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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DeepCool Steam Castle @ techPowerUp
This is a very interesting case and I have to admit my trade show photos do it no justice. Most of it is crappy trade show lighting but the other is all the crazy details scattered about the chassis.
The DeepCool Steam Castle aims to take steampunk to the main stream. Available in four different colors with elaborate looks, will it manage to deliver hip looks right out of the box while remaining functional at a competitive price point, or is it a hip shell with a boring interior?
The case comes in a variety of colors and looks to be pretty good on cooling. In terms of styling it will be a matter of "Love it / Hate it" which is the norm for custom chassis designs that stray from the crowd.
Check out the TPU review for more details.
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ASUS ROG R9 290X MATRIX Platinum Video Card Review @ [H]
There are several risks when it comes to cooling with LN2 and the most prevalent is condensation. This is when water in the air cools down and forms ice on your expensive electronics. Normally if the ice stays frozen there is little risk however you are foolish to think the entire PCB will be frozen.
So, why bring this up? Well many of the new Matrix video cards from ASUS come with a memory defroster feature. The feature basically dumps excess voltage into the memory chips to keep them warmer and thus run more efficient. The downside is that while you may be breaking world records you'll also run the risk of excess water pooling in the PCI Express slot.
Today we have the highest-end R9 290X from ASUS, the ASUS ROG R9 290X MATRIX Platinum video card. This video card is dual-purposed for fan or LN2 cooling, and has vast power capabilities. We're putting it up against the ASUS GeForce GTX 780 DirectCU II OC to see which delivers the best bang for your buck.
Hate to admit it but, I still want one.
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CYBERPOWERPC Updates Product Line with Intel X99 Chipset and New Intel Core i7 Processor Extreme Edition
More news on the Haswell-E front. If you've been waiting for the new X99 release to consider updating your hardware, there is now another alternative to assembling your new dream PC from scratch. Check out this press release from our friends over at Cyberpower, who are now offering new Haswell-E configurations.
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – CyberPower Inc., www.cyberpowerpc.com, a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs, gaming laptops, and performance workstations, today announced the immediate availability of custom desktop computers featuring Intel X99 chipset motherboards and new Intel Core i7 Processors (formerly codenamed Haswell-E).
CYBERPOWERPC has updated its entire product line with the new hardware from Intel, which features brand new industry-leading technology and performance across the board.
The Intel X99 chipset introduces a variety of new technologies to the high-end enthusiast computing market. The switch to DDR4 memory provides over twice the average clock speeds and data transfer rates compared to the previous generation, along with better power efficiency.
Motherboards utilizing the X99 chipset can also implement SATA-Express, which is a next-generation SATA interface that promises to bring much better performance from high-speed SSDs.
New Intel Core i7 Processors feature groundbreaking performance and are launching in three different flavors.
The Intel Core i7-5820K processor is a six-core processor with Hyper-Threading Technology for a total of 12 processing threads. With 15MB of L3 Cache and a clock speed of 3.3GHz and Turbo Boost frequency up to 3.9GHz, it is the first of the three new processors. The next processor, the Core i7-5930K has similar specs, with a clock speed of 3.5GHz and Turbo Boost frequency up to 4.0GHz. The flagship Intel Core i7-5960X processor is an eight-core processor with Hyper-Threading that has 20MB of L3 Cache and a clock speed of 3.0GHz. This marks the first time that Intel has released an eight-core processor in the high-end enthusiast market.
Intel’s high end desktop platform featuring the X99 chipset and new Intel Core i7 processors is the ideal foundation for an ultra-powerful gaming PC from CYBERPOWERPC. Thanks to a wealth of PCI-Express 3.0 lanes, multi-GPU configurations are easily accommodated.
“Intel X99 chipset based motherboards and new Intel Core i7 processors bring incredible multi-tasking and uncompromised power for gaming and overclocking to custom CYBERPOWERPC desktop gaming PCs,” said Laura Crone, Intel Vice President and General Manager, PC Client Group. “CYBERPOWERPC’s corporate focus to deliver state of the art enthusiast PCs to demanding users is very complimentary to Intel’s objective to thrill our customers with powerful computing solutions for gamers and those who push the limits of overclocking”.
Intel X99 chipset based systems will start at $1699 with the following features:
- MSI X99S SLI Motherboard
- Intel Core i7-5820K Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Graphics Card
- 16GB DDR4 Memory
- 2TB 7200RPM HDD
- Blu-ray Combo Drive
- 800W 80 Plus Power Supply
- Microsoft Windows 8.1
The CYBERPOWERPC FANG III full-tower desktop gaming PC is among the systems that has been updated to feature the new hardware from Intel. FANG III is a no-holds-barred, ultra-powerful gaming PC that can be equipped with just about any combination of enthusiast-level components you can imagine. Custom loop liquid cooling, multiple full-length graphics cards, large storage configurations and more can be packed into the imposing FANG III alongside the new Intel X99 motherboards and new Intel Core i7 processors.
All CYBERPOWERPC desktop systems can be configured with a huge number of hardware options, including high-performance gaming memory, solid state drives, graphics cards, and gaming peripherals. Fully-assembled desktop systems from CYBERPOWERPC include an industry-leading 3-year limited warranty. For more information, see http://www.cyberpowerpc.com
About CyberPower Inc.
CyberPower Inc. www.cyberpowerpc.com was founded in 1998 and has emerged as a leading global provider of custom computer systems and interactive gaming products. Headquartered in City of Industry in Southern California, CYBERPOWERPC manufacturers and distributes a complete line of custom built gaming desktops, gaming notebooks and high performance workstations to meet the unique needs of gamers, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and other end-users.
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CORSAIR Graphite 380T Computer Case Review @ Madshrimps
A mITX case with room for multiple fans, and full size discreet graphics cards? All with a carry handle for easy portability? Oh, this has epic LAN-party build all over it!
During Computex 2014, Corsair have shown their latest additions to their gaming enclosures. Besides the Carbide Air 250, a shrinked version of their popular 540 Air Cube case, Corsair jumped on the ultra portable mITX gaming enclosures band wagon with the new Graphite 380T, a futuristic design with rounded corners, featuring a big carrying handle and designed to support long graphics cards with ease. With the build-in 3 speed fan controller and room for up to five fans this little case could ultimately cool your mini gaming powerhouse. If this hasn't drawn your attention, maybe one of the flashy color schemes will. Time to open the package and show what this case has got in its margin...
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MSI Z97M GAMING Motherboard Review @ PCGameware
You hear me saying this a lot but, this is a pretty good board. As you know we reviewed the B series gaming and MiniITX Z97I Gaming version of this motherboard and found them to be feature packed and very stable.
We first saw this design with the MSI Z97 GAMING 5 and it not only looked great, but performed so well that pcG James gave it our prestigious Platinum award! So when offered the opportunity to take a look at the smaller MSI Z97M Gaming Motherboard, how could I say no?
While the news is filled (or not) with X99 reviews keep in mind that the Z97 editions are still good and considerably more affordable.
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Asylum: Review Block - Core i7 5960X Extreme X99 Release
I have been getting some flak for "not" posting any news about the new Haswell-E and X99 launch. Well, per the usual there were a ton of empty promises prior to the launch and it would seem in an attempt to accommodate these developments things kinda feel off the table. Anyhow, as many of you already know the processor and chipset have been released and they are good. Sadly, I must say the news is just "creeping" out. Like, way slow.
Maybe it has to do with yet another $1000 processor coupled with a new memory system that isn't cheap either. (It’s new, give them a break). What is weird is that despite the $2000 entry fee for the X99 you can get a motherboard as a fairly reasonable price. Boards are also coming out in MicroATX form factors along with some the multi GPU monsters.
Motherboards
- MSI X99S Gaming 9 – @ Bjorn3d
Processor
- Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition Review @ Vortez
- Core i7 5960X - 5930K and 5820K processor review @ Guru3D
- Intel Haswell-E Core i7-5960X CPU & X99 Chipset @ [H]
- Intel Core i7-5960X Haswell-E Review on Technic3D
- Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition Review: Intel’s Overdue Desktop 8-Core Is Here @ Techgage
- Intel's Core i7-5960X processor reviewed @ TR
- Intel Core i7-5960X “Haswell-E” Processor Review @ ThinkComputers
- Intel i7-5960X Haswell-E @ LanOC Reviews
- Intel i7 5960X Review; Haswell-E Arrives @ Hardware CanucksKeep watch here, there will be some exciting stuff on the Hardware Asylum podcast and maybe some up close photos of the X99 Classified from EVGA.
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MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC Review @ Vortez
And the PC arms race takes another leap forward, with the release of the X99 "Haswell-E" chipset. The new X99 boards will see native support for the new DDR4 memory, at the cost of no longer being compatible with the older DDR3 sticks.
MSI is showcasing some of the changes they've made preparing for the Haswell-E on their X99S version of their popular Gaming-9 motherboard. Along with the standard staples we normally see, like the Realtek 7.1 audio, and Killer Gigabit LAN controller, it also comes with ten 6Gb/s SATA ports, room for four discreet cards for multi-GPU applications, and support for six USB 3.0 ports (two included on the board), just for starters.
After so much speculation we can today reveal Intel's X99 chipset, more specifically, the X99S Gaming 9 AC motherboard from MSI. MSI are widely regarded as one of the most overclocking friendly manufacturers and so our review will focus heavily on this area. While the Gaming 9 is not the flagship motherboard or even the flagship 'series' (this tag goes to the XPower range - soon to be reviewed by us), a motherboard's prowess is quite often judged not just by the abundance of features but by its ability to take your components to the edge without falling over in a smouldering mound of silicon and plastic.
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Sapphire R7 250 Ultimate Review @ PureOverclock
Essentially a revised and slightly improved version of the older HD 7750, sacrificing the single fan cooling configuration for a monster heat pipe and sink cooling solution. As home theatre systems and media centers continue to grow in popularity, I see cards silent cards like this finding that growing niche to fill.
Looking for something that’s silent and can provide better gaming than integrated graphics? Today we’re looking at a discrete solution that can offer more graphical prowess than any integrated solution. Its other defining characteristic is that it can do this in total silence. We are referring to the Sapphire R7 250 Ultimate silent GPU. It’s a passively-cooled graphics card that might work for you.
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GIGABYTE Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK Motherboard Review @ Techgage
In the Computex 2014 edition podcast we talked about the new Black Edition testing room at the Gigabyte factory and this review at Techgage is proof that a motherboard can survive 7 days of torture and still function.
In fact you get a 5 year of warranty from this service.
Our last two Z97 reviews involved some petite motherboards, so it’s time to go all-out – something GIGABYTE’s Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK helps us pull off. Its name implies that gamers are the target here, and as you’d expect from its $350 price tag, it’s packed with features. What more reason do you need to read? Come on in.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the black edition testing methods but, this is real world marketing at its best. Gigabyte products are good and the Black Edition testing is a reflection of that.
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Asylum: Review Block - A little bit of everything a whole lot of nuttin
It has been awhile since I have posted a review block and it felt like a good time to start again. Sadly for reasons only to google this post may never get indexed but, meh we got some good stuff here.
You will find something you like here
- Verbatim Store 'n' Save 1TB USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive Review @ ModSynergy
- AMD Radeon R9 290: Gallium3D vs. Catalyst Drivers @ Phoronix
- Intel Haswell Core i7-4790K vs. i7-4770K Comparison @ techPowerUp
- Intel Haswell-E and X99 Chipset Preview @ ThinkComputers
- PNY GeForce GTX 760 XLR8 OC Video Card Review @ [H]
- HIS R9 290 iPower IceQ X2 OC 4GB GDDR5 Video Card Review @ Madshrimps
- Kingston HyperX Fury 240GB SSD Review @ Hardware CanucksOf course there is more to come and with any luck it will have a 9 and X in the name.
