Corsair's enthusiastic take on a new PSU family
Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 21, 2012 - 03:06 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: TX750M, TX550M, Corsair PSU, Corsair Enthusiast Series, PSU, modular psu
Perhaps we should rethink the component that Corsair is best know for as [H]ard|OCP points out that they currently have seven families of PSU on the market right now. They mention that fact when starting out their review of the Corsair Enthusiast Series Modular TX550M and TX750M PSUs. They passed the PSU torture tests with flying colours but still feel short of an award due to pricing. With so much competition in the PSU market right now it is not enough for a PSU to provide solid power, it must also be priced similarly to the competition.
"Are you a "hardcore PC gamer?" A "Performance Enthusiast?" Or "Anybody who appreciates a combination of high performance standards and affordability?" Corsair Enthusiast Series power supplies in 550 watt and 750 watt are reviewed today and we will tell you whether or not we see those as enthusiast PSUs."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- Antec HCG-620M 620 W @ techPowerUp
- OCZ ZT 650W @ Guru3D
- Enermax Revolultion87+ 1000-watt @ Tweaktown
- Thortech Thunderbolt Plus 1200 W @ techPowerUp
- Enermax Platimax 850 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
- Enermax Platimax 750W - 80 Plus Platinum Arrives @ AnandTech
- SilverStone Strider Gold Evolution 1200-watt @ Tweaktown
- NZXT HALE82 850 Watt Modular Power Supply Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Kingwin LZP-1000: Platinum Efficiency at a KiloWatt @ SPCR
- Antec VP450 Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
- Athena Power AP-MFATX40P8 400 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
- Spire BlackDragon 400 W @ techPowerUp
Swiftech's expandable self contained watercooling apparatus
Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 17, 2012 - 12:26 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: swiftech, H20-220 Edge HD Liquid Cooling Kit
Swiftech may change the way that you think about self contained watercoolers with their new H20-220 Edge kit. Most of these types of coolers are sealed and not intended to be opened for cleaning, let alone be modified or expanded. The Edge on the other hand is a radiator with an integrated reservoir and pump that can be modified and serviced. You can expand your cooling loop to include your GPU and other components without voiding the warantee nor is it difficult to set up. The cooling performance is on par with the competitions but there is a drawback, the kit Legit Reviews tried out was the less expensive version but it still cost over $200.
"The H2O-220 Edge HD kit from Swiftech is solidly built, easy to install, and performs very well. The configurability of the H2O-220 Edge HD kit is nice as it allows the end user the flexibility to make the cooler fit their need, rather than the other way round..."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- Thermaltake Bigwater A80 Liquid-Cooling System @ X-bit Labs
- SilenX Effezio EFZ-120HA5 CPU Cooler Review @ circuitREMIX
- Coolermaster Gemini II SF524 Cooler Review @ HardwareLOOK
- SilenX EFZ-120HA5 CPU Cooler @ Bjorn3D
- SilenX Effizio EFZ-120HA5 Performance CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
- Coolermaster Hyper 412S @ XSReviews
- ARCTIC's Freezer 13 PRO and Freezer i30 CPU Coolers Reviewed @ circuitREMIX
- NZXT Havik 140 Heatsink Review @ Ninjalane
- Maingear EPIC T1000 Thermal Cooling Solution Review @ Legit Reviews
- Thermal Compound Roundup - February 2012 @ Hardware Secret
- Lamptron FC9 Fan Controller Review @ eTeknix
- NZXT Switch 810 Full-Tower Computer Case @ Benchmark Reviews
- Xigmatek MidGard II @ Kitguru
- AZZA Fusion 3000 Full-Tower Chassis @ Tweaktown
- Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced Black and White @ Guru of 3D
- AZZA Fusion 3000 Review @ OCC
- Thermaltake Overseer RX-I @ Funkykit
- Raidmax Viper Mid-Tower Chassis @ Tweaktown
- NZXT Switch 810 Full Tower Chassis Review @ eTeknix
- Thermaltake Overseer RX-I Chassis Review @ OCC
- Silverstone TJ04-E @ OC3D
- Thermaltake Overseer RX-1 Case Review @ Ninjalane
- NZXT Phantom 410 Mid-Tower Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Spire Sonex 6010 case @ Rbmods
- In-Win XFrame Limited Edition Review @ HardwareLOOK
Introduction
Rosewill produces a whole lineup of products with seemingly incongruous variety. You can get matching brands for your blood pressure monitor, your wine opener, your DSLR bag, and your computer power supply. The vast majority of Rosewill's distribution flows through Newegg.
Their RK-9000 mechanical keyboard was manufactured by CoStar under the Rosewill branding. With that product, they brought a high quality mechanical keyboard to North America for a very decent price of just under a hundred dollars. For what might as well be considered a Filco keyboard, that is an outstanding price. It did not have media keys; it did not have backlighting; but it was a solid keyboard which felt great to type on and had outstanding performance.
Check out our video review of the Rosewill RK-9000 second generation and read on for the written review
At some point Rosewill decided to discontinue the RK-9000 without an official announcement. Beyond a sudden and sustained drop in availability, there was no evidence that the keyboard was no longer produced. A few silent months went by until Rosewill officially announced a second generation of RK-9000 mechanical keyboards. It was then clear why the RK-9000 was discontinued: it was being replaced and updated.
We were approached by the company to conduct a review of their recently released mechanical keyboards. Included was not just the Cherry MX Blue switched RK-9000, but also its three newly introduced siblings: the MX Brown switched RK-9000BR, the MX Black switched RK-9000BL, and the MX Red switched RK-9000RE. A little under three months ago we have received the review units and have been in the process of testing them ever since.
What Rosewill was unaware of was that I am a proud owner of the original RK-9000 keyboard. This review is more than a review of Rosewill’s new products, but also will be a comparison between the new product and their original offering. Despite sharing a Newegg product page with its ancestor, the new keyboard is not identical. For good measure, I also have a Razer BlackWidow Ultimate lying around -- slightly dilute the oversaturation of the letter R in tested product names… albeit, not the company names.
A new contender has enterkeyed.
If you happen to have an original RK-9000, is it time for an upgrade? If you are interested in all of the hoopla about mechanical keyboards, is this the correct time and place to dive in?
Check out our meticulous review of the new Rosewill RK-9000 mechanical keyboards.
Introduction and Features
Thermatake's Toughpower Cable Management Series includes five models ranging from 1,000W up to 1,500W. The Toughpower Cable Management 1350W PSU we have up for review today can deliver 1,350W. Thermaltake states that all of the Toughpower Cable Management Series power supplies are built with the latest technological advances in circuitry design with industrial grade components and feature high efficiency (80 Plus Silver certified), smart cable management, and come backed by Thermaltake's 5-year warranty.
Here is what Thermaltake has to say about the Toughpower Cable Management Series: "Proper airflow within computer system plays an extremely important role in making sure CPU, Graphic Cards, Hard Drives and other critical components are getting adequate cooling. Thermaltake Cable Management Technology allows users to only use the cables needed from the power supply that reduces the amount of cable clutter within the computer to improve cooling and reduce system noise."
Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 1350W PSU Key Features:
• 24/7 @ 50°C: Guaranteed to deliver 1350W continuous power
• Compliance with Intel ATX 12V v2.3 and SSI EPS 12V v2.91 standards
• 80 PLUS Silver certified: 87-91% efficiency @ 20-100% load
• Double-forward switching circuitry offers low power loss and high reliability
• DC-to-DC converters provide high efficiency and stable performance
• Robust, dedicated dual +12V rails (60A for 12V1 and 60A for 12V2)
• High quality 105°C Japanese capacitors: ensure superb performance and reliability
• Multi-GPU ready: comes with 8 x PCI-E 6+2 pin connectors
• Designed to support quad core, i7 and Core i5 CPUs
• Silent operation with intelligent 140mm cooling fan speed control
• Fixed and modular smart cable management system
• Universal AC input (90~264V) with Active PFC
• Dimensions:150 x 86 x 200mm (W x H x L)
• Over-current, over-power, over-voltage, under-voltage and short circuit protection
• Safety/EMI approvals: CE,TUV,FCC, UL, CUL, GOST and BSMI certified
• 5-Year warranty
Continue reading our review of the Thermaltake Toughpower 1350 watt power supply!!
NZXT's new big white blocky enclosure
Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 8, 2012 - 06:14 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: nzxt, switch 810
We've come a long way from the chunky off-white cases of yesteryear, so far that white cases are coming back into style. Thankfully they are a true white and not the spoiled milk white which we were used to. NZXT's latest enclosure, the Switch 810 is a great representation of this trend with a white external colour scheme which hides features an IBM PS2 users couldn't have imagined in their wildest dreams. The case offers great air cooling but was really designed with those using watercooling. Legit Reviews did run into some issues when mounting SSDs and suffered a bit of sticker shock but do recommend the case for those using external radiators.
"We were very impressed with several of the innovative features that NZXT put on the Switch 810, especially the consideration for pretty extreme water cooling setup with that 85mm of top clearance. The ability to drop a 420mm rad in the top and another 280mm rad in the bottom should be enough cooling for even a quad GPU setup. Placing easy to access filters on the intake fans is a real plus and should keep the dust bunnies to a minimum..."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- Azza Fusion 3000 Full Tower Chassis Review @ OCIA
- BitFenix Raider Mid-Tower @ Tweaktown
- NZXT Switch 810 Case Review @ Hardware Canucks
- Antec Eleven Hundred Review @ Neoseeker
- Antec Eleven Hundred Case Review @ HardwareHeaven
- NZXT Phantom 410 Case @ TechwareLabs
- Cooler Master Cosmos II @ techPowerUp
- Antec ONE Preview @ techPowerUp
- Antec Three Hundred Two Case Review @ Hardware Secrets
- Xigmatek Midgard II Mid-Tower Chassis @ Tweaktown
- BitFenix Raider ATX case Review @ XtremeComputing
- Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 PC Case @ Pro-Clockers
- Noctua NF-B9, NF-P12, NF-R8 Fans @ Rbmods
- Which is the Best Place to Install a Case Fan? - Part 2 @ Hardware Secrets
- Enermax ETS-T40-VD CPU Cooler Review @ eTeknix
- Cooler Master GeminII M4 CPU Cooler Review @ Madshrimps
- "Super 5": Super-Coolers on LGA 2011 Platform @ X-bit Labs
- Cooler Master Gemin II @ XSReviews
Introduction, Features, Technical Specifications
Introduction
PC enclosures continue to evolve as new hardware comes to market like Intel's new Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge processors, affordable solid state drives, and custom liquid cooling solutions. It is more critical than ever that users pay strict attention to not only what a PC case looks like, but what hardware it supports. Since it was founded in 2004, NZXT has been developing unique PC cases to satisfy the appetites of PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts alike. Their latest creation dubbed the Switch 810 is a full-tower "hybird" case that is optimized to support liquid cooling or air-cooled solutions.
The Switch 810 brings together many crowd favorites like right-mounted hard drives with removable HD cages and support for 140 to 240mm radiators to give users a plethora of options for cooling their PC components. If you don't want to go the liquid cooling route, the Switch 810 has room for 10 fans on the front, back, top, and bottom panels. PC builders can use 120mm or 140mm fans, and NZXT starts them off by including four 140mm fans with the Switch 810 to provide excellent airflow for any PC setup.
Continue reading our review of the NZXT Switch 810 Full Tower PC Case!
NZXT reveals a full Hale hand of PSUs
Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 7, 2012 - 05:09 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: PSU, nzxt, modular psu, HALE90-750-M, HALE90-1000-M, HALE82-850-M, HALE82-750-M, HALE82-650-M, 80 Plus Gold, 80 Plus Bronze
X-bit Labs collected five PSUs from NZXT's HALE82 line including the HALE82-650-M, HALE82-750-M, HALE82-850-M, NZXT HALE90-750-M and HALE90-1000-M. All of the PSUs are rated at least 80+ Bronze with the HALE90 models reaching 80+ Gold ratings. This is a definite boon for those who plan on running the 1000W model. All are 12V PSUs, with an internal converter to provide 3.3V and 5V, which means that these PSUs can provide in the neighbourhood of 99% of its maximum amperage to the 12V line to keep those GPUs fully fed. Head on over and read through the whole review or else choose the PSU with the wattage appropriate for you to examine.
You can also catch Lee's thoughts on the 850W version in his latest review.
"Today we are going to talk about five power supply units from NZXT ranging in capacity from 650 W to 1000 W and certified according to 80 PLUS Bronze and Gold standards."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 600W PSU @ Funky Kit
- Enermax Platimax 1200 W @ techPowerUp
- Thermaltake Smart 630 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
- ThermalTake Smart 430W @ Funky Kit
- Thermaltake Smart Series 730W Power Supply @ Pro-Clockers
- Thortech Thunderbolt Plus 850W PSU @ Hardwareoverclock
- Thermaltake Dr. Power II ATX Power Supply Tester Review @ Tweaknews
Introduction and Features
NZXT recently released three power supplies in their new HALE82 Series, with output capacities of 650W, 750W, and 850W. This new lineup compliments NZXT's 80Plus Gold HALE90 Series and is targeted towards gamers and other power hungry enthusiasts. The HALE82 units are built by Seasonic and are 80Plus Bronze certified (82%~85% efficiency). The HALE82 850W PSU we have up for review comes with a full compliment of fixed and modular cables, a dual ball bearing 120mm fan, includes universal AC input with Active PFC and is backed by NZXT's 5-year warranty.
NZXT HALE82 850W PSU Key Features:
• 80+ Bronze Certification - The HALE82 series from NZXT operates with high efficiency: at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads, efficiencies are 82%, 85%, and 82% respectively.
• 100% Japanese Capacitors - High quality components promote longer lifespan and better reliability.
• 120mm Two-Ball Bearing Fan - For smooth, silent rotation and optimal air intake.
• Strong Single +12V Rail - A single +12V rail provides stability and ease of use with the ability to deliver clean currents under a heavy load.
• Modular Design - Includes a selection of flat cables that allow the user to pick and choose which cables they want to use, maximizing cable management and airflow inside chassis.
• Large Tower Support - Extended 8pin connector for bottom mounted cases or large cases.
• Dual 8pin connector - For high end motherbaords dedicated to overclocking.
• Keeping it Safe - The HALE80 series offers over voltage, current, power, temperature, under voltage, and short circuit protection.
• Warranty: 5-Years
• Price: $139.99 USD (Directron.com December 2011)
Continue reading our review of the NZXT HALE82 850W power supply!!
Origin PC Now Offering Frostbyte 360 All In One Liquid Cooling System
Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 6, 2012 - 02:49 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: water cooling, triple radiator, origin pc, liquid cooling, hsf, cpu block
Origin PC has started offering a unique water cooling solution called the Frostbyte 360. The self contained water loop includes a CPU water black, pump, tubing, and a triple 120mm radiator. The company claims that the new cooler has allowed their overclocking teams to reach overclocked processor speeds of 5.2 GHz on their systems. Kevin Wasielewski, the Origin PC CEO and co-founder has stated that the Frostbyte 360 is "a maintenance free liquid cooling solution, Origin PC customers can enjoy top-end CPU performance at a fraction of the cost."
Although his claims that "traditional" watercooling systems for extreme overclocking required hundreds in not thousands of dollars of components is a bit extreme, it is a hobby that can get expensive.
Especially if you are only interested in cooling a CPU, the various "all in one" solutions like the Corsair Hydro series and the Antec Kuhler series can be a viable option. What is interesting about the Origin offering; however, is the inclusion of a triple 120mm radiator in the loop, which is more than the competition and should be plenty of radiator space to keep your processor nice and chilly even when overclocked.
According to Origin, features of the new Frostbyte 360 water cooling system include:
- Micro-channel copper CPU block
- 360mm (3x120mm) high efficiency copper radiator
- Embedded temperature sensor measures copper surface temperature accurate to within 1°C
- Factory sealed, maintenance free operation
- Silent pump
- Lightweight
- Thermal resistance as low as 0.085 C/W
- 1 to 3 year warranty on PCs that include the new cooler.
Currently, the new Frostbyte 360 sealed loop water cooler is available in Origin PC's Genesis series computers, which start at $1,599 USD and can be added to the computer in the configurator. UPDATE: The Frostbyte 360 is not sold as a standalone product; however, current and previous Origin PC customers can purchase it as an upgrade. It will be interesting to see if the the company will take on the Corsair and others more directly by selling the Frostbyte 360 cooler itself to customers. Although not expandable like a traditional water cooler, it is also less costly and should not require any maintenance for at least a few years. Would you be interested in using one of these 360 rad sealed loop coolers in your builds?
Your watercooler is cool but this LN2 pot is downright cold
Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 3, 2012 - 12:40 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: LN2, Kingpin, F1 Extreme Dark Cooling Pot
Kingpin's F1 Extreme Dark Cooling Pot is not for the faint of heart or for that matter for the lazy. The price you pay for exotic cooling is evaporation which unfortunately is also the key to how this type of cooling works so well. You will constantly need to top off the Extreme Dark Cooling Pot with LN2 but for the extreme overclocker that is just part of the drill. OC3D shows off the new pot and adds a small tutorial on setting up your CPU and motherboard for this type of cooling as insulation is important to target the heatspreader on the CPU as well as ensuring that condensation does not interfere with other components near the CPU socket. If you need a cool looking new pot or are interested in just how this type of cooling is done then head to Overclockers.com and take a look at Kingpin's latest product.
"Overclockers have always been a bit extreme – we take hardware many people are perfectly satisfied with and then push every last MHz we can out of it within our cooling limits. Some choose air cooling, some choose water cooling. There are a few brave souls that use water chillers, but mostly those are benching operations only."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
- Danger Den DD-M6 Waterblock Review @ Ninjalane
- Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Review @ ITShootOut
- Glacialtech Igloo H58 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
- Xigmatek Prime @ OC3D
- NZXT Havik 120 Review @ OCC
- Noctua NH-C14 CPU Cooler Review @ circuitREMIX
- Xigmatek Prime SD1484 Review @ OCC
- Noctua NF-F12 Focused Flow Fan Review @ Ninjalane
- Cooler Master GeminII M4 @ XSReviews
- SilenX Effizio EFZ-120HA5 CPU Cooler @ SSD Review
- Kingwin 120mm Fan Review @ OCC
- Noctua NF-F12 Focused Flow Fan Review @ Ninjalane
- Sharkoon T9 Green Value Edition Case @ Kitguru
- Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower @ Bjorn3D
- Raidmax Viper Case @ TechwareLabs
- Sharkoon T9 Value Edition (Red) Case Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Cooler Master Silencio 450 Mid-Tower Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- NZXT Switch 810: When Too Much Isn't Enough @ AnandTech
- Fractal Design Define XL Computer Case Review @ Benchmark Review
- Prolimatech Genesis CPU Cooler @ TechwareLabs
- NZXT Phantom Enthusiast Full Tower Case @ Real World Labs
- NZXT Phantom 410 Chassis @ Tweaktown
- Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus @ Overclockers Online
- ARCTIC Alpine 11 Plus @ Funky Kit
- Corsair Carbide 500R Arctic White Edition Review @ Madshrimps
- Bitfenix Raider @ KitGuru
- MSI Nighthawk Case Review @ TechwareLabs
- Thermaltake Commander MS-I Mid Tower @ Pro-Clockers











