Tech News
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AZIO Retro Classic Prestige Mechanical Keyboard Review @ ThinkComputers
Normally, I am usually skipping over keyboard reviews. We do them here, and they make for great content but... they are a keyboard, you type on them, that translates into INPUT or stupid phrases that get you banned from society.
What caught my eye with this review is that we have reviewed a similar keyboard back in 2016!! The AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard.
Overall, the design was unique but, I found it difficult to type on so, if you want a keyboard to look retro and be as functional as a retro bit of hardware then SCORE. Otherwise, you might want to keep looking. The Classic Prestige at ThingComputers looks to have tweaked the keycaps to make them more square, and thus easier to type on.
Back in 2016 AZIO released a keyboard that was incredibly unique at the time called the MK Retro. The keyboard was inspired by classic typewriters with circular keys. It was a hit and soon after they released the Retro Classic which has the same type of style, but used materials like leather and zinc alloy. There has been many iterations since then of this iconic keyboard and today we have a brand new one, the Retro Classic Prestige. This brings with it a new keycap design that is not as circular, a black wooden and gunmetal frame, mechanical key switches that are hot-swappable, and both wired and wireless connectivity.
Seems AZIO is back at it again, might have to reach out and see what is going on.
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Funky Kit Review - GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER GAMING OC 16G Graphics Card
The hot new video card on the block is the "slightly" improved "SUPER" gaming cards from NVIDIA. The Super cards are a modification of the TI cards which is a modification of the base cards and for some reason people are going ape shiz over them.
With any luck NVIDIA will plan out their next generation card naming better so we dont' have to deal with all this bad naming BS.
However, what is not bad is Gigabyte graphics cards. Sure, they dont' have the massive VRMs found on better cards, and sometimes the coolers seem oversized or not sized enough but, we still love them.
(and this isn't one of those big belt buckle type cards, it may be compensating but has the power to back it up)
With an overclocked GPU cooled by Gigabyte's WindForce Cooling system, featuring a massive heatsink with 9 heatpipes, and 3 x 110mm unique blade RGB ring fans, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming OC is no doubt, a phenomenal graphics card designed for the most extreme of enthusiast gamers. It outperforms everything we've tested to date, all except of course, the RTX 4090.
Wow, just look at those specs!!
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Radeon RX 7600 XT 16GB - Sapphire Pulse OC @ Guru3D
In the world of hardware reviews there is always the question on if anyone will bother reading the article or, if they are just there to look at the pics.
I think the answer to that question is contained in this paragraph that I lifted from the review.
The design is massive, reaching almost 30cm and two and a half slots thick. The spinners keep the product cooled down whilst not being too noisy. Thermal behavior is primarily determined by key thermal limits, with fan performance closely linked to the GPU junction temperature, a target fan RPM of 1600 RPM, and memory temperature.
The spinners keep the product cooled. That could be small ladies or crazy fans, or maybe the only fans for the small ladies as they overclock their video cards.
I think that might be a review that people will read, or you could check out the Sapphire review over at the Gru.
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NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 4070 Ti Super Launch Day
It has been a while since I have done one of these review blocks. We can thank Google and the endless number of content spammers, content thieves and grey hat SEO scammers for making the casual sharing of articles across like minded review sites a punishable offence.
Seriously, Google will disown you for sharing "low quality" content, which also brings up the question of:
- what is low quality content?
- is my content low quality?? - or -
- is the quality of the content related to who is posting the content vs who is posting the link to the content???
Readers like you will never lose a wink of sleep over this and are likely yelling at your screen right now saying "where is this review list you promised us?"
Or, you have up and left already because, "who has time to read this garbage!". Which then, begs the question. "Does low quality content matter if nobody bothers to read it?"
There will be time to discover this and more AFTER we learn about all of the hardware sites that actually got an RTX 4070 Ti Super to review. **
Web Reviews
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super Founders Edition @ TechPowerUp
ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 Super Dual @ TechPowerUp
Gainward GeForce RTX 4070 Super Ghost @ TechPowerUp
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Super Verto @ TechPowerUp
Zotac GeForce RTX 4070 Super Trinity @ TechPowerUp
Nvidia RTX 4070 SUPER Founders Edition @ LanOC Reviews
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER Founders Edition Review
ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 Super TUF OC @ TechPowerUp
Palit GeForce RTX 4070 Super JetStream OC @ TechPowerUp
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Super Aorus Master @ TechPowerUp
Guru3D GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC edition reviews
ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super TUF @ TechPowerUp
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Ventus 3X @ TechPowerUp
Zotac GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Trinity @ TechPowerUp
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Verto OC @ TechPowerUp
Galax GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super EX White @ TechPowerUp
Palit GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Jetstream OC @ TechPowerUp
ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti SUPER @ LanOC Reviews
Multiple GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER reviews at Guru3DHave you noticed a trend??
Ya TechPowerUp is by far the least scared of Google and puts in the most effort to let their readers and assoicate websites know when they release a review. In this case, flex over how many cards they got from different vendors. Had this been a TechTuber channel the host would be complaining about getting "YET ANOTHER" graphics card to review.
Pfft, you shouldn't cry like a little girl with a skinned knee and shit, be happy for your success or go back to bussing tables and washing dishes.
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Alphacool Apex Stealth 120 mm Fan @ TechPowerUp
I was able to see this fan in person during CES 2024 and it is quite nice. Personally, I am not a fan of the captured fan blades, they do offer a lower noise footprint but, just seem wrong. The RGB lighting and all metal frame, on the other hand, are quite nice.
The Alphacool Apex Stealth is a unique new fan which uses a metal frame and a patent-pending decoupling mechanism to be one of the quietest fans in the market. It performs reasonably well and has a long RPM range to be versatile with different use cases too. There are two max speed options as well as four colors/finishes to choose from.
Thees fans will make for nice upgrade parts in custom PC builds where the fans are the highlight.
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AVerMedia Unveils Its Cutting-Edge HDMI 2.1 PCIe Capture Solutions for the Ultimate Streaming Experience
Revealing Cutting-Edge HDMI 2.1 Technology and Budget-Friendly 4K Capture Card
San Jose, California – January 16, 2024
AVerMedia Technologies., a leader in digital audiovisual solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest PCIe capture cards — the HDMI 2.1 Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) and Live Streamer ULTRA HD (GC571). These innovative devices cater to the diverse needs from sophisticated and entry-level streamers, complementing AVerMedia's line of capture card solutions and positioning AVerMedia as a pioneering force in the industry.
After the successful launch of the HDMI 2.1 Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2), AVerMedia introduces the PCIe version, Live Gamer 4K 2.1, offering users a more expansive range of choices. Michael Kuo, President and CEO of AVerMedia, stated, “Whether you're seeking to play the latest 4K games, looking for HDMI 2.1 compatibility, or preferring PCIe connectivity, we've been continually expanding our capture card line to meet the needs of the streaming community.”
AVerMedia's flagship Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) stands as the world's premier consumer-grade HDMI 2.1 PCIe capture card. Engineered to revolutionize the streaming experience globally, it maximizes the potential of HDMI 2.1 technology. Boasting features like up to 4K144 pass-through HDR/VRR, the card ensures every gameplay moment is transmitted with breathtaking clarity and fluidity. Supporting up to 4K60 capture, it empowers streamers to capture their cherished gaming memories with unparalleled precision.
For those exploring the world of live streaming for the first time, the Live Streamer ULTRA HD (GC571) is designed to lower the entry barriers. It caters to individuals with a limited budget yet is pursuing high-quality 4K streaming and capturing. Aside from 4K streaming and capturing, the Live Streamer ULTRA HD (GC571) also offers user-friendly features, effortless operation, and low-profile PCB design, all while being affordable.
As a free and dedicated software to these capture cards, AVerMedia's RECentral allows simultaneous streaming and broadcasting to multiple platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. It can also effortlessly integrate with preferred third-party capturing and live-streaming platforms, providing a seamless experience for users.
Redefine the gaming and streaming experience, elevate gameplay, captivate audiences, and embrace future-proof streaming technology with AVerMedia's Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) and Live Streamer ULTRA HD (GC571).
Live Gamer 4K 2.1: Available now at a suggested retail price of US$269.99
Find it on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPXMDKF9?ref=myi_title_dp
Live Streamer ULTRA HD: Available now at a suggested retail price of US$179.99
Find it on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPHX86HW?ref=myi_title_dp
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AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 @ TechPowerUp
I have been using an Avermedia Game Broadcaster HD in the Hardware Asylum Podcast machine YEARS now and is one of the primary ways we do game and video captures for the Podcast and YouTube channels. The capture card was great as it offered VGA and HDMI inputs and I figured it would be great for overclocking streams.
Sadly, Avermedia stopped support for the C127 it when Windows 10 launched and the card was so picky about resolution and refresh rate that it became almost impossible to use.
It would seem that we finally have another option available in the PCI Express based HDMI video capture arena that is also half height. The form factor is extremely important for most streamers given that stream boxes are designed to be small. This would also include the podcast machine in the Hardware Asylum Labs.
The eagerly awaited PCI Express HDMI 2.1 capture card is here! The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 is the new go-to choice for the most demanding live streamers and content creators, at least those who prefer the PCI Express interface over 10 Gbps USB-C or don't have the latter at their disposal.
I might have to pick one up.
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EK Readies for the Upcoming LGA 7529 Socket With New EK-Pro CPU Water Blocks
EK®, the leading liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is announcing the availability of two high-performance liquid cooling solutions for the Intel® “Sierra Forest“ processor family. EK-Pro CPU WB 7529 and 7529 Rack water blocks are specially designed to cool the Sierra Forest CPUs, a codename for Intel’s first-generation E-core Xeon® server processors based on the LGA 7529 socket. These CPUs are expected to launch in the first half of 2024 and feature up to 288 cores per socket for 576 cores per server. Naturally, with such a high core count, liquid cooling presents a sensible solution to heat management.
The Sierra Forest architecture design aims to achieve ultra-high core counts for greater compute density that would benefit cloud and HPC server applications. However, with greater compute density comes greater requirements for cooling. Even with the E-cores that use less power per core, their staggering density in the CPU will indeed present unique challenges for traditional air cooling.
EK-Pro CPU WB 7529 water blocks feature an evolution of their predecessor’s cooling engine but at a much larger scale due to the much larger surface area of new Intel CPUs. These CPU water blocks feature a precisely machined copper base (cold plate) made of the purest copper available on the market and are treated with nickel electroplating. The top is made of CNC-milled durable black POM Acetal while the hold-down bracket is laser-cut stainless steel.
EK-Pro CPU WB 7529 Ni + Acetal
This is a dedicated workstation-grade water block for Intel LGA 7529 processors. The EK-Pro CPU WB 7529 Ni + Acetal water block features a total of 3 standard G1/4″ threaded ports located on the top of the water block and is intended for workstations and taller server racks.
EK-Pro CPU WB 7529 Rack Ni + Acetal
The EK-Pro CPU WB 7529 Rack Ni + Acetal is a dedicated server-grade water block with 1U rack compatibility. It features 4 G1/8″ ports split into two sides for easier tube management and ultimate compatibility with low-profile racks.
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CES 2024: Thermaltake Unveils Tower 300 Micro ATX Chassis, Showcasing Innovative Octagonal Prism Design
Embrace the Fusion of Form and Function with Thermaltake's Latest Iconic Release
Las Vegas, United States - January 9th, 2024 - Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, proudly introduces the Tower 300 Micro ATX Chassis, which will be showcased at CES2024. As part of the esteemed Tower Series, known for its iconic vertical case design, the Tower 300 represents a new micro-ATX addition to the lineup. With its distinctive octagonal appearance, this chassis offers both the traditional vertical orientation and a unique horizontal placement option. Available in seven captivating colors—Hydrangea Blue, Bumblebee, Matcha Green, Racing Green, Turquoise, Black, and White—the Tower 300 carries forward the legacy of the Tower Series while making a bold and eye-catching debut.
The Tower 300 proudly inherits the classic vertical aesthetic of its predecessors. Its compact footprint provides enhanced flexibility for configuring between gaming and workspace environments. The defining feature is its innovative octagonal prism structure built with three tempered glass panels, which not only lends the Tower 300’s visually striking appearance but also allows it to showcase the inner components from a wider angle and provide a panoramic view.
Furthermore, the Tower 300 offers robust cooling capabilities, allowing users to install high-performance CPUs and graphic cards without overheating hazards. The chassis comes pre-installed with two CT140 fans and can accommodate up to eight 140mm system fans for best ventilation and airflow. Additionally, the compact-sized Tower 300 can support a large 420mm AIO radiator on the right side of the case, ensuring exceptional cooling efficiency. The removable air filters on the top, bottom, sides, and rear ensures a dust-free chassis environment.
For gamers who are seeking a more visually intriguing experience, consider adding the stand-alone 3.9" LCD Screen Kit and the Chassis Stand Kit to their Tower 300 build. The LCD Screen Kit can display real-time information about system components and hardware monitoring. Alternatively, users can upload personal images or GIFs using the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software. The Chassis Stand Kit includes a bottom cover panel and a display stand, allowing the case a horizontal placement as an alternate display option.
“The Tower 300 represents an evolutionary leap within the series, tailored to meet the demands of a growing community of small-form gaming system enthusiasts. As we unveil it on the grand stage of CES, we aim to showcase the meticulous equilibrium achieved in this new addition to the Tower lineup. From its captivating chassis structure and vibrant color choices to its optimized interior layout and exceptional cooling performance, the Tower 300 embodies an unprecedented fusion formula,” said Michael Guo, Vice President of Thermaltake USA.
Features of the Tower 300 Micro ATX Chassis
Classic Vertical Body Design
The Tower 300 inherits the iconic contours of the series, featuring a vertical body design that not only provides a smaller footprint but also enhances the flexibility of the inner space. Whether Users are gaming or working on the bench, this design minimizes obstructions and adapts seamlessly to the user’s space.Unique Octagonal Prism Shape
Designed as a distinctive Octagonal Prism Shape, the Tower 300 exudes sleek style. Its three tempered glass panels allow the builder to showcase the sophisticated interior, making it an ideal canvas for displaying high-end components or RGB lighting shows.Exceptional Cooling Support
Despite its compact size, the Tower 300 delivers exceptional cooling performance without compromise. It supports up to a 420mm radiator on the right side, effectively dissipating the heat from the inside and maintaining optimal system functionality when heavy-loaded.Pre-installed Cooling Fans - CT140 x 2
The Tower 300 comes equipped with two 140mm PWM ARGB fans on the top, ensuring efficient cooling performance right out of the box.A Unique View - Horizontal Case Placement
Enhance the system’s aesthetics with the optional Chassis Stand Kit. The kit is completed with a bottom cover panel and a display stand, enabling easy vertical or horizontal case placement customization. Users can easily showcase the Tower 300 gaming system in a truly unique manner.Optional 3.9" LCD Screen Kit
It would be smart to elevate the visual features with the optional LCD Screen Kit. The 3.9” LCD Display allows users to monitor system components with real-time information, upload images or GIFs to the screen using the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software, and even interact with cooling components featuring similar LCD displays. The latest version also includes weather and time modes, expanding the LCD display's versatility.Perfect Dust Protection
The Tower 300 features well-designed removable fan filters on the rear, inner sides, bottom, and inner top layer. These filters create a dust-free environment, safeguarding the internal components. -
CES 2024: Thermaltake Reveals the Revolutionary CTE (Centralized Thermal Efficiency) E600 MX Mid-tower PC Case
Redefines PC GPU Installation and Elevating Peak Performance with Innovative Ventilation Management
Las Vegas, United States-January 8th, 2024-Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is thrilled to announce the CTE E600 MX E-ATX Mid-tower PC Chassis today, and now showcased at the CES2024 in Las Vegas. This cutting-edge Mid-tower chassis marks a significant addition to the award-winning CTE series. The CTE E600 MX inherits Thermaltake’s innovative CTE (Centralized Thermal Efficiency) Form Factor as a dual-chamber mid-tower case. This design concept strongly emphasizes delivering high-level thermal performance to critical chassis components. The CTE E600 MX has a revolutionary 3-way GPU installation option and an interchangeable dual-front panel design for optimal flexibility and PC gaming build customization. It is now available in black, snow, and hydrangea blue editions.
“The CTE series PC case represents a significant leap in innovation, having been prominently featured at the last CES. Our latest addition, the CTE E600 MX, is remarkable. Our product design team closely studied feedback from gaming communities, particularly from hardcore gamers. They strongly preferred a PC case offering extensive installation options for critical gaming components, such as graphic cards. By balancing functionality with aesthetics, we ensured that the CTE E600 MX didn’t compromise chassis ventilation while maintaining a sleek and appealing look,” stated Michael Guo, the vice president of Thermaltake USA.
Diverging from its predecessors, the CTE E600 MX introduces a versatile three-way GPU installation option, allowing customization of component arrangement based on individual preferences.
Three-way GPU Installation to provide various configurations:
- Hanging the graphic card vertically
- Placing it up-right with the graphics card facing forward to the side panel on the rotational PCI slots
- Positioning the GPU in the middle of the chassis by using the included floating GPU bracket and pre-configured 400mm long PCI-e 4.0 riser cable
The CTE E600 MX also includes a dual set of interchangeable front panels made of tempered glass and perforated metal mesh for seamless swapping. The tempered glass front panel provides an open stage for an RGB lighting show inside the chassis and, when combined with the TG side panel, offers a panoramic view of all component arrangements. In contrast, the second panel boasts a perforated metal mesh design, catering to airflow enthusiasts who prioritizing superior ventilation.
The dual-chamber design of the CTE E600 MX allocates ample space behind the motherboard tray for efficient cable management. Equipped with included Velcro straps and cable ties, users can effortlessly secure cables to the numerous anchor points within the right chamber, ensuring a tidy, high-performance gaming PC build. On the opposite chamber, a spacious area allows meticulous placement of key components like CPU, GPU, and PSU, enhancing the overall airflow provided by the CTE design for extra stability. With support for up to twelve 140mm fans and a massive 420mm radiator, the CTE E600 MX delivers exceptional cooling performance. Removable dust filters maintain a clean environment, ensuring components stay cool, clean, and efficient. The CTE E600 MX combines functionality, aesthetics, and practicality — an ideal choice for discerning PC enthusiasts.
The CTE E600 MX, a recent addition to the CTE series, delivers optimal cooling performance for essential components and introduces a novel three-way GPU installation and an interchangeable dual front panel design. Combining the timeless CTE Form Factor with remarkable installation flexibility, the CTE E600 MX effortlessly provides a cool and sleek appearance to any gaming PC build.
Features of the CTE E600 MX Mid Tower Chassis:
The CTE Form Factor
The CTE Form Factor, meticulously designed by Thermaltake, embodies the concept of Centralized Thermal Efficiency. Its primary focus is to deliver top-tier thermal performance to critical components. Achieving this goal involves a clever 90-degree motherboard rotation, optimizing airflow pathways, and ensuring more efficient cooling.Move Critical Heat Sources Towards Cool Air
The CTE E600 MX has strategically relocated the CPU and graphics card positions. The CPU resides much closer to the front panel, while the graphics card is positioned toward the rear. This deliberate arrangement provides independent cold air induction, effectively dissipating the CPU and graphics card heat.Three-Way GPU Installation
The CTE E600 MX offers three distinct methods for mounting graphics cards:- Motherboard Rotation: Rotate the motherboard by 90 degrees, allowing the GPU to align upright within the chassis naturally.
- The Rotational PCI-e Slots: Utilize the rotational PCI-e slots, ensuring the upright GPU faces the side panel.
- Floating GPU Configuration: Employ the enclosed floating GPU bracket along with the pre-configured 400mm long PCI-e 4.0 riser cable. This unique setup allows the graphics card to sit at the center of the chassis, lending gamers battle stations an unconventional and eye-catching appearance.
PCI-e 4.0 Riser Cable 400mm
The enclosed high-quality riser cable adheres to the PCI-e 4.0 Standard, boasting an impressive 16GT/s transfer rate and supporting up to 64 GB/s (bi-directional) data transmission. The pre-configured cable eliminates any potential assembly hiccups, while the dedicated floating GPU bracket further enhances the overall floating GPU configuration.Dual Interchangeable Front Panels
The CTE E600 MX features two interchangeable front panels: a crystal-clear tempered glass panel and a side panel that delivers an ultra-wide viewing angle for the RGB illustration and Key components inside the chassis. Option 2 is a perforated metal mesh panel.This panel would be the ultimate choice for optimal airflow. When paired with a fan bracket, the panel accommodates up to three 140mm fans or an additional 420mm radiator at the front for exceptional heat dissipation.
Universally Compatible with Cooling Components
The CTE E600 MX E-ATX Mid-tower Chassis has an enormous fan installation capacity: up to twelve 140mm fans or fourteen 120mm fans can be installed in various spots. The chassis can also support up to 420mm radiators in the front, rear, or motherboard side. The front and bottom fan brackets provide an easy and friendly installation experience.Optimal Cable Management
The CTE E600 MX offers ample space in the right chamber for effective cable management thanks to the dual chamber design. Numerous anchor points are available in this chamber, complimented by Velcro straps and cable ties from the accessory box to ensure a neat and organized setup!Perfect Dust Protection
The chassis features fine removable filters at the top, front, bottom, rear, and right side, offering excellent protection against dust, and are easily removable for convenient cleaning.Handy I/O Ports
Two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and HD Audio ports are placed on the top panel to grant direct access when needed.
