Tech News
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SilverStone ET500-ARGB 500W Power Supply Review @ APH Networks
ARGB is everywhere! We got fans, we got motherboards, we got memory modules and we got video cards and watercooling components. However, very few companies have dared to stick an ARGB fan inside a power supply and live to tell the tale.
Until now.
The SilverStone ET500-ARGB 500W is a literally flashy power supply unit that proves its capabilities beyond just fancy looks.
When it comes to ROI on ARGB lighting the PSU seems to be pretty low on the list. Not only does the fan opening not face the right way but venting often hides any light that might leak out. And, while I might not find the appeal of ARGB in a PSU there are some consumers that love to check boxes when buying parts and ARGB is rather important.
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be quiet! Light Wings: High-quality and silent fans with ARGB illumination
Stylish, powerful, and versatile fans
Glinde, November 8, 2021 - be quiet!, the German manufacturer for premium PC components, launches its new Light Wings series: be quiet!‘s first fans with ARGB illumination. Besides its characteristic lighting properties, development focused on performance, low-noise operation as well as the manufacturer’s typical high-quality standards. Light Wings fans are equipped with a PWM connector and have one LED ring at the fan’s inlet and another narrow LED ring at the outlet. They are available in 120mm and 140mm sizes.
Vivid lighting
Light Wing’s light rings are equipped with up to 20 individually addressable LEDs with a diffuser to spread the light in both directions. This results in a remarkably uniform illumination and impressive lighting effects. Light Wing triple packs additionally contain an ARGB hub to enable the synchronization of up to six ARGB components in total. The fans can also be connected to motherboards with 5V ARGB-headers and controlled by motherboard software. Light Wings fans allow daisy-chaining of its signal cables for a cleaner case interior.Quietness and performance
Light Wings fans are available in two different versions. The PWM model, equipped with seven fan blades and a rotational speed up to 1.700 rpm (120mm) or 1.500 rpm (140mm) is ideally suited as a case fan thanks to its low operating noise level. The PWM high-speed model with nine fan blades and up to 2.500 rpm (120mm) or 2.200 rpm (140mm) is optimized for use on radiators or heat sinks. The thick frame and the adapted impeller result in shorter fan blades with optimized angles for a balance between volume and performance for both models. The high-quality robust rifle bearing guarantees a long-lasting and trouble-free operation with a long service life of up to 60,000 operating hours. All Light Wings fans have a PWM connector that can intelligently control the rotation speed directly via the motherboard.Pricing and availability
be quiet! Light Wings fans are available in stores from November 23 at the following suggested retail prices:Single-Packs:
- Light Wings 120mm PWM: €22.90 / $26.90 / £22.99
- Light Wings 120mm PWM high-speed: €22.90/ $26.90 / £22.99
- Light Wings 140mm PWM: €23.90/ $29.90 / £24.99
- Light Wings 140mm PWM high-speed: €23.90/ $29.90 / £24.99
Triple-Packs (includes ARGB hub):
- Light Wings 120mm PWM Triple-Pack: €69.90/ $79.90 / £59.99
- Light Wings 120mm PWM high-speed Triple-Pack: €69.90/ $79.90 / £59.99
- Light Wings 140mm PWM Triple-Pack: €72.90/ $84.90 / £65.99
- Light Wings 140mm PWM high-speed Triple-Pack: €72.90/ $84.90 / £65.99
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Call of Duty: Vanguard: DLSS vs. FSR Comparison @ TechPowerUp
The battle of image quality is on with the DLSS technology in the NVIDIA camp and FSR from AMD. They both work basically the same but, as they say, the devil is in the details.
Call of Duty: Vanguard includes support for both upscaling technologies: NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). In this mini-review, we take a look and compare the image quality and performance offered by both solutions.
The post is really focusing on image quality and unless yoiu know what you are looking for there is a 98.756% chance that you will not be able to tell the difference. For me I would be interested in overhead. For instance, which process is more efficent? and/or which process will look better if I completely disable it?? and what is the overall performance impact of each of these choices???
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PATRIOT reveals their Signature DDR5 Memory
8GB, 16GB, and 32GB DDR5 modules available in 4800MHz and capacity up to 64GB kits. Optimized for INTEL 12th Generation ALDER LAKE desktop processors and Z690 platform.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — Nov. 1st, 2021 — PATRIOT, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals, and flash storage solutions, today is proud to announce their first DDR5 high-performance memory will be available in the market in November 2021. The Signature DDR5 memory is approximately 75% faster performance over similar high-end and overclocked DDR4 memory right out of the gate.The memory kit provides high-speed frequencies up to 4800MHz, with future versions ranging up to 8400MHz. The single modules are available in various capacities, from 8GB to 64GB, and the perfect choice for system integrators and those looking to expand their DDR5 system memory.
"We've been working jointly with motherboard makers to ensure our DDR5 memory product line has excellent stability and compatibility with INTEL's latest ALDER LAKE desktop processor and Z690 platforms," said Roger Shinmoto, the VP of PATRIOT Memory.
PATRIOT Signature DDR5 memory is designed to deliver a significant performance improvement. Only requiring 1.1V of power, Signature DDR5 offers lower power consumption and produces less heat despite the higher frequency of 4800Mhz. Further power improvements include an onboard Power Management IC (PMIC), which provides better control of local voltage regulation while offering increased threshold protection, simultaneous monitoring, INTELligent voltage, and power management supporting increased voltage tweaking and more comprehensive adjustment ranges.
Each Signature DDR5 module has onboard thermal sensors to monitor and protect against thermal issues and better overall reporting.
Build quality and stability are critical features to successful DRAM memory; An 8-layer black PCB is used on the PATRIOT Signature DDR5 memory for substantial signal integrity. In addition, the latest on-die ECC (Error-Correcting Code) further enhances the accuracy of the data processing and overall system stability. As a result, the PATRIOT Signature DDR5 memory promises to be a wise choice for system integrators and anyone looking to expand their DDR5 system memory, offering a wide range of capacities and configurations, allowing users to get the most from the new ALDER LAKE and Z690 platforms.
The PATRIOT Signature DDR5 memory is backed by a PATRIOT's limited lifetime warranty and will be available in major retailers worldwide in November 2021.
Features
- Lower power consumption, only requiring 1.1v power input.
- High-quality power management IC onboard to ensure stable power transfer at high efficiency.
- Onboard temperature sensors monitor and protect from overheating.
- On-die ECC error checking capability to provide accurate data processing.
- Future module capacities up to 256GB per single stick.
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Thermaltake All-in-One Liquid Coolers and Air Coolers are Fully Compatible with Socket LGA 1700 and Intel Alder Lake Processors
Bring on the next generation of gaming with Intel 12th Gen CPUs and the latest compatible coolers from Thermaltake
Walnut, California- Nov. 1st, 2021-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for cooling, gaming gear, and enthusiast memory solutions, is pleased to announce their product compatibility with the latest Intel 12th Generation Alder Lake desktop processors and the availability of LGA 1700 mounting kits for its current desktop CPU coolers. All Thermaltake TOUGHAIR and TOUGHLIQUID coolers come bundled with the LGA 1700 socket bracket and fully support users upgrading to the new platform. Thermaltake also provides free upgrade kits for existing CPU cooler customers on qualifying products. Customers will need to contact Thermaltake to get their free LGA 1700 upgrade kit.
"Thermaltake users are mostly PC hardware enthusiasts and love to experiment with new PC tech products and get the best performance," said Kenny Lin, Thermaltake Founder & CEO. "An excellent CPU cooler is an essential component to a high-performance processor to ensure the best performance. Thermaltake AIO liquid coolers and Air coolers are now fully compatible with Intel Alder Lake processors," he added.
Intel Alder Lake desktop processors utilize a new socket, LGA 1700, which has more pins and is more prominent in size than the previous editions, will require a new mounting bracket to be compatible with the existing Thermaltake coolers. In the pursuit of creating the perfect user experience, Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID and TOUGHAIR are ready for socket LGA 1700 out of the box, and the LGA 1700 bracket is included in the package. Meanwhile, users who have already purchased TOUGHLIQUID and FLOE RC liquid cooler can contact Thermaltake to receive an LGA 1700 free upgrade kit. Thermaltake Customer Support can be contacted by the direct line at +1 (800) 988-1088, live chat, or via request form
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Hexus and Bit-Tech Closing up Shop
They say all good things come to an end. This true statement has bitter sweet meaning that is often referenced when it is time to say good-bye.
It would seem that two of the largest tech and hardware review based websites in the UK are closing up shop and will no longer be updated.
This news seems to have come as a shock to some however, it would seem the era of the tech and web review websites is slowly coming to an end and having Hexus and Bit-Tech close down is just adding to the vast number of similar websites doing the same. A couple years ago we had to say good-bye to HardOCP and The Tech Report and several smaller sites have also stopped posting updates.
It is sad to see them go but with dwindling ad revenue, the rise of social media and "tech" tubers all contributing to a shift in how marketing departments are handling the news and products. In the past marketing is about spreading the word and it has become much easier over the years to the point where websites and web magazines are no longer relevant.
I feel there is still a purpose to having a tech related website. The trick is being able to adapt and change else, you'll be left in the dust.
Hexus: Cheer up! It’s not the end of the world…
Bit-Tech: The End -
G.SKILL Reaches New Extreme Speed at DDR5-6800 with Trident Z5
(28 Oct 2021) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is delighted to announce yet another extreme speed DDR5 memory kit at DDR5-6800 32GB (2x16GB), designed for the latest 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors and Intel Z690 chipset motherboards. Thus far, this is the world’s fastest DDR5 memory kit to reach such a high frequency speed and raise DDR5-enabled system performance to new heights.
Raising the Memory Performance on 12th Gen Intel Core Desktop Processors & Intel Z690 Chipset “Intel worked closely with G.SKILL on the development and enablement of the DDR5 overclocking ecosystem to deliver high performance computing experiences to PC users,” said Mandy Mock, Vice President and General Manager of Desktop, Workstation and Channel Group, Intel. “It’s exciting to see G.SKILL’s new lineup of high frequency memory that takes advantage of the innovation and performance we’re delivering with the new 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors and Intel Z690 chipset.”
G.SKILL is dedicated to develop ever-faster overclocking memory on each new generation of Intel platform. And we are very excited to have worked with Intel to develop extreme performance DDR5 memory for the latest Intel Z690 platform,” says Tequila Huang, Corporate Vice President of G.SKILL International. “With G.SKILL extreme memory kits, we hope to tap into the performance potential of DDR5, and in conjunction with the latest Intel platform offering, to bring a whole new level of system performance to worldwide gamers, overclockers, and enthusiasts.
Low Latency on Extreme Speed DDR5-6800
In the never-ending quest for memory performance, G.SKILL is excited to reveal the latest additions of ultra-high frequency DDR5 memory to the flagship Trident Z5 family. Reaching an astonishing memory frequency of DDR5-6800, these two upper echelon memory specifications are the ultimate memory choice for gamers, enthusiast, and overclockers.
The screenshot below shows the extreme memory kit running at DDR5-6800 with an ultra-low latency of CL38-38-38-76.
The next screenshot shows a second memory kit running at DDR5-6800 CL42-42-42-76.
Supports Intel XMP 3.0 Extreme Memory Profile
Just set and go. The latest G.SKILL overclocking DDR5 memory kits are programmed with the latest Intel XMP 3.0 profiles, the only thing between you and extreme memory performance is a simple setting. Additionally, XMP 3.0 enables two customizable user-defined profiles to be saved in the memory module via BIOS on supported motherboards, so your fine-tuned memory settings go wherever the modules go. -
COLORFUL Introduces Intel Z690 iGame Ultra Series Motherboards
October 28th, 2021 Shenzhen, China – Colorful Technology Company Limited, a professional manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards, all-in-one gaming and multimedia solutions, and high-performance storage, introduces the Intel Z690 Series motherboards for the 12th generation Intel Core processors. The new Intel Z690 Series motherboard features support for PCIe 5.0 – unlocking support for the next-generation PCI Gen5 devices. The Intel Z690 platform is also the first mainstream desktop platform launched to support DDR5 memory. The COLORFUL iGame Z690 Ultra D5 supports DDR5 memory while the iGame Z690 Ultra supports DDR4 memory – offering flexible build options. Along with the iGame Z690 Series motherboards, COLORFUL also presents the Battle-AX DDR5 Memory for the Intel Z690 motherboards.
The 12th generation Intel Core processors, also known as the Alder Lake CPUs, come in with up to 16 cores, and the Intel Intelligent Overclocking Technology to deliver boost clocks of up to 5.2GHz. The next-generation DDR5-enabled Intel platform uses a base memory frequency of 4800MHz and can up over 6000MHz in memory overclocking. The PCIe 5.0 lanes offer higher bandwidth than PCIe 4.0. Hence, the PCIe 5.0 lanes offer backward compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 devices.
COLORFUL iGame Z690 Ultra D5 and iGame Z690 Ultra
COLORFUL launches its Intel Z690 motherboard lineup with the New iGame Series models. The iGame Z690 Ultra D5 and iGame Z690 Ultra motherboards feature the new Ice Terrace Space 1.0 Heatsink, an enlarged heatsink solution that delivers efficient passive cooling to the PCH, and two M.2 slots. The heatsink is crafted using an aluminum extrusion molding process. It features a wave-like design with multiple layers to increase surface area and maximize heat dissipation. -
Introducing the EVGA Z690 DARK K|NGP|N and Z690 CLASSIFIED motherboards – The Ultimate Choice for PC Gaming
EVGA Z690 motherboards paired with 12th Gen Intel Core Series processors bring unprecedented overclocking performance and an unparalleled experience to PC gaming. The Intel Z690 Chipset supports the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen5 standards, making these motherboards ready for the next generation of hardware. EVGA Z690 motherboards further elevate your system with a powerful digital-VRM design, multiple PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe options, right-angle power connectors, an award-winning BIOS, and overclocking world-records.
EVGA Z690 DARK K|NGP|N
EVGA DARK motherboards blaze the trail for other boards to follow, and the Z690 DARK K|NGP|N is no exception. The ability to destroy world records is insignificant next to the power of a 21-phase VRM and a 10-layer PCB – capable of driving the most powerful 12th Gen Intel Core processors. With DDR5, PCIe Gen5, and PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe support, a new DARK age of overclocking will rise as quickly as new hardware becomes available. Multiple USB options, 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports, 2x 2.5Gbps NICs + Wi-Fi 6E / BT 5.1, 7.1 HD audio, 3x M.2 Key-M slots, and 2x pump headers exclusively built for CPU AIO cooling help round out everything else you need in a premium motherboard. The Z690 DARK K|NGP|N is today’s choice for the future of overclocking and gaming.
EVGA Z690 CLASSIFIED
The EVGA Z690 CLASSIFIED is revealed as the latest addition to EVGA’s most-respected line of motherboards. Although few details are known, this motherboard is rumored to fully support the latest 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors and take full advantage of PCIe Gen5 and PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSDs. Other reports indicate that the EVGA Z690 CLASSIFIED provides unbeatable power, performance and stability via a 19-phase VRM and 10-layer PCB. EVGA neither confirms nor denies support for 128GB of DDR5 memory, 2x 2.5Gbps NIC + Wi-Fi 6E / BT 5.1, 7.1 HD audio, or multiple USB options. All evidence points to the conclusion that this board is designed for the ultimate gaming experience; everything else is Z690 CLASSIFIED.EVGA ELITE X1
EVGA Z690 motherboards are powered by EVGA ELITE X1, the next generation of motherboard tuning utilities. Featuring a simple to use interface, EVGA motherboards have never been easier to overclock or monitor. Review your motherboard, processor, memory and system status at any time and adjust your clock speeds and voltages for maximum performance. -
Evolve Your Game With The EK-Quantum MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X D-RGB
EK®, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, and MSI®, a world-leading gaming brand, have partnered up once again to launch the next-gen MSI CARBON motherboard and EK-Quantum monoblock combo. The brand new EK-Quantum MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X D-RGB is based on the latest Z690 chipset and supports Intel® 12th gen Alder Lake CPUs, this motherboard offers unparalleled cooling for the CPU, VRM section, and the first slot M.2 SSD thanks to the purpose-designed monoblock.
MSI’s world-class engineering team and EK’s industry-leading thermal engineers worked together to improve the previous-gen solution and bring even more benefits to the newest Intel Alder Lake platform. The MPG Z690 Carbon EK X allows maximum performance without the noisy environment, providing you with countless hours of uninterrupted gameplay while monitoring the flow in your loop via the integrated flow indicator. And to make sure your first assembly goes without a hitch, an EK-Leak Tester was included in the package.
EK-Quantum MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X D-RGB
What sets this motherboard apart is its unique design combined with a monoblock that aesthetically blends in with it. The carbon fiber pattern is there to remind all hardcore gamers that pushing the limits is what gaming is all about. A powerful 18+1+1 Power delivery system provides stable power to the CPU with 18 of the 75A smart power stages supplying the CPU core, the integrated GPU, and the System Agent. The absolutely massive power delivery system allows for incredible overclocks and, by proxy, a great boost in performance, for which the only downside is increased heat generation. This is where the EK monoblock kicks in – to cool down not just the CPU but the power delivery system as well.
The monoblock features an integrated flow indicator that will allow you to monitor your flow visually and adjust the pump speed if required. It will also let you know if the flow is hindered in any way. Making sure that everything is as cool as possible and operating under peak conditions, the monoblock also cools the main M.2 SSD drive allowing maximum read/write speeds even under sustained loads.
Great ValueIn one box, you get a high-end gaming motherboard, a monoblock cooling solution, and an EK Leak Tester (otherwise retailing for $39.99). The cooling solution is engineered specifically for the MPG Z690 CARBON EK X and takes out all the guesswork from finding the right monoblock for your motherboard. The included Leak Tester will ensure you make no mistakes during the assembly of the cooling loop, even if you’ve never dealt with custom loop liquid cooling before!
All MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X owners are entitled to the premium customer service that EK provides for its customers worldwide. If you have any questions, problems, or just want to get in touch, reach out to us through our dedicated support channel. Even if you are just getting into custom loop liquid cooling, our kind customer support will gladly help if there are any uncertainties.
EK-M.2 Active Contact Cooling
The massive copper cold plate is in direct contact with the first front-mounted M.2 SSD, providing active cooling to unlock your SSD’s full potential.
The cooling solution is integrated into the monoblock design, hence it does not require additional fittings or an intricate tube routing.The base of the monoblock is made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper while its top is made of quality CNC-machined cast acrylic glass material, partially covered with a carbon fiber style pattern. The nickel-plated brass screw-in standoffs are pre-installed and allow for easy installation.
A black POM piece covers the lighting solution, removing unwanted hotspots and providing a more uniform lighting experience. The block is equipped with 3-pin 5V Addressable D-RGB LED strips compatible with the motherboard’s 3-pin 5V Addressable D-RGB LED header. The arrow marking on the 3-pin LED connector is to be aligned with the +5V marking on the addressable D-RGB header.
Specifications
- Supports 12th Gen Intel Core / Pentium Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket.
- DDR5 Support: Allows even faster data transfer speeds.
- Native PCI-e gen 4.0 offers twice the bandwidth of PCI-e gen 3.0 and ensures your
- GPU and storage run at maximum speed without bottlenecks.
- Enhanced Power Design: 18+1+1 smart power stage system, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, DDR5 Boost.
- MYSTIC LIGHT: 16.8 million colors / 29 effects controlled in one click. MYSTIC LIGHT EXTENSION supports both RGB and RAINBOW LED strips.
- M.2 Shield Frozr: Both M.2 slots with Shield Frozr are built for high-performance systems and a non-stop gaming experience.
- Lightning USB 20G: Built-in USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port offers 20Gb/s transmission speed, which is 4 times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 1.
- AUDIO BOOST 5: High-quality audio processor for the most immersive audio experience with direct stream digital audio support.
- 2.5G LAN with LAN Manager and Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use delivers a secure, stable, and fast network connection.
- Pre-installed I/O Shielding: Better EMI protection and more convenience for installation.
Lightning gen 5: With up to 128GB/s bandwidth speeds.
