Introduction

In addition to this year's Intel Optane DC P4800X SSD for data centers and caching memory, Optane Memory Intel is launching a small series of SSDs for high-performance Optane 900P workstations. New SSDs based on 3D XPoint technology are intended for enthusiasts and professionals engaged in photo and video processing, game development, etc.

The Intel Optane SSD 900P is extremely fast thanks to the new 3D XPoint memory, but it's also expensive, as this latest technology is in high demand now. For more than a decade, Intel and Micron have jointly created 3D XPoint memory as a part of a closed secret project in1966. Developers still do not disclose the details of this technology, although third-party companies confirm the information that this is one of the forms of memory based on the phase transition (Phase-change memory, PCM).

 

Performance

To speak about the performance, the new high-speed memory is designed to fill a niche between operational …

Asus has been taking a leading position in the supply of motherboards to the PC hardware market for a long time. For example, its Republic of Gamers series has been enjoying great popularity among customers for more than six years already. Besides, the company was a pioneer to introduce ROG in its products to guarantee an unmatched performance and wide range of available facilities. Crosshair model was the first to implement ROG in its basis, and the latest Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z motherboard is a direct follower of this approach.



Background


Motherboard model Crosshair V Formula-Z is developed in ATX form-factor (305x244 mm dimensions), employs AMD 990FX/SB950 chipset and is ready to house CPUs from AMD AM3+ (Sempron 100/Athlon II/Phenom II/FX). Memory subsystem consists of four DIMM slots estimated for DDR3 memory type that is able to operate in two-channel mode at 1066MHz-2400MHz frequency. The model is known to support Extreme Memory Profile options and is compatible …

Zalman is glad to introduce its fresh PSU series, entitled GV. Pursuant to the manufacturer, these power supplies are intended for the support of high-efficiency components. Taking into account the demands of contemporary PCs, Zalman equips the GV units with a single +12V bus that is able to endure high current capability. Upon the whole, the new series embraces three models: ZM500-GV (500W), ZM600-GV (600W), and ZM700-GV (700W).



All Zalman GV PSUs employ non-modular cable design and high-quality Dual-Forwarding Switching schemes. Those schemes allow for the decrease of losses on switching and for the lowering of operational temperatures. Thanks to this innovation, an overall efficiency of all units approximates 88%; such index is vindicated by 80Plus Bronze certificate.


Cooling of all internal hardware pieces is organized by efforts of a sole 120 mm fan. A comprehensive set of protection options saves all components from a variety of glitches (OVP, SCP, OPP, OCP, UVP), …