Compact PCs are becoming more and more popular every year. Such structures not only take up much less space, but are also more mobile. For enthusiasts of this type of solutions, something new has just appeared on the horizon. ZOTAC Magnus One from the E series, a mini PC offering high performance in a housing with a capacity of 8.3 liters. The design debuted at this year’s CES 2021, proposing a new solution, i.e. vertical mounting of ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX graphics cards 30 Series. The computers will also run on Intel Core i7 processors 10. generation with expandable RAM and data memory. Details below.
ZOTAC Magnus One from the E series is a mini PC offering high performance in a housing with a capacity of 8.3 liters. Inside we will find, among others Vertically Mounted GeForce RTX Graphics 30 Series.
ZOTAC RTX 3070 Twin Edge OC White Edition – small, white Ampere
ZOTAC Magnus One is powered by an internal power supply 500 with certificate 80 + Platinum. The whole is characterized by the simplicity of possible tool-free extension. All you need to do is unscrew the two rear screws and remove the top one and then the side panels one by one. We get quick access to elements such as RAM memory, M.2 SSD disk and a 2.5-inch hard drive. However, the manufacturer boasts of using the latest graphics cards, which makes the newest Magnus One series the most efficient gaming mini-desktops.
In terms of connectors, the mini PC offers one HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 1.4a connectors (supports up to four displays). It also has four USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, four USB 3.0 ports (one type C), as well as the latest Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with the Killer AX chipset 1650 and support for two LANs, including one Gigabit LAN and one 2.5 Gb / s Port Killer E 3000 for bandwidth-demanding tasks. The computer is currently available with 16 GB of DDR $ memory, M.2 SSD 512 GB and an additional 2.5 inch SSD with a capacity of 1 TB. The price has not yet been announced, but the desktop has already appeared in the first stores in the form of a preorder, where together with the Intel i7 unit – 10700 it was priced at 1899 dollars. Details on the official product page – CLICK.
Z 812 motherboards provide, among other things, a more robust power supply and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 connector connected directly to the Rocket Lake processor.
Intel is preparing new ones based on the Rocket Lake architecture 11. next-generation Core processors to be released, according to preliminary data, in March. Although the processors will also work with existing 490 motherboards, the company will release new
alongside them. series chipsets.
Now the first images of Z 590 motherboards from several manufacturers have been leaked to the web. The motherboards will support PCI Express 4.0, and with the increased PCIe bands on Rocket Lake processors, an M.2 connector connected directly to the processor is also included.
Asus’ leaked range currently includes motherboards ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial and Hero, Prime Z 590 – A and TUF Z 590 – Plus WiFi. The top model Extreme Glacial is equipped with monoblock cooling and OLED display. MS Z’s selection includes the MAG Z 590 Tomahawk WiFi, MEG Z 20210111 Godlike and MPG Z 590 Gaming Carbon WiFi.
Gigabyte’s selection revealed Z 590 Aorus Xtreme, where the company has invested at least Z 490 – sibling for a heavier power supply. According to VideoCardz, the processor has + 1-phase digital power supply and the motherboard would have an unreleased ALC 4080 – an audio codec that will also be seen on other highend class Z 590 motherboards. In addition, the motherboard supports 2.5 gigabit network connection and Wi-Fi 6E.
The US airline Delta Air Lines will equip a large part of its fleet with satellite technology from Viasat. From summer this year, over 300 aircraft will then offer high-speed WiFi, but at least initially as usual for a fee. Only news services should be free as before. Free WiFi is being planned.
Free WiFi already tested Delta tested free internet access this spring 2019 on North American domestic flights to gain experience. The airline worked with Gogo Inflight Internet, a US operator of communications services on board aircraft. Gogo offers WLAN for a fee on various airlines and airports.
This was a first step towards free WLAN on the plane. So far, this has only been offered by a few airlines, and then mostly only to selected passengers, for example in business class or frequent flyers. Delta does not reveal whether Gogo Inflight Internet was not up to the free WiFi offer, but with Viasat they are now bringing a competitor on board. However, Delta says it wants to continue to work with both Gogo and Viasat.
Viasat satellites with more bandwidth Viasat already has some communication satellites orbiting the earth, which offer different bandwidths depending on the generation. ViaSat-1 enables approximately 140 Gigabit per second and ViaSat-2 approximately 260 Gbit / s. Last year three new ViaSat-3 satellites were added, each offering a capacity of 1 terabit per second, i.e. almost four times the ViaSat-2.
Delta initially wants its faster WiFi via satellite in on 300 narrow-body aircraft of the Airbus A classes 321 ceo , Boeing 737 – 900 ER and selected Boeing 757-200 deploy. More planes are to follow. In addition to the satellite technology, the A 321 ceo aircraft also have power connections in each row of seats.
More screens, contrary to the industry trend According to Delta, passengers will be able to stream videos via Viasat just like at home. Call connections using Voice-over-IP remain prohibited under US law. Despite investing in new satellite modems for more bandwidth, Delta is also investing in additional screens on the back of the seats. Many other airlines have upgraded in-flight entertainment systems and screens in recent years to save fuel. They point out that more and more passengers bring their own devices anyway.
Delta is measured in passenger kilometers (2019) and number of Aircraft the second largest in the world, but the largest in terms of revenue, profit and market capitalization. Delta has not yet revealed when the promised free WiFi will be available on the plane. At least for the introduction of Viasat Internet in the summer of this year, Internet access will still be chargeable.
Apparently AMD will still sell the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors outside of the OEM and SI market, because Videocardz now has two photos of a motherboard with WRX 80 – Chipset appeared, which are intended for these processors. To the details of the ASUS WRX 066 Pro WS Sage SE Wifi and Gigabyte WRX 80 SUB8 we’re coming soon.
Mid-July 2020 AMD introduced the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors. These bring, among other things, eight memory channels for DDR4 – 3200 and until 128 PCI Express 4.0 lanes – in contrast to four memory channels and only 64 Lanes, as is the case for the standard models of the Ryzen Threadripper. So far Lenovo is with the ThinkStation P 532 the first and so far only provider with a corresponding workstation that relies on the new Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors.
So let’s get to the ASUS WRX first 80 Pro WS Sage SE Wifi:
The upper half of the main board is dominated by the base SP3. Below and above there are four DIMM slots, each with a UDIMM, RDIMM and LRDIMM in the form of DDR4 – 3200 be able to record. Each DIMM slot is connected to a memory channel of the processor.
The power supply for the mainboard is located on the left and right of the socket. The TDP of the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors is up to 280 W. Unlike the ROG Dominus Extreme, ASUS only uses one 24 – Pin power supply connector. There are also three EPS.
The seven x 16 – Slots in the eye, all of which have 16 should have PCI Express lanes – the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors theoretically provide a sufficient number of lanes. But this is certainly also dependent on how many M.2 slots are installed. You can also see two U.2 connections, which are also connected via PCI Express. There are also eight SATA ports.
Since we do not have any technical data, we can use the ASUS WRX 80 Only describe Pro WS Sage SE Wifi using the picture. A look at the I / O panel is not granted and so we do not know how many USB and which Ethernet connections (and at what speed) are offered. 02 GbE should be installed.
ASUS uses numerous covers for cooling. A fan can be seen under the chipset cover. However, it cannot be said whether this is also installed in the VRMs. The form factor should be EEB. Sufficient space should therefore be available in the housing if such a mainboard is to be installed. When and at what price the mainboard will be available on the market is not known. Of course, this only makes sense if AMD offers the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors for free.
Gigabytes WRX 80 SUB8 IPMI:
Also for the Gigabyte WRX 64 SUB8 IPMI we only know one product photo, which appeared about a month ago. Here, too, there is a DIMM slot per memory channel. The range of PCI Express slots is also identical. There will certainly be a few minor differences in the connections.
Overall, the gigabyte WRX 80 SUB8 IPMI is designed for the typical workstation market, while the ASUS WRX 80 Pro WS Sage SE Wifi due to the black design and the covers a certain premium Wants to convey claim. It is not possible to estimate whether there are major differences in the power supply. With the cooler cover, ASUS also conveys a little more potential here. Whether this ultimately plays a role in practice is another matter.
The addition of IPMI also shows that Gigabyte has installed a corresponding chip, which among other things enables remote access to the mainboard. The presence of a VGA connection on the slot cover also matches this. At the Gigabyte WRX 80 SUB8 IPMI we get to see the slot cover. Here we can see at least 4x USB 3 and also 4x Ethernet, of which at least two should be faster than Gigabit.
Also with the Gigabyte WRX 80 SUB8 IPMI now has to wait and see when and at what price the mainboard will be available in stores.
WRX 80 – chipset is just a TRX 40
Little or nothing was known about the chipset of the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors. According to the information available to us, it is simply the TRX 40, which as WRX 80 referred to as. AMD Hardwareluxx opposite:
“WRX 80 is the chipset that pairs with AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors. WRX 80 connects to AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors using 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes.SATA and USB expandability are the same between WRX 80 and TRX 40. “
The connection between processor and chipset is the same as with the TRX 40 over eight PCI Express 4.0 lanes . The Ryzen Threadripper Pro offers a total of 128 Lanes. Less eight for the connection of the chipset and two times four lanes for either NVMe, SATA or other slots remain from the processor so 112 Lanes left. The WRX 80 – Chipset therefore offers the range of additional lanes and connections shown above, which are identical to the TRX 40 are. There is a maximum of more 28 Lanes can be implemented as PCI Express slot. There are also numerous USB 3.2 and / or SATA connections.
So we know the details of the ominous WRX 80 – chipset. The WRX, which was also treated at least in the rumors a year ago 40 remains a mystery.
The additional offer of PCI Express lanes, the possibility of expanding UDIMM, RDIMM and LRDIMM with ECC support to up to 2 TB, the eight memory channels and the relatively high clock rates for 12 to 64 Cores are the most important Argument of the Ryzen Threadripper Pro processors. We hope to see a workstation with Ryzen Threadripper Pro when the time comes.
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 was destined to be embedded into a range of carrier boards. Initially, we start with the Compute Module 4 IO board and then design our Compute Module 4-powered product using the various features the IO board provides. For example, Experimental Pi’s recent Compute Module 4 powered retrogaming handheld. But the Over:Board project, currently seeking funding via Indiegogo, aims to take the carrier board design a little further, with a Mini-ITX board designed for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 that aims to turn your Compute Module 4 into a PC.
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(Image credit: Ross Nicholls)
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(Image credit: Ross Nicholls)
The Over:Board Mini ITX carrier board measures 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170mm) and features a mixture of Raspberry Pi and PC centric interfaces.
From a Raspberry Pi point of view, we have the new dual header interface used to connect the Compute Module 4 to Over:Board. Nearby we have a HAT-compliant 40-pin GPIO header, so we should be able to use our favorite add-on boards.
Over:Board’s typical PC interfaces consist of a 24-pin ATX power interface and a SATA interface with a USB controller that can be used as a boot device. Interestingly, there is a full-size PCI-e slot that enables the use of a PCI-e card. Sadly, the PCI-e interface is limited to 1x, a limitation of the Compute Module 4, but that should be enough for most users.
On the back panel, we have connectors for audio (input and output), a micro SD card slot, two USB 2.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. Video output comes via two full-size HDMI ports. Unusually, an RS232 COM port is present, to be used for serial / UART connections with the Compute Module 4. The final port is micro USB, used for flashing operating systems to the Compute module 4 onboard flash storage (if you are using that particular variant).
Over:Board is currently in the early development phase, so there are no physical units. The goal of crowdfunding is to generate funds to secure prototypes from three different manufacturers. Some of these prototypes are on offer as perks/rewards for supporting the project.
The final production board is set for release in September 2021 for £99 ($135). If you can’t wait that long, prototypes are available from March 2021 for £199 ($270) and in May 2021 for £149 ($202). Remember, before pledging your money, crowdfunding is not “buying” a product; rather, you are showing your support to help the creator make the project real. Only pledge your money if you are happy to accept the risk.
According to its own statements, the CSU wants to make Germany more digital and has an agenda for 2021 formulated. The decision paper contains, among other things, demands for rapid network expansion, a fully digital identity card in the smartphone and a reduction in internet bureaucracy. The party also calls for a “minimum taxation” from US Internet companies such as Google or Amazon.
The 17 Point-comprehensive submission, which the CSU state group wants to resolve on January 6th and 7th at its retreat in Berlin, contains proposals that To make Germany a “pioneer of digitization”, as it says in it. The paper is available to the German Press Agency. First the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” reported about it.
Google and Amazon tax According to the will the CSU is supposed to have a “Europe-wide regulation for a minimum taxation” of large digital corporations like Amazon or Google. The US corporations have been criticized for years for their business models. “We want to tax the Internet giants,” says the draft resolution. If Google and Facebook made money with personalized advertising and data from Germany, then they would have to “give something back to our community from this profit”. The time is ripe for a “Google and Amazon tax”, they say. The paper does not contain a specific number.
In addition, the party calls for “a spaceport for Germany and Europe”. Up to 2028 would be up to 8500 small satellites launch into space to collect data on earth observation and environmental and climate research. They all needed a porter and a launch site. Germany should provide this spaceport. “We want to set up and operate a mobile launch platform in the North Sea together with industry,” says the draft resolution.
ID card in the app According to the will of the CSU, digitization in Germany is to be promoted at different levels. The newly founded mobile radio infrastructure company (MIG) is supposed to help, by no later than 2024 all white spots in the mobile network expansion “with stationary or mobile masts to eliminate”. Until 2025 the party wants according to the resolution proposal 15 provide billions of euros for gigabit networks. The goal is “a nationwide 5G network”.
If the CSU has its way, the identity card should in future only be available digitally, on the smartphone. The ID card has had electronic functions for around ten years. In order to use it, you previously needed a normal ID card in addition to a smartphone.
“We want the online ID card to be even easier to use in the future and the ID card to be displayed directly can be saved on your own smartphone, “says the CSU template. Administrative procedures should be digitized as completely as possible. Frequently used services should be as easy as ordering in an online shop. This should then also apply to other official documents such as the driver’s license.
Cookies as a burden Surfing the Internet should also become less bureaucratic. To this end, the CSU wants to abolish the general obligation to consent to so-called cookies. Cookies store data on the user’s hard drive when surfing the Internet and are also used to present consumers with individual advertising.
In its paper, the CSU demands that users stipulate by law “that users can use generally agree to cookies via a setting in your browser “. From the point of view of the CSU, the obligation to be asked for consent to cookies every time you visit a new website should be dropped. She is a “burden for fast surfing”.
School subjects “Programming” and “Digital Economics” The CSU in the Bundestag is also calling for educational reforms to make schools and pupils more fit for the digital world. “The subjects of programming and digital economy must be available throughout Germany,” says the draft resolution for the CSU regional group meeting on January 6th and 7th. In addition, every subject must also be able to be taught digitally.
A nationwide education platform should enable video conferences and digital learning management, it says. “The federal platform is an open offer to the federal states, which can be networked with federal infrastructures and is available for all educational areas.”
Röttgen: “System failure” of educational federalism A national education summit by the federal and state governments for digitization is necessary. “It doesn’t make sense for each country to develop its own server and cloud solution. It is right and necessary that the federal government support this,” says the paper. “But it is also true that a lot of things arrive too slowly or too little. We therefore want future federal funding to be linked to clear deadlines for implementation.”
The CDU presidency candidate Norbert Röttgen stated “a crisis in educational federalism that had become too clear in the pandemic”. The federal education system is not even able to spend the five billion euros from the federal budget on digitizing schools, he criticized in the newspapers of the Funke media group. “I don’t want to take away any competencies from the federal states, but this system failure is unacceptable. As a result, German schools are far from being able to give online lessons in all aspects.”
VR glasses and consoles for daycare centers The CSU does not want to start promoting digital education in schools . “We want to introduce children to the correct use of digital media as early as possible,” it says – already in daycare. To this end, the CSU wants to campaign for a funding program for daycare centers with a volume of one billion euros. “The aim is to fund the acquisition of cameras for the production of stop-motion pictures, tablets and apps, VR glasses and consoles that combine analog gaming and digital learning.”
Best Intel Motherboards 2020: Z490, Z390, H370, and X299
Note:For AMD’s AM4 X570, B550, B450 and Threadripper motherboards, see page two or our Best AMD X570 Motherboards page. This first page focuses on Intel, after laying out some basics.
Choosing the best gaming motherboard or best motherboard for another type of build is in many ways an integral part of your PC build, despite the fact that choosing the best CPU or the best graphics card often gets more attention. Nearly every part of your PC plugs into your motherboard. Its form factor dictates the size of your computer, and its chipset and socket limit what kind of processor you can install.
If you’re not sure which chipset you’re after when choosing the best gaming motherboard for you, or you have more basic questions for a different type of build, you can visit our motherboard basics and motherboard buying guide features to help narrow down your buying options.
The picks below include the best gaming motherboards designed for Intel’s 10th Gen “Comet Lake,” as well as 9th Generation “Coffee Lake Refresh,” followed by the lower-cost H370 alternative. You can see how those chips stack up in our CPU Benchmark Hierarchy. Below our mainstream picks, you’ll find our recommendations for the best motherboards with Intel’s high-end desktop (HEDT) LGA-2066 socket and X299 chipset supporting the X-Series and Extreme line of processors.
The second page of this guide covers the best AMD motherboards, including X570 and B550 chipset models, as well as high-end Threadripper picks that compete with Intel’s X-Series platform.
When choosing a motherboard, consider the following:
Get the right socket for your CPU: You can find great CPUs from either Intel or AMD, but whatever processor you choose, make sure that your board has the correct socket to support it. The latest mainstream AMD chips use AM4 CPU sockets while current Intel 8th Gen and 9th Gen Core CPUs require LGA 1151v2 sockets.
Smaller boards = fewer slots and features. Motherboards come in three main sizes–for more info see our diagram and explanation of motherboard parts. From largest to smallest, there’s ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. (Yes, Mini is smaller than Micro). You can use a smaller chassis with the micro or mini boards, but you’ll have to settle for fewer card expansion slots, sometimes fewer RAM slots, and other connectors.
Pay for built-in Wi-Fi and high-end ports only if you need them. Don’t spend extra for wireless if you are using a wired connection. You can future proof your PC by getting USB 3.1 Gen 2 and / or Thunderbolt 3 support.
The Best Intel Gaming Motherboards: Z490, Z390, H370, and X299
ASRock Z490 Taichi (Image credit: ASRock)
1. ASRock Z490 Taichi
Best ATX Z490 Motherboard
Socket: LGA 1200 | Chipset: Intel Z490 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 15 Phases | PCIe x16: (3) v3.0 | USB Ports: 5 USB 3.2 Gen1, 4 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, One USB-3.2 2×2 Type-C | Warranty: 1 year
Solid 12-phase/50A VRM for Vcore
USB 3.2 Gen 2X2 Type-C port
Three M.2 and eight SATA ports
Expensive compare to Z390 Taichi
Annoying use of star screws on chipset shroud
Tough to press PCIe slot latch for removal
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a great motherboard in the $350-$400 price bracket for building a Z490 system, comparing favorably to similarly priced competition.It includes eight SATA ports (while others have six), as well as a speedy USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. It also has a premium appearance and runs cooler than competing boards in the power delivery department.
If you need three M.2 slots and eight SATA ports, this is the only board around this price point with that storage configuration. If your budget allows for an upper mid-range board, ASRock’s Z490 Taichi should be at the top of the list.
Read: ASRock Z490 Taichi review
Gigabyte Z390 Designare
2. Gigabyte Z390 Designare
Best ATX Z390 Motherboard
Socket: LGA 1151 | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 13 Phases | PCIe x16: (3) v3.0 | USB Ports: 10 Gbps | Warranty: 3 years
Full-Spec Thunderbolt 3 ports
Supports 8K passthrough from DisplayPort 1.4 graphics cards
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports plus 1.73Gb/s Wi-Fi
Third x16 slot switchable between PCH and CPU lanes
Great price for the added features
Mediocre CPU Overclocking
The Z390 Designare beats its closest rival on features for the price, has similar overclocking limits to its closest rival but beats it in overclocked DRAM performance, and has at least enough extra value to justify its premium over cheaper boards. We have to consider whether the “workstation replacement” PC market will tolerate a board with mediocre CPU overclocking. But given that there’s so little to gain from overclocking the Core i9-9900K, we feel that more often than not the answer is yes.
Read: Gigabyte Z390 Designare Review
ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX
3. ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX
Best Mini-ITX Z390 Motherboard
Socket: LGA 1151 | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: Mini ITX | Voltage Regulator: 7 phases | PCIe x16: (1) v3.0 (full bandwidth) | USB Ports: 10 Gbps | Warranty: 3 years
Vastly-improved Core i9-9900K efficiency
Great performance
Good overclocking
Thunderbolt 3 &
1.73Gb/s Wi-Fi at a very reasonable price
Egregious DIMM over-voltage
Firmware H/W Monitor misreports DIMM overvoltage
Thunderbolt 3 is only half-speed (20Gbps)
Meager onboard RGB lighting
No Gen2 header for front-panel USB 3.1
Even if you never use its Thunderbolt 3 port, it’s hard to deny the supremacy of a board that does everything else better than the competition, while costing less. The Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is even cheaper than the non-Wi-Fi version of MSI’s ATX MGP Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon, though that won’t matter to anyone who needs the extra DIMM and PCIe slots afforded by the larger form factor. But for those looking for a Mini ITX board to support Intel’s Core i9-9900K, the Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ac is easily our first choice, making it one of the best gaming motherboards you can buy.
Read: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX Review
Gigabyte Z390 Gaming X
4. Gigabyte Z390 Gaming X
Best Cheap Z390 Motherboard
Socket: LGA 1151 | Chipset: Intel Z390 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 11 phases | PCIe x16: (2) v3.0 (x16/x4) | USB Ports: 10 Gbps | Warranty: 3 years
Consistently under $150
Fully supports Core i9-9900K
Good overclocking
Second PCIe x16 slot has only four PCH lanes
No front-panel USB3 Gen2
Only one USB3 Gen2 header
Hot voltage regulator requires a fan near CPU socket
An alternative to its award-winning Gaming SLI, Gigabyte’s Z390 Gaming X offers similar overclocking capability on substantially similar layout, at a noticeably lower price that garnered it the same value award. It’s the best gaming motherboard for Z390 if you’re on a budget. After Gigabyte stopped distributing the SLI model in USA, the Gaming X became our only option for budget overclocking of Intel’s K-series unlocked LGA-1151 processors.
Read: Gigabyte Z390 Gaming X Review
ASRock H370M Pro4
5. ASRock H370M Pro4
Best Intel H370 Motherboard
Socket: LGA 1151 | Chipset: Intel H370 | Form Factor: Micro ATX | Voltage Regulator: 10 phases | PCIe x16: (2) v3.0 (x16/x4*) (*Shares upper PCIe x1) | USB Ports: 10Gbps | Warranty: 3 year
Two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports and two Gen1 USB 3.1 I/O panel ports
Four USB 3.0 front-panel ports
H370 features at B360 price
No RGB controller
No front-panel 3.1 Gen2 header
Priced around $80 (£78) and at times dipping below $70 (£70), the ASRock H370M Pro4 brings Intel’s more-advanced H370 feature set to buyers who thought they could only afford a lesser B360 model. If you have less than $100 to spend, it’s one of the best gaming motherboards for Intel’s pared-down platform. ASRock splits the H370’s extra HSIO (high-speed input/output) pathways across two rear-panel USB 3.0 ports and two internal SATA headers. Buyers who don’t need RGB or a 10Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen2 front-panel header will be pleased to find that the H370M Pro4 offers more of nearly every other port than its closest competitor, for a lower price.
Socket: LGA 2066 | Chipset: Intel X299 PCH | Form Factor: EATX | Voltage Regulator: 12 phases | PCIe x16: (4) v3.0 (@48: x16/x8*/x16/x8), (CPU @44: x16/x4*/x16/x8), (CPU @28: x16/x4*/x8/x0) | USB Ports: 10Gbps: (2) Type-C via Thunderbolt 3 | Warranty: 3 years
Dual 10GbE, plus 2.4Gbps Wi-Fi 6
Thunderbolt 3 with dual Type-C outputs and dual DisplayPort inputs
Price premium is lower than the value of its premium components
Expensive
Excessive PCIe, M.2 & SATA sharing
10.8-inch depth requires extra case considerations
Fully equipped for the 48 lanes of Intel’s 10th generation Core Extreme processors, the X299X Designare 10G comes loaded to the brink with Intel X550 dual 10Gb/s Ethernet and a pair of Thunderbolt 3 headers with dual DisplayPort passthrough on Intel’s 40Gb/s controller. A four-drive M.2 expander card and 2.4Gb/s Wi-Fi 6 finish a package of which the added component value far outweighs the price difference over its closest competitor.
Read: Gigabyte X299X Designare 10G Review
ASRock X299E-ITX/AC
7. ASRock X299E-ITX/AC
Best Mini ITX X299 Motherboard
Socket: LGA 2066 | Chipset: Intel X299 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Voltage Regulator: 7 phases | PCIe x16: (1) v3.0 | USB Ports: 10Gbps | Warranty: 3 years
Good overall performance
Great overall efficiency
Surprisingly high overclocks
Skylake-X requirement provides two M.2’s via CPU PCIe
No 110mm M.2 card support
Connecting third M.2 slot to PCH excludes RAID 5 via VROC
Only six total I/O-panel USB ports, and four of those share bandwidth
No voltage regulator temperature reporting
No Kaby Lake-X support
By being the only LGA 2066 motherboard available to Mini-ITX builders, the ASRock X299E-ITX/ac automatically becomes the best choice for these builds. Despite its lack of competition, the price is reasonable and the performance level is spot-on for the Core i9-7900X, even with the board’s lower-than-average default power ceiling. It’s not perfect, but if you’re looking to build a compact high-power Intel X299 desktop, this board should serve you well.
Read: ASRock X299E-ITX/AC Review
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Simon Crisp 4 days ago Featured Tech News, Featured Tech Reviews, NAS, Network, Reviews
Synology’s DiskStation DS1520+ is a 5-bay NAS designed for small offices and IT enthusiasts featuring a pair of M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching and four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz (burst up to 2.7GHz) the DiskStation DS1520+ comes with 8GB of DDR4-2666MHz memory which is the most the motherboard supports. It also supports an AES-NI hardware encryption engine.
Synology quote Sequential throughput performance for the D1520+ as up to 451.28MB/s for reads and 451.18MB/s for writes although those figures are from the NAS being tested with all four LAN ports being used in Link Aggregation mode. As well as the four network ports the DS1520+ sports a pair of NVMe supporting M.2 slots for cache duties.
The Asus RT-AX82U is a powerful mid-range gaming router, offering a myriad of features at a reasonable $229 price. It also proved stable throughout testing and offers the latest in Wi-Fi 6 technology.
For
Supports Wi-Fi 6
Programmable LED RGB lighting
Excellent range and throughput
Integrated security
Ease of setup
Granular control of QoS modes
Against
Only four Ethernet ports
Single USB port
No integrated WTFast
Dual-band only
Minimal effect with gaming port
Asus is well established in many aspects of the PC/gaming market, selling a wide range of motherboards, monitors, notebooks, network hardware and more. Today, we turn our attention to the company’s recent mid-range gaming router, the RT-AX82U. It brings Wi-Fi 6, easy setup and solid performance to the table, along with a typical stealthy exterior, complimented by some flashy RGB that both looks good, and is easy enough to turn off.
Design
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(Image credit: Asus)
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(Image credit: Asus)
At times, it can be hard to define precisely what a gaming router is, as opposed to the more mainstream siblings. The Asus RT-AX82U causes no such confusion, however, and ticks off all of the right design boxes. This starts with the four vertical antennas, and then moves on to the matte-black finish, with an angular body that strikes a successful balance between artful and aggressive. The dimensions are 10.8 x 7.3 x 6.5 inches (275.5 x 184.4 x 165 mm) with antenna, and it weighs in at 1.6 pounds (740 grams).
There are four status LEDs that provide connectivity information at a glance. These designate power, a WAN connection, and each of the two Wi-Fi frequencies.
Perhaps the signature feature for a gaming router has become the LED lighting. For those that seek out this feature, and want every accessory to have RGB lighting, the RT-AX82U delivers the goods with a choice of “Lighting vibe.” This includes several multi-color modes that have different lighting effects, which can be matched to different moods or applications.
The flip side of this is that not everyone wants such a colorful router, preferring their networking hardware to be more… unobtrusive. For those in the stealth router camp (for example for a bedroom deployment), one of the modes totally disables the light show.
Specifications
Processor
1.5 GHz tri-core processor
Memory
256 MB Flash, 512 MB RAM
Ports
RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for WAN x 1, RJ45 for 10/100/1000 BaseT for LAN x 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 x 1
Encryption
WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise , WPA2-Enterprise , WPS support
Wi-Fi Technology
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
Beamforming: standard-based and universal
1024-QAM high data rate, 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth
Dimensions
275.5 x 184.4 x 165 mm (WxDxH) with antenna
275.5 x 184.4 x 65 mm (WxDxH) without antenna
Weight
740 g
Price
$229.00
The Asus RT-AX82U sticks to its mid-range aspirations in the specs department. From the hardware perspective, it’s based on a 1.5 GHz tri-core processor, with 512 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash storage. It runs Asus’ proprietary OS.
As usual, the rear of the router houses the connection ports. This includes a single WAN port and four LAN ports, one of which is designated as a dedicated Gaming Port. Each Ethernet port supports 10/100/1000 transfer rates, though hopefully no one is still using anything less than a gigabit device. The USB port is 3.2 Gen 1×1 (effectively rebranded 3.0), and there is also a power switch that’s useful for router reboots. Happily, we did not have any issues requiring a manual reboot during testing.
Wirelessly, the big news is that this router supports the latest generation of wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, previously designated as 802.11ax, and has 160 Mbps channels. This translates into speeds up to 5400 Mbps, if you combine both the 2.4 GHz frequency that has a max speed of 574 Mbps, and the 5 GHz frequency that tops out at 4804 Mbps (dual-band). Modern wireless standards are supported, including OFDA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and the latest security standard of WPA3-personal. The router is also fully backward compatible to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) devices.
Setup and Features
(Image credit: Asus)
Going from out of box to up and running (or more specifically, up and routing) took just a few minutes. As seen above, once plugged in, the router automatically goes into a setup process that prompts the user to go through the steps for a basic setup. This includes setting passwords for each of the Wi-Fi networks.
(Image credit: Asus)
As older firmwares often have security holes, we appreciate that Asus included a step in the setup process to upgrade the firmware to the latest version. This ensures that all the latest security updates are applied, along with bug fixes. For our testing, the RT-AX82U was running firmware version 3.0.0.4.384.9948.
(Image credit: Asus)
Once the initial setup is complete, we can get into optimizing the router for gaming. The router’s features are easily navigated via the left-hand panel. Under the setting “Adaptive QoS” we have a choice to enable QoS, which stands for Quality of Service. We went with the “Adaptive QoS,” which then allows us to choose a mode.
This allows the router to then analyze traffic as it passes through it, and categorize it. For example, if Games is selected, the router will then give gaming traffic priority, sending it ahead of other types of traffic. This traffic shaping allows users to make the most of their bandwidth, facilitating a good gaming experience while also simultaneously streaming video or audio content.
(Image credit: Asus)
There’s also a games section of the setup. This includes a Gear Accelerator that can prioritize gaming devices “For the best gaming experience.” A “Mobile Game Mode” is also available, but this requires downloading the Asus Router App to the mobile device. Finally, port forwarding is supported.
One minor downside is the lack of WTFast (a gaming private network service) integration, which some higher-end Asus routers have featured.
Security
The Asus RT-AX82U includes a number of security features. Network Protection with Trend Micro can provide antivirus on a network level, for no additional charge. Also, malicious sites are blocked at the router to keep the entire network secure.
Performance
When it comes to bandwidth, the Asus RT-AX82U performed quite well. We test routers both in a “near” location, at 8 feet away, and also at a “far” location, 36 feet away, on a higher floor, with ductwork in the way. The bandwidth test uses NetPerf software, with a Wi-Fi 6 client. For the latter, we have a laptop with an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz wireless adapter, set to use the widest 160 MHz channel width on the 5 GHz frequency. (Note that Gamefirst VI software was disabled throughout testing, which can provide further client-side traffic shaping.)
2.4 GHz near
2.4 GHz far
5 GHz near
5 GHz far
Bandwidth (Mbps)
227.99
122.03
884.13
745.69
The Asus RT-AX82U delivers very solid speeds, particularly on the 5 GHz frequencies. Also impressive was the minimal dropoff in speeds on the far 5 GHz test. If you have devices that aren’t in close proximity to the router, like a TV or console, this looks like a good option.
Next, we looked at gaming performance. For this, we used an Asus ROG G512 Strix i7 RTX 2070 16GB/512GB gaming laptop. For internal control, we ran the same tests on both wired and wireless connections.
For the wired tests, the laptop was connected to the router via a CAT 5e cable. We ran tests both with the connection to an Ethernet port on the router and then also while connected to the dedicated Gaming Port.
(Image credit: Asus)
Wireless tests were done on the 5 GHz frequency (with a single 2.4 GHz test just out of curiosity to confirm our suspicions). We played the game Overwatch and measured the frames per second (fps) with the software FRAPS. While normally fps in a multiplayer game like Overwatch can vary quite a bit depending on where you are in a level and what’s happening with other players. To minimize this variance, we ran our tests in the training level, where we’re technically connected to the servers but there aren’t a bunch of other players running around, shooting at us.
What’s interesting about Overwatch and some other multiplayer games is that, contrary to what you might expect, frame rates actually are impacted by network latency and throughput. Basically, if your connection isn’t consistent, your system has to do additional work to interpolate position and resend packets. This shows up both as spikes in ping time as well as reduced fps, particularly minimum fps.
In order to simulate gaming on a congested network, such as your roommates watching Netflix while you try to game, we stream ten 8K videos simultaneously from YouTube. (In case you are wondering, an 8k video needs about 50 Mbps of bandwidth, and we have a 300 Mbps cable connection, so it effectively saturates the connection, and then some). We measure the congestion using PingPlotter and count the spikes, which indicate when the network is over-congested. Finally, the Stats for Nerds tool in YouTube gives us an indicator of the dropped frames — which translates to stuttering and hanging video streams.
QoS
Avg. FPS
Min. FPS
Avg. Latency
8K Dropped Frames
Pingplotter Spikes
Notes
Ethernet
No
109.3
97
64
n/a
0
Ethernet + 10 8k videos
No
112.2
85
262
16.80%
3
videos barely played
Ethernet + 10 8k videos
adaptive, game priority
120.0
400
252
34.00%
6
Ethernet, gaming port
No
111.6
96
63
n/a
0
Ethernet, gaming port, 10 8k videos
No
109.9
94
255
32.40%
3
Ethernet, gaming port, 10 8k videos
adaptive, game priority
115.0
98
250
5.00%
2
5 GHz
No
116.3
97
234
n/a
0
5 GHz + 10 8k videos
No
93.8
76
261
13.30%
3
5 GHz + 10 8k videos
adaptive, game priority
111.0
95
255
32.20%
3
2.4 GHz + 10 8k videos
adaptive, game priority
110.7
99
259
48.60%
7
For our baseline, with QoS disabled and no videos streaming, the fps in Overwatch is 109 on Ethernet, and 111 on the Gaming Port — a minimal difference between the two that translated through on the rest of the tests. Somewhat surprising is that fps improves slighting when we’re connected wirelessly on 5 GHz, checking in at 116 fps.
When we ramp up the network congestion and stream videos, the fps remains pretty consistent on Ethernet. It does take a modest hit to performance when connected via 5 GHz, dropping down to a still very playable 93.75 fps. Obviously, the game of choice and your specific hardware will impact performance as well.
With the addition of the QoS, set to gaming priority, in each case the fps increased compared to our baseline results. On the gaming port, we measured a 4.7% increase, while the regular Ethernet port showed a 9.7% improvement. Compared to the congested testing, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi also showed an 18.7% increase in fps, though performance was 4.6% slower than the uncongested network performance. Regardless, the results demonstrate the value of the QoS feature.
While gaming can be done on the 2.4 GHz frequency, take note that with this older technology, the 48.6% dropped frames result was the highest of any of the tests. In addition, we had the highest number of Pingplotter spikes on this frequency. Friends don’t let friends game on 2.4 GHz.
What’s interesting is that, even though ping latency is much higher, that doesn’t really correspond to the in-game latency. (Tracking actual game network latency is far more complex than what we’re doing with PingPlotter.) You can see that with QoS enabled, the average ping times drop slightly in the overloaded configuration. More importantly, actual gaming network traffic gets prioritized above the video streams, which means latency and performance are mostly back to where we started.
Pricing and Bottom Line
The Asus RT-AX82U sells for $229. This puts it solidly into the upper mid-range segment of gaming-focused routers, and it offers considerable value at this price point. We were impressed by the high fps scores, the option for gaming centric QoS settings, and the integrated security. Areas for improvement include the single USB port, the limited Ethernet ports, the minimal effect of the Gaming port, and the lack of WTFast on a gaming router.
Overall the Asus RT-AX82U offers a good combination of throughput and gaming performance, all in an attractive, reasonably compact package. We have several other gaming routers (and even non-gaming routers) that we’ll be testing, but we started with Asus as its routers have a good reputation. This is currently the one to beat, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the other routers stack up.
WiFi 6 has already been extended to the vast majority of devices that carry hitting the market in recent months and it is becoming easier to get compatible routers with more affordable prices. The ASUS RT-AX 68 U seeks to position itself within that sector by offering the latest in WiFi connectivity 6 (640. 11 ax) with bandwidths reaching 2.7 Gbps.
Up to 2, 7 Gbps via WiFi 6 on this ASUS RT-AX 68 U
For this it uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands and an improved coverage in a 80% compared to previous wireless standards. Naturally, and by definition of WiFi 6, it has support for mesh networks like the ones we have already tested, through ASUS AI MESH systems. It comes with support for OFDMA, Beamforming to boost the signal, 1024 – QAM and support for the bands of 20, 40, 80 and 160 MHz.
It offers 3 antennas placed in a vertical router format, unlike other routers of the company with horizontal orientation. In terms of physical connectivity, it has four Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN and a WAN port, in addition to two USB-A type 3.0 and 2.0.
Inside it has a processor of 1.8 GHz dual-core accompanied by 512 MB of RAM and 256 MB of Flash ROM storage for the operating system.
Its price has not been revealed, but it is expected to place below the 100 euros.
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Antonio Delgado
Computer Engineer by training, editor and hardware analyst at Geeknetic since 2011. I love gutting everything that comes my way, especially the latest hardware that we get here for reviews. In my spare time I fiddle with 3d printers, drones and other gadgets. For anything here you have me.
Cyberpunk 2077 is currently not only notorious because of its many bugs, but also for its exorbitant hardware requirements: If you want to play with ray tracing, for example, you not only need an Nvidia graphics card, but in most cases also have to switch on the AI upscaling DLSS – otherwise it will even jerk on an RTX 3080.
Stadia not only shows a blurred image, but also more unrealistic reflections on the glass due to the lack of ray tracing .
(Image: c’t Magazin)
The hour for cloud streaming platforms strikes: Services such as Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now or Shadow run the game in data centers on server hardware and stream the Video output to customers. This doesn’t even require a computer, so all three services also run on iOS and Android mobile devices or even on streaming boxes for the television (Stadia on Chromecast Ultra, GeForce Now on Shield TV). For all services you have to buy Cyberpunk 2077, but the conventional GOG runs on GFN and Shadow – or Steam version (you just log into your own account), you have to buy the game on Google on the Stadia platform – if you have it on Steam or GOG, this doesn’t do you any good.
Latencies are not a big problem with proper Internet access, as several c’t tests have already shown, for example this one here (for a fee).
From 16 watch we stream live with GeForce Now and Google Stadia.
Video live stream: We play Cyberpunk 2077 on Stadia and GeForce Now
GeForce Now impresses: Raytracing Ultra with 60 fps We to have Cyberpunk 2077 (Version 1. 05) tried on Stadia and GeForce Now (GFN) and were positively surprised, especially by the Nvidia service GFN: With a chargeable “founder” account (currently 27, 45 Euro for 6 months) we could play the game with all (!) Settings on the maximum value without any problems in 1080 Use p-resolution (“Raytracing Ultra”) – at least if DLSS is activated (“Auto”). Without the AI-supported upscaling function, you could still play reasonably well, but with it it was much more fun and feels like 60 fps. Unfortunately, with the GOG version we tested it is currently not possible to display the frame rate calculated by the server. For comparison: On a local gaming PC with a GeForce RTX 2070 and AMD Ryzen 3700 x the game ran significantly worse with the same settings. There is also free GFN access, but there always seems to be long waiting times. With the chargeable founder account, we never recorded waiting times on several test days.
Google Stadia: Runs okay, but graphically slimmed down There is also Google Stadia in a free version, we could use it without any problems. It runs with a maximum of 1080 p-resolution and stereo sound. 4K, HDR and 5.1 sound are reserved for the Pro version (9, 99 euros per month). We also tested with this. Unlike GFN, Stadia runs a specially adapted version that has significantly fewer setting options. So there is only one option under “Graphics” between a 60 – fps mode (“high frame rate”) and a 30 – fps mode (“graphics”). Otherwise you can only set chromatic aberration, depth of field, lens flare and motion blur. Both Stadia preset modes are significantly slimmed down compared to the PC or GeForce Now version: For example, there does not seem to be any ray tracing effects, not even in the 30 – fps mode.
Cyberpunk 2077 in the cloud: image quality in comparison (10 Pictures) PC native (Raytracing Ultra)
(Image: c’t Magazin) In our test runs, the game always ran smoothly under Stadia and also worked without any problems via a Chromecast Ultra with a Stadia controller. However, the image sharpness varied significantly, especially when we used a browser instead of Chromecast. In one case – Edge was running under Windows 10 – the picture worked especially in 60 – fps mode very washed out. After a restart there was more sharpness in the picture. We didn’t have these problems with Chrome. Incidentally, it didn’t seem to be due to the video codec used: With the browser extension “Stadia Enhanced” we had manually preset VP9, the codec is more efficient than the H otherwise used. 264. During the two-hour test run, the Stadia version crashed twice.
All tests ran on a gigabit cable connection (1000 Mbit / s down, 50 Mbit / s up), the Windows – 10 – test computer was connected to the router by cable. We didn’t test Shadow because it currently takes around six months to get an account.
Conclusion The free version of GeForce Now requires a lot of waiting.
Cyberpunk 2077 is more fun in the cloud than on many gaming PCs – especially with GeForce Now you can get into that Enjoy the full graphic splendor, including ray tracing effects. At first glance, these are subtle, but make for a much more realistic overall impression. The unfortunately ray-tracing-free Stadia version is well suited for people who have a Chromecast Ultra but do not have a gaming PC. If you are not too impatient, you should wait a few months anyway until CD Projekt Red has eliminated the most violent bugs.
I would like to thank Corsair for supplying the review sample.
The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt dock in many ways reminds us of the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 docks, but offers a different set of I/O. Corsair acquired Elgato a while back, so the TBT100 is a result of having that knowledge and expertise in-house now as well. The Corsair TBT100 is a bit more compact than the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro dock and comes in at a much lower price point to boot.
Packaging, Contents and A Closer Look
A yellow box will certainly draw your attention on a retailer’s shelf, with an image of the device on front and two further shots of it on the rear for you to clearly see which connectivity the unit provides. There is another, inner package you have to pull out, inside of which the device and all its accessories are stored neatly.
Corsair ships the unit with a passive Thunderbolt 3 cable alongside the power cable. As the TBT100 also offers power delivery via Thunderbolt, you will find an external 100 W unit to provide it. That means you no longer have to use your laptop’s power adapter—it will all be done through a single cable.
A warranty guide and basic manual round out the extras within the package.
As previously mentioned, the Corsair TBT100 feels a bit more compact than the Elgato units and comes with an edgier design as well. The housing is made out of metal and sports a similar “gunmetal gray” color tone as those found on Apple notebooks, so the unit should match nicely on your desktop in such a scenario. On the scale, we can see that the TBT100 is rather hefty, weighing 430 grams.
Looking at the front, you will find a power switch alongside a USB-C 10 Gbps connector, SD card reader, and 3.5 mm audio-combo port. In the rear, where the bulk of I/O is located, are two USB 3.0 Type A, a Gigabit Ethernet, another USB-C 10 Gbps, two 4K@60Hz capable HDMI ports, and the Thunderbolt 3 port to interface with the host system. To the very right is the power port and a hole to secure the TBT100 with a Kensington lock.
Inner Workings
There is no need for you to take apart the device as it is essentially plug and play, but for the sake of this article, we have disassembled it to show you the insides. The metal casing holds both the PCB and a metal heatspreader, which comes with a few thermal pads to keep things cool enough even when utilizing all the ports. The PCB is clearly Corsair branded and extremely clean, with most of the ICs on the top of the multi-layered PCB.
At the core of the device is the Intel JHL 7440 Thunderbolt IC, which offers a dual-port configuration with a TDP of 2.4 W and DisplayPort 1.4 support even though the TBT100 does not offer such an interface. Right next to it is the Texas Instruments TPS65983BA power delivery IC, so you may charge your notebook by passing electricity from the external PSU through the TBT100 and its Thunderbolt 3 interface.
In the center of the PCB is the VLI VL822-Q8 USB 3.1 controller which also supports vendor specific charging via USB profiles, like those from Apple and Samsung.
The VLI VL817 Q7 USB 3.1 Gen1 hub controller ensures the TBT100 has all those aforementioned Type-A ports with modern interface speeds. Next to that is the Realtek ALC4050, which is a USB-C to audio jack interface DAC, so you can plug your classic headphones straight into the TBT100.
The Realtek RTL8153B—you may have guessed it—offers the 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet interface by translating it to USB on the internal side. In essence, it is the sort of IC you would find in a modern USB-C to Ethernet dongle as well. Close to the physical port itself, Corsair employs a GST5009M LF discrete LAN magnetics IC, which allows for long-haul connectivity and offers quite a few additional features, like POE. It is great to see, and I welcome this amount of over-kill.
Remember that the Intel Thunderbolt IC can handle DisplayPort? Because the TBT100 utilizes HDMI, there are two ITE IT6563FN DP receiver to HDMI transmitter ICs, one for each port, at the back of the device.
The GL3232S is a USB 3.1 Gen1 memory card controller with UHS-I interface support, so you can throw pretty much any modern SD card at it without issue.
Lastly, there is another smaller IC on the other end of the PCB, which I was unable to identify fully, but it could have something to do with the power button and its LED.
Software
While the Corsair TBT100 works right out of the box without any software applications, you may also download an app to make ejecting/disconnecting devices easier. It shows up as a little Corsair logo in the status bar on Mac OS and literally only offers the option “Unplug Thunderbolt Dock.” This way, you won’t have to worry about having to disconnect every attached device within your operating system, but can do so in a controlled and automated fashion, in one fell swoop before pulling the cable out of your notebook, for example. Within the simple application, you may set it to start automatically as well.
Up and Running
Using the Corsair TBT100 is incredibly easy, which is the essential point really. The single Thunderbolt 3 cable connects to the notebook and immediately starts charging it as needed as well. The power button lights up with a tiny white LED as soon as turned on and operational, so you will always know about the state of the unit by looking at it. The SD card reader holds the card securely, and since it is soldered to the top of the PCB, you don’t need to flip the card over to slide it in. Any of the rear ports instantly work as soon as you plug anything in, be it an HDMI monitor, Ethernet cable, or a USB storage device.
Once in place, the Corsair TBT100 will quickly become an essential part of your desktop environment, especially if you are using a notebook as the brains of your setup. In my scenario, I am utilized the unit for this review with an HDMI-based 27″ 1440P monitor, one USB-C based NVMe drive, one USB-A-based Time Capsule 2.5″ spinning storage unit, and the USB 3.0 hub of the monitor via the second USB-A connector, as well as the SD-Card reader to pull pictures onto the notebook. Lastly, the audio port turned out to be extremely useful, allowing me to keep a headset attached at all times for my “work from home” setup for quick and functional Microsoft Teams chats, or even audio when watching Netflix or playing games in Bootcamp using my Razer eGPU.
With all that and proper charging of the 13″ Macbook Pro, all I had to worry about was a single Thunderbolt cable so that my actual charging adapter stays inside my notebook bag when I am on the go. So while the $230 (MSRP $259) for the Corsair TBT100 is quite the investment, it is absolutely worth it for elaborate setups like this.
Windows Server includes a role that installs Windows over the network. This avoids sneaker administration and saves installation sticks / DVDs.
(Image: Albert Hulm)
The times when a silver disk, be it CD or DVD, was the common installation medium for Windows installations are long gone – today it is mostly USB storage media that the admin plugs from computer to computer. A task that really annoys at the latest when you need to quickly install a delivery of fresh PCs for an entire department or quickly set up notebooks for all new home office employees. An alternative is to install over the network via PXE boot – once set up, the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) of Windows Server save a lot of work.
A machine with Windows Server is required – in Server 2000 is used for this article, but this feature has not changed for years. The server can usually do other work as well, for example as a WSUS server distributing updates to clients. Only rarely will a machine be busy delivering installations around the clock and thus be fully utilized. The machine should definitely have a gigabit connection to the local network; it is better to have several network cards as a so-called NIC team or one 10 – GBit card. After all, the server should deliver Windows packages of several gigabytes in size quickly, sometimes to several computers at the same time.
Who really has many clients (maybe even hundreds) have to install in parallel, but don’t have to worry about the network card becoming the bottleneck. The Windows provisioning services can also deliver the data via multicast over the network and thus install almost any number of computers in parallel without adding up the amount of data sent. Since such a multicast environment also requires adjustments to the network, it is not part of this article. In this article, the WDS server is set up so that it can deliver the first Windows images.
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AVM has numerous Fritzbox routers in its range. TechStage shows which router is suitable for which Internet technology and presents the advantages and disadvantages of all important models.
Long awaited, finally available: The new Fritzbox 7530 AX is the first VDSL router from AVM with the new WiFi standard WiFi-6 (11 ax). Also the Fritzbox Cable 6660 for the cable internet as well as the 5530 Fiber for the fiber optic connection work with WiFi-6. The WLAN speed is an important criterion when deciding on a Fritzbox. But the router, as a home network and switchboard at home, should simply connect all devices and bring them to the Internet. Therefore, features such as telephone, USB and LAN connections as well as the capabilities of the built-in modem are important.
In this article we examine in detail the differences between the models for VDSL , Cables, fiber optics and LTE and recommend the right Fritzbox for every network. The article appears as part of our WLAN theme world. In addition, we have already tested several Fritzbox routers and other products, such as the inexpensive Fritz Repeater 600 (test report) or the tri-band mesh repeater Fritz Repeater 3000 (Review).
Fritzbox router for VDSL The Fritzbox 7590 (test report) for around 185 Euro is the current top -Model for the VDSL connection. Your modem supports the profile 35 b for supervectoring (up to 300 MBit / s in the download), the WLAN works with the 11 AC standard and four parallel data streams . There are hardly any WLAN remote stations with a corresponding speed. But since the 7583 Mastered multi-user MIMO, it can transmit data to several clients at the same time, which is particularly advantageous in a larger WLAN network is. The Fritzbox offers a wide variety of connections 7583 Fritzbox for telephony: It supports one ISDN device, two analog devices via RJ 11 or TAE and up to six cordless telephones via DECT.
Especially in the case design, the more expensive Fritzbox differs 7580 of the 7590, because she stands upright. Otherwise it offers the same equipment, but its modem is only for vectoring connections up to 100 MBit / s suitable. More about this in our Fritzbox guide 7430, 7580 and 7590 compared.
For new models, AVM relies on the current Wi-Fi 6 standard, for example the Fritzbox 6660 Cable and the VDSL Fritzbox 7430 use AX. With 169 Euro is the new Fritzbox 7490 AX slightly cheaper than the 7590, but has fewer connections: For example, it lacks an additional WAN port to connect it For example, to connect to an Internet connection via cable or fiber optic with an upstream modem. One of the four Gigabit LAN ports must be used for this. In addition, it has no socket for an ISDN telephone and only one connection option for analogue telephone devices.
Your plus point is the future-proof WLAN standard: The advantages of WiFi-6 do pay off especially noticeable when several end devices are transmitting in the network that also support WiFi-6. The new WPA3 encryption supports the Fritzbox 7530 AX of course – but also all Fritz boxes with 11 AC- WLAN, on which at least Fritz OS 7. 20 is installed. This also applies to the Fritzbox 7530 for round 115 Euro, which apart from the WiFi like the 7530 AX : Your wireless network works with the 11 AC standard and a maximum of two parallel data streams. It is therefore recommended for smaller WLANs and if a quick switch to WiFi-6 is not planned.
Who the seven years ago presented Fritzbox 7490 does not necessarily have to switch to a more recent model. Because AVM regularly provides the veteran with the latest updates and new functions. But the router is no longer recommended for new purchases, especially since it is usually more expensive than the better equipped Fritzbox 7583.
Fritz router with VDSL modem Model Fritzbox 7590 Fritzbox 7580 Fritzbox 7530 AX Fritzbox 7530 Fritzbox 7490 Fritzbox 7430 Fritzbox 3490 Fritzbox 7583 Fritzbox 7580 Modem VDSL 2 (supervectoring , 300 Mbps) VDSL 2 (vectoring, 100 Mbps) VDSL 2 (supervectoring, 300 Mbps) VDSL 2 ( Supervectoring, 300 Mbps) VDSL 2 (vectoring, 100 Mbps) VDSL 2 (vectoring, 100 Mbps) VDSL 2 (vectoring, 100 Mbps) VDSL 2 (supervectoring: 300 Mbps, bonded: 600 Mbps), G.Fast Bonding 4 Gbps (212 MHz) VDSL 2 (supervectoring 300 Mbps); G.Fast 1 Gbps (100 MHz) WLAN: Standard / MIMO streams 11 AC / 4×4 11 AC / 4×4 Wi-Fi 6 / 3×3; 2×2 (75 MHz) 11 AC / 2×2 11 AC / 3×3 11 N / 3×3 11 AC / 3×3 11 AC / 4×4 11 AC / 3×3 WiFi speed: Mbps (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) 1733 + 800 1733 + 800 1800 + 600 866 + 400 1300 + 450 450 1300 + 450 1733 + 800 1300 x 450 MU-MIMO Yes Yes Yes Yes no no no Telephony DECT, ISDN S0, 2 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 DECT, ISDN S0, 2 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 DECT, 1 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 DECT, 1 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 DECT, ISDN S0, 2 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 DECT, 1 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 no DECT, ISDN S0 (4 B channels; second ISDN via adapter), 2 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 DECT, ISDN S0 (4 B-channels; second ISDN via adapter), 2 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 LAN 4x Gbit LAN / 1 Gbit -WAN 4x Gbit LAN / 1 Gbit WAN 4x Gbit-LAN 4x Gbit LAN 4x Gbit-LAN 4x FE 4x Gbit-LAN 4x Gbit-LAN / 1 Gbit-WAN 4x Gbit-LAN / 1 Gbit-WAN USB 2x USB 3.0 2x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0 1x USB 3.0 2x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0 2x USB 3.0 2x USB 3.0 2x USB 3.0 Price 185 225 169 115 200 70 130 440 280 Technically speaking, there is also little for the Fritzbox 7430 that only 11 n-WLAN in single-band operation with 2.4 GHz and a maximum of 450 offers Mbit / s as well as only Fast Ethernet for the LAN ports. However, it only costs around 70 Euro: That’s why she can in connection with a faster Fritzbox on the Internet connection as a cheap mesh repeater, expand the WLAN and serve as an additional DECT base.
The equipment of the Fritzbox 3490 is the same for Internet (VDSL vectoring up to 100 MBit / s) and WLAN speed (11 AC over 5 GHz with 1733 Mbit / s and 11 n over 2.4 GHz with 450 Mbit / s) and the connections (4x Gigabit LAN and 2x USB 3.0) of the Fritzbox 7490. But it lacks the connections for ISDN and analog telephones and the DECT function. Anyone who calls via VoIP telephone via the LAN socket or via smartphone via WLAN can access it.
Fritzbox models for internet via cable connection As with the Fritz boxes for VDSL, the same applies to the models for the cable connection: The latest Fritz box does not offer the best equipment. For the Fritzbox 6591 Cable (test report) for around 190 Euro speaks its support for WiFi-6, especially since it in contrast to the Fritzbox 7530 AX beautiful 160 – MHz radio channels over 5 GHz supported and therefore up to 2400 Mbit / s over 5 GHz. To ensure that this speed also arrives at devices connected via LAN such as a NAS, the 6660 Cable one 2.5 Gbit connection next to the four Gigabit LAN ports.
For telephony the Fritzbox is 6591 Cable for round 235 Euro more suitable: It has an additional connection for analog telephones and a socket for an ISDN telephone. It lacks the 2.5 Gbit LAN port as well as WiFi-6. But for 11 AC it offers the maximum speed with 1733 Mbit / s and up to 800 Mbit / s over 10 n and 2.4 GHz.
Fritz router with cable modem Model Fritzbox 6660 Cable Fritzbox 6591 Cable Modem Docsis 3.1 6 Gbit / s (2×2), Euro-DOCSIS 3.0 (32 x8) Docsis 3.1 6 Gbit / s (2×2), Euro-DOCSIS 3.0 (32 x8) WLAN: Standard / MIMO streams Wi-Fi 6 / 2×2 (160 Hz) 11 AC / 4×4 WiFi speed: Mbps (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) 2400 + 600 1733 + 800 MU-MIMO Yes Yes Telephony DECT, 1 a / b or TAE / RJ 10 DECT, ISDN S0, 2 a / b, RJ 11 or 1 TAE (2. TAE via adapter) LAN 4x Gbit LAN , 1x 2.5Gbit 4x Gbit-LAN USB 1x USB 2.0 2x USB 3.0 Price 190 235 Both cable Fritzboxes are future-proof, because their modem supports the Docsis standard 3.1, which allows Internet connections with 1 GBit / s and more. At Vodafone, for example, this standard comes off for all connections 450 Mbit / s is used, the provider is increasingly upgrading its infrastructure to it. That’s why Fritzbox models for Docsis 3.0 are like the 6590 Cable, 6490 Cable or 6430 Cable no longer recommended.
Fritzbox models for LTE The Fritzbox 6890 LTE goes through your Cat.6 modem with up to 300 Mbit / s on-line. But the router can also access the Internet via VDSL via its supervectoring-capable modem. The Gigabit WAN port can also be used to connect to an existing cable or fiber optic modem, so that the 300 Euro expensive router allows all connection types to be used. A separate tariff is required for each access, because the Fritzbox is not suitable for Telekom’s LTE-DSL hybrid offer. In terms of WLAN and telephony, their equipment largely corresponds to the VDSL and cable top models 7590 and 6591.
The Fritzbox 6850 for round 175 Euro corresponds to the equipment of the VDSL Fritzbox 7530, so offers among other things 11 AC WLAN with two parallel data streams and MU-MIMO, a connection for analog telephones in addition to the DECT function and a USB 3.0 port.
Fritz router for LTE Model Fritzbox 6890 LTE Fritzbox 6820 LTE Fritzbox 6820 LTE v3 Modem LTE Cat.6 Mini-SIM (300 Mbit / s) + VDSL (supervectoring: 300 Mbit / s); LTE band: 1,3,7,8, 20, 28, 32 LTE Cat.4 Mini-SIM (150 Mbit / s); LTE band: 1,3,5,7,8, 20, 28; 38, 40, 41 (TDD) LTE Cat.4 (150 Mbit / s) (Band 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 32; TDD 38, 40, 41) WLAN: Standard / MIMO streams 11 AC / 4×4 11 AC / 2×2 11 N / 3×3 WiFi speed: Mbps (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) 1733 + 800 866 + 400 450 MU-MIMO Yes Yes Telephony DECT, ISDN S0, 1xRJ 11 (adapter for TAE), 1xTAE DECT, 1 a / b (RJ 11 or TAE) – LAN 4x Gbit LAN / 1 Gbit WAN 4x Gbit-LAN 1x Gbit-LAN USB 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 3.0 – Price 290 175 120 The Fritzbox is even cheaper 6820 LTE for around 120 Euro: It does without the telephone functions and a USB connection. With WLAN it only offers 11 n with up to 450 Mbit / s. The LTE modem of the 6850 and 6820 delivers a maximum of 99 Mbit / s.
You should take a close look at the LTE Fritzboxes: AVM brings new versions onto the market without prior notice, which differ mainly through the built-in LTE modem . Currently, for example, version 2 of the Fritzbox is 6890 LTE and version 3 for the Fritzbox LTE 6820 – the version number is on the nameplate on the underside of the housing. An improved LTE modem provides a faster or more stable connection as it supports additional LTE bands and advanced carrier aggregation. However, a new version can also mean that the Fritzbox can no longer be used with tariffs from certain providers, although the model is on their compatibility list.
Fritzbox models for fiber optics and G.fast Fritz boxes for these types of connection can hardly be found in free trade. The provider usually offers them for free or for rent at the appropriate tariff. The fiber optic models Fritzbox 5530 and 5490 are like the Fritzbox 7490 fitted. The 5491 fits the connection variant GPON, which Telekom uses for its fiber optic tariffs use. For providers whose fiber optic networks are based on AON, the 5490 suitable.
Fritz router for fiber optics Model Fritzbox 5491 Fiber Fritzbox 5491 Fritzbox 5490 Modem GPON, AON GPON (Gf-TA) AON WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS: Standard / MIMO streams Wifi-6 / 2×2 11 AC / 3×3 11 AC / 3×3 WiFi speed: Mbps (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) 2400 + 600 1300 + 450 1300 + 450 MU-MIMO – – Telephony DECT, a / b DECT, ISDN S0, 2 a / b (RJ 11 or TAE) DECT, ISDN S0, 2 a / b or TAE / RJ 11 LAN 1x 2.5Gbit LAN; 2x Gbit LAN 4x Gbit-LAN 4x Gbit-LAN USB 2x USB 3.0 2x USB 3.0 Price 169 240 190 The Fritzbox 7583 masters VDSL with bonding: bundling two connections doubles the data rate, but the provider must support this. In addition, the 7583 on the G.fast standard: In Germany, some local providers use this for home networking via copper cables when the building is connected via fiber optics (FTTB, Fiber-to-the-Building). In the individual apartments, a bandwidth of 1 GBit / s or more is possible via telephone cable.
Fritz boxes without modem The cheapest Fritzbox models 4040 (round 70 Euro) and 4020 (round 45 Euro) are used behind the provider modem, to which they are connected via LAN cable via the WAN port. The devices in the home network brings the 4020 per 11 AC WiFi with two parallel data streams and four gigabit ports online. The 4020 only transmits via 11 n-WLAN with a maximum of 450 Mbit / s, your LAN ports only support Fast Ethernet speeds. Telephone connections and DECT capability are both missing.
Fritz router without modem Model Fritzbox 4040 Fritzbox 4020 WLAN: Standard / MIMO streams 11 AC / 2×2 11 N / 3×3 WiFi speed: Mbps ( 5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) 866 + 400 450 MU-MIMO – – LAN 4x Gbit LAN / 1 Gbit WAN 2x FE-LAN / 1 FE-WAN USB 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 1x USB 2.0 Pr ice 70 45 Conclusion AVM offers a suitable Fritzbox for every type of connection. Choosing the right model depends on how many devices in the home network the router should bring online and which telephone connections it should have. The top models 7590 for VDSL, 6591 Cable for the cable connection and 6890 LTE for Internet via cellular nothing to be desired.
The Fritzbox 7530 AX and 6660 Cables already come with future-proof WiFi-6, but they lack the ISDN connection and another one Connection for analog devices. For smaller home networks that do not require top speed for WLAN, the cheaper variants Fritzbox 7530 for VDSL and 6850 LTE in question. Even more about the network and WLAN are featured in our WLAN theme world. For example, we test WiFi mesh systems there, including those with WiFi-6.
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Page 1: Tenda Nova MW 12 in the test: Mesh system at an attractive price
In the mesh network hardware sector, Tenda is unlikely to be a household name for many, even though the company has been active as such for some time. In the past few months there has been more attention in this country – especially with regard to cheap, yet fast mesh hardware. One wants to have left the established providers behind. We have the Tenda Nova MW 11 looked more closely as a beginner’s solution.
Tenda is in the year 2012 partnered with Broadcom and has become a key partner in China. The company has been using Broadcom’s chipsets since then and wants to be able to guarantee a certain degree of compatibility and performance. In addition to the mesh products, routers, switches and much more in the area of network hardware are also available.
The Nova MW 12 with its three stations covers an area of 500 m² from. The set consisting of three stations can be extended to 12 Mesh node can be expanded and then covers up to 2. 000 m² from. With the help of the Tenda WiFi app, the stations can be managed and, if required, a guest network can be set up or a child lock can be activated.
Now we come to the Nova MW 12 or to the technical data of the mesh system:
Tenda Nova MW 12
Model
Tenda Nova MW 12
Street price
from 220 Euro
Homepage
www.tendacn.com/de
Technical specifications
Internet
Dynamic IP, Static I. P
LAN
2x Gigabit Ethernet 1x WAN
Telephony
–
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
IEEE 802. 11 a / b / g / n / ac tri-band WiFi 1x 2.4 GHz: up to 300 Mbit / s 1x 5 GHz: up to 867 Mbit / s 1x 5 GHz: up to 867 Mbit / s (backhaul for the mesh)
Connections
2x Gigabit Ethernet (10 / 100 / 1000 Base-T) 1x Gigabit Ethernet (10 / 100 / 1000 Base- T) WAN for connection to cable / DSL / fiber optic modem or network
Dimensions
100 x 100 x 100 mm
Scope of delivery
3x mesh 12 stations three power supplies Ethernet cable Installation Guide
The starter set consists of three meshes 11 – stations that are all identical. Depending on which node is integrated first, this is the gateway or the central element of the mesh network and is also connected to the rest of the network or the router via Ethernet. The system automatically detects what type of Internet connection it is – for example, whether an IP is assigned dynamically or if this is done manually.
At this mesh node, Two more Gigabit Ethernet connections are available, as the third is used as a WAN connection. Mesh nodes that are only integrated via WLAN therefore have three gigabit connections available. The WLAN is according to 802. 11 ac compatible, but can of course also integrate clients with older standards. The 2.4 GHz network is 300 Mbit / s possible, for 5 GHz networks it should be 802 Mbit / s. Of course, we’ve seen faster network hardware here – at least on paper. WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK are supported in terms of encryption.
Each station has an SoC with 900 MHz and 220 MB DDR3- RAM installed. This is to enable the network up to 100 Can process devices simultaneously in the network. In addition, the computing power is apparently necessary to control the MU-MIMO, QoS, and Beamforming +. The delivery includes the three mesh 18 stations, each with a power supply unit, an Ethernet cable and a brief instruction that can be helpful during commissioning.
The Mesh 12 – Stations are designed as cubes and have dimensions of exactly 100 x 100 x 100 mm. The mesh hardware is therefore quite compact, because we have also seen solutions that cannot be easily placed on a shelf or the like. Small and inconspicuous, this is how the design of the Nova MW 12 describe. The housings are also simply kept white. A Nova lettering and a light gray, grid-shaped imprint are everything that can be observed from the outside.
At one corner of each mesh station there is an LED that lights up green when everything is OK, while the integration flashes green and then shows with a yellow or red LED how good the reception quality is of the individual mesh nodes.
As a cube, the mesh nodes can in principle be set up in any orientation, but of course there is a bottom, because access to the connections must be granted somewhere. Here you can also see four padded feet, which allow the mesh station to set up non-slip and without scratches. Wall mounting is theoretically possible thanks to the two holes. The otherwise closed case offers some openings on the underside so that the hardware inside can also be cooled a bit.
The connections of each mesh node of the Tenda Nova MW are located on the underside 12. The power supply connection can be seen on the right. Next to it are the three Gigabit Ethernet ports, of which the one on the right can also serve as a WAN port. Wired devices can also be integrated into the network locally and at the installation site of the mesh nodes via the Ethernet connections.
Commissioning of the Tenda Nova MW 12
Mesh networks usually promise a simple set-up that the layman should be able to do without any problems . Often, however, problems arise that can have various causes. Tenda also promises a hassle-free setup that the app should help with. This is available for Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS.
In a first step, one of the mesh stations must be set up and supplied with the network and power. As soon as the LED lights up green, the user can connect to the factory-set WLAN. The necessary access data are on the underside of each mesh station. Then the setup takes place step by step.
So the user chooses his own WLAN name and assigns his own password. The other mesh stations can then be integrated. For this purpose, these should first be set up in the immediate vicinity. When powered, they will automatically search for the primary node or gateway. The connection is established after 1-2 minutes and is confirmed with a green LED or in the app. The mesh stations can then be set up in the desired positions. A green LED then indicates that the connection is fast enough. A yellow LED indicates that the connection quality is not good and it would be better to put the nodes closer together. A red LED indicates that the node is not involved at all.
If you have given the nodes correct names, the app gives you a nice overview of your own network structure. Numbers on the nodes show how many devices are currently connected to it. A display for the downstream and upstream provides information about the load on the WAN connection. Additional detailed information can be called up for each individual node. The LED display can also be deactivated here if it is too bright or disturbs for other reasons. Firmware updates are also possible at this point.
The WLAN settings (SSID and password) can be changed via the settings. A guest WLAN can also be set up here, if you don’t want to invite every user to your primary network. Applications can be prioritized and bandwidth limits set using QoS services. Parental controls allow groups with end devices to be defined that are only allowed to use the Internet at certain times. Some services are also blocked here.
Of course there are also rudimentary functions such as port forwarding, a WPS assistant or the option of entering your own DNS server, the Tenda Nova MW 12 but does not offer the extensive possibilities of some other network hardware. This is also not absolutely necessary in this case, because not only should the setup be simple, but also no unnecessary functions should interfere with operation. Very few users in the private network go into the settings in depth. Set up, connect, start surfing – this is the premise with which most users of such mesh networks approach the topic and usually nothing more is needed.
< > Tenda Nova MW 12 in the test: Mesh system at an attractive price WLAN benchmarks
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