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A SilverStone PSU so small it uses an 80mm fan

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 14, 2013 - 06:11 PM |
Tagged: PSU, Silverstone, SFX ST45SF-G 450W, SFF, 80 Plus Gold, modular psu, SFX PSU

If you are looking to power a small form factor system and need a fully modular PSU in order to get it into a tightly packed case as well as high efficiency the SilverStone SFX ST45SF-G 450W is a decent choice.  It is Fully modular and is an SFX PSU, which as you might remember from Lee's review means that it lacks a -5V rail, not a necessary feature in today's systems.  [H]ard|OCP granted an award to this PSU, not because it is the best 450W PSU available, which is not, but because it is the best fully modular SFX PSU they have seen and they realize sacrifices have to be made in a PSU which is barely able to fit an 80mm fan inside.  Check out the full review to see if you think this PSU is worth the price premium or if you might just consider a larger PSU for your HTPC.

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"Silverstone is one of our favorite computer power supply builders as the company has a tremendous track record when it comes to high quality and quiet power for our desktop systems. Today we look at something a bit different in terms of scale, a PSU pushing 450 watts of power in a package half the size with its sights on the SFF market."

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Source: [H]ard|OCP

A semi-modifiable watercooler from Swiftech

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 11, 2013 - 03:20 PM |
Tagged: swiftech, H220 Compact Drive II, AIO, water cooler

Swiftech has made an All In One watercooler with a bit of a difference, not only will it work straight out of the box, changing the fluid and tubing will not void your warranty like many other AIO coolers.  The 269mm x 127mm x 29mm radiator has a pair of 120mm fans cooling it, an unsealed Fill Port for changing your cooling liquid and two ports for 5/8" outer, 3/8" inner tubing which can also be swapped out.  Pro-Clockers found it to be a decent performer though somewhat outclassed by coolers using 140mm fans but far more flexible and upgradeable.  If you are looking for an AIO cooler that you can add to later on then keep your eyes our for the Swiftech H220 which should be for sale in the very near future.

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"Swiftech has been sitting back in the cut watching the market and seeing what to do and what more they can do to make their entry into the lower cost AiO market. That entry is the H220 Compact Drive II CPU Cooler. Gabe and company has release a cooler than is more than “an install it and leave it type” solution. This new cooler can be upgraded in many ways. Meaning you can add water blocks as your system grows, refill with the liquid of your liking, add more tubing to accommodate the added blocks as well as other steps to assure that you have a water-cooling system for a life time."

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Source: Pro-Clockers

SilverStone Strider Plus ST60F-PS Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: March 11, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: SilverStone
Tagged: Strider Plus Series, SST-ST60F-PS, SilverStone Tech

Introduction and Features

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SilverStone recently added the 600W ST60F-G power supply to their Strider Plus series. The Strider Plus ST60F-G is fully modular and housed in a compact enclosure that is only 140mm (5.5") deep for easy integration. The ST50F-P and ST60F-P are certified 80 Plus Bronze while the ST60F-PS and ST75F-P are certified 80 Plus Silver.  We will be taking a detailed look at the ST60F-PS 600W power supply in this review.

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Here is what SilverStone has to say about their new Strider Plus ST60F-PS PSU: “The ST60F-PS is the world smallest modular ATX PSU with a 140mm depth which has also eased installation. In addition to 80Plus Silver level efficiency (80Plus Gold at 230VAC), all models are built to meet very high standards in electrical performance so they have ±3% voltage regulation and ripple & noise, and high amperage single +12V rail. Other notable features included are 24/7 40°C continuous output capacity, low-noise 120mm fan, and multiple sets of PCI-E cables. For enthusiasts that are looking for the power supply with all the right features to make a high performing and aesthetically pleasing system, the Strider Plus series reaches the goal with maximum satisfaction.”

SilverStone ST60F-PS  Power Supply Key Features:

• Compact design with a depth of 140mm for easy integration
• 600 watt continuous power output 24/7 at 40°C
• 80Plus Silver certified with 80 Plus Gold level efficiency at 230VAC
• Strict ±3% voltage regulation with low AC ripple and noise
• Class leading +12V rail with up to 49A (588W)
• Active PFC (up to 0.99)
• Universal AC input (90-264 VAC) full range
• 100% modular cables
• Silent running 120mm fan
• Protections: OCP, OVP, OPP, OTP, UVP, and SCP
• MSRP $105 USD

Please continue reading our SilverStone ST60F-PS power supply review!

Fractal Design Packs USB 3.0 Support Into Core 1000 USB 3.0 mATX Case

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 5, 2013 - 07:57 AM |
Tagged: usb 3.0, mid tower, fractal design, core 1000 usb 3.0, atx case

Fractal Design has announced an updated Core 1000 USB 3.0 Micro ATX case that adds USB 3.0 support to the front panel. The new Core 1000 USB 3.0 chassis measures 175mm x 355mm x 420mm and weighs approximately 9 lbs (4.1 kg).

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The micro ATX case supports motherboards of the Mini-ITX, DTX, and Micro ATX flavors. Further, it can support graphics cards up to 350mm in length and CPU coolers up to 148mm in height. Two optical disk drives, either three vertically mounted 2.5” SSDs or two 3.5” HDDs, and four PCI expansion slots round out the storage and expansion options.The hard drives feature anti-vibration grommets, and the fan spots include dust filters.

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On the outside, the Core 1000 USB 3.0 case is flat black with a large mesh front panel and side panel vent. The right side of the case holds the front IO panel, which consists of:

  • 1 x USB 3.0
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • 2 x Audio jacks
  • 1 x HDD activity indicator light
  • 1 x Power button
  • 1 x Reset button

The inside of the case is rather spartan. There are no cable routing holes, water cooling grommets, CPU cutouts, or other fancy features. It has an ATX power supply spot at the top of the case, motherboard standoffs, and drive cages. Just enough to get the job done, in other words.

Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3_Angled.jpg

Fractal Design includes a single Silent Series R2 120mm intake fan, but the case can actually support a total of three fans. There are spots for:

  • 1 x 120mm (front intake)
  • 1 x 92mm (rear exhaust)
  • 1 x 120mm (side panel)

There is no word on pricing or availability yet, but expect it to run around $40-50. More photos and specifications are available on the Fractal Design website.

Source: Fractal Design

Is bigger better for Corsair's self-contained watercoolers

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 4, 2013 - 01:50 PM |
Tagged: watercooling, corsair, H90, H110, 140mm

The Corsair H90 and H110 use larger 140mm fans with 140mm and and 280mm radiators respectively.  [H]ard|OCP compared them to also relatively recent H100i and H80i, 120mm based coolers that are controllable with Corsair's LINK technology.  The comparison was rather favourable for the new 140mm coolers, with both new models beating the H100i at stocks speeds and beating their respective cousins on an overclocked chip; perhaps more importantly these two models did so with noticeably reduced sound levels.  If you need serious cooling and aren't crazy about noise, these two coolers should be on your list.

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"Corsair, once known only for quality enthusiast RAM modules, has successfully diversified its products reaching into cases, power supplies, processor cooling solutions. With the release of the H90 and H110 Hydro Series, we see the first new refresh in its closed loop liquid cooling systems."

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Source: [H]ard|OCP

Thermaltake Launches Urban S21 Mid Tower Chassis

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 3, 2013 - 10:53 PM |
Tagged: thermaltake, mid tower, case, atx

Thermaltake has released a new mid tower chassis aimed at enthusiasts favoring minimalist designs. Constructed of SECC (Steel, Electrogalvanized, ColdRolled, Coil) steel, the Thermaltake Urban S21 supports ATX motherboards, high-end graphics cards, and both air and water cooling options. It measures 17.2” x 7.5” x 19.6”.

Thermaltake Urbarn S21 Front Panel.jpg

The new chassis is all black and features a brushed metal design on the front panel. The brushed metal front door hides the externally-accessible drives. At the top of the front panel, the case features two USB 3.0 ports and two audio jacks. A power LED along with both power and reset button adorns the top-edge of the case. The side panel has space for one 120mm fan as well as a clear window above it that is about the size of a 120mm fan. Four large case feet hold the mid tower above the floor, allowing the PSU intake and an (optional) additional 120mm fan to bring cool air into the case.

Thermaltake Urban S21 Angled.jpg

Thermaltake includes two 120mm fans, but the case itself can support a maximum of five 120mm fans. The Urban S21 case interior features tool-less drive bays for up to six hard drives and three optical drives. Further, it has cable management holes, water cooling grommets, a bottom-mounted power supply, and a CPU cutout.

Thermaltake Urban S21 Cooling.jpg

Thermaltake’s Urban S21 case looks good and has a decent feature set. The case will reportedly go on sale sometime this month, but the company has not yet announced pricing. Here’s hoping the price is right as it is looking like a nice mid-tower case so far! You can find more specifications on the Urban S21 on this product page.

Source: Thermaltake

Enermax replaces their MODU82+ series with ... Triathlor?

Subject: Cases and Cooling | March 1, 2013 - 07:12 PM |
Tagged: Triathlor FC, modular psu, enermax, 80 Plus Bronze, 650W

If you ignore the interesting choice of names, the Enermax Triathlor 650W looks good on paper with mostly modular cabling, an 80 Plus Bronze rating and a $120 price tag.  With four 6+2 PCIe power connectors and a pair of 30A 12V rails it will handle SLI/Crossfire of mid range cards but will probably have trouble with multiple flagship GPUs.  Hardware Secrets like the amount of available cabling and the quiet operation of the PSU but unfortunately they were not terribly impressed with the voltage regulation when it was run at full power.  Taking that into account, as well as the fact that similar PSUs tend to cost less than $100, they have difficulty recommending this PSU in the current market.

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"The Triathlor FC is the latest power supply series with the 80 Plus Bronze certification from Enermax, coming to replace the MODU82+ series. So far, three models were released: 550 W, 650 W, and 700 W. Let's see if the 650 W model is a good buy."

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Source: Hardware Secrets

Seasonic Platinum Series Fanless 460W Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: March 1, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Seasonic
Tagged: seasonic, Platinum-520 Fanless, Platinum-460 Fanless, Platinum-400 Fanless

Introduction and Features

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Seasonic was one of the first manufacturers to offer a fanless PC power supply and they just keep on getting better! In their relentless pursuit to continuously improve their products, Seasonic has recently upgraded the Fanless 400/460/520 units from 80Plus Gold to 80Plus Platinum status while delivering even better performance and backed by a 7-year warranty. We will be taking a detailed look at the all-modular Platinum-460 Fanless power supply in this review.

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Seasonic Platinum Series Fanless 460W Power Supply

80Plus Platinum The Platinum Series Fanless 400W, 460W, and 520W power supplies are certified in accordance to the 80PLUS organization's highest standard, offering the newest technology and innovation for performance and energy savings with up to 92% efficiency and a true power factor of greater than 0.9 PF.

Seasonic Patented DC Connector Panel with Integrated Voltage Regulation Module The Seasonic Platinum Fanless power supplies feature an integrated DC connector panel with onboard VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) that enables not only near perfect DC-to-DC conversion with reduction of current loss/impedance and increase of efficiency but also a fully modular DC cabling that enables maximum flexibility of integration and forward compatibility.

Full Modular Design (DC to DC) Seasonic’s Patented Fully Modular Design offers ease of installation while minimizing voltage drops and impedance and greatly maximizes efficiency and cooling to enhance overall performance and reliability.

Seasonic Platinum Series Fanless PSU Key Features:

• 80Plus Platinum certified super high efficiency (up to 92%)
• Fanless operation (0dBA)
• 7-Year manufacturer's warranty
• Fully Modular Cable design with flat ribbon-style cables
• Seasonic DC Connector Panel with integrated VRMs
• DC-to-DC Converter design
• Tight voltage regulation (±2%)
• Multi-GPU technology support
• Conductive polymer aluminum solid capacitors
• High reliability 105°C Japanese made electrolytic capacitors
• Ultra Ventilation honeycomb structure
• Dual sided PCB layout
• High capacity +12V output
• High current Gold plated terminals with Easy Swap connectors
• Active PFC (0.99 PF typical) with Universal AC input

Please continue reading our Platinum-460 Fanless power supply review!

Phanteks' new cooler stands tall

Subject: Cases and Cooling | February 26, 2013 - 02:30 PM |
Tagged: phanteks, PH-TC12DX

At 126mm x 57mm x 157mm (5" x 2.2" x 6.2") the PH-TC12DX heatsink is tall enough to cause some problems with small cases but is tall enough it will not interfere with your RAM like some other large coolers can.  With only two screws to secure the heatsink [H]ard|OCP had no troubles installing it on the motherboards they tested it on.  When they tested its ability to remove heat they were more than impressed, with a pair of fans this air cooler outperformed Corsair's H80i, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that it operated more quietly as well.  At $60 it is also cheaper and well worth considering on your next build.

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"Phanteks has high hopes for its sweetly named PH-TC12DX CPU air cooler. OK, maybe not that sweet, but with a patented "Physical Antioxidant Thermal Shield" and "Cold Plasma Spraying Coating Technology" technology this thing has got to be greatest heatsink and fan combination ever made, right?"

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Source: [H]ard|OCP

Corsair Hydro Series H90 and H110 140mm-Based Liquid Cooler Review

Author:
Date: February 25, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Corsair
Tagged: water cooling, liquid cooling, Hydro Series, H90, H110, cpu cooling, corsair, cooling, 140mm

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

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Hydro Series™ H110 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
Courtesy of Corsair

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Hydro Series™ H90 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
Courtesy of Corsair

Corsair has upped their presence in the cooling field with the new 140mm fan-based additions to the Hydro Series™ CPU water cooler lineup. Corsair was kind enough to provide us with samples of their H90 and H110 series cooling units, both using 140mm fans. We put these coolers up against their H80i 120mm fan-based unit as well as our custom-built Swiftech Apogee HD cooling system to see how well these new Corsair units performed. Starting at a base price of $99.99 for the Corsair H90 cooler, you can't go wrong with either unit.

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Hydro Series™ H110 Extreme Performance CPU Cooler without fans
Courtesy of Corsair

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Hydro Series™ H90 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler without fans
Courtesy of Corsair

Corsair worked with Asetek to design their new 140mm-based line of coolers with the H90 and H110 introduced to enhance their current line of coolers. Both coolers are built using aluminum radiators capable of holding 140mm fans and copper cold plates. The rubber coated tubing used is low permeability 1/4 inch based tubing with multiple layers used to prevent liquid evaporation and to provide maximum tubing flexibility. Unlike their Corsair Link™ based coolers, the Corsair H90 and H110 units do not have integrated LEDs nor the Corsair Link™ based monitoring system.


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