Zalman is considered to be a key player in PC hardware field mainly due to a perfect combination of quality, functionality and price tags. CPU coolers are not an exception, since they ensure efficient and low-noise cooling of hard-hitting processors. The company’s latest CNPS8X Optima cooler is all about innovation that turns it around. Improved framework makes the model compatible with practically all platforms from Intel and AMD, save for Intel Socket LGA 2011/2011-v3/1366.



Zalman CNPS8x Optima employs a large heatsink, three copper heatpipes, and a single 92 mm fan. The latter is based on long-life bearing and features 4-contact connector. It is able to rotate at about 1200 RPM, producing not more than 30 dB noise.


The list of innovative technologies integrated into the cooler includes:


— Direct Touch Heatpipe (DTH) technology wherein all three heatpipes are in direct touch with a heatspreader. This accelerates heat dissipation process, enhancing overall …

Demands of customers towards external SSD solutions are even tougher than towards traditional built-in drives. This is primarily explained by the aesthetic considerations, and secondly, by the space taken by the device. LaCie has recently announced the release of two external SSD models which are differentiated by an extraordinary design. The upcoming drives are codenamed LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt and will be delivered in two capacity variations: 512 GB and 1 TB. Last year the manufacturer introduced a similar model line but with smaller capacity (up to 240 GB) and different interface (SATA II).



New LaCie LittleBig Disk Thunderbolt drives feature SATA III interface and are based on two 2.5-inch SSDs. Those drives might be combined into different RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1). Upon the whole, the models are housed in ultramodern aluminum casing which serves two purposes: aesthetic and practical. Their design can be described as stylish and refined, while the casing …

ASUS has recently announced the Prime A320M-E system board, intended for desktop PCs with AMD Ryzen processors.



The novelty, performed in the MicroATX form-factor with 226 × 221 mm dimensions, operates the AMD A320 system logic set. Two modules of DDR4-3200(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2666 RAM can be used (overall capacity is 32 GB). There is one PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot for a discrete graphics accelerator and two PCIe 2.0 x1 connectors for expansion cards. Drives can be linked up to four standard Serial ATA 3.0 ports. Moreover, one may use an М.2 solid-state module. The gigabit Realtek RTL8111H controller enables wired network connection. The Realtek ALC887 multichannel audio codec ensures audio quality.


Interface options include PS/2 jacks for a keyboard and a mouse, DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI ports for displays connection, a network cable jack, one USB 3.1 Gen 2, four USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, alongside with a set of audio jacks.


ASUS supplied its product with the 5X Protection III …