Tech News
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Crucial MX300 Limited Edition 750GB 2.5 SSD Review @ ModSynergy
I have always liked limited edition hardware, there is just something about having a one of a kind that just gives me a warm fuzzy with all the gold stars.
Crucial has such a product, the MX300 @ 750GB. I never did ask why it is limited edition though I suspect it might have been a prototype drive to test out the new 3D NAND they are using to populate the drive.
Crucial, a brand name from top five semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc, becomes the second company (in partnership with Intel) to develop and offer 3D NAND technology inside a Solid State Drive. Read our thoughts on the Crucial MX300 750GB SSD.
I did a review of the Crucial MX300 750GB SSD Review so be sure to check it out!
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AMD Radeon Vega GPU Architecture @ techPowerUp
Seems I was living under a rock when this news came out. Oh wait. I was in the middle of sin city NOT invited to the AMD presentation when this news hit the headlines.
It would seem we have a new AMD GPU architecture, I wonder if it will be any good??
AMD has shared technical details of their highly-expected, upcoming Radeon Vega GPU architecture, that succeeds Polaris. We dive down into the individual graphics units and detail what has changed and what improvements these changes promise.
Of couse TechPowerUp has the scoop along with a handful of folks in forums making up fake news to help drive home that AMD is finally making a new GPU. I hope the chips will allow a good amount of overclocking control because this BS voltage locked cr@p from NVidia is getting old.
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Special On Location Hardware Asylum Podcast with Techgage at CES 2017
Of course as of this posting CES 2017 has concluded and for sites like Hardware Asylum that don't attend the show with the express interest to cover everything you'll find articles like "The Best of CES" or "We attended CES and you won't believe what I found". You might even find YT sites that record everything and bookend their coverage with lame sponsor messages. "This coverage is brought to you by whoever we scammed into giving us money"
While I'll have some more CES 2017 related articles posted later this week I wanted to share two important things.
On Location Hardware Asylum Podcast
The first is an On Site recording of the Hardware Asylum Podcast. This episode talks about some of the PC hardware stuff you won't see covered by CNET and was recorded with my friends from Techgage.
Hardware Asylum Podcast - Highlights from CES 2017 with Special Guests
The second thing I wanted to share is a lengthily CES 2017 discussion I had for the Techgage YouTube channel. As many of you know I have been trying to do more with YouTube lately and as it would turn out Techgage is doing the same. They invited me on to talk about CES 2017 and I think it turned out pretty good.
Techgage on YouTube
Funny story, after we got done recording both Rob and Greg claimed that I talked the most while I think Rob put down the most vocals. You'll have to let me know if they were right.
Be sure to like comment and subscribe.
I'd like to thank both Rob and Greg for allowing me to be part of their #CES2017 discussions and for also for being on my #ces2017 podcast episode.
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GIGABYTE Showcases Solutions and More at CES 2017
City of Industry, California, January 3rd, 2017–GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, will be starting CES 2017 off with a bang, with a detail filled press event displaying solutions from a variety of various markets and partners. GIGABYTE will display their world changing products as they demonstrate technologies that they’ve developed and innovated. At CES 2017 attendees will see that GIGABYTE has been powering different markets from VR Gaming, extreme liquid cooling to Industrial Computing and even just your everyday consumer PC. Industry partners such as Intel, Enermax, HyperX and Oculus will also be present to show their newest technologies.
Before the start of CES 2017 on January 4th, GIGABYTE will have already started its exhibition at its venue located at the Palace Ballroom in Caesars Palace. The Palace Ballroom is a 20,000 square foot room that will be filled with newly launched AORUS 200 Series Gaming Motherboards, AORUS Notebooks, GIGABYTE Graphics Cards, and case mods from the Mod2Win Competition. The Mod2Win Competition had over 5,000modders competing for first place with over $10,000 in total prizes. Case Modder, Boloisbolo, was awarded 1st place with $5,000 in prizes and a free trip to CES 2017, sponsored by GIGABYTE.
Aside from these products and system mods GIGABYTE has gone to great lengths to create zones each with distinct experiences for visitors to see, introducing what other applications GIGABYTE has been powering behind the scenes.
Unveiling of AORUS Gaming Series Motherboards
At the press event GIGABYTE will unveil their newest Gaming Series Motherboards, AORUS Motherboards. Some of these motherboards, Z270X-Gaming 9 and Z270X-Gaming 8, are equipped with water blocks designed from world renowned liquid cooling manufactures EK Waterblocks and Bitspower, respectively. The AORUS Gaming Series focuses on personalization and customization; these unique characteristics are brought out through the use of RGB LEDs via RGB Fusion and Smart Fan Control through the Smart Fan 5 application. GIGABYTE’s AORUS Gaming Series motherboards are made for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a solution that fits their needs.Virtual Reality Gaming and Experiences
With system partners like, AVA Direct, Brainstorm, CUK, CyberPowerPC, CyberTronPC, and Origin PC powering the VR Zone, attendees can experience true VR gaming while they look through the lenses of an Oculus Rift. Red Pill and Rock Band, VR Content Creators, are also present to show attendees what their world is made of. GIGABYTE implements technologies such as USB DAC-UP 2, USB Ports that have adjustable voltages, to ensure that VR gaming or the VR experience is seamless.Embedded Solutions for IoT
Other partners such as Virtual PCs, Hunter Engineering, Suitable Technologies, Next Computing, Newtek, InStore Screen, and Video Ray from the industrial market will stand out to show the community that there are more than just the traditional uses of a motherboard. With the small form factors of a Mini-ITX or BRIX these partners are able to create solutions that empower people around the world to do incredible things. From making communication for remote users even more interactive, to making automotive maintenance a simple 10-second drive or even just a solution to get oneself on the green. These appliances push the boundaries of what users thought a GIGABYTE motherboard can do.“GIGABYTE will always be at the forefront of technology, because of this we want to show the world what we’ve been working on and who we’ve been working with,” said Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE’s Motherboard Business Unit. “By sharing the spotlight with our partners we will be able to stimulate more innovation and uses for GIGABYTE Motherboards and help shape future technologies to come.”
For AORUS 200 Series Motherboards:
http://www.gigabyte.com/mb/aorusFor GIGABYTE 200 Series Motherboards:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/list.aspx?s=42&p=344&v=6To learn more about AORUS:
http://www.AORUS.com/To learn more about GIGABYTE:
http://www.gigabyte.us/ -
Kaby Lake and Z270 Chipset Launch Day
Fun times when a major hardware maker takes advantage of a major trade show and actually launches a product AT the show. Kaby Lake is a new Intel processor released to compliment the upgraded Z270 chipset. Of course this will start a whole new round of motherboard reviews and the age old question of "should I upgrade?"
Given that Kaby Lake appears to be and overclocked Skylake with better power efficiency I'd say ya, if you're in the market it might be time to take a leap of faith? Or become an old man, filled with regret, waiting to die alone!
First be sure to check out the Aorus Z270X Gaming 5 Motherboard Review @ Hardware Asylum and then filter down to see what others have to say.
Web Reviews:
- ASUS ROG STRIX Z270F Gaming Review @ Vortez
- Intel Core i7-7700K Processor Review @ Legit Reviews
- Intel Core i7-7700K vs 6700K: 22 Games, RX 480 & GTX 1080 @ techPowerUp (obsess much?)
- GIGABYTE AORUS Z270X-Gaming 7 Review @ Vortez
- Aorus' Z270X-Gaming 5 motherboard reviewed
- Intel Kaby Lake Core i5-7600K & Core i7-7700K Review @ Vortez
- Intel Kaby Lake i7-7700K & i5-7600K Review @ Hardware Canucks
- Intel Kaby Lake Core i7-7700K Performance & Z270 Chipset Overview @ Techgage
- Intel Core i7-7700K And Z270 Chipset Review: Kaby Lake Hits The Desktop @ HotHardware
- Intel Core i7-7700K “Kaby Lake” Processor Review @ ThinkComputers
- Gigabyte Aorus Z270X-Gaming 9 Motherboard Review @ Legit ReviewsCES 2017 Starts on Jaunary 5th so you know there will be a TON of new Kaby Lake based system builds and motherboards to be shown.
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Setting Up A MoCA 2.0 Ethernet-Over-Coax Network, LAN Benchmarks
You know, back in the day, before Ethernet, there was a way to network PCs together using a technology called "Token Ring". It was limited to 10Mbps and required that all computers on the network be connected together in a series.
That connection was made using BNC connectors over Coax cable. It was slow and a computer could only transmit when it had the "Token" which was the packet broadcast to every computer on the "Ring". There was no real switch, though they did exist to help connect different rings together.
It is old technology like this that makes me question "Ethernet over Coax" as a viable "new" solution since it actually existed and has been deemed obsolete.
The MoCA 2.0 specification is six years but there still aren't many consumer devices making use of this "Multimedia over Coax Alliance" standard nor the newer MoCA 2.5 standard. But in looking for alternatives to Ethernet over powerline when expanding my network, I ended up setting up a MoCA 2.0 system while running some Linux performance benchmarks along the way.
Phoronix has given the new network layer a shot and came up with some interesting results. Could it replace powerline networking? Honestly, I never thought powerline networks should have been a thing but, people seem to like them.
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It's Final -- Corn Ethanol Is Of No Use
We are going to have to strike a balance.
I like the world that oil has made though I'm a realist and understand that once the oil is gone things are going to have to change. Sure there are other sources to extract our hydrocarbons but, they aren't cheap.
So lets go down the list, what is made from oil? Plastic, Fuel and Lubes. The big one here is plastic and all of the byproducts of plastic which includes things like trash liners, car interiors, computer parts and those bags we store our food in. No oil, no plastic
Unless, we make them from corn which is part of the topic of this article.
The report lists many potential negative risks of development, such as direct conflicts between land for fuels and land for food, other land-use changes, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity and nitrogen pollution through the excessive use of fertilizers
So, the challenge will be how to create food for "us" with enough extra to give us all the luxuries we have grown accustomed to. That means smarter farms, better wastewater collection and most importantly, farmers. Sadly, "bad farmers" are responsible for the destruction of the "Great Barrier Reef" and a number of production farms that blanket California and all because of a rise in land prices and a reduction of farm profits.
I grew up in a region that was full of farms, ranches, dairies and over the past several years all of that choice land has turned into housing developments. Heck, the house I built is part of a development that was once a farm and all of the good soil got scraped away during the development process requiring me to haul in dirt just so I could have grass.
Cheaper and faster isn't always the right solution even though it seems like the right path.
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Aerocool Targets Gamers and RGB Enthusiasts at CES 2017
- Launches New Product Line: Gaming Chairs - AC120 and AC220
- Thermal Line: Verkho Air Coolers
- Project 7: C0 (C-Zero), Liquid Cooling, Fans, Hub, PSU and more
- PC Gaming for All; Choose Yours: Enthusiasts | Pro-Gamers | Casual Gamers
- #BeCool by Aerocool
Taipei, TAIWAN – Aerocool Advanced Technologies Corp., a leading PC gaming hardware and accessories design company, today announced its latest products for Gamers and RGB Enthusiasts at CES 2017. Displaying three PC gaming systems built for enthusiasts, pro-gamers, and casual gamers, Aerocool showcased its latest product line-up in a short video highlighting the cases, coolers, PSU and gaming chairs. For more information, please visit Aerocool CES.
“We’re delivering on the needs of the gaming community – cases, coolers, PSUs and now gaming chairs. Showcasing a complete lineup of our product portfolio for our community and fans across the globe, our products look cool, perform great and are affordable,” said Tony Lin, CEO of Aerocool. “Our Project 7 line will see an expansion in 2017 with products that are really cool and keep our fans anticipating – What’s Next”.
PC Gaming for All; Choose Yours: Enthusiasts | Pro-Gamers | Casual Gamers
The Enthusiasts system showcases Aerocool Project 7 product line in all its beauty. The beautiful P7-C1 tempered glass case and RGB Fans can be controlled by an independent Hub using software. Powered by an RGB PSU and liquid cooled, the RGB system is perfect for those that love a multitude of colors. Check out the build here.
The Pro-Gamers system utilizes the latest addition to the Project 7 family, P7-C0 (C-Zero) cooled by Verkho 5, a new air cooler with 5 heat pipes having a TDP of 150W. The Casual Gamers system makes use of Aerocool’s award-winning Aero series case. Introducing, the Aero 300 with Verkho 4, an air cooler with 4 heat pipes having a TDP of 135W.
Gaming chairs: AC120 and AC220
Aerocool also revealed two gaming chairs, the AC120 and AC220. Inspired by a racing car design, the two gaming chairs have racing stripes and carbon-fiber look material to enhance the sleek bold lines across the chair. Both chairs can hold up to 330 pounds or 150 kg, can recline 180° fully-flat if the need arises for a power nap and is available in six colors: full black, black/blue, black/white, black/red, black/green, black/orange.
Specs and Product Availability: March 2017 for all products
Be Cool Giveaway by Aerocool
Aerocool has partnered with independent artist Maciej Hajnrich aka Valp and ThunderX3 allowing every individual to download an exclusive wallpaper to share their own cool gaming setups. Every participant stands a chance to win the latest Aerocool chair and PC peripherals sponsored by ThunderX3. To download this exclusive wallpaper or to participate in the giveaway, please click here for English | Deutsch | Español | Português do Brasil | P?????? | ??.
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NZXT Kraken X52 Closed Loop Water Cooler Review @ APH Networks
Short and sweet.
The NZXT Kraken X52 balances out form and function. But balancing out form and function does come at a price.
The Kraken isn't just a bit of movie majik, it is a real life dual fan AIO watercooler designed to deliver. Well, I have no idea what it can deliver because: reasons but, if I was to fathom a guess it could cool, one, maybe two CPUs running at full tilt and at least four sticks of ram.
Double up your cooling with a push and pull configuration and you'll unlock full RGB LED support along with a natural cooling effect called "AIO Lake Effect" which can cause snow drifts up to 20 feet and hours of sleet and ice to make your games run super fast.
- or: you could read the review and find out just how accurate I am.
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Happy New Year from Hardware Asylum
On behalf of Hardware Asylum I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
2016 was great fun and while there were some issues along the way I think it ended on a high note. 2017 marks the start of my 18th year doing computer hardware review. It is hard to believe that I started Ninjalane back in 1999 and have been trucking along ever since.
While it is fun to celebrate past achievements I am looking forward to what 2017 brings and more on that shortly after CES.
Have a good one!
See you all in 2017
