Tag: ASRock

  • ASRock L-Shaped PCIe 12V-2×6 Cable with NTC Sensor Prevents Melting

    ASRock L-Shaped PCIe 12V-2×6 Cable with NTC Sensor Prevents Melting

    Key Takeaways

    1. Incidents of damage to Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs are linked to the new 12VHPWR power cable design.
    2. ASRock has introduced a new 12V-2×6 power cable with an L-shaped connector and built-in NTC sensor for better protection.
    3. AMD continues to use the traditional 8-pin connector for its reference model, while some partners have adopted the newer 12VHPWR design.
    4. The new ASRock cable can handle up to 600W and is designed to prevent sharp bends at the GPU end.
    5. The NTC sensor in the cable only works with ASRock power supply units, limiting its functionality with other brands.

    There have been a number of incidents involving damage to Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs, often linked to either the PSU or the GPU itself, with the new 12VHPWR design being blamed. After the power cable for the Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU melted, ASRock took action and introduced a new cable designed to enhance protection against such issues. This new 12V-2×6 cable features an L-shaped connector along with a built-in NTC sensor.

    AMD’s Design Choices

    AMD has opted not to adopt this new design, sticking to the traditional 8-pin connector for its reference model. However, some partners, like ASRock, have embraced the newer 12VHPWR connector. While this connector simplifies the setup by combining three cables into one, it has also faced similar issues, affecting certain Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs. Recently, a Reddit user reported that the power cable connector for their ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi OC card melted at the GPU end, but thankfully, the connector on the card itself remained intact.

    ASRock’s New Solution

    It seems ASRock was already preparing for this situation, as they have launched the 12V-2×6 power cable featuring a NTC sensor and an L-shaped design. The NTC sensor tracks the temperature and relays information to the PSU for safe functioning. However, this feature is exclusively compatible with ASRock Taichi and Phantom Gaming PSUs. The new cable is also compatible with 12VHPWR connectors and can handle up to 600W.

    The L-shaped design helps prevent the cable from bending at sharp angles at the GPU end, while also lending a neater appearance to the overall build. The connectors are colored green and utilize 16 AWG (American Wire Gauge) size, along with HCS (High-Current System) terminals made from 94V-0 plastic. ASRock provides a 2-year limited warranty, assuming there are no user mistakes, such as inserting the connector incorrectly. The green pins should aid in visibility, helping to ensure they are fully inserted.

    Compatibility and Limitations

    Though the cable is compatible with all PSUs, the interaction between the NTC sensor and the PSU is restricted to ASRock models only.

    Source:
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    ASRock L-Shaped PCIe 12V-2x6 Cable with NTC Sensor Prevents MeltingASRock L-Shaped PCIe 12V-2x6 Cable with NTC Sensor Prevents Melting

     

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  • Radeon 9060 XT GPUs Available Online Near MSRP Prices

    Radeon 9060 XT GPUs Available Online Near MSRP Prices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Leaks: The Radeon RX 9060 XT has seen leaks indicating its performance is comparable to the RX 7700 XT.

    2. Confirmed Pricing: AMD’s suggested prices are $299 for the 8 GB model and $349 for the 16 GB model, with some retailer listings slightly higher.

    3. Retailer Listings: Central Computers in California has listed ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT models, showing prices of $320 for the 8 GB Challenger and $370 for the 16 GB version.

    4. Series Variants: The Challenger series features dual-fan cooling, while the Steel Legend series has triple-fan solutions and higher boost clocks.

    5. Launch Date: The official launch is set for June 5, with potential updates on pricing expected around that time from various retailers.

    With the release date approaching, the Radeon RX 9060 XT has seen several leaks about its performance. Specifications for the board partner cards are mostly confirmed, and a retailer in the US has revealed the actual prices for these cards. AMD has set the prices at $299 for the 8 GB model and $349 for the 16 GB model, and the new retailer listings align closely with these figures.

    Retail Listings

    A California retailer, Central Computers, has put up three models of the ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT for sale: two Challenger models and one Steel Legend model. The board partner has disclosed that both the Challenger and Steel Legend series will come in 8 GB and 16 GB versions, complete with specifications. According to the listings, the 8 GB Challenger is priced at $320, while the 16 GB version is listed at $370, which is $20 above AMD’s suggested retail price.

    Pricing Variants

    In contrast, the 16 GB Steel Legend variant is marked at $390, indicating that the price for the 8 GB Steel Legend could be around $350.

    Interestingly, there are no images associated with these listings, which might imply that this is not the final product detail page. As a result, prices could vary. Listings on platforms like Amazon, Newegg, and MicroCenter will likely provide a more accurate picture of the RX 9060 XT’s retail price, with updates expected either right before or on the launch date, June 5.

    Specifications Breakdown

    In terms of specs, the Challenger series features black GPUs equipped with dual-fan cooling systems, while the Steel Legend series comes in white with triple-fan solutions. The Steel Legend cards offer a slightly higher boost clock, reaching up to 3,320 MHz, compared to 3,290 MHz for the Challenger models.

    Recently, some gaming and synthetic benchmarks for the XFX Swift Pro Gaming RX 9060 XT surfaced online, showing performance comparable to the pricier, older RX 7700 XT.

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  • ASRock Addresses AMD Ryzen 9000X3D Issues, Questions Remain

    ASRock Addresses AMD Ryzen 9000X3D Issues, Questions Remain

    Key Takeaways

    1. ASRock faced increasing reports of CPU malfunctions linked to their AM5 motherboards, prompting an official response during Computex 2025.
    2. The company initially denied that BIOS issues caused motherboard failures, but later removed an earlier BIOS version without explanation and released a new version with limited transparency.
    3. ASRock acknowledged three potential causes for failures: user mishandling, memory compatibility problems, and incorrect Precision Boost Overdrive settings.
    4. The warranty policy requires customers to handle CPU replacements through AMD, while ASRock’s motherboards may still be sold with outdated firmware.
    5. Despite the official statement, many concerns remain unresolved, including reports of failures with default settings and the company’s limited investigation into other potential causes.

    Following several months of increasing reports from the community about CPU malfunctions tied to ASRock AM5 motherboards, Gamers Nexus took the initiative to question the company during Computex 2025. Their unexpected discussion with Chris Lee, ASRock’s VP of the motherboard division, provided the first official response from the company, which had previously given only ambiguous and unconvincing statements.

    Issues with BIOS Updates

    In March, ASRock stated that the returned boards with burn damage on Ryzen 9800X3D and 9950X3D CPUs did not show any fault from their end. The firm claimed that a simple cleaning of the socket could restore functionality and denied that the BIOS versions were responsible for the issues. However, shortly after this claim, BIOS version 3.20 was removed from various product pages without any explanation. A new version (3.25) was released during Computex, but again, the transparency was quite limited.

    Acknowledging the Causes

    During the interview, Lee recognized three potential reasons for the failures: user mishandling (like thermal paste contamination), memory compatibility problems that they say have now been fixed with BIOS 3.20, and incorrect Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) settings within ASRock’s firmware. He mentioned that the 3.25 update reduces the thermal and electrical current thresholds (TDC/EDC) for PBO, which he believes should help to avoid further failures.

    Nonetheless, ASRock’s position is still troubling. The company insists that not one motherboard has been identified as defective, claiming that all failures stem from CPU issues, user mistakes, or BIOS configurations. For those customers who faced shutdowns or noticeable CPU pad damage even without activating PBO, this rationale feels unconvincing. When asked, Lee acknowledged that ASRock has not looked into other possible causes like VSOC misbehavior, nor did he offer any specific details on changes to current values for any particular board.

    Warranty and Customer Responsibility

    Lee stated that ASRock’s warranty policy includes round-trip shipping for motherboards but directs customers to AMD for CPU replacements. He also confirmed that boards currently available in retail may still have outdated firmware, which places the responsibility of performing BIOS updates on the customers themselves.

    While it is a step forward that ASRock finally provided an official statement, many crucial concerns still remain unresolved. The communication from the company up to this point has been quite lacking, and the root causes of the failures might go beyond just aggressive PBO tuning. Reports of failures occurring even with default settings, lightly scorched sockets, and inconsistencies in CPU performance all imply that ASRock’s explanations are, at best, incomplete.

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  • ASRock DeskMini Q870: Compact Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285

    ASRock DeskMini Q870: Compact Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285

    Key Takeaways

    1. ASRock is expanding its DeskMini lineup with new Mini-STX systems that use compact motherboards, smaller than Mini-ITX.
    2. The new Q870M-STX motherboards support powerful Intel Arrow Lake processors, like the Core Ultra 9 285.
    3. The Mini-STX systems are compact, measuring 155 x 155 x 80 mm and having a case capacity of 1.92 liters.
    4. Connectivity options likely include Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5 GbE LAN port.
    5. Memory support includes up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM, and the system features RGB lighting for visual appeal.

    ASRock is broadening its DeskMini lineup with new systems that feature Mini-STX motherboards. This Mini-STX standard is even smaller than Mini-ITX, and with ASRock’s newly designed Q870M-STX motherboards, it now accommodates robust desktop-grade processors from the Intel Arrow Lake series.

    Impressions from Computex

    The newest Mini-STX systems were highlighted at ASRock’s booth during Computex this week, and Winfuture.de was on the scene to capture some images and provide an initial look. From their photos, we see that the Q870 system is about the size of an ATX power supply, measuring 155 x 155 x 80 mm, while the overall case has a capacity of 1.92 liters. The demo version was equipped with a Core Ultra 9 285 desktop CPU that has 8 Performance cores and 16 Efficiency cores, totaling 24 threads with a peak boost of 5.6 GHz. This processor typically has a TDP of 65 W, with a maximum reaching 182 W, but the Mini-STX system can’t maintain this peak TDP since its external power adapter is limited to 120 W. The average power consumption appears to be around 43.9 W.

    Connectivity and Features

    While the official information on port selection hasn’t been released, it’s possible to determine some of the ports from the available photos. Since the Arrow Lake processor only includes an Intel Graphics GPU with 4 Xe cores, it’s likely that the Q870 mini PC features Thunderbolt 4 ports for eGPU support. In fact, we can spot two USB-C ports (one on the front and one on the back), with at least one supporting TB4 specifications. Other available ports consist of 3x USB-A 3.2, 2x DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, microphone and headphone jacks, and a LAN port (most likely 2.5 GbE).

    Memory and Storage Options

    The specifications sheet also indicates compatibility with advanced CSODIMM RAM modules. The demo unit showcased 32 GB DDR5-6400 RAM, but it can support up to 128 GB with two slots available. Interestingly, the storage was managed by an older MP33 PCIe 3.0 256 GB SSD from TeamGroup, although the motherboard likely includes at least one PCIe 4.0 X4 M.2 slot. As a visual enhancement, both the motherboard and the CPU cooler come with support for RGB lighting.

    Currently, there is no price information available, nor any details regarding an AMD Mini-STX model.

    Source:
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    ASRock DeskMini Q870: Compact Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285ASRock DeskMini Q870: Compact Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285ASRock DeskMini Q870: Compact Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285ASRock DeskMini Q870: Compact Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285
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  • ASRock BIOS Update Fixes Ryzen 9000 Series Boot Problems

    ASRock BIOS Update Fixes Ryzen 9000 Series Boot Problems

    Key Takeaways

    1. ASRock has released a BIOS update (3.20) to address boot issues with Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, especially the Ryzen 9800X3D, on various motherboards.
    2. Users have reported similar boot problems with motherboards from other brands like Gigabyte, MSI, and Asus, but most complaints are from ASRock users.
    3. Severe cases of CPU failures during boot with the 9800X3D on ASRock motherboards have been acknowledged, prompting users to report their experiences.
    4. ASRock Japan linked the boot issues to memory compatibility problems, with at least 40 reported incidents across multiple motherboard models.
    5. The BIOS update aims to improve boot stability for AMD 9000 Series CPUs, specifically targeting the issues mentioned by users.

    Several users have shared their troubles with booting their ASRock motherboards alongside Ryzen 9000 series CPUs on the ASRock subreddit. In response, the company has launched a BIOS update aimed at fixing these problems. The 3.20 update has been rolled out for various X870, B850, B650, and A620 motherboards, specifically targeting the Ryzen 9000 series, focusing on the Ryzen 9800X3D, which was frequently mentioned in complaints.

    Reports on Other Brands

    Users have also reported similar boot issues with motherboards from Gigabyte, MSI, and Asus, but most of the complaints have come from ASRock board owners. The ASRock subreddit hosts a dedicated thread called “9800X3D Failures/Deaths Megathread,” where moderators have been addressing the concerns of the users. The problems related to instability and failures involving the Ryzen 9800X3D have been recognized, and the initial recommendation was to revert to an earlier BIOS version.

    Severe Cases Noted

    Some users faced severe issues, with their 9800X3D CPUs supposedly failing during the boot process when used with an ASRock motherboard. The moderators at ASRock acknowledged these serious cases and provided a form for users to report their experiences for further examination.

    Now, the company has introduced the 3.20 Beta update for AM5 series motherboards, which is anticipated to resolve these concerns. While ASRock global hasn’t disclosed the specific reasons behind these boot problems, ASRock Japan has attributed them to memory compatibility issues, mentioning that there have been at least 40 reported incidents. The motherboards affected include two models of B650M Pro, three A620M, eleven B850, and seven X870 models. The release note simply states, “Improve minority proportion of AMD 9000 Series CPU boot issues.”

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  • Intel Arc B580 GPU Leak: 45% Premium for 12GB VRAM

    Intel Arc B580 GPU Leak: 45% Premium for 12GB VRAM

    Following a new leak regarding the key specifications of the Intel Arc B580, and the appearance of two ASRock models on Amazon, insiders @momomo_us and VideoCardz have discovered the first online retailer showcasing the price for the upcoming GPU. The Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition, which will be sold directly by Intel rather than through a partner, is set to have a starting price of $259.

    Price Comparison

    This new price reflects an increase of about 45%, as the Intel Arc A580 was initially launched at a suggested retail price of $179.99. This places the graphics card in a similar price range as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. However, with the increase in price, consumers will benefit from 12 GB of VRAM compared to the 8 GB offered by the Arc A580, although Intel has cut down the number of Xe cores from 24 to 20.

    Performance Expectations

    Only through thorough testing will we find out if the Arc B580 can truly compete against the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, given its new Xe2 architecture and significantly higher boost clock speeds reaching up to 2,850 MHz. The first Xe2-based graphics card is scheduled to release in December, and it’s anticipated that detailed benchmarks will soon follow to show how well the Intel Arc Battlemage performs in a fiercely competitive gaming GPU landscape. With Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5000 also likely launching in January, an exciting few months are coming up.

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  • ASRock Introduces DeskMeet X600 & DeskMini X600 PCs Compatible with Ryzen 8000 CPU

    ASRock Introduces DeskMeet X600 & DeskMini X600 PCs Compatible with Ryzen 8000 CPU

    ASRock Introduces DeskMeet X600 and DeskMini X600 Line of Personal Computers

    ASRock, a prominent manufacturer of motherboards, has officially revealed the introduction of their latest line of personal computers, the DeskMeet X600 and DeskMini X600 series. These cutting-edge PCs are designed to support AMD AM5 Ryzen processors, including the highly-anticipated 7000 and 8000 series, delivering a blend of performance and features at an attractive price point.

    DeskMeet X600 Series: Robust and Adaptable

    The DeskMeet X600 series is engineered to accommodate up to four DDR5 memory modules, boasting an expansive memory capacity of 256GB. Utilizing PCIe 5.0 technology for M.2 SSDs, this series ensures swift data transfer speeds. Moreover, with the inclusion of Dragon 2.5G Ethernet, users can expect seamless high-speed internet connectivity.

    Equipped with a 500W ATX Power supply for heightened performance and stability, this series is compatible with PCIe 4.0 graphics cards, catering to demanding tasks such as content creation and AI applications.

    DeskMini X600 Series: Compact and Potent

    The DeskMini X600 series stands out as AMD’s premier AM5 Mini STX Platform. Supporting AMD AM5 65W CPUs, it delivers substantial computing power within a compact footprint. Despite its compact nature, the emphasis is on expandability and functionality.

    Featuring two DDR5 SO DIMMs for smooth multitasking and enhanced graphics performance, this series offers two M.2 slots, one of which supports M.2 Gen5 SSDs, offering versatile storage options. 2.5G LAN connectivity and three video outputs further elevate the user experience.

    Availability and Pricing Details

    ASRock has not yet disclosed specifics regarding configurations, pricing, or availability of these systems. Anticipate their launch in diverse regions in the near future. To stay updated on the latest AMD innovations, keep an eye out for the Ryzen 8000 series CPUs.

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  • ASRock Reveals Three New Phantom Gaming Monitors at CES 2024, Featuring a Maximum Refresh Rate of 520Hz and Wi-Fi 7 Capability

    ASRock Reveals Three New Phantom Gaming Monitors at CES 2024, Featuring a Maximum Refresh Rate of 520Hz and Wi-Fi 7 Capability

    ASRock: Introducing the Latest Phantom Gaming Monitors at CES 2024

    ASRock, the renowned Taiwanese company known for its high-quality and affordable computer hardware, has made a name for itself in the industry. From motherboards and graphics cards to industrial PCs and mini PCs, ASRock has consistently delivered products that cater to the needs of gamers and tech enthusiasts. In 2019, ASRock expanded its product lineup by venturing into the monitor market, introducing gaming monitors under the Phantom Gaming and Challenger series.

    At CES 2024, ASRock unveiled three new additions to its Phantom series of gaming monitors. These 27-inch monitors are designed to cater to the demands of hardcore gamers and tech enthusiasts, offering unique features that enhance the gaming experience. Let’s take a closer look at each model.

    The PG27FFX2A: Unparalleled Smoothness in Gameplay

    The PG27FFX2A monitor stands out with its remarkable 520Hz refresh rate, providing unparalleled smoothness in gameplay. With a 1920 x 1080 resolution display, this monitor ensures crisp and clear visuals. It offers a range of connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DP 1.4 port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-A 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The monitor also boasts a 1ms GTG response time, reducing motion blur and ghosting. With a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a brightness level of 400 nits, it delivers vibrant colors and covers 99% of the sRGB and 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts.

    The PG27QFW2A: Ideal for High-Definition Gaming

    The PG27QFW2A monitor features a 2K (2560 x 1440) resolution and offers a 400Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for high-definition gaming. It maintains a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a brightness level of 350 nits. While specific details and quantity of its USB-C and USB-A ports are yet to be revealed, it includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DP 1.4 port.

    The PG0270W2A: Exceptional Performance and Visuals

    The PG0270W2A monitor comes with an OLED panel, providing a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and supporting a 360Hz native refresh rate. This monitor stands out with an exceptionally low response time of 0.03 milliseconds and a high contrast ratio of 1500000:1. It offers a maximum brightness of 250 nits and provides connectivity options such as two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DP 1.4 port, and one USB-C 3.0 port.

    ASRock’s new gaming monitors are equipped with impressive specs and innovative features, making them highly desirable for passionate gamers seeking the ultimate competitive edge. While pricing and availability details have not been disclosed yet, we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for more CES 2024 updates.

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