Every now and then we have a [leak](https://www.club386.com/msi-geforce-rtx-3090-ti-suprim-slapped-with-a-4000-price-tag/) or a [rumour](https://www.club386.com/nvidia-geforce-rtx-3090-ti-rumoured-to-debut-in-january/) about what is meant to be Nvidia’s most powerful GPU, from ridiculous VRAM capacities to insane power consumptions. Today, our friends at [VideoCardz](https://videocardz.com/) got their hands on some pictures of the upcoming RTX 3090 Ti exhibiting massive heatsinks, adding some veracity to earlier rumours.

Starting with MSI’s RTX 3090 Ti Suprim X, this take on Nvidia’s finest is said to feature a 3.5-slot heatsink employing three chunky fans to tame the full implementation of Nvidia’s GA102 GPU. Remember that translates to a full complement of 10,752 Cuda cores coupled to 12 x 2GB GDDR6X at 21GB/s for a 24GB total VRAM.

GPU clocks hit 1,950Mhz in Gaming and 1,965Mhz in Extreme modes, a respectable improvement over the reference 1,860Mhz. Needless to say that higher clocks equal higher power consumption, this time hitting 480W, or 30W more than Nvidia’s already startling requirement. To supply all this current, a new PCIe Gen 5 16-pin connector is used.

This beast of a card weighs 2.1kg and provides three DisplayPort 1.4a plus one HDMI 2.1 outputs and is planned to launch on March 29. Performance is said to be five to 10 per cent better than an RTX 3090 at 4K.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MSI-RTX-3090-Ti-SUPRIM-X-1200x419.jpg)

MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Ti Suprim X, Source: VideoCardz

Next in line is EVGA’s RTX 3090 Ti FTW Ultra, also a 3.5-slot card with an updated PCB to handle all the components needed to power the GPU/VRAM. Unlike MSI, EVGA decided to put its PCIe Gen 5 power connector on the back.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EVGA-RTX-3090-Ti-FTW3-ULTRA.jpg)

EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti FTW Ultra, Source: VideoCardz

For its part, Colourful proposes three cards, the most interesting being the water-cooled iGame complete with 280mm radiator. Taking only two slots, this card seems to be one of few options if you need a dual-card setup using NVLink. Not to forget a [hefty PSU](https://www.club386.com/fsp-launches-cannon-pro-2kw-modular-power-supply/) to drive all those watts.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/COLORFUL-RTX-3090-Ti-iGame-Neptune-OC.jpg)

Colorful GeForce RTX 3090 Ti iGame Neptune OC, Source: VideoCardz

Finally, as always, Nvidia will have its own Founders Edition model most probably using the same cooler as before but with a 16-pin instead of the 12-pin connector. Rumoured pricing for these cards ranges from $1,499 up to $2,399 MSRP, so you better disable those credit card spending limits in anticipation.

RTX 3090 Ti pictures show massive heatsinks cooling voracious 480W cards

Details surrounding the fabled Core i9-12900KS have been trickling out since the [turn of the year](https://www.club386.com/intel-demos-5-5ghz-core-i9-12900ks/). Said chip is now finally making its way to retail and any uncertainty regarding pricing has been put to bed by popular US retailer Newegg, who lists the limited edition chip at [$799](https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i9-12900ks-core-i9-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118392).

Intel is evidently in bullish mood, and perhaps has every right to be. The firm’s Alder Lake architecture has provided a noteworthy alternative to rampant AMD Ryzen, and the top-binned Core i9-12900KS [looks set to be](https://www.club386.com/the-first-intel-core-i9-12900ks-benchmark-scores-are-in/) the cherry on the 12th Gen cake.

Team Blue won’t have everything its own way, mind, and the race is to claim the title of world’s fastest gaming CPU is heating up. Intel and AMD are both vying for the crown, but each chip manufacturer is going about it differently.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/12900KS-newegg.jpg)

What makes the 16-core (8P, 8E) Intel Core i9-12900KS special is its ability hit a top speed of 5.5GHz, or 5.2GHz when all eight performance cores are under the cosh. That extra straight-line speed ought to help in gaming scenarios, and we suspect the Core i9 will race ahead of AMD’s $799 Ryzen 9 5950X in most titles.

The cat among the pigeons is the [Ryzen 7 5800X3D](https://www.club386.com/amd-launches-seven-new-ryzen-cpus-as-part-of-extensive-desktop-overhaul/), which takes a different approach by housing triple the L3 cache as regular models. Increasing from 32MB to 96MB is said to be of genuine benefit to gaming workloads, and though the Ryzen’s eight-core, 16-thread configuration won’t be as potent in heavily multi-threaded tasks, 5800X3D has the benefit of a keen $449 price tag.

Interesting times ahead. Core i9-12900KS vs. Ryzen 9 5950X is the ultimate battle at $799, but we can’t wait to see how the Ryzen 7 5800X3D fits into the picture. Club386 will have all the benchmarks and further analysis coming soon.

Intel Core i9-12900KS lands at retail with $799 price tag

Thermaltake has announced a pair of new chassis accommodating up to E-ATX motherboards.

Both Versa T26/T27 share the same frame weighing 8.21kg and measuring 485mm x 225mm x 464.2mm in size, with the front panel design being their only differentiating factor. The T26 features a mix of mesh and tempered glass in a diagonal arrangement, while the T27 has an airflow-focused panel with perforated T-shaped intake cut-outs resembling Thermaltake’s brand logo. Both are an acquired taste.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Thermaltake-Versa-T27-TG-ARGB-02.jpg)

Thermaltake Versa T27 TG ARGB

A detachable 4mm tempered glass side panel allows you to showcase your masterpiece, illuminated by three built-in 120mm 5V aRGB fans, capable of syncing with popular motherboard software suites such as Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, etc. For those who believe there can never be too much light, four more fans can be added for maximum bling.

Speaking of cooling, AIO support is more than enough with space for up to a 360mm radiator in the front and top plus a 120mm in the back. Needless to say, cooling shouldn’t be a problem. Those who choose to go with air coolers should note that height clearance is 175mm.

To house your liquid-cooled CPU, mini-ITX, [micro-ATX](https://www.club386.com/onda-releases-first-motherboard-with-ddr4-and-ddr5-support/), [ATX](https://www.club386.com/asrock-z690-taichi-review/), and [E-ATX](https://www.club386.com/msi-unwraps-the-2099-meg-z690-godlike-motherboard/) motherboard sizes are supported. Two 3.5in plus two 2.5in (or four 2.5in) drive bays should take care of any potential data hoarders.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Thermaltake-Versa-T26-TG-ARGB-03.jpg)

Thermaltake Versa T26 TG ARGB

Graphics card length is limited to 350mm if a radiator is installed or 380mm if not, with the possibility to install vertically if the heart desires. At the same time, PSU size can be up to 160mm if an HDD cage is installed or 200mm otherwise.

Thermaltake has most bases covered, but it’s the top I/O panel that falls short. Both chassis provide two USB 3.0 Type-A, a pair of 3.5mm audio jacks, power, restart and RGB control buttons, but no forward-looking USB Type-C.

No official word on pricing or availability, but full specifications and user manuals are available on the respective Thermaltake product pages: [Versa T26 TG ARGB](https://www.thermaltake.com/versa-t26-tg-argb-mid-tower-chassis.html) and [Versa T27 TG ARGB](https://www.thermaltake.com/versa-t27-tg-argb-mid-tower-chassis.html).

Thermaltake rolls out Versa T26 and T27 TG aRGB PC cases

Our visual, audio and touch senses have long been satisfied by media ranging from television, to music, and video games. The next evolutionary step towards full immersion is that of smell. [OW Smell Digital](https://ow-smelldigital.com/) seeks to digitise smell for use in future metaverse applications.

It is a UK based tech company founded by two leading scientists, Emanuela Maggioni and Marianna Obrist. OW has recently raised £1 million in seed funding led by Parkwalk Advisors. This funding will go toward expanding the team and development of its digital olfaction technology.

The technology itself looks quite promising; it is touted as a ‘twin system.’ Combining hardware-based ‘digitally-controlled scent delivery’ and a software-based ‘intelligent cloud-based control platform.’ These systems work in tandem to provide full control over the power of scent.

It apparently works surprisingly well, and OW has the recognition to back it up. The firm’s multisensory work on the VR ‘FLY’ experience helped win the [2020 Lumiere Award](https://europe.stereopsia.com/en/program/awards-competition-line) for Best VR Edutainment. Additionally, it was also the recipient of the European Research Council’s 2020 [Proof-of-Concept award](https://erc.europa.eu/news/PoC-recipients-2020-third-round).

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fly1-edited-2048x1277-1.jpg)

Image Source: OW Smell Digital

Maggioni claims the start-up is “looking to interrupt a marketplace dominated by technologies reliant solely on sound, vision and increasingly, touch.”

“Our sense of smell has the power to evoke long-forgotten memories, bring food to life, calm us down and enrich our lives,” adds the OW Smell Digital founder. “We create smell technologies that can be used across a range of innovative contexts. From leading healthcare research to artistic and immersive experiences, our products offer a total digital command over scent and smell.”

Health, wellbeing and innovative research is also top priority. SmellHealth, for which the company won ERC’s 2020 Proof-of-Concept award, aims to develop efficient and affordable smell-delivery technologies and training tools, to help people with loss of olfactory senses.

A collaboration with Rockefeller University aims to create the first automated and standardised smell test toolkit to measure smell capabilities. Much like audio or visual tests you encounter at your local doctor’s office.

OW Smell Digital is not the first nor the last to implement smell as a medium, but progress in a field that receives little to no attention certainly looks smells promising.

OW Smell Digital raises £1 million, aims to enhance your metaverse experience

NZXT has launched a new keyboard and mouse featuring RGB lighting and customisable colours.

Let’s start with the mechanical Function keyboard, which comes in a choice of black or white and is available in three sizes; full-size, TKL and Mini TKL (tenkeyless). All three have a low-profile design using an aluminium body and connect to the host PC via a detachable USB-C cable. NZXT choose MX-compatible hot-swappable switches for the entire range and helpfully employs a standard bottom row.

Lighting effects, macro-control and per-key RGB customisation/sync are possible through the the firm’s CAM software for added flair.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NZXT-Function-Full-size-02.jpg)

NZXT Function full-size keyboard

Next on the list is NZXT’s Lift, a lightweight ambidextrous mouse packing a PixArt 3389 optical sensor for high-speed tracking and accuracy. The mouse boasts a 16k resolution, plus customary Omron switches rated at 20 million clicks.

NZXT is also planning on releasing a mouse pad in standard, medium, and large sizes with white, black, and grey colour options.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NZXT-Lift-Mouse-03.jpg)

NZXT Lift Mouse

Nothing particularly extraordinary in terms of hardware, yet both peripherals are brought to life through NZXT’s BLD customisation service. For an additional $9.99 fee, the Function keyboard or Lift mouse can be configured to colours that suit your setup, along with switch choices, accent keycaps and colour-coded cables.

The customisations in question are unique to NZXT BLD and include an array of switches – Gateron Red, Blue, Brown, Silent Black Ink V2 60g (linear) and Aliaz Silent 60g (tactile) – as well as yellow, purple, blue, red, and cyan accents and cables.

UK pricing for the new peripherals is detailed below.

*   £129.99 for the full-sized Function keyboard
*   £109.99 for the TKL Function keyboard
*   £99.99 for the Mini TKL Function keyboard
*   £39.99 for the Lift mouse

NZXT announces Function keyboard and Lift mouse

MSI has refreshed its PC line-up with the MAG Trident S 5M, focusing on cloud and Android gaming.

Unlike its predecessors, this model ditches high-power CPUs/GPUs in favour of [AMD’s APUs](https://www.club386.com/athlon-gold-pro-4150ge-hits-the-benchmark-table/), with a choice between a Ryzen 3 5300G, a Ryzen 5 5600G or a Ryzen 7 5700G processor. Using OEM’s B300 chipset, the motherboard can accommodate up to two 3200MHz DDR4 SODIMMs, for a total of 64GB capacity.

Graphics are managed by the outdated [Vega](https://www.club386.com/when-discrete-cards-are-hard-to-come-by-are-amd-igps-a-viable-stopgap/) iGPU, which is unfortunate knowing that AMD’s next-gen APUs are getting a well-deserved upgrade thanks to a more powerful RDNA 2-based iGPU.

That said, MSI isn’t planning for this PC to be used as a standalone, but more like a hybrid of sorts. By focusing on cloud gaming in addition to the built-in [Android emulator](https://www.club386.com/first-major-windows-11-update-lands-next-month-with-android-apps-in-tow/) (MSI APP Player), the main goal here is to take all calculations to the cloud and stream back the final result – or using it as an Android machine, whatever floats your boat.

MSI should get some praise for making this 2.6-liter machine easily serviceable simply by unscrewing the motherboard’s quick slot. Inside, we find two PCIe Gen 3 SSD slots plus a single 2.5in hard drive space, meaning storage will not be your limiting factor here. Also, choosing Windows 11 Home as the main operating system adds more flexibility, which is welcome.

To get those juicy pixels up to your screen, an HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and VGA are at your service, although it’s a shame we still see new hardware without HDMI 2.1. Other I/O comes in the form of four USB ports (one of them is Type-C at 15W output), two audio jacks, GbE LAN plus Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. Finally, power is delivered through the provided 120W adapter. A tidy system that suits myriad users.

MSI launches new Trident desktop PC aimed at cloud gaming

Today sees AMD finally bring Zen 3 CPU prowess to five Ryzen Threadripper Pro WX-Series chips accommodating between 12 and 64 cores.

Ryzen Threadripper CPUs have been around since August 2017, and AMD further split the range into high-end desktop (HEDT) and workstation-specific Pro chips in 2020. Though both current series are headlined by 64-core, 128-thread processors – 3990X and 3995WX, respectively – key differences remain.

WX is designed solely for OEM usage, so Lenovo, Dell, HP, et al, and is based on a more feature-rich sWRX8 platform using double the memory bandwidth and expansion opportunities, meaning eight-channel RAM alongside 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes.

Unlike desktop Ryzen, which transitioned to the latest Zen 3 architecture in November 2020, Threadripper has made do with older Zen 2. Part of the delay likely rests with a lack of Zen 3 wafers from foundry partner TSMC, with AMD using available capacity for high-margin server Epyc and high-volume desktop Ryzen. This has been no major problem thus far as Threadripper quadruples the core count from the best desktop Ryzen, marking effective segmentation between the two families irrespective of base architecture.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TP2FAsjBMtkvSZbmV.jpg)

24-core Threadripper makes a comeback
-------------------------------------

The first notable addition is emergence of a 24-core, 48-thread chip. Missing from regular Threadripper 3000-Series and last present on 2000-Series, the new stack is less lop-sided.

All Pro 5000 WX-Series can only be used in single-processor systems. The entire pack operates at up to 4.5GHz and shares a 280W TDP. Based on the same sWRX8 socket as immediate predecessors, they constitute a drop-in upgrade for OEMs, minimising qualification hassle between generations.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Zen231.jpg)

Zen 2 is shown as a two-cluster layout; Zen 3 has the same number of cores and L3 cache in just one cluster

A modest increase in boost frequency and use of IPC-enhanced Zen 3 are the main drivers of generational performance uplifts. AMD naturally leverages the change in caching structure between Zen 2 and Zen 3, resulting in half the core clusters equipped with double the L3 cache.

All told, there is no change in total L3. For example, 3995WX uses 16 four-core clusters that each access 16MB, for 256MB in total, whereas 5995WX has the same 256MB composed of eight clusters housing, you guessed it, eight cores each. The benefit of Zen 3’s approach is that a single core can access twice the amount of L3, and not having to traverse to the adjacent CCX, as in Zen 2, potentially reduces latency.

AMD makes no direct mention of inter-generational Ryzen Threadripper Pro performance with good reason. Knowing maximum core-and-thread count remains the same, top-bin 5995WX is likely to be only 10-25 per cent faster than 3995WX, depending upon how sensitive the application is to IPC and latency.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TP3FAsjBMtkvSZbmV.jpg)

Intel-beating performance at every level, says AMD
--------------------------------------------------

Instead, AMD chooses to unload Threadripper Pro 5000 WX-Series’ considerable payload on what it believes to be competing Intel workstation-optimised processors.

Threadripper Pro 5000 WX-Series is shown to have commanding performance leads against core-comparable Intel Xeon W-3000 Series processors across multiple workloads, according to AMD’s internal testing. Comparing champ to champ – 5995WX vs. [W-3375](https://www.intel.co.uk/content/www/uk/en/products/sku/217246/intel-xeon-w3375-processor-57m-cache-up-to-4-00-ghz/specifications.html) – highlights largest differences because AMD has substantially more cores and threads to play with. Looking at performance against a lower-core Xeon based on older Ice Lake architecture was always going to be an easy win, mind; Intel is busy readying next-generation Sapphire Rapids Xeons this quarter, so the grey and orange bars ought to become closer.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TP5FAsjBMtkvSZbmV.jpg)

Nevertheless, AMD is bullish enough to throw a single Threadripper Pro 5995WX against a dual-Xeon 8280 Platinum rig. That’s a strange comparison as the Xeon is a full-on server processor from the last Cascade Lake generation, rather than a workstation powerhouse. Housing only 28 cores and 56 threads per processor, you can see why AMD chose to go up against it, though, for kicks, we’d like to see how well 5995WX does against two [Xeon 8380 Platinum](https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/212287/intel-xeon-platinum-8380-processor-60m-cache-2-30-ghz.html) chips.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TP4FAsjBMtkvSZbmV.jpg)

As before, Lenovo is the launch partner for Threadripper Pro WX-Series. The company’s [ThinkStation P620](https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/thinkstation-p620/) has been an AMD standard bearer for a while. We’d imagine changing over to this new series requires only the new chip and a BIOS update.

Overall, AMD aligns Threadripper Pro with desktop Ryzen in terms of model branding and architecture. Expanding upon the previous generation through higher IPC and frequency, together with reduced internal latency, though keeping maximum core-and-thread counts the same, expect Pro 5000 WX-Series to further extend AMD’s performance lead in single-socket workstations built by industry heavyweights.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5000 WX-Series extends workstation dominance

Industry veteran Antec has unveiled a new mid-tower chassis capable of holding nine fans.

Building on the foundations of its predecessors (DF600/DF700), the ‘new’ DF800 Flux features a redesigned mesh frontage to filter dust and boost airflow. The case can accommodate up to nine fans, five of which come preinstalled as standard; three 120mm aRGB fans in the front, one on top of the [PSU](https://www.club386.com/be-quiet-pure-power-11-fm-850w-power-supply-review/) cage and lastly one rear exhaust, all controllable using the built-in hub.

Having all these fans from the get-go adds some value for those seeking lots of RGB without the added expense. Out-the-box airflow ought to be sufficient, yet there’s room for three 120s or two 140s up top, if you plan to add a liquid cooler.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Antec-DF800-Flux-02.jpg)

Fans layout

The DF800 Flux measures 479mm x 220mm x 488mm and weighs 8.7kg. It is compatible with ATX, micro-ATX or mini-ITX [motherboards](https://www.club386.com/asrock-b660-pro-rs-review/) and features six storage bays; three 3.5in HDD drive cages (convertible to 2.5in) plus three 2.5in SSD mounts on the back of the motherboard tray. Clearance for cable routing and management also appears decent.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Antec-DF800-Flux-03.jpg)

Water cooling layout

Video cards have up to 405mm of room available, CPU air coolers are limited to 175 mm in height, while maximum PSU length is 205mm. Three dust filters should help keep your hardware clean to look at through the tempered glass side panel, plus two USB 3.0 and one 3.5mm Mic/Audio jack takes care of I/O.

There’s no USB-C, sadly, but the DF800 Flux could be useful for a budget build. Early retail listings position the case at around €93 and it comes with a two-year warranty as standard.

Antec introduces refreshed DF800 Flux PC case

PC chassis and accessory manufacturer Azza has unveiled two new [all-in-one](https://www.club386.com/tag/aio/) liquid coolers featuring aRGB fans and a diamond-cut CPU block whose topped with an eye-catching infinity mirror.

Dubbed [Blizzard SP 240](https://azza.gg/azza/products/liquid%20coolers/blizzard%20sp%20240) and [Blizzard SP 360](https://azza.gg/azza/products/liquid%20coolers/blizzard%20sp%20360), both share similar specs and only differ in size. The smaller radiator measures 274mm x 120mm x 52mm with two Hurricane SP Digital 120mm fans, while the bigger 360 pushes dimensions up a notch at 394mm x 120mm x 52mm, with three of the same 120mm fans.

The fans have two connections, a four-pin PWM header for power plus a three-pin for RGB addressing. With up to three fans, cable management requires a little more though than, say, a regular air cooler.

Fan speeds range from 700 to 2,200RPM with noise levels topping out at up to 36dBA, according to Azza. The pump, meanwhile, features a standard three-pin header and is intended to operate at a fixed 3,200RPM.

![](https://www.club386.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AZZA-Blizzard-SP-240.jpg)

Blizzard SP 240

Though water cooling tends to evoke feelings of risk, there’s no need to worry about pump lifespan. In this respect, Azza is rating these for 50,000 hours, which equates to nearly six years of continuous use. Pump noise levels are said to remain at a relatively quiet 25dBA at 156 L/Hr flow rate.

In terms of compatibility pretty much every recent socket is supported:

Intel Sockets:  
LGA 2066 / LGA 2011-V3 / LGA 2011 / LGA 1366 / LGA 1200 / LGA 115X / LGA 1700 / LGA 1800

AMD Sockets:  
AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1 / TR 4 / TRX 4

The Azza Blizzard SP 240 and SP 360 AIO are available at €99 and €129, respectively.