matx | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:56:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png matx | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Jonsbo unveils TK1 cube chassis with curved tempered glass panel https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/jonsbo-unveils-tk1-cube-chassis-with-curved-tempered-glass-panel/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/jonsbo-unveils-tk1-cube-chassis-with-curved-tempered-glass-panel/#respond Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:30:11 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=594982 Jonsbo is back with another unique-looking case. This time around, the company is launching the TK-1, a cube-shaped mini-tower with a U-shaped tempered glass panel giving you the perfect view of your components.  Available in black and white, the dual-chamber chassis of the TK-1 allows you to show your system in a clean environment while …

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Jonsbo is back with another unique-looking case. This time around, the company is launching the TK-1, a cube-shaped mini-tower with a U-shaped tempered glass panel giving you the perfect view of your components. 

Available in black and white, the dual-chamber chassis of the TK-1 allows you to show your system in a clean environment while the cabling stays in the back chamber with the PSU and any HDD/SSD you might want to mount inside the system.

For those worried about cooling, there are plenty of air intakes and outtakes around the case. The bottom panel is meshed and supports up to two 120mm fans. On the top panel, there's also space for up to two 120mm fans. Moreover, the back panel is vented, allowing a CPU air cooler to push the hot air out of the case. Lastly, the left side panel also has perforations so the CPU can pull fresh air to the inside of the unit.

Inside the case, you can mount CPU tower coolers with up to 165mm tall and 280mm long graphics cards. ATX PSUs are supported but only up to 220mm long. Motherboard support includes M-ATX and ITX. The chassis also has 4x expansion slots and space for two 3.5-inch drives or a 3.5-inch one paired with a 2.5-inch. On the front panel, there's a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface, a USB-A 3.0 interface and a 3.5mm audio-combo jack.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Jonsbo's latest case? Would you consider it for a build?

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Fractal Design Meshify 2 Mini Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/fractal-design-meshify-2-mini-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/fractal-design-meshify-2-mini-review/#respond Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:00:42 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=570022 This new mATX Meshify case costs near £120 - should you buy it?

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We all know that prices are going through the roof but even so, we need to open this review by mentioning that Fractal Design priced the Meshify C Mini at £79.99 back in 2018 and these days it has risen to £105. In other words, we were aware the new Meshify 2 Mini might be expensive but it still comes as a blow to hear this micro-ATX case lands at close to £120 in the UK. Ouch. Big Hurty Ouch.

Time stamps

00:00 Start
00:47 Introduction and teardown
03:02 Fan(s)
03:43 Pricing and UK weirdness
04:16 SSD support
05:11 Cooling support
06:18 Hardware for install
07:34 Cable routing support
08:07 Leo’s thoughts on building
08:35 Thermal / Noise Testing
10:20 Airflow discussion / changes
12:05 Leo's Closing thoughts

Main features

  • Compact yet roomy interior makes the most of mATX with high space efficiency and robust component support
  • Iconic angular mesh design with a bold, stealth-inspired aesthetic
  • Open interior layout creates a smooth airflow path from front intake to rear exhaust
  • Room for GPUs up to 331 mm with a 240 mm radiator in the top, or front radiators up to 240/280 mm with a compact GPU
  • Seamlessly integrated TG panel with steel frame support and bolt-free top-latching mechanism
  • Fully removable top panel and a top fan bracket that opens to provide excellent interior access and easy cable routing
  • Double layered front filter with detachable nylon for increased airflow
  • Front panel with hinged removable mesh and tether-free bezel for easier access to front fan mounts
  • Three front USB ports including one USB Type-C with fast charging and speeds up to 10Gbps
  • Support for two 2.5”/3.5” drives plus up to four SSDs (two SSD brackets included)
  • Seven fan mounts with two pre-installed Fractal Design Dynamic X2 fans
  • Bridgeless expansion slots ensure obstruction-free connections
  • Ventilated PSU shroud with two-part removable cover
  • Easy-to-clean high airflow nylon filters on the front, top and base with full PSU coverage and convenient front access
  • Integrated cable guides with cable straps further simplify cable management behind the board

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
  • Power supply support: ATX.
  • Expansion slots: 4.
  • Included fans: 1x 140mm 1,000rpm front intake, 1x 120mm 1,200rpm rear exhaust.
  • Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm front, 2x 120/140mm roof, 1x 120mm rear, 1x 120mm floor with HDD cage removed.
  • Radiator mounts: 280mm/240mm front, 240mm roof, 120mm rear.
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch, 4x 2.5-inch (2 included).
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, audio.
  • Dimensions: 406mm H x 396mm D x 205mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, Palit RTX 3080 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Mini‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores/12 threads)
  • Motherboard: MSI MAG B550M Mortar
  • CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
  • Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3600
  • Graphics card: Palit RTX 3080 Gaming Pro 10GB
  • Power supply: Seasonic Focus PX-850 Platinum
  • SSD: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

While the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Mini performs tolerably well, the temperature of our Ryzen moved only a few degrees as we ramped up fan speeds, moved fans around and added extra cooling. The message seems clear that this compact case is best suited to middling hardware and struggles to cope with a power-hungry gaming system

Closing Thoughts

We like the changes that Fractal Design has made as the Meshify C Mini evolves into the Meshify 2 Mini, in particular the way you can whip off the panels and remove the top of the frame in its entirety. If you want maximum access to the innards of your PC the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Mini has plenty to offer.

Balanced against that, a full length graphics card will fill the interior of the case so while you might want to add an AIO cooler in the front, you might find that doesn't work in practice.

When you look at the bigger picture, you will spot the larger flaw with the Meshify 2 Mini as most of us consider micro-ATX is ideal when you building a PC that is cheap, easy and relatively basic.

That description is a poor fit for Meshify 2 Mini which is expensive, easy and sophisticated so while the case is fine it does not fit the Micro-ATX mantra at all.

Having said that, Fractal Design has expanded their product ranges to a huge extent and we are confident the Meshify 2 Mini will fill a niche, although quite what that niche might be remains something of a puzzle.

We don't yet have a buy link but have been told UK pricing is expected to land at around £116.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Compact Micro-ATX design requires very little space on your desk.
  • Classic Meshify looks.
  • USB Type-C is included along with two Type-A ports.
  • Tool-free panels make the PC build easy.
  • Decent support for storage drives.

Cons:

  • Fractal Dynamic X2 fans are voltage controlled and not PWM.
  • Cable spacing behind right hand panel is tight and requires care.
  • Price is high.
  • You don’t get ARGB lighting.

KitGuru says: Fractal’s Meshify 2 Mini is easy to build in but costs plenty.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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InWin A3 and A5 Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/inwin-a3-and-a5-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/inwin-a3-and-a5-review/#respond Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:18 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=567867 InWin has expanded its A-series of cases - literally!

The post InWin A3 and A5 Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
You can tell a lot about InWin by you looking at our CES report on the InWin 928 from CES 2019 where the background to our video is filled with YouTube royalty. You can tell even more about InWin if you check out our review of their D-Frame Mini which shows evidence of innovation, design and clever use of materials so yes, we are keen to review the new InWin A3 and A5 cases…

Specification of InWin A3:

  • Motherboard support: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Power supply support: ATX
  • Expansion slots: 4
  • Included fans: 1x 120mm AM120S rear exhaust
  • Fan mounts: 2x 120mm intake, 2x 120 roof exhaust, 1x 120mm rear exhaust
  • Radiator mounts: 240mm roof
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch, 1x 2.5-inch
  • Front I/O ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, audio.
  • Dimensions: 347mm H x 401mm D x 215mm W

Specification of InWin A5:

  • Motherboard support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Power supply support: ATX
  • Expansion slots: 7
  • Included fans: 1x 120mm AM120S rear exhaust
  • Fan mounts: 2x 120mm intake, 2x 120 roof exhaust, 1x 120mm rear exhaust
  • Radiator mounts: 240mm roof
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch, 2x 2.5-inch
  • Front I/O ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, audio.
  • Dimensions: 407mm H x 399mm D x 215mm W

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Fractal Design Pop Mini Air Review – Impressively Compact https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/fractal-design-pop-mini-air-review-impressively-compact/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/fractal-design-pop-mini-air-review-impressively-compact/#respond Mon, 04 Jul 2022 10:00:34 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=566226 We've seen the new Fractal Pop Air - now it's time for Pop Mini

The post Fractal Design Pop Mini Air Review – Impressively Compact first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Fractal Design has launched a huge series of cases named Pop and we have already reviewed the Fractal Design Pop Air with a groovy Cyan paint job on the interior. Today it is the turn of the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air where ‘Mini' denotes support for the Micro-ATX form factor.

Timestamps
00:00 Start
00:51 Recap / Introduction / Pricing
01:40 Pulling the case apart – close up look
02:20 Radiator Support / accessories / drive support
04:10 Front of the case / fans / optical options
06:23 I/O Panel / USB C / fans
07:40 Test PC build
09:10 RGB
10:13 Noise testing
11:22 Thermal performance
12:53 Closing Thoughts

Main features

  • Accommodates mATX/Mini-ITX motherboards
  • Easy-to-mount tempered glass side panel with a clean interior view (TG versions)
  • Two neatly concealed 5.25” bays with storage drawer and magnetic cover
  • Comes with two extra-versatile storage trays, each supporting a 3.5″ and a 2.5″ drive simultaneously
  • Includes two dedicated SSD mounts behind the motherboard tray
  • Alternative dual SSD mounting position on the PSU shroud (additional bracket available separately)
  • Supports up to two HDDs and six SSDs without optical drives, or one HDD and five SSDs with a bay in use
  • Holds radiators up to 240 mm in the front, 240 mm in the top or 120 mm in the rear
  • Easy cable management with pre-mounted Velcro straps, extra-large pass-through holes, and over a dozen tie-down points
  • Optional USB-C upgrade kit (available separately) adds a full speed USB Type-C front port
  • Bridgeless expansion slots keep add-in card ports and vents unobstructed

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Power supply support: ATX
  • Expansion slots: 4
  • Included fans: 2x 120mm front intake, 1x 120mm rear exhaust
  • Fan mounts: 2x 120mm/1x 140mm front, 2x 120mm/1x 140mm roof, 1x 120mm rear
  • Radiator mounts: 140mm/240mm front, 240mm roof, 120mm rear
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: Two
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch (included), 4x 2.5-inch (2 included)
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0 type-A, Audio (1x USB 3.1 type-C optional)
  • Dimensions: 393mm H x 432mm D x 215mm W

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, Palit RTX 3080 graphics 3080 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores/12 threads)
  • Motherboard: MSI MAG B550M Mortar
  • CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black
  • Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3600
  • Graphics card: Palit RTX 3080 Gaming Pro 10GB
  • Power supply: Seasonic Focus PX-850 Platinum
  • SSD: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

The Fractal Design Pop Mini Air does a reasonable job of cooling the hardware however it does a fairly average job. When we increased the speed of the two Noctua fans on the CPU cooler to full speed we noted the temperature of the graphics card increased slightly. Our feeling is that the Noctua fans were able to overpower the Fractal Design Aspect 12 RGB fans and shifted the airflow inside the case upwards and away from the GPU towards the CPU.

Closing Thoughts

The stand-out feature of the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air is the Micro-ATX form factor which is, of course, nothing new.

The significance of the Mini is that it is part of a larger Pop range that stretches all the way from Micro-ATX to ATX and onward to E-ATX so if you like the look, feel and features of Pop and happen to want it in Micro-ATX (or Silent or E-ATX) then Fractal Design has you covered.

One area that is remarkable about Pop Mini is the support for a huge number of drive bays including two 5.25-inch optical drives. These bays can be used for other devices such as card readers but it is clear from our audience comments that KitGuru enthusiasts continue to use Blu-ray and other optical media.

Features such as the integrated ARGB header in the roof of the case demonstrate that Fractal Design has put an appropriate amount of thought into Pop and the result is a range of budget cases that do a decent job at a fair price.

You can buy the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air with prices starting at £86.99 on Overclockers UK HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Large number of storage options.
  • Supports two optical drives.
  • Supplied with three ARGB fans.
  • Decent price.

Cons:

  • AIO cooling options are limited.
  • Aspect 12 fans are voltage controlled rather than PWM.
  • USB Type-C on the front I/O costs extra.

KitGuru says: Fractal Design is showing welcome support for the mATX form factor with the Pop Mini Air.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post Fractal Design Pop Mini Air Review – Impressively Compact first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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Revisited: Fractal Design Torrent Compact Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/fractal-design-torrent-compact-this-will-cause-an-argument/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/fractal-design-torrent-compact-this-will-cause-an-argument/#respond Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:42:48 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=549280 Leo takes a second look at Fractal Design's Torrent Compact chassis - this time with air cooling

The post Revisited: Fractal Design Torrent Compact Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
UPDATE: After our initial look at Fractal Design's Torrent Compact last month, I felt it was time for a revisit. Instead of the Celsius AIO liquid cooler used in the original review (as below), we swapped in a Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black air tower for cooling duties. Does it make much of a difference in this case? That's what we're finding out today…

Original review as follows:

When KitGuru reviewed the Fractal Design Torrent with its funky 180mm fans we had mixed views. Indeed, we were so undecided we took a second look at the Torrent and concluded we had been correct in the first place that Torrent was interesting, effective and rather large for our tastes. So imagine our delight when Fractal Design announced the Torrent Compact which promises more of the 180mm goodness in a smaller chassis.

Timestamps

00:00 Start
00:15 Introduction
01:24 Pulling off the panels / specs
02:36 Compact details against Torrent
04:58 Build into the Torrent Compact
06:05 Fitting an AIO – moving fans to floor
08:13 Motherboard install
09:09 PC is up and running – some thoughts
11:13 Thermal Testing and sound levels
13:01 Leo’s closing thoughts

Main features

  • Open front grille and full-length base intake with 180 mm fan support
  • Fractal Design 180×38 mm Dynamic X2 PWM and Prisma AL PWM ARGB fans leverage power, size, and thickness for greatly enhanced air-moving capacity
  • Streamlined open interior with extra headroom for components and support for E-ATX motherboards up to 274 mm in width
  • Top mounted PSU compartment with aerodynamic shape and integrated ARGB effects (TG versions only)
  • Two 180mm PWM fans preinstalled
  • Supports standard radiator sizes up to 360 or 280 mm in the front (using the included fan adapter brackets) and up to 240 or 280 mm in the bas
  • Nexus 9P Slim PWM fan hub pre-installed
  • External cable tie-downs help manage the power cord and other cables on the rear exterior
  • GPU support bracket included
  • Integrated LED lighting (on TG versions) and Prisma ARGB fans use standard 5V RGB connectors for full software control on motherboards with addressable RGB support
  • Removable top bezel and cable guides with Velcro ties behind the motherboard plate
  • Vibration-damped HDD/SSD tray and three dedicated SSD brackets included
  • An additional 2.5” drive can be mounted to the underside of the HDD/SSD tray
  • Front and bottom dust filters easily accessible by removing the front panel
  • Seven bridgeless expansion slots ensure obstruction-free hookup
  • Built-in fill port with convenient top-panel access

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: E-ATX up to 274mm, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, SSI-CEB
  • Expansion slots: 7.
  • Included fans: 2x 180mm x 38mm Dynamic X2 GP-18 1,200rpm PWM.
  • Fan mounts: 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm or 2x 180mm front, 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm or 2x 180mm front, 1x 120mm rear.
  • Radiator mounts: 360mm/280mm front, 240mm/280mm floor, 120mm rear.
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
  • Internal drive bays: 1x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch, 3x 2.5-inch.
  • Front I/O panel: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, headset jacks.
  • Dimensions: 467mm H x 450mm D x 222mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, Sapphire RX 6800 XT 16GB and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Fractal Design Torrent Compact ‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores/12 threads)
  • CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Celsius+ S28 Prisma
  • Motherboard: MSI MAG B550M Mortar
  • Memory: 32GB Patriot Viper RGB DDR4-3200
  • Graphics card: Sapphire RX 6800 XT 16GB
  • Power supply: Fractal Design Ion+ 2 Platinum 860W
  • SSD: 500GB Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

Our test PC was drawing 450W at the wall socket with 76W going to the Ryzen 5 and 255W going to the RX 6800 XT graphics card. That's a fair amount of load inside a mid-tower case and we consider the temperatures inside the Torrent Compact were absolutely fine. It is worth noting the bottom and front fans were all set to intake and there may be scope for improvement with the addition of a rear exhaust fan.

Closing Thoughts

You will have gathered from our video that we have mixed feelings about the Fractal Design Torrent Compact. The simple explanation is that we are perfectly happy with cases such as the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO that rely on 120mm and 140mm fans and do not feel an immediate need for 180mm fans.

Fractal Design Torrent cases allow you to install 180mm fans in the floor and front of the case and house the power supply in the roof so if – like us – you're not much fussed about that feature you may well be feeling a touch of meh.

On the other hand, if you love the look of the Torrent family you have to think that things are looking pretty darned great. The original Torrent is a large case, this Compact is medium sized and the Nano is fairly tiny so it seems that Fractal Design has covered all the bases.

We decided to follow Fractal Design's guide and move the 180mm fans to the floor of the case and then install a 280mm AIO in the front. While that worked well enough we think we may have made a mistake, not least because there is a fair amount of steel in the floor of the case that obscures those huge 180mm 1,200rpm fans. We are confident the better approach is to leave the 180mm fans alone, perhaps add an exhaust fan in the rear, and stick a simple air cooler on the CPU.

This is a stylish and attractive case with one of the best front panels we have ever seen but the fact remains that you have to work at it to get decent results.

You will be able to buy the Fractal Design Torrent Compact in White with Clear Tint for £122.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Quirky design based on 180mm fan units.
  • Stylish looks.
  • RGB looks great in the Torrent Compact.

Cons:

  • Needs more space behind the right hand panel for cables.
  • Front dust filter clashes with radiator screws.
  • Cable management is awkward inside the main compartment.

KitGuru says: If you fancy the looks of the quirky Torrent Compact you will need to accept its slightly unusual layout.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Top 3 Cases of 2021! https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/top-3-cases-of-2021/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/top-3-cases-of-2021/#respond Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:00:36 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=543003 Leo looks back over 2021 and picks his three favourite cases, with help from James

The post Top 3 Cases of 2021! first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Over the course of 2021 we have seen case manufacturers embracing the idea that air flow is important. While they are still deeply committed to Tempered Glass and RGB lighting they are also now using Mesh panels that allow cooling air to get to the important components and this has given rise to some really good new PC cases in 2021. Here are three of the best.

https://youtu.be/dOWvpY_iICc

Timestamps
00:00 Start
00:15 Introduction
00:23 Best Budget Case of 2021
01:11 Best Mid-range Case of 2021
02:32 Best High End Case of 2021
05:00 Last minute addition!

#3: Best Budget Case of 2021: Montech Air 100 ARGB

See the Montech Air 100 ARGB review HERE.

You can purchase the Montech Air 100 ARGB for Euros 79.99 on Amazon.de HERE (with UK distribution coming soon).

#2: Best Mid-priced Case of 2021: Lian Li O11 Air Mini

See the Lian Li O11 Air Mini review HERE.

You can purchase the Lian Li O11 Air Mini for £99.95 at Overclockers UK HERE.

#1: Best High-End Case of 2021: Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Max

See the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Max review HERE.

You can purchase the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Max at Scan for £329.99 HERE.

KitGuru says: In our video we give you the highlights of these three excellent cases. By happy chance they cover the Mini-ITX, Micro ATX and ATX form factors so there is truly something for everyone in this selection. 

The post Top 3 Cases of 2021! first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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SilverStone Alta G1M – mATX Gets Serious https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/silverstone-alta-g1m-matx-gets-serious/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/silverstone-alta-g1m-matx-gets-serious/#respond Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:24:13 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=535512 Leo takes a look at this new and rather different chassis from Silverstone. Its a good one.

The post SilverStone Alta G1M – mATX Gets Serious first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
KitGuru covered the news when SilverStone launched the Alta G1M and now we have a sample of  this intriguing Micro-ATX case to review. As you will see this case is rather unusual and has a tower form factor with a huge 180mm fan in the base that can spin up to 1,200rpm. Whether you love it or hate it, you won't be bored.

Main features

  • Supports 360mm radiator.
  • Super small footprint design with no visible cabling on four sides.
  • Stack effect layout with 90-degree motherboard layout.
  • Mandatory cable routing design.
  • Supports graphics cards of any length.
  • Includes 1x 180mm Air Penetrator fan to aid stack effect cooling.

Specification:
Motherboard support: Micro-ATX, Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX.
Power supply support: SFX-L, SFX.
Expansion slots: 4.
Included fans: 1x 180mm bottom intake AP184i Pro 1,2 00rpm PWM.
Fan mounts: 3x 120mm side, 2x 120mm rear, 1x 180mm floor.
Radiator mounts: 360mm side.
5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
Internal drive bays: 4x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch (2x with water cooling).
Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0 type-A, 1x USB 3.1 type-C, Combo audio.
Dimensions: 507mm H x 307mm D x 200mm W.

Testing
To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core i9-11900K , Palit RTX 3080 GamingPro 10GB and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Silverstone Alta G1M‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:
Processor: Intel Core i9-11900K (8 cores/16 threads)
CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Celsius S36
Thermal compound: Arctic MX-5
Motherboard: MSI MAG B560M Mortar WiFi BIOS v1.4
Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX RGB DDR4-3600
Graphics card: Palit RTX 3080 GamingPro 10GB
Power supply: SilverStone SX750 Platinum 750W
SSD: 500GB Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

Our test PC was drawing 620W at the wall socket and required high fan speeds to keep the CPU cool. As you can see in our video, reducing the fan speed had a significant impact on the internal temperature which tells us the SilverStone Alta G1M has marginal air flow.

Having said that we were using a high end gaming PC which was being stressed harshly and are confident that a mid-range system would be perfectly OK housed in this case. The most surprising thing we learned about the Alta G1M is that you can install an AIO cooler in the side position in either intake or exhaust without any major impact on cooling.

Closing Thoughts

The bare essentials of the SilverStone Alta G1M specification immediately piqued our interest. It has support for a Micro-ATX motherboard with an SFX-L power supply along with a full length graphics card and a liquid cooler up to 360mm. Alternatively you can use a number of 120mm fans and/or up to four storage drives./ The ‘and/or' part is significant as you do indeed need to make decisions about the PC you are building.

SilverStone delivers as promised and doesn't drop the ball in any major respect although there are a couple of signs of slightly confused thinking on their part. For one thing they include their latest AP184i Pro fan that sells for 40 USD/Euros/GBP but fail to broadcast that fact. The other point is that the user guide does not make it clear which orientation you should use when you install the cooling hardware. We understand front, back, top and bottom but which way is Intake and which way is Exhaust?

After we worked through the installation and finished building the PC we were happy with the results but had to acknowledge the quirky form factor throws up a few practical issues. The PC will likely stand on your desk and the ports and connectors on the rear I/O panel (remember, they are on the top) will likely be inaccessible. This means you are using the front I/O panel to connect peripherals and storage which is absolutely fine, provided you use a decent motherboard.

The issue here is that many Micro-ATX boards are budget items that do not support front panel USB-C and this point reveals some creative tension. SilverStone is pushing Micro-ATX and SFX-L forward while the rest of the tech industry is lagging slightly behind, so if you are interested in the Alta G1M we advise you to choose your components with care.

You will be able to buy the Silverstone Alta G1M for £135 in Black or £142 in White (USD$169.99 Black, USD$179.99 White).

Pros:

  • Compact footprint on your desk
  • Interesting use of the Micro-ATX form factor
  • Many options for cooling and storage
  • Fully filtered
  • Neat design and decent construction

Cons:

  • Air flow is marginal and best suited to lower powered hardware
  • Liquid cooling is limited to 120mm units, so 280mm is impossible
  • The price is a bit steep
  • When fan speeds are high the Alta G1M gets noisy

KitGuru says: SilverStone Alta G1M is interesting and different. Hurrah for mATX.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Chieftronic reveals new and improved M2 Gaming Cube https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/chieftronic-reveals-new-and-improved-m2-gaming-cube/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/chieftronic-reveals-new-and-improved-m2-gaming-cube/#respond Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:26:38 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=524382 CHIEFTRONIC is back with another eye-catching compact gaming case. The new Chieftronic M2 packs a mesh front panel for optimal airflow and two tempered glass side panels for the perfect view of your PC build. Supporting Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX cases, the Chieftronic M2 gaming cube has plenty of space for high-end gaming components, including graphics …

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CHIEFTRONIC is back with another eye-catching compact gaming case. The new Chieftronic M2 packs a mesh front panel for optimal airflow and two tempered glass side panels for the perfect view of your PC build.

Supporting Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX cases, the Chieftronic M2 gaming cube has plenty of space for high-end gaming components, including graphics cards up to 340mm long, and CPU coolers up to 200mm tall – you can even fit in an ATX-sized power supply (up to 160mm long). Water cooling enthusiasts will have room to experiment too, as the case supports up to a 280mm radiator in the front as well as a 240mm radiator in the roof, so with some planning and patience, you could set up a powerful cooling system in here.

The Chieftronic M2 also makes several airflow-oriented upgrades over the original M1. For starters, there is a mesh front panel with 2x ARGB Rainbow fans pre-installed for air intake. For exhaust, there is another ARGB Rainbow Fan in the rear. To ensure compatibility, the case comes with a certified A-RGB control hub, allowing it to sync up with RGB software and accessories from ASUS, ASRock, MSI and Gigabyte.

While this is a compact case, you won't have to compromise on storage, as you can have 2x 3.5″ and 2x 2.5″ drives installed, or 4x 2.5-inch drives. The front panel includes 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports, an audio-out port and a mic-in port.

Currently, the Chieftronic M2 Gaming Cube is expected to start shipping in September or October. You can find the full specifications, HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: We've seen a lot of ‘Gaming Cubes' over the years, but this looks to be the most fully featured, with a ton of style to boot. Would you like to build your next system in one of these?

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Jasmine Builds Her First PC Part 1 – Case Selection https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/jasmine-builds-her-first-pc-part-1-case-selection/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/jasmine-builds-her-first-pc-part-1-case-selection/#respond Wed, 26 May 2021 06:58:04 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=516386 Luke is building a PC with his partner Jasmine - first up, they need to choose a case

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I'm teaming up with my partner to help build her first PC. With intended uses such as gaming, video editing, and general office tasks, the first step is to choose a fitting chassis. We go through a few different options in Part 1 and see Jasmine's pros and cons for the six different cases.

As we discuss in the opening section, Jasmine has never built her own general usage or gaming PC. I recall building a basic system for Jasmine around 10 years ago. It was powered by an AMD Athlon II X4 640 with an ASUS mATX 760G motherboard, and some DDR3 memory. That system worked well… initially.

We decided that Jasmine needed better RAM and more of it. As such, a kit of Corsair Dominator DDR3 memory was purchased and I gave some (reasonably poor) installation instructions. A blown VRM component, dead motherboard, and broken stick of DDR3 later, and the upgrade was deemed rather unsuccessful.

We sincerely hope that this build process goes far smoother.

First in our selection was the Raijintek Metis Evo. While decent in terms of hardware support and glass panel inclusion, Jasmine was unimpressed by the overall styling and likened the looks to a fish tank (I can see the resemblance). Pretty quickly, it was clear that this case would not be the primary candidate, so we moved on.

Next up was the ol' trusty Silverstone Sugo SG13 that I bought over 5 years ago. While preferable in terms of physical dimensions, the build quality of this budget case was not particularly impressive and the paint quality was undeniably lacking. I should have opted for the black and white version as that would have been more desirable. For now, this beat out the Metis Evo but it certainly was not a convincing victory.

The Fractal Era ITX was next in the list and this one impressed from the start. Jasmine likened it to a giant Xbox 360 (and rightfully so in my opinion) and appreciated the overall styling. The wood panel wasn't deemed an ideal match for the silver case colour – white panels would have preferable here. But the black mesh top did look appealing. Despite lacking a side panel window, the Era ITX quickly became the front runner.

I won't even deny this one; the bright pink Golden Field Q Series (we'll call it the Lucky) was included as a practical joke. I had my reservations about including this an option for fear that Jasmine may actually like the style and I would be forced to build in this finger-slicing monstrosity. Thankfully, Jasmine's taste in cases was clearly good enough to exclude this one from consideration. Phew! Next stop for this Golden Field chassis – review at Leo's place; let us know if we should make that happen!

Moving back onto the serious contenders, we took a look at the Cooler Master NR200P white version. This was another chassis that Jasmine liked for the overall design and footprint. However, the black trim around the side panel glass window was less preferential and was a really good spot that I personally didn't appreciate until highlighted. Solid build quality, a glass side panel, and an appealing white/grey colour scheme knocked Fractal's Era ITX out of top spot and the NR200P into it.

Finally, we finished up selection with the NZXT H1. This is the first time that I have seen this case in person, and both Jasmine and myself were thoroughly impressed by the styling and the overall design. The more vertically aligned form factor was also very appealing, as well as the white and black contrast. This was actually Jasmine's favourite, so I had the misfortune of breaking the bad news that this months old sample has not yet received its fixed PCIe riser to avoid any fire hazard issues. No fix, no usage, unfortunately.

To summarise, we provisionally decided on the Cooler Master NR200P as the preferable choice. The styling and design of the NZXT H1 were incredibly appealing to Jasmine, but the worries of the potentially dangerous PCIe riser card were a major concern. Let us know in the comment section below if you think we should fix the PCIe riser issues and persevere with the attractive H1. Or should we stick with the well-designed Cooler Master NR200P?

It was interesting to look at several different cases from a completely dissimilar perspective. Jasmine's eye for detail catches different points for cases and is a good sense check versus my preference for cooling capacity or hardware support.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Let us know what you thought of the case selection process and whether you agree or disagree with some of the points mentioned. And make sure you check back for Part 2 where we will be building the PC for proper usage.

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DeepCool launches MATREXX 40 3FS mATX chassis with enhanced airflow https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/deepcool-launches-matrexx-40-3fs-matx-chassis-with-enhanced-airflow/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/deepcool-launches-matrexx-40-3fs-matx-chassis-with-enhanced-airflow/#respond Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:17:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=508705 DeepCool is appealing to the compact PC crowd this month with the launch of the new MATREXX 40 3FS case. This is an mATX chassis with “enhanced airflow and cooling capabilities in a smaller form factor”. That enhanced airflow comes via the mesh front panel and a mesh top panel, ensuring proper airflow throughout the …

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DeepCool is appealing to the compact PC crowd this month with the launch of the new MATREXX 40 3FS case. This is an mATX chassis with “enhanced airflow and cooling capabilities in a smaller form factor”.

That enhanced airflow comes via the mesh front panel and a mesh top panel, ensuring proper airflow throughout the case. The chassis also comes equipped with three Tri-Colour LED fans, two in the front and another in the rear. If you want to add more fans yourself, then you have space for up to six 120mm fans or four 140mm fans. For liquid cooling, you can fit up to a 280mm radiator in the front or roof of the case.

Aside from a focus on cooling, the MATREXX 40 3FS also has other practical features to make PC building a breeze. There is ample clearance for components, with room for up to 320mm long graphics cards, up to 160mm long power supplies and up to 165mm tall CPU coolers. You will also find dust filters to help keep the system clean and an edge-to-edge tempered glass side panel to showcase your rig in style.

As far as storage options go, this case supports up to two 2.5-inch drives mounted directly to the chassis and another two 3.5-inch drives can be mounted inside a removable drive cage.

The DeepCool MATREXX 40 3FS is available starting this month, priced at £39.99.

KitGuru Says: Are many of you planning a new PC build this year? What do you think of the latest DeepCool chassis?

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DeepCool MACUBE 110 Micro-ATX Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/deepcool-macube-110-micro-atx-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/deepcool-macube-110-micro-atx-case-review/#respond Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:29:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=508197 Is the micro-ATX form factor dead? Deepcool doesn't think so

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A new addition to the Deepcool Macube series brings a budget micro-ATX form factor chassis to the table. The new Deepcool Macube 110 retains some of the characteristics from previous Macube cases such as the closed, airflow restrictive front panel, tool-free tempered glass side panel removal and the ultra-handy and brilliant built-in VGA support bracket that helps reduce GPU sag. But can this new case live up to its predecessors? Let’s find out.

Deepcool Macube 110 is the latest addition to the Macube series, but unlike the other ATX form factor cases already in the range, this Macube 110 is a dinky micro-ATX case that supports mATX and mini-ITX motherboards only. To say it’s dinky isn't completely accurate, there are many compact mid-Tower ATX cases on the market these days that are not much (if any) bigger than the Macube 110, and they also support a wider range of motherboard form factors.

So, is micro-ATX a dead form factor? Deepcool doesn’t seem to think so and In a way, I kind of agree. The micro-ATX form factor could be the ideal platform for high spec gaming builds these days since the use of dual graphics cards isn't a thing for gamers any more, thus reducing the size that a motherboard needs to be, micro-ATX seems ideal. The main problem is that micro-ATX cases don’t seem to save much real estate compared with these new compact mid-Tower cases, which is why micro-ATX seems to be falling out of favour recently.

However, motherboard manufacturers keep on making mATX motherboards so there is a market for these micro-ATX cases. The Deepcool Macube 110 could be a tempting proposition for anyone currently in the market for a micro-ATX case, as it is priced extremely competitive at just under £40. You can pick this case up now in either black or white colour schemes, it has a very sleek and clean looking front panel, one 120mm fan pre-installed, tempered glass and decent hardware support, sounds like a bargain then.

Deepcool Macube 110 Features:

  • Micro-ATX chassis that supports motherboards up to mATX and mini-ITX form factor using a traditional layout.
  • Sleek and clean looking appearance, closed front panel design with 15mm vents on either side for airflow to front-mounted fans or radiators.
  • Pre-installed with a single 120mm 3-pin (or Molex) powered fan. Supports up to 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm fans or up to 280mm radiators (Front) and up to 2 x 120mm/2 x 140mm fans or up to a 280mm radiator in the roof.
  • Supports high-end graphics cards up to 320mm long, CPU coolers up to 165mm tall and ATX form factor power supplies up to 160mm long (with the 3.5-inch HDD cage installed)
  • A total of 2 x 2.5-inch SSD drives can be installed on the rear of the motherboard tray (screw-less, mounted on rubber grommets) and 2 x 3.5-inch drives in the HDD cage.
  • 3.5 inch HDD cage position is adjustable and removable to create more space under the PSU shroud for AIO installation or longer power supplies.
  • Built-in VGA support bracket helps take up the unsightly sag that modern, heavy graphics cards often suffer with.
  • Dust filtration includes a magnetic perforated steel filter on the top panel and a perforated steel (not magnetic) dust filter covering the power supply fan vent.
  • Front panel connectivity consists of 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a single 3.5mm audio jack.
  • Available in black and white colour schemes with dimensions of (L × W × H) 400mm × 225mm × 431mm.

System Installation:

The process of Installing a system inside the Deepcool Macube 110 is ok, but it isn't perfect. There are just a few minor niggles that are a little annoying and slightly increase the time it takes to complete the build. We managed to squeeze in a 280mm AIO in the roof of the case, it is very tight but it does fit. However, with a top-mounted 280mm AIO fitted, it makes connecting or routing the EPS power cable impossible, so make sure you connect the EPS cable before screwing the top radiator in position.

Another slightly annoying thing about the Macube 110 are the front panel cable cutouts, they are in the wrong place, positioned on the front chassis panel rather than on the motherboard tray. For the shortest cable route, you have to use the front panel cut-outs which means routing fan cables cable over the front panel which looks a little messy. Deepcool could have easily solved this problem by putting the cutouts on the motherboard tray next to the front fans.

This type of inner front panel cut out is usually used for routing cables of fans that are mounted on the outside of the inner front panel (between the inner and outer front panel) this is impossible with the Macube 110 as the outer front panel isn't deep enough to allow this type of fan installation. However, once the front panel is clipped into place the cable isn't seen so it might not worry everyone, I'm quite fussy about cable management and neatness.

One other thing worth noting about this case is that when all the side panels are removed there are some very sharp corners protruding from the chassis, I almost got stabbed in the arm a couple of times, so beware. The folded parts of the mortarboard tray with cable tie eyelets are also quite sharp, so be careful not to run cables over them and trap the cables. This could potentially be a hazard if the metal digs into the cable and causes a short.

Other than these minor issues, the build went quite well, there is plenty of space inside the main motherboard compartment, being able to install a 280mm AIO in the front and roof of a micro-ATX case is a bonus and all mounting holes lined up very well with the components. Overall the final build looked very neat indeed, cable management around the right side finished off looking tidy too.

Technical Specifications:

  • Product Dimensions: 400mm×225mm×431mm(L×W×H)
  • Net Weight:2KG
  • Colours: Black/White
  • Materials: ABS, SPCC, Tempered Glass
  • 5″ Drive Bays: 2
  • 5″ Drive Bays: 2
  • 25″ Drive Bays: N/A
  • Power Supply Type: ATX PS2 (maximum length: 160mm)
  • I/O Ports: USB 3.0 × 2, Audio × 1
  • Expansion Slots: 4 Slots
  • Cooling Fans Compatibility: (Pre-installed) Rear: 1 × 120mm DC fan, (Optional) Front 120mm × 3/140mm × 2 (Top) 120mm × 2/140mm × 2
  • Liquid Cooler Compatibility: Front: 120/140/240/280; Top: 120/140/240/280, Rear: 120
  • CPU Cooler Height Limit: 165mm
  • VGA Length Limit: 320mm
  • Cable Management: 20mm clearance

Thermal Performance Testing

As with every KitGuru case review, thermal performance is important, therefore we shall measure this by running a series of tests to record CPU and GPU temperatures under load.

To simulate thermal demand we run the Aida64 CPU, FPU, Cache and GPU stress test for 30 minutes with the case in various configurations. This should give the system enough time to reach its constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how each scenario affects thermal performance.

We will compare the system’s thermal capabilities with a liquid-cooled solution for the CPU, using a Deepcool Castle 280EX and the graphics card stock cooling solution.

During thermal performance testing, only stock case fans will be used unless otherwise specified. All fans and pumps (where applicable) will be set to their standard fan curve profile as controlled by the motherboard.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU/GPU temperature giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average CPU/GPU temperature over the length of the test.

Acoustic Testing

Our case testing involves comparing the acoustic performance of the case in several configurations with an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler installed.

These tests will include measuring sound levels with our sound meter from approximately 300mm from the front of the case, under 100% CPU and GPU load.

Load noise levels will be measured by running AIDA64 stressing CPU, FPU, cache and GPU for 30 minutes which give the system enough time to reach its constant steady-state temperature.

CPU and case fan profiles will be set to their standard operating profile in the motherboard BIOS and GPU fans are set to their default fan curve. The CPU cooler used in acoustic testing will be Deepcool Castle 280EX.

The ambient noise level (noise floor) in our test room is measured at 33.1 dBA.

The following configurations will be used to test the effect they have on thermal and acoustic performance:

  • Default configuration;
  • Front panel removed.
  • Glass side panel removed.

Test System

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro
  • Memory: 16GB (2 x 8GB Modules) Corsair Dominator RGB DDR4-3200Mhz
  • Graphics card: EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 XC3 Ultra
  • Storage: 500GB Corsair MP600 PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
  • Case: Deepcool Macube 110
  • CPU cooler: Deepcool Castle 280EX 280mm AIO
  • System fans: 3 x Deepcool CF120 Plus 120mm RGB
  • Power Supply: Deepcool DQ850-M-V2L 850W 80+ Gold
  • Operating System: Windows 10 20H2

The thermal performance of the Deepcool Macube 110 isn't too bad considering the airflow restrictive nature of the closed front panel. The 15mm vents on either side of the front panel do offer some degree of airflow. However, removing the front panel does reduce the CPU temperature slightly, this is why I would like to see an airflow version of this case or an alternative high airflow front panel.

In terms of the noise levels, this is where the closed front panel design comes into its own. With the front panel installed, noise output is reduced compared with the front panel removed, so a high airflow open front panel would no doubt result in system noise being more noticeable. However, choosing the right fans and creating custom fan curves can keep noise to a minimum in any case.

Closing Thoughts

Taken as a whole, the Deepcool Macube 110 isn't a bad PC case, especially when you take the cost into account. Priced at just a touch under £40 with tempered glass, a 120mm fan pre-installed and reasonably solid build quality, it makes you wonder just how these manufacturers do it for the price. It is amazing to think that you can get all this for under £40, budget cases of the past used to be complete trash, that just isn’t the case any more (no pun intended).

It's not all perfect though, the Macube 110 does have some annoying little issues when it comes to system installation, which adds a few more minutes to the build process. The sharp edges on the case need to be looked at as they could cause a minor injury if you are not careful and the folded parts of the motherboard tray could do with being protected by a rubber or something.

Other than these minor issues, Building a system inside the Macube 110 was an overall good experience, being able to install a 280mm AIO in the front and top of the case (albeit quite tight) is a bonus, even though it does interfere with the motherboard EPS cable a little, which isn’t uncommon with micro-ATX. Space for three 120mm front fans should help a little with airflow through the restrictive front panel too.

The case has a very understated and sleek looking appearance which I like, however, the front panel is a trade-off between clean looks and airflow, with airflow losing out. Although I am fond of the appearance of this case, I would like to see maybe an airflow version or an alternative vented or mesh high airflow front panel for users who intend on installing high spec components that will produce a lot of heat. This would mean that everyone's taste is catered for.

The main problem I have with this case is more to do with the micro-ATX form factor. To me, it seems a little pointless to have this smaller mATX motherboard form factor when compact mid-tower cases that support full-size ATX motherboards are available. I recently reviewed the Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB case which is only 20mm taller than the Macube 110, about the same width and depth but supports ATX motherboards.

A case like the MX410 Mesh-G RGB seems like a better option to me, as it gives the user even more choice in motherboards, it comes with four RGB fans and offers similar specifications in terms of CPU cooler, radiator and graphics card support as the micro-ATX Macube 110. I would like to see the dimensions of micro-ATX cases slimmed down a little more to make them more relevant and be a better fit in the gap between mid-tower ATX and mini-ITX chassis.

But if you are a fan of micro-ATX thinking of building a new system soon or you are looking for a new case to upgrade your current micro-ATX chassis, the Deepcool Macube 110 will be a good choice as it offers impressive component support, it looks great, build quality is fine and it is exceptional value for money.

The Deepcool Macube 110 is available to purchase in the UK for £39.98 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Sleek looking, minimal appearance.
  • Build quality seems good for the price.
  • Nice features such as the GPU support and tool-free side panel removal.
  • Budget price tag.

Cons:

  • Airflow restricted front panel.
  • Only just smaller than some compact mid-Tower ATX cases.
  • Only one fan included.

KitGuru says: Deepcool’s addition to the Macube series provides a new micro-ATX case to the market with stylish looks and decent build quality. What do you guys think of this case? Is the micro-ATX form factor still relevant these days since the introduction of compact ATX chassis?

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Biostar introduces the B550M-Silver mATX motherboard https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/biostar-introduces-the-b550m-silver-matx-motherboard/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/biostar-introduces-the-b550m-silver-matx-motherboard/#respond Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:30:01 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=498081 Biostar has announced a new mATX motherboard as part of its B550 lineup. The B550M-Silver is a motherboard aimed at gamers and casual users, offering a neat package of features while also featuring a stylish design worth of showing off. The Biostar B550M-Silver comes in a black and silver theme, following the design of its predecessors, …

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Biostar has announced a new mATX motherboard as part of its B550 lineup. The B550M-Silver is a motherboard aimed at gamers and casual users, offering a neat package of features while also featuring a stylish design worth of showing off.

The Biostar B550M-Silver comes in a black and silver theme, following the design of its predecessors, and LED Rock Zone RGB lighting technology, allowing users to customise the RGB lighting to their liking and synchronise it with other devices. This motherboard features 4 DIMMs, allowing it to handle up to 128GB of RAM clocked at 4933+ MHz. Besides the wide memory compatibility, this board also supports PCIe 4.0 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, while also being compliant with the WiFi 6 standard.

Featuring Biostar Digital PWM technology, Dr. MOS, and 2.5Guard, the B550M-Silver offer stable, reliable, and efficient operation in “any use case”. For those interested in overclocking, Biostar has implemented A.I. TP Control technology, providing a “user-friendly BIOS environment”. Additionally, if a problem occurs during boot after overclocking, the built-in Debug LED system can help users to identify the problem by turning on the corresponding LED light.

The rear I/O panel features multiple connectivity options including 2x WiFi Antenna ports made to support WiFi 6, a GbE LAN port powered by Realtek RTL8125B chipset, and a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port for legacy devices. The rear I/O panel also features 8x USB ports, with one being a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, another being USB-A 3.2 Gen 2. You also get four USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports and two USB-A 2.0 ports.

Other outputs in the rear I/O panel include a DVI-D port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and 3x audio outputs powered by Realtek ALC1150.

Biostar hasn't shared the pricing and availability of the B550M-Silver mATX motherboard, yet. You can learn more about it HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you in the process of changing your CPU and motherboard? Will you be considering the Biostar B550M-Silver?

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Lian Li launches the O11 Dynamic Mini modular chassis https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/lian-li-launches-the-o11-dynamic-mini-modular-chassis/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/lian-li-launches-the-o11-dynamic-mini-modular-chassis/#respond Sat, 21 Nov 2020 10:57:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=495069 Lian Li has launched a new case as part of the O11D series. Available in both black and white, the new O11 Dynamic Mini is a modular case with extended support for fans, radiators, pumps, and components featuring a simple and modern design that allows users to showcase their systems. Just like the other O11D …

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Lian Li has launched a new case as part of the O11D series. Available in both black and white, the new O11 Dynamic Mini is a modular case with extended support for fans, radiators, pumps, and components featuring a simple and modern design that allows users to showcase their systems.

Just like the other O11D series' cases, the O11 Dynamic Mini has been developed in collaboration with the famous overclocker der8auer. Smaller than the original O11 Dynamic, the Mini variant offers most of the same features in a smaller design (38L litres), while also increasing its functionality thanks to its modular design.

There are 7x expansion slots by default, but these can be reduced either 5x or 3x to change the cases' interior layout. Like the other O11D cases, the O11D mini also features a dual-chamber design: one for the PSU, storage drives and cabling, and the other for the remaining components of the system.

The case is mostly made of aluminium and tempered glass, with slight differences between both colours. The front panel is fully covered in tempered glass on the black case and made of brushed aluminium and tempered glass on the white case. The I/O panel, which features 2x USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C 3.1 port, HD-Audio and the power button, is covered acrylic on the black case, while the white one is made of aluminium coated in white.

These cases support ATX, M-ATX, and mITX motherboards. Regarding the power supply compatibility, you can only use SFX or SFX-L PSUs. There's 395mm of clearance for the graphics card and 170mm of clearance for a CPU cooler. Fan support is quite extensive with up to 3x 120mm/2x 140mm on top, 2x 120/140mm on the side, 3x 120mm/2x 140mm on the bottom and a 120mm fan on the rear. Radiator support follows a similar approach, allowing users to mount a 360/280/240mm on top, a 280/240mm on the side, and a 360/280/240mm on the bottom. There's support for up to 2x 2.5-inch drives plus another drive cage with support to 2x 2.5/3.5-inch drives. Dust filters were included on the top, bottom, and side vents.

The Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini is available for pre-order at Overclockers UK in black and white, both priced at £89.99. Optional accessories for these cases such as a vertical GPU mounting bracket and a hot-swap backplate add-on for the drive cage will launch at a later date. A bundle with a modular 700W 80+ Gold SFX PSU will also be launched in a near future.

KitGuru says: Which Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini colour do you prefer? Are you thinking about getting one of these? If so, will you go for a custom water loop, AIO coolers, or air cooling?

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ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) mATX Motherboard Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/luke-hill/asus-tuf-gaming-b550m-plus-wi-fi-matx-motherboard-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/luke-hill/asus-tuf-gaming-b550m-plus-wi-fi-matx-motherboard-review/#respond Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:49:11 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=481244 B550 and micro-ATX seem to go hand-in-hand, especially given the scarcity of quality X570 micro-ATX offerings. We are examining the ASUS TUF-Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) motherboard that features dual M.2 connectors, 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2, and 802.11AX WiFi. Built around a 4-layer PCB and 8+2 stage power delivery solution, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) …

The post ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) mATX Motherboard Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
B550 and micro-ATX seem to go hand-in-hand, especially given the scarcity of quality X570 micro-ATX offerings. We are examining the ASUS TUF-Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) motherboard that features dual M.2 connectors, 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2, and 802.11AX WiFi.

Built around a 4-layer PCB and 8+2 stage power delivery solution, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) is aiming to tempt users who want a premium micro-ATX motherboard. Bells and whistles come in the form of high-speed networking, sizeable VRM heatsinks, and smooth RGB LEDs.

You also get the usual array of ASUS features and the promise of excellent fan control capability. It all sounds promising for this premium mATX B550 offering that typically sells for £185. But how does the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus (Wi-Fi) stack up versus the competition?

Features (information taken from the ASUS webpage):

  • AMD AM4 socket: Ready for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics Processors
  • Enhanced power solution: 8+2 DrMOS power stages, ProCool connector, military-grade TUF components, and Digi+ VRM for maximum durability
  • Comprehensive cooling: VRM heatsinks, PCH fanless heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+ utility
  • Next-gen connectivity: PCIe 4.0 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C support
  • Made for online gaming: Intel® WiFi 6, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, TUF LANGuard and TurboLAN technology
  • AI noise-cancelling microphone: Provides crystal-clear in-game voice communication

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Cooler Master Silencio S400 Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/cooler-master-silencio-s400-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/cooler-master-silencio-s400-case-review/#respond Fri, 16 Aug 2019 09:00:48 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=420107 It's Cooler Master latest case designed to be as quiet as possible. Is it successful?

The post Cooler Master Silencio S400 Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
In the quest for a truly silent chassis, case manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to combat noise output from the desktop PC. Today, we are looking at Cooler Master’s latest “silent” PC case. The Silencio S400 has many features developed to offer the best balance in silence, thermal capability and value.

Cooler Master states: ‘The complexity of the Silencio is found in the details of its minimalistic design‘. With this we agree – Cooler Master has managed to take this simple design and create something rather interesting, which indicates that minimalistic doesn’t always mean boring.

The Silencio S400 was developed simultaneously with the NR400, which we reviewed earlier this year. This becomes obvious when we take a closer look at the S400 and see the core chassis of the S400 and NR400 are identical. This is good news, as we really liked the NR400, so hopefully the additions to the S400 should make this even better…

The Silencio S400 is available to purchase for around £80 in the UK right now, making it a very affordable ‘near silent' PC case, with features to rival more expensive competitors.

The S400 is a new mATX case, which is part of a range of near-silent Products from Cooler Master, therefore support for Micro ATX or Mini ITX motherboards is possible. The bigger brother, the S600 Mid Tower, which looks extremely similar, supports full ATX size motherboards for just £10 more.

Key features

  • Sound dampening material in key areas.
  • Extensive support for multiple radiators.
  • Great range for storage options.
  • Removable easy clean dust filters.
  • Tempered glass or steel side panel options.

Specifications

  • Size – Mini Tower
  • Available colours – Black
  • Materials – Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass, Sound Dampening Material
  • Dimensions – (LXWXH) 418mm x 210mm x 408mm
  • Motherboard Support – Mini ITX, Micro ATX
  • Expansion Slots – 4
  • 5.25″ Drive Bays – 1
  • 3.5″ Driver Bays – 4
  • 2.5″ Drive Bays – 4
  • Front I/O Panel – 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x Four pole 3.5mm Headset Jack, 1x SD card reader
  • Pre-Installed Fans – Front 1x 120mm, Rear 1x 120mm
  • Fan Support – Front – 2x 120/140mm, Rear 1x 120mm
  • Fan Support – Top 1x 120/140mm, 2x 120/140mm (remove ODD cage)
  • Radiator Support – Front 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, Top 120mm, 240mm (requires removal of 5.25” cage), Rear 120mm
  • CPU Cooler Clearance – Steel: 167mm, TG: 166mm
  • Maximum GPU Size – 319mm
  • PSU Clearance – 325mm (w/o front radiator & HDD cage), 140mm (HDD cage in backmost position)
  • Dust Filters – Top, Front, Bottom

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    The post Cooler Master Silencio S400 Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]> https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/cooler-master-silencio-s400-case-review/feed/ 0 MSI B350M Mortar Motherboard Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/luke-hill/msi-b350m-mortar-motherboard-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/luke-hill/msi-b350m-mortar-motherboard-review/#comments Thu, 25 May 2017 08:14:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=334690 An ideal choice for micro-ATX buyers wanting Ryzen?

    The post MSI B350M Mortar Motherboard Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    Power optimisations and enhanced on-chip capabilities have made AMD's new AM4 platform a tempting proposition for users who prefer the size benefits of micro-ATX. MSI offers up the £90 B350M Mortar to cater for those users with a 4+2 phase power delivery system and onboard red LED lighting.

    The B350M Mortar shares many similarities with comparably priced motherboards in MSI's B350 Arsenal range. Overall styling is very similar to the ATX-sized B350 Tomahawk and the inclusion of four SATA 6Gbps ports, a single M.2 connector, and USB Type-C add to the list of similarities.

    PCIe bifurcation is not supported on the B350 chipset so MSI is clearly tailoring the B350M Mortar to single-card micro-ATX users who want a cost-effective way of overclocking their Ryzen system.

    With many of the core features boxes ticked, can the MSI B350M Mortar prove itself as a smart choice for an overclockable micro-ATX AM4 motherboard?

    MSI B350M Mortar
    Form Factor Micro-ATX, 24.3 x 24.3 cm
    CPU Socket AMD AM4, 4+2 phase VRM
    Chipset AMD B350
    Memory DDR4 Dual channel, 4 DIMMs, up to 64GB, up to 3200MHz+ with OC (with a Ryzen CPU)
    Onboard Graphics
    DisplayPort, DVI-D, and HDMI ports for use with AM4 APUs
    Expansion Slots 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 for Ryzen, wired to the CPU)
    1x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode, wired to the chipset)
    2x PCIe 2.0 x1 (wired to the chipset)
    Storage 4 x SATA 6Gbps (via B350 chipset)
    1 x M.2 SATA (6Gbps) or NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 (with Ryzen CPUs) or PCIe 3.0 x2 (with AM4 APUs)
    USB 6 x USB 2.0 (4 Internal, 2 Rear via B350)
    7x USB 3.0 (4 Internal via B350, 3 Rear via CPU)
    1x USB 3.0 Type-C (1 Rear via CPU)
    Networking 1 x Realtek 8111H Gigabit LAN
    Audio Realtek ALC892-based 7.1 channel HD audio
    Fan Headers 4, all support 3/4pin fans and DC/PWM mode
    RGB Headers 1, 4-pin RGB
    Rear I/O 1 x PS/2 mouse & keyboard combo port
    2 x USB 2.0 ports
    1 x DisplayPort
    1 x HDMI 1.4
    1 x DVI-D
    3x USB 3.0 Type-A port
    1x USB 3.0 Type-C port
    1 x LAN (RJ45) port
    5x OFC audio jacks
    1x Optical SPDIF
    UEFI BIOS
    MSI Click BIOS 5 UEFI

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    Phanteks upgrades the mATX Enthoo Evolv with Tempered Glass and better layout https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-upgrades-the-matx-enthoo-evolv-with-tempered-glass-and-better-layout/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-upgrades-the-matx-enthoo-evolv-with-tempered-glass-and-better-layout/#comments Thu, 20 Apr 2017 18:38:26 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=331233 Over the last few months, Phanteks has been revamping its Evolve case range with Tempered Glass options. The ATX sized Enthoo Evolv is already available with a tempered glass window and now the Evolv MATX also sports tempered glass, with RGB illumination and an easy access front I/O. The latest entry to the Evolve family …

    The post Phanteks upgrades the mATX Enthoo Evolv with Tempered Glass and better layout first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    Over the last few months, Phanteks has been revamping its Evolve case range with Tempered Glass options. The ATX sized Enthoo Evolv is already available with a tempered glass window and now the Evolv MATX also sports tempered glass, with RGB illumination and an easy access front I/O.

    The latest entry to the Evolve family sports a magnetic tempered glass side panel on hinges for easy access to the innards on both sides of the chassis. The exterior is still built out of anodised aluminium, so it still retains the design the Evolve series is known for. However, enhancements have been made to the internal layout.

    The new Evolve MATX with Tempered Glass now provides more support for extra long graphics cards coolers and has options for mounting liquid cooling radiators. There is space for a 360mm radiator in the front and a 280mm in the roof, allowing you to cram plenty of cooling into the smaller space.

    To help personalise the build, there is integrated RGB illumination that can be synced across multiple products using the Phanteks RGB LED adapter. This would allow you to easily colour match the components in your system. Finally, there is also tons of room for cable management, with lots of cable tie down points in the back of the case to keep things neat and organised.

    Finally, the new MATX Evolve chassis will be available in the usual three signature colours, Satin Black, Anthracite Grey and Galaxy Silver. Each one will retail for $129.99 in the US and £114.99 over at OverclockersUK

    KitGuru Says: I use the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX for my personal gaming rig at home, though not the tempered glass edition. Are any of you guys planning on building a new rig soon? Are you thinking about going with a Phanteks case? 

    The post Phanteks upgrades the mATX Enthoo Evolv with Tempered Glass and better layout first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    EVGA adds USB 3.1 type-C to micro-ATX Intel X99 platform https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/evga-adds-usb-3-1-type-c-to-micro-atx-intel-x99-platform/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/evga-adds-usb-3-1-type-c-to-micro-atx-intel-x99-platform/#respond Sat, 01 Aug 2015 01:14:15 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=261717 EVGA has upgraded its micro-ATX mainboard for Intel Corp.’s high-end desktop processors. The new platform features all the advanced capabilities that the EVGA X99 Micro had to offer a year ago, but adds more Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports as well as one USB 3.1 type-C connector. The new motherboard is one of the first HEDT micro-ATX platforms …

    The post EVGA adds USB 3.1 type-C to micro-ATX Intel X99 platform first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    EVGA has upgraded its micro-ATX mainboard for Intel Corp.’s high-end desktop processors. The new platform features all the advanced capabilities that the EVGA X99 Micro had to offer a year ago, but adds more Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports as well as one USB 3.1 type-C connector. The new motherboard is one of the first HEDT micro-ATX platforms with USB 3.1 type-C receptacles.

    The EVGA X99 Micro2 mainboard in micro-ATX form-factor for Intel Core i7 processors in LGA2011-3 packaging is equipped with six-phase voltage regulator module comprised of solid-state chokes that should provide high stability as well as moderate overclocking potential. The motherboard features four DDR4 DIMM slots, three PCI Express x16 slots for dual-slot two graphics cards and a solid-state drive (or three single-slot graphics cards), one M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4) slot for SSDs, 10 Serial ATA-6Gb/s, 7.1-channel audio, Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 3.0 ports and one USB 3.1 type-C receptacle.

    evga_x99_micro2_1

    The miniature EVGA X99 Micro2 is built on an eight-layer printed circuit board, utilizes solid-state capacitors and other high-quality components.

    The EVGA X99 Micro2 is available now for $229 in the U.S.

    Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

    KitGuru Says: If you are building a high-end micro-ATX desktop and want to have at least one USB 3.1 type-C port, then the EVGA X99 Micro2 is a thing to consider. For some reason, EVGA decided not to use Intel’s advanced “Alpine Ridge” controller for the premium platform, but probably utilized Asmedia’s ASM1142.

    The post EVGA adds USB 3.1 type-C to micro-ATX Intel X99 platform first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Asus unveils ultimate micro-ATX Intel X99 mainboard for workstations https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asus-quietly-unveils-ultimate-micro-atx-intel-x99-mainboard-for-workstations/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asus-quietly-unveils-ultimate-micro-atx-intel-x99-mainboard-for-workstations/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2015 20:52:22 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=260948 Asustek Computer has quietly unveiled what could be the world’s most advanced micro-ATX motherboard. The mainboard features Intel X99 core-logic and supports multi-GPU technologies, M.2 solid-state drives, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.1 and so on. The platform is designed for workstations. The Asus X99-M WS mainboard supports processors in LGA2011-3 form-factor, such as Intel Core i7 …

    The post Asus unveils ultimate micro-ATX Intel X99 mainboard for workstations first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    Asustek Computer has quietly unveiled what could be the world’s most advanced micro-ATX motherboard. The mainboard features Intel X99 core-logic and supports multi-GPU technologies, M.2 solid-state drives, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.1 and so on. The platform is designed for workstations.

    The Asus X99-M WS mainboard supports processors in LGA2011-3 form-factor, such as Intel Core i7 Extreme as well as Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 with up to 18 cores. The mainboard sports four DDR4 DIMM slots and fully supports quad-channel memory sub-system of modern high-end chips. The motherboard features three PCI Express x16 slots for graphics cards, one M.2 slot for solid-state drives, eight Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports for hard disk drives and SSDs, 7.1-channel Crystal Sound 2 audio, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.1 type-A ports, two Gigabit Ethernet ports (Intel I210-AT) and so on.

    asus_x99_matx

    The mainboard has EATX power connectors and thus supports microprocessors with up to 140W thermal design power and even provides advanced overclocking capabilities. The X99-M WS motherboard sports eight-phase digital voltage regulator module.

    The Asus X99-M WS platform will enable makers of workstations to build high-end systems with high-end processors with up to 18 cores, two graphics cards, advanced SSDs and other premium components in small form-factor.

    Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

    KitGuru Says: The Asus X99-M WS is not the smallest Intel X99 platform available. Asus and Asrock offer mini-ITX mainboards for Intel’s LGA2011 processors. However, the X99-M WS is the most advanced workstation-class micro-ATX motherboard that supports all features that Intel’s HEDT platform has to offer as well as USB 3.1. The only thing that the new mainboard lacks is type-C USB 3.1 ports, which is regrettable.

    The post Asus unveils ultimate micro-ATX Intel X99 mainboard for workstations first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Asustek readies 21 mainboards for Intel’s ‘Skylake-S’ processors https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asustek-readies-21-mainboards-for-intels-skylake-s-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asustek-readies-21-mainboards-for-intels-skylake-s-processors/#comments Fri, 22 May 2015 01:19:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=250661 Being the world’s largest maker of mainboards, Asustek Computer traditionally offers the broadest lineup of motherboards for all new microprocessors. This fall Asus plans to introduce 21 new platforms designed for Intel Corp.’s upcoming code-named “Skylake-S”central processing units. Intel’s “Skylake-S” processors will be supported by the company’s new 100-series core-logic sets, including Z170, H170, H110, B150, …

    The post Asustek readies 21 mainboards for Intel’s ‘Skylake-S’ processors first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    Being the world’s largest maker of mainboards, Asustek Computer traditionally offers the broadest lineup of motherboards for all new microprocessors. This fall Asus plans to introduce 21 new platforms designed for Intel Corp.’s upcoming code-named “Skylake-S”central processing units.

    Intel’s “Skylake-S” processors will be supported by the company’s new 100-series core-logic sets, including Z170, H170, H110, B150, Q150 and Q170. The vast majority of platforms for the channel and retail markets will be based on either the high-performance Z170 and H170 core-logic sets or the inexpensive H110 chipset. Other core-logic sets will be aimed at OEMs and producers of PCs for corporate customers.

    Asustek plans to offer 13 mainboards based on the Intel Z170 chipset that supports overclocking of microprocessors, including flagship Sabertooth Z170, Maximus VIII Extreme, Maximus VIII Gene and Maximus VIII Hero, reports BenchLife web-site. The list of other Intel Z170-based mainboards for LGA1151 processors includes Z170 Pro Gaming, Z170-A, Z170-Deluxe, Z170-G, Z170-K, Z170-P and Z-170 Pro. Asustek will also offer two – Z170M-E and Z170i Pro Gaming – motherboards for compact systems in micro-ATX and mini-ITX form-factors respectively.

    PR ASUS Z87 new color - CPU socket, power delivery heatsinks, and memory slots

    The world’s largest maker of mainboards will also offer five platforms based on the Intel H170 chipset, including H170 Pro Gaming and H170-Plus in ATX form-factor, H170M-E and H170M-Plus in micro-ATX form-factor as well as H170i Plus in mini-ITX form-factor.

    The list of Intel H110-based motherboards from Asus will include three models: H110H4-TM for ATX chassis, H110M-C for micro-ATX cases and H110i-Plus for compact mini-ITX systems.

    The majority of Asustek’s mainboards for Intel’s “Skylake-S” microprocessors will rely on 288-pin DDR4 memory modules, but those designed for smaller systems will likely support 204-pin DDR3L SO-DIMMs.

    Features, capabilities and prices of Asustek’s upcoming LGA1151 mainboards for Intel “Skylake” processors are currently unknown.

    Intel's 100-series chipsets will feature a number of substantial upgrades when it comes to support for PCI Express 3.0 and some other things. The Z170 and the Q170 core-logic sets aimed at premium PCs will feature 20 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, whereas the H170 will support 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. The expanded support of PCI Express 3.0 will let mainboard makers to implement multiple SATA Express and M.2 ports for high-performance solid-state drives with up to 4GB/s of bandwidth (in case of PCIe 3.0 x4 interface). In addition, it will be possible to implement multiple additional PCI Express x8/x16 slots for multi-GPU systems. The Q170 will support corporate-oriented technologies like vPro, active management, small business advantage and some other.

    Asustek Computer and Intel did not comment on the news-story.

    Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

    KitGuru Says: Expect Asustek and other makers of mainboards to demonstrate their LGA1151 mainboards for Intel’s upcoming code-named “Skylake-S” microprocessors at the Computex Taipei 2015 trade-show in early June. Thanks to improved chipsets, the news platforms promise to be really powerful.

    The post Asustek readies 21 mainboards for Intel’s ‘Skylake-S’ processors first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Gigabyte reveals world’s first mATX Intel X99 mainboard for Core i7 ‘Haswell-E’ chips https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/gigabyte-reveals-worlds-first-matx-intel-x99-mainboard-for-core-i7-haswell-e-chips/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/gigabyte-reveals-worlds-first-matx-intel-x99-mainboard-for-core-i7-haswell-e-chips/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2014 06:09:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=222324 Gigabyte Technology has unveiled the world’s first mATX mainboard based on the Intel X99 core-logic that is designed for Intel Core i7-5800/5900-series “Haswell-E” high-end desktop central processing units. The mainboard features premium capabilities and can enable compact form-factor systems with extreme levels of performance. The Gigabyte X99M-Gaming 5 motherboard is equipped with LGA2011-3 socket that …

    The post Gigabyte reveals world’s first mATX Intel X99 mainboard for Core i7 ‘Haswell-E’ chips first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    Gigabyte Technology has unveiled the world’s first mATX mainboard based on the Intel X99 core-logic that is designed for Intel Core i7-5800/5900-series “Haswell-E” high-end desktop central processing units. The mainboard features premium capabilities and can enable compact form-factor systems with extreme levels of performance.

    The Gigabyte X99M-Gaming 5 motherboard is equipped with LGA2011-3 socket that supports Intel’s latest HEDT chips, four DDR4 DIMM slots, two PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, one PCI Express x16 slot operating in PCIe 3.0 x8 mode that can be used for the third graphics card or for a high-end PCIe SSD, one PCI Express x1 slot for add-in-cards, one M.2 socket (PCIe 2.0 x2 mode, up to 10Gb/s bandwidth) for SSDs, one SATA Express connector, six Serial ATA-6Gb/s connectors, four USB 3.0 ports, 10 USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet (Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2201 chip), 7.1-channel audio (Realtek ALC1150 codec with custom amplifiers) and so on.

    20141113164220_big

    Like other advanced mainboards designed for Core i7 Extreme processors, the Gigabyte X99M-Gaming 5 was developed with overclocking in mind. The motherboard's CPU VRM is based on International Rectifier chips, including fourth-generation digital PWM controller and third-generation PowIRstage controllers. The mainboard utilizes  monolith chokes from Cooper Bussmann, aluminum core capacitors with low equivalent series resistors as well as other high-quality components to ensure maximum reliability even in overclocking conditions.

    While the Gigabyte X99M-Gaming 5 will fit into compact cases, it will still allow to build a system with eight-core Core i7-5960X processor, up to three graphics cards, up to 32GB of DDR4 memory and a high-end SATAe or M.2 SSD.

    20141113153313_big

    Pricing of the X99M-Gaming 5 is unknown, but do not expect it to be affordable. At present this is the only mATX mainboard based on Intel X99 chipset for LGA2011 v3 processors.

    Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

    KitGuru Says: If you are in the market for a compact mainboard for a high-end PC, the Gigabyte X99-Gaming 5 is a thing to look at. However, keep in mind that in the coming months rivals of Gigabyte, such as Asustek Computer, will likely offer an alternative compact solution for Intel’s “Haswell-E” chips, which will bring the price of such platforms down a bit.

    The post Gigabyte reveals world’s first mATX Intel X99 mainboard for Core i7 ‘Haswell-E’ chips first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Phanteks is set to launch two new mATX Enthoo cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-is-set-to-launch-two-new-matx-enthoo-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-is-set-to-launch-two-new-matx-enthoo-cases/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2014 07:00:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=196269 Phanteks is set to upgrade its Enthoo series with two new Mini-ITX/ Micro ATX  cases: The Enthoo EVOLV and the Enthoo Mini XL. Both cases have been built to maximise cooling capability with mounts for a pump and reservoir for those who want to build a tiny system with a full custom water loop. Here's …

    The post Phanteks is set to launch two new mATX Enthoo cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    Phanteks is set to upgrade its Enthoo series with two new Mini-ITX/ Micro ATX  cases: The Enthoo EVOLV and the Enthoo Mini XL. Both cases have been built to maximise cooling capability with mounts for a pump and reservoir for those who want to build a tiny system with a full custom water loop.

    Phanteks_Enthoo_Mini_XL_und_Evolv_in_Videos_enthuellt_-pcgh

    Here's Phantek's preview for the Enthoo EVOLV:

    [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3m2DQmmTX4′]

    As you can see, the EVOLV is all aluminium and comes in at 450mm tall and just 230mm wide. This case is estimated to come out towards the end of July.

    Here's the preview for the Enthoo Mini XL:

    [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1nPVLuWFNo']

    Both cases have similar features but implement them in different ways. The Enthoo Mini XL is estimated to arrive by the end of August.

    KitGuru Says: It's a bit of a wait for these cases but they look pretty good, it's nice to see that support for full custom water loops has been included. What do you guys think of these new cases? Would you get one?

    The post Phanteks is set to launch two new mATX Enthoo cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    MSI Z87M Gaming mATX Motherboard Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/luke-hill/msi-z87m-gaming-matx-motherboard-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/luke-hill/msi-z87m-gaming-matx-motherboard-review/#comments Fri, 29 Nov 2013 10:06:43 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=164143 Since its inception earlier this year, MSI's Gaming series of components has been a success story. With its well-respected ATX Gaming series motherboards receiving positive feedback, MSI turns its focus to winning over mATX gamers. Enter the micro-ATX Z87M Gaming. Retaining many of the gaming-orientated features that made its ATX brothers alluring products, MSI's Z87M …

    The post MSI Z87M Gaming mATX Motherboard Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

    Since its inception earlier this year, MSI's Gaming series of components has been a success story. With its well-respected ATX Gaming series motherboards receiving positive feedback, MSI turns its focus to winning over mATX gamers. Enter the micro-ATX Z87M Gaming.

    Retaining many of the gaming-orientated features that made its ATX brothers alluring products, MSI's Z87M Gaming is the first micro-ATX motherboard for the series. Support for 2-way SLI and CrossFire, MSI's enhanced ‘Audio Boost' sound system, and a Killer E2205 NIC are just some of the features that will appeal to many gamers.

    Based around MSI's Military Class 4 components, can the Z87M Gaming prove that a motherboard doesn't need to utilise the ATX form factor to be packed with worthwhile gaming features?

    main-image

    Features:

    • Killer E2200 Series NIC.
    • Audio Boost.
    • OC Genie 4.
    • Military Class 4.
    • Multi-GPU Support.
    • Sound Blaster Cinema.
    • Gaming Device Port.
    The post MSI Z87M Gaming mATX Motherboard Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Corsair Obsidian 350D Windowed Edition Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/corsair-obsidian-350d-windowed-edition-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/corsair-obsidian-350d-windowed-edition-case-review/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:49:00 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=137514 Corsair's success in the case market has been undeniable, yet there has always been that one missing option; a micro-ATX chassis. Enter the 350D, a chassis which sits in Corsair's Obsidian series and aims to provide enthusiast m-ATX users with a high-quality enclosure. Since entering the chassis market with one of the most highly regarded …

    The post Corsair Obsidian 350D Windowed Edition Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

    Corsair's success in the case market has been undeniable, yet there has always been that one missing option; a micro-ATX chassis. Enter the 350D, a chassis which sits in Corsair's Obsidian series and aims to provide enthusiast m-ATX users with a high-quality enclosure.

    Since entering the chassis market with one of the most highly regarded cases of recent times, the Obsidian 800D, Corsair has slowly expanded its range of enclosures to suit the needs of a growing number of users. Today we will be looking at the company's first micro-ATX model – the Obsidian series' 350D windowed edition.

    As is tradition with the Obsidian range, the Corsair 350D’s target audiences are high-performance system builders and watercooling users. With out-of-the-box support for up to three watercooling radiators, two of which can be up to 280mm, Corsair's 350D is aiming to bring extreme cooling to the micro-ATX market.

    With a sleek brushed aluminium and steel finish, intelligently designed cable management options, and support for large dual card graphics configurations, can Corsair's 350D prove it is worthy of flaunting the Obsidian series' name tag?

    Main-image

    Specifications:

    • Motherboard support: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
    • Expansion slots: 5.
    • Included fans: 1x 120mm (rear), 1x 140mm (front).
    • Fan mounts: 4x 120/140mm, 1x 120mm.
    • 5.25″ drive bays: 2.
    • Internal drive bays: 3x 2.5″, 2x 2.5/3.5″.
    • Dimensions: 450mm x 211mm x 439mm.
    The post Corsair Obsidian 350D Windowed Edition Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Cougar Challenger Mid Tower Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/cougar-challenger-mid-tower-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/cougar-challenger-mid-tower-case-review/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:19:47 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=110165 Cougar is on the prowl for glory in the mid-range case market with the feature-heavy Challenger. Employing thoughtful amenities generally associated with up-market cases, can Cougar use the Challenger to attack a price vs performance sweet-spot? A trio of 5.25” tool-less drive bays, an external 3.5” compartment and 7x 2.5/3.5” storage drive slots proves that …

    The post Cougar Challenger Mid Tower Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

    Cougar is on the prowl for glory in the mid-range case market with the feature-heavy Challenger. Employing thoughtful amenities generally associated with up-market cases, can Cougar use the Challenger to attack a price vs performance sweet-spot?

    A trio of 5.25” tool-less drive bays, an external 3.5” compartment and 7x 2.5/3.5” storage drive slots proves that functionality hasn’t been overlooked by Cougar. Another convenient feature is the external hot-swap SATA port that makes transferring data a quick and simple task.

    With 7 fan mounting locations, support for large CPU coolers and up to 410mm graphics cards, conveniently-positioned cable management cut-outs and a truly unique ‘pilot unlock missile’ power button, is the Challenger a weapon destined to force its way to the mid-range cases’ top-spot?

    Specifications:

    • Motherboard support: Micro ATX / ATX.
    • Expansion slots: 7.
    • Included fans: 1x 120mm (rear) & 1x 200mm (front).
    • Fan mounts: 2x 120/140 or 1x 200 (Front), 2x 120/140 or 1x 180/200 (Top), 1x 120(Rear), 1x 120/140 (Bottom + side)
    • 5.25″ drive bays: 3.
    • Internal drive bays: 7x 2.5/3.5″ or 4x 2.5/3.5″ & 3x 2.5″.
    • External drive bays: 1x 3.5″ (Front panel), 1x SATA hot-swap bay.
    • Dimensions: 268(W) x 514(H) x 523(D).
    The post Cougar Challenger Mid Tower Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    ONDA gives us a look at upcoming Z77 mATX mainboard https://www.kitguru.net/components/stephen-dougherty/onda-gives-us-a-look-at-upcoming-z77-matx-mainboard/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/stephen-dougherty/onda-gives-us-a-look-at-upcoming-z77-matx-mainboard/#respond Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:15:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=79860 A Chinese motherboard manufacturer most of us wouldn't have heard of before has allowed pictures of its next micro-ATX sized motherboard to appear online which is based on Intel's Z77 Ivy Bridge-ready chipset. For the most part this little value oriented board from “ONDA” follows the Z77 chipset's feature set closely, but includes a couple …

    The post ONDA gives us a look at upcoming Z77 mATX mainboard first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    A Chinese motherboard manufacturer most of us wouldn't have heard of before has allowed pictures of its next micro-ATX sized motherboard to appear online which is based on Intel's Z77 Ivy Bridge-ready chipset.

    For the most part this little value oriented board from “ONDA” follows the Z77 chipset's feature set closely, but includes a couple of legacy PCI slots via an additional PCIe-to-PCI bridge. The other expansion slots comprise a PCI-E 3.0 x16 slot and a PCI-E x1 slot.

    We can see in the photos all solid-state capacitors are used along with a two-ounce copper PCB. The board's VRM setup is somewhat minimal with 4+1 phases. The LGA1155 socket allows for both Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors and there are four DIMM slots on this MATX board with support for dual-channel DDR3 memory.

    There are six SATA ports in total, all of which are wired internally. Four are SATA II ports, while the other two are SATA III.

    Looking at the rear I/O, there are two USB 3.0 ports (along with two more being available via a motherboard header); all of which are all natively connected thanks to the Z77 chipset. Wrapping things up, there are two PS/2 ports for older mice and keyboards, four USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit ethernet and 5.1-channel HD audio. Display connectivity options come in the form of DVI, D-Sub and HDMI.

    Source: Expreview

    KitGuru says: Z77 is still on track for an April launch along with a number of quad core Ivy Bridge dekstop chips.

    The post ONDA gives us a look at upcoming Z77 mATX mainboard first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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    Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z Motherboard review (mATX) https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/zardon/asus-maximus-iv-gene-z-motherboard-review-matx/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/zardon/asus-maximus-iv-gene-z-motherboard-review-matx/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:11:00 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=50647 If you enjoyed our review of the new Sapphire Mini ITX H67 motherboard, then today's review product will be just as appealing. We are looking at the latest Micro ATX Asus Maximum IV Gene-Z motherboard which brings the Z68 chipset to the HTPC audience. The Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z motherboard is no ‘cut down' half …

    The post Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z Motherboard review (mATX) first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

    If you enjoyed our review of the new Sapphire Mini ITX H67 motherboard, then today's review product will be just as appealing. We are looking at the latest Micro ATX Asus Maximum IV Gene-Z motherboard which brings the Z68 chipset to the HTPC audience.

    The Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z motherboard is no ‘cut down' half assed product. As it is a ‘Republic Of Gamers' product, it brings a wealth of enthusiast grade overclocking and tweaking options to the table. It supports the latest Sandybridge ‘K' range of processors and officially can support 32gb of DDR3 memory up to a frequency of 2400mhz. It has onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 for ultimate sound quality and also supports both CrossfireX and Sli configurations. The Z68 platform is set to give Intel a ‘fresh’ start for Sandybridge.

    Specifications

    CPU Intel® Socket 1155 for 2nd Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3 Processors
    Supports Intel® 32 nm CPU
    Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
    * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
    * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
    Chipset Intel® Z68
    Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333 Hz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
    Dual Channel Memory Architecture
    Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
    * Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
    * Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
    * Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.
    Graphic Integrated Graphics Processor
    VGA output support : HDMI port
    – Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
    Multi-GPU Support Supports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology
    Supports AMD CrossFireX™ Technology
    Supports LucidLogix® Virtu™ Technology
    Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (dual x8)
    1 x PCIe 2.0 x4
    Storage Intel® Z68 chipset :
    2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red
    4 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), gray
    Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
    Support Intel® Smart Response Technology on 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor family
    JMicron® JMB362 controller : *1
    2 x eSATA 3Gb/s port(s), red
    LAN Intel®, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
    Audio SupremeFX X-Fi 2 built-in 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
    – Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
    Audio Feature :
    – X-Fi® Xtreme Fidelity™
    – EAX® Advanced™ HD 5.0
    – THX® TruStudio PRO™
    – Creative ALchemy
    – Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
    – Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
    USB Ports ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
    4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
    Intel® Z68 chipset :
    12 x USB 2.0 port(s) (8 at back panel, black, 4 at mid-board)
    Overclocking Features ROG Connect
    Extreme Engine Digi+ :
    – 8 -phase CPU power design + 4 -phase iGPU power design
    – 2 -phase Memory power design
    Mem TweakIt
    ROG Extreme OC kit :
    – Debug LED
    ProbeIt
    UEFI BIOS features :
    – ROG BIOS Print
    – GPU.DIMM Post
    GameFirst
    iROG
    Extreme Tweaker
    Loadline Calibration
    Overclocking Protection :
    – COP EX (Component Overheat Protection – EX)
    – ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
    Special Features ASUS TurboV EVO :
    – CPU Level Up
    ASUS Exclusive Features :
    – MemOK!
    – Onboard Button : Power/Reset/Clr CMOS (at back IO)
    ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :
    – ASUS Fan Xpert
    ASUS EZ DIY :
    – ASUS Q-Shield
    – ASUS O.C. Profile
    – ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
    – ASUS EZ Flash 2
    – ASUS MyLogo 2
    ASUS Q-Design :
    – ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
    – ASUS Q-Slot
    – ASUS Q-DIMM
    – ASUS Q-Connector
    Back I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
    1 x HDMI
    2 x eSATA 3Gb/s
    1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
    2 x USB 3.0
    8 x USB 2.0 (white port can be switched to ROG Connect)
    1 x Optical S/PDIF out
    6 x Audio jack(s)
    1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
    Internal I/O Ports 1 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.0 port(s)
    2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
    2 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
    4 x SATA 3Gb/s connector(s)
    2 x CPU Fan connector(s)
    3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
    1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
    1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
    1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
    1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
    1 x System panel(s)
    6 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
    1 x Power-on button(s)
    1 x Reset button(s)
    1 x ROG Connect switch(es)
    1 x Go Button(s)
    1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
    Accessories User's manual
    I/O Shield
    2 x SATA 3Gb/s cable(s)
    1 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
    1 x SLI bridge(s)
    1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)
    1 x ROG Connect cable(s)
    1 x Cable ties pack(s)
    1 x ROG theme label(s)
    1 x 12 in 1 ROG Cable Label(s)
    BIOS 64Mb Flash ROM, EFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS
    Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
    Support Disc Support DVD:
    – Drivers and applications
    * ASUS AI Suite II
    * ROG CPU-Z
    * ROG GameFirst Utility
    * Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2 Utility
    * ROG Mem TweakIt Utility
    * ASUS AI Charger+
    * DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
    * Kaspersky® Anti-Virus 1-year license
    Form Factor uATX Form Factor
    9.6 inch x 9.6 inch ( 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm )
    The post Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z Motherboard review (mATX) first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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