Tech News
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Maonocaster C2 Neo Audio Interface Review @ APH Networks
Personally, I am a fan of the Focusrite line of audio interfaces and have been using the Scarlett 6i6 and 8i6 for over 10 years now. Interfaces like the Maonocaster C2 appear to migrate from a software based configuration to something with quick buttons to change things, which is nice, especially for those recording alone or doing streams.
The part that sucks is that when you implement a hardware solution you increase the overall complexity of the product and often limit how it can be used.
The Maonocaster C2 Neo audio interface and mixer combination offers audio flexibility, but its result is mired by usability and execution issues.
Be sure to check out the review if you are curious and want to see an audio interface that looks more like a DJ station.
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Cooler Master V SFX Platinum 1100W Power Supply Review @ APH Networks
Be sure to check out my review of the Cooler Master V SFX 1100w power supply. Overall, the PSU is a great unit and a HUGE step towards the rise of high performance SFF builds BUT, we have a long way to go before we get there. On the surface, it looks great but, high-end builds generate a TON of heat and most small form factor cases are super limited when it comes to cooling performance making a 1100w SFX PSU a little overkill.
but, a little overkill never hurt anyone.
The Cooler Master V SFX Platinum 1100W is a solidly constructed SFX PSU for those looking for something to power the latest components in a tighter space with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 support.
Maybe when 90 Series RTX cards stop needing a quad slot cooler we can start thinking that high-current SFX PSUs are a good thing.
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Funky Kit Review - ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Phantom Gaming 8GB OC Graphics Card
ASRock, now there is an ASUS company I have not heard about in a LONG time.
Sadly, I have never been able to secure a steady AMD relationship to get products like this. Maybe that was due to my lack luster review of the lack luster AMD Ryzen when it first launched or, maybe it was the constant influx of marketing folks and agencies losing my business card.
Either way, AMD stuff is pretty good and usually made better by mfgs. like ASRock and others.
the overall performance of the card isn't too bad, if you’re on a budget but play a lot of games in 1080p resolution, then the ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Phantom Gaming OC could be the right choice for you.
Sadly, this is a '600 series card with a limited frame buffer and nice juicy overclock to compensate. Could it actually perform? or does it leave much to be desired. If you are reading this click the link below to find out.
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ASUS ROG GeForce RTX 4090 MATRIX review @ Guru3D
As a person I am not against ASUS ROG products but, when it comes to the operation of Hardware Asylum and my associated media outlets, I find it difficult to recommend ASUS ROG products due to the company not sending me any ASUS ROG products to review.
Of course, the funny story there is that I have some ASUS ROG products in the lab that I needed to purchase on my own, normally these make for the best reviews but, after doing Enthusiast PC Hardware reviews for over 20 years it just seems stupid that I would have to resort to doing that. #allthingsconsidered
However, as we get back to our normally scheduled news postings, we have a review from the ultra elitest Guru3D featuring the ASUS ROG RTX 4090. Seems like a pretty good card.
Today, we delve into ASUS's latest offering for the enthusiast segment. This release is limited to a select few. Introducing the liquid-cooled ROG Matrix Platinum GeForce RTX 4090 - a combination of visual appeal and optimal thermal performance.
Ohhhhh, thermal performance!!! The card is fricken watercooled, it is going to cool well even if the cooler is total junk. AND, if it doesn't you likely did something wrong.
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Cooler Master Reveals Street Fighter 6-Inspired Gaming Hardware collaboration with CAPCOM
In a massive "I wanna do that too" it seems that Cooler Master has collaborated with CAPCOM to offer Street Fighter 6 inspired hardware from their extensive hardware catalog.
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Cooler announces a historic partnership with CAPCOM to launch an exclusive line of Street Fighter 6-themed components and peripherals in celebration of the latest addition to the Street Fighter franchise. Inspired by the game's characters, Cooler Master has designed a range of peripherals incorporating iconic character colors and RGB feedback for an exciting themed gaming experience.
The Cooler Master Street Fighter 6 inspired gaming hardware will include products across a variety of categories which include:- Caliber X2 SF6 Limited Edition Chair
- CH331 Street Fighter Edition Headset
- CK570 Street Fighter Edition Keyboard
- Hyper 212 Halo SF6 Air Cooler
- MasterLiquid 360L Core SF6 AIO
- MM310 Street Fighter Edition Mouse
- MP511 Street Fighter Edition Mouse Pad
- MWE Gold V2 SF6 Power Supply
- TD500 Mesh V2 Street Fighter Edition Case
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sep 8th, 2023 — Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, is thrilled to announce a historic partnership with CAPCOM to launch an exclusive line of Street Fighter 6-themed components and peripherals.
This collaboration celebrates the launch of the latest addition to the Street Fighter franchise. Inspired by the game's new characters and universe, Cooler Master has meticulously designed a range of peripherals incorporating iconic character colors and RGB lighting for an immersive gaming experience.
"Cooler Master and Capcom share nearly the same rich history and longevity in our respective fields, making this partnership a natural blend of talent, innovation, and a deep understanding of our audience," said Jimmy Sha, CEO, Cooler Master. "With Capcom, we've created products that reflect the heart and soul of Street Fighter 6, offering fans a unique opportunity to incorporate their love for the game into their gaming setups."
The Street Fighter 6 gear by Cooler Master includes the Caliber X2 SF6 Limited Edition Chair, CH331 SF6 Edition Headset, CK570 SF6 Edition Keyboard, Hyper 212 Halo SF6 Air Cooler, MasterLiquid 360L Core SF6 AIO, MM310 SF6 Edition Mouse, MP511 SF6 Edition Mouse Pad, MWE Gold V2 SF6 Power Supply, and TD500 Mesh V2 SF6 Edition Case.
Adding to the excitement, Cooler Master will host giveaways over the coming months, allowing fans the chance to win pieces from the new hardware line.
This exclusive collection will be available from September onwards, providing fans of the legendary Street Fighter series a truly immersive and personalized gaming environment.
In addition, Cooler Master will combo the launch with giveaways over the coming months to allow fans the chance to win pieces from the new hardware line.
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Patriot Viper Venom RGB DDR5 7400 CL36 2x16 GB @ Guru3D
Funny story, I was a big fan of Patriot memory when the company first started selling modules and for two reasons.
- They offered modules with red heatspreaders which matched a foxconn motherboard I was reviewing
- They offered the same red modules in a DDR ECC variant that allowed me to overclock the foxconn board without issue
Since then the relationship had been rocky, their products were "meh" at best and for a good number of years they refused to provide samples, likely because they knew their stuff was junk.
Fast Forward to the past several years and the company has made a signafigant about face by offering some high quality memory modules, NVMe M.2 SSD drives and maybe one of the best USB drives I have ever used.
Patriot Viper Venom RGB 7400 CL36 memory is the kit we will present today. It’s not the first DDR5 set from that company on guru3d. Almost a year ago, the Viper Venom 6200 CL40 was checked. The sample we’re reviewing is the best of the series. There’s also the Elite 5 (RGB/Non-RGB), which can achieve up to 7000 MHz and capacities of up to 96GB, and if you want the most performance, there’s Viper Extreme 5 series, where you can get even an 8000 MHz frequency memory (and the lowest available is 7600 MHz)
The Venom line of modules have been spot on when it comes to performance and the heatspreader design isnt' too bad either.
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iRocks Launches K74M Mechanical Keyboard with Backlight and Hot-Swappable Switches
September 8, 2023, Taipei_ iRocks, a Taiwan PC peripheral manufacturer, introduced a brand-new mechanical keyboard K74M featuring white backlight, PBT keycaps, aluminum plate and hot-swappable switches.
K74M is meticulously designed to offer style and practicality for both gaming and professional tasks. Over the course of several years, iRocks has devoted countless hours to testing, gathering feedback, and engaging in development. This ongoing effort has enabled K74M to collaborate effectively with typists and gamers, ensuring the delivery of a highly satisfying typing experience.
PBT Keycaps and Floating Keys Design
A pre-installed set of PBT keycaps outlives ordinary ABS ones with it comes to surface wearing, and greatly enhances the durability of the keys. The keycaps are made with double shot (dual-injection) technology to prevent backlit legends from fading. Thanks to its floating keys design and aluminum plating, the K74M makes keyboard cleaning and maintenance easier after years of service.Customize your typing experience painlessly without soldering.
K74M features Gateron hot-swappable sockets for mechanical switches, compatible with 3pin and 5pin MX-style mechanical switches. The pre-installed Gateron switches can stand with up to 50 million keystrokes, with clear housing allowing white backlight evenly shines through the translucent key legends.Wired USB-C Connection
K74M has detachable cable and can be connected using USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to C cable. High speed microcontroller inside the K74M enables fast keystroke response and N-key rollover function.Customizable Smart Wheel
The wheel on K74M has switchable modes and is fully compatible with your Windows 10 and 11 PC. With Smart Wheel mode under Windows 10 and 11, you can customize your wheel to what you need it to be – volume, scrolling, zooming, brush adjustment, video editing, multimedia control, and more.
Enhanced Typing Experience
For premium typing feel and sound, the K74M implements a sound-absorbing pad for spaces between the plate and PCB and an appropriately sized foam for the bottom case. The components work together to turn every click into a delightful typing bliss. The stabilizers for the spacebar and modifiers on the K74M are tuned and lubricated to ensure consistent smoothness with less rattling key press.Software Configurator
Not just from hardware hotkeys, K74M supports software configurator, providing you with an intuitive control interface for the keyboard, from backlighting to macro keys and more. The configuration may also be saved to the keyboard's onboard memory for on-the-go convenience.Pricing and Availability
The iRocks K74M is available in black or white colorways from authorized online retailers and distributors. The keyboard is available now in the US on Amazon at price of $74.99 USD. -
LIAN LI Launches the O11D EVO XL - The Ultimate Evolution
What I find interesting to see how popular the LIAN LI 011D has become. There have been famous computer cases before but, none of them lasted quite this long or sparked numerous minor refreshes quite like the 011D.
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September 7th, 2023, Taipei, Taiwan – LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, launches the ultimate O11D chassis with the O11D EVO XL. Inspired by the popular O11D EVO, the EVO XL adds features such as: simultaneous support for 3 x 420 radiators, a height-adjustable and fully removable motherboard tray, a removable front pillar, improved support for upright GPU mounting on the side fan/radiator bracket, and redesigned cable management and storage solution. The O11D EVO XL also keeps the unique features of the O11D EVO, with the ability to reverse the case and a relocatable front I/O module. The O11D EVOL XL is available in black and white at an MSRP of $234.99 and $244.99 respectively.
- Supports 3 x 420 radiators simultaneously
- Removable motherboard tray is adjustable in 3 positions
- Removable front pillar for unrestricted view
- Reversible frame for left orientation
- Front I/O USB module relocatable to 3 different locations
- Hot-swappable HDD cages on hinges for ease of access
- Location adjustable dual-layer cable clips for flexible cable management
- Supports upright GPU installation in standard and reverse mode
Cooling Performance
?The O11D EVO XL is designed with cooling performance in mind. Starting with the motherboard tray, a modular piece that can be quickly removed for ease of installation, it can be height adjusted into 3 positions (high, middle, and low) to provide better fan/radiator clearance at the top or bottom. The top, bottom, and side brackets of the O11D EVO XL can each support 3 x 140mm fans / 420mm radiators simultaneously for extreme cooling performance. Each radiator bracket can be quickly removed for ease of installation. With the motherboard in lower mode, the rear of the case can support up to 2 x 120mm fans.Easy Customization
?The O11D EVO XL is the ideal showcase chassis with its removable front pillar. Without the front pillar and side bands on the front and side tempered glass panels, users benefit from an unrestricted view of the PC. The EVO XL also supports the ability to be fully reversible and features a relocatable I/O module with 3 supported locations (front, side and rear). Furthermore, with the use of additional accessories, users can change their GPU mounting location to either vertical or upright. The optional upright GPU mounting kit is redesigned to accommodate larger GPUs of up to 358mm in length and 80mm in thickness. The kit is affixed to the side fan/radiator bracket instead of the frame, allowing mounting of the GPU outside of the case, and offering the ability to locate the GPU I/O at the top or bottom depending on the user’s preference.Additional Features
?Located in the second chamber, the O11D EVO XL features 2 x hot-swap storage drive cages, each supporting up to 2 x 3.5” HDDs or 2 x 2.5” SSDs. The cages are mounted on hinges which allow them to swivel away from the frame and provide easier access to the mounting trays. Each drive cage can be equipped with a 15mm thick 120mm fan to provide extra cooling to the drives. And for cable management, the cable cover bar is also on hinges for quick access and the O11D EVO XL comes equipped with 3 dual-layer cable clips that can be mounted anywhere along vertical grommets pass through. Featuring a C shape and a similar mounting mechanism as SSDs, the concave part of the clip can hold the large bulk of cables coming from the PSU and front IO, while the Velcro strap on top of the clip is ideal for fan cable management.Availability?
The O11D EVO XL is available for pre-order on September 7th, 2023, at an MSRP of $234.99 for the black, and $244.99 for the white. -
Thermaltake Elevates Intel Gamer Days 2023 with Unveiling of LCGS Deals and Exciting Campaigns
Enjoy Up to $500 Savings on LCGS with 13th Gen Intel Core Processors, Plus a Chance to Win a Premium Custom Modded Liquid Cooling Gaming PC
Walnut, California - August 24th, 2023 - Thermaltake, the leading PC Cases, Cooling, Power, and memory solutions brand, is proud to unveil its enticing promotional sales in honor of the highly anticipated Intel Gamer Days 2023, a premier extravaganza within the online gaming community. From August 24th through September 3rd, Thermaltake offers deals on 13th Gen Intel Core Processor-based LCGS (Liquid Cooling Gaming System) across prominent platforms, including Amazon, BestBuy, and the official Thermaltake webstore. As part of this exciting event, Thermaltake is thrilled to offer up to $500 off on select LCGS, complemented by a complimentary game bundle featuring Nightingale and Assassin's Creed Mirage. Additionally, Thermaltake is set to host captivating live streams demonstrating assembling a gaming PC. A thrilling live stream giveaway awaits participants, granting them the chance to win a prestigious LCGS. This initiative underscores Thermaltake's unwavering dedication to innovation and engagement within the vibrant gaming community.
"Intel Gamer Days presents a thrilling worldwide online extravaganza for gaming enthusiasts and tech aficionados. Thermaltake is delighted to collaborate with Intel, joining forces to present extraordinary offers on our highly acclaimed LCGS – the epitome of exceptional gaming prowess and excellence. Heartfelt gratitude goes out to our devoted gaming communities for their unwavering support. We extend a warm invitation to all to partake in these remarkable deals on our Intel-powered LCGS. This is an opportunity that gamers should not let slip by," emphasized Michael Guo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Thermaltake USA.
Thermaltake LCGS Special Deals
The LCGS (Liquid Cooling Gaming System) is one of the flagship gaming products from Thermaltake. LCGS is fully assembled and tested in Southern California to provide the highest quality craftsmanship and astonishing gaming experience for all gamers and tech enthusiasts.
$500 off on LCGS Arctic i4790: A high-performance gaming PC powered by the most powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K processor liquid-cooled and Intel Z790 motherboard, matched with the first-rate NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card. It is also equipped with Thermaltake ToughRam 32GB 5600MHz DDR5 RGB memory and 2TB NVM2 m.2 SSD storage. This beastly liquid-cooled gaming PC offers $500 off (MSRP $3,999.99) and free Nightingale and Assassin's Creed Mirage game bundles during Intel Gamer Days.
$300 off on LCGS Avalanche i477T: A superior liquid-cooled gaming PC built and supercharged by 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700K liquid-cooled CPU and Intel Z790 motherboard. It’s paired up with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics card, equipped with Thermaltake ToughRam 32GB 5600MHz DDR5 RGB memory and 2TB NVM2 m.2 SSD storage. This stunning liquid-cooled gaming PC offers $300 off (MSRP $2299.99) and free Nightingale and Assassin's Creed Mirage game bundles during Intel Gamer Days.
$200 off on LCGS Shadow i360T R4: A reliable liquid-cooled gaming PC powered by 13th Gen Intel Core i5-12600K liquid-cooled CPU and Intel Z690 chipset motherboard featuring the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics card and equipped with ToughRam 16GB 3600MHz DDR4 RGB memory and 1TB NVM2 m.2 SSD storage. This sleek liquid-cooled gaming PC offers a special $200 off (MSRP $1499.99) and free Nightingale and Assassin's Creed Mirage game bundles during Intel Gamer Days.
LCGS Giveaway at Live Stream: Win Premium Gaming PC
From August 29 through August 31, Thermaltake is set to host captivating live streams demonstrating gaming PC assembly, followed by an exciting giveaway for a chance to win a premium LCGS. This gaming PC promises unparalleled performance, featuring a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 13700K CPU, complemented by the NVIDIA RTX 4080 graphics card, Thermaltake ToughRam 32GB 6000MHz DDR5 RGB memory, 1TB m.2 SSD storage, Toughliquid Ultra 360 AIO Cooler, SWAFAN EX12 RGB 120mm Fans, and TT MOD Sleeved Cables.
Encased in the popular Ceres 300 Mid Tower Chassis, adorned with a custom paint job reflecting the vibrant Intel Gamer Days theme, alongside the iconic Intel and Thermaltake logos, take pride of place, symbolizing the synergy of innovation and craftsmanship. This masterpiece stands as a testament to innovation and craftsmanship. Only one fortunate winner will have the privilege of owning this unique gaming marvel. Gaming enthusiasts and aficionados are cordially invited to follow and tune into the Thermaltake Twitch Channel, where they stand a chance to claim this LCGS as the ultimate gaming prize.
Exclusive Deals and Availability:
$500 off on LCGS Arctic i4790
13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K/RTX 4090/DDR5 5600 32GB/2TB NVMe SSD
BestBuy: https://bit.ly/3KJwV9b
$300 off on LCGS Avalanche i477T
13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700K/RTX 4070 Ti/DDR5 5600 32GB/2TB NVMe SSD
BestBuy: https://bit.ly/3YRfidH
$200 off on LCGS Shadow i360T R4
13th Gen Intel Core i5-12600K/RTX 3060 Ti/DDR4 3600 16GB/1TB NVMe SSD
BestBuy: https://bit.ly/3seChTF
$700 off on LCGS Arctic i360T R4
13th Gen Intel Core i5-12600KF/RTX 3060 Ti/DDR4 3600 16GB/1TB NVMe SSD
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47LV4Wv
$100 off on LCGS Quartz i350 R4
13th Gen Intel Core i5-5-12400F/RTX 3050/DDR4 3600 16GB/1TB NVMe SSD
Amazon: https://amzn.to/44k5IRE
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HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth Open-Back Headphones @ TechPowerUp
There is a very strange world out there when it comes to headphones. We have the "blue light specials" at your local big box store, a minefield of choices at Internet retailers and a variety of quality headphones designed for gaming, music and professional use.
Of those brands, there is one name that stands above as a pinnacle of price AND performance and that is HIFIMAN.
HIFIMAN updates its popular HE1000 V2 with stealth magnets! The new HE1000 Stealth takes on the more expensive HE1000se by offering a bassier sound and being easier on the ears while retaining the same excellent comfort and fit to make for a compelling premium headphones offering.
I'm not sure how you get "stealth magnets" but if they sound anything like, every other HIFIMAN headset then I'm on board, even if I cannot see them.
