ASRock is known for developing high-quality hardware components for a relatively affordable price. Thence, its latest Z170A-X1/3.1 ATX mainboard is not an exception, since its price tag does not go beyond $100. In order to cheapen the prime cost, the manufacturer backed away SATA Express & M.2 connectors, limiting the PCB by six SATA III 6 Gb/sec ports.



To add, instead of a modern 8-channel audio controller it incorporated a well-known Realtek ALC892 item. The other boons of modernity remained unchanged. Thus, ASRock took Intel Z170 top chipset as the basis for the motherboard. The chipset is targeting the latest Intel Skylake CPUs for Socket LGA1151. The PCB accommodates 4 DIMM slots for dual-channel DDR4-3466 MHz RAM (up to 64 GB max. capacity).


Graphics facilities are ensured thanks to a pair of PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, although there are three more PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots for the connection of other items. Network options are entrusted to gigabit Intel I219V LAN …

Aerocool Advanced Technologies is going to launch a new lineup of 140/120 mm system fans, entitled Dead Silence. As seen from the title, the products are distinguished by absolutely noiseless operation. However, this is not the only attraction. The lineup is introduced by bicolor models with black frames and white/blue/red/black mounting components. Four onboard LED backlight add to the fans’ aesthetic effect.



All the fans are designed on a hydrodynamic bearing that is able to run approximately 100.000 hours on end. All of them are connected to the motherboard by means of a 3-pin connector. The blades are made of two different materials (rubber and plastic), whereas their reverse side features a dedicated Fish-eye design. It provides for the minimization of turbulence. Moreover, four rubber clamps on the frame’s edges terminate the vibration and noise.


To proceed with the peculiarities, Aerocool Dead Silence fans of 120 mm dimensional type rotate at the maximal 1200 …

ASRock press service has proudly announced the launch of a motherboard X79 Extreme 11 with prominent characteristics. According to the provided information, all motherboard tests have been successfully completed, and this allowed the manufacturer to give a go-ahead to the official release. This model is initially designated for the installation of Intel processors, basically of Sandy Bridge-E generation CPU for Socket LGA 2011. The motherboard is developed on the Intel X79 Express chip sets. X79 Extreme 11 is designed in CEB form-factor with the implementation of high-quality components, including Premium Gold Caps capacitors which are distinguished by the prolonged operational term.



Heat removal process is entrusted to a couple of radiators of different framework. One of the radiators is equipped with a compact fan. Power subsystem accommodates digital controller and is designed in correspondence with 24+2 phase algorithm. The key advantage of motherboard X79 Extreme 11 is the …