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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Time for Computex 2018
I have to apologize for the lack of news postings, or as google calls them, unimportant bits of content that help link one website to another. BUT. I digress.
It is time for Computex again. Computex is an annual trade show held in Taipei Taiwan and unlike CES has almost 100% relevance to the items I cover on Hardware Asylum. Here you are able to see the genesis of PC hardware and the supporting accessories developed to support it.
I have been attending this show since 2003 when Hardware Asylum was better known as Ninjalane and have seen trends come and go, seen companies rise to the top only to suffer the following year. I have seen the rise and fall of Overclocking and the struggles associated with Gaming hardware and how companies have attempted to strike a balance between what is "trendy" vs "actually useful”.
Of course the big thing these days is Mining and cryptocurrency and I suspect there will be plenty of companies releasing hardware for that niche. I have a hard time supporting the Mining culture which is no different from Overclocking when you consider the audience.
Computex starts June 4th and I'll be doing my best to publish some live content on the @hardwareasylum twitter page and will follow up with my normal list of articles after the show.
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EG Infinity to Debut at Computex 2018
Leading-edge gaming setup will be available for internet cafes and eSports centers, offering unparalleled gaming experiences
TAIPEI, TAIWAN, MAY 30, 2018 - EG Infinity, a division of the world-renowned gaming peripherals manufacturer EpicGear, has announced that their brand-new gaming concept will be unveiled at Computex 2018. The event takes place from June 5 until June 9, 2018, from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, on the first floor, Hall 1F, Booth I0818. EG Infinity will be showcased upon this global stage, and this will be the first time the public gets to see the future of gaming.
“EG Infinity is an eSports environment builder and designer specifically that provides a unique gaming experience. The interactive, engaging, and compelling eSports and LAN arena design supports elite eSports experiences and LAN parties, while nurturing and developing eSports talents.” said EG Infinity development team. “We are eager to deliver compelling experiences for gamers and audiences in these customized eSports centers. EG Infinity creates an eSports environment that increases the gaming experience through customized design.”
The EG Infinity Odyssey collection will offer a customized battleground, eSport center design and build kit that will revolutionize PC games and LAN party events. The battle station concept includes modular walls that are easily installed, as well as a sleek design that can be adapted to indoor/outdoor use. All of the modular pieces can be reused time and time again in varying designs, and the space-age look is sure to captivate the imaginations of gamers everywhere. This sci-fi design resembles the interior of a spaceship, and all materials are designed to be lightweight, durable, and reusable.
The upcoming Computex show is the ideal environment to debut the innovative the EG Infinity custom eSports battle station and Odyssey collection. Attendees can explore the modular decorations and furniture for a completely customized gaming center to host any event ranging from grand openings and new launches to premiere e-sports events and tournaments. In June 2018, the world will catch its first glimpse of this never-before-seen system at Computex Taipei.
EG Infinity demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbKPGToLEHM
More information about EG Infinity can be found at https://www.eginfinity.com; details about Computex are available at https://www.computextaipei.com.tw.
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Patriot Viper Launches Brand New RGB DDR4 Series Memory Kits
Unparalleled DDR4 performance comes with fascinating RGB illumination and excellent heat dissipation, now available in dual-channel 16GB kits at frequencies up to 4133MHz
Fremont, California – May 24th, 2018 - PATRIOT, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals and flash storage solutions today announced the immediate availability of its new VIPER RGB Series Performance DDR4 Memory Kits. PATRIOT’s VIPER RGB Series memory modules are designed for users who are obsessed with maximizing hardware performance without compromising stability. The VIPER RGB series are fully optimized for the latest Intel and AMD platforms and matched with a stunning heat shield design. VIPER RGB series offers RGB illumination control through a software application without additional cables to maintain an aesthetic look and stunning visuals.
The new heat spreader design is made from high-quality aluminum and designed to offer excellent thermal dissipation to maintain greater stability under heavy loads. In addition, VIPER RGB series memory is built with a customized PCB to guarantee good signal integrity for stable gaming while also offering increased overclocking potential. The memory ICs featured in VIPER RGB Series undergo a proprietary sorting process to retain strict quality standards and reliability on the latest Intel and AMD platform motherboards.
PATRIOT VIPER is committed to providing product solutions for gamers and modders. RGB illumination is a significant element of a gaming PC now. VIPER RGB memory module features unique design elements, from the brow shaped light bar to the abstract “fang” design of the heat shield emulating our iconic Snakehead design. Each LED offers full spectrum RGB lighting for dazzling color effects.For a better LED lighting control, VIPER RGB series memory includes our VIPER software allowing users to tweak their RGB illumination. The software allows user to have 5 customizable lighting profiles in addition to several pre-programmed lighting effects such as Viper, breathing, heartbeat, raindrop…etc. Furthermore, the interface makes setting the RGB color control simple which is important when user wants to match the RGB color with other components of their computer builds.
VIPER RGB series is fully compatible with the major motherboards’ RGB control software apps, allowing the RGB Lighting to be synchronized between VIPER RGB memory and motherboard. Furthermore, user only needs to install the VIPER RGB control software to tweak their RGB illumination only when independent control is needed between memory and motherboard.Each kit is fully compatible with the latest Intel XMP 2.0 (Extreme Memory Profile) and allows users to easily set their memory speed and timings to get the highest possible performance and working stability. It makes system tweaking simple and easy for both amateur system builders and experienced OCers.
PATRIOT VIPER RGB Series DDR4 Memory is launching with a number of frequency options to provide users with several choices when it comes to upgrading or building a new system. PATRIOT VIPER RGB Series DDR4 Memory Kits are designed to maximize the performance of every gaming system, available in 16GB (2x8GB) capacity with frequencies starting at 2,666MHz to extreme performance speed at 4,133MHz. All VIPER RGB memory modules are backed by PATRIOT’s limited lifetime warranty. -
Introduction of the BLAZE series ATX chassis with smoked tempered glass
28 May 2018 2018 – Maarheeze, The Netherlands – Introducing the BLAZE series by X2-gaming, lustrous PC enclosures completed with smoked tempered glass panel on the front and on one side, to show off your cool RGB lights and powerful hardware. These new PC cases will be available in 3 models, BLAZE 1,2 & 3, providing enough room for the installation of your pc components. Up to 3x HDD 3.5-inch, 3x SSD 2.5-inch drives and 7 PCI expansion slots for the installation of long graphics cards ( up to 380mm length VGA card ) large CPU cooler ( up to 170mm height clearance) and large power supplies up to 210mm ( specifications depending on the model number). The structure is built in two separate compartments, one for the mainboard and the other compartment for the power supply unit creating a duct airflow in the system. Productive air-cooling through multiple 120mm fan mount locations (up to 8) throughout the chassis and sufficient fresh air intake via the top and bottom intake pockets covered with removeable and washable dust filters. The BLAZE series come in 3 different models and all provide for easy upkeep like tool-free removal of the glass side and front panels. Considerable options for gaming peripheral connections through the USB2.0 and USB3.0 ports and HD Audio jacks situated on the top-front of the case. The chassis is constructed out of 0.5/0.6mm SPCC all black coated steel and facilitates neat cable routing through numerous pockets throughout the structure. Expose your PC hardware, RGB & AURA lights, water or air coolers through the tempered glass window side and front panel. X2 believes in exceptional style at affordable pricing - All geared up!
GENERAL FEATURES FOR ALL 3 MODELS
ATX pc case with tempered glass 0.5/0.6mm SPCC steel chassis All black coated structure Front and left side smoked tempered glass Separated mainboard compartment and PSU chamber 1*USB3.0 & 2*USB2.0 + AC97/HD AUDIO Various air intakes with removable dust filters 2 years manufacturer warranty Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: X2-OR7007G/W-U3 is €52,95 / $62,95 X2-A7004G/W-U3 is €54,95 / $64,95 X2-A7005G/W-U3 is €59,95 / $69,95 ABOUT X2: X2 is a brand of Bytecom Fanner and is originated by a team of PC enthusiasts & gamers in The Netherlands. X2 believes in exceptional style coupled with genuine quality, redefining the meaning of affordable PC gaming.
BLAZE I: http://www.x2products.com/computer-cases/blaze-i-x2-or7007gw-u3/specs/
BLAZE II: http://www.x2products.com/computer-cases/blaze-ii-x2-a7004gw-u3/specs/
BLAZE III: http://www.x2products.com/computer-cases/blaze-iii-x2-a7005gw-u3/specs/ -
NZXT H500i @ TechPowerUp
I have noticed a trend in case design lately and I'm sure many of you have as well. The trend is pretty simple and involves the power supply (PSU). It would seem that people don't know what to do with it.
Sure we have custom cable sleeves and fancy RGB lights but when it comes to the case the trend is to cover the PSU. Basement panels are a popular mod to cover the PSU and if you are into cutting your own side window you can simply exclude that section in your cutting.
Well the mfgs have caught on to this little trick and are releasing cases with two sections. you have the top part with all the expensive components, lights and water and a bottom part with the PSU. Guess which one gets the glass?
The NZXT H500 and H500i present a smaller version of the H700 chassis but employ the same steel construction. On top of that, the "i" variant features a built-in NZXT CAM module. With their retail grade fans, well executed features the H500 cases are surprisingly affordable and have the potential to favorites for both end users and system integrators.
Some people really like this case. Personally I'm on the fence, sure it has some good features but it is a square, no curves, no bends nothing to make it unique. Cept maybe the silly bar running down the middle.
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Phanteks announce the release of the new Eclipse P350X
Walnut, California, May 23rd, 2018 - Phanteks is introducing a new compact case to the Eclipse lineup, the P350X. The P350X brings new design with an amazingly affordable price. Clean interior design makes installation easy while the integrated Digital RGB lines on the exterior accentuates the case.
The P350X offers high airflow capability, E-ATX motherboard clearance, liquid cooling support, and high-end configurations within the compact design. The case features integrated Digital RGB lighting profiles that allows you to personalize to your style. The P350X offers more capabilities than other midtowers without compromising the price.
Phanteks Eclipse P350X will be available in two color options:
Black and Black/White. -
SPECgpc releases SPECviewperf 13
Major new version of SPECviewperf benchmark features new and updated viewsets, redesigned GUI, and improved scoring and reporting methods
GAINESVILLE, Va., May 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SPEC Graphics Performance Characterization Group (SPECgpc) has released an all-new version of its SPECviewperf benchmark that features new volume visualization viewsets for energy and medical applications, a redesigned GUI, improved scoring and reporting methods, and updated viewsets to support more recent versions of the applications on which they are based.
The new benchmark is available for free downloading to everyone except vendors of computers and related products and services that are not members of the SPEC Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG). Non-member computer product and service vendors can purchase the benchmark for $2,500. SPEC/GWPG members include AMD, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Intel, Lenovo and Nvidia.
Reflecting real-world performance
SPECviewperf software measures the 3D graphics performance of systems running under the OpenGL and Direct X application programming interfaces. The benchmark’s workloads, called viewsets, represent graphics content and behavior extracted from professional applications, without the need to install the applications themselves.Applications represented by viewsets in SPECviewperf 13 include 3ds Max and Maya for media and entertainment; Catia, Creo, NX and SolidWorks for CAD/CAM; Showcase for visualization; and two datasets representing professional energy and medical applications.
SPECviewperf 13 is a comprehensive upgrade of previous versions of the benchmark. Medical and energy viewsets incorporate new models and raycasting for volume visualization; the Maya viewset features new models based on the SPECapc for Maya 2017 benchmark; and the Creo viewset has been updated with fresh application traces. All other viewsets have been recompiled with minor changes.
Other major updates in SPECviewperf 13 include:
- Support for 4K resolution displays.
- New reporting methods, including JSON output that enables more robust and flexible result parsing.
- A new user interface that will be standardized across all SPEC/GWPG benchmarks.
- New workloads and scoring that reflect the range of activities found in real-world applications.
- Various bug fixes and performance improvements.
"We've spent thousands of hours debating, coding, testing, measuring, analyzing and re-debating in order to determine the most relevant aspects of applications represented in SPECviewperf's viewsets, then deciding how best to measure and report their performance," says Alex Shows, SPECgpc chair. "As a result, we believe that graphics performance improvements observed in SPECviewperf 13 for a particular system configuration will relate well to those seen in the real world."
Available for immediate download
The SPECviewperf 13 benchmark is available for immediate download on the SPEC website. It is supported under Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit RS3 or later. Results from SPECviewperf 13 are not comparable to those from earlier versions.About SPEC
In its 30th year, SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes, maintains and endorses standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance for the newest generation of computing systems. Its membership comprises more than 120 leading computer hardware and software vendors, educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies worldwide. -
Thermaltake View 37 RGB Edition Review @ Vortez
There was a time when Thermaltake was the king of copying. In a way that is still true however they have gotten quite good at creating orginial case designs that may or may not have been inspired but other cases in the market.
The new View series, from what I can tell, is a ground up orginal that is so "out there" you have to wonder what was the inspiration.
The View 37 RGB Edition is an E-ATX mid-tower that makes use of a Gull-Wing design. By having a Gull-Wing side panel, admiration for a customized configuration can now be viewed from another perspective. Inside this case, Thermaltake also has a few tricks up their sleeve with some subtle alterations to how the graphics card and radiators are mounted.
Be sure to check out my review of the View 71 and View 31. These cases are "View" editions of previous designs, now with more tempered glass.
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Patriot launches ultimate TRINITY 3-in-1 adaptive USB Flash Drive
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, May 2nd, 2018 - PATRIOT, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals, and flash storage solutions, today announced the brand new 3-in-1 USB Flash Drive, the TRINITY, a ground-breaking design of an adaptive USB Flash Drive. Users with multiple personal electronics devices such as a Smartphone, tablet, and laptop encounter a fundamental problem: “How do you move data between these devices?” Consumers have demand for multi-platform data storage and it is only effective if it can be used inexpensively and with great efficiency. Patriot Memory understands this inconvenience and has proposed an ultimate solution to consumers.
“Patriot Memory always pushes the limit when it comes to how our products can benefit the end users, that’s why the TRINITY drive has been created, and its creative and unique 3-in-1 design should be second to none in the market,” said Roger Shinmoto, Vice President of Product Development. The TRINITY USB Flash Drive features a USB Type-A, Type-C, and micro-B connectors all on a single USB drive housing. You don’t need to use any adapter cables as this drive comes with three of the most common USB formats on a single tiny flash drive. This allows TRINITY users to store and transfer data easily between different devices without any hassle.
In addition, TRINITY also supports OTG (on-the-go) for Andriod devices. It allows users to access TRINITY with any of their Andriod devices OTG without downloading any external drivers or software. It is fully plug-and-play compatible.
Nowadays, many users keep a huge number of audio and photos files on their smartphone and use it as their personal data center. Sadly, if they lose their smartphone or it becomes damaged there is a chance all of their data can be lost. TRINITY USB Flash Drive is available in 3 major capacities, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB which mirror most from their smartphone. This allows users an easy way to back up their important files to a laptop or tablet and do so with a seamless connection.The Patriot TRINITY 3-in-1 USB Flash Drive will be available to the public for purchase in May 2018 on the Patriot webstore(US only), Amazon, Newegg , and various retailers. MSRP is 32GB at USD $27.99; 64GB at USD $38.99 and 128GB at USD $69.99.
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ACGAM AG6X Mechanical Keyboard @ TechPowerUp
I am a keyboard snob. Not so much that I require a certain switch or wil only touch boards from a certain mfg. No, I prefer a "natural" keyboard, ergo if you will and one that I have grown accustomed to over the past 20 years.
Yes I am speaking of the Microsoft Natural Elite.
I see everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, getting into the keyboard business trying to offer up a better keyboard. Some figured out that putting the letters on the edge of keys would prevent them from wearing off. Thing is my MS Natural is over 10 years old and still shows the letters on all of the keys. So, their attempt at making a better keyboard was to cover up a shoddy product.
TechPowerUp is looking at the ACGAM AG6X. I'm not sure what that means but the picture shows a small, compact, little 10 key less (that is without btw) keyboard without any edges. My wrists just kringe looking at the beautiful glam photo with a reflection effect applied.
ACGAM is a new company aiming to make a big name for itself with the AG6X keyboard, a small 60% form factor keyboard. Featuring well-thought-out programming, onboard customization for controls and backlighting, a software driver that adds to the user experience, and excellent value for money, this is a keyboard you should definitely check out.
Seems like they put in the work but, is it any good?? Maybe check out the review to find out more.
