Components
Preview: ASUS ROG STRIX LC RX6800XT
Close to the heels of AMD launching the new RX 6800 XT, ASUS launched its own ineration – the ASUS ROG STRIX LC RX 6800 XT Gaming OC. This one comes equipped with the goodness of a 240mm liquid-cooled radiator, as well as a low-noise blower on the card.
The big radiator will offer up the huge cooling potential for the chipset, allowing it to high a much higher boost clock and maintain it for big performance increases.
Meanwhile, the blower fan is there to keep the memory chips and power delivery hardware cool, but overall, that shouldn’t have to spin too much. Some of the features of this behemoth include a 1527 MHz Core Clock, a 2410 MHz Boost Clock, AIO Liquid Cooling, 240mm radiator, 2 x 120mm fans, low-noise blower fan on the card, and of course, ARGB lighting. This one is a high-end liquid cooled 6800XT card.
You also get 600mm tubing for compatibility with EATX chassis and alternative mounts, and Super Alloy Power II that includes premium alloy chokes, solid polymer capacitors, and an array of high-current power stages.
The GPU also accompanies the ASUS FanConnect II, which equips a hybrid-controlled fan header for optimal system cooling. And there’s GPU Tweak II, which provides intuitive performance tweaking, thermal controls, and system monitoring.
The ASUS ROG STRIX LC RX6800XT is a hybrid cooled graphics card, which means it uses both air and liquid cooling to keep things, well, cool. This thing is beautifully designed, but by no means is a small card.
It has clean looking hardware – one half of the card features a funky STRIX digital graffiti design on it. This is the same design seen on ASUS’ recent motherboards, gaming mouse, power supplies, cases, and so on.
When it comes to the tech specs, the 6800XT gets 72 activated CUs multiplied by 64 shader units. You also get 16GB of GDDR6 memory based on a 256-bit memory bus, which essentially translates to 512 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
The TDP listed is at 300 watts for this product. The 2250 GHz boost clock is spectacular. However, the more average game clock is listed at 2015 MHz. New in this GPU is a 128MB infinity cache and support for PCI-express 4.0.
The RX6800XT graphics card showcases an assertive black ROG design and comes with a backplate. In the I/O area, the card includes two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, one HDMI 2.1, and a USB Type-C connector.
Installing any graphics card is straightforward these days. Once the card is seated into the PC, make sure you hook up the monitor and, of course, any external power connectors like 6/8-pin or the new 12-pin PEG power connectors.
We suggest you get yourself a power supply that has these PCIe PEG connectors natively. Purchase a quality power supply, calculate/estimate your peak power consumption for the entire PC, and double that number for the power supply as your PSU is most efficient at half the load value.
So, if during gaming you consume 300W Watts on average for the entire PC, the recommended power supply would be a 600+ Watt one.
Our test bed inlcuded the following:
Processor: Intel Core i7 9700K
Motherboard: ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI APEX
PSU: ASUS ROG THOR 850W
Memory Module: GSKIL TridentZ 3200MHz CL14 2x4GB
In order to test the performance of the GPU, we put it through some tests. On the 3DMark: Night Raid the score achieved was 65493, while the graphics score was 147600. In the 3DMark: Fire Strike benchmark, the score was 31493, while the graphics score was 51956. Meanwhile, in the 3DMark: Fire Strike Ultra test, the score stood at 12321, while the graphics score stood at 12956.
In 3Dmark TimeSpy, we were able to clock a score of 15488, while the graphics card stood at 18168. In 3Dmark Port Royal test, we clocked a score of 9257. The non-OC 1K, 2K and 4K test results were as below:
For the operating temperatures, we used the FurMark 15 min Test. The results are below:
The regional pricing of the ASUS ROG STRIX LC RX6800XT hasn’t been announced yet. That being said, the card offers a higher boost clock, comes with an RGB lit 240mm AIO liquid cooler, comes built with premium components, and offers top-notch performance.
Components
DarkFlash Intros the DY470 ATX PC Case
DarkFlash, a Korean provider of PC hardware, has once again raised the bar by introducing the DY470 ATX PC Case. This stunning case seamlessly blends cutting-edge design with exceptional functionality, offering gamers and enthusiasts a visually captivating and high-performance solution.
The DY470 boasts a captivating diamond-inspired exterior that exudes luxury and elegance. Its three ultra-transparent glass panels provide a 330° panoramic view, showcasing the intricate details of your build. Whether you opt for the bold black or sleek white version, the DY470 is a visual centrepiece that commands attention.
Designed to handle the demands of high-performance gaming and demanding workloads, the DY470 supports up to two 360mm radiators or ten 120mm fans. This flexibility ensures optimal cooling and prevents overheating, even under intense conditions. The DY470 offers a range of user-friendly features, including back-connect ATX motherboard compatibility, a pre-installed adjustable GPU bracket, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Additionally, the case’s dust-proof design and cable management features ensure a clean and organized build.
The DarkFlash DY470 ATX PC Case is a testament to DarkFlash’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Its stunning design, superior cooling capabilities, and user-friendly features make it an ideal choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts seeking a high-performance and visually appealing build.
Components
CORSAIR RMx Series Power Supplies Get ATX 3.1 Upgrade, ATX 12V-2×6 Connector
CORSAIR has announced an update to its award-winning low-noise RMx series of power supplies with ATX 3.1 compliance, a native ATX 12V-2×6 connector, a manual fan speed control knob, and other improvements. Boasting Gold-certified efficiency (up to 91%) and an A+ noise rating from Cybenetics, the new RMx series includes fully modular, ultra-flexible embossed cables that simplify cable routing even in the most challenging of PC builds. Cooled by a 140mm Fluid-Dynamic Bearing fan with a magnetic dome structure and a manual fan override knob, the RMx series remains one of the quietest and most reliable power supplies available.
“We’re pleased to launch the new RMx Series with an entirely new electrical design that includes a six-layer PCB for better thermal and electrical performance, an upgraded fan, and full ATX 3.1 compliance,” said Jon Gerow, Director of Power Supply Research and Development at CORSAIR. “We’re also happy to announce it achieved the Cybenetics Gold rating for efficiency and the A+ rating for audible noise.” Each RMx power supply features 100% Japanese electrolytic capacitors and delivers its rated power output at a 50°C ambient temperature, ensuring reliable power and longevity even under high-stress conditions.
Available in 750W, 850W, and 1000W models, every RMx Series PSU is fully ATX 3.1 compliant and includes a native 12V-2×6 connector to support both current and future high-end GPUs. The 140mm FDB fan is PWM-controlled and features a half-dome structure that reduces surface friction, resulting in less noise and an improved lifespan. The specially calculated fan curve ensures fanless operation at low loads and minimal noise as power ramps up. Users who wish to override this can do so quickly and easily using the included knob on the rear of the unit.
The RMx Series features fully modular, embossed cables that are sleek and ultra-flexible, capable of making tight bends when connecting to nearly any device within a case, allowing for easy concealment. The 12v-2×6 cable includes low-profile combs for a clean look that compliments your GPU rather than obscuring it. The RMx PSU enclosure is all-new, featuring a stamped, low-restriction fan grill and an improved connector layout with clearer labelling. For users who want a splash of colour, the RMx Series is compatible with CORSAIR Premium Individually Sleeved Type 4 PSU cables and our ARGB PSU cable strips, sold separately.
RMx Series power supplies measure 150mm x 86mm x 160mm and include a wide variety of cables and connectors that vary based on the model purchased.
Accessories
Cooler Master Unveils the Shark X
Cooler Master has announced the Shark X, a groundbreaking pre-built PC that redefines the boundaries between performance, design, and art. The Shark X delivers an exceptional computing experience while standing as a bold statement piece inspired by the ocean’s mightiest and most efficient predator. “The Shark X is not just a high-performance PC—it’s a masterpiece that brings art and technology together, reflecting Cooler Master’s commitment to innovative design and engineering,” said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master.
Standing three feet tall (1 meter), the Shark X is crafted using advanced manufacturing techniques, seamlessly blending organic forms with technological precision. Drawing inspiration from custom mods in Cooler Master’s Case Mod World Series 2019, its distinctive design offers raw power and striking visual impact. More than just a computer, the Shark X is an art piece that transforms any space it occupies.
Beneath its striking exterior, the Shark X houses a mini-ITX framework allowing for full upgradability. The internal structure, visible through strategic openings in the chassis, adds to its mystique. The Shark X defies conventional market categories, appealing to a diverse audience. It captivates design enthusiasts, satisfies tech-savvy professionals and gamers, and intrigues individuals seeking exclusive products. Its artistic presence makes the Shark X a versatile masterpiece of technology and design.
The Cooler Master Shark X is now available at Cooler Master’s official online store in North America and select retailers worldwide.