Cases/Cooling/PSUs

Bykski Announces Real-Time Temperature Monitoring Fittings for Watercooling
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Bykski Announces Real-Time Temperature Monitoring Fittings for Watercooling

Bykski has unveiled two new real-time temperature sensor monitors, both featuring LCD displays capable of displaying real-time temperature information on its screen to the users. The Bykski B-TME-SE-AL and B-VGA-SC-AL both are added inline to your water cooling loop to allow for instant monitoring of the water loop fluid temperature right from its screen. Aside from temperature monitoring, it can add a unique touch to a user’s loop. Typically temperature readings are handled by software or much larger devices that fit in the 5 1/4″ bays. 

 

The B-TME-SE-AL is an inline device designed for use on the main loop tubing and features an OLED display showing real-time temperature information. It is able to get this information through a thermistor in the inlet screw which reads the liquids current temperature when passing through the device. Users are able to present the information in a curve display or progress bar on the screen. The TME is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and is available in black and grey colors with a smooth finish. 

The B-VGA-SC-AL, on the other hand, is intended for use with VGA blocks and mounts to the VGA block itself. Like the TME, the VGA version works the same way with an integrated thermistor in the inlet screw reading temperatures. Like the TME, a curve display or progress bar are also options on its OLED screen. The VGA is made out of aluminum + acrylic and comes in two colors, black and grey, which should blend in with many VGA blocks on the market.

Both devices use a standard G ¼” threads so users are able to connect their own fittings and integrate the temperature monitors in the loop. These are made out of aluminum and we are unsure if there is a nickel coating. Be aware of potentially mixing metals inside your loop. Bykski stands by these two products with 3-year warranty. 

Bykski B-TME-SE-AL and B-VGA-SC-AL
  B-TME-SE-AL B-VGA-CD-AL
Color Black / Grey
Material Aluminum Aluminum + Acrylic
Process Anodized
Pattern Smooth
Thread Size G 1/4″
Annex No
Warranty 3 Years

Both are available now with the B-VGA-SC-AL block found at AliExpress.com for $35.95 and the B-TME-SE-AL found at sgshop.com for $47.27. I have to admit I would have expected these to cost more, regardless if they are a bit limited in functionality (temps only). Availability of the devices appear limited to the above sites overseas as a cursory search to find these anywhere local for the US/EU contingent turned up without results. That said, both websites above do ship internationally. 

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EKWB Releases Its First X470 Series Monoblock for ASUS ROG Strix X470-F Gaming
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EKWB Releases Its First X470 Series Monoblock for ASUS ROG Strix X470-F Gaming

With the release of the new X470 based chipset for the 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen CPUs, board partners have brought to market new motherboards designed to support AMD’s new processors. With this, it is inevitable that major players in the cooling industry are scurrying to release new blocks for some of these boards. To that end, EKWB has announced the impending release of the the EK-FB ASUS Strix X470 monoblock, its first X470 series monoblock and one designed specifically to fit the ASUS ROG Strix X470-F Gaming motherboard. Based off the EK-Supremacy EVO cooling engine, liquid flows directly over both the 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen based CPUs (+ 7th Generation A-series/Athlon) and the power delivery bits in order to help keep the parts cool.

The EK-FB ASUS Strix X470 uses a high-flow design that EK says can easily be used with a system using a weaker pump and still achieve adequate flow rates. The base of the monoblock is constructed from nickel-plated electrolytic copper with the top made of acrylic glass material. Unlike many EKWB blocks, this will only come in the nickel version. EK goes on to say the cold plate is specifically designed to ensure the block has better mechanical contact with the HIS of AMD AM4 socket based processors to enable better thermal transfer.

The clear acrylic design and integrated 4-pin RGB LED strip lights up the channels the liquid flows through as well as the ‘Strix’ nameplate on the bottom.  The 4-pin LED is able to connect to the motherboard’s 4-pin header and controlled through ASUS’ Aura Sync software, or any other 4-pin LED controller. The block will arrive fully assembled with its nickel plated brass screw-in standoffs preinstalled to save a couple of minutes on installation.

Included is the EK-FB ASUS Strix X470 RGB monoblock, mounting mechanism, and backplate, along with EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal paste to apply on the CPU as well as thermal pads for use on the voltage regulator modules. The block is currently available through pre-order through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network. All pre-orders will begin shipping Tuesday, May 8th. Pricing for the EK-FB ASUS Strix X470 RGB Monoblock is 139.90€/$154.99. EK did not mention blocks for other boards would be released, but I have a feeling we can expect some. 

EK-FB ASUS Strix X470 RGB Monoblock
  MSRP (incl. VAT)
EK-FB ASUS Strix X470 RGB – Nickel Monoblock 139.90€ / $154.99

 

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New EKWB Threadripper X399 Monoblocks for GIGABYTE and MSI
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New EKWB Threadripper X399 Monoblocks for GIGABYTE and MSI

EKWB has announced the release of two new monoblocks made for GIGABYTE and MSI Threadripper X399  motherboards. Both blocks are an all-in-one (CPU and power delivery) cooling solution with a redesigned cold plate and fin area, claimed to cover most of the Ryzen Threadripper surface enabling better thermal transfer. In addition to the CPU itself, the block also cools the power delivery with liquid flowing directly over the necessary components. One could argue that with sufficient cooling, pushing Threadripper CPUs beyond their TDP through overclocking should be easier. 

The base of both monoblocks is made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, while the top is made of acrylic glass. The block comes fully assembled with nickel-plated mounting screws and brass screw-in standoffs pre-installed. This is the only style available. EKWB includes Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut (1g) thermal paste, as well as thermal pads for contact with the power delivery modules, in each package. Both blocks use standard G1/4 threading, and barbs are sold separately. The GIGABYTE block (right, below) is compatible on two motherboards, the X399 Aorus Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) and the X299 Designare EX (rev. 1.0). The MSI block (left, below) is compatible with the X399 Gaming Pro Carbon AC and the X399 SLI Plus. The different flow channels are due to each company layout being different.

  
Left: MSI; Right: GIGABYTE

Each monoblock contains RGB LEDs, but uses them in different ways due to each motherboard configuration. The GIGABYTE block is equipped with a Digital RGB LED strip and connects to a dedicated 3-pin digital LED header. With this strip and the GIGABYTE RGB Fusion App, users are able to individually control color to each LED on the digital LED strip. The block also includes a standard 4-pin 12V RGB LED strip able to connect to the motherboard’s 4-pin LED header. The LED shines through the base of the block and through a cover that has “Threadripper” cut out. The LED strip cover is removable for ease of adjusting cable orientation or replacing the LED strip. The MSI block, on the other hand, includes a 4-pin RGB LED strip controlled by its Mystic Light software and does not come with a digital or any additional strips.

Both monoblocks are available now through the EK Webshop and their Partner Reseller Network. MSRP for both blocks is $139.99 / €125.95 (inc. VAT). There are separate links to the GIGABYTE and MSI versions.

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iBuyPower at CES 2018: Putting a Monitor Inside A Snowblind PC
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iBuyPower at CES 2018: Putting a Monitor Inside A Snowblind PC

One of the most esoteric elements to CES this year was in the iBuyPower booth. iBuyPower is a system integrator rather than a components manufacturer, so it comes across as surprising when they have an ultimate hardware exclusive, and their Project Snowblind is it. Last year at CES iBP demonstrated the Snowblind concept: using a transparent LCD panel on the side of a PC case as a window into seeing the components, but also with the ability to run a set of moving images and video while the machine is on. It is the ultimate RGB add-on. For 2018, the latest version was on display.

The latest version comes in at a resolution of 1024×1280, which is similar to last year but with better clarity and response. Through speaking with iBP, they do have the ability to fashion it into any ‘regular’ sized panel environment. It turns out that this technology was co-developed with Intel on board, so it’s unlikely to be an option on an AMD system.

iBP only provides this feature on its Snowblind systems, rather than as an individual add-on. The reason is that the Snowblind system is so-called because it focuses on white components, and adds in the high-power white LEDs around the edge of the transparent display in order to actually see the LCD screen. Without this in place, it would almost be unreadable, hence the limitation of its availability. When discussing with iBP, the full overall cost of the feature does add around $150-$200 to the system.

One of the key points that got me here was around how the chassis industry has evolved over the last 10-20 years. We have had features such as dual-chamber designs, tool-less design, mini-ITX through massive tower systems, tempered glass, and the glut of recent RGB that can be perceived as a vomit disco. How many truly innovative elements to the chassis industry has there been in that time? In Win is usually a good call for cases that open themselves, but these tend to be limited in scope. So it amazes me when it falls to a system integrator to come up with something so entirely different. It’s also fun to look at.

Of course, the scope of such a system means that showing it off at a LAN event is what it is really for, or for businesses to help reinforce a company logo on PCs on the desks of their employees. While it is plugged into the graphics card, the system can be used to play games, but doesn’t work that well as a monitor because of how much can be seen through. It is designed more to show off both moving images and the components inside, and it certainly does that. 

iBuyPower currently offers Snowblind under its Signature PC series, with Snowblind, Snowblind Pro and Snowblind Extreme versions. All systems use Intel Coffee Lake 8th Gen K-series processors, and NVIDIA graphics cards. For any GPU that doesn’t already have an appropriate backplate, iBP creates one to help with the lighting.

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FSP Releases CMT510 Mid-Tower Chassis: Tempered Glass and RGB Aplenty
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FSP Releases CMT510 Mid-Tower Chassis: Tempered Glass and RGB Aplenty

FSP released a new mid-tower case adding to its CMT line, the CMT510. The CMT510 features three panels made of tempered glass designed to show off the system inside. The case supports ATX, Micro ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, video cards to 400mm in length, and supports up to a 360mm radiator for water cooling. 

The chassis is all black with a matte coating on the aluminum parts of the case. The tempered glass is tinted to 50% and covers the front, left and right panels displaying what is inside. I have to admit, I am not sure why any case would want to show off what is generally a wild world of wires behind the motherboard. That aside, the front panel IO sits on top of the case and includes a power and RGB buttons (cycle through several lighting effects), two USB 3.0 ports, microphone and headphone jacks, as well as LEDs for power and HDD activity.

The case includes four pre-mounted 120mm RGB LED fans with three in the front and another on the rear. The top 120/1400mm fan location is not occupied. These plug into a simple fan controller mounted on the back of the motherboard tray.

  

Cable management should be easy with a large pre-drilled slot running the vertical length adjacent to the motherboard. Below there is room for an ATX sized power supply sitting under a dust cover running the length of the case. This hides the cables and should keep that area cleaner. On top of the PSU, shroud are two locations to mount 2.5-inch drives along with two more locations on the back for two 3.5-inch or two 2.5-inch drives. dust filtered airflow is to enter the PSU space fed by most of the bottom fan. The CMT510 supports CPU coolers up to 165mm and video cards to 400mm in length without losing drive capacity. Watercooling is also possible inside with support for either a 2x140mm radiator or a 3x120mm radiator on the front of the case.

 

The CMT510 is available now at an MSRP of $100. 

FSP CMT510 Mid-Town Chassis
Model CMT510
Case Type ATX Mid-Tower
Dimensions 491 x 208 x448mm (19.15 x 8.11 x 17.57-inches)
Color Black
Body Material SECC, Tempered Glass
Net Weight N/A
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
System Fan 3 x 120mm RGB LED Included
I/O Ports 2 x USB3.0
3.5″ HD Audio
VGA Card Support 400mm
CPU Cooling Support 165mm
PSU Support ATX
Radiator Support 1 x 360mm (Front)

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