Noctua, an Austrian developer and supplier of high-end cooling systems, is well-known for the design of versatile products which are able to satisfy the needs of any consumer, starting from average home users and finishing with devotees of overclocking. The recent Noctua creation is the low-profile CPU cooler destined to be employed in HTPC systems and other compact chassis. This cooler is characterized by the horizontal localization of radiator that allows its installation into a quite narrow casing. At the same time, the model is efficient enough to manage high-performance advanced processors.



Design and Framework


Noctua NH-L12 is notable for the classic design and framework. It features 150x128x93 mm dimensions (with two fans) which barely speak of low-profile form factor. NH-L12 is compatible with different CPU sockets, including Socket AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, LGA 2011/1366/1156/1156/775. This cooler consists of horizontal radiator, four copper heat pipes which pierce …

The lineup of graphics cards designed by HIS has been replenished with a new Radeon R7 260 model. Entitled HIS R7 260 iCooler 1GB GDDR5, the new-comer employs a typical PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface and comes with etalon clock frequencies. The R7 260 GPU (GCN, 28 nm) with 768 CUDA cores runs at 1000 MHz. It is accompanied by 1 GB of GDDR5 memory (128-bit bus) that operates at 1500 MHz/ 6000 MHz typical/effective frequency.



This adapter receives power through one 6-contact connector. Connectivity with PC monitors is realized due to three video ports: DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-I. GPU and memory modules are cooled down by the forces of iCooler. It is not differentiated by an offbeat design; it consists of an aluminum heatsink and one low-profile fan.


Still, it offers acoustic convenience while fulfilling standard tasks: the maximal noise level does not exceed the limit of 28 dB. A supplementary aluminum heatspreader can be found in power supply section.


The HIS R7 260 …

All PC enthusiasts and overclockers are now able to enjoy all the privileges of a wireless connection thanks to a new release from MSI. The company’s latest addition to Z87 motherboard series – the Z87 MPower MAX AC – might boast the incorporation of Intel Dual Band module that supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.0 connections. Moreover, due to the employment of two frequency bands (2.4/5 GHz), the speed of wireless data transfer achieves 867 Mb/sec.



It goes without saying that MSI Z87 MPower MAX AC is based on Intel Z87 Express chipset that supports Intel Haswell CPUs for socket LGA1150. All system components are soldered on a black-and-yellow 6-layer PCB; hardware base is implemented according to MSI Military Class 4 concept. Here, one may find Solid CAP capacitors, Dark Choke throttles, and DrMOS voltage regulators.


The PCB contains four DIMM slots for the installation of DDR3 memory modules (up to 16 GB) with the maximal clock frequency of 3000 MHz. …