ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) and Team Vitality are delighted to announce the extension of their partnership. As of today, Team Vitality's Counter-Strike 2 and VALORANT teams will also benefit from a full range of ROG laptops, desktops and handheld consoles, providing them with even better hardware on their road toward excellence.

Thanks to this new phase of collaboration, Team Vitality players will benefit from cutting-edge gaming equipment, adapted to the demands of the highest competitive level. These computers will offer unrivalled processing power, ultra-high refresh rates and minimal latency, guaranteeing maximum precision and responsiveness in both training and competition. This partnership with Team Vitality marks a further step in ROG's drive to innovate and offer professional and amateur gamers alike an increasingly immersive and high-performance gaming experience.

At CES 2025, ASUS unveiled their elite-tier ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard design. Additionally, early January press material teased another top contender: "ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme is also waiting in the wings, with details to be shared on the way to its expected release in the first quarter (of 2025)." As reported by VideoCardz, the Taiwanese manufacturer seems to be readying its mysterious ultra-premium model for an imminent launch. Last week, HWiNFO v8.23-5685 Beta release notes turned up—revealing the existence of "enhanced sensor monitoring on ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme." Concurrently, a smattering of retail/e-tail listings have turned up in Europe. The lowest observed asking price (including VAT) was €1202.80, courtesy of Max ICT's (Netherlands) premature publishing of a product page.

Hopping across the Atlantic, industry watchdogs noted that Newegg was demanding a cool $749 for ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Apex pre-orders. Potential European customers will likely be greeted by a ~€827 (inc. VAT) price point. Since January, the Republic of Gamers marketing team has kept quiet on the X870E Extreme front. Their fancily-appointed board is still an unknown quantity in many regards; recent retail leaks lack technical information and visual representation. As noted by VideoCardz, time is running out for a Q1 2025 launch. As we head into April, Q2 looms in the near distance.

"Second wave" ASUS price hikes were documented online over the past weekend; affecting air-cooled premium ROG Astral and mid-tier TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 models. Looking at the company's North American webshop, visitors noticed a freshly adjusted price for the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB OC Edition—going from a previous level of $3079.99 up to $3359.99. Curiously, the asking price of a liquid-cooled sibling was not adjusted—remaining at a "first wave" point of $3409.99. The "cheapest" model—TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 (non-OC)—experienced a $460 (representing 20%) price hike, bringing total cost of ownership up to $2759.99. As a reminder, NVIDIA's baseline MSRP guideline was $1999—as announced at CES 2025—but ROG Astral and TUF Gaming designs demand a premium or two for fancier feature sets. VideoCardz has fervently explored worrying market trends in the recent past; several of NVIDIA's big board partner players have jacked up asking prices for GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards. Availability of stock is still a major sore point for potential buyers, who were not able to secure launch day wares. Despite a driving up of costs, the ASUS US webstore has absolutely zero stock of GeForce RTX 5090 SKUs—at the time of writing.

In addition, VideoCardz and other PC hardware media outlets noted price hikes affecting the manufacturer's stable of recently launched AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series TUF Gaming and PRIME models. In the absence of AMD-built (MBA) reference card designs, board partners were tasked with the providing of baseline "MSRP" conformant custom cards. The ASUS PRIME Radeon RX 9070 XT OC and RX 9070 OC Editions were readied as $599 and $549 options (respectively). Weekend sleuthing work put the spotlight on newly adjusted price points of $719.99 and $659.99 (respectively)—representing further cases of plain 20% elevations over baseline. AMD's debut batch of RDNA 4 cards was met with unprecedented demand earlier on in March, but secondary/tertiary stock shipments face unclear market conditions—Team Red GPU enthusiasts have (similarly) voiced their collective displeasure about elevated prices at retail. Mid-way through last week, the PC hardware community heard about ASUS leadership considering a new pricing strategy. The company is reportedly accelerating its manufacturing exodus from China.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), a global leader in gaming innovation, is shaking up esports with an electrifying partnership with Team Vitality, one of the most dominant forces in competitive gaming. This collaboration marks a new chapter in esports excellence, fusing cutting-edge gaming peripherals with world-class talent to push the limits of peak performance. Team Vitality starts 2025 off with a bang, coming off their recent CS2 victory at IEM Katowice, a strong start in the VCT Kickoff, and securing a playoff spot after back-to-back wins against T1 and DRX during the Swiss Round of VCT Masters Bangkok. With this momentum, the squad is hungrier than ever to extend their winning streak with the ultimate gear backing them up.

As their official gaming peripherals partner, ROG is equipping the elite Team Vitality roster with high-performance keyboards, mice, headsets, and other must-have gear designed for lightning-fast reflexes, pinpoint precision, and clutch reliability. The CS2 and VALORANT teams are already taking their gameplay to the next level with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard, praised by players for its instant actuation, premium feel, and rock-solid build quality, ensuring flawless execution in the heat of battle. "We are thrilled to join forces with Team Vitality, a powerhouse in the esports community," said Kris Huang, General Manager of the ROG Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit. "This partnership embodies our shared passion for gaming excellence, making sure that pro players have the very best tools to dominate the competition."

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced today that the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 OC Edition graphics card has broken four world records and two global first place records in 3DMark Port Royal, 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme, 3DMark Time Spy Extreme, UNIGINE Superposition 1080p Xtreme, UNIGINE Superposition 8K Optimized, and GPUPI v3.3 32B.

ROG Astral is the flagship ASUS graphics cards family, and this OC Edition achieves a stunning boost clock speed of 2580 MHz right out of the box. A cutting-edge thermal solution keeps the heavyweight GeForce RTX 5090 GPU cool: a bold quad-fan design and phase-change GPU thermal pad ensure healthy temperatures that boost hardware longevity. Plus, a vapor chamber helps prevent heat buildup - offering one more layer of protection to keep performance at its peak. This card also packs premium power delivery to make sure the GPU gets stable, reliable power.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced that the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is now available for pre-order. This versatile gaming 2-in-1 can feature up to AMD's newest AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Processor with Radeon 8060S Graphics and a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible performance and power efficiency. A new stainless steel and copper vapor chamber, larger intake vents, and 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans offer 70% more airflow for quiet and efficient cooling.

This 13-inch tablet boasts a stunning ROG Nebula Display, a 2.5K resolution 180 Hz touchscreen with 500 nits of peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Flow Z13 now also features a larger 70Wh battery, a larger touchpad and keycaps, and a convenient Command Center button for quick access to vital system functions. With dual USB-C ports, both of which support USB4 and power delivery, as well as a dedicated HDMI 2.1 port, the Flow Z13 lets gamers leave their dongles at home.

SUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the immediate pre-order availability of the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, the world's first 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor, at an MSRP of USD$1,099. The new display features the latest fourth-generation ROG QD-OLED technology, providing a pixel density of 166ppi to deliver sharper images and clearer text for exceptional visuals and infinite contrast, as well as the latest ROG OLED Anti-Flicker 2.0 technology to further minimize onscreen flicker during intense gaming.

For user convenience, the new monitor benefits from the ROG DisplayWidget Center, offering quick access to monitor settings and OLED Care Pro features. It also features the new ROG OLED Care Pro technology that includes the Neo Proximity Sensor to accurately measure a user's distance to the monitor using wavelength detection.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Slash Sling Bag 4.0, ROG Slash Sleeve 4.0, and ROG Backpack 4.0—all of which are new additions to the ROG urban gear range. Boasting bold aesthetics and functional designs, these bags are the ideal lifestyle travel gear for the urban jungle.

Compact commuter
The ROG Slash Sling Bag 4.0 offers a sleek and elegant carrying case for the ROG Ally or other gaming handhelds, complete with soft inner lining and custom cutouts to safely secure the device. Built from tear- and water-resistant materials, the Sling Bag 4.0 is designed to protect gear from inclement weather as well as the bumps and knocks of daily life. A magnetic Fidlock quick-release buckle enables easy access to the main compartment, while 360° snap hooks and adjustable shoulder straps ensure the bag is always perfectly suited to the user's body and preferred carrying position. Custom ROG monograms inside the bag and ROG logo on the exterior fabric accentuate the bag's bold style.

ASUS and Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a suite of innovative networking products at CES 2025, pushing the boundaries of Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for gamers, network enthusiasts and home users. In addition, ASUS RT-BE58 Go, a compact mini travels router with versatile connectivity; and ASUS 5G-GO, a sleek 5G mobile router with roaming support in up to 232 countries, both received the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Award. The latest lineup includes ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI, the world's first AI-powered gaming router with a built-in NPU; and the ZenWiFi outdoor series, a robust outdoor Wi-Fi 7 mesh solution. All of these solutions are designed to deliver unparalleled performance, security, and flexibility.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the arrival of the 2025 ROG Flow Z13, a powerful gaming tablet. This versatile 2-in-1 gaming machine now features the brand new ultra-powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S Graphics and a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible performance and power efficiency. A new stainless steel and copper vapor chamber, larger intake vents and 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans offer 70% more airflow for quiet and efficient cooling.

This 13-inch tablet boasts a stunning ROG Nebula Display, a 2.5K resolution 180 Hz touchscreen with 500 nits of peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Flow Z13 now also features a larger 70Wh battery, a larger touchpad and keycaps, and a convenient Command Center button for quick access to vital system functions. With dual USB-C ports, both of which support USB4 and power delivery, as well as a dedicated HDMI 2.1 port, the Flow Z13 lets gamers leave their dongles at home.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a pair of 27-inch OLED gaming monitors—the Swift OLED PG27UCDM and Strix OLED XG27AQDPG. Both monitors feature the latest fourth-generation ROG QD-OLED technology for exceptional visuals and infinite contrast, as well as the latest ROG OLED Anti-Flicker 2.0 technology to further minimize onscreen flicker during intense gaming.

The PG27UCDM is the world's first 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor with a superfast 240 Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 160ppi for sharper images and clearer text compared to previous generation panels. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, all selectable via the OSD menu. The monitor offers extensive connectivity options including DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, HDMI 2.1, USB-C with 90-watt Power Delivery, and a USB hub. For user convenience, the ROG DisplayWidget Center offers quick access to monitor settings as well as OLED Care Pro features.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the new ROG Phone 9 series of stylish and powerful gaming phones, developed to offer the best possible gaming experience in a premium phone design. At launch the ROG Phone 9 series comprises the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro models, both boasting a sleek high-end design featuring the innovative AniMe Vision mini-LED auxiliary display, which gives the phones stand-out looks and personalization capabilities.

Both models offer an unrivaled gaming experience thanks to a suite of ROG-developed AI-driven gaming features. These features are amply powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, combined with the advanced ROG GameCool 9 cooling system to unlock maximum performance at all times. Console-like game controls have always been a killer feature of the ROG Phone's design philosophy, and the ROG Phone 9 series continues that legacy, with its exclusive AirTrigger touch system and an extensive ecosystem of ROG gaming accessories.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that new ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboards have been used to achieve 5 world records, 19 global first-place records and 31 first-place records. In the hands of some of the world's premier professional overclockers, the Maximus Z890 Apex has coaxed dazzling performance out of the latest Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) lineup and the latest high-performance memory kits.

Veterans of the overclocking scene will not be surprised to learn that these records were achieved with an Apex motherboard on the bench. This series has an undeniable pedigree. Since the very first model, ASUS has designed Apex motherboards for the singular purpose of helping the world's most talented overclockers shatter barriers on their way to new records.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Thor III series of power supplies, which includes the ROG Thor 1600 W Titanium III, ROG Thor 1200 W Platinum III and ROG Thor 1000 W Platinum III. Featuring gallium nitride (GaN) MOSFETs, GPU-FIRST voltage sensing, high-performance copper pins, upgraded PCIe connectors, a detachable magnetic OLED display, etched modular cables, ATX 3.1 compatibility and much more, an ROG Thor power supply is an excellent backbone to your next gaming rig. ASUS is so sure of that fact that it includes a 10-year warranty with these PSUs, so users know they are set for incredible, long-lasting performance.

ROG Thor III Series: next-gen premium PSU components
The GaN MOSFETs inside the ROG Thor III series can deliver up to 30% more power efficiency than standard MOSFETs. Since these MOSFETs offer the same performance in a smaller size, Thor III PSUs benefit from an optimized internal layout that keeps units cool, no matter the load.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the launch of the Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme, a new ROG Ryujin all-in-one cooler introduced during Gamescom 2024. The ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme is specially optimized for the heat zones of Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) via a movable bracket design that effectively reduces CPU heat.

The cooler is also equipped with an Asetek Emma Gen 8 V2 pump for optimal cooling performance, and its embedded pump fan assists in cooling a motherboard's voltage regulator modules (VRMs). Meanwhile, 30 mm daisy-chainable ROG ARGB fans provide high airflow and static pressure with noise optimization, and users can connect lighting and fan control with one cable for easy installation and cable management. The ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme also boasts a full-color 3.5-inch display with a 640x480 resolution which can be customized through Armoury Crate to display exclusive ROG wallpaper, real-time system information or personalized content.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) and ASUS Metaverse today announced the release of the SL@SH206 Web3 project, which creates a gamified experience and Web3 community where players can explore the virtual world and unleash their creativity. The AI-generated stories are supported by cloud technology from Taiwan Web Service Corporation (TWSC), a subsidiary of ASUS. SL@SH206 is targeting users worldwide and is expected to support both Chinese and English languages.

Innovative Web3 gaming ecosystem
SL@SH206 is the first step in collaboration on virtual experiences between ASUS Metaverse and the ROG brand; it is built using Web3 technology that immerses players in a cyberpunk world. Players take on the role of an amnesiac robot, ZEI-6, in a society where humanity has sought refuge in the virtual world. Through AI-generated content and a gamified experience, they will gradually uncover the secrets of the SL@SH206 world. Along the way, players can discover various virtual objects, trigger game events, and be able to get SL@SH206 digital collectibles by completing missions. Additionally, players can join the official Discord community, where they can interact and participate in mini-games to accumulate points and earn valuable rewards.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the availability of the ROG Harpe Ace Extreme, an ultralight 47-gram gaming mouse featuring an eye-catching carbon fiber shell that offers extreme maneuverability and outstanding durability. The shape of Harpe Ace Extreme was co-developed with esports professionals to ensure exceptional stability and control when flicking and tracking—especially for players accustomed to playing with a claw grip. Built-in cutting-edge technologies such as the ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor and ROG Optical Micro Switches ensure absolute pinpoint accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the Harpe Ace Extreme is bundled with a host of premium accessories including a set of Corning Gorilla Glass mouse feet, a hard-shell carrying case, and the ROG Polling Rate Booster.

The ROG Polling Rate Booster, when combined with ROG SpeedNova wireless technology, delivers fast and precise data input at a true 8000 Hz polling rate in both wireless and wired modes. Its plug-and-play design allows users to directly attach the receivers or cables of compatible ROG peripherals.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Falchion Ace HFX, a 65% analog wired gaming keyboard engineered for gamers who demand precision, speed, and customization. Featuring ROG HFX Magnetic Switches and an 8000 Hz polling rate, this ultra-compact keyboard sets a new standard in gaming peripherals. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX masterfully incorporates arrow and navigation keys into a 65% keyboard layout. At just 315 mm in length, it's almost the same size as a 60% keyboard, so gamers can enjoy all the functions of a normal keyboard while saving desktop space.

The ROG Falchion Ace HFX comes equipped with pre-lubed magnetic switches that are designed for a solid feel and lightning-fast, ultraprecise performance. With a lifespan of 100 million keypresses, these switches use high-quality POM plastic for the stem and bottom housing and PC for the top housing, ensuring ultrasmooth keystrokes. The innovative walled stem design enhances stability while keeping out dust, making this keyboard durable and reliable for intense gaming sessions. What really sets the Falchion Ace HFX apart is its customizable actuation range, which allows gamers to adjust the actuation point from 0.1 to 4.0 mm to match their gaming and typing experiences. This adjustment can be easily managed through the rear-mounted multifunction button and touch panel or via the Armoury Crate or Armoury Crate Gear software, providing flexibility and fingertip control.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the ROG Strix Platinum PSU series, the ideal power supplies for gaming PC setups. These high-efficiency units, available in 1200-watt, 1000-watt, and 850-watt versions, raise the bar with lower connection temperatures, intelligent wattage delivery, ATX 3.1 with Intel lab testing and a sizeable 10-year warranty.

Smart design, efficient operation
The ROG Strix Platinum PSU series is ready to power any rig a user can assemble, no matter what kind of graphics card they put under the hood. That's where the patented GPU-First intelligent voltage stabilizer (IVS) comes into play. It ensures that even an overclocked graphics card always has the stable power flow it needs to perform at peak capacity during intense gaming sessions, providing up to 45% more stable flow to the GPU than without the stabilizer. And if users prefer a conventional CPU-focused voltage sensor, they can disconnect the Strix Platinum IVS cable.

Among many other releases, ASUS has shown several upcoming peripheral releases at Gamescom, including both the ROG Harpe Ace Mini and the Harpe Ace Extreme, the latter of which had already been announced prior. Interestingly enough, the mouse demonstration units weren't pre-production units, but rather from mass production, hinting at an impending release. While no exact date has been revealed, both the ROG Harpe Ace Mini and the Harpe Ace Extreme indeed are expected to hit shelves within the next few weeks.

Shared between both mice are their basic specifications and internals. Much like on the ROG Keris II Ace, ASUS's latest AimPoint Pro sensor capable of 42,000 CPI sees use, along with ROG Optical main button switches. When asked for comment, ASUS has stated that on their enthusiast mouse releases, optical switches will continue to be preferred over push-fit mechanical switch sockets to save as much weight as possible. Through the ROG Polling Rate Booster, polling rates of up to 8000 Hz can be achieved in wired operation, and up to 4000 Hz in wireless operation. Since the firmware is shared across all models, performance of the ROG Harpe Ace Mini and the Harpe Ace Extreme will closely match the Keris II Ace provided the ROG Polling Rate Booster is used.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced an exciting array of gaming peripherals designed to give hardcore gamers and esports pros an edge over the competition. New peripherals include the Falchion Ace HFX and Strix Scope II 96 RX Wireless gaming keyboards, ROG Harpe Ace Mini and Strix Impact III Wireless gaming mice, and the ROG Pelta headset.

ROG Falchion Ace HFX gaming keyboard
The ROG Falchion Ace HFX wired gaming keyboard boasts a 65% layout in a 60% keyboard frame, and masterfully incorporates navigation and arrow keys into its design. It features ROG HFX Magnetic Switches that deliver solid keystrokes. The switch actuation points can be customized from anywhere between 0.1- 4.0 mm for instantaneous response. An 8000 Hz polling rate and 0.125 ms response time make the Falchion Ace HFX up to 8X faster than competitor keyboards. Plus, a Rapid Trigger toggle can be activated for the fastest typing response and key repeat rates, without the need for additional software. The Speed Tap mode prioritizes the last input and automatically releases the previous one to eliminate any time gap for counter-strafing and ensure precise aim, especially in FPS games.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the groundbreaking ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP, the ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG and the ROG Swift 360 Hz PG27AQNR gaming monitors at Gamescom 2024.

The Swift OLED PG27AQDP is the world's first 1440p 480 Hz monitor, and it features an anti-glare WOLED panel. Meanwhile, the 26.5-inch Strix OLED XG27ACDNG boasts an impressive 360 Hz refresh rate and a QHD QD-OLED panel with an anti-reflection. Both monitors feature ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) and OLED Anti-Flicker technologies. ROG is the only gaming monitor brand to offer QD-OLED and WOLED offerings to cater to different needs. Each display offers unparalleled visuals and unprecedented refresh rates to redefine gaming performance for gamers worldwide. Also launched was the 360 Hz ROG Swift 360 Hz PG27AQNR, with a QHD Ultrafast IPS display and G-SYNC Pulsar that make it a superior choice for esports and competitive gaming.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today released Armoury Crate Special Edition 1.5 (ACSE 1.5)—a brand-new major update to this software—to coincide with the launch of the ROG Ally X gaming handheld. Featuring a massive 80 Wh battery, upgraded joysticks and face buttons, and redesigned handgrips, the ROG Ally X is an improvement in every way on the original ROG Ally.

ACSE is the control software behind the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, and provides a centralized hub for game storage, access, and settings customization for gamers to play all of their games, no matter the launcher. ACSE 1.5 introduces a more console-like and easy-to-navigate UI, with more customization for how game titles are displayed and arranged, and revamped carousel and list views. Taken together, ACSE has seen a huge usability increase since its initial launch just over a year ago.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Azoth Extreme, a custom 75% gaming keyboard featuring a precision-crafted aluminium-alloy chassis with metal frame, delivering premium aesthetics and top-tier wireless performance. A carbon-fiber positioning plate delivers a crisp typing feel and keeps keystroke vibrations down to a minimum. The keyboard includes an adjustable gasket mount that can be toggled to offer a hard or soft typing feel via a quick-flip switch. A full-color OLED touchscreen on the top right corner of the keyboard can show system info and keyboard settings; with the adjacent three-way knob allowing for instant volume, multimedia, lighting adjustments, and settings customization. An extended wrist rest ensures comfortable typing experiences and retains its firmness over time.

Superior build quality
The eye-catching ROG Azoth Extreme gaming keyboard boasts a premium aluminium-alloy chassis with a metal frame that undergoes an intricate 12-step manufacturing process that includes sandblasting, anodizing, CNC machining, and more. Additionally, the Azoth Extreme achieves an impressive 8000 Hz polling rate when used with the ROG Polling Rate Booster, while offering up to 1600 hours of battery life.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Archer ErgoAir Gaming Backpack BP3800. With a capacity of 40 liters, the versatile Archer ErgoAir features a detachable top pouch that can double as a small day pack plus an additional accessories pouch, a waterproof cover, and two concealed pockets. The backpack is made of lightweight 200D nylon and includes a breathable foam backrest. Inside, there's more than enough room to accommodate up to an 18-inch gaming laptop, along with accessories and other essentials.

The Archer ErgoAir is designed to adapt to any situation. Its 200D nylon construction resists light showers, and the waterproof rain cover is available on standby should the weather deteriorate. The pack's top pouch features multiple compartments, including a fleece-lined sleeve for sunglasses. It can be used to store smaller items or detached to be used as a waist or crossbody bag. Closing the bag is easy, either via drawstring or folding down the roll-top.