Corsair's products precede them. Computex 2016 didn't feature any new cases from the rapidly growing case manufacturer, but did quietly highlight a refresh of the 400C Carbide in white. We received the 600C and 400C series well in reviews, so adding a new color doesn't hurt. A few new products did make their way to the showroom, primarily new fans with mag-lev bearings and an updated set of DDR4 memory kits.
The Mag-Lev fans use a bearing which is – at least temporarily – exclusive to Corsair, a trend with Corsair's supply-side partners. Corsair's ML Pro fans will be the first to ship with mag-level fan bearings and will be available in both 120mm and 140mm sizes; we don't yet have a price, but have been told that the fans will be among Corsair's most expensive.
Magnetic levitation bearings just use an electromagnet to force the fan blades and hub to hover off of the fan body. In theory, this reduces friction and noise, and is a driving reason for the fans' ability to spin at low RPMs (like ~400) to help maintain low noise. The fans are rated for high static pressure and face minimal resistance from the actual bearings, with an RPM range of 400~2000 (ish, can go higher).
The ML Pro fans feature monochromatic LEDs (R, B, W, etc.), while a refreshed SP line have moved to ring-lit and hub-lit RGB LEDs that are controllable.
Also on the front of LEDs, new kits of DDR4 RAM – the Dominator Platinum Special Edition and new Vengeance line – will be making the move to controllable RGB LED support. The LEDs are controlled through the SM bus, bypassing any external cabling or other clutter.
We're beginning to wrap our Computex coverage, but there's more to come soon – and it'll be in the form of deeper product reviews following the show.
Editorial: Steve “Lelldorianx” Burke
Video: Keegan “HornetSting” Gallick