Tech News
-
Happy Triple Plus Day - Retro Modem Life Hack
It would seem that there is a day for everything and on October 22 1985 the Hayes modem escape sequence was received its patent. While it seems silly to patent an escape sequence it is an important bit of history that saw widespread use during the dialup and BBS era.
For those who don't know Hayes modem commands were used to activate a modem from the serial terminal. For instance, AT would start a command. ATDT12345551234 would trigger the modem to dial the number 1 (234)555-1234. If you were still at the modem terminal, once the modem on the other side would connect you could type messages back and forth.
ATA would trigger the modem to answer a call while ATH would hang up the current session.
There was another command, the +++ sequence that would trigger the modem to enter the Data Terminal Ready mode and also would terminate the active connection (in a way resetting the modem)
So, why was the +++ sequence such a big deal?
Well, people found out that transferring a file with the +++ embedded would sometimes trigger modems to automatically hang up. There were also reports of certain modem-based MUDs where player names with +++ was cause other players to drop carrier when that name was shown on screen. I think xkcd said it best with the following comic where the punchline was "I hope you learned to sanitize your inputs"
southernamis.com is once again celebrating a bit of retro history with the 40-Year Anniversary of the Three Plus (+++) Salute and maybe one of the coolest modem easter eggs that very few will ever witness again.
-
Valkyrie V360 LCD Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp described the Valkyrie V360 LCD as a premium 360 mm all-in-one liquid cooler that blends high thermal performance with striking aesthetics. It features a large radiator and pre-installed fans to simplify setup, and the standout attribute is its 3.5-inch LCD screen on the pump block which can display system statistics or custom visuals. Build quality impressed with its copper cold plate and robust mounting for both high-end Intel and AMD platforms. Installation was smooth, and in thermal testing the unit held up strongly under multi-core loads, showing it can stand alongside well-known competitors.
The V360 LCD all-in-one liquid cooler by Valkyrie showcases remarkable performance. With a customizable IPS display, vibrant ARGB lighting, and streamlined software, it ticks all the right boxes. Meanwhile, the generous warranty and hidden anime girl art piece add to its appeal.
The review also pointed out a few trade-offs. The LCD screen is paired with software that feels underdeveloped and lacks polish, reducing its practical appeal for some users. Additionally, the cooler is priced at a premium level which means you have to value both high performance and visual flair to justify it. While its performance and design are excellent, TechPowerUp concluded that the Valkyrie V360 LCD is best suited for those who prioritize both cooling capability and stylized presentation, provided they are comfortable with the higher cost and accept the software limitations. -
Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16GB Graphics Card Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit reviewed the Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G and found it to be a capable graphics card for 1440p and entry-level 4K gaming. Built on AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture, the card features 56 compute units, 16 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, and boost clocks up to 2700 MHz. Gigabyte’s WINDFORCE cooling system, which includes triple Hawk fans and a large heatsink, kept the GPU both cool and quiet during heavy loads. The card also offers a dual-BIOS switch for silent and performance modes, RGB lighting, and a reinforced backplate, all contributing to a solid, premium feel.
... The Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC is a pretty decent graphics card and a good all-rounder, with price being its advantage. Its performance is what we expected, mostly matching the GeForce RTX 5070, while easily beating the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti.
In real-world tests, the RX 9070 Gaming OC showed strong performance across modern titles, maintaining stable frame rates with excellent thermal efficiency. Noise levels stayed low even under sustained gaming sessions. The only criticism was its pricing, which sits close to the RX 9070 XT model that offers a noticeable jump in performance. FunkyKit rated the card 8 out of 10, recommending it for gamers seeking a powerful and quiet mid-to-high-range GPU that balances performance, design, and thermal control effectively. -
For Maximum Efficiency: P Pro Reverse Fans
ARCTICs Premium Fans with Reverse Airflow
ARCTIC is expanding its powerful P Pro series with new models featuring reverse airflow: P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB and P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB 3-Pack are now available. Specially designed for builds where performance and aesthetics are equally important, they draw air in from the rear – ideal for installation scenarios where fans with classic airflow direction would detract from the look. The P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB is the first model in the series, with unlit and 140 mm versions to follow.
P12 Pro Reverse A-RGB
The Reverse Airflow technology is specifically designed for reverse airflow and is ideal for pull installations and flawless RGB staging. In addition, minimal clearance, automatic balancing, and high-precision measurement reduce vibrations and ensure quiet, efficient, and longlasting performance.
Already successfully used in Xtender cases, the Reverse models impress with powerful, quiet cooling and flawless RGB lighting. The addressable A-RGB lighting with twelve digitally controllable LEDs provides individual effects and seamless system integration.
The flow-optimized design ensures maximum efficiency with minimal noise. A funnel-shaped inlet optimizes airflow, while teardrop-shaped struts minimize air resistance and reduce turbulence and noise.
-
LIAN LI Introduces the RB Series PSU with Advanced Cable Management
October 17th, 2025, Taipei, Taiwan – LIAN LI, a leading manufacturer of computer chassis and accessories, launches the RB Series PSU, available in 550W, 650W, and 750W models with 80 PLUS® Bronze certification for up to 85% efficiency. Designed to deliver clean power and cleaner builds, the RB Series features an integrated cable management system with a built-in groove and Velcro straps to secure excess cables, paired with a semi-modular layout that lets users connect SATA and peripheral cables only when needed. Fully compliant with Intel’s ATX 3.1 specification, the 650W and 750W units also include a native PCIe Gen 5.1 12V-2x6 connector (up to 450W) for next-gen GPU support. With a high amperage single +12V rail and a DC-to-DC conversion design for enhanced voltage stability and power quality, the RB Series is engineered for reliable performance. Cooling is handled by a quiet 135mm FDB fan, ensuring efficient airflow while keeping noise levels in check.
Advanced Cable Management with Semi-Modular Flexibility
The RB Series stands out in the Bronze category with a unique cable management system built directly into the PSU housing. The integrated cable groove on one side and Velcro straps on three sides of the PSU allow users to secure excess cables neatly along the sides, reducing clutter and improving airflow. Along with this is a semi-modular design, where only the essential power cables are fixed. Users can connect SATA and peripheral cables as needed. This setup makes the build process easier while giving the flexibility to create a clean, efficient system without extra wiring.
Modern Power Delivery for Next-Gen Hardware
Fully compliant with the Intel ATX 3.1 standard, the RB Series ensures compatibility with today’s and tomorrow’s systems. The 650W and 750W models feature a native PCIe Gen 5.1 12V-2x6 (12+4-pin) connector, capable of delivering up to 450W. Additionally, the 750W PSU model includes an extra 12V-2x6 to PCIe 6+2-pin cable, providing reliable support for multiple devices beyond just GPUs. This cable is also well-suited for powering high-end AMD graphics cards, which need three PCIe 6+2-pin. Inside, a high-amperage single +12V rail supplies steady power for demanding components, while a DC-to-DC conversion design enhances voltage regulation, power efficiency, and noise reduction. These features work together to ensure reliable performance and clean power under various load conditions.
Quiet Cooling and Certified Efficiency
To keep noise levels low without sacrificing thermal performance, the RB Series features a 135mm fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) fan. Operating at just 33.2 dBA to 40.1 dBA, depending on the model, the fan delivers quiet performance even under full load. Each unit is 80 PLUS® Bronze certified for up to 85% efficiency, reducing wasted power and heat output. With support for continuous full-load operation at ambient temperatures up to 40°C, along with built-in protections (OPP, OVP, SCP, OCP, UVP, and OTP), the RB Series offers both reliable performance and peace of mind.
Availability
The LIAN LI RB Series PSUs are available in black only starting October 17th, 2025.MSRP
RB 550W
$49.99
RB 650W
$59.99
RB 750W
$69.99
-
Godfather of AI says risks are moving faster than guardrails
Geoffrey Hinton, the deep-learning pioneer widely known as the “Godfather of AI,” is again urging policymakers and industry leaders to treat safety as a first-order problem after a recent YouTube video interview reignited debate over how fast frontier systems are advancing. In a new clip from The Diary of a CEO titled “Godfather of AI WARNS: ‘You Have No Idea What’s Coming,’” Hinton argues that model capabilities are compounding at a pace that voluntary pledges and traditional software guardrails cannot match, with near-term implications for jobs, security, and public trust.
The thrust of Hinton’s argument is that scale alone, more data and compute and larger models, is producing qualitatively new behaviors that product teams cannot reliably predict in the lab. If general-purpose models continue to gain planning, tool use, and autonomy, he warns they will begin to influence high-stakes decisions across business and politics in ways their creators did not anticipate. That reframes the next phase of AI as a governance and engineering challenge rather than a product sprint, which is why he pushes for “safety proven in advance” instead of promises to fix harms after deployment.
On the economy, Hinton’s outlook is decidedly unsentimental. He expects the productivity upside to be real yet, uneven. Value is likely to concentrate among a small set of model owners while a broad class of white-collar roles faces automation pressure. He has argued that without a deliberate policy, AI’s gains will widen inequality, with “a few people becoming much richer while most people become poorer.” Those concerns track with recent coverage of his remarks as well as his own interviews this year.
Misuse sits at the center of his near-term worries. The same systems that write code and synthesize research can scale phishing, supercharge social engineering, and generate convincing deepfakes that undermine confidence in elections and media. Hinton also flags harder edge cases that concern national security officials, including model-assisted guidance that could lower barriers to biological or chemical threats. While these sound apocalyptic in nature the pragmatic outlook indicates that powerful tools also need proven brakes before they are shipped at scale.
Timelines are what make his warning urgent. In multiple interviews, Hinton has framed the possibility of systems surpassing human competence not in centuries but within years to a couple of decades. Earlier this year he publicly estimated a 10 to 20 percent chance that AI could ultimately “take control” from humans, a non-trivial figure that helped push existential risk into mainstream policy discussions. The new clip does not dwell on precise odds, but it reinforces the same planning horizon and the need to act before capabilities harden into critical infrastructure.
What he wants to see next is a two-track response. First, treat safety research as a core engineering requirement: red-team programs with teeth, interpretability work that can surface deceptive behavior, rigorous pre-deployment evaluation suites, and independent audits that measure dangerous capabilities rather than just leaderboard benchmarks. Second, build policy that matches the cross-border reality of frontier models, including incident reporting, certification regimes, and mechanisms to pause or throttle risky rollouts until safeguards are demonstrated. Hinton remains skeptical that purely voluntary industry pledges can keep pace with capability growth.
Hinton’s credibility here is not incidental. His career spans foundational breakthroughs in neural networks and representation learning, and since leaving Google to speak more freely about risk, he has become a central voice translating lab-level concerns into public policy language. Whether readers agree with his tail-risk estimates or not, the case laid out in the recent YouTube interview is consistent: progress remains breathtaking, but without rigorous controls, transparent oversight, and real accountability, society is running a high-consequence experiment in public. The debate will continue, and the stakes, he argues, are already clear.
-
CORSAIR Unveils Platinum-rated HXi SHIFT PSUs with iCUE LINK System Hub and PCIe 5.1 support
MILPITAS, CA, October 14, 2025– CORSAIR® (Nasdaq: CRSR) is delighted to announce the new HXi SHIFT Series of fully modular, low-noise, high-efficiency power supplies that make building high-performance PCs easier and smarter. HXi SHIFT Series PSUs feature a built-in iCUE® LINK System Hub and a side-mounted SHIFT connector interface, simplifying installation, reducing cable clutter, and enabling direct control of iCUE LINK devices. With Cybenetics Platinum efficiency, ATX 3.1 certification, and PCIe 5.1 compliance across 1000W, 1200W, and 1500W models, HXi SHIFT delivers clean, reliable power for next-generation gaming and creator PCs.
Interface Innovation
The integrated iCUE LINK System Hub inside the PSU removes the need to mount and power a separate hub, enabling builders to connect up to 24 iCUE LINK devices straight to the power supply. This approach means fewer components and cables are needed, resulting in faster builds, easier troubleshooting, and a cleaner interior that looks as good as it performs.
The side-mounted SHIFT interface channels all the modular connections to the PSU’s left panel for clear access in modern cases. Routing becomes straightforward and tidy, thanks to Type-5 Micro-Fit modular cabling. The included debossed PVC cable kit features low-profile combs that lay flat and keep cable bundles compact. The result is professional-grade cable management that can improve airflow and make for a more appealing final build.
Quiet and efficient operation are core to the HXi SHIFT Series. Cybenetics Platinum certification guarantees at least 89 percent efficiency and up to 91 percent overall efficiency, helping to reduce heat and noise. A 140mm fluid dynamic bearing fan with Zero RPM Fan Mode ensures near-silent operation at low and medium loads, while 105°C-rated Japanese capacitors and efficient power conversion deliver clean, consistent power. The platform meets ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards and includes a 10-year warranty, underscoring its long-term reliability through multiple upgrade cycles.
Equipped with all the necessary cables and connections, HXi SHIFT Series PSUs provide power for high-end systems built to support powerful CPUs and GPUs, available in 1000W, 1200W, and 1500W models. Every unit includes a native 12V-2x6 600W GPU cable for use with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series and AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards. The dual-tone connector offers a clear visual cue: once the cable is properly connected to the GPU, the light-gray section is no longer visible.
The 1500W version of the HXi SHIFT Series includes two native 12V-2x6 GPU cables for ultra-high-end configurations. ATX 3.1 certification and PCIe 5.1 compliance ensure robust transient handling, quick wake times from modern standby, and broad compatibility with current and upcoming platforms.
HXi SHIFT offers full digital control through CORSAIR iCUE software, enabling real-time power monitoring, custom fan curves, and quick switching between single-rail and multi-rail OCP.
Availability and PricingCORSAIR HXi SHIFT PSUs are available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.
CORSAIR HXi SHIFT PSUs are backed by a ten-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.
For up-to-date pricing of CORSAIR HXi SHIFT PSUs, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.
-
Patriot Viper Xtreme 5 CKD DDR5-9600 48GB kits Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit presents the Viper Xtreme 5 CKD DDR5-9600 as one of the few retail DDR5 kits pushing the bleeding edge, thanks to its CKD (Clock Driver) architecture for improved signal stability. This 48 GB (2 × 24 GB) kit is fully hand-tested and tuned for high performance, and supports Intel XMP 3.0 profiles. The design includes RGB lighting and a bold styling that aims to catch attention. In testing, the module delivered performance that justifies its aggressive specs, showcasing how far high-speed DDR5 has evolved.
... The Patriot Viper Xtreme 5 CKD 48GB DDR5-9600 offers the highest memory speed available in stores, making it clear that it's not a product for every user. It's designed for overclockers, computer enthusiasts, and avid gamers who expect the best results, regardless of the price.
However, FunkyKit also notes several caveats. The top bars may appear metallic but are actually plastic, which may disappoint enthusiasts expecting full-metal builds. Compatibility can be a challenge, as not all motherboards or CPUs can reliably support 9600 MT/s without adjustments. Additionally, the price is high for this tier, making it a niche choice unless you truly need peak DDR5 bandwidth. Despite those drawbacks, FunkyKit scored the kit favorably, viewing it as a premium pick for users who want extreme performance and are willing to pay for it. -
ZutaCore and ASRock Rack Debut Unique NVIDIA HGX B300 Server with Fully Integrated Waterless Liquid Cooling
Scalable, High-Performance AI Server Enables Rapid Deployment Without Data Center Retrofits or Risk
SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 13, 2025 -- ZutaCore®, a leader in waterless direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and ASRock Rack, an industry-leading innovator in server technology, today announced the launch of the ASRock Rack 4U16X-GNR2/ZC — which uniquely integrates the NVIDIA HGX B300 platform with fully integrated, waterless direct liquid cooling powered by ZutaCore® HyperCool® technology.
This pre-assembled, factory-warranted solution is built to handle today's most compute-intensive AI workloads—supporting up to 8 NVIDIA HGX B300 servers in a standard 42U rack—while dramatically reducing deployment complexity, operational risk, and infrastructure costs. The system will be showcased live at the 2025 OCP Global Summit, October 13–16 in San Jose, at both the ZutaCore booth (C23) and the ASRock Rack booth (C31).
"Bringing the NVIDIA HGX B300 platform to market with fully integrated, waterless liquid cooling is a significant milestone—not just for ASRock Rack, but for the entire data center ecosystem," said Weishi Sa, President of ASRock Rack. "By combining our high-performance server design expertise with ZutaCore's HyperCool technology, we're delivering a turnkey solution that eliminates traditional thermal bottlenecks while accelerating deployment and reducing operational risk. This innovation empowers our customers to unlock the full potential of next-gen AI workloads without compromising efficiency, safety, or scalability."
Turnkey Cooling for the Industry's Hottest AI Silicon
The ZutaCore HyperCool Server Loop for NVIDIA HGX B300 is a factory-integrated, production-ready solution engineered for rapid deployment and operational simplicity. By arriving fully pre-assembled, it minimizes time-to-rack, avoids on-site customization, and lowers installation costs, giving operators a faster path to value.Designed as a complete solution that maximizes heat capture inside of an NVIDIA HGX B300 system—covering CPUs, GPUs, and other high-power components—while delivering efficient, scalable cooling for AI factories and edge AI installations.
"As AI infrastructure becomes more powerful, it's also becoming exponentially more difficult to cool efficiently—and traditional approaches can no longer keep up," said My D. Truong, CTO of ZutaCore. "Our solution delivers maximum coverage of key heat sources in the NVIDIA HGX B300 platform with precision-engineered, direct-to-chip cold plates. Through our collaboration with ASRock Rack, we're able to offer a fully tested, L10-ready system that accelerates deployment and unlocks peak performance—critical advantages in today's power-constrained AI market."
The system utilizes ZutaCore's two-phase, waterless liquid cooling with a non-conductive, non-corrosive dielectric fluid that instantly absorbs and removes heat at the chip level. This IT-safe design ensures worry-free operation even in the unlikely event of a leak.
"It's a breakthrough in both performance and reliability," Truong added. "Operators can increase compute density, lower PUE, and meet sustainability targets—all without expensive retrofits or compromising uptime. It's not just smarter cooling; it's smarter business."
-
be quiet! redefines versatility with new Light Base 500 LX and Light Base 500 PC cases
Clean design, superior cooling, and exceptional functionality for today’s gaming and creative systems
be quiet!, the German manufacturer for premium PC components, today announces the official launch of two new additions to the Light Base series: Light Base 500 LX and Light Base 500. Focused on combining clean aesthetics, superior airflow, and modern functionality, both models provide a flexible foundation for gaming, multimedia, and professional builds. Light Base 500 LX stands out with sophisticated ARGB illumination, while Light Base 500 delivers an elegant, distraction-free experience for those who prefer a purist style. Additionally, be quiet! is announcing triple packs of its popular Pure Wings 3 fans, including a brand-new reverse fan model for side or bottom air intakes.
“In the Light Base 500 series, our team set out to provide hardware enthusiasts with a balance of presentation and performance,” said Aaron Licht, CEO of be quiet!. “Light Base 500 LX and Light Base 500 make every build look and perform its best, no matter your taste in lighting or cable management. This is outstanding versatility for everyone.”
Light Base 500 LX: Quiet elegance with ARGB flairDesigned for those who appreciate subtle, refined lighting, Light Base 500 LX features four preinstalled Light Wings LX 120mm PWM fans: three side-mounted fans with reverse fan blades on the intake side, and one regular fan in the rear. Its angled slide-out fan frame channels air directly to the GPU, ensuring efficient cooling for demanding graphics cards. Users can further enhance airflow by installing additional fans in the lowered fan bay, which perfectly aligns with the case floor.
Inside, spacious dimensions accommodate a 360mm radiator, ATX motherboard, and graphics cards up to 400mm long. Storage versatility is ensured through slots for one HDD and two SSDs, all accessed without compromising cable clearance behind the motherboard tray. The case includes an ARGB controller button in the IO panel, with a daisy-chained ARGB and PWM hub supporting up to six devices. Each Light Wings LX fan features 16 integrated LEDs for elegant illumination. Dust filters in the side and bottom protect system integrity, while the motherboard tray effortlessly supports backside connector designs such as Asus BTF, MSI Project Zero, and Gigabyte Project Stealth. For additional customization, two possible PSU positions make it easy to tailor cable management or better access the CPU backplate. Light Base 500 LX will be available in black and white.
Light Base 500: Performance-focused, minimalist design
With a zero-RGB approach, Light Base 500 offers an unobtrusive and stylish look that suits any environment, from gaming desks to creative studios. Crafted for core performance, it includes four preinstalled Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM fans: three as side-mounted intake with reversed blades for optimal airflow and visibility, and one rear exhaust. Light Base 500 shares the same intelligent design from Light Base 500 LX, including the angled slide-out fan frame, a lowered fan bay, and generous space for components. In terms of drive space, this chassis can accommodate up to two HDDs and two SSDs. Light Base 500 will be available exclusively in black.
Superior accessibility, compatibility with modern motherboard layouts, and professional-grade build quality backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty make both Light Base 500 LX and Light Base 500 ideal choices for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Pure Wings 3 Triple Packs: Performance, progressive, quiet
be quiet! also extends its fan portfolio with Triple Packs of its most popular Pure Wings 3 fans (Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM, Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM high-speed, Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM, and Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM high-speed) as well as Triple Pack of a brand-new consumer fan, Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM Reverse. With low minimum rpm and reversed fan blades, Pure Wings 3 120mm PWM Reverse fans are the perfect choice for side or bottom air intakes. Its 7 silence-optimized fan blades offer extraordinary air pressure, while the low minimum rpm allows for very quiet operation. All regular Triple Packs will be available in black, and the Reverse fan Triple Packs in black or white. Coupled with be quiet!’s proven build quality and lifespan of 80,000 hours, these new Pure Wings 3 Triple Packs are ideal long-lasting companions for your gaming system.
Pricing and availability
Light Base 500 models will be available for sale starting October 21 at a suggested retail price of $154.90/€154.90 (Light Base 500 LX White), $144.90/€144.90 (Light Base 500 LX Black), or $119.90/€119.90 (Light Base 500). The Pure Wings 3 Triple Packs will be available at the same day at the suggested retail price of $34.90/€34.90 for all 120mm Triple Packs and $37.90/€37.90 for all 140mm Triple Packs.
