MSI is expanding its range of PC cases. The MPG-SEKIRA – 100 – Case series should exude a certain luxury and convince as a chic E-ATX case.
The series starts with two models: The MPG SEKIRA 100 R shows a two-part front. The upper part is made of aluminum, the lower part of tinted glass. Behind it sit three 120 – mm fan with A-RGB lighting. The transition between aluminum and glass is also illuminated. Another 120 – mm -A RGB fan sits on the back wall. The lighting can be controlled simply by pressing a button. Visually the MPG SEKIRA reminds you 100 R to MSI’s top model MPG Sekira 500 X.
The MPG SEKIRA 34 P, on the other hand, is much more discreet with a continuous aluminum front and without A-RGB lighting. Also with this model there are four 120 – mm fan pre-assembled – but those without LEDs.
The 215 x 475 x 420 mm (W x H x D) large housing weighs around 8 kg. Inside there is a maximum of space for an E-ATX system with up to 17 cm high processor cooler and up to 34 cm long graphics card. Two combined 2.5 / 3.5-inch drive spaces and two pure 2.5-inch drive spaces are available for drives.
The tool-free mounted glass side panel is secured by the removable housing cover and an additional lock. In the lid there can be two 120 – or 140 – mm fan can be retrofitted. If water cooling is used, a 280 -mm radiator, under the lid a 240 -mm radiator and on the back wall a 34 mm radiator can be installed. Three dust filters on the front, cover and under the power supply are designed to protect the interior from dust. The I / O panel in the lid has two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and audio jacks for a headset.
At the prices of the MPG SEKIRA 100 – MSI has not yet given any information. Also in the price comparison are MPG SEKIRA 100 R and MPG SEKIRA 34 P not yet listed.
Update 06. 02. 2021: We are currently testing a MPG Sekira 100 R. In the unpacked & touched video, we are already introducing the A-RGB housing. The detailed test will follow in the next few days.
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Page 1: SilverStone Fara B1 Pro in the test: A-RGB housing with elegant supply air design
SilverStones Fara B1 Pro actually offers the typical mix of A-RGB fans and a transparent front, which can lead to cooling problems. At least visually, this midi tower has larger side air inlets. But can the four case fans really treat themselves to enough fresh air?
In recent years there has been one in the case segment strong trend towards RGB or A-RGB fans. Such fans are particularly effective behind a front made of glass or transparent plastic. However, such an airtight front can become a problem for cooling. And in fact, such housings have often attracted attention due to their poor cooling performance. SilverStone’s Fara B1 Pro has four A-RGB fans and a transparent plastic front, but the manufacturer is clearly trying to address the airflow problem. The transparent plastic element does not stretch across the entire width of the front, but leaves space for side air inlets – and for the hope that optics and cooling could be combined.
The Fara B1 Pro is designed as a rather compact and light midi tower. As a result, there are certain limits to the possible uses. If you want to use water cooling, you can, for example, use a maximum of one 280 – place mm radiator. There is not enough space for a triple radiator.
The SilverStone Fara B1 Pro is currently available for around 85 Euro listed. Alternatively, there are also more simply equipped and cheaper sibling models. The simple Fara B1 comes with just one pre-assembled and unlit fan, e.g. for under 50 Euro offered.
In the unpacked & touched video we take a first look at the case:
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SilverStone includes a bag with assembly material, some black cable ties and brief instructions with the Fara B1 Pro. An A-RGB controller is also not missing. This controller allows the effect to be changed at the touch of a button, the connection to a housing button (with the Fara B1 Pro, the reset button can be converted into an LED button) or the lighting control via a suitable mainboard with 3-pin A-RGB -Connection. Up to four A-RGB fans can be connected to two sides of the controller. An S-ATA power connection is used to power the controller and lighting.
Before we start the actual test, here are the key data of the housing in tabular form:
Key data:
Designation:
SilverStone Fara B1 Pro (SST-FAB1B-PRO)
Material:
Steel, tempered glass, plastic
Dimensions:
207 x 446 x 401 mm (B x H x D), 37 liter volume
Form factor:
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Drives:
1x 3.5 Inch (internal), 5x 2.5 inch (internal)
Fan:
3x 100 / 2x 140 mm (front, 3x 120 mm pre-installed), 1x 120 mm (back wall, pre-installed), 2x 120 / 140 mm (cover, optional)
Radiators (maximum according to the manufacturer):
Front: 240 / 280 mm, cover: 240 mm, back wall: 100 mm
CPU cooler height (maximum according to manufacturer):
16, 5 cm
Graphics card length (maximum according to the manufacturer):
32, 2 cm with front fan, maximum 17 cm wide
Weight:
about 5, 75 kg
Price:
round 85 Euro
<> SilverStone Fara B1 Pro in the test: A-RGB housing with elegant supply air design External appearance (1)
In the debut video of the undersigned, we will update the in-game mini-ITX configuration to the latest RTX 3070 model of the graphics card and learn how to silence parts in a small package.
The mini-ITX craze for io-Tech’s delivery continues, and with the first YouTube video to sign Juha Kokkonen’s previous lineup using AMD’s fresh parts, we’re upgrading the RTX 3070 graphics card to a home mini-ITX computer.
In addition to a component update alone, the video shows you how to make a smaller ITX configuration as quiet as possible. To do this, we will take a brief look at how to adjust fan profiles from bios and software from Windows, as well as underfolding GeForce graphics cards with MSI Afterburner.
If you liked the video, subscribe to io-Tech’s YouTube channel for free, thanks!
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
MORE: How To Choose A Motherboard
MORE: All Motherboard Content
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Best Intel Motherboards 2020: Z490, Z390, H370, and X299
Next PageBest AMD Motherboards: TRX40, X570, X470, B550, and X399
Akasa has launched a small box to store a passively cooled Intel NUC 9, the Akasa Turing QLX.
This manufacturer has already shown us creations of Fully passive boxes, which also act as a heatsink for the components that have been mounted inside them. We were even able to see high performance components installed and passively dissipated with the TureMetal UP box . Now we see a model capable of cooling processors up to 45 W completely passive , which means having a good range of possibilities to choose from.
The Akasa Turing QLX comes as an alternative to the usual case of the Intel NUC 9
The chassis Akasa Turing QLX is completely made of aluminum and has dimensions of 150 x 150 x 220 mm. The total volume adds up about 7 liters , so it is at the level of small compact Mini-ITX towers. This model comes to store the Intel NUC 9 (and its Pro versions), being able to choose up to a Core i9 – 9980 8-core HK and 16 threads. The space inside the case is very limited, so the power supply is separate and will obviously be external.
The manufacturer has not disclosed prices or availability, but since the Akasa Turing QLX is already listed on its website, it should not take long to appear on the market.
End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!
Pablo López
With 15 years ago I started to overclock my PC to get every extra FPS I could in games and scratch a few milliseconds in SuperPi, while I was constantly posting about hardware on it. Geeknetic forum as user and reader. Surely they were so fed up with continually reading me on the forum that I became part of the writing team, where I continue to report on the latest in technology. Astrophysics and PC games are the hobbies that, after hardware, cover most of my free time.
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Page 1: Case FAQ: What you should know about PC cases (Update 2021)
In cooperation with be quiet!
The housing is available when a new PCs are usually way down the list. It is one of the most durable components and therefore deserves a certain amount of attention. However, there are some pitfalls when choosing a suitable case. Our FAQ is intended to draw attention to this and make it easier to buy a housing.
At the beginning there is the question of what kind of housing is actually needed. Because PC cases are available in a wide variety of sizes, at very different prices and with very different features. Especially with high-performance PCs, it is important which cooling options the housing offers. The case also plays an important role in the volume of the system. A well-chosen case can be a loyal companion for years to come. And it is precisely the modern, often highly modular housings that offer a lot of scope for adjustments – also to meet future trends.
What housing formats and materials are there?
The size of the case depends mainly on the desired mainboard and the available space. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that other components such as processor cooler, graphics card and power supply have enough space. Corresponding information is provided on the manufacturer’s product pages and the item descriptions in most online shops. The desired cooling solution can also have an effect on the size of the housing – especially if powerful water cooling is to be installed.
Most cases are tower cases, so they protrude upwards. If the width, depth and height are approximately the same, it is called a cube. This format is mainly used for smaller housings. The classic, flat desktop case of earlier times, however, has become rare.
Tower housings are roughly divided into mini towers, midi towers and full or big towers. However, some of the terms are not entirely clear. It is important that the desired mainboard fits into the appropriate housing. The mainboard formats supported are therefore always specified in the specifications of the housing.
The most typical mainboard formats are Mini-ITX (17 × 17 cm, usually one expansion card slot) , Micro-ATX or µATX (17, 4 × 24, 4 cm, mostly four expansion card slots), ATX (30, 5 × 24, 4 cm, usually seven expansion card slots) and E-ATX (30, 5 × 33 cm, usually seven expansion card slots). Because not all E-ATX mainboards reach the full E-ATX width by a long way, cases with E-ATX support are also advertised that are not actually intended for mainboards with the maximum E-ATX width. The manufacturers then usually specify the maximum exact dimensions the E-ATX mainboard may have. Typical is something like “E-ATX (Support 12 “x 11 “)”. Because the conversion factor from inches to centimeters is 2, 54, in this case an E-ATX mainboard with a height of 28, 5 cm and a width of 28 cm .
A concrete example of a typical midi tower that accepts E-ATX mainboards in addition to ATX mainboards is the be quiet! Silent Base 802. It is used for E-ATX mainboards up to 28, 5 x 27, 5 cm released. We mainly use this be quiet! Model as an example housing in this FAQ. A really full-grown full tower, however, is the be quiet! Top model Dark Base Pro 900 Rev. 2. If you are unsure how big the individual be quiet! Housings are in comparison, you can use the size comparison on the manufacturer’s website. Wikipedia has a much more detailed overview of the different mainboard form factors.
Currently, for PC Housing mainly used four different materials. Most cases have a robust steel frame. In particular, more elaborately shaped elements are made of plastic. The light metal aluminum can be used as a high-quality alternative to plastic and steel. Pure aluminum housings not only look particularly high-quality, they are also lighter than steel housings. However, because they are also significantly more expensive, manufacturers sometimes make a compromise: They manufacture the basic frame inexpensively from robust steel, but upgrade the outside of the housing with aluminum panels. In recent years, glass has finally established itself as a typical housing material. Glass side parts, but also some glass fronts and glass lids, allow glimpses into the interior. This means that the built-in hardware comes into its own even when the housing is closed.
In cooperation with be quiet!
<> Case FAQ: What you should know about PC cases ( Update 2021) What is installed where?
The last time we built the RGBaby, a neat, tidy, and small RGB system that was easy to carry around, we used a Jonsbo A4 case. Now, Jonsbo has built another small chassis, this time the BO 100, as spotted by Hermitage Akihabara.
This case takes a different approach, instead placing a 4mm thick tempered glass window at the front with a nice aluminum enclosure around the system. It also has a leather carrying strap, making it look a bit like a high-tech handbag.
It’s only suited for use with Mini-ITX boards and dual-slot graphics cards. Due to the limited GPU length of 207mm, 140mm wide, and 48mm thick, you won’t get the biggest GPUs into here, and certainly not an RTX 3090 — you’ll need a short-format card for this case, but that’s a sacrifice you’re willing to make for an SFF system, right?
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Jonsplus)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Jonsplus)
However, despite being placed close to the side, the GPU should get decent cooling due to the perforation in the side panel that supplies it with fresh air. The CPU can be well-off, too, with space for CPU coolers up to 158mm tall, or you can opt to install a 120mm AIO.
The entire internal chassis is made from steel and slides right out the back of the case. This should make assembly quite easy with open access from all sides.
Only SFX and SFX-L power supplies are supported, and the front I/O consists of USB Type-C, two USB 3.0 ports, and one audio/mic combo jack.
Jonsbo hasn’t announced pricing or availability yet.
I would like to thank Genesis for supplying the review sample.
Even though the Genesis Irid 503 ARGB is a mini-tower for M-ATX boards, it offers much of the same features as larger enclosures with its four ARGB fans, fully fledged controller, and traditional layout with liquid cooling possibilities, making it an interesting choice for a review. While the brand may not be well known, Genesis offers a wide range of products in all the usual product categories, from peripherals and cases to chairs and more.
Andrew Munro 28 mins ago Featured Tech Reviews, Keyboards
2020 has seen a huge amount of keyboards launch, from membrane to mechanical, tenkeyless to full size, and budget options all the way up to some models priced north of £200. Today we’re going to be giving you our top 5 keyboards of 2020, and always, let us know whether you agree – or disagree! – in the comments.
Watch video via Vimeo (below) or over on YouTube at 2160p HERE
#5 Xtrfy K4 TKL RGB
See the Xtrfy K4 TKL RGB review HERE.
#4: Razer Ornata V2
See the Razer Ornata V2 review HERE.
#3: ASUS ROG STRIX Scope TKL Deluxe
See the ASUS ROG STRIX Scope TKL Deluxe review HERE.
#2: Mountain Everest Max
See the Mountain Everest Max review HERE.
#1: Corsair K100 RGB
See the Corsair K100 RGB review HERE.
KitGuru says: Make sure to watch the full video to find out why these keyboards made our Top 5 list. We discuss their price point, key specifications, unique selling points and unique features. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on these choices too!
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ASUS ROG STRIX B550-I Gaming Mini-ITX Motherboard Review
«Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6Page 7Page 8Page 910. View All Pages»With AMD’s new …
We’re approaching CES 2021, which means more information about Intel’s plans for Rocket Lake-S desktop processors is making its way out ahead of time. This week, we have a new leak reporting that mass production for these processors will kick off in January. Meanwhile, two motherboard manufacturers have confirmed that Intel 400-series motherboards will support 11th Gen Core series processors.
The first leak comes from @OneRaichu, showing a roadmap suggesting that Rocket Lake-S processors should be Ready-To-Ship (RTS) by the third week of March up to the second week of April, but the first units might be shipped between the fourth and seventh week of 2021.
The roadmap also shows that the first engineering samples (ES1) were produced back in late June, with the second version (ES2) of them being made in mid-August. Additionally, there are the qualification samples (QS), which were apparently made in the first week of December. This ties in with the recent engineering sample performance leaks that have been popping up.
😅 But I think the person can buy it in Feb…. Because of the real prod time in Jan.. pic.twitter.com/8UPDrr3EWM
— Raichu (@OneRaichu) December 24, 2020
Regarding support for Rocket Lake-S processors on Intel 400-series motherboards, @momomo_us shared what seems to be a marketing banner from Biostar stating that its Z490 motherboards now support the 11th Gen Intel Core processors. The product pages of Biostar Z490 motherboards have been updated with this information.
Besides Biostar, it looks like ASRock has also added support for the upcoming CPUs on some of its Intel 400-series motherboards. This news also came from @momomo_us, who shared the list of ASRock Z490/W480/H470 motherboards supporting the 11th Gen Core processors:
Z490 Aqua
Z490 Taichi
Z490 Extreme4
Z490 Steel Legend
Z490 PG Velocita
Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3
W480 Creator
H470 Steel Legend
Intel Rocket Lake-S processors are expected to be announced during CES 2021, which takes place from January 11th to January 14th. Intel 500-series motherboards should also be announced at the same time.
KitGuru says: It sounds like there could be an unfortunate gap between announcement and consumer availability, but all should be made clear soon. Are you planning on upgrading your CPU in the new year? Will you be waiting for Rocket Lake-S availability?
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Epic Games Launcher idle bug seems to be making Ryzen CPUs run hotter
Ryzen CPU users have found that the Epic Games Launcher is causing unusual CPU temperature spikes. In some cases, just having the app running idle can cause temperatures to jump by 20ºC
With AMD’s new Zen 3-based Ryzen 5000 processors offering new levels of compute, gaming, and power efficiency performance to mainstream desktop users, it is a great time to be a Mini-ITX fan. In this review, we examine the ASUS ROG STRIX B550-I Gaming Mini-ITX motherboard and see how it handles the AMD Zen 3 flagship CPU.
Watch via our Vimeo channel (below) or over on YouTube at 2160p HERE
Video Timestamps:
00:00 Start
00:15 Introduction / the board
01:53 Rear mounted M.2 connector
03:05 Memory support / CPU socket
03:56 Top edge connectors
05:22 Right side of board / front panel connectors
05:57 PCI expansion slot area / M.2 daughterboard details
07:09 M.2 heatsink / right of M.2 connector
07:45 Front panel audio header / rear Type-C audio header
08:24 Rear I/O panel
09:34 Power delivery
10:57 VRM hardware components
14:17 Fan BIOS control
14:58 Test system / hardware
15:40 Test results
16:58 Thermal performance with M.2 SSDs
17:14 Audio test results
17:22 Manual overclocking and unusual sensor details
20:12 Overclocked results and power consumption
20:54 VRM and CPU temperatures
22:08 Luke’s closing thoughts – Pros and Cons
Coming in at around the £200 mark, this high-end B550 offering features an actively cooled 8+2 power stage design, dual M.2 sockets, plentiful quantities of 10Gbps USB on the rear and internally, and high-speed wired and wireless networking connectivity. ASUS also included a unique feature in its USB Type-C audio connector.
£200 is steep for a B550 motherboard, even in the typically more expensive Mini-ITX form factor. And with tough competition from the similarly priced ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX/AX motherboard in particular, can ASUS’ ROG STRIX B550-I Gaming prove its worth? Let’s take a look.
Features (information taken from the ASUS webpage):
AMD AM4 socket: Ready for Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors
Best gaming connectivity: PCIe® 4.0-ready, dual M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® plus HDMI™ 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 output
Smooth networking: Onboard WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard
Robust power solution: Teamed power stages with ProCool II power connector, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors
Renowned software: Intuitive dashboards for UEFI BIOS and ASUS AI Networking make it easy to configure gaming builds
DIY-friendly design: Includes Q-connector, BIOS FlashBack™ and FlexKey
Unmatched personalization: ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, including Aura RGB header and addressable Gen 2 RGB header
Industry-leading Gaming Audio: Audio USB Type-C®, AI Noise Canceling Microphone, SupremeFX S1220A codec, DTS® Sound Unbound™ and Sonic Studio III for immersive audio
Although Intel never explicitly expressed it, the general expectation was the impending 11th Generation Rocket Lake processors would slot fine into the current LGA1200 motherboard with the 400-series chipset. If there was any doubt, multiple motherboard manufacturers have officially confirmed the processors’ backward compatibility.
ASRock, for one, has already updated various product pages to affirm support for Rocket Lake. The new description now reads “Supports 10th Gen Intel® Core Processors and 11th Gen Intel Core Processors (LGA1200),” with the latter alluding to Intel’s Rocket Lake-S chips. Thus far, the preliminary list of motherboards (via momomo_us) includes the various offerings from different tiers, such as the Z490 Aqua, Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3, Z480 Creator, and H470 Steel Legend.
On the other hand, Biostar reportedly shared a banner advertising Rocket Lake-S support on the brand’s Z490 motherboards. The vendor has also updated the motherboard product pages to reflect the change. However, it would appear that Rocket Lake-S’s rapport might only be with the company’s Z490 motherboards since the B460 product pages don’t proclaim support for 11th Generation chips.
Rocket Lake-S (Image credit: momomo_us/Twitter)
While it’s possible to enable Rocket Lake-S processors on all LGA1200 motherboards, we suspect that support will vary from one motherboard vendor to another. Besides the shift to the Cypress Cove microarchitecture, one of Rocket Lake-S’s biggest attraction is PCIe 4.0 support. Nonetheless, some vendors might not have initially purposed some of their 400-series offering to support PCIe 4.0, especially the entry-level motherboards. That could be the explanation of why Biostar didn’t mention Rocket Lake-S support on non-Z490 motherboards.
The current consensus is that Intel will probably take advantage of CES 2021 to announce Rocket Lake-S, which should come accompanied by new 500-series motherboards. Availability, however, is another story. If one Twitter user’s roadmap is genuine, Intel might not commence Rocket Lake-S mass production until January 2021, meaning that the processors won’t be hit the retailer shelves until February or even March.
The Polish brand SilentiumPC has once again prepared interesting computer cases for its fans. This time, the family with the designation Ventum VT4, consisting of four models, is entering the market. The new designs focus primarily on high air circulation, which was achieved thanks to the mesh front and top, as well as high-pressure fans. Of course, there was also a two-chamber interior and a side panel made of tempered glass. Consumers can choose between two color versions – black and white, variants with two or four factory fans and versions with and without ARGB LED backlight. And all this at a really attractive price as usual.
The new SilentiumPC housings have been priced quite attractive, ranging from 219 to 299 zlotys. We will pay a bit more for the white variant.
Which PC case to buy? Recommended for November 2020
The SilentiumPC Ventum VT4 family uses an identical, two-chamber framework, so all models have dimensions of the order 485 x 210 x 440 (height x width x depth) millimeters and weighs approximately 6 25 kilograms. there is only the Ventum VT4 TG variant equipped with two fans, not four.In the middle we mount motherboards in ATX, Micro ATX or Mini ITX format; CPU cooling up to 159 millimeters; graphics cards with length 345 millimeters and power supplies not longer than 180 millimeters. Two 3.5 “and two 2.5” slots are provided for data carriers. The I / O panel is located on the top of the case and hosts two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A and audio connectors.
SilentiumPC Astrum AT6V TG case test – Opus magnum?
As far as ventilation is concerned, up to eight fans can be installed here. Two 140 – or three 120 – millimeter on the front, two 140- or 120 – millimeter on top, one 120 – one millimeter on the back and two 120 – millimeter on the basement. In the case of heat sinks from AiO sets or LC systems, the maximum number of coolers 280 – millimeter ones. Two (Ventum VT4 TG) or four (Ventum VT4V TG) SilentiumPC Sigma HP fans are pre-installed here. mm CF running up to 1200 RPM. In the case of Ventum VT4V EVO TG ARGB models, the user receives not only four SilentiumPC Stella HP ARGB fans 120 mm CF, but also the Nano-Reset ARGB backlight controller. Each housing comes with magnetic dust filters. The suggested prices are as follows:
SilentiumPC Ventum VT4 TG – 219 zlotys
SilentiumPC Ventum VT4V TG – 239 zlotys
SilentiumPC Ventum VT4V Evo TG ARGB – 299 zlotys
SilentiumPC Ventum VT4V Evo TG ARGB White – 319 zlotys
Page 1: DeepCool MACUBE 110 in the test: Visually and financially unobtrusive
DeepCool wants to use the MACUBE 110 thrifty buyers a Mini -Tower that is both discreetly designed and solidly equipped. In the test we find out whether this 50 – Euro model really deserves a price-performance recommendation.
The selection of Micro-ATX cases is relatively small. With the MACUBE 100 DeepCool has brought exactly such a model onto the market. Two points in particular are noticeable: First, the extremely reduced design. The MACUBE 100 appears as a simple steel cuboid and also without RGB lighting. But there is at least one glass side panel. If you like, you can at least illuminate the interior. There is a choice of black and white color variants.
On the other hand, the mini-tower should also attract with a low price. Currently it costs around 53 Euro. Nevertheless, DeepCool promises enough space for mid-height tower coolers and most graphics cards. Up to six fan slots can be used for cooling. Also two dual radiator places for 225 – or 280 – mm radiators are not missing.
In the unpacked & touched video we take a first look at the case:
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DeepCool inserts the housing Bags with assembly material, black cable ties, instructions and a warranty card are included.
Before we start with the actual test, here are the key data of the housing in tabular form:
Key data:
Designation:
DeepCool MACUBE 110
Material:
Steel, tempered glass, plastic
Dimensions:
225 x 431 x 400 mm (W x H x D)
Form factor:
Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Drives:
1x 3.5 inches (internal), 1x 3.5 / 2.5 inch (internal), 2x 2.5 inch (internal)
Fan:
3x 120 / 2x 140 mm (front, optional), 1x 120 mm (rear wall, pre-installed), 2x 120 / 140 mm (cover, optional)
Radiators (maximum according to manufacturer):
Front: 240 / 280 mm, Lid: 240 / 280 mm, back wall: 120 mm
CPU cooler height (maximum according to manufacturer):
16, 5 cm
Graphics card length (maximum according to the manufacturer):
32 cm
Weight:
about 6.2 kg
Price:
round 53 Euro
<> DeepCool MACUBE 110 in the test: Visually and financially unobtrusive External appearance (1)
Home/Tech News/Competitions/KitGuru Advent Calendar Day 22: Win an iiyama 144Hz Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor!
Matthew Wilson 7 hours ago Competitions, Featured Announcement
For Day 22 of the KitGuru Advent Calendar 2020, we’re teaming up with iiyama to give away a G-MASTER RED EAGLE GB3466WQSU-B1 gaming monitor! This is a 34-inch Ultra-Wide display with a 144Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent PC gaming upgrade.
Aside from a 3440×1440 ultra-wide resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, this monitor is also DisplayHDR 400 certified, so you can switch on and benefit from HDR in supported games. You also get a swift 1ms response time and FreeSync to remove screen tearing. The monitor stand has height adjustment but also supports VESA mounts, so you can use a third-party monitor stand/arm if you prefer.
Entering this giveaway is simple, all you need to do is head over to THIS POST on our Facebook page and leave a comment. We plan to have a new discussion topic each day, today we are asking you guys to tell us – what monitor are you currently gaming on?. This competition is open in Europe.
The winner will be picked at random by 10am December 23rd, and a new competition will also be announced for Day 23.
Terms and Conditions:This competition is open in Europe, starting at 10AM on December 22nd and ending at 9:59AM on December 23rd. Due to the busy Christmas season and the COVID-19 situation, prize deliveries could take longer than usual. In compliance with GDPR, we will not collect or store any personal information as part of this competition. Once the winner has been contacted and their prize received, personal details will be deleted from our email servers. Your details will not be shared, we respect your privacy.
KitGuru Says: Good luck to everyone entering today’s competition! We’ll be back to announce the winner tomorrow morning and open the door for Advent Calendar Day 23!
Become a Patron!
Check Also
KitGuru Advent Calendar Day 21: Win an NZXT H1 Mini-ITX Case! (closed)
For Day 21 of the KitGuru Advent Calendar 2020, we’re teaming up with NZXT to give away a H1 Mini-ITX chassis, which also comes with a 650W 80Plus Gold rated SFF PSU, creating the perfect starting point for a small form-factor build.
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