Arctic Cooling's Freezer series, apartment sized or full chest style?

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 25, 2012 - 03:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Freezer i30, Freezer 13, arctic cooling

Arctic Cooling has a pair of coolers, one larger model for overclockers and a smaller model for those sticking to stock speeds. The Freezer 13 is 123mm x 96mm x 130mm and weights in at 695g with its 92mm fan and should fit in the vast majority of ATX cases. The Freezer i30 is larger at 100mm x 139mm x 161mm and 900g with the single 120mm fan it utilizes. [H]ard|OCP used an mATX board to test these coolers and while the Freezer 13 caused no problems, the i30 blocked some of their DIMM slots which is worth bearing in mind if you are setting up a system. Read their full review to see how these coolers perform under load.

"We are today reviewing two of Arctic Cooling's new CPU coolers. Both use fans for cooling. The Freezer i30 boasts enthusiast features with overclocking in mind, the Freezer 13 comes in a smaller package with sound levels in mind but still espouses a cooling capacity of 200 watts with near silence."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

Source: [H]ard|OCP

Murderbox Modding Limited Run of $1200 MKII PC Cases

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 21, 2012 - 08:37 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: murderbox mkii, murderbox, modding, custom case, atx

The Canadian moddding duo behind Hardwood Studios Inc has unveiled its latest custom PC case called the Murderbox MKII. The Muderbox MKII represents a completly overhauled design that has its roots in the Silverstone TJ07 and is nearly ready for release after two years of development. The custom PC chassis gets you an all-alluminum chassis that offers better cable management, a water cooling friendly design, custom drive bays, and a custom black anodized textured surface. What will this cost you? A cool $1200 for the base model, and the price goes up from there if you add extras. The Murderbox MKII is a limited edition custom case with only 499 cases produced in total.

The Murderbox MKII features a unibody aluminum chassis that has acylic side panel windows that are mounted to be flush with case metal on the outside. The front includes a red backlit logo, power and reset buttons, and a single externally accessible 5.25" drive bay. The top of the case features an etched fan grill, or a set of two fans should you upgrade to the fan accessory for $150.

The dual fan accessory.

The back of the case is part of the removable motherboard tray and features plenty of vents and PCI slot covers. There is also space for a bottom mounted power supply. Internally, the Murderbox MKII features a spot to hold a watercooling resorvoir on the motherboard tray (that slides into the case on nylon-coated rails), space for a 480mm watercooling radiator in the bottom, and drive bays that are pre-wired. You put the storage drives onto sleds and slot them into the bays where they connect to already-mounted/wired SATA power and data connectors. The custom case can hold three 3.5" hard drives, three 2.5" SSDs, and a single 5.25" drive. On the top of the case is a slot loading DVD drive as well.

Overall it is a really slick PC case that appears to have received quite a bit of TLC to get the perfect enthusiast case. However, with a limited run of 499 cases and a price tag that is more than most entire computer builds [My first DIY PC build actually cost just under 1200 in 2007, for example.. and I think the case was under $100 heh], the Murderbox MKII is going to be more of a spectacle than a stomach-able purchase (just imagine trying to get the 'significant other approval factor' passed on this thing!).

On the other hand, this is a piece of finely crafted hardware that is sure to turn heads and is nice to gaze upon, so if you want to check out more pictures you can find the gallery on the Murderbox website!

See what parts we recommend for your next build on the PC Perspective Hardware Leaderboard.

Source: Murderbox

Corsair HX850 Professional Series Power Supply Review

Author: Lee Garbutt aka Robotech

Date: September 17, 2012

Subject: Cases and Cooling

Manufacturer: Corsair

Tagged: Corsair Professional Series, HX850, PC Power Supply, PSU

Introduction and Features

Corsair continues to bring a full line of high quality power supplies, memory components, cases, cooling components, SSDs and accessories to market for the PC enthusiast and professional alike. Corsair's updated Professional Series HX power supplies include four models; the HX650, HX750, HX850 and HX1050. All of the power supplies in the Professional Series feature modular cables, premium quality components, an energy-efficient design (now 80 Plus Gold certified) and quiet operation; and they are backed by a 7-year warranty and lifetime access to Corsair's comprehensive technical support and customer service. The most obvious differences between the new models and the old Professional Series HX PSUs are the new 80 Plus Gold efficiency certification (upgraded from 80 Plus Silver) and the ability to operate in fanless-mode.

Here is what Corsair has to say about their new Professional Series HX PSUs:

"Legendary Performance and Reliability

Corsair Professional Series HX power supplies are designed for PC builders and upgraders who need a highly efficient, quiet, and supremely-reliable power supply, with a modular cable-set that makes installation a breeze.

Quiet Operation at Low Loads

Thanks to their highly-efficient design, Corsair Professional Series power supplies generate minimal heat, and are able to operate in a silent, fully-fanless mode at up to 20% of the PSU’s maximum load (170W for the HX850). This means that Professional Series HX PSUs will be completely silent when you’re performing less intensive tasks, such as web browsing or chatting in forums. And the thermally-controlled fan spins up gradually above 20% load, so that it still operates quietly during normal use and when gaming. Basic PC power supplies have fans that spin all the time your PC is on – whether you’re pushing your graphics card to the limit or just surfing the web – making them noisier and more intrusive.

Modular Cables for Easy Installation

Professional Series power supplies have a comprehensive modular cable set that allows you to use only the cables you need for your particular set of components. The benefits of this include a cleaner, neater installation, and that ‘professionally-built’ look, plus increased airflow through the case due to reduced cable clutter. The cables are also long enough to support full-tower cases.

80 PLUS Gold: High Efficiency – Low Heat

Efficiency is the measurement of how effectively a power supply converts AC power from your wall outlet to the DC power used by your PC’s components. If your power supply isn’t efficient, it will generate more heat, which requires more cooling and more fan noise. And, it might even affect your power bill.

Professional Series HX PSUs are among the most efficient on the market. Each model has 80 Plus Gold certification, which ensures up to 90% energy-efficiency. This helps to keep your PC cool and quiet, and it may even save you money too.

Reliable

Professional Series HX PSUs are built with premium components, such as 105°C capacitors, and are capable of continuous power delivery at a temperature rating of 50°C, ensuring maximum performance and reliability even in the most demanding and hot-running performance PCs.

The Corsair Advantage

Corsair Professional Series PSUs are backed by a reassuring 7-year warranty and comprehensive customer support via telephone, email, forum and the Tech Support Express helpdesk."

Please continue reading our review of the Corsair Professional Series HX850!

SilverStone goes to Heligon, brings back a 140mm heatsink fan

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 14, 2012 - 07:39 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Silverstone, Heligon, 140mm

If [H]ard|OCP's review of the SilverStone Heligon HE01 creates an urge for you to purchase it you should pull out a tape measure and examine your current enclosure. This heatsink hides a 140mm fan inside its 926g, 140mm x 119mm x 160mm metal body which many cases simply cannot accomodate. If you can however, you will have a top notch cooler as it topped out the charts when they tested it. You will have to pay a premium though, at $75 there are other coolers almost as good for much less cash up front.

"SilverStone brings us a newly design CPU cooler with wider fin spacing and an internally mounted adjustable 140mm adjustable speed fan sporting six heatpipes and Nickel-coated copper base. The Heligon HE01 is supplied with hardware that supports all recent socket configurations from both Intel and AMD."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

Source: [H]ard|OCP

Comments (0)

Intel Dives in to Oil!

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling, Processors, Systems, Shows and Expos | September 12, 2012 - 09:34 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: mineral oil, Intel

Intel has been dunking servers in oil for the last year and found the practice to be both safe and effective. Ironically it has been almost a year since we played around with mineral oil cooling – and when we did – we did not want to upgrade or fix anything. Intel agrees.

Intel inside, slick mess outside.

Often cooling a computer with a radiant that is not air focuses on cooling a handful of specific components and leaving the rest exposed to air. Gigabyte in their recent live presentation showed how the company reduced waste heat on the motherboard as it delivers power to the CPU as the latter likely receives more cooling than the former. With mineral oil you are able to more efficiently cool the entire system by immersing it in a better coolant than air.

This still makes Ken wake up in a cold sweat… is what we convince ourselves.

After a full year of testing servers, Intel has decided that oil immersion cooling should be utilized by more server hosts to cut costs over traditional air conditioning. In their test they used heat sinks which were designed for air and dunked them pretty much unmodified into the mineral oil dielectric. Apart from the mess of it – Intel engineers always carried cleaning cloths just in case – Intel seems to only sing praise for results of their study.

Of course Intel could not help but promote their upcoming Phi platform which you may know as the ancestor of Larabee.

Now the real question is whether Intel just wanted to shamelessly plug themselves – or whether they are looking so closely at alternative cooling solutions as a result of their upcoming Phi platform. Will we eventually see heat dissipation concerns rear their heads with the new platform? Could Intel either be sitting on or throttling Phi because they are waiting for a new heat dissipation paradigm?

Could be interesting.

Source: Data Center Knowledge

Need to power an EVGA Classified SR-X LGA2011 based system? Try EVGA's 1500W PSU

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 11, 2012 - 07:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: PSU, modular psu, kilowatt, evga, superNOVA NEX1500 Classified

EVGA's SuperNOVA NEX1500 Classified 1500W PSU is more than just a source of power that would satisfy even a certain stand up comedian turned TV star, it also features some rather interesting extras. Some of the features bear a resemblance to those found on the Corsair AX1200i Digital ATX 1200W which Lee reviewed a short while ago, like programmable rails and software which allows monitoring and control of certain aspects of the PSU. While the 10 year warranty is a good sign, TechPowerUp! found a few questionable results from the tests they ran.

"EVGA's new SuperNOVA NEX1500 power supply packs a great deal of features with the most fascinating being its enormous capacity, reaching 1500 W and up to 1650 W, when overclock mode is enabled. Combined with software monitoring and control, the fully modular design and the sleeved cables this is a PSU enthusiast's dream come true."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

Source: TechPowerUp

Cooler autumn temperatures and a new cooler might get you a better overclock

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 5, 2012 - 07:20 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: NoFan, CR-100A, CR-95C, corsair, Hydro 100, roundup

FrostyTech has updated their "Top 5" list of 20 or so of the best heatsinks on the market for Intel and AMD processors not just in time for the school year but also as the average temperature during the day begins to decline. They've also changed their definition of a heatsink to include self contained watercoolers such as the Corsair Hydro 100 which now takes the top spot for cooling Intel heatsinks though it does not get as high a rating for AMD. On the quiet side there is also another newcomer, the NoFan CR-100A and CR-95C which take the top two spots for low noise cooler for both chip makers. There are quite a few other new coolers to check out in their latest heatsink roundup.

"Are you looking for the best heatsink for your PC? Perhaps you need a low profile cooler under 45mm tall... in both cases Frostytech's Top 5 Heatsink charts list the Best Intel & AMD heatsinks we've tested in one handy place. Frostytech has compiled a catalog of over 500 CPU cooler reviews and picked to cream of the crop on both Intel/AMD platforms, performance and low profile heatsinks. Frostytech's Top 5 Heatsink chart ranks each cooler by low temperature and low noise output."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

Source: FrostyTech

Corsair K60 and K90 Mechanical Keyboard Review

Author: Scott Michaud

Date: September 4, 2012

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling, Systems

Manufacturer: Corsair

Tagged: mechanical keyboard, k90, k60, corsair

Introduction and Externals

Corsair manufactures a wide variety of components and peripherals for PC enthusiasts. They essentially target the most enthusiastic customers in whatever market they enter – breaking the ice with the coldest and harshest critics who are never above nitpicking faults and flaws. Despite tossing their first generation products to the sharks they perform uncharacteristically well for a new contender almost every time. They look before they leap.

The Corsair K60 and K90 were launched simultaneously and represent Corsair’s first attempt at producing a mechanical keyboard. Corsair has included media keys, a metal volume wheel, and a Windows-key lock on both keyboards if you find yourself yelling, “I HATE THIS KEY!” at your desktop because your game is now minimized and cannot receive your hatred.

Rubberized when down, not when up -- but stable either way.

I never said I wasn't one of the nitpickers.

Both keyboards are built around an aluminum chassis with a nonslip coating to each key. Each keycap has a sharply defined edges compared to the more round edges found on a Razer Blackwidow and other similar keyboards. Neither keyboard has rubberized tips on their ergonomic flaps although slipping has not been an issue in my testing.

Check in after the break to learn more about Corsair's first mechanical keyboards.

Corsair AX1200i Digital ATX 1200W Power Supply Review

Author: Lee Garbutt aka Robotech

Date: August 30, 2012

Subject: Cases and Cooling

Manufacturer: Corsair

Tagged: Digital Power Supply, Corsair Link, ax1200i, 1200W PSU

Introduction and Features

Manufacturers are continually looking for ways to differentiate their products from the rest of the field and highlight new or improved features to make you want to buy their products. Leave it to Corsair to actually come up with a truly new and unique power supply for the PC enthusiast market! The Corsair AX1200i is a smart PSU that incorporates a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to deliver extremely clean, efficient power with the ability to make real-time adjustments to various internal parameters. The included Corsair Link software can be used to monitor and adjust performance, noise (fan speed), and Over Current Protection (OCP) settings.

It’s been almost two years since we reviewed Corsair’s flagship power supply, the Professional Series Gold AX1200. While the new AX1200i retains many of the original features it now comes with 80 Plus Platinum efficiency certification and a built-in DACS (Data Acquisition and Control System) thanks to Corsair Link technology.

(Courtesy of Corsair)

Here is what Corsair has to say about their new AX1200i Digital ATX power supply unit: "The revolutionary AX1200i is the first desktop PC power supply to use digital (DSP) control and Corsair Link to bring you an unprecedented level of monitoring and performance customization. The DSP in the AX1200i makes on-the-fly adjustments for incredibly tight voltage regulation, 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency, and clean, stable power.

Real-time monitoring and control with Corsair Link. Put the AX1200i under your control by connecting it directly to a USB header on your motherboard with the included cable, or to a Corsair Commander (available separately). Then, download the free Corsair Link Dashboard software for unrivaled power supply monitoring and control options.

Monitor power input and output, efficiency, fan speed, and internal temperature, directly from the Windows based application. Or, take it to the next level and set up and modify fan speed profiles, or even select from virtual “single rail” or “multi-rail” software modes, with selectable OCP points. "

Corsair AX1200i Digital ATX PSU Key Features:

• Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for extremely clean and efficient power
• Corsair Link Integration for monitoring and adjusting performance
• 1,200 watts continuous power output (50°C)
• Dedicated single +12V rail with user-configurable virtual rails
• 80Plus Platinum certified, delivering up to 92% efficiency
• ZVS / ZCS technology for high efficiency
• Independent DC-to-DC converters
• Ultra quiet 140mm double ball bearing fan
• Silent, Fanless mode up to ~30% load
• Self-test switch to verify power supply functionality
• Premium quality components
• Fully modular cable system
• Conforms to ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 standards
• Universal AC input (90-264V) with Active PFC
• Over-current, over-voltage, under-voltage and short circuit protection
• Dimensions: 150mm (W) x 86mm (H) x 200mm (L)
• 7-Year warranty and legendary Corsair customer service

Please continue reading our Corsair AX1200i Digital PSU review!

SilverStone Grandia Series GD07 HTPC Case Review

Author: Lee Garbutt aka Robotech

Date: August 27, 2012

Subject: Cases and Cooling

Manufacturer: SilverStone

Tagged: SST-GD07, SilverStone Grandia Series, HTPC case

Introduction and Features

Earlier this year, SilverStone released two brand new enclosures designed for HTPC enthusiasts, the Grandia Series GD07 and GD08. The two cases are nearly identical except for the front panel and some differences in the internal drive cage layout. The GD07 sports a stealthy clean look with a lockable front door for security that conceals all the drives and I/O functions while the GD08 comes with a traditional exposed front and classic black anodized aluminum front panel. Both enclosures have been completely re-engineered and include the latest features like oversized motherboard and expansion card support, USB 3.0 ports, and excellent case cooling while being less expensive than some of SilverStone’s premium HTPC enclosures (the GD07 is currently selling for $139.99 and the GD08 is selling for $149.99 USD). We are taking a detailed look at the SilverStone GD07 HTPC case in this review.

SilverStone Technology was one of the original manufacturers to enter the HTPC case market and they continue to offer one of the largest selections of HTPC enclosures available today. SilverStone currently offers 18 different HTPC enclosures spanning three different series including the Crown, Grandia and Lascala lines. In addition to designing premium HTPC enclosures, SilverStone has a long-standing reputation among PC enthusiasts for providing a full line of high quality computer chassis, power supplies, cooling components, and accessories.

SilverStone Grandia Series GD07 HTPC Chassis Key Features:

• Full-size HTPC enclosure
• Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling with minimal noise
• Quick-access air filters helps prevent dust buildup
• Lockable front door and power button ensure system security
• Supports Micro-ATX, ATX and Extended-ATX motherboards
• Supports extended length graphic cards up to 13.6” long
• Four external 5.25" optical drive bays behind front door
• Five internal 3.5" and two internal 2.5” drive bays
• Excellent case ventilation with multiple dedicated vents
• Three 120mm cooling fans included
• USB 3.0 ports

Continue reading our review of the SilverStone Grandia Series GD07 HTPC case!

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 25, 2012 - 03:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom Tagged: Freezer i30, Freezer 13, arctic cooling

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 21, 2012 - 08:37 AM | Tim Verry Tagged: murderbox mkii, murderbox, modding, custom case, atx

Introduction and Features

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 14, 2012 - 07:39 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom Tagged: Silverstone, Heligon, 140mm

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling, Processors, Systems, Shows and Expos | September 12, 2012 - 09:34 PM | Scott Michaud Tagged: mineral oil, Intel

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 11, 2012 - 07:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom Tagged: PSU, modular psu, kilowatt, evga, superNOVA NEX1500 Classified

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 5, 2012 - 07:20 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom Tagged: NoFan, CR-100A, CR-95C, corsair, Hydro 100, roundup

Introduction and Externals

Introduction and Features

Introduction and Features

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 25, 2012 - 03:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Freezer i30, Freezer 13, arctic cooling

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 21, 2012 - 08:37 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: murderbox mkii, murderbox, modding, custom case, atx

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 14, 2012 - 07:39 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Silverstone, Heligon, 140mm

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling, Processors, Systems, Shows and Expos | September 12, 2012 - 09:34 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: mineral oil, Intel

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 11, 2012 - 07:12 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: PSU, modular psu, kilowatt, evga, superNOVA NEX1500 Classified

Subject: Cases and Cooling | September 5, 2012 - 07:20 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: NoFan, CR-100A, CR-95C, corsair, Hydro 100, roundup