Tech News
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Intel Core i5 12400 processor @ Guru3D
When I was searching for an Alder Lake processor I was playing a hunch. Rocket Lake had just hit the market and Comet Lake is still being sold mainstream. On top of that Alder Lake was only being sold as a K edition unlocked processor (at least at the time). The technology is new and support is still trying to play catch-up so there was very little need to splurge on a Core i9
The Core i7 seemed like the sweet spot for me which translates to Core i5 being what "everyone" else will be buying.
With six performance cores and hyper-threading, the Core i5 12400 might be the most desired budget-friendly and properly performing Alder Lake series processor as a gaming platform. It offers heaps of tier1 performance, can be tied towards DDR5 memory and a cheaper B660 chipset.
I have often wondered if DDR5 really has a benefit on lower end parts. Real-world scaling can be hit or miss on the high-end due given that you can just power through using your CPU.
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Happy New Year and Welcome to 2022
Myself and everyone here at Hardware Asylum would like to wish you a Happy New Year. The world is a changed place, The 2020 Pandemic is still a major factor and while some say we have recovered I believe we are just "dealing" with everything. World travel is still a major issue and events that depend on foreign visitors have started to suffer.
Despite the global issues the operations at Hardware Asylum have continued. Review hardware is extremely difficult to obtain and the sudden drop in output only amplifies the issues that written sites, like Hardware Asylum, have encountered for the past 8+ years. Sadly, this will be the normal thing going forward. At least until mfgs figure out that YouTube and Twitch streamers are not a good source of unbiased reviews.
The one positive of this situation is that I am sitting on a MOUNTAIN of computer hardware from when I started Ninjalane and a good majority of it is now considered vintage and retro and my plans to revisit the Hardware Asylum Vault is still in the works and planned to take center stage once the Hardware Asylum YouTube channel starts to take off.
I am working hard to get some unique content posted with some retro themes centered on the time before I started doing reviews and running Ninjalane.com
Welcome to 2022, I hope this year serves you well.
It will be weird to skip CES this year (again). Due to the “situation” the show has lost many of the exhibitors and the mfgs I normally meet with all decided to stay home anyway.
Happy New Year
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Mad Catz R.A.T. DWS @ TechPowerUp
OMG, the R.A.T.
This might be one of the most famous PC pointing devices in existence and.. I both loved and hated the awesome bit of tech at the same time.
Hint: static electricity + R.A.T. = Bad Time (Ironic the Mad Catz graphic, its like they knew you could cause your arm to go dead from the massive shocks this thing put out)
While it ushas almost the same shape and size as the wired R.A.T. 8+ ADV, the wireless R.A.T. DWS promises up to 200 hours of battery life, top-tier tracking thanks to PixArt's PAW3335 sensor, and particularly low-latency main button switches, along with several customization options.
Not sure I like the onboard battery but, the sensors seem pimp and if the 200+ hours of game time is real it could be a contender. I wonder how the adjustable weights factor in to the massive onboard battery situation?
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Shuttle XPC slim Barebone DL20N6 Review @ Madshrimps
I have seen a plethora of Shuttle systems in my time as a hardware reviewer and yet, never reviewed anything from the company. I missed out on the Shuttle SFF cubes and they never made a modern motherboard (that I remember) but I would stop by their display during Computex. So, you can say I supported their existence.
However, this XPC Slim Barebones is something else.
The DL20N series from Shuttle is an impressive jump in performance versus the older DL10J, while the choice to have installed a Pentium N6005 4-core SKU while retaining the 10W TDP is great! The whole system is passively cooled, so it is virtually noiseless if we do install only SSDs as storage devices. We have found that using the chassis horizontally is not stellar for the nearby M.2 SSD, because it tends to share a bit of heat from the Intel SoC heatsink, but in vertical position the issue is fully solved so purchasing the vertical stand is a must in our book!
It's like one of those compact PCs you get from Dell. Super small and a great addition to any office environment and yet worthless because you cannot upgrade them. But, the XPC is barebones meaning that to use it you MUST upgrade it.
Its perfect!
Except for the Pentium N6004 Quad Core processor. That part kinda sucks.until you consider that the PC is mainly designed for Kiosks where you need a PC but, it needs to also be small.
Anyhow, check out the full review on the Shrimps!
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VIPER Gaming Announces the VIPER VENOM DDR5 Performance Memory Kits
This enthusiast-grade DDR5 memory series brings better overclocking performance, frequencies from 4800MHz to 6200MHz, and will be available in Q1 2022.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — Dec 9th, 2021 — VIPER™, a trademarked brand of PATRIOT™ and a global leader in performance memory, solid-state drives, and flash storage solutions, is excited to announce the availability of the new VIPER VENOM RGB and non-RGB DDR5 high-performance DRAM modules which will be available in Q1 2022. The VIPER VENOM DDR5 memory modules provide enhanced speeds ranging from 4800MHz to 6200MHz with kit capacities of 16GB to 32GB equipped with the exclusive VENOM heat spreader design with an option for RGB illumination catering to both PC hardware enthusiasts and hardcore gamers.
"The VIPER VENOM DDR5 is our first DDR5 DRAM customized for enthusiasts and hardcore gamers who might be obsessed with aggressive performance and reliability. Our engineering team put exceptional effort into this VENOM DDR5 series to ensure it can have the best compatibility and reliability across Intel®’s latest platforms," said Roger Shinmoto, the VP of Patriot VIPER.
VIPER VENOM RGB DDR5 modules come with the stylish VENOM heatshield design with a new design to combine the LED light bar and the heatshield. The RGB light bar is an entirely new design with updated synchronization software and illumination patterns. The unique architecture of DDR5 has localized voltage adjustments based on a locked/unlocked PMIC (power management integrated circuit) and SPD HUB (serial presence detection), which provides simultaneous monitoring, threshold protection, intelligent voltage control, and power management to achieve more comprehensive voltage control. Furthermore, the on-chip ECC function enables active error correction to improve data integrity and enhance performance and stability. Each module is constructed with a ten-layer PCB to offer excellent signal integrity and unmatched stability with a physical height tailor-made to fit most CPU coolers in the market without interference.
The VIPER VENOM DDR5 Memory Series will be available Q1 2022 in major retailers worldwide with two packages with RGB and Non-RGB models.Product Specification
PN
Speed
CL
Voltage
PMIC
Config
RGB
Capacity
PVV516G480C36K
4800
36-36-36-68
1.1v
Locked PMIC
1Gx16
N
16GB kit
PVV532G480C36K
4800
36-36-36-68
1.1v
Locked PMIC
2Gx8/1Gx16(2R)
N
32GB kit
PVVR516G480C36K
4800
36-36-36-68
1.1v
Locked PMIC
1Gx16
Y
16GB kit
PVVR532G480C36K
4800
36-36-36-68
1.1v
Locked PMIC
2Gx8/1Gx16(2R)
Y
32GB kit
PVV516G520C40K
5200
40-40-40-77
1.1v
Locked PMIC
1Gx16
N
16GB kit
PVV532G520C40K
5200
40-40-40-77
1.1v
Locked PMIC
2Gx8/1Gx16(2R)
N
32GB kit
PVVR516G520C40K
5200
40-40-40-77
1.1v
Locked PMIC
1Gx16
Y
16GB kit
PVVR532G520C40K
5200
40-40-40-77
1.1v
Locked PMIC
2Gx8/1Gx16(2R)
Y
32GB kit
PVV516G560C36K
5600
36-36-36-70
1.2v
Unlocked PMIC
1Gx16
N
16GB kit
PVVR516G560C36K
5600
36-36-36-70
1.2v
Unlocked PMIC
1Gx16
Y
32GB kit
PVV532G560C36K
5600
36-36-36-70
1.2v
Unlocked PMIC
2Gx8
N
16GB kit
PVVR532G560C36K
5600
36-36-36-70
1.2v
Unlocked PMIC
2Gx8
Y
16GB kit
PVV516G620C40K
6200
40-40-40-76
1.25v
Unlocked PMIC
1Gx16
N
16GB kit
PVVR516G620C40K
6200
40-40-40-76
1.25v
Unlocked PMIC
1Gx16
Y
16GB kit
PVV532G620C40K
6200
40-40-40-76
1.25v
Unlocked PMIC
2Gx8
N
32GB kit
PVVR532G620C40K
6200
40-40-40-76
1.25v
Unlocked PMIC
2Gx8
Y
32GB kit
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GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Pro Review @ Vortez
The Alder Lake launch has been an interesting one. When the processor dropped everyone was tripping over Ryzen to talk about why it was awesome and a day later it was like nothing had ever happened.
I blame the chip shortage and a major reduction in media samples and/or the reallocation of samples to platforms that can provide a higher ROI. I sure hope that doesn't burn them in the long run.
In the spotlight today, we have the Z690 AORUS PRO. Designated as a mid-range model, PRO offers up a blend of top-performance features while seeking to deliver excellent results. Some of the headline features include 4x PCI Express Gen4 M.2 slots and a back panel which is peppered with USB ports – including USB 3.2 Gen2x2.
AORUS has been building some pretty amazing boards lately and the new Z690 line is really looking like a winner.
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ASUS ROG Cetra II Core Review - Bass Heads, Rejoice! @ TechPowerUp
Bass Boom Bottom
Bass Boom Bottom
Seems that the TechPowerUp folks think an in-ear gaming headset can move enough air to satasify a basshead. I beg to differ, been there done that, got the t-shirt, won the contests.
The ASUS ROG Cetra II Core is a $90 in-ear gaming headset equipped with an in-line remote control with a built-in microphone, and am impressive bundle of supplied accessories. If you're a true bass head, this is a product you must consider.
I will admit that you can get bass from an in-ear headset and while these might have drivers enough to deliver bass there is always a tradeoff and is usually high-frequency response and clarity.
But, judging audio reproduction is VERY subjective and if the reviewer has no idea what real bass is, they likely have a different idea as to what true bass is.
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Holiday Giveaway - Enter to Win 1 of 3 Thermaltake Computer Cases!
With the holidays just around the corner and the start to a new year I teamed up with Thermaltake to give away three awesome computer cases.
Up for grabs are the following.
- Thermaltake Tower 100 Mini Tower Computer Case - Racing Green (1x ea)
- Thermaltake AH T200 ITX Micro Computer Case - Pink (1x ea)
- Thermaltake Divider 300 TG ARGB Mid Tower Computer Case - Black (1x ea)
Contest ends June 30th, 2021 at 11:59 PM PST and a Total 3 winners will be announced on July 1st, 2021.
Follow the instructions below to enter and good luck!
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Patriot Announces Massive Black Friday Sales and Cyber Monday Deals
Limited time only Super Sale on customer favorites
Fremont, California, November 22, 2021 - Premier manufacturer of technology and gaming accessories PATRIOT™ will delight customers this Black Friday and Cyber Monday with generous savings with up to 43% on select items. Super saving deals can be found online on Patriot’s official website and with selling partners Amazon and Newegg, with each platform offering different deals.
Patriot Official Webstore Deals
The patriot website will have deals on some of its best-rated gaming keyboards, mouses, headsets, and mouse pads. Super savings range from $24.99 for the PATRIOT™ Viper Gaming V330 Closed Back High-Definition Stereo Gaming Headset. The most expensive sale item is the PATRIOT™ Viper V770 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Full RGB, Dedicated Media Controls, and Macro-Enabled functionalities at a steal of $89.99. With each sale item purchase, customers will receive a gift of either a 128GB USB, 64GB USB, or a 32GB USB and free delivery with code BLKFRDY. Shop Patriot Black Friday/Cyber MondayAmazon Deals
The deals continue on Amazon, with significant savings on the gaming storage coming in at the low deal of $179.99 for the superior Viper VP4300 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen4 x 4 Internal Gaming SSD, which is the go-to choice for a PS5 storage upgrade. Another winning discount is the 2TB version for the meager price of $389.99, further increasing your PS5 storage. Shop Patriot Black Friday and Shop Patriot Cyber Monday at Amazon
Newegg Deals
To complete their Black Friday and Cyber Monday limited time super sale, PATRIOT™ products on leading technology e-commerce platform Newegg will also experience significant discounts. Gamers everywhere will have the opportunity to purchase headsets, mouses, keyboards, and the brand’s sought-after Burst Elite. Prices range from $18.99 for the V330 Headset and $149.99 for the 1.92TB Burst Elite-Single. The V330 Headset will be on a one-day flash sale on November 23, with the other items on sale from November 17 to December 04, 2021. Other massively discounted items are Viper, Viper Steel, and Viper Elite, costing from $53.99 to $217.99 after using promo codes with discounts of $5.00 to $25.00, respectively. In addition, customers can also snag a Supersonic rage prime 1TB USB for $134.99 after the $5.00 promo code. These deals will run for the limited time of November 22- 30, 2021.Roger Shinmoto, VP of PATRIOT,
when asked about the massive discounts excitedly, stated, “It has been a tough couple of years as we have all adjusted to living in a pandemic, but despite it all, our customers stay loyal. They never wavered in their support, and we just wanted to express our utmost gratitude.”PATRIOT™ was founded in 1985 and is a leading manufacturer of high-performance, enthusiast memory modules, SSDs, flash storage, gaming peripherals, and mobile accessories. Patriot is headquartered in Fremont, CA, USA, and is committed to technology innovation, customer satisfaction, and providing the best price for performance on the market. Since their inception, PATRIOT™ products have garnered global prominence for their extreme performance, reliability, and innovation.
Shop all things PATRIOT™ official webstore at https://store.patriotmemory.com/
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Micron and MediaTek First to Validate LPDDR5X
Built on Micron’s leading 1α node, world’s fastest mobile memory unlocks artificial intelligence and 5G innovation for smartphones
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Nov. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediaTek Executive Summit – Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) announced today that MediaTek Inc. has validated Micron’s low-power double data rate 5X (LPDDR5X) DRAM for MediaTek’s new Dimensity 9000 5G flagship chipset for smartphones. Micron is the first semiconductor company to sample and validate this fastest, most advanced mobile memory in the industry and has shipped the first batch of samples of LPDDR5X built on its first-to-market 1a (1-alpha) node. Designed for high-end and flagship smartphones, Micron’s LPDDR5X allows the smartphone ecosystem to unlock the next wave of data-intensive applications powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G innovation.
The market delivery and validation of Micron’s industry-leading 1a-based LPDDR5X solidifies its product innovation and leadership in the mobile ecosystem, following industry-first launches for LPDDR5, 1a-based LPDDR4X, 176-layer NAND-based UFS 3.1 and uMCP5 solutions. This most recent milestone follows quickly on the heels of JEDEC’s July release of the LPDDR5X extension to LPDDR5, created to offer higher bandwidth and memory speed for enhanced 5G communication and performance while still conserving power. Micron has validated samples supporting data rates up to 7.5 Gb/s, with samples supporting data rates up to 8.533 Gb/s to follow. Peak LPDDR5X speeds of 8.533 Gb/s deliver up to 33% faster performance1 than previous-generation LPDDR5.
“Innovating cutting-edge smartphone experiences requires memory technology built to address the massive bandwidth demands of the mobile market,” said Raj Talluri, senior vice president and general manager of Micron’s Mobile Business Unit. “Our collaboration with MediaTek to validate the world’s most advanced mobile memory empowers the ecosystem to deliver the next wave of rich mobile features enhanced by 5G and AI.”
These new levels of memory performance are increasingly critical for feeding massive amounts of data to the multiple heterogeneous processing engines built into today’s complex smartphone systems on chips (SoCs). As mobile workloads grow more sophisticated, these advanced SoCs rely on high data rates to ensure seamless multitasking across applications and to enable AI inferencing, augmented and virtual reality, and immersive graphics.
“Our mobile customers are increasingly demanding higher bandwidth to support complex, data-hungry applications built for the 5G era. With its superfast mobile memory, Micron’s LPDDR5X squarely meets this challenge for flagship devices,” said JC Hsu, corporate vice president and general manager of the Wireless Communications Business Unit at MediaTek. “The Dimensity 9000 will be the first to support this critical advancement of LPDDR5X, giving carriers and device-makers the capabilities they need to deliver incredible 5G experiences at the flagship tier.”
Micron is collaborating with the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers and chipset vendors to enable ecosystem innovation with LPDDR5X. As part of this effort, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 mobile SoC will be the first to support LPDDR5X memory, delivering industry-leading peak bandwidth of 60 gigabytes per second for high-end and flagship smartphones.2 The new chipset is part of MediaTek’s Dimensity 5G SoC portfolio, which combines the latest connectivity, multimedia, AI and imaging innovations to unlock the possibilities of 5G for consumers around the globe. Micron’s delivery of LPDDR5X to partners combined with MediaTek’s validation paves a path to broad market adoption.
About Micron Technology, Inc.
We are an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence and 5G applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.
