Noctua today officially presented its long-awaited NH-D14 premium CPU cooler. Combining a massive six heatpipe dual radiator design with an exquisite NF-P14/NF-P12 dual fan configuration, the NH-D14 is built to further improve the renowned quiet cooling performance of Noctua's award-winning NH-U12P series.

"Our NH-U12P coolers are widely regarded as one of the best solutions on the market, so it makes us especially proud that we can offer a further substantial improvement in quiet cooling performance with the new NH-D14", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "The NH-D14 in Ultra-Low-Noise mode actually outperforms the NH-U12P at full fan speed, so we're confident that this cooler will appeal to overclockers and silent enthusiasts alike."

AMD updated its CPU market schedules, looking as far as Q4 2010, across various CPU product lines. The update involves phasing out several existing products, adding replacements, and the addition of new products, according to sources in the motherboard industry. To begin with, several Phenom II X4 900 series quad-core processors will be discontinued. The company has reportedly already stopped taking orders for the Phenom II X4 910 (HDX910WFK4DGI, 2.60 GHz), and the 125W Phenom II X4 945 (HDX945FBK4DGI, 3.00 GHz). The latter perhaps is phased out due to its 95W variant (HDX945WFK4DGM). The company will stop taking orders for the 140W Phenom II X4 965 BE in Q1 2010, perhaps because of its 125W variant, for X4 925 around the same time, and for the X4 955 125W in Q2. The company is planning to release a 95W variant of the X4 955 around that time.

The company will also stop taking orders for several Phenom II X4 800 series, X3 700 series, X2 500 series, and Athlon II X4 600 series, and X3 400 series processors, as Phenom II X4 820, Phenom II X3 740 and Phenom II X2 550 will remain. Q4 2009 will see the introduction of the 3.20 GHz Phenom II X2 555, the new Athlon II X4 640 (3.00 GHz, 95W), and the Athlon II X3 445 (3.10 GHz, 95W) will follow in Q2 2010.

ASRock also introduced the M3A785GM-LE/128M, a value socket AM3 motherboard, supporting AMD Phenom II and Athlon II series processors. Built in the micro-ATX form-factor, the M3A785GM-LE/128M is based on the AMD 785G + SB710 chipset. The CPU is powered by a simple 4 phase circuit, and is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots to support up to 8 GB of memory. The AMD 785G northbridge embeds an ATI Radeon HD 4200 class DirectX 10.1 compliant integrated graphics processor, with 128 MB of onboard DDR3 memory across its SidePort memory interface. It makes use of the chipset's features. The expansion slots on this board include one each of PCI-Express 2.0 x16, PCI-E x1, and two PCI slots. The SB710 southbridge provides six internal SATA 3 Gb/s ports. Display connectivity options include DVI-D and D-Sub. 6 channel audio, and gigabit Ethernet make for the rest of the package. Availability and pricing are yet to be known.

Close to an year after Danamics released its so-perceived revolutionary LM10 liquid-metal CPU cooler, which was shelved a mere two months after its launch, the company is back with its successor. The new Danamics LMX looks bigger, meaner, and more compatible. The principle involves circulating liquid metal through heatpipes in an aluminum fin array. The liquid metal is circulated using an electromagnetic pump, though the unit has a shielded magnetic field that does not interfere with components outside it. The flowing liquid metal disperses heat to parts of the cooler better, resulting in higher cooling performance compared to other forms of air-cooling.

The unit measures 158.2×170.5×90 mm, weighing 1180 g. The heatsink fins are made of nickel-plated aluminum. Two 120 mm fans strapped on to either sides, are made by SilenX. This completely monolithic cooler has snap-on assembly, meaning it's as easy to install as almost any other air-cooler. It supports Intel sockets LGA-1366, LGA-775, and AMD AM3/AM2(+). It is priced at 159 EUR, significantly lower than its predecessor which went for 280 EUR. A flash animation of how the cooler works, among other details, can be accessed here.

Scythe Group is announcing two new entry-level versions of Katana 3 CPU Cooler. Both new models are offered at a lower price, and are equipped with dedicated mounting bracket and thermal grease. Katana 3 "Type A" (SCKTN-3000A) is compatible to AMD socket 754, 939, 940, AM2(+), AM3 whereas "Type I" (SCKTN-3000I) is compatible to Intel socket 775, 1156 and 1366.

Katana 3 TYPE A & I CPU Cooler is equipped with a genuine Scythe 92 mm fan which supports the PWM feature for flexible fan control by motherboard. Fan speed can be adjusted between 300 to 2,500 rpm which provides airflow of 12 to 95 m³/h respectively 6.7 to 55.55 CFM. By adopting the S.P.S. (Slant Pipe Structure), generated airflow is furthermore effectively used to cool various components such as RAM, Chipset as well as Voltage Regulators.

AMD expanded its value processor lineup under the Athlon II banner, with as many as eight new models. The list includes energy-efficient quad-core models, inexpensive triple-core ones, and budget dual-core offerings. All models are based on socket AM3, and are compatible with AM2(+) sockets. The dual-channel memory controllers on these chips support both DDR2 and DDR3 memory standards. This expansion clearly demarcates the target market of the Athlon II series: sub $150.

The quad-core Athlon II X4 parts are based on the Propus die, which has 512 KB of dedicated L2 cache per core, and a HyperTransport 4.0 GT/s system interface. The new Athlon II X3 triple-core models are most likely produced by disabling one of the four cores on the Propus die. The energy efficient Athlon II parts come with the "e" suffix for the model number, and offer lower rated TDP. Following are the details of these new parts:

• Athlon II X2 235e: 2.70 GHz, 2 MB (2 x 1 MB) L2 cache, 45W TDP, US $69
• Athlon II X2 240e: 2.80 GHz, 2 MB (2 x 1 MB) L2 cache, 45W TDP, US $77
• Athlon II X3 400e: 2.20 GHz, 1.5 MB (3 x 512 KB) L2 cache, 45W TDP, US $97
• Athlon II X3 405e: 2.30 GHz, 1.5 MB (3 x 512 KB) L2 cache, 45W TDP, US $102
• Athlon II X3 425: 2.70 GHz, 1.5 MB (3 x 512 KB) L2 cache, 95W TDP, US $76
• Athlon II X3 435: 2.90 GHz, 1.5 MB (3 x 512 KB) L2 cache, 95W TDP, US $87
• Athlon II X4 600e: 2.20 GHz, 2 MB (4 x 512 KB) L2 cache, 45W TDP, US $133
• Athlon II X4 605e: 2.30 GHz, 2 MB (4 x 512 KB) L2 cache, 45W TDP, US $143

MSI is readying a new socket AM2+ motherboard based on the AMD 790X + SB710 chipset. The MSI 790X-G45 is an ATX motherboard that makes use of the chipset's feature-set. The CPU is powered by a 4+1 phase circuit which makes use of MSI's APS (Active Phase Switching) function that turns of redundant phases when the load is low. Supporting most socket AM3, AM2+, and AM2 processors, the motherboard's four DDR2 DIMM slots support DDR2-1066 memory for the K10 generation of AMD processors, and DDR2-1200 by overclocking. Its two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots (electrical x8, x8, when both are in use,) provide support for ATI CrossFireX. The SB710 southbridge takes care of six internal SATA 3.0 Gbps ports, an IDE connector for two devices, 8-channel HD audio, and support for Advanced Clock Calibration. Gigabit Ethernet, six USB ports and a serial port, make for the rest of its connectivity. The MSI 790X-G45 will be available in the weeks to come.

Scythe extends its product portfolio by adding a new CPU Cooler for the entry level market. Samurai ZZ (Model No. SCSMZ-2000) is a top-flow CPU Cooler weighing 16.6 oz, respectively 495 g (incl. Fan), and it is equipped with 3 u-shaped Copper-Heatpipes as well as a 92 mm Fan. Supplied fan is supports the PWM-Feature which allows the fan speed being controlled in a range from 300 up to 2,500 rpm. The fan can generate airflow of 12 up to 95 m³/h, respectively 6.7 up to 55.55 CFM at a noise level between 7.2 and 31.07 dBA.

Samurai ZZ CPU Cooler is specified for cooling of CPUs with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of up to 130 W, and it is compatible to Intel socket 478, T / LGA775, LGA1156, LGA1366 as well as AMD socket 754, 939, AM2(+), AM3, 940. By using the improved V.T.M.S (Versatile Tool-Free Multiplatform System) mounting mechanism, Samurai ZZ can be easily installed within just a few minutes, which doesn't necessarily require the detachment or the removal of the motherboard. New F.P.S. (Fast-Phase Structure) technology uses the generated airflow for cooling of upper and lower heatsink structure as well as surrounding motherboard components and VRs. Samurai ZZ has the overall dimensions of 3.62 x 3.62 x 0.98 inch (W x D x H), respectively 94 x 122 x 94 mm, and it is available for a 16.75 EUR (MSRP, excl. VAT) or US$ 31.80 (MSRP, excl. TAX).

Traditionally, a specialists in aluminum/copper fin 'ring' type CPU coolers, Zalman maintained a performance leadership till aluminum fin tower type CPU coolers took over as the better performing design. Zalman was forced to keep up with the trend, which it did with the introduction of its CNPS-10X series coolers, namely CNPS-10X Quiet, and CNPS-10X Extreme. The third one in the series, which Zalman recently made available to European stores, is the CNPS-10X Flex. This is basically a tower-type heatsink that uses a block of 56 aluminum fins (some of which are anodized black), to which heat is conveyed by five copper heat-pipes. While it does not include a fan of its own, it gives you the flexibility of using your own 120 mm fan, and allows for two fans in all. The retention module supplied supports all current CPU sockets, including LGA-1366, LGA-1156, LGA-775, and AM3/AM2+/AM2. Priced at €40, it is €10 cheaper than the CNPS-10X Quiet, enough price difference to allow you to buy a decent-quality 120 mm fan of your choice, be it performance-oriented, or quiet.

Cooling specialist Xigmatek announced its latest CPU cooler, the Balder SD1283. The Balder maintains a design similar to most other tower coolers. The design consists of a base from which three heat pipes of 8 mm diameter making direct contact with the CPU, convey heat to a dense array of aluminum alloy fins. The CPU base has a mirror finish to ensure better surface contact.

The main unit measures 120(W) x 50(D) x 159(H) mm, and weighs 700 g with fan. The 120 mm fan spins at speeds between 1000 ~ 2200 rpm, with a maximum noise output of 28 dBA. The Xigmatek Balder supports all current sockets, including LGA-1366, LGA-1156, LGA-775, and AM3/AM2+/AM2. The package includes a bolt-thru kit for the LGA sockets, and enough rubber rivets to let you attach two fans. It is priced at 32.90 EUR.

Cooling solutions OEM Akasa's newest offering is the AK-968 X4 CPU cooler. This value offering is designed to oust your stock CPU cooler for better performance at a low price. Measuring 135 (H) x 109 (W) x 90 (D) mm, and weighing 458 g, the AK-968 X4 resembles similar coolers in its category such as the Arctic Freezer 7 Pro. Its design involves a copper base plate from which three u-shaped copper heatpipes pass, conveying heat to an aluminum fin array, which is actively cooled by a 92 mm PWM-controlled fan that spins at speeds between 600 ~ 2500 rpm pushing up to 47.7 CFM of air, with a noise output of 17.0 ~ 29.5 dBA. It supports all current desktop CPU sockets, including Intel LGA-1366, LGA-1156, LGA-775, AMD s939, and AM3/AM2/AM2+. It is currently listed for £20 at a popular British etailer.

Prolimatech is out with a new revision of its flagship Megahalems CPU cooler. The new Revision B of Megahalems updates it for the LGA 1156 socket, and adds to its features, a little. While the heatsink itself retains the same design, changes are made to the retention module, which now features mount holes for socket LGA 1156, apart from its usual support for sockets LGA 1366, LGA 775, and AM3/AM2+/AM2. The bundle now includes four fan clips (two sets), instead of two (one set) on the older version. This allows you to install 120 mm fans on either-sides of the heatsink. The new revision B Prolimatech Megahalems has started selling in Europe for 55 EUR.

Tuniq introduced its newest CPU cooler, the Tuniq Propeller 120. This release follows the launch of the Tower 120 Extreme. Measuring 128(L) × 127.5(W) × 145(H) mm, and weighing at 590 g without the 120 mm fan, The cooler sports an unconventional design. From the CPU base pass four 8 mm nickel-plated copper heat-pipes that make direct contact with the CPU. The two ends of these heat-pipes pass through two blocks of aluminum fins. The fins are somewhat triangular in shape and are pitted for added surface area.

The bundled 120 mm MFDB fan comes with a fan-speed control knob, and spins at speeds between 1000~2000 rpm, pushing up to 90.65 CFM of air, with noise levels of 16~20 dBA ± 10%. The fan blows air onto the motherboard, passively cooling other components. The Propeller 120 also packs a tube of the company's newest Tuniq TX3 thermal compound. Supported sockets include LGA-1366, LGA-775, and AM3/AM2+/AM2. It comes in two variants, CR-PRO120-BK with black colored fins, and a blue LED-lit fan, and CR-PRO120-SV with normal (chrome) fins and an opaque black fan. The Propeller 120 should start selling this October.

Thermaltake, leading DIY thermal solutions brand, launches a multi-socket support budget CPU cooler, the Contac 29. The Thermaltake Contac29 offers excellent cooling performance and a formidable price point when compared with the current competition on the market. Its Direct Contact Technology allows the three 8 mm heatpipes to immediately touch the CPU and thereby maximize the cooling effect. The multi-socket support offers excellent compatibility and flexibility in the choice and upgrade of your processor. It supports all major Intel sockets such as the LGA1156, LGA1366 and older LGA775 models. As for AMD, sockets AM3, AM2+ and AM2 are supported.

The three u-shaped heatpipes transfer processor heat up into the aluminum heatsink fins. In a second step the preinstalled 120 mm PWM fan blows air over the layered fins to further increase cooling efficiency, while the specially curved fins prevent outside heat to intrude the dissipation area.

OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, today expanded their lineup of DDR3 to include certified OCZ Black Edition 4GB kits for ultimate compatibility with AMD's next-generation Phenom II processors. These modules excel on Black Edition platforms at ultra-low voltage, an ideal parameter for the latest highly efficient processors. OCZ's unique Black Edition Series is designed to be the ultimate upgrade for users who not only want to reap the benefits of high-frequency DDR3, but want a future-proof choice for their system.

"OCZ is excited to launch our new AMD Black Edition Ready Series which is designed specifically to work with AMD's OverDrive software utility," said Eugene Chang, Vice President of Product Management at the OCZ Technology Group. "The new OCZ Black Edition modules not only interact with AOD to overclock the memory, but also communicate with the BIOS to increase the frequency and performance of the memory controller. The result is a symbiotic relationship between memory and the rest of the system to unleash the full power of the Dragon Platform."

Possessing industrial grade technology, DFI LANParty is going to launch the newest Blood Iron series product, 785G-M35 Micro ATX motherboard. Accommodating AMD 785 chipset, BI 785G-M35 incorporates integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200, which supports DirectX10.1, Shader Model 4.1, and UVD 2.0. With 128MB DDR3 Sideport Memory, graphics performance of BI 785G-M35 can be improved up to 10%~15%. What is more, it comes with LANParty exclusive "ABS II" CPU Auto Upgrade technology and leading-edge digital PWM so as to let users enjoy the ultimate high performance and simultaneously save a huge amount of budget and electric pay.

CPU can be upgraded. Users do not need to spend a huge amount of money on high degree CPU, but still can obtain the same high performance. "ABS II" CPU Auto Upgrade Technology exempts users from complicated set-up steps. As long as users choose upgrade option at the first boost time, ABS II then will detect CPU and upgrade it automatically. As a result, performance is improved easily and money is saved accordingly.

Thermaltake, leading DIY thermal solutions brand, launches the next generation of the award-winning SpinQ processor cooler, the Thermaltake SpinQ VT. With its multi-socket support the SpinQ VT offers excellent compatibility for upcoming Intel LGA 1156, LGA 1366 and older LGA 775 processors, while AMD AM3, AM2+ and AM2 CPUs are supported.

The SpinQ VT combines cooling strength with an enticingly aesthetic appearance. Three u-shaped 6 mm heatpipes connect the mirror coated copper base with the cylindrical heat sink which is created of 50 spiral aluminum fins. Inside the heat sink spiral a specially designed 80 mm blow fan rotates with 1000 to 1600 RPM to exhaust the heat over 360 degrees. Manual control over the fan speed is provided for by the convenient VR Fan knob allowing for stepless speed adjustment. All of this results in excellent cooling characteristics taking up to 180W/mm2 of heat dissipation.

SAPPHIRE Technology has just released a new feature packed mainboard based on the highly acclaimed 785G chipset from AMD, supporting the latest AMD Phenom ll processor families with DDR3 memory and on-board DX10.1 graphics as well as PCI-Express 2.0.

The SAPPHIRE PURE 785G (part number PI-AM3RS785G) is a fully featured mainboard in standard microATX format combining the powerful AMD 785G Chipset and AMD SB710 south bridge. Two DIMM slots support up to 8GB of DDR3 1333/1600 memory and there is an on-board 128MBit DDR3 sideport memory. The integrated high speed 3GB/s SATA hard drive interface caters for up to 6 devices with optional RAID functions, and there is also an Ultra DMA IDE connector. On board features include GigaBit LAN and 6-channel HD Audio with 3D audio capability as well as support for up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

GlacialTech today launched its mid-range F101 CPU cooler. Unveiled back at Computex, the F101 extends support for all new sockets, while not leaving out any current ones. Its design makes use of two dissimilar-sized aluminum fin blocks that just about cover a 120 mm fan. Heat is conveyed to these using five heatpipes. The cooler measures 143 x 86 x 148 mm (L x W x H), and weighs 750 g (~1.66 lbs). It comes in two variants - F101 Silent and F101 PWM - depending on the kind of fan bundled. The former packs a 1100 ±200 rpm fan that pushes about 40 CFM of air with a noise output of 21 dBA, while the latter packs a more powerful 800~1700 rpm PWM-controlled fan, that depending on its speed, can push up to 70 CFM of air being as loud as 32 dBA. Both carry a tube of IceTherm thermal compound. As mentioned before, it supports all current CPU sockets including LGA-1366, LGA-1156, LGA-775, AM3, and AM2(+). Pricing is not known, though expect fairly acceptable prices.

AMD is adding to its value dual-core processor lineup with a new high-speed part. The Athlon II X2 255 (PIB model: ADX255OCK23GQ) is based on the 45 nm Regor die, and packs a clock speed of 3.10 GHz (15.5 x 200 MHz). Each core has a dedicated L2 cache of 1 MB (2 MB total cache), and the TDP is rated at 65W. Based on the socket AM3 package, it supports DDR3 and DDR2 memory standards. Expected to be out soon, the Athlon II X2 255 could displace the Athlon II X2 250, while being priced lower than the Phenom II X2 550.

AMD is planning to create a desktop implementation of its Opteron "Istanbul" monolithic six-core processor. Codenamed "Thuban" (named after a star in the Draco constellation, which means Dragon), the new processor will be based on the socket AM3 package for compatibility with existing and future desktop core logic. It features six cores, 9 MB of total cache (6 x 512 KB L2 + 6 MB L3). Thuban is aimed to make for AMD's high-end desktop processor, as the company prepares to face competition from a near-complete lineup of processors based on the Nehalem/Westmere architectures from Intel. It is expected to be the posterboy for AMD's "Leo" high-end consumer desktop platform that succeeds its current Dragon platform.

Some of the key components that make up AMD Leo platform are the upcoming AMD 890FX and 890GX chipset, companion SB800 series southbridge chips, and members of AMD's Evergreen family of DirectX 11 compliant graphics processors. On the software front, AMD will give its Fusion and Overdrive utilities some big updates. The SB800 series southbridge chips will feature native support for SATA 6 Gb/s and USB 3.0; connectivity is further enhanced by integrated Broadcom MAC Ethernet interfaces. While the Leo platform is expected to launch almost simultaneously with the 8-series chipsets, the six-core Thuban processor on the other hand comes later. It is due only in Q3 2010. Thuban will have come out an year after its enterprise implementation in the form of Opteron "Istanbul".

Noctua today presented the latest version of its successful NH-U12P series of premium quality quiet CPU coolers. The new NH-U12P SE2 now supports Intel's upcoming LGA1156 based Core i5 and Core i7 "Lynnfield" CPUs while maintaining compatibility with LGA1366, LGA775 and AM3 processors. Like the SE1366 version, the NH-U12P SE2 offers a premium value package with Noctua NT-H1 thermal compound and two NF-P12 120mm fans.

"Users loved our LGA1366 special edition of the NH-U12P cooler, but many asked whether they could get the same premium package with dual fans for other sockets as well", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "We thought that the impending launch of Intel's new Lynnfield CPUs would be a great opportunity to come up with a new special edition that not only supports the new socket but also offers the multi-socket compatibility of the original NH-U12P, so the NH-U12P SE2 was born."

ASUS today announced the launch of a series of specially-developed motherboards that lets theater-sound aficionados and audiophiles build their dream home-theater PC. The ASUS Absolute Pitch Series features three audio technologies for different forms of aural enjoyment. The DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers theater-like sound on modest equipment for an affordable, full-range sound, ENVY HD delivers a comprehensive 10 channels of audio output for a professional audio experience, and BD 192/24 delivers high-fidelity Blu-ray decoding for a dynamic sound output similar to a live entertainment experience.

Mushkin today announced four dual-channel DDR3 memory kits it claims to be best suited for the AMD AM3 socket processors. All of these are specified to run at PC3-12800 (DDR3 1600 MHz), and consist of two 2 GB modules. The changes kick in, in the form of memory timings and recommended vDIMM voltages. Says Mushkin: "Our Engineers have risen to the challenge of new technological advancements and set themselves upon our Dual Channel technology. The result thus far has been 4 exemplary new memory kits for the DDR3-Dual Channel segment that, because of diverse adjustments, are fine-tuned for the AM3 platform."

Product details, as listed by Mushkin are as follows:

• 996657AM3 - XP3-12800 4096MB Dual Channel Kit CL 7-7-7-20 1.85V-1.95V
• 996601AM3 - XP3-12800 4096MB Dual Channel Kit CL 7-7-6-18 1.85V-1.95V
• 996659AM3 - XP3-12800 4096MB Dual Channel Kit CL 9-9-9-27 1.65V-1.70V
• 996629AM3 - XP3-12800 4096MB Dual Channel Kit CL 8-8-8-24 1.80V-1.90V

All four kits are available now, at standard market prices. Mushkin says that it's working on even more memory kits optimized for the AM3 platform.

MSI is ready with yet another motherboard for the AMD platform. This time, the company used NVIDIA's creme de la creme nForce 980a SLI chipset in its first socket AM3 implementation. The MSI NF980-G65 brings 3-way SLI to the socket AM3 crowd. The release trails ASUS by months, which introduced a AM2+ (DDR2) motherboard based on the chipset. While the actual picture is too small and blurry, the layout drawing is legible.

The NF980-G65 supports the entire range of socket AM3 processors, including future chips with 140W TDP. DDR3-2133 MHz memory is supported by overclocking. The layout uses 7 expansion slots, including three PCI-E 2.0 x16 slots (that arrange as x16, x16, NC, or x16, x8, x8) depending on the population of PCI-E x16 graphics cards. Between these are two PCI-E x1, and two PCI slots. nForce 980a SLI packs a GeForce 8300 class IGP, which supports GeForce Boost with supported low-end discrete graphics cards. Its display output is handled by DVI-D, D-Sub, and HDMI connectors on board. All the chipset's six SATA II ports are provided internally. Audio is care of a high-grade Realtek ALC889 CODEC, gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire make for the rest of the connectivity. Pricing and availability are not known at this point, though we expect this one to sell for under US $200.