Hardware Asylum CES 2025 Coverage
I would like to thank Yeyian Gaming for helping sponsor Hardware Asylum during CES 2025. The Consumer Electronics Show starts Jan 9th and runs through Jan 12th.
Yeyian Gaming offers an wide range of solutions for the PC gamer including pre-built PCs to fully customized gaming computers with an online configurator. Their builds feature the latest in computer hardware including Intel Ultra, AMD Ryzen 9 and the latest in Nvidia RTX.
Be sure to check them out at https://us.yeyiangaming.com and the Venetian Tower if you'll be attending CES 2025.
Tech News
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MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC Motherboard Review @ Techgage
Need a gaming motherboard and have a few extra dollars to spend? You might give the MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC a look and Techgage has a pretty good review posted that shouldn't answer all your questions.
The last time we took a look at an MSI gaming motherboard, it was the company’s smallest current offering: Z97I Gaming AC. For this review, we’re looking to the top of the Z97 ladder, with the Z97 Gaming 9 AC. Priced at about $290, it’s easy to predict what this board might bring to the table, but all told, it still managed to impress us.
Keep in mind that buying a motherboard is not always required for a processor upgrade but is an investment for any system you plan to build.
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MSI X99S MPower review: affordable X99 board for overclockers @ Hardware Info
Back in the day I could easily look at 20 motherboards and tell you everything about them. These days 20 is tough and usually means more than one from a single vendor.
The guys at Hardware Info have gone through a list and named the MSI MPower X99 affordable for overclockers?
The MPower is very similar to the entry level board offered by MSI, the X99S SLI Plus. The a bit more expensive Mpower does have a better audio implementation, more CPU power phases, flat Hi-Caps and the extra buttons on the motherboard, justifying the higher price of the Mpower. We feel the Mpower is actually a good alternative to the ASUS X99-A. For the users that were thinking to be able to get a overclocking board for £ 190 / € 255 / $ 270 that offers similar features to the more expensive boards already introduced: unfortunately we have to disappoint you.
Seems good, though I'd want to see the numbers first. oh wait. that is what the review is for.
check it out. -
Connect Electronics DGZHE A06 Bluetooth Speaker Review @ ModSynergy
There was a time when having speakers connected to anything was super awesome. I also had a "boom box" back then which had both batteries and a wall plug so I could play CD's and Tapes where ever I wanted.
These days music is digital and stored on your 'pod or fone and designed for "personal listening" aka, kept to yourself. So, what if there was a way you could share your music like I did back in the days of the "boom box"?
One of those popular gift ideas is undoubtedly going to be the portable Bluetooth speaker. This year we'd been focusing a bit more on Bluetooth speaker systems, and for good reason; they are becoming ever increasingly popular with people who are interested in having a no wires solution.
Seems like there is, and its even pink!?!
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Phj34r my L4k of n3wz
Hey everyone, It would seem that I have let the news page slide quite a bit over the past several months and I have to apologize.
As you can imagine the "job" of posting "news" aka posting content on this page is not an easy one. Normally I just glean the news@ inbox for review stories and for many years that has worked out great. Mostly because I spend some time writing about the review, both good and bad. The problem is the Google gods don't count news postings as content anymore and have refused to index those pages or posts. Likewise many site owners have taken the Google decision and stopped posting links to reviews making the whole "Review Site Ring" model no longer work.
Of course, there are still some hard asses out there that say "post my stuff and I'll post yours". Seems like a Good Guy Greg approach to sharing traffic but, you know, that never worked with the girls in high school and it has never worked with review sites either.
I have learned a few things over the past 15 years of running a content based website.
- Never trust other site owners, instead appreciate that they are willing to help, value their opinions and never demand anything from them.
- Even though the Google Gods love to bully websites they do so because there is always someone out there looking to exploit the system. We have them to thank for making news postings invalid.
- I'm pretty sure that even if I paid someone to post news on this website (and I have) it would still never get done on a regular basis. Either the post frequency falls off or the quality goes to shit.
- Content is King, unless it comes to posting news on a website that is generated by a third party with a link at the end saying "read more". (oh wait isn't that what everyone does?)
- Phj34r my lack of n3wz. Gonna start working on that again. For those of you loyal readers who have bothered to read this. I thank you for sticking around.
- This is post 6565 in my news database, that might not be enough given the history of my site.
Sorry for the rant and apparent lack of news stories for you to read. When I designed Hardware Asylum I decided to put more emphasis on Articles and Reviews and less on News. Reason being, nobody reads this stuff and try as I might there was only one time in the history of Ninjalane/Hardware Asylum where news actually became a factor in site traffic.
I would like to get back to that time. Strangely enough it was a time when I didn't post anything and let someone else run the page.
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GTA 5 PC gets 4k support and first person mode @ PC Gamer
Now this has me excited for playing GTA5 on the PC.
The PC iteration will be the most visually impressive version of GTA 5, according to CVG's latest hands-on account. GTA 5 will run at 4K resolution on PC, and all 'next gen' versions of the game will include a fully-supported first person mode, complete with modeled car interiors and proper first-person shooting.
As Dan mentions in his preview, "It's not just a case of plonking a new camera within a character's head, just because they could, but an extensive rework of the game's movement, driving and targeting engines. There are thousands of new animations for gun reloading alone, no to mention the first-person views of parachuting, carjacking etc."
First-person extends to GTA's sandbox online mode, which creates space for proper FPS modes within GTA. Multiplayer heists—a long awaited feature for console players—are also nearing completion.4K has really become big news lately, panels are getting cheaper (rather fast I might add) and high-end graphics cards are adding proper support for the new resolution. Seems I might be buying one sooner rather than later.
If anything, to play GTA5 at 4K
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MSI's GT80 Titan Notebook Becomes World's First To Include Mechanical Keyboard @ HotHardware
With newer mobile gaming notebooks coming out, it was only a matter of time until one took the leap and looked into building in mechanical switches. Gaming aside, I see this as a positive improvement for even notebook users who utilize their keyboard routinely for work or play. Hopefully this catches on and we start to see some of the linear switches like MX Red's or Blacks released as well.
For what it's worth, this isn't just some ordinary mechanical keyboard; instead, it comes from SteelSeries, a company that knows how to design great peripherals. Because of the GT80 Titan's 18-inch size (you read that right!), a full numpad is included, although it's touch, rather than mechanical.
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Twitch: No Shirt? Stop streaming you sexy nerd
When I was reading this little news post over at Joystiq it brought back a few twitch memories like the couple who streamed their living room nakedness via the built in PS4 streaming app. There was some question as to if the girl knew she was on the internet or being undressed so it brought up some red flags and basically illustrated how stupid some people can be.
Next I remember a few instances where a couple twitch partner streamers (male) would game topless if they got enough donations. Sadly this moves them into the level of a cam girl but was still entertaining and safe to watch.
In the wake of the mega purchase by Amazon we are waiting to see how the company will change things and while Twitch says this announcement isn't related to the sale I get the impression that these formalities are really just for the public image and gamergate.
"This is a long-standing policy meant to create an open, supportive, safe environment for all gamers," Chase says. "We are not the fashion police and this is not a new policy, just clarity on a long-standing one rooted in common sense. In other words, don't broadcast naked or in lingerie, swimsuits, pasties and undergarments. We don't actually get many cases of dress code violations, but felt it should be clarified since our community has occasionally asked about specifics."
The updated policy notes that the dress code applies to both men and women. Basically, the rules boil down to, "Keep your shirts on, you sexy nerds."Of course twitch broadcasters know the policy and partner streamers pay special attention to the rules to ensure they will continue to get special treatment and phat paychecks.
Keep it clean people!
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NZXT Kraken X41 Liquid CPU Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
NZXT has released another top-shelf AIO, liquid CPU cooler. The X41 uses a single 140mm radiator and fan for the heavy lifting so it works well for smaller builds as well where space would be tight or impossible to mount larger radiators.
For several years now NZXT has been reaping the benefits of listening to the computerbuilding/modding community and delivering products that they actually want. This in turn has led to one of the most loyal customer bases and served to increase the popularity of their brand.
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ROCCAT and Alienware Become Exclusive Partners
Two of the biggest names in gaming peripherals and hardware combine creative forces
Hamburg, October 28, 2014 – ROCCAT Studios proudly announces an exclusive partnership with legendary cornerstone in PC gaming greatness, Alienware. Together, ROCCAT and Alienware are bringing the first of their collaborative efforts to gaming fans the world over with the melding of Alienware’s incredible AlienFX lighting system, and some of ROCCAT’s most innovative peripherals, the Kone XTD, Isku FX and groundbreaking Tyon gaming mouse.
Says René Korte, ROCCAT’s CEO and founder, “We are extremely proud and honored to begin this rich, collaborative partnership with Alienware. Since 1996, Alienware has been a benchmark for quality, exciting design, and love for the PC Gaming community. Like us, they value high standards in every product they bring to the public, and relentlessly strive to innovate. Our ROCCAT family is thrilled to take these first steps in what will without question be a fruitful partnership, combining some of our very best peripherals with Alienware’s AlienFX software.”
AlienFX will be paired with the ROCCAT products named above after a driver software update efficient end of November at the latest.
Having pioneered some of the most vibrantly striking, highly customizable lighting systems in the market, ROCCAT’s Kone family of mice were the first in industry sporting multicolor LEDs. Additionally, ROCCAT’s TalkFX was the first software system to provide lighting effects attuned to in-game events for many of our keyboards. Thus, it was only natural to sit down with the minds at Alienware to join in expanding these features. AlienFX brings the exciting lighting event interactions for games like MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, GAUNTLET, GUILD WARS 2, PAYDAY 2 and 81 more to your favorite ROCCAT peripherals.
Alienware and ROCCAT are a natural fit,” says Frank Azor, Alienware’s CEO. “You look at what ROCCAT brings to the table in terms of quality, fantastic in-house design strategy, and their forward-thinking team from top to bottom, and you see a studio that fits our PC Gaming philosophy on every level. AlienFX combined with ROCCAT’s new Tyon gaming mouse, the Isku FX, the Kone XTD? It was a no-brainer, and we believe fans of our brands will agree.”
ROCCAT Studios and Alienware are excited to take this first step on what will be a long and fulfilling road, with fans reaping the exciting, innovative benefits.
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Apacer Introduces UrKey Security Dongle at Cloud EXPO 2014 Silicon Valley
As more options continue to surface to help secure your data, balancing your data's safety against the convenience of using the security device seems to be paramount. These new plug and play security dongles from Apacer seem to be pretty comprehensible. But as interesting as these new dongles may be, I'm dying to hear about the first case of someone getting the shiny key labeled 'Destroy' plugged into their laptop inadvertently by their kid.
October 27th 2014,Taipei, Taiwan – Apacer’s UrKey USB dongles use their exclusive CoreSecurity Technology for SSD core data security tailored for customers’ system design and use. The newly launched UrKey USB dongle can trigger, enable or remove the three major special security instructions of CoreSecurity through its usb-based 2-way dongle. These include CoreEraser, CoreDestroyer and CoreProtector, which deliver quick erase, full erase and security protection that will facilitate data security and increase storage reliability. The UrKey technology acts as a literal key for computer security. Once inserted in the preset USB slot, it will easily activate any CoreSecurity function and quickly ensures security protection.
Specifically, the UrKey acts as a token for activating or triggering security functions. The UrKey is pre-programmed with the designated Apacer security features of Erase, Destroy, or Write Protect, depending on the specific request. Each UrKey is unique to its paired SSD due to the identification recognition process. In other words, the identifications between the UrKey and the SSD have to match in order to trigger the security feature. If the UrKey is connected with another SSD, the drive’s firmware will not be able to recognize the ID and thus there will be no function triggered.
Come join Apacer at Cloud EXPO 2014 Silicon Valley to check out demonstrations of the UrKey among other solutions from November 4th to the 6th. During the show we will also be showcasing our latest Solid State Drive solutions and innovative technologies which add value to products and solutions.
Please come by our booth #620 November 4-6, 2014 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California. Show Hours are:
Tuesday Nov. 4th, 5:45pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday Nov. 5th, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday Nov. 5th, 2:00pm – 5:30pm
Thursday Nov. 6th, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Thursday Nov. 6th, 1:30pm – 5:00pm
