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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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. -
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.
