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EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750G Gold Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: February 1, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: EVGA
Tagged: NEX750G, EVGA SuperNOVA, 120-PG-0750-GR

Introduction and Features

EVGA was founded in 1999 with headquarters in Brea, California. They currently specialize in producing NVIDIA based graphics adapters and Intel based motherboards and they are continuing to expand their product line to include enthusiast grade power supplies, starting with the NEX1500 last year and now adding the SuperNOVA NEX750G and NEX650G models.

Back in September 2012 we reviewed the SuperNOVA NEX1500 digital power supply that delivered 1500 watts of power and came bundled with EVGA’s SuperNOVA software that allows monitoring all of the power supply’s functions in real-time from your desktop. We liked the NEX1500, especially the SuperNOVA monitoring software, so when EVGA asked us to review the new SuperNOVA NEX750G Gold, we said yes and assumed it would incorporate similar features to the flagship SuperNOVA NEX1500. While the NEX1500 PSU was targeted towards an elite few with deep pockets, the new NEX750G and NEX650G models are aimed at more mainstream, cost-conscious consumers. And to our disappointment, neither of the new power supplies feature digital control, so they can't be used with EVGA's SuperNOVA monitoring software.

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Here is what EVGA has to say about the new SuperNOVA NEX 750G Gold PSU: “The EVGA NEX750G Gold PSU is a premium quality power supply intended to meet the needs of the most demanding enthusiasts systems. Designed with enthusiast needs in mind the NEX series is the best choice to power next generation enthusiast computers. Combining 750W of continuous power with exceptional performance, stunning efficiency, and cutting-edge design and features, the NEX750G Gold is what you need to take your system to the next level.

You can also count on EVGA to provide the utmost reliability and performance, with 100% Japanese capacitors and a durable dual-ball bearing fan. The NEX750G Gold is designed from start to finish to be the best choice for today's most demanding enthusiast computers. Bring you’re a-game with the NEX750G Gold power supply!"

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Please continue reading our review of the EVGA SuperNOVA NEX750G PSU!!!

If you aren't whitening your case, it is yellowing ...

Subject: Cases and Cooling | January 31, 2013 - 01:29 PM |
Tagged: Retr0bright, DIY, ultraviolet, crest

Back in the ancient days of computing before cases came in all colours of the rainbow, we made due with a standard creamy white colour, which over time became a shade of yellow usually associated with Bingo halls or greasy spoon diners.  While white or cream coloured cases have gone out of style, there are still systems which are housed in nasty yellow stained plastic cases and Hardware Secrets can tell you how to whiten them to the colour TV commercials would have you believe your teeth should be.  The trick is called Retr0bright and uses both a hydrogen peroxide bath and UV lighting to restore cases to a more appealing white.  The process isn't perfect, make sure you read their caveats before beginning your project.

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"Plastic parts of older computers become yellow or brown over time, so you end up with a computer that looks yellow or brown instead of white or gray. In this tutorial, we will show you how to restore old plastic parts to their original color by using a homemade peroxide-based solution called Retr0bright."

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

CASES & COOLING

Source: Hardware Secrets

Kingwin's new Power Force PSUs arrive

Subject: Cases and Cooling | January 29, 2013 - 01:46 PM |
Tagged: PSU, Kingwin, Power Force 850W, modular psu

Kingwin's $110 Power Force 850W PSU is not as well appointed as other 850W PSUs but is also much lower in price.  With four 6/8 pin PCIe connectors and 8 SATA power connectors some users might feel a bit cramped but with 70A of power on the 12V line it seems that the unit can be useful for many. [H]ard|OCP tested the PSU to see if it is indeed worth the purchase price and were glad to see it pass all their tests, though perhaps not with flying colours.  This is the first Power Force PSU that they have seen, if Kingwin can keep the quality high and the price low they may make some inroads into recognized PSU suppliers.

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"While not a "go to" enthusiast brand, Kingwin has produced some excellent computer desktop power supplies over the last five years and these have usually be great values. Does Kingwin continue the trend with its new Power Force 850W model sporting good efficiency, modular cabling, and reasonable pricing."

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

CASES & COOLING

Source: [H]ard|OCP

OCZ Technology Adds New 750W and 850W Power Supply Models to Its PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III Portfolio

Subject: Cases and Cooling | January 28, 2013 - 02:21 PM |
Tagged: psu. ocz, silencer mk III, 80 Plus Gold

When OCZ first purchased PC Power & Cooling there were concerns that the quality could suffer and when you invest in a 750W or higher rated PSU you probably expect that you will be using it through a few system hardware upgrades.  Since the new Silencer Mk III PSUs come with a 7 year warranty it would seem that OCZ has plenty of confidence in their products.  Not only will these PSUs perform quietly in most situations, the 80 PLUS Gold rating ensures the efficiency of the units as well.

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SAN JOSE, Ca. – January 28, 2013 - OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) and power management solutions for computing devices and systems, today announced that it has added 750W and 850W power supply unit (PSU) models to the award-winning Silencer Mk III Power Supply Series from PC Power & Cooling. With these new high-wattage options, the Silencer Mk III provides a professional-grade power solution rated for industrial usage and provides the performance and stability required for demanding computing environments.

“Building on our highly reputable Silencer Mk III core architecture, we are very pleased to deliver new high-wattage options that provide the ultimate in efficiency and stability while delivering ultra-quiet operation and a modular cable design for which this portfolio is highly regarded,” said Bob Roark, Vice-President of Power Management for OCZ Technology. “With the addition of 750W and 850W models, the Silencer Mk III Power Supply Series once again defines the ultimate power management solution for today’s professional and enthusiast users.”

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The Silencer Mk III 750W and 850W are rock-solid power supply solutions that meet the stringent 80 Plus Gold certification for exceptional energy-efficiency ratings and support over 90 percent efficiency under typical workloads. Featuring its popular Dual Thermal Control System (a sophisticated operation that allows either PSU model to be switched seamlessly between normal and silent modes), the Silencer Mk III works in conjunction with the load and temperature controlled fan for ultra-quiet operation. Additionally, the entire Silencer Mk III Series combines a single +12V rail, premium components (including 100 percent Japanese 105°C capacitors), rigorous protection circuitries, continuous stable output at a demanding 50°C ambient temperature, and heavy-duty chrome finish metallic cable connectors to provide excellent conductivity and lower resistance when compared to other power supplies on the market.

Where industrial-grade durability meets a sleek modular design, the Silencer Mk III 750W and 850W models are available immediately and are backed with PC Power & Cooling’s complete confidence in reliability and supported by an industry-leading 7 year warranty.

Source: OCZ Technologies

Thermaltake Armor Revo Gene Mid-Tower Case Review

Author:
Date: January 28, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Thermaltake
Tagged: thermaltake, mid-tower, case, atx, Armor Revo Gene, Armor Revo

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

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Courtesy of Thermaltake

As the newest member of Thermaltake's Armor Revo case line, the Armor Revo Gene mid-tower case features sleek looks and exudes the humble power that only the war-worn warrior's know. We decided to put the Armor Revo Gene to the test to see how well the case works under a variety of circumstances. At a base price of $129.99, the Armor Revo Gene seems to be a well priced steal for the features designed into it.

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Courtesy of Thermaltake

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Courtesy of Thermaltake

The Armor Revo Gene features a flat-black, scratch-resistant coating on all surfaces, giving it a sleek and uniformly menacing look. The case's right panel contains a window in it upper half to show off your case innards, bisected by a grilled space for up to a 200mm side fan to help cool your PCI-Express cards. A wing-shaped aluminum front bezel helps to direct air through the front of the case in an optimal manner.

Continue reading our review of the Thermaltake Armor Revo Gene Mid-Tower Case!!

Seasonic Platinum Series 660W Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: January 25, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Seasonic
Tagged: SS-660XP, seasonic, Platinum-660, Platinum Series

Introduction and Features

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Seasonic has built a stellar reputation for themselves producing some of the best PC power supplies on the market. Over the years, Seasonic has been the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) of choice for companies like Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, and XFX to name just a few. But Seasonic also markets power supplies under their own brand name. The Platinum 660W/760W/860W Series is Seasonic's newest flagship line for the retail market. We will be taking a detailed look at the Platinum 660W model in this review. All of the PSUs in the Platinum Series are based on Seasonic's X-Series, which has brought several major advancements to the standard PC power supply platform since its introduction over three years ago.

• Proprietary circuit design delivers High efficiency (80Plus Platinum certified)
• Full modular DC Connector Module features integrated VRMs (3.3V and 5V)
• Hybrid Silent Fan Control (3 modes of operation: Fanless, Silent and Cooling)
• High-quality Sanyo Denki SanAce120 dual ball bearing fan with PWM
• High-reliability 105°C grade A capacitors and solid polymer capacitors

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Seasonic Platinum 660W Power Supply

The Platinum 660W, 760W and 860W are top performers and highly efficient power supplies that at lower loads can operate silently in semi-fanless mode.

80Plus Platinum The Platinum Series 660W, 760W, and 860W 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.

Full Modular Design (DC to DC) Carried over from the Seasonic X-Series power supplies, the new Platinum Series features 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.

Continue reading our review of the Seasonic Platinum Series 660 watt power supply!!

The Raidmax Orion mid-tower is smaller than it looks

Subject: Cases and Cooling | January 23, 2013 - 02:49 PM |
Tagged: Raidmax, Orion, mid-tower

Currently only $80 on NewEgg, the Raidmax Orion mid-tower case sports more features than you might expect; a front panel with two USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0, headphone and microphone jacks, power and reset buttons and an integral fan controller with two knobs, one for fan speed and one for LED brightness.  It comes with three 120mm fans, one sporting LEDs and can handle 140mm fans if you wish to swap in your own and a filtered 120mm port on the bottom of the case for your PSU.  Unfortunately [H]ard|OCP found a number of flaws with the case including hard to install drives to a lack of tool-less installation setting up a system was difficult especially when you consider its dimensions, at 511mm x 192mm x 502mm (20.1" x 7.5" x 19.8") which are too small to accommodate high end coolers and don't even think about triple SLI.

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"Raidmax is a big name worldwide in budget computer cases. Today we have a chance to look at its Orion case that sports a very long list of nice features as well as remembering the important things like air flow, cable routing, and dust control. Do all of these worthy features go along with a lower cost case?"

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

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Source: [H]ard|OCP

The Corsair Hydro Series H80i High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler Deconstructed

Author:
Date: January 22, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Corsair
Tagged: water cooling, Hydro Series H80i High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler, Hydro Series, H80i, Corsiar

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

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Hydro Series™ H80i High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
Courtesy of Corsair

The Corsair Hydro Series™ H80i High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler is the middle tier cooler in Corsair's latest revision of the series. We decided to take the cooler apart to see what makes it tick and share insight on the components used in designing this award winning cooler.

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The Hydro Series™ H80i cooling system consists of an aluminum-based 120mm x 120mm x 38mm radiator capable of supporting two 120mm x 120mm fans, attached to a CPU copper-based cooling assembly via 3/8 inch rubber hoses. The CPU cooler contains embedded magnets to better hold the CPU clip to the body of the cooling assembly. The CPU cooler also includes an integrated LED in the top of the assembly as well as Corsair Link™ connection ports and fan connection ports. The cooling hoses are attached to the CPU assembly by rotating nozzles, capable of an almost full 360 degrees of rotation.

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CPU cooler assembly breakdown
Courtesy of CoolIT Systems

Corsair partnered with CoolIT Systems in the design and implementation of the H80i. While the CPU cooler assembly pictured is not exactly like the H80i, the CoolIT Systems designed ECO II is close enough to the H80i in design for comparison purposes. Notice how the top cap and cold plate sandwich the pump assembly in place with the pump and electronics sitting in an upper chamber and the barbs feeding into or fed from a lower chamber.

Technical Specifications (taken from the Corsair and CoolIT Systems websites)

Cold Plate Material

 Copper Micro Fin

Radiator Material

 Aluminum

Radiator dimensions

 120mm x 152mm x 38mm

Fan Dimensions

 120mm x 120mm x 25mm

Maximum Fan Speed

 2700 RPM

Maximum Fan Airflow

 77 CFM

Fan dBA

 37.68 dBA

Fan static pressure

 4mm/H20

Tubing

 Large-diameter, low permeability, low evaporation rubber

Socket Support

 AMD AM2, AMD AM3, AMD FM1, Intel LGA 1155, Intel LGA 1156, Intel LGA 1366, Intel LGA 2011

Coolant

 Low toxicity propylene glycol/water mixture with anti-corrosion/anti-fungal package

Continue reading our deconstruction of the Corsair Hydro Series H80i Cooler!!

Video Perspective: Corsair Carbide 200R Overview - Corsair Case for $49

Author:
Date: January 18, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: Corsair
Tagged: video, corsair, chassis, case, carbide, 200r

Quick look at a low cost Carbide

Corsair continues its push into the case markets with yet another option, the Carbide 200R, bringing the price of entry down to sub-$50.  Currently selling on Newegg.com for $45 with a coupon code, check out this quick video walkthrough of the latest case from Corsair!

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After spending a bit more time with the case I can tell that for the price, the 200R is a pretty solid option.  I am not a fan of the 2.5-in drive arrangement that puts the power and data cables out into the case rather than towards the back (like the 3.5-in drives have) just from a cleanliness point of view, but that's somewhat minor.  Also worth noting is that even though we have a $50, and very light chassis, there aren't any sharp edges to cut you; Corsair did a good job rounding off the edges and having the metal fold back for a safe environment. 

There are a TON of case options in the price range so it might be hard for the Carbide 200R to stand out with a simple Newegg/Amazon search, but I think the Corsair brand will help sift it to the top.

SilverStone Zeus ZM1350 Power Supply Review

Author:
Date: January 18, 2013
Subject: Cases and Cooling
Manufacturer: SilverStone
Tagged: Zeus PSU, SST-ZM1350, SilverStone Tech

Introduction and Features

After a four year hiatus, SilverStone's top of the line power supply series, Zeus, has returned. The all new Zeus ZM1350 was designed for elite IT professionals, PC power users, and overclockers and retains excellent characteristics from its predecessors with a continuous output capacity of 1350W (1500W peak) rated for 24/7 operation at 50°C, ±1% voltage regulation for exceptional stability, and careful selection of premium industrial grade components. Other aspects such as efficiency, modular cabling compatible with other SilverStone PSUs, switch for multi/single +12V rail selection, pots for tweaking voltages, and fan speed control are all improved to make the new Zeus ZM1350 the most sought-after power supply that SilverStone has ever designed.  

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The Zeus ZM1350 PSU is fully modular and certified 80 Plus Silver (80 Plus Gold level efficiency when operating on 230VAC line power).  The ZM1350 features a switch to select between single or multiple +12V rails, incorporates three small pots for adjusting the +3.3V, +5V and +12V outputs, and has a fan speed override switch on the back panel to force the fan into constant full speed operation if desired.

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Zeus  Power Supply Key Features:

• 1350 watt continuous power output at 50°C (1500W peak)
• 60°C operation with up to 1080W continuous power output
• Strict ±1% voltage regulation with low AC ripple and noise
• Patented six/single +12V rails selector switch
• User accessible +3.3V, +5v, and +12V rail voltage adjustment pots
• 80Plus Silver certified with 80 Plus Gold level efficiency at 230VAC
• Class leading +12V rails with combined loading up to 105A (1260W)
• Industrial grade components
• Active PFC (up to 0.99)
• Universal AC input (90-264 VAC) full range
• Advanced 100% modular cables
• Long-life dual ball bearing 80mm fan with speed control switch
• Protections: OCP, OVP, OPP, OTP, UVP, SCP, NLO
• Supports latest ATX12V 2.3 & EPS12V 2.93 standards

Please continue reading our Zeus ZM1350 power supply review!


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