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ASUS Launches ROG Swift PG27VQ: Curved 27-inch LCD with 165 Hz G-Sync & RGB Lighting
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ASUS Launches ROG Swift PG27VQ: Curved 27-inch LCD with 165 Hz G-Sync & RGB Lighting

ASUS is about to start selling its new ROG Swift PG27VQ, the company’s latest 165Hz monitor. Aimed at gamers who are looking for a very high responsiveness in games along with ultimate style, the monitor features a curved panel and 1 ms response time. To make design of the ROG Swift PG27VQ unique, ASUS added its RGB Aura Sync lighting to the back of the display.

RGB LED lighting has (inexplicably) become a signature feature of gaming hardware in 2017. As we’ve already seen, there are motherboards, graphics cards, memory modules, chassis, PSUs, keyboards, mice, even SSDs with RGB LEDs, on the market these days. Earlier this year ASUS decided to complete the list of RGB lighting-enabled devices with its curved ROG monitors. So far, the company formally introduced three of such displays, but only the relatively inexpensive ROG Strix XG27VQ has been released commercially so far. ASUS is going to change this in the coming weeks as it is getting ready to start sales of the considerably more expensive ROG Swift PG27VQ.

The ASUS PG27VQ uses a 27” TN panel with a 2560×1440 resolution, an “overclockable” 165 Hz refresh rate, a 1 ms response time as well as a 1800R curvature. Responsiveness is a major selling point of the monitor, which is a reason why the manufacturer went with a TN panel featuring 400 nits brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio and 170°/160° viewing angles, nothing unexpected from TN here. As for ergonomics, the ROG Swift PG27VQ can adjust height, tilt, swivel or can be attached to a VESA wall mounting. Those interested in a multi-display configuration will be glad to know that the display has thin bezels. As for connectivity, the monitor comes with an HDMI 1.4, a DisplayPort 1.2, a dual-port USB 3.0 hub and an earphone jack.

Just like any other ‘Republic of Gamers’ monitor from ASUS, the ROG Swift PG27VQ features a host of features aimed just at gamers. Firstly, it supports NVIDIA’s G-Sync dynamic refresh rate technology with ULMB, which is designed to make fast-paced actions look sharper. The combination of a 165 Hz maximum refresh rate, 1 ms response time as well as G-Sync with ULMB should deliver rather impressive experience. Secondly, the monitor comes with the ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting on the back to customize the look of the display or even synchronize its lighting with other components featuring the technology. In addition, the LCD has ROG’s LED lighting projection signature on the bottom, which owners can customize as well. Thirdly, the monitor supports the ASUS GamePlus modes, which are present on other gaming monitors by the company, and ASUS GameVisual color profiles for different type of content. Finally, the monitor is compatible with NVIDIA’s 3D Vision technology for those who still have the shutter 3D glasses kit (or plan to get one now).

ASUS ‘Most Responsive’ 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor
  ROG Swift PG27VQ
Panel 27″ TN
Native Resolution 2560 × 1440
Refresh Rate Range 165 Hz overclockable
Dynamic Refresh Rate G-Sync with ULMB
G-Sync Range unknown
Response Time 1 ms (gray-to-gray)
Brightness 400 cd/m²
Contrast 1000:1
Viewing Angles 170°/160°
Curvature 1800R
Inputs HDMI 1.4
DisplayPort 1.2
Audio 3.5 mm audio jack
USB Hub Dual-port USB 3.0 hub
RGB Effects ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting
Proprietary Enhancements Trace Free Technology
Color Temperature Selection: 4 Modes
GamePlus Modes:  Crosshair/Timer/Display Alignment
Low Blue Light: Yes
GameVisual Modes: Scenery/Racing/Cinema/RTS/RPG/FPS/sRGB
Power Consumption
 		 Idle 0.5 W
Active 67.5 W
Detailed Information Link

The ASUS ROG Swift PG27VQ is expected to be available from leading retailers like Amazon and Newegg in several weeks. Being a unique offering, the new unit will cost $799.99, a price tag well above average for a 27” monitor.

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Best Video Cards for Gaming: Holiday 2017

For gaming PCs that push the pretty pixels on the screens, the video card is the most important component. And given the sheer amount of custom options, choosing the right graphics card for your budget can be very difficult. In our Video Cards for Gam…

BitFenix Introduces Enso Case and Alchemy 3.0 Addressable RGB Magnetic LED Strips
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BitFenix Introduces Enso Case and Alchemy 3.0 Addressable RGB Magnetic LED Strips

Bitfenix has added a new mid-tower to its chassis lineup dubbed the Enso. The Enso comes with a metallic front and a tempered glass side panel to display the components inside. The front panel has integrated addressable RGB illumination in each corner which gives the case a unique look. Bitfenix has worked closely with ASUS and the AURA Sync software to ensure the case and the new Alchemy 3.0 RGB Magnetic LED strips can be synchronized using the AURA Sync software or using the pre-installed controller on the back of the case. The Enso supports motherboards from Mini-ITX to E-ATX (Up to 272mm) and supports radiators both in front and on the rear exhaust for increased compatibility.

 

The top of the case has locations for fan mounts and a mesh cover, or if none are used up top, users can place a solid panel on it for noise reduction and airflow. Dust filters on the Enso, two located on the front one on the bottom, slide out from the side instead of from the top or bottom allowing for easier access and maintenance. Outside of the tempered glass panel, the remainder are finished in a matte black. If a black case doesn’t tickle your fancy, it also comes in white with tempered glass side panel as well.

The IO panel sits on the top of the case and includes two USB 3.0 ports, power and reset buttons, an RGB LED button, microphone and headphone jacks, as well as LEDs for power and drive activity. No support for USB 3.1 Type-C connectivity, however. Exterior measurements for the mid-tower case are (W)210mm x (H)489mm x (D)454mm (8.26 x 19.13 x 17.84-inches).

 

The Enso has a simple interior design without obstructions, like a drive cage, for example, to thwart airflow inside and keep noise levels down. Bitfenix mentions the intakes are hidden on the front panel and helps with the clean design aesthetic. Though the look is clean, It makes me wonder where the intakes are and how much airflow can really get in there compared to an open front style case. That aside, the power supply is separated from the rest of the case in its own chamber which will help hide the wires and improve airflow. The space will fit ATX and standard Power Supplies up to 160mm in length. It also gas pre-cutout grommets and 23mm of space behind the motherboard tray for cable management purposes. 

 

 

As far as locations to mount storage, the Bitfenix has 3 2.5-inch bays and 2 3.5-inch bays (usable as 2.5-inch also) which is about par for the mid-tower sized course. There is support for 2×120/2x140mm fans in the front, 2x120mm up top, and 1x120mm on the rear. It comes with a 120mm fan from the front (black) and a 120mm fan in the rear (static RGB). The front of the case supports 2x120mm or 2x140mm sized radiators up to 35mm thickness while on the rear a 1x120mm size will fit. The maximum GPU length is 340mm(13.38-inches) which will nearly any on the market. The maximum height for a CPU heatsink is 160mm(6.29-inches) which will also fit some pretty tall units. As always, confirm the specifications for proper fitment. 

Alchemy 3.0 Addressable RGB LEDs

The Alchemy 3.0 addressable LEDs are also a new edition to the lineup and offer more lighting options than non-addressable RGB LEDs.Using the AURA Sync software and a 3-pin addressable header, a nearly infinite amount of looks are possible. The new strips are magnetic and have a 3M adhesive strip to allow for easier installation and relocation on the metal panels. They use SK6812 TriBright SMD LEDs which are also found in their other products. The strips can be purchased with an optional controller that is pre-programmed with multiple single-color modes and three multi-color rainbow modes. Like the strips, it also has a magnet attached for easier mounting.

Pricing was not listed however the Enso Case in white is available at Newegg now for $80 while the Alchemy 3.0 strips I was unable to source online. 

BitFenix Enso
Model Enso
Case Type ATX Mid-Tower
Dimensions (W)210 x (H)489 x (D)454mm (8.26 x 19.13 x 17.84-inches)
Color Black or White
Body Material Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass
Net Weight 7kg(15.4lbs)
External Drive Bays None
HDD/SSD Bays 2 x 3.5″ (or 2 x 2.5″) and 2 x 2.5″
Expansion Slots 7
Motherboard Type Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (to 272mm)
System Fan Front: 2 x 140mm or 2 x 120mm (1 x included – black)
Top: 2 x 120mm
Rear: 1 x 120mm (1 x included – static RGB)
I/O Ports 2 x USB3.0
3.5″ HD Audio/Mic
VGA Card Support 340mm
CPU Cooling Support 160mm
PSU Support ATX (to 160mm)
Radiator Support Front: 1 x 240mm or 1 x 280mm (35mm thickness)
 Rear: 1 x 120mm

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Intel to Use Additional Assembly & Test Factory to Improve Supply of Coffee Lake CPUs
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Intel to Use Additional Assembly & Test Factory to Improve Supply of Coffee Lake CPUs

In a mildly interesting bit of news for a Friday, Intel has notified its customers that it will use an additional assembly and test facility in a bid to improve supply of its latest desktop Coffee Lake processors. The new site has been certified equivalent for the said CPUs, so the finished products will be identical to those that are available today.

When Intel released its Core i7-8700K, Core i7-8700, Core i5-8600K, Core i5-8400, and other Coffee Lake products in early October, they could not meet demand and many stores did not have the higher-end models in stock at all. Today, the unlocked Core i7-8700K and i5-8600K are overpriced (compared to their MSRP) and not readily available at all times (with stock status changing several times a day), which means that their supply is not continuous and Intel cannot meet demand from all of its customers.

Basic Specifications of Intel Core i5/i7 Desktop CPUs
CPU Cores Freq.
(Base)		 Freq.
(Boost)		 L3 TDP PN Price
i7-8700K 6/12 3.7GHz 4.7GHz 12 MB 95W CM8068403358220
BX80684I78700K		 $359
$370
i7-8700 3.2GHz 4.6GHz 65W CM8068403358316
BX80684I78700		 $303
$312
i5-8600K 6/6 3.6GHz 4.3GHz 9 MB 95W CM8068403358508
BX80684I58600K		 $257
$258
i5-8400 2.8GHz 4.0GHz 65W CM8068403358811
BX80684I58400		 $182
$187
i3-8350K 4/4 4.0GHz N/A 8 MB 91W CM8068403376809
BX80684I38350K		 $168
$179
i3-8100 3.6GHz N/A 6 MB 65W CM8068403377308
BX80684I38100		 $117

To assemble and test Coffee Lake dies into actual Core i7/Core i5 processors, Intel has been using its primary assembly and test lines in Malaysia. Binning high-end CPUs is a challenging and time-consuming operation because far not all dies can hit required frequency and TDP. In general, the more silicon you bin, the more higher-end products you can get, but bandwidth of assembly and test lines is relatively limited.

To ensure a continuous supply of the popular six-core Core i7-8700K, Core i7-8700, Core i5-8600K, and Core i5-8400 processors, Intel will adding another assembly and test factory located in Chengdu, China. At least initially, the site will be used to assemble and test tray/OEM versions of the said CPUs. Intel’s assembly and test facilities are a part of Intel’s Copy Exactly! (CE!) program — all methodologies and process technologies they use across different production sites across the world are the same. As a result, performance, quality, reliability and other characteristics of CPUs produced, tested and assembled in different facilities are said to be equivalent.

Intel’s customers will begin to receive the aforementioned processors assembled in China starting from December 15. Since the factories in Malaysia will continue to be used, there will be Intel’s Core i7-8700K, Core i7-8700, Core i5-8600K, and Core i5-8400 CPUs assembled either in China or Malaysia going forward.

Intel has been working to improve yields of its chips produced using various versions of its 14 nm fabrication process for three years now, so unless there is an anomaly in Coffee Lake’s design or the 14++ technology, yields of the CFL chips should be predictable. Besides, Intel uses its 14 nm manufacturing technologies in different fabs now, so processing more wafers is not an issue for the company. And while the bandwidth of assembly and test facilities is not usually an issue for CPUs, in the case of Coffee Lake this may be the case, if Intel’s PCN is anything to go by.

Since Intel does not quantify how many Coffee Lake dies it processes now in Malaysia and how many dies are expected to be assembled and tested in China due to competitive and other reasons, it is impossible to tell how the addition of another site affects supply of its latest processors in general and their high-end versions in particular. A good news here is that Intel promises that with the addition of the Chinese assembly & test lines, supply of tray versions of the six-core Coffee Lake CPUs will be more continuous. As a result, supply and demand for boxed versions of the said chips will likely get more balanced too.

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