The Hardware Asylum Podcast

In this episode we talk about the Dark Edition motherboards from EVGA. These boards are designed for extreme overlocking using a variety of cooling methods from high-end watercooling to Dry Ice and even LN2. The boards also support extreme memory and video card configurations making them very unique in the enthusiast PC space.

The current “situation” have you down? Well, in this episode we talk about some upcoming game titles that are sure to get you excited, even if they don’t have an official release date

In this episode we talk about the driver issues that caused RTX cards to crash during certain games talking about the differences between a hardware issue over a software one. Later Dennis tells us about his impromptu LAN party and playing the new game Among US

in this episode we explore the actual power of the PC, and not so much the enthusiast PC but the every PC that is likely over 5 years old and built with midrange gear. These machines are all over the place and the driving force behind how games are built and the benchmark console makers follow when planning a new release.

in this episode we dissect and take a deep dive into what we believe the new RTX 3000 series video cards will bring based on the product announcement from NVIDIA. As of this podcast we have yet to see any real benchmarks any real reports on availability and any real listings on current pricing so the real world may vary.

In this episode we talk about overclocking and not just any overclocking but the extreme kind where you chill a CPU and then double up your GPU performance using the SLI technology. Sadly NVIDIA has made it clear they aren’t going to support SLI anymore due to the lackluster response in the consumer market. Yes, we blame everyone buying a new GPU for killing SLI.

We have been avoiding the topic of COVID-19 for various reasons and finally felt it was time to address the worldwide pandemic and how it has impacted many of the tradeshows and conventions we normally attend including CES 2021, Hackfort and PAX.

We have all bought used computer hardware. Sometimes the deal goes extremely well and everyone is happy and yet, other times you might get something you didn’t expect or have compatibility issues. In this episode we talk about some of the experiences we have had along with some things to look out for.

In this episode we turn the clock back 10 years to look at the state of Computer Hardware in 2009. Believe it or not computers have come a long way since then and they are used in a more diverse manner being split across desktop, portable and mobile. While the technology has gotten better the overall purpose remains the same.

In this episode we take a candid look at extreme watercooling and if going big can be a real benefit to your water loop or just a waste of time and money. We also discuss radiator design, size and thermal capacity while also addressing the issue of galvanic corrosion.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the new ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus XII Formula and some of the cooling accessories you can get specific to this LGA 1200 motherboard. The EK Quantum Momentum isn’t the first product of its kind but does offer a unique dress up option for your XII Formula

In this special video podcast extra we talk about how to test sound cards when the normal testing methods have failed, namely why the Creative AE-9 is special. Later the topics shift to PC modding with the new SilverStone Cable Extensions, SilverStone 120mm Air Penetrator fan and finally Darren tells us about his latest 3D Printing project.

In this special video podcast we talk about the new Z490 motherboard offerings from ASUS that encompass an entire range from the high dollar Maximus XII down to mainstream Z490 Prime motherboards.

In a special video podcast extra the duo talk about the replacing a prized gaming mouse with a substandard product and then go on to speculate about which next gen gaming console will be better.

In a special video podcast the duo talk about the products going on in the Hardware Asylum Labs including some RTX 2060 KO Overclocking, external power modifications for video cards and coolant testing.

In this episode it is all about VR gaming, Darren picked up an Occulus Quest over the holidays and brings it to the lab for some pre-podcast gaming. It was really good fun and begs the question, is it time to go full VR?

In this episode we talk about the history of modern video cards from AGP graphics to the modern RTX including their rise to prominence in the enthusiast market to the fiery downfall triggered by cost, performance and the carelessness of a modern hardware enthusiast.

With a recent performance leak showing that the Intel Core i9 10900k 10-Core processor is faster than the 12-Core Ryzen 9 3900k we decided to discuss one of the biggest drawbacks of large multicore CPUs and how their power is only noticeable in certain situations

Discrete audio cards are often overlooked when building a PC and yet they are one of the best ways to get better performance and better audio quality, the Creative Labs AE-9 is one of the best. Speaking of best we cannot ignore the X299X Waterforce Xtreme from Aorus (Gigabyte)

This is part two of the Hardware Asylum CES 2020 coverage. Every January Dennis spends some time in the desert checking out the latest tech, make new contacts and keep up with old friends. Unlike the last episode this one isn’t completely filled with good stuff.

Every January Dennis spends some time in the desert checking out the latest tech at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, mostly to make new contacts, keep up with old friends and find out what new might be coming to the Hardware Asylum Labs. This episode is filled with the good stuff.

In this episode we dive into the latest memory overclocking world record set using the new Ryzen and Ballistix Elite DDR4 4000 and later spend some time looking at the real cost associated with building a Threadripper 3 system.

For the longest time Dennis was avoiding anything Threadripper. On paper the processor looked amazing, lots of threads and lots of power however, when it came down to it there was only a small number of instances where Threadripper shined. Despite this there is a HUGE Hype around the new 3900X Threadripper series and we investigate.

When new technology comes along there is always a land rush to be first to support it and how fast that adoption takes often determines if it is successful or just another failed experiment. NVidia has been pushing their RTX RayTracing technology hard and it is starting to show up in many modern AAA game titles including Call of Duty Modern Warfare (the 2019 edition)

Overclocking has been around for a long time starting with some of the oldest processors and crafty engineers who would tinker with jumper settings. Since then Overclocking has become more refined and divided up into distinctly different styles.