Gigabyte has enlarged its line of motherboards with a sleek model – the X299 Designare EX. The greenhorn is developed in ATX form-factor and boasts black-and-silver design. The reverse side of the PCB employs a single base plate. The heart of the item is Intel X299 chipset, compatible with HEDT CPUs (Intel Core X family) for Socket LGA2066.

 

Gigabyte X299 Designare EX is fitted with 8x DIMM slots for the installation of DDR4-4400 MHz RAM (up to 512 GB, if using buffered memory in 4-channel mode). The manufacturer has provided for 5x slots for the expansion cards (PCIe 3.0 x16); herewith, the amount of lanes and operational mode of sockets depend upon the chosen CPU. The model brags about an integrated Thunderbolt 3 controller.

 

Furthermore, storage subsystem is backed by 6x SATA III (6 Gb/sec) interfaces, 3x M.2 Socket 3 ports as well as 2x SATA III ports, realized thanks to ASMedia ASM1061 chip. A pair of LAN-controllers, regulated by Intel, …

Patriot Memory yesterday announced the release of high-end DDR3 memory modules. According to the words of the company's representatives, their new modules are designed specifically with the intention to boost the performance potential of Intel Core processors (basically of the second and third generations). Codenamed Intel Extreme Masters Limited Edition, these modules are mainly oriented at the inveterate gamers and enthusiasts, ensuring the stable work of high-performance game consoles.



Intel Extreme Masters Limited Edition modules support Intel XMP 1.3 and are able to work at 1600 MHz, 1866 MHz, and 2133 MHz. The new memory modules will go in two-channel and four-channel kits and supplied in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB volume capacities. The modules operate in 1.5V ranges.


In addition, Patriot Memory's product owns good heat removal properties. The cooling process will be realized by means of solid radiators which were previously employed by Patriot in Viper 3 Series …

Zalman, a highly-acclaimed designer of miscellaneous hardware pieces, has elaborated three completely new series of low-noise fans: ZM-FDB(SF), ZM-LED(SF) and ZM-Plus(SF). The ‘triple’ embraces the models of 80 mm, 92 mm and 120 mm dimensions. The fans do not support PWM technology, thus feature a stable rotational speed. The most peculiar feature is low noise level (not more than 23 dB), despite the range of speed.



Zalman ZM-FDB(SF) are characterized by the implementation of high-quality fluid-dynamic bearings. Their lifespan is estimated as 150.000 hours. The other two fan series – Zalman ZM-LED(SF) and Zalman ZM-Plus(SF) — involve long-life bearings, which are thought to be quite reliable and effective. Their framework features dust-repelling mechanisms and this promotes for the elongated lifespan.


Certainly, the ‘triple’ enjoys similar features. For instance, all the fans employ an original Shark Fin blades design. It allows for the decrease of airflow …