Tech News
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Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB 2x32GB DDR5 6000MHz Memory Kit Review @ Madshrimps
Published: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | By: DennisThe DDR5 memory landscape has started to flatten out with the major players all having rather fast memory modules in their catalog including XPower.
These 6000Mhz memory modules are your typical RGB enabled sticks and come in kits of 64GB with 2x32GB modules included. Heatspreader design has changed quite a bit since the initial launch of DDR5. Most companies were content with offering the maximum amount of cooling despite DDR5 not needing heatspreaders at all.
Most modern designs have followed the Corsair model and will be smooth as glass. Sometimes that glass is formed over organic textures while others may have a more angular shape. Point is, the days of elaborate heatsink designs has started to sunset.
The XPOWER Zenith RGB DDR5-6000 64GB memory kit from Silicon Power does impress regarding total capacity, tighter timings used for both XMP and EXPO profiles but also with the fact we can overclock the modules further in order to obtain some extra performance. The RGB lighting offered by the modules is not tied to a specific platform, but supports most known motherboard utilities: BIOSTAR was not listed as compatible, but their utility could control the modules just fine!
Funny how BIOSTAR wasn't supported, isn't that company the "everything of everything?"
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Funky Kit Review - ASRock Phantom Gaming B760I Lightning WiFi Motherboard
Published: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | By: DennisYou don't see too many motherboard reviews these days. Something about low margins, poor marketing budgets and lack luster performance advantages. Thank you, Intel, for making your processors so good that the subsystem doesn't matter.
Funky Kit has a ASRock Phantom Gaming B760I review posted. ASRock is one of those companies that tries to be amazing but is tied too much to the ASUS shadow to succeed. Of course, I can say that since they don't send me products to review anymore and likely never will. (However, Computex is coming up, I'll see what I can do to crack the ASRock knut.)
I have to admit, I'm pleasantly surprised by the features and performance the ASRock Phantom Gaming B760I Lightning WiFi has to offer, especially in such a small and compact mini-ITX motherboard. It offers good performance, decent overclocking ability and it's perfect for compact PC project builds, mini-PCs and more.
I do like me some MiniITX motherboard action, despite what the pot smoking states say about selling computer systems that don't meet (or are exempt from) their power, save the planet, requirements.
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Homeworld 3 Performance Benchmark @ TechPowerUp
Published: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | By: DennisI am always impressed with reviews where the author will test a game against multiple video cards. To do this correctly, you need to allocate time to run the actual benchmark along with tweaks and tunes. You also need to have a repeatable build process available to ensure that EVERY time you run the benchmark with a new video card the conditions are the same.
From experience I know this can take weeks and when something goes wrong, and it always does, you get results that you cannot trust. Most reviewers have their system down and, when it is good they will talk about it. Others may rely on past benchmark results or may even use algorithms to determine the results you are expecting to see.
I'm not sure which method is right or, even if you (the reader) could tell the difference. However, what is important is that the results can be repeated and that "you" the reader could recreate them if you wanted. For a game like Homeworld 3, I'm not sure it even matters
Homeworld 3 is the latest installment in the epic space RTS series. Thanks to Unreal Engine, you get upgraded visuals and combat in real three-dimensional environments. In our performance review, we're taking a closer look at image quality, VRAM usage, and performance on a wide selection of modern graphics cards.
Or, maybe it does, point is I'm not too concerned either way.
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ThundeRobot ML903 NearLink @ TechPowerUp
Published: Thursday, May 9, 2024 | By: DennisI have seen quite a few computer mice in the years of doing product reviews. They are one of those "needed" products that people either get stupid excited over or really couldn't give a crap. Thing is, the mouse is still one of the primary devices for interacting with a PC and arguably one of the most important components of a proper gaming rig. So, while there are zealots out there I'm not sure they would find an ambidextrous wireless mouse with a PixArt PAW3396 sensor all that interesting.
Unless they are left handed
The ambidextrous ML903 is among the first mice debuting Huawei's NearLink technology. In addition, it comes with wired 8000 Hz and wireless 4000 Hz polling, PixArt's PAW3395 sensor, Kailh main button switches, and a 600 mAh battery, all wrapped into a 68 g package.
It seems that this mouse is also one of them "light" mice that could blow away at the slightest sneeze from across the room.
Thing is, I have a hard time thinking a mouse you can buy off of Aliexpress can be all that good.
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Thermaltake Launches LCGS Spring Sale with Premier Saving on High-Performance Pre-built Gaming Desktops
Published: Thursday, May 9, 2024 | By: DennisExperience supreme gaming performance with Thermaltake top-selling LCGS featuring INTEL® Core™ 14th Gen CPUs as well as NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 and RTX™ 40 Super GPUs
WALNUT, CALIFORNIA, May 7th, 2024 — Thermaltake USA, a leader in PC case, cooling, power, and memory solutions, proudly launches the Spring Sale, running from May 7th to May 31st. This promotional event spotlights four exceptional Thermaltake LCGS (Liquid Cooled Gaming Systems) desktops, outfitted with the latest INTEL® Core™ 14th and 13th Gen CPUs, as well as NVIDIA® GeForce™ RTX™ 40 and RTX™ 40 Super GPUs, engineered to deliver unparalleled gaming power and performance.
Throughout the Spring Sale, enthusiasts can seize remarkable offers, including special pricing and a complimentary bundle featuring the Thermaltake ARGENT K5 RGB Gaming Keyboard and ARGENT M5 RGB Gaming Mouse, valued at over $200, or a free ToughRam XG RAM upgrade from 32GB to 64GB with any purchase of an INTEL® Core™ 14th Gen gaming desktop. Additionally, all gaming PCs powered by INTEL® Core™ 14th Gen CPUs will come with a copy of the Star Wars Outlaws™ PC game. Shoppers can also enjoy a $100 discount on select LCGS equipped with INTEL® Core™ 13th CPUs using the promo code "INTELSPRING100".
“We are delighted to offer our gaming community the most advanced and powerful gaming solutions during this year’s Spring Sale," said Michael Guo, Vice President of Thermaltake USA. "Our carefully selected lineup of LCGS desktops embodies our commitment to delivering exceptional performance and gaming experiences. This sale is not just about great deals as a token of gratitude to the gamer community; it’s about upgrading the gameplay and achieving new heights in gaming excellence.”
LCGS
Special Price
CPU
GPU
Free Bundle Offer
$3,699.99
Intel® Core™ i9-14900KF
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090
- Free ARGENT K5 RGB Gaming Keyboard Cherry MX Blue, $179.99 Value
- Free ARGENT M5 RGB Gaming Mouse, $69.99 Value
- A copy of Star War Outlaws™ PC game
$1,899.99
Intel Core™ i7-14700KF
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070
- Free ToughRam XG RAM Memory Upgrade (32G to 64G) $100 Value
- A copy of Star War Outlaws™ PC game
$2,799.99
Intel® Core™ i7-13700KF
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 Super
Enjoy $100 off at checkout. Use code INTELSPRING100.
$2,499.99
Intel® Core™ i9-13900K
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti Super
Enjoy $100 off at checkout. Use code INTELSPRING100.
The selected LCGS desktops offer unparalleled performance enhancements, ensuring minimal latency and maximum frame rates for an unbeatable gaming experience. Gamers can immerse themselves in smooth, detailed visuals and enhanced gameplay across the most demanding modern titles.All Thermaltake products are backed by a comprehensive warranty policy, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase. The specifics of the warranty may differ based on the product category. For detailed information about our warranty coverage and to review the full policy, please visit the Warranty Policy Page.
To learn more about the Spring Sale, please visit https://thermaltakeusa.com/collections/gaming-pc.
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YEYIAN GAMING Spotlights Amazon Gaming Week 2024 with Exclusive Deals on Pre-built Phoenix Gaming PCs and Hussar Plus PC Cases
Published: Monday, April 29, 2024 | By: DennisFeaturing up to $300 off Gaming PCs Equipped with NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 4000/4000 Super Series Graphics Cards
San Diego, California, April 29th, 2024 – YEYIAN GAMING, a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, is thrilled to announce exclusive promotions for Amazon Gaming Week 2024, running from April 29 to May 5. This key event in the online retail calendar, tailored explicitly for PC enthusiasts and gamers, offers significant savings opportunities. YEYIAN Gaming has handpicked five of its top-selling gaming desktops to feature discounts of up to $300, along with special deals on two PC cases from the prestigious Hussar Plus series.
The featured Phoenix and Tanto gaming systems are equipped with cutting-edge NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 4000 and 4000 Super series graphics cards, as well as high-performance processors from INTEL® Core™ i9, Core™ i7, and AMD Ryzen™ 7. Additionally, the YEYIAN Hussar Plus ATX mid-tower gaming PC case offers a sleek, spacious design that supports standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. Compatible with the latest NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, it features a tempered glass side panel and advanced cooling options to accommodate multiple fans and AIOs. These promotions provide a fantastic opportunity for gamers to significantly upgrade their setups and enhance their gaming experience during one of the year's most anticipated sales events.
"We are excited to deepen the collaboration with Amazon for Gaming Week 2024, an event that is tailored and captivates gamers worldwide," said Frank Lee, Vice President of YEYIAN Gaming. "This year, we are delighted to offer significant discounts across some of our most popular gaming desktops. Through this partnership with Amazon, we can provide these advanced models with the latest technology to a broader audience at unparalleled prices. At YEYIAN Gaming, we strive to exceed the gaming community's expectations through continuous innovation and superior quality. These promotions represent a fantastic opportunity for gamers to upgrade their setups with high-performance technology, making elite gaming more accessible than ever."
Gaming PC Exclusive Deals
Phoenix Gaming Desktop PC:
$300 off coupon for PM49KSD-4901U Gaming PC: click here
- Intel® Core™ i9 14900KF/RTX 4090/Z790/64GB DDR5/2TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/1000W Platinum PSU
- Free Game: Star Wars Outlaws™
$200 off for PM49KFC-48S1U Gaming PC at now $2,899: click here
- Intel® Core™ i9 14900KF/RTX™ 4080 Super/Z790/32GB DDR5/2TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/850W Gold PSU
- Free Game: Star Wars Outlaws™
$300 off for PG780DC-47Y1U Gaming PC at now $1,899: click here
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D/RTX™ 4070 Ti/B650/32GB DDR5/1TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/750W Gold PSU
$100 off coupon for PG49KFC-47S1U Gaming PC: click here
- Intel® Core™ i9 14700KF/RTX™ 4070 Super/Z790/32GB DDR5/1TB NVMe SSD/360mm AIO/650W Gold PSU
- Free Game: Star Wars Outlaws™
Tanto Gaming Desktop PC:
- $200 off coupon for TA24F0B-4601U Gaming PC: click here
- Intel® Core™ i7 12700F/RTX™ 4060/B660/16GB DDR5/1TB NVMe SSD/650W Gold PSU
PC Case Exclusive Deals
- Enjoy 12% off for the Hussar Plus ATX gaming PC case, tempered glass side panel, white edition, now $74.99: click here
- Enjoy 13% off for the Hussar Plus ATX gaming PC case, tempered glass side panel, black edition, now $69.99: click here
For more details on Star Wars Outlaws™, please visit https://us.yeyiangaming.com/yeyian-and-intel-presents-star-wars-outlaws
For warranty information, please visit https://us.yeyiangaming.com/warranty-information
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KLEVV Bolt V DDR5-6800 32 GB CL34 @ TechPowerUp
Published: Monday, April 29, 2024 | By: DennisI met with the KLEVV folks one year during Computex. They had some good stuff but nothing really special, in fact it was rather basic and designed for the mainstream.
Makes me wonder how these new Bolt modules will work out.
KLEVV has brought the Bolt series to DDR5. Targeting PC gamers, the Bolt V is a low-profile memory kit that keeps the lights off, but is no slouch either! Follow along as we benchmark and compare this memory kit on both Intel and AMD systems.
DDR5-6800 isn't bad though, I have seen faster.
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GravaStar Sirius P5 Combo Earphones Review @ Madshrimps
Published: Sunday, April 28, 2024 | By: DennisOk, so, what I find interesting about this product AND the review. The title says they are Earphones (ear buds) but, the article snip doesn't really "sell" it to me. In fact I was really confused as to what I was seeing.
Was this some sort of fancy zippo lighter?? was it a space frame to hold your phone??
Armed with that I went to check out the review and... three pages in, I was still confused but, I can honestly say the packaging is quite amazing.
After connecting the Sirius P5 set to our Samsung S24 smartphone, we started listening to various TV shows via Plex, YouTube videos but also listened to some music: the earphones sound really good, with an impressive amount of bass for such small drivers, while the voices are delivered with clarity. The capacitive controls on each earbud do allow actions such as answering phone calls, audio track skipping, play/pause, volume control or we can also activate the voice assistant. If we are playing games, there is also a mode which minimizes latency to about 48ms, which is great!
I'm not one for Ear Buds but, for those who are, these might be interesting to check out.
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EnGenius Now Shipping the FitXpress Gateway: Redefining Site-to-Site VPN Connectivity
Published: Sunday, April 28, 2024 | By: DennisThe XG60-FIT FitXpress Gateway is a perfect connectivity solution for small businesses with multiple branches or remote workers. It's simple to set up and packed with advanced security and management features, making it flexible enough to meet the needs of business owners and service providers
COSTA MESA, Calif., April 22nd, 2024 -- EnGenius, a leading innovator in connectivity solutions, is excited to announce that the new FitXpress Security Gateway is now ready for purchase. This advanced security gateway is explicitly designed for small businesses, branch offices, and work-from-home (WFH) environments, providing simple installation, unparalleled efficiency, and reliable security to the market. This solution provides SMBs with an easy-to-use connectivity solution and offers a comprehensive range of features that empower service providers to deliver an efficient and secure solution for a wide range of use cases.
Complete and Seamless Security Solution
One of the XG60-FIT Gateway’s distinctive features is to simplify connectivity between two or more physical locations to create a secure network connection for small businesses. Small businesses can seamlessly collaborate, share resources, and communicate across geographical locations. The XG60-FIT Gateway offers a streamlined auto-VPN setup to remove the complexity for users of varying levels with a rapid 900 Mbps speed to connect branch offices or remote workers, enabling efficient communication. EnGenius has also incorporated a VPN self-healing capability that automatically monitors connectivity and corrects issues, providing peace of mind for business owners and network administrators.
Optimized Remote Connectivity with SecuPoint
The SecuPoint VPN client feature on the gateway allows for secure and easy remote connections with automatic VPN networking managed in the cloud. EnGenius's SecuPoint simplifies SSL VPN setup with auto-configuration and flexible certificate authentication, enhancing network administrators' efficiency. This feature allows remote workers to access corporate networks safely and securely with encryption. SecuPoint VPN provides unified device connectivity with multi-platform support for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It removes the complexity of remote VPN setup, enabling businesses to run hassle-free.
Streamlined Management through FitXpress Platform
Gateway XG60-FIT can be easily managed through the FitXpress platform, which helps small business owners handle operations without the need for IT staff. It offers complete visibility, control, and insightful data to make informed business decisions. FitXpress is a comprehensive network management system that simplifies the installation, configuration, and monitoring of EnGenius network devices, letting business owners focus on their operations rather than dealing with network issues. It provides an intuitive web portal and app enabling remote network management from any location, which enhances network security and operational efficiency for small businesses.
The XG60-FIT gateway comes with additional key features for connection flexibility and reliability.
- Dual-GbE WAN and Dual-GbE LAN ports for maximum performance.
- Enhanced connectivity through dual-WAN load balancing.
- WAN and cellular failover mechanisms provide continuous connectivity without interruptions.
- Dedicated 2 GE LAN Ports, optional 3rd LAN, and 1x SFP uplink for flexible connectivity.
- Seamless integration with existing network gateways and routers via passthrough functionality.
- High-performance dual-core 2.1 GHz processor for greater speed and power.
- Cloud-based management unifies EnGenius Fit Gateways, Wi-Fi Access Points, and Switches.
The XG60-FIT Gateway, with an MSRP of $375, is now available for immediate shipping through the EnGenius Store and EnGenius authorized partners. Discover more about the XG60-FIT.
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Thermaltake Elevates Gaming Rigs Nationwide with Smart BM3 and ToughPower GF A3 PSUs Available at Best Buy Retail Stores
Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | By: DennisExplore Thermaltake ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen5 Power Supply Units – Delivering Exceptional 80Plus Efficiency and Game-Changing 12VHPWR Connectivity.
WALNUT, CALIFORNIA, April 24th, 2024 — Thermaltake USA, a leading provider of PC case, cooling, power supply, and desktop memory solutions, today announced the nationwide release of the Smart BM3 Bronze and ToughPower GF A3 Gold series power supplies at Best Buy stores. These cutting-edge products are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding gaming and graphic setups, offering power ratings from 650W to 1200W. Featuring full ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen5 compliance and equipped with the revolutionary 12VHPWR connector, these power supplies are ready to support the most advanced graphics cards available on the market.
"Best Buy has been a pivotal partner for Thermaltake as we strive towards sustainability. Through our collaborative efforts, significant milestones that benefit both the industry and the environment have been achieved," said Michael Guo, Vice President of Thermaltake USA. "We are excited to introduce six new models from our prestigious PSU series, each designed to prioritize energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. These models, certified with the eco-friendly 80Plus Gold rating, underscore our commitment to green computing. The launch of these PSUs at Best Buy marks a significant step in Thermaltake's mission to innovate and provide tailored solutions that promote sustainability in the gaming industry."
Smart BM3 Bronze Transforms Gaming Setups with Advanced ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen5 Support
Gamers and PC builders can now elevate the gaming experience with Thermaltake Smart BM3 Bronze power supplies, available in 850W, 750W, and 650W models to support the next generation of entry-level graphics cards. With its semi-modular design and 80+ Bronze efficiency, the Smart BM3 Bronze series offers an affordable solution that meets its target audience's budget needs without compromising performance. Each power supply includes modular low-profile flat black cables and a native 12+4-pin PCIe Gen5 connector that adheres to the latest ATX 3.0 standard, ensuring future-proof compatibility and a streamlined build process.
Highlighting durability and quiet operation, the series features high-quality Japanese 105°C/221°F main capacitors and a 120mm ultra-quiet fluid dynamic bearing fan further enhanced by Smart Zero Fan technology to minimize noise during low to medium loads. This attention to detail extends to the precise DC-to-DC design for stable electrical output and comprehensive hardware protection mechanisms such as OCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, SCP, and OTP. Despite their robust functionality, these power supplies are designed with a compact footprint of 150mm(W)x86mm(H)x140mm(D), making them an ideal choice for space-conscious setups.
ToughPower GF A3 Gold: Precision-Engineered for Next-Generation Gaming PCs with ATX 3.0 and PCIe Gen5 Capabilities
ToughPower GF A3 Gold series power supplies, offered in 1200W, 1050W, and 850W models, are expertly engineered to meet the demands of next-generation PCs. These power supplies are fully equipped for PCIe Gen5 and ATX3.0 specifications, ready to handle the most advanced graphics cards on the market. With their compact design, the ToughPower GF A3 Gold units are specially crafted to fit seamlessly into constrained PC cases, providing robust, streamlined solutions for any graphically demanding PC builds.
ToughPower GF A3 Gold series emphasizes reliability and top-tier performance and supports a native 12+4-pin PCIe Gen5 connector, ensuring compatibility with future GPU releases. The exceptional voltage regulation aligns with Intel’s stringent standards, guaranteeing consistent power delivery. These PSUs boast an impressive hold-up time of over 17 milliseconds and operate continuously at a warm 45°C/122°F without compromising efficiency or output. At the core of the design is a 120mm ultra-quiet fluid dynamic bearing fan, providing optimal airflow quietly. Coupled with high-quality Japanese 105°C/221°F main capacitors and a robust DC-to-DC design, the ToughPower GF A3 Gold series promises precise electrical output and complete hardware protection, featuring OCP, OVP, UVP, OPP, SCP, and OTP, securing your system's safety and longevity.