Enermax offers you the full monty with their giant new enclosure

Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 18, 2012 - 05:06 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: enermax, fulmogt jumbo, htpx

At 674 x 235 x 640mm (26.5" x 9.2" x 25.2") the Enermax FulmoGT Jumbo can handle even HPTX motherboards and would be a perfect for a dual CPU, multiple GPU system build since you will have no troubles fitting the system in the case.  You even have enough space to fit in a secondary PSU without taking up so much space you couldn't fit a full watercooling system inside if the 18cm and 23cm fans are not to your liking.  [H]ard|OCP would have liked to see more solid materials used in some of the sides of the case but overall they were very impressed with the cooling capabilities of the case.

"Big, bigger, biggest. Enermax pulls out all the stops with one of the largest "desktop" computer cases on the market today. If expansion room, oversized HPTX motherboards, and plenty of cooling options are on your list of needs when it comes to a chassis, The FulmoGT may just fit the bill."

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

CASES & COOLING

• Fractal Design Core 1000: How Little is Too Little @ AnandTech
• NZXT Switch 810 Hybrid Full-Tower Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• Silverstone Precision PS07B Micro-ATX Case @ Kitguru
• Lian Li PC-100 Case Review @ Rbmods
• Fractal Design Define Mini Mini-Tower Chassis Tweaktown
• XigmaTek GIGAS chassis @ Guru of 3D
• Corsair 300R Case Review @ OCC
• Cooler Master Cosmos II Ultra Tower Case Review @Hi Tech Legion
• Corsair Carbide Series 300R Mid-Tower Case @ Tweaktown
• Thermaltake Bigwater 760 Plus Review @ OCC
• Swiftech H20-320 Edge HD Liquid Cooling Kit @ Bjorn3D
• NZXT 120mm and 140mm FZ Airflow Fan Series Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• Reeven Six Eyes Fan Controller @ Pro-Clockers
• NZXT Havik 120 Heatsink @ Frostytech
• D'Artagnan and Three Musketeers: Xigmatek Prime vs. Three Thermalright Coolers @ X-bit Labs
• Noctua NH-L12 CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Reeven Kelveros CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
• Titan Fenrir Siberia @ Frostytech
• Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro C1 Dual Tower CPU Cooler Review @ eTeknix
• NZXT Havik 120 CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
• Noctua NH-L12 Low Profile CPU Cooler @ Funky Kit
• Cooler Master TPC 812 Performance Cooler Review @ Ninjalane
• Phanteks PH-TC14CS CPU Cooler @ Metku.net
• Phanteks PH-TC14PE CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
• octua NH-L12 Low-Profile CPU Cooler Review @ NikKTech

Little machines need little PSUs; Seasonic's new TFX PSU

Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 16, 2012 - 06:40 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: seasonic, SS-350TGM, PSU, TFX, SFF

The PSU that you have come to know in your desktop is an ATX PSU but that is not the only choice, as server techs and SFF builders are well aware.  One of the alternative standards is the TFX which retains the ATX electrical and connection specs but fits it into a 5.75" × 3.25" × 2.5" (146 x 83 x 64mm) casing.  The 350W Seasonic SS-350TGM is not designed for SLI/CrossFire systems, indeed it does not have a single PCIe connector of any type which is not a problem for the type of machine this is intended for.  If you are planning on building an ITX box with an internal PSU, or even a small custom built case, you really should drop by [H]ard|OCP to check this little PSU out.

"Today we tackle something a bit off the beaten path for us; a low power non-ATX specification power supply from Seasonic. We do know that many of our readers build systems that are not like all the others especially when it comes to crafting smaller purpose driven boxes. The 300TGM may be just what you are looking for."

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

CASES & COOLING

• Antec High Current Pro Platinum 1000 W @ techPowerUp
• Antec Earthwatts Platinum 650W @ Kitguru
• OCZ FATAL1TY Series 1000 W @ techPowerUp
• Kingwin Lazer Platinum 850 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Cooler Master Silent Pro Hybrid 1300-watt @ Tweaktown
• OCZ Fatal1ty 1000W Modular @ Funky Kit
• FSP Aurum Pro Gold 1200-watt @ Tweaktown
• PC Power Silencer Mk III @ HardwareBistro
• OCZ Fatal1ty Series 1000-watt @ Tweaktown
• Super Flower Golden King 500 W @ techPowerUp
• Silent Power: Fanless PSU Roundup @ X-bit Labs

Zalman joins the self contained watercooling apparatus crowd

Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 11, 2012 - 05:23 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: zalman, CNPS 20LQ, watercooling

The Zalman CNPS 20LQ is more than just a noise prevention system, it is a self contained and maintenance free watercooling system similar to the models that Corsair and other manufacturers provide.  With compatibility for socket AM2, AM2+, AMD3, AM3+, FM1, LGA1366, LGA1155, LGA 1156 and LGA2011 you should be able to use this cooler on any modern system without a worry.  Overclock3D gave the cooler a try on a overclocked i7-950 and were quite impressed with the results when the fan was running at full speed, however the noise they describe being generated does not sound at all pleasant.  At a reduced speed the cooler became quiet but the cooling power was also diminished.  Still, they liked the cooling ability of Zalman's first foray into this particular market.

"Zalman have been in the cooler business for quite some time now and have established a name for themselves in the production of more esoteric coolers and external reserator systems. Going a bit more mainstream (if we can call sealed system liquid cooling systems mainstream) Zalman have released a stand alone maintenance free system. Combining a integral pump and head with a radiator and fan. The CNPS moniker indicates that this is badged as a "Computer Noise Prevention System" and as such we should expect low noise as well as low temperatures. Lets take a look at the vital statistics shall we."

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

CASES & COOLING

• NZXT Switch 810 Tower & water cooling installation @ Hardwareoverclock
• Cooler Master TPC 812 Vertical Vapor Chamber CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
• Arctic Freezer i30 CPU Cooler Review @ eTeknix
• Noctua NH-L12 Cpu cooler @ Rbmods
• Akasa Venom Voodoo Heatpipe Direct Touch Cooler Review @ Legit Reviews
• Enermax ETD-T60-TB CPU Cooler Review @ HardwareLOOK
• Prolimatech Lynx CPU Cooler Review @ VR-Zone
• NZXT HAVIK-120 @ OC3D
• Scythe Kaze Master II Fan Controller Review @ Madshrimps
• Be Quiet! Silent Wings 2 (Dark Wings DW1) Series Fan Review @ eTeknix
• Aerocool Strike X GT Black Gaming Tower @ Pro-Clockers
• In Win MANA 136 Midi Tower Review @ NikKTech
• Cougar Solution Chassis Review @ OCC
• Thermaltake Commander MS-I Snow Edition @ Kitguru/A>
• Corsair Carbide 300R Case Review @ Hardware Canucks
• SilverStone Precision PS07 Micro-ATX Case Review @ OCIA
• Bitfenix RAIDER Midi Tower Review @ NikKTech
• Corsair Obsidian 550D Quiet Mid-Tower @ SPCR
• Thermaltake Commander MS-I Case Review @ OCC
• Cougar Evolution Full Tower Review @ NikKTech
• Antec Eleven Hundred: The P280's Gloves Come Off @ AnandTech
• Cougar Evolution Chassis @ Kitguru
• Lian Li PC-100 Case Review @ Rbmods

Composite Copper and Graphene to make a cool couple.

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 10, 2012 - 06:03 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: graphene, cooling

Researchers at NC State University have tested the heat dissipation properties of copper-graphene. Their findings suggest that the material could be cheaper and more effective than pure copper.

Some people have gone to ridiculous lengths to cool their components. Some people flush their coolant regularly. Some people will never live down mineral oil jokes. No two computers are not on fire. Awwww.

Copper is regularly used as a method of dissipating heat as it is highly efficient when sufficiently pure. While copper is expensive, it is not expensive enough to be prohibitive for current use. Alternatives are still being explored and a researcher at NC State University believes graphene might be part of the answer.

Some people stick a bathroom suction fan out a window and run a 3” drier hose into their case.

As always, I become immediately skeptical when a team of researchers make a claim such as this. Whether or not these issues are valid have yet to be seen, but they come to mind none-the-less. The paper claims that the usage is designed for power amplifiers and laser diodes.

My first concern is with geometry. Effective cooling is achieved by exposing as much surface area between two materials as is possible for the situation. Higher heat conductance allows heat to get away much more efficiently, but the heat still needs to be removed to a reservoir of some sort, such as your room. There has not been much talk about the possibilities to then remove the heat after copper-graphene so efficiently sucks from the heat source.

My second concern is with the second layer of indium-graphene. While it seems as though the amount of indium required is quite small -- just a single layer between the heat source and the copper-graphene -- we do not really know for certain how that relates to real world applications. Indium is still a very rare element which is heavily mined for touch screen devices. It might prove to be cheap, but there is only so much of it. Would we also be able to reclaim the Indium later, or will it end up in a landfill?

These concerns are probably quite minor but it is generally good practice to not get too excited when you see a research paper. Two points if you see any of the following: Nano, Graphene or Carbon Nanotubes, Lasers, and anything related to High-Frequency.

Wireless Headsets and PC Cases Added To Vengeance Lineup

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 5, 2012 - 03:47 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: vengeance, headset, gaming, corsair, case

Corsair announced today that a new wireless headset and gaming PC case would be joining the ranks of the existing Vengeance lineup of headsets and keyboards. Making their initial debut at PAX East this weekend, the new Vengeance 2000 wireless headset and Vengeance C70 Case will be available for purchase later this year.

The Vengeance 2000 is Corsair’s latest headset that takes the brushed aluminum, 50mm drivers, and microfiber ear cups of the Vengeance 1500, adds some blue and white accents and then cuts the cord. In pace of the USB cord, Corsair utilizes 2.4 GHz wireless to deliver 5.1 and 7.1 virtual surround sound up to 40 feet away and with a battery life of 10 hours. The headset further features a noise canceling microphone and battery that can be recharged via micro USB cable.

From the wording of the press release, it sounds like the charging cable will only act as a power cable -- meaning it will not make the headset wired. The wireless 2.4GHz radio may be problematic for gamers living in areas with lots of 2.4GHz interference (like an apartment building with lots of WiFi devices and microwaves), and in that case the wired Vengeance 1500 would be a better choice. (We are attempting to verify the wireless only aspects and will update the article if we receive a response). Update: Corsair has clarified to us that the headset is always wireless -- the USB cable is only used for charging and firmware flashing.

Arriving with two carrying handles and an ammo box aesthetic, the Vengeance C70 is ready for the war against heat with space for up to 240mm radiators (they suggest the H100) on the top and bottom or 10 total case fans. The case further features a steel front panel, eight PCI-E slots, and two removable hard drive cages with space for three 2.5” or 3.5” drives (for a total of six hard drives). The PCI-E slots and other internals use standard Philips head screws.

The Vengeance C70 will be available in three colors: Military Green, Arctic White, Gunmetal Black. The external of the the case features large mesh grills over the fan areas. The front of the case features a honeycomb mesh for up to two fans, three 5.25” drive bays, and -- along the top -- two large buttons for power and reset with the power being the large red button (which would be difficult to resist pressing all the time). It also houses microphone and headphone jacks, and two USB 3.0 ports. All three C70 cases have two carrying handles on the top that fold down into recessed parts of the case when not being used.

The two new Vengeance entrants will be available this summer. The C70 will be available for purchase soonest -- as early as May -- with an MSRP of $139 USD. Meanwhile, the Vengeance 2000 wireless headset has an MSRP of $149 USD and will be available in June. More information on Corsair’s entire Vengeance gaming lineup is available here.

CM Storm QuickFire Pro: Full NKRO over USB?

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 4, 2012 - 04:51 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: cooler master, mechanical keyboard

Cooler Master announces the Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Pro mechanical keyboard available soon in four different CHERRY flavors. They claim full N-Key Rollover (NKRO) through USB, which is a first to my knowledge.

Higher-end keyboards seem to be growing further and further in fashion as of late.

Cooler Master jumped into the mechanical keyboard market with their QuickFire Rapid release in late 2011. The Rapid was available in Cherry MX Blue and Cherry MX Red switches. The Rapid was a Tenkeyless design, sparing you the width of a number pad if you do not wish to have one.

Of course only the Pro keyboard would have a numpad… only accountants use it or something.

Cooler Master has obviously found that the Rapid a successful product as they will launch a sister design allegedly sometime this month. The Storm QuickFire Pro is a partially backlit full-sized keyboard. The Rapid Pro will be available in Cherry MX Blue, MX Brown, MX Black, and MX Red switch designs. If you are curious about the differences between keyboard switches then check out my explanation in the Rosewill RK-9000v2 review.

The most interesting feature of this keyboard is their claim of full NKRO through USB. Traditionally in order to press every button down on a keyboard you are limited to using a PS/2 connection. Recent research at Microsoft increased the USB limit to approximately 18 keys from the usual 6kro. I would be curious to see someone put that keyboard through Aquakey to verify those claims.

The QuickFire Pro is expected to have an MSRP of $99.99. If they are like other keyboard manufacturers, that likely depends on the switch used.

Can CoolerMaster actually provide 1300W of Silent power

Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 3, 2012 - 06:50 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Silent Pro Hybrid 1300, modular psu, kilowatt, coolermaster, 80 Plus Gold

It seems hard to imagine that a PSU that provides more than a kilowatt of power can be considered quiet but Cooler Master goes even further with their Silent Pro Hybrid 1300 Watt PSU.  Rated for 80 Plus Gold and able to provide 1260W @ 105A on its single 12V rail this beast of a PSU and its eight 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors should be able to power any graphics system you might want to dream of setting up.  Part of the Silent comes from a unique fanless mode, when load is under 200 watts and the temperature below 25C the fan powers off.  The other modes are manual and auto, which anyone with a recent video card will be familiar with.  From the 5 year warranty to the solid power that this PSU provides, Hi Tech Legion found a lot of things to like about this premium PSU.
 

"With the Silent Pro Hybrid 1300 Watt PSU, Cooler Master has actually added usability features to a category typically limited to simply watts and amps. The Cooler Master Silent Pro Hybrid 1300 Watt PSU goes beyond being an 80+ Gold, 105A single 12V rail behemoth, and incorporates a 7V chassis fan rail along with a 5.25” Dual Fan Control Module. After all, if you have need for 1300 watts of power, odds are good you are going to have more than a fan or two running in your case, and what better place to power and control them from than directly from the PSU? In addition to a single-channel, continuously variable controller for up to three chassis fans, the fan control module offers PSU fan control in addition to “PSU Fanless Mode”."

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

CASES & COOLING

• Cooler Master Silent Pro Hybrid 1050 Power Supply Review @ Ninjalane
• Aerocool Strike-X 800W Power Supply @ Pro-Clockers
• Rosewill Hive 750 Watt PSU @ Guru of 3D
• Kingwin Absolute Platinum 550 W @ techPowerUp
• 3R System AK6-600M Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets