Category: Extra tests

Gigabyte M32UC: 4K at 160Hz on curved 32 inches

Extra tests, Monitors | | Tomáš Brestovanský

Monitors at the moment are probably dominated by 27-inch models, which is logical given their price and availability. The next step in the evolution are 32-inch models, which include the tested M32UC from Gigabyte. This one is very similar to the recently tested G32QC. However, appearance is the only thing they are similar in, as the M32UC is a bit of a “different animal”. 4K at 160Hz and KVM are just the tip of the iceberg of what the monitor offers. Read more “Gigabyte M32UC: 4K at 160Hz on curved 32 inches” »

In-depth analysis of Asus ROG Strix B760-A Gaming WiFi D4

Extra tests, Motherboards | | Ľubomír Samák

After the Z790 motherboards for the Intel LGA 1700 platform, models with cheaper B760 and H770 chipsets are also coming out. In this test, we’ll take a detailed look at the Asus ROG Strix B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 motherboard, which takes full advantage of what the new chipset (B760) brings. You’ll also get a general idea of how the Core i9-13900K processor performs with DDR4 memory compared to the faster DDR5 modules. Read more “In-depth analysis of Asus ROG Strix B760-A Gaming WiFi D4” »

DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus – The golden middle way

Cooling, CPU coolers, Extra tests | | Pavel Sekerka

At the end of this year I have prepared a review of the DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus cooler. This is an interesting mid-range cooler with a modern design. The Zero Dark and Plus attributes refer to the black edition of the cooler and the second fan in the package respectively. I’m also quite interested to see how the AK400 Zero Dark Plus will fare against the Fera 5 and Fortis 5 coolers from Endorfy, with which it competes both in price and advertised TDP. Read more “DeepCool AK400 Zero Dark Plus – The golden middle way” »

SilentiumPC Spartan 5 Max tests under higher load (125 W)

CPU coolers, Extra tests | | Ľubomír Samák

We’ve already tested the SilentiumPC Spartan 5 Max CPU cooler, but with a fairly low-power processor. Its results thus merged with the simpler (Spartan 5) model without the “Max” in the name. On more powerful CPUs with more thermal output, however, the situation changes somewhat. How does the Spartan 5 Max compare to other coolers on a processor with 125 W, i.e. at the TDP level of Intel’s “K” models? Read more “SilentiumPC Spartan 5 Max tests under higher load (125 W)” »

Genesis Irid 505F: On to cooling with five fans

Extra tests, PC cases | | Martin Bednár

Among new cases, the Polish company Genesis is also making a statement by upgrading the older Irid 503 and Irid 505 cases. One of these new models, which we will now focus on in our tests, is the Irid 505F. This one is remarkable in that it comes with as much as five fans, which is quite unusual. Especially in the class of cheaper cases to which the Irid 505F belongs. Read more “Genesis Irid 505F: On to cooling with five fans” »

BeQuiet! Light Wings (BL072): Sturdy rotor with ARGB LEDs

Cooling, Extra tests, Fans | | Ľubomír Samák

Illuminated fans from BeQuiet! have the advantage over many competing models in a more robust rotor design. This is also due to the fact that it is not made of “light conductive” material and therefore some may not like the Light Wings fans, but aerodynamically they have the edge over other models. This is not only because of the choice of raw materials and their robustness, but also the overall shape of the blades. Read more “BeQuiet! Light Wings (BL072): Sturdy rotor with ARGB LEDs” »

Sonnet Echo 11 TB4 and Echo Dual NVMe docks dual-test

Extra tests, Peripherals | | Tomáš Brestovanský

Modern docking stations look a little different than they did years ago. Firstly, no more proprietary connectors, and for another, they allow you to connect a large number of accessories thanks to the very high-bandwidth Thunderbolt interface. A port in a laptop itself is a good start, but it doesn’t mean “anything” on its own and needs a little help to branch out. And that, in the context of this test, is the task of Sonnet, the docking station specialist. Read more “Sonnet Echo 11 TB4 and Echo Dual NVMe docks dual-test” »

MSI MEG X670E Ace: A truly extreme motherboard that… has it all

Extra tests, Motherboards | | Ľubomír Samák

We haven’t tested modern motherboards for AMD platforms so far and all attention has been paid to boards with Intel chipsets. That will change now, at least for a while – more AMD X670(E) and B650(E) boards will be added to the tests, but the bar will be set high. We’re starting with MSI’s top-of-the-line MEG X670E Ace motherboard, which won’t be beaten by any other board “just like that”. Read more “MSI MEG X670E Ace: A truly extreme motherboard that… has it all” »

BeQuiet! MC1 Pro: Direction top, higher profile and heatpipe

Cooling, Extra tests, SSD coolers | | Ľubomír Samák

The “pro” variant of the BeQuiet! MC1 cooler for M.2 SSDs uses a heatpipe to dissipate heat faster and distribute it more evenly into the heatsink body, unlike the non-pro model. However, greater thermal peformance is achieved also because of the larger radiating area of its heatsink. The latter is still relatively low-profile, does not interfere with anything, and most importantly, so far outperforms all SSD coolers of similar size tested so far. Read more “BeQuiet! MC1 Pro: Direction top, higher profile and heatpipe” »

Intel Core i7-13700K: Efficient choice for a gaming “workhorse”

Extra tests, Processors | | Ľubomír Samák

The sixteen-core desktop Raptor Lake (Ci7-13700K) is a curious compromise between Core i9 (13900K) and Core i5 (13600K). Compared to the Core i5, it is significantly faster thanks to higher clock speeds and Turbo Boost 3.0 support, and it doesn’t lose much performance compared to Core i9 in lighter workloads, including gaming, but it is significantly more power-efficient. Read more “Intel Core i7-13700K: Efficient choice for a gaming “workhorse”” »

Axagon CLR-M2L3/6/10 triple test: Pressure for minimal prices

Cooling, Extra tests, SSD coolers | | Ľubomír Samák

The prices of dedicated SSD coolers we’ve tested recently are climbing towards the prices of the cheapest CPU coolers. Considering the smaller amount of material and the simpler design, this is perhaps a bit disproportionate. That’s why Axagon came up with the CLR-M2Lx coolers at half the price of the renowned CLR-M2 model. Meanwhile, the cooling performance of the top-of-the-line CLR-M2L10 is comparable, and lower-profile variants are also available. Read more “Axagon CLR-M2L3/6/10 triple test: Pressure for minimal prices” »

Fractal Design North Mesh: Case like a piece of furniture

Extra tests, PC cases | | Martin Bednár

North: a case that is designed to be closer to the modern home. In some places, Fractal Design has replaced plastic and metal with wood and faux leather. The tested variant of the North case, with the additional Mesh designation, not only has a perforated front, but also the side panel, which makes new cooling options available. In addition to the factory configuration, we will also test the case with fans in non-traditional positions. Read more “Fractal Design North Mesh: Case like a piece of furniture” »

Intel Core i5-13600K: Better value than Ryzen 5 7600X? Yes and no

Extra tests, Processors | | Ľubomír Samák

The Intel Core i5-13600K processor gives the impression of being from a slightly different class than the Ryzen 5 7600X. AMD’s Raphael with only 6 cores against 14 cores (albeit eight of them only small, Gracemont) of Raptor Lake may look like an underdog that should be significantly cheaper. However, one must be careful when making judgments. Although the Ci5-13600K is a great processor, so is the still only Ryzen 5 7000 in the game so far. Read more “Intel Core i5-13600K: Better value than Ryzen 5 7600X? Yes and no” »

Evolveo M5: A PC case for the undemanding user (test)

Extra tests, PC cases | | Martin Bednár

Lower price usually goes hand in hand with lower quality materials or overall poorer build quality. This also applies to the tested Evolveo M5. With this case, you will come across a few places where the manufacturer has clearly skimped, but as long as you define yourself as a lower-end user, you’ll most likely be fine. The main advantage here may be the attractive price that probably won’t break the bank for you. Read more “Evolveo M5: A PC case for the undemanding user (test)” »

Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black – The legend back in black

Cooling, CPU coolers, Extra tests | | Pavel Sekerka

The Noctua NH-U12A is a cooler that has previously proven that with a little effort, it is possible to offer the performance of high-end dual-tower coolers in a more compact design. However, the last time I tested it, I was still using the older methodology, so with the release of the chromax.black version, there’s an ideal opportunity to conduct new tests. The question also remains whether the NF-U12A chromax.black can justify its high price tag. Read more “Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black – The legend back in black” »

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