EKWB were full of updates at Computex this year, as seen in our other news post, but this did not stop them from unveiling wholly new concepts as it comes to the company. These are ideas that their R&D thinktank decided to explore beyond the norm, and first up is the creation of a new brand under the EK Special Projects (Spec) team that is tentatively named König, after their founder Eduard König. As we found out in person, Eddy has a passion for woodworking in addition to managing a company, and decided to combine the two. The new König brand intends to offer a personalized, made-to-order experience wherein they will work with the end user to design and manufacture products to match a lifestyle. This is currently built around solid wood of multiple varieties, three Slovenian version of which were shown at their suite, but they are open to working with other materials including carbon fiber, anodized aluminum, leather and so on. They shared some images of some example products as it pertains to watercooling (CPU block top covers, GPU blocks and backplate, fittings and so on) as well as modded cases with wooden panels as seen below. Be sure to also click on the story to read more on an entirely different concept from the company.

EK Waterblocks had been the subject of more than one article over the recent months here at TechPowerUp, wherein we broke news about top management (at the time) having parted ways with the company and this in turn led to speculation about how this would affect the indubitable leader in market share when it comes to DIY watercooling today. Perhaps they felt as much, and had an entire suite full of products to show off at Computex this year. The products showcased here, and in another separate news post upcoming, are a mixture of updates to existing product lines as well as expansion of said lineups to offer customers more options from the company than before.

We began our look with the new Velocity CPU block. Those who kept up with the subject would remember EK recently admitted they could have, and should have, done better with their offering for AMD's sTR4 socket (Threadripper platform) and had recently shown off a new cold plate design to improve on thermal performance. The new Velocity sTR4 takes advantage of this new cold plate and is available in three different top offerings of acetal with a frosted plexi lining to diffuse lighting by the side, a polished plexi top, and a full nickel-plated brass metal top- all of which use the same nickel-plated copper cold plate. Indeed, the Velocity tagline is now used for their entire range of new CPU blocks that share a similar ID for the smaller CPU sockets as well, with a cold plate that looks similar to that of the older Supremacy EVO but we will definitely take a closer look in upcoming reviews. EK did tell us that the new Velocity CPU blocks are one-piece blocks not meant to be taken apart and customized for different socket types. There are a lot of smaller aesthetic changes here including beveled edges, corner cutouts and arrows to indicate the recommended plumbing layout. One other interesting thing to point out here is that EK also designed a cold plate variation to be used with delidded Intel mainstream CPUs via a small circular section jutting outwards as seen in the images below. All of the new Velocity CPU blocks also come with a new mounting plate that supposedly improves on both looks and material strength. Oh, all of these also have RGB lighting incorporated even with the metal top version- the revised EK badge on these blocks is backlit after all.

AZIO Corp underwent a massive makeover in their product line the last few years, focusing on their typewriter-style mechanical keyboards and then doubling down on it to give their products a different look than most others. Their Retro Classic line from last year introduced vegetable-tanned genuine leather to the keyboards, and then there was a special edition that made use of genuine wood trim as well. At Computex this year, AZIO showed more of the same being applied to other products, as well as hinting towards the use of more such unique materials in the future.

The Retro Classic full-size keyboard was shown in a new orange leather color, which went well with an entire system a wrist rest and mouse pads as well. This was next to another wood option, this time a lighter tone that went well with the white keycaps as opposed to the darker grain wood and black keycaps from the previous version. AZIO also showed off more mouse pads under the R.C. Mouse Pad name in two sizes (medium and XL) and multiple genuine leather color options to match the rest of their portfolio.

Vortexgear, which is more commonly referred to simply as Vortex, has a close collaboration with iKBC when it comes to their product line and this year at Computex was no different. Indeed, it was evident that Vortex were joining in the fray of making 2018 the year of wireless mechanical keyboards now that RGB is a done deal, with every single new product having that option.

We began our look at the Vortex section of the giant Mistel/iKBC/Vortex booth with the new members to their popular Poker series of keyboards- a 60% form factor keyboard that offered onboard layers and programmability at a time when this was just a dream for even keyboard enthusiasts. The Poker IV is scheduled to work with their new software driver, thus finally allowing end users the freedom to customize layers and keys to a larger and easier extent than before. The two-tone keycap color scheme we saw with their recent keyboards carries over here, as does a thick plastic case to hit a wallet-friendly price point. On the back is a toggle for the power alongside a battery tray for two AAA batteries. New this year to the Poker series is also the so-called Poker Vol. 2 that trades in for a thick metal case and a split space bar. Images for the new Poker keyboards are seen below, and there is more to go after the break.

Mistel Keyboard has impressed us before with their MD870 SLEEKER keyboard before, and another of their products is being tested as we speak. They did not simply rest on their laurels this year, as they introduced a whole slew of new keyboards and even stepped out of their comfort zone with a new power supply range as well. Beginning with the keyboards, Mistel first showed us their take on the Cherry ML low profile switch- not to be confused with the new Cherry MX RGB Low Profile switch that debuted this year. Indeed, Mistel tells us they prefer the Cherry ML paired with their wire-style stabilizers and the new MD650L comes in multiple color options as well as a handy accessory that ties the two pieces together at a point to add a pivot function for ergonomics to those who do not prefer a fully split keyboard. Images of the keyboard are seen below, and lots more to follow after the break.

Continuing on our coverage of Computex 2018, now we take a closer look at the VARMILO brand, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Zhihaihe technology co., LTD. based out of China. They shared a large booth space with Ducky Keyboard, and there were more than a few interesting products to be seen here- some previously released, some released very recently, and others announced for the first time at the trade show.

Beginning with products that were new is the VARMILO V Motion. This is a $170 keyboard with an optical sensor at the top left corner on the front which detects hand motion such that the keyboard backlighting can be effectively controlled by a simple motion of your hands. The rest of the keyboard, which can be easy to ignore given this revelation, features a standard 104-key US ANSI layout in a metal frame and thick plastic case. A video, courtesy the brand, is past the break so you can see better how the V Motion works.

1stPlayer is a Chinese PC gaming peripherals vendor that went international this Computex, entering the European market. It showed off a small range of PC gaming wares, including power-supplies, case fans, and keyboards. The PSU lineup, which includes the mainstream Steam Punk series, and the entry-level DK series, are characterized by full-modular cabling. The Steam Punk 650W has no steampunk design elements, dons a matte white body, with a white LED-illuminated fan, and a fascinating combination of power outputs (for its market positioning and Wattage), including two 4+4 pin EPS, four 6+2 pin PCIe power, six SATA power, and three Molex. This unit features 80 Plus Silver efficiency. Next up, is the all-black DK 650W, with an identical power connector loadout as the Steam Punk 650W, but with 80 Plus Bronze efficiency. Both models feature flat modular cables.

Next up, is the company's case fan series, which includes the Fire Moon, and the Fire Dancer. Both are 120 mm fans with fluid-dynamic bearing, which are capable of daisy-chaining with up to two fans (3 fans in all). The Fire Dancer series features a more pronounced silicone diffuser for its RGB LED lighting, which covers almost 2/3rds of the frame's bore and perimeter. The Fire Moon series features a thinner ring along the perimeter of the frame. Both feature vibration dampening mounts. The two are sold in packs of three fans, which includes a proprietary RGB LED hub, and an RF remote.

In Win 307 is among the company's more grounded creations this Computex. When it's powered down, a build with this case doesn't look like much, but when you power it on, you're greeted by a light-show from a 144-pixel (8 x 18 pixels) display made up of 1 cm² "pixels" that are diffused through a silicon sheet so they look more like glowing warm-white dots, than squares. This display plugs into one of your USB 2.0 motherboard headers, and you use software to do a bunch of things with it - a customized animation, visualization for your PC's audio output (graphic equalizer), or one of several animation presets.

That aside, the 307 is a vertically-partitioned case, with the left compartment housing the ATX motherboard tray, and room for graphics cards up to 35 cm in length, and CPU coolers up to 16 cm in height. There are several detachable fan-mounts in this compartment, including two bottom 120 mm intakes, three 120 mm top exhausts (fixed), and three 120 mm exhausts perpendicular to the top panel. The right compartment has the PSU compartment and drive bays, including two 3.5-inch, and four 2.5-inch mounts.

We've been to many editions of Computex, and it would often be Lian Li with the year's most outrageously imaginative case design. Over the past few years, In Win picked up that mission, and succeeded even this year, with the Z-Frame. This case is a work of art, and anyone taking it to their local BYO eSports event is bound to get the most attention, or maybe even make it to the local daily's picture. Its design is more alien than Alienware ever came up with - twisted blocks of cast aluminium converging at the base, with an open-air E-ATX motherboard tray inside, and mounts for an ATX PSU, and two each of 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives.

The Z-Frame can take in E-ATX (or smaller) motherboards, graphics cards up to 34 cm in length, and CPU coolers up to 17 cm in height, and has 8 expansion slots. Like all "Frame" cases from In Win, the Z-Frame is open-air, and doesn't have too many fan mounts, but you get room for three 120 mm along the top panel, letting you mount a 360 mm x 120 mm radiator. Front-panel connectivity includes type-C USB 3.1, in addition to type-A USB 3.0, and HDA jacks. The Z-Frame comes in two color options, chrome-silver, and glossy black, both of which are made of the highest density cast aluminium. The case weighs a staggering 40 kg, not counting what you install inside it. In Win will do a limited production run for this case, and it could be yours for a little over USD $10,000.

Wooting Two is one of the rare few analog keyboards shown off at Computex. Every keyboard, membrane or mechanical, is a "digital" keyboard, in that no matter how hard you mash a key, each keystroke registers as 1 input of the character or function the key is intended to serve. Holding down keys only repeats the action at a software-determined rate. An analog keyboard is like a grand piano, in that not only is the keystroke recorded, but also its intensity. While we can think of very few practical applications of the intensity dimension in productivity software, it has many in gaming. Console gaming already leverages analog control in the rudders and thumb-sticks.

The Wooting Two features a clean 107-key layout, all of the magic happens in the software side, where the included software registers intensity by emulating analog game controllers on the keyboard. Games that support analog input devices (such as Xbox controllers), should be able to take advantage of it. Genres such as flight simulators particularly benefit from intensity, as the intensity with which you hold down your WASD keys will decide how hard you're turning your plane's stick, for more accurate flying. Something like this required you to buy a proper joystick, or Xbox controller. Serious flight-sim users have specialized hardware.

At its Computex presser, leading up to its 7 nm Radeon Vega series unveil, AMD touched upon the massive proliferation of the Vega graphics architecture, which is found not only in discrete GPUs, but also APUs, and semi-custom SoCs of the latest generation 4K-capable game consoles. One such slide that created quite some flutter reads that "Vega" shipments are over 10 times greater than those of the "previous generation."

Normally you'd assume the previous-generation of "Vega" to be "Polaris," since we're talking about the architecture, and not an implementation of it (eg: "Vega 10" or "Raven Ridge," etc.). AMD later, at its post event round-table, clarified that it was referring to "Fiji," or the chip that went into building the Radeon R9 Fury X, R9 Nano, etc., and comparing its sales with that of products based on the "Vega 10" silicon. Growth in shipments of "Vega" based graphics cards is triggered by the crypto-mining industry, and for all intents and purposes, AMD considers the "Vega 10" silicon to be a commercial success.

(Editor's Note: We took some risks in getting these pictures for you guys at COMPUTEX, hitting the show floor as we did, so enjoy them. G.SKILL took the opportunity to showcase a series of ultra-high speed DDR4 kits on various platforms at Computex 2018. Their 5066 MHz, dual-channel kit really is the highest-performing memory on display, but there are some notorious trade-offs, as there would obviously need to be - namely, when it comes to timings. That said, it remains a very impressive showing that helps cement G.Skill's status as one of the best memory companies currently in business.)

DDR4-5066MHz 2x8GB -The Highest Frequency in Dual Channel Memory Configuration
Chasing after the fastest possible memory speed, G.SKILL once again breaks the limits and presents the Trident Z RGB DDR4-5066MHz extreme dual-channel kit built with Samsung 8Gb ICs, which is the highest frequency dual-channel memory on live demo display at Computex 2018. This extremely high memory speed live demo system is built with the latest Intel Core i7-8700K processor and MSI Z370I Gaming PRO CARBON AC motherboard.

It's not just fast memory, but also fast storage from GALAX this Computex. The company unveiled three new SSD products, beginning with the Hall of Fame (HOF) E12 AIC PCIe SSD. This drive features signature HOF styling, complete with the white PCB, and a silvery shroud. There's also a dash of RGB LED lighting elements along the top and front of the shroud. The drive comes in 1 TB capacity, and combines 3D TLC NAND flash with new Phison PS5012-E12 controller. The drive takes advantage of PCI-Express 3.1 x4 and the NVMe 1.3 protocol. The drive is capable of sequential speeds of up to 3400 MB/s reads, with up to 3000 MB/s writes, and 4K random access speeds of up to 600,000 IOPS.

Next up, is the GALAX One 2.5-inch SATA drive. The model shown has 240 GB capacity, and combines MLC NAND flash with Phison PS3111-S11 controller, to serve up sequential transfer rates of up to 520 MB/s reads, and up to 460 MB/s writes, and 4K random access speeds of up to 90,000 IOPS reads, with up to 80,000 IOPS writes. Lastly, there's the GamerRGB, a 2.5-inch SATA drive with 256 GB capacity, the same PS3111-S11 controller, but RGB LED lighting. The company didn't reveal performance numbers for this drive.

AMD in its Computex 2018 address earlier today, mention that its second-generation EPYC enterprise processors will be based on its 7 nanometer "Zen 2" architecture, and not 12 nm "Zen+." The company has the 7 nm silicon ready in its labs, and will begin sampling within the second half of 2018. The first products could launch in 2019, after validations. Besides improved energy-efficiency, the 12 nm "Zen+" architecture features a minor 3-5 percent IPC uplift thanks to improved multi-core clock-speed boosting, and faster caches. "Zen 2," on the other hand, presents AMD with the opportunity to make major design changes to its silicon to achieve higher IPC uplifts. The 7 nm process introduces significant transistor density uplifts over the current process. AMD is in the process of building 4-die multi-chip modules using the 12 nm "Pinnacle Ridge" silicon for its 2nd generation Ryzen Threadripper HEDT client processor family.

AMD at its Computex 2018 presser unveiled the 2nd generation Ryzen Threadripper high-end desktop (HEDT) processors. These processors are multi-chip modules of four 12 nm 8-core "Pinnacle Ridge" dies, with up to 32 cores, and SMT enabling up to 64 threads. Much like the first-generation Threadripper family, there could be 16-core, 12-core, and 8-core SKUs; in addition to 24-core, 28-core, and 32-core ones. AMD did mention that these chips are backwards compatible with X399 motherboards, although it remains to be seen how AMD wires out the memory of two extra dies on the X399 platform. In all likelihood, there could be a new wave of motherboards that retain the TR4 socket with backwards-compatibility with 1st generation Threadripper proccessors, but having 8-channel memory slots.

The 2nd generation chips feature higher clock-speeds, and all of the "Zen+" features introduced by "Pinnacle Ridge," including Precision Boost II and XFR 2.0. AMD put up a demo of the chip challenging Intel's top-dog Core i9-7980XE, which has two more cores than it. This probably explains why Intel revealed a 28-core HEDT SKU yesterday. AMD stated that the lineup is en route Q3-2018 launch.

AeroCool made a splash a Computex 2018, with a slew of new cooling products and cases. We begin with cooling. The company launched twelve new air coolers, besides a new AIO liquid cooler series. The bulk of the new air coolers are branded under the Verkho series, with the Verkho 1, Verkho 2, Verkho 2 Plus, Verkho 2 Dual, Verkho 3, Verkho 3 Plus, Verkho 4, Verkho 4 Lite, Verkho 4 Dark, and Verkho 5.

The digits next to the brand signify number of heat-pipes the cooler has, the "Plus" extension signifies a slightly better fan, "Dual" for two included fans, and "Lite" being the cheaper twin of "Dark," which is well, dark. The common theme among all is that they're tower-type coolers.

Since its inception in 2006, the Republic of Gamers has pursued a mandate to push boundaries to deliver a better gaming experience. We started with motherboards, spread to virtually every DIY desktop component, and have been building hardcore gaming laptops for more than a decade.

The smartphones in that early era barely qualified as such, but they started a revolution that transformed the computing landscape. We watched closely as these digital sidearms became increasingly capable gaming machines and all-around computers, and we saw how developers harnessed their growing power to take mobile gameplay and graphics to the next level. We also gained insight from esports professionals, regular players, and game developers on how mobile gaming devices could be improved.

Thermaltake, celebrates the upcoming 20th anniversary by announcing the new Level 20 and Level 20 GT Full Tower Chassis at Computex 2018. The Level 20 is the next generation of the legendary Level 10 Extreme Gaming Chassis, which was released around a decade ago. Within these 10 years, Thermaltake achieved several breakthroughs in terms of design and technology.

Lenovo, at Intel's Computex presser, revealed a product that could put Apple design to shame. The new Yoga Book Generation 2 is a notebook+tablet convertible, with two displays on the opposite sides of the conventional clam-shell. In the notebook mode, the bottom half converts to a keyboard, with actuators providing tactile feedback. Since the bottom half's screen is a touchscreen as much the top half, you can configure the keyboard layout and "trackpad" position any which way you want. When not typing, the bottom half becomes an extended screen of the top half. Under the hood is a "new generation" processor (very likely the 10 nm Core M3-8114Y).

The centerpiece of Antec's Computex 2018 booth is the Project X (working title) case. This cyberpunk creation features several polygonal aluminium and tempered glass shards held together by thumbscrews on a steel frame, with room inside for a high-end liquid-cooled build for maximum exposure. The case sits tilted at a 20°-ish angle that makes the front-panel accessible, and exposes more of its design elements. Through the various deliberate gaps and cuts between the panels, you can put up quite a spectacular light show.

ASUS this Computex expanded its Republic of Gamers (ROG) family with not just AIO liquid CPU coolers, but also high-end power-supplies (PSUs). The company showed off its ROG THOR 1200W Platinum, a fully-modular PSU with a design focus on practicality, software interface, 80 Plus Platinum rating, and high-grade components. We hear that under the hood, the OEM is SeaSonic, and that for the most part, this PSU is identical to the Prime Platinum 1200W, with the added digital interface, and aesthetic makeover.

Update: We went hands-on with the ASUS ROG THOR 1200W Platinum, and have more details. To begin with, the PSU features several RGB LED accents all over its body, including an ROG logo, which you control over Aura Sync RGB (for which there's an addressable RGB LED header). The PSU features up to twelve 6+2 pin PCIe connectors, two 4+4 pin EPS, and an OLED display that gives you real-time power-draw readouts. The cooling fan is IP5X dust-proof, and stays off under a load/temperature threshold. You can override the 0 dB mode at the push of a physical button at the back.

SilverStone this Computex unveiled its new Lucid Clear View series vertical cases. Available in micro-ATX (LD01 and LD02), and mini-ITX (LD03) sizes; the cases are characterized by gobs and gobs of tempered glass, with internal layouts optimized to let you show off most of your RGB LED-illuminated hardware. The LD01 and LD02 have a tower-like appearance, while the LD03 has a more cubical appearance. The LD01 is more glassy, and has glass panels on all but the rear and bottom sides. A chrome accent runs the top. This case measures 215 mm x 405 mm x 410 mm (WxHxD), and features three 3.5/2.5-inch drive-bays, in addition to two 2.5-inch mounts. Besides a 120 mm rear exhaust, you get four 140 mm mounts (two on the front, two along the top).

The LD02 is the slightly cheaper micro-ATX option, characterized by an aluminium bar running along its height, and tempered glass panels only along its front and right-side. It has the same number and configurations of fan-mounts and drive bays as the LD01, but is slightly bigger - 217 mm x 405 mm x 433 mm. Both the LD01 and LD02 orient the micro-ATX motherboards "upside-down," BTX-style. Lastly, there's the LD03. This case is more metal, less glass, and only has it along its side panels, in polygonal shapes. You get one each 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drive bays; two 120 mm and one 80 mm fan-mounts; and the ability to mount a 240 mm x 120 mm radiator. The motherboard is oriented such that its rear I/O alights with the top of the case, and the graphics card stands tall through a riser. The case measures 277 mm x 415 mm x 230 mm.

At Computex, BitFenix showed off its upcoming flagship PSU series, the Vision Titanium. Available in capacities ranging between 650W and 1500W, these PSUs are Cybenetics Lambda A++ and ETA-A+ certified, besides 80 Plus Titanium, making them some of the most efficient juice boxes out there. The units are cooled by 135 mm fans, and feature full modular cabling. Depending on the model, you get up to two 4+4 pin EPS, up to sixteen 6+2 pin PCIe, 10-16 SATA power and Molex connectors. The PSUs are compatible with the company's Alchemy 2.0 modular cables.

We broke into the Computex show-floor to grab some of the first pics of BitFenix Fujin, the company's upcoming mid-tower case. The case features a horizontally-partitioned layout, with the bottom compartment being almost entirely enclosed when accessed from the left side-panel, except for a small cutout toward the front (so you can have a thick and tall radiator lining the front-panel). The left side is covered by tempered glass panel. The case features mounts for up to two 360 mm x 120 mm or 280 mm x 140 mm radiators (one each along the front and top panels).

The front is characterized by a fine mesh, and an RGB LED diffuser along the top (near the front-panel connectivity). The RGB stips you see inside are just part of the demo build. BitFenix will include an RGB LED-lit 120 mm rear fan. Storage options include two each of 2.5-inch mounts, and 3.5-inch trays (which can hold 2.5-inch drives). There is a generous 20-25 mm crawlspace behind the motherboard tray, so let you wrestle with your cables. When it hits the shelves, this case will be priced around 69€ or $79.

A week before Computex CRYORIG reveals the Crona 120 RGB fan and H7 Ultra RGB Cooler tower cooler. The Crona 120 is CRYORIG's first RGB fan with an unconventional single sided fan frame design in exchange for an unobstructed fully circular lighting area. The H7 Ultra RGB is built on the best selling H7 with an upgraded 4 heatpipe system while also including a RGB top cover and Crona 120 RGB fan. Both the Crona 120 and H7 Ultra RGB will be on full display come Computex 2018 at Nangang Exhibition Hall.