Multiple fans connected to a single header may exceed the capabilities of your motherboard (or potentially a fan hub). This is due to a higher current draw than the maximum rating. We’ll analyze when and under what circumstances you should be cautious in this article. The threat of permanent device damage is quite real, but it’s fairly simple to safely prevent it. So, let’s take a look at it. Read more “Beware: 1 A fan headers can be too weak”
Sapphire and motherboards? It’s a thing now. We’ve focused on analyzing a model for the AMD platform—the Nitro+ B850A WiFi7. Just as with graphics cards, “Nitro+” signifies richer features and more premium design, though it still positions itself more in the mid-range. The use of the B850 chipset (AMD B850) also points to this tier, though its capabilities are more than sufficient, even exceeding the needs of many users. Read more “Sapphire Nitro+ B850A WiFi7 motherboard details”
Last week, we reported from the Computex trade show, visiting the booths of various companies. But we’ve got another photo report from Taiwan. We also managed to get into a Gigabyte factory, where the company produces motherboards and graphics cards, and we’re bringing you a gallery of photos from there. Contrary to popular belief, not all hardware manufacturing takes place in China – many components are made in Taiwan. Read more “Gigabyte factory photo tour: Mobo and graphics cards production”
It’s time for a comprehensive recap of the results from SSD cooler tests we’ve accumulated over the years. We’ve gathered quite a lot of data, with most of the coolers being models integrated into motherboards, compared to standalone designs available for purchase. The following article primarily creates a database of various SSD coolers, based on which you’ll be able to determine how each available model performs in terms of cooling efficiency. Read more “More than 100 models tested. Overview of (M.2) SSD coolers”
A smaller form factor, but still well-prepared for even the most powerful processors. The ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi motherboard has a sufficiently robust power delivery system even for the Core Ultra 9 285K, and its advantage lies in its lower height. This makes the motherboard suitable for use in smaller and more space-efficient cases, of which there are relatively few on the market, just like decent μATX motherboards. Read more “Asus ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi: Micro ATX? Also an option”
Gigabyte also offers more affordable motherboards (compared to Z890 models) featuring the B860 chipset. While the specifications in this class are relatively modest, they are reflected in the lower price, making the B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 (Ice) an attractive choice for builds. This is especially true for the tested Ice variant if you’re looking for motherboards with a white PCB. Such models do exist, but they are relatively rare. Read more “(Gigabyte) B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice: Affordable in white”
Configurations on the LGA 1851 platform have been possible for some time even on motherboards with the Intel B860 chipset. These are cheaper and primarily aimed at lower-power processors, but they also have headroom for high-performance CPUs. This is the case with the Tomahawk WiFi variant by MSI. A lower price, yet still a high standard, includes support for the future-proof PCI Express 5.0 interface, among other features. Read more “MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi: Arrow Lake for less money”
A relatively pricier B850 motherboard. But one that outperforms both equally priced and X870(E) motherboards in several ways. It does so with features that are not directly related to the chipset used, but those are often what matters. The ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi motherboard may thus end up being exactly what you’re looking for in a powerful and timeless setup. This can include, for example, two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support. Read more “Not just the basics: Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi”
The AMD B850 chipset is a good option for users who won’t take advantage of the broader capabilities of more expensive motherboards (typically with the X870 or X870E chipsets). The reward is a lower price, and in the case of the B850 Aorus Elite WiFi7, it really is lower. This motherboard is one of the most affordable models that Ryzen 9000 or Ryzen 7000 CPU owners may be interested in. And in tests, it does not perform badly at all. Read more “(Gigabyte) B850 Aorus Elite WiFi7: Is it really cheaper? Yes”
What would be the results of standard motherboard tests if we used the MSI MAG CoreLiquid I360 cooler with them? Better. Specifically, lower temperatures would be achieved for the CPU cores, which would then run at higher clock speeds, which naturally means higher computing performance. Not dramatically, but if we are to illustrate the situation with plates of scales, their position is quite clear. Read more “Test: MSI Z890 Ace (and CU9 285K) with CoreLiquid I360 cooler”
Extremely robust power delivery, 10-gigabit ethernet, a huge number of USB ports and more – that’s what comes with one of the most feature-packed LGA 1851 platform motherboards, the MSI MEG Z890 Ace. This is mirrored, of course, by the remarkably high price tag. Such a wealth of features comes at a price, and it’s all about whether you see a potential in it that you can appreciate. Be that as it may, MSI has packed it really properly. Read more “MSI MEG Z890 Ace: 28 phases for Arrow Lake CPUs and…”
New B850 motherboards have been released for AMD Ryzen 9000 (and possibly 7000) processors, promising lower prices (compared to X870/E motherboards). Not much was known about the specific models until the last minute. But now we’ll take a look at two, one from Asus and the other from Gigabyte, which we’ll also take a look at in detailed tests later on. So for now, just a little preview. Read more “First look at B850 boards. ROG Strix and Aorus Elite WiFi7”
At first we weren’t entirely sure, but now, after testing several models, it’s pretty clear – the Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7 motherboard from Gigabyte deserves the Smart buy! editorial award. The set of its features in ratio to the price is really attractive. At around 340 EUR, it can be a good choice even for the most powerful CPU of the Intel LGA 1851 platform – the Core Ultra 9 285K. Read more “Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7’s award changed to “Smart buy!””
We are expanding our motherboard tests with the Asus ROG Strix Z890-F Gaming WiFi. This one is priced between the Gigabyte (Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7) and MSI (MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi) models, which we’ve already analyzed in depth. This is also a board designed for Intel Core 200S CPUs (Arrow Lake). More towards the more powerful CPU classes, as the tested ROG Strix Z890-F Gaming WiFi has a robust VRM, among other things. Read more “ROG Strix Z890-F Gaming WiFi. Asus’s take on LGA 1851”
MSI’s Carbon series motherboards are among the most feature-packed not only within the company’s lineup, but overall. Similar to the variant (MPG X870E Carbon WiFi) for AMD, the model for Intel LGA 1851 platform – MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi – is also packed with headers and ports. From this detailed analysis, you’ll also learn how this motherboard performs across hundreds of different tests. Read more “MSI MPG Z890 Carbon WiFi: Dangerously close to the top”
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