Cooler Master has just released the Hyper 612 Apex, a new air cooler that promises to pack a serious punch into a compact and user-friendly design. It has also introduced a SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB 3-Pack fan kit, designed to give PC enthusiasts a convenient and stylish way to boost their cooling performance.

This latest addition to the Hyper series is 30% smaller than its predecessors, making it ideal for space-constrained builds while ensuring compatibility with larger memory modules. The Hyper 612 Apex features six innovative superconductive composite heat pipes that, according to Cooler Master, efficiently transfer heat from the CPU. Combined with a dense fin stack, these heat pipes promise to provide exceptional cooling performance, even under demanding loads.

Cooler Master has also equipped the Hyper 612 Apex with its powerful Mobius 120P fan, which delivers high-pressure airflow with minimal noise. Installation is also said to be a breeze thanks to the cooler's compact design and user-friendly features. A removable magnetic top cover and the easy-to-remove fan simplify the process, while a durable nickel-plated copper base offers additional performance and corrosion resistance.

In addition to the Hyper 612 Apex, Cooler Master introduced the SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB 3-pack. Available in black and white, these kits offer a trio of fans that are visually appealing and deliver improved airflow and quieter operation compared to their predecessors. Cooler Master has refined the SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB fans with redesigned blades that optimise airflow and reduce noise levels. Moreover, they feature an enhanced loop dynamic bearing system for quiet operation.

The fan frames sport a sleek and modern design, seamlessly integrating the A1 mini-LED controller. This compact controller lets you control your cooling setup, offering advanced fan control and customisation options for fine-tuning the fans.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the design of the Hyper 612 Apex? What version of the SickleFlow Edge 120 ARGB fans do you prefer?

Asus is being scrutinised for its PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism. Reports of potential damage to graphics cards caused by the new design have surfaced, accompanied by photos of evident damage to the PCB.

The PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim, introduced on Asus's Intel 800 and AMD 800 series motherboards, aims to simplify removing graphics cards from the PCIe slot. However, concerns have emerged about the mechanism's potential to cause physical damage to the PCIe connector or the graphics card itself.

Image credit: Bilibili (via HXL)

Unlike previous ASUS motherboards that featured a dedicated button for releasing PCIe devices, the new system requires users to pull the card in a specific manner, potentially putting stress on the connector. A video shared on Bilibili (via HXL) demonstrating the mechanism shows the card being pulled from a ROG Strix X870E-E motherboard at an angle, which could lead to damage over various pulls. In the video, the user explains that they ran a test in which they repeatedly removed and inserted a graphics card using the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism. The results showed visible wear and tear on the connector after just 60 repetitions.

In response to the video, Tony Yu, General Manager of Asus China, acknowledged the problem and assured users it would be addressed. However, the extent of the issue and the potential solutions remain unclear. It's unclear if the problem affects all Asus motherboards with the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism, but the lack of clarity from Asus has left many users concerned.

For those experiencing issues, one potential solution is to use a different PCIe slot on the motherboard. However, this could reduce performance for high-end GPUs that rely on PCIe 5.0 bandwidth.

KitGuru says: Hopefully, Asus will provide a swift and comprehensive response to these concerns, offering clear guidance on preventing potential damage and addressing any design flaws in the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim mechanism.

Cooler Master is updating its AIO cooler lineup by launching two new series: the MasterLiquid Core II and the MasterLiquid Atmos Stealth. These coolers offer distinct features and cater to different aesthetics, designed to provide PC builders with versatile options for taming their CPUs.

The MasterLiquid Core II series builds upon the success of its predecessor with a range of enhancements, including a redesigned dual-chamber pump for improved performance in a smaller footprint. Available with 360, 240, and 120 radiators and compatible with the latest AMD and Intel CPUs, it provides greater flexibility in system builds.

The Core II also has an “infinity mirror” pump cover that adds a touch of visual flair to your system. Redesigned fans with updated blades and visuals deliver better cooling performance and a fresh aesthetic. Thanks to a quick-mount kit and pre-installed fans, installation is a breeze, while the 400mm tubing length provides ample flexibility for various mounting configurations.

For those who prefer a more understated look, the MasterLiquid Atmos Stealth series delivers high-performance cooling in an all-black, non-LED design. This stealthy cooler retains the innovative features of the Atmos series, including the refined dual-chamber pump and customisable pump top cover. The Atmos Stealth also prioritises sustainability with its eco-friendly pump cover made from recycled plastics. Pre-installed Mobius 120 Black fans ensure efficient and quiet cooling, while daisy-chaining fan connections minimise cable clutter for a cleaner aesthetic.

KitGuru says: Which new MasterLiquid AIO model would you choose for your build?

MSI has released the Strike 600, a mechanical keyboard with silent tactile switches. Designed for gamers, professionals, and content creators alike, it is designed to offer a refined typing experience focusing on quiet operation, durability, and customisation.

The Strike 600 comes equipped with Kailh Midnight Pro Silent tactile switches, which feature a tactile bump with minimal noise. With sound levels below 35 dB, these switches are perfect for late-night gaming sessions or focused work environments where silence is essential. The 70 million keystroke lifespan ensures a long-lasting typing experience.

Crafted with an aluminium alloy top cover, the Strike 600 exudes a premium feel and exceptional durability. Its matte finish and floating keycap design add a touch of elegance, while ergonomic features like adjustable feet and a concave keycap profile ensure comfort even during extended use. The Strike 600 uses fully customisable per-key RGB lighting powered by MSI Mystic Light, allowing you to personalise your setup with millions of colours and dynamic effects. A dual-touch volume wheel and dedicated media keys provide convenient control for multimedia and productivity tasks.

MSI has implemented sound-dampening materials, including multi-layered foam gaskets and an integrated silencer pad, to minimise unwanted noise like pinging and echoing. Moreover, MSI Center software allows you to further personalise the Strike 600, with options for customising RGB lighting, remapping keys, creating macros, and switching between three onboard profiles. The MSI Strike 600 is available now from authorised retailers for $79.99.

KitGuru says: For its price, the Strike 600 looks like a decent mechanical keyboard. However, a hot-swappable board would be appreciated, given it's only available with Kailh Midnight Pro Silent tactile switches.

The launch of AMD's Radeon RX 9070 series has been more confusing than expected. After their absence at CES 2025, AMD has been slow to share details on these GPUs, only stating that the cards would come out in Q1 2025. Since then, a more specific release has been confirmed for March, but now, a retailer might have specified the exact day.

While AMD has initially stated that the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 will launch in Q1 2025, rumours have been swirling about a more specific release date, with January 22nd or 23rd being the most frequently mentioned targets. However, an AMD representative has confirmed these graphics cards will be coming out in March, meaning we'll have to wait two more months.

Recently, B&H Photo Video (via VideoCardz), a major US retailer that previously listed the RX 9070 series for release on January 23rd, has changed the date to March 23rd, specifying which day the cards would be available. However, March 23rd falls on a Sunday, and while review embargoes are occasionally lifted on weekends, it's an unusual practice. It's more likely that B&H Photo Video pushed the date back by two months as a temporary measure while awaiting confirmation from AMD.

This latest development adds to the already perplexing situation surrounding the RX 9070 series launch. Retailers have been stocking the cards since early January, and some reviewers have reportedly received samples in late December. Yet, AMD has remained tight-lipped about an official release date, leaving many in limbo.

Several factors could be contributing to this delay. AMD might be facing production challenges, fine-tuning its pricing strategy in response to Nvidia's RTX 50 series launch, or simply prioritising software optimisation.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on getting an AMD Radeon RX 9070 series graphics card?

Nvidia appears to be cooking up a graphics card behemoth with 96GB of GDDR7 memory. The new card has been spotted on a shipping manifest without a name, but the memory configuration was clearly mentioned.

The report comes from ComputerBase, which found shipping manifests detailing a new Nvidia GPU with a 512-bit memory interface and a massive 96GB frame buffer. Interestingly, this 96GB of memory suggests the card uses 3GB GDDR7 modules in a clamshell configuration, a departure from the 2GB modules found in the RTX 5090.

While NVIDIA has already introduced 3GB GDDR7 modules in the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, this marks the first time we've seen them in a desktop card. However, this 96GB monster is likely destined for the professional workstation market rather than gaming rigs. Moreover, the exact model name remains unclear, but it could be the next-generation RTX 6000 or even an RTX 8000 based on the Blackwell architecture. The manifests confirm that the card features a PG153 board, which hasn't been used in gaming cards.

If this is indeed the RTX 6000 Blackwell, it will have double the memory capacity of its predecessor, the RTX 6000 Ada. While the TDP remains unknown, it will likely use the GB202 GPU, the only Blackwell desktop GPU with a 512-bit memory bus. Historically, Nvidia's workstation GPUs have featured higher CUDA core counts than their gaming counterparts. This suggests that this 96 GB beast could pack even more than the 21,760 CUDA cores of the RTX 5090, possibly using the full GB202 die with 24,576 CUDA cores.

KitGuru says: With these specs, this upcoming Nvidia GPU is shaping up to be a workstation titan. It's likely to find its home in fields like AI research, scientific computing, and content creation, where massive datasets and complex workloads require extreme memory capacity and processing power. Still, one can wonder how it will perform in gaming.

Silverstone has just unveiled the Lucid LD04, a stylish micro-ATX chassis that offers a panoramic view of your system's internals and supports a wide variety of components.

Inspired by the popular aquarium-style trend, the Lucid LD04 features tempered glass front and side panels, providing a stunning 270-degree view of your internal components. This design lets you showcase your carefully chosen hardware while ensuring optimal airflow and thermal performance through the vented panels surrounding the rest of the case.

Despite its compact size (38.25 litres), the Lucid LD04 can accommodate micro-ATX motherboards and most triple-fan graphics cards up to 350 mm long. It offers ample space for components and provides multiple internal mounts for up to seven 120 mm fans (rear and top fan mounts also support 140 mm models). It supports CPU coolers up to 177 mm tall and can accommodate 240 mm or 280 mm radiators in the top panel. The PSU (up to 150 mm long) is housed in a separate vented compartment at the bottom.

Silverstone chose a USB-C port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a 3.5 mm mic port for the front I/O. The Lucid LD04 will be available in black and white finishes. The black version will retail for $72.99, while the white version will be slightly more expensive at $79.99. Both versions come with three ARGB 120 mm fans.

KitGuru says: Although cheap for an aquarium case, the Lucid LD04 is slightly limited in some aspects. However, if these don't interfere with your needs, this could be a case worth considering if you want something different from a traditional-looking case and don't want to spend much. 

With the GeForce RTX 5090 having a whopping 575W TDP, concerns about potential power connector meltdowns, similar to those experienced with the RTX 4090, are understandably high. However, Nvidia has assured gamers that it has taken steps to prevent that from happening again.

During a recent Q&A session in South Korea (via QuasarZone), Nvidia addressed these concerns head-on. The company acknowledged the previous issues with the RTX 4090's 12VHPWR connector, which sometimes led to overheating and melting, likely due to improper installation or faulty third-party adapters.

To prevent similar issues with the RTX 5090, Nvidia has implemented the updated 12V-2×6 connector, which features a more robust design and improved contact points. The company also emphasised the importance of proper connector installation, highlighting that user error was the primary cause of the RTX 4090 meltdowns.

While the updated connector and increased awareness should significantly reduce the risk of similar incidents with the RTX 5090, Nvidia and AIB partners aren't taking any chances. For example, companies like Zotac (safety light) and MSI (coloured cable connectors) have implemented additional safety measures in their custom RTX 50 series designs.

KitGuru says: With the RTX 5090's launch just around the corner, gamers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Nvidia has taken steps to address the power connector concerns and ensure a safe and stable experience with its next-generation flagship GPU.

Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5070 Ti cards have been expected to be released in February since the 50-series was announced at CES 2025, but we've not had a specific date – until now. A retailer listing might have spilled the beans on the upcoming release of the Nvidia RTX 50 series card, pointing the launch date to February 20th.

While the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are stealing the spotlight with their imminent launches, gamers eager for a more budget-friendly option anxiously await news about the RTX 5070 series. Proshop (via VideoCardz), a German retailer, has seemingly shared the RTX 5070 Ti's release date, listing it for availability on February 20th. However, Nvidia hasn't confirmed this, so it could also be a placeholder date.

The RTX 5070 Ti is expected to feature the GB203-300 GPU with 8,960 CUDA cores and 16 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit bus. It's rumoured to consume around 300W of power. Proshop hasn't yet listed a release date for the standard RTX 5070, suggesting that the non-Ti variant might launch later.

The RTX 50 series launch is underway, with the RTX 5090 reviews dropping today. Next week, the RTX 5080 takes centre stage, with reviews expected to go live on January 29th and the official launch on January 30th.

KitGuru says: Are you planning to get an Nvidia RTX 50 series graphics card? If so, which one are you getting?

Phanteks has officially launched the Evolv X2, a stunning ATX chassis that reimagines PC case design with a focus on airflow and aesthetics.

First unveiled at Computex 2024, the Evolv X2 features a striking tri-panel tempered glass design that showcases your system's components from multiple angles. Its aluminum interior and vertical cooling system enhance the visual appeal and optimise airflow, drawing cool air from the bottom and exhausting heat through the top.

Phanteks has paid close attention to detail, ensuring a clean and modern aesthetic. Integrated D-RGB lighting strips seamlessly blend into the design, while a large cover door conceals cables and drive bays, maintaining a clutter-free interior. The Evolv X2 also supports ATX rear-connect motherboards, further simplifying cable management and offering a cleaner-looking interior.

The Evolv X2 can accommodate up to seven 120 mm fans, including three at the top, one at the rear, and three at the bottom. The top also supports a 360 mm radiator for those who prefer liquid cooling. In addition, it supports up to 380-mm long GPUs, E-ATX motherboards (up to 280-mm wide), 170-mm tall CPU tower coolers, and 250-mm long PSUs. The Evolv X2 is now available in black for £129.90/$149.99/€149.90 and white for £139.90/$159.99/€159.90. A black/gold model is available exclusively at Overclockers UK and Caseking for £139.90/€159.90.

KitGuru says: What colour variant of the Evolv X2 do you prefer?

Raijintek is hoping to make a statement in the keyboard market with its new MGA-68, a premium 65% aluminium keyboard with magnetic switches at a relatively affordable price.

This sleek keyboard, available in black or silver, has a CNC-machined aluminium body that provides a distinct sound profile. Raijintek has equipped the MGA-68 with south-facing LEDs and Heijin magnetic hall-effect switches, rated for 50 million keystrokes.

As with most 65% keyboards, this one lacks a dedicated function key row. To get around that, it uses the Fn (function) key and the number keys to access the various “F” keys. Raijintek has also implemented hotkeys to control RGB lighting, actuate switches, and reset default settings. To complement the customisation capabilities, the Raijintek Axion software allows users to adjust actuation distances, enable the Rapid Trigger mode, and customise dead zones and sensitivity.

The MGA-68 is available in three layouts (UK, DE, and Italy) and features PBT or PBT+SUB keycaps in an ISO format with an L-shaped Enter key. The hot-swappable PCB allows users to easily replace the existing switches with new ones, while a switch plate ensures proper alignment and stability. A spill-resistant PCBA and a robust bottom case further enhance the keyboard's durability.

The MGA-68 is a wired-only keyboard that connects via a 2-meter USB Type-C to Type-A + Type-C cable. The package also includes two extra switches and a 2-in-1 keycap/switch puller. Although Raijintek hasn't officially announced pricing, online listings suggest a price tag of around €135, which seems reasonable for an aluminium keyboard with hall-effect switches.

KitGuru says: If you're looking for a keyboard with hall-effect switches that doesn't break the bank, the Raijintek MGA-68 might be worth looking at.

Gamdias is kicking off 2025 with a bang, introducing the Atlas P2 CG, a great-looking new PC case that blends panoramic views with impressive functionality.

The Atlas P2 CG offers a unique fish-tank-inspired design with a seamless one-piece curved glass panel that provides a 270º view of your internal components, while an integrated system display adds a touch of modern flair. Support for connector-hidden (BTF) motherboards further enhances the clean aesthetic, allowing cables to be routed to the rear for a clutter-free presentation.

Keeping your components cool is a priority, so four 120mm PWM ARGB fans (three intake, one exhaust) are pre-installed, along with an 8-port PWM ARGB fan hub for easy control and synchronisation. This ensures efficient airflow and quiet operation, even during demanding gaming sessions. The Atlas P2 CG features a built-in display for real-time system monitoring of the CPU, GPU, and ambient temperatures. Gamdias' Zeus Cast software provides further customisation options for the display.

The Atlas P2 CG offers an I/O panel with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a USB-A 3.0 port, fan LED controls, and audio connectivity. It supports high-end cooling solutions with space for a 360mm radiator and various fan configurations (including 120 and 140 fan support). With compatibility for ATX motherboards (BTF included), GPUs up to 430mm long, and PSUs up to 220mm long, the Atlas P2 CG accommodates a wide range of components. The Atlas P2 CG has an MSRP of $139.90.

KitGuru says: Looking for a new PC case? What do you think of the Atlas P2 CG?

Could Nvidia's frame generation technology be coming to older GeForce RTX 30 series graphics cards? A recent interview with Nvidia's Bryan Catanzaro has sparked hope for gamers with older GPUs.

While the RTX 40 and 50 series enjoy the benefits of Frame Generation, a technology that inserts AI-generated frames to boost frame rates, RTX 30 series owners have been left out. However, in an interview with Digital Foundry, Bryan Catanzaro, Nvidia's VP of Applied Deep Learning Research, hinted at the possibility of expanding frame generation support to older architectures.

This glimmer of hope comes as Nvidia unveils DLSS 4, a significant overhaul of its upscaling technology that uses a new transformer model instead of the previous convolutional neural networks (CNNs). While Nvidia has confirmed that DLSS 4 will be available for the RTX 20, 30, and 40 series, a key distinction remains: only the RTX 50 series supports Multi Frame Generation (MFG), the latest iteration of Frame Generation technology.

Currently, frame generation and multi frame generation are tied to specific game implementations and cannot be enabled on unsupported hardware. However, third-party solutions like Lossless Scaling FG exist, albeit with compromises in quality and latency. Nvidia might explore offering a simplified frame generation model for older GPUs, acknowledging the limitations while still providing a noticeable improvement over current options.

KitGuru says: While Nvidia hasn't confirmed a timeline or guaranteed compatibility, the possibility is certainly exciting. The green team seems open to the idea but is cautious about making promises it might not be able to keep.

Indonesian overclocker “speed.fastest” has achieved a remarkable new overclocking milestone, pushing a G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5 memory module to a staggering 12,054 MT/s using just air cooling.

While this doesn't quite top the current world record of 12,697 MT/s, it still is worth mentioning because it was accomplished without exotic cooling methods like LN2 or helium. Instead, overclocker “speed.fastest” used a single fan to cool the memory module and push it to its limits under these conditions.

Image credit: HWBOT

The record-breaking run was achieved on an Asus ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboard with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU. The G.Skill Trident Z5 memory kit used is officially rated for DDR5-8000 CL38 speeds, but with some extreme tweaking and careful tuning, it was pushed to a mind-bending 12,054 MT/s with 68-127-127-127 timings. G.Skill also revealed that “saltycroissant” achieved a 12,050 MT/s frequency (same timings) with the same memory kit on an ASRock Z890 OCF Taichi motherboard and an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU.

It's important to note that these record-breaking overclocks were achieved using specific configurations, including disabling all but one CPU core and significantly downclocking the processor (around 400 MHz).

KitGuru says: Even if these two milestones were achieved using air cooling, they don't represent typical user scenarios. Still, they highlight the potential of DDR5 memory.

An AMD representative has confirmed that its next-generation Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs will launch in March, quashing rumours of a January release.

The information was confirmed by David McAfee (via VideoCardz), AMD's VP and GM of Ryzen CPU and Radeon graphics. This comes as a surprise to many, as retailers have been stocking RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 cards since early January, and some reviewers reportedly received samples in late December.

As expected, gamers and tech enthusiasts are now wondering why AMD is supposedly delaying the official launch when cards are ready to go on sale. While AMD hasn't explicitly stated the reason for the delay, it's speculated that the recent announcement of Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5070 series, slated for a February launch, might have influenced the decision. By delaying the RX 9000 series launch, AMD might be aiming to refine its pricing strategy and ensure its new GPUs remain competitive against Nvidia's upcoming offerings.

AMD has only confirmed two models in the RX 9000 series so far: the RX 9070 XT and the RX 9070. Both cards are expected to feature the Navi 48 GPU and 16 GB of GDDR6 memory. Other models, like the RX 9060, 9050, and 9040, are expected to come later based on the Navi 44 GPU.

KitGuru says: Despite the delay, the silver lining is that ample stock should be available at launch. Hopefully, the upcoming Radeon cards will be well-priced, and the new FSR 4 will launch alongside the GPUs.