Why did we ignore the Ryzen 7 5800X for a long time and only add it to our tests now? Because it had a higher price, which made other models more attractive. However, thanks to AMD’s recent CPU price cuts, the R7 5800X will have its place in the market even after the release of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D with 3D V-Cache. That excellent price/raw (multi-threaded) performance ratio won’t be taken away from the 5800X. Read more “Test of the AMD CPU with the biggest price drop, the Ryzen 7 5800X”
As is Scythe’s habit, the Fuma 2 cooler comes with support for a new platform (Intel LGA 1700) with a new revision (B). However, in addition to compatibility, the fan speed range has also been expanded. Instead of Kaze Flex 120 PWM, Kaze Flex II 120 PWM are used. The combination of a narrower fan in the front and a wider fan in the middle remains. The inverted fan blades are also retained, which rotate in an unconventional opposite direction. Read more “Scythe Fuma 2 in rev. B: LGA 1700 support and higher performance”
Coolers supplied with processors are treated with prejudice. Often they don’t even get a chance and are immediately replaced by something “better”. The new Intel Laminar RM1 cooler is improved in many ways and to give you the best image of it, we have compared it both with its predecessor and with the popular SilentiumPC Fera 5 cooler. Tests on a CPU with limited power draw or at full power? Both! Read more “Intel Laminar RM1 box cooler test. Why (not) throw it away?”
Minicomputers with UCFF motherboards are usually quite noisy and not suitable for places with higher pollution levels. However, there is a large selection of fanless solutions in the Akasa range, including waterproof designs or server rack-formatted cases. For a convenient overview across the current models, we have a comprehensive overview of alternative Akasa cases for both AMD and Intel platforms. Read more “Small PCs should be cooled passively. An overview of Akasa cases”
Alder Lake CPUs’ favorable price/performance ratio was initially spoiled by expensive motherboards. However, after the arrival of models with Intel B660 chipsets, the unfavorable situation began to turn around and in some cases quite dramatically. Asus TUF Gaming B660 Plus WiFi D4 with support for DDR4 memory, which is far cheaper than DDR5, can handle even the fastest CPUs. And the vast majority of users won’t even feel any bottlenecks. Read more “Asus TUF Gaming B660 Plus WiFi D4: Entry level for Core i9 too”
We have a shocking revelation! And now, seriously. Different Core i5-12400 processor steppings differ not only in S-Spec code, but also in behavior in practice. Some of the expectations were confirmed, some were not. More importantly, you can choose the more suitable of the two options. But the best part is that everyone can evaluate the “better” variant differently. The differences across these processors must be negligible? No way… Read more “The same and yet different. Intel Core i5-12400 duel (H0 vs. C0)”
A new hero is coming to the world of minimalist computers. Its height is equivalent to average memory modules, and its cooling performance is supposed to handle even Ryzen 9 5000. This is just about trusting the specifications for now, but the Jonsbo cooler has the prerequisites for it. A small radiator with densely packed fins, even heat loss distribution by four heatpipes and a high-pressure fan. Read more “Tiny 36 mm Jonsbo HP400S is to handle up to 140 W processors”
There are situations where standard 25 mm fans will not fit. Even the 120 mm format therefore offers lower alternatives. The first thing that naturally comes to mind is that such fans mean a trade-off in cooling efficiency. However, this may not be true and the hassle of thinking about how to fit a thicker fan inside may even be quite unnecessary. A well-designed rotor can achieve fully-fledged results when compared to a thicker rotor, even if it is slimmer. Read more “Alphacool SL-15 PWM: Low profile does not equal low airflow”
We recently enjoyed the pleasing results of the Core i3-10105F here, and that processor already has a successor – the 12100F. It presents an option in the Alder Lake family for users on a budget. But that doesn’t mean it will limit you in performance. Plus, in target environments (especially simpler gaming PC builds), the latest Core i3 is nicely power-efficient without breaking your bank account. Read more “Intel Core i3-12100F: No. 1 for nimble PCs at a bargain”
Asus has the first standardized motherboard (Thin Mini-ITX format) with LGA 1700, which is powered by a 19V adapter and is also designed for retail sales. The wait was, naturally, for the power-efficient Intel processors from the 12th Generation Core. The Pro H610T D4-CSM motherboard is designed primarily for enterprise clientele, and its equipment is optimized with this in mind. All Alder Lake processor models with TDP up to 65 W are supported. Read more “Thin Mini-ITX motherboard with LGA 1700? It’s here, from Asus”
We watched the Arctic BioniX F120’s behaviour during tests with our jaws dropped. First of all, because in some situations it really has top efficiency, and at a low price of around ten euros. But that’s how it excels in theoretical applications where nothing stands in it’s way. When it works with a filter, grille or radiator, the magic of the BioniX is gone. Such a significant turnaround is unique and fascinating. Read more “Arctic BioniX F120: The efficient fan that loses to obstacles”
Finally, someone brings up the topic of metal backplates for liquid AIO coolers. There is an ingrained belief among manufacturers that plastic backplates are sufficient for liquid coolers. They are not enough though, for a number of reasons. It is therefore good news that Alphacool is releasing steel backplates as optional accessories for multiple coolers. And if you own any of the supported coolers, you can request one – free of charge. Read more “Alphacool has steel blackplates. Higher pressure, higher durability”
Every SilverStone Air Penetrator series fan includes an aerodynamic grille on the exhaust. This is firmly attached to the frame, but can be forcibly removed. The AP123 fan has gone through such a process and we will demonstrate the benefits of this grille. Whether it is good or bad cannot be noted briefly, but the way SilverStone communicates it to the public is again a bit unfortunate and misleading. Read more “We cut the grille out of the Air Penetrator. Better than the original?”
The LGA 1700 mounting hole change sent all the cheap alternatives to Intel’s box coolers into retirement. Akasa is starting to build a selection of third-party coolers from the ground up, with three different models. These, of course, were not created from scratch, and among the first batch of “revived” coolers with larger push-pin spacing, there is also a low-profile model with a height of only 27 mm. Read more “One of the first: Akasa’s new small top-flow coolers for LGA 1700”
We have tested a dust filter that combines the best features of plastic and nylon filters. It has high mechanical resistance, is easy to clean and yet also has low restrictiveness, so it does not significantly change the sound of the fan and does not increase its noise level. Compared to plastic filters, it does not even “hiss”. This addition thus extends the database of results with the latest type of dust filter, one with a metal grille. Read more “Akasa metal filter beat the “plastics” in tests by a good chunk”
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