Home » Subject
Cases

Composite Copper and Graphene to make a cool couple.

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 10, 2012 - 06:03 PM |
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.

bathroomsuctionfan.jpg

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.

Source: NC State University

Kingwin Lazer Platinum Series 1000W Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: April 10, 2012
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Kingwin
Tagged: LZP-1000, Kingwin Lazer Platinum, 1000W PSU

Introduction and Features

Kingwin has just released the fifth and most powerful unit in their top-of-the-line Lazer Platinum Series, the LZP-1000. As you might guess, all of the Lazer Platinum Series power supplies are 80Plus Platinum certified, which means they should deliver top efficiency (up to 90%, 92% and 89% efficiency @ 20%, 50% and 100% load). The LZP-1000 PSU we have up for review comes with a full compliment of fixed and modular cables, a very quiet 140mm fan and includes universal AC input with Active PFC. A new feature found on the LZP-1000 is the ability to run in fanless mode at low to mid power levels thanks to Kingwin's ECO Thermal Control System and 2-way Thermal Control switch. The LZP-1000 is designed to support the latest Intel and AMD processors along with multiple high-end graphic adapters (Crossfire/SLI/3 Way SLI).

2-Banner.jpg

Kingwin LZP-1000 PSU Key Features:

• 1,000W total continuous power; Easily Overclocked to 650W
• 80 PLUS® Platinum Certified: 90%, 92% and 89% Efficiency @ 20%, 50% and 100% Load
• 140MM Fan with Intelligent Auto Fan Speed Control
• ECO Intelligent Thermal Control System (Patent)
• 2-Way Thermal Control switch (fanless at low power or fan on all the time)
• Supports Intel Core i7-980X/Core i7/Core i5/Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Duo and
• AMD Phenom II x6/Phenom II X4/Phenom II X3/Athlon 64 X2 CPUs
• Compliance with ATX 12V v2.2, EPS 12V v2.91, and SSI EPS 12V v2.92 Specifications
• Crystal Cube Modular Plugs w/ Patented Power Connector Cable Management System
• Six PCI-E 6+2 pin connectors to support high-end graphic cards
• Stable +12V current; 83A (996W)
• Over Power/Under Power/Over Voltage/Short Circuit Protections
• Universal AC input (115V ~ 240V) with Active PFC
• 5-Year warranty

3-lzp_enlarge2.jpg

Continue reading our review of the Kingwin Lazer Platinum 1000W PSU!

Wireless Headsets and PC Cases Added To Vengeance Lineup

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 5, 2012 - 03:47 PM |
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.

V2000_left.png

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.

C70_G_handlesUP.png

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.

C70_all3.png

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.

Source: Corsair

CM Storm QuickFire Pro: Full NKRO over USB?

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 4, 2012 - 04:51 PM |
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.

cm-storm.jpg

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.

Source: Cooler Master

Can CoolerMaster actually provide 1300W of Silent power

Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 3, 2012 - 06:50 PM |
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.
 

CMS1300W.jpg

"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

 

Source: Hi Tech Legion

Grab a white BMW for $115 ... Thermaltake's Level 10 GTS Snow Edition

Subject: Cases and Cooling | April 3, 2012 - 03:18 PM |
Tagged: thermaltake, Level 10 GTS Snow Edition, atx

The 233 x 462 x 510mm Thermaltake GTS Snow Edition takes the familiar enclosure and reverses its colour to a very striking white.  With up to six fans, including a 200mm, as well as 3 grommets for external watercooling you have a choice on your cooling solution.  External drive bays make hotswapping a breeze and the USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports are easily accessible as well, not counting the external connectors on your motherboard.  Neoseeker found many things to like about this enclosure as well as a few areas they'd like to see improved but overall were quite impressed with this $115 BMW inspired case.

neos_profile_2.jpg

"Thermaltake lets its snow once again in its Level 10 lineup of cases with the Snow Edition of its Level 10 GTS, sporting its striking white and black color scheme. Perhaps its most defining feature is the distinct hot swap drive bay system for hard drives. See how it all works in our review of the Level 10 GTS Snow Edition case, geared toward enthusiasts who don't want to spend top dollar for a Level 10 series product but still rock all the style."

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

CASES & COOLING

 

Source: Neoseeker

SilverStone Strider Gold Evolution 1000W Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: April 3, 2012
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: SilverStone Technology
Tagged: Strider Gold Evolution, ST1000-G Evolution, SilverStone Gold PSU

Introduction and Features

SilverStone's new Strider Gold Evolution series power supplies include four models: 750W, 850W, 1000W and 1200W, which are based on the original Strider Gold series. SilverStone engineers have tweaked the design to improve both efficiency and performance and they replaced the original fan with a SilverStone Air Penetrator fan with fluid dynamic bearings to make it even quieter. The Strider Gold ST1000-G Evolution that we have up for review today is rated for 1000W DC output and is 80 Plus Gold certified. It comes with a full compliment of all modular cables, including dual EPS connectors and six PCI-E connectors for multiple high-end graphics adapter support. SilverStone also includes one of their new 140mm magnetic fan filters to help reduce dust buildup inside your PC.

2-Banner.jpg

Here is what SilverStone has to say about their new Strider Gold Evolution 1000W power supply:

“To make great power supplies even better, SilverStone engineers delved into the details with the Strider Gold series. In order to reduce the already low noise generated by the Strider Gold, they replaced the fan with SilverStone’s own Air Penetrator, which has superb cooling ability and is equipped with fluid dynamic bearings. This allowed for reprogramming of the fan controller to enable lower fan speed at any given loading condition compared to the predecessor. Various components were also re-tested and replaced with newer versions for minor boost in efficiency and performance. An excellent FF141 fan filter with magnets is even included in the package for use to reduce dust buildup.

With the fan and component upgrades, the Strider Gold Evolution series will again encompass wattage range from 750W to 1200W with 80 PLUS Gold level efficiency, ±3% voltage regulation, low ripple & noise, and high amperage single +12V rail as its main features. For discerning users looking to get a top-notch power supply with all features covered and more, this is the perfect solution.”

3-PSU.jpg

SilverStone ST1000-G Evolution PSU Key Features:

• 1,000W 24-Hour continuous power output (1,100W Peak)
• 80 Plus Gold certification: 87%~90% at 20%~100% loading
• Ultra silent 139mm Air Penetrator fan with fluid dynamic bearings
• SilverStone FF141 magnetic fan filter included
• 100% Modular cables
• Class-leading single +12V rail with 83A
• Strict ±3% voltage regulation and low ripple and noise
• Japanese made main capacitors
• Dual EPS 8-pin connectors
• Multiple PCI-E connectors (8-pin and 6-pin)
• Capacitors attached to PCI-E cables to reduce electrical noise
• Supports ATX12V 2.3 and EPS12V
• Active Power Factor Correction

Continue reading our review of the Silverstone Strider Gold Evolution 1000 watt power supply!!

The fine waterline between genius and madness; toilet water PC cooling

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | April 3, 2012 - 12:01 PM |
Tagged: case mods, watercooling, toilet, couric

When Google discusses using toilet water to cool a data centre, they don't exactly mean it in the way that this case mod went, but the latter is certainly easier to set up at home.  Other such inventive cooling solutions have been tried, after all what good is it if the weather outside is -40o if you don't have it vented through to your PCs intake fan?  However this is probably the first time someone popped a water pump into a toilet reservoir to use as an open cooling loop for a PC.  With a slight change to the tubing, you could probably ensure you never have to sit down on a cold seat again. ExtremeTech has pictures of the system and its creator here.

toilet-cooling-cistern-640x480.jpg

"Hot on the heels of news that Google uses toilet water to cool one of its data centers, it has emerged that an enterprising hardware hacker had the same idea some seven years ago. As you will see in the following pictures, though, Jeff Gagnon’s computer is much more than a toilet-cooled rig — it’s a case mod tour de force."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Tech Talk

 

Source: ExtremeTech

Arctic Cooling's AMD only Freezer A30

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 27, 2012 - 01:53 PM |
Tagged: arctic cooling, amd, freezer a30

Sometimes cooler manufacturers target one of their products specifically to a CPU manufacturer and that is what Arctic Cooling has done with the Freezer A30.  This 905g, 162mm x 137mm x 97mm is only designed to fit Socket AM2+, AM3+ and FM1 motherboards, which allows for greater flexibility in the orientation of the mounting brackets.  FrostyTech tested it with the fan at both high and low speed settings and found this to be a great heatsink both for high powered systems that need a lot of cooling as well as those systems which need to operate quietly.

FT_FCFreezerA30_p.jpg

"The Freezer A30 heatsink is an updated version of the AC Freezer 13 Pro, but this time around it's shed its copper base plate for bare heatpipes and had its mounting brackets restricted to AMD processors. The Freezer A30 stands 162mm tall, is built around a familiar tower-style-exposed-heatpipe-heatsink format and weighs a hefty 905 grams. The cooler comes with a single 120mm PWM fan which is mounted to the aluminum fin stack via a muscular plastic fan shroud. No additional fans can be mounted."

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

CASES & COOLING

 

Source: Frosty Tech

(80+) Gold Plated PSU roundup

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 26, 2012 - 05:22 PM |
Tagged: 80 Plus Gold, PSU, modular psu, coolermaster, Silent Pro Gold 600W, Cougar, GX G900, Cougar GX G1050, OCZ ZX 1000W, Seasonic SS-850KM

X-bit Labs assembled a wide variety of PSUs which all share one characteristic for a round up.  From the lowest powered 600W to the over the top 1050W model, these PSUs all have an 80 Plus Gold rating.  You have probably seen the Seasonic, OCZ and CoolerMaster PSUs around before but the Cougar models are a little less common.  All but the Seasonic model generated positive reviews, the problem with the Seasonic model being its price; it costs more than the others but does not offer extras to justify that heightened price point.  The 600W PSUs are definitely recommended as many mid-range PSUs do not sport the 80 Plus Gold rating.  Read on to see how stable the power they provide is.

xb-gold.jpg

"Today we are going to talk about five power supply units from Cooler Master, Cougar, OCZ and Seasonic certified according to 80 PLUS Gold standard. Their wattage ranges from 600 to 1050 W, which provides a choice to everyone who is looking for a quality PSU."

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

CASES & COOLING

 

Source: X-Bit Labs

PC Perspective
Upcoming Events
  • 6/19 @ 7:00pm PDT / 10:00pm EDT
    PC Perspective Podcast
  • 6/20 @ 6:00pm PDT / 9:00pm EDT
    This Week in Computer Hardware
  • 6/26 @ 7:00pm PDT / 10:00pm EDT
    PC Perspective Podcast