Tech News
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BIOSTAR Shows-off Ultra Gaming Machines
BIOSTAR Teams Up with Apacer and Thermaltake to showcase high-end gaming machines
June 20th, 2016, Taipei, Taiwan – BIOSTAR is proud to announce its ultra gaming machines in partnership with Apacer and Thermaltake. Built around a BIOSTAR RACING Z170GT7 motherboard, these systems are built for the latest games and feature high-performance components all brought together by BIOSTAR motherboards.
Basing on the new Super 5 Design Concept, the RACING Z170GT7 flaunts the best of the entire BIOSTAR RACING series with its latest motherboard design features. This includes the all new RACING IO armor, carbon-fiber design treatment on the heatsink, checkered flag PCB print on a matte black surface treatment and Titanium-color RACING audio shielding.
The BIOSTAR RACING Z170GT7 motherboard features BIOSTAR’s VIVID LED DJ which allows users to customize the lighting on the board’s heatsinks and PCB to reflect their personal style. Allowing multiple custom effects, gamers can configure their BIOSTAR RACING motherboard with custom lighting effects such as permanent (static), breathe, shine or shine & music (sound-reactive) to give their gaming machines a unique personality. For convenience, the BIOSTAR RACING Z170GT7 also features GT Touch functionality, onboard buttons that allowing switching between the built-in modes to the motherboard featuring their own lighting profile.
Built for makers, the Thermaltake Core P5 is designed for people who want to stand-out. With a unique design, this chassis showcases each and every components of the system and keeps it all secured in its well-built frame. Its fully-modular design also allows builders to take advantage of infinite possibilities to configure the system and style it their own way without affecting performance of the actual system.APACER BLADE, PANTHER and COMMANDO
Apacer joins in making the ultimate gaming machine with their line of high-performance memory modules.
The Apacer BLADE is capable of reaching speeds of up to DDR4-3300 and features unique signature heatspreaders which aim to provide an aggressive look as well as aggressive performance for the most discerning gamers. The Apacer COMMANDO features a tactical heatspreader as well as support for high-frequencies while the new Apacer PANTHER features a new heatspreader design with illumination for a superior looking machine that embody the true beast within.
For more information, visit the official website: http://www.biostar.com.tw
For more information about Thermaltake visit their website: http://www.thermaltakeusa.com
For more information about Apacer visit their website: http://ap.apacer.comAPACER BLADE, PANTHER and COMMANDO
Apacer joins in making the ultimate gaming machine with their line of high-performance memory modules.
The Apacer BLADE is capable of reaching speeds of up to DDR4-3300 and features unique signature heatspreaders which aim to provide an aggressive look as well as aggressive performance for the most discerning gamers. The Apacer COMMANDO features a tactical heatspreader as well as support for high-frequencies while the new Apacer PANTHER features a new heatspreader design with illumination for a superior looking machine that embody the true beast within. -
Thermaltake Core X5 Cube Chassis Review @ Legit Reviews
Das Kube!
I find it interesting that people like "cube" style cases, and not the cool ones like the Corsair (shudder) 540 or the older, and much better, ones from days gone by but cubes that take up too much space. Of course my view into "too much space" is skewed considering that the Cooler Master HAF XB and Corsair 540 were basically the same case. One was rotated, and was awesome, while the other was more like a bench platform without the bench.
The Core X5 is basically a bigger HAF XB with "Core" mesh and the TT promise that it wasn't copied from anything.
. Seriously though, not a fan of these designs despite who makes them.At CES 2015, Thermaltake introduced us to their Core X line which included three models, X1, X2 and X9. Each of them was designed for different size of motherboards but maintained the ability for the end user to customize the chassis to fit their specific need The Thermaltake Core X5 is one of their latest cube chassis, designed to support up to an E-ATX motherboard, and support a wide range of cooling options. Read on to learn more about it and see how our build went.
I will admit I do like the modular approach that ThermalTake has taken with the entire Core line-up and I find it novel that you can combine cubes to make a massive tower of PC chassis. However, from a practical standpoint I just cannot approve.
That isn't to say I wouldn't review one but don't expect me to be first in queue to drop cash on one, that would just be silly.
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My Entry into the Gigabyte Mod2Win 30th Anniversary Case Modding Contest
Last week I posted a press release announcing the Gigabyte 30th anniversary modding contest and was very impressed with what Gigabyte had planned. Of course the grand prize is the most appealing for whoever wins but I'm also impressed with the commitment Gigabyte has put forth to gather interest.
Much like with the Overclocking competitions hosted at HWBot there are a few partner sites involved including Modders-Inc and PCPartPicker (I'm still trying to figure out why?) and they will be handling certain aspects of the competition and making sure everyone does what they should.
To help get things started Gigabyte is offering a build package for those who submit modding concepts and I finished mine last week.
The mod is using the Cooler Master Mastercase 5 (because I had one already) and will feature Automotive paint, Custom radiator mounting, Hardline watercooling and an Overclocking component.
At the top of the case you will find an exposed copper plate that will act as a connection to super chill the coolant. This can be something simple like a TEC and aircooler or something more dramatic like an LN2 container or Phase head. The idea will be to supercool the fluid and allow more overclocking headroom and when the chill is gone it will revert back to the built in radiator.
Given my background in overclocking, watercooling and casemodding I think this is a perfect meld of everything.
Be sure to check out my build thread over at Modders-Inc and watch the Hardware Asylum Facebook Fan page for more information.
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Asylum Review Block: GeForce Pascal GTX 1080 and GTX 1070 Goodness
The hot news right now is the new 1000 series launch from NVIDIA, namely the GTX 1080 and GTX 1070. The launch event happened last month and over the past few weeks we have started seeing more and more GPU related launches from the various board partners.
And, a few reviews too.
Web Reviews
- ASUS GTX 1080 Strix Gaming 8 GB @ techPowerUp
- ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 review @ Guru3D
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 On Linux: Testing With OpenGL, OpenCL, CUDA & Vulkan @ Phoronix
- Gigabyte GTX 1080 G1 Gaming 8 GB @ techPowerUp
- EVGA Nvidia GTX 1080 Founders Edition Review @ HWSlave
- ASUS STRIX GTX 1080 Review @ Vortez
- GeForce GTX 1070 Founders Edition Overclocking Review @ [H]
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 G1 GAMING review @ Guru3D
- MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X 8 GB @ techPowerUp
- MSI GeForce GTX 1070 Gaming X review @ Guru3D
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB @ techPowerUpLots of content from some familar names and maybe even more in the /dev/null folder I missed.
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Fractal Design Define Nano S mITX Computer Case Review @ APH Networks
It would seem that "everyone" loves Fractal Design cases -or- Fractal likes to send out samples. Either way I'm not sure I share in the enthusiasm but will agree they look pretty good, even when they are small.
The Fractal Design Define Nano S may be a shrunken Define S, but it proves Fractal Design knows cases, and knows them well.
I've never been a fan of solid front cases but they work well to keep the noise down and with room for watercooling gear you might end up with a European approved silent PC.
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GIGABYTE GA-990X Gaming SLI Review @ Vortez
It is interesting how reviewers get hung up on certain features that are hot in the news. For instance Computex was full of RGB lighting effects and like LED fans back in the old days the fad is making the rounds on everything from fans to motherboards and video cards.
But wouldn't you know it, when a motherboard doesn't have RGB lights it seems to be a cause for concern.
Although missing out on the RGB goodness that has been unveiled by GIGABYTE recently, the latest line of G1 Gaming motherboards for the AM3+ platform introduces various new standards to the ageing chipset including an M2 slot with a 20Gb/s transfer rate, as well as 2x USB 3.1 ports.
The Gigabyte 990FX and 970FX AMD motherboard refresh is not about fancy lights and overclocking but rather giving these boards a much needed upgrade and a good reason to buy AMD processors despite the drawbacks of the platform.
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Asylum Review Block: Solid Chips of Storage
750GB you say? Big chip SSD? El'fasto drive?? Jedi need not these things but computer enthusiasts do.
Seems there was a SSD launch last night of large scale epic proportions.
- Crucial MX300 Limited Edition 750Gb SSD Storage Review @ Hardware Slave
- Limited Edition 750GB Crucial MX300 SSD Review @ Legit Reviews
- Crucial's MX300 SSD reviewed @ TR
- Samsung 750 EVO 500GB SSD review @ Guru3D
- Crucial MX300 SSD Review (750GB) @ The SSD ReviewOne of these days I'll have to pay the Micron factory a visit, it is only just like not far from me.
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Gigabyte Mod 2 Win 30th Anniversary Modding Contest
For the past several years Gigabyte has sponsored several competitions and to celebrate their 30th anniversary they have partnered up with Modders-Inc for a modding compeition where the grand prize winner will recieve a cash prize, a HUGE pile of hardware and their build showcased at the Gigabyte CES Ballroom. If that wasn't enough the winner and one other (2 total) will get a trip to Las Vegas to present their mod and see what CES is all about.
Even I'm excited enough to enter! So watch out a pearl blue casemod may or may not be in the works
BTW this contest is only open to those 18 and up and live in either the US or Canada. There are also three key date ranges to keep in mind.
Design a Concept - 5/27/2016 - 6/27/2016
Build your Mod - 7/1/2016 - 11/14/2016
Grand Finale - 11/18/2016 - 12/19/2016Design a Concept winners will get a special "Build Kit" prize that includes a GIGABYTE motherboard, graphics card, and an EK waterblock!
To commemorate 30 years of Upgrading Your Life, we’re launching a mod contest dedicated to you, our fans!
Submit your build by November 15, 2016 to be entered to WIN an all expense paid flight and lodging for you and a friend to CES 2017 on January 5 - 8, 2017 plus $1,000 in cash and prizes. Second and Third place prizes are also up for grabs. Rules and restrictions apply. See Mod Rules for details.
To help you get started, submit a concept design on how you would design your dream build by June 27, 2016 to be entered to WIN 1 of 3 Build Kits that include a GIGABYTE motherboard, graphics card, and an EK waterblock! Submit hand drawn and/or CAD files. Terms and conditions apply.
We will be giving away prizes and swag exclusively to those of you who sign up throughout the duration of the mod challenge. So sign up, Get building, and you could be the one who WINs the trip of a lifetime!
At the end of the contest, we want to know who you think built the best of the best mod. We’re giving you the chance to decide who WINs our Fan Favorite Build presented by Newegg. Cast your vote and you could also WIN exclusive swag and prizes.Sign up and Complete your mod before November 15, 2016, 11:59pm PST
- Create a Modders Inc. account to start your work log.
- Register here with your Modders Inc. work log and personal information.
- Building your Mod and updating it on your Modders Inc. work log.
- Complete your GIGABYTE Profile to make sure you join the contest!
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Phanteks ENTHOO EVOLV ITX Computer Case Review @ [H]
A year or so ago I reviewed the Mini-ITX version of the Enthoo EVOLV and quickly fell in love with the form factor. Sure I took issue with the lack of 5.25" drive bays but on a Mini-ITX system those aren't so important.
Little computer cases have gotten to be big business since the motherboard companies started building enthusiast featured mini-ITX motherboards. Phanteks' new EVOLV ITX case is not so little however as it is keeping in mind that users may want room to build their own water cooling loops or need room for a couple of AIO coolers.
HardOCP is taking a look at the very same case and they seem to like it. I think.
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Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX Tempered Glass Edition @ Custom PC Review
There are several items in an enthusiast PC that stand the upgrade process with one of them in the case. When someone builds a PC or buys one from a place like CyberPower PC you are concerned with the components but spend considerable time making sure the case will hold your gear and still look good.
As they say there is nothing worse than an ugly computer case and is why modding is still very much a real thing. The Phanteks EVOLV is a case you can clearly use for a variety of builds and will eventually be home to one in the Hardware Asylum Labs.
Today we’re taking a look at the latest of the Enthoo EVOLV chassis lineup, the Enthoo EVOLV ATX Tempered Glass, which is a slight variation of the previously released Enthoo EVOLV ATX. As the name suggests, this new variation replaces the aluminum side panels found on the EVOLV ATX with full, tempered glass panels.
Be sure to check out our review of the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV Tempered Glass Edition. It is quite good.
