Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today announced the USB 3.0 Storage POD enclosure, a hard drive enclosure that converts almost any 2.5" HDD into a USB 3.0 external hard disk.

Chances are you already have an external USB drive and its USB 2.0 connector is holding it back. The USB 2.0 bus keeps most drives from performing at their true potential and relegates their usage to simple storage backup. Now you can do something about it. By simply changing the enclosure, you can liberate your existing HDD and see double and even triple the speed - without reformatting.


USB 3.0 was made for external storage. With more available power and bandwidth, USB 3.0 unlocks the true performance of these drives and enables them to perform as fast as they could when hooked directly to the SATA bus.

The installation is simple, requires only two screws and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Simply insert any 2.5" (9.5mm standard) SATA HDD into the USB 3.0 Storage POD enclosure. A specially designed rubber grommet surrounds your drive, holds it firm and provides peace of mind from shock and vibration concerns. Close the cover, apply two screws and this little project is finished.

Kingston Digital Introduces New Ultra-Secure DataTraveler 6000 USB Flash Drive

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the DataTraveler 6000 (DT6000) USB Flash drive, which protects sensitive data with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 Level 3 Validation and 100-percent encryption. For financial service organizations and government agencies that need the strongest data protection in mobile storage devices, the DT6000 meets data-at-rest regulations and is the most secure USB Flash drive available on the market.

The Kingston DT6000 utilizes patented Secured by Spyrus technology which supports 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption using XTS block cipher mode. XTS is current generation technology that provides much stronger protection than other block cipher modes such as CBC and ECB. The DT6000 uses ‘military-grade’ elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), which is recommended by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) as part of its Suite B set of cryptographic algorithms.

Organizations spend millions of dollars annually on network security to thwart hackers and other outsider threats. A recent study by the Ponemon Institute highlighted that nearly half of organizations surveyed lost sensitive or confidential information on USB drives over the last two years, and that on average 12,000 customer records per organization were lost. For many organizations, steps to protect data on portable devices remain unimplemented for a variety of reasons despite the risks in using unsecured drives in the workplace. Frequent news stories show that security breaches associated with USBs are more often the result of negligence (lost drives) and a lack of security policy, education and enforcement rather than malicious intent. In other words, having an unencrypted USB drive is a potential data breach in one’s pocket.

“While enterprises and government agencies need to be able to provide remote and mobile employees access to sensitive and confidential data, establishing security policies and deploying USB products that prevent data loss is as important and immediate as an organization’s network security,” said John Terpening, Secure USB business manager, Kingston. “Using non-secure USB drives makes organizations vulnerable to data loss and breaches that can affect the company’s credibility with its employees, customers and partners. The DT6000 is the most secure USB Flash drive available and will meet the most stringent corporate or government requirements.”

While other companies concentrate on security around cloud-based services, Kingston keeps its focus on the hardware security side. Our longstanding relationships with controller and NAND Flash suppliers as well as global distribution capabilities ensure a steady supply of products to meet customer needs. Evaluation samples are readily available to potential customers. Along with the DT6000, Kingston has an extensive family of secure DataTraveler USB Flash drives to match the security needs for all levels of enterprises:

• DataTraveler 4000 ― Managed (DT4000-M): Awarded highest rating of 5 out of 5 in SC Magazine’s Portable Security Devices group test (June 2011). Designed for high-value corporate deployments, the DT4000-Managed provides FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation and is centrally managed, all at an affordable cost. Kingston partnered with BlockMaster to provide SafeConsole for Kingston, enforcing full USB management control over the drive.
  
• DataTraveler 4000: Same features as DT4000-M but not managed.
  
• DataTraveler Vault Privacy ― Managed (DTVP-M): Optimal for sensitive enterprise environments with 256-bit AES encryption and the SafeConsole for Kingston central management system, which is fully customizable to meet an enterprise organization’s needs.
  
• DataTraveler Vault Privacy (DTVP): Same features as DTVP-M but not managed.
  

Kingston DataTraveler 6000 Features and Specifications:

• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated
  o Ultra-Strong Security Architecture
  o Drive locks down after 10 intrusion attempts and encryption key is destroyed
  o No passwords stored on device or host
  o Hardware designed and assembled in the U.S.
  o United States National Security Agency Suite B set of cryptographic on Board
  Elliptic curve cryptography
  o Secure channel communication
  o Digitally signed firmware updates using Suite B SHA-384 and ECDSA P-384
  o DT6000 can operate with AutoRun disabled
  o Enforces tamper-free AutoRun files
  o Cryptography made in the U.S.
  
• Enforced Complex Password: Password is user-set with a minimum of three of the four characteristics (lowercase, uppercase, characters and numbers) required to prevent unauthorized access
  
• Full Privacy: 100 percent of stored data is protected by 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware-based encryption ― master key recreated at logon
  
• Customizable: preload content, full security policy customization, casing options
  Tamper-Proof Physical Security Barrier
  
• Waterproof: protected against water damage
  
• Guaranteed : five-year warranty with 24/7 customer support
  
• Ruggedized: titanium-coated stainless steel casing
  
• Dimensions: 3.06" x 0.9" x 0.47" (77.9mm x 22mm x 12.05mm)
  
• Speed: up to 11MB/s read, 5MB/s write
  
• Capacities: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB
  
• Compatibility: designed to USB 2.0 specifications
  
• Operating Temperature: 32ºF to 140ºF (0ºC to 60ºC)
  
• Storage Temperature: -4ºF to 185ºF (-20ºC to 85ºC)
  
• Minimum System Requirements:
  o USB 2.0 compliant and 1.1 compatible
  o Two (2) free consecutive letters required for use

Prolimatech Announces Panther CPU Cooler

Prolimatech presents the Panther, their newest CPU cooler aimed to take the mid-range by storm, while featuring the same excellent quality as all products from Prolimatech. Besides the mounting for all modern AMD and Intel based systems, the Panther CPU cooler also includes a 120 mm fan with PWM functionality. This complete package manages to impress with an excellent price/performance ratio.

Prolimatech has set the bar with the high-end Genesis cooler, so it is only natural that the company takes their experience and engineering capabilities and develop the Panther, a potent solution for the mainstream market. The Panther utilizes less material in the most efficient manner possible, keeping a maximum of surface area while offering compact dimensions. It is also the first CPU cooler from Prolimatech which ships with a fan.

Prolimatech has taken its inspiration for this new cooler from the Armageddon, which results in the same excellent performance at a brand new price point. Both feature the same heatpipe shape, with the only difference being the number of such element as the Panther offers four 6 mm pipes.

In terms of construction, the cooler makes no compromises and offers the same level of quality as one has come to expect from Prolimatech. High quality Nickel plating has been applied to the entire cooler which does not only protect the unit but also results in a great look and feel. On top of that, the crossed fins increase the robustness of the Panther cooler.

The sophistication of this construction also shows in the shape of the heatpipes. These end in a row next to each other, so that each of them has unrestricted access to the fresh airflow of the included fan. This maximizes the efficiency of the Panther CPU cooler, while keeping the dimensions to a minimum.

The 120 mm fan with PWM connector can be controlled automatically by every modern mainboard in the market to keep the noise to a bare minimum. This cooling unit also features transparent red blades along with red LEDs. Prolimatech has also included a second set of clips, allowing the installation of another such fan for a push/pull configuration, further raising the performance bar on this cooler. Also part of the package is the award winning PK-1 thermal past and the very sturdy mounting kit with backplate for Socket 1155, 1156, AM2, AM2+ and AM3.

ASUS Unveils Trio of PCI-Express 3.0 Motherboards Based on Intel Z68 Chipset

ASUS unveiled a trio of socket LGA1155 motherboards based on the Intel Z68 chipset, which feature PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (electrical x8/x8 when both are populated). The new motherboards are PCI-Express Gen 3.0 specifications compliant, complete with switches and electrical components. Leading the pack is the P8Z68 DELUXE/Gen3 in the $250-segement, followed by the P8Z68-V PRO/Gen3 in the $200-segment, and the P8Z68-V/Gen3 in the sub-$200 segment.

All three feature 16-phase Digi+ CPU VRM, an Intel-made gigabit Ethernet controller, and Lucid Virtu support. All three feature the same expansion slot loadout, with two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (x16/NC or x8/x8), one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical 2.0 x4), and two each of PCI-Express 2.0 x1 and legacy PCI wired to an ASMedia-made bridge chip.

The P8Z68 DELUXE/Gen3 is loaded with features, but lacks display connectivity, the bundled Lucid Virtu only works in D-mode, providing load-balancing between multiple installed GPUs. The lack of display connectors creates room for an additional gigabit Ethernet + USB 3.0 port cluster. The second gigabit Ethernet connection is controlled by Realtek 8111E. A PLX-made PCI-Express 2.0 bridge chip is used to create additional PCI-Express 2.0 x1 internal ports, driving additional USB 3.0 and SATA controllers. While the other two boards in this series use ASMedia-made USB 3.0 controllers, the P8Z68 DELUXE/Gen3 uses NEC/Renesas-made ones. Other connectivity includes HD audio, Bluetooth 3.0, and FireWire.

The P8Z68-V PRO/Gen3 is a tiny step down in terms of connectivity options, it gets rid of the RTL8111E-driven gigabit Ethernet connection the DELUXE variant has, makes room for iGPU display connectivity including DVI, HDMI, and D-Sub, and has one fewer eSATA port. The P8Z68-V/Gen3 is even slimmer, its HD audio CODEC lacks DTS decode feature, and it has two fewer SATA 6 Gb/s ports.

 

Intel Intros New Z68-based Extreme Series Desktop Boards

Intel released two new Desktop Board Extreme Series motherboards based on the Z68 chipset, supporting Core processors in the LGA1155 package, the DZ68ZV and DZ68BC. The DZ68ZV uses the same exact PCB as the DP67BG, replacing the P67 PCH with Z68 (they're pin-compatible). It lacks display connectivity. The only plus here is support for Intel Smart Response Technology. It uses a 8-phase active-swiching/load-balancing digital PWM power circuitry for the CPU, and quite a few overclocking features. Expansion slots include two PCI-Express 2.0 x16, three PCIe x1, and two PCI. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s four SATA 3 Gb/s and one eSATA 3 Gb/s. Then there's 8-channel HD audio, USB 3.0, and Intel GbE controller.

The DZ68BC is a completely new design that is tailored for the Z68 chipset, complete with overclocking features, as well as display connectivity. The CPU is powered by an 8-phase digital PWM VRM, makes use of improved VRM cooling, expansion slots include two PCI-Express 2.0 x16, three PCI and two PCIe x1, storage connectors consist of four SATA 6 Gb/s, four SATA 3 Gb/s, and two eSATA. There's 8-channel HD audio, Intel GbE connections, display IO that includes DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI, USB 3.0, and possibly FireWire. Lucid Virtu comes bundled, that provides active switching between the integrated and discrete GPUs.

ZOTAC Announces GeForce GT 520 in PCI and PCIe x1 Interface Variants

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and channel manufacturer, today expands the value GeForce GT 520 lineup with new PCI and PCI Express x1 form factors for users with pre-built systems that have limited expansion capabilities. The new ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards breathe new life into older systems by delivering a performance punch and new video capabilities.

“Upgrading your graphics card is the easiest way to boost your system performance and gain new capabilities. The new ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards shows that you can experience good graphics without upgrading the rest of your system,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

The ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics cards provide DVI, HDMI and VGA outputs with dual simultaneous independent display support for an instant dual-monitor upgrade. The low-profile form factor enables the ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI and PCI express x1 graphics card to easily fit in compact pre-built systems with height limitations in addition to expansion limitations.

It’s time to play with the ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI and PCI Express x1 graphics card.

ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI

 ZOTAC GeForce GT 520 PCI Express x1

Cooler Master Announces Hyper TX3 EVO and Hyper 212 EVO CPU Coolers

Cooler Master, an industry leading chassis, thermal solution, peripheral, and accessory manufacturer, signals the rebirth of two household names in computing, the Hyper 212 EVO and Hyper TX3 EVO CPU Coolers. They come packed with an improved tower fin design, heat pipe layout, upgraded fans, and fan brackets. All of which provides an even more extreme value for end-users of all types.






Improved Cooling Design
The Hyper 212 & TX3 EVO cooling systems are designed and optimized to provide the best user experience and cooling potential for a new generation of processors. The Hyper 212 EVO now features four Cooler Master patented Continuous Direct Contact (CDC) heat pipes that are tightly packed into a flat array on the CPU Cooler base. This acts as a virtual vapor chamber that dissipates a large amount of heat. The aluminum fin structure has been optimized to provide the perfect performance balance between high and low speed fan operations.

Optimized for current and future generation sockets, the Hyper TX3 EVO sees improvement in its Direct Contact heat pipe performance, expanded socket support, and a higher quality 92mm wide-range PWM fan.


Simple Installation / Dual Fan Design
A high performance PWM fan with anti-vibration rubber pads and a set of quick-snap brackets are included with each CPU cooler. In addition, an extra set of quick-snap brackets and anti-vibration rubber pads come standard to give users the option of enabling even greater cooling performance by installing another fan. The quick-snap brackets make changing, adding, and cleaning fans an easy task that requires only a few seconds. Dynamically control the included PWM fan via BIOS or OS-based motherboard tuning applications. There is no need to choose between overclocking performance and stock stability, the Hyper 212 & TX3 EVO are a versatile pair that tailor noise and performance to any need.

Find the new legend, the Hyper 212 & TX3 EVO, at online and retail locations that sell your favorite Cooler Master, CM Storm, and Choiix products. They will be available in October 2011.

Cooler Master Announces CM Storm Trooper Premium Gaming Chassis

CM Storm, of the Cooler Master Group, unleashes a truly magnificent feat of engineering into an arena that represents the future of warfare; the Trooper full-tower chassis. Capable of lightning fast redeployment, it’s the first in its class to include an ultra-strong carrying handle; allowing a gamer to travel with the finest system configurations available with relative ease. CM Storm Trooper includes features that are most coveted by gaming enthusiasts in that it has full dust filter coverage, a fan controller, an external SSD drive hot-swap dock and two uniquely designed modular hard drive cages. These features give CM Storm Trooper the ability to adapt to workstation or water-cooled gaming configurations easily.

 CM Storm Trooper exterior features a damage-resistant rubberized coating that will protect the case during transport. Things heat up as gaming becomes more intense. The included front panel connections and controls provide a user with the ability to make on-the-fly changes to fan speed and case LEDs while USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, and audio connections are also provided as an added means of convenience. This is topped off by a 2.5” HDD/SSD X-dock that makes mounting extra drives as easy as loading a Blu-ray/DVD. Changing settings at a moment’s notice becomes a simple matter of a quick button press with CM Storm Trooper.

Versatile Configurations
CM Storm Trooper contains two modular HDD cages which can hold 4HDDs and a120mm fan for cooling each. These modular units can be rotated, front to back, side to side or removed altogether. CM Storm Trooper is the first chassis to allow fully modular hard drive configuration with no modification required. CM Storm Trooper can be equipped with multiple watercooling radiators.

Creatively mounting a vertical water-cooling radiator is possible with the removal of the hard drive cages and panels. CM Storm Trooper has nine expansion slots providing support for multi-GPUs in SLI or Crossfire, space for up to 14 hard drives, and a motherboard tray that supports up to XL-ATX. The Trooper is an ideal mobile arsenal to house and transport the most advanced system and cooling setups.

Cable Management & Storage
A professional cable management look is possible by utilizing the myriad cable tie zones and cable management holes available in the CM Storm Trooper. Smarter and larger placements of these areas allow for efficiently routing cables directly to their intended destinations. In an effort to reduce installation times, a great number of hardware can be mounted tool-free via the use of the included locking mechanisms or trays. A very large CPU heat sink retention hole has been placed in the motherboard tray to allow it to be compatible with most types of CPU and motherboard layouts. Prepare for the unexpected as seasoned operative would with a hidden drawer placed behind a false panel. The bottom panel removes to reveal a storage drawer to keep private effects safe from prying eyes until they are needed.

CM Storm will be launching CM Storm Trooper at a MSRP of 149€ in Europe. Expect to see it at retailers and online locations that sell your favorite Cooler Master, CM Storm, and Choiix gear by November 4th 2011 in Europe. Availability, and pricing will vary based on geographical region, please contact your local Cooler Master approved reseller or distributor in your country for more information.

Aspire One Powered by AMD C-60

Acer's first Aspire One 522 netbook powered by AMD's low-power C-60 accelerated processing unit hit shelves in Europe. The Aspire One 522 was released in January, powered by other AMD APUs that aren't as power-efficient as the C-60. The AMD C-60 features two x86-64 cores clocked at 1.00 GHz, which can jump up to 1.33 GHz with TurboCore, and a Radeon HD 6290 graphics core that runs at 276 MHz, that can run at 400 MHz with TurboCore.

The Aspire One 522 is a 10.1-inch netbook with all the essentials you'd expect from a netbook from this category, plus the performance advantage AMD's APUs bring to the table over Intel Atom. Its LED-backlit screen features 1280 x 720 pixels resolution, the APU is backed by 1 GB of DDR3 memory, and storage is care of a 320 GB hard drive. Connectivity includes a web-cam, 10/100 Ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and a 5-in-1 card reader. Display connectivity includes D-Sub and HDMI. A 6-cell battery powers the machine. It comes with Windows 7 Starter pre-installed.

Thermaltake Introduces Chaser MK-I LCS Case with Liquid Cooling System

Thermaltake, being the industry pioneer brand in thermal 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” for all man kinds. Beginning of this year Thermaltake has sent the Chaser MK-I with air cooling system (ACS) out on a mission into the universe for all e-Sports enthusiasts to counteract all heat issues.

This Fall, the new Chaser MK-I returned to the base with its indestructible form and dynamic appearance which is ready to be equipped with an alternative thermal solution - the liquid cooling system (LCS) and be transformed into the new Chaser MK-I LCS to serve a greater good for the most discerning PC gaming purists.

The Chaser MK-I LCS - In Water-Cooling Mode
Since the last creation of chassis with built in liquid cooling system. The integrated LCS has slowly revived in the universe therefore this fall Thermaltake offers all e-Sports enthusiasts with the new Chaser MK-I LCS, a full-tower with integrated LCS. The integrated LCS is the new generation drive bay liquid cooling system, consisting of an all inclusive drive bay unit and intelligent interconnecting waterblock with the robust material non-spill quick connectors offers an effortless installation. The slim waterblock was developed with pure copper base that maximizes the thermal efficiency.

Also, with dual 120mm fans and the 240mm Dimple Tube Technology radiator increases the turbulence within the radiator to perform maximum cooling action. In addition, the P500 pump pushes 500L/H of water to improve the overall cooling efficiency and performance level. Furthermore, the ultra quiet pump, 12cm blue LED fan, water reservoir are all preinstalled inside the drive bay unit to achieve maximum performance for another grand Thermaltake mission.

The Chaser MK-I LCS - Keeping Originality
With the integration of LCS, the Chaser MK-I LCS still kept its fierce e-Sports appearance and incredible functionality, like the amazing breath light effect, the internal Superspeed USB 3.0, top-mounted HDD docking station, innovative 5.25” &3.5” tool-free device with HDD anti-vibration mechanism, combat headset holder, heighten footstand to enhance the airflow, dual colorshift front intake fans, smart cable management and large interior space which support up to a 18cm CPU cooler with 3-ways SLI/ATI Crossfire VGA cards that could be up to 33cm long.

With the newly equipped LCS and stimulating functions, the Chaser MK-I LCS is ready to take another journey into the universe for Thermaltake to serve all e-Sports enthusiasts needs.

For more information, visit the product page.