The GeminII SF524 measures 144 x 144 x 105 mm, it weights 592 grams, has five 6 mm copper heatpipes, and offers support for Intel LGA 1366 / 1156 / 1155 / 775 and AMD FM1 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 processors. The cooler can be found selling for 37 Euro.

While the MaxRevo 1200W (EMR1200EWT) is designed to meet highest performance and efficiency standards of hardware enthusiasts, the 80 PLUS Bronze certified NAXN 650W (ENM650AWT-B) will strengthen Enermax’ position in the competitive segment of budget power supplies for gamers.

Maximizing Space
Touting a modern minimalist design, Elite 361 is engineered to be accommodating in space restricted work zones. Given its unique structure and airflow design, Elite 361 can be placed either horizontally or vertically within a space. A rotatable Cooler Master logo and four user attachable rubber feet assist in making these transitions. Front panel ports are positioned to be easily accessible in either orientation.

Viewing the interior reveals that Elite 361 supports up to a full-sized ATX motherboard, six 3.5” hard drives while being potentially expandable to a multiple graphics card configuration with its seven expansion slots. Benefiting from innovate enthusiast-grade features, Elite 361 incorporates a removable hard drive cage that, when removed, offers a maximum space of 12.3” or 312mm for graphics card length. A large 120mm top fan and several optional 80mm to 120mm fan ports provides superior ventilation potential.

Elite 361 will be available in February, 2012. Click here for more details.

The word “Gigas” is part of the Greek language and means “giant”. In the modern language, the prefix “giga” can be found in many different areas to quantify the sheer size. Gigabyte or Gigawatt are such examples and the new chassis from Xigmatek carries the name “Gigas” for good reason.

The shell of the cube chassis is constructed of Aluminum, which give the chassis that extraordinary look and feel. With the single piece spanning across the left, front and right of the chassis, completely eliminating any ugly gaps between these areas. Plenty of openings allow for ample ventilation and have been placed in the rear, side and front of the chassis, with the one in the front shaped like an X for Xigmatek.

Two 5.25 inch drive bays in the front next to a perfectly placed I/O panel, which holds not only the power and reset buttons, but also the two USB 2.0 and a single USB 3.0 plug. The latter may be connected directly to the 20-pin header of modern motherboards. Naturally, two status LEDs and a pair of audio connectors can also be found on the I/O panel..

Upon removing the six screws holding the top cover in place, one may access the innovative interior layout, which is the absolute strength of the Gigas. The motherboard, be it of the Micro-ATX or ITX, is simply placed on the floor of the chassis as this panel also acts as the board tray. Expansion cards and ATX power supply are to be installed horizontally within the chassis, as this is the most efficient use of the limited space.

Two large air vents on the left side of the chassis give access to fresh air for the PSU and graphic card so that even the longest (up to 35 cm) and fastest graphic cards keep cool under any circumstance. Two 120 mm fans, rotating at up to 1.000 RPM push cool air across the components, further reducing the overall temperature within the Gigas.

To pull hot air out of the case, the Gigas may hold an additional two 120 mm units in the rear of the chassis. These are to be installed above each other, which generates a healthy flow of air across the hard drive cage and the CPU cooler,

Each of the two hard drive cages can hold up to three 3.5 inch hard drives, with an additional 2.5 inch SSD mounting on the underside of each unit, for a total of eight drives. A third cage, intended for two 5.25 inch drives can be found in the front of the chassis. For additional support of these parts, a metal beam has been installed within the chassis, while still allowing CPU coolers with an impressive height of 18.5 cm to be installed with the Gigas.

With all these features and the incredible and innovative use of space, the Xigmatek Gigas performs like a giant, able to hold high-end components without breaking a sweat. Xigmatek rounds up the impressive list of engineering achievements with their “Mono Cool” fan controller, also part of the Midgard (II) cases, with which one may adjust the speed of up to three fans within the chassis.

Antec‘s new desktop PSU series provides quiet, efficient power in 400W, 520W, and 620W models, accommodating casual gamers, home office and corporate consumers. The High Current Gamer M Series is the perfect combination of power and cabling that supply extreme levels of power and superb efficiency.

Maximum Efficiency – As one of industry’s mainstream 80 PLUS® Bronze certified PSU, the High Current Gamer M series offers an ideal combination of industry-leading reliability, guaranteed Continuous Power and up to 87% energy efficiency to help reduce electric bills.

Whisper Quiet – A simple 135mm two ball-bearing fan controlled by Antec’s renowned Thermal Manager and CircuitShield™ operates with minimal noise even at full load.

Premium Components – High Current Gamer M employs 4 fully-protected High Current +12V rails with high load capabilities to ensure maximum CPU and GPU compatibility. It’s designed with 100% Japanese capacitors, ensuring maximum DC stability and regulation. It also offers stealth wires for minimal visibility inside the chassis and a 10-pin modular socket for High Current Flexibility.

Black mesh cable sleeves – All wires darkened for minimal visibility in chassis

Safety Precautions – Patented Circuitshield™ includes voltage, current, power, under voltage, and short circuit protection which automatically shuts down the PSU to prevent further system damage.

All HCG-M power supplies are covered by an Antec five-year parts & labor warranty.

“Antec has succeeded with providing consumers with quiet and efficient power supplies to choose from,” said Mafalda Cogliani, Global Marketing Director at Antec. “And now we want to provide the same type of power and convenience via hybrid modularity power supply that will help with energy reduction.”

Availability
The HCG-M PSU series will be available in the US on Newegg, ASI, Ma Labs, Amazon, J&R and Buy.com and in Canada on NCIX and Canada Computers in early February.

Optimized Cooling System

Time tested as a titan among mid-tower cases, the CM 690 II makes it possible to take advantage of excellent airflow and water cooling options to vastly reduce temperatures on system components. The roomy interior space of CM 690 II Advanced Black & White enables users to install up to 10 fans, with enlarged mesh design for superb ventilation. Users can accommodate 120 x 240 mm radiator at the top and bottom for superior cooling performance. It also supports up to 2 radiators for water cooling units, and larger CPU cooler, such as Hyper 612 PWM.

More User-friendly Design with Improved Expansibility

Keeping the ideal filter design of previous generation, the new CM 690 II series is also equipped with filters on all meshed area and bottom for easy maintenance. With the tool-free 5.25″/ 3.5″ HDD bays, the 1.8″/ 2.5″ HDD and SSD adapter, CM 690 II series can also fully fulfill the demand of storage. In addition, CM 690 II Advanced Black & White includes an external SATA dock; users can install HDD here with protection. Utilizing users’ feedback, Cooler Master’s engineers improved upon the CM 690 II’s winning design by greatly increasing the CPU mounting hole size to accommodate new Intel Ivy Bridge mounts and AMD rear mounting procedures. Its roomy space can also contain long graphics cards, such as AMD Radeon HD 6990. Additionally, rubber grommets have been added to aid in setting up a clean and professional cable management layout.

Newly phased in USB 3.0 interface

Loaded with features, the CM 690 II delivers as the ultimate mid-tower for any purpose. With the announcement today, Cooler Master will begin offering improved Advanced Black & White Edition that will maintain its image with a performance and value update. This is accomplished by implementing the exciting new internal changes and exchanging the e-SATA port for two additional USB 3.0 internal connectors. The I/O on the top also offers a more convenient way to access.

The improved CM 690 II Advanced Black & White will be available for €99,95 and will hit the stores around the beginning of March.

Well suited for the home or office, NotePal D-Lite keeps laptops up to 15” cool and quiet with its large 140mm fan. It features an ergonomic design that supports better viewing / typing angles for longer, more comfortable, sessions. Users will immediately notice that the NotePal D-Lite is built from sturdy, yet lightweight, materials that make it easy to travel with and store when not in use. Laptops come with precious few USB ports. Knowing this, Cooler Master Engineers included a USB pass-through connector that will power the NotePal D-Lite and provide access for another USB device.

NotePal D-Lite comes in among the best budget-friendly laptop coolers on the market with a MSRP of $9.99. Expect to see NotePal D-Lite on store shelves in select regions soon. This information applies to the U.S. and Canada only. Price and availability may vary by country and/or region. For more information, visit the product page.

The Three Hundred Two enclosure is perfect for gamers, system integrators and casual builders alike because of its extensive cooling advantages and expandability.

High Performance Cooling Advantages – The Three Hundred Two is built for maximum cooling thanks to its perforated front bezel, included dual TwoCool fans, and four optional fans, including a 120 mm CPU exhaust fan behind the motherboard, to ensure gamers can play beyond the long hours of the night.

Extensive Compatibility and Expandability – The Three Hundred Two utilizes eight expansion slots for up to three 12.5″ (318 mm) graphics cards for compatibility with the largest GPUs.

Intelligent Design – This enclosure has removable, washable PSU and front intake air filters, along with a cable management system that features four strategically placed holes and 3 cm of space behind the motherboard tray. It’s even easier for builders to start using their new PC right away thanks to the Three Hundred Two’s three 5.25″ and five 3.5″ tool-less drive bays.

“The Three Hundred Two is an excellent enclosure for those who want to build a reliable, long-lasting PC,” said Mafalda Cogliani, Global Marketing Director for Antec. “The enclosure has great cooling and expandability options, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to build a new and affordable gaming PC with high functionality and design.”

The Three Hundred Two is available from NCIX for $79.95.

Detailed Specifications:

- 11 drive bays:
3 x 5.25″ tool-less drive bays
2 x 2.5″ drive bays (dedicated)
6 x 3.5″ tool-less drive bays
- Motherboards: Standard ATX, micro ATX, Mini-ITX
- 8 expansion slots
- Maximum graphics card size: 12.5″ (318 mm)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 6.7″ (170 mm)
- Cooling System:
1 x 120 mm rear TwoCool fan
1 x 140 mm top TwoCool fan
2 x 120 mm front intake fans (optional)
1 x 120 mm side intake fan (optional)
1 x 120 mm side exhaust fan behind motherboard (optional)
- Perforated front bezel for maximum air intake
- Water cooling support: top water cooling grommets
- Enlarged CPU cutout
- Front I/O ports:
2 x USB 3.0 with internal motherboard connector
Audio In/Out
- No power supply included
- Unit Dimensions
513 mm (H) x 229 mm (W) x 471 mm (D)
20.2″ (H) x 9″ (W) x 18.5″ (D)
- Package Dimensions
565 mm (H) x 290 mm (W) x 525 mm (D)
22.2″ (H) x 11.4″ (W) x 20.7″ (D)
- Net Weight: 15.3 lb (6.9 kg)

New highlights of the BlackDragon series are: Version 2.3 specification compliant, advanced circuit design with better Japanese grade A components supporting the newest Intel & AMD dual core .64 & .45 process multi-core micro-processors and supporting 4-way SLI / Crossfire GPUs.

Auto-thermal fan control, maximizing the BlackDragon’s cooling performance whilst maintaining reduced sound levels. Energy sufficient, BlackDragon series power supplies are compliant with the Energy Star & Blue Angel standards. Housed in cool black powdered coated enclosures with embossed Spire logo, the BlackDragon series are backed by the award winning service program and 2 years warranty. Spire – Powered by Innovation.

Main Features:

- ATX Ver.2.3 Specification Compliant
- Black Sleeved cables and black EZ-Connectors
- EMI Shielded VGA/HDD Power Connectors
- Supports the newest Intel & AMD based systems
- Cool-Blue LED 120 mm Auto PMW silent DC fan
- Completely silent 10.0 dBA under 250 W up to 45C / 113F
- High Efficiency (86%) up to 30% less power consumption
- Compliant with ErP Lot 6 2010: 5Vsb AC input < 1W maximum draw at standby & off mode
- I/O/OVP/OLP and SCP Short Circuit- Overload- Over Power- & current-Protection

Compatibility:

The BlackDragon power supply series are compatible with Intel Version 2.03 ATX, SSI EPS 12V 2.91 standards and Micro ATX standards.

MSRP:

€61.50 / $79.99 (400 W), €73.50 / $95.99 (500 W), €109.95 / $139.99 (600 W)

Vertical Vapor Chambers feature less than half the air resistance by reducing airflow vortexes and noise generated by air streaming through a heatsink. At the same time vertical vapor chambers exhibit 3 times the fin contact area, enabling faster and more efficient transfer of heat from the vapor chambers to the fins, and overall more efficient use of the available fin surface area.

As a result, Vertical Vapor Chambers allow Cooler Master to develop cooling solutions with greatly reduced noise footprints or increased cooling performance in excess of 200W at the same or lower noise level as without vertical vapor chambers.

The high-end tower heatsink Cooler Master TPC-812, the first product based on this latest technology and Cooler Masters leading product development process will be officially released to the market in a few weeks during CeBIT 2012.

ECA3175-L – The First-Choice Entry-Level Case
The new Staray model ECA3175-L is a low-budget midi tower with basic equipment. Compared to the first version ECA3170-BL/-BR, the exterior design remains mainly unchanged: The clear shapes and the stable, air-permeable mesh front meets the public taste and does not follow short-term market trends. ECA3175-L is delivered with a powerful 12cm front fan and can accommodate up to three additional fans at the rear and at the side. Thanks to the USB 3.0 front interface, the new Staray model also supports the latest high-speed standard. The port can be connected directly with an internal 19-pin connector, so that the inconvenient cable routing through the back of the case can be avoided.

ECA3175-S – The Best Choice for Silent PC
The second newcomer is directed to users of silent PC systems. The ECA3175-S is equipped with the extremely popular T.B.Silence fans. They offer a perfect balance between cooling performance and noise generation. Enermax delivers the midi tower with two 12cm T.B.Silence fans – one in the front and one at the back of the case. Furthermore, the manufacturer has modified the case interior: It is coated completely in black and comes with a cut-out behind the mainboard tray to simplify the CPU cooler installation. USB 3.0 belongs to the standard equipment of the new Staray version. ECA3175-S provides two high-speed USB 3.0 interfaces with internal 19-pin connector.

Prices and Availability
Staray ECA3175-L is now available, the second new model ECA3175-S with two pre-installed T.B.Silence fans will be launched in March:

• ECA3175-L: 49.90 Euro
• ECA3175-S: 64.90 Euro

“Since the introduction of our original Shinobi, fans have been writing in and posting in forums asking for a larger version,” says BitFenix Product Manager David Jarlestedt. “Boasting all new features and nearly limitless flexibility for modders and water cooling enthusiasts alike, Shinobi XL is a lot more than just a size update – it’s a complete revamp.”

On the outside, Shinobi XL borrows the same battle-proven design that has made Shinobi a classic. Everything from the meshed fan vents and brushed aluminum logo to the signature BitFenix SofTouch surface treatment is faithfully reproduced. But one step closer reveals an entirely different warrior. Like its name suggests, Shinobi XL can accommodate XL-ATX motherboards with nine PCI slots for even the most extreme setups. On top, users are treated to four SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, as well as a new innovation – the BitFenix SuperCharge port. This port is specifically designed for charging mobile devices, offering up to 2.5A of current for fast charging.

The stealthiest warriors need to have ice running through their veins, which is why Shinobi XL is designed with water cooling in mind. Inside, users will find the BitFenix FlexCage hard disk rack which can be either rotated or removed entirely for optimum flexibility. Once removed, Shinobi XL can accommodate a host of water cooling equipment, including a 360 mm radiator on top, a 360 mm radiator in front, or a 240 mm radiator on the bottom right out of the box. If air cooling is more your speed, Shinobi XL has you covered with two 230 mm and one 120 mm BitFenix Spectre fan included. Multiple fan locations are also built in, allowing users to outfit Shinobi XL with up to three 230 mm, one 140 mm, or nine 120 mm fans for keeping your components cool in any situation.

Working with your system should be a no-nonsense affair, so Shinobi XL comes with an assortment of friendly features to get you off the workbench and into battle as quickly as possible. Tool-free drive locking mechanisms make it easy to secure your drives, while a large CPU cooler cutout allows users to swap out CPU coolers without removing the motherboard. Shinobi XL offers a bevy of cable management features including over 3 cm of space behind the motherboard tray, and rubber grommets to protect your cables and reduce air turbulence inside the chassis. Removable dust filters on all air intakes make cleanup a breeze and anti-vibration pads help absorb vibrations from the power supply. To top things off, the included 5.25″ drive bay adapter allows you to install additional hard disks, SSDs, or card readers, making Shinobi XL a dream to work with.

BitFenix Shinobi XL will be available on store shelves beginning March 2012 with an estimated MSRP of €139 (incl. 19% VAT) in the EU and $149 in North America.

Image courtesy sunbeltblog.blogspot.com

Earlier today Intel unveiled its Performance Tuning Protection Plan, which offers certain out-of-warranty service offerings in the event of damage caused by over-clocking or over-voltaging by the user on “K”, “X”, and LGA2011-socketed boxed processors.

Users who purchase this plan and meet the plan’s criteria, can receive a one-time replacement processor if the user’s over-voltaging or overclocking causes the original processor to fail.

This pilot plan will be launched on January 18, 2012, at 12:01AM PST and last for six months. The first phase of the Plan will include 4 resellers: CyberPower, Canada Computers and Electronics, Scan Computers, and Altech Computers.

On February 13, 2012, Intel plans to add additional resellers to the Plan.

Intel will also be providing the Plan directly to customers at the following website: http://www.intel.com/go/tuningplan for the duration of the Plan.

Intel will evaluate the Plan throughout the six months and decide whether or not to proceed past the pilot phase.

Switch 810 aggressively eliminates heat, boasting support for 280 mm radiators, up to ten 140/120 mm fans. One of the most noteworthy features is an industry-first, unique hybrid fins that you can close to minimize noise and dust accumulation or open to expose passageways for maximum airflow.

NZXT ensures maximum expandability with two removable HDD cages with a potential of up to 7 HDDs equipped with two pivoting 120/140 mm fans that direct airflow at 15⁰ to the VGA and CPU. There are 9 expansion slots for installing EATX motherboards with Quad SLI, or Triple crossfire. Multimedia access is optimized with high speed dual USB 3.0, a hard drive dock, and an SD card reader.

Switch 810 offers stress-free installation with immaculate wire management and tool-less 5.25″ and 3.5″/2.5″ SSD hard drive installation for easy accessibility. Additional features that solidify Switch 810 as the PC enthusiast’s dream chassis include a rear white LED light added visibility in dark environments and an acrylic window lets you peer in at your masterful build.

“Switch 810 is truly the pinnacle of high performance computing” said Johnny Hou, Founder of NZXT. “It offers enthusiasts an array of advanced features intuitively implemented into one of the most unique designs we’ve ever created.”

The Switch 810 is available for $169.99.

]]> http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/19289/feed/ 1 http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/ces-2012-corsair-announces-new-additions-to-its-pc-case-lineup/ http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/ces-2012-corsair-announces-new-additions-to-its-pc-case-lineup/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:02:20 +0000 Sam Reynolds http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/?p=19166 Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced the builder-friendly Obsidian Series 550D ultra-quiet premium case and the compact Carbide Series 300R gaming case.

The Obsidian Series 550D offers a revolutionary combination of noise reduction and a wide array of choices for customizing cooling. The rugged steel and brushed aluminum chassis comes with two 120mm intake fans and one 120mm exhaust fan. Additional fan mounting points are provided for up to ten fans total, including locations for dual side-mounted fans for drawing air directly onto GPUs, and top fan mounts spaced for radiator compatibility. Unused hard drive cages can be removed to improve airflow, and Corsair’s cable routing system allows wires and cables to be tucked behind the motherboard and out of the airflow path.

The front panel and side panels are fully lined with noise damping material, as well as the covers for the side and top intake mounts. The innovative use of noise-damped covers minimizes unused fan intakes causing increased audible system noise. Noise is further reduced through the use of silicone mounts on the fans and hard drive bays. Even the front air intakes are angled for improved noise reduction.

The 550D provides eight expansion slots with room for GPUs of up to 450mm in length, a CPU backplane cutout for easy installation and upgrade of CPU heatsinks, a fully-painted matte black interior, six tool-free hard drive bays with removable caddies with integrated 2.5″ SSD support, and four tool-free optical drive bays. Other high-end features include magnetically-mounted dust filters and side panels that open with the touch of a button. The diamond-cut aluminum front control panel houses two high-speed USB 3.0 connectors and audio connectors.

“In the past, enthusiast PC builders had to make the choice between optimal noise reduction and superior cooling capabilities,” said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager for Components at Corsair. “The Obsidian Series 550D changes the game, providing outstanding noise reduction along with carefully engineered cooling capabilities for even the most powerful PC systems.”

Great gaming systems begin with a great case, and the Carbide Series 300R provides a remarkable number of in-demand features in an attractive, compact chassis. Builder-friendly features include three tool-free optical drive bays and four tool-free hard drive bays with integrated 2.5″ SSD compatibility. There’s room for high-end GPUs of up to 450mm in length, and the matte black interior incorporates Corsair’s innovative cable routing system that helps keep wires and cables out of sight for a clean look and improved airflow. The 300R comes with intake and exhaust fans, with room for five additional fans including dual side-mounted fans for direct GPU cooling.

“Inexpensive, compact cases often fall short in builder-friendly features, airflow, or the cosmetic features that make great gaming PCs really stand out,” continued Mr. Mookerjee. “The Carbide Series 300R hits the mark for an affordable, enthusiast-quality compact PC case. Its innovative features will be appreciated by both seasoned system builders and PC gamers who are taking the leap and building their first system from scratch.”

Pricing and Availability
The Obsidian Series 550D and Carbide Series 300R are backed by a two-year warranty and are expected to be available in February from Corsair’s worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors at a US suggested retail price of $159 USD for the Obsidian Series 550D, and $89 USD for the Carbide Series 300R.

Corsair Carbide 300R

Corsair Carbide 300R

]]> http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/ces-2012-corsair-announces-new-additions-to-its-pc-case-lineup/feed/ 0 http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/msi-launches-military-class-inspired-interceptor-series-computer-cases/ http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/msi-launches-military-class-inspired-interceptor-series-computer-cases/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:09:42 +0000 Sam Reynolds http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/?p=18976  

MSI again proves it is a market leader in the PC gaming case sector with the release of their Interceptor line of cases. Look for the Interceptor series in December at an MSRP of $79.99 and $59.99.

MSI today announced a new line of computer cases aimed at PC enthusiasts that will be exclusively distributed by Pro-Com Products in North America.

The Interceptor Series is designed to meet the rigorous demands of overclockers and gamers, yet provides extensive functionality and flexibility for everyday users.

Two models will premiere in the black steel ATX mid tower designs – the Nighthawk and the Raptor.

Key features of MSI’s new Interceptor series include:

Advanced Thermal Air Flow for superior cooling and maximized ventilation with ball-bearing and LED fans; supports additional cooling options for safe, reliable operation of high performance components.

Tool-less drive bay and expansion setup allows users to quickly and easily upgrade their PC.

3-Year Warranty for longevity akin to existing MSI Military Class series of products.

Both models boast seven (7) expansion slots, making them ideal for multi-GPU settings and accommodate high end graphics cards up to 12.2in/310mm in length.  An Included USB 3.0 port and pre-installed 12-in-1 front panel card reader provides quick access to all popular storage formats.

“We are proud to continue expanding on the higher standard inspired by MSI’s award-winning Military Class series of products,” said Rajiv Kothari, Director of Product Management at Pro-Com Products. “The brand-new Interceptor series’ combination on functionality, design, and value will surely appeal to all types of passionate PC builders.”

Availability and Pricing

The Interceptor series will be readily available by the end of December in North America at authorized retailers and e-tailers. The Nighthawk has an MSRP of $79.99 and the Raptor has an MSRP of $59.99.

Just like the GX range of Power Supplies, the Cooler Master GX Lite features one powerful +12V rail which provides plenty of power to whatever system is being used; it can easily support a dual VGA card system (both SLI and Crossfire) and has a strong resistance versus overloading. Next to this +12V rail, there are plenty of other features which make the GX Lite series a great choice.

Intelligent fan speed control
The GX Lite power supplies feature a 120 mm silent fan with built-in fan speed control to not only provide the airflow which is necessary to run a system totally cool, but also do this nearly noiseless.

Up to 88% efficiency
The entire Cooler Master GX Lite series reaches an efficiency of up to 88%. This means that the power is decently distributed to each component and not wasted in the form of heat.

Even more features
This series does not only have a high efficiency and built-in fan control, there are many more noteworthy features present in these power supplies. They include dual layer EMI filters to both reduce noise and to protect the connections by reducing the interference. There also is an active PFC/PWM controller included for further increase in efficiency and massive bulk capacitors with a hold up time of less than 17 ms to make sure the PSU can handle peak loads much better. Last but certainly not least is that the GX Lite series offer several protections like OVP and OPP to prevent damage to the system in any way.

As thermal specialist GELID Solutions certainly offers solid cooling options for this case and provides locations for up to 8 fans. Two silent 120mm fans (rear and front) come preinstalled with the case. The case even enables to mount a 80mm or 120mm fan with a max. 15mm thickness onto the side panel. The DarkForce supports a 120mm or 240mm radiator at the bottom of the case and offers 8+1 slots for extra connection of peripheral devices.

Next to the USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and an eSATA port a top I/O with bay for a hotswap 3.5″ or 2.5″ hard disk or SSD is built in at the top of the case for easier connecting or cloning of hard drives. A 5.25″ to 3.5″ drive bay converter for any optional 3.5” device is included in the package.

The case features an extra large transparent acrylic side panel which enables the best view of the exclusive components inside the case. Then the DarkForce includes 6 individual HDD trays and a HDD cage which can be removed when using an extra-long VGA cards (up to 410mm) and the case offers enough space for large size CPU coolers (up to 165mm height) as well. The entire case design is based on a tool free optical drive mounting concept and includes 2 internal fan extension PCB’s. On the base of the case a dust filter is built in to prevent any dust coming from the floor. Most of the cables are sleeved in black to provide a fully black case and to keep all cables organized.

“No compromises were made in the design of this case, no costs were cut in order to provide PC enthusiasts looking to upgrade or replace their desktops with a high quality build”, said Gebhard Scherrer, Sales Director of GELID Solutions Ltd.

The “DarkForce” is RoHS and WEEE conform and carries a 2-year warranty. It is available now and has a MSRP of USD 119.99 or Euro 91.

Inspired by luxurious supercars, the exterior of the Cosmos II melds aluminum, steel, and mesh into an elegant artistic piece. It utilizes a high-grade aluminum for its primary construction and form. This is supplemented by steel and mesh to add to strength, stability, and overall appeal. It maintains its trademark Cosmos profile and outlook with its reinforced aluminum rails while being further refined for today’s advancements in air/water cooling, peripheral support, and styling. Following the supercar feel, the large aluminum side panels swing wide open with a small press of a button. Aluminum sliding doors adorn the well equipped fan and LED control and I/O ports function panel on the top of the case along with the front drive bays. These serve to obscure unsightly cabling and protect drive bays and devices.

Extreme Water cooling Potential
A stock Cosmos II supports a 360mm radiator in the top. Removal of the bottom hard drive cages results in space for a 240mm radiator placed on its side; having direct access to cold air from the exterior of the case. Mounting support will vary based on the radiator manufacturer. Large single 120mm or 140mm All-in-one (AIO) water cooling units are supported on the rear exhaust fan port.

Hardware Support
A full twenty percent larger than its predecessor, Cosmos II can effortlessly hold up to 13 HDDs or SSDs (2 X-docks, mid-cage 5, bottom cages 6) and multiple watercooling radiators. The Cosmos II has 10+1 expansion slots that enable users to install systems from the highest end that include of up to 4-way SLI / Crossfire builds. The +1 expansion slot allows users to install add-on cards via PCI extensions, or install other function panels for CCFL / Cold Cathode lighting control, additional cooling, and much more. Users looking to build the most extreme systems will enjoy the fact that the Cosmos II motherboard tray easily accommodates up to a XL-ATX motherboard.

Cable Management & Storage
A professional cable management look is possible with little effort. This is thanks to high quality grommets on the cable management holes and utilizing the many available cable tie zones. Smarter, and larger, placements of these areas allow for efficiently routing cables. A wide array of hardware can be mounted tool-free via the use of the included locking mechanisms, trays, and thumb screws. A very large CPU heat sink retention hole has been placed in the motherboard tray to allow it to be compatible with most types of CPU and motherboard layouts (Current LGA2011 and AMD FM1 sockets are supported).

The included front panel connections and controls provide a user with the ability to make on-the-fly changes to fan speed and case LEDs while USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, and audio connections are also provided as an added means of convenience. This is topped off by two HDD/SSD X-docks in two 5.25” bays. These make mounting extra drives as easy as loading a Blu-ray/DVD/CD.

The Cosmos II will be available in EU for €349.99 in second half of January, 2012. It will be available at retail and online locations that carry your favorite Cooler Master products.

Externally the Sharkoon T28 offers a black body and a rectilinear mesh front design. Power and Reset buttons are elegantly chromed. In regards to the front connectors, Audio In/Out stands ready between three USB2.0 ports and a USB3.0 interface. An acrylic window on the left side panel gives an insight into the interior of the colored mainboard tray. Choose from three color editions: Red, green, and for the first time after numerous customer suggestions, blue. Also, the operating and hard drive LEDs illuminate in the edition color as well as the three pre-installed 120 mm fans. Two fans rotate in the front, the third in the back. All possess a 4-pin power supply and a 3-pin mainboard connector.

The Sharkoon T28 allows various options with the drive assembly: Two external 5.25 inch and eight internal 3.5 inch bays are available. In one of the two 5.25 slots an external 3.5 inch device alternately can be mounted, appropriate installation material is enclosed. 2.5 inch disks also find room: Configuration includes two mounting frames for hard drives and SSDs in both installation sizes. If necessary, the case converts in no time to support the installation of longer graphic cards: The eight hard drive bays are divided, with two firmly installed and a separate modular hard drive cage. By removing the middle three-cage, enough room is created for up to 40 cm long graphic cards.

In regards to the other functions Sharkoon focuses on proven comfort: The mainboard tray is provided with a CPU cooler mount opening and feedthroughs for orderly and concealed cable relocation, the drives assembly occurs with practical quick-locking mechanisms, the power supply is positioned on the floor of the case directly over a dust filter protected air intake, and in the rear two rubberized hoses are provided.

Superior cooling helps CPUs and graphics cards run at maximum speed without slowdowns or crashes due to overheating. This also means higher speeds for overclockers, and extends the life of disk drives and motherboards. However, traditional case layouts have two serious barriers to optimal cooling, performance, and ease-of-use: firstly, they block airflow with a wall of hard disk drives inside the front of the case. Secondly, important ports and connectors are at the back, making them difficult to access – a defect that manufacturers can only try to address by adding a few front panel connectors.

The PC-100′s radical redesign solves both these problems. For the first time, a case is available that provides a clear path for cool air to flow unimpeded across the CPU, chipset, and voltage regulation components, forcing heat out of the case with maximum efficiency. The result is a dramatic improvement in cooling performance with standard PC parts, and no extra cost. The PC-100 actually needs less space than competing cases, but provides a less cramped interior, easier access to external connectors, and a shorter, more direct path for airflow.

Two Lian Li innovations have made this breakthrough in cooling possible. In the PC-100, the motherboard is rotated 180 degrees. So all those hard-to-reach connectors at the back of traditional PCs are now easily accessible at the front of the PC-100, and the graphics card is much closer to cool air drawn in at the front. Meanwhile, the hard disk drives are moved to the side of the case from their traditional location at the front (similar to Lian Li’s recently released PC-90 chassis). The airflow direction remains the same, from the front of the case to the back, driven by two large, quiet 140mm fans filling the rear of the case, and another 120mm fan at the front.

Despite this radical redesign, there’s less cable clutter. The front panel keeps things neat, with a cable access door. If necessary, any cable can still be routed to the rear or side internally through ducts, so no extra cables protrude from the front of the case and the front panel can be opened without unplugging cables.

The PC-100 also offers enhanced hard drive cooling. With the top side of three hard drives now arranged flat against the outside of the case, they are able to radiate heat directly to the outside over a bigger surface area, instead of being crammed together in a stack as they are in traditional cases. And there’s still unimpeded airflow moving across every drive.

Unobstructed airflow reduces noise, as well as keeping the PC cooler. To further control noise and vibration, there are rubber anti-vibration pads under the case, and the disk drives are isolated with rubber strips on the hard drive tray.

All the neat Lian Li features that buyers have come to expect are still there, like washable air filters, a graphics card holder for stability and protection, and water cooling ports.

There’s space for up to 8 full sized drives and 8 expansion slots. For removable and optical drives, there are two bays at the front of the case – at the top to avoid obstructing air flow.

Cool both inside and out, the PC-100′s classic black anodized aluminum construction and smooth, rounded lines provide the perfect understated complement to the technical wizardry concealed inside.

We have responded. In response to a lot of customer feedback, now modular flat cables are used to achieve a perfect airflow and provide a simpler interface cable assembly. The internal filtering has been optimized for better ripple noise levels and a further increase in efficiency achieved. Special attention was paid to the design of the power supply housing. This is enhanced by the redesigned golden fan grill and the fan comes with its patented VORTEX fan blade design very nicely. The new photo-realistic packaging gives the impression that you had the power supply before opening in your hands.

“Our customers have been asking us for PWM versions of our fans for a long time, but the available PWM fan driver ICs simply weren’t up to our quality standards”, explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. “With our NE-FD1, we’ve now got our custom-designed IC that allows us to build PWM fans that consume less power and remain quieter at low speeds.”

Most conventional PWM fan driver ICs put out square signals that cause sudden torque impulses. These impulses can cause minute deformations of the entire fan structure which lead to audible “clicking” noises that are especially noticeable with many common PWM fans running at slower speeds. Adopting Noctua’s Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology, the custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC slows down the slew rate of the output signal in order to give a smoother, less sudden torque impulse. This way, PWM switching noises can be effectively suppressed and the fan runs even quieter, especially at low speeds.

Noctua’s NE-FD1 IC was not only fine-tuned for superior quietness, it has also been carefully optimised to allow for ultra-low power consumption. As a result, the new PWM models consume 25-40% less power than their non-PWM counterparts.

All models come with Low-Noise Adaptors, 30cm cable extensions and 4-pin y-cables that allow to connect a second PWM fan to the same fan header for automatic control. Equipped with Noctua’s signature SSO bearing and topped off with a 6 years manufacturer’s warranty, the NF-P12 PWM, NF-B9 PWM and NF-R8 PWM are a proven premium choice for the highest demands.

Price and Availability
The new PWM models are available immediately at a recommended retail price of EUR 19.90 / USD 24.90 (NF-P12 PWM), EUR 17.90 / USD 21.90 (NF-B9 PWM) and EUR 14.90 / USD 18.90 (NF-R8 PWM).

For more information, visit the product pages of NF-P12 PWM, NF-B9 PWM, and NF-R8 PWM. To learn more about Noctua NE-FD1 PWM IC, visit this page.

NZXT selected premium materials with high quality 100% Japanese solid state capacitors and components promote longer lifespan and better reliability.  The HALE 82’s modular design includes a selection of flat cables that allow enthusiasts to maximize cable management and airflow within the chassis.  Safety precautions are paramount with protection for voltage, current, power, temperature, under voltage, and short circuit.

NZXT is also introducing a very unique Less Than Three PSU service program. US and Canadian customers are entitled to NZXT’s industry-leading risk-free guarantee.  Should your PSU be defective, simply send it back with a prepaid return label and NZXT will send you a fresh replacement direct to your door step.

“HALE 82 is a great blend of high level efficiency, premium components, and safe, simple operation” said Johnny Hou, Founder and Product Manager at NZXT.  “That coupled with NZXT’s game-changing PSU service program make this a truly distinct offering for enthusiasts.”

HALE82 pricing:

650W – $109.99 – www.nzxt.com/new/products/power_supplies/hale82_650W

750W – $119.99 – www.nzxt.com/new/products/power_supplies/hale82_750W

850W – $139.99 – www.nzxt.com/new/products/power_supplies/hale82_850W

With 89 to 94 per cent efficiency between 20 and 100 per cent load, Enermax shows the way into the future of power supply. Due to its first-class components, the flexible modular or full-modular cable management and numerous connectors, the new series is designed for long-during and reliable operation. According to that, the manufacturer grants 5 years warranty on all Platimax PSU.

Platinum Power for Overclockers
For the first time, Enermax introduces a power supply that is dedicated to users of overclocked computer systems. In contrast to the other models of the series, the Platimax 1000W OC Edition is based on a single-rail design. According to that, the most important system components like CPU, mainboard and graphic card are supplied by a single 12V rail. It has the capability to deliver up to 83A (996W), so more than enough power to ensure a stable operation of overclocked CPU and graphic cards.

HAVIK 120’s smaller form factor yields less strain on the motherboard while leaving even more space within the chassis facilitating an impeccably clean build.  NZXT also includes a universal bracket for easy installation with both Intel and AMD processors and rubber mounting for advanced noise absorption for added convenience and whisper quiet operation.

“HAVIK 120 is a great victory for overclockers seeking a small yet powerful fan cooler that won’t break the bank” said Johnny Hou, Founder and Chief Designer at NZXT. “The original HAVIK 140 has been highly decorated with awards in the enthusiast community.  HAVIK 120 should yield similar performance in a slightly smaller form factor for under $60.”

HAVIK 120 is available now for $54.99.  For more information visit, www.nzxt.com/new/products/cpu_cooler/havik_120.

“After we released the Spectre Series last year, users looking primarily for a silent build were floored at just how good silent fans can be,” says BitFenix Product Manager David Jarlestedt. “Now with the many unique features and design elements that we’ve implemented into Spectre Pro, I believe that the performance crowd is going to be even more impressed.”

Enthusiasts who need to keep their systems as cool as possible know that they need fans that can deliver not only high airflow, but also high pressure when watercooling radiators are involved. Spectre Pro was engineered with this thinking in mind, able to push large amounts of air and maintain high air pressure in the process. Spectre Pro’s special curved fan blade and cage design directs airflow into a focused column, minimizing diffusion and allowing cool air to move past obstacles and reach the system’s critical components. After all, what good is airflow if it can’t reach your system’s hotspots? By offering high airflow and pressure in a focused manner, Spectre Pro delivers excellent cooling when the action heats up.

But Spectre Pro is a lot more than just numbers on a spec sheet. Created in the BitFenix Design Lab, Spectre Pro features a number of novel touches that not only look great, but help further improve performance. The dual frame construction, besides the aggressive styling it offers, also has vibration dampening properties that can help reduce overall noise during operation. The inner frame is also color matched to the LED color on Spectre Pro LED, making them perfect for case modders and users with windowed chassis. High rotation speeds can actually warp fan blades while in motion, increasing both turbulence and noise. To counteract this, Spectre Pro is equipped with reinforced fan blades to reduce warping while creating an attractive circular pattern while spinning. And on the inside, Spectre Pro uses the same fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) technology found in Spectre fans for silent operation and long operating life.

Borrowing the same on-the-fly light switching technology from our original Spectre Series, Spectre Pro LED users can turn the LED lights on and off with push-button convenience when used in conjunction with compatible BitFenix chassis and accessories. Spectre Pro also comes in 120, 140, 200, and 230mm sizes, and also LED (red, blue and white) and non-LED versions to match virtually any build. What’s more, each Spectre Pro fan comes with a number of vibration absorbing rubber screws and grommets to help users keep noise levels in check, as well as a 7V low voltage adapter for users who require even lower noise levels.

Besides striving for better graphic performance, the S1 PLUS Turbo Module enables the Accelero S1 PLUS to cool various high-end VGA cards including the AMD Radeon HD 6870. With its flexible rubber-pin mounting, the S1 PLUS Turbo Module can also be applied onto the Accelero S1 Rev.2 for enhanced cooling performance. The included thermal compound MX-4 can help refresh the thermal conductivity between the GPU and the copper plate on the passive VGA cooler.

The S1 PLUS Turbo Module also comes with a six-year limited warranty.

“The upcoming release of Intel’s Core i7-3000 series Sandy Bridge-E processors will raise the computing performance for enthusiast and professional users alike, so they can look forward to an interesting platform. However, these high performance processors need an adequate cooling solution to unleash their full potential and the Corator DS is predestined for this task”, explains Timothy Chu, Coolink CEO. “With the Corator DS – LGA2011, which is based on the successful and award-winning Corator DS, we are proud to offer an attractive Core i7-3000 cooling solution for customers who are looking for great performance at reasonable costs.”

Coolink’s exclusive GDT-technology gives the Corator DS – LGA2011 a large gapless all copper contact area to ensure superior heat transfer and even spreading of the thermal compound for excellent cooling performance with high-end processors, be it at stock clocks or in overclocked environments.

The new SecuFirm™ 2 mounting system for LGA2011 combines easy installation with outstanding reliability, topped of by optimized mounting pressure for excellent performance with Sandy Bridge-E processors.

Featuring wider fin spacing on the first of its two fin stacks, the Corator’s asymmetrical dual stack design was fine-tuned for maximum airflow efficiency and
quiet operation in combination with the supplied SWiF2 – 120P fan. Altogether, the Corator’s 70 fins provide a surface area of more than 7500cm² for optimal heat dissipation.

The included fan is part of Coolink’s renowned and awarded SWiF2 series, featuring a high-performance hydro-dynamic bearing for outstanding durability and superb running smoothness as well as an innovative 11-blade impeller design that provides excellent airflow, especially at low fan speeds.
Thanks to the support of PWM, the SWiF2 – 120P fan can be controlled by the mainboard according to the current CPU temperatures and thus remains whisper quiet at typical usage, unleashing its full power only when really needed.

The package is completed by a tube of Coolink’s high-end Chillaramic thermal compound and full 5 years manufacturer’s warranty, making the Corator DS – LGA2011 an ideal Core i7-3000 cooling solution for everyone looking for excellent performance at an attractive price point.

Pricing and Availability
The Corator DS – LGA2011 is available immediately at a suggested retail price of EUR
39.90 / USD 44.90.

“Our award-winning NF-P12 has become a standard choice for pressure demanding applications such as CPU coolers and radiators, but we’ve been striving to achieve even better performance in this domain, and this is how the NF-F12 was born”, explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. “Due to the stator guide vanes focussing the airflow, it can push the air through dense fin stacks more effectively. This type of design has mostly been used for noisy high speed fans so far, so our engineers have put a lot of thought into keeping the noise in check.”

The NF-F12 uses a wide range of aerodynamic optimisations in order to refine the fan’s acoustic qualities. For example, the NF-F12’s stator guide vanes are set out in Varying Angular Distance and feature Vortex-Control Notches. Both measures help to spread the noise emission over a broader frequency spectrum and thus make the fan’s sound pattern more agreeable to the human ear. Another novel measure introduced with the NF-F12 is the Stepped Inlet Design, which adds turbulence to the influx in order to facilitate the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow. This measure reduces tonal intake noise, improves flow attachment and increases suction capacity, especially in space restricted environments.

In addition to its advanced aerodynamic features, the NF-F12 is the first fan to implement the further optimised second generation of Noctua’s renowned, time-tested SSO bearing as well as the novel, custom designed NE-FD1 PWM IC for fully automatic PWM speed control. The NE-FD1 integrates Noctua’s Smooth Commutation Drive (SCD) technology for quieter operation and allows for ultra-low power consumption: Drawing only 0.6W, the NF-F12 consumes more than 50% less than many fans in the same speed range. This doesn’t only make it eco-friendly but also cuts down the electricity bill.

Last but not least, the NF-F12 comes with modular cabling, integrated anti-vibration pads and two speed settings for full flexibility. Its commanding performance, exhaustive set of features and Noctua’s trusted premium quality make it an elite choice for use on air coolers, radiators and other pressure demanding applications.