Tech News
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NZXT HUE 2 Ambient Lighting Kit v2 Monitor Back Lighting Kit Review @ APH Networks
Published: Monday, May 20, 2019 | By: DennisRGB lighting is all around us, in our watches, in our monitors and even in our cars. Well, now it can be behind your monitor just like what that TV maker did several years ago.
The NZXT HUE 2 Ambient Lighting Kit v2 is an excellent bias lighting option made premium for its immersion capabilities.
BTW, this is basically a RGB lighting kit that is sized for popular monitors and will sync with your programs to give you some ambient light to make things a little more immersive. I cannot diss, the effect is really cool and a nice way to adapt a standard RGB control box to do something more than blink.
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Micron Memory Sets New DDR4 Overclocking World Record
Published: Friday, May 17, 2019 | By: DennisBoise, ID – May 16, 2019 – Ballistix®, Micron’s leading global brand of gaming memory, today announced that its Elite DDR4 3600MT/s memory was used to set a new overclocking world record for the fastest DDR4 memory frequency at 5726MT/s. The world record was set on May 13, 2019 by Stavros Savvopoulos and Phil Strecker, members of the Overclocked Gaming Systems (OGS) team, using liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling and the following system set-up:
- Intel® i7-8086K CPU
- ASUS® Maximus XI Apex Motherboard
- Ballistix Elite 3600MT/s 8GB module
The record-breaking frequency is posted on HWBOT and the valid CPU-Z screenshot can be found here.
“We were blown away by how surprisingly easy it was to overclock these Ballistix Elite DDR4 3600MT/s modules. Other modules we’ve overclocked can be temperamental and need to train at temperatures lower than the one required for stability; but we didn’t experience that with Micron’s E-die, which scaled much better with both extreme voltages and temperatures,” explained Savvopoulos. “Overall, it was easy enough to call the whole experience plug and play!”
“Breaking this world record reinforces our commitment to the enthusiast community. Our Ballistix product lineup provides the high-speed, low-latency and overclock headroom that gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts crave,” said Teresa Kelley, Vice President of Micron’s Consumer Products Group. “We will continue to focus on offering an exceptional high-performance memory and storage portfolio, with Micron, Crucial, and Ballistix engineers striving to deliver leading-edge technology that redefines the performance boundary.”
Ballistix Elite DDR4 3600MT/s modules are available in 8GB single modules and kits up to 32GB and can be purchased at Crucial.com, Amazon.com, or through select global channel partners. Ballistix DDR4 memory is Intel XMP-ready and has been optimized for the latest Intel and AMD® chipsets, and all Ballistix memory is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. For more information about Ballistix memory, visit http://www.ballistixgaming.com/.
Editor Note: Wow, this is really amazing and it is great to see Micron back in the top ranks for overclocking.
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Cooler Master Announces Case Mod World Series 2019: Celebrating the Event’s 10 Year Anniversary
Published: Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | By: DennisTAIPEI, TAIWAN, MAY 14, 2019 – The world’s biggest modding competition just got bigger. Celebrating a decade of dedication to the modding community, Cooler Master announces Case Mod World Series 2019 (CMWS19). With two different leagues and the largest cash prize in CMWS history, contestants can look forward to a total prize pool worth $24,000 USD. Cooler Master raised the winning pot to recognize the inspiring commitment that modders have shown over the last 10 years. This year’s event also welcomes up-and-coming talent to be a part of this community, and an opportunity to take their modding to the next level. #CMWS19 will consist of two separate leagues: The Master League and The Apprentice League. For more detailed information visit: www.coolermaster.com/cmws19
CMWS19 kicks off with a grand total prize of $24,000 USD up for grabs and a staggering $10,000 reserved for the best tower winner in the Master League - a tribute to the competition’s 10th Anniversary. The 2nd place winner will take $5,000, while the 3rd place winner will be going home with $1,000. The sole victor of the best Scratch Build wins $3,000.
The Master League of the competition is dedicated for established and experienced modders who will be crowned the best of #CMWS19. This category will host both technical wonders and artful masterpieces. Winners will craft their way into modding history, marking their name in the world’s largest modding competition.
The Apprentice League welcomes newcomers and up-and-coming talent looking to take their hobby of modding to the next level. Apprentices will have a different stage to compete in and be given the opportunity to gain the support they need. A total of 5 winners will be chosen from the Apprentice League and each winner will receive $1,000 USD worth of CM store vouchers and a chance to work closely with Cooler Master after the event.Register before June 15 at https://landing.coolermaster.com/cmws19/registration/
For more information, visit www.coolermaster.com/cmws19
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Funky Kit Review - Ballistix Sport LT 64GB DDR4-3200 White Memory
Published: Thursday, May 9, 2019 | By: DennisOk so I have seen quite a few different memory module colors from red memory, blue, black and silver. PCBs are usually green though some companies do black and I have a set of modules with a red PCB. (damn sexy if you ask me)
However, in all my years I don't recall a white memory module that wasn't modded by someone. Well, prove me wrong and say it to my face.
We have white memory! And.. from Crucial of all companies.
Today we will take a closer look at the refreshed line of already popular Ballistix Sport LT memory series. Besides higher frequency and lower latency, we can also see higher capacity memory modules. Ballistix made a reliable option for all users who need all at once so high memory capacity and high performance which will also work on all available platforms.
The claim from Funky Kit is "a high overclocking potential" and they didn't disappoint. In fact I was able to push similar modules well beyond the 4000Mhz reported in their review and hit 4266Mhz and 4533 with no trouble.
Be sure to check out our article "The Ballistix Sport 3200Mhz Crazy Overclocking Adventure"
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Intel 10nm CPU to ship in June; 7nm product to launch in 2021 @ Digitimes
Published: Thursday, May 9, 2019 | By: DennisI find it ironic that the recently Intel roadmap leak showed Ice Lake as 10nm but no mention of a 7nm processor. Of course the leaked roadmap didn't have much for 2021 on it so it is likely that Ice Lake will get a die shrink.
At a recent company investors meeting, Intel announced plans to start shipping its volume 10nm client processor in June and shared first details on its 7nm process technology.
Intel disclosed its first volume 10nm processor, a mobile PC platform codenamed "Ice Lake," will begin shipping in June. The Ice Lake platform will take full advantage of 10nm along with architecture innovations. It is expected to deliver approximately three times faster wireless speeds, two times faster video transcode speeds, two times faster graphics performance, and 2.5-3 times faster artificial intelligence (AI) performance over previous generation products, the company claimed.
Intel continued that Ice Lake-based devices from its OEM partners will be on shelves for the 2019 holiday season. Intel also plans to launch multiple 10nm products across the portfolio through 2019 and 2020, including additional CPUs for client and server, Agilex-series FPGAs, Nervana-series NNP-I (AI inference processor), a general-purpose GPU and the "Snow Ridge" 5G-ready network system-on-chip (SOC).
Be sure to check out the new episode of the Hardware Asylum Podcast where we talk about the Intel roadmap leak. The show is more "fun" than informative so be sure to loosen up your trigger wires.
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EK Releases EK-Vector Aorus GPU Water Blocks
Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 | By: DennisEK-Vector Aorus RTX
The EK-Vector Aorus RTX high-performance water blocks are specially designed for Gigabyte Aorus version of NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2080 Ti and RTX 2080 graphics cards. The water blocks use the signature EK® single slot slim look, and it covers the entire PCB length. This sophisticated cooling solution will transform your powerful Aorus graphics card into a minimalistic, elegant piece of hardware with accented RGB LED lighting. The block also features a unique aesthetic cover over the block Terminal which is designed to showcase the graphics card model via LEDs, visible from the side.
The water block comes in two different models made specifically for Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 2080 and Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 2080 Ti cards. Each of them directly cools the water block directly cools the GPU, VRAM and the VRM (voltage regulation module) as cooling liquid is channeled directly over these critical areas. These newly developed water blocks feature a redesigned cooling engine that has a larger footprint compared to the previous generation of EK® Full Cover water blocks. This results in a larger surface area for heat transfer which increases the thermal performance of these water blocks.
The EK® Vector Series water blocks use an Open Split-Flow cooling engine design which proved to be a superior solution for GPU water blocks. It is characterized by low hydraulic flow restriction, which means that it can be used with weaker water pumps, or pumps running on low-speed settings and still achieve top performance. The jet plate and fin structure geometry have been optimized to provide even flow distribution with minimal losses and optimal performances even when used in reversed water flow scenarios.
The base of the block is CNC machined out of nickel-plated electrolytic copper while the top is CNC machined out of high-quality black acetal or glass-like acrylic material depending on your model of choice. Sealing is ensured by high-quality EPDM O-rings. The brass standoffs are already pre-installed and allow for a safe and easy installation procedure.
The block is already equipped with 4 12V RGB LED strip which is compatible with the motherboard 4-pin 12V RGB LED header. This product is compatible with popular RGB sync technologies from all major motherboard manufacturers.
EK® recommends the purchase of a retention backplate which improves the aesthetics of your graphics cards, but also provides additional passive cooling to the GPU core and circuit board VRM section.
G1/4″ threaded fittings can be used on both sides of the terminal and for multiple GPU connectivity, please refer to our offer of GPU Terminals.
Both the NVIDIA® and Gigabyte NVLink™ are compatible with this water block.
Compatibility
EK-Vector Aorus RTX 2080 Ti water blocks are compatible with Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics cards based on Turing graphics processors.EK-Vector Aorus RTX 2080 water blocks are compatible with Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 2080 graphics cards based on Turing graphics processors.
EK-Vector Aorus RTX Backplates
EK-Vector Aorus RTX series water blocks are compatible with the corresponding the EK-Vector Aorus RTX backplates that passively cool the graphics chip and VRM from the back side of the PCB. The EK-Vector Aorus RTX backplates are made of high-quality Aluminum and come in nickeled and anodized black variants. The EK-Vector Aorus RTX series water blocks are not compatible with factory backplates. -
Seagate IronWolf Pro ST14000NE0008 14TB Hard Drive Review @ APH Networks
Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 | By: DennisIn the category of "things I screwed up on" we have the Seagate IronWolf Pro 14TB hard drive. During CES I popped in to see Seagate and much to my surprise they had some rather cool demos going on all powered by Seagate storage systems. You didn't see the storage directly and that was the point.
Well, when I stopped to talk with their Marketing person I was given the opportunity to review their 14TB HDD and nervous me said something "off", frowns were expressed and instead of getting an IronWolf drive I got calls asking me to be part of their Associate service.
#sadpanda
As luck would have it APH Networks was able to close the deal and has a review for us.
Seagate cracks the storage capacity barrier once again with the IronWolf Pro ST14000NE0008 14TB while delivering class-leading speed, efficiency, and warranty all at the same time.
Iron-ically enough I recently upgraded the dev server I have here in the Hardware Asylum Labs with IronWolf drives and finally have close to 14TB of total storage. Maybe I should get a 14TB drive so I can actually backup all that data.
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Alphacool Eiszyklon Aurora RGB LT Fan @ TechPowerUp
Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 | By: DennisThe German language is very interesting. I'm not going to say I know "any" of it but from what I have been exposed to blows my mind. Take for instance the Alphacool Eisbaer, it translates into "Ice Bear" or Polar Bear. Of course the product is an expandable AIO cooler and can never been "Ice" but it sounds extreme and edgy. Well, Alphacool is at it again with Eiszyklon or "Ice Cyclone".
The Eiszyklon Aurora is a RGB fan, again will likely not be very icy BUT, could under the right conditions.
Alphacool adds to their ever-increasing Aurora lineup of RGB products with the Eiszyklon Aurora RGB LT fans. Available in 1100 or 1300 RPM options, these fans feature 16 RGB LEDs to make for a noise-optimized light-show on your new watercooled PC.
I may joke about the names but the fan looks really cool and might be enough for me to pick up a few.
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NAND flash prices to continue downward trend
Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 | By: DennisThis doesn't look good but seems to happen every few years.
NAND flash prices are showing no signs of rebounding despite optimism about demand recovery in the second half of 2019, according to industry sources.
The sources noted it is generally believed that NAND flash demand for smartphones will be picking up substantially in the second half of 2019. A recovery is also expected to take place in the server and datacenter market in the latter part of this year, playing another catalyst for the memory market growth, the sources continued.
Nevertheless, NAND flash memory prices are expected to continue trending down in the second half of 2019, the sources warned. The prices have already approached cash costs for many manufacturers, but remain under downward pressure, the sources indicated.Lets hope for a speedy recovery! It will be interesting to see what the global markets do to spark a rise in demand. Will it be a new type of SSD that requires "more" NAND flash?? Not likely. Will it be more memory in smart phones?? Maybe, but that isn't sustainable, Will it be google buying up all the SSDs to expand their YouTube data center storage so that TechUTainment Tubers can post more cat videos??
Now we have a winner!
Check out the full story on Digitimes
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Patriot Memory launches new Signature Premium DDR4 UDIMM memory with heatshield
Published: Friday, May 3, 2019 | By: DennisRock solid stability, excellent in class performance and the most cost-efficient DDR4 memory for budget PC builders. Thirteen new models offer various frequencies and capacities.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA — May 1st, 2019— PATRIOT®, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals, and flash storage solutions, today has announced the release of their latest Signature Premium series line of DDR4 UDIMM memory, which are Non-ECC unbuffered memory designed to deliver outstanding quality, rock solid stability and great performance expected by today’s mainstream PC builder. Signature Premium DDR4 memory provides a wide range of capacities allowing the builder to choose from a variety of speeds and capacities starting with 4GB single modules up to 32GB dual channel kits. The minimalist heat spreader design offers great heat dissipation and is made from high-purity aluminum. Signature Premium DDR4 series modules offer reliability to those who upgrade or build systems for work or business and are cost effective too.
“We are thrilled to introduce this exciting new line to the mainstream PC users and integrators” said Roger Shinmoto, Vice President at Patriot. “The Signature Premium DDR4 UDIMM memory with heatshield product line is offering what consumers need most: a great looking DRAM backed by solid performance and a good price.
Signature Premium DDR4 series modules are built from an eight-layer PCB to guarantee excellent signal integrity for stability while also offering the extra potential for increased performance diversity across any of the Signature Premium DRAM modules. The components used all undergo a proprietary sorting process to preserve strict quality standards and higher reliability on the latest Intel and AMD platform motherboards.
Easy assembly and higher reliability are significant features for retailers and system integrator who are looking to reduce build costs. Signature Premium DDR4 series modules have been built to ensure that every module meets and exceeds industry standards to offer a hassle-free plug-and-play and a fully compatible memory upgrade. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty and free customer service, Patriot’s Signature Premium DDR4 memory modules would be the perfect option for any PC system build or upgrade for faster performance.
