Seagate has expanded its lineup of hybrid drives with the 5th-generation FireCuda SSHD. The greenhorns are based on shingled magnetic recording technology (SMR), rather than perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR). The SMR enables the partial superposition of data tracks; it ensures the ultimate record density. The models are backed by a 5-year’s limited warranty.



Seagate FireCuda series is introduced by 5 models, developed in 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch formats. Their capacity varies from 500 GB to 2 TB. The drives employ MLC flash memory (8 GB) as well as SATA 6 Gb/sec external interface. The spindle rotates at 5400 RPM.


The average data read speed makes up 140 MB/sec with 2.5-inch models & 156 MB/sec with 3.5-inch items. The latter offer also up to 190 MB/sec of the average read speed from flash memory; besides, it takes only 8.5-9.5 ms for the chips to search for the needed data on Read/Write operations. To add, the new FireCuda is thought to consume between 1.7-6.7 W power.

Philips starts retail sales of its newest addition to Brilliance series of monitors. The 24-inch new-comer, entitled 247E6QDSD, features 613x467x238 mm dimensions and a classy black design. It is based on IPS-ADS panel that comes with WLED backlight, offering Full HD resolution on 16:9 aspect ratio. This makes the display a perfect solution to work with photo/video files as well as professional applications. The model might be already found in US stores for $239.99 price tag.



Philips Brilliance 247E6QDSD is distinguished by a fast response time in G-to-G environment — 5 ms & typically – 14 ms, wide viewing angles (178 degrees in both aspects), good brightness (300 cd/m2), the maximal displayed colors (16.7 million), and an ideal dynamic contrast (50M:1). This monitor consumes 18.11 W power at average, however in sleep/standby mode this figure goes as low as 0.5 W. Furthermore, its MTBF index makes up 30 thousand hours.


The model comes equipped with three video outputs, …

The Slovenian EK Water Blocks Company has produced the EK-FB MSI Z270 Gaming Monoblock RGB water unit, designed to serve with a range of Z270 chipset based MSI motherboards. Specifically, the list includes the MSI Z270 Tomahawk, MSI Z270 Tomahawk Arctic MSI Z270, Gaming Pro, MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon, MSI Z270 SLI, MSI Z270 SLI Plus, as well as MSI Z270 Krait Gaming models.



The water block draws off heat from the LGA-1151 processor and from effective power subsystem voltage controllers. The device is supplied with a LED strip, optimized for a 4-pin connector on a system board or an external controller. This strip can be removed or replaced by a new one.


The nickel-plated water block base is made out of copper, and the transparent lid — out of acrylic plastic. The Low Hydrodynamic Resistance of the unit allows to utilize it with low-capacity pumps.


The approximate price of the specialty from EK Water Blocks is 120 EUR.