Tech News
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G.SKILL Exhibits Extreme Limits of DDR4 Memory on Live Demo Systems at Computex 2016
Highest Frequency, Tightest Timing & Largest Capacity
Taipei, Taiwan (31 May 2016) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is thrilled to display the extreme limits of DDR4 memory on live demo systems at Computex 2016 with the latest X99 system featuring Intel Broadwell-E processors and the Z170 system featuring Intel Skylake processors, all on air cooling. The various extremes of the Trident Z series DDR4 desktop memory include the highest frequency, tightest timings, and largest kit capacity, which demonstrate the performance prowess of Samsung IC components combined with the most advanced memory development techniques of G.SKILL.
On the Z170 chipset systems, the focus is on the highest frequency and tightest timings possible. Raising the frequency bar to an unprecedented level of extremity is the 16GB (2x8GB) kit running at a blistering DDR4-4500MHz CL16-16-16-36 on the ASRock Z170M OC Formula motherboard. Featured on the GIGABYTE GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming motherboard is the efficiently low timings of CL13-13-13-33 1.35V at DDR4-3200MHz with a fully loaded memory capacity at 64GB (4x16GB).
On the other end of the spectrum, challenging the limits of extreme massive memory capacity is the key to the X99 platforms. With a fully loaded 64GB (8x8GB) memory capacity on the ASUS X99-DELUXE II motherboard, this behemoth of a memory kit reached a blazing DDR4-3600MHz CL15-15-15-35 1.35V. Stepping up another level at the supported limit of current X99 platforms, the MSI X99A GODLIKE GAMING CARBON motherboard is capable of handling the enormous 128GB (8x16GB) capacity at a mind-numbing 3466MHz CL16-16-16-36 1.35V.
Throughout the last decade, G.SKILL had always been at the forefront of developing high performance memory, and while SO-DIMM has taken a backseat in early memory development, efforts are becoming more concentrated in gaming laptops and performance mini-PC systems in recent years. At Computex 2016, G.SKILL is showing off the fastest SO-DIMM kits ever developed for these portable systems. In the MSI GT72 6QD gaming notebook, a colossal capacity of 64GB (4x16GB) is accelerated to DDR4-2800MHz CL18-18-18-43 at a meager 1.2V. And on the Intel NUC Kit NUC6i7KYK mini-PC system, 32GB (2x16GB) is rocketed to an unimaginable DDR4-3333MHz CL16-18-18-43 at 1.35V.
Driven by the motivation to bring the fastest possible memory performance on a wide variety of platforms, G.SKILL will continue to push the limits of current generation and next-generation computing systems. -
Introducing the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 ACX 3.0
May 27th, 2016 - The EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 featuring EVGA ACX 3.0 cooling has arrived. This new graphics card features NVIDIA's new "Pascal" graphics processor which is the most advanced gaming GPU ever created. This breakthrough GPU delivers industry-leading performance, innovative new gaming technologies, and immersive, next-gen VR.
These cards also feature EVGA ACX 3.0 cooling technology. EVGA ACX 3.0 once again brings new and exciting features to the award winning EVGA ACX cooling technology. SHP 3.0 gives increased heatpipes and copper contact area for cooler operation, and optimized fan curve for even quieter gaming. Of course, ACX 3.0 coolers also feature optimized swept fan blades, double ball bearings and an extreme low power motor, delivering more air flow with less power, unlocking additional power for the GPU. Select EVGA ACX 3.0 models will even feature a 10CM fan and RGB LED, allowing complete control over the color from EVGA PrecisionX OC.
EVGA PrecisionX OC Unlocks the Power of Pascal
The next generation of EVGA PrecisionX has arrived with EVGA PrecisionX OC. This new version of Precision is built for the NVIDIA Pascal architecture and combines the best of EVGA Precision and EVGA OC Scanner to give you never before seen overclocking features and built in automatic overclock tuning.Includes Exclusive Features for EVGA GeForce GTX 1080:
- DirectX 12 OSD Support – See the on screen display on DirectX 12 games.
- EVGA OC ScannerX Integration – Automatically find your optimal voltage/frequency curve!
- K-Boost Function – Maximize your clocks with this exclusive feature.
- RGB LED control (on EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW)
Learn more at www.evga.com/articles/01007/evga-geforce-gtx-1080/
About EVGA
EVGA is the #1 NVIDIA authorized partner in channel sales throughout North America and Latin America and a leading Power Supply Manufacturer. Based on the philosophy of intelligent innovation, market knowledge, and the real time operation, EVGA continues to identify the need in the market place and providing the solution to that need. By offering product differentiation, 24/7 tech support, a 90 day Step-Up program, and other customer focused programs, EVGA is a clear leader in all categories: etail, retail, distribution, and system integration. With headquarters in Brea, CA, EVGA’s global coverage includes EVGA GmbH in Munich, EVGA LATAM in Miami, and EVGA Hong Kong. For further information online about EVGA, visit: www.evga.com -
EVGA GTX 1080 Classified Card Details and Photos
May 27th marks the launch of the GTX 1080 Founders Edition. This is the up-priced reference card and exactly what most gamers and hardware enthusiasts will settle for. However for the true Hardware Enthusiast there is a video card that can stand above the rest with a proven pedigree of performance, quality and invoking jealous rage.
The EVGA Classified
EVGA has posted photos and specs detailing their GTX 1080 product lineup and it looks good.
EVGA GTX 1080 Products
08G-P4-6188 EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 CLASSIFIED GAMING ACX 3.0
08G-P4-6286 EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0
08G-P4-6183 EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 SC GAMING ACX 3.0
08G-P4-6181 EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 ACX 3.0
08G-P4-6180 EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FOUNDERS EDITIONEVGA GeForce GTX 1080 CLASSIFIED has been set to "Coming Soon" status but a few details have been released.
Like with previous cards the Classified will feature a 14-phase VRM and is using an RGB ACX 3.0 cooling solution. This is similar to the cooler found on the 980Ti Classified KPE and designed to color match any build. This cooler can also be found on the FTW which comes with a 10-phase VRM.
As the photos show the Classified comes with dual 8-pin PCI Express power connectors and an excellent looking back plate. Clock speeds are TBD but should be in the +1800Mhz range. (just a guess)
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ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP Extreme Photos
It took me awhile but I finally figured out the Zotac marketing when it comes to video cards. AMP is good and AMP Extreme is "better".
With the official launch of GTX 1080 we will start seeing all sorts of photos of next generation hardware and the first to hit the Hardware Asylum Inbox is from Zotac. The clock speeds for AMP Extreme are still TBD but according to the photos it will come with two 8-pin PCI Express power connections and the same cooler and backplate from the GTX 980Ti.
ZOTAC is pleased to introduce a new generation of graphics cards built on NVIDIA Pascal architecture. ZOTAC continues the tradition of delivering factory-tuned graphics cards with the AMP and AMP Extreme series, paving the way for insanely smooth gaming experiences.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP and AMP Extreme has more than just raw power, both feature ZOTAC technologies which enhance thermal performance and adds style to complete the visual appeal.
Zotac has been famous for not sampling in the US. As a result reviews will be sparse but with any luck I might get a card in for testing.
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Thermaltake Core X71 Chassis Review with Pacific DIY Cooling Installation!
It has been several years since I did much with water cooling and during that time I didn't pay much attention to how things have changed. The interesting thing is, nothing really changed all that much but there have been some advancements along the way.
Thermaltake launched their own line of premium watercooling components and have been featured in a few articles thus far. These have been a build up to the grand unveil which will occur sometime next month.
Technology X has posted a review of the new Thermaltake Core X71 with a Pacific DIY Watercooling install. It seems good and yet could have been better. Of course I say that before even beginning my version, which could be epic or a total flop.
Your build our core - that’s the motto for Thermaltake’s Core series that brings us to the realm of modular chassis’. The X71 specifically is what we are looking at with this review, along with a calming description of DIY loop cooling systems.
Man, the quotes for some of these reviews.
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G.SKILL Trident Z DDR4 Memory with Samsung ICs Achieve World's First 5GHz Frequency Record
A Historic Milestone of PC Hardware Industry
Taipei, Taiwan (26 May 2016) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, announces the world’s first DDR4 memory overclocking record to break past the mind-blowing 5GHz barrier, achieved with G.SKILL Trident Z Series DDR4 memory engineered with Samsung ICs and the MSI Z170I GAMING PRO AC motherboard. With this achievement in the official record books, the world’s top 7 memory frequency records are now dominated by G.SKILL memory.
The Holy Grail of DDR4 Frequency Record: DDR4-5002.4MHz
Surpassing the 5GHz frequency speed barrier had been the ultimate aspiration of the memory overclocking community since the last year’s launch of the Intel Skylake platform. This historic milestone is finally succeeded today by the renowned Taiwanese overclocking legend, Toppc, under liquid nitrogen cooling. "We are extremely excited to achieve this great milestone together with Samsung components and MSI motherboard,” says Tequila Huang, Corporate Vice President and Director of R&D, G.SKILL International. “We will continually push hardware performance to the limits and provide enthusiasts with even more advanced products."
Validated by both HWBOT and CPU-Z, this record currently ranks as the world’s #1 fastest memory speed record on HWBOT. For more information, please refer to the following images and links:
HWBOT: http://hwbot.org/submission/3223117_toppc_memory_clock_ddr4_sdram_2501.2_mhz
CPU-Z: http://valid.x86.fr/anhvic -
The United States nuclear system still run on eight-inch floppy disks @ ExtremeTech
it is no secret that I'm a bit of a computer hardware enthusiast and I have garnered that title over years (yes Years) of research and personal experience. In fact it annoys me to watch "tech" people on YouTube talk about computer systems and not know what a BIOS Debug card is or, cannot recognize a Pentium 4 motherboard or, who have never seen a floppy drive. Sure these are obsolete these days however, understanding old hardware is the cornerstone of learning the new.
For instance this article over at ExtremeTech is talking about how much of the Nuclear defense of the United States is still run on 8-inch floppy disks. I'm not old enough to have used an 8-inch floppy and I suspect many nerds of the 70's liked to joke about them. The point is back "in the day" your PC didn't have a hard drive so the OS had to be loaded from a floppy disk and during the course of doing anything you often switched them to save documents.
70's technology is quite different from modern hardware and while it may be simple and slow it is also extremely stable and 1000x more secure than your home computer. These systems had no network connection, very little low level hardware to exploit and they run for years without issue. In a way these stand-alone systems are perfect for critical security.
That sounds pretty terrible, and it’s certainly the claim repeated in headlines across the Internet today. And there’s definitely truth to it — reports from back in 2014 highlighted that the Air Force was still using 8-inch floppies and 70s-era technology to run its nuclear silos. There are, however, some inconsistencies in the GAO report and some advantages to using such ancient technology.
These was a similar story that came out several years ago that talked about how ICBMs are largely controlled by vacuum transistors. Sure it was the latest technology of the late 50's but is also EMP resistant meaning that even after a nuclear detonation you can still fire up the rockets and know they are going to work. That cannot be said for any solid state circuitry.
It really makes you appreciate how smart our engineers really are.
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Twice as many people are playing Borderlands 2 as Battleborn @ GamesRadar
Ouch
Gearbox’s Battleborn has barely been out 20 days and has already dropped its price and brought forward a free DLC character, but that hasn’t stopped it not being played very much. Head on to Steam DB and you’ll find its peak players over 24 hours currently sitting around the 4182 mark, nearly half of Borderlands 2’s 8057, which was also from Gearbox.
In the latest episode of the Hardware Asylum Podcast I talk briefly about Borderlands 3 and touch on the Battleborn Beta. Overall I wasn't impressed with Battleborn mostly because I couldn't figure out what it was supposed to be. The Gearbox marketing didn't help either so I'm 100% not surprised that *nobody* is playing it.
Overwatch on the other hand, looks interesting but I have no plans to put money down on the game so even though it is TF2 inspired I'd prolly fire up TF2 instead.
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Toshiba OCZ RD400 PCIe (M.2. NVMe) 512GB SSD Review @ Guru3D
The natural progression in the computer hardware world is to make things faster. Many average users a quick to forget this fact and really don't care or understand "what" makes your system do what it does.
NVMe is the cornerstone of storage performance and works on conjunction with the speed of PCI Express and modern NAND flash used in SSDs.
A M.2. SSD that reads at 2600 MB/s and writes at 1600 MB/s. We just caught your attention didn't we? We review, test and benchmark the new Toshiba OCZ RD400 PCIe NVME SSD. The product series is among the fastest storage unit we have had in our lab. Priced attractively Toshiba seems to have the crown jewels of storage performance in their hands.
I would like to get some more SSD storage solutions in the lab for testing and these new NVMe drives from Toshiba look really tasty.
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MSI expected to ship 21 million motherboards/graphics cards in 2016
What is the best way to increase the bottom line? Yep, make more money!
It would seem that MSI has already set their goals for 2016 and plans to ship 21 Million "units" including motherboards and video cards.
Micro-Star International (MSI) is expected to ship 21 million motherboards and graphics cards combined in 2016 including both own brand and OEM shipments, while the company's gaming notebook business is also enjoying strong shipments and profits. MSI is currently a top-three gaming notebook vendor worldwide.
Since its entry into the gaming notebook market, MSI's profits have been growing every year and its EPS have already grown from NT$2.34 in 2013 to NT$4.39 in 2015.I hope they can make this happen and with any luck we will see more Lightning cards in the lab. Maybe of the GTX 1080 variety.
