Corsair AXi/AX PSU Refresh: AX860, AX860i, AX760, AX760i

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | November 6, 2012 - 08:00 AM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: PSU, corsair, 80 Plus Platinum PSU

It has not been too long since Lee Garbutt reviewed Corsair’s AX1200i Power Supply. Corsair used that product to introduce their Corsair Link Dashboard to the monitoring of Power Supply performance. Lee was very impressed with the supply and gave it a Gold Award.

Some of us are not looking to power a microwave inside our PCs. Corsair has thusly brought that feature to lower wattage PSUs with their new AX860i and AX760i. These PSUs achieve 80 PLUS Platinum certification along with the Digital Signal Processor connection to monitor. If you would rather have $30 USD instead of monitoring capabilities: each model number without the i contains the same 80 PLUS Platinum certification just without the monitoring capabilities. As an added bonus the Corsair power supplies should be very silent. The 860W power supply will shut down its fan to 0 RPM until it reaches a 60% load while the 760W will operate without fans until a 70% load.

These PSUs will be available in November and are priced: $249.99 USD for the AX860i vs. $219.99 USD for the AX860. The AX760i will be available for $229.99 USD vs. $199.99 for the AX760. Again, the i denotes the ability to be monitored by Corsair’s Link Dashboard software.

Press blast after the break!

Corsair Announces Hydro H100i and H80i Liquid CPU Coolers

Subject: General Tech, Cases and Cooling | November 5, 2012 - 08:00 AM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: water cooling, corsair

Corsair has expanded their lineup of water coolers with the addition of the H100i and H80i products. The hook of this new product line is its ability to be monitored and adjusted by Corsair’s free Link Dashboard software. You are able to program profiles for fan speed as well as adjust lighting levels. Corsair has been moving toward this power and cooling monitoring architecture and they seem to be betting on that as their key differentiation factor.

The cooler also boasts compatibility with just about any major motherboard out there designed for modern processors from either AMD or Intel. The H100i is based on a 240 mm radiator compare to the “double-thick” 120 mm radiator of the H80i. Both will be available in November for 99.99 USD or 119.99 USD for the H80i or H100i respectively.

Press blast after the break.

Got heat problems? Slap a kilo of cooler on your CPU!

Subject: Cases and Cooling | November 1, 2012 - 02:37 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Silverstone, SST-HE02

The heatsink market has really run with the idea that bigger is better, with the SilverStone HE02 being no exception.  At 170mm x 130mm x 160mm (6.7 x 5.1 x 6.3") and a whopping 990g without a fan (which it does not ship with) this is one of the largest consumer heatsinks on the market.  At $66 it does cost as much as many heatsinks that do come with fans,  however it is large enough that it could be used passively on some CPUs though [H]ard|OCP's testing shows you would be wise to attach a 140mm fan if you plan on overclocking.  When they charted out the price to performance of this cooler it was obvious that this is not a worthy successor of the HE01.

"SilverStone is back with its latest air cooled heatsink unit for today's desktop processors. As far as size goes, the HE02 heatsink is mammoth. Along with the huge heatsinks we often find installation and compatibility issues. SiliverStone speaks to designing the HE02 in order to ease those pains. How well does it work though?"

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

CASES & COOLING

• Silverstone Heligon HE01 Asymmetric Dual Tower Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
• Xigmatek VENUS XP-SD1266 CPU Cooler Review @ NikKTech
• Deepcool ICE BLADE PRO V2.0 CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Zalman CNPS9900DF Twin Tower Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
• lacialtech Igloo 5761 Silent Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
• Zalman CNPS9900DF CPU Cooler Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Fight for Super Heavyweight Title: SilverStone Heligon HE01 vs. Phanteks PH-TC14PE @ X-bit Labs
• Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 2 CPU Cooler Review @ eTeknix
• Phanteks PH-TC90LS Low Profile CPU Cooler Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• ilverstone HE01 Performance Heatsink Review @ Ninjalane
• DeepCool Gammaxx 400 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
• Corsair AF120, SP120, AP140 Fans @ XSReviews
• Cooler Master Excalibur 120mm Fan Review @ eTeknix
• Swiftech G Lok-Seal Compression Fittings @ Tweaktown
• Swiftech Maelstrom Standalone Bay Reservoir @ Tweaktown
• 120mm Radiator Fan Roundup Part 2: Fan Harder @ AnandTech
• Corsair Hydro H100 Water Cooling Heatsink Review @ Frostytech
• NZXT HUE RGB LED Controller Review @ eTeknix
• CM Storm Scout II Chassis @ Kitguru
• Xigmatek Asgard III @ Hardware.info
• Lian Li PC-7HX Mid Tower Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2689
• Gigabyte Luxo M10 Case Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Xigmatek Asgard 381 Mid-Tower Chassis Review @ eTeknix
• Bitfenix Prodigy mini-itx case @ Rbmods
• RAIDMAX Orion Case Review @ OCC
• Aerocool XPredator X1 Evil Black Edition Case Review @ OCC
• http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/aerocool_xpredatorx1/
• NZXT Phantom 820 @ techPowerUp
• SilverStone Sugo SG09 Case Review: Someone at SilverStone Loves Tetris @ AnandTech
• Aerocool X1 Devil Red Edition Mid-Tower Chassis Review @ eTeknix
• Enermax Hoplite ST PC Case @ [H]ard|OCP

NZXT Unleashes the Kraken -- World's first all-in-one 140mm & 280mm liquid-cooler

Subject: Cases and Cooling | October 31, 2012 - 05:18 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: watercooling, all-in-one, nzxt, Kraken X40, Kraken X60

30th October, 2012 – High performance liquid cooling has finally arrived in an easy to use, all-in-one package. NZXT releases the Kraken, the first premium all-in-one water cooler series for PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Kraken X40 and Kraken X60 are high end, all-in-one 140mm and 280mm liquid-cooling solutions where ease of use meets unmatched performance.

Applying its forward-thinking design philosophy to the water-cooling market, NZXT raises the bar with a userfriendly solution that brings unrivaled liquid-cooling performance to your fingertips. With 36% more surface area than standard 120mm/240mm radiators and fully interactive fan control, NZXT’s Kraken series is nothing short of a water-cooling behemoth.

NZXT brings its innovative HUE controlled lighting system to the Kraken, setting a new standard for design and performance. Featuring premium black sleeved cables and extended 16-inch tubing for large tower support, the Kraken brings high performance cooling with an uncompromised look that any enthusiast will be dying to show off.

At its core, the Kraken features a state-of-the-art pump attached to an all copper base that is compatible with all of the current offerings from Intel and AMD. Included with the 140mm Kraken X40 is one NZXT FX-140 PWM fan, with the ability to install an additional 140mm fan for a push-pull configuration, offering unmatched cooling performance.

The 280mm Kraken X60 features two NZXT FX-140 PWM fans, with the ability to install an additional two fans for a push-pull configuration as well. Additionally, the Kraken X60 utilizes a SATA power connector for easy installation and effortless cable management.

Both Krakens are aggressively priced at $99 and $139 for the X40 and X60, respectively, and backed by a 2 year warranty. With the Kraken, NZXT set out to unleash the best closed loop water cooler on the market, and believes its customers should not settle for anything less.

Corsair Announces Updated Hydro Series H60 and New Hydro Series H55

Subject: Cases and Cooling | October 25, 2012 - 02:15 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: corsair, watercooling, hydro H60, hydro H55, hydro

FREMONT, California — October 25, 2012 — Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced an updated version of the award-winning Hydro Series H60 liquid CPU cooler, and the new Hydro Series H55 liquid CPU cooler.

The Hydro Series H55 is an update to the hugely respected Hydro Series H50, and is based on the latest, 4th generation cold-plate design. The updated version of the Hydro Series H60 takes advantage of the latest cold plate, manifold and fan technology to further increase performance and reduce noise levels.

"The Hydro Series H50 and H60 have a hard-won reputation for delivering effective, reliable, and quiet CPU cooling,” said Thi La, Senior VP & GM of Memory and Enthusiast Component Products at Corsair. "These new and improved versions demonstrate Corsair’s commitment to providing our customers with the latest and best integrated liquid cooling technology.”

In addition to the new cold plate and manifold design, the Hydro Series H60 also utilizes larger diameter tubing, which increases the coolant flow rate and performance. The new composite rubber tubing makes installation easier, but retains the low-evaporation rates of the older, more rigid tubing, guaranteeing a long lifetime. The Hydro Series H60 also introduces a new magnetic mounting bracket, which makes it simple to select the correct motherboard socket format.

H60 Includes Fan Based on Award Winning Air Series SP120

A high-quality fan designed specifically to move air through the fins of a liquid cooling radiator is an essential part of any liquid cooling system. The new H60 includes a 120mm fan based on the award-winning Air Series SP120. This utilizes a motor that has been specially tuned for high torque, ensuring outstanding static pressure, and consistently high performance at low noise levels.

The Hydro Series H55 is designed to provide a simple and effective upgrade from a basic CPU air cooler. The 4th generation cold plate design, and high static-pressure, low noise 120mm fan provides great performance, while the tool-free mounting bracket and low-permeability rubber tubing makes installation simple.

Both the Hydro Series H55 and Hydro Series H60 CPU coolers are compatible with most cases that feature a rear 120mm fan mount. Both support motherboards based on the Intel LGA115x/1366/2011, and AMD AM2/AM3/FM1 sockets, and are backed by a five year limited warranty.

Pricing and Availability

The Corsair Hydro Series H60 is available immediately from Corsair’s worldwide network of resellers and distributors, at a price of $79.99 in the United States.

The Corsair Hydro Series H55 is available immediately from Corsair’s worldwide network of resellers and distributors, at a price of $69.99 in the United States.

The second coming of the AX1200, now with software controls

Subject: Cases and Cooling | October 24, 2012 - 05:11 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: PSU, modular psu, kilowatt, Digital Power Supply, Corsair Link, corsair, ax1200i, 80 Plus Platinum

Corsair's new AX1200i PSU is 80 Plus Platinum rated and sports Link monitoring and control software as you might remember from Lee's review.  On the off chance that you would like a second opinion about the PSU, [H]ard|OCP recently published their own review.  Just like Lee they were impressed with the voltage regulation, efficiency, and DC Output quality though they were less impressed with the noise they saw during their Transient Load Test.  They also questioned the use of the Link tweaking software and while the final verdict was positive in some ways they didn't feel this PSU was as true successor to the stellar AX1200 released almost two years ago.

"Corsair has a refresh today that talks to its high end line of high power PSUs. The AX1200i comes in touting "platinum" efficiency and "an unprecedented level of monitoring and performance customization." How does the AX1200i perform out-of-the-box and does it actually bring value at its huge price?"

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

CASES & COOLING

• Super Flower Golden Green 350W PSU @ Silent PC Review
• PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 500W Power Supply Review @ Pro-Clockers
• CoolerMaster Silent Pro M2 720W PSU @ Silent PC Review
• Enermax Platimax 600W @ Silent PC Review
• bequiet! Dark Power Pro 10 550W Power Supply @ Silent PC Review
• Seasonic G360 PSU: High efficiency & performance, low price @ Silent PC Review
• Akasa Venom Power 850 W @ techPowerUp
• LEPA B800-MAS 800W Power Supply Unit Review @ NikKTech
• PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 1200-Watt 80 PLUS Platinum @ Tweaktown
• Rosewill Capstone 750W Power Supply Review @ Legit Reviews
• Lepa G1000-MA 1000-Watt 80 PLUS Gold @ Tweaktown
• Enermax MAXREVO 1500 W @ techPowerUp
• FSP Raider 750-Watt 80 PLUS Bronze @ Tweaktown
• Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 1500W PSU Review @ Legit Reviews
• Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 1500W @ TechPowerUp

Corsair Carbide Series 200R Chassis Makes PC Building Easy

Subject: Cases and Cooling | October 24, 2012 - 03:26 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: corsair, carbide 200R

The brand new Corsair Carbide 200R is now available on NewEgg for $80 and has some features that are unique at this price point.  Tool-less installation of 2.5", 3.5" and 5.25" drives has become common at this price point, as have wire management cut-outs however the bottom mounted PSU to allow top mounted fans is a unique feature.  The case will accept heatsinks up to 160mm and video cards 300mm long or 430mm if you remove the lower drive cage.  Seven expansion slots and up to eight fans ensure that even a high end system has enough room and cooling, which could be a good thing if you spent all your money on the components and need a lower cost case to put them in.  Check out the full specs at Corsair.

FREMONT, California — October 24, 2012 — Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced the Carbide Series 200R mid-tower chassis. Priced at only $59 and offering features designed to make PC building incredibly easy and quick, the 200R is ideal for PC builders looking for great value for money.

The Carbide Series 200R is Corsair’s lowest-cost chassis, yet it still includes many of the features that make Corsair chassis popular with enthusiasts and gamers, such as built-in SSD compatibility, front panel USB 3.0 ports, intelligent cable-routing, tool free installation, and a matte-black interior. It is exceptionally easy to use, and a screwdriver is only required to install the motherboard.

"The Carbide 200R is a great value case that breaks the mold by offering intelligent features, great cooling expandability, elegant looks, and is extremely easy to build,” said Thi La, Senior VP & GM of Memory and Enthusiast Component Products at Corsair. "Too often PC builders on a budget are limited to low quality, poor-performing cases with ‘extreme’ looks. Now they have a clear, refined choice."

The Carbide 200R eschews the clichéd look of many low-cost ‘gamer-orientated’ chassis and instead offers a clean and elegant aesthetic design that will appeal to gamers, hobbyist PC builders, and professional system integrators alike. And with up to eight fan mounting locations (two fans included), tool-free support for four 3.5” drives and four 2.5” SSDs, and support for long graphics cards, it can even support high-end PC hardware.