Japanese cooling expert Scythe presents two special editions of its CPU Cooler models Kotetsu Mark II and Choten as part of the ASUS TUF Gaming Alliance series. Both products bundle their unique advantages with the fancy design of the TUF Gaming Alliance series and gorgeous RGB illumination.

Scythe Kotetsu Mark II TUF Gaming Alliance Edition is based on the award-winning Kotetsu Mark II, offering outstanding performance even for overclocking purposes at impressively low noise levels. The Scythe Choten TUF Gaming Alliance on the other hand, aims for much more compact PC case environments while providing excellent balance between size, compatibility and performance.

AMD has announced full and immediate retail availability of their Wraith Max cooler through retail channels. The 140 W TDP Wraith Max cooler was previously only available through a bundle with AMD's top of the line Ryzen 7 1700X and 1800X. However, through popular demand, AMD have decided to make that cooler available solo. Ease of installation through AMD's Spring-Screw mechanism, jolly good looks, LED lighting, relatively silent performance (38 dBa) and respectable performance seem to have been enough to convince AMD users.

The Wraith Max cooler is compatible with AMD AM4, AM3+, and FM2 motherboards. The RGB ring's color can be customized through a myriad of RGB control apps from various manufacturers, such as Asus' Aura Sync, Gigabyte's RGB Fusion, MSI's Mystic Light, Biostar's Vivid LED DJ, and ASRock's RGB LED tools. AMD also offers the AMD Wraith Max RGB lighting control software (powered by Cooler Master) as a free download. The Wraith Max comes with both a USB header cable and an RGB LED header to control the lighting feature. A copper base plate and heatpipes, along with pre-applied thermal paste and a 92mm Cooler Master fan. The down-blowing fan also provides an extra bit of cooling for the socket area and VRMs. Perhaps the $59 price-tag will turn some prospective buyers off, but still, this remains the best stock cooler option in the market, and for someone who wants to keep an AMD cooling identity, is the best available option.

ID-Cooling introduced the second edition of its Hunter Duet dual-block CPU + VGA closed-loop cooler. The new Hunter Duet II features improvements to the CPU and VGA pump-blocks that increase coolant pressure, and 50% higher heat dissipation thanks to the larger 360 mm x 120 mm radiator, compared to its predecessor's 240 mm x 120 mm. Like its predecessor, the design of the Hunter Duet II includes two pump blocks - a conventional block over the CPU, and one over the GPU. The GPU component features a cooler shroud with a fan which ventilates aluminium heatsinks over the memory and VRM.

The two blocks are attached in serial, while the heat is dissipated by the radiator, ventilated by three included 120 mm fans. The cooler has a combined thermal capacity of 500W. The Hunter Duet II supports newer CPU socket types, including AM4, LGA2066, LGA2011(v3), LGA115x, AM3(+), and FM2(+). Its VGA component supports most GPUs with mount-hole spacing of 58.4 mm and 53.3 mm. Its blocks feature ceramic bearings. The company didn't reveal pricing or availability information.

Swiftech today released the Apogee Drive 2 CPU water-block with integrated pump, which now comes with support for AMD socket AM4. A successor to the second-generation Apogee HD pump-block, the Apogee Drive 2 features increased surface area for heat dissipation to the coolant, and features a higher flow MCP35X integrated-pump, with hydraulic bearings. The G1/4 inlet and exhausts can turn within a 90° angle. The Swiftech logo ornament on top of the block features an RGB lighting element (simple 3-color). Besides AM4, the Apogee Drive 2 supports LGA2011(v3), LGA115x, LGA1366, and LGA775, besides other AMD sockets, such as AM3(+) and FM2(+). Available now, it is priced at US $138.95.

PC thermal solution innovation brand CRYORIG is releasing a new addition to it's C Series line up and also it's smallest cooler to date, the C7 compact cooler. First revealed in Computex 2015 the C7 is a low profile cooler with a max height of 47mm. The C7's 47mm height also makes it only 2mm taller than the Intel Stock Heatsink, meaning it will fit in almost all case designs.

Despite it's size the C7 also packs a heavy dose of cooling with a total of 4 high performance heatpipes, phenomenal for it's size. Fitted with a dedicated 92mm 2500rpm PWM fan with CRYORIG's proprietary Quad Air Inlet System for maximum airflow. The C7 effectively provides 25% more cooling capacity than stock heatsinks from Intel/AMD, while being up to 20% lower in noise. It's (W)97x(L)97x(H)47mm dimensions also makes it compatible with the latest 1151/115x Intel boards and AMD offerings, with no interference with PCI-E GPU cards or RAM slots.

With the new 402 cooler from the Performance C series Xilence presents a compact, yet very powerful cooler for powerful multi-core processors. The small and very silent cooler comes in the classical tower design, and convinces with extremely powerful heatpipes and its innovative rib design. That ensures a low speed of the 92mm fan and therefore a very low noise level. The heat transfer between CPU and cooler is due to the direct contact of heatpipes to the CPU extremely efficient and very smooth. The A402 and the I402 will be available from May for 14,90 Euro (MSRP).

Japanese cooling expert Scythe announces a new revision of its Kodati CPU Cooler. Scythe is one of the first manufacturers to announce a special solution to the market for the socket AM1 (FS1b). Users have finally the chance to exchange the stock AM1 CPU cooler against the much more powerful Kodati Rev. B. The new revision furthermore inherits the socket support to the common sockets from AMD and Intel, which is very typical for Scythe products.

Scythe Kodati CPU Cooler aims specifically at the HTPC and Mini-ITX market, where size and weight is crucial. Thanks to its total heights of mere 34 millimeters and weight of 180 grams, Kodati Rev. B CPU cooler is able to fit to basically every compact system. This has been achieved by implementing the Stealth Fan Mounting Structure (S.F.M.S), where the pre-installed fan is located between the aluminum fin-structure and copper-baseplate. Fast heat dissipation is assured thanks to the two copper-heatpipes with 6 mm thickness. Users are able to control the supplied 80 mm fan in the range between 800 and 3.300 RPM thanks to the PWM support. The airflow varies between 10,2 and 42,2 m3/h (6,0~24,82 CFM), depending on the fan speed. The specified noise level during operation starts at inaudible 8,2 dBA and goes up to merely audible 32.5 dBA.

DeepCool has just added a new CPU cooler to its product portfolio, a model known as IceEdge 400 E (Elite Edition) that supports Intel LGA1156/LGA1155/LGA1150/LGA775 and AMD FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2/940/939/754 processors with a TDP of up to 130 W.

Pictured below, DeepCool's creation measures 100 x 86 x 125.5 mm, it weighs 475 grams and features an aluminum heatsink, four direct touch copper heatpipes, and a 92 mm Hydro Bearing fan that operates at 2200 RPM and has a sound output of 26.3 dBA. The IceEdge 400 E's price tag was not announced.

AMD reportedly updated its consumer products roadmap for 2014 thru 2015 to account for changes in the industry. The company is expected to unveil its next-generation "Volcanic Islands" GPU family by late-September, 2013. In the first quarter of 2014, the company is expected to unveil its 4th generation entry-level APUs, codenamed "Kabini." Built in ST3 socket for notebooks, and FS1B for desktops, this product family will include dual- and quad-core parts, with TDPs under 25W. Among the quad-core parts are the A4-5350 and A4-5150, and among the dual-core ones is the E1-2650.

"Kabini" will enter mass-production in February 2014, and will be formally announced in the following month. Kabini's early-2014 launch, delayed from late-2013, will have a cascading effect on its successor's launch. "Beema," its successor, will now launch in either late-2014, or early-2015. "Beema" will be based on the same socket types as "Kabini," but will incorporate more HSA technologies.

HWBot.org blanket-banning benchmark submissions from Windows 8 machines sent ripples across the PC enthusiast community. Overclocker Christian Ney from OCaholic.ch spent some time trying out different combinations of hardware and operating system to check if Windows 8 RTC (realtime-clock) bug affects benchmarks consistently, on all hardware platforms. His findings are interesting, and one can draw the inference that only Intel processor-based machines could be affected by the bug, not AMD-based ones.

Ney observed the Windows 8 RTC bug to affect benchmark results only on Windows 8 machines running Intel LGA1150 "Haswell," LGA1155 "Ivy Bridge," and LGA1155 "Sandy Bridge," and not AMD AM3 and FM2 platforms. The issue didn't surface on any system running the older Windows 7 operating system. With it, it's clear that it's not just Microsoft that has to do some troubleshooting, Intel has to, as well. HWBot.org may have just saved itself time and pointless "bias" debates by blanket-banning Windows 8.

After the successful launch of the ETS-T40 series, Enermax now presents a new line of CPU Coolers in the series, the ETS-T40-Black Twister (ETS-T40-BK) and ETS-T40-White Cluster (ETS-T40-W). The new lineup not only inherits the superior performance of the ETS-T40 series with patented technologies, but also features an attractive heat sink decked out in a stunning coat, increasing the options and appeal of the ETS-T40 series family.

Black Twister and White Cluster are available in midnight black and arctic white colors, respectively. Both models employ a unique TCC (Thermal Conductive Coating) to create better velocity of thermal transference and prevent oxidation on the contact surface. ETS-T40-Black Twister features a circular blue LED PWM fan for a mesmerizing presentation. On the other hand, ETS-T40-White Cluster is equipped with the white LED fan with the unique PWM APS (Adjustable Peak Speed) control which offers 3 peak RPM options to satisfy the needs of consumers who prefer manual adjustability.

Antec unveiled a pair of new all-in-one CPU coolers in the Kühler H2O series, the Kühler H2O 1250 and Kühler H2O 650 (pictured in that order). The two build over their Series 4 predecessors with more powerful pumps, and new high-airflow fans that focus airflow through the radiator. The fan's motor doubles up as the pump's, and so the air and coolant flow are in perfect proportion. The H2O 650 features a 120 x 120 size radiator with a single fan, while the H2O 1250 doubles the dissipation area with a larger 240 x 120 radiator, that uses two of those fans. The two ship with support for the latest CPU socket types, including LGA115x, LGA1366, LGA2011, AM3+/AM3, and FM2/FM1.

Thermal Solutions specialist GELID Solutions reveals the Rev. 2 GX-7 CPU cooler of its GAMER product line. Engineers at GELID Solutions have upgraded the award-winning GX-7 to the Rev. 2 GX-7 by adding the Slim 12 PL Blue fan and the multi award-winning GC-Extreme thermal compound. Contrary to traditional heat pipe arrangement the Rev. 2 GX-7 offers a special array of heat pipes to take full advantage of all 7 heat pipes heat transfer capacity. Further V-shaped aluminum fins were used in the center of the heat sink to allow airflow to reach the heat sink more evenly. Openings inside of the heat sink and near the heat pipes let fresh-air flow in from the top and the bottom to the zones where normally poorly ventilated and eliminate the creation of hotspots. The unique heat sink shape supports dual fans.

In an effort to clear inventories of its current-generation A-series "Trinity" desktop APUs, creating room for next-generation "Richland," AMD is preparing a string of price-cuts for April. APUs including (but probably not limited to) A8-5600K, and A4-4000 series could be part of these price cuts.

In addition to its APUs, AMD is also planning early price-cuts of some of its socket AM3+ CPUs, such as the FX-8320, FX-6300, and FX-4300, which is probably preemptive to Intel's June launch of Core "Haswell" desktop processors. AMD recently launched the mobile variants of its A-series "Richland" APUs, its desktop variants could be launched some time in Q2 2013, beginning with high-performance parts such as the A10-6800K and A8-6600K.

Evercool announced the HPR 9225EA entry-level tower-type CPU cooler. It uses a stack of 43 aluminium fins, to which heat is conveyed by two 6 mm-thick copper heat pipes, which make direct contact with the CPU at the base. The stack is ventilated by a 92 mm fan that spins at speeds up to 2,200 RPM, pushing 35.6 CFM of air, with 26.3 dBA noise output. Measuring 97 x 73 x 118 mm (WxDxH), the cooler weighs about 400 g. It supports most modern CPU socket types, with the exception of LGA2011. Among the socket types supported are LGA115x, LGA775, AM3+/AM3/AM2+, and FM2/FM1. The company did not give out pricing information.

It's not retirement time for AMD's 45 nm "Regor" silicon just yet, with the company announcing the Athlon II X2 280 value dual-core processor. Built in the socket AM3 package (compatible with AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+ motherboards), and based on the company's K10.5 micro-architecture, the chip features two x86-64 cores clocked at 3.60 GHz, 1 MB of L2 cache per core (2 MB total), an instruction set that includes SSE3 and SSE4A, and a dual-channel integrated memory controller that supports both DDR2 and DDR3 memory types. The chip can take advantage of HyperTransport 3.0 interface, with a maximum data-rate of 4.0 GT/s. It features a rated TDP of 65W, and is designed for entry-level desktops. It is priced at US $49.99.

Phanteks launches PH-TC12DX, a U-Type dual tower heat-sink with four 6mm heat-pipes allows for optimal airflow and cooling. PH-TC12DX's 6mm heat-pipes are linearly aligned and developed to have the least amount of air and thermal resistance. Incorporating P.A.T.S and C.P.S.C Technologies, PH-TC12DX delivers better heat dissipation and heat transfers. PH-TC12DX includes dual PH-F120HP PWM Premium fans to allow for higher performance and/or silent operation.

Scythe released the Apsalus entry-level liquid CPU Cooler (model: APSALUS3-120). Based on an Asetek platform, the pre-assembled (maintenance-free), closed-loop cooler uses an exposed copper base with pump assembly, joined the the 1U 120 mm radiator that packs the reservoir, which is ventilated by a 120 mm Scythe-made fan. The base measures 72.3 x 72.3 × 27.3 mm, the radiator 120 x 150 x 27 mm (excluding the fan), and the coolant pipes are about 326 mm long. The cooler supports all modern CPU socket types, including LGA2011, LGA115x, LGA1366, FM2/FM1, and AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2. It is priced around 6,980¥ ($84).

Antec introduced V4 series design updates for its Kuhler H2O 620 and H2O 920 closed-loop CPU coolers. The new coolers are outfitted with a higher-pressure pump, and split-flow copper fin design in the radiators. The company claims the two innovations work to drop temperatures down a further 2-4°C, over temperatures previous versions achieve. Lastly, the coolers are labeled with guaranteed support for current and upcoming CPU socket types, including LGA2011, LGA115x, LGA775, FM2/FM1, and AM3+/AM3/AM2+. Prices remain unchanged.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has announced the newest member of its high-performance Black Series of PC motherboards. The ECS A970M-A DELUXE supports AMD AM3 and AM3+ APUs, and gets the most from them with the latest ECS innovations for power, ease-of-use, and reliability. With features like full Windows 8 support, an upgraded user friendly BIOS - EZ BIOS, dust defending technology - Anti Dust Technology (ADS) and 8 channel HD audio, the A970M-A DELUXE is the heart of the ultimate gaming center and perfect all-round PC.

The A970M-A DELUXE is built around the AMD 970 chipset, to squeeze the maximum performance out of the most powerful cutting edge CPUs, while still maintaining compatibility with older technology.

EK-Supremacy Elite, the premium bundle containing the best CPU water block on the market and the best thermal interface on the market - the EK-TIM Indigo Xtreme - is now finally shipping. Please note that due to high demand this product may be shown as out of stock at the time of purchase. These water blocks are therefore manufactured on daily basis to ensure adequate supply and daily re-stock.

EK-Supremacy Elite is the premium bundle containing the best CPU water block on the market - the EK-Supremacy - Full Nickel - and the best thermal interface on the market - the EK-TIM Indigo Xtreme. EK-Supremacy is a universal CPU water block that fits all modern CPU sockets with a universal mounting mechanism that offers error-preventing, tool-less installation. The result is a perfect installation which results in perfect performance every time. EK-Supremacy is truly the best product for performance seeking enthusiasts.

It has been known since Computex that AMD plans to synchronize launch of its second-generation "Trinity" desktop APUs and second-generation "Vishera" desktop CPUs, in late-Q3 or early-Q4, 2012. In likely preparation for that, and to step up price-performance of its current lineup, AMD cut prices of its desktop CPUs and APUs across the board. These include price-cuts for Phenom II AM3 series, FX-series AM3+, and A-series FM1 CPUs and APUs. Some of the prices as down by as much as 22.9%. The Phenom II series chips are the ones with the biggest price-cuts. Find a list of chips with old and new pricing, and differences, compiled by CPU World, below.

AMD reportedly deferred the launch of its next-generation "Trinity" A-series accelerated processing units (APUs) for desktops, to October, 2012. The products were originally slated for August. The delay affects launches of most APUs in the socket FM2 package, including the A10-5800K, a top-performing part in the series.

Launches of the A-Series "Trinity" APUs appear to have been clubbed with those of the FX-Series "Volan" (Vishera silicon, Piledriver micro-architecture) processors, including the FX-8350 and FX-6300. Meanwhile, AMD is in the process of phasing out its low-cost socket AM3 processors (such as Athlon II AM3, and Phenom II AM3), replacing them with Athlon II FM2, Phenom II AM3+, and mid-range FX-Series AM3+.

Thermal Solutions specialist GELID Solutions has upgraded its multi-winning "Slim Silence AM2" to "Slim Silence A-Plus" which is compatible to all updated socket of AMD.

With a compact heatsink design for Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, HTPC, Panel PC, Car PC and 1U server the "Slim Silence A-Plus" contains two power heatpipes and a silent fan with PWM function. The high performance heatpipes ensure a fast and efficient heat transfer from core to aluminum fins. The frameless silent fan includes a ball bearing and a GELID intelligent PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control which ensures a silent operation at low CPU temperature and accelerates the fan speed when necessary.

Prolimatech, the master of cooling is going a step further after the success of the Prolimatech Megahalems by presenting another revolution in CPU cooling with the limited edition Prolimatech Black Series Genesis. Besides the immaculate quality - which is present across their entire product line-up - the Black Genesis sets new standards in cooling capability and cool looks.

Prolimatech continues the trend set by the Megahalems and Super Mega by utilising two separate towers, but instead of placing them next to each other, they have been rearranged for maximum performance. The large array of cooling fins can hold up to three 120 or 140 mm fans, two of which can be installed right out of the box with the included mounting materials. Besides keeping the CPU cool, the construction allows for direct air flow across critical areas like the memory and power phases of the system.