Tech News

  • CYBERPOWERPC Updates Product Line with Intel X99 Chipset and New Intel Core i7 Processor Extreme Edition

    More news on the Haswell-E front.  If you've been waiting for the new X99 release to consider updating your hardware, there is now another alternative to assembling your new dream PC from scratch.  Check out this press release from our friends over at Cyberpower, who are now offering new Haswell-E configurations.

    CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA  – CyberPower Inc., www.cyberpowerpc.com, a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs, gaming laptops, and performance workstations, today announced the immediate availability of custom desktop computers featuring Intel X99 chipset motherboards and new Intel Core i7 Processors (formerly codenamed Haswell-E).

    CYBERPOWERPC has updated its entire product line with the new hardware from Intel, which features brand new industry-leading technology and performance across the board.

    The Intel X99 chipset introduces a variety of new technologies to the high-end enthusiast computing market. The switch to DDR4 memory provides over twice the average clock speeds and data transfer rates compared to the previous generation, along with better power efficiency.

    Motherboards utilizing the X99 chipset can also implement SATA-Express, which is a next-generation SATA interface that promises to bring much better performance from high-speed SSDs.

    New Intel Core i7 Processors feature groundbreaking performance and are launching in three different flavors.

    The Intel Core i7-5820K processor is a six-core processor with Hyper-Threading Technology for a total of 12 processing threads. With 15MB of L3 Cache and a clock speed of 3.3GHz and Turbo Boost frequency up to 3.9GHz, it is the first of the three new processors. The next processor, the Core i7-5930K has similar specs, with a clock speed of 3.5GHz and Turbo Boost frequency up to 4.0GHz. The flagship Intel Core i7-5960X processor is an eight-core processor with Hyper-Threading that has 20MB of L3 Cache and a clock speed of 3.0GHz. This marks the first time that Intel has released an eight-core processor in the high-end enthusiast market.

    Intel’s high end desktop platform featuring the X99 chipset and  new Intel  Core i7 processors is the ideal foundation for an ultra-powerful gaming PC from CYBERPOWERPC. Thanks to a wealth of PCI-Express 3.0 lanes, multi-GPU configurations are easily accommodated.

    “Intel X99 chipset based motherboards and new Intel Core i7 processors bring incredible multi-tasking and uncompromised power for gaming and overclocking to custom CYBERPOWERPC desktop gaming PCs,” said Laura Crone, Intel Vice President and General Manager, PC Client Group.  “CYBERPOWERPC’s corporate focus to deliver state of the art enthusiast PCs to demanding users is very complimentary to Intel’s objective to thrill our customers with powerful computing solutions for gamers and those who push the limits of overclocking”.

    Intel X99 chipset based systems will start at $1699 with the following features:

    • MSI X99S SLI Motherboard
    • Intel Core i7-5820K Processor
    • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Graphics Card
    • 16GB DDR4 Memory
    • 2TB 7200RPM HDD
    • Blu-ray Combo Drive
    • 800W 80 Plus Power Supply
    • Microsoft Windows 8.1

    The CYBERPOWERPC FANG III full-tower desktop gaming PC is among the systems that has been updated to feature the new hardware from Intel. FANG III is a no-holds-barred, ultra-powerful gaming PC that can be equipped with just about any combination of enthusiast-level components you can imagine. Custom loop liquid cooling, multiple full-length graphics cards, large storage configurations and more can be packed into the imposing FANG III alongside the new Intel X99 motherboards and new Intel Core i7 processors.

    All CYBERPOWERPC desktop systems can be configured with a huge number of hardware options, including high-performance gaming memory, solid state drives, graphics cards, and gaming peripherals. Fully-assembled desktop systems from CYBERPOWERPC include an industry-leading 3-year limited warranty. For more information, see http://www.cyberpowerpc.com

    About CyberPower Inc.

    CyberPower Inc. www.cyberpowerpc.com was founded in 1998 and has emerged as a leading global provider of custom computer systems and interactive gaming products. Headquartered in City of Industry in Southern California, CYBERPOWERPC manufacturers and distributes a complete line of custom built gaming desktops, gaming notebooks and high performance workstations to meet the unique needs of gamers, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and other end-users. 

  • CORSAIR Graphite 380T Computer Case Review @ Madshrimps

    A mITX case with room for multiple fans, and full size discreet graphics cards?  All with a carry handle for easy portability?  Oh, this has epic LAN-party build all over it!

    During Computex 2014, Corsair have shown their latest additions to their gaming enclosures. Besides the Carbide Air 250, a shrinked version of their popular 540 Air Cube case, Corsair jumped on the ultra portable mITX gaming enclosures band wagon with the new Graphite 380T, a futuristic design with rounded corners, featuring a big carrying handle and designed to support long graphics cards with ease. With the build-in 3 speed fan controller and room for up to five fans this little case could ultimately cool your mini gaming powerhouse. If this hasn't drawn your attention, maybe one of the flashy color schemes will. Time to open the package and show what this case has got in its margin...

  • MSI Z97M GAMING Motherboard Review @ PCGameware

    You hear me saying this a lot but, this is a pretty good board.  As you know we reviewed the B series gaming and MiniITX Z97I Gaming version of this motherboard and found them to be feature packed and very stable.

    We first saw this design with the MSI Z97 GAMING 5 and it not only looked great, but performed so well that pcG James gave it our prestigious Platinum award! So when offered the opportunity to take a look at the smaller MSI Z97M Gaming Motherboard, how could I say no?

    While the news is filled (or not) with X99 reviews keep in mind that the Z97 editions are still good and considerably more affordable.

  • Asylum: Review Block - Core i7 5960X Extreme X99 Release

    I have been getting some flak for "not" posting any news about the new Haswell-E and X99 launch.  Well, per the usual there were a ton of empty promises prior to the launch and it would seem in an attempt to accommodate these developments things kinda feel off the table.  Anyhow, as many of you already know the processor and chipset have been released and they are good.  Sadly, I must say the news is just "creeping" out.  Like, way slow.

    Maybe it has to do with yet another $1000 processor coupled with a new memory system that isn't cheap either. (It’s new, give them a break).  What is weird is that despite the $2000 entry fee for the X99 you can get a motherboard as a fairly reasonable price.  Boards are also coming out in MicroATX form factors along with some the multi GPU monsters.

    Motherboards
    - MSI X99S Gaming 9 – @ Bjorn3d

    Processor
    - Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition Review @ Vortez
    - Core i7 5960X - 5930K and 5820K processor review @ Guru3D
    - Intel Haswell-E Core i7-5960X CPU & X99 Chipset @ [H]
    - Intel Core i7-5960X Haswell-E Review on Technic3D
    - Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition Review: Intel’s Overdue Desktop 8-Core Is Here @ Techgage
    - Intel's Core i7-5960X processor reviewed @ TR
    - Intel Core i7-5960X “Haswell-E” Processor Review @ ThinkComputers
    - Intel i7-5960X Haswell-E @ LanOC Reviews
    - Intel i7 5960X Review; Haswell-E Arrives @ Hardware Canucks

    Keep watch here, there will be some exciting stuff on the Hardware Asylum podcast and maybe some up close photos of the X99 Classified from EVGA.

  • MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC Review @ Vortez

    And the PC arms race takes another leap forward, with the release of the X99 "Haswell-E" chipset.  The new X99 boards will see native support for the new DDR4 memory, at the cost of no longer being compatible with the older DDR3 sticks.

    MSI is showcasing some of the changes they've made preparing for the Haswell-E on their X99S version of their popular Gaming-9 motherboard.  Along with the standard staples we normally see, like the Realtek 7.1 audio, and Killer Gigabit LAN controller, it also comes with ten 6Gb/s SATA ports, room for four discreet cards for multi-GPU applications, and support for six USB 3.0 ports (two included on the board), just for starters.

    After so much speculation we can today reveal Intel's X99 chipset, more specifically, the X99S Gaming 9 AC motherboard from MSI. MSI are widely regarded as one of the most overclocking friendly manufacturers and so our review will focus heavily on this area. While the Gaming 9 is not the flagship motherboard or even the flagship 'series' (this tag goes to the XPower range - soon to be reviewed by us), a motherboard's prowess is quite often judged not just by the abundance of features but by its ability to take your components to the edge without falling over in a smouldering mound of silicon and plastic.

  • Sapphire R7 250 Ultimate Review @ PureOverclock

    Essentially a revised and slightly improved version of the older HD 7750, sacrificing the single fan cooling configuration for a monster heat pipe and sink cooling solution.  As home theatre systems and media centers continue to grow in popularity, I see cards silent cards like this finding that growing niche to fill.

    Looking for something that’s silent and can provide better gaming than integrated graphics? Today we’re looking at a discrete solution that can offer more graphical prowess than any integrated solution. Its other defining characteristic is that it can do this in total silence. We are referring to the Sapphire R7 250 Ultimate silent GPU.  It’s a passively-cooled graphics card that might work for you.

  • GIGABYTE Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK Motherboard Review @ Techgage

    In the Computex 2014 edition podcast we talked about the new Black Edition testing room at the Gigabyte factory and this review at Techgage is proof that a motherboard can survive 7 days of torture and still function. 

    In fact you get a 5 year of warranty from this service.

    Our last two Z97 reviews involved some petite motherboards, so it’s time to go all-out – something GIGABYTE’s Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK helps us pull off. Its name implies that gamers are the target here, and as you’d expect from its $350 price tag, it’s packed with features. What more reason do you need to read? Come on in.

    Personally, I'm not a fan of the black edition testing methods but, this is real world marketing at its best.  Gigabyte products are good and the Black Edition testing is a reflection of that.

  • Asylum: Review Block - A little bit of everything a whole lot of nuttin

    It has been awhile since I have posted a review block and it felt like a good time to start again.  Sadly for reasons only to google this post may never get indexed but, meh we got some good stuff here.

    You will find something you like here
    - Verbatim Store 'n' Save 1TB USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive Review @ ModSynergy
    - AMD Radeon R9 290: Gallium3D vs. Catalyst Drivers @ Phoronix
    - Intel Haswell Core i7-4790K vs. i7-4770K Comparison @ techPowerUp
    - Intel Haswell-E and X99 Chipset Preview @ ThinkComputers
    - PNY GeForce GTX 760 XLR8 OC Video Card Review @ [H]
    - HIS R9 290 iPower IceQ X2 OC 4GB GDDR5 Video Card Review @ Madshrimps
    - Kingston HyperX Fury 240GB SSD Review @ Hardware Canucks

    Of course there is more to come and with any luck it will have a 9 and X in the name. wink smile

  • ZOTAC Shrinks Mini-PC Further with New Pocket Sized ZBOX PI320 pico

    New ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico delivers a superb computing experience in a compact and versatile form factor

    HONG KONG – Aug. 27, 2014 – ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics cards and mini-PCs, today shrinks the mini-PC further with the pocket-sized ZBOX PI320 pico. The new ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico delivers a superb quad-core Windows 8.1 with Bing computing experience in a compact and versatile form factor. 

    “ZOTAC is a major innovator when it comes to miniaturizing the traditional PC. We began our push towards smaller and smaller mini-PCs with the ZBOX nano form factor and followed up with the ZBOX nano XS,” said Tony Wong, CEO, ZOTAC International. “Now with the all-new ZBOX PI320 pico, we have created our smallest mini-PC that can fit in your pocket.”  

    The pocketable form factor measures in at 115.5mm x 66mm x 19.2mm, which is roughly the same size as a small smartphone. Thanks to the tiny size, the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico is the perfect mini-PC for any room in a house, specialized installations, and for seasoned travelers on the go  

    At the heart of the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico is an Intel Baytrail quad-core processor with Intel HD Graphics technology for snappy system responsiveness and stunning high-definition video playback capabilities. The very energy-efficient processor is cooled with a fan-less heatsink that generates zero noise for an excellent silent computing experience.  

    Microsoft Windows 8.1 with Bing is preinstalled on the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico mini- PC for instant out-of-box use. Just unbox the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico, plug it in, connect peripherals, and power it on.  



    The ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico ships with 2GB of DDR3L memory and 32GB solid-state storage with a micro SDXC slot to instantly increase storage up to 128GB. External expansion is available via three USB 2.0 ports on the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico.  

    A single HDMI output that’s capable of up to 1080p resolution enables the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico to easily connect to most LCD monitors and displays. High-speed 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0 technologies ensure the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico delivers fast networking performance with and without wires.  

    It’s time to experience versatile and pocketable computing with the ZOTAC ZBOX PI320 pico.

  • Corsair Carbide Air 240 Chassis Review @ Techgage

    I have a feeling that this case will be very popular in the coming year.  As some of you may know the X99 is due to be released shortly and several motherboard makers are releasing MicroATX board designs.  Combine that with dual top in cards and you'll need a case that can handle the heat.

    Hot on the heels of the Corsair Carbide Air 540 comes its little brother, the Air 240. It boasts the same unique interior layout, but in a smaller footprint, and all without sacrificing flexibility and cooling performance. Read on to see if good things really do come in small packages.

    Sadly I checked the expansion slot layout and much to my surprise they limited the Air 240 to the typical four slots.  I guess that rules out any a top end gaming builds given the standard dual slot cooler designs. 

    Seriously, I sometimes wonder what case designers are thinking.