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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Thermaltake Releases New Toughpower Grand RGB Platinum Power Supplies
Patented 256-Color Riing RGB Fan with 5 Lighting Modes
Taipei, Taiwan-October 12th 2017-Thermaltake is adding the new Toughpower Grand RGB Platinum Series to its Power Supply line-up. The newest addition to the Toughpower Grand RGB family covers capacities ranging from 850W to 1200W, featuring a pre-installed, patented 256-color Riing 14 RGB fan with 5 lighting modes (RGB Cycle Mode, Solid Red, Solid Green, Solid Blue, and Solid White), a LED Off mode and a built-in memory function that remembers users last lighting mode selection even after a shutdown.
Outside of the RGB LEDs, the fully modular members come in compact sizes to provide users with more room for cable routing, cooling and more. The application of PCB layout with PFC & LLC integrated circuit efficiently reduces ripple noise and gives better voltage rail control, and the ultra quiet Smart Zero Fan permitszero noise when the fan operates below 40% working load, plus, the 100% high quality 105°C Japanese made capacitors offers the highest stability and reliability. With an ample 10 year warranty, the Toughpower Grand RGB Platinum Series is the best choice for those who are seeking a flashy looking Power Supply with superior balance of performance and quality.
For more details on Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB Series (850/1050/1200W) please visit:
850W –http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00003136
1050W –http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00003137
1200W –http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00003138 -
Out now - 3DMark Time Spy Extreme - 4K DirectX 12 benchmark
Futuremark released a major update for 3DMark today that adds Time Spy Extreme, a new DirectX 12 benchmark test for 4K gaming PCs.
Time Spy Extreme is a benchmark for gamers who want to play at the highest settings, system builders configuring 4K-capable machines, and overclockers who are tweaking the latest PC hardware for every last bit of extra performance.
3DMark Time Spy Extreme - 4K DirectX 12 benchmark
Time Spy Extreme is the world's first 4K DirectX 12 benchmark test, developed with input from AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, and the other members of our Benchmark Development Program.With its 4K Ultra HD rendering resolution and a redesigned CPU test, Time Spy Extreme is the ideal benchmark test for the latest high-end graphics cards and new processors with 8 or more cores. You don't need a 4K monitor to run the test, though you will need a GPU with at least 4 GB of dedicated memory.
Ideal for new multi-core processors
The CPU test has been redesigned to let processors with 8 or more cores perform to their full potential. Compared with Time Spy, the Extreme CPU test is three times more demanding. It also lets processors use more advanced instructions sets up to AVX2 when supported.You'll find a more detailed description of the tests and scoring methods in the 3DMark Technical Guide.
Time Spy Extreme Stress Test
The update also adds a new Time Spy Extreme Stress Test. Stress testing is a good way to check the stability of your system after buying or building a new PC, upgrading your graphics card, or overclocking your GPU. It can help you identify hardware problems or a need for better cooling.Available now
Time Spy Extreme is available now as a free update for 3DMark Advanced Edition and 3DMark Professional Edition licenses purchased after July 14, 2016.For people who bought 3DMark before July 14, 2016, Time Spy Extreme can be added to 3DMark by purchasing the Time Spy upgrade for $9.99 from within the application, (the update is free for people who already own the upgrade).
Standalone versions of 3DMark will prompt you to download and install the update. On Steam, 3DMark is updated automatically.
3DMark Advanced Edition - $29.99
3DMark Advanced Edition unlocks all benchmarks and additional features including Time Spy Extreme, Stress Tests, and Custom Run settings.
- Unlock all benchmarks and feature tests including Time Spy Extreme.
- Check your PC's stability with 3DMark Stress Tests.
- Explore your PC's performance limits with custom settings.
- Get in-depth insights with interactive performance graphs.
- Automatically save your results offline.
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Intel Will No Longer Provide Per-Core Turbo Frequencies
Ok so this is an interesting bit of news. In the wake of a massive CPU launch that has all but redefined desktop CPU performance Intel is telling the world that they are not going to publish "per core turbo frequencies" and will instead let the board makers figure it out on their own.
In a way this mirrors what NVIDIA has done with their Turbo 3.0 where the top frequency is based on the environment and power demands so if you have a favorable environment then your PC will run faster. It also makes tuning a motherboard pretty much impossible.
Extremetech asked Intel "What the F dude?"
[W]e’re no longer disclosing this level of detail as its proprietary to Intel. Intel only specifies processor frequencies for base and single-core Turbo in our processor marketing and technical collateral, such as ARK, and not the multi-core Turbo frequencies. We’re aligning communications to be consistent. All Turbo frequencies are opportunistic given their dependency on system configuration and workloads.
~Intel
Given that Intel now has a multitude of Turbo configurations it will be interesting to see just how much control "we" are given when it comes to overclocking and system tuning. For instance there are already 7Ghz scores on HWBOT.org AND we know that Coffee Lake is still using the crappy TIM under the heatspreader so it is possible to overclock using current configurations and getting there will require that you delid the CPU else it will likely thermally throttle due to excessive heat at the CPU core.
There are several reasons to view this change as a negative. First, not all Intel CPUs are equally aggressive when it comes to their Turbo scaling, even if they have the same or similar Turbo ranges. This is one reason why the gap between chips can be wider than they’d otherwise be. The Core i7-8700K, for example, has a peak all-core frequency of 4.3GHz on six cores, which is fairly close to its peak frequency of 4.7GHz for single-core.
I will be interested to see how this all pans out and if the update really has any effect on what consumers and enthusiasts get with the final product. In fact, this announcement could really be an official change to how they write up their tech specs.
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Intel Coffee Lake Launch Day
Intel releases realistic processors with excellent performance at an affordable price and nobody bats an eye.
AMD finally releases a processor with real performance potential and everyone loses their e'ffin minds, Including Intel
As you may have noticed today is a new Intel launch day, this time to announce the new "Coffee Lake" processors. These are a mainstream proc using the LGA 1151 socket but require a new chipset making you wonder if "Tick Tock" really went away or was just renamed to keep things fresh.
Most everyone is calling Coffee Lake a "reaction" to AMD Ryzen, not because Ryzen is faster, better or cheaper but rather because spec hounds claim Ryzen is better because it has more cores than Intel stuff. Forget that Kaby Lake is faster or that current games suck at using more than 4 cores effectively and makes this release all about launching hex-core processor cause: reasons.
Web Reviews
Intel Core i3-8350K 4.0 GHz @ TechPowerUp
Intel Core i7-8700K and Core i5-8400 Processor Review @ Legit Reviews
Intel Core i7-8700K Processor Review @ ThinkComputers
Intel Core i7 8700K Linux Benchmarks @ Phoronix
Intel Core i7-8700K And Core i5-8400 6-Core CPU Review: Coffee Lake Has Arrived
Intel's Core i7-8700K CPU reviewed <-- Look ma TechReport does it different
Intel Core i5-8400 2.8 GHz @ TechPowerUp
Intel Core i5-8600K 3.6 GHz @ TechPowerUp
Intel Coffee Lake Core i7-8700K Review @ Vortez
Intel Core i7-8700K 3.7 GHz @ TechPowerUpDespite all this Ryzen Bashing and attempts to say ThreadRipper is in the same class as an LGA 115x (anything) you have to wonder if people really are mental or just dense. I say buy what you can afford and upgrade when you can. Ensure you have proper sized powersupplies and allocate more money for motherboards and quality memory.
Do this an you will be well on your way to becoming cool in the eyes of Hardware Asylum
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Intel 8th Gen Core CPUs – Coffee Lake @ LanOC Reviews
Ummm, Go Wes? Ya something like that
Its hard to believe considering we just finished up an Intel launch, but it is already time to check out Intel’s next launch. Kaby Lake was launched at the beginning of this year and the Mainstream lineup of CPUs is getting refreshed with Coffee Lake and Z370. This is the 8th generation of Intel’s Core processors going back to the original launch back in 2006. While I’m sure Kaby Lake owners aren’t going to be all that happy about the relatively early launch, but those who waited might be excited to find out that Intel has added cores to the mainstream lineup and is bumping up the entire product stack. As someone who is still building my wife’s Kaby Lake build, I completely understand the feeling. But as long as she never finds out her new PC is already out of date I will still be alive long enough to put the i7 and i5 CPUs that Intel sent over to the test.
I'm not one to dis but... There are five (5) "Launch(es) in that paragraph and an admittance that he isn't building the SO the computer she should have. I'm really not sure which is worse.
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Patriot Launches Viper V570 RGB Blackout Edition Laser Gaming Mouse
Fremont, California - October 3rd, 2017: Patriot, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals and flash storage solutions today announced a new addition to its Viper V570 gaming mouse line, Viper V570 RGB Blackout Edition Laser Gaming Mouse. The V570 RGB Blackout Edition’s innovative MMO+FPS hybrid design and its rich feature set offer high performance, versatility, and customization for the most serious gamers.
“We are excited to announce the launch of the new addition to our innovative and bestselling Viper V570 RGB laser gaming mouse series. “said Roger Shinmoto, Patriot’s Vice President of Product Development. “The unique FPS and MMO hybrid design allows gamers to dominate a wide array of games.”
V570 RGB Blackout Edition’s also comes with a dedicated sniper button, a feature that gives the user a tactical advantage in any FPS game. The Viper software allows programming of thirteen available buttons on the V570. Also, it allows setting up of custom RGB profiles as well as sensitivity to suit individual gaming strategies. For greater control and feel, gamers can add up to 34.2 grams or weight allowing flexibility and comfort while using the gaming mouse.
The Viper V570 RGB Blackout edition laser gaming mouse is equipped with an Xtreme precision laser sensor and Omron switches for reliability and speed while maneuvering through the most demanding games. The Viper Software allows you the flexibility to program four sensitivity levels up to 12,000 DPI which can be switched on the fly with the press of a button.
Ergonomic design and ceramic foot pads allow for maximum performance and speed over any surface. Backed by Patriot’s award-winning customer service and a two-year warranty, the V570 RGB Blackout Edition is compatible with nearly every Windows® operating system, including Windows® 10 and later, and Mac® OS X, or higher.
Viper V570 Blackout Edition RGB Laser Gaming Mouse Specifications
- 8000 DPI hardware/12000 DPI software
- Light source: Laser
- IPS: 150
- Polling rate: 1000Hz
- Switch: Omron (10M clicks)
- Sensor: Avago ADNS-9800
- Controller: Sonix
- Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
Availability and Pricing : MSRP: $ 69.99 at Patriot store, select retailers, and e-tailers
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World’s First Fully RGB DDR4 Memory with ASUS ROG Certification
GeIL EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory Supports ASUS AURA Lighting
Automatic Performance Boost Enabled
Taipei, Taiwan — Sept. 22nd, 2017 -- GeIL – Golden Emperor International Ltd. – one of the world's leading PC components & peripheral manufacturers announced EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory. As world’s first fully RGB illuminated DDR4 memory module with an ASUS ROG certification, EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory combines a significant performance boost with RGB lighting effects to give enthusiasts an excellent overclocking and gaming experience.
Pairing with ASUS ROG motherboards –Extraordinary performance boost
ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) is recognized as the leader in PC gaming and overclocking performance with a record for delivering the most innovative hardcore hardware for gamers and enthusiasts. GeIL is proud to work with ASUS ROG to provide gamers the most innovative gaming memory, GeIL EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory. When paired with certain ASUS ROG motherboards, an automatic performance boost will be enabled for a better overclocking experience.Supports ASUS AURA for seamlessly synchronized RGB LED illumination
GeIL EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory perfectly supports ASUS AURA lighting control app, simply by connecting it to the 4-pin RGB header on ASUS ROG motherboards. The fully customizable RGB lighting module found on the GeIL EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory will synchronize with ASUS ROG motherboard, graphics card and other RGB UI compatible components giving users a seamless illumination experience.
Specifically designed color theme of the heat spreader
GeIL EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory comes with specifically designed gray heat spreader with black Sliding Hot Switch. The brand logos on the Sliding Hot Switch are translucent and will shine once the memory lighting has been enabled by ASUS AURA. The built-in Sliding Hot Switch supports manual real-time control of the RGB illumination, even on motherboards without RGB support.
Connecting the GeIL EVO X ROG-certified RGB Gaming Memory to the motherboard fan connector enables the “Sliding Hot Switch”, providing up to Four (4) breathing RGB illumination modes:256-color Cycle,- Select color from 256-color,
- Select color from RGBW 4-color,
- RGBW 4-color Cycle.
Official Webpage: http://www.geil.com.tw/products/list/id/175
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Phanteks Announces New Additions to its Glacier Fitting Series Lineup
Walnut, California, September 15th, 2017 – Phanteks, has expanded their water cooling products. Designed to compliment and work seamlessly with their water blocks, Phanteks is excited to announce new additions to the Glacier Fittings Series. The new fittings include T-Splitters, GPU extenders, male to male extenders, and 16mm hard tube adapters. These new fittings brings more options for users to create their own custom water loops.
The fittings are made from premium materials according to the finest standards of craftsmanship from Phanteks. The Glacier Fittings are CNC-machined from solid brass and precisely engineered to create a high flow design for extreme water cooling performance. VITON sealing from the Automotive and Aerospace Industries ensure the best reliability and longevity.
The new fittings are available in September, 2017 with two color options: Satin Black and Mirror Chrome finish -
The Ultimate RGB Build: The Hardware @ ThinkComputers
I think deciding the "Ultimate" RGB Build is a little subjective but I'll go along with it for now.
So I’ve been using the same PC as my main gaming / video editing rig for what seems like forever. When I built it not much thought really went into it, it was just available parts that I had laying around. The system itself has a Core i7-3970X, ASRock X79 Extreme4-M motherboard, 16GB of DDR3, a GTX 580, which was updated to a GTX 1080 recently, and a few SSDs. All of this was inside the Thermaltake Supressor F31 case, not really much to look at when you walk into the office. To this day that PC still kicks ass and in most cases is more than sufficient, but now that we are doing a lot of 4K video editing I felt it was time for an upgrade. Also we wanted to build something that looked totally badass! That is when the idea for the Ultimate RGB Build was hatched. We’ve said 2017 is the year of RGB so why not build a system with all RGB components? So we’ve compiled a list of awesome components and are ready to get this build started! This is part 1 of the build where we will go over the hardware used and why we selected it.
4K video editing eh? I'm not gonna lie that does take more hardware that most people have available but when it comes down to it you don't see a slow down while editing so much as when you are rendering, and even that can be a fire and forget.
I guess the point is, RGB makes 4K video editing faster so why not add more RGB cause... that makes.. ugg
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G.SKILL Releases New AMD Compatible Trident Z RGB kits
Taipei, Taiwan (22 September 2017) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, announces a new lineup of Trident Z RGB DDR4 memory kits with enhanced compatibility on the latest AMD platforms. Specifically designed for AMD Ryzen™ and Ryzen™ Threadripper™ platforms, now there are vibrant options up to the popular DDR4-3200MHz CL14 or the massive 128GB (8x16GB) kits at up to 2933MHz. For a full range of memory kit capacity options, the new Trident Z RGB memory kit models are available at DDR4-2400MHz in 2-, 4-, and 8-module kit configurations with 8GB and 16GB modules, which allows for 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB memory kits for your AMD system.
Trident Z RGB Memory Kits on AMD Platforms
AMD currently has two platform offerings, where Ryzen supports dual-channel with 2 or 4 memory modules and Threadripper supports quad-channel memory with 4 or 8 memory modules. To give a boost in memory performance to AMD number-crunching workstations and high-end graphic rendering systems, G.SKILL offers several selections for each AMD platform, including memory speeds of up to DDR4-2933MHz or ultra-high capacity at 128GB (8x16GB). For details on specifications and compatibility support of the new Trident Z RGB kits, please refer to the following table:
TZR"X" - The New Line-up
To differentiate between the new AMD-optimized Trident Z RGB kits from the original, look for the "X" at the end of the Trident Z RGB model numbers.OC Profile Support & Availability
These new Trident Z RGB models support OC profile support on compatible motherboards, just simply enable the OC profile in BIOS to achieve these high performance DDR4 memory speeds. These new models are scheduled for release via G.SKILL authorized distribution partners in October 2017.
