ZOTAC Technology, a Hong Kong based and a global manufacturer of innovation, is excited to announce that the world's smallest Mini PC, the ZBOX pico PI225,was a winner of the prestigious 2018 iF Design Awards in the Product Computer category. Following winning several world-renowned awards for design and innovation, including the major European Hardware Awards 2017 and Computex d&i Awards. In 2016 and 2017, the recognition of ZBOX pico PI225 with iF Design Awards is a key reaffirmation that ZOTAC is a pioneer not only in engineering but also design expertise.

The ZBOX pico PI225 was recognized by the iF International Forum Design GmbH among 6,400 entries from 54 countries and won over the jury, made up of independent experts from all over the world, with its world ranking pico size and flexible and powerful desktop performance. Just a bit taller than a typical 2.5-inch SSD drive, the super-compact mini pc powered by an Intel Apollo Lake dual-core processor provides a symphony of silent performance, capitalizing on a completely fanless design. Encouraged by the recognition of the company's design expertise, ZOTAC will remain dedicated to rigorous standards and the relentless pursuit of excellence in design and innovation.

ASUS has seemingly revised the PCB design of their ROG Strix GTX 1080 Ti graphics card in such a way that it has introduced compatibility issues with already-released custom waterblocks. The warning from Ek WaterBlocks (a silent one as well) comes via an update to their EK-MLC Phoenix GPU Module FC1080 GTX Ti, and EK-FC1080 GTX Ti waterblock modules product pages, where EK wrote that "Due to changes in the PCB design, ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards in the following S/N range are not compatible with EK-FC1080 GTX Ti Strix full cover water blocks: HBYVCM064817- HBYVCM999999; HCYVCM000001- HCYVCM059975".

Product revisions are a dime a dozen (particularly in motherboards). However, it's relatively rare that changes are enough to render cooling solutions completely incompatible with the new design. Granted, ASUS saw something worth some additional engineering, and went on to do it, so users looking towards the acquisition of a new GPU waterblock for their ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1080 Ti graphics card should just look closely to the serial numbers on their graphics card packaging. Based on the range of serial numbers, graphics cards manufactured on or after November 2017 are the ones rendered incompatible with EKWB's purpose-built GPU waterblocks, so users purchasing graphics cards after this time-frame should take particular heed.

There are two kinds of desktop CPU platforms. The mainstream tier runs from two cores up to eight, and it's great for gaming and general use. Its high-end sibling takes everything up a level with more cores, more memory channels, and more bandwidth for graphics and storage. A considerable upgrade in every regard, this high-end desktop platform appeals to power users, content creators, and prosumers who want to blur the line between desktop and workstation. AMD's Threadripper CPU is the latest addition to the desktop's heavyweight division, and it walks into the ring with an entourage of SocketTR4 motherboards in tow. This guide explains the ASUS and ROG family to help you pick the best X399 motherboard for your high-end desktop or gaming PC.

All of our X399 boards share core DNA that includes one-touch overclocking, refined cooling control, and improved RGB lighting. Yet they each have their own distinct flavor as well. The ROG Zenith Extreme brings Threadripper into the world of premium dream PCs with provisions for custom liquid cooling and 10G networking. With the Strix X399-E Gaming, hardcore gamers can build stylish rigs with power to spare for high-quality streaming. And then there's the Prime X399-A and its well-rounded foundation channeling the professional side of the platform's prodigious power. Which X399 motherboard should you buy for your build? Let's find out.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash products, today announced that its upcoming XPG SPECTRIX D40 RGB DDR4 has been certified compatible with ASUS AURA Sync software. This allows users of ASUS motherboards to personalize the RGB lighting elements built into D40 modules with choice of color range, lighting sequence, and more. SPECTRIX D40 modules have been optimized for the Intel X299 platform with a starting speed of 2666MHz. They are also compatible with AMD AM4 motherboards. Designed for gamers, overclockers, and case modders, SPECTRIX D40 DDR4 modules provide more options and customization features and support the trend towards builds that incorporate sophisticated RGB and LED.

AOC has partnered up with cr-designer extraordinaire Porsche to come up with sleek designs for two new monitors on its range. The PDS241 and PDS217 monitors both feature a (slightly yawn-inducing) 1080p AH-IPS panel, at 24 and 27" respectively. These come in thin as razors at 5.2mm, sporting a three-way-frameless design.

Apart from the sleek design and the stand (which is a hit-or-miss aesthetic choice from my perspective), there is nothing groundbreaking on offer here. You get technologies such as AOC's SuperColor WCG (100% sRGB coverage, and 90% coverage of the NTSC color space), flicker-free operation and low blue-light technology to help combat eyestrain. And these monitors won't set you back that much, at around $240 for the 24", and $330 for the 27", though you really are paying a pretty penny for that Porsche-christened design pedigree.

After announcing its Aer Series RGB fans, NZXT has now announced the Aer F series, which parts with the RGB lighting for a more subdued design. The press release reads:

"Continuing to deliver increased performance for PC gamers and builders everywhere, NZXT today announces the newest member of its Aer family of fans with Aer F. Designed to maximize airflow, Aer F is engineered to move air efficiently, letting even the most powerful systems breath with ease. Featuring the same chamfered intake and exhaust and winglet-designed fan blades found in Aer P radiator fans, Aer F delivers powerful airflow with reduced drag, minimizing resistance and vibration. Like its Aer family counterparts, Aer F is made with long-lasting fluid dynamic bearings further enhancing their durability and cooling performance."

Super Flower, a global leader in PC gaming power supplies (and whose designs are used by a multitude of PSU manufacturers ranging anywhere from 80+ Bronze to 80+ Platinum rated power supplies), today announced its upcoming double forward 80+ Bronze product line, with available wattages ranging from 400W to 850W, with the 750W , 800 W and 850 W also being available in semi-modular options. Super Flower's own innovative layout design with optimized & refined topology includes various first grade and high-quality components, on products with power ratings of 400W / 450W / 500W / 550W / 600W / 650W / 700W / 750W / 800W and 850W.

Colorful Technology Company Limited, professional manufacturer of graphics cards and motherboards, is proud to announce that gamers and eSports enthusiasts can now enjoy full customization and personalization with the latest Colorful iGameGTX1070 X-TOP-8G Advanced Limited graphics card. This card features the latest technologies from both NVIDIA's 10-series GPU as well as Colorful's own technology to enhance performance as well as bring out your personal style in your gaming rig.

Featuring the new Silver Shark cooler designed by Colorful, the iGameGTX1070 X-TOP-8G Advanced Limited delivers 3 key benefits in a single package: aggressive performance, aggressive cooling and aggressive styling. Thanks to the cooling performance of the Silver Shark cooler, this new card delivers faster performance so you can game to peak levels without any hitch while enjoying cool and quiet performance.

BIOSTAR is proud to announce its line-up of new motherboards based on the Intel B250 chipset as part of the 2nd-generation RACING series family of products with the announcement of the BIOSTAR RACING B250GT5 and B250GT3. Both motherboards support Intel's 7th-generation Core processors as well as native support for Intel Optane Memory technology for next-generation high-speed storage.

Cooler Master, a leader in design and manufacturing computer components and peripherals, on Tuesday announced the launch the newest addition to its power supply range, the MasterWatt Lite 230V. The Power Supply is the survival kit for reliable, affordable power. Built on simple reliability, in the box are all the essentials of a reliable engine so you don't have to think about it. Cooler Master added higher-end perks like Active PFC and PWM technology for more stability, and made sure the MasterWEatt Lite met ErP 2013 and CE ratings for safety and low energy impact, making it the survival kit for reliable, affordable power.

be quiet!, the market leader in PC power supplies in Germany for ten consecutive years, introduces its newest ATX PC case, the multi-talented Pure Base 600. Designed and developed in Germany, the Pure Base 600 is flawless in its functional design and silent cooling while delivering a quality PC case at an attractive price. Built for cooling and performance, the Pure Base 600 includes two Pure Wings 2 case fans while also offering facilities for additional cooling products, including be quiet! water cooling systems and fans. be quiet! priced its Pure Base 600 case around an intelligent cost saving design that does not compromise functionality and noise reduction.

BIOSTAR is proud to announce the full line-up for the new 2nd-generation RACING series motherboards featuring support for Intel's 7th-generation Core processors. Following the announcement last week of the flagship RACING Z270GT9, today BIOSTAR proudly announces the different level products of the new RACING series family with the introduction of the RACING Z270GT8, RACING Z270GT6 and RACING Z270GT4 motherboards featuring the latest technology from BIOSTAR inspired by the quest for the best in gaming features. The 2nd-gen RACING series Z270 motherboard lineup brings a new level of gaming experience and performance-oriented motherboards to gamers and enthusiasts.

ROCCAT is proud to announce its newest multi-platform headset, the Cross. Equipped with large 50mm neodymium magnet drivers, the ROCCAT Cross packs studio-grade sound into an elegant lightweight package, coming in at just 200 g. The earcups are made of memory foam, which adapts uniquely to each wearer, and the drivers are perfectly aligned to the ear, providing maximum comfort and top notch immersive sound experiences everywhere you go. Cross delivers superior audio quality, not only in games, but also in music, film and voice communications.

The headset comes with two interchangeable cables that are optimized for PC gaming or mobile use, with an anti-tangle deployed in both. Designed with comfort in mind, it's truly a multi-platform headset that can be taken with you everywhere. The ROCCAT Cross hits stores on December 8th and will be available for €/$69.99.

Razer, the world leader in entertainment devices and software, today announced a licensing program that provides for third-party production and sale of Razer-designed and -branded PC cases.

NZXT, a recognized leader in PC cases, was selected as a launch partner for the "Designed by Razer" licensing program based on a shared dedication to innovation. Next month, NZXT will kick-off this new Razer initiative with the "H440 - Designed by Razer." Under the terms of its agreement with Razer, NZXT will manufacture and distribute the H440 - Designed by Razer case through its retail channels.

Synopsys, Inc., a global leader providing software, IP and services used to accelerate innovation in chips and electronic systems, today announced that it has collaborated with TSMC to provide support for voltage-dependent design rules in TSMC's 16-nm Custom Design Reference Flow. As part of TSMC's custom design infrastructure, TSMC has also certified Synopsys' Laker custom design solution and circuit simulation tools that deliver new capabilities for TSMC V0.5 16-nm FinFET process layout design rules, device models, and electromigration and IR-drop (EM/IR) analysis. TSMC and Synopsys will continue to collaborate on certification of the Synopsys tool set until 16 nm FinFET reaches V1.0.

"TSMC works with Synopsys to ensure our customers have access to analog and mixed-signal design tools for TSMC's 16-nanometer FinFET process," said Suk Lee, senior director of design infrastructure marketing at TSMC. "The Custom Design Reference Flow is another milestone of the long term collaboration between the two companies."

Bitspower, the Taiwanese water cooling and modding specialist, recently launched the first water block designed for ASUS' previous generation mITX wonder board, the P8Z77-I Deluxe. While no longer the best mITX board on the market, the Haswell launch parade made sure of that, the P8Z77-I Deluxe did develop quite a following, particularly with the SFF crowd, selling in good numbers for its segment and making the rounds in a plethora of SFF projects that sprung on various enthusiast boards around the web.

The Bitspower AIZ77ITXD block makes use of high quality acrylic for the top cover and nickel plated copper for its base. The top cover comes in two versions, either transparent acrylic (Clear) or a semi-transparent black acrylic (ICE Black). The block's design approaches the full cover idea to a larger degree than any other motherboard block I've seen, accommodating all the heat generating components on the board, the CPU, the Z77 chipset and the vertical VRM as well. A design concept that Bitspower refers to as Unibody Style Construction Design (U.S.C.).

Apple finally got around to complying with a recent judgement by a UK court, which told it to make a statement asserting that Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Tab 8.9, and Tab 7.7 do not violate design patents claimed by Apple. In addition to linking to the court order, the statement claims that the judgement is in effect throughout the European Union, and was upheld by the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, on October 18, 2012. The judgement is expected to set a significant precedent in favor of Samsung in other parts of the world where the two companies are locked in similar legal disputes.

Apple today announced executive management changes that will encourage even more collaboration between the Company's world-class hardware, software and services teams. As part of these changes, Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will add more responsibilities to their roles. Apple also announced that Scott Forstall will be leaving Apple next year and will serve as an advisor to CEO Tim Cook in the interim.

"We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."

A British court ruled that Samsung Galaxy Tab did not pose a copyright infringement of Apple iPad. Apple and Samsung are locked in design patent infringement lawsuits around the world, with the UK being an important market for both. In addition to its ruling, the court told Apple to issue a public apology to Samsung and its customers in advertisements, with a font size no smaller than Arial 14. The court of appeal upheld its judgement that and Samsung did not infringe Apple's design.

The executive overseeing Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s (AMD) relationship with videogame-console makers has left the company to join rival NVIDIA, taking with him years of experience in the competitive field. Bob Feldstein, who joined AMD when the company acquired graphics-chip maker ATI in 2006, has taken on the role of vice president of technology licensing at NVIDIA. He most recently served as AMD's corporate vice president of business development and also led the company's Boston Design Center, which focuses on design engineering for AMD's various chips.

XMOS, developer of the industry's first event-driven 32-bit embedded processor, announces the release of its third generation family. The XS1-S Family delivers up to 700 MIPS of real-time performance per core combined with integrated analog functionality, enabling the highest quality, multi-channel USB audio applications. Combined with XMOS industry standard USB audio IP, the XS1-S Family of devices deliver the lowest latency digital audio interfaces. The first two products available in the XS1-S Family are the single core device: XS1-SU1 and the dual core device: XS1-SU2.

"The XS1-S Family builds upon the predictable real-time performance of the XS1 architecture, offering increased I/O and processing capabilities together with the convenience of integrated analog peripherals," said Tom Lee, XMOS vice president of sales and marketing. "Our customers have shipped more than half a million USB audio products using XS1 devices. The higher performance, integrated XS1-S Family and its accompanying software and tools deliver the ideal solution to an even broader range of audio applications."

Thermaltake, being the industry pioneer brand with expertise in PC DIY solutions, carrying the corporate vision of "building Thermaltake Technology into a cultural brand for the enjoyment of entertainment, e-Sports, technology, and lifestyle" and continues to drive toward the corporate mission of "delivering the perfect user experience" in all market segment, have succeeded with Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition and Toughpower Grand PSU Platinum Snow Series, Tt eSPORTS THERON gaming mouse, LUXA2 BT-X3Bluetooth Stereo Headphone and H4 multi-media holder by receiving the "red dot award: Product Design 2012". In addition, the Thermaltake Toughpower Grand PSU Platinum Snow Series is the top winner which has also been honoured with the coveted iF Design Award 2012, red dot Design Award 2011 & 2012 and The Taiwan Excellence Award!

This must be the coolest high performance mouse to be seen in some time. The Level 10 M mouse designed by Thermaltake and BMW is being introduced at CES 2012. Featuring a very high tech design, the shape can be physically adjusted to fit optimally in the palm of the hand by turning a screw on the top. It also features a perforated skin, to help deal with sweaty palms better during intense gaming sessions. The release date and price are yet to be announced as are more detailed specifications such as the tracking technology used and the DPI resolution.

The mouse was exclusively shown to Tom's Hardware.

BitTorrent, a leading peer-based technology company, today announced that the company's flagship BitTorrent Mainline and µTorrent software clients have grown to over 150 million monthly active users worldwide.

In December 2011, the classic BitTorrent Mainline client boasted over 20 million users, while the legendary tiny-but-mighty µTorrent client grew to over 132 million users. The numbers represent an aggregate count of both software clients running on Windows, Mac, Android and Linux platforms.

The company also announced four new strategic "BitTorrent Certified" device partnerships at CES in Las Vegas including TVs, set-top boxes, media adapters, and Blu-ray players. BitTorrent Certified devices are designed to enable consumers to discover, play, share and move all types of personal media, regardless of size, type or format, so that they can play high-quality content in their living rooms. New certification partners include:

Western Digital, a leader in the desktop, mobile, high-capacity enterprise and consumer markets for hard drives, today announced the addition of 2.5 TB and 3 TB versions to its family of WD AV-GP SATA hard drives, serving the audio-video (AV) market. Shipping immediately, the 2.5 TB and 3 TB capacity, 3.5-inch, WD AV-GP hard drives offer 24X7 reliability, low power consumption and unrivalled storage capacity for storage-intensive AV applications such as digital video recorders, video surveillance, single-drive media servers and external multimedia storage.

"Designed to go the distance in high-temperature, always-on streaming digital AV environments, WD AV-GP drives store more hi-def audio and video than ever before with our new 2.5 TB and 3 TB versions," said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and CE business units. "Combine unsurpassed capacity, power-saving WD GreenPower Technology, and performance capabilities to capture up to 12 simultaneous HD video streams with SilkStream technology and the drive choice is made clear in optimizing AV applications like PVR/DVR, IPTV and video surveillance."