The leading global motherboard, graphics card, and small form factor PC manufacturer, ASRock, today announced the brand new compact Mini PC - Mars 4000U Series, embedded the AMD Ryzen 4000 U-series processors to deliver exceptional performance. The Mars 4000U Series Mini PC support dual-channel DDR4-3200 MHz memory up to 64 GB as well as equip with Intel Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed connectivity. For Storage, the Mars 4000U Series Mini PC provide a PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD slot and a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive bay; all imply into 0.7-liter chassis with 26 mm height.

ASRock Mars 4000U Series Mini PC offers abundant USB devices connectivity, features a total of 7 USB ports, including one Type-C port; In addition, the native SD card reader and dual display outputs provide more convenience and productivity. All of these features make Mars 4000U Series Mini PC well suited for a wide range of uses, including business, gaming and home entertainment.

ASRock Rack, a branch of ASRock focused on making server products, has today launched a new motherboard that can accommodate up to 64 core AMD EPYC CPU. Built on the new, proprietary form factor called "Deep Mini-ITX", the ROMED4ID-2T motherboard is just a bit bigger than the standard ITX board. The standard ITX boards are 170 x 170 mm, while this Deep Mini-ITX form extends the board by a bit. It measures 170 x 208.28 mm, or 6.7" x 8.2" for all of the American readers. ASRock specifies that the board supports AMD's second-generation EPYC "Rome" 7002 series processors. Of course, the socket for these CPUs is socket SP3 (LGA4094) with 4094 pins.

The motherboard comes with 4 DDR4 DIMM slots, of any type. Supported DIMM types are R-DIMM, LR-DIMM, and NV-DIMM. If you want the best capacity, LR-DIMM use enables you to use up to 256 GB of memory. When it comes to expansion, you can hook-up any PCIe 4.0 device to the PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. There is also an M.2 2280 key present, so you can fit in one of those high-speed PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 SSDs. For connection to the outside world, the board uses an Intel X550-AT2 controller that controls two RJ45 10 GbE connectors. There are also two Slimline (PCIe 4.0 x8 or 8 SATA 6 Gb/s), and four Slimline (PCIe 4.0 x8) storage U.2 ports.

Overclocking is always fun and almost everyone can do it, however, when it comes to extreme overclocking, there are only a handful of persons doing it. Today, a Chinese extreme overclocker "baby-j" has managed to establish a new world record frequency with his Crucial Ballistix Max DDR4-4000 (BLM16G40C18U4B.M8FB1) memory kit. Using liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling for the DIMMs, the overclocker managed to push the memory kit to an amazing 7004.2 MHz, making it the world's highest frequency hit on DDR4 memory. What is more amazing is the fact that the platform used for the new record-setting overclock, is based on AMD's B550 motherboards running with AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G processor, which seems to have a very good memory controller. The timings were a bit relaxed with them running at 22-26-26-46-127-1 (tCAS-tRC-tRP-tRAS-tCS-tCR) settings.

GIGABYTE launched the BRIX S line of desktop mini PCs powered by AMD Ryzen 4000U "Renoir" 15 W mobile processors. These mini-PCs are almost NUC-sized, measuring 46.8 mm x 119.5 mm x 119.5 mm (HxWxD), and pack a 2.5-inch SATA drive-bay in addition to an M.2-2280 slot with both PCI-Express 3.0 x4 and SATA 6 Gbps wiring. Connectivity is highlighted by four display outputs—one each of HDMI 2.0a, DisplayPort, and two USB-C with DP passthroughs. Networking connectivity includes 2.5 GbE and 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5.1 WLAN.

As for the specific models, the GB-BRR7H-4700 is powered by a Ryzen 7 4700U, the GB-BRR5H-4500 by a Ryzen 5 4500U, and the GB-BRR3H-4300 by the Ryzen 3 4300U. All three feature two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, and a vacant M.2-2280 slot, so you're expected to drop in your own memory and storage. All three include VESA mounting brackets, so you can tuck them behind your monitor, if it has VESA wall-mounts. The power bricks included with all three can put out 135 W of power. The company didn't reveal pricing.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology, Inc., today announced new single rank 16Gbit1 based HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB memory SKU additions. FURY DDR4 RGB memory delivers a boost of performance and style with sleek heat spreaders and dynamic, synchronized RGB lighting effects using patented HyperX Infrared Sync Technology.

HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB memory offers a Plug N Play feature for automatic overclocking to the highest published frequency within the system speed allowance, eliminating the need for manual tuning. Offering seamless compatibility, FURY DDR4 RGB is certified Ready for AMD Ryzen and Intel XMP-ready. Users can also customize RGB lighting effects using HyperX NGENUITY software.

Colorful, a Chinese manufacturer of PC components known for its graphics cards, is apparently preparing a special RAM version for AMD's Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. The new arrival is part of the iGame series that Colorful offers. Thanks to SMZDM forums, we have specifications of the upcoming iGame RAM tuned specifically for Ryzen 5000 series processors. Coming in with all white PCB without a heat spreader, the new Colorful iGame memory features Samsung's B-dies designed for maximum speed and performance. The dies are running at 4000 MT/s with some very strict timings. The memory features C14 (14-14-14-35) timings that are supposed to bring the system latency down and improve performance even further. It is estimated that such a configuration will require 1.5 Volts to power it. While the exact name, launch date, and pricing is unknown, we can only wait and see how Colorful plays it out.

RISC-V architecture is a relatively new Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) developed at the University of California Berkeley. Starting as a "short, three-month project" the RISC-V ISA is a fifth generation of the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) ideology. A company working on this technology and helping to grow the ecosystem is SiFive. Today, they announced a big step forward for the ecosystem that will enable developers to make and optimize even more software for this architecture and platform. Called the HiFive Unmatched, the development board represents the first entry of RISC-V ISA to the world of personal computing, with its Mini-ITX form factor and PC-like connectors of power supply and I/O.

The board is home to SiFive's FU740 SoC, a five-core heterogeneous, coherent processor with four SiFive U74 cores, and one SiFive S7 core. This SoC is capable of smooth Linux OS operation, giving the developers a good platform to do their optimizations for. There is 8 GB of onboard DDR4 RAM (unknown frequencies and timing), a MicroSD card slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot for system storage. To connect the board to the outside world, you get one Gigabit Ethernet port. For user I/O there are four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (1 Charging port) and one MicroUSB Console port. To power the board, you need a proper power supply with a 24-pin power connector. If you plan to build a PC based on the Unmatched board, you would need a standard ITX case, as it comes in the standard Mini-ITX (170x170 mm) form factor. For more information, please check out SiFive's website.

IBASE Technology Inc., a leading manufacturer of industrial motherboard and embedded systems, has rolled out the MB997 ATX motherboard for 9th Gen Intel Core i7/i5/i3 and Xeon processors. The Intel C246/Q370/H310-based motherboard is designed for diverse applications, such as industrial automation, AI integrated systems, and smart retail systems.

The latest MB997 delivers high-performance computing for demanding industrial applications while providing multiple connectivity, expansion and functionality to meet customer requirements. The board supports up to 7 expansion slots including 1x PCI-E (x16), 1x PCI-E (x8)/Gen3.0, 1x PCI-E (x4), 2x PCI-E (x1), and 2x PCI, as well as 6x USB3.1, 2x USB 2.0, 2x SATA 3.0, and 6x COM ports. It can handle up to 128 GB DDR4 memory across four slots and support three independent outputs (HDMI 2.0a, DVI-D, and DisplayPort) with 4K resolution each.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules, NAND Flash products, and mobile accessories, today announces that the XPG Overclocking Lab (XOCL) has overclocked the SPECTRIX D50 Xtreme RGB DDR4 memory module to a frequency of 5300MT/s, giving gamers a new baseline for performance. The breakthrough performance was achieved with an MSI MEG B550 Unify X motherboard featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G processor.

Manufactured with only the highest quality chips and PCBs, the SPECTRIX D50 Xtreme offers excellent stability, reliability, and performance and supports the latest Intel and AMD platforms. The SPECTRIX D50 Xtreme sports an elegant and solidly constructed metal heatsink adorned with bold geometric lines and a triangular RGB light bar that perfectly fits the module's overall design.What's more, in line with its limited-edition status, the SPECTRIX D50 Xtreme comes in a special edition packaging that features a glossy exterior and premium box.

PNY Announced today the addition of the new XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB DDR4 3600 MHz Desktop Memory to the Company's assortment that will deliver the overclocked performance demanded today combined with the brilliance of RGB lighting and unmatched style. Life today demands speed and performance in everything that we do. Whether for work, content creation, learning, or gaming - and we do game - the demand for speed and performance has never been greater and as such, to count on components that deliver this speed and performance is not a luxury but a must. Consider it delivered.

Winning in extreme game titles demands higher framerates allowing for faster on-screen loading letting gamers perform at their best. Faster memory means less bottlenecking for modern CPUs and GPUs that thrive off high speed RAM. The PNY XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB DDR4 3600 MHz Desktop Memory delivers the required Overclocked Performance and supports XMP 2.0 technology to provide a superior gaming experience.

Colorful Technology Company Limited, professional manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards, all-in-one gaming and multimedia solutions and high-performance storage, launches the CVN Guardian RGB DDR4 gaming memory for the latest AMD platforms and the WARHALBERD DDR4 memory for the 3rd generation AMD Ryzen platform and Intel desktop platforms. The COLORFUL CVN Guardian RGB Gaming Memory sports an eye-catching heat sink with an RGB lightbar that supports motherboard RGB sync. On the other hand, the WARHALBERD is a value-oriented DDR4 memory featuring CXMT memory modules for a wide application from gaming to office PCs.

The CVN Guardian RGB DDR4 gaming memory is the latest addition to the CVN family. Designed for gamers, the CVN Guardian sports a futuristic high-performance heat spreader with superb heat dissipation to ensure stable gaming performance. COLORFUL uses specially selected Hynix CJR memory modules that offer stable performance and excellent overclocking capabilities. The CVN Guardian Gaming Memory supports XMP 2.0 automatic overclocking function for a quick performance boost.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is releasing new high-performance, low-latency memory kits at DDR4-4000 CL16 32 GB (16 GB x2) and DDR4-4400 CL16 16 GB (8 GB x2), and available across the Trident Z Royal, Trident Z RGB, and Ripjaws V series. Engineered with high quality hand-screened Samsung B-die components, these new memory specifications provide more efficient latency options at extreme frequency speeds.

TeamGroup recently announced another addition to their DDR4 memory lineup especially aimed at creators. The new, aptly named T-Create lineup features clean, back-to-basics aesthetics with slim metal heatspreaders that aren't too gaudy and are absent of any RGB. The new chips are available in capacities ranging from 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) through to 64 GB (2x 32 GB). Available speeds are set at DDR4-3200 (22-22-22-52 timings and 1.20 V) and DDR4-2666 (19-19-19-43 timings and 1.20 V).

The TeamGroup T-Create Classic 10L feature a 10-layer PCB and limited lifetime warranty, and are available in silvery-white. Pricing starts at $56.99 for the 2x 8 GB 2666 MHz kit and goes up to $216.99 for the 2x 32 GB 3200 MHz one.

GeIL, Golden Emperor International Ltd. - one of the world's leading PC components & manufacturers today is proud to announce the partnership with the motherboard leader, ASRock, in expanding Phantom Gaming product line and launching the co-branded ORION Phantom Gaming Edition DDR4 Desktop Memory. This new product provides frequencies from 2666 MHz to 3600 MHz with higher capacities up to 64 GB (2x 32 GB) to deliver better performance to hardcore gamers, video content creators, and PC builders.

Since the successful collaboration on the EVO SPEAR Phantom Gaming Edition Memory in 2019, the next chapter is the ORION Phantom Gaming Edition Memory. This new product comes with Intel and AMD package versions, as well as tested and optimized on the latest AMD and Intel platforms separately to ensure optimal performance. Per a strict validation process, ORION Phantom Gaming Edition Memory is fully compatible with the ASRock Phantom Gaming series motherboard, including the latest high-end B550 PG Velocita, Z490 PG Velocita, Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 and more.

Kingston Technology Europe Co LLP, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it has been ranked the top third-party DRAM module supplier in the world, according to the latest rankings by revenue from analyst firm TrendForce (formerly DRAMeXchange). Kingston retains its number 1 position with an estimated 80.33% market share on $12.9B (USD) revenue, according to TrendForce. The rankings for 2019 mark the 17th consecutive year that TrendForce has placed Kingston in the top spot.

TrendForce states DRAM prices were lower in 2019 due to an ample supply combined with weaker demand from both the server and client sides, thus resulting in less revenue for many module makers. Kingston was one of the few manufacturers to go against this trend and see market share grow, according to the analysts. Kingston has maintained its competitive advantage by working closely with its partners and customers to remain flexible while adapting to their ever-changing needs as well as market conditions. The following chart with results provided by TrendForce shows the top 10 DRAM module suppliers:

Klevv, a subsidiary of SK Group, today announced two new DDR4 memory product lines - one with RGB flavoring, the other without. The Cras XR RGB features a metal heatspreader with a dotted pattern (42.5 mm height), topped by an RGB LED bar compatible with multiple RGB control software in the market (think ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and Razer Chroma RGB, among others). The Cras XR RGB is available in kits ranging from 8 GB single-stick through to 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) kits in multiple memory speeds; 3600 MHz with 18-22-22-42 timings @ 1.35 V (up to 2x 16 GB); 4000 MHz with 19-25-25-45 timings @ 1.40 V (up to 2x 8 GB) and 4200 MHz with 19-26-26-46 timings @ 1.40 V (up to 2x 8 GB).

The Bolt XR forgoes the RGB lighting and uses a textured metal heatspreader with black branding (36.7 mm height). The Bolt XR isn't available at the top 4200 MHz speed, though; it seems top performance is reserved for RGB enthusiasts. The only available speeds are 3600 MHz with 18-22-22-42 timings @ 1.35 V (up to 2x 16 GB) and 4000 MHz with 19-25-25-45 timings @ 1.40 V (up to 2x 8 GB). No word on pricing or availability was known at time of writing, though Klevv does offer a limited lifetime warranty for these modules.

Patriot Memory today unveiled new high-frequency variants of its Viper 4 Blackout memory modules which debuted in May 2020. At the time, the Viper 4 Blackout series came in frequency based variants of up to DDR4-3600. Today, Patriot is introducing new DDR4-4133, DDR4-4266, and DDR4-4400 variants, all of which are in 16 GB (2x 8 GB) dual-channel kits. These modules use binned memory chips, and a 10-layer PCB for better signalling. Patriot has tested the hits to offer their advertised frequencies on both Intel Core and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen platforms.

The DDR4-4133 variant (PVB416G413C8K) achieves its advertised speeds at 18-22-22-42 timings, and 1.4 V. The DDR4-4266 variant (PVB416G426C8K) ticks at 18-26-26-46 timings, and 1.45 V. The top-spec DDR4-4400 variant (PVB416G440C8K) was tested with the same 18-26-26-46 timings as the DDR4-4266 variant, but with 1.5 V module voltage. All three variants are backed by limited lifetime warranty. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Crucial, Micron's global consumer brand of computer memory and storage, today announced its limited edition Crucial Ballistix MAX 5100 gaming DRAM. Expanding on the award-winning legacy of the Crucial Ballistix product portfolio, this latest offering provides consumers with an optimal gaming memory option, boasting the highest speeds available to date for purchase.

Crucial Ballistix is the only brand of gaming DRAM that incorporates custom tuning at the die level, resulting in world record-setting performance. In fact, these same gaming DRAM modules were recently used by a competitive overclocker to hit a blistering 6,666MT/s, the fastest ever for DDR4 modules. The record-breaking frequency and valid CPU-Z screenshot are posted on HWBOT. Like Micron's leading products and solutions for enterprise and personal computing, Crucial gaming memory is purpose-built, making it the only gaming memory that's vertically integrated - designed, engineered and manufactured from start to finish in-house. This unique approach is unmatched by competitors, allowing the new 5100MT/s modules to deliver blazing fast speeds to hardcore gamers and maximized results to overclocking enthusiasts.

Acer today announced the availability of the new Swift 5 and Swift 3 notebook models featuring new 11th Gen Intel Core processors with Iris Xe graphics. The new Acer Swift 5 notebook is one of the industry's first to be verified through Intel's Project Athena innovation program, as Intel Evo platform laptop design, and designed to deliver incredibly responsive mobile performance and immersive features that improve the overall experience, including instant wake, Intel Iris Xe graphics, vibrant displays and the latest in connectivity. In addition, it features an all-day battery that can be fast-charged, yielding four hours of use from only a 30-minute charge.

The Acer Swift 3 notebook designs are a part of Intel's Project Athena innovation program and targeting verification, pending further tuning, to utilize the Intel Evo platform badge. "The new Acer Swift notebook lines represent a substantial leap forward in performance, responsiveness and usability for our customers who are cultivating a unique blend of work, life and passion-projects on-the-go," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. "Acer took meticulous care to ensure that all aspects of the design were elevated to match the best-in-class experience the Intel Evo platform provides to help our customers achieve more."

ASUS today announced the new A520 chipset motherboards for its TUF Gaming, Prime and Pro series. The AMD A520 chipset is the successor to the A320 chipset, and features PCIe 3.0. Designed to cater to a wide range of needs, these motherboards feature a 32 MB BIOS flash ROM, and support future AMD Ryzen Zen 3 architecture CPUs and APUs.

ASUS A520 motherboards can be paired with an AMD APU to create a budget-friendly gaming rig or workstation, making them ideal for DIY PC users and small to medium-sized businesses. ASUS is also pleased to announce that its R&D team broke the existing world memory frequency record, setting DDR4- 6666 on ROG Strix B550-I Gaming, using the AMD Ryzen 4700GE processor and Crucial Ballistix MAX memory.

The last cyclical upturn in DRAM contract prices began at the start of 2020 and was led by server DRAM, according to TrendForce's latest investigations. In 2Q20, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the global economy, but OEMs maintained or even stepped up procurement of components because they feared disruptions in the supply chain. As a result, DRAM suppliers' bit shipments surpassed expectations for the quarter, in turn widening the overall increase in DRAM ASP and raising the global DRAM revenue by 15.4% QoQ in 2Q20 to US$17.1 billion.

Nevertheless, TrendForce indicates that server OEMs are now carrying a rather high level of DRAM inventory after aggressively stocking up for two consecutive quarters. At the same time, customers of enterprise servers are holding back on procurement because the economic outlook is getting bleaker and more uncertain. Since server DRAM has the unique role of leading cyclical changes, this category is going to be first to experience price drop in the next downturn and thereby pull prices down for other types of DRAM products. As such, TrendForce forecasts at best a flattening of product shipments and decrease in DRAM prices in 3Q20, with DRAM suppliers suffering a decline in profitability.

Intel in the opening presentation of the Hot Chips 32 virtual conference detailed its next-generation Xeon Scalable "Ice Lake-SP" enterprise processor. Built on the company's 10 nm silicon fabrication process, "Ice Lake-SP" sees the first non-client and non-mobile deployment of the company's new "Sunny Cove" CPU core that introduces higher IPC than the "Skylake" core that's been powering Intel microarchitectures since 2015. While the "Sunny Cove" core itself is largely unchanged from its implementation in 10th Gen Core "Ice Lake-U" mobile processors, it conforms to the cache hierarchy and tile silicon topology of Intel's enterprise chips.

The "Ice Lake-SP" die Intel talked about in its Hot Chips 32 presentation had 28 cores. The "Sunny Cove" CPU core is configured with the same 48 KB L1D cache as its client-segment implementation, but a much larger 1280 KB (1.25 MB) dedicated L2 cache. The core also receives a second fused multiply/add (FMA-512) unit, which the client-segment implementation lacks. It also receives a handful new instruction sets exclusive to the enterprise segment, including AVX-512 VPMADD52, Vector-AES, Vector Carry-less Multiply, GFNI, SHA-NI, Vector POPCNT, Bit Shuffle, and Vector BMI. In one of the slides, Intel also detailed the performance uplifts from the new instructions compared to "Cascade Lake-SP".

Transcend, a leading brand of industrial-grade memory products and storage solutions, recently announced the release of a new series of industrial-grade DDR4-3200 memory modules. Aiming at 5G networking and intelligent computing at the edge, DDR4-3200 memory modules feature high transmission bandwidth at 3200MT/s, low latency, and low power consumption, running at 1.2 V. The line-up includes Unbuffered Long-DIMM, Unbuffered SO-DIMM, ECC Long-DIMM, ECC SO-DIMM, and Registered Long-DIMM, addressing the varied, and often strict, form factor requirements of vertical markets. Fully complied with JEDEC specification, DDR4-3200 memory modules are optimized for Intel, AMD, and ARM processors. The DDR4-3200 DIMMs are ready to power up embedded telecommunication, in-vehicle, gaming, and smart healthcare applications in the approaching AIoT decade.

ZOTAC today introduced the ZBOX C-series Edge C1341 mini PC. The company had exhibited this NUC-sized contraption at its 2020 International CES booth. Measuring just 147.2 mm x 147.2 mm x 32.1 mm (WxDxH), this ZBOX features VESA mounts, and can be tucked away behind a monitor that supports the standard. Under the hood is some pretty basic hardware, with a 4-core/4-thread Intel Celeron N4100 SoC that has UHD Graphics 600, 4 GB of hardwired single-channel DDR4 memory (expandable with an empty DDR4 SO-DIMM slot to dual-channel), and an included 64 GB M.2 SATA SSD.

Display outputs include DP and HDMI. Networking includes two 1 GbE wired and 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2 WLAN. USB connectivity includes three 5 Gbps USB 3.1 ports, from which one is type-C, and two type-A ports. A microSD card reader and headset jack make for the rest of it. The C-Series Edge C1341 runs completely fanless, with its ridged top panel doubling as a heatsink for the 6-Watt TDP SoC. A 40 W power brick comes included. Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed. The company didn't reveal pricing.

GIGABYTE was among the first to the market with a PCI-Express gen 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD, with its AORUS NVMe Gen4 SSD series from June 2019. Those drives are characterized by bulky copper heatsinks. The company decided to launch variants of the drive that lack this heatsink, and instead using only a thin copper peel that works both as a heatspreader and as a product label. The rationale behind this product is to let people use the M.2 heatsink that came with their motherboards. The lineup consists of 1 TB (GP-AG41TB) and 2 TB (GP-AG42TB) variants, and introduces a new 500 GB variant (GP-AG4500G) that's not available in the original lineup.

The underlying drive is identical. It combines a Phison PS5016-E16 controller with 96-layer 3D TLC NAND flash memory over 8 channels, and a DDR4 DRAM cache (512 MB for the 500 GB variant, 1 GB for the 1 TB variant, and 2 GB for the 2 TB variant). All three variants offer sequential read speeds of up to 5000 MB/s. The 1 TB and 2 TB variants offer up to 4400 MB/s sequential writes, while the 500 GB variant offers up to 2500 MB/s. The 1 TB and 2 TB variants further offer the same 4K random-access performance numbers of 750k/700k IOPS (reads/writes), while the 500 GB variant offers up to 400k/550k IOPS. GIGABYTE is backing the drives with 5-year product warranties. The company didn't reveal pricing.