Micron Technology, a well-known designer of RAM modules and solid-state drives, finally launches a new enterprise-class series of SSDs. Codenamed P420m, the new-comers are the true followers of P320h drives, but they are ready to offer more than their predecessors. According to Micron, its new entries feature voluminous capacities and ensure high reliability; however, their price range is far more reasonable than other corporate-class products.



SSDs P420m come in two variations: as standard 2.5-inch drives with PCI Express x4 interface or as HHHL (half-height half-length) expansion cards with PCI Express x8 interface. Both species are based on MLC NAND flash-memory, developed under 25 nm technological process. They support a brand XPERT technology (Extended performance and enhanced reliability technology) that ensures genuine reliability and prolonged lifespan. On conditions of daily employment (i.e. wholesome fourfold rewriting operations), the MTBF index makes up five years. … …

The novelty from ASUSTeK Computer – the TUF X299 Mark 2 motherboard – is based on the Intel LGA2066 socket and the X299 logic set. Manufactured in the ATX form factor, this card is equipped with long-life electrical assemblies.



ASUS TUF X299 Mark 2 features eight slots for the DDR4-4133 RAM (up to 128 GB capacity), three PCI Express 3.0 x16 interfaces, supporting multi-GPU configurations according to the x16/x16/x8 scheme (on top Skylake-X processors), a single PCI-E 3.0 x4 and a couple of PCI-E 3.0 x1. Drives can be linked via six SATA 6 Gbps ports and two M.2 (32 Gbps) connectors.


On the rear panel one can see four USB 2.0, four USB 3.1 Gen1, two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, a PS/2 connector, a gigabit network RJ45 interface and a few audio jacks. The audio subsystem is built on the Realtek ALC S1220A audio codec. Like many other boards by this Taiwan vendor, TUF X299 Mark 2 ia supplied with the Aura Sync LED backlighting.


The ASUS TUF X299 Mark 2 motherboard costs around …

Up-to-date power supply units are able to achieve 80-90% efficiency due to 80 Plus standard. The integration of this standard provides for better power-saving facilities, heat level and noise level. Still, some customers give preference to performance rather than energy saving; thus PSUs from FSP will become the most wise solution for such people. Last year FSP introduced Aurum series and today the company expands the line with a new model — Aurum 92+. The model is represented so far with a single power variation – 650W, and corresponds to 80 Plus Platinum requirements.



General Peculiarities


Correspondence to Platinum standards implies that FSP Aurum 92+ unit should demonstrate not less than 91% nominal efficiency, 90% efficiency at 20 percent loading, and 94% efficiency at 50 percent loading. Testing results prove the claimed characteristics, making this model a desirable high-end acquirement. Aurum 92+ is delivered in a standard cardbox that contains FSP logo …