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
-
Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic chassis @ Guru3D
Wait what? Lian Li is making aluminum cases again? Readers of Hardware Asylum will remember that the only Lain Li cases that the company can afford to send out for review are part of their mainstream line. And, by mainstream I am talking "cheap" designed for people going to newegg and sorting by lowest price and picking the first thing on the list.
Yes, it really is that bad!
In this review Gu3D is looking at the 011 Dynamic which is taking the standard Lain Li square and adding glass to the front and side. This allows you to see your build from a different, and more dynamic, perspective.
We review the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic. Lian-Li parts from being aluminum outfitted, and overhauled the chassis design combining it with a left-side and front-side mounted tempered glass panel. Will this PC case will set a new standard in the industry?
EVGA started this trend to re-think how a chassis was supposed to be viewed. Traditionally a case has a front which is opposite of the PSU and I/O. The side of the case has typically had a window so you can see your build but was never intended to be a show piece. With the death of the external drive bay there is no need for a front and if your case sits on the left side of your desk you can't see anything.
Making the left side the new "front" really makes sense, even if I don't agree.
-
TEAMGROUP Announces the T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Alliance DDR4 Memory
April 24, 2018, Taipei_ TEAMGROUP, the world’s leading memory brand, today officially announces the launch of the TUF Gaming Alliance certified T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Alliance memory, which is strictly tested by motherboard leader ASUS. After the cooperative launch with ASUS ROG, T-FORCE DARK ROG has created a trend around the world. Now once again, with creativity and ingenuity, TEAMGROUP design team adds TUF’s unique military camouflage pattern on the heat spreader. T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Alliance memory is definitely gamer’s best comrade on the battlefield of gaming or pursuit of extreme overclocking.
T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Alliance has passed strict burn in test held by ASUS. With clock frequency of up to 3600MHz, it offers consumers an experience of high-speed performance and a hardware with unique style. The memory is both distinctive and eye catching. With complete coverage design, the area of the high efficiency forged heat spreader is extended to the top and the two sides to provide memory a complete coverage of protection and enhance the radiating performance, so the system is able to maintain a longtime stable operation. The appearance is designed with unique military camouflage pattern. T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Alliance’s exclusive asymmetrical cutting is most suitable for gamers who love military style design.
T-FORCE VULCAN TUF Gaming Alliance series supports Intel XMP 2.0. It is only one click away to experience the high-speed sensation of overclocking. It is not only energy saving but the low working voltage can also reduce the temperature and the heat generated to offer the high speed running memory a stable, longtime operation and to show a barrier-breaking performance.
With strong research and development capability, TEAMGROUP has acquired the certifications of TUF Gaming Alliance and ROG Certified respectively. T-FORCE gaming memory is strictly tested by ASUS. With Asus motherboard, users can have the entire top gaming hardware at once to fully enjoy an extreme gaming and entertainment experience.
-
Titus&Wayne launches Luft Qi filter-free air purifier on Indiegogo
Utilizes UV LED technology with nano-photocatalyst through an IP protected reaction chamber
Beverage can size. 6 color variations available. Pledges start $79TAOYUAN, TAIWAN. April 24, 2018: Titus&Wayne, a Taiwanese startup founded in October 2016 based on material science and chemical engineering to develop new and innovative products for the future, excitedly announced their first product, the Luft Qi filter-free air purifier, officially launches a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo starting on April 24th.
Pairing the engineering and development backgrounds between Titus Chang and Wayne Chein for a fully integrated LED experience using nano-photocatalysis technology, with Luft Qi, the two have created a totally new kind of air purifying experience. Luft means “Air” in German and used to describe space or breath. Qi (pronounced “chee”) - literally means “air, breath” in Mandarin Chinese. In traditional Chinese culture, “Qi” is described as “vital life force.” By balancing the flow of Qi, all the discomforts will be eliminated. Luft Qi is designed in the spirit of Qi, offering fresh, clean air by eliminating airborne pollutants.
“As our first innovative product, we are launching the release in accordance with a crowdfunding campaign to help spread the word,” said Chang, CoFounder of Titus&Wayne. “Luft Qi is a filter-free air purifier that utilizes the latest UV LED technology together with nano-photocatalyst through an IP protected reaction chamber. It’s never been done before. Simply plug the Luft Qi air purifier into a USB charger power port, and you’re all set.”Luft Qi has a 360-degree air intake, a patented nano-reactor, and comprehensive air cleaning at all times. It takes in the surrounding air and pollutants from every angle. A chemical reaction is created when the patented nano-reactor is activated by UV LED light. Pollutants are broken down into harmless molecules. Clean air is dispersed with only harmless molecules such as water. It is the first compact air purifier of its kind using nanotechnology that destroys mold, airborne bacteria, formaldehyde, viruses, and toxic chemicals, using absolutely no filters.
“Although traditional HEPA filters can trap bacteria and mold, they are also perfect places for these microorganisms to grow,” said Chein, CoFounder of Titus&Wayne. “No larger than a beverage can, this new air purifying concept will go unnoticed in any home or location.”
“This air purifier is designed for anyone who suffers from allergies, fatigue, or dizziness, as well as those living in old homes, or homes with unwanted smells,” said Chang. “It’s an effective agent when battling the airborne illnesses that can cause significant harm to our loved ones today. Spread the word on the official launch of our forthcoming campaign and consider investing in quality air.”The Indiegogo campaign officially launches at 8AM EST on April 24th with an MSRP at $169 and super early bird tickets at $79. $25,000 funding goal. Total 6 color variations available, Bright White + Silver Ring, Bright White + Maroon Ring, Bright White + Iron Black, Pink, Aqua, and Wood.
Watch the video and learn how Luft Qi works: https://youtu.be/fN6T1E7ctU4
For more information about the crowdfunding campaign, visit:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/luft-qi-the-smallest-filterless-air-purifier/x -
2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Desktop Processors Released
Available Worldwide Today, Turbo-Charged 12nm ‘Zen+’ processor delivers the highest multithreaded performance in its class plus advanced enthusiast features and a smarter platform
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Apr. 19, 2018 — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced the global availability of its 2nd Generation Ryzen™ Desktop processors, starting with four models optimized for gamers, creators, and hardware enthusiasts: Ryzen 7 2700X, Ryzen 7 2700, Ryzen 5 2600X, and Ryzen 5 2600 processors. Using the world’s first 12nm process technology, these 2nd Gen Ryzen processors can offer up to 15% higher gaming performance than 1st Gen Ryzen processors, while delivering the highest multiprocessing performance you can get on a mainstream desktop PC, and enhanced capabilities including Precision Boost 2 and Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2), an included Wraith Cooler, unlocked performance accessed with the new Ryzen™ Master Utility, and more.
“Last year we started changing the PC industry with the introduction of our first wave of Ryzen processors – delivering more performance, features, and choice to our customers than before. Our 2nd Gen Ryzen CPUs continue this pursuit by raising the standards for enthusiast gamers and creators,” said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Business Group, AMD. “With this launch we’re also demonstrating that we are just getting started, that we are committed to delivering a multi-generational roadmap of leadership high-performance processors that will drive innovation and competition into the industry for years to come.”
Building on the original award-winning 2017 “Zen” architecture, the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors combine the improved “Zen+” core with other major performance, feature, and platform advancements.
Performance Advances
The new “Zen+” core increases IPC and reduces both cache and memory latencies compared to 1st Gen Ryzen processors. AMD’s SenseMI technology is updated with Precision Boost 2, which enables 2nd Gen Ryzen processors to intelligently analyze the workload and computing environment and contributes in delivering the highest multiprocessing performance in their classes.
Higher effective clock speeds on all 2nd Gen Ryzen processor cores can improve the performance of Ryzen processors in popular real-world applications like games, creativity and productivity applications. Gaming experiences are beautifully smooth across popular resolutions from 1080p Ultra to 1440p High to 4K. And, select 2nd Gen Ryzen processors offer up to 20 percent faster content creation than the competition.
With XFR 2 technology on all AM4 platforms with 2nd Gen Ryzen processors, enthusiast PC builders will enjoy even higher performance in the presence of premium cooling
Feature Advances
Designed with enthusiasts and high performance in mind, 2nd Gen Ryzen processors feature soldered integrated heatspreaders for superlative thermal transfer[xiv], and unlocked multipliers for simple, powerful overclocking5 control. Performance tuning, enabled by the new Ryzen Master 1.3 software, is easier than ever before, and now offers per-core overclocking5 with automatic identification of the potentially fastest cores.
For the first time, the entire line of 2nd Gen Ryzen processors include a world class AMD Wraith Cooler inside the retail box. The flagship AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPU includes the new Wraith Prism cooler featuring premium thermal performance, an upgraded fan profile, and enhanced lighting capabilities with per-RGB controls.
Platform Advances
Optimized for the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors, new AMD X470 chipset is available on Socket AM4 motherboards now. In addition to enhanced memory compatibility and overclocking5 capability, these new motherboards come with a free download of the new AMD StoreMI technology software, which combines the speed of an SSD and the capacity of a traditional spinning hard disk into a single easy-to-manage drive for faster, smarter, and easier storage.
Compatible with all current AM4 processors, the new X470 motherboards augment the existing 300-series motherboards, which are also compatible with the new 2nd Gen Ryzen processors with a firmware (BIOS) update. Many in-market motherboards already come with the updated BIOS, indicated by a “Ryzen Desktop 2000 Ready” label on the package.
2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Processors:
-
Phanteks releases three new colors to the Eclipse P300 Lineup
Walnut, California, April 18th, 2018 – Phanteks is excited to be releasing three new colors to the P300 Lineup:
- Black/Red
- Black/White
- White.
With its full metal exterior and a tempered glass side panel, the Eclipse P300 has an exceptional build quality in its class. The new PSU shroud design enhances the clean interior and exterior looks. It’s packed with features to create an intuitive and convenient installation experience. The P300 comes with easy cable management tools, AIO watercooling support,
dustproof interior, full length GPU support and RGB lighting with possibilities to expand with more Phanteks RGB products. The Eclipse P300 is a great starting point for new and budgetoriented users.Phanteks Eclipse P300 Color Editions are available now.
-
Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB DDR4 Review @ Vortez
Umm,
Didn't this memory just launch today?
It would seem it did and with that, we have a launch day review.
These new RGB DRAM sticks are available in 8GB and 16GB capacities and 2666MHz and 3000MHz frequencies. CAS timings are 16-18-18-38 @ 1.35v. All modules are available individually, in matched pairs or in 4-piece kits for ultimate capacity.
The modules featured in this review are the 3000Mhz sticks sold as a quad channel kit. In terms of overclocking they didn't get much from them but seem happy with whatever performance increase they got. Of course speed, voltage and frequency pale in comparison to the power of digital LEDs that adorn the top of each module.
Yep, RGB baby! It is the wave of the future and not likely crash anytime soon unless soon comes early.
-
ASUS ROG Strix RX Vega 64 OC Edition 8GB Video Card Tests @ Madshrimps
Now here is something you don't see very often, a video card review. It would seem that with the global demand skyrocketing there is little need for doing video card reviews. In fact most will tell you that sales come first and if we cannot keep up with supply there is little need to allocate anything for marketing.
RX Vega 64 is able to offer near GTX 1080 performance in most DirectX 11 titles, but performs exceptionally in newer, DirectX 12 games where it is able to exceed the performance levels of the Nvidia card. The Strix version coming from ASUS does feature a factory overclock, but the speed it will actually run at really depends on multiple factors such as power limits (for the GPU, HBM2 memory) but also temperature. When trying to overclock the card, we could not increase the clock much further, which is telling us that the Strix is pretty much running already at max capacity.
I like RX Vega, it was a good chip and while I can say that AMD didn't see fitting to send me a card on launch day it didn't really matter because by the time you could find a card, they were gone.
Its almost like they never existed.
Be sure to check out the MadShrimps article, link below and without their crazy tracking code.
-
HP EX920 1 TB M.2. SSD - Excruciating TLC perf with the new SM2262 controller
I'm not sure what "Excruciating" means in this reference but it doesn't sound good? or maybe it is good but, sounding bad? Guess you'll have to check out the review to know more.
HP has released an ultra-fast new M.2. SSD, the new EX920 series, the rather properly volume sized 1024 GB (1 TB) model which we will review is fast and furious with a rated sequential read speed up to 3200MB/s and sequential write speed up to 1800MB/s. HP is entering the high-end and enthusiast class with their new SSDs.
This is a very interesting M.2 drive in that it doesn't look like you would expect based on what is currently on the market. It has a big HP chip onboard and very few chips, likely to be added as capacities increase. What might be the "double take" is the fact that this is an HP product and it isn't designed for the enterprise market.
-
Thermaltake Riing Plus 12 TT Premium Edition RGB Fan Triple Pack Review @ Vortez
One of my favorite fan "kits" is the Thermaltake RGB Riing available in both 120mm and 140mm and in packs of three and five. The only thing to watch out for is what controller the fans come with. If the controller is a block you get active RGB and support up to five fans (the photo attached to this post). If the controller is a rectangle with buttons on top you only get static colors and have to press a button to change them.
Both are good fans but, IMO one is better than the other.
The Riing Plus fans feature years of engineering experience in fan manufacture, offering up a nine blade design tuned towards ultra-silent operation without compromising on airflow. There’s also hydraulic bearings to improve life-span and further reduce noise output.
The fans are also designed for high pressure situations making them good for radiators and ultra high performance case cooling.
-
Koolance CPU-400I Water Block @ TechPowerUp
Sometimes the simple designs are the best. The block remindes me of the old Asetek waterblocks when they were doing "Waterchill". It was a DIY kit with some rather high quality gear, at least for the time.
Koolance's new CPU-400I water block promises excellent thermal performance and boasts a new design using POM acetal, a brushed metal cover, and nickel-plated copper to go along with a new cooling engine. Today, we see how well it does in a crowded and competitive market.
I'm not really sure if watercooling is making a comeback or if the recent demand is just a result of enthusiasts doing the only thing they have left. Either way I'm glad to see more watercooling gear making it to the review sites.
