GIGABYTE announced the Z590 AORUS Tachyon, a high-end motherboard targeted at enthusiasts seeking out extreme CPU and memory overclocking feats. The board is designed with an optimized layout for open-air test benches. It features a powerful CPU VRM solution that draws power from two 8-pin EPS connectors, and 12 direct VRM phases, each with 100 A DrMOS and full Tantalum capacitor layout. The board features a 1-DIMM-per-channel (1DPC) memory, over just two DDR4 DIMM slots, a memory topology that enables the highest frequencies. The board also comes with physical controls for a number of overclocker-friendly features, such as BIOS profile selection, cold-restart, manual BIOS ROM selection, LN2 optimization, etc.

Expansion slots on the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Tachyon include four PCI-Express x16, from which two are Gen 4 (when paired with 11th Gen "Rocket Lake"), and run at either x16/NC or x8/x8; and the other two are Gen 3 x4/x1, wired to the Z590 PCH. Storage connectivity includes three M.2 NVMe slots, from which one is wired to the CPU and is Gen 4 x4 when used with "Rocket Lake," and the others Gen 3 x4. Other connectivity includes a premium onboard audio solution powered by a Realtek ALC1220-VB CODEC, a 2.5 GbE wired network interface powered by an Intel i225-V controller, and an 802.11 ax (Wi-Fi 6E), powered by an Intel AX210 controller. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Thermaltake today introduced the ToughRAM XG RGB line of DDR4 memory kits. The series debuts in 16 GB (2x 8 GB) dual-channel memory kits, with frequency-based variants of DDR4-3600, DDR4-4000, DDR4-4400, and DDR4-4600. The top DDR4-4600 kit (R016D408GX2-4600C19A) does its rated frequency with timings of 19-26-26-45, and 1.5 V DRAM voltage. The DDR4-4400 kit (R016D408GX2-4400C19A) runs at slightly tighter timings of 19-25-25-45, and 1.45 V. The DDR4-4000 kit (R016D408GX2-4000C19A) ticks at 19-23-23-42, with 1.35 V. At the same voltage, the DDR4-3600 kit (R016D408GX2-3600C18A) does 18-19-19-39.

Visually, the ToughRAM XG RGB module features a chunky aluminium heatspreader design with three distinct design tones, and three silicone addressable-RGB diffusers that hide 16 ARGB diodes. You can control the lighting using Thermaltake's NeonMaker app, or pretty much any ARGB control software, including Razer Chroma. Thermaltake guarantees advertised speeds on Intel X299, Z490, Z390, Z370, Z270, and Z170 chipset motherboards when paired with K-series processors; or AMD X570 and B550 motherboards with Ryzen 3000 "Matisse" or 5000 "Vermeer" processors. The modules are backed by lifetime warranties. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Driven by such factors as the continued development of autonomous driving technologies and the build-out of 5G infrastructure, the demand for automotive memories will undergo a rapid growth going forward, according to TrendForce's latest investigations. Take Tesla, which is the automotive industry leader in the application of autonomous vehicle technologies, as an example. Tesla has adopted GDDR5 DRAM products from the Model S and X onward because it has also adopted Nvidia's solutions for CPU and GPU. The GDDR5 series had the highest bandwidth at the time to complement these processors. The DRAM content has therefore reached at least 8 GB for vehicles across all model series under Tesla. The Model 3 is further equipped with 14 GB of DRAM, and the next-generation of Tesla vehicles will have 20 GB. If content per box is used as a reference for comparison, then Tesla far surpasses manufacturers of PCs and smartphones in DRAM consumption. TrendForce forecasts that the average DRAM content of cars will continue to grow in the next three years, with a CAGR of more than 30% for the period.

JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in standards development for the microelectronics industry, today announced the publication of JESD304-4.01 DDR4 NVDIMM-P Bus Protocol. The JEDEC NVDIMM-P standard will enable the industry to create advanced memory solutions that benefit from the enhanced system performance and novel data availability offered by Persistent Memory devices. JESD304-4.01 DDR4 NVDIMM-P is available for download from the JEDEC website.

As demand for DRAM capacity and bandwidth continues to grow, Hybrid DIMM technologies such as NVDIMM-P provide an innovative method for attaching emerging Persistent Memory in computing systems. Combining the access speeds of DDR with the reliability and capacity of non-volatile memories gives design engineers a new approach to data management. Much more than a standard DIMM specification, NVDIMM-P provides a full transactional interface protocol compatible with standard DRAM DIMMs along with a firmware programming model for the modules. NVDIMM-P simultaneously maximizes both re-use and flexibility by minimizing system host changes, providing an interface of the lowest latency to emerging memory, and offering flexible support for varied Persistent Memory media characteristics and use cases.

The XTREEM ARGB GAMING MEMORY, winner of the 2020 German Red Dot Design Award, and the DELTA MAX RGB SSD with its ultra-large, cutting-edge RGB panel continue to receive great attention inside and outside the industry. Today, TEAMGROUP is releasing brand new models in a lustrous, clean white for both series. Not only do they have strikingly beautiful lighting effects but also patented tech that provides even more stable overclocking performance. T-FORCE's design marks a new trend of white-colored hardware, introducing a fresh and unique aesthetic to the gaming industry.

The sleek XTREEM ARGB WHITE GAMING MEMORY is fitted with a fully-translucent cover and a 10-layer PCB board that provides superior overclocking capabilities and performance. This model has a frequency of up to 4000 MHz and a capacity of 32 GB for a single module, giving gamers a compelling option for their next upgrade. The XTREEM ARGB WHITE GAMING MEMORY also features overclocking profiles, so users can enjoy outstanding performance with a single click.

Yes, you are reading that title correctly. Today we got ahold of information that DDR3 prices are going to skyrocket by as much as 40-50% this year! Despite DDR4 being present for seven years (since 2014), which is a lot in the world of tech, DDR3 is still thriving. Used in a wide range of devices like IoT, older servers, and long time running machines that need maintenance for decades. The DDR3 has been manufactured by SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron, however, as technology moved on, these companies began the migration to the newer DDR4 standard. Even DDR5 exists today and it is currently manufactured.

So why is DDR3 soaring in value? It is because of the increased scarcity of this memory. SK Hynix has stopped the production of 2 Gb modules, leaving only the 4 Gb modules in production. Samsung has cut down the capacity from 60,000 wafers of DDR3 memory modules per month to just 20,000. This has caused the price of 2 Gb and 4 Gb modules to rise already as much as 30%. Despite the age of 14 years, DDR3 is still widely used in many systems. And because of that, the scarcity is making the price of the current memory increase. The price is expected to rise through the whole year and it could reach a 50% increase.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, announces the launch of their new H510 series motherboards designed to run the latest Intel 11th gen Rocket Lake-S processors. Introduced to the market in two Micro-ATX models, the H510MH/E 2.0 and the H510MX/E 2.0 motherboards are designed to be the best choice for business and casual use. Based on Intel's H510 single chip architecture, these motherboards are ready to unleash the true potential of the latest Intel 11th gen processors.

Equipped with all the essential features, the new H510 series comes from an immensely popular lineage of motherboards from BIOSTAR used all over the world in many offices that combine cutting edge technology with proven durability for smart business solutions. Designed to optimize any professional workflow, the H510 series motherboards bring the latest technology for users like PCIe 4.0 and WiFi 6 optimized to perfection with the protection and stability of BIOSTAR's proprietary Super Hyper PWM technology. Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, optimized to run up to 64 GB and a maximum clock speed 2933 MHz.

Axiomtek - a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted in the research, development and manufacture of series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency - is pleased to announce the MANO522, a Mini-ITX motherboard powered by the LGA1151 socket 9th/8th generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processor (code name: Coffee Lake) with the Intel H310 chipset. With a small form factor of 17 x 17 cm, this industrial motherboard is an excellent choice for space-constrained environments. Its high computing power, 4K-ready and high expandability make it well-suited for intelligent transportation, factory automation, self-service kiosks, infotainment, and digital signage.

"Axiomtek's MANO522 is a great embedded board for industrial edge computing applications which require high-resolution graphics and reduced energy consumption," said Michelle Mi, the product manager of the Product Planning Division at Axiomtek. "This industrial motherboard is integrated with Intel integrated Gfx graphics engine with UHD 4K resolution and provides rapid video acceleration and dual-view capability through the VGA, HDMI and LVDS. To ensure reliable operation, the MANO522 has a wide operating temperature range of 0°C to 60°C. It also supports watchdog timer and hardware monitoring and offers Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) for optimum security."

A leaked marketing slide from MSI Japan confirmed specifications of three 11th Gen Core "Rocket Lake-S" desktop processors that gamers and enthusiasts have their eyes on—the flagship Core i9-11900K, the next-best Core i7-11700K, and the performance-segment Core i5-11600K. The slides confirm that both the i9-11900K and i7-11700K are 8-core/16-thread parts, while the i5-11600K is 6-core/12-thread. With the "Rocket Lake-S" die capping out at 8 cores, Intel's product managers have lesser wiggle room to segment the Core i7 part from the Core i9 flagship.

The i9-11900K comes with a base frequency of 3.50 GHz, Turbo Boost 2.0 frequency of 5.10 GHz, Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency of 5.20 GHz, and Thermal Velocity Boost frequency of 5.30 GHz. Its all-core boost frequency is 4.80 GHz. The i7-11700K, on the other hand, lacks TVB. It ticks at 3.60 GHz base, 4.90 GHz Turbo Boost 2.0, and 5.00 GHz Turbo Boost Max 3.0. The i5-11600K lacks Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and TVB, it does 3.90 GHz base, with 4.90 GHz Turbo Boost 2.0. The Core i9 and Core i7 parts are joined at the hip with not just identical core counts, but also the same amount of L3 cache, at 16 MB. The i5 comes with 12 MB. All three Unlocked "K" SKUs come with native support for DDR4-3200 memory frequency, and their TDP is rated at 125 W. Intel is expected to launch these processors by late-March, 2021.

Micron Technology, Inc., today announced volume shipment of 1α (1-alpha) node DRAM products built using the world's most advanced DRAM process technology and offering major improvements in bit density, power and performance. This milestone reinforces Micron's competitive strength and complements its recent breakthroughs with the world's fastest graphics memory and the first-to-ship 176-layer NAND.

"This 1α node achievement confirms Micron's excellence in DRAM and is a direct result of Micron's relentless commitment to cutting-edge design and technology," said Scott DeBoer, executive vice president of technology and products at Micron. "With a 40% improvement in memory density over our previous 1z DRAM node, this advancement will create a solid foundation for future product and memory innovation."

Micron plans to integrate the 1α node across its DRAM product portfolio this year to support all environments that use DRAM today. The applications for this new DRAM technology are extensive and far reaching—enhancing performance in everything from mobile devices to smart vehicles.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today announces the launch of their new RACING series Z590GTA and B560GTQ motherboards designed to run the latest Intel 11th gen Rocket Lake-S processors.

Approved by many users as one of the best motherboard brands in the market, BIOSTAR's RACING series motherboards have always been the top choices for gamers and content creators for their style and durability. BIOSTAR carries their RACING series legacy with the all-new RACING Z590GTA and the new RACING B560GTQ motherboards. Both motherboards are engineered with new design elements updated to be great at thermal dissipation that improves the system's overall performance and lifetime substantially.

CORSAIR, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced a new range of high-performance DDR4 memory kits to its renowned VENGEANCE RGB PRO lineup, CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL. Initially available in a wide range of frequencies up to 3,600MHz and kits up to 128GB (4x32GB) in both black and white, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL boasts dynamic ten-zone RGB lighting in a form-factor just 44mm tall, offering wide compatibility with nearly any PC build. Each module is tightly screened and optimized for peak performance and overclocking potential, for memory that matches its mesmerizing visuals with equally impressive performance.

At 44mm tall, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL's compact form-factor enables compatibility with a multitude of CPU cooler options, including dual-fan AIO liquid CPU coolers and many air coolers such as the CORSAIR A500. Ten individually addressable RGB LEDs per module are massively customizable through CORSAIR iCUE software, and can be synchronized with all iCUE-compatible devices throughout your setup for stunning lighting effects across the entire iCUE ecosystem.

BIWIN announced its own retail channel brand of memory products in the North American region, named Biwintech. BIWIN is a Shenzhen-based OEM of DRAM and NAND flash client-segment memory products that supplies to giants in the PC industry, such as HP. It is now bringing a sizable portfolio of memory products under its own Biwintech brand to the market, which include DDR4 UDIMM and SO-DIMM PC memory modules, M.2 NVMe SSDs, 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, USB portable SSDs; and memory cards, including SDXC and microSDXC cards, CFast cards, and CFexpress cards. Interestingly, the announcement doesn't mention UFDs (USB flash drives). Biwintech will go to market with 5-year warranties on all its products, including 9 to 5 phone- and 24-hour e-mail tech support.

Intel at a January 11, 2021 online media event (which we live-blogged here) revealed more information about its 11th Generation Core "Rocket Lake-S" desktop processor family. These chips succeed the 10th Gen Core "Comet Lake-S," and are built on the same Socket LGA1200 package, retaining backwards compatibility with Intel 400-series chipset motherboards with firmware updates; and native support with the upcoming Intel 500-series chipset motherboards. Intel in its media event confirmed that the top Core i9-11900K is an 8-core/16-thread processor, which will deliver the highest PC gaming performance possible when it comes out.

In its media event, Intel revealed a side-by-side comparison of the i9-11900K with a machine powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12-core processor, where it's shown offering a mostly mid-single-digit-percentage performance lead over the AMD chip. In the "Metro Exodus" benchmark prominently highlighted in the Intel event, the i9-11900K is shown offering an average frame-rate of 156.54 FPS compared to 147.43 FPS of the 5900X (a 6.17% gain). VideoCardz tweeted a leaked Intel presentation slide with many more game test results where Intel compared the two chips. Intel's play with marketing "Rocket Lake-S" to gamers and PC enthusiasts will hence ride on the back of gaming performance leadership, and future-proofing against the new wave of productivity apps that leverage AI deep-learning, as "Rocket Lake-S" features DLBoost VNNI extensions that accelerate deep-learning neural-net building, training, and AI inference performance.

Dynabook Americas, Inc., a leading provider of professional-grade laptops, today introduced the Satellite Pro laptop series. The company also announced a strategic relationship with SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a leading provider of distribution, systems design and integration services for the technology industry, to handle the United States distribution of its new Satellite Pro laptops and expand its reach into the small and medium business sectors. At launch, the Satellite Pro series will consist of three new models, including the 14-inch Satellite Pro C40, 15.6-inch Satellite Pro C50 and 15.6-inch Satellite Pro L50 with prices starting at $499.99 (MSRP).

Dynabook's Satellite Pro laptop series feature modern designs, a unique commitment to quality and all-round computing capabilities that deliver exceptional value ready for the most demanding tasks required by both professionals and students. Dynabook will offer multiple configurations of the three new Satellite Pro laptops featuring a mix of 10th Gen Intel Core processors and Windows 10 choices, including four Satellite Pro C50 and three Satellite Pro C40 options with prices starting at $499.99 (MSRP). The Satellite Pro L50 configuration will feature a 10th Gen Intel Core processor, Windows 10 Pro, NVIDIA graphics and priced at $899.99 (MSRP).

ZOTAC Technology, a global manufacturer of innovation, today announces an all-new ZBOX Mini PC of the E Series line, MAGNUS ONE. It boasts a high-performance, versatile design made to empower all end-user computing needs. MAGNUS ONE packs the most capable high-end hardware within the 8.3-liter compact chassis to deliver a powerful experience for daily tasks, gaming, entertainment, demanding workloads, and creative workflows.

MAGNUS ONE makes its debut with the opening of CES 2021, introducing an all-new vertically-positioned design that supports a desktop ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 30 Series GPU for the ultimate performance. It is the first ZBOX Mini PC equipped with a GeForce RTX 30 Series desktop graphics card, built with 2nd Gen raytracing Cores and Tensor Cores for high-fidelity gaming. The new system also houses an Intel Core i7 processor, upgradable memory and storage support, and robust connectivity options.

An Intel Rocket Lake-S CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads has recently surfaced in an overclocking video, being pushed to 6.923 GHz operating frequency, as showcased via a CPU-Z screen-grabbed from the video. Neither author of the video or the overclocker that pulled this feat are currently known. However, it can be seen from the CPU-Z that the overclocked CPU at 6.9 GHz supports instruction sets not available to Intel's current lineup of desktop CPUs, but that will be supported by Rocket Lake-S: namely, SHA and AVX512F. Likewise, the cache sizes correspond to the expected changes for Intel's Rocket Lake-S.

The overclocked CPU was paired with overclocked DDR4 memory as well, which was brought up to 6,666 MHz, buoyed by a crispy 1.830 V. Motherboard information is scarce, but it's speculated that it's a Gigabyte-branded Z590 motherboard. Perhaps this video is part of an Intel-pushed marketing attempt to increase desirability of its Rocket Lake-S CPUs to overclockers and enthusiasts. Expect the official Rocket Lake-S unveiling to occur during CES, with market availability around March.

LG Electronics (LG) is bringing to the first all virtual CES 2021 its eagerly awaited lineup of new gram laptops. Ultra-light, ultra-portable and boasting exceptional performance and long battery life, the new models continue the brand's legacy of go anywhere computing convenience. Stylish new designs and productivity-boosting 16:10 aspect ratio screens add even more value to the company's versatile solutions.

The diverse lineup includes five exciting new models that are designed to maximize work efficiency: LG gram 17 (model 17Z90P), LG gram 16 (model 16Z90P), LG gram 14 (model 14Z90P), LG gram 2-in-1 16 (model 16T90P) and LG gram 2-in-1 14 (model 14T90P). Offering more screen real estate than the 16:9 displays found on most laptops, the latest LG grams are able to show more information at any one time. The keyboard and touchpad have also been enlarged for comfort and efficiency without compromising the portability of these compact devices.

VIPER GAMING by PATRIOT, a trademarked brand of PATRIOT and a global leader in performance memory, solid-state drives, and flash storage solutions, today is pleased to announce the launch of its new VIPER STEEL RGB series DDR4 high-performance memory. The VIPER STEEL RGB series evolved from the award-winning VIPER STEEL series memory and now comes equipped with spectacular RGB illumination and dedicated to bringing desktop DRAM RGB lighting design to a whole new level. The VIPER STEEL RGB series memory kits are currently available at speeds 3200 MHz and 3600 MHz with the largest capacity of 64 GB (2x 32 GB) kit. All modules are hand-tested and optimized across the latest Intel and AMD Ryzen platforms to deliver excellent stability and a visual feast of RGB lighting to PC enthusiasts and water-cooled PC modders.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking and storage solution innovator, today announced the desktop smart edge PoE Switch - QGD-3014-16PT. With sixteen 30-watt Gigabit PoE ports, two 2.5GbE host management ports, Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0 GHz processor, and four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays, the QGD-3014-16PT supports QVR Pro, HBS 3 and QuWAN SD-WAN to integrate surveillance deployment, video storage computing, and multi-site remote management to offer SMBs innovative intelligent IP surveillance infrastructure and remote backup solutions.
"Expanding multi-site surveillance networks can be costly and involve large amounts of equipment with low transmission efficiency between multiple remote devices - not to mention the complexities involved in deployment and management. " said Daniel Hsieh, QNAP Product Manager, adding, "the QGD-3014-16PT desktop Smart Edge PoE Switch integrates PoE, surveillance capabilities, and data backup management to simplify these requirements and increase the transmission and backup efficiency of surveillance videos."

Intel needs a platform refresh to battle the competition, mainly speaking to battle AMD and its Ryzen 5000 series processors. That is why the company is developing 500 series of chipsets covering the low-end (H510), mid-range (B560), and high-end markets (Z590) that pair with the upcoming Rocket Lake-S processor generation. Dubbed 11th generation of Core processors, the 11th generation of Intel Core CPUs are going to be built on Intel's refined 14 nm process. The CPUs are supposed to feature a Cypress Cove core, which is a backport of Golden Cove found in Ice Lake. The 500 series motherboards are the last in the DDR4 generation, launching in the timeframe when DDR5 is supposed to take over in the coming years.

Today, thanks to Weixin, a Chinese media outlet that posted a short story on the WeChat platform, we have information about the launch date of these new chipsets. According to the source, we are allegedly going to see these new chipsets on January 11th, the day that Intel CES 2021 event is supposed to happen. The platform will include a range of motherboards from Intel's partners and is supposed to bring support for the much-needed PCIe 4.0 protocol. The launch date should be taken with a grain of salt, of course, before taking it as a fact.

The DRAM market exhibits a healthier and more balanced supply/demand relationship compared with the NAND Flash market because of its oligopolistic structure, according to TrendForce's latest investigations. The percentage distribution of DRAM supply bits by application currently shows that PC DRAM accounts for 13%, server DRAM 34%, mobile DRAM 40%, graphics DRAM 5%, and consumer DRAM (or specialty DRAM) 8%. Looking ahead to 1Q21, the DRAM market by then will have gone through an inventory adjustment period of slightly more than two quarters. Memory buyers will also be more willing to stock up because they want to reduce the risk of future price hikes. Therefore, DRAM prices on the whole will be constrained from falling further. The overall ASP of DRAM products is now forecasted to stay generally flat or slightly up for 1Q21.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology, Inc., today announced it has been chosen as an Acer memory partner for the refreshed Predator Orion desktop series. Working closely to create a premium gaming experience, Acer is HyperX's first strategic partner to feature 3600MHz1 high-frequency memory in its Predator Orion 9000 gaming desktop.

"HyperX is excited to be the memory partner for Acer Predator Orion gaming desktops, as we are both committed to offering the best products for gamers," said Larry Gonzales, sales and marketing VP, HyperX. "HyperX FURY DDR4 works seamlessly with the new desktops. Through the collaboration, we can deliver the ultimate performance to satisfy every gamer's needs."

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is thrilled to be a part of multiple overclocking records during the launch of the AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processor, also known as Vermeer. With the launch of a new CPU architecture generation, comes a time where older records are overtaken by the new. Various extreme overclockers on HWBOT.org used G.SKILL memory kits as their memory of choice when achieving their overclock targets. Across various categories, an astounding 51 records from a total of 55 records were achieved with the use of G.SKILL DDR4 memory.

GeIL, Golden Emperor International Ltd. - one of the world's leading PC components and manufacturers today announced a new member of their award-winning ORION product line, the ORION RGB Gaming Memory. The new ORION RGB Gaming Memory delivers an advanced RGB LED array built on the understated aluminium heat spreader design for an enchanting RGB illumination. It is available in frequencies ranging from 2666 MHz to the high-performance 4400 MHz with larger capacities up to 128 GB (4x 32 GB) as well as racing red and titanium gray spreaders with dual-channel and quad-channel. The new modules are optimized for the latest AMD and Intel platforms offering unparalleled performance to pro-gamers, enthusiastic builders, and video creators.

"Many of our customers have encouraged us to extend an RGB version for the ORION Memory. I'm pleased to announce the availability of the ORION RGB Gaming Memory, and it is designed for the gamers and enthusiast PC users who are looking for new ways to customize the interior of their gaming desktops." said Jennifer Huang, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at GeIL.