Tech News

  • Razer Seiren v3 Chroma and Mini @ LanOC Reviews

    I have to hand it to Wes over at LanOC.  It seems they have broken the Razer code and was able to get them to ship out a review sample.

    What I like about these microphones is that they appear as the industrial designer literally lifted an emoji to create this product.  This isn't a huge deal, microphone icons look like that for a reason but, when companies start copying them you know they are running out of ideas.  There is also plenty of feature copy from other, similar, microphones on the market.

    It’s kind of crazy to think but the last time I had a Razer desktop microphone in for review was back in 2015 when I took a look at the Razer Seiren Pro. That wasn’t Razer’s first desktop microphone but it was part of their first generation of Seiren microphones and Razer has continued to evolve their lineup in the last 9 years. Well, today they have updated that lineup with their new Seiren v3 models. That lineup consists of two different models, the Seiren v3 Chroma and the Seiren v3 Mini. The Seiren v3 Mini is their budget-friendly option and then the Seiren v3 Chroma is the larger flashier option. Today I'm going to check out both and see what they have to offer then put them to the test to see how they sound compared to the competition. I’m excited to see how their design has changed over the years and to see how these new microphones compare to the current competition like the Yeti Orb and Yeti GX that I took a look at last fall.

    If you are in the market for a new microphone and want one to satisfy your OCD need to have your graphics and hardware match then be sure to check out the review.

  • YEYIAN GAMING Introduces the PHOENIX: A Next-Level High-Performance PC Case

    YEYIAN GAMING Introduces the PHOENIX: A Next-Level High-Performance ATX Mid-Tower PC Case and GeForce RTX™ 4000 Super-Powered Gaming PCs Lineup

    With liquid cooling, 4 ARGB PWM fans pre-built, and a chic aesthetic design, the PHOENIX delivers optimal thermal performance and sturdy protection for the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER graphics cards now available in five YEYIAN GAMING PHOENIX prebuilt gaming PCs.

    San Diego, California, March 6th, 2024 – YEYIAN GAMING, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, today introduces the new PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case and five PHOENIX housed prebuilt gaming desktop PCs. The PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case is designed to accommodate the latest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER series graphics cards across the INTEL 14th gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors and AMD® Ryzen™ 7 desktop processors platform, ensuring optimal thermal management and gaming performance.

    The YEYIAN GAMING PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case boasts ample interior space and a user-friendly chassis design. With support for up to 9 x 120mm cooling fans and 1 x 360/240mm (top/front) AIO radiators, the PHOENIX is meticulously designed for air and liquid cooling setups, catering to all high-performance gaming needs. Offered in two variants with tempered glass or meshed metal side panels, the PHOENIX strikes the perfect balance between air/liquid cooling, RGB illumination, cable management, and intelligent connectivity. Available across five YEYIAN GAMING pre-built PCs, each configuration features varying CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage options, ensuring a tailored gaming experience to meet diverse preferences and needs.

    Frank Lee, Vice President of YEYIAN GAMING USA, emphasized, “As graphics cards evolve, so do the challenges of PC case design. The PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case rises to meet these challenges with its sleek and elegant design, offering not only optimal ventilation and ample space for liquid cooling but also enhanced protection for the latest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER GPUs. It stands as the cornerstone of our new lineup of prebuilt gaming desktops, meticulously crafted to cater to the discerning tastes of the gaming community. With a focus on gamer's choice and superior components, the PHOENIX guarantees not only longevity but also unrivaled performance, ensuring an immersive gaming experience for gamers and content creators alike.”

    Superior Ventilation and Cooling System and Layout

    Effective cooling and ventilation are paramount for maintaining peak performance in a gaming PC, especially with the powerhouse NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER series GPU systems. The YEYIAN GAMING PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case delivers an optimal thermal solution, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. With support for up to 9 x 120mm or 5 x 140mm system fans, as well as 1 x 360 and 1 x 280/240mm AIO liquid cooler radiators, builders are empowered with unparalleled flexibility in designing their cooling systems. Given the heat generated from NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER GPUs and the latest INTEL 14th gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors and AMD® Ryzen™ 7 desktop processors, superior airflow is essential. To this end, the front panel grille design strategically directs intake air from left to right, bolstering air pressure and optimizing dissipation within the chassis. These meticulously engineered designs and arrangements guarantee optimal ventilation and stability, regardless of the gaming scenario.

    Generous Interior Design for Cutting-Edge Gaming Hardware Setups

    The YEYIAN GAMING PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case is intentionally designed for those who want a mid-tower, high-performance, and powerful gaming desktop with a roomy interior. It supports standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboard form factors and the latest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER series graphic cards with up to 400 mm clearance, which can easily accommodate NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 SUPER/4090 SUPER graphics card. It also fits any CPU tower air cooler up to 170mm in height and any regular ATX power supply up to 220 mm deep.

    Intelligent Interior Design for Storage and Cable Management

    As graphics cards get more extensive and take up more space, cable management becomes essential for building a liquid-cooled desktop PC, especially in a compact mid-tower PC case. The PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case allows the builder to easily organize and conceal the cables behind the motherboard tray, with a 35mm depth that enables cables to run smoothly without interfering with other components inside the chassis. This PC case also provides enough space for 7 x expansion slots, 4 x 2.5" SSD drive bays, and 2 x 3.5" drive bays, ensuring that various storage options are available.

    For gamers and content creators who want a medium-sized PC case that offers much space and options, the PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case would be an ideal choice. It is available in tempered glass and meshed metal side panel options for different appearances and occasions. It widely supports the latest processors and graphics cards through excellent cooling performance. Phoenix with Tempered Glass

    The PHOENIX ATX mid-tower gaming PC case is backed by a one-year warranty from YEYIAN GAMING USA and is now available online from these major US retailers.

    YEYIAN GAMING PHOENIX Pre-built Gaming PCs Powered by NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 SUPER GPUs

    YEYIAN GAMING is committed to providing trust-worthy pre-built gaming desktops with cutting-edge PC components under strict testing and quality assurance. The brand-new PHOENIX mid-tower PC case is now available across five exclusive pre-built models, which are now available on Newegg and YEYIAN GAMING Webstore: PHOENIX 47F0C-47S1N, PHOENIX 49KFC-47Y1N, PHOENIX 47KFC-47Y1N, PHOENIX 49KFC-48S1N, and PHOENIX 47KFC-48S1N.

    These five exclusive gaming PCs boast the latest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4000 Super graphics card from the 4070/4070 Ti/4080 SUPER series. Featuring enhanced CUDA Cores and VRAM memory under the Lovelace architecture, the GPU elevates the frame buffer to 16GB and a 256-bit memory bus, ideal for delivering exceptional performance at 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz. Additionally, content creators will appreciate its capabilities for video editing and rendering large 3D scenes.

    YEYIAN GAMING pre-built gaming desktops offer diverse options tailored for hardcore gaming enthusiasts. Each PHOENIX gaming desktop system is meticulously equipped with meticulously selected PC components, including NVMe M.2 SSDs, DDR5 DRAM modules, and Windows 11 preinstalled. Furthermore, all five pre-built gaming PCs can support up to 9 PWM ARGB system fans and 120/240/360 CPU AIO liquid coolers, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency and system stability for uninterrupted gaming experiences.

    Learn more about YEYIAN GAMING PHOENIX pre-built gaming desktops:

  • darkFlash DLX4000 @ TechPowerUp

    Seems that it took case makers a really really long time to figure out what to do with the space left over from the removal of external 5.25 drive bays.  For those living under a rock, the area I speak is to the right of the motherboard, or what we would normally call the front.  This is has always been the primary intake for cooling the case unless you modded fan holes into the side of your case on the same side as the motherboard tray.

    I'm going to claim starting that and have the photos to prove it.

    Anyhow, the darkFlash DLX4000, and just about everyone else, has been taking notes from the O11 and I have to say, the results are extremely similar.

    The darkFlash DLX4000 is a clean, solid and understated chassis with two clear glass panels, so you can feast your eyes on your hardware from multiple angles. Thanks to the well-built chassis and excellent material mix, if you are in the market for this style of case, add it to your shortlist.

    I would agree with everything they said above, though still think we can improve the designs considerably before the desktop tower become irrelevant.

  • Corsair 2500D AIRFLOW PC chassis @ Guru3D

    It has been awhile since I have said anything about Corsair.  But, you know, when you are a small player and get big overnight there is a tendency to leave certain people behind.  It is sad but, a true fact of gorilla marketing and unlimited budgets.

    What I find interesting is the new Airflow chassis designs coming out of Corsair.  The original dual chamber cubes were a huge hit with case modders and system builders due to ease of installation and rather low overall height.

    Well, seems they are back again, this time with even smaller cases that look too much like what everyone else is doing.

    Corsair is back with a new badass chassis; this time, the Corsair 2500D AIRFLOW PC chassis is being tested. It is an innovative chassis with lots of space, hiding options, and clearances for a lot of liquid cooling. It's quite the looker as well with support for the new hidden connectors motherboards.

    The important thing to mention here is that the dual chamber design is back and, with even more cable routing holes for the reverse power bracket fad.  Well, at least the case looks nice.

  • Crucial Pro Series Supercharges Portfolio with DDR5 Overclocking Memory and World’s Fastest Gen5 SSD

    AI-PC ready, Crucial® DDR5 Pro Overclocking memory is compatible with DDR5 CPUs supporting Intel® XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO™, while the Crucial T705 Gen5 NVMe® SSD further raises the bar for Gen5 performance 

    BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), today announced two new Crucial Pro Series products with the addition of overclocking-capable memory and the world’s fastest Gen5 SSD. The Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition modules are available in 16GB densities up to 6,000MT/s to deliver higher performance, lower latencies and better bandwidth to fuel gaming wins and reduce performance bottlenecks. These powerful DDR5 overclocking DRAM modules are compatible with the latest DDR5 Intel and AMD CPUs and support both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO specifications on every module, eliminating compatibility hassles. Built with leading-edge Micron® 232-layer TLC NAND, the Crucial T705 SSD unleashes the full potential of Gen5 performance. Lightning-fast sequential reads and writes up to 14,500MB/s and 12,700MB/s (up to 1,550K/1,800K IOPS random reads and writes) respectively, enable faster gaming, video editing, 3D rendering and heavy workload AI application processing. With DDR5 Pro Overclocking DRAM and the T705 SSD, enthusiasts, gamers and professionals can harness the speed, bandwidth and performance they need for AI-ready PC builds capable of processing, rendering and storing large volumes of AI generated content. 

    “Today’s high-end PCs require exceptional memory and storage solutions to meet the growing demands of applications and workloads. The class-leading Crucial T705 Gen5 SSD and high-performance Crucial DDR5 Pro Overclocking DRAM offerings continue our legacy of designing products specifically for gamers, creators and other performance users that allow them to fully leverage the capabilities provided by the latest generation of CPU platforms,” said Jonathan Weech, senior director of product marketing for Micron’s Commercial Products Group. 

    Overclocking unlocked! 

    The Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition delivers: 

    • 36-38-38-80 extended timings for 25% lower latency than Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory Plug and Play Edition4
    • Elegant, origami-inspired aluminum heat spreader to complement a variety of gaming rigs
    • Higher frame rates4 for serious 1080p and 1440p resolution gaming on memory-intensive titles like Rainbow Six® Siege, Forza™ Horizon 4, Horizon Zero Dawn™, Cyberpunk 2077®, Hogwarts Legacy™, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered or Forespoken™
    • Universal compatibility with DDR5-based Intel Core 12th to 14th Gen desktop CPUs and AMD Ryzen 7000 to 8000G Series desktop CPUs

    Additionally, Crucial has fine-tuned all XMP 3.0 and EXPO memory profiles to maximize CPU compatibility without compromising overclocking stability and performance. Activating one of these pre-tuned profiles is necessary to overclocking the CPU and memory and is the easiest way to achieve maximum performance. 

    Crucial’s fastest Gen5 SSD just got faster. 

    The T705 SSD is available in capacities up to 4TB and features a premium black aluminum and copper heatsink that dissipates heat without noisy fans or liquid cooling, takes full advantage of Microsoft® DirectStorage and is backward compatible with Gen3 and Gen4 motherboards. A non-heatsink version is also available for use with a motherboard heatsink. For a limited time while global supplies last, a 2TB Crucial T705 Gen5 SSD with an exclusive white heatsink is also available and was meticulously designed to meet the aesthetic preferences of enthusiasts and gamers, harmonizing perfectly with white motherboards and PC components. 

    The Crucial T705 Gen5 SSD also provides: 

    • Faster gameplay and reduced game load times than Gen4 SSDs with Microsoft DirectStorage
    • Compatibility with Intel® Core 13th and 14th Gen CPUs and AMD Ryzen™ 7000 CPUs

    The Crucial DDR5 Pro Overclocking DRAM will be available in 16GB densities on February 27, 2024, and 24GB densities later in 2024. All Crucial Pro memory modules have a limited lifetime warranty. Crucial T705 SSDs, including the limited-edition 2TB white heatsink version, are available to pre-order now on www.crucial.com/T705 and will be available on March 12, 2024 through select etailers, retailers and global channel partners. The T705 SSDs have a 5-year warranty. To learn more about the entire high-performance Crucial Pro Series memory and storage product category, visit: https://www.crucial.com/pro-series. 

  • Thermaltake Introduces the View 270 TG ARGB Mid Tower Chassis with an Ultra-Wide View

    Taipei, Taiwan-February 19th, 2024-Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is thrilled to announce that the View 270 TG ARGB Mid Tower Chassis, a budget ATX case built for stunning viewing, is available for purchase worldwide. The View 270 comes in Black, Snow, Matcha Green, and Hydrangea Blue editions. It features tempered glass panels on the front and left sides, providing a full display of fantastic inner components and their glorious lighting effects.

    The appeal of a refined PC setup doesn't just come from its outer appearance; showcasing its internal parts also is a pure way to present its aesthetics. Besides the classic black and white versions, the View 270 includes unique Matcha Green and Hydrangea Blue ones as well, ensuring a perfect match for various tastes and styles. Furthermore, its tempered glass front and left panels contribute a wide angle, allowing it to completely exhibit the meticulously assembled components and dynamic RGB lighting. Ultimately, offering a comprehensive visual pleasing from both the outside and within.

    The View 270 is pre-installed with one CT140 ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan at the rear, and you can easily customize its lighting effects with the motherboard software. For enhanced cooling performance, the View 270 TG ARGB can accommodate up to a 360mm radiator on the top or nine 120mm fans in total, providing an exceptional thermal solution to high-end hardware.

    To allow you to make a dream PC build, the View 270 is equipped with considerable expandability. This chassis can support a CPU cooler with a height of up to 180mm, VGA placement up to 420mm in length, and a power supply up to 220mm in length. The View 270 can install two 2.5’’ SSDs or two 3.5’’ HDDs, guaranteeing great storage compatibility for meeting all your needs. What’s more, the full-length PSU cover at the bottom of the case enables users to hide cables easily and achieve better airflow for hard drives.

    Are you looking for an ATX PC case with an amazing view and unique color options at an affordable price? Don’t miss out on Thermaltake’s latest View 270 TG ARGB Mid Tower Chassis. Now all 4 color editions of the View 270 are ready for purchase!

    For more information on the View 270 TG ARGB Mid Tower Chassis:

  • Spent some time at the BoiseLAN 13

    This history of LAN Parties and Boise goes back a long way.  First there were the garage LANs hosted by someone at their house and was a great way to hang out, play some games and pound back a few drinks.  The first big LAN was hosted by Boise Frag Fest in the Boise Bomb Shelter and then later at the Karcher Mall in Nampa before ultimately being disbanded.  Our very own Darren helped run those events and is one reason we both took interest in the BoiseLAN.

    This last weekend was the 13th BoiseLAN hosted at a venue called Trailhead and was the first time back there since BoiseLAN 9.0 and well before the lockdown.  The Trailhead is a Business Development space in Boise and turns out to be a pretty good location with easy access to parking, freeway and some great food.  

    Hardware Asylum first got involved with BoiseLAN 2.0 where we hosted a prize giveaway to help promote the Hardware Asylum Podcast and give away some great prizes.  Since then, we have always given back to the event typically with adding computer hardware to the prize raffle and hosting computer related events like Overclocking with Liquid Nitrogen. 

    If you are interested in some of those past events check out our associated articles below.

    For BoiseLAN 13 the intent was to provide some prizes with no side agenda however, once attendees learned that a Thermaltake CTE750 was on the prize table many naturally stopped by to ask about it and find out what Hardware Asylum was all about.

    Below are some photos from the event.

    If you are curious about BoiseLAN and would like to get involved check out their Discord channel and Website.

  • CS LIVA Z5 Plus Mini-PC (Intel Core i5-1335U) @ TechPowerUp

    There was a time when I could not be bothered with Mini-PCs.  They were extremely underpowered and offered very little to the computer hardware enthusiast.  However, it would seem that times are changing, not so much out of innovation but rather stagnation.

    Early in my PC building career you could see some common names across the available hardware.  In my area the computer shops were focused on offering "in expensive" hardware since cheap sells and names like Biostar, PC Chips and.. ECS were very common.  If you wanted a name brand part, you had to order out of a catalog.

    So, here we are, faced with a situation.  The future of the desktop PC is presented in this review and by none other than ECS,  As Morpheus once said "Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony"

    The ECS LIVA Z5 Plus delivers robust performance and efficiency. With its remarkably low-noise operation, it proves to be an excellent choice for settings like a home office, kiosk, or digital signage.

    Of course, many of the Mini-PCs on the market are still underpowered because, like computer shops of the early 2000's, cheap sells.  Had ECS included a Core Ultra processor then this would become a viable desktop replacement.  Not a gaming rig but, very decent for what most people "need".

  • Yeston GeForce RTX 4080 Super Sakura Sugar review @ Guru3D

    Anime seems to be the new thing for hardware makers to exploit in their designs.  Having been a fan of all types of animated shows for many years I am left wondering "What took them so long??"

    Yeston has launched the RTX 4080 SUPER, with the Sakura series' top-tier model under review. This release introduces a GPU that stands out for its distinctive design, catering to enthusiasts who favor the Sakura series' unique visual appeal. A prominent characteristic of these cards is the white PCB, distinguishing them within the industry. The card comes with a factory overclock setting of 2640 MHz, enhancing its performance capabilities.

    Most everyone went total schizoid over the 7900 XTX edition of this card and well, now it is time to shine with the RTX 4080 Super.

  • AZIO Retro Classic Prestige Mechanical Keyboard Review @ ThinkComputers

    Normally, I am usually skipping over keyboard reviews.  We do them here, and they make for great content but... they are a keyboard, you type on them, that translates into INPUT or stupid phrases that get you banned from society.

    What caught my eye with this review is that we have reviewed a similar keyboard back in 2016!!  The AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard

    Overall, the design was unique but, I found it difficult to type on so, if you want a keyboard to look retro and be as functional as a retro bit of hardware then SCORE.  Otherwise, you might want to keep looking.  The Classic Prestige at ThingComputers looks to have tweaked the keycaps to make them more square, and thus easier to type on.

    Back in 2016 AZIO released a keyboard that was incredibly unique at the time called the MK Retro. The keyboard was inspired by classic typewriters with circular keys. It was a hit and soon after they released the Retro Classic which has the same type of style, but used materials like leather and zinc alloy. There has been many iterations since then of this iconic keyboard and today we have a brand new one, the Retro Classic Prestige. This brings with it a new keycap design that is not as circular, a black wooden and gunmetal frame, mechanical key switches that are hot-swappable, and both wired and wireless connectivity.

    Seems AZIO is back at it again, might have to reach out and see what is going on.