HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today expanded its Alloy keyboard line up with the release of the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. The new Alloy Elite 2 gaming keyboard is based on the original Alloy Elite design and boasts HyperX red linear mechanical switches built for performance, longevity and an 80 million lifetime click rating per switch. The keyboard includes dedicated media keys with quick access buttons and volume wheel and uses HyperX designed pudding keycaps with translucent dual-layer style and signature HyperX font to enhance LED and RGB light.

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 features a signature light bar with LED lighting, dynamic RGB lighting effects with per-key lighting and RGB colors. Alloy Elite 2 is built with solid steel frame for durability, offers dedicated media buttons and a large volume wheel along with quick access buttons for brightness, lighting effects, and game mode. Alloy Elite 2 also includes a USB 2.0 pass through, 100 percent anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover functionality.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the release of new Electro Punk peripherals with a striking black-and-pink color scheme. First introduced in April, the Electro Punk colors can now be found on the ROG Strix Go 2.4 gaming headset, ROG Strix Scope TKL gaming keyboard, ROG Strix Impact II gaming mouse and other gaming and lifestyle accessories.

ROG Strix Go 2.4 Electro Punk is a USB-C 2.4 GHz wireless headset that enables stable, lag-free audio on smart devices, PC, Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox or Nintendo Switch (in Handheld mode). The Electro Punk edition features pink piping in and around the headband, ear pads, and ROG logo to give it that a special touch, while the rest stays bold black to prevent stains. Strix Go 2.4 has a detachable boom mic powered by AI Noise-Canceling technology that intelligently eliminates unwanted background noise for clear voice communication for work or play.

In their briefing leading up to today's Ryzen 3 3100 and 3300X review embargo, AMD disclosed that its upcoming "Zen 3" 4th generation Ryzen desktop processors will only support AMD 500-series (or later) chipsets. The next-gen processors will not work with older 400-series or 300-series chipsets. This comes as a blow to those who bought premium X470 motherboards hoping for latest CPU compatibility running into 2020. At this time only B550 is available, but we expect more news on enthusiast chipsets as the Zen 3 launch date comes closer. AMD B550 is a fascinating new mid-range chipset by AMD. Launching today as a successor to the popular B450 chipset, B550 is a low-power silicon with roughly the same 5-7 W TDP as the older 400-series chipset. Although AMD won't confirm it, it's likely that the chipset is sourced from ASMedia. It brings a lot to the table that could draw buyers away from B450, but it also takes some away.

The AMD B550 currently only supports 3rd generation Ryzen "Matisse" processors. Ryzen 3000 "Picasso" APU are not supported. What's more, older Ryzen 2000 "Pinnacle Ridge," "Raven Ridge," and first gen Ryzen 1000 "Summit Ridge" aren't supported, either. The Athlon 200 and 3000 "Zen" based chips miss out, too. AMD argues that it ran into ROM size limitations when trying to cram AGESA microcode for all the older processors. We find that hard to believe because B450 motherboards with the latest ComboAM4 AGESA support 2nd gen and 3rd gen processors, including APUs and Athlon SKUs based on the two. On the bright side, AMD assured us (within its marketing slides for the B550), that the chipset will support upcoming processors based on the "Zen 3" microarchitecture. The company also came up with a new motherboard packaging label that clarifies that the processors won't work with the 3400G and 3200G.

Renowned for its innovative and high-performance contributions to the world of PC cases, Kolink has created the Balance Midi-Tower as a feature-rich gaming case. This case may have a stunning exterior, but behind this facade lies a lot of space for powerful gaming hardware as well. All this gaming goodness can be admired through the tempered glass side panel, and as it supports motherboards up to E-ATX in form factor, there will be plenty to look at. A thoughtfully included PSU shroud also helps users stash away unsightly cables.

The front of the case, with its fine mesh and air vents, helps ensure not only good airflow, but it also helps accentuate the digitally addressable RGB-LED strip and the look of the case as a whole. A switch on the I/O panel allows the lighting to be controlled. Alternatively, the strip can be connected directly to the motherboard and controlled that way instead. The overall ventilation of the case is also helped by the presence of a fine mesh with an integrated dust filter on the top. A pre-installed 120 mm fan is also equipped with dARGB lighting.

Today MSI announced the latest addition to its monitor lineup - the MSI Optix MAGG332CR gaming monitor. With its 180 Hz refresh rate, this monitor is targeting gamers who focus on first-person shooter games primarily. When it comes to the panel characteristics, this monitor is rocking a 31.5-inch anti-glare 1080p display with a 1500R curvature applied to it. The panel type in question is an 8-bit VA panel with Frame Rate Control (FRC) that enables the monitor to achieve a wider color spectrum withing the 8-bit range.

The monitor offers 1 ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT) performance, along with the brightness of 300 nits, and a contrast ratio of 3000:1. When it comes to the refresh rate syncing technology, there is VESA's Adaptive-Sync present with AMD FreeSync certification. Marked as "HDR Ready", it is not exactly meeting any requirements due to its 300 nits brightness, however, there is at least a possibility to view HDR content. The display covers 96% of DCI-P3 and 125% of sRGB color gamut. Additionally, for input, there are quite a few options. There is one DisplayPort 1.2a, two HDMI 2.0b connectors, and one USB-C port that supports DisplayPort alternate mode allowing for video input over USB. There is also a USB hub present with two USB 2.0 ports and for audio, there is one 3.5 mm headphone output port. Besides, support for MSI Mystic Light RGB setup is also present.

Akasa today rolled out the Cypher MX3, a Thin Mini-ITX case for low-profile, fan-less desktop builds meant as digital signage boxes, thin clients, or low-power desktops that you tuck away behind your monitor. Measuring 208 mm x 203 mm x 45 mm (WxDxH), which amounts to a lunchbox-sized volume of just 2 liters, the Cypher MX3 features a SECC steel construction with a ventilated 3-sided panel covering the top and sides. Its front panel provides two each of USB 3.1 type-A, two USB 2.0/1.1, and HDA jacks. Besides the motherboard, there's room for a 2.5-inch drive inside. The case is designed for external power-bricks that plug in directly to the motherboard, which provides power for your SSD. Available now, the Akasa Cypher MX3 is priced at USD $59.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, today introduced two new high-performance gaming keyboards - the LogitechⓇ G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the LogitechⓇ G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. By combining Logitech G's advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, with its new high-performance, low-profile GL Switches, these new keyboards were designed and built to be the most advanced and innovative keyboards imaginable.

"These new keyboards are perfect examples of what's possible when our award-winning designers and engineers at Logitech G push the envelope of advanced gaming technology and design," said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech Gaming. "The G915 combines LIGHTSPEED Wireless, RGB lighting and amazing battery life in a sleek, ultra-thin, aluminium case that creates a new standard for gaming keyboards."

Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, is thrilled to announce the first lineup of the Thermaltake S Series Steel Tempered Glass Edition Chassis - the S500 TG is available on the market. It combines sophistication and elegance and is all built with a modern steel construction. The chassis is manufactured with one tempered glass side panel, two preinstalled standard fans, 140 mm at the front and 120 mm at the rear to enable outstanding ventilation. It incorporates a full modular design, vertical radiator & GPU mount, patented rotational PCI-E slots, and the support for 200 mm fans. The S500 TG Tempered Glass Edition Mid-Tower Chassis is a great fit for PC builders who are looking for a modern and stylish chassis.

Sleek Steel Design
The S500 TG is made with full metal, glass construction, and sleek front panel design. This case hides the ample air intakes, and the removable power supply cover that gives you plenty of space to route cables and clean up the build.

AnandTech, who spoke with the USB Promoter Group at Computex, have shared that the new protocol is expected to manifest in physical, consumer products by the end of 2020. The specification for the next-generation bus is currently on version 0.7, with the USB Promoter Group expecting it to be finalized by this Summer. Then it's just a matter of manufacturers developing new products powered by the latest protocol.

USB 4.0 borrows heavily from Intel's thunderbolt 3 technology - which, if you'll remember, was made available as an open specification very recently. Intel's contribution of the Thunderbolt 3 protocol will enable USB 4.0 to achieve speeds of up to 40 Gbps with multiple data and display protocols being able to share available bandwidth. Additionally, USB 4.0 will make use of USB Type-C's interface, ensuring backwards compatibility not only with it, but also USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3. Due to the many improvements in data transfer speeds and ability to stream multiple data and display protocols, the USB Promoter Group is looking at the possibility of changing USB's trademark logo for the next generation interface, alongside a revised branding scheme.

As we gear up for launch of AMD-s Ryzen 3000 series, details are bound to come up with increasing frequency. One of the latest, regarding AMD's in-house developed X570 chipset, which brings a renewed feature set to the AM4 platform, pertains to its PCIe lanes. AMD has included a grand total of 40 PCIe 4.0 lanes on the chipset, which will be distributed between PCIe uplink, USB 3.1 Gen2, USB 2.0 and SATA, as the spec sheet below (which may not be real) indicates. That's a whole load of bandwidth for the PC platform, not counting those PCIe lanes that are to be provided by the Ryzen CPUs.

It seems AMD will be using PCIe support level as a differentiator factor for its chipsets. The X570 is reported to be the only chipset to feature PCIe 4.0 support, while all other chipsets below it (B550 and so on) will only support PCIe 3.0. These lower-end chipsets should be manufactured by ASMedia.

Rivet Networks announced general availability of its Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) capable Killer WiFi 6 AX1650 WLAN network controllers for sale to PC motherboard and notebook manufacturers. The AX1650 is based on Intel "Cyclone Peak" PHY, mated with a custom firmware and drivers by Rivet Networks that are optimized for competitive online multiplayer gaming. The controller supports 2x2 MU-MIMO with 160 MHz channels, delivering up to 2.4 Gbps theoretical maximum WLAN bandwidth over the card's main PCIe gen 3.0 x1. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 over a separate USB 2.0 connection.

Besides minimizing CPU overhead, Killer drivers provide a highly specialized QoS solution called Killer Intelligence Engine, which shapes the Internet traffic of your game and streaming software ahead of other apps that seek Internet access. Advanced Stream Detect 2.0 can detect Internet traffic from thousands of games and gaming websites to optimize your Internet access on the fly. GameFast Technology works to reduce the Wi-Fi controller's CPU overhead by up to 10 percent compared to other WLAN solutions. The controller is also DoubleShot Pro (teaming) capable. The controller ships in M.2-2230 and 1216 modules, with PCIe and USB interfaces.

Intel formally launched the Wi-Fi 6 AX200 client-segment WLAN card for notebooks and PC motherboards in the M.2-2230 and M.2-1216 form-factors, based on the "Cyclone Peak" PHY powering the Wireless AX-22260 NIC family. The card interfaces with its host over PCI-Express 3.0 x1 and USB 2.0, for the Wi-Fi and integrated Bluetooth interfaces, respectively. As a Wi-Fi 6 adapter, it supports 802.11ax over 2x2 MU-MIMO antennae, and peak bandwidth of 2.4 Gbps, with support for both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. The Bluetooth interface is version 5.0.

While we just recently covered the USB 3.2 specification. The USB Promoter Group has today announced the pending release of the USB4 specification, a major update to deliver the next generation USB architecture that compliments and builds on the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt protocol specification recently contributed by Intel Corporation. It doubles the bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display protocols.

The new USB4 architecture defines a method to share a single high-speed link with multiple end device types dynamically that best serves the transfer of data by type and application. As the USB Type-C connector has evolved into the role as the external display port of many host products, the USB4 specification provides the host the ability to optimally scale allocations for display data flow. Even as the USB4 specification introduces a new underlying protocol, compatibility with existing USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and devices is supported; the resulting connection scales to the best mutual capability of the devices being connected. "The primary goal of USB is to deliver the best user experience combining data, display and power delivery over a user-friendly and robust cable and connector solution," said Brad Saunders, USB Promoter Group Chairman. "The USB4 solution specifically tailors bus operation to further enhance this experience by optimizing the blend of data and display over a single connection and enabling the further doubling of performance."

Spice announces the TARAXX tempered glass case. The TARAXX PC chassis with left and right side panels of 4 mm tempered glass allows for optimum space within the case. Furthermore, within the 1.2 mm SPCC black coated structure contains a large CPU cooler clearance of 135 mm for large cooling fans and a 350 mm graphics card clearance for a large graphics card.

enclosure is thus suited for various PC components whilst maintaining supreme airflow and intricate cable management. Included are also 1x USB 3.0 & 2x USB 2.0 x2 and HD Audio in the front for high quality audio purposes. Additionally to the spacious case is room for the standard or extended ATX power supply on the bottom of this structure. All in all, a great asset to have in your PC setup.

For those who need the most RGB goodness out of their radiator fans, Thermaltake has come out with the Riing Duo 14. Available only in packs of 3, these 140 mm fans give you a double shot of RGB LED lighting. There are RGB LEDs not just along the bore of the frame, but also the hub of the impeller. Twelve LEDs are studded into the frame, and six into the impeller; the eighteen LEDs, along with those of the other two fans in the set, take commands from an included TT RGB Plus controller. This controller interfaces with your software over a USB 2.0 header, and in addition to software control, supports Amazon Alexa. As fans, each Riing Duo 14 take in 4-pin PWM input, spin between 500 to 1,400 RPM, push up to 60.87 CFM of air, and have a maximum noise output of 26.2 dBA. The hydraulic bearings assure lifespan of 40,000 hours. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ASUS Republic of Gamers today announced ROG Delta and ROG Delta Core, a new series of gaming headsets tuned especially for first-person shooter (FPS) gaming. The headsets feature Sony-certified Hi-Res Audio and are designed to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable.

ROG Delta is the world's first gaming headset with the industry-leading, hi-fi-grade ESS ES9218 QUAD DAC , which delivers impeccably clear and detailed sound to give serious gamers the edge they need to win. ROG Delta features a USB-C connector and comes with a USB-C to USB 2.0 adapter for gaming on PC, console or mobile devices without changing headsets. A one-of-a-kind, circular rainbow RGB lighting effect provides a stylish look that sets gamers apart on the battlefield.

HyperX , the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced that it is now shipping the HyperX Alloy FPS RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. The Alloy FPS RGB keyboard features Kailh Silver Speed mechanical key switches that offer shorter key travel time and less actuation force for faster gameplay. The full-size RGB keyboard features a solid steel alloy frame in a compact design that frees up table space for the mouse and mousepad.

HyperX is augmenting its line of Alloy FPS keyboards by now offering Kailh Silver Speed key switches on the Alloy FPS RGB. The Kailh Silver Speed key switches feature a light 40g actuation force and are rated for 70 million key presses. With exposed LED lights on the key switch housing and five brightness levels, the keyboard offers brighter and more radiant RGB lighting.

Thermaltake, a leading premium gaming tower manufacturer, has launched its latest Thermaltake Core P5 Tempered Glass Ti Edition ATX Wall-Mount Chassis, an upgrade to the predecessor Core P5. Constructed with 5mm tempered glass panel plus stainless steel panels for secure mechanism, four USB 3.0 data transfer ports, a motherboard tray and fully modular design that allows flexibility for 3-way placement layouts (Wall mount, Horizontal and Vertical), dual GPU layout locations (Horizontal and Vertical) and placement locations for liquid cooling components. Uncover greatness with the Core P5 TG Ti's panoramic viewing angle with its full tempered glass window; designed to protect and display your stunning liquid cooling system.

By practicing and incorporating the idea of "maker movement" as well as 3D printing, Thermaltake designs the open frame panoramic viewing chassis for anyone to access and do his/her own mods as well as print out his/her own ideas using available liquid cooling components and manuals without boundaries.

ASUS introduced the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Aura Terminal, an RGB LED control module that puts out four addressable RGB LED channels. This box plugs into one of your motherboard's USB 2.0 headers to interface with Aura Sync RGB software, and power is drawn either from a 4-pin Molex connector (if installed inside your case), or from a 45W power brick (if installed externally).

The ROG Aura Terminal supports up to 90 LEDs per channel, and up to 210 LEDs in all, working out to up to 4.2 meters in addressable RGB LED strips. The package includes two 30 cm and one 60 cm RGB LED strips, a 45W power adapter, a Molex to 2-pin DC adapter, a 9-pin USB 2.0 header to USB type-A adapter, stickers, and cable ties. ASUS Aura Sync RGB software is used to control all outputs from the box, including its glowing ROG logo. You also get ROG Halo, a feature that lets you task RGB LED strips stuck behind your monitor to work as ambient mood-lighting. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ADATA today launched the UV240 USB Flash drive, adding to its extensive range of portable storage devices. The UV240 works in USB 2.0 and is offered in capacities up to 64 GB. It features a convenient flip-cap capless design alongside a quick-slide mechanism for maximum usability.

ADATA remains committed to its USB Flash drive global leadership role and will continue releasing new models as market needs evolve. ADATA designers have long preferred USB Flash drives with no cap, as with such a design there is less clutter and fewer parts to potentially misplace. The UV240 utilizes a convenient flip-cap design, which does not only prevent you from misplacing the cap, it also allows it to be easily opened with the flick of a thumb. This intuitive design helps make the UV240 extremely satisfying to use on the go.

Intel released a product brief of its premium mainstream-desktop (MSDT) chipset, the Z390 Express. Positioned above the Z370 Express, the chipset has an exhaustive feature-set. It supports current 8th generation Core "Coffee Lake" processors, and is ready for the next-generation. Like all other 300-series chipsets, the Z390 interfaces with the LGA1151 processor over a DMI 3.0 chipset-bus. Much like the Z370, it features 24 downstream PCI-Express gen 3.0 lanes. Its storage setup remains unchanged from the Z370 - six SATA 6 Gbps ports with AHCI and RAID support; and up to three 32 Gbps M.2/U.2 connectors.

The differences begin with the chipset's integrated USB connectivity. The Z390 Express directly puts out six 10 Gbps USB 3.1 gen 2 ports, and ten 5 Gbps USB 3.1 gen 1 ports. If that's not a lot, it also puts out fourteen USB 2.0 ports (a total of 30 USB ports). Another major feature is Intel SmartSound technology, which the document specifies as an "audio/voice offload" DSP. This should, in theory, reduce the CPU's load in processing the audio stack. At the physical level it's still the company's "Azalia" HD audio bus wired to an audio CODEC with close to zero native signal processing. Perhaps some of that processing is done inside the chipset. The concept appears to be borrowed from edge-computing, and triggered by the rise in voice-command interface, so the chipset can natively process speech-to-text conversions.

Intel today released two new barebones NUCs based on its latest "Gemini Lake" Pentium Silver and Celeron SoCs, the NUC 7 PJYH, and the NUC 7 CJYH. As their names might suggest, the PJYH is based on Pentium Silver J5005, while the CJYH implements Celeron J4005. The Pentium Silver J5005 packs a "Goldmont Plus" quad-core CPU clocked at 2.80 GHz, 4 MB of cache, and UHD Graphics 605 iGPU, while the Celeron J4005 features a dual-core "Goldmont Plus" CPU clocked up to 2.70 GHz, 4 MB cache, and UHD Graphics 600 iGPU.

As a barebones NUC, you're supposed to add your own memory, populating its two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (up to 8 GB), and a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD. Networking connectivity includes 802.11ac WLAN, Bluetooth 5.0, and gigabit Ethernet. Display outputs include two HDMI ports. USB connectivity includes two each of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, from which one of the front USB 3.0 ports (yellow) has high-current (10A). There's also an SD card slot. A 65W power-brick runs the NUC. The two could be priced in the range of $299-$399.

Thermaltake today introduced the H200, an internal 6-port USB 2.0 hub. Nothing exciting for 2018, right? Think again, this is one of those devices you didn't know you needed. It latches onto the inside of your case through a magnetized surface, draws power from a SATA-power connector, plugs into one of the 9-pin USB 2.0/1.1 headers of your motherboard, and puts out up to 6 USB 2.0 ports, three of which are type-A, and three 9-pin headers. The second ports on each of those 9-pin headers split to the type-A ports (disabled when something is plugged into the type-A port).

This device could come in handy to plug in your increasingly complex RGB LED lighting setups in the absence of RGB headers; or plug in the various internet of things components, such as your "smart" PSU, "smart" LED hubs, "smart" fans, etc. The type-A ports also let you plug in concealed hardware-keys to your expensive software, or even USB WLAN/Bluetooth dongles, so you don't have one sticking out from the back of your case. Measuring 76.8 mm x 21.6 mm x 64.7 mm (WxHxD), it is compact enough to be tucked away in the crawlspace behind the motherboard tray (i.e. if you're cool with a magnet close to sensitive components such as your CPU and memory). The company didn't reveal pricing.

Thermaltake today introduced the Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition, a large 200 mm fan studded with RGB LEDs. The 30 mm-thick fan features a 11-blade impeller backed by a motor that features hydraulic bearing; and a fan frame with 24 RGB diodes studded along the bore of the frame, which support 16.7 million colors. What's interesting about this fan is that it plugs into your motherboard via the 9-pin USB 2.0/1.1 header, from which it not just powers the fan and the lighting, but also takes in software control for both.

The included Digital Lighting Controller (DLC) module ensures you don't run out of USB headers if you have many of these fans, by taking input from one header (two 500 mA inputs), and putting out three USB headers for up to three fans. Additional power is drawn from a 4-pin Molex input. The Tt RGB Plus software lets you control the fan on your PC, and through a connected smartphone. As a fan itself, the Riing Plus 20 RGB spins between 500 to 1,000 RPM, pushing up to 118 CFM of air, at up to 29.2 dBA of noise output. Available now as a single-pack that includes one fan, the DLC, and cables, the Riing Plus 20 RGB TT Premium Edition is priced at USD $59.99.

Kingston did what was inevitable - RGB LED lighting on SSDs, the least showy components of any PC build. The new HyperX Fury RGB series SSDs feature RGB LED lighting elements in the form of two diffusers and the HyperX logo. The drive is build in the 7 mm-thick 2.5-inch form-factor, with SATA 6 Gbps interface. In addition to the SATA interface, the drive has a micro-USB 2.0 port, and in included cable that connects it to a USB 2.0 header of your motherboard. This USB connection is needed to let you control its LED lighting. In addition to Kingston's own HyperX app, in addition to industry standards such as ASUS Aura Sync RGB, and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. As a drive, the HyperX Fury RGB retains the feature-set of the HyperX Fury. It comes in capacities of 240 GB, 480 GB, and 960 GB; and implements 3D MLC NAND flash memory. It offers sequential transfer rates of up to 550 MB/s reads, with up to 520 MB/s writes.