ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash products, today launched the XPG STORM heatsink add-on for M.2 2280 drives. STORM features an aluminum heatsink and with a fan. It can be easily affixed to any compatible SSD to provide powerful cooling. Lower SSD temperatures promote more stable storage and system performance, in addition to the XPG-styled STORM heatsink with its colorful RGB lighting contributing to attractive, gaming-themed PC setups.

Lower temperatures complement high speeds
While M.2 2280 PCIe SSDs are currently the fastest on the market, their high data rates also mean considerable heat buildup. Without a heatsink, accumulating heat can compromise performance and accelerate SSD aging. STORM includes an aluminum heatsink that fits on any M.2 SSD without causing overhead issues. Together with the heatsink, STORM uses a fan to circulate cool air and reduces temperature by at least 25% when compared with bare M.2 SSDs.

ECS today rolled out the LIVA Z Plus ZE mini-PC featuring legacy connectivity, combined with otherwise modern hardware, which puts its applications halfway between retail/POS (point of sale) and educational/robotics. The mini-PC features four RS232 serial COM ports, so you can directly plug in POS peripherals such as barcode/RFID scanners, receipt printers, credit card POS machines, electronic weighing scales, etc. It comes with rather powerful 7th generation "Kaby Lake" SoC options, including Celeron 3965U, Core i3-7100U, Core i5-7200U, and i5-7500U, bolstered by Intel vPro.

Besides factory-fitted SoCs, the LIVA Z Plus ZE comes with two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel memory, and one M.2-2242 slot with both PCI-Express 3.0 x4 and SATA 6 Gbps wiring. Besides the four RS232 ports, it features four USB 3.0 ports (three type-A, one type-C), two 1 GbE wired network interfaces, 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0 WLAN, stereo HD audio, and display outputs that include one each of HDMI 1.4 and miniDisplayPort. Measuring 117 mm x 128 mm x 51 mm (WxDxH), it supports VESA mounting, which lets you tuck it away behind your monitor. It draws power from an external 65W power brick.

The first product based on Intel's ambitious "Kaby Lake-G" multi-chip module, which combines a quad-core "Kaby Lake-H" die with a graphics die based on AMD "Vega" architecture, will be a NUC (next unit of computing), and likely the spiritual successor to Intel's "Skull Canyon" NUC. The first picture of the motherboard of this NUC was leaked to the web, revealing a board that's only slightly smaller than the mini-ITX form-factor.

The board draws power from an external power brick, and appears to feature two distinct VRM areas for the CPU and GPU components of the "Kaby Lake-G" MCM SoC. The board feature two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots which are populated with dual-channel memory, and an M.2 NVMe slot, holding an SSD. There are two additional SATA 6 Gb/s ports, besides a plethora of other connectivity options.

Compulab launched its most compact mini PC, the fitlet2. Designed to be more of an IoT hub than a low-power desktop, the fitlet2 measures 112 mm x 84 mm (LxD), with the lower-power models being just 25 mm in height, while the higher-powered models, with slightly faster processors, being 34 mm tall thanks to the aluminium top panel that doubles up as heatsink for the SoC underneath.

The fitlet2 is powered by either Intel Atom x5-E3930 (6W TDP), x7-E3950 (12W TDP), or Celeron J3455 (10W TDP). There's one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, letting you add up to 16 GB of memory, and an M.2-2260 slot with PCIe x2 and SATA wiring. Connectivity options include 802.11ac + BT 4.1 WLAN, up to two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, two each of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and mini-DP display outputs. Compulab is also developing a new generation of MintBox (fitlets with pre-loaded Linux Mint), based on the fitlet2.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash products, today launched theXPG SX6000 SSD. The product represents a bold move to provide PCI Express storage performance for nearly the same price to end users as that of traditional 2.5" SATA SSD. The SX6000 uses the compact M.2 form factor and reaches 1000MB/s read and 800MB/s write, easily doubling SATA SSD throughput without a relative increase in price. This is part of an ADATA focus on high speed, compact M.2 drives aimed at gamers, overclockers, and PC DIY enthusiasts. The SX6000 meets NVMe 1.2 specs and offers up to 1TB capacity, all at an approachable entry-level alongside its more premium stablemates the SX7000, SX8000, and SX9000.

The leading advantage of the SX6000 is embodied in its superb cost-performance ratio. Using 3D TLC NAND, a Realtek controller, NVMe 1.2 technology, and a PCIe Gen3x2 interface, it reaches 1000MB/s read and 800MB/s write. Compared to a typical 500MB/s by 400MB/s on SATA III SSDs, this means doubled performance for less than 10% more spend in same-capacity comparisons. Increasingly, motherboards ship with two and four M.2 slots, up from a single slot on select boards just two years ago. Therefore, PCIe M.2 SSDs are expected to become more normative and the SX6000 encourages this trend as an affordable high speed alternative that works great as an OS drive and mass storage.

The Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) special interest group (SIG) published the first official specification (version 1.0) of PCI-Express gen 4.0 bus. The specification's previous draft 0.9 was under technical review by members of the SIG. The new generation PCIe comes with double the bandwidth of PCI-Express gen 3.0, reduced latency, lane margining, and I/O virtualization capabilities. With the specification published, one can expect end-user products implementing it. PCI SIG has now turned its attention to the even newer PCI-Express gen 5.0 specification, which will be close to ready by mid-2019.

PCI-Express gen 4.0 comes with 16 GT/s bandwidth per-lane, per-direction, which is double that of gen 3.0. An M.2 NVMe drive implementing it, for example, will have 64 Gbps of interface bandwidth at its disposal. The SIG has also been steered toward lowering the latencies of the interconnect as HPC hardware designers are turning toward alternatives such as NVLink and InfinityFabric, not primarily for the bandwidth, but the lower latency. Lane margining is a new feature that allows hardware to maintain a uniform physical layer signal clarity across multiple PCIe devices connected to a common root complex. This is particularly important when you have multiple pieces of mission-critical hardware (such as RAID HBAs or HPC accelerators), and require uniform performance across them. The new specification also adds new I/O virtualization features that should prove useful in HPC and cloud computing.

ASUS today rolled out the WS X299 Pro, a feature-rich socket LGA2066 motherboard designed for machines built in the gray-area between high-end desktops (HEDTs) and "real" workstations (based on the Xeon/EPYC platforms). The board is still based on the Intel X299 Express chipset, and will only support Intel Core X "Skylake-X" processors. It features the company's highest-grade electrical components. Built in the ATX form-factor, the board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX, a 6-pin PCIe power, and two 8-pin EPS connectors. It conditions power for the CPU using a 9-phase high-current VRM, which puts out heat on not just a primary heatsink making direct contact with the MOSFETs, but also a secondary heatsink over a heat-pipe. This heatsink occupies an area not just behind the rear I/O area, but also extends downwards, to just behind the expansion slots (while not intruding).

The LGA2066 socket is wired to eight reinforced DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 128 GB of quad-channel memory, and four PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x16/x16/NC/x4 or x16/x8/x8/x4 on 44-lane CPUs), and a fifth open-ended x4 slot. Storage connectivity includes two 32 Gbps M.2 slots (both of which feature heatsinks), a 32 Gbps U.2 port, and six SATA 6 Gbps ports. USB connectivity includes four 10 Gbps USB 3.1 ports, and six 5 Gbps USB 3.0 ports. Networking is care of two 1 GbE interfaces, driven by Intel i210-AT controllers. The onboard audio is based around a Realtek ALC1220A CODEC, fronted by a headphones amp, and backed by audio-grade capacitors, and ground-layer isolation. The company didn't reveal pricing or availability.

ASUS introduced the Expedition A320M Gaming, an entry-level socket AM4 motherboard designed for the rigors of gaming iCafes (yes, they do exist in the developing world). The board covers all the essential connectivity needed for a gaming rig, and comes with high-endurance electrical components. It also comes with certain anti-theft measures that make it tougher to steal memory modules and graphics cards. Built in the micro-ATX form-factor, the board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors. A simple 6-phase VRM conditions power for the CPU.

The socket AM4 CPU is wired to four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory, and the board's lone PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. A PCI-Express 2.0 x1 and an open-ended x4 slot make for the rest of the expansion. Storage connectivity includes a 32 Gb/s M.2 slot, and four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, from which two are wired to the AM4 socket. Network connectivity is care of a single 1 GbE interface, driven by a Realtek RTL8111H controller, while the 6-channel HD audio is backed by a basic Realtek ALC887 CODEC with audio-grade capacitors and ground-layer isolation. USB connectivity includes six USB 3.0 ports (four on the rear panel, two via headers). The company didn't reveal pricing.

Colorful Technology Company Limited, professional manufacturer of graphics cards and motherboards, is proud to announce the arrival of its latest high-end motherboard: the iGame Z370 Vulcan X. The iGame series represents COLORFUL's flagship performance and gaming segment and the new generation of Z370 motherboards will be heralded by the new flagship iGame Z370 Vulcan X.

COLORFUL has made great strides in this new generation of iGame motherboards with the iGame Z370 Vulcan X utilizing a new color theme, going for a black and gray motif with metal textures to give it that striking aesthetic appeal. Improving on the previous generation also is the addition of full RGB lighting on the motherboard. Extended features on various models will also include GamerVoice 2.0 light effect interaction and smart temperature-based lighting.

MSI proudly announces a new, fanless, aluminum mini PC: the MSI Cubi 3 Silent and Cubi 3 Silent S. The Cubi 3 Silent series are MSI's first fanless mini PCs and are featured with the Intel Kabylake-U processors to provide efficient performance. The Cubi 3 Silent series have a comprehensive connectivity to suit the needs of both consumers and businesses. Next to that, these new mini PCs can be upgraded with ease.

By simply removing 4 screws on the bottom side of the Cubi 3 Silent, the user has access to its M.2 Slot, 2.5" HDD and SO-DIMM memory modules. The MSI Cubi 3 Silent is mountable to a wall by VESA standards or can be combined with an HDTV, so the user can enjoy Ultra High-Definition and high quality media entertainment at home. A black and a silver version of the MSI Cubi 3 Silent series are globally available by end of October 2017.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of highperformance DRAM modules and NAND Flash products,today launched the industrial-grade IM2S3148 M.2 2280 SATA 6Gbps solid state drive. Utilizing the compact M.2 form factor for an easy fit in various installations and delivering up to 560 MB/s read and 530 MB/s write, the drive employs durable and long-lasting 3D NAND Flash for extended longevity and improved power efficiency compared to 2D NAND. The IM2S3148 is carefully tested to survive extreme temperatures and humidity as well as provide robust resistance to shocks and vibration. Customers can choose capacities from 128 GB to 512 GB.

Thanks to the compact dimensions of the M.2 2280 form factor, the IM2S3148 requires far less room than 2.5" SATA drives. It can therefore better serve users as more proper embedded storage, rather than add-on storage that requires independent power and more intricate accommodation. The IM2S3148 takes power directly from the M.2 slot, consuming just 2.3W at peak.

SilverStone rolled out the SST-MS09C, an interesting accessory that converts M.2 SATA SSDs into USB 3.1 flash-drives. The accessory, shaped like a large flash drive, features an aluminium body, and encloses a PCB with an M.2 B-key slot. You can install drives up to 80 mm (M.2-2280) in length. The VIA Labs VL715 controller at the heart of this device connects to your drive over SATA 6 Gbps, converting it to 10 Gbps USB 3.1 gen 2. You cannot install M-key (PCIe/NVMe) drives. Measuring 110 mm (W) x 9 mm (H) x 26 mm (D), it dry-weighs about 33 g. Its type-A USB 3.1 connector is mechanically retractable. The company didn't reveal pricing.

MSI, the world leading motherboard manufacturer, is pleased to announce the availability of a new motherboard: X399 SLI PLUS. Perfect for content creators who are looking for a great performer with plenty of connectivity options, MSI's new X399 SLI PLUS is an optimized workstation motherboard, built for designers. Featuring heavy plated heatsinks, Military Class V components and numerous unique and patented performance enhancing features, this motherboard is the best choice for professionals looking for speed and stability.

Using a full black color scheme, the new X399 SLI PLUS enters the next generation PRO Series design concept by adding Mystic Light RGB to personalize any workstation. Lightning USB 3.1 Gen2 extends data transfer bandwidth options to provide the best USB 3.1 performance. M.2 Shield v2 helps stabilize fast SSD data signals and prevents throttling for the best M.2 SSD performance. STEEL ARMOR slots prevent PCI-E slots from sustaining damage by heavy graphics cards. Each feature on SLI PLUS has been designed and tested to achieve the highest quality standards and are geared for longevity and best performance. More performance-related features on the new X399 SLI PLUS are: DDR4 Boost, Turbo M.2 with RAID support, Audio Boost, X-Boost, Network Manager and many more.

ASUS rolled out the Hyper M.2 x16 riser card, an accessory which could prove useful for those who want to add up to four extra M.2 SSDs. The card features a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 upstream interface, which it splits into four 32 Gb/s M.2-22110 slots (up to 110 mm length), with PCI-Express 3.0 x4 wiring, each. The card doesn't have any serious HBA logic of its own, beyond simple circuitry to power the four M.2 drives, and put out power/activity status LEDs for each slot.

A monolithic, stylish brushed aluminium shroud doubles up as a heatsink for the M.2 drives. There's also a lateral-blower fan, which guides air from inside your case through the drives and outside through the perforated rear bracket. You can turn this fan off with a physical switch on the card, although there's no software-based fan-control. The card is 20.2 cm long, 9.6 cm tall, and 1-slot thick. The company is advertising the card to be compatible only with its X299 chipset-based motherboards, for now. The company didn't reveal pricing.

In addition to the StoreJet 600 for Mac, Transcend introduced a two new M.2 PCIe SSD models, beginning with the MTE820 designed for PCs, and the JetDrive 820 for Macs. The MTE820 is based on the same controller as the MTE850 the company launched in May, but features 3D TLC NAND flash memory instead of 3D MLC NAND. At the heart of this drive is the Silicon Motion SM2260 controller. Built in the M.2-2280 form-factor, the drive takes advantage of 32 Gb/s M.2 (PCI-Express 3.0 x4 wiring), and the NVMe 1.2 protocol. It offers sequential transfer speeds of up to 1,760 MB/s reads, with up to 860 MB/s writes. The drive is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB capacities.

Next up, is the JetDrive 820. Designed for Macs after late-2013, the drive features a proprietary PCI-Express 3.0 x2 interface for Macs, and comes in capacities of 240 GB, 480 GB, and 960 GB. It's based on the same combination of controller and memory as the MTE820 - SMI2260 with 3D TLC NAND flash, and on account of its host interface, offers sequential transfer speeds of up to 950 MB/s reads, with up to 950 MB/s writes, on Macs with PCIe 3.0 NGFF slots. On older Macs with gen 2.0 slots, it offers up to 700 MB/s reads, with up to 650 MB/s writes.

AVerMedia, leader in video capturing technology, is proud to announce the availability of the CN311-H, a M.2 HDMI 1.4a 4K (4096 x 2160 30 FPS) capture card for integration in medical imaging devices, education and industrial computers. The CN311-H comes in a flexible M.2 2260 or 2280 form factor and its separate HDMI I/O board with coaxial cable can easily be implemented in custom solutions and optimizes signal stability. With its hardware-based video engine, the CN311-H reduces CPU or GPU workload by performing tasks such as deInterlacing, color space conversion and hardware scaling all on-board.

10-Bit 4K Video Capturing for Medical Imaging
The CN311-H is the most versatile M.2 video capture card on the market. With the power to capture the 4K video source, the CN311-H can fit in most embedded systems. The advantage of 10-bit encoding makes the CN311-H capable of operating in high-end medical solutions. As the CN311-H is the first 4K video capturing solution in M.2 format, this allows for unique and innovative designs for medical solutions where high color precision and resolution is required.

QNAP Systems, Inc. (QNAP) recently revealed and promoted the use of global SSD cache acceleration for both basic and enterprise users. Compared with similar products on the market, QNAP's global SSD cache acceleration technology can share a single SSD volume/RAID with all volumes/iSCSI LUNs for a read-only or read-write cache. When configuring relevant settings there are no service interruptions and users can flexibly balance efficiency and capacity needs. With these industry-leading advanced design and technologies, QNAP is an ideal choice for obtaining greater benefits with a lower TCO (total cost of ownership).

QNAP's global SSD cache acceleration technology lets users accelerate all of the volumes/LUNs on a NAS with a minimal number of SSDs. This cost-saving technology allows users to choose an efficient combination of high-capacity HDDs and high-speed SSDs for a personalized solution. Furthermore, configuring settings for the QNAP global SSD cache will not interrupt NAS services, thus a 24/7 uninterrupted environment is ensured.

Team Group, world renowned memory solutions and accessory provider, is proud to announce today the addition of new products as to their prestigious T-FORCE gaming line of products. Announced today, the T-FORCE arsenal welcomes the T-FORCE CARDEA ZERO M.2 PCI-E solid-state drive and the T-FORCE FORCE SABLE gaming mouse pad. Both designed by Team Group, the T-FORCE CARDEA ZERO is a patented M.2 PCI-e M.2 SSD featuring graphene copper foil cooling on the SSD module allowing the SSD to maximize cooling benefits from both natural passive cooling and directed air cooling via fans to deliver excellent heat dissipation.

The T-FORCE CARDEA ZERO M.2 PCI-E SSD is the world's first super slim SSD on the market built specifically for gaming laptops and high-performance tablet PCs. The newly released T-FORCE GAMING mouse pad, the T-FORCE FORCE SABLE, features special 3D sensing technology to effectively enhance the performance of optical or laser-sensor gaming mice. The mouse itself is made from environmental-friendly fabric which provides better comfort and smoother control and is completely washable and easy to clean.

Here are some of the first pictures of GIGABYTE's Aorus branded Z370 series motherboards. The lineup begins with the Aorus Z370 Gaming 3 and Aorus Z370 Gaming K3. These two boards are nearly identical to each other, and differ with only their onboard gigabit Ethernet controller, with the Gaming K3 featuring the latest Killer E2500 controller, while the Gaming 3 features Intel i219-V. Both boards feature just the one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot wired to the CPU, with the second slot being electrical x4 and wired to the PCH. GIGABYTE has been traditionally generous with its onboard audio solutions, and these boards are no exception. You get a Realtek ALC1220 (120 dBA SNR) CODEC strapped to a single headphones amp circuit, ground-layer isolation, and audio-grade capacitors.

Moving slightly up the ladder is the Aorus Z370 Ultra Gaming, pictured below. You get a similar CPU VRM implementation to the Gaming K3, but with two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x8/x8 with both populated) wired to the CPU, for multi-GPU setups. You also get a stylish I/O shroud. Positioned above the Ultra Gaming, is the Aorus Z370 Gaming 5. This board features a stronger CPU VRM, three M.2 slots as opposed to two on the Ultra Gaming, a higher grade onboard audio with a high-grade OPAMP, more USB 3.1 ports, 802.11 ac + Bluetooth WLAN; and a full-length I/O shroud. Leading the pack (for now) is the Aorus Z370 Gaming 7. Positioned further above the Gaming 5, this board features the highest-grade onboard audio solution from GIGABYTE, with an ESS Sabre AMP; M.2 SSD heatsinks, two gigabit Ethernet interfaces (Intel + Killer), and reinforcement braces around even more slots. These boards are expected to launch on the 5th of October, 2017.

It looks like the Aorus X399 Gaming 7 won't be the only socket TR4 motherboard GIGABYTE has in store for those looking to build Ryzen Threadripper high-end desktops. The first picture of its flagship motherboard for this platform, the X399 Designare EX surfaced thanks to VideoCardz. This board is based on the same exact PCB as the Aorus X399 Gaming 7, including its black PCB color uncharacteristic of the Designare moniker in recent times.

All that's changed is that GIGABYTE swapped out the black colored heatsinks over the chipset and VRM for silver colored ones, and the I/O shroud running the length of the motherboard now comes in silver, and now includes a detachable integrated I/O shield; as well as the M.2 SSD heatsinks. Aorus branding around the board has been swapped for Designare branding. The rest of the board appears to be identical overall. Something still tells us that GIGABYTE could ask a small premium for this board over the Aorus X399 Gaming 7, for its exclusivity and better suitability for white-themed builds.

ZOTAC International, a Hong Kong based and a global manufacturer of innovation, today announced two groundbreaking releases from the acclaimed ZBOX M series and P series Mini PCs. More customized to contemporary users' needs, yet equipped with future fast technologies. The ZBOX MI553 has a refreshing all-new minimal and elegant design with future fast technologies permeating all of the Mini PC, while the ZBOX PI225 tops world rankings in being the smallest and thinnest Mini PC ever.

"Both ZBOX MI553 and PI225 inherit the defining features of their predecessors, and perhaps employ the most ambitious designs and features yet in a Mini PC. We want to make sure users can enjoy a simple and fast computing experience," said Chinny Chuang, ZOTAC Global Director of Marketing. Future Fast - The all-new ZBOX MI553 introduces the largest surface-area of ventilation ever that with future fast technologies that brings speeding performance to the forefront. It features a 7th Gen Intel Core processor based on the Kaby Lake architecture, a revolutionary Optane Memory technology, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen2, and the fast lanes to support a NVMe M.2 SSD. Professionally dressed for the office and casually comfortable for the home, the all new ZBOX MI553 is the multi-functional do it all Mini PC.

Phison has been working hard towards bringing to market a new, budget SSD controller in the form of its Phison E8 solution. The controller was designed with the purpose to try and dethrone Intel's 600p solutions from the budget, entry-level NVMe options, through offering increased performance at the same affordable prices. To do this, and so as to decrease power consumption, Phison opted for a PCIe 2x support for the E8 - this means the company is trading burst performance for decreased power consumption. E8-based SSDs are expected in capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, with prices lower than the current 600p and Phison's own E7-based products like the MyDigitalSSD BPX.

The Phison E8 controller should still offer plenty of increased performance over a typical HDD, and has been designed to work with 3D NAND technology. even with the firmware in its non-final stages, Tom's Hardware is reporting that the Phison E8's performance is already higher than Intel's 600p and WD's Black PCIe solutions. As we all know, though, firmware optimizations are paramount to SSD controllers' performance, so we can only expect these performance numbers to go up. All in all, it seems we'll have yet another low-cost NVMe SSD solution in the market, though desktop users will likely opt for a PCIe 4x solution, since that environment doesn't care about power consumption as much as a mobile solution would.

ASUS introduced its first socket AM4 motherboard bearing the durable TUF branding, the TUF B350M-Plus Gaming. Built in the micro-ATX form-factor, the board draws power from a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors, conditioning it for the AM4 SoC using a 6-phase VRM. The components that make up the VRM are of a very high grade, enough to warrant TUF branding. The AM4 socket is wired to four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory; and the board's single and reinforced PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. The second x16 slot is electrical x4, and wired to the AMD B350 chipset.

Storage connectivity includes one 32 Gb/s M.2 slot, and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, two of which are directly wired to the SoC. Display connectivity includes one each of HDMI, D-Sub, and DVI. USB connectivity includes two 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 ports (both type-A), eight USB 3.0 ports (six on the rear panel, two by headers). Networking is care of a single 1 GbE interface, driven by a Realtek RTL8111H controller. The onboard audio solution combines a 6-channel Realtek ALC887 CODEC (<90 dBA SNR) with audio-grade capacitors and ground-layer isolation. The board features RGB LED headers. Expect this board to feature a sub-$100 price-tag, while being slightly higher than comparable mATX AMD B350 motherboards due to the TUF value-addition.

Crucial, a leading global brand of memory and storage upgrades, today announced the availability of a new offering in its solid state drive product portfolio: BX300. It combines Micron 3D NAND with a value-conscious design to deliver the features DIY upgraders and builders are looking for. The new SSD includes 3D MLC NAND in a 2.5-inch form factor drive, and is available in 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB capacities.

Upgrading from a traditional hard drive to a solid state drive has never been easier. The Crucial Advisor tool helps users determine a compatible upgrade based on their system's manufacturer, make, and model. Supporting the BX300 is Crucial's mobile-friendly install guide so users of all technical ability levels are armed with the straightforward, step-by-step information they need to successfully install an SSD. Data migration is also simplified with free access to Acronis True Image HD software.

Adding to Alienware's staple of custom-built PCs and their exclusivity deal with AMD to sell pre-built machines with Ryzen Threadripper 16-core CPUs, the company has just announced that their Area 51 desktop solution will now also be available with Intel's latest X299 HEDT platform. Intel Core X-series processors can be configured with a Core i7-7800X, i7-7820X, or i9-7900X processor, and liquid cooling comes standard with the system for these high-performance CPUs. Alienware even ships the Area 51 with an unlocked BIOS so that users can still tap all of the potential inside their new gaming rig.

Kingston's HyperX 2933 MHz memory comes standard (up to 64 GB in 4x 16 GB configuration), and the graphics processing can be configured with either AMD (RX 560, 570, and 580) or NVIDIA cards (GTX 1050 Ti, GTX 1060 (6GB), GTX 1070, GTX 1080 or GTX 1080 Ti.) The absence of AMD's Vega graphics cards should come as a surprise for red-team fans. There are also dual and triple-GPU configurations available, though with the slow, choking death of multi-GPU support, that might not be the best inroad for a high performance computer. A 2 TB HDD takes care of storage, and SSD goodness can come in 256, 512 GB, or 1 TB in the M.2 form-factor. There's Intel Optane support (in 16 GB or 32 GB), and the power supply can range from an 850 W unit up to a 1500 W one. There is a total of 8x USB 3.0 ports (2x front, 6x rear) and 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1x Type-A, 1x Type-C). Dual gigabit LAN is provided by a Qualcomm Killer E2500 NIC, while wireless connectivity is available in the form of Killer 1535 or Dell 1820 802.11ac WiFi.