Month: May 2018

NZXT H500i Tempered Glass RGB Mid-Tower Chassis Review

By Peter Donnell @ eTeknix

We’re big fans of the NZXT chassis range here at eTeknix. Fans enough to have built, and currently be building systems of our own in their amazing H400i and H700i chassis! However, the family isn’t complete, and the new H500i looks set to take the middle spot of the two chassis, blending features from both with an aim of wider appeal. The H700i is one of the, if not the most impressive chassis we’ve reviewed in years. However, it’s pretty darn expensive too. With the H500i, you get many of the features in a slightly more affordable package. However, there are a few other nips and tucks to the design and overall improvements too, making it very appealing to us.

Read the Review Here

Cases Hardware | Donster | May 23, 2018 |

Researchers Reveal Variant 4 of Spectre Vulnerability

By Hilbert Hagedoorn @ Guru3D

As discussed a few weeks ago, a new Spectre vulnerability has been shared and made public today. Earlier on it was reported that there are eight new vulnerabilities, grouped and named as Spectre-ng, of which four are critical. Today the Store Bypass (SSB) vulnerability has been published and effects Intel, AMD and ARM.

Researchers from Microsoft and Googles Project Zero now published information about one of the vulnerabilities, the so-called fourth variant Spectre vulnerability, which can cause security issues. A new subclass of speculative execution side channel vulnerabilities known as Speculative Store Bypass (SSB) has been announced and assigned CVE-2018-3639. Variant 4 uses speculative execution, a feature common to most modern processor architectures, to potentially expose certain kinds of data through a side channel. An attacker who has successfully exploited this vulnerability may be able to read privileged data across trust boundaries. Vulnerable code patterns in the operating system (OS) or in applications could allow an attacker to exploit this vulnerability.

In the case of Just-in-Time (JIT) compilers, such as JavaScript JIT employed by modern web browsers, it may be possible for an attacker to supply JavaScript that produces native code that could give rise to an instance of speculative Store Bypass (SSB). However, Microsoft Edge, Chrome and other major browsers have taken steps to increase the difficulty of successfully creating a side channel. So with your latest Chrome, you should be fine and thus safe.

There are now four (published) variants of the Spectre vulnerability that can be used to read memory in processors that is not intended for that application, and thus can be abused.

Security | Donster | May 23, 2018 |

Just Announced Hardware for 23 May 2018

Check out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

Hardware | Donster | May 23, 2018 |

Paradox Announces New Expansion for Hearts of Iron IV

Christen Your Fleet in Hearts of Iron IV: Man the Guns

New Add-On Expands the Naval Game and Democratic Options

Two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water, and free access to the nautical highways is essential to empire. In wartime, these highways are contested waters and you, or an ally, must be able to regulate that traffic. Carriers, convoys and battle cruisers — these are the weapons of the sea. Your enemy is over the horizon. It is time to Man the Guns!

Man the Guns is the newest expansion to the best-selling grand strategy wargame, Hearts of Iron IV. Paradox Development Studio will have more to say in coming weeks, but, for now, our intelligence agents have been cleared to forward the following information:

Man the Guns adds greater depth to the naval side of the war, including the ability to design your warships in more detail. Add armor or heavier guns through a modular design. You can also refit older ships so that they are more in line with the latest technology.
Man the Guns also introduces new options for the democratic nations, including new paths for the United States and other great free nations. Explore alternate histories or fully mobilize the arsenal of democracy.

There are many more details to reveal, but, at the moment, these are state secrets.

And, as usual, Man the Guns will accompanied by a large, free update available to everyone who owns Hearts of Iron IV.

Hearts of Iron IV: Man the Guns will be available soon for a suggested retail price of $19.99. Click here to view the Hearts of Iron IV: Man the Guns announcement trailer.

Hearts of Iron IV Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | May 21, 2018 |

Rainbow Six: Siege Reveals Operation Para Bellum

AN EXPANSIVE ITALIAN VILLA SERVES AS THE STUNNING BACKDROP FOR YEAR 3 SEASON 2

Today, Ubisoft announced the full details for Operation Para Bellum, one of the largest content updates yet for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege. Operation Para Bellum introduces two new defending operators, Alibi and Maestro, alongside an all-new map, Villa, set in the Italian countryside. Year Three Season Two also brings a breath of innovation, including a new intel gadget, operator speed adjustments, various other gameplay improvements, and the all new Pick & Ban setting – a feature that evolves the way players engage with multiplayer. Operation Par Bellum will be available in June 2018.

In Operation Para Bellum, two Italian G.I.S. Operators join Rainbow as the unit raids a luxurious Tuscan villa, Rainbow Six: Siege’s 20th map. The land belongs to the Vinciguerra, a dangerous crime family known for their smuggling activities. The house is their retreat, where they lead a lavish lifestyle and collect rare art pieces. Players will arrive at Villa during a key moment: Vinciguerras are burning documents and transporting their holdings before the big raid. But they’ve got wind of Operation Para Bellum and fled, leaving everything in disarray with vital information ready for the taking.

New operator, Alibi, is an undercover infiltration specialist in the Italian Gruppo di Intervento Speciale (G.I.S.) unit. She is a cunning adversary with a gift for infiltrating dense networks of organised crime. Alibi is notable for her deployable Hologram, a mechanism that makes it difficult for enemies to positively identify her from her incredibly realistic projections.

New Operator, Maestro, is another member of the Italian, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale (G.I.S.) and participated in joint operations in Iraq, earning a facial scar from a roadside IED. Maestro is notable for his remote access turret, which is also bulletproof, capable of seeing through smoke, and able to fire low powered-laser beams.

Operation Para Bellum will also introduce the Pick & Ban system. This feature provides an extra layer of strategy between teams, as each side tries to counter their opponents’ picks during the banning phase. Players can even anticipate a thrilling twist at the last moment, when teams swap Operators for the unexpected 6th Pick.

Additionally game updates include:

Deployable Bullet Proof Cameras
New Counter Defuser Animation
Dropshotting Adjustments
Weapon Sight Misalignment Adjustments
New Observation Tool Management
Operator Speed Adjustments
Echo Buff
Clubhouse Map Buff

The Test Server for Operation Para Bellum will go live on May 22nd. The Test Server is an alternative version of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege, allowing players to test upcoming gameplay features that will make their way into the main game itself. A consistent gameplay experience is not guaranteed on the Test Server. The Test Server is exclusive to Windows PC.

For more information about Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege, please visit rainbow6.com.

First-Person Shooters Rainbow Six: Siege | Donster | May 21, 2018 |

Paradox Books Passage to India in new Dharma Expansion to Europa Universalis IV

Bow Before the Peacock Throne in New Europa Universalis IV Expansion

Europa Universalis IV: Dharma To Focus on Indian Subcontinent

A hundred and fifty million souls speaking dozens of languages stand between European traders and unimaginable wealth. Diplomacy, war and subterfuge will be used on both sides to either preserve the power of the Mughal emperor and his dependents or to undermine that throne. Unite the Indian people, or divide and conquer. You write the history in Europa Universalis IV: Dharma.

Dharma is the newest expansion for Europa Universalis IV, Paradox Development Studio’s best selling history strategy game about the early modern era. Dharma puts greater emphasis on peacetime interactions, especially for the varied nations of India and those colonial powers who want to make their fortune in Asia. This government design feature is the most significant change in Dharma, with some exclusive reforms for many nations.

In Dharma, players will find a new level of customization for their governments, since not every monarchy should be the same! Design a kingdom or republic with new reforms and upgrades as the balance of priorities shifts around you.

Features in Europa Universalis IV: Dharma include:

Design Your Government: Unlock reforms that will define how you govern your kingdom or republic, earning free policies and boosting the power of some estates.
Reworked Policy System: Policies get a new look in the free update, but Dharma will include special bonuses that make this system even more attractive.
Trade Company Investments: Upgrade and improve the provinces tied to your trade companies, conferring bonuses both to the European master and neighboring Indian nations.
New Cossack Government: Exclusive for owners of The Cossacks expansion.
New Indian Mission Trees: Unique mission paths for the most important Indian sultanates and kingdoms.
New Indian Estates: Alongside a free update to the estate system, India gets five new castes. Raise the brahmins to reduce unrest in a province or install Jain governors for a boost to income while reducing manpower..
New Mughal Culture Bonus: The Mughal Empire can assimilate and accommodate newly conquered cultures with ease.
Charter Companies: Europeans can buy a foothold into trade charter zones in Africa and Asia, if they can find a prince that trusts them.
Upgraded Trade Centers: Invest in the development of your Centers of Trade
And more, including: new ways to suppress rebellion, the monsoon season, new uses for colonists in non-colonial development, scornful insults, multiplayer teams, new art, and a host of new achievements.

As usual, Europa Universalis IV: Dharma will be accompanied by a free update for all Europa Universalis IV players, including a major reworking of the game’s map of India, Tibet and Burma.

Europa Universalis IV: Dharma will be available later this year for a suggested retail price of $19,99. Click here to view the Europa Universalis IV: Dharma announcement trailer.

Europa Universalis IV Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | May 21, 2018 |

Apply Torches to the Darkness in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury

Baptism or War! Force the Choice in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury

Huge New Expansion Highlights Religious War

“One heart and one soul against the Christian name.” So went the message from Estonia after the routing of the Teuton invaders at Umera. The fires of faith burn hot, as local gods come under attack from a universal church that offers a stark choice – God or the Sword?

Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury is the newest and one of the most wide-ranging expansions to Paradox Development Studio’s beloved medieval grand strategy role-playing game. Take charge of a body of righteous warriors in Holy Fury, leading your army on a Crusade for the faith, or defending against attackers. Holy Fury takes its inspiration from the Northern Crusaders of Catholic Europe against its Pagan neighbors. Play either side in a new holy war.

In Holy Fury, Pagan rulers who reform their religion instead of converting will have a chance to design that new Reformed Paganism. A religion of peace or one of war? Will you be guided by the stars or bow to the whims of bloodthirsty gods? Who will lead this new church? Build a new creed on the ashes of the old ways.

Other features in Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury include:

Shattered and Random Worlds: Start your game on a fictional map of Europe as a small realm fighting for space, or on a random map with historical analogues for the great kingdoms of yore.
Warrior Lodges: Join a Pagan warrior lodge and raid your way up the ranks, unlocking access to powerful allies and greater military skill.
Legendary Bloodlines: Descendants of great warrior heroes will have bonuses that match the accomplishments of their forefathers, including historical bloodlines of Charlemagne, Genghis Khan and others..
Sway or Antagonize Your Neighbors: Try to win a reluctant vassal through charm and persuasion, or provoke someone you want to push into conflict.
Sainthood: Pious Catholics can become canonized, passing on their glory to their descendants and making their resting place a site of great value.
Coronations: Feudal kings and emperors must find clergy to crown them, since all power descends from the heavens.
New Crusade Events: Deeper gameplay for the religious wars of the era.
New Succession Laws: A Pagan Elder Council may have the final word in how a realm is divided among heirs, or a ruler may challenge his brother to combat to unify a realm.
And much more: Changes to religion, custom names for people or objects, deeper baptismal mechanics, lists of people you’ve killed, and other small changes for flavor and variety.

Like all Crusader Kings II expansions, Holy Fury will be accompanied by a major free update for all Crusader Kings players, including changes to how Crusades work.

Holy Fury is coming in 2018 for the suggested retail price of $19.99. Click here to view the Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury announcement trailer.

Crusader Kings II Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | May 21, 2018 |

Hearts of Iron IV Celebrates 1 Million Sales With Anniversary Edition

Anniversary Edition Comes With New Expansion and Diorama

Paradox Development Studio is very happy to announce that its grand strategy wargame Hearts of Iron IV has sold one million copies. This is the third of its historical titles, after Crusader Kings II and Europa Universalis IV, to hit the one million market, and is evidence of a strong and durable market for challenging games about our shared past.

Hearts of Iron IV offers players unparalleled flexibility in exploring new historical paths and pursuing hundreds of “what if?” alternate futures, tied to a powerfully flexible war planning system that gives people control over wide fronts, amphibious operations and the air and sea.

Hearts of Iron IV celebrates the one million milestone and its second anniversary by announcing a special physical bundle for collectors and newcomers alike, that includes a special historical diorama designed by Power Up Factory.

“When we released the game, we didn’t know it was going to be such a success,” says Dan Lind, Game Director for Hearts of Iron IV. “We did not dare make a big physical collector’s edition. It feels great to be able to make something like that now – both as Game Director and as someone who loves miniatures!“. Mike Horn, CEO and President of Power Up Factory, is also very excited about the alternate history model his team got to design – the Italian Army raising its flag on the ruins of London.

“We’ve made a lot of interesting collectibles here, but this one’s a first for sure,” says Horn. “I lived in the Washington, DC area for many years and saw the real life Iwo Jima statue countless times. To now be able to make a creative interpretation of it? Amazing!”

Lind adds, “You know you have the right job when you can dream up alt-history scenarios for your game and someone makes a big ass amazing statue of it!”

The Hearts of Iron IV Anniversary Edition will include:

Historical Diorama from Power Up Factory: A hand-painted collector’s diorama from the experts of game memorabilia. This diorama depicts an alternate history, with the Italian army raising its flag over the ruins of London.
Hearts of Iron IV: Man the Guns: The newest expansion to Hearts of Iron brings greater depth and customization to the naval aspect of war, new National Focus options for the United States, unique actions for democracies and much more.
Hearts of Iron IV Base Game: A Steam key of the best-selling grand strategy wargame that tests your understanding of subtlety, supply and strategy to keep or share with a friend.

If you want to spend a little extra, your Anniversary Edition can also include keys for every other Hearts of Iron IV expansion: Together for Victory, Death or Dishonor and Waking the Tiger.

For complete game information and to pre-order the Hearts of Iron IV Anniversary Edition, check out the product page at hoi4.paradoxplaza.com.

Hearts of Iron IV Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | May 21, 2018 |

Paradox Announces Imperator: Rome – New Ancient Themed Grand Strategy Game

Go from Brick to Marble in Paradox’s Imperator: Rome

imperator-rome What we think of as “western civilization” was not guaranteed. Imagine Alexander’s empire centralized under one successor. Italy might never have been unified under Roman rule, strangling a juggernaut in its cradle. A world without Caesar. Now you can explore these alternate histories in Imperator: Rome.

The masters of historical strategy have returned to the days of legions and legends. Paradox Development Studio is happy to announce Imperator: Rome, an upcoming grand strategy game set in the classical world from the glory days of Athens to the establishment of the Roman Empire four centuries later. Rule any nation on the most detailed Paradox map ever stretching from the Pillars of Hercules to the far reaches of of India, allowing you to build an empire to dwarf that of Alexander. Govern republics or monarchies, balancing the factions, and keeping the loyalty of your most capable generals.

Imperator: Rome’s features include:

Character Management: A living world of characters with varying skills and traits that will change over time. They will lead your nation, govern your provinces and command your armies and fleets. We also introduce our new, more human-like character art.
Diverse Populations: Citizens, freemen, tribesmen and slaves – each population with its own culture and religion. Whether they fill your armies, fill your coffers or fill your colonies, keep an eye on their happiness – your success depends on their satisfaction.
Battle Tactics: Choose your approach before battle to counter the stratagems of your foes.
Military Traditions: Each culture has a unique way of waging war. Romans and Celts have different options available to them. Unlock unique bonuses, abilities and units.
Different Government Types: Manage the senate in a Republic, hold your court together in a monarchy, answer to the clans in a tribal system.
Barbarians and Rebellions: Migrating barbarians may sack or settle your best land, while disloyal governors or generals can turn against you – taking their armies with them!
Trade: Goods provide bonuses to their home province. Will you take advantage of stockpiles for local strength or trade excess goods to spread the wealth around?
Provincial Improvement: Invest in buildings, roads and defences to make your kingdom stronger and richer.

Imperator: Rome is scheduled for a 2019 release. Click here to view the Imperator: Rome announcement trailer.

Imperator: Rome Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | May 21, 2018 |

Just Announced Hardware for 21 May 2018

Hardware | Donster | May 21, 2018 |