Benchmark Reviews: Computer Hardware Product Reviews and Component Benchmark Tests
If there’s a technology company that literally needs no introduction, it’s surely Hewlett-Packard. Literally founded in a garage in Palo Alto, CA in 1947, their first product, the HP200A Audio Oscillator, shook up the industry. Their business has expanded to cover the entire spectrum of professional and consumer computers and test equipment, and today Benchmark Reviews has in hand the new HP SSD EX900 M.2 solid state drive for testing.
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The Gamdias HEPHAESTUS P1 RGB surround sound gaming headset is a new addition to the brand’s line up. It features RGB illumination with virtual 7.1 surround sound and real vibration from bass impact. The HEPHAESTUS P1 also has cooling ventilation on both drivers to keep the drivers cool during long gaming sessions. Because it does not utilize a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, the headset communicates through a USB 2.0 cable. This allows for software support with Gamdias HERA to fine tune RGB lighting and audio settings. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we take a look at the HEPHAESTUS P1 and test its various features.
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NZXT has brought a few new features to the table with their H-series computer cases. At the time of this review, there are three variants: the H700i (standard mid-tower ATX), H400i (micro-ATX), and H200i (mini-ITX). Aside from having tempered glass panels, a solid steel frame, and a sleek minimalistic look, each case features a CAM Powered Smart Device. The Smart Device optimizes fan noise and temperature through Adaptive Noise Reduction, meaning it will measure the noise level in the case to find the best optimal temperature for the system. These H-series cases also come with a pre-installed RGB strip at the top and a number of case fans with customizable options via the CAM software. In this article, Benchmark Reviews inspects the NZXT H700i in matte black.
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It could be the product you didn’t know you needed… at least, if you’re someone that has a spare m.2 SATA SSD laying around. SilverStone Technology has something you might be interested in: a way to turn that old m.2 SATA drive into a function USB drive! That fact that this product even exists surprised me, but there you go. Today Benchmark Reviews looks at the SilverStone MS09 m.2 SATA External SSD Enclosure.
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The ATX form factor is still with us more than 20 years after Intel finalized its specification in 1995. But other evolutionary pressures are affecting the design of the classic mid-tower computer case, such as the elimination of optical media and its 5.25″ drives; the move from 3.5″ hard drives to 2.5″ and m.2 storage, and of course the replacement of clear plastic side panels with the now almost mandatory tempered glass for enthusiast cases. Like most modern cases, the Corsair Carbide 500D Premium Mid-Tower Case eliminates 5.25″ drives, resulting in a blank front panel, but unlike some other cases we’ve reviewed, it uses the space thus freed to good effect, and makes some innovative design decisions along the way. Benchmark Reviews will evaluate and build a system in this case to let you know how well this new thinking works.
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A docking station provides a quick and easy way to connect bare drive mechanisms to a computer, and is an essential part of any enthusiasts’ tool kit. For backup or simply data transfer, the ability to easily connect to a bare drive mechanism is very useful. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests SSD performance with SilverStone’s new TS12C Dual Drive Docking Station, which brings dual drive support, offline drive cloning, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 SuperSpeed+ connectivity to the party.
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Planar NAND allowed manufacturers to offer speedy solid state storage at fair price, while Samsung’s recently announced 860 EVO SSD improved upon this with their latest 3-bit MLC V-NAND flash technology. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 512GB Samsung SSD 860 PRO, which utilizes 64-cell layer 2-bit MLC V-NAND for high endurance and improved sequential performance to produce up to 560 MB/s reads at 100,000 IOPS and 530 MB/s writes at 90,000 IOPS, and compare SATA 6 GB/s performance against the all the leading competition.
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Samsung recently announced their latest 3-bit MLC V-NAND flash technology, which they’ve baked into their new SSD 860 EVO solid state drive series. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 500GB Samsung SSD 860 EVO, which pairs their 64-cell layer V-NAND and 512MB LPDDR4 DRAM cache buffer with their new MJX controller to produce up to 550 MB/s reads at 98,000 IOPS and 520 MB/s writes at 90,000 IOPS, and compare SATA 6 GB/s performance against the all the leading competition.
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Over the last few months, we have seen more and more low-profile mechanical keyboards hitting the market. With the Tesoro GRAM Spectrum, it comes with all the goodies normally seen on a mechanical gaming keyboard. But the feature that sets this one apart from the rest are the low-profile mechanical switches. These switches are known as the innovative Tesoro Agile key switches, which have a 50 million click life cycle and a short actuation distance of 1.5 mm. All of the Agile switches rests on top of a solid metal back plate that doubles as a reflective light distributor and structural backbone. The GRAM Spectrum comes in four variants: A black body with red or blue switches, and white body with red or blue switches. Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the Tesoro GRAM Spectrum in black with red switches.
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Founded in 2001 with only 20 employees, ADATA has made a name for themselves in the memory market, providing RAM and flash-memory based storage for industrial and consumer applications. They’ve recently expanded their consumer m.2 product line and offer a broad range of products based on MLC and TLC NAND. Today Benchmark Reviews is testing the 256GB versions of their mid-range offering, the Gammix S10 m.2 SSD.
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It has been some time since we have seen an affordable gaming mice for FPS/RTS/MOBA/MMO games. With the Nemesis Switch RGB from Tt eSPORTS, it features a patented key switch system for customization to enhance gaming experience. A total of 12 side buttons are present, with eight being the most a user can have at one time. At the heart of the mouse lies the PixArt 3360 optical sensor, which is one of the best gaming grade optical sensors at the time of this review. On top of that, the mouse comes in at a surprisingly affordable price. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the Nemesis Switch RGB optical gaming mouse.
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Quality is everything when it comes to enjoying audio video multimedia. Cutting edge technology is always improving the user experience by developing a better picture with more stunning colors, and immersive surround sound. Most recently, we’ve seen these features demonstrated in 4K UHD displays with HDR color enhancement, and advanced 7.1 home theater speaker systems. While 4K streaming content is slowing coming online, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movies are already offering the best possible source for ultra high-definition content with high dynamic range. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test the Samsung UBD-M9500 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player.
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Solid state memory, while remaining significantly more expensive that traditional mechanical hard disks, continues to encroach on their territory. Inexpensive and high-capacity bus-powered USB external drives are even being challenged by external SSDs, for consumers who appreciate the advantages of much higher performance, smaller size, and greater reliability they afford. Samsung has been a pioneer in this field with their Samsung Portable SSD T3 external drives, and today Benchmark Reviews checks out their latest product, the 1 terabyte Portable SSD T5.
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Built to serve as a wireless bluetooth speaker with theater-like surround sound, the Genius Mobile Theater MT-20 makes a great wireless speaker that offers portability and surround sound on the go. The MT-20 comes with a sturdy built-in handle, a 3.5 mm AUX port, and a micro-SD card slot for playing music straight off a card. It also has a built-in seven watt subwoofer to enhance sound quality with music and videos. The MT-20 is available in two colors; silver and black. KYE Systems sent Benchmark Reviews their Mobile Theater MT-20 in black for this review.
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Corsair has updated their line-up of Hydro Series series of AIO liquid coolers. The Corsair Hydro H150i Pro RGB 360mm CPU cooler is among their latest offerings. Their new line of coolers includes the Corsair H115i Pro RGB of the 280mm variety, and shares the same functionality with this larger 360mm unit. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I focus on the Corsair Hydro H150i Pro RGB and compare it to some other AIO units I have tested in the past. Let’s find out how well the H150i Pro stacks up to the competition.
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The Spec-Omega looks to be an amalgamation of the Spec-Alpha with the tempered glass side panel taken from the Spec-04. The Spec-Omega’s interior is different from either of the previous cases, designed to handle liquid coolers up to 360mm in size, while doing so in a case of roughly the same size as it’s brethren. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we’ll be putting the Spec-Omega to the test with a complete system build.
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By Olin Coles Manufacturer: PAPAGO, Inc. Product Name: GoSafe S30 Dash Cam Part Number: GSS308G UPC: 840494180013 Price As Tested: $179.99 (Amazon | Newegg) Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Papago. The roads are trafficked with bad drivers, which is why in-vehicle cameras have become a necessity. The streets are a dangerous place for motorists, with heavy traffic congestion and driver distractions adding risk to everything from long trips to short commutes. Defensive driving will help prevent some accidents, but each moment spent in a vehicle is wrought with random chance and uncertainty. It’s never been a question of if you’ll someday be involved in an traffic accident or the victim or violent […]
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The Define series is best known for quality construction that features customization, sound-dampening, and enthusiast level cooling options. Three years ago we awarded the Define R5 a strong 9.5 out of 10. What has Fractal done to improve and remain relevant as we head into 2018? In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I take a closer at the Fractal Design Define R6 Tempered Glass mid-tower computer case, detailing the latest features.
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Not all that long ago, high definition 1080p image resolution was heralded as the biggest entertainment improvement since the DVD. Technology continued to tick ahead and, before Blu-ray ever truly became a household standard, ultra high-definition 4K (2160p) displays arrived on scene, and later High Dynamic Range. With Ultra HD Blu-ray and streaming video content now offered in Ultra HD, it makes sense to upgrade. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test the 65″ VIZIO SmartCast M65-E0 UHD HDR home theater display with Google Chromecast built-in.
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With so many RGB components flooding the current market, it is difficult to find the right product that offers a wide variety of modern features without compromising performance and functionality. The Roccat Kone AIMO offers just that. Equipped with the Roccat 12000 DPI Owl-Eye (PixArt 3361) optical sensor, the Kone AIMO provides excellent tracking and precision for games and productivity. Through the Swarm software, users can customize a variety of settings and gain access to the AIMO Intelligent Lighting System. This mouse also comes in three colors; black, grey, and white. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the Roccat Kone AIMO in black. Let’s look at some of its features, specifications, and a quick overview of the product.
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Over the years, Corsair has been providing high quality computer peripherals to the consumer market. With the HS50 Stereo gaming headset, it focuses on bringing outstanding comfort, audio performance, and durability without sacrificing performance and quality. It also has an internal metal headband with metal yokes, and memory foam on the two 50 mm drivers and the top headband cushion for added comfort. Not only is it compatible on the PC, it is compatible with modern gaming consoles and mobile gaming devices. The HS50 comes in three different colors, green, blue, and black (carbon). Corsair was kind enough to send Benchmark Reviews their HS50 in green, so let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
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The days of the giant ATX gaming system are behind us, surely. A single-slot mITX system is smaller and less expensive than a full-sized ATX system, and modern video card performance precludes the need for SLI or Crossfire X for the vast majority of users. What, then, are we to make of Zalman’s massive Z-Machine X7 computer case? This is the largest case Benchmark Reviews has seen since the Cooler Master Cosmos: at x by y by z inches and weighing in at almost 40 pounds empty, this glass and aluminum monster will make its presence known with the help of a plethora of RGB fans and lighting effects.
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The HP SSD M700 is an entry-level solid state drive, with up to 560 MB/s read and 520 MB/s write speeds from the 240GB SSD M700 model, which utilizes 2D Planar NAND technology to deliver solid reliability. Adding to its appeal is the cost of solid state drive technology, which has doubled its storage capacity per dollar from just one year ago. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test the HP SSD M700 (model 3DV74AA#ABC) against the competition.
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In this article for Benchmark Reviews we test the be quiet! Dark Base 700 mid-tower computer case. The Dark Base 700 is the newest member of the be quiet! high end case family. This midi tower case sports a tempered glass side panel, a fully modular design, and water cooling support. Dark Base 700 also features filtered ventilation, RGB LED illumination, PWM fan hub, and 2 SilentWings-3 140mm fans pre-installed (one in the front, one in the rear).
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Being the first 87-key RGB Low-Profile mechanical gaming keyboard, the Hermes M3 focuses on fast key response and accurate actuation in a small and compact form factor. An aluminum back plate creates the backbone to the keyboard to give it a premium look and feel, and the compact design does allow for more room for a mouse. This keyboard does come in four variants; blue, brown, red, and black switches. Our friends at Gamdias were kind enough to send Benchmark Reviews their Hermes M3 with blue low-profile mechanical switches for this review. Let’s take a look at its features, specifications, and a quick overview in the next section.
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