Tech News
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Nvidia GTX 1080 SLI Support Comes Into Question
With the launch of the GTX 1080 and the following announcement of the high-speed SLI bridge many have come to question how many cards you will be supported in SLI.
As many of you know NVIDIA can control how many cards will be supported in SLI in two ways.
The first is at the hardware level with the number of SLI connector (or “Fingers" as I call it sometimes) located at the top of the card. If there is only one then you are only allowed to run 2-way SLI. (eg two physical cards). Cards that come with two SLI connectors can physically support 3-way and 4-way SLI.
The second control method is via the driver. This impacts cards with two SLI connectors and while most are unlocked allowing you to run 4-way configurations there have been situations where NVIDIA has limited card support. The most recent of these was the GTX 770 being limited to 3-way SLI even though the card could physically be linked in a 4-way configuration. Of course that doesn’t stop you from running four cards but one needed to be run outside of the SLI configuration.
A Third way is via the video card BIOS but, in the big picture that is easy to bypass
So how does this impact the GTX 1080?
Well, the high-speed SLI Bridge is designed for 2-way card configurations and uses both of the SLI connectors.
But wait? Don’t most enthusiasts use both connectors in 2-way card setups? Why yes, yes we do and it remains to be seen if that did anything back then, but now. It seems they are using both connectors to transfer more data between the GPUs and offer better SLI scaling.
When the rumor/”educated theory” broke many turned to the various forums looking for answers. Some YoubeTubbies denounced the rumor in favor of exciting video content “to follow” and pad their monthly views.
There was at least one official response from EVGA claiming that GTX 1080 was limited to 2-way SLI only. However, that comment has been pulled and replaced with “coming soon” message
So here is my take on the whole situation.
High-Speed SLI Bridge: Hey it uses both connectors and there is no way to lace up any more cards so using that bridge effectively means you are limited to 2-way SLI.
Driver Support: Yet to be seen but it is totally within the power of NVIDIA to limit SLI support and they have done it before. Given that 90% of SLI users only use 2-way SLI AND that 2-way SLI has always been the most efficient SLI configuration I can see the politics.
Personal Feelings on the Matter: It would be easy for NVIDIA to allow 3-way and 4-way SLI support on GTX 1080 and then give performance benefits to those who use the approved configuration. The 10% of users who rock 3-way and 4-way setups are doing so either for Overclocking, Elaborate Watercooling, or Cause e-peen. These are the true enthusiasts and will likely be the most vocal over the whole situation
We likely won't know the real answer until after Computex as the official info is likely still under NDA. This would explain why the YouChubbies are doing videos later after their disclosure agreements expire and why the answer at the EVGA forums was retracted.
Thing is, unless NVIDIA pulls a GTX 770 the card will support 4-way configurations, they are just pushing the High Speed Bridge (HSB) because its awesome and new.
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Cooler Master Launches MasterCase Maker 5 with FreeForm Modular System
Chino, USA – Cooler Master, a leader in design and manufacturing computer components and peripherals, today announced the availability of the MasterCase Maker 5, a mid-sized modular tower with exterior expandability, made possible with accessories purchased separately. The MasterCase ushers in a new era of cases with FreeForm™ Modular System that offers unparalleled control over form and function.
“The MasterCase Maker 5 offers the option to completely swap and readjust the case’s form and functionality with multiple interior and exterior outlooks, ample space and customized accessories,” said Crane Chen, Case Team Manager. “We’ve listened to the community since the launch and have taken steps to ensure a number of accessories are available including maker made accessories for the community. These accessories are available for purchase online and this truly enables endless build possibilities.”
Upgrade Your PC Inside Out with the FreeForm™ Modular System
Cooler Master wants users to have absolute control over how their case looks and functions. FreeForm provides options to not only adjust the case exterior, but also offers interior layout flexibility in a mid-sized case. In the MasterCase Maker 5, FreeForm allows a single case to support a host of different configurations, enabling users to upgrade rather than replace their case and system. Through a unique Clip-and-Click panel, FreeForm lets users adjust vertically or remove the drive cages entirely. This flexibility allows building multiple system configurations like home servers, water-cooled workstations, or gaming rigs with dual-slot extra-long graphics cards using one single case.The MasterCase Maker 5 comes with an upgraded I/O panel that provides four USB ports, including USB 3.0 Type C, and additional buttons for LED strip and fan speed control. The top and front door panels fit snugly with a magnetic grip, the top panel also includes a closed paneling allowing the freedom to choose to cover the top or ensure airflow through the top mesh. The front panels are padded to suppress sound and deliver
the right balance between noise and airflow.
All accessories, including external panels and kits will be available for purchase from authorized retailers and also online at the Cooler Master online stores in North America, Europe, and Asia. More accessories are to be announced at a later date. To learn more visit: www.coolermaster.com/MasterCaseMaker5
List of Accessories
Tempered Glass Side Panel for MasterCase 5 Series $49.99
Top Cover Kit with Magnetic Grip for MasterCase 5 Series* $24.99
Cooling Bracket for MasterCase Series* $9.99
Silencio FP 140 PWM with Red LED $19.99
Universal VGA Holder for all size tower chassis $14.99Pricing & Availability:
The MasterCase Maker 5 is expected to be available at global retailers including Amazon and Newegg, beginning May 10th, 2016 for a suggested retail price of USD $189.99.US CM Store: http://www.cmstore-usa.com/
EU CM Store: http://www.cmstore.eu/
APAC CM Store: store.coolermaster.com -
id Software shows Doom running on GTX 1080 using Vulkan
I saw a video similar to this shortly after the GTX 1080 launch and was amazed to see amost 200FPS in a modern triple A title. During that presentation they mentioned "Vulkan" which is a new OpenGL driver that works similar to DirectX 12.
By using Vulkan you can get the same visual presentation on older versions of Windows and maybe even Linux.
The video starts off running at 1080p (which is the limit of the projector being used) with V-Sync enabled, and the frame rate is a steady 60 fps. After a minute or so, they shut off V-Sync and you'll see performance jump into the 120-200 fps range. id says there are still a few graphical glitches they're working to fix, specifically when the game hits 200 fps. Apparently there are some bugs in the game engine at 200 fps that they "weren't able to detect until they had the performance of the GTX 1080."
I guess they didn't try 980Ti's in SLI.
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NVIDIA GTX 1080 & GTX 1070 Detailed @ Hardware Canucks
Over the weekend NVIDIA announced the new line of Pascal based video cards the GTX 1080 and GTX 1070. These are monster cards and while they showed some performance numbers during the launch there are still a good number of unknowns.
Tonight, NVIDIA's GTX 1080 and GTX 1070 were unveiled. We have detailed specifications, performance, benchmarks, pricing and a ton of additional information for you!
This article at Hardware Canucks outlines everything nicely and pretty much covers everything that was shown on the Livestream. (Cause: I didn't get to go
)What is really amazing is the two versions of the GTX 1080 and 1070 that include a regular card and a "Founders Edition" that allows overclocking. I suspect this might be the NVIDIA answer to the X and K sku overclocking but that too is still unknown.
Look for these cards at the end of May which, for once, is also right before Computex. Yay, new stuff to be shown at Computex.
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NVIDIA Launches GTX 1080 and GTX 1070 at Dreamhack
There were some exciting announcements at Dreamhack this evening when Jen-Hsun Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, announced four new technologies including two new GPUs the GTX 1080 and GTX 1070.
The new GPUs are based on the Pascal architecture and promise to be Faster and more Power Efficient than Maxwell. As Jen-Hsun puts it Energy Efficiency = Performance which really puts an interesting twist on the traditional way we look at performance. Ultimately he is correct and for once increased performance can also save you money.
Some of the other announcements include:
Ansel - The First In-Game 3D Camera with filters, EXR, 360 Degree image capture and Super Resolution at 61,000 pixels. (Yes THOUSAND)VR Works upgrades to include real-time physics along with a physically based acoustic engine for better audio rendering in VR space.
The final technology is the ability to output 16 video streams from Pascal with the ability to compensate for curved monitors and multi panel displays. It can also render stereoscopic VR screens with lens distortion in a single pass. The main benefit here is higher performance which is greater than 30%.
The most exciting announcement was the launch of the GTX1080 and GTX1070.
GTX 1080 comes with 2560 CUDA cores and run at 2.1Ghz. As many of us know that is well beyond the normal clock rate of Maxwell. That is unless you are running an EVGA 980Ti Kingpin Edition on LN2.
The GTX 1070 features the same Pascal core with a few processing clusters disabled.
Both cards come with 8GB of Micron GDDR5X memory making them the new performance kings of the GPU world.
I can’t wait to see what EVGA does with the chip!
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GIGABYTE X99P-SLI LGA 2011v3 Motherboard Review @ [H]
Ever notice how some reviewers claim you can build a X99 system as an alternative to a Z170? Sure it has more power but it requires double the memory (for the best performance) along with a more expensive processor and motherboard. I suppose if you have money to burn then go for it!
With the upcoming launch of Broadwell-E you will find that motherboard makers have started upgrading their X99 product offerings. Most will just issue a BIOS upgrade while others will take the opportunity to re-release new versions of their boards to support the latest technologies. This is a good move even if they are leaving off the fancy RGB lighting effects.
GIGABYTE has put out a refreshed X99 motherboard offering an updated USB 3.1 controller and Thunderbolt compatibility. While Skylake is the new hotness and comprises the bulk of Intel’s current mainstream lineup, the HEDT segment remains popular and many consider a 5820K and X99 build a viable alternative to Skylake and Z170.
My jokes aside this really is a pretty good motherboard. It has a layout with a solid configuration for SLI/Crossfire and a good number of features that everyone wants. Of course less than 10% will actualy use those features over the lifetime of the build.
Hey Look Ma, I'm checking boxes!
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Zotac GTX 980 Ti AMP! Edition Review @ Hardware Slave
Not much to say about this video card. It is from Zotac with the AMP! triple fan cooler with aluminum backplate. Zotack cards are hit or miss when it comes to "reference design" or "custom" and by the looks of it there is no way to tell because they didn't take the cooler off.
However, the card is rumored to be longer than the standard 980Ti, which could be from triple cooling fans or a longer PCB.
Only their hairdresser knows for sure.
This will probably be our last GTX 980 Ti review before the next generation of cards from Nvidia are released. The speculation is they will be named the GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 continuing the product naming convention Nvidia have been using for quite a while now. If you forget the GTX Titan cards, out of the budget of most the natural flagship card is the Ti, at least judging by the GTX 980 Ti range and its performance. The production run has now been stopped, and less than a year after it started.
Sadly, getting a review sample of any Zotac card is like pulling teeth but they are out there. Hardware Slave got one. I see plenty of overclockers in South America using them and Linus posted a project photo with 10 GPUs in a single case which, I suspect, is where all of the review samples have gone.
Yay YouTube *roll*
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The Soltek SL-75FRN-L Motherboard Throwback
One of the coolest motherboards I reviewed back in the early days was the Soltek SL-75FRN-L, or Golden Flame. This was a NVIDIA nForce 2 based motherboard supporting AMD XP based processors. The “Golden Flame” name came from the unique gold PCB, gold anodized North Bridge heatsink and yellow expansion slots.
What made the motherboard so fun was the dual channel DDR memory support from the chipset and the ability to unlock AMD XP processors by jumping across two pins on the CPU socket. Some enthusiasts would wrap the wire around pins on the processor why others would solder the connections on the back of the motherboards. For me I found dropping a small wire in the socket worked just fine.
With the wire trick you were able to fully unlock the CPU and were presented with adjustable multipliers along with Front Side Bus adjustments. Provided you didn’t crack the processor installing the heatsink.
Back in the day I reviewed two of these motherboards and kept the best one in my hardware collection. Sadly after Soltek shut down some 8+ years ago we lost one of the most creative motherboard makers in the industry.
This could be argued but the Black PCBs you see on most motherboards today was started by Soltek. Before that most companies were using Green, Brown and Red. As it would turn out the “alternative” colors were rather toxic making them difficult to get past the environmental regulations.
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Microsoft software update breaks Windows 7 using Asus Motherboards
I sometimes wonder what the Windows 10 end game is. They are giving away free upgrades to just about everyone and now issusing patches that not only install "nagware/malware" (eg the GWX.exe program) but are also breaking systems that were otherwise working perfectly.
All of this is costing Microsoft money and that kind of gamble usually means there is something big coming and it will likely cost us a LOT of money.
Once upon a time (well, in March), Microsoft rolled out a patch for PCs running its Windows 7 operating system. The patch, however, was incompatible with PCs outfitted with Asus motherboards, causing those PCs to crash under certain conditions. The damage wasn't widespread because the patch was labeled "optional," which meant a relatively small number of people installed it. Both Microsoft and Asus were aware of the conflict, according to Forbes.
But on April 12, Microsoft changed the status of the patch "recommended," which meant that anyone with Automatic Updates enabled would receive the patch. The result? A lot more people with PCs featuring Asus motherboards discovered that their computers would freeze or refuse to boot.Honestly, I'm one of the Windows 7 hold-outs. Not so much because I scared of upgrading but rather that I like what I have and it does what I need. Sure when more DX12 games come out I'll take the plunge but if I was an Asus user getting directed to a Microsoft website claiming that the issue they caused can be solved by upgrading to Windows 10 would infuriate me to no end.
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Adidas wants to Sell Golf Division because China
Stepping away from computer hardware for a moment with a story that addresses global market conditions and how it is changing the way big businesses think.
In this Bloomberg story Adidas is seeking buyers for the Taylormade Golf brand. They are planning to abandon the golf equipment industry so they can focus on their clothing lines. This may seem like a shock to avid golfers who use Taylormade products but when it comes down to making money it would seem the golf industry isn't working for them.
The businesses on sale could fetch 470 million euros, John Guy, an analyst at MainFirst Bank AG, wrote in a note. Adidas shares fell 1.5 percent to 111.70 euros as of 11:46 a.m in Frankfurt.
Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Herbert Hainer is cleaning up Adidas’s operations as he sets the table for Kasper Rorsted, who takes the reins in October. Adidas got into golf when it bought French ski and skate company Salomon in 1997, but younger consumers are staying away from the game, and it isn’t popular in emerging markets like China and India. Sales plummeted 13 percent last year as the industry has been beset by discounting.
‘‘The golf market is not growing at the moment but it’s also not falling further,” Hainer said during a call with reporters. The portion Adidas plans to keep is producing solid returns and the company is cutting labor and manufacturing costs, the CEO said.I want to call attention to something in the Bloomberg article that explains why they are selling off Taylormade, China. Yes it would seem that golf isn't popular with young people in China and with sales neither going up or down in the world market they have determined that the segment is dead.
Thing is in Asia, golf is considered an elitist sport instead of a hobby sport like elsewhere in the world so it would seem strange that they determine the worth of an entire segment on a region where it doesn't apply.
Of course the opposite is true when it comes to the Adidas clothing where sales in China are growing. Let’s see if we can figure out why. Oh ya.
- Golf Clubs: $1100 USD can only play if a club member
- Adidas workout shirt: $50 USD can run around outside.I can understand the draw, China is big for everyone but just because sales are bad in a certain region doesn't mean you give up, you change your focus. For instance Hardware vendors make the majority of their profits in China and even change the design to better match what the Chinese want. (Ever wonder why there is so much gold on a motherboard?) This is also why enthusiast level gear is so difficult to get in the States.
Sadly, this might mean the end of Taylormade as we know it. Sure some large equipment manufacturer may pick them up. My guess would be Spalding or Wilson but unless they dedicate similar effort into development and marketing the sales will decline and eventually fade away.
