EKWB Quantum Velocity² AM5 Block Shows 2°C Advantage

EKWB’s Quantum Velocity² AM5 water block shows a 2°C advantage over previous models in custom loop testing. The block features a redesigned cold plate and optimized flow channels for AMD’s latest socket. Reviewers used Ryzen 9 7950X for thermal comparisons.

Testing at 250W load reveals CPU temperatures of 68°C, compared to 70°C with the older Velocity model. Flow rates remain consistent, and installation is simplified with a new mounting bracket. Aesthetic options include nickel and acetal finishes.

This performance gain may appeal to custom loop enthusiasts seeking maximum efficiency. EKWB’s focus on socket-specific optimization sets a new standard for water blocks. Competing brands are expected to release similar updates for AM5.

Corsair iCUE Link H150i Elite LCD Suffers Firmware Glitch

Corsair’s iCUE Link H150i Elite LCD suffers from a firmware glitch causing fan speed reporting errors. Users have reported inconsistent RPM readings and occasional fan dropouts in the iCUE software. The issue appears after updating to firmware version 2.1.5.

Testing reveals that actual fan speeds remain stable, but software monitoring fails to display accurate values. Manual control via BIOS is unaffected. Corsair has acknowledged the problem and is working on a firmware fix.

This glitch highlights the challenges of integrating advanced monitoring features in modern coolers. Users are advised to avoid the latest firmware update until a fix is released. Corsair’s response will be critical to maintaining user trust in the iCUE ecosystem.

ASUS ROG Z890 Hero Leaked with PCIe 5.0 x16 Support

ASUS’s ROG Z890 Hero motherboard has been leaked, featuring full PCIe 5.0 x16 support. The board targets Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake CPUs and includes reinforced slots for heavy GPUs. Images from a distributor reveal a new VRM heatsink design.

Testing with engineering samples shows stable operation at 6000MHz DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs reaching 14GB/s. VRM temperatures remain below 60°C under load, and BIOS options include advanced overclocking features. Rear I/O includes Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7.

The Z890 Hero’s feature set positions it as a flagship choice for enthusiasts building next-gen systems. ASUS’s focus on durability and connectivity may set a new standard for high-end motherboards. Competing boards from MSI and Gigabyte are expected soon.

MSI MEG X870 ACE Supports DDR5-8000 Out of the Box

MSI’s MEG X870 ACE supports DDR5-8000 memory out of the box, according to leaked BIOS screenshots. The board is designed for AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs and features a 22-phase VRM. Retail listings in Asia confirm early availability.

Memory benchmarks show stable operation at 8000MT/s with tight timings. Power delivery remains robust, with VRM temperatures under 65°C during stress tests. Storage performance is also strong, with PCIe 5.0 SSDs reaching peak speeds.

The X870 ACE’s memory support gives AMD users access to cutting-edge performance. MSI’s focus on overclocking and stability may appeal to enthusiasts and competitive overclockers. BIOS updates for additional memory kits are expected post-launch.

Gigabyte AORUS Xtreme Z890 Features 10GbE and Wi-Fi 7

Gigabyte’s AORUS Xtreme Z890 features integrated 10GbE networking and Wi-Fi 7 support. The board targets high-end Intel builds and includes a reinforced PCB for heavy GPUs. Leaked product pages reveal a new thermal armor design.

Network benchmarks show 10GbE speeds reaching 9.8Gbps in real-world transfers. Wi-Fi 7 performance is also impressive, with peak wireless speeds of 4.5Gbps. Storage testing confirms compatibility with PCIe 5.0 SSDs and U.2 drives.

The AORUS Xtreme Z890’s connectivity options set it apart in the premium motherboard segment. Gigabyte’s focus on network performance may appeal to content creators and professionals. Competing boards are expected to follow with similar features.

ASRock Taichi Lite B650E Offers Budget PCIe 5.0 Option

ASRock’s Taichi Lite B650E offers a budget-friendly PCIe 5.0 option for AMD users. The board features a simplified VRM design and reduced RGB lighting, targeting value-conscious builders. Retail listings confirm pricing below $200.

Performance testing shows stable operation with Ryzen 7 8700X and PCIe 5.0 SSDs. VRM temperatures remain under 70°C, and memory support extends to DDR5-6400. BIOS features include basic overclocking and fan control.

The Taichi Lite B650E’s affordability makes PCIe 5.0 accessible to a wider audience. ASRock’s focus on essential features may appeal to mainstream users. Competing boards from MSI and Gigabyte are expected in the same price range.