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ASUS ROG Z890 Hero Leaked with PCIe 5.0 x16 Support

Posted on by Technocrat

ASUS’s ROG Z890 Hero motherboard has been leaked, featuring full PCIe 5.0 x16 support. The board targets Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake CPUs and includes reinforced slots for heavy GPUs. Images from a distributor reveal a new VRM heatsink design.

Testing with engineering samples shows stable operation at 6000MHz DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs reaching 14GB/s. VRM temperatures remain below 60°C under load, and BIOS options include advanced overclocking features. Rear I/O includes Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7.

The Z890 Hero’s feature set positions it as a flagship choice for enthusiasts building next-gen systems. ASUS’s focus on durability and connectivity may set a new standard for high-end motherboards. Competing boards from MSI and Gigabyte are expected soon.

Corsair iCUE Link H150i Elite LCD Suffers Firmware Glitch

Posted on by Technocrat

Corsair’s iCUE Link H150i Elite LCD suffers from a firmware glitch causing fan speed reporting errors. Users have reported inconsistent RPM readings and occasional fan dropouts in the iCUE software. The issue appears after updating to firmware version 2.1.5.

Testing reveals that actual fan speeds remain stable, but software monitoring fails to display accurate values. Manual control via BIOS is unaffected. Corsair has acknowledged the problem and is working on a firmware fix.

This glitch highlights the challenges of integrating advanced monitoring features in modern coolers. Users are advised to avoid the latest firmware update until a fix is released. Corsair’s response will be critical to maintaining user trust in the iCUE ecosystem.

EKWB Quantum Velocity² AM5 Block Shows 2°C Advantage

Posted on by Technocrat

EKWB’s Quantum Velocity² AM5 water block shows a 2°C advantage over previous models in custom loop testing. The block features a redesigned cold plate and optimized flow channels for AMD’s latest socket. Reviewers used Ryzen 9 7950X for thermal comparisons.

Testing at 250W load reveals CPU temperatures of 68°C, compared to 70°C with the older Velocity model. Flow rates remain consistent, and installation is simplified with a new mounting bracket. Aesthetic options include nickel and acetal finishes.

This performance gain may appeal to custom loop enthusiasts seeking maximum efficiency. EKWB’s focus on socket-specific optimization sets a new standard for water blocks. Competing brands are expected to release similar updates for AM5.

Noctua NH-D15 G2 Engineering Sample Tested

Posted on by Technocrat

Noctua’s NH-D15 G2 engineering sample has been tested by hardware reviewers. The air cooler features an updated fin stack and new NF-A15x25 fans, promising improved thermal performance. The sample was tested on Intel’s i9-14900K and AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X.

Results show a 3°C improvement over the original NH-D15 at 200W load. Noise levels are slightly reduced, with peak measurements at 28dB. Mounting hardware has been refined for easier installation on modern sockets.

The NH-D15 G2’s incremental improvements solidify Noctua’s position in the premium air cooling segment. Enthusiasts seeking silent operation and reliable performance will find the new model appealing. Availability is expected later this year.

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420mm Outperforms Competitors

Posted on by Technocrat

Arctic’s Liquid Freezer III 420mm outperforms competitors in recent cooling benchmarks. The all-in-one liquid cooler features a redesigned pump and larger radiator, targeting high-end CPUs. Independent reviewers have tested the cooler on Intel and AMD flagship processors.

Thermal testing shows CPU temperatures 5°C lower than Corsair’s H170i Elite at 250W load. Noise levels remain under 35dB, even at maximum fan speed. Installation is straightforward, with compatibility for LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets.

These results reinforce Arctic’s reputation for value and performance in the cooling market. The Liquid Freezer III’s efficiency may appeal to overclockers and silent PC enthusiasts. Competing brands may need to innovate to match its thermal and acoustic performance.

Seagate FireCuda 540 4TB Model Hits Retailers Early

Posted on by Technocrat

Seagate’s FireCuda 540 4TB model has hit retailers ahead of the official launch. The drive features PCIe 5.0 support and a Phison E26 controller, targeting high-end gaming and workstation builds. Listings on European e-commerce sites confirm pricing and availability.

CrystalDiskMark benchmarks show sequential read speeds of 10GB/s and write speeds of 9.5GB/s. The drive maintains performance during sustained transfers, with temperatures peaking at 70°C. Random IOPS are also improved over the 2TB version.

The early release gives Seagate a head start in the high-capacity PCIe 5.0 SSD market. The FireCuda 540’s performance and capacity make it attractive for content creators and gamers. Competing models from Samsung and WD are expected to follow soon.