Tech News
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ASRock X670E Steel Legend Review @ Vortez
Published: Monday, December 19, 2022 | By: DennisASRock, now there is a name I haven't heard in a very long time. Back when overclocking was factory supported you could a good number of boards designed specifically for overclocking along with some unicorns from ASRock. Sure they might use the same components as ASUS boards and, sure the bios layout is the same with the same basic controls but, for some reason the boards were cheaper, Yellow and offered pretty good performance.
ASRock’s Steel Legend brand has been a strong one for a handful of generations now, serving as a welcome mid-range gaming model that sits below their flagship Taichi series in the stack for any given chipset. The X670E Steel Legend applies the same to the 600-series, but is absolutely one of the more premium-priced variants released by the Taiwanese company simply by virtue of X670E’s component cost.
Seems the Steel Legend is on deck in full arctic camo with minimal heatsink'age. Will this board be any good? Check out the review and see if you can figure it out.
Yep, I said it, you will have to read the review to find out what they have to say, its like, how written articles work, no more hand-outs, just real words for your brain to digest.
snoochy boochies
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DeepCool CH510 Mesh Digital Case Launch
Published: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 | By: DennisIt was only a matter of time before we started seeing digital displays on our computer cases again. Of course, for those of "us" who have been around for awhile this is not a new concept. Early computers often had a digital readout showing the speed of the CPU allowing you to quickly see if your PC was in Turbo or Turtle trim.
later during the golden age of Computer Case Modding there were several companies offering digital displays that resided in one of the many drive bays. These even got pretty fancy with touch screens and mutiple sensors to measure just about anything inside your computer.
The DeepCool CH510 Mesh Digital appears to have brought back the joys of a digital display and even placed it in a very historic location. In addition, the case has a full mesh panel for optimal cooling and tempered glass "just cause"
The CH510 MESH DIGITAL PC case is designed for high airflow performance to build an efficient cooling system, thanks to the generous mesh open area in the front, top, rear to allow ample airflow. The built-in digital display in the front panel monitor allows system information for critical CPU or GPU temperatures through of CH510 MESH DIGITAL gaming case, providing a practical visual design element that serves a simple yet functional purpose.
It will be interesting to see if the trend of digital screens takes off or is just a passing fad. They do add considerable expense to a low margin component. So, it will be up to the hardware enthusiasts on if it sticks around.
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AMD RX 7900 XTX RDNA3 GPU Launch Reviews
Published: Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | By: DennisIt would seem that I have been hiding under some rocks obscured by bushes when it comes to AMD based graphics cards. Admittingly, when it comes to AMD cards there was a time when y you just couldn’t buy them so, I stopped paying attention.
Of course, now that the crypto boom has finally subsided there is a pretty good chance that GPUs are back on the menu for us gamers.
AMD has launched their new RDNA3 cards, below are some choice web reviews for you to check out.
Web Reviews
- AMD "Navi 31" Radeon RX 7900 XTX and XT Unboxing @ TechPowerUp
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX @ TechPowerUp
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT @ TechPowerUp
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX & 7900 XT Review: RDNA 3 Brings Big Gains @ HotHardware
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT and XTX (reference) reviews @ Guru3D
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX @ LanOC ReviewsCustom Boards
- ASUS Radeon RX 7900 XTX TUF OC @ TechPowerUp
- XFX Radeon RX 7900 XTX Merc 310 OC @ TechPowerUp
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Custom Design Reviews (ASUS/XFX) @ Guru3D
- XFX MERC 310 7900 XT Black Edition @ LanOC ReviewsEventually, it would be nice to get back on AMD power with some Radeon love here in the Hardware Asylum Labs. Until that day comes I'll likely enjoy myself some Radeon 7900 Crossfire love since, according to the name, it is excatly the same card.
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Holiday Hardware Giveaway With Thermaltake
Published: Sunday, December 4, 2022 | By: DennisWith the holidays just around the corner and the start to a new year I teamed up with Thermaltake to give away some awesome computer parts.
Up for grabs are the following.
- Thermaltake ToughPower GF3 850W Power Supply (1x ea)
- Thermaltake ToughLiquid 240 ARGB AIO Cooler (1x ea)
- Thermaltake H700 TG Black (1x ea)
Contest end Jan 2nd 2023 at 11:59 PM PST
A Total 3 winners will be announced on Jan 3rd, 2023.Follow the instructions below to enter and good luck!
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Creative Pebble Pro: Beauty Comes with Beats
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | By: DennisSINGAPORE – 16 November 2022 – Creative Technology today launched Creative Pebble Pro, the popular Pebble speaker series’ latest and best addition, which boasts a compelling mix of size-defying audio quality, minimalist elegance in form, and a subtle yet distinctive personable touch of RGB lighting to adorn any desktop setup.
This new 2.0 USB speaker system sees various improvements across its features set, headlined by its audio performance. With revamped full-range drivers, and featuring digital amplifiers with built-in audio processing, which replace analog ones used in previous models the Pebble Pro belies its diminutive form factor with more headroom for louder, clearer audio across the volume range, as well as up to 3.5 times more bass than the previous model Pebble V3.
Two of Creative’s proprietary audio technologies apply further audio shine:
- BassFlex - delivers an extended low frequency response and deeper bass across all volume levels, without the need for a subwoofer
- Clear Dialog - enhances vocals such that they sound more natural and are easily comprehensible; this is especially helpful when watching movies on the PC
Considering its tiny size, the Pebble Pro’s acoustic power output is capable of reaching a mind-boggling 30W RMS and 60W peak when connected to a 30W PD adaptor*, which unleashes the full potential of its audio competence.
The visual appeal of the Pebble Pro is accentuated by a new RGB lighting feature, tastefully integrated at the bottom of each speaker. Users can take their pick from a wide color spectrum by conveniently dialing the volume knob to set the mood of the day, and illuminate their desktops creatively with 3 lighting effects (Cycle, Pulsate or Solo).
Other features which make the Pebble Pro a must-have desktop accessory:
- A wide array of connectivity options that include Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, 3.5mm AUX-in port, USB-C port for audio streaming and power
- Headphone and microphone ports to transform the Pebble Pro as a convenient communications tool, or for late-night private listening
- Series signature 45-degree elevated angle for optimal audio projection to users’ ears
- Long wire (1.8m / 5.9 ft) connecting both speakers; offers more flexibility in placement
- Long USB-C cable (1.5m / 4.92 ft) for connection to the computer
Pricing and Availability
Creative Pebble Pro is priced at US$59.99 and is available at Creative.com.
For more information, visit www.creative.com/PebblePro.
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Funky Kit Review - Crucial P3 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD
Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 | By: DennisWe have reviewed quite a few Crucial SSDs and found them to be pretty good when it comes to compatibly and performance. The only thing missing is a mainstream PCI Express 4.0 drive.
The Crucial P3 2TB SSD is faster than we expected, and delivers all the best features anyone could ask for. If you're looking for a well-balanced and decent performing SSD at a reasonable price, with options for higher capacities, then you can be sure that the P3 will deliver all that and more.
one great thing about buying "older" storage drives is that they tend to be cheaper and will get you decent enough performance that you really won't be able to tell the difference.
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Pulsar X2 Mini @ TechPowerUp
Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 | By: DennisWhat is great about computers is that as they have matured, they have also become extremely customizable. Instead of flat black fans we can now get ones with amazing colors and different degrees of "blow" The interface devices have also changed to better match personal preferences like this item, The Pulsar X2 Mini. This is an ultra-light mouse with name brand switches and a great sensor.
As the name suggests, the Pulsar X2 Mini is a smaller X2. Weighing 54 g instead of 56 g, the ambidextrous X2 Mini is otherwise identical: PixArt's latest PAW3395 sensor, Kailh GM 8.0 switches for the main buttons, pure PTFE feet, and up to 70 hours of battery life.
The mouse also has no cord so when you rage quit from "any" game you can easily throw the mouse and not damage anything in your room.
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Lexar Announces New Lexar Professional CFexpress Type A Card Gold Series 320GB
Published: Friday, November 18, 2022 | By: DennisSan Jose, USA, November 8, 2022 — Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is proud to announce the new Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A Card GOLD Series in the 320GB capacity. Ideal for professional creators, photographers, and videographers who want to capture high-quality images with superior read speed up to 900MB/s The 320GB model will be bundled with the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A / SD™ USB 3.2 Gen 2 Reader for a more seamless workflow from field to post-production.
Key Features:
- For photographers and videographers who demand superior performance with transfer speeds of up to 900MB/s read
- Transfer speeds up to 900MB/s read, 800MB/s write, and minimum write speed of 700MB/s
- Large capacity of 320GB for professionals with demanding workloads on the go
- Bundled with the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A / SD™ USB 3.2 Gen 2 Reader for seamless workflow
- Smooth and high-speed capture of high-quality images and 8K and 4K 120FPS video
- Rated Video Performance Guarantee 400 (VPG 400)
- Lifetime limited warranty
With read speed up to 900MB/s and write speed up to 800MB/s, Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A Card GOLD Series 320GB is designed to seamlessly capture high-resolution images and cinema-quality 8K video. It is also ideal for professionals who need to handle demanding workflow on the go.
Also, the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A Card GOLD Series 320GB allows professional creators to get back to business without having to constantly switch cards. And for added peace of mind, the card is also rated Video Performance Guarantee 400 (VPG 400) meeting a minimum write speed of 700MB/s so your content is captured seamlessly without dropping a frame.
With superior performance to capture cinema-quality video, the Lexar® CFexpress™ Type A Card Gold Series in 320GB delivers the rugged durability you need to protect from temperature, shock, and vibration allowing you to capture more adventures and store valuable data in a variety of elements.
“We are excited to announce the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A Card GOLD Series in the 320GB capacity. And, with the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A / SD™ USB 3.2 Gen 2 Reader included, professionals can expect top performance and speed up their workflow from capture to transfer and editing," said Joel Boquiren, General Manager of Lexar.
Lexar® Professional CFexpress Type A Card GOLD Series 320GB with Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type A/SD™ Card Reader bundle is available now for purchase online at an MSRP of $ 699.99.
Availability:
- Amazon
- B&H
- Adorama
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NVIDIA RTX 4080 Launch Day
Published: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | By: DennisLast month NVIDIA launched their flagship Ada Lovelace GPU the RTX 4090. This card provided to be a monster in both out of box performance and power consumption with many users showing that the new power adapter would melt due to some design flaws.
We cover this controversy in Episode 141 of the Hardware Asylum Podcast.
The RTX 4080 was announced during the RTX 4090 launch and promised to be an extremely powerful GPU designed for mainstream gamers who realize that the RTX 4090 is too expensive for most everyone and would rather explore the world of "custom" video card offerings from various vendors who will offer custom cooling solutions and various factory overclocks.
Below you will find a sampling of video cards reviews from around the web.
Web Reviews
MSI RTX 4080 Gaming X Trio @ LanOC Reviews
ASUS STRIX GeForce RTX 4080 Gaming OC @ Guru3D
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Review: Ada Lovelace For Enthusiasts
Colorful GeForce RTX 4080 Ultra White OC @ TechPowerUp
Zotac GeForce RTX 4080 AMP Extreme @ TechPowerUp
ASUS GeForce RTX 4080 STRIX OC @ TechPowerUp
Gainward GeForce RTX 4080 Phantom GS @ TechPowerUp -
Noctua introduces NA-IS1 inlet spacers for suction applications and NA-SAVG2 gasket set
Published: Thursday, November 10, 2022 | By: DennisThere has always been a heated debate when it comes to "Push vs Pull" for fan orientation. Typically, we configure fans to "push" air though heatsinks, we push air into computer cases and video cards even push air across their cooling systems. Needless to say, "Push is Popular"
However, "Pull" or when you position fans to pull air through a heatsink you actually expose more surface area to be cooled since there is no longer a dead spot directly under the fan motor. You also don't need to deal with the cone of air exiting the fan and only cooling the edges of your heatsink.
The only major drawback to the "Pull" orientation is that the fan blades are closer to the heatsink and often cause annoying rhythmic noise that can be difficult to filter out. Fans in the "Push" configuration have a natural spacer which creates an air gap and thus reduces the adverse harmonics.
Noctual has introduced a new product to address this issue directly called the NA-IS1 Intake Spacer and NA-SAVG2 anti-vibration gaskets.
Noctua today introduced its new NA-IS1 intake side spacer frames for suction or “pull” type applications where fans draw air through obstacles such as grills, perforated plates, mesh panels, filters or radiators. By offsetting the fan from the obstacle, the NA-IS1 can significantly reduce influx turbulences and thereby help to improve both acoustics and performance. In addition, Noctua also introduced the NA-SAVG2 anti-vibration gasket set for using 140mm fans on water cooling radiators or other applications that benefit from a tighter seal with the fan.
Both of these products are great options to ensure that air intended to keep your system cool is directed exactly where it needs to go.
