Computer enclosure segment currently outlives transformations, giving preference to minimization of dimensions and headlong eradication of huge clumsy casings. The developments in this sphere allowed manufacturers to deliver enclosures of mid-tower and small-tower form factor even for the creation of high-end systems. Hence, NZXT company, that previously attracted the public by full-tower gamers enclosure, has designed spacious midi-tower chassis Phantom 410. This model is distinguished by the possibility to install full-size components despite the compact dimensions.



Design and Delivery Kit


Phantom 410 enclosure is developed with original ideas in mind. Its rounded shape and extraordinary frontal part adds some refinement to the casing and attributes it to the gamers-type model. The color gamut will gladden consumers with any predilections as the spectrum involves black, red, white, gray, black-and-orange, and black-and-white. Such bright coloring touches only upon …

Only a couple of weeks are left till the official release of a new cooling system Brocken 2 designed by Alpenfoehn. This is a long-awaited launch, since the fist version of the system, entitled Brocken, was honored to gladden the audience long time ago. Hereby, Brocken 2 has got a wee bit modified framework, if compared with the predecessor. Its dimensions together with a fan equal to 146x100x165 mm.



The base is shaped by means of five 6 mm copper heat pipes, tightly pressed together. Aluminum plates of the heatsink seem to be ‘cut’ in the center, unlike the one-piece construction of plates implemented in Brocken.


Active cooling power is ensured by a nine-blade fan of 140 mm standard size, known as WingBoost 2. The fan supports PWM technology that allows altering its rotational speed within the boundaries of 400-1100 RPM. Its activity stimulates the airflow index of 109 CFM, while the noise level barely achieves 19.6 dB (A). WingBoost 2 features small distance between …

ASRock is going to officially introduce its two budgetary motherboards (compatible with Intel Haswell processors) in early June. Codenamed ASRock Z87 Extreme 4 and ASRock Z87 Pro 3, these products will cost around $170 and $100 correspondingly. Such attractive price makes them one of the most affordable solutions involving high-efficient CPUs of the next generation.



The more costly motherboard, Z87 Extreme 4, is known to feature only high-quality layout components, including PCB with dual copper layers, chokes with ferrite hub, and durable solid-state capacitors. This model supports DDR3 memory modules of up to 2600 MHz frequency and up to 32 GB capacity. Expansion slots consist of two PCI connectors, two PCI Express 3.0 x1 connectors, and three PCI Express 3.0 x16 connectors.


The connection of internal drives becomes possible due to the availability of eight SATA III sockets. Audio subsystem is realized with the help of 8.1-channel Creative Sound Blaster codec. External …