Tech News
-
Evolve Your Game With The EK-Quantum MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X D-RGB
Published: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 | By: DennisEK®, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, and MSI®, a world-leading gaming brand, have partnered up once again to launch the next-gen MSI CARBON motherboard and EK-Quantum monoblock combo. The brand new EK-Quantum MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X D-RGB is based on the latest Z690 chipset and supports Intel® 12th gen Alder Lake CPUs, this motherboard offers unparalleled cooling for the CPU, VRM section, and the first slot M.2 SSD thanks to the purpose-designed monoblock.
MSI’s world-class engineering team and EK’s industry-leading thermal engineers worked together to improve the previous-gen solution and bring even more benefits to the newest Intel Alder Lake platform. The MPG Z690 Carbon EK X allows maximum performance without the noisy environment, providing you with countless hours of uninterrupted gameplay while monitoring the flow in your loop via the integrated flow indicator. And to make sure your first assembly goes without a hitch, an EK-Leak Tester was included in the package.
EK-Quantum MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X D-RGB
What sets this motherboard apart is its unique design combined with a monoblock that aesthetically blends in with it. The carbon fiber pattern is there to remind all hardcore gamers that pushing the limits is what gaming is all about. A powerful 18+1+1 Power delivery system provides stable power to the CPU with 18 of the 75A smart power stages supplying the CPU core, the integrated GPU, and the System Agent. The absolutely massive power delivery system allows for incredible overclocks and, by proxy, a great boost in performance, for which the only downside is increased heat generation. This is where the EK monoblock kicks in – to cool down not just the CPU but the power delivery system as well.
The monoblock features an integrated flow indicator that will allow you to monitor your flow visually and adjust the pump speed if required. It will also let you know if the flow is hindered in any way. Making sure that everything is as cool as possible and operating under peak conditions, the monoblock also cools the main M.2 SSD drive allowing maximum read/write speeds even under sustained loads.
Great ValueIn one box, you get a high-end gaming motherboard, a monoblock cooling solution, and an EK Leak Tester (otherwise retailing for $39.99). The cooling solution is engineered specifically for the MPG Z690 CARBON EK X and takes out all the guesswork from finding the right monoblock for your motherboard. The included Leak Tester will ensure you make no mistakes during the assembly of the cooling loop, even if you’ve never dealt with custom loop liquid cooling before!
All MSI MPG Z690 CARBON EK X owners are entitled to the premium customer service that EK provides for its customers worldwide. If you have any questions, problems, or just want to get in touch, reach out to us through our dedicated support channel. Even if you are just getting into custom loop liquid cooling, our kind customer support will gladly help if there are any uncertainties.
EK-M.2 Active Contact Cooling
The massive copper cold plate is in direct contact with the first front-mounted M.2 SSD, providing active cooling to unlock your SSD’s full potential.
The cooling solution is integrated into the monoblock design, hence it does not require additional fittings or an intricate tube routing.The base of the monoblock is made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper while its top is made of quality CNC-machined cast acrylic glass material, partially covered with a carbon fiber style pattern. The nickel-plated brass screw-in standoffs are pre-installed and allow for easy installation.
A black POM piece covers the lighting solution, removing unwanted hotspots and providing a more uniform lighting experience. The block is equipped with 3-pin 5V Addressable D-RGB LED strips compatible with the motherboard’s 3-pin 5V Addressable D-RGB LED header. The arrow marking on the 3-pin LED connector is to be aligned with the +5V marking on the addressable D-RGB header.
Specifications
- Supports 12th Gen Intel Core / Pentium Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket.
- DDR5 Support: Allows even faster data transfer speeds.
- Native PCI-e gen 4.0 offers twice the bandwidth of PCI-e gen 3.0 and ensures your
- GPU and storage run at maximum speed without bottlenecks.
- Enhanced Power Design: 18+1+1 smart power stage system, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, DDR5 Boost.
- MYSTIC LIGHT: 16.8 million colors / 29 effects controlled in one click. MYSTIC LIGHT EXTENSION supports both RGB and RAINBOW LED strips.
- M.2 Shield Frozr: Both M.2 slots with Shield Frozr are built for high-performance systems and a non-stop gaming experience.
- Lightning USB 20G: Built-in USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port offers 20Gb/s transmission speed, which is 4 times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 1.
- AUDIO BOOST 5: High-quality audio processor for the most immersive audio experience with direct stream digital audio support.
- 2.5G LAN with LAN Manager and Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use delivers a secure, stable, and fast network connection.
- Pre-installed I/O Shielding: Better EMI protection and more convenience for installation.
Lightning gen 5: With up to 128GB/s bandwidth speeds.
-
Funky Kit Review - Thermaltake Core P6 TG Mid Tower Chassis
Published: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | By: DennisThe Thermaltake P6 has been a popular case for many years and, in a strange twist of fate, has also been copied and sampled enough that you can see its influence in many popular designs.
For those that don't know the P6 is an open air chassis design that was first launched as a case you can mount to the wall. While that seems like a crazy cool idea the reality is that NOBODY has time for that or would bother doing it.
Instead of going back to the drawing board they took a page out of the many P6 copies that opted to enclose the case and make it more of a traditional tower. Which is what we have here.
The Thermaltake Core P6 TG is a chassis meant to show off your components in extreme style. You can easily transform your design into an open chassis with the removal of a couple of screws. You won't be limited by the case's specifications when it comes to what you want to achieve with the Core P6 TG!
Now for my challenge, find the copies!
, go on, it isn't difficult, in fact it is the most popular case on reddit!. So popular that Thermaltake even copied it, a copy of a copy LOL. -
XPG SPECTRIX D45G DDR4-4400 2x 8 GB @ TechPowerUp
Published: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | By: DennisADATA or XPG is not a name we see often in the US. You can buy the products at any online retailer but the marketing for them is virtually non-existent. Despite this they do make some pretty good stuff and put on an amazing show during Computex.
The XPG SPECTRIX series blurs the line between high-performance, high-octane DIMMs and the bedazzling light show powered by RGB LEDs. XPG doesn't miss a beat rounding out the experience with SK Hynix DJR ICs; this kit has overclocking has written all over it. Join me as we take a closer look at this XPG 4400 MT/s 16 GB memory kit.
I'm not sure how High-Octane relates to computer memory but the DDR4 4400Mhz modules are some of the fastest you can buy and do a pretty good job at taking the edge off of certain benchmarks when matched with a high-quality processor and supporting motherboard.
Though, for the money, the performance isn't all that..
-
Radeon TX 6600 Launch Day
Published: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | By: DennisIt may sound crazy but for "most" the latest and greatest is not a concern. These people don't pour over benchmarks or even read any online reviews and let their wallets do the talking. Provided what they buy will do what they need then, they are happy.
Sadly, this sort of thinking is why we have massive price wars and also why technical innovation has stagnated somewhat and no longer compels users to buy one brand over another. Except in the video card space, it is here that we have a reason for buying one product over.
Case in point. the Radeon RX 6600, this card is intended to be a low cost RDNA 2 card for those looking to upgrade but cannot afford to get anything better.
Web Reviews
Radeon RX 6600 (Sapphire Pulse) review @ Guru3D
AMD Radeon RX 6600 Review: Lower-Cost RDNA 2 For 1080p Gamers @ Hot Hardware
PowerColor RX 6600 Fighter @ LanOC Reviews
AMD Radeon RX 6600 @ TechPowerUp
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 6600 Eagle Review @ VortezNow all we need is the ability to buy any of these cards and we will have some happy customers.
-
GeIL Announces the Availability of POLARIS RGB DDR5 Gaming Memory Kits
Published: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | By: DennisThe world's first RGB DDR5 is now available for Intel's 12th Generation Alder Lake desktop processors and Z690 motherboards Frequencies from 4800MHz to 5600MHz with full overclocking potential
Taipei, Taiwan — October 12th, 2021 -- GeIL – Golden Emperor International Ltd. – One of the world's leading PC components & peripheral manufacturers, is proud to announce the launch of their latest Polaris RGB DDR5 Memory providing high-speed modules ranging from 4800MHz to 5600MHz and available in large kit capacities of 16GB to 64GB with excellent heat spreader and stunning RGB illumination for gamers and PC enthusiasts.
"GeIL has been representing gamers and PC hardware enthusiasts for decades. We have put countless hours into developing the new DDR5 memory platform to ensure that desktop and laptop users will get the best performance from day one." Said Jennifer Huang, the VP of GeIL Memory. "The POLARIS DDR5 is the first RGB illuminated DDR5 memory module available in the market. GeIL has been working closely with all major motherboard makers to guarantee that the new POLARIS RGB DDR5 and other upcoming GeIL DDR5 Memory products have the best compatibility and reliability across both Intel and AMD motherboards, including Z690 and Zen4 platforms." She added.
GeIL's next-generation POLARIS RGB DDR5 Memory products do not only represent a fundamental frequency/speed upgrade but are designed to deliver unprecedented performance through the combination of larger capacities, enhanced speeds, and broader bandwidth per processor core. Increases in system performance and efficiency are the cornerstones of any new memory generation. The new architecture has plenty of features to support that, such as the increased burst length, improved refresh schemes, and the increased bank groups significantly boosting performance. In addition, the introduction of the local voltage regulation based on the PMIC (Power Management IC) provides current monitoring, offers threshold protection, and intelligent voltage and power management for a more comprehensive range of voltage tweaking and adjustment. Finally, a newly added on-die ECC function further improves data integrity and performance enhancements.
PolairsDDR5.jpgGeIL POLARIS RGB DDR5 Memory fully implements the exclusive ORI (Optimized RGB Illumination) design to avoid the light bulb effect across the RGB light bar and bring the user a well-blended and fantastic RGB lighting effect. The heat spreader has three different color themes: Racing Red, Titanium Gray, and Glacier White, which perfectly matches the fluid RGB illumination. Additionally, the physical height of its heat spreader is customized to fit most CPU coolers in the market without any mechanical interference.
B6_Front+Back(POLARIS_RGB_W_DC).pngGeIL POLARIS RGB DDR5 Memory is now available in major retailers worldwide with speeds from 4800MHz up to 5600MHz at 1.1V/1.25V and available in capacities from 16GB up to 64GB.
Product Specification
Product : POLARIS RGB
DDR Generation: DDR5
Frequency: 4800MHz / 5200MHz (O.C.) / 5600MHz (O.C.)
Kit Capacity: 16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Module Capacity: 16GB / 32GB
Package: 1 DIMM / 2 DIMMs
CAS Latency: CL 34~40
Operating Voltage: 1.10V / 1.25V
Heat Spreader Colors: Racing Red / Titanium Grey / Glacier White
Compatibility: Intel XMP 3.0 (O.C.)
Country of Origin: Designed & Made in Taiwan -
Colorful GeForce RTX 3060 Bilibili 12GB @ Guru3D
Published: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | By: DennisI have to say the only reason I'm posting this is because of the stupid product name. Yes it caught my attention and that is, like, 134% of what marketing is paid to do and.. it worked.
I am also certain there is a logical reason for why they would name their e-Sports edition RTX 3060 "Bilibili" and even if it turns out that they are a fans of the movie Caddyshack and didn't understand that the putters name was "Billy Barou" this translation not good.
All your base are belong to Colorful, join us as we review their iGame GeForce RTX 3060 bilibili E-Sports edition OC, also with 12GB, 3584 shading processors activated but with a proper factory boost clock of 1822 MHz, a graphics card has been tweaked straight out of the box for you and our tested model, comes in a two fan design.
With that being said. the card does look pretty darn good. White shell with colorful graphics and some nice "encouraging" words to help you get better scores on a video card offering RTX effects at a GTX 1070 speed point.
Still, the name could have been better.
-
Building A Plex Media Server with TerraMaster 10GbE Series
Published: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | By: DennisCreate a powerful Plex multimedia server for home entertainment and more with TerraMaster 10GbE NAS series
September 29th, 2021 Shenzhen, China - TerraMaster, a professional brand that specializes in providing innovative storage products for home, businesses and enterprises, announces support for Plex – a popular media platform used for home entertainment and more. With this, TerraMaster 10GbE Series NAS users can build a powerful Plex Media Server with the help of excellent transcoding capabilities of the Intel quad-core processors to deliver smooth high-definition video playback.
What is Plex
Plex brings together all the media that matters to you. Your personal collection will look beautiful alongside stellar streaming content. Enjoy Live TV & DVR, a growing catalog of great web shows, news, and podcasts. It's finally possible to enjoy all the media you love in a single app, on any device, no matter where you are.
Building a Plex Media Server with TerraMaster
The Plex Media Server application is now available at the TerraMaster TOS app. Simply download and install the application to create your own Plex Media Server using your TerraMaster NAS device.The TerraMaster 10GbE NAS series products are all equipped with the Intel quad-core J3455 processor which offers smooth 4K H256-level decoding delivering quality images and videos. Furthermore, the Plex Media Server application comes with its own multimedia content management that allows you to easily organize audio and video files to create a family-friendly library.
Plex Media Server Offerings
Having your own Plex Media Server can help you achieve the best entertainment experience with your Smart TV, TV Box, and mobile device. See set up ideas below.TerraMaster NAS and Smart TV: Best Home Theater Experience
Store all your favorite videos, films, music, and photos from you and your family to create a unified media server which you can easily share and access using your Smart TV.TerraMaster NAS and TV Box: Multimedia Experience at your Fingertips
It is easy to setup a Plex Media Server and use your favorite TV Box device to stream audio and video with ease. Supported TV Box devices include Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, and others.TerraMaster NAS and Smartphones/Tablets: Multimedia Player Anytime, Anywhere
There’s no need to sync all your audios, videos, and photos on your phone or tablet, simply install Plex app on your phone or tablet to access all your media files stores in your TerraMaster NAS. Plex application delivers smooth streaming and video playback, allowing you to enjoy quality entertainment anytime, anywhere.Plex Media Server is supported by all TerraMaster NAS models but best with the TerraMaster 10GbE Series with faster 10 Gigabit Ethernet networking. With 10GbE, enjoy smooth 4K/8K video playback and be able to access your media files quickly. To learn more, please visit TerraMaster
-
ASUS and Noctua announce ASUS GeForce RTX 3070 Noctua Edition graphics card
Published: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | By: DennisTaipei/Vienna, October 4th 2021 – ASUS and Noctua today announced the ASUS GeForce RTX 3070 Noctua Edition: the world’s first graphics card to use Noctua fans and a tailored heatsink that has been co-engineered by Noctua. Allowing for a reduction in noise levels of up to 15dB(A), this refined cooling setup makes the Noctua Edition the quietest card in its class and the perfect choice for customers who demand serious GPU performance without sacrificing quietness of operation.
“Using our extensive thermal R&D experience, we’ve created a new GPU heatsink that's tailor-made for the performance characteristics of their state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 fans,” said Kent Chien (Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the ASUS Multimedia Business Unit). “Our teamwork gives noise-conscious gamers and Noctua enthusiasts a unique graphics card that maximizes heat dissipation per decibel of noise emitted, all in a package that coordinates perfectly with other Noctua products in a DIY PC.”
“Customers have been asking us to create GPU cooling solutions for quite some time, so we’re excited and honoured to team up with ASUS in order to make this happen. Using our NF-A12x25 fans and fine-tuning the heatsink for use with them, we’ve managed to achieve a significant boost in performance-to-noise efficiency”, explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “ASUS’ GeForce RTX 3070 was certainly an outstanding card already, but we’re confident that the further improved cooling solution of the Noctua Edition will be the cherry on top for noise-conscious customers.”
Measured side by side, the improvements of the Noctua Edition are substantial with a massive reduction in noise levels of 15dB(A) at medium fan speeds and 9dB(A) at maximum fan speeds. When used in cases with good ventilation and at moderate ambient temperatures of 24°C or lower, the card will keep its fans at very low speeds even at 100% GPU load. In such a typical setting, the Noctua Edition achieves a reduction in noise levels of 5.7dB(A) as compared to the standard version. Registering at only 12.6dB(A), it is not only quiet but near inaudible. This enables customers with well-ventilated cases and moderate ambient temperatures to play games or run other GPU intensive tasks in almost complete silence.For more information -
Thermaltake and Studio F. A. Porsche Announce a Design Collaboration on the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair
Published: Friday, October 1, 2021 | By: DennisA Pursuit in Uncharted Experience
Walnut, California-September 30th, 2021-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, is delighted to announce a new collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche, a union where exclusive functional design meets with cutting-edge gaming peripheral technology. Thermaltake and Studio F. A. Porsche has reimagined the traditional gaming chair and took it to the next level regarding aesthetic design, quality, and engineering. Together, Thermaltake and Studio F. A. Porsche has created a premium gaming chair that is not only exclusively designed for gamers. The new ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair is also an excellent fit for the working professional. It will be available in six colors allowing users to select the best chair for their taste.
"The new ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair is more than just a gaming chair – our goal was to find the perfect balance of refined ergonomics, convincing comfort, and outstanding aesthetics. The result of this collaboration with Thermaltake defies any categorization – it is both a sporty gaming chair as well as an advanced office chair, executed in the best possible way", says Christian Schwamkrug, Design Director and Deputy Managing Director of the Studio F. A. Porsche.
"We are excited to have collaborated with Studio F. A. Porsche to develop a highly refined and expertly executed gaming chair— the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair draws inspiration from the comfort & luxury of top-tier sports car seats and combines it with the multi-functionality of a professional gaming chair. This versatile real leather gaming chair is perfect for the modern office, gaming room, and home space, "says Kenny Lin, Thermaltake Founder & CEO.
New Style Design: inspired by high-end race cars
Designed by Studio F. A. Porsche, the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair combines the best of both worlds - the aesthetics of a racing bucket seat with the functionality and elegance of a modern lounge or office chair. The design ingenuities are inspired by high-end race cars and translated to a gaming chair. Firstly, the side integrated aluminum alloy handles are designed for tilting and elevating. The left-side handle can adjust the seatback up to 126°, and the right-side handle can alter seat height in between 16.1" - 20.8" (41 – 53 cm).Furthermore, the seated part features a built-in wire-control mechanism that guarantees superior functionality and gives a neat overall appearance. In addition, the E700 features a class-4 gas spring for height adjustments, a premium grade 5-star aluminum alloy base, and large 3" caster wheels covered by PU to ensure stability, reliability, and safety. Lastly, located at the front middle of the chair is a Thermaltake logo plate in polished metallic silver aluminum finish, which is both unique and sophisticated.
Iconic Colors: light up your space
On the foundation of functionality, Thermaltake adds another exciting addition to the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair by offering a whole range of multicolored options, including Glacier White, Flaming Orange, Ocean Blue, and Racing Green offering vivid colors and a highly scratch-resistant surface with minimal color fade. Storm Black and Space Gray represents the finest quality through a subtle and elegant matte finish, and the calm tone is simple but classic. Despite the color, a refined chair can light up your space and bring ambiance to your gaming stations, and bling to your office. Users can create their styles with these unique colors no matter the situation.Superlative Comfort: For a satisfying user experience
The ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair is fully covered by genuine real leather with 1 - 1.1 mm thickness complimented with delicate stitching over the entire seat and headrest. The seated area is constructed with perforated leather for extreme heat dissipation and ventilation. High-density molded foam provides firm body support while maintaining a sedentary posture and even weight distribution. Additionally, the unique one-piece curved-back chair design allows users to achieve full-body immersion by either sitting straight up or relaxing in four lockable angles, 107°, 113°, 119°, 126°. In comparison, the quad-directional armrest adjustments provide support for the forearm and help to relieve wrist pressure. Pushing both the function and aesthetics to another level, the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair is more than just a chair; it is the perfect fit for you to immerse yourself in virtual adventures or working environments for hours.Features of the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair:
Premium Genuine Leather
It is fully wrapped by genuine leather with 1 - 1.1mm thickness over the entire seat and headrest. The genuine leather is known for its durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance, and embroidered with elegant red stitching and unsurpassed breathability design for optimal aeration and style.Race Car inspired Side Handles
Designed to reflect a race car, the integrated side handles can be tilting and elevating, allowing users to find the perfect posture! The left side handle positions the seat back up to 126°. The right side handle adjusts the seat height between 16.1 - 20.8" (41 - 53cm).Polished Aluminum Logo
The Thermaltake logo plate located in the front middle is aluminum polished, be unique!First-Class Seating Experience
The one-piece curved-back design intends to appear aesthetic and futuristic; additionally, its formation provides a full-body immersion, imitating a first-class seating experience.Perforated Leather Seat Design
Perforated leather offers breathability to achieve heat dissipation and ventilation.Versatile Adjustments
Four-directional armrest movements in height and width for optimal support of the forearm to relieve wrist pressure and muscle strain.Adjustable Headrest
Integrated headrest with lift adjustment up to about 1.9" (5cm).High-Density Molded Foam
The genuine leather gaming chair is packed with high-density molded foam of 143.3lbs/ft³ (65kg/m³). High-density and premium foam offer even weight distribution and firm body support while maintaining a sedentary posture.Sit Straight or Relax
Sit back in four lockable angles: 107°, 113°, 119°, 126°.Class-4 Gas Spring
Class-4 gas spring for maximized safety and reliability during height adjustments.5-star Aluminum Base & Caster Wheels
Premium grade 5-star aluminum alloy base with large 3" (7.5cm) caster wheels for enhanced stability. Suitable for soft and hard floors, without scratching the floor.Recommended Measurements
- Height: 5’6” – 6’2” (170cm – 190cm)
- Weight: 331 lbs (150kg)
Thermaltake ARGENT E700 gaming chairs will be available in the middle of October at the Thermaltake USA web store.
To learn more about the ARGENT E700 Real Leather Gaming Chair, please visit:
Glacier White:
Space Gray:
Storm Black:
Flaming Orange:
Racing Green:
Ocean Blue: -
Intel Confirms AIB Partners Are Building Custom Arc Alchemist Graphics Cards @ Hot Hardware
Published: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | By: DennisIn the broad spectrum of the PC Hardware world there are several truths.
One, when upgrading your processor, you will almost always need a new motherboard and the only thing stopping motherboard makers from fusing the CPU to the PCB is because it is cheaper.
Two, there is such thing as a perfect case design and much like a motherboard it is paired with the hardware. Everyone complaining about cases, case cooling and case design has picked the wrong case for their hardware platform.
Three, nobody wants a stock video card, the only reason stock video cards exist is because of OEMs and that consumers are penny pinching tight asses who what the cheapest price, NOT the best deal.
Knowing this I am surprised to see a news headline indicating that Intel confirms that board partners will be able to build custom versions of Arc Alchemist graphics cards. Most of the time a "custom" graphics card indicates an aftermarket cooler and maybe a tweaked VRM and memory layout however, I'm not sure how far Intel will allow things to be pushed. Maybe they allow some extreme overclocking with dynamic frequency adjustments and full voltage control OR maybe they follow the NVIDIA lead and lock everything down.
Unless plans change between now and then, the answer is yes, Intel's hardware partners will offer up custom models rather than just sticking with Intel's reference design. This is the same approach AMD and NVIDIA take with their graphics cards—they each launch their own models (NVIDIA calls them Founders Edition), while AIB partners can decide whether to stick with reference designs, or offer up custom-cooled and overclocked variants. Or both.
It will be interesting to see what finally comes out of the Intel camp when the Arc is released.
