Intel is planning to launch a new system-on-chip (SoC) processor derived from Atom, for network-attached storage (NAS) devices. NAS devices simple computers that connect hard drives directly to the network, where they are accessed by other computers. Over the years, NAS devices have added several functions, such as the ability to expand storage from external storage devices, the ability to perform simple tasks such as bit-torrent downloads, etc. To keep up with the growing need for compute power with these "super-NAS" devices, and to keep power draws low, there is a demand for low-power, low-footprint (small in size), and high-performance processing cores. This is one small but emerging segment that Intel doesn't want to concede to high-end multi-core ARM processors.

Sources told DigiTimes that Intel is working on an entire lineup of Atom processors for NAS devices, targeting various performance and power-draw segments. Intel is codenaming these Atom processors "Centerton". The chips are built on second-generation Atom architecture, and will be built on the 32 nm process. In related news, Intel also plans to roll out 22nm Silvermont-based Atom processors in 2013 and 14nm Airmont-based Atom parts in 2014, according to sources.

As Intel's Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E" processors in the LGA2011 package inch closer to their mid-November launch, there is already hectic activity among manufacturers of related components such as motherboards, memory, and coolers. By now, a large section of the industry has engineering samples to help design and test their components. OCWorkbench was witness to one such pre-release setup on which a Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E" (unknown model, could even be quad-core for all we know), overclocked to 4.92 GHz with a "regular" air-cooler. The chip was idling at 45°C.

Sandy Bridge-E, as we know, can be effectively overclocked by increasing its base clock (BClk). On this particular setup, the BClk was set at 120 MHz, with a multiplier value of 41X, and core voltage of 1.51V. The memory used was DDR3-2400 MHz with CAS latency of 10T. This is particularly encouraging, not just to enthusiasts on a tight budget, but also the cooling products industry in general. Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E" retail boxes don't contain a cooling solution, and Intel has been showing off its branded closed-loop water-cooling solution (to be purchased separately) as something that's "recommended" for Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E". This gave many an impression that you need at least closed-loop water coolers for any hope of achieving decent overclocked speeds with these chips, and that perhaps these chips are bad overclockers in general. The likes of Xigmatek, Thermalright, Noctua, and Scythe can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

What happens when you mash up a CPU tower-type air-cooler with a water-block? You get PCCooler OC3 W120. This innovative cooler combines a tower-type air cooler design with a water block. First, there's a typical heatsink that has a polished copper base and heat pipes originating from the base, conveying heat to a aluminum fin stack; next, at the top of the stack are fittings that connect the cooler to a liquid-cooling loop. The water tubes pass through the aluminum fin stack just like heat pipes, before reaching the base of the heatsink. At the base, a micro-fin plate and block chamber makes direct contact with the heat pipes and the base below.

The aluminum fin stack holds one 120 mm fan to ventilate it. The fins are of irregular shape and are dimpled to increase surface area and turbulence. With its unique hybrid design, the PCCooler OC3 W120 can handle thermal loads of up to 500W. PCCooler OC3 W120 is made by Chinese company Shenzhen Fluence Technology, its products are exclusively sold in the Asian markets.

Noctua displayed a new low-profile, top-flow CPU cooler prototype, that's capable of low-profile mode with a height of just 66 mm, making it fit for certain slim form-factor ITX cases. The prototype uses a C-type top-flow heatsink, similar to the NH-C14, only much smaller, and thinner. It uses four heat-pipes to convey heat to a dense aluminum fin array. Unlike on the NH-C14, this prototype uses a dual-fan design in which the bottom fan is smaller. While the top-fan is a 120 mm Focused Airflow, while the bottom fan is a 92 mm NF-B9. The cooler can be run in dual-fan mode with both fans installed (cooler height will be 91 mm), or single-fan low-profile mode with the top fan removed (cooler height of 66 mm). A "high-clearance mode" with the bottom fan removed also looks possible.

Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced pricing and specifications for the Corsair Link Cooling Kit and the Corsair Link Cooling and Lighting Kit.

Corsair Link is a modular hardware and software system that provides comprehensive monitoring and control of PC cooling and lighting. The two starter packages announced today are complete solutions that allow customers to immediately enjoy the benefits of Corsair Link technology. Customers can then further expand their control with additional peripherals that offer Corsair Link connectivity.

Mach Xtreme Technology Inc., a worldwide leader in top performance, high reliability and user friendly designed PC components, today unveiled the SATA MX-KATANA Series SSD modules. Based on an innovative design, the sleek KATANA Series modules deliver an enhanced mobile computing experience with much faster application loading, ultra-fast data access, shorter boot-ups, and longer battery life of today's and future laptops and netbooks with new type low-profile SATA interface.

This series maintains the highest level of read and write performance though the life of the SSD. In addition, highly intelligent wear leveling design optimizes longevity of MX-KATANA series drives. This SSD module is the ideal upgrade option from standard storage of some popular notebooks like MacBook Air Rev.3.X series, making it a must have item for any serious notebook DIY enthusiast. The MX-KATANA drive delivers best-in-class read and write speeds clocking in at up to 275MB/s read and 225MB/s write along with the stunning maximum of 20,000 IOPS, low power consumption and superior durability (1.0 million MTBF) compared to rotating hard disk drives.

Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced the Crucial Ballistix Active Cooling Fan, a snap-on proactive solution to decrease memory module heat by increasing airflow. The Crucial Ballistix Active Cooling Fan cools memory modules by eliminating 'dead spots' of airflow within the case. The fan is especially effective with water-cooled systems where internal airflow around the memory modules is often minimal. Watch a short video demonstrating how the Crucial fan increases airflow inside a computer case artificially filled with smoke. The Crucial Ballistix Active Cooling Fan is available globally today through select partners and online at Crucial.com.

"With higher densities of memory running fully populated in motherboard memory slots?along with faster speeds?performance systems demand additional cooling," said Jeremy Mortenson, Crucial senior product manager. "Whether you run your memory at stock speeds or push it to the limits with overclocking, temperature plays a critical role in reliability. The new Crucial Ballistix Active Cooling Fan can improve airflow and keep your memory running cooler."

Spire Corp today officially introduced their new high-end chassis. The Epoxi is a top of the line, sturdy and versatile PC Gamer case. Crafted from heavy-duty perforated steel panels guaranteed maximum performance and computing satisfaction. Every element of the case has been engineered to provide maximum cooling performance. Up to six large 12cm fans placed throughout the Epoxi ensuring unbeatable cooling. The meshed aluminum front panel allows unrestricted fresh air intake which is mandatory for todays extremely hot gaming components such as high wattage CPU and GPU.

The spacious internal design enables flexible assembly and sufficient room for the installation of water-cooling. The Chassis is pre-applied with rubber grommet holes for feeding the external water-cooling tubes. 11 removable front bezels accommodating 5x 5.25 inch drive bays and 6x 3.5 drive bays. Tool-free support enabling nice and easy installation of your drive devices. Two drive cages with direct cooling and tool free mounting for five hard disc drives provide massive storage capabilities. Anti-vibration mountings and application of cooling fans make this the affordable power machine you have been looking for.

Introducing a more personal, intuitive and entertaining computing experience for consumers, HP today unveiled the sleekly appealing HP TouchSmart310 PC, which features the most advanced version of the company's exclusive TouchSmart software to date. The company also announced the HP TouchSmart Apps Center for one-touch access to free and subscription-based applications, as well as the HP Omni100, which offers the performance users demand from a tower and monitor in an all-in- one design.

HP also is helping businesses make touch an integral part of the customer experience through relationships with American Airlines, ESPN and the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers. "Each generation of TouchSmart is a reflection of what HP has learned from its customers, complemented by the latest technologies," said James Mouton, senior vice president, Desktop Organization, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The TouchSmart PC's unique interface lets users do more than just basic computing - it acts as the anchor of one's digital lifestyle, encouraging creativity, organization and a truly immersive experience."

The Inno3D GeForce GT 240 had only just launched but it has already been given the i-Chill treatment with XStriker3. Uniquely designed for passive and active cooling solutions, the Xstriker3 was the first cooler specially designed for Inno3D i-Chill series - built to increase efficient air circulation for extreme gaming. Inno3D i-Chill GT 240 is built with top-notch quality, which includes faster core speeds; gold plated DVI+VGA+HDMI connectors that allows better signal quality; top quality OS-CON capacitors; aluminum ramsinks to stabilise memory; with full game bundles and 3 years warranty. Inno3D i-Chill GT 240 has reached over expectation and beats the Vantage performance scores in comparison to the reference speeds as shown in the below comparison table. It is equipped and built with top quality features to run a smooth game play.

The Apple Air was recently pushed out into the public. The public doesn't mind it, and for those who can actually afford it, it's quite a nice laptop. It's thin, it's light, it's powerful, and it's easy to use. However, an independent firm got curious as to exactly why the Air was so expensive, so thin, and so pretty. So, they took it apart, and promptly declared it was like nothing they've ever seen, in a very bad way. Beneath the glowering surface is an ugly interior, which uses unnecessary materials, and quite possibly keeps heat trapped inside. The official statement from the investigators:

Based on the results of our teardown project, we guess Apple is not paying much attention to both workmanship of the hardware design and comprehensive cost reduction. The company seems to have focused on aspects, where its expertise lies, such as external appearance, software and user interfaces.