Tech News

• Noctua releases its NH-D15 G2 next-gen flagship model CPU cooler and NF-A14x25r G2 fans

  Published: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 | By: Dennis

  Noctua today released its long-awaited NH-D15 G2 next-gen flagship model CPU cooler and NF-A14x25r G2 round-frame 140mm fans. Continuing the legacy of the iconic NH-D15 and its NF-A15 fans, the new G2 products come packed with Noctua’s latest technologies and have been carefully refined in all respects to provide even better quiet cooling performance than their award-winning predecessors.

  

  “Our G2 products have been years in the making and it feels amazing to finally be able to offer the first of them to our customers”, says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “We faced various challenges in both design and manufacturing, but we’ve cut no corners and gone the extra mile to make sure that the G2’s will be worthy successors to some of our most iconic models. When you have them in your hands, I’m confident that you’ll be able to sense some of the dedication and perseverance that went into creating these fans and coolers.”

  These fans were shown during Computex and aim to redefine focal flow fan designs.  For more information check out the link below.

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• AMD FidelityFX FSR 3.1 Review - Frame Generation for Everyone @ TechPowerUp

  Published: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 | By: Dennis

  As GPUs get more powerful there becomes an increasingly larger cache unused potential.  NVIDIA used this to start manipulating the visual output.  First it was the generation of 3D images which later became Frame Generation, Upscaling and DLSS.  Granted some of those tasks were dedicated to specific sections of the chip, or could be considered a completely separate processor (similar to early PhysX)

  One of the biggest contributors to overall Frame Per Second (FPS) performance is Upscaling.  This is the process of taking a smaller image and making it larger with extra points for when the upscaled image looks better than the source.  Combine that with Frame Generation and you can make a substandard POS computer have playable framerates without a major hit in image quality.

  AMD's new FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.1 update (FSR 3.1) features improvements to upscaling quality and Frame Generation. It is now possible to run FSR Frame Generation without any upscaling, or combine it with DLSS, which finally gives GeForce 30 gamers a framegen option.

  I'm not sure if the provided "quote" is correct but, the article seems to clear things up and even provides examples.

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• YEYIAN GAMING Unveils the MIRAGE Gaming PC Cases and the Power-Packed MIRAGE Gaming PCs Equipped GeForce™ RTX™ 4000/4000 Super Graphics Cards

  Published: Thursday, June 20, 2024 | By: Dennis

  Boasting an optimized liquid and air cooling system, the MIRAGE X and MIRAGE S Gaming PC case guarantees peak performance and robust protection for NVIDIA® GeForce™ RTX™ 4000 and 4000 SUPER graphics cards. Now available in two YEYIAN GAMING MIRAGE desktop PC models.

  San Diego, California, June 18th, 2024 – YEYIAN GAMING, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, today is excited to unveil the MIRAGE X E-ATX full-tower PC cases, along with two MIRAGE-housed gaming desktop models. These products are engineered to support the latest NVIDIA® GeForce™ RTX™ 4000 and 4000 SUPER series graphics cards, 13th and 14th gen Intel® Core™, and AMD® Ryzen™ 9 processors. They promise outstanding thermal performance, advanced cable management, and an immersive gaming experience designed specifically for gamers and content creators who demand top-tier, AI-enhanced computing power.

  

  The YEYIAN MIRAGE X gaming PC cases are crafted to enhance the gaming experience, blending aesthetic elegance with functional prowess for enthusiasts and content professionals. The MIRAGE X, a full-tower E-ATX case, features a sturdy 1.0 mm metal chassis and customizable tempered glass, allowing gamers to showcase their stylish builds and RGB light setups. It supports comprehensive cooling options with space for liquid cooling systems with up to a 420 mm radiator in the front and 360mm on top. Nine system fans can be installed, ensuring optimal performance even under extreme conditions. The spacious interior accommodates graphics cards up to 420 mm long and supports an optional vertical mounting with a graphics card holder. This case also offers advanced cable management and versatile storage solutions, accommodating both SSDs and HDDs with integrated HD Audio and high-speed USB Type-A and Type-C ports, enhancing connectivity.

  The MIRAGE series PC case is expertly crafted to accommodate gaming components, combining impeccable form with exceptional functionality. The MIRAGE X is especially suited for gamers and creators seeking a spacious yet compact platform that supports high-performance gaming systems without sacrificing efficiency or aesthetics. This case exemplifies YEYIAN's dedication to quality and innovation, offering a dependable and visually impressive foundation for constructing the ultimate gaming setups. More than mere protective enclosures, these cases are essential elements of any advanced gaming configuration, engineered to fulfill the evolving requirements of modern gaming and content creation.

  The new MIRAGE series PC case is also available in two distinct YEYIAN GAMING MIRAGE configurations; each pre-built PC model offers a variety of CPUs, RTX™ 4000 Super GPUs, DRAM memory, and storage solutions. This range ensures a personalized gaming experience designed to cater to diverse gamers' unique preferences and demands.

  "At YEYIAN GAMING, our vision is to craft experiences that transcend traditional gaming. With the launch of our MIRAGE X PC cases, and MIRAGE pre-built gaming PCs, we are setting new standards in design and functionality. These cases are not just built for gamers; they are forged for the future, integrating AI-enhanced computing-ready features that can adapt to the needs of every user. We are thrilled to empower gamers and content creators with tools that are not only about performance but also about pioneering the integration of AI into their gaming lifestyle." stated Frank Lee, VP of YEYIAN.

  The MIRAGE X E-ATX full-tower gaming PC cases are backed by a one-year warranty from YEYIAN GAMING USA. These premium cases are available for purchase through leading US retailers and online e-tailers.

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• Lexar Expands Their Professional SILVER Card Lineup with Three New Cards

  Published: Thursday, June 20, 2024 | By: Dennis

  These cards provide outstanding performance for an exceptional experience

  San Jose, CA, USA, June 19th, 2024—Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is excited to announce three new additions to its Professional SILVER card lineup: the SILVER PLUS microSDXC™ UHS-I Card, the SILVER PLUS SDXC™ UHS-I Card, and the SILVER SDXC™ UHS-I Card.

  

  Key Features

  • 205MB/s* max read speed
  • 150MB/s* max write speed (140MB/s* for Professional SILVER SDXC™ UHS-I Card)
  • Rated V30 for up to 4K 60fps video recording
  • Built for durability – drop-proof, temperature-proof, x-ray-proof, shockproof, magnetic-proof, and vibration-resistant**
  • Includes Lexar Recovery Tool and a lifetime limited warranty***

  The SILVER series features outstanding performance of 205MB/s max read speeds to expedite transfers and reduce wait times and 150MB/s write speeds (140MB/s for Professional SILVER SDXC™ UHS-I Card) to capture even fast action. Users can achieve max read speeds by pairing the cards with the Lexar® Dual-Slot USB-A/C Reader, which can simultaneously read an SD card and a microSD card. Rated V30, the SILVER Series cards are designed to record 4K video in up to 60fps. These cards are also designed with real life in mind and are drop-proof, temperature-proof, x-ray-proof, shockproof, magnetic-proof, and vibration-resistant** so they can stand up to all sorts of environments. They also offer users peace of mind with the Lexar Recovery Tool, which allows users to recover accidentally deleted files, and a lifetime limited warranty.

  “Our SILVER series cards offer outstanding performance and reliability for users who want to capture great shots and video in 4K,” said Joey Lopez, Director of Brand Marketing. “We’re excited to offer our customers more product options so that they can find the solution that best suits their needs.”

  The SILVER PLUS SDXC™ UHS-I Card and the SILVER SDXC™ UHS-I Card are compatible with a variety of cameras and other devices, including models from Canon, Sony, Nikon, and more. The SILVER PLUS microSDXC™ UHS-I Card offers extensive compatibility with a variety of devices, including products from DJI, GoPro, Nintendo, and SteamDeck.

  The SILVER PLUS SDXC™ UHS-I Card is available now in 64GB (MSRP of $14.99), 128GB (MSRP of $29.99), and 256GB (MSRP of $59.99). The SILVER SDXC™ UHS-I Card is available now in 128GB (MSRP of $29.99) and 256GB (MSRP of $59.99). The SILVER PLUS microSDXC™ UHS-I Card is available now in 128GB (MSRP of $24.99), 128GB 2-Pack (MSRP of $49.99), 256GB (MSRP of $44.99), and 256GB 2-Pack (MSRP of $89.99). The Dual-Slot USB-A/C Reader is available now at MSRP of $17.99.

  Availability

  • SILVER SDXC™ UHS-I Card – Amazon
  • SILVER PLUS microSDXC™ UHS-I Card – Amazon
  • Dual-Slot USB-A/C Reader - Amazon
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• Thermaltake Announces INTEL Pre-Summer Sale with Exclusive Bundles and Discounts

  Published: Monday, June 10, 2024 | By: Dennis

  Get Ready for Summer with Exceptional Deals on High-Performance TT Gaming Pre-built Desktop PCs

  Walnut, California, June 10^th – Thermaltake USA, a leader in PC case, cooling, power, and memory solutions, proudly announces its INTEL Pre-Summer Sale, running from June 1 to June 30. This promotion offers exceptional deals on a selection of high-performance gaming desktops powered by INTEL® Core™ series CPUs, including the Reactor i90 - Snow, Reactor i80S - Snow, Avalanche i477T, and Reactor i460T. Each model is equipped with top-tier INTEL® Core™ processors and powerful NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 series graphics cards designed to deliver superior gaming experiences. The sale features exclusive bundle offers and significant discounts, such as free peripherals, memory upgrades, and substantial price reductions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for gamers and PC enthusiasts to upgrade their setups with cutting-edge Intel-powered systems, ensuring enhanced performance and reliability for all their gaming needs.

  

  “Our collaboration with INTEL on this promotion exemplifies our commitment to the gamer community, allowing us to integrate their cutting-edge processors into our high-performance gaming desktops. The Reactor i90 - Snow, Reactor i80S - Snow, Avalanche i477T, and Reactor i460T are prime examples of this synergy, offering unparalleled power and efficiency. These systems, available at exceptional prices during our INTEL Pre-Summer Sale, provide an excellent opportunity for our customers to enhance their gaming experience with the latest INTEL technology," said Michael Guo, Vice President of Thermaltake USA.

  Promotional Highlights:

  1. Reactor i90 – Snow
  2. Reactor i80S – Snow
  3. Avalanche i477T
  4. Reactor i460T

  Thermaltake's INTEL Pre-Summer Sale presents an excellent opportunity to upgrade to cutting-edge gaming desktops. Each system is engineered for superior performance and features INTEL’s latest processors and high-end components, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience.

  Backed by the Thermaltake USA warranty, the TT Gaming desktop PCs are now readily available for purchase on the Thermaltake webstore and Amazon.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• LIAN LI Redefines PC Case Layout with the SUP-01 Compact Tower

  Published: Thursday, May 30, 2024 | By: Dennis

  May 30th, 2024, Taipei, Taiwan – LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, launches the SUP-01, a small tower case that revolutionizes the conventional layout of standard PCs. Engineered with three distinct airflow chambers, each dedicated to essential components—GPU, CPU’s AIO, and motherboard. The SUP-01 positions the GPU at the center of the front panel on a fully adjustable bracket, and accommodates up to a 360 AIO behind the motherboard tray for enhanced cooling efficiency. A non-tinted tempered glass panel on the left side offers a clear view of the main chamber which supports up to regular ATX motherboards and ATX back-connect motherboards, and the PCIe riser bracket with built-in diffused LED strips. Additional LED strips decorate the top edge of the PSU chamber along both the left and front sides of the case. Available in black and white, the SUP-01 retails at an MSRP of $149.99.

  
  • 45L tower with a compact footprint and cooling performance on par with LANCOOL 216
  • 3 airflow chamber design with front-facing upright graphics card, a dedicated main chamber for the motherboard, and AIO radiator and fans mounted in the right side chamber
  • Comes with 3 pre-installed 120mm PWM fans in the right side chamber
  • Airflow focused with steel mesh panels at the front, top, right side, and rear
  • Supports back-connect ATX motherboards
  • Built-in RGB strip along front and left side panel, and on PCIe riser bracket

  A Revolutionary Concept
  ?The SUP-01, with its compact 45-liter enclosure, challenges traditional PC designs by offering a smaller footprint without compromising high-end hardware compatibility. By integrating only the core components, users can swiftly assemble a thermally efficient computer comparable to the LANCOOL 216. Placing the GPU in an upright position at the front of the case enables fresh air intake for optimal GPU performance. The adjustable bracket allows precise positioning of the GPU, both vertically and horizontally, maximizing airflow and aesthetics. The SUP-01 features LED strips along the front and left side of the case, along with an additional strip on the PCIe riser bracket. These strips can be conveniently controlled via the built-in Mode and Color buttons, offering six preset modes and eleven colors for customization.

  3 Airflow Chambers
  ?The SUP-01 boasts three separate airflow chambers for efficient cooling. The GPU positioned at the front acts as an intake, while 3 pre-installed 120mm PWM fans serve as exhaust behind the motherboard tray, creating the first airflow chamber. For the CPU, an AIO with a radiator and fans mounted behind the motherboard tray creates the second airflow chamber, supporting up to a 280/360mm AIO. Additionally, a 120mm fan can be mounted at the rear of the case to cool motherboard components such as RAM, CPU power delivery, and M.2 storage.

  Modern Compatibility?
  The motherboard mounting tray accommodates ATX back-connect motherboards, as well as standard ATX, M-ATX, and MINI-ITX motherboards. Equipped with a PCIe 4.0 riser cable mounted on a pre-installed bracket, the SUP-01 supports GPUs of up to four slots thick with a maximum length of 400mm at the front. Storage options include provision for up to two 3.5” HDDs or 2.5” SSDs in the PSU chamber, while an additional two 2.5” SSDs can be mounted above the PSU shroud in the main chamber, adorned with an elegant mirror cover.

  Availability?
  The SUP-01 is available for pre-order on May 30th, 2024, at an MSRP of $149.99 for the black and for the white version.

  For more information on the SUP-01, please visit: https://lian-li.com/product/sup-01/?

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• Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck HOTAS System Review @ APH Networks

  Published: Thursday, May 30, 2024 | By: Dennis

  Simulators have become rather popular in recent years and while they have been around since the beginning of the computer revolution the interfaces used to control them has been cost prohibitive.  Sure, if you are training to land on the moon or learning how to fly fighter jets you will get a near 1:1 but, for the weekend gamer a joystick just won't cut it.

  

  The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck is a good entry-level HOTAS system for the casual flying enthusiast. 

  I'm not so much a flying enthusiast but, I do like checking out the latest in gaming gear and this one looks pretty good.

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• MSI Project Zero to Debut DDR5 CAMM2 Memory

  Published: Thursday, May 23, 2024 | By: Dennis

  Not long ago Crucial sent out a press release announcing their entries into the CAMM2 memory space.  This new memory form factor is designed to replace SO-DIMM modules with the promise of delivering higher memory throughput while also reducing Z-Height footprints.

  This is an important distinction given that mobile devices are getting more powerful by the day but are suffering in the size department.

  MSI Project Zero is a new motherboard form factor that utilizes both sides of the motherboard PCB.  CPU Socket, expansion slots are positioned on top while power and data connections are placed on the back.  This creates the ultimate in cable management while also creating a semi-closed ecosystem for system builders and DIY'ers.

  

  MSI and Kingston are previewing the next revolution in memory design, the DDR5 CAMM2. Featured on a Z790 PROJECT ZERO PLUS, the Kingston FURY Impact DDR5 CAMM2 prototype module demonstrates the compact size, thin profile, and potential OC performance.

  This is not the first time we have seen Laptop memory on a desktop motherboard and while running SO-DIMM modules would actually decrease performance the new CAMM2 modules should be on par with traditional DDR5 SDRAM.

  We will get an opportunity to see these motherboards and CAMM2 memory during Computex 2024 and, for once, I cannot wait

  On a semi related note, much like Project Zero there is a good majority of the population that just doesn't "get it",  The comments attached to the MSI twitter post are a major indication of this.  Some would say "that is the cost of progress" while others would say "that is what you get for announcing a stupid idea".  It will be interesting to see which one is correct and if their M.2 cooler was is indication it will be a popcorn moment for sure.

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• 3DMark Steel Nomad launches… for free!

  Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | By: Dennis

  Time to move on

  Since Time Spy launched in 2016, there’s been a truly gigantic number of submitted results:

  Almost 48 million.

  Over time, the average Time Spy score has approximately quadrupled. This, alongside game and hardware technology developments over the last eight years, meant that Time Spy was starting to show its age, and a new non-ray-traced benchmark was needed.

  

  We’re not fully retiring Time Spy just yet, but we suggest you use our latest benchmarks to get the best benchmarking experience on modern hardware.

  Steel Nomad strides into town

  Steel Nomad is a non-raytraced, cross-platform GPU benchmark that uses graphics technologies just like your favorite new game titles.

  

  Running at a native 4k resolution, it improves upon Time Spy with more modern implementations of graphics technologies and is roughly three times heavier for your PC than Time Spy, and almost seven times heavier than Fire Strike. You can see this is not reflected in the data from a high-end GPU from 2024, as CPU bottlenecking is negatively impacting frame times in Fire Strike and Time Spy.

  
  Steel Nomad launches today on Windows and Windows-on-Arm using the DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs, Android using Vulkan, and iOS using Metal. As a cross-platform benchmark, we’ll be releasing support for new APIs and platforms throughout the year. Also, due to popular demand, we’ve brought back sound for this benchmark.

  Stay tuned for information on macOS soon! As for Linux gamers, unfortunately you’ll have to wait a bit longer, but we are still committed to releasing 3DMark Steel Nomad for you as well.

  PC gaming is more accessible, portable and flexible than ever. Desktop rigs are pushing more frames than ever, laptops are capable of comfortably playing top-end games, phones and tablets have the power to deliver full gaming experiences, and we’ve seen the rise of portable handheld gaming PCs in recent years.

  With so many hardware configurations, Steel Nomad arrives alongside Steel Nomad Light, letting gamers, reviewers, and enterprises test all their gaming hardware in a non-ray-traced gaming workload.

  With the addition of these two benchmarks, the 3DMark application provides a complete set of benchmarks for testing modern gaming hardware in both raytraced and non-raytraced gaming situations.

  

  	Very Heavy	Heavy	Medium	Light
  Ray-tracing	Speed Way(Windows only)	Port Royal(Windows only)	Solar Bay(cross-platform)
  Non-ray-tracing	Steel Nomad(cross-platform)		Steel Nomad Light (cross-platform)	Wild Life Extreme(cross-platform)

  Explorer mode, you’ll be able to explore the benchmark scene and toggle or change graphics settings. Hidden in the world are several secret locations for you to find and many Easter eggs referencing the last 25 years of 3DMark Benchmarks. We recommend enabling sound for the full experience. Explorer mode for Steel Nomad and Steel Nomad Light is available for everyone who has purchased 3DMark.

  Available now

  3DMark Steel Nomad is available as a free update to all 3DMark users. 3DMark is available to purchase on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or directly from UL Solutions for $34.99. To celebrate the launch of Steel Nomad, 3DMark will be 75% off for one week.

  The 3DMark App is free on the App Store and Google Play store

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• G.SKILL to Showcase New DDR5 Memory, PC Case, AIO CPU Cooler, Gaming Peripherals, and Host LN2 Overclocking Events, PC Mod Systems at Computex 2024

  Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | By: Dennis

  (21 May 2024) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading brand of performance overclock memory and PC components, is excited to showcase multiple new products at Computex 2024, including new DDR5 memory, peripherals, and PC cases for PC enthusiasts. G.SKILL will also host two major annual extreme overclocking events at the G.SKILL Computex booth – the 10^th Annual OC World Record Stage 2024 and the 8^th Annual OC World Cup 2024 – as well as the 4^th Annual G.SKILL Extreme Mod Stage 2024 to showcase creative system mods. G.SKILL sincerely invites you to come visit our booth at Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1), 1F, Booth J0601a during Computex from June 4 to June 7, 2024.

  10^th Annual OC World Record Stage 2024

  

  G.SKILL OC World Record Stage has been a highly anticipated overclocking event in the extreme overclocking community. It’s a great venue where the world’s top professional overclockers gather at the G.SKILL Computex booth and try to achieve as many overclocking records as possible using liquid nitrogen (LN2) for extreme cooling. This year, this extreme overclocking event features high-end performance motherboards from ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI, the latest Intel platform, and G.SKILL DDR5 memory.

  8th Annual OC World Cup 2024 Competition - $40,000 USD Total Prize Pool

  

  G.SKILL OC World Cup offers one of the largest total cash prize pool in the overclocking community at $40,000 USD for the overclocking competition event. The top 9 extreme overclockers who qualified from the Online Qualifier Stage will compete live at the G.SKILL Computex booth, using G.SKILL DDR5 memory and 14^th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. Over a course of 4 days, the overclockers will compete for the title of OC Champion, who will be awarded with a grand prize of $10,000 USD. The OC World Cup 2024 award ceremony will be held at the G.SKILL booth around 2:30PM on June 7. Come witness overclocking history in the making and be part of the excitement! The following list is the breakdown of prizes:

  • OC Champion: $10,000 USD
  • 2nd Place: $6,500 USD
  • 3rd Place: $5,000 USD
  • 4th Place: $4,200 USD
  • 5th Place: $3,400 USD
  • 6th Place: $3,000 USD
  • 7th Place: $2,800 USD
  • 8th Place: $2,600 USD
  • 9th Place: $2,500 USD

  G.SKILL Extreme Mod Stage 2024

  This year, G.SKILL will showcase 12 creative PC mod systems, including builds featuring concept cases from talented modders and professionals from around the world. Come to see the latest thematic creative works of PC modding at the G.SKILL booth at Computex 2024.

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