Tech News

  • Noctua launches HOME product line for home, office and multi-purpose ventilation

    I remember seeing a concept for Noctua Home during a Computex visit and at the time I didn't pay too much attention.  First of all, it was just a concept so, who knows if any of it will actually become a product and Second, the concept of personally cooling using computer fans is not a new idea and was something we have all done at one point or another.

    Well, it would seem that Noctua is ready to launch their HOME product line which not only takes an innovative approach to personal cooling and ventilation but does so using the superior Noctua fans we have come to love.

    Noctua today launched its new HOME product line for home, office and multi-purpose ventilation. Starting with two fan sets and nine modular accessory products that enable Noctua fans to be used for various cooling tasks outside the realm of PC cooling, the new HOME line is all about leveraging Noctua’s award-winning fan technology in novel fields of application.



    “Noctua originates from the PC cooling market, but our fans’ award-winning performance, quietness of operation and long-term stability are just as useful in various other applications” says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “Our industrial clients as well as tech-savvy DIYers have already been using our fans for applications beyond the PC cooling space for many years, so the new HOME line marks the next step in leveraging our technologies for a wider scope of cooling demands and making them more accessible for a broader audience.”

    The primary device is a directional airflow amplifier shroud that will accelerate airflow and ensure that the air is going where you want it.  Computer fans inside a chassis can use the walls of the case to direct airflow but, when operated in open air the effective range is almost non-existent.  This airflow amplifier resolves this issue.

    You will also get a voltage adapter and several options for noise isolation

  • Sharkoon SKILLER SGM35 & SKILLER SGM50W | Wired and Wireless Gaming Mice

    Pohlheim, 21 May 2024 – Sharkoon Technologies, an international supplier of high-performance, high-quality PC components and peripherals, now presents the SKILLER SGM35 and the SKILLER SGM50W. These are two gaming mice with an ambient underside illumination and an ATG4090 sensor. The SKILLER SGM35 is operated with a wired connection while the SKILLER SGM50W can also be used wirelessly and is supplied with a charging station.

    The Right Connection for Any Application
    After a long while since Sharkoon's last wireless mouse, the SKILLER SGM50W marks the manufacturer's return to gaming mice that can be conveniently operated via a 2.4 GHz cable-free connection. The SKILLER SG50W's specifications state a battery life of 70 hours. For recharging, the mouse can be placed on the supplied charging station, which also has handy slot for stowing the USB nano receiver. If the mouse has to be used even if its battery is discharged, it can also be charged directly via the computer's USB port and operated as usual at the same time. However, if the gaming mouse is to be used mainly with a stationary PC at home, and wireless operation is not a necessity, the identically looking SKILLER SGM35 provides a solution that is purely wired.

    Precision and Control
    To ensure precision and control, both mice are equipped with PTFE mouse feet and have an ATG4090 sensor with up to 6,400 DPI. Both mice also have six buttons that, in most games, can be freely assigned. No special software is, however, required for these mice.

    Designed for all types of grip
    The SKILLER SGM35 and the SGM50W also both have an identical shape that has been specially designed to support all common grip types and to be ideal for use with hands that are either large or particularly small. To further optimize handling and protect the buttons from grease, wear and tear, the left and right mouse buttons are made of high-quality PBT.

    A Special Look
    Both mice models are available in either black or white. The white versions especially catch the eye due to prominent highlights in black. A highlight is also provided by the RGB illumination, which is evenly diffused from under the mice through their transparent undersides. All the effects can be adjusted directly on the mice.

  • Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB 2x32GB DDR5 6000MHz Memory Kit Review @ Madshrimps

    The DDR5 memory landscape has started to flatten out with the major players all having rather fast memory modules in their catalog including XPower.

    These 6000Mhz memory modules are your typical RGB enabled sticks and come in kits of 64GB with 2x32GB modules included.  Heatspreader design has changed quite a bit since the initial launch of DDR5.  Most companies were content with offering the maximum amount of cooling despite DDR5 not needing heatspreaders at all.  

    Most modern designs have followed the Corsair model and will be smooth as glass.  Sometimes that glass is formed over organic textures while others may have a more angular shape.  Point is, the days of elaborate heatsink designs has started to sunset.

    The XPOWER Zenith RGB DDR5-6000 64GB memory kit from Silicon Power does impress regarding total capacity, tighter timings used for both XMP and EXPO profiles but also with the fact we can overclock the modules further in order to obtain some extra performance. The RGB lighting offered by the modules is not tied to a specific platform, but supports most known motherboard utilities: BIOSTAR was not listed as compatible, but their utility could control the modules just fine!

    Funny how BIOSTAR wasn't supported, isn't that company the "everything of everything?"

  • Funky Kit Review - ASRock Phantom Gaming B760I Lightning WiFi Motherboard

    You don't see too many motherboard reviews these days.  Something about low margins, poor marketing budgets and lack luster performance advantages.  Thank you, Intel, for making your processors so good that the subsystem doesn't matter. wink smile

    Funky Kit has a ASRock Phantom Gaming B760I review posted.  ASRock is one of those companies that tries to be amazing but is tied too much to the ASUS shadow to succeed.  Of course, I can say that since they don't send me products to review anymore and likely never will.  (However, Computex is coming up, I'll see what I can do to crack the ASRock knut.)

    I have to admit, I'm pleasantly surprised by the features and performance the ASRock Phantom Gaming B760I Lightning WiFi has to offer, especially in such a small and compact mini-ITX motherboard. It offers good performance, decent overclocking ability and it's perfect for compact PC project builds, mini-PCs and more. 

    I do like me some MiniITX motherboard action, despite what the pot smoking states say about selling computer systems that don't meet (or are exempt from) their power, save the planet, requirements.

  • Homeworld 3 Performance Benchmark @ TechPowerUp

    I am always impressed with reviews where the author will test a game against multiple video cards.  To do this correctly, you need to allocate time to run the actual benchmark along with tweaks and tunes.  You also need to have a repeatable build process available to ensure that EVERY time you run the benchmark with a new video card the conditions are the same.

    From experience I know this can take weeks and when something goes wrong, and it always does, you get results that you cannot trust.  Most reviewers have their system down and, when it is good they will talk about it.  Others may rely on past benchmark results or may even use algorithms to determine the results you are expecting to see.

    I'm not sure which method is right or, even if you (the reader) could tell the difference.  However, what is important is that the results can be repeated and that "you" the reader could recreate them if you wanted.  For a game like Homeworld 3, I'm not sure it even matters wink smile

    Homeworld 3 is the latest installment in the epic space RTS series. Thanks to Unreal Engine, you get upgraded visuals and combat in real three-dimensional environments. In our performance review, we're taking a closer look at image quality, VRAM usage, and performance on a wide selection of modern graphics cards.

    Or, maybe it does, point is I'm not too concerned either way.

  • ThundeRobot ML903 NearLink @ TechPowerUp

    I have seen quite a few computer mice in the years of doing product reviews.  They are one of those "needed" products that people either get stupid excited over or really couldn't give a crap.  Thing is, the mouse is still one of the primary devices for interacting with a PC and arguably one of the most important components of a proper gaming rig.  So, while there are zealots out there I'm not sure they would find an ambidextrous wireless mouse with a PixArt PAW3396 sensor all that interesting.

    Unless they are left handed wink smile

    The ambidextrous ML903 is among the first mice debuting Huawei's NearLink technology. In addition, it comes with wired 8000 Hz and wireless 4000 Hz polling, PixArt's PAW3395 sensor, Kailh main button switches, and a 600 mAh battery, all wrapped into a 68 g package.

    It seems that this mouse is also one of them "light" mice that could blow away at the slightest sneeze from across the room.

    Thing is, I have a hard time thinking a mouse you can buy off of Aliexpress can be all that good.

  • Thermaltake Launches LCGS Spring Sale with Premier Saving on High-Performance Pre-built Gaming Desktops

    Experience supreme gaming performance with Thermaltake top-selling LCGS featuring INTEL® Core™ 14th Gen CPUs as well as NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 and RTX™ 40 Super GPUs 

     WALNUT, CALIFORNIA, May 7th, 2024 — Thermaltake USA, a leader in PC case, cooling, power, and memory solutions, proudly launches the Spring Sale, running from May 7th to May 31st. This promotional event spotlights four exceptional Thermaltake LCGS (Liquid Cooled Gaming Systems) desktops, outfitted with the latest INTEL® Core™ 14th and 13th Gen CPUs, as well as NVIDIA® GeForce™ RTX™ 40 and RTX™ 40 Super GPUs, engineered to deliver unparalleled gaming power and performance. 

    Throughout the Spring Sale, enthusiasts can seize remarkable offers, including special pricing and a complimentary bundle featuring the Thermaltake ARGENT K5 RGB Gaming Keyboard and ARGENT M5 RGB Gaming Mouse, valued at over $200, or a free ToughRam XG RAM upgrade from 32GB to 64GB with any purchase of an INTEL® Core™ 14th Gen gaming desktop. Additionally, all gaming PCs powered by INTEL® Core™ 14th Gen CPUs will come with a copy of the Star Wars Outlaws™ PC game. Shoppers can also enjoy a $100 discount on select LCGS equipped with INTEL® Core™ 13th CPUs using the promo code "INTELSPRING100".

    “We are delighted to offer our gaming community the most advanced and powerful gaming solutions during this year’s Spring Sale," said Michael Guo, Vice President of Thermaltake USA. "Our carefully selected lineup of LCGS desktops embodies our commitment to delivering exceptional performance and gaming experiences. This sale is not just about great deals as a token of gratitude to the gamer community; it’s about upgrading the gameplay and achieving new heights in gaming excellence.”

    LCGS

    Special Price

    CPU

    GPU

    Free Bundle Offer

    Reactor i90 -Black

    $3,699.99

    Intel® Core™ i9-14900KF

    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090

    - Free ARGENT K5 RGB Gaming Keyboard Cherry MX Blue,   $179.99 Value  


    - Free ARGENT M5 RGB Gaming Mouse, $69.99 Value


    - A copy of  Star War Outlaws™ PC game 

    View i4770

    $1,899.99

    Intel Core™ i7-14700KF

    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070

    - Free ToughRam XG RAM Memory Upgrade (32G to 64G)  $100 Value

    - A copy of  Star War Outlaws™ PC game 

    Apollo i4780

    $2,799.99

    Intel® Core™ i7-13700KF

    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 Super

    Enjoy $100 off at checkout. Use code INTELSPRING100.

    Reactor i470T

    $2,499.99

    Intel® Core™ i9-13900K

    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti Super

    Enjoy $100 off at checkout. Use code INTELSPRING100.


    The selected LCGS desktops offer unparalleled performance enhancements, ensuring minimal latency and maximum frame rates for an unbeatable gaming experience. Gamers can immerse themselves in smooth, detailed visuals and enhanced gameplay across the most demanding modern titles. 

    All Thermaltake products are backed by a comprehensive warranty policy, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase. The specifics of the warranty may differ based on the product category. For detailed information about our warranty coverage and to review the full policy, please visit the Warranty Policy Page.

    To learn more about the Spring Sale, please visit https://thermaltakeusa.com/collections/gaming-pc.  

  • YEYIAN GAMING Spotlights Amazon Gaming Week 2024 with Exclusive Deals on Pre-built Phoenix Gaming PCs and Hussar Plus PC Cases

    Featuring up to $300 off Gaming PCs Equipped with NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 4000/4000 Super Series Graphics Cards

    San Diego, California, April 29th, 2024 – YEYIAN GAMING, a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, is thrilled to announce exclusive promotions for Amazon Gaming Week 2024, running from April 29 to May 5. This key event in the online retail calendar, tailored explicitly for PC enthusiasts and gamers, offers significant savings opportunities. YEYIAN Gaming has handpicked five of its top-selling gaming desktops to feature discounts of up to $300, along with special deals on two PC cases from the prestigious Hussar Plus series.

    The featured Phoenix and Tanto gaming systems are equipped with cutting-edge NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 4000 and 4000 Super series graphics cards, as well as high-performance processors from INTEL® Core™ i9, Core™ i7, and AMD Ryzen™ 7. Additionally, the YEYIAN Hussar Plus ATX mid-tower gaming PC case offers a sleek, spacious design that supports standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. Compatible with the latest NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, it features a tempered glass side panel and advanced cooling options to accommodate multiple fans and AIOs. These promotions provide a fantastic opportunity for gamers to significantly upgrade their setups and enhance their gaming experience during one of the year's most anticipated sales events.

    "We are excited to deepen the collaboration with Amazon for Gaming Week 2024, an event that is tailored and captivates gamers worldwide," said Frank Lee, Vice President of YEYIAN Gaming. "This year, we are delighted to offer significant discounts across some of our most popular gaming desktops. Through this partnership with Amazon, we can provide these advanced models with the latest technology to a broader audience at unparalleled prices. At YEYIAN Gaming, we strive to exceed the gaming community's expectations through continuous innovation and superior quality. These promotions represent a fantastic opportunity for gamers to upgrade their setups with high-performance technology, making elite gaming more accessible than ever."

    Gaming PC Exclusive Deals

    Phoenix Gaming Desktop PC:

    $300 off coupon for PM49KSD-4901U Gaming PC: click here

    • Intel® Core™ i9 14900KF/RTX 4090/Z790/64GB DDR5/2TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/1000W Platinum PSU 
    • Free Game: Star Wars Outlaws™  

    $200 off for PM49KFC-48S1U Gaming PC at now $2,899: click here

    • Intel® Core™ i9 14900KF/RTX™ 4080 Super/Z790/32GB DDR5/2TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/850W Gold PSU
    • Free Game: Star Wars Outlaws™  

    $300 off for PG780DC-47Y1U Gaming PC at now $1,899: click here

    • AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D/RTX™ 4070 Ti/B650/32GB DDR5/1TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/750W Gold PSU

    $100 off coupon for PG49KFC-47S1U Gaming PC: click here

    • Intel® Core™ i9 14700KF/RTX™ 4070 Super/Z790/32GB DDR5/1TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/650W Gold PSU
    • Free Game: Star Wars Outlaws™  

    Tanto Gaming Desktop PC:

    • $200 off coupon for TA24F0B-4601U Gaming PC: click here
    • Intel® Core™ i7 12700F/RTX™ 4060/B660/16GB DDR5/1TB NVMe SSD/650W Gold PSU

    PC Case Exclusive Deals 

    • Enjoy 12% off for the Hussar Plus ATX gaming PC case, tempered glass side panel, white edition,  now $74.99: click here
    • Enjoy 13% off for the Hussar Plus ATX gaming PC case, tempered glass side panel, black edition,  now $69.99: click here

    For more details on Star Wars Outlaws™, please visit https://us.yeyiangaming.com/yeyian-and-intel-presents-star-wars-outlaws

    For warranty information, please visit https://us.yeyiangaming.com/warranty-information

  • KLEVV Bolt V DDR5-6800 32 GB CL34 @ TechPowerUp

    I met with the KLEVV folks one year during Computex.  They had some good stuff but nothing really special, in fact it was rather basic and designed for the mainstream.

    Makes me wonder how these new Bolt modules will work out.

    KLEVV has brought the Bolt series to DDR5. Targeting PC gamers, the Bolt V is a low-profile memory kit that keeps the lights off, but is no slouch either! Follow along as we benchmark and compare this memory kit on both Intel and AMD systems.

    DDR5-6800 isn't bad though, I have seen faster. happy smile

  • GravaStar Sirius P5 Combo Earphones Review @ Madshrimps

    Ok, so, what I find interesting about this product AND the review.  The title says they are Earphones (ear buds) but, the article snip doesn't really "sell" it to me.  In fact I was really confused as to what I was seeing.

    Was this some sort of fancy zippo lighter?? was it a space frame to hold your phone?? 

    Armed with that I went to check out the review and... three pages in, I was still confused but, I can honestly say the packaging is quite amazing.

    After connecting the Sirius P5 set to our Samsung S24 smartphone, we started listening to various TV shows via Plex, YouTube videos but also listened to some music: the earphones sound really good, with an impressive amount of bass for such small drivers, while the voices are delivered with clarity. The capacitive controls on each earbud do allow actions such as answering phone calls, audio track skipping, play/pause, volume control or we can also activate the voice assistant. If we are playing games, there is also a mode which minimizes latency to about 48ms, which is great!

    I'm not one for Ear Buds but, for those who are, these might be interesting to check out.