Tech News

  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X Review @ Vortez

    When Threadripper first launched I told myself I wouldn’t get all sappy and get one just because.  Well, fast forward several years and you have a guy who will be buying one just to see what all the fuss is about.

    And check out some of the super sweet motherboards that are being built for the platform.

    Third Generation Threadripper is based the Zen 2 architecture found in both EPYC ROME enterprise CPUs and desktop Ryzen chips. It’s a significant departure from the Zen+ architecture of Threadripper 2000-series CPUs, and is manufactured in a chiplet fashion utilising 7nm lithography. This allows them to cram in even more active cores running at higher operating frequencies than equivalent Zen+ models, pushing the bounds of performance outwards yet again.

    I am still a firm believer that the only reason Threadripper exists is to get YouTube'ers all juicy and the prospect of performance and views while AMDs true reason is to show what their cores can do since at the lowest level they are pretty darn slow.

    Yes I am talking about threaded performance not the collective performance of a BUNCH of threads.

    BTW, the Vortez editor must have been sleeping when they sent out the press release. OR figured that nobody would post it cause:google.  Basically I'm saying sorry for the misspelling.

  • Intel Core i9-10980XE Extreme Edition Review @ Vortez

    I do enjoy the new approach that Intel has been taking with their HEDT processors mostly in that how we get a processor refresh that will work on the motherboard we already bought.  Case in point X299 was launched to handle Skylake-X and now we can use that same board for Cascade Lake-X.

    While Cascade Lake-X incorporates some Intel-exclusive features such as native AVX-512 and Optane memory support, a key factor in the platform update is a comprehensive repositioning of per core pricing. It’s no exaggeration to say that Intel have halved their price per core in the space of a generation, making their Core-X lineup extremely attractive compared to just one year ago.

    Funny side note, Cascade Lake is located in my home state of Idaho.  It isn't really a lake but is a popular recreation spot for folks that cannot afford to go to a real location. happy smile

    Assuming I get a Cascade Lake processor I will be sure to take a picture of the processor with the lake AND if one dies I will be sure to drop it in the middle.

  • GIGABYTE 2080 Super Gaming OC Waterforce - Coolest Card

     Taipei, Taiwan, November 15th, 2019 – GIGABYTE, the world’s leading premium water-cooled graphics card manufacturer, today announced the GIGABYTE WATERFORCE graphics cards - GeForce® RTX 2080 SUPER™ GAMING OC WATERFORCE WB 8G powered by the NVIDIA GeForce® RTX 2080 SUPERTM GPU. Whether users are looking to fulfill the demands of their high-end water-cooled systems, or to enjoy the benefits of water-cooled GPU and CPUs, GIGABYTE WATERFORCE graphics card is the best choice. WATERFORCE WB graphics card is equipped with a top-of-the-line overclocked GPU certified by GIGABYTE GPU Gauntlet™ sorting technology. It provides an all-around cooling solution for all key components of the graphics card. It takes care of not only the GPU but also VRAM and MOSFET to ensure stable overclock operation and longer durability. In addition, with excellent RGB lighting effects, protection metal back plate, Ultra-Durable top-grade materials and extended warranty for registered members, etc.,

    GIGABYTE WATERFORCE WB graphics card is the best choice for top players to pursue both quiet operation and performance. In order to match the increasing number of high-end water-cooled motherboards on the market, GeForce® RTX 2080 SUPERTM GAMING OC WATERFORCE WB 8G is the best choice for graphics cards. Just invest a little more than the GAMING OC air-cooled version and you can enjoy the water cooling benefits for the GPU and CPU. GIGABYTE offers top-of-the-line overclocked GPUs, an optimized water-loop design, factory-assembled professional quality, and excellent RGB lighting effects with the most important features of the official warranty, allowing players to enjoy high quality without any worries. For traditional graphics cards, not only does replacing the water cooling kit void the graphics card warranty but there’s also no guarantee that the graphics cards are compatible with 3rd-party customized water blocks. The professional design of a GIGABYTE water block can quickly remove heat generated by the GPU, VRAM and MOSFET, keeping the graphics card cool and stable even when aggressively overclocked.

    We want you to experience the best service you have ever had. This is why on top of our standard 3-year warranty, we would like to offer you an additional 1 year of protection to your graphics card free of charge. You can enjoy a 4-year warranty by registering on the website within 30 days of purchase.

  • Intel Core i9-9900KS @ TechPowerUp

    I've been really curious about this processor since it was announced.  Sadly, Intel wasn't nice enough to send me a sample so I'll likely have to hit the retail channels if I want to take the KS for a spin.

    Thing is the processor isn't much different from the Core i9 9900K, Sure, with the KS you get a full processor turbo of 5Ghz but, you can get that from a stock 9900k and if you are lucky you can dial the CPU up even more.  For instance the Core i9 9900k I have runs 6Ghz on LN2 (which is bad) but will run 5.3Ghz on water all day long.

    I did check out the TechPowerUp review and W1zzard could only get 5.2Ghz out of his proc which could be one of a number of things including Bad Board, Bad Processor, Bad Chair to Keyboard Interface.

    The Core i9-9900KS is Intel's new consumer flagship processor. It runs at 5 GHz boost, no matter how many cores are active, which translates into 10% application performance gained over the 9900K. Gaming performance is improved too, but the pricing is high, especially compared to what AMD is offering.

    Based on this review I'm less likely to make the jump to the 9900KS, especially given the $600 USD pricetag.  However, I do want to pick up another 9900k([s|f]) at some point and try for another run at 7Ghz.

    Decisions, Decisions

  • Threadripper Air Cooling Roundup @ LanOC Reviews

    Threadripper is a pretty big chip and for those of you wondering how a chip the size of Hawaii can be cooled by the very thing you breathe then maybe this review is for you.

    Not long ago AMD pushed their 3950X launch out into November and when they did that they also teased in that same announcement that it will come out with their Threadripper 3 processor family. With that, this isn’t a bad time to revisit the cooling options. Unlike every other consumer CPU, Threadripper is large enough that it actually required all of the heatsink companies to go back and redesign their heatsinks to get full coverage. With that there are a lot fewer options available for Threadripper. But there are two big names that stand out. Cooler Master partnered with AMD and is who designed and sells the Wraith Ripper heatsink which goes in line with the rest of the Wraith air coolers that typically come with AMD CPUs. Then there is Noctua, who went all out with three different models in their Threadripper lineup. Today I am going to check out all four of those coolers and see how they perform to help those of you waiting for the new launch or others who have been snatching up the marked down Threadripper 1 and 2 models. 

    Sadly I am not one of the lucky ones to actually own a Threadripper and to be honest while I am the target demographic I really have no desire to drive down that road.  Of course, with that being said if by driving down that road AMD was there saying "hey Hardware Asylum, you should review one of our Threadripper platforms" I'd be all.

    Yes!

    #makethreadripperhappen #amdsupportshardwareasylum

    Pfft,  as if hashtags and poundsigns actually work in news postings these days.  Thanks google!

  • ABKONCORE Helios 500 Sync PC Case

    Maarheeze, The Netherlands –14 October, 2019 – Introducing the Abkoncore Helios 500 SYNC middle tower PC case for the DYI, PC enthusiast and PC gamer alike. Cool front tempered glass design with large side ventilation intakes for fresh air enabled by the two 200mm large RGB SYNC Hurricane Spectrum cooling fans.

    The body is built out of 0.65mm SECC steel with side temperred glass for best viewing your hardware. Ready to accommodate your high wattage power supplies up to 220mm long. Mainboard support for ATX, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX. Space for long graphics cards up to 355mm, large cpu coolers up to 178mm high and liquid cooling systems up to 360mm large. Total air cooling support locations: Front 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm or 2x 200mm, included 2x 200mm Hurricane Spectrum RGB SYNC. Top cooling space: 2x 120mm or 2x 140mm and rear exhaust space: 1x120mm or 1x 140mm, built in 1x120 Hurricance Spectrum RGB SYNC included.

    The Helios 500 SYNC is prepared with two removable and washable dust filters, one on the bottom and one on the top. The Top metal panel is equpped with multipple I/O ports such as 2x USB3.0, 2x USB2.0 and HD Audio & Microphon jacks as well as the power button, reset button and power LED indicator.

    The structure is simple and spacious and supplied with HDD/SSD multi-guide for up to 2 HDD or 4 SSD which are easy to instal and remove. Should you need more space for your long power supply, no worries, you can reposition the HDD/SSD cage in no time.

    Specifications:

    • Product size: 225x440x472mm (WxDxH)
    • Chassis size: 225x375x450mm WxDxH)
    • Material: 0.65mm steel / tempered glass / Mesh / ABS
    • USB3.0 *2 + USB2.0 *2 and HD-AC97 Audio
    • 2* HDD & 4* SSD + 7* expansion slots
    • Space for up to 6* 120/140/200mm cooling fans
    • CPU cooler clearance: 178mm
    • Graphics card clearance: 355mm
    • Radiator compatibility: 120/140/240/280/360mm
    • Bottom ATX PSU positioning 195-220mm
    • N.W: 8.3 KG G.W: 10.1 KG
  • Thermaltake Pacific DP100-D5 Plus/Core P5 DP-D5 Plus Distro-Plate

    Taipei, Taiwan-October 15th, 2019-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear and Enthusiast Memory solutions, has launched a top-end distro-plate– Pacific DP100-D5 Plus and Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 Plus. The application of the distro-plate aims to simplify the tube structure of hard tubing water cooling - a smarter way for beginners or experienced modders to present their water-cooled builds. The size of the Pacific DP100-D5 and 360mm radiators are similar, if your case supports more than two 360mm radiators, the distro can be easily installed on the fan mounting points. The Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 is specially tailored for the Core P5 TG, which is designed to fit on the radiator mounting points on the chassis with its L design. This gives users more flexibility to create tube runs and creative loops. All the distro-plates are equipped with preinstalled LED strips allowing users to set up different RGB lighting through the TT RGB PLUS software. This gives users complete control of their color themes. With these remarkable distro-plates, users can easily make their builds even more unique and reach a modder-like appearance. Also, the high-standard materials and superb performance of the distro-plate bring countless possibilities in modification.

    For more details on the Thermaltake Pacific DP100-D5 Plus & Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 Plus, please visit:

    Pacific DP100-D5 Plus- https://www.thermaltake.com/pacific-dp100-d5-plus.html

    Pacific Core P5 DP-D5 Plus- http://www.thermaltake.com/pacific-core-p5-dp-d5-plus.html

  • G.SKILL Announces Extreme Low Latency DDR4-4000 CL15 32GB (8GBx4) Memory Kits

    (18 October 2019) – G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is delighted to announce an extreme low-latency, high-speed DDR4 memory kit at DDR4-4000 CL15-16-16-36 in a 32GB (8GBx4) capacity configuration under the classic Trident Z and the RGB-enabled Trident Z Royal memory series. Once again, these extraordinary memory kits are manufactured using high-performance Samsung B-die ICs to achieve the world's lowest latency of CL15 at DDR4-4000.

    World’s Lowest Latency DDR4-4000 Memory Kit at CL15
    At G.SKILL, we are always searching for the ultimate memory kit, tuned not only for speed, but also for efficiency. This means pushing for lower latency timings. Previously, the best CAS latency that memory kits at the DDR4-4000 level could achieve was at CL17. This is surpassed by the new DDR4-4000 CL15-16-16-36 32GB (8GBx4) memory kit running under 1.5V, shown validated on the MSI MEG Z390 ACE motherboard and Intel™ Core® i7-9700K processor in the screenshot below.

    Exceptional Bandwidth Performance on AMD X570
    A lower CAS latency typically means a bump in bandwidth performance, and this is no different on the latest AMD Ryzen platform. Normally, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X processor bandwidth with popular DDR4-3200 CL14 kit would fall around 50GB/s for memory read bandwidth in AIDA64. With the new ultra-efficient DDR4-4000 CL15 memory kit, the memory read bandwidth breaks 61GB/s in AIDA64 with a few additional tweaks, along with over 58GB/s in memory write and 65GB/s in memory copy bandwidth speed, as demonstrated in the following screenshot with the MSI X570 Unify motherboard and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X processor.

    Availability & XMP 2.0 Support
    This extreme low latency performance memory specification will support Intel XMP 2.0 for easy overclocking and will be available via G.SKILL worldwide distribution partners in Q4 2019.

  • Thermaltake Releases High-Frequency TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 Memory Kit 4400MHz 16GB

    aipei, Taiwan-Oct 31 st, 2019-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling , Gaming Gear and Enthusiast Memory solutions, today announced the release of the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 Memory Series whichcomes in new frequencies of 4,000MHz, 4,266MHz and 4,400MHz 2x8 GB modules, supported by Intel and AMD platforms. Featuring 10-layer PCB construction, 2oz copper inner layers and 10μ gold fingers, the TOUGHRAM RGB enhances overclocking performance and betters gaming experiences. The high-frequency memory kits are constructed with higher standard chips, which have been tested to achieve higher and more stable overclocks. Our latest module 4,400MHz and 4,000MHz was tested with Intel’s Core i7 platform, ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI GENE and MAXIMUS XI HERO motherboards and remained stable under load.

    Thermaltake CEO Kenny Lin is excited to launch the newest addition to the TOUGRAM RGB Series. “We are glad to embrace the new era of high-frequency memory. With the rapid rise of esports, higher frequency ram is essential for faster and smoother performance. Level up your gameplay with the next level TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 16GB Memory Kit in 4,000MHz, 4,266MHz, 4,400MHz.” stated Thermaltake CEO Kenny Lin.

    Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 Memory Series 4,000MHz, 4,266MHz, and 4,400MHz come in black and are now available for pre-order on ttpremium.com. Please refer to the Thermaltake website or contact your local Thermaltake sales or PR representative for more information on pricing of the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 high-frequencies memory kits.

  • EVGA X299 Motherboards are Built For Intel® Core™ X-Series 10000 Processor Family

    EVGA X299 motherboards immediately set the bar for performance, cooling and stability. Since then, EVGA has improved the cooling, reinvented the modern motherboard BIOS, and continued to shock the enthusiast world with the EVGA X299 DARK. And these boards are only just getting started….

    With the release of Intel®’s Core™ X-Series 10000 Processor Family, EVGA X299 Motherboards are ready and waiting for them. Current owners need only update the motherboard BIOS for full compatibility; new owners can boot into the motherboard BIOS and update the BIOS with their brand-new CPUs.

    Make EVGA X299 Motherboards Your Choice to harness the power of the latest and greatest Intel® Core™ X-Series 10000 Processors!

    Learn more at https://www.evga.com/articles/01369/intel-x299-update/