The Ventus 3X (RTX 4070 TiS) case: Final vs. original VBIOS

The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Ventus 3X graphics card came out with a BIOS that MSI (and even Nvidia) wasn’t happy with. After the second revision, there is the third, the last revision of the BIOS. This one increases the power limit to allow higher GPU clock speeds to be achieved. However, this comes at the cost of a bit lower power efficiency. To update or not to update? That’s for everyone to decide for themselves, if they get the chance. Read more “The Ventus 3X (RTX 4070 TiS) case: Final vs. original VBIOS” »

MSI officially about RTX 4070 Ti Super 16G Ventus 3X faults

MSI has released a statement saying that the RTX 4070 Ti Ventus 3X graphics cards did indeed come out with an untweaked BIOS that prevents this graphics card from achieving its maximum performance. However, there seems to be a fix already that could solve everything. Still… let’s revisit this topic and try to sort through the possible technical reasons that cause the significant fluctuation in the performance of the cheapest three-fan MSI RTX 4070 Ti Super. Read more “MSI officially about RTX 4070 Ti Super 16G Ventus 3X faults” »

MSI RTX 4070 Ti Super 16G Ventus 3X: Big cooler w/o a markup

The biggest hardware changes compared to non-Super cards concern the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super. What’s different is the GPU, the amount of GDDR6X memory or the width of the memory bus. We have the RTX 4070 Ti Super in one of the cheapest non-reference designs, the Ventus 3X, for analysis and it will be about “reputation repair” as well. MSI has tarnished it a bit in this line of graphics cards in the past, but now it’s a very attractive solution. Read more “MSI RTX 4070 Ti Super 16G Ventus 3X: Big cooler w/o a markup” »

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi: Mainly faster network

The second wave of Z790 motherboards, released alongside 125W Intel Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs, is also attractive for its upgraded network connectivity. The latter is also cutting edge on the Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi. It’s one of the cheapest boards with WiFi 7. But in our tests of it, we’ll naturally be interested in the overall implementation of all the features. That is, what MSI managed better or worse compared to competing models. Read more “MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi: Mainly faster network” »

256GB RAM: 64GB DDR5 modules coming, motherboards are ready

Early this year DDR5 memory modules got capacity boost when 24GB and 48GB modules hit the market. These were based on 24Gb chips. However, it looks like another leap is coming and 64GB modules could soon be on the market, allowing up to 256GB of RAM to be installed into regular desktop PCs, or 128GB for laptops or Mini-ITX boards. Board manufacturers are already gearing up support, hopefully this time there won’t be compatibility issues. Read more “256GB RAM: 64GB DDR5 modules coming, motherboards are ready” »

MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi: Extra features “cheaper”

The X670E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard is a combination of the highest-end AMD chipset and a relatively lower price. At least by X670E motherboard standards. In addition to broader connectivity (that’s first and foremost), there’s also PCI Express 5.0 support. The decent VRM is also well prepared to run efficiently with even the most powerful processors that can be used on the AM5 platform. Read more “MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi: Extra features “cheaper”” »

12VHPWR cable thermal imaging: Different PSU, different temps

Something for warm-up. We’ll start our ATX 3.0 PSU tests with perhaps the most talked about topic surrounding them, the temperatures of the new cables with 16-pin PCIe connectors. The overview of the PSUs of twelve brands answers well the question of how the manufacturers handled which models. With high current loads, the temperature differences can be quite significant, both on the connector housings and on the wire insulation. Read more “12VHPWR cable thermal imaging: Different PSU, different temps” »

This is the complete ATX 3.0 power supply test lineup

Recently, in fact for most of 2023, we’ve been collecting various ATX 3.0 power supplies. In total, twelve have been collected, which is also the final number with which we are now leaving for measurements. Before we start publishing the tests, you can check out a comprehensive overview of all the models. Or leave a comment, which we can eventually incorporate into our analyses. Read more “This is the complete ATX 3.0 power supply test lineup” »

How well do you know MSI coolers? CoreLiquid E360 giveaway

In collaboration with MSI, we’ve prepared a quick quiz for you to enter to win the MEG CoreLiquid E360, a powerful AIO liquid cooler with a 360-millimeter radiator. The only requirement is to correctly answer three questions that will either test the insight you have when it comes to MSI cooling stuff, or complement it. Either way, it’s not going to be anything complicated. Read more “How well do you know MSI coolers? CoreLiquid E360 giveaway” »

300R Airflow case or the queen of the MSI MPG Gungnir family

The Gungnir gaming case series has a new top model, the 300R Airflow. This 60-litre midi-tower brings, among other things, features that facilitate the installation of components. All in all, we can probably talk about a user experience on a higher level. Whether it lives up to the selling price is up for consideration. The price is set quite high and the innovations that the MSI case brings may not be enough for everyone. Read more “300R Airflow case or the queen of the MSI MPG Gungnir family” »

MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi: Axe for “expensive” and “weak” boards

If you don’t want to skimp on a motherboard for an AMD CPU, but also don’t want to pay more than you need to, the MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi appears to be an attractive option. The price is well under two hundred euros and yet it can handle even the Ryzen 9 7950X without any power limits. Although there are also things calling for improvement, the cheapest MSI B650 board in ATX format defends its position in a lower-budget gaming build. Read more “MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi: Axe for “expensive” and “weak” boards” »

MEG Prospect 700R. New definition of high-end by MSI

We’ve had cases with a display in our tests before, but MSI has taken its usability to a new level. The touchpad can still be used for control, but it also serves as an indicator for various useful things. Sure, the case sits pretty high at three hundred euros, but it’s not just about the extra cost of the display. The MEG Prospect 700R also justifies the price in other aspects. For example, the really precise build quality. Read more “MEG Prospect 700R. New definition of high-end by MSI” »

So we took a look at the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi and…

When building a relatively cheaper Intel-based desktop, you’ll probably choose a “B” chipset motherboard. One of those is the B760M Mortar WiFi. Because of the use of the Micro ATX format, this motherboard is also attractive for smaller computer cases. The cross-generational comparison with the B660M Mortar WiFi is also striking. What direction is MSI taking this? Read more “So we took a look at the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi and…” »

Warning color as a fire protection measure for new MSI PSUs

The second wave of MSI power supplies supporting the ATX 3.0 standard is marked by, in addition to the lower price, one small but attention-grabbing detail. The latter was created in response to the drama surrounding the 12VHPWR connector. In a clever, practical way, another form of prevention has been added for ordinary, less experienced users to prevent possible difficulties due to insufficient electrical contact. Read more “Warning color as a fire protection measure for new MSI PSUs” »

MSI RTX 4060 Ti Gaming X Trio 8G: Extra efficient and quiet

Mid-range graphics cards with Ada Lovelace GPUs are finally here. The intergenerational speed increase is relatively lower with the RTX 4060 Ti, but the power draw has dropped significantly and the overall operating characteristics are pleasing. Especially when it comes to designs similar to the MSI Gaming X Trio with a well oversized cooler. Three fans, power draw under 170W, and gaming performance well above the Radeon RX 6650 XT. Read more “MSI RTX 4060 Ti Gaming X Trio 8G: Extra efficient and quiet” »

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