Tech News
-
G.SKILL Announces Revolutionary RGB Lighting DDR4 with Trident Z RGB Series
Unadulterated RGB Illumination
Taipei, Taiwan (20 December 2016) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is thrilled to announce the Trident Z RGB Series - the world’s most revolutionary RGB lighting DDR4 memory kit. Requiring no additional power connections, this incredible feat of engineering bares pure RGB lighting across an uncovered full-length light bar on the award-winning Trident Z series heatspreader design. To take a look at what’s to come, check out the following link for the Trident Z RGB trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPx0LNzgQm4
Full Range RGB Illumination; Software Control
By default, the Trident Z RGB will display a rainbow of colors in a wave-style lighting effect, illuminating any system with a myriad of hues. Further lighting effects and color customizations can be controlled and chosen through software, scheduled for a February 2017 release.
Uncompromised Performance
A culmination of over 25 years of experience in DRAM manufacturing, G.SKILL sought to combine full-range RGB lighting with minimal impact on DDR4 performance. Designed with a custom 10-layer PCB and hand-picked IC chips to enhance overclocking performance, the Trident Z RGB series is capable of reaching speeds of DDR4-4266MHz.Trident Z RGB series memory kits are rigorously tested under proprietary G.SKILL test methods for reliability and compatibility to ensure the highest possible quality. And like all other G.SKILL memory, the Trident Z RGB is covered under a limited lifetime warranty, as well as full support for XMP 2.0 for easy overclocking and simple BIOS setup.
Availability
Trident Z RGB series DDR4 memory kits are scheduled for a worldwide release via G.SKILL authorized distribution partners in mid-January 2017, with software to be available for download the following month.About G.SKILL
Established in 1989 by PC hardware enthusiasts, G.SKILL specializes in high performance memory, SSD products, and gaming peripherals designed for PC gamers and enthusiasts around the world. Combining technical innovation and rock solid quality through our in-house testing lab and talented R&D team, G.SKILL continues to create record-breaking memory for each generation of hardware and hold the no. 1 brand title in overclocking memory. -
Thermaltake New Core X71 Core X31 Suppressor F31 Tempered Glass Edition Chassis
Aesthetic Appeal with Outstanding Expandability
Taipei, Taiwan-December 20th 2016-Thermaltake, a leading brand in PC DIY market, recently extended the existing chassis line-ups with three Tt LCS Certified cases – the Core X31, Core X71, and Suppressor F31 Tempered Glass Edition Chassis. The Core X31, Core X71, and Suppressor F31 Tempered Glass Edition Chassis feature high quality 4mm thick tempered glass window, preinstalled 140mm Riing Blue fans, a riser GPU support bracket, and full assembly capacity and expandability for PC enthusiasts to create high-end PCs with an advanced liquid cooling loop and gorgeous system presentation.The new Thermaltake Core X31, Core X71, and Suppressor F31 Tempered Glass Editionwill also be revealed at Thermaltake CES 2017 held at the Venetian Hotel Titian 2303 Suite from January 5th (Thu) to 8th (Sun). The new Thermaltake Core X31, Core X71, and Suppressor F31 Tempered Glass Edition Chassis will be displayed at CES 2017, and will be available on the market in January 2017.
Thermaltake’s 3 Tempered Glass Edition Chassis Bring Style and Space to your Case
The 4mm thick tempered glass with enlarged window design guarantees the durability of the panel as well as allows users to fully display and admire all components of the system. Moreover, to advance the visual presentation of each build, the Core X71 and Core X31 come with two Riing 14 Blue fans; the Suppressor F31 is pre-mounted with a Riing 14 Blue fan. Another unique feature of the tempered glass edition chassis is dual GPU placement with riser GPU support bracket that is used for prevent the graphic card from sagging when it is installed vertically. In addition, retaining excellent expandability and offering superior ventilation with the compatibility for the extensive DIY/AIO LCS, the Core X71 the Core X31 are enthusiast’s grade tower chassis that is designed with groundbreaking interior space for high-end configurations. The Suppressor F31 also features ideal space for liquid cooling expansion, but it is specially designed with sound-damping panels that deliver the perfect balance in cooling performance and silent operation.Exclusively “Tt LCS Certified”
Tt LCS Certified is a Thermaltake exclusive certification applied to products that pass the design and rigorous hardcore enthusiast standards that only the world’s best LCS chassis are held to. The Tt LCS certification was created so that Thermaltake can clearly convey to power users and enthusiasts which chassis are built and tested to be best compatible under extreme liquid cooling configurations. This ensures users get the best performance, compatibility and features.Key Features of the Thermaltake Tempered Glass Edition Chassis:
Core X71 Tempered Glass Edition Full Tower Chassis
4mm Thick Tempered Glass Window with Gorgeous View
The tempered glass features 4mm thickness that guarantees the durability of the window. Moreover, the enlarged window design permits users to fully display and admire all components of the liquid-cooling system. Show off your dedicated set in the subtlest manner!Space-Optimized Dual Chamber Design
Optimized for space management, the Core X71 utilizes dual chamber design to offer a tidy looking system by separating the liquid-cooling loop, and PSU and HDD cages into a different chamber. The removable 3.5”/2.5” drive device racks give assemblers plenty of flexibility to gain the maximum interior space needed for advanced cooling performance.Fully Modular Concept
A “2 + 5” drive bay design for storage devices makes setting up the latest storage solution super easy and flexible. Besides hanging 2 x 3.5”/2.5” at the back of motherboard tray, users are also capable of freely adjusting the 3.5” drive cages within the upper chamber or to the lower chamber to suit their particular needs.Riser GPU Support Bracket
Specially designed with dual GPU placement, the Core X71 has the support for vertical graphic card layout with dual PCI-E slots design. The PCI-e riser cable is optional. Plus, the included riser GPU support bracket not only can prevent the graphic card from sagging, but also helps to reduce the weight on the motherboard.Superior Expandability
Designed for high-end gaming system compatibility, the Core X71’s modular drive racks allow users to easily install up to seven data storage devices, a dual expansion slot VGA of up to 420mm in length, and a tower CPU cooler as high as 180mm. Even with a high-wattage PSU stretching to 220mm in length, the Core X71 still leaves plenty of interior space for cable management. Moreover, a 480mm radiator can be installed at front of the chassis, delivering superior cooling performance.Ideal for Advanced Cooling Solutions
Featuring a width of 250mm, the Core X71’s unparalleled cooling ability offers fan brackets with various mounting points to support any type of gaming system that can be accommodated, including DIY/AIO liquid-cooling systems and air-cooling units. Users can install up to 480mm radiator at the front and a 360mm radiator on each side in the lower chamber. Additionally, the Core X71 comes with two 140mm Riing Blue fans at front and a 140mm fan at the rear to optimize system ventilation.Core X31 Tempered Glass Edition Mid Tower Chassis
4mm Thick Tempered Glass Window with Gorgeous View
The tempered glass features 4mm thickness that guarantees the durability of the window. Moreover, the enlarged window design permits users to fully display and admire all components of the liquid-cooling system. Show off your dedicated set in the subtlest manner!Fully Modular Concept
The fully modular drive cages minimize the hassles of installation and removal. Especially, the Core X31 utilizes a tool-less drive bay design that allows users to freely interchange the 3.5” and 2.5” hard-drives to suit their particular needs. The dual drive bay concept of “2+3” offers a good ratio for accessories and storage devices.Riser GPU Support Bracket
Specially designed with dual GPU placement, the Core X31 has the support for vertical graphic card layout with dual PCI-E slots design. The PCI-e riser cable is optional. Plus, the included riser GPU support bracket not only can prevent the graphic card from sagging, but also helps to reduce the weight on the motherboard.Excellent Expandability
The Core X31 supports motherboards up to standard ATX, a tower CPU cooler with maximum height 180mm, and a dual expansion slot VGA of up to 420mm in length without HDD rack. The Core X31 still leaves plenty of interior space for cable management even after installing a high-wattage PSU with 220mm in length without bottom fan. Moreover, with the tool-free design, users can easily mount up to three 3.5”/2.5” (with HDD cage) and two 5.25” storage devices into the build at the same time.Superior Ventilation
Featuring a width of 250mm, the Core X31 enables users to build a complete high-end system that supports up to triple 120mm, double 140mm liquid cooling radiators or up to 200mm case fans. Additionally, to improve system ventilation, the Core X31 comes with two 140mm Riing Blue fans. One is at the front. Another is installed at the rear.Suppressor F31 Tempered Glass Edition Mid Tower Chassis
4mm Thick Tempered Glass Window with Gorgeous View
The tempered glass features 4mm thickness that guarantees the durability of the window. Moreover, the enlarged window design permits users to fully display and admire all components of the liquid-cooling system. Show off your dedicated set in the subtlest manner!Fully Modular Concept
The Suppressor F31 comes with fully modular drive cages that provide the ease of installation/removal and maximize the interior space for custom cooling loop. Especially, the tool-less drive bay design allows users to freely interchange the 3.5” and 2.5” hard-drives to suit their particular needs. The dual drive bay concept of “2+3” offers a good ratio for accessories and storage devices.Riser GPU Support Bracket
Specially designed with dual GPU placement, the Suppressor F31 has the support for vertical graphic card layout with dual PCI-E slots design. The PCI-e riser cable is optional. Plus, the included riser GPU support bracket not only can prevent the graphic card from sagging, but also helps to reduce the weight on the motherboard.Modular Sound-Damping Design for Silent Cooling System
Built-in sound-damping panels incorporated the top, front, and side panels of the Suppressor F31 to reinforce noise reduction for silent operation. Optimizing cooling performance with removable mounted top panels to expand cooling configurations for both air and liquid cooling solutions. Design and build a custom leading-edge silent operation PC with options for 120/140/200mm cooling fans and liquid cooling support for single, dual and triple radiator applications.Made for High-End PCs with Outstanding Expandability
The Suppressor F31 features its cable management with maximum 50mm in width, and supports up to a tower CPU cooler with maximum height 180mm, and a dual expansion slot VGA of up to 420mm in length without HDD rack. Moreover, the Suppressor F31 has the ability to accommodate multiple 3.5”/2.5” and 5.25” storage devices at the same time. Most importantly, the hidden drive bay design guarantees expandability for more liquid cooling components.Advanced Ventilation
Featuring a width of 250mm, the Suppressor F31 enables users to build a complete high-end system that supports up to triple 120mm, double 140mm liquid cooling radiators or up to 200mm case fans. Additionally, to deliver superior airflow, the Suppressor F31 is preinstalled with a 140mm turban fan at the front, and a 140mm Riing Blue fan at the rear.Further information about the Thermaltake Tempered Glass Edition Chassis is available on:
Core X71 TG – http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002998
Core X31 TG – http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002997
Suppressor F31 TG–http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002999 -
Crucial MX300 2TB SSD Review
Two Terabytes, say it with me. Two Terrabites, oh wait. tara byte(s), dyno bytes?
Nevermind, 2TB is a big deal in the SSD world and while more storage is better for remembering data it also makes doing backups even more difficult. Not a bad thing when the drive is super fast so why not enter the SSD world with the help of Crucial.
the t0o t3rr@by+e world of oysters and non-index(able) news according to google.
Crucial recently released new versions of the MX300 SSD series, among them a huge 2 Terabyte model which we will review. The MX300 series should offer a bit more storage space yet remain more price-competitive at mainstream to high-end class SATA3 performance.
I reviewed the Crucial MX300 750GB last month and have to say it is a solid drive, plenty fast and one of the least expensive drives you can buy with that kind of capacity. We can thank technology for the cost savings.
-
AVerMedia Pioneers MPEG-DASH Patent Pools
High-Quality, Uninterrupted Online Media Streaming
December 15, 2016 – Taipei, Taiwan – AVerMedia is officially licensed for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), also known as MPEG-DASH. As one of the world's leading solution providers in digital imaging, AVerMedia is dedicated to the field of streaming ultra-high definition video (UHD) over networks and the internet.
MPEG-DASH is an adaptive-bitrate streaming standard utilizing encoders (such as AVerMedia's live streaming solutions, AVerCaster HEVC series RS9260/ RS9280 and AVerCaster Premium series RS7310/ RS7170/ RS7190) to send high quality videos in sequential, fragmented segments through existing HTTP web servers onto portable devices, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, or software solutions receiving audio/video feeds. The adaptive bitrate automatically adjusts to network conditions to offer hours of flawless streaming of seamless videos while minimizing lag or re-buffering during playback.
In addition to AVerMedia, other licensed companies include Amotech Co., Ltd.; Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.; Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETR), South Korea; Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V, Germany; Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., Japan; Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Japan; Siemens AG, Germany; SK Planet Co., Ltd., South Korea; and The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, USA.
About AverMedia
Established in 1990, AVerMedia is a multinational company specializing in hardware and software for image capturing and video transmission solutions, aiming to enrich entertainment experiences and provide effective communication between people in a wide range of professional fields. With the pursuit of continuous research and development of digital imaging technologies, AVerMedia has become one of the world's leading digital imaging brands for consumer, corporate and industrial markets. “Embedded Vision” and “Encode & Live Stream” solutions are core technologies of AVerMedia. In addition to hardware development, AVerMedia is also devoted to the development of proprietary software. Together with outstanding services, AVerMedia is able to offer a total solution that is tailored-made to meet your needs. For more information please check AVerMedia’s website: http://www.avermedia.com/professional -
Throwback Time: Gigabyte GA-7DXR
For this edition of Throwback Thursday I've decided to go back to a time when Gigabyte motherboards were actually blue. Believe it or not but before black was the PCB color of choice there was a land rush to brand products based on PCB color. Gigabyte choose Blue, Soltek was all over the place but really Red, DFI did Red and Black boards and Asus did baby sh1t brown.
The GA-7DXR is an Socket A based motherboard using the AMD 761 chipset and VIA south bridge. It came with AGP Pro and a vareity of onboard jumpers used to configure your CPU speed and voltage. (read: overclocking controls). There were even holes in the motherboard for heatsink mounting.
Socket A overclocking was "the thing" during this time and this motherboard offered exceptional performance and way too many overclocking combos between CPU and Memory speed adjustments. It used standard DDR memory in what I believe was a single channle configuration. NVidia would start the dual channel movement on the nForce.
Many of the feaures we find on Gigabyt emotherboard today were present on the GA-7DXR inlcuding dual BIOS, overclocking and a very confusing VRM. If memory serves this one is a 4-phase design and was long before the VRM land rush of "later".
-
SilverStone Redline RL05 @ techPowerUp
When it comes to "cheap cases" we are often conditioned to accept that we might be adding some blood to our builds or won't be able to use that 140mm AIO watercooler we got for Christmas last year.
However it doesn't have to be that way, in fact there are plenty of inexpensive cases on the market with features you wouldn't expect and even come standard without any razor sharp edges.
The Silverstone Redline RL05 aims to offer a modern I/O and interior design at a budget price. With two 140 mm fans right out of the box, it'll be interesting to see whether it can hold its own when redlining in the crowded sub-70 dollar price segment.
Be sure to check out my review of the Silverstone Redline RL05, the case is pretty good and a good starting point for any modding project.
-
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 PCI-Express Scaling @ techPowerUp
TechPowerUp has been doing this test for many years and while it is an interesting experiment with a lot of benchmarks across even more pages you may be wondering "why"?
Well, the tests go along with my Hardware Asylum Multi GPU Index testing that is included with each motherboard. For the best performance you want to make sure your video card has what it needs to work well.
In looking at the TPU charts you'll see some rather confusing numbers and they all make a really pretty curve and based on your system you can get an rough idea as to what your performance factor may be.
In this article, we investigate how performance of NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1080 is affected when running on constrained PCI-Express bus widths such as x8 or x4. We also test all PCIe speed settings, 1.1, 2.0, and 3.0. One additional test checks how much performance is lost when using the chipset's PCIe x4 slot.
Many of us get hung up on the numbers, we are enthusiasts, that is what we do. However, for the average user a 5 or even 10 FPS difference in XYZ game at QRT resolution using LMO settings is hardly a reason to say a certain video card is bad. Or, that running 8x vs 16x is the end of the world.
#justsayin
-
Asylum: Review Block - Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t
One of the coolest cases I have ever seen was released last week and is the epitome of what a factory modded case should be. No more of this:
"we removed the external drive bays, yay mods" or
"oh look we have a side window, you can see your stuff, yay mods" of even
"We used exotic materials in our case, you can't do this, yay mods"Instead we have a Cooler Master MasterCase 5 with tempered glass side panels, locks on both panels, a single carry handle, soft rubber grip, three 140mm fans included and hooked to a fan bus and LED controller. magnetic LED strip included and a factory metallic red applied to the motherboard tray and accented across the exterrior.
Stunning!
Web Reviews:
Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t Case Review @ Hardware Asylum- Cooler Master MasterBox 5T Review @ Vortez (I guess in the UK they were sending out MasterBox editions, fear not the MasterCase Maker is better)
- Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t Case Review @ Legit Reviews
- Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t Review at Modders-Inc
- Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t Case Review @ ThinkComputersThis should be the last major Cooler Master release until CES so stay tuned for more CM Extras!
-
SeeMeCNC Rostock MAX v3 @ LanOC Reviews
With a name like SeeMeCNC you would assume they make CNC machines but, that doesn't seem to be the case. In fact this is a 3D printer.
Would have been nice to see that in the title but, SEO or something right? Make'em click and all that jazz. Some of you may have seen this machine before, they seem to be in every mall kiosk and shown in the background of many popular YouTube shows.
Most of you know the saying “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. Well when it comes to trinkets and other cool stuff, 3d printers are the same. You Can buy small items or you can print your own cool stuff. Early this year I did just that. I covered SeeMeCNC’s new at the time Eris and even well past my coverage I had one and then later two printers running all of the time in the office. I was having a blast but I really needed to go BIGGER. Well, a few months ago they sent over their new v3 model of their Rostock MAX, the big guy. With vacation and everything it took me a little while to get going, but I have been running the printer for a long time now and it’s about time I sit down and tell everyone about my experience with SeeMeCNC’s new printer. You might want to get comfortable, this might be a long one.
Its almost like they are taking the easy way out when it comes to advertising, e.g. let others do it for you.
Despite how complex the device looks it appears to be controlled by a single PCB and a rather large PSU (likely to heat the plastic) Designs are likely programmed in using a regular PC. -
GeIL EVO X GEX416GB3200C16DC 2x8GB DDR4 RAM Review @ APH Networks
Pretty short description for such a cool chunk or RAM.
The GeIL EVO X GEX416GB3200C16DC 2x8GB is lit. Literally.
For those of you who don't know the GeIL EVO X is a dual channel DDR4 kit with an RGB LED module attached. You can manually change the colors using a slide switch across the top OR you can plug them into a RGB motherboard header and control them using the motherboard software.
Ideally you could also use a manual controller if you happen to use one of them fancy "mega button" remotes.
Be sure to check out our capsule review of these modules along with some of the lighting effects.
