Recently I've had the opportunity to test several small form factor cases aimed at the enthusiast market, and it's been fascinating to see the progress vendors have made in creating cases that allow users to squeeze high performance systems into increasingly smaller spaces. However, the best designed SFF enthusiast case isn't much good without a high performance motherboard, and historically there hasn't been much for the enthusiast in the mini ITX form factor. Until now, at least: ASUS has released their P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD motherboard. Let's see what performance and features they've managed to hammer into this tiny thing.

AMD introduced its new FX-series processors almost exactly a year ago, and AMD enthusiasts hoped these Zambezi CPUs, built on AMD's new Bulldozer architecture, would provide real competition to Intel's Sandy Bridge line. But although the FX-8150 had eight integer cores and was capable of high clock speeds, its high price and poor performance at the individual core level meant that it wasn't very competitive with the equivalent Intel CPUs. Now we have the AMD FX-8350 CPU, code-named Vishera and based on the Piledriver architecture to test. Has AMD managed to reduce the performance deficit relative to Intel? Let's find out.

USB has made it convenient to charge mobile devices, since most people also have access to a computer with an available port. But as the devices add up, those ports become scarce. This is ideal during extended travel, when battery power for items like the Apple iPad or iPhone runs low after a movie. Keeping fully charged is a challenge while traveling, since most people leave their bulky systems at home. This is where a portable USB charge adapter comes in very handy. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the travel-sized Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev 2, model PSAEQ-AC01301-BL.

For those of you out there that are looking for a nice basic but high spec gaming mouse, the ROCCAT KONE Pure - Core Performance Gaming Mouse might well be just right for you. By stripping away some of the gimmicks and not so useful features of the KONE[+], ROCCAT have been able to build a sleek beast with the KONE Pure and here at Benchmark Reviews we aim to test it to its fullest. First of all it is smaller than both the KONE[+] and the KONE XTD, and it also does away with the LED strips and weight adjustment system, leaving a gaming peripheral that is a great pleasure to use. The KONE Pure uses the same Omron switches and R3 Pro-Aim laser sensor found in the KONE XTD but lovingly packs them into a more compact package. Think of the KONE Pure as more of a brother than a replacement to the KONE XTD and KONE[+].

Mad Catz released their new STRIKE 7 keyboard two months back, representing the high end model of their new cyborg series keyboards. Like the Cyborg RAT-9/7/5/3 mice, the STRIKE 5 is now released. It's more affordable, and just as promising. Equipped with the same keyboard and customization setup, the STRIKE 5 is equipped with the same power with the only difference being the auxiliary panel. Instead of the VENOM touchscreen which came with 12 apps, the STRIKE 5 comes with a simplified OLED EYE display. For those looking for a cheaper alternative to the STRIKE 7, Benchmark Reviews will analyze the STRIKE 5 to see if it holds up.

From the moment you hit the launch button to when you expire in a burning and crumpled mess, the impact of the Hawken Mech Combat FSP video game is almost mesmerizing. Meteor Entertainment and Adhesive Games have produced a gripping and fast paced game that is challenging, and very engaging. Benchmark Reviews has had the opportunity to preview the game during the Open-Beta events 1 and 2.

Cooler Master's subsidiary, CM Storm, continues to develop quality PC gaming peripherals proving that it is a serious player in the industry. The CM Storm Ceres-400 wired gaming headset, model SGH-2010-KKTA1, is the organization's latest audio entry into the market, and it is clear what the objective was when developing this headset; to provide budget-conscious gamers with a high-quality set of headphones. Priced at around $50, the Ceres-400 is packed with features, such as the large 40mm drivers, you normally won't find at this price point. Benchmark Reviews is proud to take a close look at this headset in order to provide you with a thorough review of it.