX 4080 Noctua Edition incorporates a pair of state-of-the-art Noctua NF-A12x25 fans to move air over a massive heatsink, developed in a partnership between the veteran ASUS thermal R&D team and the engineers at Noctua. The engineers successfully refined the fin density and heat pipe arrangement of the heatsink, optimizing it for the airflow characteristics of the NF-A12x25. To prioritize low noise levels, a smooth acoustic signature and high cooling performance while making room for the pair of 120 mm fans, ASUS expanded the card's total volume to occupy 4.3 slots of space. The card features a Dual BIOS switch, and Quiet mode is enabled by default to minimize noise right out of the box.
Cool and quiet
The ASUS GeForce RTX 4080 Noctua Edition incorporates a pair of state-of-the-art Noctua NF-A12x25 fans to move air over a massive heatsink, developed in a partnership between the veteran ASUS thermal R&D team and the engineers at Noctua. The engineers successfully refined the fin density and heat pipe arrangement of the heatsink, optimizing it for the airflow characteristics of the NF-A12x25. To prioritize low noise levels, a smooth acoustic signature and high cooling performance while making room for the pair of 120 mm fans, ASUS expanded the card's total volume to occupy 4.3 slots of space. The card features a Dual BIOS switch, and Quiet mode is enabled by default to minimize noise right out of the box.
CommScope Enters Wi-Fi 7 Retail Market with Launch of SURFboard G54 DOCSIS 3.1 Quad-Band Wi-Fi 7 Cable Modem at CES
CommScope, a global leader in home networks, today announced its entry into the Wi-Fi 7 retail market with the launch of the SURFboard G54 DOCSIS 3.1 quad-band Wi-Fi 7 cable modem. The flagship SURFboard G54 provides significant performance enhancements, including the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, and supports multi-gigabit Internet plans. The SURFboard G54 is designed to include other advanced features, including DOCSIS 3.1, quad-band Wi-Fi 7 (BE17880, or the total speed the system can support), a 10 Gbps Ethernet port, and four 1 Gbps LAN ports.
As the journey to the multi-gigabit network of the future continues, consumers can be ready to support next generation, higher speed internet plans with the SURFboard G54. Coupling the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology with new Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, the SURFboard G54 provides multi-gigabit speeds (dependent upon service provider plan) throughout the home. In addition, a 10 Gbps Ethernet port ensures the home network can support additional Gigabit services directly to the Ethernet connection.
As the journey to the multi-gigabit network of the future continues, consumers can be ready to support next generation, higher speed internet plans with the SURFboard G54. Coupling the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology with new Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, the SURFboard G54 provides multi-gigabit speeds (dependent upon service provider plan) throughout the home. In addition, a 10 Gbps Ethernet port ensures the home network can support additional Gigabit services directly to the Ethernet connection.
KIOXIA Puts Next-Gen SSDs, Future-Ready Form Factors in the Spotlight at CES
This week at CES 2023, KIOXIA America, Inc., the inventors of NAND flash, will highlight new technologies, products, and form factors designed to meet upcoming IT requirements and standards - including PCIe 5.0 and UFS 4.0.
In an ever-changing technology landscape, where evolving standards push performance levels higher and higher, KIOXIA stands ready for what comes next - thanks to its broad, diverse lineup of flash storage solutions. "Whether it's the next connected vehicle, the next personal mobility device or the next smart city - we keep advancing flash memory to make the next thing possible," said Alex Mei, vice president of corporate marketing for KIOXIA America, Inc. "Countless consumer devices and applications require flash memory and SSDs, and we are committed to continued innovation."
In an ever-changing technology landscape, where evolving standards push performance levels higher and higher, KIOXIA stands ready for what comes next - thanks to its broad, diverse lineup of flash storage solutions. "Whether it's the next connected vehicle, the next personal mobility device or the next smart city - we keep advancing flash memory to make the next thing possible," said Alex Mei, vice president of corporate marketing for KIOXIA America, Inc. "Countless consumer devices and applications require flash memory and SSDs, and we are committed to continued innovation."
Twinkly Lights Up CES 2023 with All-New Entertainment Hub for Gamers
Leading Italian smart lighting brand, Twinkly, today announced the newest addition to its application portfolio, the Twinkly Entertainment Hub, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023. Coming to the market this spring, the new platform will feature an innovative algorithm that will allow anyone from gamers and streamers to musicians and entertainers the ability to seamlessly connect Twinkly lights to audio and video content - turning anything into a deeply immersive experience.
During the show, Twinkly will also be showcasing its newest product - Twinkly Squares - alongside its core line of products including Flex, Dots, Curtain, and Strings with an interactive gaming setup in-booth, an area with musicians playing live music, and more. Attendees will also get a sneak preview at a new, budget-friendly product coming to the market in Fall 2023, Twinkly Candies.
During the show, Twinkly will also be showcasing its newest product - Twinkly Squares - alongside its core line of products including Flex, Dots, Curtain, and Strings with an interactive gaming setup in-booth, an area with musicians playing live music, and more. Attendees will also get a sneak preview at a new, budget-friendly product coming to the market in Fall 2023, Twinkly Candies.
HP at CES 2023: Leading in Hybrid and Gaming Experiences
Today at CES 2023, HP Inc is announcing new products and solutions designed to recharge hybrid experiences so people can thrive in today's digital world. "Hybrid provides us with greater flexibility and freedom in our personal lives, but brings its own set of challenges for people to stay productive and connected to others," said Alex Cho, President, Personal Systems, HP Inc. "HP is taking the headache out of hybrid by delivering powerful and best-in-class ecosystem experiences and industry-leading innovations - including the new HP Dragonfly Pro portfolio for freelancers, the Poly Voyager Free 60 Series Wireless Earbuds for exceptional audio experiences, and the HP E-Series monitors to help take productivity to the next level - while ensuring we continue to advance our world's most sustainable PC portfolio."4
Powering Freelancers with HP Dragonfly Pro
The freelancer community continues to grow exponentially, and by 2027 freelancers will make up more than 50% of the total U.S. workforce. That's why HP is bringing the power of its award-winning Dragonfly brand to freelancers wanting elevated experiences in their hybrid lives. This group of consumers wants technology with the power they need for multitasking and heavy workloads, coupled with built-in support and services for peace of mind.
Powering Freelancers with HP Dragonfly Pro
The freelancer community continues to grow exponentially, and by 2027 freelancers will make up more than 50% of the total U.S. workforce. That's why HP is bringing the power of its award-winning Dragonfly brand to freelancers wanting elevated experiences in their hybrid lives. This group of consumers wants technology with the power they need for multitasking and heavy workloads, coupled with built-in support and services for peace of mind.
NVIDIA GeForce 528.02 WHQL Game Ready Drivers Released
NVIDIA today released the GeForce 528.02 WHQL Game Ready drivers. These come with support for the new GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics card that goes on sale later today. DLSS 3 support is added for Conqueror's Blade and Dakar Desert Rally. Among the issues fixed this release are a Portal RTX hanging during resolution or mode change and during GFE recording; Shadowplay recordings appearing overexposed when "Use HDR" is enabled in the Windows display settings; monochrome video previews with AVS4You; heavy display corruption observed in the app window of Lumion Pro 12.3; and brightness issues being fixed in some notebooks.
DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 528.02 WHQL
Phanteks at CES 2023: Polar Coolers, Glacier One AIOs and DIY Liquid, D30 Stackable Fans, Eclipse G300A Case
Besides the show-stopping NV7 full-tower case, Phanteks showed off a wealth of new gear at its private show on the sidelines of the 2023 CES. The D30-120 is a stackable 120 mm fan that can work either individually, or stacked in rows of three sideways, so a single cable can drive all three fans and their lighting. They attach to each other over contact points that are concealed by detachable bits in the fan-frame. The fans feature high static pressure, and FDB bearing, and are ideal for radiator applications.
AMD Shows Instinct MI300 Exascale APU with 146 Billion Transistors
During its CES 2023 keynote, AMD announced its latest Instinct MI300 APU, a first of its kind in the data center world. Combining the CPU, GPU, and memory elements into a single package eliminates latency imposed by long travel distances of data from CPU to memory and from CPU to GPU throughout the PCIe connector. In addition to solving some latency issues, less power is needed to move the data and provide greater efficiency. The Instinct MI300 features 24 Zen4 cores with simultaneous multi-threading enabled, CDNA3 GPU IP, and 128 GB of HBM3 memory on a single package. The memory bus is 8192-bit wide, providing unified memory access for CPU and GPU cores. CLX 3.0 is also supported, making cache-coherent interconnecting a reality.
The Instinct MI300 APU package is an engineering marvel of its own, with advanced chiplet techniques used. AMD managed to do 3D stacking and has nine 5 nm logic chiplets that are 3D stacked on top of four 6 nm chiplets with HBM surrounding it. All of this makes the transistor count go up to 146 billion, representing the sheer complexity of a such design. For performance figures, AMD provided a comparison to Instinct MI250X GPU. In raw AI performance, the MI300 features an 8x improvement over MI250X, while the performance-per-watt is "reduced" to a 5x increase. While we do not know what benchmark applications were used, there is a probability that some standard benchmarks like MLPerf were used. For availability, AMD targets the end of 2023, when the "El Capitan" exascale supercomputer will arrive using these Instinct MI300 APU accelerators. Pricing is unknown and will be unveiled to enterprise customers first around launch.
The Instinct MI300 APU package is an engineering marvel of its own, with advanced chiplet techniques used. AMD managed to do 3D stacking and has nine 5 nm logic chiplets that are 3D stacked on top of four 6 nm chiplets with HBM surrounding it. All of this makes the transistor count go up to 146 billion, representing the sheer complexity of a such design. For performance figures, AMD provided a comparison to Instinct MI250X GPU. In raw AI performance, the MI300 features an 8x improvement over MI250X, while the performance-per-watt is "reduced" to a 5x increase. While we do not know what benchmark applications were used, there is a probability that some standard benchmarks like MLPerf were used. For availability, AMD targets the end of 2023, when the "El Capitan" exascale supercomputer will arrive using these Instinct MI300 APU accelerators. Pricing is unknown and will be unveiled to enterprise customers first around launch.
Phanteks NV7 is the Case You Need for Gigantic Graphics Cards and Four Radiators
With the new NV7, Phanteks has understood where things are headed with 600 W enthusiast-segment graphics cards, 300 W processors, and motherboards with enormous VRM heatsinks, and decided to craft a case that—with a little thoughtful design, gives you room for gigantic high-end graphics cards with plenty of room for their cabling; as many as four liquid-cooling radiators, large E-ATX motherboards, and plenty of room to spare for DIY liquid-cooling components such as pump-reservoirs and hard tubing.
Available in black and white trims, the Phanteks NV7 has a two-sided glasshouse, with radiator mounts along the top-, bottom, side-, and rear-panels. Three of these can hold 360 mm radiators, while the rear one is good for a 240 mm radiator or a distro-plate like the one shown in the example build below. The PSU bay is located sideways on the top, such that an entire half of the case needn't be partitioned out for it. The case also features some nearly-executed embedded addressable-RGB strips, and includes an ARGB controller.
Available in black and white trims, the Phanteks NV7 has a two-sided glasshouse, with radiator mounts along the top-, bottom, side-, and rear-panels. Three of these can hold 360 mm radiators, while the rear one is good for a 240 mm radiator or a distro-plate like the one shown in the example build below. The PSU bay is located sideways on the top, such that an entire half of the case needn't be partitioned out for it. The case also features some nearly-executed embedded addressable-RGB strips, and includes an ARGB controller.
MSI Releases Socket AM5 Motherboard BIOS Updates to Support Upcoming Processors
MSI announcing today a new lineup of AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors that will be compatible with all MSI's X670 and B650 motherboards. The new AMD Ryzen CPU will include the AMD Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 7700, and the Ryzen 5 7600 which will have a default TDP of 65 W. Even with a lower TDP, these CPUs will up to 12 cores and 24 threads as their respective CPUs and be able to hit their theoretical max boost clock of over 5 GHz. All X670 and B650 motherboards from MSI will be compatible and ready at launch with the newest BIOS version "AGESA COMBO PI-1.0.0.4" update.
MSI has 3 unique features to help users to overclock their systems which are called Performance Switch, PBO Thermal Point, and Config TDP with the new launch of AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors. Earlier this year, MSI introduced a brand-new function called Performance Switch within the MSI BIOS. Performance Switch provides 3 levels of preset and an advanced option for users to choose from. Then combines both AMD's default PBO "Precision Boost Overdrive" and MSI's OC settings to provide a much higher CPU performance in both single-core and multi-core.
MSI has 3 unique features to help users to overclock their systems which are called Performance Switch, PBO Thermal Point, and Config TDP with the new launch of AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors. Earlier this year, MSI introduced a brand-new function called Performance Switch within the MSI BIOS. Performance Switch provides 3 levels of preset and an advanced option for users to choose from. Then combines both AMD's default PBO "Precision Boost Overdrive" and MSI's OC settings to provide a much higher CPU performance in both single-core and multi-core.
AMD Confirms Ryzen 9 7950X3D and 7900X3D Feature 3DV Cache on Only One of the Two Chiplets
AMD today announced its new Ryzen 7000X3D high-end desktop processors to much fanfare, with availability slated for February 2023, you can read all about them in our older article. In our coverage, we noticed something odd about the cache sizes of the 12-core 7900X3D and 16-core 7950X3D. Whereas the 8-core, single-CCD 7800X3D comes with 104 MB of total cache (L2+L3), which works out to 1 MB L2 cache per core and 96 MB of L3 cache (32 MB on-die + 64 MB stacked 3DV cache); the dual-CCD 7900X3D and 7950X3D was shown with total caches of 140 MB and 144 MB, while they should have been 204 MB or 208 MB, respectively.
In our older article, we explored two possibilities—one that the 3DV cache is available on both CCDs but halved in size for whatever reason; and the second more outlandish possibility that only one of the two CCDs has stacked 3DV cache, while the other is a normal planar CCD with just the on-die 32 MB L3 cache. As it turns out, the latter theory is right! AMD put out high-resolution renders of the dual-CCD 7000X3D processors, where only one of the two CCDs is shown having the L3D (L3 cache die) stacked on top. Even real-world pictures of the older "Zen 3" 3DV cache CCDs from the 5800X3D or EPYC "Milan-X" processors show CCDs with 3DV caches having a distinct appearance with dividing lines between the L3D and the structural substrates over the regions of the CCD that have the CPU cores. In these renders, we see these lines drawn on only one of the two CCDs.
In our older article, we explored two possibilities—one that the 3DV cache is available on both CCDs but halved in size for whatever reason; and the second more outlandish possibility that only one of the two CCDs has stacked 3DV cache, while the other is a normal planar CCD with just the on-die 32 MB L3 cache. As it turns out, the latter theory is right! AMD put out high-resolution renders of the dual-CCD 7000X3D processors, where only one of the two CCDs is shown having the L3D (L3 cache die) stacked on top. Even real-world pictures of the older "Zen 3" 3DV cache CCDs from the 5800X3D or EPYC "Milan-X" processors show CCDs with 3DV caches having a distinct appearance with dividing lines between the L3D and the structural substrates over the regions of the CCD that have the CPU cores. In these renders, we see these lines drawn on only one of the two CCDs.
Wednesday, January 4th 2023
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Keyboards
Monitors
Motherboards
ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 Ti TUF Review
The ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is a factory overclocked custom-design variant of NVIDIA's new release. Performance is impressive, the card can beat last generation's RTX 3090 Ti flagship, with almost double the energy efficiency and much lower heat and noise.
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Suprim X Review
With the Suprim X, MSI offers an impressive RTX 4070 Ti custom design. Thanks to its huge quad-slot cooler, and an excellent fan profile, the card runs virtually inaudible, even under full load. Overclockers can manually increase the power limit up to 365 W, more than on any other RTX 4070 Ti.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Gaming OC Review
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti comes with a dual BIOS feature, which lets you switch to a "silent" mode BIOS that runs the cards at low fan speed, resulting in a quiet experience. The card could also be interesting for overclockers, because it offers one of the highest manual power limit adjustment ranges available.
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Ti OC Review
The PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Ti OC comes with a fantastic cooler paired with outstanding fan settings that make this card whisper-quiet, even under full load. What's even more impressive is that PNY can achieve this with a close-to-reference design PCB at a very reasonable $830.
Palit GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GamingPro OC Review
Palit's GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is a cost-optimized custom-design of the RTX 4070 Ti, which means it can sell for less than other variants. Palit still invested where it matters, the cooler is more powerful than what ASUS, MSI and Gigabyte offer on their cards, with excellent, balanced fan settings.
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Gaming X Review
MSI's GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Gaming X comes with a large triple-fan, triple-slot thermal solution that runs at whisper-quiet noise levels with low temperatures. In terms of performance the new card is able to match last generation's flagship, the RTX 3090 Ti, and offers new features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation.
AMD Expands Desktop Ryzen 7000 "Zen 4" Processor Family with 65W Models
Besides the sensational Ryzen 7000X3D processors taking the fight to Intel's "Raptor Lake," AMD expanded the desktop Ryzen 7000 even downwards, with the introduction of three new 65 W processor SKUs that include boxed stock coolers. These include the Ryzen 5 7600 6-core/12-thread, the Ryzen 7 7700 8-core/16-thread, and the Ryzen 9 7900 12-core/24-thread. There's no 16-core part in this segment. These processors come with TDP values set at just 65 W, and PPT values in the range of 90 W to 120 W, and so their clock speeds and maximum boost speeds are lower compared to the 7000X series, with more aggressive power-management.
The 7600 boosts up to 5.10 GHz, and packs a 65 W-capable Wraith Stealth boxed cooling solution. The 7700 boosts up to 5.30 GHz, and the 7900 up to 5.40 GHz. Both the 7700 and 7900 include a Wraith Prism RGB cooler that can handle thermal loads of up to 140 W. The three chips are priced lower than their 7000X series cousins, with the 7600 going for USD $229, the 7700 at $329, and the 7900 at $429. The three chips are drop-in compatible with existing Socket AM5 motherboards without needing any BIOS update.
The 7600 boosts up to 5.10 GHz, and packs a 65 W-capable Wraith Stealth boxed cooling solution. The 7700 boosts up to 5.30 GHz, and the 7900 up to 5.40 GHz. Both the 7700 and 7900 include a Wraith Prism RGB cooler that can handle thermal loads of up to 140 W. The three chips are priced lower than their 7000X series cousins, with the 7600 going for USD $229, the 7700 at $329, and the 7900 at $429. The three chips are drop-in compatible with existing Socket AM5 motherboards without needing any BIOS update.
AMD Outs Radeon RX 7600M and RX 7600S RDNA3 Mobile Discrete GPUs
AMD today released its first mobile discrete GPUs based on its latest RDNA3 graphics architecture, the Radeon RX 7600M series, and the RX 7600S series. Although based on the latest architecture, AMD decided to built these GPUs on monolithic 6 nm dies, along with many of the power-management features incorporated from Ryzen 6000-series "Rembrandt" processors. The unnamed silicon these GPUs are based on physically features 32 RDNA3 compute units (2,048 stream processors), along with the updated dual instruction-issue rate SIMD components, 2nd generation Ray Accelerators, and AI acceleration. The silicon also features a 128-bit GDDR6 memory interface, supporting speeds of up to 18 Gbps.
The Ryzen 7600M series consists of the top RX 7600M XT with 32 CU, and the slightly lower RX 7600M with 28 CU. Both come with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory across the chip's 128-bit memory interface. The RX 7600M XT uses 18 Gbps memory clocks, while the RX 7600M uses 16 Gbps. The RX 7600M XT has a power band of 75 W to 120 W, while the RX 7600M needs 50 W to 90 W. The RX 7700S and RX 7600S have the same core-configurations as the RX 7600M XT and RX 7600M, respectively, but lower power draw (up to 100 W for the RX 7700S, and up to 75 W for the RX 7600S). Both GPUs feature updated display- and media-acceleration engines, with support for QHD+ displays up to 240 Hz. AMD claims that the RX 7600M XT beats the performance of desktop NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB.
The Ryzen 7600M series consists of the top RX 7600M XT with 32 CU, and the slightly lower RX 7600M with 28 CU. Both come with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory across the chip's 128-bit memory interface. The RX 7600M XT uses 18 Gbps memory clocks, while the RX 7600M uses 16 Gbps. The RX 7600M XT has a power band of 75 W to 120 W, while the RX 7600M needs 50 W to 90 W. The RX 7700S and RX 7600S have the same core-configurations as the RX 7600M XT and RX 7600M, respectively, but lower power draw (up to 100 W for the RX 7700S, and up to 75 W for the RX 7600S). Both GPUs feature updated display- and media-acceleration engines, with support for QHD+ displays up to 240 Hz. AMD claims that the RX 7600M XT beats the performance of desktop NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB.
AMD Announces Ryzen 7040 "Phoenix Point" Mobile Processor: 4nm, Zen 4, RDNA3, XDNA
AMD today launched two distinct kinds of mobile processors, the Ryzen 7045 "Dragon Range" serves the 45 W H- and HX-segments of performance and enthusiast notebooks with CPU core counts of up to 16-core/32-thread; while the U-segment, P-segment, and a portion of the H-segment (ranges of 15 W, 28 W, and 35 W), will be led by the Ryzen 7040 "Phoenix Point." Unlike the "Dragon Range" MCM, "Phoenix Point" is a monolithic silicon built entirely on the TSMC 4 nm EUV foundry node, and introduces a wealth of process-level and system-level power-management features.
AMD "Phoenix Point" combines an 8-core/16-thread CPU based on the "Zen 4" microarchitecture, with a powerful iGPU based on the latest RDNA3 graphics architecture, and a feature-packed AI acceleration engine based on the XDNA architecture AMD built after the Xilinx acquisition. The CPU component is a fully-fledged "Zen 4" CCX, with 8 CPU cores featuring 1 MB of dedicated L2 cache per-core, and sharing a large 32 MB L3 cache. This is an increase from the previous generation "Rembrandt" and "Cezanne" dies that had a reduced 16 MB L3 shared among the eight "Zen 3" or "Zen 3+" CPU cores.
AMD "Phoenix Point" combines an 8-core/16-thread CPU based on the "Zen 4" microarchitecture, with a powerful iGPU based on the latest RDNA3 graphics architecture, and a feature-packed AI acceleration engine based on the XDNA architecture AMD built after the Xilinx acquisition. The CPU component is a fully-fledged "Zen 4" CCX, with 8 CPU cores featuring 1 MB of dedicated L2 cache per-core, and sharing a large 32 MB L3 cache. This is an increase from the previous generation "Rembrandt" and "Cezanne" dies that had a reduced 16 MB L3 shared among the eight "Zen 3" or "Zen 3+" CPU cores.
AMD Ryzen 7000X3D Announced, Claims Total Dominance over Intel "Raptor Lake," Upcoming i9-13900KS Deterred
AMD today announced its Ryzen 7000X3D "Zen 4" desktop processors with 3D Vertical Cache technology. With these, the company is claiming to have the world's fastest processors for gaming. The company claims to have beaten the Intel Core i9-13900K "Raptor Lake" in gaming, by a margin it feels comfortable to remain competitive with against even the upcoming Core i9-13900KS. At the heart of these processors is the new "Zen 4" 3D Vertical Cache (3DV cache) CCD, which features 64 MB of L3 cache stacked on top of the region of the "Zen 4" CCD that has the on-die 32 MB L3 cache. The 3DV cache runs at the same speed as the on-die L3 cache, and is contiguous with it. The CPU cores see 96 MB of transparent addressable L3 cache.
3DV cache is proven to have a profound impact on gaming performance with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D "Zen 3" processor that helped it beat "Alder Lake" in gaming workloads despite "Zen 3" being a generationally older microarchitecture; and AMD claims to have repeated this magic with the 7000X3D "Zen 4" series, enabling it to beat Intel "Raptor Lake." Unlike with the 5800X3D, AMD don't intend to make gaming performance a trade-off for multi-threaded creator performance, and so it is introducing even 12-core and 16-core SKUs, so you get gaming performance alongside plenty of muscle for creator workloads.
3DV cache is proven to have a profound impact on gaming performance with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D "Zen 3" processor that helped it beat "Alder Lake" in gaming workloads despite "Zen 3" being a generationally older microarchitecture; and AMD claims to have repeated this magic with the 7000X3D "Zen 4" series, enabling it to beat Intel "Raptor Lake." Unlike with the 5800X3D, AMD don't intend to make gaming performance a trade-off for multi-threaded creator performance, and so it is introducing even 12-core and 16-core SKUs, so you get gaming performance alongside plenty of muscle for creator workloads.
AMD Launches Ryzen 7045HX Series 16-core "Dragon Range" Enthusiast Mobile Processors
AMD today solved the biggest challenge affecting its mobile processor family against Intel—CPU core-counts in the high-end HX-segment, with the introduction of the new Ryzen 7045HX series "Dragon Range" mobile processors. Based on the "Zen 4" microarchitecture, these processors offer core-counts of up to 16-core/32-thread, and target enthusiast gaming notebooks and mobile workstations. The processors debut the new "Dragon Range" multi-chip module (MCM). This is essentially a non-socketed version of the desktop "Raphael" MCM built in a mobile-friendly BGA package with a thin substrate and no IHS, with up to two 5 nm "Zen 4" 8-core CCDs, and a 6 nm cIOD (client I/O die).
The "Dragon Range" MCM uses the same chiplets as desktop "Raphael" Ryzen 7000 processors, and so its I/O is similar. The cIOD puts out a dual-channel (4 sub-channel) DDR5 memory interface, and a PCI-Express 5.0 x16 interface for discrete graphics, along with two PCI-Express 5.0 x4 links for up to two Gen 5 NVMe SSDs. The platform core-logic (chipset) is functionally similar to the desktop AMD B650E. All processor models in the series come with a TDP of 45 W, and a package power tracking (PPT) of "at least" 75 W. Each "Zen 4" CPU core comes with 1 MB of dedicated L2 cache, and each CCD has 32 MB of L3 cache.
The "Dragon Range" MCM uses the same chiplets as desktop "Raphael" Ryzen 7000 processors, and so its I/O is similar. The cIOD puts out a dual-channel (4 sub-channel) DDR5 memory interface, and a PCI-Express 5.0 x16 interface for discrete graphics, along with two PCI-Express 5.0 x4 links for up to two Gen 5 NVMe SSDs. The platform core-logic (chipset) is functionally similar to the desktop AMD B650E. All processor models in the series come with a TDP of 45 W, and a package power tracking (PPT) of "at least" 75 W. Each "Zen 4" CPU core comes with 1 MB of dedicated L2 cache, and each CCD has 32 MB of L3 cache.
AMD CES 2023 Keynote Address Liveblog
We are coming to you live from the 2023 International CES! AMD CEO Dr Lisa Su is kicking things off with her Keynote address, where her company is expected to announce its next generation Ryzen 7000 series "Zen 4" mobile processors, a much broader range of Ryzen 7000 desktop processors, including the fabled X3D processors; and much more!
02:29 UTC: The show is about to begin with AMD CEO Dr Lisa Su taking centerstage, as CEA inaugurates its 2023 show.
02:38 UTC: "Intelligence needs computing power"
Colorful Launches GeForce RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Vulcan White Limited Editions
Colorful Technology Company Limited, a world-renowned manufacturer of desktop components, laptops, desktops, AIO PCs, and storage, proudly announces the highly-anticipated and much requested white version of the Vulcan Series - the new iGame Vulcan White Series. The iGame GeForce RTX 4090 White Edition and RTX 4080 Vulcan White Edition graphics cards are designed to complement white-themed gaming PC builds. Both White Edition graphics cards have identical specifications with the standard Vulcan models, also with the same higher factory overclock compared to other models in the iGame Series.
We did more than just create a white version of the Vulcan Series, we made sure it will fit white themed gaming PC builds. The iGame GeForce RTX 4090/RTX 4080 Vulcan White Edition's die-cast alloy frame, backplate, cooling armor, Hurricane Scythe Blades, and heat sink fin stack are all in white. The Vulcan White Series features the iGame Smart LCD with white frames. The die-cast alloy frame was anodized in white. To complete the all-white look of the Vulcan W, the heat sink's fin stack was given a special white powder coating that will provide a complementing elegant look without compromising its cooling potential.
We did more than just create a white version of the Vulcan Series, we made sure it will fit white themed gaming PC builds. The iGame GeForce RTX 4090/RTX 4080 Vulcan White Edition's die-cast alloy frame, backplate, cooling armor, Hurricane Scythe Blades, and heat sink fin stack are all in white. The Vulcan White Series features the iGame Smart LCD with white frames. The die-cast alloy frame was anodized in white. To complete the all-white look of the Vulcan W, the heat sink's fin stack was given a special white powder coating that will provide a complementing elegant look without compromising its cooling potential.
ASUS Announces Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
ASUS today announced Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP3404), the latest and most powerful 14-inch model in its premium thin-and-light convertible Zenbook Flip series. The elegant and versatile Zenbook 14 Flip OLED offers new levels of performance from its 13th Gen Intel Core processors, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, up to 1 TB PCIe SSD, 16 GB of RAM and a long-lasting 75 Wh battery. For easy I/O, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) port. Fast and stable WiFi 6E (802.11ax) ensures reliable wireless connectivity.
Superb visuals are provided by the enlarged 14-inch 16:10 2.8K OLED touchscreen, which is PANTONE Validated and has a 100% DCI-P3 gamut. It's also TÜV-certified for eye care, and supports an optional ASUS Pen 2.0 MPP 2.0 stylus. The compact Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is just 15.9 mm thin and weighs only 1.5 kg, with a 360° any-position hinge. Thoughtful design features include an ambient light color sensor that automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature, and enables adaptive dimming to help maintain OLED display longevity. There's also an IR camera for fast face login.
Superb visuals are provided by the enlarged 14-inch 16:10 2.8K OLED touchscreen, which is PANTONE Validated and has a 100% DCI-P3 gamut. It's also TÜV-certified for eye care, and supports an optional ASUS Pen 2.0 MPP 2.0 stylus. The compact Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is just 15.9 mm thin and weighs only 1.5 kg, with a 360° any-position hinge. Thoughtful design features include an ambient light color sensor that automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature, and enables adaptive dimming to help maintain OLED display longevity. There's also an IR camera for fast face login.
Thermaltake Unveils Ceres 500 TG ARGB Gaming PC Cases
The premium brand for PC Case, Cooling, Power, and memory solutions, is excited to announce the brand-new Ceres 500 TG gaming PC chassis set to debut during CES 2023. Thermaltake's Ceres 500 TG ARGB is built to bring optimal thermal performance through the three-meshed metal panels, which are intended to obtain more cooling air intake for excellent ventilation. Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB gaming chassis is optimized for both Air and AIO water cooling options and includes support for up to 420 mm radiator sizes. In addition, the chassis comes preinstalled with four CT140 ARGB Fans for robust air-cooling efficiency out of the box.
The Ceres 500 TG ARGB boasts a unique mesh front and top panel with removable air filters, a solid metal frame, and four pre-installed CT140 ARGB fans, and it can accommodate AIO radiators up to 420 mm. Furthermore, the 3 mm thick tempered glass side panel is hinged for convenience and creates a framed view of the components inside. With its optimized cooling performance, customization options, and modern aesthetics, the Ceres 500 TG ARGB would be an ideal chassis for the next custom gaming build.
The Ceres 500 TG ARGB boasts a unique mesh front and top panel with removable air filters, a solid metal frame, and four pre-installed CT140 ARGB fans, and it can accommodate AIO radiators up to 420 mm. Furthermore, the 3 mm thick tempered glass side panel is hinged for convenience and creates a framed view of the components inside. With its optimized cooling performance, customization options, and modern aesthetics, the Ceres 500 TG ARGB would be an ideal chassis for the next custom gaming build.
Acer Ushers In New Nitro Laptops with 13th Gen Intel Core Processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs
Acer today introduced a suite of powerful new Nitro gaming laptops, featuring the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs. Aimed at casual gamers who are ready for enhanced gameplay, extra features, and a more immersive experience, the new 16-inch and 17-inch Acer Nitro laptops come in more compact, thinner, and lighter form factors with higher screen-to-body ratios. Whether it's exploring the ever-growing catalog of game titles or editing montages of gameplay videos, the Nitro's solid construction and powerful performance lead users to experience a new level of gaming.
The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs are powered by the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics. Gamers can experience lifelike virtual worlds with ray tracing, massively boost performance with DLSS 3, and get a competitive edge with Reflex.
The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs are powered by the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics. Gamers can experience lifelike virtual worlds with ray tracing, massively boost performance with DLSS 3, and get a competitive edge with Reflex.
Acer Debuts New Swift Laptops with OLED Displays
Acer today debuts the first models in its new Acer Swift Go line, adding to the award-winning Swift family of notebooks designed for today's mobile professionals, creators, and students. In addition, the new Acer Swift X 14 and Acer Swift 14 were launched with new modern designs, the latest performance technologies, and all the tools to help users stay productive and connected on the go. The Swift Go, Swift X 14 and Swift 14 models highlight new ultraportable designs that are incredibly sleek and stylish. Incorporating well-considered features such as angular edges and structural lines result in a more refined look for these notebooks, appealing to highly mobile customers seeking a more confident look and feel.
The Acer Swift laptop line has also been a recipient of numerous accolades in recent years, with the Swift Edge being named a CES 2023 Innovation Awards honoree. "Our new Swift laptops kick off 2023 with all-new designs that are elevated, modern, and offer a striking visual appeal," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer. "The new Swift laptops do not only look good but house an impressive array of the latest technologies and features including OLED and high-resolution displays, long-lasting batteries and new 13th Gen Intel Coreprocessors that deliver first-class performance."
The Acer Swift laptop line has also been a recipient of numerous accolades in recent years, with the Swift Edge being named a CES 2023 Innovation Awards honoree. "Our new Swift laptops kick off 2023 with all-new designs that are elevated, modern, and offer a striking visual appeal," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer. "The new Swift laptops do not only look good but house an impressive array of the latest technologies and features including OLED and high-resolution displays, long-lasting batteries and new 13th Gen Intel Coreprocessors that deliver first-class performance."
Acer Expands ChromeOS Offering with Acer Chromebox CXI5 and Add-In-One 24
Acer today expanded its ChromeOS product line with the new Acer Chromebox CXI5 and Chromebox Enterprise CXI5. It also announced the Acer Add-In-One 24, a modular all in one solution consisting of either the Acer Chromebox CXI5 or the Acer Chromebox Enterprise CXI5 and a 24-inch FHD docking monitor. Both solutions help businesses and commercial institutions streamline space and simplify maintenance, upgrades, and repairs, resulting in less downtime and long-term cost savings.
"These new ChromeOS-based Acer systems are excellent choices for businesses and institutions that require reliable computers that are easy to setup, use, and manage while making the most of limited space environments," said Jeff Lee, General Manager, Stationary Computing, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. "Outfitted with the latest technology, including Intel vPro and integrated malware protection, these powerful devices are able to support the multitasking capabilities and tight security required in organizations today."
"These new ChromeOS-based Acer systems are excellent choices for businesses and institutions that require reliable computers that are easy to setup, use, and manage while making the most of limited space environments," said Jeff Lee, General Manager, Stationary Computing, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. "Outfitted with the latest technology, including Intel vPro and integrated malware protection, these powerful devices are able to support the multitasking capabilities and tight security required in organizations today."
Acer Expands Aspire Line with New All-in-One Desktops and Notebooks
Acer today announced refreshed models of its Aspire all-in-ones and laptops, designed to support families' day-to-day productivity and entertainment needs, while adding a touch of style to the home environment. The sleek Acer Aspire S all-in-one PCs come in both 27-inch and 32-inch models and are equipped with up to the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and Windows 11 to empower a seamless computing experience. Providing efficiency and reliability for multi-tasking users working from home, the Aspire 5 Series laptops come with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, while the lightweight Aspire 3 Series notebooks deliver ready-to-go performance.
Acer also introduced the newest member of its smart speaker family with the Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker with Google Assistant, DTS Sound and features a LED dot display, bringing users quality audio and dazzling lights everywhere they go.
Acer also introduced the newest member of its smart speaker family with the Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker with Google Assistant, DTS Sound and features a LED dot display, bringing users quality audio and dazzling lights everywhere they go.
Monoprice Unveils 40-inch Gaming Monitor at CES
Monoprice, the best value in consumer electronics, is unveiling a variety of exciting new products from several different categories at CES 2023. New products on display include several PC accessories, 8K AV products, outdoor gear, healthcare products, and more. "Monoprice is the low-price leader in high-quality consumer electronics, and this year we aim to expand that position to cover a variety of new B2B and B2C categories," said Bernard Luthi, CEO at Monoprice. "Our showcase at CES is just a tiny preview of what's to come in 2023, with many new and exciting product lines being introduced and tons of new products being added to our most popular product lines."
Monoprice reaffirms its top spot in the PC accessories space with the unveiling of a new CrystalPro 40-inch Ultrawide USB-C monitor. With a 3440x1440 pixel IPS panel, HDR 600, and 144 Hz refresh rate, this new monitor boasts outstanding visuals, while its height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel adjustments ensures maximum viewing comfort. The new Crystal Pro 40-inch ultrawide monitor will be released in Q1 2023.
Monoprice reaffirms its top spot in the PC accessories space with the unveiling of a new CrystalPro 40-inch Ultrawide USB-C monitor. With a 3440x1440 pixel IPS panel, HDR 600, and 144 Hz refresh rate, this new monitor boasts outstanding visuals, while its height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel adjustments ensures maximum viewing comfort. The new Crystal Pro 40-inch ultrawide monitor will be released in Q1 2023.
Haptic Force-Enhanced Trackpad Delivers Greater Functionality, Speed, and Accuracy for Notebook Users
Peratech, a tactile-sensing HMI company, and Innovobot Labs, an R&D and innovation design house, will unveil the new FusionPad Haptic Force-Enhanced Trackpad at CES in Las Vegas, January 5-8. FusionPad will greatly enhance the notebook user experience. Instead of just one click, it delivers a broad range of user interactions, including multiple clicks to expand functionality and fast, accurate haptic feedback to optimize control. It also eliminates false touch while typing.
FusionPad is thinner, allowing for a bigger battery and greater air flow to cool processors and improve overall performance. It is integration-ready and compatible with existing product engineering tools. It is also process and technology ready for AVL-approved supply chains.
FusionPad is thinner, allowing for a bigger battery and greater air flow to cool processors and improve overall performance. It is integration-ready and compatible with existing product engineering tools. It is also process and technology ready for AVL-approved supply chains.
ASUS Republic of Gamers Maxes Out Performance at CES 2023
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a wide range of exclusive performance-focused products during the For Those Who Dare: Maxed Out virtual launch event for CES 2023. During the event, ROG showcased multiple product premieres, including impressively fast and stunning displays, powerhouse laptops with latest-gen processors and graphics, faster-than-ever routers, and a wide variety of peripherals to complete the most maxed-out gaming setups. This wide array of innovations includes the ROG Swift Pro PG248QP and ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming displays; ROG Azoth gaming keyboard; ROG Raikiri Pro PC controller; ROG Destrier Ergo gaming chair; ROG G22CH gaming desktop; and much more.
This year more than ever, ROG is evolving its gaming lineup to drive performance beyond limits. New additions presented during the event include Strix Scar and Strix G series gaming laptops, in 16-, 17-, and 18-inch versions. These gaming powerhouses host up to AMD Ryzen 9 Zen 4 and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, liberating more power than ever before for maxed-out performance, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs, working in concert with a MUX Switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus to deliver never-before-seen performance on a laptop.
This year more than ever, ROG is evolving its gaming lineup to drive performance beyond limits. New additions presented during the event include Strix Scar and Strix G series gaming laptops, in 16-, 17-, and 18-inch versions. These gaming powerhouses host up to AMD Ryzen 9 Zen 4 and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, liberating more power than ever before for maxed-out performance, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs, working in concert with a MUX Switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus to deliver never-before-seen performance on a laptop.
HyperX Reveals Clutch Gladiate Wired Xbox Controller and Next Generation Haste 2 Gaming Mice at CES 2023
HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today expanded its award-winning lineup of products with the new HyperX Clutch Gladiate enhanced wired controller Designed for Xbox and next-generation HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 gaming mice, available in wired and wireless versions. Designed for serious Xbox gamers, Clutch Gladiate is HyperX's first Xbox certified gaming controller delivering ultra-comfort and precise control for extended console gaming sessions, while the new series of Pulsefire Haste 2 mice bring new design features to one of HyperX's most popular gaming mice families.
"CES is the perfect venue for HyperX to highlight our commitment to providing high-performance gaming products for all gamers," said Daniel Kelley, global head of marketing, HyperX. "Whether you game on an Xbox controller or PC, HyperX is bringing the latest top-quality products for gamers to enjoy with immersive and engaging gaming along with wireless freedom, convenience, and customization."
"CES is the perfect venue for HyperX to highlight our commitment to providing high-performance gaming products for all gamers," said Daniel Kelley, global head of marketing, HyperX. "Whether you game on an Xbox controller or PC, HyperX is bringing the latest top-quality products for gamers to enjoy with immersive and engaging gaming along with wireless freedom, convenience, and customization."
HyperX Announces HX3D Hardware Personalization Program
HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today revealed HX3D, an exciting new program bringing gamers a range of ways to customize and personalize their favorite gaming gear by leveraging HP's best-in-class 3D printing technology. HyperX will preview examples of personalized keyboards, headsets, mice, and other gaming products during CES 2023. The first planned series of 3D printed peripheral upgrades are limited edition custom keycaps, designed to fit on HyperX and most other mechanical keyboards, available to consumers over the coming months.
"We know gamers love customization, spending a lot of time and effort to update all kinds of in-game items, from characters to skins to weapons and beyond," said Daniel Kelley, global head of marketing, HyperX. "HX3D is taking this love of personalizing a gaming experience to the physical world and enabling a wide range of fun ways to update and customize our award-winning HyperX gear."
"We know gamers love customization, spending a lot of time and effort to update all kinds of in-game items, from characters to skins to weapons and beyond," said Daniel Kelley, global head of marketing, HyperX. "HX3D is taking this love of personalizing a gaming experience to the physical world and enabling a wide range of fun ways to update and customize our award-winning HyperX gear."
JBL Elevates Gaming Lineup with New and Enhanced Quantum Series
JBL strikes again with the expansion of its new JBL Quantum Series headsets. After the success of its first true wireless gaming headset, the JBL Quantum TWS, JBL is launching the next installment in the series, the JBL Quantum TWS Air. Whether it's gaming from the couch or on the next road trip, these earbuds provide impeccable sound quality and 8 hours of total playtime, ensuring seamless communication no matter the environment.
Also joining the new JBL Quantum Series line-up are headsets specifically designed for XBOX and PlayStation consoles. The JBL Quantum 100X/P, 360X/P and 910X/P, where X versions are compatible with XBOX and P versions with PlayStation, enable gamers to have a headset for their preferred set up. Every gamer has a preference, but JBL is the only gaming headset manufacturer to offer players wireless spatial audio virtualization with head tracking specific to console - the JBL Quantum 910X/P provide consumers with JBL's QuantumSPATIAL 360 immersive audio with head tracking for spot on accuracy. The 360X/P and the 910X/P are equipped with JBL's DualSOURCE, ensuring you never miss a call even in the heat of the battle.
Also joining the new JBL Quantum Series line-up are headsets specifically designed for XBOX and PlayStation consoles. The JBL Quantum 100X/P, 360X/P and 910X/P, where X versions are compatible with XBOX and P versions with PlayStation, enable gamers to have a headset for their preferred set up. Every gamer has a preference, but JBL is the only gaming headset manufacturer to offer players wireless spatial audio virtualization with head tracking specific to console - the JBL Quantum 910X/P provide consumers with JBL's QuantumSPATIAL 360 immersive audio with head tracking for spot on accuracy. The 360X/P and the 910X/P are equipped with JBL's DualSOURCE, ensuring you never miss a call even in the heat of the battle.
JBL's New Endurance Peak 3 True Wireless Headphones Are Ready for Action
Equipped with the highest waterproof rating possible, the newest true wireless addition to the Endurance series, the JBL Endurance Peak 3, boasts an IP68 rugged wave-, water- and dustproof rating, establishing them as the perfect earbuds for any type of workout. Whether it's on land or in the water, there's no need to worry about these headphones, as they endure in both fresh and salt water for 30 minutes of active use.
Leading in durability, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 offers 50 hours (10 h + 40 h) of total battery life on one charge. Additionally, with JBL's PowerHook design with TwistLock technology for a secure, comfortable fit and Ambient Aware with TalkThru, users won't need (or want!) to take these earbuds out. The Ambient Aware enables fitness enthusiasts to be immersed in their music, while hearing sounds around them. With TalkThru, sound is lowered and speech is amplified with a touch of an earbud, making it easy to chat.
Leading in durability, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 offers 50 hours (10 h + 40 h) of total battery life on one charge. Additionally, with JBL's PowerHook design with TwistLock technology for a secure, comfortable fit and Ambient Aware with TalkThru, users won't need (or want!) to take these earbuds out. The Ambient Aware enables fitness enthusiasts to be immersed in their music, while hearing sounds around them. With TalkThru, sound is lowered and speech is amplified with a touch of an earbud, making it easy to chat.
JBL TUNE and VIBE True Wireless Headphones Designed for the Perfect Fit
The JBL TUNE and JBL VIBE Series expands to now include three new true wireless style options - buds, open sticks and closed sticks for consumers looking to get more out of their audio experience with high quality sound and convenient features. For the ultimate listening experience, choose from the variety of ear tip options included in each package and access the JBL Headphone app to learn how to achieve the best seal and fit for all ear types.
"JBL lives at the center of innovation and style, and our new true wireless headphones deliver on both," said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division. "JBL is committed to pushing boundaries in the audio industry with design concepts and products that elevate the user experience through superior audio at an affordable price point."
"JBL lives at the center of innovation and style, and our new true wireless headphones deliver on both," said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division. "JBL is committed to pushing boundaries in the audio industry with design concepts and products that elevate the user experience through superior audio at an affordable price point."
Phison Demonstrates Latest PCIe Gen5 Innovation, E26 SSD Controller With I/O+ Technology
Phison Electronics Corp., a global leader in NAND flash controller and storage solutions, today is demonstrating the company's latest PCIe Gen5 innovation that is transcending system-level performance to new heights at CES in Las Vegas. Phison is demonstrating the E26 with Phison's proprietary I/O+ Technology to usher a new evolution of gaming experiences. For enterprise, Phison is previewing the company's latest Gen5 X Series SSD enterprise controllers, which can provide twice the performance per watt (in comparison to X1, the previous generation). Following the success of the world's first PCI-SIG Association certified PCIe 5.0 Redriver PS7101, Phison is also introducing the PS7201 Retimer with industry-proven IP. Phison's Retimer is designed to solve performance and data integrity issues in enterprise and automotive applications and further enhances the Gen5 ecosystem.
"Phison is ecstatic to be ringing in the new year by showcasing our product milestones for the industry, our partners and enterprise customers because we are committed and dedicated to engineering next generation technologies through ecosystem excellence," said Michael Wu, GM & President of Phison Technology Inc. (USA). "As a proven category leader, Phison's E26 with I/O+ Technology, latest Enterprise PCIe Gen5 X Series, signal enhancing Redriver and Retimer are product breakthroughs that are a testament to our engineering success."
"Phison is ecstatic to be ringing in the new year by showcasing our product milestones for the industry, our partners and enterprise customers because we are committed and dedicated to engineering next generation technologies through ecosystem excellence," said Michael Wu, GM & President of Phison Technology Inc. (USA). "As a proven category leader, Phison's E26 with I/O+ Technology, latest Enterprise PCIe Gen5 X Series, signal enhancing Redriver and Retimer are product breakthroughs that are a testament to our engineering success."
Powercast Wants to Put a RF Power Transmitter into Every Room in Every House
Powercast Corporation, the leader in radio-frequency (RF)-based over-the-air wireless power technology, has unveiled its Ubiquity transmitter, an ultra-low-cost RF power transmitter which was selected as a CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree in three categories: Smart Home, Embedded Technologies and Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy.
Designed to be the industry's most economical RF wireless transmitter, Powercast has lowered the barrier to entry where RF wireless power can actually become ubiquitous with multiple RF transmitters covering every home. Ubiquity will be on display in Powercast's booth #52311 at the Venetian Expo in the Smart Home Marketplace during CES 2023 in Las Vegas, January 5 - 8, 2023.
Designed to be the industry's most economical RF wireless transmitter, Powercast has lowered the barrier to entry where RF wireless power can actually become ubiquitous with multiple RF transmitters covering every home. Ubiquity will be on display in Powercast's booth #52311 at the Venetian Expo in the Smart Home Marketplace during CES 2023 in Las Vegas, January 5 - 8, 2023.
Targus Launches Docking Stations with Support for Up to Four 4K Displays
Targus, a leader in universal docking solutions and tech accessories, announced the retail availability of its first-to-market hybrid/universal docks that support four 4K displays or a single 8K display plus two 4K displays via a single USB-C cable. Both state-of-the-art docks will be on display at CES 2023, Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas. "Today's professionals need to work productively from anywhere, with the advantage of multiple monitors and greater security," says Andrew Corkill, Vice President of Global Marketing & eCommerce at Targus. "Our new DOCK710 and DOCK720 deliver that productivity, performance, and security in a compact design to maintain a clutter-free workspace."
"Targus is at the cutting edge of docking station design for high-productivity workers on the move," says Jeff Lukanc, Synaptics' VP of Video Interface Marketing. "Their customers demand the best, so we're delighted they have chosen to combine our DisplayLink and SentryPoint technologies to ensure both optimum 4K video performance and a convenient, seamless, and secure user experience."
"Targus is at the cutting edge of docking station design for high-productivity workers on the move," says Jeff Lukanc, Synaptics' VP of Video Interface Marketing. "Their customers demand the best, so we're delighted they have chosen to combine our DisplayLink and SentryPoint technologies to ensure both optimum 4K video performance and a convenient, seamless, and secure user experience."
Jabra Showcases TWS Earbuds for Consumer, Enterprise and Medical Applications
Jabra, leader in personal sound and office solutions, is showcasing its extensive true wireless range at CES with the latest additions to its Elite, Evolve and Enhance series. Jabra Elite 5 is the newest product to Jabra's flagship Elite line-up, featuring Hybrid ANC and 6-mic call technology for powerful calls and music from anywhere. Jabra Evolve2 Buds, the newest product in Jabra's Evolve series, are earbuds designed for flexible, hybrid and remote working. Jabra Enhance Plus, offered in the new over-the-counter hearing aid category, enables hearing enhancement, music and calls in a miniaturized true wireless form factor.
All three products have been named honorees in the 2023 CES Innovation Awards, with Jabra Elite 5 and Evolve2 Buds as honorees in the personal audio and headphones category and Jabra Enhance Plus as an honoree in the digital health category.
All three products have been named honorees in the 2023 CES Innovation Awards, with Jabra Elite 5 and Evolve2 Buds as honorees in the personal audio and headphones category and Jabra Enhance Plus as an honoree in the digital health category.
Targus Shows Eco-Friendly Keyboards and Mouse at CES 2023
Targus, a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, announced it has expanded its EcoSmart Collection to its tech accessories category in partnership with Atmosic Technologies, innovators in low-power wireless and battery-free IoT solutions. The Collection features two premium full-sized keyboards and an ergonomic, ambidextrous mouse slated to arrive in early 2023.
The new sustainable tech accessories comprise up to 85 percent of post-consumer recycled (PCR) ABS plastic, come in packaging made from recycled materials, and use ultra-low-power Bluetooth technology from Atmosic Technologies to reduce power consumption and extend battery life. As an added bonus, they include Targus' DefenseGuard Antimicrobial Protection, which creates a cleaner surface and works continuously to protect the device by preventing the growth of microorganisms.
The new sustainable tech accessories comprise up to 85 percent of post-consumer recycled (PCR) ABS plastic, come in packaging made from recycled materials, and use ultra-low-power Bluetooth technology from Atmosic Technologies to reduce power consumption and extend battery life. As an added bonus, they include Targus' DefenseGuard Antimicrobial Protection, which creates a cleaner surface and works continuously to protect the device by preventing the growth of microorganisms.
The All-New OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is an Audiophile's Dream Thanks to Collaborations with Dynaudio
Global technology brand OnePlus is on a mission to provide high-quality audio through its flagship wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. Equipped with exciting new features, the upcoming OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are set to deliver a rich and natural sound that is tailor-fit for its users, thanks to its unique partnerships with Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. "Dynaudio has years of experience producing exceptional sound quality," said Kinder Liu, President of OnePlus. "It's a pleasure for us to co-create the Dynaudio, this partnership helps fulfil our goal of bringing an immersive audio experience to our users."
In collaboration with Dynaudio, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 holds the key to unlocking pure harmony. Built into the buds is the MelodyBoost Dual Drivers co-created with Dynaudio, a sophisticated technology derived from premium speakers. This powerful technology is installed and compacted into the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 to produce the same deep thumping bass, sans the rumbling and crisp vocals.
In collaboration with Dynaudio, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 holds the key to unlocking pure harmony. Built into the buds is the MelodyBoost Dual Drivers co-created with Dynaudio, a sophisticated technology derived from premium speakers. This powerful technology is installed and compacted into the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 to produce the same deep thumping bass, sans the rumbling and crisp vocals.
ASRock Unveils New Phantom Gaming Monitor Line-up at CES 2023
The leading global motherboard, graphics card, and small form factor PC manufacturer, ASRock, today launched the 2023 Phantom Gaming monitor line-up. Phantom Gaming monitor portfolio covers a wide-ranging gaming monitor with screen sizes ranging from 27" to 34", various aspect ratios (16:9, 21:9), resolutions from Full HD up to WQHD (3440x1440), with refresh rates from 165 Hz up to 240 Hz and response times as low as 1 ms. ASRock provides a series of gaming monitors for gamers of any budget and demand.
"ASRock is excited to launch the new Phantom Gaming monitors at CES 2023," said Chris Lee, Vice President of ASRock Motherboard & Gaming Monitor Business Unit. "Every gamer desires perfectly smooth gameplay and peak performance, we expect to provide an advanced gaming gear for gamers to conquer the battlefield."
"ASRock is excited to launch the new Phantom Gaming monitors at CES 2023," said Chris Lee, Vice President of ASRock Motherboard & Gaming Monitor Business Unit. "Every gamer desires perfectly smooth gameplay and peak performance, we expect to provide an advanced gaming gear for gamers to conquer the battlefield."
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Hyperion GR701 Full-Tower Gaming Case
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Hyperion GR701, a completely reimagined full tower gaming case that offers an uncompromising vision of luxury and performance, engineered to take DIY builds to new heights.
A new benchmark for airflow
The world of PC building has changed. From next-gen graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 to faster-than-ever USB data rates and charging, a PC case needs to support the latest and greatest technologies. ASUS built the ROG Hyperion to be a durable, elegant chassis that is ready for the future of DIY gaming rigs—with an airflow-focused design that keeps components running in top shape.
A new benchmark for airflow
The world of PC building has changed. From next-gen graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 to faster-than-ever USB data rates and charging, a PC case needs to support the latest and greatest technologies. ASUS built the ROG Hyperion to be a durable, elegant chassis that is ready for the future of DIY gaming rigs—with an airflow-focused design that keeps components running in top shape.
TerraMaster Presents HyperLock-WORM File System for Strict Data Protection
TerraMaster, a professional brand that specializes in providing innovative storage products for home, businesses and enterprises, presents the HyperLock-WORM File System, a unique security feature of TOS 5 that provides the utmost data protection for very important data files to prevent tampering. With TerraMaster HyperLock-WORM File System, data stored within the special file system can be locked within a specific period. Within this period, the data cannot be altered or deleted but can only be read. This unique file system is ideal for storage important data files such as medical cases, court case files, financial securities, company financial data, and other data files that must not be tampered with. WORM feature is based on a file system that not limited by the file service type. Thus, it is suitable for most common file services. Aside from tampering and deletion, the TerraMaster HyperLock-WORM File System also protects data from malicious attacks including ransomwares, viruses, and malwares.
HYTE Launches New Y40 Mid Tower PC Case During CES 2023
HYTE, the PC components, peripherals, and lifestyle brand of iBUYPOWER, today, released its new mid-tower case, the Y40. Y40 is HYTE's second case to defy industry standards by removing the corner pillar and providing a completely unobstructed view of the inside of the case.
Continuing the design ID of its predecessor, the Y60, the HYTE Y40 will feature a two-piece panoramic tempered glass design for a clear view of the system, but in a more traditional PC case shape. The tempered glass side panel can easily be removed via a now tool-less tab located at the back of the panel while the front piece takes on a more stationary role. The tower form of Y40 will feel familiar to consumers yet, remains unique in both feature set and architecture.
Continuing the design ID of its predecessor, the Y60, the HYTE Y40 will feature a two-piece panoramic tempered glass design for a clear view of the system, but in a more traditional PC case shape. The tempered glass side panel can easily be removed via a now tool-less tab located at the back of the panel while the front piece takes on a more stationary role. The tower form of Y40 will feel familiar to consumers yet, remains unique in both feature set and architecture.
Palit Announces GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GameRock and GamingPro OC Series
Palit Microsystems Ltd. as the leading graphics card manufacturer is excited to announce the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series built with the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture. The Palit GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GameRock crafted with Starlight Black crystals not only presents gorgeous appearance, but possesses exceptional thermal structure.
The model is a delicate art piece when ARGB off, and a glimmering kaleidoscope when ARGB on. With One Two Sync technology, no need of software control, the board lighting can be easily synced with other ARGB signal sources with just a single cable. To offer an indomitable thermal solution, the all-new Gale Hunter Fan cooling system is bestowed on the Palit GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. The Y Formula Fins molded with turning angles enlarge the contact area and further lead the air through the fins smoothly.
The model is a delicate art piece when ARGB off, and a glimmering kaleidoscope when ARGB on. With One Two Sync technology, no need of software control, the board lighting can be easily synced with other ARGB signal sources with just a single cable. To offer an indomitable thermal solution, the all-new Gale Hunter Fan cooling system is bestowed on the Palit GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. The Y Formula Fins molded with turning angles enlarge the contact area and further lead the air through the fins smoothly.
Tuesday, January 3rd 2023
Today's Reviews
Graphics Cards
Keydous NJ81 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review - OLED Fun!
Keydous enters the TechPowerUp review database with its new NJ81 75% keyboard. It offers more pre-built customization options than most keyboards on the market, including brass plates and first-party premium switches, and also features an integrated OLED display on top of hybrid wireless connectivity modes!
INNO3D Launches its GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Graphics Card Series
INNO3D, a leading manufacturer of pioneering high-end multimedia components and innovations is proud to present the INNO3D GeForce RTX 4070 Ti DLSS 3, and while super high performance can be expected from the next generation INNO3D graphics cards using Ada architecture, the designs of the INNO3D GeForce RTX 4070 Ti has some serious upgrades that are both cosmetic and performance enhancing. The latest NVIDIA GPU is equipped with our amazing iCHILL X3 cooler that has won numerous accolades while the INNO3D X3 and X3 OC dual slot will be the perfect solution for those who prefer small form factor builds.
Founded in 1998 with the vision of developing pioneering computer hardware products on a global scale. Fast forward to the present day, INNO3D is now well-established in the gaming community known for our innovative and daring approach to design and technology. We are Brutal by Nature in everything we do and are 201% committed to you for the best gaming experience in the world.
Founded in 1998 with the vision of developing pioneering computer hardware products on a global scale. Fast forward to the present day, INNO3D is now well-established in the gaming community known for our innovative and daring approach to design and technology. We are Brutal by Nature in everything we do and are 201% committed to you for the best gaming experience in the world.
Lexar Launches SL660 BLAZE Portable SSD, ARES DDR5 RGB Memory, NM800PRO with Heatsink NVMe SSD, and Professional Memory Cards
Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is unveiling new products specifically made for gaming at the Consumer Electronics Show 2023 (CES 2023). The new gaming portfolio includes a variety of products, including DRAM, internal SSDs, portable gaming SSDs, and to keep up with increasing mobile category growth, microSD cards.
Among the gaming lineup are the new ARES DDR5 RGB 6000 MHz, as well as existing products NM800PRO with Heatsink M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe SSD, the SL660 BLAZE Gaming Portable SSD, and the PLAY microSD UHS-I Card. "We are excited to bring the quality, performance, and reliability you expect in our professional photo and video products to the gaming market. Our gaming products are designed to meet the unique needs of gamers and enable them to play at their peak without worrying about load times, game lag, or stuttering graphics," said Joel Boquiren, General Manager of Lexar.
Among the gaming lineup are the new ARES DDR5 RGB 6000 MHz, as well as existing products NM800PRO with Heatsink M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe SSD, the SL660 BLAZE Gaming Portable SSD, and the PLAY microSD UHS-I Card. "We are excited to bring the quality, performance, and reliability you expect in our professional photo and video products to the gaming market. Our gaming products are designed to meet the unique needs of gamers and enable them to play at their peak without worrying about load times, game lag, or stuttering graphics," said Joel Boquiren, General Manager of Lexar.
COLORFUL Launches GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series Graphics Cards
Colorful Technology Company Limited, a world-renowned manufacturer of desktop components, laptops, desktops, AIO PCs, and storage, launches its lineup of GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics cards featuring the Vulcan, Neptune, Advanced OC, Ultra White, and NB Series models. All the new COLORFUL GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series graphics cards uses PCIe 5.0 16-pin 12VHPWR connectors.
The COLORFUL RTX 4070 Ti Series adopts the new look and designs as seen on the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Vulcan, Neptune, Advanced, Ultra White, and NB Series models but in slimmer form-factor. The COLORFUL GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series comes in air-cooled and liquid-cooled models that will meet the needs of enthusiasts and gamers.
The COLORFUL RTX 4070 Ti Series adopts the new look and designs as seen on the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Vulcan, Neptune, Advanced, Ultra White, and NB Series models but in slimmer form-factor. The COLORFUL GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series comes in air-cooled and liquid-cooled models that will meet the needs of enthusiasts and gamers.
Zotac Gaming Announces the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series
ZOTAC Technology Limited, a global manufacturer of innovation, announces the latest in the next-generation ZOTAC GAMING graphics card line-up built on the powerful NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series graphics cards are beyond fast, giving gamers and creators new found levels of performance in gaming, streaming, rendering, video encoding and decoding, neural rendering, and many more leading platform capabilities. These GPUs push state-of-the-art graphics into the future with technologies including 3rd generation ray tracing cores and 4th generation tensor cores powering DLSS 3 technology that are gateways to the most immersive gaming experiences.
Leveraging an all-new aerodynamic inspired design with a bevy of powerful features, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series carry over many key innovations introduced in the 4090 series that push the limit in gaming performance, cooling efficiency, noise levels and durability. The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 Ti features 12 GB GDDR6X GPU memory and will come in 4 models - AMP Extreme AIRO, the debut of the all-new AMP AIRO, Trinity OC, and Trinity.
Leveraging an all-new aerodynamic inspired design with a bevy of powerful features, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series carry over many key innovations introduced in the 4090 series that push the limit in gaming performance, cooling efficiency, noise levels and durability. The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 Ti features 12 GB GDDR6X GPU memory and will come in 4 models - AMP Extreme AIRO, the debut of the all-new AMP AIRO, Trinity OC, and Trinity.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98: World's first quad-band WiFi 7 gaming router
ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is the world's first quad-band WiFi 7 gaming router. Leveraging the full potential of WiFi 7 with 320 MHz channel support in the 6 GHz band, it delivers up to 160% faster speeds than the previous generation. In addition, with 4K QAM modulation that can pack more data into transmissions, peak data rates are up to 20% higher, delivering incredible speeds of up to 25,000 Mbps. Furthermore, two additional revolutionary features, Multi-Link Operation and Multi-RU Puncturing, allow the GT-BE98 to deliver more efficient and reliable wireless connections.
Multi-link operation simultaneously transmits across different bands and channels to increase throughput to the device, lower the latency, and improve reliability. Multi-RU puncturing segments a wide channel bandwidth into smaller units, enabling puncturing to eliminate interference for the remaining bandwidth and increase efficiency. Gamers can enjoy up to 10X-faster data-transfer speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks with one 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port and two 10 Gbps LAN ports. In addition, for gamers who live in larger homes, the exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverage. And, ROG-exclusive triple-level game acceleration offers fantastic gaming experiences.
Multi-link operation simultaneously transmits across different bands and channels to increase throughput to the device, lower the latency, and improve reliability. Multi-RU puncturing segments a wide channel bandwidth into smaller units, enabling puncturing to eliminate interference for the remaining bandwidth and increase efficiency. Gamers can enjoy up to 10X-faster data-transfer speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks with one 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port and two 10 Gbps LAN ports. In addition, for gamers who live in larger homes, the exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverage. And, ROG-exclusive triple-level game acceleration offers fantastic gaming experiences.
ASUS Announces the ROG Swift Pro PG248QP: World's first 540 Hz gaming monitor and the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM
The ROG Swift Pro PG248QP is the world's first 540 Hz gaming monitor. We reached this performance milestone thanks to the new esports TN (E-TN) technology, which offers 60% faster response times than standard TN panels, enabling superfast refresh rates and astounding clarity. It features a new stand design with retractable and locked claws to create a much smaller base footprint to free up more desktop space for pro gamers.
The 24.1-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) monitor with ultrafast 540 Hz (OC) refresh rate is designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay. The G-SYNC processor includes a built-in NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer that captures end-to-end system latency to deliver the very best gaming experience. Additionally, the built-in ESS DAC provides surround sound, as well as gunshot and footstep enhancements that provide near-zero audio latency.
The 24.1-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) monitor with ultrafast 540 Hz (OC) refresh rate is designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay. The G-SYNC processor includes a built-in NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer that captures end-to-end system latency to deliver the very best gaming experience. Additionally, the built-in ESS DAC provides surround sound, as well as gunshot and footstep enhancements that provide near-zero audio latency.
Alienware Revamps its Iconic Laptop Armada at CES 2023
Alienware and Dell today reveal six new gaming laptops including: Alienware m18 and m16, Alienware x16 and x14, and Dell G16 and G15. And these aren't small updates either - the roster debuts updated form factors and materials, best-in-class performance upgrades, design and comfort enhancements, as well as an overhauled Alienware Command Center.
As what defines preeminent gaming experiences constantly evolves, Alienware and Dell continue to set itself apart with meaningful high-impact innovation that meets the changing needs of gamers. Whether you're a competitive or hobby gamer, if freedom without compromise is what you value most, look no further than our intrepid new fleet of high-performance laptops.
As what defines preeminent gaming experiences constantly evolves, Alienware and Dell continue to set itself apart with meaningful high-impact innovation that meets the changing needs of gamers. Whether you're a competitive or hobby gamer, if freedom without compromise is what you value most, look no further than our intrepid new fleet of high-performance laptops.
Alienware Unleashes World's Fastest Refresh Rate of 500Hz on a Fast IPS Gaming Monitor and Bolsters Aurora R15 Desktop at CES 2023
Today, Alienware crushes new barriers with the introduction of the world's fastest refresh rate of 500Hzi on a Fast IPS Gaming Monitor and the evolved Aurora R15 gaming desktop with AMD technology. These industry-leading display and desktop advancements further Alienware's competitive edge, underscoring our longtime legacy as both technology pioneers and gamers at heart. Following last year's incredible portfolio upgrades, we're full throttle into 2023 with no signs of slowing down.
Introducing the monitor with the world's fastest refresh rate of 500Hzi, the Alienware 500 Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524H), a CES 2023 Innovation Award and Best of Innovation winner, delivers the world-class speed today's champions demand. Coming in at a 24.5-inch full high-definition (FHD) resolution with a supersonic refresh rate of 500 Hz overclocked (480 Hz native) on a Fast IPS panel, this elite display offers incredible frame rates to deliver stunning motion clarity in fast-paced games and help gamers clinch victory.
Introducing the monitor with the world's fastest refresh rate of 500Hzi, the Alienware 500 Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524H), a CES 2023 Innovation Award and Best of Innovation winner, delivers the world-class speed today's champions demand. Coming in at a 24.5-inch full high-definition (FHD) resolution with a supersonic refresh rate of 500 Hz overclocked (480 Hz native) on a Fast IPS panel, this elite display offers incredible frame rates to deliver stunning motion clarity in fast-paced games and help gamers clinch victory.
Acer Boosts its Gaming Portfolio with New Predator Laptops and OLED Monitors
Acer announced two powerful Predator Helios gaming laptops and a pair of Predator gaming monitors. The laptops feature an all-new design with 16-inch and 18-inch display sizes, the latest 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, making them Acer's most powerful gaming laptops to date. The Predator X45 showcases a massive 800R curved monitor and has earned a CES Innovation Award in the "Computer Peripherals & Accessories" category. Along with the Predator X27U, both monitors include OLED technology with fast 240 Hz refresh rates.
Predator Helios 16, Predator Helios 18 Laptops
The all-new Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) and Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) bring the latest and greatest tech to Acer's most powerful gaming laptop series. Sporting a completely new design and upgraded thermals, they both offer models that include 13th Gen Intel Core i9 or i7 HX processors paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (MGP up to 165 W) and a plethora of must-have top-of-the-line gaming features.
Predator Helios 16, Predator Helios 18 Laptops
The all-new Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) and Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) bring the latest and greatest tech to Acer's most powerful gaming laptop series. Sporting a completely new design and upgraded thermals, they both offer models that include 13th Gen Intel Core i9 or i7 HX processors paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (MGP up to 165 W) and a plethora of must-have top-of-the-line gaming features.
Acer Pushes Limits of 3D Gaming with 3D Ultra Mode in SpatialLabs TrueGame
Acer today announced a major update to its SpatialLabs TrueGame, the glasses-free 3D gaming application, with the addition of a 3D Ultra mode. The new feature offers gamers the ultimate 3D gaming experience with its enhanced stereo rendering capabilities, projecting images with depth and life-like 3D geometry. SpatialLabs TrueGame was designed for gamers who love to explore and lose themselves in immersive gameplay, serving as a medium to explore and experience new realities when they set off on their quests for treasure and glory.
The new update also includes 3D Sense, a collection of 3D stereo effect configurations to match the players' preferences in terms of visual details, effects, and 3D depth intensity. TrueGame allows the game to be presented in a way that is tailored for different players and continues to support game titles with new profiles added every month, including today's list of AAA titles and former top classics that users can enjoy in their full 3D glory.
The new update also includes 3D Sense, a collection of 3D stereo effect configurations to match the players' preferences in terms of visual details, effects, and 3D depth intensity. TrueGame allows the game to be presented in a way that is tailored for different players and continues to support game titles with new profiles added every month, including today's list of AAA titles and former top classics that users can enjoy in their full 3D glory.
2023 LG gram Lineup Offers More Stylish, Yet Powerful User Experience
LG Electronics (LG) is introducing an expanded LG gram lineup, which offers more diversity than ever thanks to the arrival of the exciting, new gram Ultraslim and gram Style, at CES 2023. LG gram continues to provide both power and portability, packing premium specs into sleek, ultra-lightweight form factors delivering take-anywhere convenience and exceptional user experiences.
LG gram Ultraslim
Headlining the LG gram showcase at CES 2023 is the brand-new LG gram Ultraslim (model 15Z90RT), the thinnest gram model yet. A laptop designed for users seeking supreme portability, the Ultraslim has an ultra-light weight of just 998 grams and a depth (when closed) of only 10.99 millimeters; around the same thickness of a smartphone or notepad. Even though it is the most svelte gram in the 2023 lineup, the 15Z90RT still supplies impressive image quality and processing power, packing a 15.6-inch OLED display with Anti-glare Low Reflection (AGLR) coating and Intel 's 13th Gen Raptor Lake chip with Performance Cores (P-Cores). Further enhancing the excellent portability of the new model is the inclusion of an ultra-compact adapter.
LG gram Ultraslim
Headlining the LG gram showcase at CES 2023 is the brand-new LG gram Ultraslim (model 15Z90RT), the thinnest gram model yet. A laptop designed for users seeking supreme portability, the Ultraslim has an ultra-light weight of just 998 grams and a depth (when closed) of only 10.99 millimeters; around the same thickness of a smartphone or notepad. Even though it is the most svelte gram in the 2023 lineup, the 15Z90RT still supplies impressive image quality and processing power, packing a 15.6-inch OLED display with Anti-glare Low Reflection (AGLR) coating and Intel 's 13th Gen Raptor Lake chip with Performance Cores (P-Cores). Further enhancing the excellent portability of the new model is the inclusion of an ultra-compact adapter.
MSI Announces the Custom NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Series
As a leading brand in True Gaming hardware, MSI is proud to announce the new line of graphics cards powered by the recently announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics processor. A line up starring SUPRIM, GAMING TRIO, and VENTUS series unite the latest in graphics technology, high-performance circuit board design, and advanced cooling. The resulting cards are perfectly tuned for keeping temperatures low while staying virtually silent and delivering optimum performance under the default power limit with a focus on achieving better efficiency.
SUPRIM Series
SUPRIM series cards are designed for performance, efficiency, and prestige. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti based model is cooled with MSI's most advanced air cooling system, TRI FROZR 3S, heat is effectively dissipated from critical board components with TORX FAN 5.0, up to 7 Core Pipes, boast a massive nickel-plated copper baseplate, and Airflow Control technology featuring new Wave-curved 3.0 edges and air antegrade fins. Brushed aluminium on the exterior of the cooler and the backplate impart an armored aesthetic while reinforcing the length of the card. Dual BIOS allows users easily switch between Silent mode for low noise or Gaming mode for additional performance. The RGB Mystic Light flows with millions of colors and an array of customizable dynamic lighting options will dazzle onlookers.
SUPRIM Series
SUPRIM series cards are designed for performance, efficiency, and prestige. The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti based model is cooled with MSI's most advanced air cooling system, TRI FROZR 3S, heat is effectively dissipated from critical board components with TORX FAN 5.0, up to 7 Core Pipes, boast a massive nickel-plated copper baseplate, and Airflow Control technology featuring new Wave-curved 3.0 edges and air antegrade fins. Brushed aluminium on the exterior of the cooler and the backplate impart an armored aesthetic while reinforcing the length of the card. Dual BIOS allows users easily switch between Silent mode for low noise or Gaming mode for additional performance. The RGB Mystic Light flows with millions of colors and an array of customizable dynamic lighting options will dazzle onlookers.
GIGABYTE Unveils New AERO Creator Laptop
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, the world's leading brand of personal computers, is introducing new members of the AERO Creator Laptop Series with the 13th Gen. Intel Core Processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs: AERO 16 OLED and AERO 14 OLED. As the world is lifting lockdown restrictions, the wheels of the world economy have been revived toward the path of recovery. However, post-pandemic work patterns have become the new norm. Consumers' screen time is prolonged due to hybrid work patterns and working from home, whereas the frequency of business trips has also been rising.
GIGABYTE conducted in-depth analyses about the criticality of screens for creators on the move, which leads to the development of OLED eye-protection laptops with the world's strictest dual color calibration. With the new laptops, consumers will not only get to enjoy the visual feasts but also be prepared for highly productive creation processes. The GIGABYTE AERO Series has been targeting creators, designers, and office workers, offering strict color accuracy, low blue light eye-protection technology, and lightweight for high mobility as its main features. In terms of product design, after undergoing 88 CNC forging processes, the thorough tempering gives the laptop an exquisite appearance, elegant like a masterpiece of fine art. The "Illusory Iridescent" design concept added more quality details to the silky smooth texture, bringing a touch of aesthetic and inspiration to all work hours. The practicality of the creator laptops is once again elevated and now graced with a sleek artistic sense.
GIGABYTE conducted in-depth analyses about the criticality of screens for creators on the move, which leads to the development of OLED eye-protection laptops with the world's strictest dual color calibration. With the new laptops, consumers will not only get to enjoy the visual feasts but also be prepared for highly productive creation processes. The GIGABYTE AERO Series has been targeting creators, designers, and office workers, offering strict color accuracy, low blue light eye-protection technology, and lightweight for high mobility as its main features. In terms of product design, after undergoing 88 CNC forging processes, the thorough tempering gives the laptop an exquisite appearance, elegant like a masterpiece of fine art. The "Illusory Iridescent" design concept added more quality details to the silky smooth texture, bringing a touch of aesthetic and inspiration to all work hours. The practicality of the creator laptops is once again elevated and now graced with a sleek artistic sense.
Crafted for the Win, The AORUS Summit Starfleet has Arrived
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, the world's top leading PC brand, proudly presents gaming laptops powered by 13th Gen Intel HX and H Core Processors and the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs at CES 2023. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs power the world's fastest laptops for gamers and creators. Built with the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, the RTX 40 Series GPUs bring a quantum leap in performance with AI-powered DLSS 3 and enable lifelike virtual worlds with full ray tracing. Plus, the Max-Q suite of technologies optimizes system performance, power, battery life, and acoustics for peak efficiency. While peaking performances, the laptops' neat contours also come with varied features to satisfy diversified gaming and entertainment needs.
Among them, the AORUS professional gaming series products, AORUS 17X and AORUS 15X are both equipped with top-notch hardware specifications, possessing powerful computing performances that allow players to pursue extreme speed. While AORUS 17 and AORUS 15 are the best portable choices with superior performance for players seeking entertainment and casual gaming, AORUS 16 is applied with a brand-new laptop design that offers comprehensive entertainment. And for the latest AORUS 17H gaming laptop, the top performance, lightweight, and thin size are all combined. All laptop models are being announced at CES 2023, unveiling the unprecedented masterpieces that all gamers have eagerly anticipated.
Among them, the AORUS professional gaming series products, AORUS 17X and AORUS 15X are both equipped with top-notch hardware specifications, possessing powerful computing performances that allow players to pursue extreme speed. While AORUS 17 and AORUS 15 are the best portable choices with superior performance for players seeking entertainment and casual gaming, AORUS 16 is applied with a brand-new laptop design that offers comprehensive entertainment. And for the latest AORUS 17H gaming laptop, the top performance, lightweight, and thin size are all combined. All laptop models are being announced at CES 2023, unveiling the unprecedented masterpieces that all gamers have eagerly anticipated.
ASUS Unveils ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4070 Ti and TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti
ASUS today announced the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4070 Ti and TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, two high-performance graphics cards ready to propel gaming rigs into the next generation. The ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4070 Ti offers powerhouse next-gen performance in a slightly smaller package than its larger siblings, with all the style and substance users have come to expect from ROG Strix. At 3.15 slots thick and 336 mm long, this card provides plenty of surface area on its MaxContact heatsink for airflow, while retaining the latest cyberpunk design and ultra-rigid structure of its larger siblings. It also features three new 11-blade ASUS Axial-tech fans, which can push 31% more air volume and 56.3% more static pressure than its ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 predecessor—all at a lower power limit and with similarly low noise levels. A massive vented backplate ensures superior airflow, and 0dB technology keeps this card completely silent under lighter workloads.
All of Strix's must-have features are all here as well: Choose between performance and quiet modes with a Dual BIOS switch, connect PC case fans to two FanConnect II headers, and light things up with a ring of ARGB tail-lights compatible with Aura Sync. Meanwhile, reliable power delivery and time-tested build quality achieved through the ASUS Auto-Extreme manufacturing process mean this card is ready to stand with users for years to come.
All of Strix's must-have features are all here as well: Choose between performance and quiet modes with a Dual BIOS switch, connect PC case fans to two FanConnect II headers, and light things up with a ring of ARGB tail-lights compatible with Aura Sync. Meanwhile, reliable power delivery and time-tested build quality achieved through the ASUS Auto-Extreme manufacturing process mean this card is ready to stand with users for years to come.
ASUS Announces New Intel Z790, H770 and B760 Motherboards
ASUS today announced numerous new motherboards for Intel 12th Gen and 13th Gen processors. In 2022, ASUS launched a cutting-edge Z790 motherboard platform. Built to handle the most potent 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs, these boards serve the needs of PC enthusiasts, extreme overclockers, demanding gamers and professional creators alike. Today, ASUS is expanding the motherboard family with new Z790 models and several more options that feature the H770 and B760 chipsets. These bring the latest Intel chips to a wider audience than ever before. At the high end, ASUS is taking the wraps off the new ROG Strix and ASUS Prime Z790 motherboards, and it is also helping everyday builders move beyond boundaries with a wide selection of H770 and B760 motherboards from the ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, ProArt and Prime product families.
Alongside new motherboard options, ASUS is also debuting a BIOS feature that gives users an easy way to unleash the power of their new 13th Gen Intel CPU while putting a lid on temperatures. Users of last-gen ASUS boards might be familiar with the ASUS MultiCore Enhancement and ASUS Performance Enhancement features. These BIOS options allowed users with exceptional cooling systems to let their CPU boost beyond stock settings. Now, ASUS is adding a new option to both menus.
Alongside new motherboard options, ASUS is also debuting a BIOS feature that gives users an easy way to unleash the power of their new 13th Gen Intel CPU while putting a lid on temperatures. Users of last-gen ASUS boards might be familiar with the ASUS MultiCore Enhancement and ASUS Performance Enhancement features. These BIOS options allowed users with exceptional cooling systems to let their CPU boost beyond stock settings. Now, ASUS is adding a new option to both menus.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Launched at $799 with Performance Matching RTX 3090 Ti
NVIDIA today formally launched the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti "Ada" performance segment graphics card at a starting MSRP of USD $799. Based on the 4 nm "AD104" silicon, the RTX 4070 Ti is essentially the same product as the RTX 4080 12 GB, which NVIDIA decided to cancel from its original mid-November launch, toward a new one this CES, under a new model name. The card maxes out the silicon it's based on, featuring 7,680 CUDA cores, 60 RT cores, 240 Tensor cores, 240 TMUs, and 80 ROPs. It gets 12 GB of GDDR6X memory across a 192-bit wide memory interface, running at 21 Gbps (GDDR6X-effective). The card has a typical power rating of 285 W, and continues to use a 12VHPWR power connector, even on the custom-design products.
NVIDIA claims that the RTX 4070 Ti should enable maxed out AAA gaming with ray tracing at 1440p, while also being formidable at 4K Ultra HD in games that can take advantage of technologies such as DLSS 3 frame-generation, or even classic DLSS 2. The company claims that it offers performance comparable to the previous-generation flagship, the GeForce RTX 3090 Ti "Ampere," with a much higher performance/Watt rating. The RTX 4070 Ti doesn't appear to feature an NVIDIA Founders Edition model, and is a partner-driven launch, with custom-design cards dominating the scene. The RTX 4070 Ti will be available from January 5, 2023, but we'll have reviews for you before that!
NVIDIA claims that the RTX 4070 Ti should enable maxed out AAA gaming with ray tracing at 1440p, while also being formidable at 4K Ultra HD in games that can take advantage of technologies such as DLSS 3 frame-generation, or even classic DLSS 2. The company claims that it offers performance comparable to the previous-generation flagship, the GeForce RTX 3090 Ti "Ampere," with a much higher performance/Watt rating. The RTX 4070 Ti doesn't appear to feature an NVIDIA Founders Edition model, and is a partner-driven launch, with custom-design cards dominating the scene. The RTX 4070 Ti will be available from January 5, 2023, but we'll have reviews for you before that!
NVIDIA Brings RTX 4080 to GeForce NOW
NVIDIA today announced GeForce NOW is going beyond fast, delivering GeForce RTX 4080-class gaming to billions of devices—available exclusively in the new, high-performance Ultimate membership tier. Powered by the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, upgraded GeForce NOW RTX 4080 SuperPODs will deliver over 64 teraflops of graphics horsepower to an individual user, which is more than 5x that of an Xbox Series X and nearly 1.75x over the previous-generation SuperPODs.
The GeForce NOW Ultimate membership raises the bar on cloud gaming, bringing it closer than ever to a local gaming experience. With GeForce RTX 4080 performance, Ultimate members will be the first to experience true PC gaming—streaming at up to 240 frames per second from the cloud with full ray tracing and DLSS 3, in hit games like Portal With RTX. With the addition of NVIDIA Reflex, GeForce NOW achieves click-to-pixel latency below 40 milliseconds—another first in cloud gaming.
The GeForce NOW Ultimate membership raises the bar on cloud gaming, bringing it closer than ever to a local gaming experience. With GeForce RTX 4080 performance, Ultimate members will be the first to experience true PC gaming—streaming at up to 240 frames per second from the cloud with full ray tracing and DLSS 3, in hit games like Portal With RTX. With the addition of NVIDIA Reflex, GeForce NOW achieves click-to-pixel latency below 40 milliseconds—another first in cloud gaming.
NVIDIA Ada Lovelace Breaks Energy-Efficiency Barrier, Supercharges 170+ Laptop Designs
NVIDIA today announced GeForce RTX 40 Series laptops, powered by its ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace GPU architecture, which delivers the company's largest-ever generational leap in performance and power efficiency.
The new GeForce RTX 40 Series laptops are up to 3x more power efficient than the previous generation and bring the Ada architecture, NVIDIA DLSS 3 and fifth-generation Max-Q technologies to laptops for the first time. For gamers, RTX 40 Series laptops deliver up to 4x the performance in AAA games like full ray-traced Cyberpunk 2077 with new RT Overdrive Mode, and, for creators, they offer blazing-fast acceleration in top creative apps such as Blender.
The new GeForce RTX 40 Series laptops are up to 3x more power efficient than the previous generation and bring the Ada architecture, NVIDIA DLSS 3 and fifth-generation Max-Q technologies to laptops for the first time. For gamers, RTX 40 Series laptops deliver up to 4x the performance in AAA games like full ray-traced Cyberpunk 2077 with new RT Overdrive Mode, and, for creators, they offer blazing-fast acceleration in top creative apps such as Blender.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX Beyond CES Liveblog
NVIDIA today kicks off the 2023 International CES with a special event for the PC community, particularly gamers. As part of the CES 2023 GeForce Beyond presentation, NVIDIA is expected to introduce additions to the desktop GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" series, such as the RTX 4070 Ti, and also debut the RTX 40-series Laptop GPU series, powering the next-generation of gaming notebooks through this year.
16:01 UTC: The show is about to begin, with Jeff Fisher taking centerstage.
16:02 UTC: 20 million NVIDIA GeForce GPUs sold in 2022.
16:02 UTC: 20 million NVIDIA GeForce GPUs sold in 2022.
NETGEAR Introduces Nighthawk M6 Pro—World's First Unlocked WiFi 6E 5G Mobile Hotspot
NETGEAR, Inc the leading provider of award-winning connected products designed to simplify and improve people's lives, today raised the bar once again by supporting the new 6 GHz band for client devices on its Nighthawk M6 mobile hotspot routers. The ultra-fast M6 Pro 5G WiFi 6E Hotspot Router (MR6450) supports 5G internet up to 6 Gbps‡ and WiFi speeds up to 3.6 Gbps. Evolving work and lifestyle changes have spurred the growing need for always-on, secure, high-speed internet connectivity for multiple connected devices anywhere and everywhere. On the road, traveling for business or pleasure, via commercial transport or in a car or RV, WiFi you can trust is imperative. Public WiFi, while convenient, is not secure and not worth risking a critical business transaction or personal bank transfer.
The M6 Pro provides a portable, secure WiFi connection with a built-in firewall for up to 32 devices in any place that has cellular coverage. Travelers and/or mobile workforces can enjoy uninterrupted video streaming, Zoom calls, online games, social media updates and large file uploads/downloads, all at the same time without risk of intrusion. And worldwide roaming support helps them stay connected no matter where they go. Also ideal for home or holiday home use, the M6 Pro can boost WiFi coverage up to 1,000 square feet with In-Home Performance Mode, simply by removing the battery and using the power adapter. In larger homes, the hotspot can be used together with an existing WiFi router by plugging it into the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. For locations where cellular signal is not strong, external antennas (sold separately) can increase 5G reception when plugged into the M6 Pro's antenna ports. The onboard USB-C port can be used to charge devices or as an ultra-fast wired connection, up to 5 Gbps, to a computer or a laptop.
The M6 Pro provides a portable, secure WiFi connection with a built-in firewall for up to 32 devices in any place that has cellular coverage. Travelers and/or mobile workforces can enjoy uninterrupted video streaming, Zoom calls, online games, social media updates and large file uploads/downloads, all at the same time without risk of intrusion. And worldwide roaming support helps them stay connected no matter where they go. Also ideal for home or holiday home use, the M6 Pro can boost WiFi coverage up to 1,000 square feet with In-Home Performance Mode, simply by removing the battery and using the power adapter. In larger homes, the hotspot can be used together with an existing WiFi router by plugging it into the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. For locations where cellular signal is not strong, external antennas (sold separately) can increase 5G reception when plugged into the M6 Pro's antenna ports. The onboard USB-C port can be used to charge devices or as an ultra-fast wired connection, up to 5 Gbps, to a computer or a laptop.
Brelyon to Showcase World's Largest Field-of-View OLED Display at CES
Brelyon, the MIT spin-off pioneering a new category of ultra-immersive display technologies to enable access to the metaverse, will be showcasing Brelyon Fusion—an OLED display with the world's largest field of view—at CES 2023 in Las Vegas on January 5-8, 2023. Be among the first to experience a preview of a new era of holodeck-like technology that pushes the boundaries of immersion. To schedule a demo, contact info@brelyon.com or visit Brelyon at CES (Exhibit 61514, Venetian Expo, Level 1, Hall G, Eureka Park).
A concept display technology, Brelyon Fusion is the world's first 8K desktop virtual display and features the latest computational and lightfield expansion innovations with surround video conferencing using Synthetic Aperture technology and spatial audio—all without the need to wear a headset.
A concept display technology, Brelyon Fusion is the world's first 8K desktop virtual display and features the latest computational and lightfield expansion innovations with surround video conferencing using Synthetic Aperture technology and spatial audio—all without the need to wear a headset.
Logitech Products Now Verified for Engineered for Intel Evo Accessory Program
Logitech today announced Engineered for Intel Evo verification for multiple Logitech mice and keyboards. In partnership with Intel and through rigorous testing, these Logitech peripherals now meet the strict reliability, interoperability and security requirements for the Intel Evo verification. "It is a major accomplishment for Logitech to have our most important enterprise and consumer products verified for Intel Evo," said Delphine Donné, vice president and general manager, personal workspace solutions at Logitech. "This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering the best user experiences and addressing IT department concerns related to the interoperability, stability and security between PCs and our hardware products."
Engineered for Intel Evo sets the standard for exceptional PC accessories and ensures both consumers and enterprises alike have great experiences with their Intel Evo laptops. Verified products are engineered and tested to meet or exceed strict Intel requirements for real-world features and performance and can help optimize communication, entertainment and productivity.
Engineered for Intel Evo sets the standard for exceptional PC accessories and ensures both consumers and enterprises alike have great experiences with their Intel Evo laptops. Verified products are engineered and tested to meet or exceed strict Intel requirements for real-world features and performance and can help optimize communication, entertainment and productivity.
GIGABYTE Has Spun-off Its Server Business Unit, Pursuing Greater Long Term Sustainable Growth and Value Creation with Giga Computing
GIGABYTE Technology, an industry leader in high-performance servers and workstations, today announced its enterprise solutions division has officially been spun off from GIGABYTE and acts as an independent, wholly-owned GIGABYTE subsidiary. The new standalone company, Giga Computing Technology, will leverage the GIGABYTE brand to drive server business growth and innovation. The GIGABYTE board of directors reached the decision, both the parent company and its new subsidiary agreed that the transaction would create long-term value for GIGABYTE customers that rely on enterprise solutions, as well as the consumer market.
In return for the split, GIGABYTE will receive 83,360,000 common shares of Giga Computing at NTD $10 per share, and this was determined by the estimated value of the subsidiary at NTD $833,600,000. This subsidiary creation is simply a group reorganization and will not have an impact on the daily and financial operations of the parent company. GIGABYTE and Giga Computing have an agreement in place to maintain the same development and support for all GIGABYTE enterprise products and solutions for customers. These systems and products sold by Giga Computing will, for the time being, continue to use the familiar GIGABYTE brand that is known and respected in the tech sector. At the same time, GIGABYTE will continue to drive its own growth in its consumer divisions for motherboards, GPUs, laptops, desktops, monitors, PC peripherals, and PC components.
In return for the split, GIGABYTE will receive 83,360,000 common shares of Giga Computing at NTD $10 per share, and this was determined by the estimated value of the subsidiary at NTD $833,600,000. This subsidiary creation is simply a group reorganization and will not have an impact on the daily and financial operations of the parent company. GIGABYTE and Giga Computing have an agreement in place to maintain the same development and support for all GIGABYTE enterprise products and solutions for customers. These systems and products sold by Giga Computing will, for the time being, continue to use the familiar GIGABYTE brand that is known and respected in the tech sector. At the same time, GIGABYTE will continue to drive its own growth in its consumer divisions for motherboards, GPUs, laptops, desktops, monitors, PC peripherals, and PC components.
GIGABYTE PerfDrive Brings You More Handy Way to Unleash 13th Gen Core CPU on Intel 700 Platform
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions today revealed the new PerfDrive technology on the Intel 700 series platform, which Integrates multiple GIGABYTE exclusive BIOS settings to allow users easily balance between different levels of performance, power consumption, and temperature according to their needs when using 13th gen Intel Core processors including i9-13900K CPU. In addition to the former released Instant 6 GHz, GIGABYTE PerfDrive technology also integrates newly developed BIOS settings of Optimization and Spec Enhance. Collaborating with the existing GCC software platform and GIGABYTE Ultra Durable design, GIGABYTE brings the most powerful 700 series platform with perfectly tuned motherboards in hardware, software, and firmware.
Enhanced by the supreme hardware design of power management, thermal, and stability, GIGABYTE Z790 motherboards not only smash the all-core overclocking world record on Cinebench R23 but also creates remarkable DDR overclocking performance of DDR5 9300. Now GIGABYTE PerfDrive technology makes it easy and attainable for users to enjoy the optimal performance of the Z790 platform, and benefit from the easy-tuning for 13th gen K-SKU Core CPUs on the B760 platform. Based on optimized HW design with multiple GIGABYTE unique BIOS setting, PerfDrive technology satisfy various users' needs with its intuitive graphical interface in the GIGABYTE UEFI BIOS.
Enhanced by the supreme hardware design of power management, thermal, and stability, GIGABYTE Z790 motherboards not only smash the all-core overclocking world record on Cinebench R23 but also creates remarkable DDR overclocking performance of DDR5 9300. Now GIGABYTE PerfDrive technology makes it easy and attainable for users to enjoy the optimal performance of the Z790 platform, and benefit from the easy-tuning for 13th gen K-SKU Core CPUs on the B760 platform. Based on optimized HW design with multiple GIGABYTE unique BIOS setting, PerfDrive technology satisfy various users' needs with its intuitive graphical interface in the GIGABYTE UEFI BIOS.
ASRock B760 Series Motherboard Launch including SONIC Special Edition
Leading global motherboard manufacturer, ASRock, proudly announces its new series of Intel B760 motherboards, including B760M Steel Legend WiFi, B760M Pro RS, and special edition B760M PG SONIC WiFi. These feature-filled motherboards are designed to bring supreme performance and the latest technologies - including up to PCI-Express 5.0 & overclocked DDR5 - to benefit more PC enthusiasts, gamers, and office/workstation builds than ever before. The B760 chipset is designed for the latest 13th Generation Intel Core 'K' or 'non-K' series processors (socket LGA1700), while also supporting the previous 12th generation.
Followed by the success and critical acclaim of the ASRock Z790 PG SONIC, the company has released another officially licensed motherboard featuring SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog: the B760M PG SONIC WiFi. Based on the mainstream Intel B760 chipset, this micro ATX motherboard features all the exciting SONIC elements in a small form factor and budget friendly design.
Followed by the success and critical acclaim of the ASRock Z790 PG SONIC, the company has released another officially licensed motherboard featuring SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog: the B760M PG SONIC WiFi. Based on the mainstream Intel B760 chipset, this micro ATX motherboard features all the exciting SONIC elements in a small form factor and budget friendly design.
MSI Reveals its Latest B760 Motherboards
Intel introduced the Z790 platform to the market last year and impressed enthusiastic gamers. This year, we expect the introduction of the latest B760 platform. MSI's new B760 motherboards lineup will spring a surprise for mainstream users, attracting interest and sparking widespread discussion. Targeting the mainstream market, MSI B760 motherboards have unique designs and loaded specifications. Let's explore more about the B760 platform.
The B760 platform has lots of amazing features accompanied by MSI's MPG, MAG, and PRO Series. The mainstream users' choice - MAG Series includes black TOMAHAWK and white MORTAR motherboards. The MSI MAG Series motherboards adopted 12 Duet Rail Power System with 75 A DrMOS and 6 layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper, which provides stable currents delivered to the CPU. For expansion, the MSI MAG Series supports Lightning Gen 5 PCIe and owns up to 3 onboard M.2 Gen4 slots. To deal with the heat generated in high-loading operation, the MAG Series features premium thermal solutions including All Aluminium Design and Extended Heatsink. The M.2 slots are covered with M.2 Shield Frozr as well.
The B760 platform has lots of amazing features accompanied by MSI's MPG, MAG, and PRO Series. The mainstream users' choice - MAG Series includes black TOMAHAWK and white MORTAR motherboards. The MSI MAG Series motherboards adopted 12 Duet Rail Power System with 75 A DrMOS and 6 layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper, which provides stable currents delivered to the CPU. For expansion, the MSI MAG Series supports Lightning Gen 5 PCIe and owns up to 3 onboard M.2 Gen4 slots. To deal with the heat generated in high-loading operation, the MAG Series features premium thermal solutions including All Aluminium Design and Extended Heatsink. The M.2 slots are covered with M.2 Shield Frozr as well.
Unlock the Z790-like DDR5 7600 Memory Performance with GIGABYTE B760 Motherboards
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions today unveiled the latest Intel B760 series motherboards. With enhanced XMP and hardware design of memory, the full B760 DDR5 lineup can achieve superb Z790-like memory performance of DDR5-7600. Featuring up to 16+1+1 phases of 60 amps digital power VRM design with full-coverage heatsink, GIGABYTE's B760 lineup provides premium power and thermal design for the high-frequency operation of Intel 13th gen processors. Meanwhile, the innovative PCIe and M.2 EZ-Latch technology are implemented to simplify the upgrade of graphics cards and M.2 SSDs, and to avoid accidental damage to the surrounding components. Moreover, the features of 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type C with 20 Gbps, and up to 3 sets of PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots with armor on select models offer superb connectivity. Further with the latest GIGABYTE PerfDrive technology and GCC software platform, GIGABYTE delivers the outstanding B760 platform with the optimal hardware, software, and firmware which covers from DDR4 to DDR5 with full form factor options of ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX.
In the Intel product plan, the "Z" chipset is the only platform to support CPU and memory overclocking. However, the B chipset with limited DDR frequency tuning offers more budget friendly options, especially those only require memory overclocking. In order to provide solid power for high-performance operation of CPU and XMP overclocking, GIGABYTE B760 AORUS motherboards are geared up to 16+1+1 power phases with 60 amps DrMOS design, while the well-received B760 AORUS ELITE features 12+1+1 power phases, and the leading power design of 14+1+1 phases on B760M AORUS PRO. These power designs allow GIGABYTE B760 AORUS motherboards of all configuration to deliver the most stable power, as well as to provide sufficient power when the CPU runs full loading. Meanwhile, enhanced by full-coverage heatsink, 5 W/mK thermal pad, and 2x copper PCB, B760 AORUS MASTER/ PRO/ ELITE/ GAMING X lineup covers from ATX to micro ATX models boast superb thermal design to improve the stability and keep the power supply area which is most likely to generate heat staying cool.
In the Intel product plan, the "Z" chipset is the only platform to support CPU and memory overclocking. However, the B chipset with limited DDR frequency tuning offers more budget friendly options, especially those only require memory overclocking. In order to provide solid power for high-performance operation of CPU and XMP overclocking, GIGABYTE B760 AORUS motherboards are geared up to 16+1+1 power phases with 60 amps DrMOS design, while the well-received B760 AORUS ELITE features 12+1+1 power phases, and the leading power design of 14+1+1 phases on B760M AORUS PRO. These power designs allow GIGABYTE B760 AORUS motherboards of all configuration to deliver the most stable power, as well as to provide sufficient power when the CPU runs full loading. Meanwhile, enhanced by full-coverage heatsink, 5 W/mK thermal pad, and 2x copper PCB, B760 AORUS MASTER/ PRO/ ELITE/ GAMING X lineup covers from ATX to micro ATX models boast superb thermal design to improve the stability and keep the power supply area which is most likely to generate heat staying cool.
Intel Announces 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" Mobile Processor Family
Intel today launched its 13th Generation Core "Raptor Lake" mobile processor family. Mobile (notebook) processors make the bulk of Intel's client processor sales, and so the company is targeting a variety of form-factors and markets. The series begins with the 13th Gen Core HX line of enthusiast-segment processors for gamers, on-site creators, and mobile workstations. These processors come with core-counts of up to 8P+16E, making them the first 24-core mobile processors. The chips are classified as having 55 W TDP, with maximum turbo power values set as high as 155 W.
The 13th Gen Core HX family includes three 8P+16E processor models, led by the Core i9-13980HX, a unique 8P+12E model leading the Core i7 pack, the i7-13700HX; some 8P+8E models, followed by 6P+8E and 6P+4E models making up the Core i5 lineup. All parts have 55 W base power, and 157 W max turbo power, at least three of these get the full vPro Enterprise feature-set.
The 13th Gen Core HX family includes three 8P+16E processor models, led by the Core i9-13980HX, a unique 8P+12E model leading the Core i7 pack, the i7-13700HX; some 8P+8E models, followed by 6P+8E and 6P+4E models making up the Core i5 lineup. All parts have 55 W base power, and 157 W max turbo power, at least three of these get the full vPro Enterprise feature-set.
Intel Announces N-series Entry Mobile Processors with Just E-cores
Intel today debuted its 2023 N-series entry-level mobile processors targeting a range of low-cost notebook applications, such as educational notebooks for bulk purchase and distribution by public schools. These processors are built on the same Intel 7 (10 nm Enhanced SuperFin) node as the 13th Gen Core processors, but come with just "Gracemont" E-cores, and no P-cores.
The silicon physically features two "Gracemont" E-core clusters amounting to 8 E-cores, 6 MB of shared L3 cache, and an iGPU based on the Xe-LP graphics architecture, with 32 EUs (execution units). The silicon also features a GNI 3.0 for basic AI acceleration using a truncated version of the DLBoost instruction set, and an IPU (as in image processing unit), which can improve web-camera experience (on the fly background noise suppression). The iGPU also offers hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding. On the platform-side, the processor features a single-channel DDR5 memory interface that's backwards-compatible with DDR4, and also supports LPDDR5. Storage interfaces include eMMC, UFS 2.1, and NVMe SSD. Wireless networking options available with the platform include fast WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
The silicon physically features two "Gracemont" E-core clusters amounting to 8 E-cores, 6 MB of shared L3 cache, and an iGPU based on the Xe-LP graphics architecture, with 32 EUs (execution units). The silicon also features a GNI 3.0 for basic AI acceleration using a truncated version of the DLBoost instruction set, and an IPU (as in image processing unit), which can improve web-camera experience (on the fly background noise suppression). The iGPU also offers hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding. On the platform-side, the processor features a single-channel DDR5 memory interface that's backwards-compatible with DDR4, and also supports LPDDR5. Storage interfaces include eMMC, UFS 2.1, and NVMe SSD. Wireless networking options available with the platform include fast WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Intel Launches Lower-Priced 13th Gen Core Desktop Processors with 65W
Intel today expanded its 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" Socket LGA1700 desktop processor family with several new 65 W mainstream models. These include all the SKUs that lack an unlocked multiplier, aren't meant for CPU overclocking, and come with slightly lower frequencies and tighter power-management than the unlocked K-series SKUs the company debuted the series with in 2022. The retail packages of these processors include stock Intel fan-heatsinks similar to those the company includes with its 12th Gen "Alder Lake" 65 W processors.
The series is led by the Core i9-13900, an 8P+16E core processor with P-core base frequency of 2.00 GHz, P-core maximum boost frequency of 5.60 GHz, E-core base frequency of 1.50 GHz and 4.20 GHz; and the full 36 MB of L3 cache available on the silicon. The processor base power value is 65 W, and the maximum turbo power is 219 W. Intel lists the MSRP of these processors at $550, a variant without integrated graphics, the i9-13900F, can be had for $524. The Core i7-13700 positioned a notch below, is an 8P+8E processor, with a P-core boost frequency of up to 5.20 GHz, a slightly better 2.10 GHz E-core boost, 30 MB of L3 cache, and the same 219 W MTP value. The i7-13700 is priced at $384, and the iGPU-disabled.
The series is led by the Core i9-13900, an 8P+16E core processor with P-core base frequency of 2.00 GHz, P-core maximum boost frequency of 5.60 GHz, E-core base frequency of 1.50 GHz and 4.20 GHz; and the full 36 MB of L3 cache available on the silicon. The processor base power value is 65 W, and the maximum turbo power is 219 W. Intel lists the MSRP of these processors at $550, a variant without integrated graphics, the i9-13900F, can be had for $524. The Core i7-13700 positioned a notch below, is an 8P+8E processor, with a P-core boost frequency of up to 5.20 GHz, a slightly better 2.10 GHz E-core boost, 30 MB of L3 cache, and the same 219 W MTP value. The i7-13700 is priced at $384, and the iGPU-disabled.
CES: Intel Extends Performance Leadership with World's Fastest Mobile Processor
Today at CES, Intel announced its 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors that bring superior performance and experiences to mobile platforms. Intel introduced 32 new 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors with a rich suite of features and capabilities for all laptop segments. "The 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processor family delivers unrivaled, scalable performance for leadership platforms across all laptop segments," said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group at Intel. "With our industry-leading technologies and unmatched global partner ecosystem, people can expect a high-caliber mobile experience in new and unique form factors so they can game or create from anywhere."
Intel continues to push the boundaries of performance and expand computing possibilities for gamers and creators with the launch of the 13th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors, which includes the first 24-core processor for a laptop. When combined with unique features like support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, best in class connectivity and PCIe Gen 5, 13th Gen HX processors deliver the world's best mobile gaming platform.
Intel continues to push the boundaries of performance and expand computing possibilities for gamers and creators with the launch of the 13th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors, which includes the first 24-core processor for a laptop. When combined with unique features like support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, best in class connectivity and PCIe Gen 5, 13th Gen HX processors deliver the world's best mobile gaming platform.
LG Display Showcases Innovative OLED Technologies at CES 2023
LG Display, the world's leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it will unveil its futuristic display products that innovate everyday life at CES 2023. LG Display will be operating two booths at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), one in the North Hall (main booth) and another in the West Hall (automotive display).
The company's main booth will take this opportunity to reveal its industry-leading display technologies that make people's lives more enjoyable under the theme, 'Always On.' On the other hand, under the slogan of 'Advanced Mobility Lifestyle,' LG Display opens its first-ever booth solely dedicated to next-generation automotive display innovations, as the company strives to provide the best mobility experience through solutions ranging from state-of-the-art automotive displays to sound solutions.
The company's main booth will take this opportunity to reveal its industry-leading display technologies that make people's lives more enjoyable under the theme, 'Always On.' On the other hand, under the slogan of 'Advanced Mobility Lifestyle,' LG Display opens its first-ever booth solely dedicated to next-generation automotive display innovations, as the company strives to provide the best mobility experience through solutions ranging from state-of-the-art automotive displays to sound solutions.
Monday, January 2nd 2023
Today's Reviews
CPU Coolers
Graphics Cards
Headphones
Keyboards
DeepCool AK500 Review
DeepCool's AK500 slots in between the AK620 and the AK400, proving to be a near-perfect balance between the two. It delivers solid performance, a clean visual aesthetic, and, best of all, offers exceptional performance per dollar. Making it a solid contender in the mid-range air cooler market.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti to Launch $100 Cheaper Than RTX 4080 12 GB
A leaked NVIDIA company slide confirms that the upcoming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics card will launch at a starting price of USD $799. This would put it $100 cheaper than what was going to be the launch price of the RTX 4080 12 GB. NVIDIA cancelled the launch of the RTX 4080 12 GB, and reportedly re-branded it to the RTX 4070 Ti. The RTX 4080 12 GB was supposed to launch alongside the RTX 4080 16 GB in mid-November 2022, but the company decided to "unlaunch" it, in the wake of bad press on the confusing and deceptive naming of the SKU, and its ambitious MSRP that would have put custom-design cards well above the $1,000-mark.
The NVIDIA slide goes on to claim that the RTX 4070 Ti will be faster than the previous-generation flagship, the RTX 3090 Ti. This is thanks to its 40 shader TFLOP/s, 93 RT TFLOP/s, and 642 Tensor TFLOP/s. The RTX 4070 Ti is expected to debut the new 4 nm "AD104" silicon, featuring 7,680 CUDA cores, 60 RT cores, 240 Tensor cores, 240 TMUs, and 80 ROPs. The card features 12 GB of 21 Gbps GDDR6X memory across a rather narrow 192-bit memory bus. The slide confirms that January 5, 2023 will be the market availability date for the RTX 4070 Ti. NVIDIA's decision to price the RTX 4070 Ti at $799 may have been influenced by the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT priced at $899.
The NVIDIA slide goes on to claim that the RTX 4070 Ti will be faster than the previous-generation flagship, the RTX 3090 Ti. This is thanks to its 40 shader TFLOP/s, 93 RT TFLOP/s, and 642 Tensor TFLOP/s. The RTX 4070 Ti is expected to debut the new 4 nm "AD104" silicon, featuring 7,680 CUDA cores, 60 RT cores, 240 Tensor cores, 240 TMUs, and 80 ROPs. The card features 12 GB of 21 Gbps GDDR6X memory across a rather narrow 192-bit memory bus. The slide confirms that January 5, 2023 will be the market availability date for the RTX 4070 Ti. NVIDIA's decision to price the RTX 4070 Ti at $799 may have been influenced by the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT priced at $899.
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX May Feature Faulty Coolers, Causing Overheating
AMD's latest GPUs have been reported to be experiencing overheating issues, with many users claiming that the vapor chamber cooler works better in a vertical rather than a horizontal position. Regardless of orientation, vapor chamber coolers should equal roughly the same heat dissipation performance and move the heat away from the source; however, testing showed that some reference AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX GPUs feature defect coolers. According to the testing conducted by Roman "der8auer" Hartung, AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XTX RDNA3 GPUs are experiencing problems with overheating caused by a faulty vapor chamber design.
What der8auer found is that these coolers could have a defect in the manufacturing process, where the liquid inside the vapor chamber faces problems in circulation after condensation. It could relate to manufacturing issues of the cooler itself, with an inadequate amount of fluid or insufficient pressure inside the chamber. For more in-depth testing and performance benchmarks, see the video below. It is important to note that we didn't see other reports that replicate this behavior, so always take these reports with a dash of salt.
What der8auer found is that these coolers could have a defect in the manufacturing process, where the liquid inside the vapor chamber faces problems in circulation after condensation. It could relate to manufacturing issues of the cooler itself, with an inadequate amount of fluid or insufficient pressure inside the chamber. For more in-depth testing and performance benchmarks, see the video below. It is important to note that we didn't see other reports that replicate this behavior, so always take these reports with a dash of salt.
Samsung Electronics Unveils Its New Odyssey, ViewFinity and Smart Monitor Lineups at CES, World's First 7,680 x 2,160 DP 2.1 Monitor
Samsung Electronics today announced the company will introduce new models in its monitor lineup, expanding its visual display leadership for the users. New offerings in the Odyssey, ViewFinity and Smart Monitor lineups at CES 2023 will deliver unmatched image quality and a range of innovative features for people looking to work, play and live through their monitor display. Samsung is revolutionizing the ultra-wide display category by launching the Odyssey Neo G9, the world's first single monitor with dual ultra-high definition resolution. This innovation is a testament to Samsung's industry-leading position in delivering the most immersive and lifelike gaming experience available on the market.
"We are introducing the future of gaming monitors with our Odyssey Neo G9, making each game more lifelike with innovative features and picture quality on a new scale," said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "CES is the perfect place to showcase our innovations that can take not only gamers but also graphic designers or TV fans to the next level while providing personalized experiences across a range of integrated smart apps."
"We are introducing the future of gaming monitors with our Odyssey Neo G9, making each game more lifelike with innovative features and picture quality on a new scale," said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "CES is the perfect place to showcase our innovations that can take not only gamers but also graphic designers or TV fans to the next level while providing personalized experiences across a range of integrated smart apps."
Cleer Audio Announces the ARC II Open-Ear TWS Earbuds
Cleer Audio, an industry-leading headphone and smart speaker manufacturer, is pleased to announce its next generation of Open Ear True Wireless Earbuds, the ARC II. ARC II's flexible hinge design ensures a passive listening experience with maximum comfort. These open-ear earbuds do not cover the ear canal, instead they channel audio directly into your ears. This unique no-pinch, comfortable design allows you to maintain spatial awareness and still enjoy your audio. Meaning you can stay safe while keeping aware of your surroundings while listening to your favorite podcast or music.
The open ear design provides a safe way to experience music outdoors. It is suitable for all day wear and use with its lightweight design, comfort fit and feel, and up to 35-hrs of on-the-go playback, 8-hrs of playback per charge and 27-hrs of additional charge in the charging case.
The open ear design provides a safe way to experience music outdoors. It is suitable for all day wear and use with its lightweight design, comfort fit and feel, and up to 35-hrs of on-the-go playback, 8-hrs of playback per charge and 27-hrs of additional charge in the charging case.
MediaTek Expands IoT Platform with Genio 700 for Industrial and Smart Home Products
Ahead of CES 2023, MediaTek today announced the latest chipset in the Genio platform for IoT devices, the octa-core Genio 700 designed for smart home, smart retail, and industrial IoT products. The new chipset will be featured as part of a demo at MediaTek's booth at CES 2023. With a focus on power efficiency, the MediaTek Genio 700 is a N6 (6 nm) IoT chipset that boasts two ARM A78 cores running at 2.2 GHz and six ARM A55 cores at 2.0 GHz while providing 4.0 TOPs AI accelerator. It comes with support for FHD 60p + 4K 60p display, as well as an ISP for better images.
"When we launched the Genio family of IoT products last year, we designed the platform with the scalability and development support that brands need, paving the way for opportunities to continue expanding," said Richard Lu, Vice President of MediaTek IoT Business Unit. "With a focus on industrial and smart home products, the Genio 700 is a perfect natural addition to the lineup to ensure we can provide the widest range of support possible to our customers."
"When we launched the Genio family of IoT products last year, we designed the platform with the scalability and development support that brands need, paving the way for opportunities to continue expanding," said Richard Lu, Vice President of MediaTek IoT Business Unit. "With a focus on industrial and smart home products, the Genio 700 is a perfect natural addition to the lineup to ensure we can provide the widest range of support possible to our customers."
MediaTek Introduces Global Ecosystem of Consumer-Ready Wi-Fi 7 Products at CES 2023
MediaTek, one of the first adopters of Wi-Fi 7 technology, will be demonstrating a full ecosystem of production-ready devices featuring the next generation of wireless connectivity for the first time at CES 2023. These products are the culmination of MediaTek's investment in Wi-Fi 7 technology, focusing on reliable and always-on connected experiences on a wide variety of devices in several product categories, including residential gateways, mesh routers, televisions, streaming devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more.
As the most current and powerful Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 7 utilizes record-breaking 320 MHz channel bandwidth and 4096-QAM modulation to greatly improve overall user experience. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) also enables the Wi-Fi connection to aggregate channel speeds and alleviate link interruption in congested environment for time-demanding applications.
As the most current and powerful Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 7 utilizes record-breaking 320 MHz channel bandwidth and 4096-QAM modulation to greatly improve overall user experience. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) also enables the Wi-Fi connection to aggregate channel speeds and alleviate link interruption in congested environment for time-demanding applications.
BIOSTAR Expands Graphics Card Lineup with RTX 30-series and GTX 16-series Graphics Card SKUs
BIOSTAR sneakily expanded its graphics card lineup with GeForce RTX 30-series "Ampere" and GTX 16-series "Turing" custom-design graphics cards. The company didn't have these at launch, and for the past couple of years, remained as an AMD-exclusive board partner. The lineup includes a custom-design GeForce RTX 3080 10 GB graphics card with a triple-slot, triple-fan cooling solution; an RTX 3070 with a dual-fan, 2-slot cooling; and cards based on the GTX 1650, GTX 1660, and GTX 1660 Super. The cards come surprisingly late to the party—2 years late for the RTX 30-series, and almost 4 years late for the GTX 16-series. BIOSTAR probably landed itself a good deal with NVIDIA on supply of these GPUs as the company works to clear inventory and pave the way for its 40-series "Ada" GPUs across a wider price-range.
Genesis Unveils Irid 505F Case with Oxal 120 Fans
Genesis have just added a new PC case, Irid 505F, to its portfolio. The model is based on the existing Irid 505 v2 design with modifications, for example new Oxal 120 fans. The Genesis Irid 505F case includes as many as five installed 120 mm Genesis Oxal fans with a maximum RPM of 1300. What's more, when compared to the existing Irid 505 model, the new product is equipped with a thicker front mesh with <0.8 mm openings. These are smaller than in standard anti-dust filters, which translates into better filtering.
The Irid 505F boasts better ventilation efficiency, providing great cooling for components with power intake ca 500 W. The set also includes two splitters for smaller power distribution for FAN sockets on the motherboard. The Genesis Irid 505F is priced at USD $74.99.
The Irid 505F boasts better ventilation efficiency, providing great cooling for components with power intake ca 500 W. The set also includes two splitters for smaller power distribution for FAN sockets on the motherboard. The Genesis Irid 505F is priced at USD $74.99.
Sunday, January 1st 2023
GALAX Launches HOF GH 1300W PSU with Dual 16-pin 12VHPWR Connectors
GALAX launched one of the first enthusiast-grade PSUs to come with two native 16-pin 12HPWR connectors. The new GALAX Hall of Fame (HOF) GH1300 has a rated power output of 1300 W, peak power output of 2600 W, meets both ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen 5 specifications (especially their excursion-tolerance requirements), and offers 80 Plus Platinum switching efficiency. The PSU offers two 12VHPWR, each capable of 600 W continuous output; ten 6+2 pin PCIe power, at least twelve SATA power, and a couple legacy connectors. The PSU itself is surprisingly compact for its power class, with just 14 cm length; and relies on a 120 mm fan to keep cool. GALAX is backing the GH1300 with a 10-year warranty, and is pricing it at the equivalent of USD $500.
Jan 30th, 2025 21:02 EST
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