Recently, there has been released the announcement of the updated platform Intel LGA 1151 – to replace the processors Skylake, the model Kaby Lake has been offered to the user, and it marked the arrival of the next-generation of Intel products. Of course, this event coincided with the release of new chipsets, and then almost all manufacturers have presented motherboards on the new chipset. So, let’s have a quick glance at one of them – ASRock Fatality Z270 Gaming K6 motherboard.



Packaging and Equipment


The box is large, and therefore it is provided with a plastic handle for easy carrying on the top. At its bottom, there is a group of icons representing the support of various technological solutions. It is a special fun to see here the logos of the Intel “friends”, such as AMD and Nvidia. Three of these logos put together may cause cognitive dissonance with anyone even remotely familiar with the PC world.



Let us now look at the back side of the packaging. …

SilverStone Technology has recently introduced its newest SFX power supply unit. Codenamed SST-ST30SF, it features 125x100x63.5 mm dimensions and weighs 800 g only. The unit is estimated for 300 W power and is capable to demonstrate more than 81% efficiency in 230 V networks. High efficiency level allowed the model to gain 80Plus Bronze certificate.



The most uncommon feature ascribed to SST-ST30SF is that it can operate in passive mode if thermal conditions allow. The unit is equipped with a fan of 80 mm dimensional type; it starts rotating only when the surrounding temperature reaches 55 degrees. This promotes for a considerable power reduction and practically silent work when the fan gets disabled. An average noise level on active operation makes up 18 dB.


SilverStone furnishes the new entry with a single +12V rail, estimated for 22 A current. In its turn, +3.3V rail is estimated for 21 A current, while +5V rail – for 20 A current. It should be noted that this unit …

Sapphire is about to launch a new series of gaming graphics cards, entitled Nitro. The family counts three models: Nitro R7 370 4G D5, Nitro R9 380 4G D5 and Nitro R9 390 8G D5. Since the models take different GPUs as the basis, they are targeted diverse market segments, taking into account as budget-oriented gamers so spendthrift enthusiasts.



Sapphire Nitro videocards are distinguished by two major features. First of all, they employ a top-notch hardware base consisting of solid-state capacitors and Black Diamond ferrite chokes. Second of all, their cooling system boasts the implementation of a molten heatsink, supplemented by a new coating framework and a kit of fans, based on dual ball-bearings. The fans are equipped with IFC-II intelligent system that halts their rotation on low GPU temperature, ensuring noiseless operation.


Sapphire Nitro R7 370 4G D5 is the most cost-efficient solution within the series. It relies on AMD Radeon R7 370 GPU, running at 985 MHz …