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Here a roundup of todays reviews and articles:

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor Review
Ash of Gods: Redemption Review
ASUS Crosshair VII Hero (AMD X470) Motherboard Review
Entry-level PC - April 2018
EVGA SuperNova 650 G+ (650W) Review
Gaming and streaming with AMD's second-gen Ryzen CPUs
Intel Releases Q1 2018 Results: The Cracks Appear
OLALA SG1 Bluetooth Earphones Video Review
Samsung 970 PRO M.2 512GB NVMe SSD Review
Thermalright ARO-M14 Review
Timeshift Review
Tt eSPORTS NEMESIS Switch Optical RGB Gaming Mouse Review
Zotac MEK1 Gaming PC System Review



AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor Review

Last week we took an in-depth look at the AMD’s new 2nd Generation Ryzen processor series by looking at the performance of the flagship AMD Ryzen 7 2700X 8-core, 16-thread processor that runs $329. We were impressed by how the AMD AM4 platform has matured, but we still wanted to take a look at the lower-cost models. Today, we will be taking a closer look at the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 6-core, 12-thread processor that comes with the Wraith Spire CPU cooler for $229. This processor used the Zen+ architecture with the all the Infinity Fabric connections just like the flagship Ryzen 7 2700X model, but two of the cores in the dual-CCX configuration have been disabled at the factory. This means it is lacking 2-cores and 4-threads and has 19MB of cache instead of 20MB. That doesn’t sound bad for having $100 shaved off the price!

Read full article @ Legit Reviews

Ash of Gods: Redemption Review

I usually try to assess games entirely on their own merits, but this review going to contain a lot of comparisons to The Banner Saga. There’s really no way around it, as Ash of Gods: Redemption mimics nearly every aspect of Stoic Studio’s Viking-imbued RPGs, including their dark fantasy tone, general story structure, rotoscoped 2D visuals, and unique tactical combat system. I’m not being accusatory when I say this — some of the makers of The Banner Saga have acknowledged and endorsed Ash of Gods, so if they’re not mad, I’m not mad. That said, the comparison is unavoidable.

So, does Ash of Gods: Redemption live up to its inspiration? Or, better yet, does it actually address and improve on some of The Banner Saga’s flaws? Worthy homage or fodder for the fire? Time to find out…

Read full article @ Wccftech

ASUS Crosshair VII Hero (AMD X470) Motherboard Review

Our second X470 review is of ASUS's Crosshair VII Hero, and it's one loaded motherboard. At the original Ryzen launch ASUS also launched a Crosshair motherboard, which is part of their top tier ROG brand for AMD. ASUS typically has provided excellent support for AMD systems, and today we look at their best and brightest star, the Crosshair VII Hero.

The Crosshair VII Hero features dual M.2 slots, WIFI, Intel LAN, USB 3.1, and SATA6Gb/s. The Crosshair VII Hero costs $279.99

Read full article @ TweakTown

Entry-level PC - April 2018

Our guidelines for the Entry-level PC category are as follows. The entire computer system, excluding OS, should not exceed $500. Its primary, but not only, function is to provide a smooth and enjoyable online experience. This means that the cheapest processors won’t be enough, as modern web pages and internet applications do demand some processing power.

Additionally, the system has to be able to efficiently perform internet-related tasks. This includes basic photo editing (cropping and resizing to upload or send a photo) and extracting compressed files. At the same time the necessary background programmes need to be active, such as a virus scanner, a firewall, and anti-spyware software. The computer also needs to be able to efficiently run word processing software and administrative programmes.

Read full article @ Hardware.Info

EVGA SuperNova 650 G+ (650W) Review

Another fine PSU from the ever-growing EVGA stable. EVGA has been busy bolstering its PSU line-up this year. Take the 80 PLUS Gold stable as an example. Right now, at a sensible 650W, you have a choice of the GQ, G1, G2, G3 and, now, G1+ models. Gets kind of confusing, doesn't it, as there are differences in terms of absolute form factor, warranty, eco mode, fan size, modularity, and 12V rail arbitration. About the only thing the supplies agree upon is that Gold-level certification.

The newest of the bunch is the G1+, launched as a meaningful upgrade over the five-year-old G1 that has, as far as we can discern, sold in spades. It never hurts to improve on a long-standing design, so let's get to the new, revised 650W model.

Read full article @ Hexus

Gaming and streaming with AMD's second-gen Ryzen CPUs

Finally. After an eventful week in the world of hardware benchmarking, I've wrapped up our gaming test results for AMD's second-generation Ryzen CPUs. We've taken some extra time to bench each Intel and AMD chip in our test suite with stock RAM as well as overclocked speeds. The wealth of resulting data has taken more time to crunch than I would have liked, but hey, we've got it.

Read full article @ The Tech Report

Intel Releases Q1 2018 Results: The Cracks Appear

Intel has a long history of generating tremendous amounts of revenue and income. This latest quarter is no exception. Intel has announced record Q1 revenues for this year and they look to continue that trend throughout 2018. AMD released their very positive results yesterday, but their finances are dwarfed by what Intel has brought to market. The company had revenue of $16.1 billion with a net income of $4.5 billion. Compare this to AMD’s $1.625B revenue and $81M net income we see that the massive gulf between these two companies will not be bridged anytime soon with either Intel falling or AMD gaining.

Intel has put its money to good use with a wide variety of products that stretch between the PC market and datacenters. While their low power and ultra-mobile strategies have been scaled back and cancelled in some cases, their core markets are unaffected and they continue to make money hand over fist. The company has always been fundamentally sound in terms of finances and they do not typically spend money recklessly. They continue to feature market leading IPC with their product lines and can address multiple markets with the x86 products they have.

Read full article @ PC Perspective

OLALA SG1 Bluetooth Earphones Video Review

Alex reviews the OLALA SG1 Bluetooth wireless earphones. According to him, they are quite tasty. Literally.

Read full article @ APH Networks

Samsung 970 PRO M.2 512GB NVMe SSD Review

In this review we examine the Samsung 970 PRO M2 SSD, an SSD series that offers faster performance and increased endurance write values compared to the 960 series. The new M.2 Pro units is certainly among the popular ones for the professional desktop enthusiast end-users and can be purchased in volume sizes up-to 1TB. NVMe Storage technology has been advancing and developing in very fast paces as we now have reached the 970 series from Samsung. Armed with 64-layer (2-bits written per cell) MLC NAND flash memory, DRAM caching the new 970 series are based on the Samsung Phoenix controller, which have been introduced in there OEM PM981 already. Phoenix really is the Samsung Polaris Gen 2 controller now delivering up-to 3,500 MB/s sequential read speeds on even the smaller 500 GB version, with up to 2,700 MB/s sequential writes for this PRO series. For a little more shock and awe, Random 4KB numbers run up to 500,000 IOPS read and write, which is pretty spectacular.

The 970 PRO has been fitted with 64-layer MLC NAND, we have received a 512GB model for testing. The product is only slightly faster compared to the EVO model (which can do 2300~2500 MB/s writes). Samsung is to release the new 970 Pro model in capacities of 250 GB, 500GB but also a 1 TB volume sizes. A 2TB version, however, has not been announced, there, however, is a 2TB 970 EVO model available.

Read full article @ The Guru of 3D

Thermalright ARO-M14 Review

Based on the Macho Rev.B, the ARO-M14 features six powerful 6mm heatpipes. These are firmly integrated in to the nickel-plated copper base to ensure the most effective heat dissipation. Thanks to the supplied TY 147-A fan, the ARO-M14 remains “whisper-quiet” even at peak performance. The fan has been optimised for low noise operation with noise levels ranging from 15 to 21 dB(A). The fan also produces an impressive amount of airflow from 28.7 to 125 m³/h.

Read full article @ Play3r

Timeshift Review

Backup solutions for Linux-based systems are many - most of them using rsync as the backend service. In this regard, Timeshift isn't much different, but its presence of the tool in Linux Mint 18.3 Sylvia, as well as the way it behaves prompted me to take it for a longer and more thorough spin.

Indeed, looking at the product - it's not only rsync what Timeshift does. It also supports BTRFS, and it's not just a user data backup tool, it's actually a system backup tool. Sounds interesting. And this is why we're testing.

Read full article @ Dedoimedo

Tt eSPORTS NEMESIS Switch Optical RGB Gaming Mouse Review

When out to get a brand new gaming mouse it's very important to know exactly what use you want it for in order to pick just the right one for the job. For example gamers who play fast passed games (primarily FPS - first person shooter - titles) usually prefer small to medium sized claw/tip grip models with no more than 6-7 buttons tops. On the other hand gamers who like playing MMO's often go for larger palm grip models that feature many more buttons and by many i mean up to 19. Over the years Tt eSPORTS may have released a large number of award winning gaming mice (for example their Ventus and Level 10 lines) but they haven't really catered to the needs of MMO gamers all over the world something which they aim to change with their brand new NEMESIS RGB Switch Optical Gaming Mouse.

A division of Thermaltake Gaming, Tt eSPORTS is committed to bringing the most personalized and the highest quality gear for the most competitive cyber battles, and advances the idea of products designed by gamers for gamers. Tt eSPORTS has continually been a major driving force in inspiring, challenging, and taking to new heights eSports in the professional gaming industry; and currently sponsors a multitude of gaming teams and streamers from around the world by equipping them with the necessary gaming gears - keyboards, headsets, mice and accessories - to compete and succeed at the highest level at major eSport events such as: DreamHack, Insomnia, epic. LAN and the Intel Extreme Masters. Tt eSPORTS continually strives to promote eSports as a global phenomenon and to put it onto the world stage.

Read full article @ NikKTech

Zotac MEK1 Gaming PC System Review

Zotac generally tends to prefer sticking to the smaller or sleeker designs taking space very seriously. As such we regularly see Zotac systems carrying mini-ITX style cases be it in a full system or in the ‘barebones’ system we reviewed earlier this year.

In comparison, while the ‘barebones’ system was exactly that, in this instance we have the Zotac MEK1 Gaming PC to check out. A fully fledged gaming PC, ready to run out of the box and crammed full of excellent components to handle even the toughest of games. Well, at least on paper. This system, however, is not all about performance, it also carries some pretty impressive looks. It is, after all, nice to have a gaming PC that not only runs great but looks fantastic while doing so. Lets put the Zotac MEK1 Gaming PC to the test to see if this could be a great option for your next system!

Read full article @ eTeknix