Tech News
-
Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos Liquid CPU Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
Published: Friday, October 6, 2023 | By: DennisThe modern PC has evolved beyond the small 60mm delta screamers to require a little more from your cooling system. The latest LGA 1700 systems run pretty hot and while your standard 240 AIO will get the job done, it can sometimes get your fans "a running a bit fast".
This is where a 360 AIO can be a benefit like the ones we have reviewed or, this one from Cooler Master.
Here at ThinkComputers we are no strangers to Cooler Master and their products, especially when it comes to their all-in-one liquid coolers. So here we are again with a new AIO from Cooler Master, the MasterLiquid 360 Atmos. No, there aren't any surround sound speakers found on this cooler, but there are some pretty cool features included with the 360 Atmos, like an included lighting controller, SickleFlow Edge fans, and an updated pump housing design that steps up the aesthetics game quite nicely. With a few other changes here and there, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos is poised to be the next generation in liquid cooling, so follow along as we take a closer look!
I'm not sure what the deal is with the Atmos name but, it looks pretty good so, we should let the relapse in Cooler Master intellegence slide.
-
G.Skill TridentZ DDR5 7200 CL36 2x24 GB review @ Guru3D
Published: Friday, October 6, 2023 | By: DennisDespite G.Skill no longer supporting "us" with review samples I am still a big fan of their memory lines and will often choose for my build recommendations. That isn't to say that "other" memory is not good but, does imply that I trust the performance and style you get from G.Skill.
With that being said, The new TridentZ sticks are pretty damn nice and have a perfect color combo.
G.Skill is a company (from Taipei) whose products don’t need an introduction. The main “dish” is the RAM, from the DDR5 type. The provided sample is from a Trident Z5 series. We already covered the 5600 MHz CL36 (RGB-less) variant back in March’2022 (and it earned the “Recommended” award), and 7200 MHz CL34 (with the RGB lighting) also in March, but 2023 (this time it was the “Top Pick”). This time around, the sample is from the high-capacity kits (2x24 GB/2x48 GB) that were announced, yes – also in March (‘23), reaching up to 8200 MHz for the 2x 24 GB edition, and up to 6800 MHz when two 48 GB modules are used.
Now, if you are the type that would rather follow a different path and has finally given up on Corsair and their Bullshit then check out the Viper Venom line from Patriot. It is quite good.
-
Glorious Model O 2 @ TechPowerUp
Published: Friday, October 6, 2023 | By: DennisThe computer mouse has gone through a number of changes over the years, some are designed to be super accurate, some have a tendency to shock you and others might have too many buttons for a single thumb to press.
However, the basic design idea still holds true and this chunk of plastic from Glorious is one to see. (Maybe)
With the ambidextrous Model O 2, Glorious's Model O gets a full makeover. The main buttons have been redesigned, the sensor upgraded to the BAMF 2.0, and the weight lowered to 57 g. Furthermore, the Model O 2 is now fully compatible with Glorious Core.
Sadly, the O 2 is a design following the mad rush of computer users with no upper body strength. The mouse is designed to be light weight so that weak gamers can have more control over their game, instead of, oh I dunno, picking something up that isn't a potato chip.
-
Maonocaster C2 Neo Audio Interface Review @ APH Networks
Published: Thursday, October 5, 2023 | By: DennisPersonally, I am a fan of the Focusrite line of audio interfaces and have been using the Scarlett 6i6 and 8i6 for over 10 years now. Interfaces like the Maonocaster C2 appear to migrate from a software based configuration to something with quick buttons to change things, which is nice, especially for those recording alone or doing streams.
The part that sucks is that when you implement a hardware solution you increase the overall complexity of the product and often limit how it can be used.
The Maonocaster C2 Neo audio interface and mixer combination offers audio flexibility, but its result is mired by usability and execution issues.
Be sure to check out the review if you are curious and want to see an audio interface that looks more like a DJ station.
-
Cooler Master V SFX Platinum 1100W Power Supply Review @ APH Networks
Published: Monday, September 25, 2023 | By: DennisBe sure to check out my review of the Cooler Master V SFX 1100w power supply. Overall, the PSU is a great unit and a HUGE step towards the rise of high performance SFF builds BUT, we have a long way to go before we get there. On the surface, it looks great but, high-end builds generate a TON of heat and most small form factor cases are super limited when it comes to cooling performance making a 1100w SFX PSU a little overkill.
but, a little overkill never hurt anyone.
The Cooler Master V SFX Platinum 1100W is a solidly constructed SFX PSU for those looking for something to power the latest components in a tighter space with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 support.
Maybe when 90 Series RTX cards stop needing a quad slot cooler we can start thinking that high-current SFX PSUs are a good thing.
-
Funky Kit Review - ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Phantom Gaming 8GB OC Graphics Card
Published: Monday, September 25, 2023 | By: DennisASRock, now there is an ASUS company I have not heard about in a LONG time.
Sadly, I have never been able to secure a steady AMD relationship to get products like this. Maybe that was due to my lack luster review of the lack luster AMD Ryzen when it first launched or, maybe it was the constant influx of marketing folks and agencies losing my business card.
Either way, AMD stuff is pretty good and usually made better by mfgs. like ASRock and others.
the overall performance of the card isn't too bad, if you’re on a budget but play a lot of games in 1080p resolution, then the ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Phantom Gaming OC could be the right choice for you.
Sadly, this is a '600 series card with a limited frame buffer and nice juicy overclock to compensate. Could it actually perform? or does it leave much to be desired. If you are reading this click the link below to find out.
-
ASUS ROG GeForce RTX 4090 MATRIX review @ Guru3D
Published: Monday, September 25, 2023 | By: DennisAs a person I am not against ASUS ROG products but, when it comes to the operation of Hardware Asylum and my associated media outlets, I find it difficult to recommend ASUS ROG products due to the company not sending me any ASUS ROG products to review.
Of course, the funny story there is that I have some ASUS ROG products in the lab that I needed to purchase on my own, normally these make for the best reviews but, after doing Enthusiast PC Hardware reviews for over 20 years it just seems stupid that I would have to resort to doing that. #allthingsconsidered
However, as we get back to our normally scheduled news postings, we have a review from the ultra elitest Guru3D featuring the ASUS ROG RTX 4090. Seems like a pretty good card.
Today, we delve into ASUS's latest offering for the enthusiast segment. This release is limited to a select few. Introducing the liquid-cooled ROG Matrix Platinum GeForce RTX 4090 - a combination of visual appeal and optimal thermal performance.
Ohhhhh, thermal performance!!! The card is fricken watercooled, it is going to cool well even if the cooler is total junk. AND, if it doesn't you likely did something wrong.
-
Cooler Master Reveals Street Fighter 6-Inspired Gaming Hardware collaboration with CAPCOM
Published: Friday, September 8, 2023 | By: DennisIn a massive "I wanna do that too" it seems that Cooler Master has collaborated with CAPCOM to offer Street Fighter 6 inspired hardware from their extensive hardware catalog.
---------------------------------
Cooler announces a historic partnership with CAPCOM to launch an exclusive line of Street Fighter 6-themed components and peripherals in celebration of the latest addition to the Street Fighter franchise. Inspired by the game's characters, Cooler Master has designed a range of peripherals incorporating iconic character colors and RGB feedback for an exciting themed gaming experience.
The Cooler Master Street Fighter 6 inspired gaming hardware will include products across a variety of categories which include:- Caliber X2 SF6 Limited Edition Chair
- CH331 Street Fighter Edition Headset
- CK570 Street Fighter Edition Keyboard
- Hyper 212 Halo SF6 Air Cooler
- MasterLiquid 360L Core SF6 AIO
- MM310 Street Fighter Edition Mouse
- MP511 Street Fighter Edition Mouse Pad
- MWE Gold V2 SF6 Power Supply
- TD500 Mesh V2 Street Fighter Edition Case
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sep 8th, 2023 — Cooler Master, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative gaming peripherals and computer components, is thrilled to announce a historic partnership with CAPCOM to launch an exclusive line of Street Fighter 6-themed components and peripherals.
This collaboration celebrates the launch of the latest addition to the Street Fighter franchise. Inspired by the game's new characters and universe, Cooler Master has meticulously designed a range of peripherals incorporating iconic character colors and RGB lighting for an immersive gaming experience.
"Cooler Master and Capcom share nearly the same rich history and longevity in our respective fields, making this partnership a natural blend of talent, innovation, and a deep understanding of our audience," said Jimmy Sha, CEO, Cooler Master. "With Capcom, we've created products that reflect the heart and soul of Street Fighter 6, offering fans a unique opportunity to incorporate their love for the game into their gaming setups."
The Street Fighter 6 gear by Cooler Master includes the Caliber X2 SF6 Limited Edition Chair, CH331 SF6 Edition Headset, CK570 SF6 Edition Keyboard, Hyper 212 Halo SF6 Air Cooler, MasterLiquid 360L Core SF6 AIO, MM310 SF6 Edition Mouse, MP511 SF6 Edition Mouse Pad, MWE Gold V2 SF6 Power Supply, and TD500 Mesh V2 SF6 Edition Case.
Adding to the excitement, Cooler Master will host giveaways over the coming months, allowing fans the chance to win pieces from the new hardware line.
This exclusive collection will be available from September onwards, providing fans of the legendary Street Fighter series a truly immersive and personalized gaming environment.
In addition, Cooler Master will combo the launch with giveaways over the coming months to allow fans the chance to win pieces from the new hardware line.
-
Patriot Viper Venom RGB DDR5 7400 CL36 2x16 GB @ Guru3D
Published: Friday, September 8, 2023 | By: DennisFunny story, I was a big fan of Patriot memory when the company first started selling modules and for two reasons.
- They offered modules with red heatspreaders which matched a foxconn motherboard I was reviewing
- They offered the same red modules in a DDR ECC variant that allowed me to overclock the foxconn board without issue
Since then the relationship had been rocky, their products were "meh" at best and for a good number of years they refused to provide samples, likely because they knew their stuff was junk.
Fast Forward to the past several years and the company has made a signafigant about face by offering some high quality memory modules, NVMe M.2 SSD drives and maybe one of the best USB drives I have ever used.
Patriot Viper Venom RGB 7400 CL36 memory is the kit we will present today. It’s not the first DDR5 set from that company on guru3d. Almost a year ago, the Viper Venom 6200 CL40 was checked. The sample we’re reviewing is the best of the series. There’s also the Elite 5 (RGB/Non-RGB), which can achieve up to 7000 MHz and capacities of up to 96GB, and if you want the most performance, there’s Viper Extreme 5 series, where you can get even an 8000 MHz frequency memory (and the lowest available is 7600 MHz)
The Venom line of modules have been spot on when it comes to performance and the heatspreader design isnt' too bad either.
-
iRocks Launches K74M Mechanical Keyboard with Backlight and Hot-Swappable Switches
Published: Friday, September 8, 2023 | By: DennisSeptember 8, 2023, Taipei_ iRocks, a Taiwan PC peripheral manufacturer, introduced a brand-new mechanical keyboard K74M featuring white backlight, PBT keycaps, aluminum plate and hot-swappable switches.
K74M is meticulously designed to offer style and practicality for both gaming and professional tasks. Over the course of several years, iRocks has devoted countless hours to testing, gathering feedback, and engaging in development. This ongoing effort has enabled K74M to collaborate effectively with typists and gamers, ensuring the delivery of a highly satisfying typing experience.
PBT Keycaps and Floating Keys Design
A pre-installed set of PBT keycaps outlives ordinary ABS ones with it comes to surface wearing, and greatly enhances the durability of the keys. The keycaps are made with double shot (dual-injection) technology to prevent backlit legends from fading. Thanks to its floating keys design and aluminum plating, the K74M makes keyboard cleaning and maintenance easier after years of service.Customize your typing experience painlessly without soldering.
K74M features Gateron hot-swappable sockets for mechanical switches, compatible with 3pin and 5pin MX-style mechanical switches. The pre-installed Gateron switches can stand with up to 50 million keystrokes, with clear housing allowing white backlight evenly shines through the translucent key legends.Wired USB-C Connection
K74M has detachable cable and can be connected using USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to C cable. High speed microcontroller inside the K74M enables fast keystroke response and N-key rollover function.Customizable Smart Wheel
The wheel on K74M has switchable modes and is fully compatible with your Windows 10 and 11 PC. With Smart Wheel mode under Windows 10 and 11, you can customize your wheel to what you need it to be – volume, scrolling, zooming, brush adjustment, video editing, multimedia control, and more.
Enhanced Typing Experience
For premium typing feel and sound, the K74M implements a sound-absorbing pad for spaces between the plate and PCB and an appropriately sized foam for the bottom case. The components work together to turn every click into a delightful typing bliss. The stabilizers for the spacebar and modifiers on the K74M are tuned and lubricated to ensure consistent smoothness with less rattling key press.Software Configurator
Not just from hardware hotkeys, K74M supports software configurator, providing you with an intuitive control interface for the keyboard, from backlighting to macro keys and more. The configuration may also be saved to the keyboard's onboard memory for on-the-go convenience.Pricing and Availability
The iRocks K74M is available in black or white colorways from authorized online retailers and distributors. The keyboard is available now in the US on Amazon at price of $74.99 USD.
