Computex, the world's coolest trade show, recently took place in Taipei, and it showcased some exciting hardware that tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating. While there were some AI-related announcements, we focus on the hardware that was showcased at the event.
MSI showcased a slim 4070 Ti graphics card that caught the attention of many attendees. However, ASUS stole the show with its concept 4090 card that had no power connector plug. Instead, it had a connector on the bottom that plugs into the motherboard, making it a unique and innovative design. While it did not make the best list, it was still a noteworthy product that generated a lot of buzz.
Apart from graphics cards, there was other exciting hardware showcased at Computex. For instance, there were several laptops with impressive features. The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED is one such laptop that caught the attention of many attendees. It has a second screen above the keyboard, which can be used to display various tools and functions, making it a useful tool for multitasking.
Another laptop that stood out was the Acer Predator Triton 500 SE. It is a gaming laptop that boasts an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card and an Intel Core i9-11900H processor, making it a powerful machine that can handle even the most demanding games.
In addition to laptops, there were also some exciting desktops showcased at Computex. The MSI Creator P50 is a desktop that is designed for content creators. It has an Intel Core i9-11900K processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, making it a powerful machine that can handle complex video editing and other content creation tasks.
Overall, Computex showcased some exciting hardware that tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating. From slim graphics cards to innovative laptops and powerful desktops, there was something for everyone at the event. While not all products showcased made the best list, they were still noteworthy and generated a lot of buzz among attendees. It will be interesting to see how these products perform in the market and how they will shape the future of technology.
One trend that stood out at Computex was the concept of back-facing ports on motherboards. This trend involves eliminating visible wires by having the power connectors and other necessary ports face the back of the case. This means that the cables are hidden from view, giving the inside of the case a cleaner and more attractive look.
Several companies, including MSI, Gigabyte, and ASUS, showcased their take on this trend. MSI's Project Zero and Gigabyte's Project Stealth were examples of this concept. The idea is to eliminate visible wires, making the inside of the case look more organized and aesthetically pleasing.
This trend is gaining popularity among tech enthusiasts who want to have a sleek and modern-looking PC. The concept of back-facing ports is not entirely new, as many cases have shrouds in the back where people can route their wires. However, having the power connectors and other necessary ports face the back of the case eliminates the need for visible wires entirely.
One potential issue with this trend is backward compatibility. If this trend catches on, it may require a lot of changes and render many people's cases unusable. However, the benefits of having a cleaner and more organized PC may outweigh this issue.
Overall, the trend of back-facing ports is an exciting development in the world of PC building. It is a step towards making PCs look more modern and aesthetically pleasing. While it remains to be seen how popular this trend will become, it is clear that it has generated a lot of interest among tech enthusiasts.
One area of PC building that has always been popular is customization. From custom cases to RGB lighting, PC enthusiasts love to make their builds unique. And now, there are even more customizable PC accessories available than ever before.
One example of this is Cooler Master's Master Hub. This device allows users to build their own stream deck, with various pieces including a macro keyboard, dials, levers, and screens that can be popped onto pogo pins to create a controller for controlling multimedia or doing macro tasks. This is a great option for those who want to have more control over their video or audio editing or for controlling a livestream.
Another exciting development is the Lian Li Unifan Tl LCD. These case fans have screens on them that can display status information like temperature or animations. This is a great way to add a unique touch to your build and customize it to your liking.
Corsair is also getting in on the customization game with their Dominator Titanium DDR5 RAM DIMMs. These have a removable top that can be replaced with a custom top from Corsair or even 3D printed by the user. This allows for endless possibilities in terms of customization and personalization.
Overall, the trend of customizable PC accessories is an exciting development for PC enthusiasts. It allows for more control and personalization in building and customizing your PC. While it remains to be seen how popular this trend will become, it is clear that there are plenty of options available for those who want to make their builds truly unique.
However, one aspect of PC customization that should not be overlooked is case mods. Case mods, or modifications made to a computer's case, can range from simple additions like LED lights to more complex changes like custom paint jobs or even completely redesigning the case itself. These mods not only add a unique aesthetic to a computer, but can also improve functionality and performance.
For example, a case modder may add additional fans or improve the airflow within the case to prevent overheating and improve overall performance. They may also add custom water cooling systems to keep the components running at optimal temperatures. These modifications can not only improve the computer's performance, but also prolong its lifespan.
In addition to functionality, case mods can also add a personal touch to a computer. A custom paint job or unique design can make a computer stand out and reflect the owner's personality. This can be especially important for gamers or content creators who use their computers as a tool for their work or hobbies.
While case mods may not be as extreme as liquid nitrogen overclocking, they are still an important aspect of PC customization that should not be overlooked. They offer a unique way for individuals to express themselves and improve their computer's performance at the same time. So, the next time you are considering customizing your computer, don't forget to consider case mods as a valuable option.
Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.
Avram's been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom's Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he's not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you'll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.
