Tech News
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Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 Computer Soundbar Review @ APH Networks
The Creative Katana is an amazing peice of tech that can had full and rich sound to your desktop PC or mini home theater. We have reviewed both Katana versions and found that The Sound Blaster Katana V2 is the same great sound bar that had fixed all the issues we discovered with the first version.
The Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 continues to be a well-designed and well-built soundbar like its predecessor with noticeable positive changes in every area, but the sound quality has room for improvement for the price.
Be sure to check out our reviews of the Creative Katana and start slashing away at bad audio.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 Multi-Channel Gaming Soundbar Review
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-channel Gaming Soundbar Review -
Streacom DA6 Open Frame SFF Case
The great thing about building computers is deciding what chassis to buy. Since I still build full sized ATX computers I prefer to have a larger chassis to hold my watercooling gear while giving me enough air volume for proper cooling. For others, there could be space constraints so choosing a chassis could require some additional checks and adjustments to internal components.
I have noticed a dangerous trend in chassis design that has migrated away from the traditional box to a more open designs, sometimes with tempered glass and others with carbon fiber. The scary part is that many of these designs have no real design. For instance the designer might be trying to replicate the electric bike hobby they have been consumed with while others are simply trying to improve on something they are impressed with.
The new DA6 from Streamcom is interesting in that I can see a number of external influences. For instance the vertical Mini ITX design reminds me of the SilverStone FT03-MINI while the bars remind me of something In-Win did some 10 years ago with the D-Frame 2.0. Together they look pretty good but also resemble a chrome kitchen chair from the 60’s
With the DA6 we have an open-air chassis design that has all of the components in a vertical orientation. This helps to save space and does give the chassis a nice curb appeal. You'll get two handles at the top due to the looping pipes and full open-air cooling. There are no provisions for external storage. As Streamcom has correctly assumed, the advent of NVMe storage as removed any need for SATA drives on the Mini ITX platform.
I have used open air test benches for many years and while they are amazing for testing out hardware platforms they are horrid at cooling and often require additional fans to ensure that cooler air is always moving across the components. It would appear that you get provisions for a single external cooling fan which, should be just enough.
Check out the DA6 on the Streamcom website, Link is below
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VIPER GAMING Attends DreamHack Dallas 2022
Hands-on activities for gamers along with exclusive sales on gaming products, walk-up onsite gaming tournaments with prizes and daily raffle giveaways.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — May 31st, 2022 — VIPER™, the trademarked gaming brand of PATRIOT™ and a global leader in performance memory, solid-state drives, and flash storage solutions today is announcing that the VIPER GAMING team will be attending DreamHack Dallas 2022 from June 3rd to June 5th, one of the most significant esports festivals in the world. VIPER GAMING will team up with MetaPC and CLX Gaming to showcase their case-modded PCs featuring VIPER memory and storage solutions as well as demonstrate the gaming performance of VIPER VENOM DDR5 and Patriot Signature DDR5 memory kits. The onsite activities include daily tournaments, a DreamHack-only special sale for VIPER GAMING peripherals, and a daily raffle during the event. Gamers and modders shouldn't miss this most expected esports festival of the year and participate in the raffle giveaway hosted during DreamHack. Online giveaways with multiple gifts and great deals will be run during each event day.
"DreamHack is looking to be one of the biggest esports events in the nation. So many activities during the event make it a great opportunity to get to know gamers and modders and their reactions to VIPER GAMING products. It is also a great chance to showcase how our VIPER VENOM DDR5 gaming systems can improve the gaming experience." said Roger Shinmoto, Vice President at VIPER GAMING.
The VIPER GAMING booth will feature walk-up gaming tournaments with prizes for the winners. The game titles will be: Slay the Spire, Mini Motorways, and Aim Lab. All gaming systems used for these tournaments will be equipped with best-selling gaming peripherals and empowered by the VIPER GAMING DRAM and storage solutions. Gaming PC builders, MetaPC (https://www.metapcs.com/), and CLX Gaming (https://www.clxgaming.com/) will be showcasing two of their latest case-modded gaming computers featuring Viper Venom DDR5 and Patriot Signature DDR5 memory. These machines and others will be available for onsite visitors to experience the power of the high-speed DDR5 performance on popular game titles.
Onsite and online raffle giveaways will be hosted each day. Onsite visitors who follow VIPER GAMING on social media will get a free ticket to join the raffle giveaway and have a chance to win VIPER GAMING peripheral prizes. Winners will be announced onsite and notified through VIPER GAMING's social media. VIPER GAMING will also host an online giveaway; details about the giveaway and instructions on how to enter can be found on the contest page: https://gleam.io/nz87C/dreamhack-dallas-2022-giveaway
Gamers who visit the VIPER GAMING booth during DreamHack will be able to purchase VIPER GAMING peripherals at a DreamHack-only price. (Credit cards only, no cash.) DreamHack will be hosted in Dallas, Texas, from June 3rd to June 5th, 2022, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA. More VIPER GAMING information can be found at https://viper.patriotmemory.com/.
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GeIL Launches the World’s First Active Cooling DDR5 Memory Equipped with Innovative RGB Dual Fans
GeIL EVO V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory featured a ground-breaking dual-fan cooling system that combines RGB illumination and next-generation active cooling design into a one-piece molded heatshield.
Frequencies from 4800MHz to 6600MHz and capacities of 32GB and 64GB.
Taipei, Taiwan —May 19th, 2022 -- GeIL – Golden Emperor International Ltd. – One of the world's leading PC components & peripheral manufacturers, is excited to announce the market launch of its EVO V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory kits providing high-frequency modules ranging from 4800MHz to 6600MHz and available in large kit capacities of 32GB to 64GB. The unique heat spreader design features active cooling and fascinating RGB lighting effects and is available in titanium gray or glacier white color themes.
GeIL EVO V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory offers unparalleled memory performance and stability to meet the intensive demand of hardcore gamers and overclockers across Intel’s latest platforms. GeIL has crafted a break-through cooling solution for EVO V modules that integrates a stunning RGB light bar and two micro cooling fans into a single molded aluminum heat shield. Most importantly, the physical height of the heat spreader allows it to be compatible with most CPU coolers on the market without any mechanical interference. The heat spreader comes in two color options, titanium gray and glacier white, perfectly matching the most popular color themes of high-end motherboards and desktop PC components. Two cooling fans are located in the heatshield's upper right and left corners and provide extra airflow to keep the modules operating in an ideal thermal range. The dual-fan cooling heatshield can provide approximately 45% more thermal dissipation than traditional.
Gamers and Computer enthusiasts have expected more from GeIL to improve their gaming experience, and our answer is the EVO V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory." Said Jennifer Huang, the VP of GeIL Memory. "The EVO V has established a new standard in heatshield design as we have created an active dual-fan “FANtastic” cooling system to keep EVO V within an ideal thermal range. The RGB illumination and fans are part of a one-piece heat spreader design that enhances overclocking performance and builds an eye-catching system.” She added.
The exceptional architecture of the DDR5 memory is based on locked/unlocked PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit), which can provide threshold protection, synchronized voltage monitoring, smart voltage control, and power management to achieve a more comprehensive voltage control under normal and overclocked conditions. Additionally, the on-chip ECC function enables active error correction to improve data integrity and enhance memory performance and stability. The GeIL EVO V supports the latest Intel® XMP 3.0 profiles for precision and stability to auto overclocking, giving users more accessible access to customize and tweaking memory performance. Each module uses strictly sorted ICs and memory chips to offer excellent signal integrity and system performance reliability.
Backed by the limited lifetime warranty, the GeIL EVO V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory will be available in July in major retailers worldwide with speeds from 4800MHz to 6600MHz at 1.10 to 1.35V and capacities from 32GB to 64GB.
Product Specification
Product Name EVO V DDR Generation DDR5 Frequency 4800MHz / 5200MHz (O.C.) / 5600MHz (O.C.) / 6000MHz (O.C.) / 6200MHz (O.C.) / 6400MHz (O.C.) / 6600MHz (O.C.) Kit Capacity 32GB / 64GB Module Capacity 16GB / 32GB Package Dual Pack CAS Latency CL 34~40 Operating Voltage 1.10V~1.35V Heat Spreader Colors Titanium Grey / Glacier White Compatibility Intel XMP 3.0 (O.C.) Country of Origin Designed & Made in Taiwan About GeIL
GeIL – Golden Emperor International Ltd. is one of the world's leading PC components & peripheral manufacturers specializing in making the most innovative products, from memory modules to gaming peripherals worldwide.
Established in 1993, GeIL has soon become one of the most trusted memory professionals in the industry. In 2000, with the vast knowledge of tweaking and producing some of the world's fastest DRAM modules, GeIL shook the PC enthusiast market and changed it for the better. The introduction of the first-ever RGB illuminated DDR5 modules, memory heat-spreader, and the dual-channel packaged memory kit are all innovative concepts that GeIL introduced in the PC DIY market. In addition, GeIL has focused on perfecting the technologies of IC testing, memory burn-in, and quality assurance for memory products across all market segments. GeIL memory is now trusted and distributed in over 50 countries worldwide.
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LIAN LI Launches STRIMER PLUS V2 ARGB Extension Cables
May 6th, 2022, Taipei, Taiwan – LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, announces its new series of ARGB extension cables with the STRIMER PLUS V2. Available for motherboard 24-pin connectors, GPU 8-pin (2x6+2-pin), and GPU triple 8-pin (3x6+2-pin), the STRIMER PLUS V2 offers improved brightness with a new side light diffuser, better flexibility with silicon-wrapped power cables, upgraded compatibility with isolated connectors at the GPU end, and introducing native software control and independent light channel customization with L-Connect 3.
Features
- New side light diffuser to increase light impact inside the PC
- Thinner and more flexible with single row of silicon covered power cables
- Improved GPU compatibility with independent connectors
- Software support with new L-Connect 3, including individual light channel customization
- Available as motherboard 24-pin, GPU 8-pin, and GPU triple 8-pin
RGB focused
Located along each side of the RGB part of the STRIMER PLUS V2 are two bands of light-diffusion strips, allowing the light effects to shine in more directions and fill the PC with bright RGB. In addition, the 2.1mm wide top diffuser strips allow for smooth light distribution and maximum brightness.
Slim Design
The extension cable part of the STRIMER PLUS V2 is arranged in a single, flat row, making the overall thickness thinner than ever at 8mm (previously 11mm). Each 18 gauge power cable is also wrapped in durable silicone. The combination of the new material and single row of power cable makes the STRIMER PLUS V2 more flexible for tighter bends, and slimmer and easier to pass through tight cable grommets.
Compatible with more GPUs
While the original STRIMER PLUS GPU 8-pin and Triple 8-pin are compatible with most GPUs, some users have experienced difficulties with graphics cards that have power connectors further apart.The GPU versions of the STRIMER PLUS V2 address this issue by having each 8-pin end separated, allowing for wide gaps to be covered between each connector.
L-Connect 3 Ready
New with the STRIMER PLUS V2, the controller is now natively recognized by L-Connect 3, the new version of LIAN LI’s UNI FAN software which expands its functionalities. L-Connect 3 enables users to quickly change the light effects of the ARGB extension cables without having to reach inside their case. In addition, the software enables users to control each individual light channel of the STRIMER PLUS V2 to create their own mix of light effects (24-pin and GPU 3x 8-pin have 6 channels, GPU 8-pin has 4 channels). For existing STRIMER PLUS owners, a new version of their controller will be sold separately to make their ARGB extension cables compatible with L-Connect 3.
Pricing and Availability
The LIAN LI STRIMER PLUS V2 is available for pre-order starting May 6th, 2022.
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Lexar Announces The Next Generation ARES DDR5 OC Memory And Blazing-Fast ARES DDR4 RGB Memory
San Jose, USA, May 11th, 2022 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is excited to announce the launch of the new Lexar® ARES DDR5 OC Desktop Memory and ARES DDR4 RGB Desktop Memory. ARES DDR5 OC Memory is designed for PC enthusiasts, gamers, overclockers and creatives while optimized on the latest Intel® CoreTM processor. ARES DDR4 RGB Memory enhances your PC with vibrant RGB lighting and blazing-fast DDR4 overclocked performance for an elevated gaming experience.
The Lexar® ARES DDR5 OC Desktop Memory leverages next-gen DDR5 technology designed for the latest Intel® CoreTM processors platform and supports Intel XMP 3.02. With speeds of 5200, it provides more than 1.6x the bandwidth than that of DDR41. So whether you’re operating speed-demanding video games, video editing software, or processing intensive workloads, the Lexar® ARES DDR5 OC Memory enables you to experience superior DDR5 performance.
ARES DDR5 OC Memory Key Features:
- Experience next-generation DDR5 performance at 5200
- More than 1.6x faster than DDR4
- Designed with on-die ECC for improved stability of overclocking
- Supports Intel XMP 3.0 and overclocks your DDR5 memory
- Built-in PMIC to enhance power efficiency
- Premium heat spreader design combining bold style and cooling functionality
ARES DDR4 RGB Memory Key Features:
- Delivering blazing-fast DDR4 overclocked performance to elevate your gaming experience
- Full range RGB support – customize your colors and effects with a vibrant RGB light bar
- Features an aluminum heat spreader and wing design for optimal heat dissipation
- Customize your RGB with Lexar RGB Sync to match your build perfectly
- Designed for the latest Intel XMP 2.0 and AMD Ryzen platform
Lexar® ARES DDR5 Desktop Memory is designed with a sleek aluminum heat spreader to keep your system running cool. Built with an on-die ECC, it leverages real-time data error correction for increased stability and reliability while you push the limits. And, with built-in Power Management IC (PMIC), it provides better power control and power delivery while operating at a low voltage of 1.25V (XMP Profile), further lower your power consumption.
With the classic product family design, Lexar® ARES DDR4 RGB Desktop Memory features vibrant RGB lighting to light up your gameplay. With Lexar RGB Sync, a powerful RGB lighting control software, you can customize your lighting effects by setting colors, intensity and speed with full range RGB support. Additionally, you can also create a dynamic ambience and save your RGB lighting effect profiles, rendering your gameplay more immersive and adding a touch of style to your gaming journey. Lexar® ARES RGB DDR4 is also compatible with the RGB control software of major motherboard brands. Each kit is optimized for peak performance and has been rigorously tested for stability, reliability and compatibility with latest Intel XMP 2.0 and AMD Ryzen systems to enhance your gaming experience.
“Over the last few years Lexar has been working diligently in developing gaming solutions to meet the demands of customers. With more than 25 years of experience developing industry leading memory solutions, we are excited to develop gaming products that meet the quality, performance, reliability and compatibility standards that customers have come to expect from the Lexar brand. With the growing popularity of gaming and performance pc builds, Lexar is excited to expand our gaming solutions which includes next generation DDR5 solutions and Lexar® ARES DDR4 RGB Desktop Memory.” Said Joel Boquiren, General Manager of Lexar.
The Lexar® ARES DDR5 5200 Desktop OC Memory is available exclusively at Amazon starting from April for purchase online at an MSRP of $369.99 (32GB Kit (16GBx2)). The new Lexar® ARES DDR5 5200 OC Desktop Memory will be available in EMEA in 2H, 2022.
Lexar® ARES RGB DDR4 4000 Desktop Memory is available for purchase online at an MSRP of $109.99 (16GB Kit (8GBx2)).
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MSI Radeon RX 6950 XT Gaming X Trio @ TechPowerUp
I have been so caught up with things not related to the latest AMD Radeon video card launch that I totally missed that AMD launched a new Radeon video card.
The MSI Radeon RX6950 XT Gaming X Trio looks like a pretty amazing card and if the reviews are any indication it is going to be monster under the covers of your custom watercooled PC for a night of hot gaming.
Makes me wonder if this will be another Radeon launch where you cannot find the card in the wild?
MSI's Radeon RX 6950 XT Gaming X Trio is the fastest RX 6950 XT that we tested today, making it the fastest Radeon we ever tested. It can beat the NVIDIA RTX 3090 and almost matches the much more expensive RTX 3090 Ti, with very little noise and good temperatures.
This is a pretty tall order and with the Crypto Crash we might even be able to buy one.
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Nvidia pays $5.5 million for hiding how gaming GPUs were sold
So, the big news this week is how the SEC has fined NVIDIA for allegedly hiding how many GPUs were being sold to gamers vs how many got allocated for crypto mining. According to the SEC this lack of disclosure left investors in the dark when it came to their evaluation of NVDA and could have impacted the overall stock price.
It is no secret that the NVIDIA stock (NVDA) has been on fire the past several years and in 2021 the stock split 4:1 allowing current shareholders to quadruple their holdings while also lowering the overall price for new investors.
The charges stem from Nvidia’s fiscal year 2018 financial reports. The SEC notes Nvidia saw an explosion in crypto mining-related sales in 2017, when the rewards of mining Ethereum grew dramatically. Crypto mining was widely reported as a cause of GPU scarcity, and Nvidia launched a separate CMP line specifically for mining, attempting to prevent shortages for gamers. But employees apparently acknowledged that many gaming GPUs were still going to miners. “The company’s sales personnel, in particular in China, reported what they believed to be significant increases in demand for Gaming GPUs as a result of crypto mining,” the order says. ~The Verge
As part of running Hardware Asylum it is in my best interest to follow what my mfg partners are doing. Sure, I miss a few things here and there but, when it comes to NVIDIA I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
What we know is that video cards were in high demand and crypto farmers were bragging about how many cards they got. It isn't difficult to make the connection. On the side of NVIDIA they sell GPUs which are then installed on a variety of expansion boards (Video Cards). Some are built by NVIDIA and white boxed to OEMs while the majority go to board partners who build their own designs. All NVIDIA would know is that they sold a certain amount of chips for video cards and those cards are designed for video GAMING.
AKA, This puts those sales under "GAMING"
What I find interesting is that these investors uncovered this doing their "real research" and have drawn a line between NVIDIA selling GPU Chips designed for gaming to how consumers are ultimately using those products for something else. NVIDIA doesn't care what customers do and some would say (myself included) that the NVIDIA GPU was designed for more than just gaming.
To further complicate matters you also have to consider that the majority of the GPUs (if not all) that were sold into crypto slavery were done so at the OEM level. These companies will put in massive bulk orders with the intention of selling off a portion to crypto farms. This was uncovered a LONG time ago when AMD/ATI video cards were in short supply and has now migrated to the NVIDIA camp.
What NVIDIA sees is that the board partner bought a number of GPUs and that card maker then sold a number to their customers. I am sure NVIDIA keeps track of individual GPUs for warranty purposes but, they deal directly with the board partner and, all the board partner see is that a video card came back broken.
Seems to me that someone at the SEC lost out on their NVIDIA investment and is just looking for payback.
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VIPER Gaming launches VIPER VENOM RGB and non-RGB DDR5 Performance Memory Kits
Absolute gaming advantage- DDR5 memory delivers outstanding performance, stability, and overclocking potential with the latest PMIC support. The VIPER VENOM RGB and Non-RGB SKUs are now available with frequencies from 5200 MHz to 6200MHz.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — April 28th, 2022 — Viper™, the trademarked gaming brand of PATRIOT™ and a global leader in performance memory, solid-state drives, and flash storage solutions today is proud to announce the market launch of their new VIPER VENOM RGB and non-RGB DDR5 high-performance DRAM memory kits. These brand-new VIPER VENOM DDR5 memory kits are available with and without the RGB illumination, it provides enhanced speeds ranging up to 6200MHz with kit capacities of 16GB-32GB to meet the harsh demand for PC enthusiasts and hardcore gamers.
“Our VIPER Gaming fans waited quite a while for quality DDR5. The VIPER VENOM DDR5 is the first DDR5 DRAM that we distributed for hardware enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, and case modders addicted to unparalleled system performance and stability. VIPER’s engineering team has put countless efforts to guarantee excellent compatibility and higher reliability across Intel®’s latest platforms, currently.” said Roger Shinmoto, Vice President of VIPER GAMING. “Our first launch of Venom DDR5 on 4/28 will feature the highest frequency version at 6200MHz. We hope the enthusiasts or overclockers be able to experience the physical power of Viper Venom DDR5 at the market launch. However, due to the global shortage of memory chips, we have decided to launch the mainstream frequency models like 5200/5600/6000MHz sometime in the coming months.” He added.
The VIPER VENOM DDR5 memory kits include the RGB and Non-RGB versions. The new design of the VENOM heatshield combines the unique RGB light bar and custom aluminum heat spreader featuring matte black/silver patterned graphics. The high-quality modules feature a built-in thermal sensor for performance monitoring, while the excellent heat dissipation helps prevent the hazard of overheating. The physical height of the module can avoid interference with most CPU coolers on the market. In addition, the RGB light bar is an entirely new design with updated synchronization software and illumination patterns. Most importantly, all VENOM RGB DDR5 modules are 100% compatible with ASUS, ASROCK, GIGABYTE, and MSI’s latest motherboards and can be synced with their RGB systems.
The unique architecture of DDR5 memory features localized voltage adjustments based on a locked/unlocked PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) and SPD HUB (Serial Presence Detection), which can provide simultaneous monitoring, and threshold protection, intelligent voltage control, and power management to achieve more comprehensive voltage control. Moreover, the on-die ECC function enables active error correction to improve data integrity and enhance performance and stability. The VIPER VENOM DDR5 memory kit supports the latest® Intel XMP 3.0 profile overclocking and delivers precision and stability to easily customize the performance to match specific overclocking tasks. Each module is built using a ten-layer PCB and strictly sorted ICs to offer excellent signal integrity and unmatched reliability to the system performance.
The VIPER VENOM DDR5 memory kits are now available in major US retailers with RGB and Non-RGB models and are backed by the VIPER limited lifetime warranty.
Availability
Amazon.com
Venom 32GB (2 x 16GB) 6200MHz UDIMM- Amazon.com RGB Venom: https://amzn.to/3jXJfoE
- Non-RGB Venom link: https://amzn.to/3EuONAs
Newegg: https://bit.ly/3KZwoOB
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Viper Venom RGB DDR5 2x16GB 6200MHz @ LanOC Reviews
DDR5 was in short supply when it launched with Alder Lake which has prompted memory makers to re-think how they position their DDR5 products. Patriot Viper has decided to release the halo version at 6200Mhz in hopes of taking advantage of the extra performance.
LanOC has a review of the new Viper Venom and we will have our review launched later this week.
With Intel’s 12th generation Core CPU launch alongside the new CPUs, CPU Socket, and Motherboards/Chipset it also brought DDR5 into the mainstream market. Initially, DDR5 was hard to come by, but things have gotten better and along with that we are seeing some of the companies who didn’t have memory available at the launch getting their kits introduced. A good example of that is Patriot with their Viper Gaming lineups first DDR5 kits. They have named the new kits Venom which goes well when you combine it with the Viper branding. They have standard and RGB kits available and the kit that they sent over for us to check out is the Viper Venom RGB in a 2x16GB configuration running at 6200 MHz.
What kind of performance could you get from modules like this??
