Hardware News
Lian Li Reveals PC-T60 & PC-T7 Test Benches
April 30, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Lian Li have officially revealed the PC-T60 ATX/Mini-ATX and PC-T7 Mini-ITX, the very first proper test benches from this renowned high-end case manufacturer.
Here's what they had to say:
"Following the successful launch of PC-T1 Spider Edition, Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd. today launches two additional PITSTOP test benches the PC-T60 and PC-T7. Ideal for DIY users with taste and space-concern, the PC-T60 ATX/Mini-ATX Test Bench and PC-T7 Mini-ITX Test Bench are hand built with top quality, simple and innovative design
all developed from Lian Lis proven 20 years of industry experience. Just like the series name pit stop from Formula 1, these test benches are self-explanatory enough for users to quickly refuel, repair, get geared up and back on the racing track within no time.
PITSTOP PC-T60 and PC-T7 are test benches for standard ATX/Mini-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, respectively. At 351mm x 330mm x 400mm (W.H.D.) and 1.8kg, the PC-T60 series is slightly bigger and heavier than the PC-T7 at 231mm x 210mm x 395mm (W.H.D.) and 1.0kg. For future upgradability and services, both the PC-T60 and PC-T7 are designed to use standard PC components: standard 5.25 optical drives, standard 3.5 hard drives, standard ATX PS/2 power supply units. The handle design also makes these added PITSTOP test benches most convenient to take away. Both series are available in red, black and silver colors.
First in the industry, the PITSTOP PC-T60 and PC-T7 are designed for easy and fast access to all components, including power supply units, with enough space for cable management.
To secure heavy graphic cards mounted, both models are equipped with PCI card holders. For the PC-T60 series, there are two additional aluminum handles for installation of two extra 2.5 HDD drives. For heavy duty cases like the PC-T60 and PC-T7, Lian Lis quality aluminum construction with smooth and rounded edges demonstrate an exceptional value during the fast handling at the pit-stop.
The T60-1 and T7-1 are optional fan cooler racks that work perfectly for the PC-T60 and PC-T7 cases, respectively. They can be easily installed on the motherboard tray, allowing dual 120/140mm fans attached for additional air-flow. All motherboard trays are laser pre-cut for optional installation of USB and multimedia port connector cables."
As I said with the PC-Q06, these are both very interesting products for those who want/need to poke & prod their components all the time.
Click here to check out the PC-T60 product page.
Click here to check out the PC-T7 product page.
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Swiftech Komodo 5870 GPU Water Block Review
April 30, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock have posted a review of the Swiftech Komodo 5870 GPU water block.
Here's an excerpt:
"In terms of performance, the Komodo is a moderately restrictive block and can be used in a Crossfire setup. Temperature performance was very good in keeping an overclocked Radeon 5870 core under control and was impressive; specifically, the core temperature is outstanding. However, we were a bit surprised at the VRM temperatures, as they should be lower to really make this a top cooling contender overall. That may be nitpicking a bit since the temperatures are well below stock cooling, but we have seen temperatures about 10°C lower in other full coverage blocks on the VRMs."
This doesn't quite seem like a perfect product just yet, definitely check out the conclusion to see what issues the reviewer ran into.
Click here to read the full review.
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60GB-200GB Solid State Drive Review Roundup
April 30, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Looking for a solid state drive (SSD) for you new build? Well here is a healthy list of models from likes of Corsair, Kingston, OCZ, and RunCore. The models range in capacity from 60GB to 200GB and from $180 to almost $900.
Without further ado, here are the reviews:
- Benchmark Reviews: Corsair Force F100 SandForce SSD Test.
- Benchmark Reviews: RunCore Pro-V SandForce SF1200 SSD.
- Bigbruin: Kingston SSDNow V Series 128GB Solid State Drive Review.
- Hardware Canucks: Corsair Force F100 100GB SSD Review.
- Hardware Canucks: Corsair Nova V128 SSD Review.
- TestFreaks: OCZ Solid 2 Series SATA II 2.5" 60GB SSD.
Enjoy!
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Kingwin DockMaster USB 3.0 Hard Drive Docking Station Reviews
April 30, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
OCIA, PureOverclock and Tweaknews have reviewed the Kingwin DockMaster USB 3.0 hard drive docking station.
Let's see what they had to say:
- OCIA:
"That said, I had absolutely no problems using the DockMaster in a USB 3.0 port. And with a little adjustment it works fine in USB 2.0 as well. Obviously you won't get the enhanced speed when used with USB 2.0 but it eliminates having to worry whether another computer has a USB 3.0 port or not, especially since they're not very common yet. From the benchmark tests run it seems we're getting full drive speed performance through the USB 3.0 interface. Any speed difference between the USB 3.0 and a direct SATA connection was negligible. As usual, the DockMaster feels like a high quality Kingwin device that is definitely easy to use and looks good as well."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock:
"There are not many USB 3.0 docking stations on the market, and virtually all of them cost about $50 USD. However, we were very pleasantly surprised when we managed to find the DockMaster USB 3.0 for about $35 USD online, as this is an outstanding value, and is the least expensive USB 3.0 docking station we found among all competitors. The Kingwin DockMaster USB 3.0 is a superb bit of kit, offering sharp aesthetics, true plug-and-play capability, ease of use, and excellent value for some outstanding speeds. If you need a very fast external drive enclosure and have USB 3.0 capability, then we very highly recommend the DockMaster USB 3.0."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tweaknews:
"This handy offering from Kingwin showcases one of the easiest and fastest ways to access a hard drive. Just pop the drive into the dock, attach the USB cable and power cord, and turn it on. There are no drivers to install and no tricks to making it work. The best part is that with this particular model one can enjoy the speediness of USB 3.0 along with the versatility of USB 2.0 backward compatibility. For those working in the IT field, this is one of those items that should be in every toolkit. For the home or small office user, it will make backups and file transfers a quick and painless process."
Click here to read the full review.
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ASRock H55M Pro LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 30, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
iXBT Labs have reviewed the budget-oriented ASRock H55M Pro, a Micro ATX Intel H55-based LGA1156 motherboard.
Here's what they had to say:
"Don't let the low price of this motherboard deceive you. ASRock H55M Pro provides most features needed to build a decent modern PC. The capabilities of the integrated graphics found in new Intel CPUs are not implemented completely, but not many people need DisplayPort and resolutions over 1080p these days. This motherboard won't let you assemble a PC with two graphics cards (unless you'd like to use reduced CrossFire), but it's a very good product in all other aspects. Perhaps, the key drawback of ASRock H55M Pro is the lack of support for SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0. Though, implementing these with Intel's current chipsets is not that easy. But if you don't have or need any fast USB storage devices, you can use this motherboard to build various PCs, from regular home machines to home theaters. Another good thing is that the build quality of ASRock H55M Pro is quite high, Japanese polymer capacitors included."
This seems like a very good product, but if you are looking for a very cheap H55 motherboard then you should take a look at the BIOSTAR H55 HD, which is roughly $20 cheaper than the ASRock.
Click here to read the full review.
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GIGABYTE Unveils AMD 800 Series Motherboards
April 29, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Gigabyte have just unveiled a three interesting new motherboards based on the just announced AMD 890FX, 880G and 870 chipsets.
Here's what they had to say:
"GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and other computing hardware solutions today unveiled an exciting range of motherboards based on the highly anticipated AMD 890FX, 880G and 870 chipsets. The new models are the GA-890FXA-UD7, GA-880GMA-UD2H and GA-870A-UD3, all of which support the AMD Phenom II X6 six-core processors, native SATA 6Gb/s (via the SB850 Chipset) and ATI CrossFireX/Hybrid CrossFireX multi-GPU technologies. The new additions also boast unique GIGABYTE technologies such as Auto Unlock that enables hidden CPU cores, On/Off Charge for enhanced iPhone/ iPad/iPod Touch charging, USB 3.0 and 3x USB power that distinguish them as industry leaders in this market segment.
As the flagship model for the series, the GA-890FXA-UD7 is designed to appeal to extreme overclockers, gamers and tech enthusiasts who demand only the latest, most advanced equipment. It features the AMD 890FX + SB850 chipset combination with support for 4-way ATI CrossFireX on an XL-ATX form factor and the highest quality 8+2 CPU VRM power phase design that handles 140W CPU power requirements with ease. In addition, the GA-890FXA-UD7 comes with the unique Hybrid Silent Pipe that allows for highly efficient system cooling without generating fan noise. Other noteworthy features include GIGABYTE 333 Onboard Acceleration technologies, onboard debug LEDs, and support for DDR3 1866.
For media center enthusiasts, the GIGABYTE GA-880GMA-UD2H motherboard features ATI Radeon HD 4250 integrated graphics that offers exceptional power efficiency and versatile high definition graphics configurations for the living room. ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics includes support for Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1, for next generation features and performance that make this solution a leader in its class. The GA-880GMA-UD2H can also accommodate discrete VGA cards with ATI Hybrid CrossFireX for those enthusiasts who want to play demanding games on their media centers."
These all seem like some high quality motherboards, and they would be perfect for the new Phenom II X6 six-cores processors.
Click here to check out Gigabyte's AM3 motherboard product page.
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Microcool Banchetto 101 Test Bench Review
April 29, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
techPowerUp have posted a review of the impressive Microcool Banchetto 101 test bench.
Let's see what they had to say:
"The Banchetto is a well thought out bench station, and is very versatile thanks to its easy to use modular design and the thumbscrew fastener system, which let you quickly build your PC and swap out parts when needed. There is plenty of room to mount all the hardware you may want to use, even less common components like watercooling are supported. Microcool has chosen to use a mix of durable Methacrylite with aluminum supports that remains sturdy even after the PC is fully assembled, no matter if the Banchetto will sit on your desk, or travel with you to a LAN party or weekend benchmarking session. With the optional cross flow fan bracket and mounting for water cooling peripherals, Microcool has done their homework on what enthusiasts want to see in case-design. Even the packaging is eye catching featuring a refreshingly interesting theme."
This is a very nice, very unique product and if you are a fan of test bench setups this one is worth looking into.
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS GeForce GTX 470 1280MB Graphics Card Review
April 29, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
techPowerUp have reviewed the ASUS GeForce GTX 470 1280MB graphics card, NVIDIA's second highest-end DirectX 11 model.
Here's what they had to say:
"To me the GeForce GTX 470 feels like a much better product than the GTX 480. It offers plenty of performance for all modern games, yet neither breaks the bank nor turns your room into a sauna during gaming. It seems a bit to me that GTX 470 was the intended target of NVIDIA when they were working on Fermi. The card idles at reasonable 29W which is about the same as the last generation GT200 series. Once you start gaming, power consumption increases, but stays well below 200W at all times, only Furmark brought the card to 232W. These numbers result in a performance per Watt score that sits right in the middle of our test group - which is dominated by ATI's new HD 5000 products. The thermal characteristics of the card are acceptable with idle below 50°C, and load slightly above 90°C. It most certainly looks like NVIDIA did the best they could for fan noise given the power consumption and capabilities of the heatsink. Unfortunately this means that the card is far from quiet under load, again, nowhere near some Radeon HD 5870 cards, for example from PowerColor or ASUS."
Aside from one or two factory overclocked models with slightly higher clocks, every GTX 470 model on the market right now is effectively identical. Therefore, just pick the one that is cheapest or has the best bundle.
Click here to read the full review.
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Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Reviews
April 29, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ocaholic and Techgage have reviewed the high-end Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler, a huge CPU cooler that comes with both a 120MM and 140MM fan.
Let's see what they had to say:
- ocaholic:
"With the NH-D14, Nocta presents a very powerful and very well manufactured aircooler which also comes with a lot of accessories. So much high-end comes at a price, that's for sure but these days you wont find many other products available on the market that are able to compete with the NH-D14. Also regarding the cooling capacity Noctua shows what is actually possible with aircoolers and takes the first place in our comparison tables."
Click here to read the full review.
- Techgage:
"Anyway you look at it, all designs have trade-offs. All-in-one water cooling solutions are quiet and effective yet lack any sort of upgrade path or customisation. Smaller air coolers do not have the capacity for high overclocks on quad-core processors that we are all gravitating towards. Noctua chose the route of sheer size and did a great job with the final product. I have been on the fence about it, given its pricing, but I do feel that this is the current top dog in the air cooler world, so it justifies our Editor's Choice award for excelling on all fronts (except size!)."
Click here to read the full review.
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DFI MI P55-T36 Mini ITX motherboard Review
April 29, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock have reviewed the diminutive DFI MI P55-T36, a mini ITX Intel P55-based LGA1156 motherboard.
Let's see what they had to say:
"All things considered, however, DFI has done a fine job on the MI P55-T36, showing what can be possible for a smallform factor; far smaller doesn't have to necessarily have to be far less capable. Quite the contrary, actually, as this motherboard is very capable for what is being accomplished on such a small platform. There are some quirks and limitations on the MI P55-T36, but the features and positives far outweigh the detractions, leaving us with a solid mini ITX board overall."
This is a delightful little motherboard, and it would make a solid base for a powerful but compact system in a Lian Li PC-Q08.
Click here to read the full review.
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PowerColor Radeon HD 5870 PCS+ Reviews
April 28, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews, OverclockersHQ, and Techgage have reviewed the PowerColor PCS+ series Radeon HD 5870 graphics card, which features a customs cooler and factory overclocked speeds.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews:
"The PowerColor PCS+ AX5870 earns a recommendation for pushing the design of the HD58xx series further down the path of increasing value. As a result, they've been able to undercut the pricing of most of the competition in the e-tail market with this new series of cards. The power supply is state-of-the-art in ways that make it smaller, cheaper and more efficient, not more complex. The cooling solution is more efficient than most, because of the innovative use of space and it cools the VRM section better than the reference design. With the exception of software voltage control, they've improved the stock performance of what was a high performance model to begin with. Were it not for the solder quality issues that showed up on this sample, the overall rating would clearly have been higher."
Click here to read the full review.
- OverclockersHQ:
"The support for expansion to use eyefinity was AWESOME. Also including games like Modern Warefare 2 or DIRT 2 make it a nice little extra and if you already own the game selling it on ebay is easy because it is a Steam code, not that you would ever sell something that says not for resale or anything. Sarcasms aside this is a great card and seriously boosts your PC's performance above and beyond $400 in hardware changes anywhere else would.
Would I recommend this card? No, but the exact same card yes; confused? Don't be, what I mean is I haven't heard of anyone else having OC problems, so my card I would not recommend but the line of PowerColor 5870 PCS+'s? Yes, great cards for under $500 with considerable boost in performance system wide, if you are looking for a new card and the 5970 is out of reach get one of these heck get two..."
Click here to read the full review.
- Techgage:
"I still love the HD 5870, and if I had to purchase a card today, I'd have no hesitation in picking up this model. It's a tad expensive, at $400, but at that point, it's still $100 less expensive than the GTX 480, and offers nearly the same performance (the GTX 480 is ~5 - 10% faster). But for me, I appreciate AMD's extremely effective power efficiency and lower temperatures. You may weigh these two factors far different than me, however.
If you opt for PowerColor's PCS+ version, you'll be paying +$20 more than most of the others. Is it worth it? I'd have to say it is, as long as you A) appreciate a slightly quieter cooler and improved temperatures and B) want a copy of Modern Warfare 2. Sapphire's HD 5870 Vapor-X costs $20 more than the PCS+, so overall, PowerColor's card looks to be quite a good deal when all aspects are taken into consideration."
Click here to read the full review.
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Cooler Master Vortex Plus CPU Cooler Review
April 28, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ThinkComputers have reviewed the Cooler Master Vortex Plus, a low profile CPU cooler with a quiet 92mm PWM fan that is ideal for compact cases.
Here's what they had to say:
"The Cooler Master Vortex Plus CPU Cooler certainly isnt the best performing cooler weve tested. However it does have an extremely low profile of only 84mm. I would have expected a little better cooling performance from a company like Cooler Master. Overall Think Computers awards the Cooler Master Vortex Plus CPU Cooler a 6 out of 10 score."
Mediocre performance and an unintuitive installation method, this is not a particularly impressive product.
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS Xonar Essence STX Sound Card Review
April 28, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Tweaknews have posted a review of the ASUS Xonar Essence STX, a very high-end sound card which features a built-in headphone amp.
Here's what they had to say:
"Asus' Xonar Essence STX may be pricey, but for audiophiles or those with the money to spend on an excellent sound card, this is the one to get. It looks good and performs even better. It's made with high quality components throughout, right down to the capacitors and EMI shield and this attention to detail becomes evident right from the first listen. With such gorgeous sound clarity reaching my ears, I am rediscovering my music library and gaming has become a much more immersive experience.
I'm also impressed with Asus' driver package for the Xonar line of sound cards. It's intuitive and doesn't hog a bunch of system resources or include features that won't ever be used. A Windows 7 driver is also available, which is a huge plus."
If have high-quality headphones, and mostly use your PC to listen to music or watch high audio bitrate movies, then this sound card should absolutely be among your next upgrades.
Click here to read the full review.
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Intel X58 Motherboard Review Roundup
April 28, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
eTeknix, ITShootOut, and ThinkComputers have reviewed three Intel X58-based motherboards from ASRock, ASUS, and Foxconn.
Let's see what they had to say:
- eTeknix: Foxconn FlamingBlade Socket 1366 Motherboard Video Review:
"Today we are looking at the Foxconn FlamingBlade socket 1366 motherboard.
This particular board comes with support for Intel core i7 and i7 Extreme processors, 3 DDR3 slots supporting upto 12GB of DDR3 memory modules of speeds upto 1800MHz (oc). It uses the Intel X58 ICH10R chipset and has integrated 7.1 channel HD gaming audio and Dual Gigabit LAN.
A perfect board for enthusiasts and overclockers."
Click here to read the full review.
- ITShootOut: ASUS Rampage III Extreme Motherboard Review:
"It would be easy to write tens of thousands of words about the features of the Rampage III Extreme, so keeping this review within our usual concise word limit was tricky to say the least. There is a huge array of interesting new features that Asus has managed to cram into this board, some of which really do change the way you'll use your PC when overclocking. Being able to ramp up the base clock in the middle of a Furmark stress test from a mobile phone is simply incredible and we'd be delighted if some of these features eventually filtered down into more affordable solutions. At £330 the Rampage's biggest problem will be attracting buyers. If you are looking for a solid next generation board with great overclocking it's hard to look past the P6X58D-E, but if you simply must unlock those final few MHz, or just want the best X58 motherboard on the planet this is definitely the new king of the hill."
Click here to read the full review.
- ThinkComputers: ASRock X58 Extreme3 Intel X58 Motherboard Review:
"I found nothing I didnt like about the X58 Extreme3.
The ASRock X58 Extreme3 sells for $200 at my favorite online retailer. There are only a handful of X58 boards selling for less and none of them are set up with USB 3 and SATA 6Gb/s. Actually there are only a handful of X58 boards that have it, and none of them are as nice as this one, excepting maybe a couple that sell for well over $100 more. ThinkComputers.org gives the ASRock X58 Extreme3 a 10 out of 10 score."
Click here to read the full review.
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Cooler Master GX 750W Power Supply Reviews
April 28, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
HardwareHeaven and Tweaknews have posted a review of the Cooler Master GX 750W non-modular power supply.
Let's see what they had to say:
- HardwareHeaven:
"The Cooler Master GX 750W offers good overall performance but there is some room for improvement; especially on the electrical efficiency of the unit which drops sharply under heavy load. We understand that this unit lacks the more complex technologies which are commonly used in high efficiency power supplies such as DC to DC circuits and frequency transformers but if Cooler Master could limit the efficiency drop under heavy load this unit could earn an 80Plus Bronze certification with ease. Electrical efficiency aside, the stability, acoustics and thermal performance of the GX are very good and will not disappoint any user shopping for a product around its price range."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tweaknews:
"Cooler Master's GX 750W has proven itself to be a very capable power supply. With impressive stability, quiet operation, compact design with plenty of connectors and sleeved cabling, this PSU brings a lot to the table and does so with a fairly modest price tag. Available at several online retailers for just under $120 US, I would consider this PSU to be a pretty good value for most any enthusiast (and let's face facts, the majority of enthusiasts just don't need anything larger than 750W, if that.) At this pricepoint, the GX 750W has some stiff competition, but its small footprint may make this unit very attractive to many users. While I had no cabling issues when I used it in a mid-tower chassis, the cables may be a tad short for the largest full-towers. Users should consult the cable length chart on the Cooler Master website."
Click here to read the full review.
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Lian Li Announces PC-Q06 Mini Tower Series Case
April 27, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Lian Li has officially launched the compact PC-Q06, a unique test bench/case hybrid that holds the motherboard on the top and in the open.
Here's what they had to say:
"Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd Ltd, today announces its launch of the all-new Mini-Q Series. More than just a PC case, the compact PC-Q06 supports mini-ITX motherboards on the top while protecting components in the case body. Designed for IT professionals, overclockers and the serious power users, the PC-Q06 allows easy and quick access to the motherboards and VGA cards. Lian Li once again leads the industry by offering the ultimate quality and user-friendly design on its mini tower products.
The dimensions of PC-Q06 series stand at 205 x 210 x 250mm (W.H.D) at only 1.2kg weight. The hairline-brushed, all aluminum mini-tower chassis supports mini-ITX motherboards on the top, with optional ATX or mini-ATX motherboard tray. It includes holders for two PCI brackets to support heavy graphic cards mounted. The PC-Q06 case body has place for one standard 5.25 optical drive, one standard 3.5 hard drive, one standard ATX PS/2 power supply unit, and features two USB3.0 and HDA audio ports on the front. The PC-Q06 series is available in red, black and silver colors.
With the optional ATX tray a rig using the PC-Q06 has no obstructions above the motherboard, allowing easy installation of cooling pots and access to the platform while working.
The Mini-Q Series is designed just as simple and clean as possible for both the PC case and test bench. Lian Lis PC-Q06 is in minimalism style, and yet a combination of art and technology. There is the Lian-Li-patented cable management clamp on the rear panel allowing maximum conveniences for cable management. The aluminum motherboard thumb screws enable users to assemble without tools. For a complete thermal solution, there are vent holes designed at the bottom and rear panels for air to enter the case body.
The side panels of PC-Q06 are secured with screws to reduce the product size, the vibration, and the noise level. Rubber pads are used on the power supply and the aluminum case stand for both insulation and support, as well as to absorb vibration."
This is a very interesting product for those who want/need to poke & prod their components all the time.
Click here to check out the product page.
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AMDs 890FX Chipset: An Evolution for the AM3 Platform
April 27, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have taken an in-depth look at the brand new AMD 890FX chipset which forms the basis for the new 'Leo' platform along with the new Phenom II X6 six-core processors.
Here's an excerpt:
"The Northbridge of AMDs two-chip solution acts as a controller hub for most of the boards PCI-E 2.0 lanes and facilitates any communication between the SB850 and the processor. The 32 dedicated graphics card lanes are split up into either two 16x slots or can be evenly dispersed for up to a quartet of 8x slots which gives the 890FX incredible flexibility for Crossfire setups. Meanwhile, the remaining ten PCI-E 2.0 lanes are divided up into one grouping of four lanes while an additional six lanes 1x lanes can be dispersed as needed for integrated components like audio and networking controllers."
If you're interested in AMD's latest high-end enthusiast platform, this an article worth looking into.
Click here to read the full article.
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AMD Phenom II X6 'Thuban' Six-Core CPUs Launched!
April 27, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
AMD's highly anticipated new AMD Phenom II X6 six-core processors have just been launched and reviewed by a wide range of sites. These new "Thuban" processors features six cores, 9MB of L2 cache, and a new Turbo CORE feature. Currently, AMD have released the 1055T (2.8Ghz, Turbo up to 3.3Ghz) and the 1090T Black Edition (3.2Ghz, Turbo up to 3.6Ghz), this latter model also has unlocked multipliers. Expects 2-3 more models down the road.
Without futher ado, here are the reviews:
- Anandtech: AMD's Six-Core Phenom II X6 1090T & 1055T Reviewed.
- Benchmark Reviews: AMD Phenom-II X6-1090T AM3 CPU Review.
- bit-tech: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition.
- EXTREME Overclocking: AMD Six-Core Phenom II X6 1090T & 1055T Processors Reviewed.
- Guru3D: Phenom II X6 1055T and 1090T review.
- Hardware Canucks: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T & 1055T Six-Core Processors Review.
- HardwareHeaven: Phenom II X6 & 890FX, 880G, 890GX Review.
- Hardware Secrets: Phenom II X6 1090T CPU Review.
- ocaholic: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T.
- PC Perspective: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T 6-core Thuban Processor Review.
- PureOverclock: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition.
- TechSpot: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T BE & Phenom II X6 1055T Review.
- TechwareLabs: AMDs Phenom II X6 Six Core Processor 1090T.
- Tom's Hardware: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T And 890FX Platform Review: Hello, Leo.
This new processors series should definitely help reinvigorate AMD's popularity among the enthusiast crowd. These chips might not faster overall than an Intel Core i5-750, but they definitely impress in multi-threaded applications.
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GIGABYTE Motherboards First To Feature iPhone/iPad On-Off Charge Technology
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Gigabyte have just enabled a feature that they call 'On/Off Charge Technology' that allows for quick iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch USB charging while the PC is on or off. This new feature is compatible with 40 of their motherboards with a mere BIOS update!
Here's what they had to say:
"GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and computing hardware solutions demonstrated their continued industry leadership today with the official release of GIGABYTE On/Off Charge technology that enables faster iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch charging. A derivative of GIGABYTEs highly acclaimed 3x USB Power feature, On/Off Charge technology allows iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices to draw more current from GIGABYTE motherboard USB ports than standard USB ports allow, with the added benefit that the PC can be on, in standby mode or even off.
Many mobile devices can be charged via a desktop PCs USB ports as long as the system is connected to an active power source, however this is not the case with the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Even when the PC is being used and charging is enabled, these devices usually only draw a mere 0.5A for a trickle charge that can take 3 hours or more to fully charge the device. The benefits of GIGABYTE On/Off Charge are that users can reduce their charge time by around 40% while also acting responsibly and shutting down their PC system while it is not in use, e.g. while they sleep.
We aim to offer our customers the best possible user experience through innovation and superior quality products, and we believe that On/Off Charge will benefit millions of Apple mobile device users around the world, commented Tim Handley, Deputy Director of Motherboard Marketing at GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd. At GIGABYTE, we are big believers in the convenience and usefulness of USB ports, and thats why we put so many resources into innovations such as GIGABYTE 3x USB power. Look for more USB innovations from GIGABYTE in the near future!
GIGABYTE On/Off Charge comes in two flavors: a backwards compatible On/Off Charge driver* that was made available on March 10th, 2010, from the official GIGABYTE utility web page, and an On/Off Charge front panel connector that will be available on selected soon-to-be-released GIGABYTE motherboards. The On/Off Charge front panel connector features a special controller combined with the On/Off Charge driver that allows the computer to detect the current required by iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch products. The device dictates the current it draws, so there is no threat of overcharging from GIGABYTE 3x USB Power technology. Tests conducted in the GIGABYTE labs have shown various charging speeds with an average charging time saving of around 40%."
This pretty nice little freebonus for all you Apple gadget & Gigabyte motherboard owners.
Click here to learn more about this feature.
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Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced Case Reviews
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
DV Hardware and LanOC have posted reviews of the new and surprisingly affordable Cooler Master 690 II Advanced mid-tower case.
Let's see what they had to say:
- DV Hardware:
"Cooler Master has done a great job at revising the aging CM 690 into an exciting new product. The new case doesn't only look a lot better but also adds great new features like the external HDD docking station and a bracket for installing solid state disk. The spacious CM 690 II Advanced will satisfy you, it provides enough working room and enables you to tuck away cables to create a clean look.
The stock cooling fans are very quiet and the case offers plenty of options to enhance cooling. There's support for a total of 10 fans and it's not often that we come across a case that supports two 240mm radiators without having to make any modifications, water cooling users have the option to install a 240mm radiator in the top and bottom of the case! Despite some minor details the overall build quality of the CM 690 II Advanced is excellent, it's a very capable case that will please you for many years to come.
The Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced ships for around $100 (80EUR), which is a right price for such a feature-rich case. If you don't require the X-Dock, GPU retention bracket and SSD adapter you can get the standard CM 690 II, that model should be available for around $80."
Click here to read the full review.
- LanOC:
"So the question is, with all of the changes, is the 690 II as good as or better than the original? I can say without a doubt that they improved the 690 in every way without losing what the original was all about. The only thing they could do to improve on the formula is include a side panel window, but you can pick one up for a small amount on their website. Even with the side window this is an amazing case, you couldnt ask for a better follow up to one of Cooler Masters best cases."
Click here to read the full review.
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Huntkey Launches JUMPER 80PLUS PSU Series
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Huntkey have released launched a brand new power supply series called JUMPER. These new power supplies range from 350W to 600W, and are all 80PLUS or 80PLUS Bronze certified.
Here's what they had to say:
"As one of the largest PSU manufacturers in the world, Huntkey launched its first 80PLUS PSU as early as 2007. Three years have now passed, and the technologies have become more mature, causing the production costs to reduce to a more acceptable range. Huntkey launches a whole range of 80PLUS products from Gold level to Standard level one by one. "Devoting ourselves to combining environment protection concepts with most end-users' actual needs is what Huntkey concerns itself with," said Alva Li, Global Marketing Manager said. "JUMPER series PSU is what Huntkey dedicates for mainstream users."
Rated power 350W, 400W, 450W, 550W, 600W comprise Huntkey JUMPER SeriesCwhich complies with Intel ATX12V V2.31 (SSI EPS12V V2.92 for JUMPER 550) providing the best compatibility with the most updated Multi-Core CPUs and supporting SLI & Crossfire multi-GPU VGA cards. They are certified by 80PLUS. JUMPER 450B and JUMPER 600B reach 80PLUS Bronze level. The input voltages from 100V to 240V ensure their worldwide usage.
Huntkey JUMPER power supplies are power supplies with a reasonable price and can be afforded by common users."
If your want more info, click here to check out the product page.
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AMD FirePro 2460 Multi-View Revealed
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have posted a first look at the AMD FirePro 2460 Multi-View,a tiny half-height card that offers 4 display outputs.
Here's what they had to say:
"With the excitement and news surrounding AMD's FirePro additions (including the V8800 and the V5800/V3800 today) another graphics card was released that might be more compelling to readers: the FirePro 2460 Multi-View. How could a half-height card with only 512MB of memory and an average power consumption of 13 watts get us excited?
As the name implies, this card will offer four total display outputs in a low power solution. By using mini-DisplayPort connections the FirePro 2460 Multi-View can support running four monitors at a time in half-height mode!"
This is a very interesting card and I hope that it's not priced too high.
Click here to check out the card.
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AMD FirePro V5800 & FirePro V3800 Review
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have posted the first review of the new AMD FirePro V5800 and FirePro V3800 workstation-oriented graphics cards, which are based on the Evergreen architecture of the immensely popular Radeon HD 5800 series.
Here's an excerpt regarding the performance:
"The performance of the two new FirePro cards we tested today fell right where I expected them too. With half of the shader processors of the V8800, the V5800 performed right in that window in our tests with CineBench and SPECviewperf. The V3800 was obviously much lower than that - expected again with the drop to 400 shader processors and the slim $109 price tag.
Compared to the NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800, the V5800 looks like a fantastic performer as well. In a few cases the FX 3800 did beat out the V5800, but not usually by much. When the AMD FirePro took the lead though it was more dominant and of course the severe price difference doesn't hurt either.
I am curious to see how quickly NVIDIA is able to get Fermi built up and ready for the Quadro line - if there is one market that traditionally is willing to deal with high power consumption and heat in exchange for the edge in performance, it is here. Fermi could address this space very well if NVIDIA goes at it with the right cards and prices."
If you any professional 3D tasks these new models might just entire you to upgrade, especially since they are quite affordable for workstation gear.
Click here to read the full review.
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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 AM3 Motherboard Reviews
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets and OverClocked Inside have reviewed the new ASRock 890GX Extreme3, an AMD 890GX-based AM3 motherboard which features the Radeon HD 4290 IGP.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Secrets:
"Now talking specifically about ASRock 890GX Extreme3, it brings several extra features like two USB 3.0 ports, three PCI Express x16 slots (the third one always working at x4 speed) and a high-end voltage regulator circuit, making this motherboard an interesting option to more expensive socket AM3 motherboards.
The price of this motherboard is compatible with the number of features it brings. Of course wed love if it cost less, but keep in mind that it brings the latest technologies available. Even though it has on-board graphics, you should not see it as a low-end motherboard with integrated graphics, but as a mainstream socket AM3 motherboard with all the latest technologies that happens to give you on-board video "for free."
Click here to read the full review.
- OverClocked Inside:
"All in all the board can absolutely convince with almost all test criteria.
Retro fans will surely miss the floppy disk connector, conventional IDE connectors, parallel port and a few other older standards, because these standards have been removed for new technologies. On the other side there are a lot of ways, to get the older interfaces with inexpensive PCI I/O cards, PCIe I/O cards, SATA to IDE adapter, USB to LPT adapters or similar hardware, and can get many new improvements with clearly faster interfaces on this motherboard.
The BIOS difficulties specified above unfortunately prevents the Overclocking Dream award, but for sure ASRock will offer a new BIOS version very soon."
Click here to read the full review.
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Top 20 3DMark Vantage Movers & Shakers
April 26, 2010 - Joe "OuTkAsT-1" Topolnisky
Welcome to the latest installment of our weekly look at the top 3DMark Vantage scores submitted to the online result browser (ORB). Heating up the charts this week we have five new entries, including a new 1st overall under the Performance Preset category. So who did what? Let's take a look:
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Performance Preset Top 20:
1. P56040 elmor & Kinc Rampage III Extreme ARES 980X Dustin Expo
2. P52673 **dp** ASUS Rampage III Extreme!
18. P43726 Untitled
20. P43298 Q56_Monster (Evga Enthusiasts) 2xGTX295's
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Extreme Preset Top 20:
2. X30716 EtheEnthusiast
A big congrats to this week's chart climbers! Those i7-980X's are really taking the Top 20 by storm. :D
Anyways, keep up the great work everyone. And remember, you can track of the top scores throughout the week by visiting our Hall of Fame. Until next time!
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Lian Li Announces PC-Q08 Mini-DTX & Mini-ITX Case
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Lian Li has officially launched the compact PC-Q08, which not only supports Mini-DTX & Mini-ITX motherboards but has front-mounted USB 3.0 ports.
Here's what they had to say:
"Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd Ltd, announces yet another Mini-Q series PC-Q08, after the successful launch of PC-Q07 last year. With increased case depth and removable lower HDD cage, the PC-Q08 offers more room to fit full size graphics cards. For power users who require maximum video performance, Lian Lis Mini-Q PC-Q08 is the solution.
The dimensions of PC-Q08 stand at 227mm x 272mm x 345mm (W.H.D) at only 2.73kg weight. This mini-tower chassis supports Mini-ITX or Mini-DTX motherboards. For future upgradability concern, the PC-Q08 is designed to use only standard PC components: standard 5.25 optical drive, standard 3.5 hard drives, standard ATX PS/2 power supply units and standard graphics cards. The Mini-Q PC-Q08 is available in red, black and silver colors.
Differently from the previous PC-Q07, the PC-Q08 is deeper in size with the modular lower HDD mounting cage being removable, allowing users to easily add in graphic cards up to maximum size of 300mm. Alternatively, the modular cage supports up to six 3.5" HDDs for users requiring lot of storage space.
The power supply is mounted vertically using a back plate offering the option for using the PSU fan exhaust for improved passive cooling of the motherboard and processor or turning the fan outwards if the motherboard is installed with CPU cooler. There are 140mm and 120mm intake LED fans on the front and top of Mini-Q PC-Q08, respectively, to offer additional air flow with lower RPM to remove the systems heat fast. Furthermore, there are vent holes at the rear and bottom of the case, as well as next to the rear PCI slots for additional air flow."
These are very attractived little aluminium cases. I can definitely see them being popular among those building dimunitive systems.
Click here to check out the product page.
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Cogage TRUE Spirit (Rev.2) CPU Cooler Review
April 26, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have posted a review of the affordable, yet high performance Cogage TRUE Spirit (Rev.2) CPU cooler.
Here's an excerpt:
"In the end, we think this new revision of the TRUE Spirit is a winner from a number of perspectives. This second version has improved performance through a new backplate mounting system while not costing any more than its predecessor. This coupled with its excellent price / performance ratio allows Cogages revised Spirit to win our Dam Good Value Award."
Consider the fact that you can buy this new CPU cooler For under $39 USD it's definitely a winner!
Click here to read the full review.
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Corsair Dominator DDR3-1600 12GB Memory Kit Review
April 23, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews have posted a review of the Corsair Dominator PC3-12800 12GB memory kit, which runs at DDR3-1600 and features 8-8-8-24 timings at 1.65V.
Here's what they had to say:
"12GB is a lot of RAM, but as the Golden Rule says: "it's better to have and not need then to need and not have". Likewise, Corsair's lifetime product warranty ensures that this will be the last RAM upgrade you'll need for quite a while. For power-users working on a 64-bit O/S, this 12GB kit fits perfectly on Intel's X58-Express motherboard platform. The Corsair Dominator DDR3 triple-channel memory kits offer the best of both worlds: high speeds and relatively low latency. In addition to speed and timings, the 12GB Dominator memory kit has proven it can handle Photoshop CS4 much better than any 6GB kit ever could. For multimedia power-users and PC hardware enthusiasts who can afford the purchase price, this memory kit could improve productivity and transcoding times."
This is a very impressive memory kit, and I understand that the "Dominator" name brand carries a price premium, but $430 is a LOT of money. The G.Skill F3-12800CL7T2-12GBPI kit also runs at PC3-12800 and features even tighter 7-8-7-24 timings for $50 less.
Click here to read the full review.
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Icy Box USB 3.0 HDD Enclosure Review
April 23, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
TestSeek have posted a review of the Icy Box IB-318STU3-B, a USB 3.0 single-drive HDD enclosure.
Here's what they had to say:
"Icy Box has managed to produce a good looking, high quality HDD enclosure with the IB-318STU3-B. It features the latest version of both SATA and USB and it seemingly works perfectly. Furthermore, it was easy to install the drive and since it is fanless, there are no noise emissions to talk about.
One thing that annoyed me is the fact that an AC-adapter is required. I guess this is not anything I can blame this product for, but instead a limit of the USB3 standard. Another thing that might be on somebodys wish list is some connectors in the front of the device. For me, it would only ruin the sober looking design, so I wontt put it up on the con-list."
This is an attractive USB 3.0 enclosure and it's priced right too. Sadly, I can't yet find it for sale anywhere.
Click here to read the full review.
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Roccat Sota Mousepad Review
April 23, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ocaholic have posted a review of the Roccat Sota, a hard plastic surface mousepad.
Here's what they had to say:
"Overall the Sota has been able to convince us. It is comfortable, its gliding characteristics are very good and its part of an intelligent desktop management system, Rocat SDMS. The mixture between a hard plastic surface and the rubber under side and the fact that its therefore flexible and soft, makes the Sota quite unique. With its size the Sota also is neither too big nor too small, its just right. If you decide to buy it, it wont take you very long until you got familiar with it. Having a hard plastic surface the Sota also is easy to clean, just take a wet rag, wipe over it and you're done.
We can recommend the Sota mousepad to gamers as well as desktop user who want to stay up to date. One of the best things about the Sota is its price. Buying a very good gaming surface will only set you CHF 26.- (est. EUR 17.-) back which is a bargain."
This seems like a great price-conscious mousepad, definitely recommended.
Click here to read the full review.
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Corsair Nova V128 128GB SSD Reviews
April 23, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews and ThinkComputers have reviewed the Corsair Nova V128 128GB solid state drive, which features 270 MB/s read speeds and 195 MB/s write speeds.
Here's what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews:
"In summary, if Corsair was looking for a solid replacement to their already-impressive X-series SSDs, they found it with the Nova series. The Corsair Nova V128 is a high-performance SATA-3.0 GBps Solid State Drive that builds on the powerful Indilinx-ECO SSD processor. The Nova V128 SSD proved to meet or exceed its specifications, and 270/203 MBps read and write speeds are enough push the envelope of second-generation SATA performance. Unfortunately, most new SSDs coming to market are likely to be compliant with 3rd-generation SATA standards, and may also be faster. While the current retail prices make the Corsair Nova an attractive buy, expect even more discounts to come as additional SATA-6G SSDs join the market. The updated Indilinx Eco SSD processor compete with SandForce-based products in raw operational performance and read speed, while also delivering higher total storage capacity because of the external buffer."
Click here to read the full review.
- ThinkComputers:
"As far as performance goes the Nova Series drive does perform a little bit better than previous Indilinx Barefoot based drives, but the performance boosts is not really that significant, especially not compared to SandForce drives. This drive also has support for Windows 7 TRIM. Obviously with any solid state drive you are going to see a definite increase in performance over a normal SATA drive, but this is one of the fastest solid state drives that we have tested here at ThinkComputers.
Right now this drive sells for $369 at my favorite online retailer. So if you are someone who is holding off on a solid state drive this might be the one to get as it has a lower price point than many other drives with the same performance. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Corsair Nova Series 128GB Solid State Drive a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!"
Click here to read the full review.
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Gaming Mice Review Roundup - Mionix, Razer, SteelSeries
April 22, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
APH Networks, Benchmark Reviews, and Rbmods have reviewed gaming mice from Mionix, Razer, and SteelSeries.
Let's see what they had to say:
- APH Networks: Mionix Naos 5000 Laser Mouse Review:
"The Mionix Naos 5000 is overall an exemplary mouse, but has some room for further refinement! Starting from the clean and excellent packaging, minimalist design, overall comfort, to great build quality, the Mionix Naos 5000 is a very commendable product. The 128KB onboard memory for saving up to five separate profiles is an excellent touch, and we have certainly appreciated this feature when we first experienced a similar implementation on the Razer Copperhead back in 2006. Tracking sensitivity of up to 5040 dpi is a great addition to address the gaming market; that's not to mention that Mionix actually allows independent sensitivity on the X and Y axis as well! Gaming performance is very good, and its excellent comfort makes this mouse a viable choice for day-to-day usage."
Click here to read the full review.
- Benchmark Reviews: SteelSeries Kinzu Optical Gaming Mouse Review:
"In the end is the SteelSeries Kinzu worth $34.99? I would say definitely, at least for the serious gamers out there. It is the cheapest gaming mouse on the market, with most of the other low-end gaming mice starting around $40.00. For those looking for a gaming mouse with more functionality, Kinzu's bigger brother Xai might be more suitable, as will many other high-end mice on the market. But for those looking for a basic gaming mouse, this is it."
Click here to read the full review.
- Rbmods: Razer Imperator Gaming Mouse Review:
"This mouse have proven to be a great contender to several high end mice on the market. It feels very well even in my hand and the movable thumb buttons will for sure attract more users as they feel more comfortable with the mouse.
Software was easy to play around in and I got over three weeks of "play/test" time with this mouse. I can for sure say it works great, with stock settings it is almost a tad to fast for my taste. The testing section showed that this mouse is a very precise and fast mouse that will suit alot of gamers that want a mouse that they can afford. The sleeved cable is not to stiff or annoying as I mentioned earlier, it actually saved me from a broken cable when my cat got a hold of the cable."
Click here to read the full review.
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QNAP TS-459 Pro Turbo NAS Review
April 22, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
TestFreaks have reviewed the new QNAP TS-459 Pro Turbo, a very high performance network attached storage (NAS).
Here's what they had to say:
"The QNAP TS-459 Pro Turbo NAS is a great product truly, it is aimed at businesses and that is where it will excel. The dual core processor not only improves the speed of the unit but it should allow the entire system to run more efficiently and quickly.
Yes the price is a bit high, and if you factor in the cost of hard drives it even gets more costly, but for a business this should not be a problem, and it would be a worthwhile investment in the long run Im sure."
In my opinion, this is by far the best 4-bay NAS on the market right now. Having said that, it is pricey at approximately $900. For those who don't mind slightly lower transfer rates, QNAP also offers the TS-419P for $600.
Click here to read the full review.
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Samsung SyncMaster XL2370 LED LCD Monitor Review
April 22, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Tweaknews have taken a look at the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370, a 23-inch widescreen LCD monitor featuring an LED backlight and 1920x1080 resolution.
Let's see what they had to say:
"Overall, the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370 is an excellent premium 1080p monitor for the consumer wanting to pay more to get a top of the line product. The picture quality, color reproduction and contrast alone makes up for the difference in cost and after a weeks worth of use, the money will be deemed a good investment. With respect to the 70 series panel, there isn't an application that it fails to do an excellent job and the overall monitor construction and thin design would fit into any office decor."
Aside from the cheap wobbly base, this is a pretty darn good monitor. This model has low response time, very good image quality, great connectivity, and it's super thin too. It is also among the cheapest LED monitors on the market, what's not to like?
Click here to read the full review.
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Four-Way CPU Cooler Roundup - Akasa, Gelid, Noctua & More
April 22, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
HardwareHeaven have tested and compared four CPU coolers from Akasa, Gelid, Noctua, and Spire.
Here's an excerpt:
"The first thing we need to say about the Noctua NH-D14 is that its overall performance is extraordinary for an air cooler, taking it to the level of liquid cooling. At the same time the Noctua NF-P14 and NF-P12 fans are barely audible even while running at maximum speed! Noctua designed and manufactured this cooler with care and everything about it is nearly immaculate, it has a real feel of quality. The extreme size of this cooler however can be the cause of compatibility problems and the installation would be rather difficult for inexperienced users. Provided the instructions are followed though, consumers who purchase the NH-D14 will not be disappointed. While the retail price is twice as high as the price of normal tower coolers it is clearly a product designed for enthusiasts who crave for nothing but the best possible performance and this goes some way to justifying the cost."
All four of the CPU coolers in this article are good products, so definitely check out this roundup.
Click here to read the full article.
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ASUS G51J 3D 'NVIDIA 3D Vision Ready' Notebook Review
April 22, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have posted a review of the ASUS G51J 3D, a gaming notebook with an NVIDIA 3D Vision 120Hz LCD screen, among many other impressive specs.
Let's see what they had to say:
"Overall the Asus G51J 3D is a fine product with a lot of other good features like support for two hard drives, a backlit keyboard, a cooler thermal profile over the G51J "standard", and an overall good design. However, the underpowered feeling when playing current games with 3D Vision enabled should make you think a little harder before shelling out money (see Dirt2, Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2, Demigod, and Battlefield: Bad Company 2 in our testing)."
This is a pretty pimp notebook, but I definitely wouldn't pay the $500 premium just for 3D and a slightly better GPU.
Click here to read the full review.
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Western Digital SiliconEdge Blue 256GB SSD Review
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Techgage have reviewed the Western Digital SiliconEdge Blue 256GB solid state drive, which features 270 MB/s read speeds and 195 MB/s write speeds.
Let's see what they had to say:
"At $3.1 per GB there are faster drives and certainly cheaper solid-sate drives on the market to choose from. We should note that the 256GB drive is only $2.73 per GB making it a better value, but even then we have to admit that the Crucial RealSSD 256GB is both less expensive and faster (with the same 3-year warranty) which makes the SiliconEdge Blue a tough sell at any SSD capacity. If the SiliconEdge series was priced competitively with its competition then there just wouldn't be an issue.
The Western Digital SiliconEdge took top honors in sustained file transfers and boot times, and offers excellent performance in our batch program testing. In the end the SiliconEdge does very well in many of our benchmarks and is a good drive to consider if the price is right or other factors such as having Western Digital's name backing the SSD are an important consideration for you."
This is a very good SSD, and I wouldn't hesitate to have one in my own personal system. Having said that, I do hope that WD lowers the price just a tiny bit.
Click here to read the full review.
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Cogage TRUE Spirit (Rev.2) CPU Cooler Review
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have posted a review of the new & improved Cogage TRUE Spirit (Rev.2) CPU cooler.
Here's what they had to say:
"In the end, we think this new revision of the TRUE Spirit is a winner from a number of perspectives. This second version has improved performance through a new backplate mounting system while not costing any more than its predecessor. This coupled with its excellent price / performance ratio allows Cogages revised Spirit to win our Dam Good Value Award."
If you need a high performance CPU cooler on a budget this might be the model for you. However, I personally can't find it for sale anywhere yet.
Click here to read the full review.
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1000W+ Power Supply Review Roundup - Antec, Cooler Master, Ultra
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
HardwareHeaven, High Tech Reviews, and PureOverclock have reviewed a few 1000W to 1050W power supplies from Antec, Cooler Master, and Ultra.
Let's see what they had to say:
- HardwareHeaven: Antec CP-1000 Power Supply Review:
"The electrical performance is what most enthusiasts crave and the CP-1000 delivers outstanding electrical stability combined with exceptional acoustics and thermal performance. It does not make use of any of the latest technologies, such as DC to DC circuits or frequency transformers, which has an impact on the electrical efficiency of the unit when the load is too high or too low but does not stop the CP-1000 from getting an 80Plus certification. The outstanding overall performance of the CP-1000 could easily make it a favorite among enthusiasts but unfortunately it can only be installed in 3 of Antecs own larger tower cases. Being incompatible with every other computer case is an extremely limiting factor which will certainly have a great impact on the sales of the CP-1000 however if planning to buy one of Antecs cases and a CP series PSU will not disappoint."
Click here to read the full review.
- High Tech Reviews: Ultra Products 1050W Modular Power Supply Review:
"Looking at the voltages we arrived at after our 30 minute testes you can see that the Ultra Products 1050 Watt Modular power supply does and excellent job of controlling all rails and in particular the 3.3 volt rails which showed no fluctuation at all during our tests.
One of the reasons I feel the 12 volt rail was so stable is the fact that this power supply has a single 12-volt rail as opposed to multiple as so many power supplies have. While the dual video card setup we ran is by no means the fastest or most current hungry on the market anytime you are running a motherboard with more than 2 gigs of memory and more than one video card you are asking your power supply to pull heavy duty as this one did. We feel the Ultra Products 1050 Watt Modular power supply will be able to handle a system far bigger than our and have no issue at all doing it."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock: Cooler Master Silent Pro M 1000W Power Supply Review:
"The Cooler Master Silent Pro M 1000 comes with a price tag of approximately $170 USD, a reasonable price for this power range, and the fact that it is a modular PSU is a bonus. It is well-built, has rubber mounts to reduce vibrations, and comes with a single +12Vv rail and 80A of juice to power any rig. This is a great all-around power supply for those users that require a Kilowatt unit that will be reliable, attractive, quiet, and efficient."
Click here to read the full review.
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HIS Radeon HD 5500/5600/5800 Series Reviews
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets, Overclockers Online, and Viperlair have reviewed a few Radeon HD 5000 series graphics cards from HIS.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Secrets: HIS Radeon HD 5670 IceQ Video Card Review:
"First, forget about Radeon HD 5570. Sometimes chip manufacturers release products that are too close to each other in price but with a huge performance difference between them. This is exactly what happens with Radeon HD 5570 and Radeon HD 5670.
The main competitor to Radeon HD 5670 is GeForce GT 240 and from the six games and simulations we ran, Radeon HD 5670 was faster in five of them, between 4% and 66.4%, depending on the program and video configuration. Therefore, we have to give the crown to Radeon HD 5670 as the best video card today on the USD 85 USD 95 price range."
Click here to read the full review.
- Overclockers Online: HIS HD 5570 Fan 1GB Video Card Review:
"As we have seen the HD 5570 is no gaming barn burner but it is certainly bringing more gaming power to entry level graphics. Combine this with all of the latest ATI features such as DX11, 7.1 audio, native HDMI, ATI Stream and ATI CrossfireX the HIS HD 5570 brings a lot to the table.
The only real negative for the HIS HD 5570 1GB card is the accessories included are rather slim but are aimed at the HTPC market.
With all of its features the HIS HD 5570 1GB is a perfect HTPC card or if you are hampered by onboard graphics it is a solid drop in upgrade."
Click here to read the full review.
- Overclockers Online: HIS HD 5870 iCooler V Turbo 1GB Video Card Review:
"I think its fairly common knowledge that the HD 5870 cards are powerful cards and HIS has upped the ante with its HD 5870 iCooler V Turbo 1GB model. Bumping up the factory clocks for both the core and memory and then throwing on their own efficient iCooler makes this HD 5870 card even more attractive. Bundled together with that is a copy of the hugely successful Modern Warfare 2 and you have another piece to tempt you.
The features and performance are outstanding but they do come at a premium price. The fan can get loud when set above to around 50% or above, but with the fan set at auto I never heard it get to that level."
Click here to read the full review.
- Viperlair: HIS Radeon 5850 Turbo Video Card Review:
"There is little not to like about the HIS 5850 Turbo. The package is overall quite nice and has everything you might need to get up and running. You also get the game Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 as a Steam download.
In games, the HIS 5850 Turbo always did well in everything I tested with. In many games I saw a significant boost as a result of the higher clock speeds of the card. We've always liked the iCooler cooling setup here, and it worked really well on this card too. Things were kept both cool and quiet, even while overclocking.
The 5850 has however been a little too successful with prices higher now then when the card first hit shelves, so while the 5850 remains the best high performance card for value, it's still higher than many would like. The HIS 5850 Turbo also costs more than your average 5850, but you do get a pre-overclocked card with excellent cooling and low noise levels."
Click here to read the full review.
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Gigabyte & MSI 890GX Motherboard Reviews
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
iXBT Labs and Rbmods have reviewed AMD 890GX motherboards from Gigabyte and MSI.
Let's see what they had to say:
- iXBT Labs: MSI 890GXM-G65 Motherboard Review:
"MSI released a definitely interesting motherboard. Consider it, if you have no prejudice towards microATX form factor, and if you're going to use as few expansion cards as possible. With this motherboard you can build a variety of PCs, including powerful gaming rigs with a couple of high-end graphics cards and a quad-core CPU. Besides, the peripheral functionality, including a good set of video outputs, support for USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s (eSATA included) is sufficient for any non-gaming PC as well, be it a home theater or a machine for an occasional gamer.
According to our tests, AMD 890GX performs on a par with AMD 790GX, so the support for DirectX 10.1 and the Hybrid CrossFire mode are probably the only bonuses you get. The number of games supporting this hybrid rendering mode is much smaller than the number of games supporting regular CrossFire, but that's a matter of time."
Click here to read the full review.
- Rbmods: Gigabyte GA-MA890GPA-UD3H Motherboard Review:
"Tests are quite clear. The new 890 chipset performs better in every test along the line. Having integrated graphics card, which is no way meant for hardcore gaming, it whould offer a good alternative though against Intel's chipset with GMA graphics accelerators. Whether you're a gamer or simply officeprogram user or just want to have a motherboard which is capable by decoding full-HD material with graphics chip, Gigabyte GA-MA890GPA-UD3H is your choice. However if you don't need integrated graphics and enjoy overclocking, you should consider the 790X motherboard. That's because it supports the ACC and Phenom X2 core unlocking methods which the new 890 chipset does not support anymore. In the end both motherboards have their pros and cons, they're both very good choices for everyday use and it's up to you which one is better."
Click here to read the full review.
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Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case Reviews
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews, Overclockers Online, and techPowerUp have reviewed the Thermaltake V3 Black Edition, a surprisingly affordable (~$40) mid-tower case.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews:
"The Thermaltake V3 Black Edition doesn't bring a lot of new functionality to the computer enthusiast, but what functionality it does bring is very well implemented. The dust-preventing rubber cover below the PSU, the complete black interior, and the pre-cut liquid cooling holes on the back are just a few examples of the amount of thought Thermaltake has put into this case.
Still, there were a few let downs with the chassis: namely the very tight fit between the motherboard and other components, the tacky tool-less adapters, as well as the difficult cable management due to the lack of room behind the motherboard tray. However, these flaws can be overlooked if you realize you get all this for less than 50 dollars."
Click here to read the full review.
- Overclockers Online:
"Objectivity speaking, Thermaltake has designed a good performing chassis at a great price point. Obviously, this chassis isnt for everyone, but for its intended market it is a great value. When you factor in the cost of additional fans, the price point will raise from under fifty dollars to somewhere around sixty five dollars for a properly equipped chassis. Still, the build quality and overall design are a testament to the value of this chassis. Id happily recommend this case to anyone looking for a good looking case at a modest price point."
Click here to read the full review.
- techPowerUp:
"The Thermaltake V3 Black is priced very low, making it an interesting choice for those either just wanting something different than OEM or for those on a tight budget, looking for a cool chassis. With a black interior, very nice looks and a good construction quality it is more than adequate and you should feel like you have spent your 40 US Dollars or 36 well. Considering the price tag, it is nice to see that you have a single fan present, which is something other case manufacturers do not offer with their lowest budget offerings. Thermaltake has stuck to the basics in most aspects and has designed the chassis as compact as possible to further reduce the overall cost. This is beneficial to you, as it makes for a small and light case, but it also hampers those who want to place large CPU coolers inside the V3 Black, as they simply won't fit. On the other hand, I cannot see someone spending so little on a case like this and possibly up to twice that on a CPU cooler and not expect to ask for trouble of some sort. Overall, the V3 Black should be a surprisingly satisfying, basic case, perfect for those bargain hunters out there."
Click here to read the full review.
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Twelve-Way $100-$200 CPU Roundup
April 21, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
TechSpot have tested and compared twelve $100 to $200 mainstream processors from AMD and Intel.
Here's an excerpt:
"In a nutshell, if you are looking to spend ~$200 on a CPU then we recommend the Core i5 750 without exception. At the half way point of $150 we recommend either the Phenom II X4 925 or the Core i3 540 depending on your needs, and as much as we like Intels offering here we are leaning towards the Phenom II X4. Finally, at $100 its all AMD and we feel the Phenom II X2 555 is the best option here."
If you're undecided as to how much money you should spend on a processor in a mainstream system this is the article for you.
Click here to read the full article.
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ECS H57H-MUS LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 20, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets have reviewed the ECS H57H-MUS, a micro ATX Intel H57-based LGA1156 motherboard that is designed for the new Clarkdale Core i3 & Core i5 processors. This motherboard features both a SATA 6GB/s expansion card and a separate USB 3.0 expansion card.
Here's what they had to say:
"It is always good to see a manufacturer improving the quality of their products. On H57H-MUS ECS added only solid capacitors, did a decent job on the voltage regulator circuit and add some overclocking options (this particular manufacturer has always been shy on overclocking).
We had mixed feelings about the two add-on cards to enable USB 3.0 and SATA-600 ports. Why not adding these features on the motherboard itself? Of course the manufacturer would have to kill two USB 2.0 ports to fit the two USB 3.0 connectors, but we think 12 USB 2.0 ports is already more than enough. Probably the chips and sockets wouldnt fit this motherboard we have to keep in mind that this is a micro ATX board."
This might be a good motherboard, but I'm really not a fan of the two extra expansion cards. Mind you, if this motherboard is cheap enough I could be willing to overlook that fact...
Click here to read the full review.
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Sapphire & XFX Radeon HD 5830 Graphics Card Reviews
April 20, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets and Tweaknews have reviewed two mainstream ATI Radeon HD 5830 graphics cards from Sapphire and XFX.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Secrets: XFX Radeon HD 5830 Video Card Review:
"Whether Radeon HD 5830 is faster than GeForce GTX 275 or not depends on the game. From the six games and simulations we ran, Radeon HD 5830 was the winner in three (3DMark Vantage, Crysis Warhead and Unigine Tropics), tied in one (Fallout 3) and lost in two (Call of Duty 4 at 1920x1200 resolution and above at 1680x1050 both cards achieved the same performance and Far Cry 2).
Although not a winner by unanimity, Radeon HD 5830 is an excellent choice if you have around USD 270-USD 280 to spend on a video card."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tweaknews: Sapphire Radeon HD 5830 Game Edition Video Card Review:
"The Sapphire Radeon HD5830 for the money is a great performance upgrade for around US$50-$80 over the HD5770. As seen during a lot of the benchmarks, it is indeed a faster videocard for the money and the cost difference could be easily sucked up by having a product that stays relevant for longer and delays the need for a future upgrade. With prices right now at about US$250 and falling, this is a videocard to consider if the HD5850 and the HD5870 are out of reach.
With this particular HD5830 Game Edition from Sapphire, the better cooler allows for an excellent overclocking experience and the inclusion of the game only makes this an excellent overall card for a consumer wanting a fast videocard, but not wanting or needing to slam down over US$300 just to play Call of Duty."
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS Designo Series MS238H 23-in LCD Monitor Preview
April 20, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have posted a preview of the ASUS Designo Series MS238H, a thin & light 23-inch LCD monitor with 1920x1080 resolution and 2 ms response time.
Here's what they had to say:
"Ever since the LCD computer monitor has become popular, the design has stayed stagnant. While bezels have gotten thinner, most monitors look relatively alike. However, Asus aims to change this with their "Designo MS" series of displays. Today we take a look at the 23" Asus MS238H.
From the moment that you take it out of the box, the most striking feature of the MS238H is how thin and light it is. With the entire monitor measuring just 16.5mm thick, it is one of the thinnest monitors that I have ever used. Also, this display weighs in at about 8.60lbs, making it a few pounds lighter than most 23" class monitors."
This is an impressive [b]looking[/b] monitor, but I'm interested to see how good it actually performs due to its TN-panel.
Click here to read the full preview.
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NZXT Case Review Roundup
April 20, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews, HardwareHeaven, PureOverclock, Tech-Reviews, and TechwareLabs have reviewed a wide range of NZXT cases.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews: NZXT Hades Computer Case Review:
"This case is a lesson of both Functionality and form. It functions like you would think a good quality case should. The tool-less design features make installation of components easy. NZXT's cable management system is very useful and very helpful.
Value-wise, the NZXT Hades (model HADE-001BK) is in a slightly higher range of cases. Newegg.com lists it currently at $99.99. It is not overly expensive for what you get, however.
I cannot see much of any reason why someone looking to get a midsize chassis with room for plenty of components that does not want to spend an arm and a leg should not give this case at least a close second look."
Click here to read the full review.
- HardwareHeaven: NZXT Tempest Evo Case Review:
"The NZXT Tempest EVO provides an impressive combination of component capacity and flexibility. Able to accept as many as eleven drives, the internal layout accomodates the largest desktop video cards, oversized power supplies, and enthusiast cooling systems simultaneously. While doing so, theres still enough room to keep all unnecessary PSU wiring out of the primary airflow pattern, keeping all components operating in an optimally cool environment.
Great care and thought, likely with lots of customer feedback, went into refining this successor to the original Tempest case. Most of the changes made were not to enhance the performance directly but focused on enhancing the user experience by reducing noise levels, making the components more accessible and increasing the longevity of case parts."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock: NZXT Gamma Mid-Tower Case Review:
"The NZXT Gamma chassis is primarily targeted to consumers on a budget that dont want to compromise basic aesthetics, functionality, and quality. The single rear fan isnt sufficient to tame many modern graphics cards, but we do understand this is a byproduct of keeping the price very affordable. Even in a pinch, a couple of cheap fans will do the trick nicely and improve the airflow. The top dual optional fan mounts can even act as a passive vent for rising heat from the graphics card and CPU internals.
NZXT has accomplished a fine balance here between aesthetics, functionality, quality, and price with the Gamma. For gamers on a budget, we think this case offers excellent value and is a great option."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tech-Reviews: NZXT Beta Case Review:
"The NZXT is an attractive, well-styled case that has a few nice surprises scattered throughout. The largely screw-less design is impressive on a budget enclosure, especially when many high-end cases still lack this feature.
Another nice feature of the Beta is the all-black interior, whilst not strictly needed on an enclosure with no view of the internals, it shows that the engineers at NZXT have spent time designing the case and helps to give the appearance of a more expensive case."
Click here to read the full review.
- TechwareLabs: NZXT Tempest EVO Case Review:
"Overall, I was unimpressed with the Tempest EVO. I liked the looks of the exterior, and the inclusion of six fans is certainly noteworthy. However, I feel that a case in which sells for just over $100 needs to bring more to the table. There are numerous cases that come with fans, and for that matter fans can be picked up on the cheap. This fact in conjunction with the mediocre cable management; I could only see myself recommending this case if it were on a good sale."
Click here to read the full review.
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Kingston SSDNow V Series 30GB Boot Drive Reviews
April 20, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Bigbruin and PureOverclock have reviewed the small Kingston SSDNow V Series 30GB, an affordable solid state drive (SSD) that is intended solely as OS boot drive.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Bigbruin:
"The Kingston drive offers a respectable read speed (180MB/s sequential, max), while the write speeds are less than impressive (50MB/s sequential, max). The thinking is that read applications are far more typical in day-to-day usage, so if something had to be sacrificed in the name of saving money, that it should be write performance. While you can see the impact this degraded write performance has on the drive when compared to other SSDs, when compared to a traditional hard drive, this Kingston SSD dominates."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock:
"At only $90 USD, the Kingston SSDNow V Series 30GB drive packs a punch in terms of value and looks to bring SSD technology to the masses. And I can assure you, after using an SSD in a system, you will think a Velociraptor is painfully slow by comparison; the difference is that pronounced. This Kingston drive is about $40 cheaper than competing Indilinx-based SSD in this 30GB capacity, so the cost savings might or might not be worth the performance difference. Either way, you can't go wrong with jumping on the SSD bandwagon for only $90 here. An SSD will be the single biggest performance jump for under a hundred bucks in your system, no question.
The bottom line is the Kingston SSDNow V-Series 30GB is a very good little boot drive to boost your system's performance by leaps and bounds, coming in at a very attractive price for those on a tight budget."
Click here to read the full review.
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NVIDIA Optimus Technology Review
April 19, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have posted a video review that details NVIDIA's new Optimus Technology, a hybrid GPU switching feature.
Here's an excerpt:
"In order to get any kind of decent video decoding, Youtube acceleration or gaming performance on a laptop, a dedicated graphics card is needed. Like it or not, even at idle modern graphics cards can have a significant impact upon overall battery life but without one, performance will grind to a halt in several applications. One of the solutions to this problem was to use a system by which the computer could switch between the efficiency of an integrated graphics processor and the dedicated GPU. Unfortunately, the implementation of this technology was unintuitive at best and needed users to do anything from rebooting their system to manually switching between the two followed by several seconds of a blank screen. What the industry needed was a way to seamlessly switch between integrated and dedicated GPUs without impacting upon work flow. This is where NVIDIAs Optimus technology comes into play."
This is very promising technology for the mobile realm, and it will be a must-have feature on non-budget notebooks. If you want even more info, here are two additional articles for your reading pleasure.
Click here to read the full review.
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Synology Disk Station DS210j & DS410j NAS Reviews
April 19, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
X-bit Labs have reviewed two network attached storage (NAS) devices from Synology, the Disk Station DS210j and Disk Station DS410j.
Here's an excerpt:
"Synologys DS210j and DS410j we have tested today set a new level of performance for entry-level NASes. Their performance is not far different from that of the previous years leader DS509+. Typical of Synologys products, these models are of highest quality, cute design and broad functionality. The autonomous file download system should be specifically mentioned as being just as good as popular download clients for the PC. Firmware version 2.3 improves iPhone, makes the integrated backup system more functional (making fault-tolerant arrays not obligatory anymore), adds support for Wi-Fi adapters, and offers an updated video surveillance system."
If you like what you see in the DS210j/DS410j you may also want to check out the QNAP TS-210/TS-410, just for comparison sake since their also very interesting NAS models.
Click here to read the full review.
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Kingmax Hercules DDR3-2200 4GB Memory Kit Review
April 19, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
TweakTown have posted a review of the enthusiast-oriented Kingmax Hercules PC3-17600 4GB memory kit, which runs at DDR3-2200 and features 10-10-10-30-2T timings at 1.65V.
Here's what they had to say:
"Kingmax have put together a really nice kit of RAM here that not only performs great, but also feels of really high quality when it comes to the heatsink. While the Hercules name is a bit dorky and the package is overkill in the sense that it doesn't need to be as big as it is, there's still no denying that the modules can perform. And honestly, when it comes to buying memory this is the most important factor.
Overclocking potential was surprising to say the least; we don't tend to see heaps of room when it comes to 2200MHz DDR modules for the simple reason that most companies have them already maxed out when it comes to speed. The relaxed timings, however, gave us the impression that we might have a bit more head room and we were right. Over 2300MHz DDR is indeed impressive and you can see when looking at the numbers the performance gain is nice."
I'm not too impressed with this particular model since the timings are the loosest that I have ever seen on a retail memory kit. If you're an enthusiast who wants the highest possible memory clocks I highly recommend this G.Skill kit instead.
Click here to read the full review.
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Campus Party 2010 Coverage
April 19, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
MadShrimps have posted their of the Campus Party 2010 event in Madrid, Spain. There are some pretty cool cases on display and an overclocking session.
Here's what they had to say:
- MadShrimps: Campus Party 2010 in Spain - Day 1:
"Wednesday afternoon, Massman, me and 798 other people arrived in Madrid, Spain. We are gathered at Campus Party Europe 2010. One of the biggest events in the world when it comes to technology, creativity and digital culture online. Massman will be having fun aside the top European overclockers playing with some top notch hardware, provided by Gigabyte. In day 1 report we have look at some the fancy case mods!"
Click here to read the full review.
- MadShrimps: Campus Party 2010 in Spain - Day 2:
"Now that everybody has arrived and settled in, the event is officially open since this morning. The welcome was presented by Cristina Garmendia, Minister of Science and Innovation. The case mods are installed, the dewars filled, let's roll...."
Click here to read the full review.
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Corsair Flash Voyager GTR 32GB USB Flash Drive Review
April 19, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ThinkComputers have reviewed the new, high-performance Click Corsair Flash Voyager GTR 32GB USB 2.0 flash drive.
Here's what they had to say:
"I really like it when companies improve on existing product line. Corsair has done that quite a bit with their Flash Voyager line. As I said they had the original Flash Voyager, the Flash Voyager GT and the Flash Padlock 2, all of which are based on the same rubber casing design which I love. Now they have the Flash Voyager GTR, which is an even faster drive than previous drives and is offered in high capacities up to 64GB! I really cant say enough about the design of the Flash Voyager drives, you can take them practically anywhere and I have yet to ever be able to break one or have one fail on me!"
As far as I know, the Flash Voyager GTR is now the fastest USB 2.0 flash drive series on the market, and the fact that it offered in huge sizes is definitely welcome.
Click here to read the full review.
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Top 20 3DMark Vantage Movers & Shakers
April 19, 2010 - Joe "OuTkAsT-1" Topolnisky
Welcome back to our weekly look at the top 3DMark Vantage scores submitted to the online result browser (ORB). Shaking things up this week we have seven new entries, including a new 1st overall under the Entry Preset category! Who took the crown? Read on to find out:
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Entry Preset Top 20:
1. E94457 Kinc ROG Rampage III Extreme ARES
2. E93738 FUGGER ** XtremeSystems 3D Team **
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Performance Preset Top 20:
6. P46146 [OCTH] R3E testing
11. P45609 Untitled
15. P44053 nswf BlackBeast 5970s 4S (San Diego)
19. P43178 Q56_Monster (Evga Enthusiasts) 2xGTX295's
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Extreme Preset Top 20:
2. X29898 nswf BlackBeast 5970s 4S (San Diego)
Way to raise the guys. Big congrats! :D
Anyways, keep up the great work everyone. And remember, you can track of the top scores throughout the week by visiting our Hall of Fame. Until next time!
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400W-750W Power Supply Review Roundup
April 16, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
HardwareHeaven, Hardware Secrets, and Rbmods have reviewed various 400W to 750W power supplies from the likes of Cooler Master, Cougar, Gigabyte, OCZ, Thermaltake, and Xigmatek.
Let's see what they had to say:
- HardwareHeaven: Thermaltake Toughpower XT 750W Power Supply Review:
"The overall performance of the Toughpower XT 750W unit is very good and no enthusiast will be disappointed; save perhaps for the most hardcore of overclockers who prioritise thermal performance over acoustics. Of course users who enjoy silent computing will love the acoustics performance of the Toughpower XT W0229 unit. Its electrical performance is great but there is still some room for further improvement, however as Thermaltake reduced the retail price considerably not long ago this PSU is now a very desirable product in its class."
Click here to read the full review.
- HardwareHeaven: Xigmatek NRP-PC602 600W Power Supply Review:
"When it comes to performance the NRP-PC602 gave us decent results during our testing. The good performance of the voltage regulation circuit is complimented by a high electrical efficiency, while acoustically it is impressive for a product of this class and price. The thermal performance leaves something to be desired because of this but could never be classed as disappointing. We believe that better heatsinks would dramatically improve the thermal performance of this unit and it could easily nominate for better 80Plus certifications with some minor component adjustments."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: Cooler Master Elite Power 400W Power Supply Review:
"Although if performance not comparable to more expensive models, Elite Power 400 W can really deliver its labeled wattage (in fact we could pull up to 420 W from it), provides an outstanding voltage regulation, it is very inexpensive and wont damage your computer.
When we pulled between 40% and 60% from its labeled wattage (between 160 W and 240 W) efficiency touched 80%, which is certainly a good news, since most low-end units provide efficiency below 80% all the times."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 550W Power Supply Review:
"Although some can see Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 550 W as an option if you are not going to pull 550 W from it, we can't recommend this unit, as it burns if you try to pull its rated wattage. Its main technical problem is efficiency, between 73.2% and 77.5%, which would prevent us from recommending this unit even if it could deliver its labeled power."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: Gigabyte Superb 550P Power Supply Review:
"Superb 550P is a decent low-end 450 W unit if you pull between 180 W and 270 W from it, when its efficiency touches 80%. On other load patterns, however, efficiency is too low, preventing us from recommending this unit.
Another thing that counts against this unit is Gigabyte labeling it with its peak power. This, by itself, we think should be illegal everywhere in the world. And to make things worse we couldnt pull 550 W from it."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W Power Supply Review:
"OCZ ModXStream Pro 500 W is as good as the 600 W model we reviewed before, providing high efficiency (81%-85%), voltages very close to their nominal values (3% regulation against standard 5%), noise and ripple levels within proper range, ability to deliver its labeled power at high temperatures and protections up and running.
Internally both models are based on the same project, with the 600 W model having upgraded rectifiers for the +12 V and +5 V outputs. Externally, however, both models use the same cable configuration."
Click here to read the full review.
- Rbmods: Cougar S550W PSU:
"The unit performs very well and the 140 mm fan is very silent at all times. Overall I think that the unit is a very high quality device, that struck me as soon as I got the box. The weight and the quality of the case is very different from all other units I have tested in the past. It was also very well packed and the modular cables lock on to the PSU very well, and you won't have any issues removing them either. I like the sleeved cable since it was not to stiff or hard to work with."
Click here to read the full review.
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Lian Li Launches PITSTOP PC-T1 Mini-ITX Spider Test Bench
April 16, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Lian Li has officially launched the very unique PITSTOP PC-T1 Mini-ITX Spider test bench. which was first reviewed over a month ago.
Here's what they had to say:
"Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd Ltd, today officially launches the PITSTOP T1 Mini-ITX Spider Test Bench 2010 Special Edition, promising to be an eye-catching and most innovative testing bench in the industry. Uniquely designed with spiders four legs and M/B tray completely angle-adjustable available in red, silver and black colors, Lian Lis PC-T1 is most ideal for hardware enthusiast looking to display an impressive computer system for the next LAN Party or to challenge family and friends with a unique looking HTPC.
The unique aluminum design of the Lian Li PITSTOP PC-T1 makes it only 1.08kg light and easy to assemble. As an open test bench, the Lian Li PITSTOP PC-T1 allows an easy access to all main components to change and upgrade the configuration of the system.
The dimensions stand at 227mm x 272mm x 345mm (Body Width, Height with legs, Body Depth). The chassis supports mini-ITX motherboards, one 5.25 slim CD-ROM, one standard 3.5 hard drives or one SSD drive using an adapter, and a standard ATX PS/2 power supply unit. At the bottom of the testing bench, there is the Lian-Li-patented cable management clamp, making it extremely easy for users to manage cables to ensure the good lucks of the system build. The PITSTOP PC-T1 series also comes with an aluminum M/B thumb screw, so that users can easily screw motherboard without tools."
This is an incredibly special test bench, but obviously I can't see many people buying one, if only due to the fact that it only supports Mini-ITX motherboards. Those of you who do want to purchase this product will be able to do so at the end of May for $108(Black)/$123(Red).
Click here to check out the product page.
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Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Reviews
April 16, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
LanOC and techPowerUp have reviewed the high-end Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler, a huge CPU cooler that comes with both a 120MM and 140MM fan.
Here's what they had to say:
- LanOC:
"With Noctuas history it wasnt a surprise that the NH-D14 was quiet neither was its good performance. But the super-sized NH-D14 did outperform the TEC cooled Cooler Master V10, which is nothing short of amazing. That also means that Noctua once again leads our heatsink performance listing. Of course, the NH-D14 is pretty large and I had trouble fitting it into the Classified. You may also have problems getting the large heatsink to fit in tight spaces. However, if you can, you will be rewarded with top of the line performance."
Click here to read the full review.
- techPowerUp:
"Noctua's NH-D14 has proven to be a great cooler throughout our testing. From its great looks to its excellent performance Noctua has created an excellent product all around. With its durable nickle plated finish it looks stunning on almost any motherboard. Noctua is using a mounting system that is versatile and allows mounting the cooler on almost every current CPU socket. Thanks to the offset design, you may install it in a way that works in just about any configuration without interfering with other system components, even though we could imagine some issues with very tall memory heatsinks (which is not Noctua's fault). Noctua has included two fans that are near silent and provide excellent airflow for the cooler itself as well as providing airflow for components around the CPU socket to keep things cool. Noctua even suggests that you can use the 120 mm fan as a rear exhaust fan for your case."
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS EAH5850 TOP Direct CU Graphics Card Review
April 16, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock have posted a review of the ASUS EAH5850 TOP Direct CU graphics card, which features an aftermarket cooler, faster clock speeds, and great overclocking software.
Here's what they had to say:
"The ASUS EAH5850 TOP 1GB Direct CU is a very impressive graphics card, bringing a host of features to the table that simply shames the reference card design. The ability to tweak the voltages brings the potential to see this card match the 5870 blow-for-blow, and for a great deal less money. The icing on the cake here is that this card barely costs more than the competition, and for those who are looking for top performance and great value, the EAH5850 TOP Direct CU is killer."
Along with the MSI Twin Frozr model, this is definitely one of the best Radeon HD 5850 models on the market.
Click here to read the full review.
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Intel P55 Motherboard Review Roundup
April 16, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
iXBT Labs and ocaholic have reviewed various Intel P55-based motherboards from ASRock, ASUS, and Gigabyte.
Let's see what they had to say:
- iXBT Labs: ASRock P55 Deluxe Motherboard:
"Perhaps, an ASRock motherboard isn't the first thing that comes to mind, when you're considering top-class solutions. But the company is doing its job fine, offering models for all price ranges, including top-class, ultra cheap, and interesting niche motherboards. If you don't care much about brands, ASRock P55 Deluxe, is definitely one of the best top-class motherboards on the Intel P55 chipset. For some 200 bucks it offers all modern interfaces (except USB 3.0), supports SLI (though as x8+x8), and is built as good as most competiting solutions are.
Speaking of the SATA 3.0 adapter, our tests indicate that it's a working solution that even provides a certain speed boost, given the drive itself is speedy enough. However, there are motherboards that have built-in SATA 3.0 support already, so you have a choice."
Click here to read the full review.
- iXBT Labs: ASUS P7P55D-E Premium Motherboardþ:
"We have already accepted the ASUS P7P55D series as one of the best choices for a Socket 1156 machine. The series includes both inexpensive and top-class models. The current update, ASUS P7P55D-E, will come in handy, if you need support for USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s, urgently or for the future. Just remember that if you choose a junior model, you'll sacrifice some graphics slot performance. The Premium models, on the other hand, uncover the potential of the existing USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s controllers without limiting other interfaces. The latter is definitely the best possible implementation today.
Speaking of the today's motherboard, it justifies its top-class nature, offering corresponding features, quality, as well as power and cooling systems. However, pursuing the new interfaces, ASUS ignored Powered eSATA that has been actively promoted by the industry. Moreover, this motherboard only has eSATA ports on a rear-panel bracket. But that may be its only drawback. Some of you may think that TurboV Remote is unnecessary. Well, you're the customer. We think this toy is fun, though it naturally comes at a price."
Click here to read the full review.
- iXBT Labs: Gigabyte P55A-UD6 Motherboard:
"The new motherboard series from Gigabyte is a good example of the splendours and miseries of the P55 chipset. On the one hand, LGA1156 is a decent general-purpose platform. On the other hand, any effort to make anything original out of it results in compromises. However, solving issues like that is a good chance for motherboard makers to show what they are capable of. Motherboards released in recent years were kind of simple in terms of circuitry. Competition in the top-end segment boiled down to adding as many peripheral controllers as possible. Now motherboard manufacturers have to solve more difficult problems. And since they do it in different ways, we have products we can actually compare."
Click here to read the full review.
- ocaholic: Gigabyte P55A-UD7 - Everybodies Darling:
"The P55A-UD7 is Giagbytes new flagship for the socket LGA 1156. It comes with the unique 24 phase power design, two USB 3.0 ports as well as ten SATA connectors. Furthermore you'll also find Gigabyte's Silent Pipe included in delivery which help cooling the chipset even when there are bus speeds above 200 MHz."
Click here to read the full review.
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HIS Radeon HD 5870 iCooler V Turbo Graphics Card Review
April 15, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
techPowerUp have reviewed the HIS Radeon HD 5870 iCooler V Turbo graphics card, which features a custom cooler.
Here's what they had to say:
"The HIS HD 5870 iCooler V Turbo is a rock solid card that can play every game you throw at it, at resolutions up to 1920x1200, with highest details settings, and some anti-aliasing eyecandy. It offers all the latest and greatest features of AMD's Radeon HD 5800 Series, which are EyeFinity, DirectX 11, improved HDMI audio, just to name a few. In addition to what the reference design offers, HIS has bumped the clock speeds of their card by 25 MHz on the core and memory. 25 MHz doesn't sound like much, and it isn't. In our testing we saw a performance increase of 1-2%, depending on the resolution, something that is not significant, no matter how you look at it. If you are willing to do some manual work though, you can easily overclock the card in the 950+ MHz range with over 1350 MHz on the memory."
This seems like an above-average Radeon HD 5870 with a great bundled game (MW2), I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe Sound Card Review
April 15, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have posted an interesting review of the HTPC-centric ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe sound card.
Here's what they had to say:
" If money is no object, I am sure that most people would opt for the HDAV 1.3 Deluxe. It has almost every conceivable soundcard function integrated into its design, and it includes video processing effects through the Splendid HD processor. Oddly enough though, money is certainly a consideration for the vast majority of users. If they can get even 50% of the features on their free, onboard solution, then they will opt not to buy a standalone soundcard. The price of the Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe is certainly going to be a turn off for most users. But for those that do feel that they cannot live without the features of this card, then the $240 US is certainly something they can bear."
If you are an audiophile or take your HTPC'ing seriously, then this card might certainly be worth a look.
Click here to read the full review.
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Gigabyte H55M-UD2H Motherboard Review
April 15, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
iXBT Labs have posted a review of the Gigabyte H55M-UD2H, a micro ATX Intel H55-based LGA1156 motherboard that is designed for the new Clarkdale Core i3 & Core i5 processors.
Here's what they had to say:
"The inexpensive Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H may become a good foundation for a home theater or just for a simple home PC. If you in pressing need of SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0, you should consider other solutions. But in all other respects we have no complaints. This compact motherboard has reasonable layout and offers the complete basic functionality supplemented with FireWire and eSATA. Its key feature, however, is the full-fledged implementation of Intel HD Graphics, HDMI and DisplayPort included."
This is a very good motherboard, but I highly recommend that you spend the extra $5 or so dollars to get the H55M-USB3 instead for its USB 3.0 support.
Click here to read the full review.
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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 SLI Review
April 15, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have tested two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 graphics cards in an SLI configuration.
Here's an excerpt:
"It is quite evident that while the GTX 470 is a clear winner against a single HD 5850, SLI is currently struggling to mirror the downright amazing scaling that Crossfire offers. Overall framerates for a GTX 470 SLI system are still incredible but the HD 5850 in Crossfire is simply too close for comfort in most cases. It is also important to remember that NVIDIAs drives are still quite immature and multi card performance is usually one of the first things addressed when new versions are released. As such we intend to take another look at GTX 470 SLI performance in the future. While we cant outright recommend going SLI in this case, it offers enough convincing performance wins that it should be at least considered by enthusiasts."
If you're considering building a GTX 470 SLI system, you owe it to yourself to check out this review.
Click here to read the full review.
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Danamics LMX & LMX Superleggera Liquid Metal CPU Cooler Review
April 15, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ITShootOut have posted one of the very first reviews of the very special Danamics LMX and LMX Superleggera Liquid Metal CPU cooler.
Let's see what they had to say:
"The Danamics LMX is undoubtedly a triumph. It offers the best performance by far of any all-in-one cooling solution we have tested, besting both the Corsair H50 and CoolIT Domino in the process. Nevertheless, the LMX is also pricier than both of these solutions so you will need to have adequately high end kit in order to justify purchasing one. Danamics has done a good job of reducing costs with the Superleggera variant for users with existing high quality fans, but given the expense of the Silenx models the standard LMX isnt that overpriced either. For users wanting the best cooling money can buy the conclusion should be self evident we unreservedly recommend the LMX."
This might just (...one day...) be the best air cooler on the market, quite impressive!
Click here to read the full review.
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Enermax Acrylux Wireless Keyboard Review
April 14, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock have posted a review of the Enermax Acrylux wireless keyboard.
Let's see what they had to say:
"This is one of the most comfortable, precise, and gorgeous wireless keyboard I have ever used. As a reviewer, when it is time to sit down at my desk to begin the daunting task of writing the review ahead, I can honestly say that I am completely thrilled with the Enermax Acrylux Keyboard.
However, there is one caveat here; and that is I cant recommend to gamers without some reluctance. Programmable buttons, macros, and software are critical features of a good gaming keyboard. And the Acrylux simply doesn't offer any of those features, and at a MSRP of $85US spending that kind of cash just doesn't add up. But seeing as this isn't designed for or aimed towards the gamers that shouldn't even be considered an issue."
Well high praise indeed. If you are in the market for a wireless keyboard this might be the product that you've been waiting for.
Click here to read the full review.
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Corsair Dominator GT PC3-16000 6GB Memory Kit Review
April 14, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews have posted a review of the enthusiast-oriented Corsair Dominator GT PC3-16000 6GB triple channel memory kit, which sports 7-8-7 timings at 1.65V.
Here's what they had to say:
"The great thing about high-speed system memory is that it never really becomes obsolete. The high-speed DDR2-1066 I purchased over three years ago is still top-shelf even by today's standard. Likewise, Corsair's lifetime product warranty ensures that this will be the last RAM upgrade you'll need for quite a while. Anyone using a 32-bit O/S should consider A 3GB (3x 1GB) triple-channel memory kit, because almost half of a 6GB kit would go unmapped and wasted. Likewise, the average 64-bit user is usually better-off utilizing a 6GB kit than packing 12GB of system memory into the computer. The Corsair Dominator-GT DDR3 triple-channel memory kits offer the best of both worlds: high speeds and relatively low latency. For PC hardware enthusiasts who can afford the purchase price, this memory kit could mean the difference between joining the 4.0GHz overclock club or being like everyone else. Make sure that overclocking is your end-goal, since Corsair offers other kits with better value."
Corsair makes some of the very best memory kits on the market, and this one is no different. You are paying a small premium for the brand name, customer support and warranty, but it's arguably worth it.
Click here to read the full review.
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Western Digital VelociRaptor VR200M 600GB HDD Review
April 14, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Anandtech have reviewed the recently released Western Digital VelociRaptor VR200M 600GB 10,000RPM hard drive.
Let's see what they had to say:
"As far as hard drives go, you can't beat the random read/write performance of the new VelociRaptor. For applications that absolutely demand to be run on a physical disk, this is your best bet.
The problem is once you take into account solid state storage. The new VelociRaptor boasts a 4KB random write speed of 1.9MB/s. Intel's X25-M G2 is amost 20x faster. The new VelociRaptor averages 178 IOPS in our typical Bench workload, Intel's X25-M can push nearly 800 IOPS in the same test.
While you are getting much more storage for your dollar with the VelociRaptor, a higher performance alternative would be to combine a good SSD with a 1TB drive. Using the SSD for your OS and apps, and the TB drive for all of your music, photos, videos and games. It's this sort of configuration that I use in my personal desktop (except I have two 1TB drives in RAID-1)."
As Anand mentioned, for the same price ($328) you can buy an Intel X25-M G2 80GB and a 1.5TB HDD, which will provide you with both superior performance and storage capacity.
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS Maximus III Extreme LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have posted a review of the ASUS Maximus III Extreme, an enthusiast-oriented Intel P55-based motherboard that supports both SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0.
Here's what they had to say:
"This conclusion should come to no surprise to anyone who is familiar with ASUS' Republic of Gamers product line, since they keep on getting better and better. The Maximus III Extreme is no exception since it is easily the most well designed motherboard to have ever come through our labs. Not only does it feature SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth, but it looks downright awesome. The layout is effectively perfect as well, packing 5 PCI-E x16 slots onto a regular ATX form factor without making any compromises as to the accessibility of the various ports, buttons, headers, voltage readouts, etc."
The Maximus III Extreme is a notch above all the other high-end P55 motherboards on the market, except for perhaps the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD7.
Click here to read the full review.
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Vantec SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Card Reviews
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
OCModShop and Tweaknews have reviewed the Vantec SuperSpeed USB 3.0 2-Port PCI-Express card.
Let's see what they had to say:
- OCModShop:
"Once I got past my minor gripes, I can't help but be impressed with the card. It is now the standard interface we use when testing USB devices. It will be interesting to see if there are performance variations once "generic" USB 3.0 chipsets are implemented on new motherboards (some motherboards do offer SuperSpeed support, but only a maximum of two ports because of the limitations of a single D720200F1 chip). For now, the Vantec SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is one of the few options you have to experience the next generation of PC connectivity, and it appears to be a solid card performance-wise. It should serve you well, even when this new technology is standard on all new motherboards."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tweaknews:
"Vantec has successfully come up with a low cost, easy to implement solution for adding two high-speed USB 3.0 ports to your system. This little PCI-e card takes only a few minutes to install and provides a hefty increase in performance over the old USB 2.0. Pair it with a USB 3.0 enclosure and you'll be well on your way to speedy file transfers that rival the speeds of the SATA II interface. Most all USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices will still work with this card as well, so you're basically adding two ports to your system that will accept both old and new USB devices."
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Sound Card Review
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Modders-Inc have reviewed the ASUS Xonar DX 7.1-channel sound card.
Here's what they had to say:
"Let's jump right to the point of the big question that we all want to know. .. is it worth the cash you will spend on it? Well let's look at it this way; do you value high quality audio without static, buzzing, or hissing with clear sound at a good price that is absolutely an step up from the onboard audio that you get with your motherboard? Then I guess you answered your own question."
For the occasional gamer, headphone user, or disgruntled Creative owner, the Xonar DX should provide a terrific all-around audio experience. However, hardcore gamers that have a slightly larger budget should take a look at the excellent Auzentech X-Fi Forte.
Click here to read the full review.
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Zalman ZM-MFC1 Combo Five-Channel Fan Controller Review
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Tweaknews have reviewed the Zalman ZM-MFC1 Combo, a high-end LCD fan controller that can manage 6 fans.
Let's see what they had to say:
"Retailing for around $50 US, the ZM-MFC1 Combo isn't cheap, as fan controllers go, but this isn't your ordinary fan controller either. With support for up to six fans including a PWM channel, this product is quite sophisticated yet easy to use. About all that I have to complain about is the lack of a 4-pin power cable, which would make installation a bit easier. All in all, Zalman's ZM-MFC1 is an excellent fan control product for the discriminating PC enthusiast."
If you need to managed more than 4 fans, this is the fan controller for you. The fact that it looks awesome is just a bonus.
Click here to read the full review.
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128GB Solid State Drive Roundup
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets have tested and compared seven 128GB solid state drives (SSDs) from Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, Intel, Mushkin, Patriot and Western Digital.
Here's an excerpt:
"Intel X-25M 160 GB is definitely an option if you are building a high-end PC and has a lot of money, but at USD 500 we dont think it has the value the average user is looking for. If you are looking for performance, Western Digital SiliconEdge Blue 128 GB (USD 400) and Corsair Nova 128 GB (USD 369) are too terrific options with a better cost/benefit ratio for the normal user than the Intel unit, and wed probably pick Corsairs solution because it is always nice to save a little bit. This unit from Corsair is faster and cost less than Patriot Torqx (USD 389) and Mushkin Io (USD 379)."
If you are in the market for a large SSD, this is an article worth your time.
Click here to read the full article.
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Coolink Corator DS CPU cooler Reviews
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock and Tweaknews reviewed the new Coolink Corator DS CPU cooler.
Let's see what they had to say:
- PureOverclock:
"The Corator DS has slightly limited availability at online retailers, but can be found for about $60 USD, putting it in line with other top tower-style coolers. That is a decent value when you look at the cooling performance. While the Coolink Corator DS isn't the top performer on the market, it does a respectable job, looks nice, and carries a decent price tag. It's not a standout in any one category but it is indeed a good all-around cooler for your enthusiast needs."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tweaknews:
"While this cooler did not disappoint, I did observe a concern. The heatsink itself is very large and only accommodates one fan at a time but other than this single issue, there is not much else to point out.
So in the end, you have a large but good performing cooler that can handle a 140w loaded AMD processor with relative ease. The mounting hardware can be either a con or a pro but I seriously like to consider it as a pro because the extra support but others might not look at it in such a positive light due to their different install conditions.
But overall, it is still a great product."
Click here to read the full review.
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Vantec Nexstar 3 Superspeed USB 3.0 HDD Enclosure Reviews
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
techPowerUp, TestFreaks, and Tweaknews have reviewed the brand new Vantec Nexstar 3 Superspeed USB 3.0 HDD enclosure.
Let's see what they had to say:
- techPowerUp:
"The Vantec NexStar 3 SuperSpeed delivers exactly what it promises. You get the performance advantage of USB 3.0 over the 2.0 standard along with the plug & play ease of use we have come to love from the universal serial bus. It manages to deliver the maximum performance of the installed hard drive just like eSATA would, but with the advantage of a solid hot-swappable standard instead of somewhat flaky "will this work without a reboot?" implementation of the external SATA connectivity. That said, USB 3.0 is still in its early stages and mainboards are pushing the standard nonetheless. Vantec is showing that they are ready with new products, but until the enclosures come down in price - which is certainly not the manufacturer's fault - they do not have the price / performance ratio of affordable eSATA enclosures. If you are looking for a future proof investment which works on your current USB 2.0 as well as the USB 3.0 once it is available to you, the Vantec NexStar 3 SuperSpeed is a solid choice."
Click here to read the full review.
- TestFreaks:
"We already knew that the USB3.0 interface was going to be faster, but the drive itself is very nice, and thats what were here to review and look at.
The Vantec NexStar 3 SuperSpeed Enclosure is one of the nicest Ive ever had the chance to review. Its very attractive and solidly made, the only issue I have with it is the fact that its a glossy finish that easily picks up dust and fingerprints."
Click here to read the full review.
- Tweaknews:
"Overall, the NexStar 3 enclosure is a good buy. The price is reasonable, the performance is excellent, and it generates no noise. If I had my way there are a couple little things I would change about it though. I'm not too crazy about having to disconnect the LED cable whenever I want to swap out a drive, and the pulsating front LED (even though it looks cool) is distracting to me when there's drive activity. I might just leave the LED cable disconnected, actually."
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS ARES Dual-GPU Graphics Card Pictured
April 13, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have managed to snag some pictures of the ASUS ARES graphics card in the flesh. This very high-end features two Radeon HD 5870 GPUs, instead of the HD 5850 GPUs that are used in the Radeon HD 5970.
Here's an excerpt:
"While the card we are showing here is a production sample, ASUS assures us that it will be available in about 2 months or so. The ASUS ARES as it is called is a dual-GPU Evergreen product with a pair of TRUE HD 5870 GPUs - not a combination of underclocked HD 5870 GPUs like the Radeon HD 5970 released back in November.
In fact, the HD 5870 Cypress cores are overclocked slightly past the default 850 MHz - though how much ASUS hasn't shown us yet. Also, the card features 4GB of GDDR5 frame buffer - 2GB per GPU!"
This is going to be a very limited edition, very pricey graphics card. However, if the ASUS MARS is any indication, it will undoubtedly sellout.
Click here to read the full article.
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Top 20 3DMark Vantage Movers & Shakers
April 12, 2010 - Joe "OuTkAsT-1" Topolnisky
Today we continue our weekly look at the top 3DMark Vantage scores submitted to the online result browser (ORB). Rockin' the charts this week, we have nine (!) new entries to share with everyone. So how high did they manage to climb? Let's take a look:
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Entry Preset Top 20:
1. E93549 elmor & Kinc ROG Rampage III Extreme ARES
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Performance Preset Top 20:
1. P51651 elmor & Kinc ROG Rampage III Extreme ARES
2. P51608 ASUS Rampage III Extreme+Matrix 5870
14. P43323 nswf BlackBeast 5970s 4S (San Diego)
15. P43238 Dick Hards little setup
New to the 3DMark Vantage - High Preset Top 20:
1. H42610 ASUS Rampage III Extreme+Matrix 5870
2. H42132 elmor & Kinc ROG Rampage III Extreme ARES
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Extreme Preset Top 20:
1. X34685 ASUS Rampage III Extreme+Matrix 5870
3. X28900 nswf BlackBeast 5970s 4S (San Diego)
A big congrats to this week's chart climbers! Looks like another week of i7-980X domination. ;)
Anyways, keep up the great work everyone. And remember, you can track of the top scores throughout the week by visiting our Hall of Fame. Until next time!
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Logitech G9x Laser Gaming Mouse Review
April 10, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
HardwareHeaven have posted a review of the Logitech G9x, a very high-end laser gaming mouse.
Let's see what they had to say:
"The build quality of the G9x is very good, with the XL grip being a particular highlight. It is fair to say though that the scroll wheel will take some getting used to due to its extreme speed. In addition to this, some may prefer a lighter body for the mouse as even without weights it is one of the heavier units on the market.
The G9x performs well in both in games and during general usage. The mammoth 5700 DPI sensor is perfect for high-sensitivity gamers and the ability to set profiles and switch sensitivity on the fly will appeal to a wide range of users."
Even though this might be a great product, I would struggle to recommend a $95 mouse...
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS P6X58D-E LGA1366 Motherboard Review
April 10, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ITShootOut have posted a review of the ASUS P6X58D-E motherboard, an Intel X58-based LGA1366 motherboard featuring SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0.
Here's what they had to say:
"All in all the Asus P6X58D-E is exactly what we were looking for in a P6T replacement. Its performance is superb and the overclocking facilities on offer are a match for boards costing far more money. The P6X58D-E owes much of its heritage from the P6X58D Premium but is a better board because of this. Users looking for a fantastic and well-priced next generation X58 motherboard should certainly check this product out it renders most flagship products from other manufacturers all but redundant."
If you can do without the P6X58D Premium's second GbE LAN port and onboard reset button, then this might be the motherboard for you.
Click here to read the full review.
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Gateway FX 6831-03 Gaming Desktop PC Review
April 10, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
TechSpot have reviewed the pre-built Gateway FX 6831-03 gaming desktop PC, which features some impressively high-end specifications for the price.
Let's see what they had to say:
"The Gateway FX6831-03 is one of the few pre-built PCs I could see myself buying and using on a daily basis without much regret -- and that's saying something coming from someone who has built their own systems for the past ten years.
Its quad-core Intel Core i7 860 processor has plenty of power to spare, even for the most demanding of tasks, and you will likely never run low on memory with the included 16GB of RAM. The Seagate 1.5 TB 7200 RPM hard drive is speedy enough for a spinning drive and offers gobs of storage for all of your digital media. There is no choice for adding an SSD since Gateway won't let you configure the system online, which is a real shame."
If you don't want to build your own system but still want excellent Bang for the Buck, then this is probably the machine you should be looking at.
Click here to read the full review.
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Corsair Obsidian 700D Case Review
April 10, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective have posted a video review of the impressive Corsair Obsidian 700D case, which is a slightly cheaper version of the Obsidian 800D.
Here's an excerpt:
"When I reviewed the case originally it quickly became my favorite enthusiast class option even though it was a bit more expensive than most other cases on the market.
Corsair heard some of these complaints and decided to release the new 700D case with the sole purpose to lower the cost. How did they do it? If you are familiar with the 800D already, then imagine that exact design without the four hot-swap hard drive bays on the front and without the window on the side panel. That adds up to about a $50 price difference putting the 700D at about $229 or so when it goes on sale later in April."
If you love the aesthetics of the 800D but don't need to hot-swap HDDs, then this is the model for you.
Click here to read the full review.
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MSI Radeon HD 5830 Twin Frozr II Reviews
April 10, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock and techPowerUp have reviewed the MSI Radeon HD 5830 Twin Frozr II graphics card, an overclocking-oriented graphics card with a custom PCB and an aftermarket cooling system.
Let's see what they had to say:
- PureOverclock:
"And speaking of price, this is the only real drawback here. The MSI 5830 Twin Frozr II 1GB costs about $270 USD, considerably more than the Radeon 5770, but quite a bit less than the 5850, so it does fill the gap as intended. However, when the 5830 Frozr II is run at stock speeds, it is too expensive for what you get in return. But this card is built for speed though, so when it's overclocked then the value is actually very good. There are competing 5830 cards for about $30 cheaper but they won't overclock like this MSI card. So the bottom line here is that while the Radeon 5830 isn't a very good value, the MSI Twin Frozr II is, but only if you intend on pushing it to reach much higher performance. It is a great option if you're on a tighter budget and are willing to take advantage of the massive headroom it offers since it runs very fast when overclocked."
Click here to read the full review.
- techPowerUp:
"MSI's HD 5830 Twin Frozr II is an interesting mix of features and the potential to become a great SKU, with a few stumbling blocks along the way. The Twin Frozr II cooler is potent mix of performance and aesthetics that gives the card a sleek yet industrial look. Despite having two fans to do the job of cooling, Twin Frozr II ends up with pleasant fan noise levels when idling. It starts to get noisier in load. In the end it keeps the GPU cool enough, and that goes a long way in helping its overclocking potential. Speaking of which, the MSI HD 5830 Twin Frozr II has nice overclocking headroom. The 20% overclocking on the GPU and 14% on memory gives you a handy 19% performance boost, which goes on the show that the Radeon HD 5830 scales well in performance with increase in clock speeds. The bundled MSI Afterburner software, while helped jump the measly CCC Overdrive clock speed limits, couldn't give us software voltage control it claimed to offer."
Click here to read the full review.
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Microsoft Sidewinder X4 Gaming Keyboard Reviews
April 8, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
LanOC and Metku have reviewed the Microsoft Sidewinder X4 gaming keyboard.
Here's what they had to say:
- LanOC:
"Its hard to find anything to dislike about this keyboard. The keys make a pleasant sound when pressed, though this is more of a preference than anything, I enjoy simply typing with it. The programmable macro keys are beyond useful for both gamers and everyday taks. As a matter of fact, I programmed a quick macro to help clear out some spam registers on our website. When you throw in anti-ghosting technology and auto-switching profiles, the X4 is a great value and outstanding contender to enthusiast gaming keyboards on the market."
Click here to read the full review.
- Metku:
"Overall then the Sidewinder X4 is a good keyboard. The main things for a good gaming keyboard are there, the good typing touch, support for more simultaneous key presses than an average human has fingers, macro keys and an easy-to-use software. Unfortunately it's all wrapped up in a housing that feels just a bit too cheap. It also lacks the USB-hub, which I've found very useful on the G15.
If you like the outlooks and don't mind the gloss finish, the Sidewinder X4 does offer a nice writing touch and all the features most people will ever need, but otherwise I'd probably look elsewhere or atleast try the X4 out before buying. It's by no means bad, just not quite good enough on the areas I like."
Click here to read the full review.
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ASRock H55DE3 LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 8, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
BCCHardware have reviewed the affordable ASRock H55DE3, an Intel H55-based LGA1156 motherboard.
Here's what they had to say:
"In the end, the ASRock H55DE3 is a great board for a bargain price. It isn't fancy and doesn't have enthusiast features like a CMOS reset button, on-board power buttons or even Firewire. For the price it is pretty hard to beat though. It offers everything you need, good overclocking performance, fast SATA support, and speedy network performance and does it without active cooling. It's a good choice.
It's not all gravy though. I would have loved to see all solid-state capacitors instead of just on the CPU power circuit. In truth, these are typically the ones that fail, but it would give me greater peace of mind if they'd taken that extra half a step toward better reliability. With that in mind, the board currently retails for a mere $90 and that makes it great value."
This seems like a decent motherboard, especially since it only costs $90. If you are on a budget though, Biostar's H55 HD can be had for $75 and under.
Click here to read the full review.
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Western Digital VelociRaptor 600GB HDD Reviews
April 8, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets, LanOC, and PC Perspective have reviewed the just launched VelociRaptor 600GB hard drive, the latest 10,000 RPM enthusiast HDD from Western Digital.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Secrets:
"The good news is that this new performance level comes with a interesting price tag: the 300 GB VelociRaptor can be found for USD 240, so we are talking about a 37% price increase for 100% more storage and 25%-30% more performance. Thats a terrific deal in our book.
If you need storage space and performance, we think the new VelociRaptor 600 GB is the perfect choice for its target audience (database servers and very high-end desktops). If you dont need that much storage space, you can pick the new 450 GB model and save a little bit."
Click here to read the full review.
- LanOC:
"I included the price per GB graph to give everyone an idea of the value of the new Velociraptor. A MSRP of $328 for the 600 GB and $299 for the 450GB may seem a little pricy. But when you figure the capacity and performance you get, its not a bad deal. The Velociraptor is for the enthusiast who doesnt want to compromise capacity with their performance. When I first heard Western Digital was bringing out an update to the Velociraptor I was hoping to see a switch to the ultra-fast 15k RPM drives, but they did manage to pick up a nice boost over the last models. It looks like the standard hard drive still has a little fight left in it!"
/review/hardware/storage/2950-western-digital-velociraptor-600gb]Click here[/link] to read the full review.
- PC Perspective:
"The new VelociRaptor 600GB offers great performance at a *lower* cost/GB than its predecessor. While most of the specs match the older 300GB model, the increased platter density gave a nice boost to sequential transfer rates. The dual core processor and SATA 6Gb/sec interface are welcome improvements to the Raptor line, but since HDD's barely challenge SATA 3Gb/sec, the move to 6Gb/sec in this arena appears to be more future-proofing than ground breaking at present. Mixed random access workload testing puts the new model roughly on-par with the older 300GB Raptor. All in all, the new 600GB VelociRaptor continues Western Digital's trend of squeezing as much performance as possible out of SATA Hard Disk Drives."
Click here to read the full review.
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InWin Case Review Roundup
April 8, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets, ocaholic, techPowerUp, and TechwareLabs have reviewed various cases from InWin.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Secrets: In Win Griffin Case Review:
"In Win Griffin is an exceptional case for its price tag, providing an excellent value for users on a tight budget that want a decent case with a big side fan and an interesting looks. Of course if you want more options you will need to pick a more expensive model. We are giving Griffin our Golden Award seal because of its terrific cost/benefit ratio."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: In Win Ironclad Case Review:
"We had already given our Golden Award to In Win Maelstrom because of its good cost/benefit ratio. Ironclad comes with the same price tag and improves a few things (air filter on the bottom panel, screwless mechanism for holding expansion cards and adaptor for installing SSDs) and therefore we have a winner."
Click here to read the full review.
- ocaholic: IN WIN Maelstrom Gaming Case:
"With the Maelstrom IN WIN really succeeded in creating a gaming case that has a characteristic but not junky design. The yellow spots are well chosen and generate a fresh and even a bit fancy overall picture. Especially the fans with their yellow blades are nice to look at. Unfortunately the green handle bar in the middle of the front might polarize. You will either like it or not."
Click here to read the full review.
- techPowerUp: In Win Allure:
"The In Win Allure may just simply take the alpha 360 chassis and cover it with a floral design and some shiny crystals, but that makes all the difference. While the normal edition is nice to look at, but won't turn any heads, the Allure does just that. It is clearly aimed at those who want some extravagant exterior right out of the box. While that may be the only requirement those buyers may have - more able to forgive a complicated or frustrating interior - In Win has managed to pull off a functional interior layout coupled with easy installation methods. While it is obvious that you will be happy with the look and feel of this case if you buy it, having that additional bonus of simple installation with functional features like the screw-less "buttons" of the external bays, the sliding lock to pop the front cover off and the built in IR receiver should add to the overall satisfaction. There are very few areas In Win could improve upon with the Allure. One may be the screw-less lock design of the expansion card slot and the other would be solved by including more screws along with a few zip ties to help keep the interior clean after filling it up. In Win has clearly put a lot of thought into the Allure / alpha 360 and it should be very interesting for those who plan to go all out and put a large graphic card in there as well."
Click here to read the full review.
- TechwareLabs: InWin Diva MITX Case:
"Generally cases that are created to appeal to a particular market type tend to be under designed and thus never really catch on as a successful designs, this is not the case with the Diva. From the look and feel of the case right down to the expandability and features, the Diva exceeds the expectations for a Mini-ITX case. With a cost of approximately $90, the Diva is slightly pricey for a Mini-ITX case, but it is certainly worth the money. The question then remains on how well does this case fulfill its functions for its designated audience type? Aside from the fact that you will most definitely need a screw driver and at least 30 mins of your time, the Diva manages to cram all necessary equipment and more into a visually attractive package that will appeal to both females and male builders alike."
Click here to read the full review.
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Gigabyte M8000 Xtreme Gaming Mouse Reviews
April 8, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks and Hardware Secrets have reviewed the Gigabyte M8000 Xtreme laser gaming mouse.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Canucks:
"We could go on and on about the other great features like the awesome software that now accompanies this mouse, the sub 1ms polling, or the good weight customization options. However we feel that this would be just repetition on the same theme: this mouse really is perfect not only for gaming but also a wide range of everyday uses. For this reason we proudly award the Gigabyte GM-M8000Xtreme our highest accolade: the Damn Good award."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets:
"Gigabyte sure did its homework with the release of the M8000Xtreme. It follows the essential rules of an excellent gaming-grade mouse plus it has one of the best configuration software weve tested so far. Despite its corny name (it sounds like something out of a bad Image comics from the 90's), we really enjoyed the mouse."
Click here to read the full review.
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MSI Big Bang Trinergy LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Rbmods have posted a review of the MSI Big Bang Trinergy, an enthusiast-oriented Intel P55-based LGA1156 motherboard.
Here's what they had to say:
"This board comes with alot of stuff, it has pretty much everything you need right now with loads of accessories and features. But it also comes with a pretty hefty price tag. We have seen in the tests though that the Asus board performs a bit better at most tests and it is quite a bit cheaper than this Trinergy board. I am in no way saying that the MSI board is bad, since it performs very well and is rock stable even when we overclocked. Our overclocking results show that this board got some nice OC features and functions and I am sure you can get even higher with the right equipment and cooling with a board like this.
Overall it performed quite well, was rock stable and it did not dissapoint us at all in any way even though it was outperformed by the Asus board. The only major con I can see with this board is the pricetag of about 350$ which very few of us can afford."
This is easily MSI's most impressive motherboard yet, so if you're a fan of the company, check it out. Having said that, it is very pricey at $350, especially compared to the distinctly superior ASUS Maximus III Extreme and Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD7.
Click here to read the full review.
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Sapphire Radeon HD 5870 2GB Toxic Edition Review
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have posted a review of the Sapphire Radeon HD 5870 2GB Toxic Edition graphics card.
Here's what they had to say:
"While it may sound like we have a laundry list of things we dont like with the HD 5870 Toxic, that couldnt be further from the truth. It offers literally everything the GTX 480 cant: efficiency, predictable performance through every single resolution, price and excellent cooling performance. Sapphire has seriously thrown down the gauntlet against all the other companies that are planning to release these types of high-end HD 5870 cards. They have shown that high near-perfection doesnt need to cost an arm and a leg; Gigabyte, ASUS and the rest of ATIs board partners better be paying attention."
This is an impressive graphics card, but for my money, I would still pick the MSI Radeon HD 5870 Lightning instead.
Click here to read the full review.
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CoolIT ECO A.L.C. Liquid CPU Cooler Review
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Techgage have posted a review of the brand new CoolIT ECO A.L.C. Liquid CPU cooler.
Let's see what they had to say:
"I readily give the ECO an Editor's Choice award for excellence as it did everything it set out to do very well and did not have a single shortcoming in all my testing and observations. I purposely look for flaws in every product I test as there is no such thing as a perfect product, but the ECO comes oh so close to that rare perfection. The only possible shortcoming is that it is not going to out-perform high-end air cooling solutions, but it does perform so well that this is just is not a big deal."
This might just be the product that displaces the extremely popular Corsair H50, but I've yet to see any head-to-head comparisons between the two products.
Click here to read the full review.
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EVGA P55 Classified 200 LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ocaholic have posted a review of the EVGA P55 Classified 200, an enthusiast-oriented P55-based LGA1156 motherboard.
Here's an excerpt:
"Performance
The EVGA P55 Classified 200's performance is average and not that bad at all. But you definitely have to overclock it to really see what this magnificent piece of hardware is capable of. During an extreme overclocking session using liquid nitrogend to keep the CPU cool we were able to reach a BCLK above 270 MHz which is an absolutely astonishing value.
[...]
Recommendation
Generally we recommend the EVGA P55 Classified 200 to PC-enthusiasts and extreme overclockers because there is no other board out the drive such high bus speeds. And because of its superb looks its also worth being put into a modding PC but in this case you'd definitely make an overclocker cry."
If you're an avid overclocker, this is definitely a motherboard would looking into. However, there are now newer generation enthusiast-oriented P55 models like the ASUS Maximus III Extreme and Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD7 that have arguably surpassed this EVGA model.
Click here to read the full review.
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Arctic Cooling E352 & E361 Earphone Reviews
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
APH Networks, BCCHardware, HardwareHeaven, and techPowerUp have reviewed two earphones from Arctic Cooling, the E352 and E361.
Let's see what they had to say:
- APH Networks: Arctic Cooling Arctic Sound E352 Earphones Review:
"Unfortunately, and I have to say this in all honesty, is that in my opinion the Arctic Sound E352s are nothing more than $2 earphones in much fancier packaging. For the most part, it feels cheap, and it sounds cheap. The looks aren't anything to write home about either, as it is quite distorted from the marketing photos on Arctic Cooling's website. The company's claims of "outstanding earphone [that] delivers high sound quality in every aspect", and "precisely engineered by Swiss and German audio experts", can't be further from the truth."
Click here to read the full review.
- BCCHardware: Arctic Sound E352 Wooden Earphones:
"The Arctic Sound E352 earphones do a great job and have a high-class wooden look that is sure to turn some heads. They cost a little more than their other products and are a little more bulky. The audio quality is very rich and while they aren't quite as crisp and clean as the E361 earphones, they do have a nice robust sound - that may in fact be attributed to the wooden design. Overall the sound quality is very good, and is perhaps a bit more natural than other earphones I've used recently.
In terms of bang-for-the-buck, the wooden design adds an extra $10 to a pair of earphones that don't have quite as much punch as the E361 earphones. With that in mind, the E352 earphones still deliver clean and natural sound. If possible, try out a pair in comparison to other earphones before you drop your $50+ on a set."
Click here to read the full review.
- HardwareHeaven: Arctic Cooling E361-WM & E352 Earphones Review:
"The E361-WM delivers reasonable performance and good build quality in an attractively designed package. The iPhone compatibility is sure to attract a number of customers, especially considering it has the fully functioning inline control button. We would recommend the E361-WM to anyone looking for good mid-range pair of earphones for mobile gaming or with an iPhone.
The E352 may not be rated as highly by Arctic Cooling as the E361 but we would say they provide better sound quality. We believe the E352's are best suited for people looking for a pair of mid-range earphones to use with an MP3 player."
Click here to read the full review.
- techPowerUp: Arctic Cooling E361-BM:
"The Arctic Cooling E361-BM is an alright set of in-ears, but hardly the best sounding or cheapest on the market today. The microphone / remote pod is a nice touch and definitely adds value to the solution, however, the hit and miss sound quality along with the not so tight build quality makes it hard for them to shine.If the basics are not covered sufficiently it is hard to make a headset worth it by just adding features. The earphones are worth it if you are looking for an affordable headset for use with a decent sounding phone and want an insane amount of bass. These are not bad in-ears per say, but they lack a little finesse across the board in order to make them great. Design wise these are one step ahead of the other cheap in-ears I have come across lately. The sleek aluminum housing with black ends and the simple looking remote makes them look quite cool. Even though they look cool they still fit snugly in one's ears and are more comfortable to wear than other comparable in-ears."
Click here to read the full review.
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Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced Case Reviews
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ocaholic and ThinkComputers have posted reviews of the new and surprisingly affordable Cooler Master 690 II Advanced mid-tower case.
Let's see what they had to say:
- ocaholic:
"It doesn't matter which part you take off and put back on again at the CM690II. Almost every piece fits perfectly. Only the threads drilled into the chassis might be a bit better but that's a detail. Otherwise we really have nothing to complain about. Even regarding the ergonomics Cooler Master makes almost everything right. The hard disk cages are well accessible and easy to use, a CPU cooler can be easily installed even when the motherboard is already in place and the wiring can be done neatly. As a special feature have the possibility to attach an internal hard drive outside, on the top of the case. Therefore Cooler Master preinstalled the according SATA connectors. Optimization be done with the fans. Their bearings produce a noise which is well audible and in silent-system here it quite well."
Click here to read the full review.
- ThinkComputers:
"This is one of the more solid cases I have reviewed lately. While it is not super flashy, everything works flawlessly and I did not have a single problem with installation. This really shows that Cooler Master took the original 690 and took time to improve it. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced Case a perfect 10 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!"
Click here to read the full review.
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ASUS Maximus III Extreme LGA1156 Motherboard Review
April 6, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock have posted a review of the ASUS Maximus III Extreme, an enthusiast-oriented Intel P55-based motherboard that supports both SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0.
Here's what they had to say:
"The ASUS Maximus III Extreme packs some amazing features, and in terms of usability and stability, the board is rock solid. It ran like a champ through all type of stress tests, and manual overclocking resulted in the highest numbers we've achieved to date. And if you're a bit hesitant to tweak much in the BIOS, then just dial in a higher BCLK, set your RAM speed, and let the Auto settings take care of the rest; you'll be pleased with the quick and easy results. A failed overclock recovers nicely here as well, and the GO and Q buttons are very handy for the more experienced users who tend to push things to the limit."
The Maximus III Extreme is a notch above all the other high-end P55 motherboards on the market, except for perhaps the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD7.
Click here to read the full review.
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4GB & 6GB DDR3 Memory Kit Review Roundup
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews, Bigbruin, PureOverclock, and ThinkComputers have reviewed to 4GB and 6GB DDR3 memory kits from Crucial, GeIL, Kingston, OCZ, and Transcend.
Here's what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews: 6GB Kingston HyperX 2000MHz DDR3 Memory Kit:
"Our performance rating considers how effective the Kingston HyperX 2000MHz CL8 system memory kit KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX performs in operations against direct competitor DDR3 triple-channel RAM storage products. For reference, Kingston specifies the KHX2000C8D3T1K3 modules to perform at two XMP eXtreme Memory Profiles: 1867MHz @ CL7-8-7-20-1, and 2002MHz @ CL8-8-8-24-1. This memory kit competes directly with the Corsair Dominator-GT 2000MHz kit, which has slightly different timings and a command rate of 2 instead of 1 for Kingston's HyperX kit. In most of the synthetic benchmark tests there was very little difference in performance, if any at all. The Kingston HyperX kit did produce faster CPU and GPU-bound frame rates in Far Cry 2, and also topped our Everest Memory Benchmark results."
Click here to read the full review.
- Bigbruin: Crucial Ballistix Tracer 6GB DDR3-1600 Memory Kit Review:
"The bottom line is that this Crucial Ballistix Tracer 6GB DDR3-1600 memory makes for a great kit in terms of performance and style, but it could use some help in the pricing department to really impress me as a must have item. That said, it earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock: GeIL Black Dragon 6GB DDR3-2000:
"With stunning aesthetics and great performance, the GeIL Black Dragon 6GB DDR3-2000 modules are a gorgeous product, but don't appear to offer any overclocking headroom beyond their rated speed. If you plan on keeping them at, or slightly below this, then you'll be fine. This may be an instance where style trumps substance when it comes right down to it, so if you're looking for unique aesthetics and fast speeds, these Black Dragons might be the one for you."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock: Transcend aXeRAM 4GB DDR3-2000:
"Retailing for approximately $210 USD, the value is pretty good compared to other offerings in this spee range. Transcend has done a very good job with these modules, showcasing sleek aesthetics, quality construction, and solid performance. If you're looking to jump on the overclocking bandwagon and want some high performance memory modules that run fast and stable, these Transcend aXeRAM 4GB DDR3-2000 modules are a great option."
Click here to read the full review.
- ThinkComputers: OCZ Platinum DDR3-1600 4GB Low Voltage Dual Channel Memory Kit Review:
"As I expected from OCZ Platinum memory, there were significant performance gains from the overclocks. The Platinum DDR3-1600 performed as well as I could have hoped for.
I have always been pleased with OCZ Platinum memory kits, and the DDR3-1600 7-7-7 Low Voltage kit is no exception. You can always expect a 20% or better overclock with only loosening the timings a couple of notches. I love the finish of the XTC heatspreaders. And the performance gains from overclocking are always satisfying."
Click here to read the full review.
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ECS NGT240-512QI-F Video Card Review
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets have reviewed the affordable ECS NGT240-512QI-F graphics card.
Here's what they had to say:
"On the other hand, Radeon HD 5570 was faster than GeForce GT 240 on Crysis Warhead (33%) and on the Tropics simulation (between 17% and 29%). So it may exist other games that Radeon HD 5570 is a better product, but at least based on our results we would simply forget Radeon HD 5570 and buy GeForce GT 240.
Radeon HD 5670, however, presents a tough competition to GeForce GT 240: from the six games and simulations we ran, Radeon HD 5670 was faster in five of them, between 4% and 66.4%, depending on the program and video configuration. Costing, on average, only USD 5 more than GeForce GT 240, Radeon HD 5670 is definitely our pick today for a video card on the USD 85 USD 95 price range."
You can buy this card for as low as $65 (via M.I.R), and at that price it is a phenomenal value for a cheap gaming rig or light gaming HTPC.
Click here to read the full review.
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SteelSeries 4HD Mousepad & Kinzu Gaming Mouse Review
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
LanOC Reviews have tested two gaming peripherals from SteelSeries, the 4HD and Kinzu.
Here's what they had to say:
- LanOC Reviews: Steel Series 4HD Mouse pad:
"It may only be a mouse pad but Steel Series clearly has put more thought into designing it than most other mouse pads on the market. If you are used to a cloth mouse pad the 4HD will feel a little rough but for hard mouse pad fans this pad does everything you need it to do. With a MSRP of under $20 it wont break the bank ether. I also found that both laser and optical mice work very well with the 4HD. Now if you picked up the Xai after our recommendation this week you may want to also consider the 4HD. They were developed together after all and will result in excellent performance together."
Click here to read the full review.
- LanOC Reviews: Steel Series Kinzu Mouse:
"Almost no adjust-ability in the software and no extra buttons make me wonder how Steel Series is marketing the Kinzu to the gaming crowd. Anyone who wasnt looking for those features would most likely be looking at standard mice from both Logitech and Microsoft which are cheaper and sometimes come with more functionality. The small size of the Kinzu is too small for all but the smallest hands and for the average adult you may even find it uncomfortable. Steel Series may not have been able to pack the Kinzu full of features but the sensor was free of issues and tracked perfectly. Its just a shame that it wasnt packed in a better package."
Click here to read the full review.
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350W-1000W Power Supply Review Roundup
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
HardwareHeaven and Hardware Secrets have reviewed 350W to 1000W power supplies from Akasa, Amacrox, Cooler Master, OCZ, and Thermaltake.
Let's see what they had to say:
- HardwareHeaven: OCZ Z-Series 850W Power Supply Review:
"Enthusiasts who had high expectations about the electrical performance of the OCZ Z Series unit will not be disappointed. The performance of the voltage regulation circuits is among the best we have ever seen. When it comes to electrical efficiency the OCZ Z Series 850W power supply meets the 80Plus Gold requirements and 92% efficiency at typical load is a great result. Being able to operate quietly even while heavily loaded makes this product is one of the best choices for people who enjoy quiet computing. This has an impact on thermal performance, which is very good coming from an 850W unit but not among the best we have ever seen."
Click here to read the full review.
- HardwareHeaven: Thermaltake Toughpower 1000W Power Supply Review:
"The overall performance of this power supply was very good. It has excellent voltage regulation and load stability and the electrical efficiency is good by todays standards. The balance between the thermal and acoustics performance is a bit strange. Most units try to balance these two across the entire load range, while the Toughpower W0132 seems to be trying to maintain a certain low level of noise for as much of the output range as possible. Overall, the Toughpower Cable Management 1000W unit is a well-made product but despite claims of an aggressive price we feel it could be a little cheaper still."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: Akasa Essential Power 350 W Power Supply Review:
"Akasa Essential Power 350 W is capable to deliver its labeled power at high temperatures. But as we always like to point out, maximum power isnt everything. This unit presents lousy efficiency and therefore we cant recommend it.
Even if it could present efficiency a little bit higher, it would still be a problematic product, because it only comes with two SATA power cables installed on the same cable, and nowadays even a very basic PC comes with one SATA hard disk drive and one SATA optical drive, making it difficult to install them when you only have 5 ½ (14 cm) between the two SATA power connectors."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: Amacrox Free Earth 85PLUS 650 W Power Supply Review :
"Amacrox Free Earth 85PLUS 650 W is a version of Free Style 85PLUS 650 W without a modular cabling system. During our tests it provided high efficiency between 81.8% and 86.0%, voltages within the allowed range and very low ripple and noise levels."
Click here to read the full review.
- Hardware Secrets: Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 400 W Power Supply Review:
"Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 400 W is capable to deliver its labeled power at high temperatures. But as we always like to point out, maximum power isnt everything. This unit presents lousy efficiency and noise and ripple levels above the maximum allowed, which can lead you computer to present random behavior (freezing, random resets, Blue Screen of Death, etc) and overload components. Therefore we cant recommend this product."
Click here to read the full review.
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Koolance VID-AR587 GPU Water Block Review
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PureOverclock have posted a review of the Koolance VID-AR587 GPU water block, which is compatible with reference design Radeon HD 5800 series graphics cards.
Let's see what they had to say:
"The VID-AR587 is as sexy as Angelina Jolie and has a kick-ass performance just like Mrs. Smith herself. What we were most impressed with was its quality and thermal performance considering it is a very restricted block. However, if you have several blocks in your loop then you may run into flow issues as a result, really thats the only potential Achilles Heel we can find here with the Koolance block.
Other than the flow restriction which isn't a problem unless you have a very complex single loop, we love the Koolance VID-AR587, and if you're looking for a full coverage GPU block for your Radeon 5870 then we certainly recommend this one."
If you plan on adding your Radeon HD 5800 series card to your water cooling loop, this is the water block to buy. It's a very sexy piece of kit.
Click here to read the full review.
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Corsair Flash Padlock 2 8GB USB Flash Drive Reviews
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
CCE Reviews and techPowerUp have just reviewed the new Corsair Flash Padlock 2 8GB, a security-oriented USB Flash Drive with physical keypad buttons.
Here's what they had to say:
- CCE Reviews:
"Those interested in the Padlock 2 will be so because of the data encryption it provides. The hassle-free PIN system is not specific to any operating system and requires no software installation. By memorizing your PIN and the sequence of steps required to unlock the drive you will be able to access your data. The internal battery charges every time it is plugged into a USB drive and so the likelihood of it running dead and leaving you without access to your data will be very unlikely. I would have to say anyone using a software password-protected drive should throw it out the door and get a Padlock 2.""
Click here to read the full review.
- techPowerUp:
"Sure, the Padlock 2 may not the fastest flash drive out there. In fact one may categorize it as being slow, but you have to realize who would be buying a flash drive like this. There are plenty of drives out there with 256-bit AES encryption, but very few have an active lock/unlock mechanism in form of a number pad or fingerprint reader. The latter requires active power, having to connect the stick first and then swiping your finger using a software stored on the flash drive itself. This offers various ways to attack the protection to gain access to the stored data. Corsair has gone with the unattached PIN entry with no software required to be run on the host system. This means that there is no way to bypass the system. It is a mystery to me, how Corsair manages to give the user instant access when using VBE, but if that is true, the entire flash memory is encrypted. Even if one opens up the unit and de-solders the flash storage IC and then accesses the data, all the hacker will find is encrypted data. In comparison with the Padlock 1, Corsair has gone the extra mile now to secure the contents of the flash drive and that is what matters to those going for the Padlock 2. Reduced performance is certainly a small price to pay for some real peace of mind, keeping your data secure even if you happen to lose the Padlock 2."
Click here to read the full review.
If you carry important data on your USB flash drive and prefer the convenience of manually entering a PIN number instead of dealing with encryption software, then this might just be the product for you.
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Network Attached Storage (NAS) Review Roundup
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews, CCE Reviews, HardwareHeaven, and TweakTown have reviewed several multi-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices from Patriot, QNAP, Synology, and Thecus.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews: QNAP TS-459 Pro NAS Server Review:
"The QNAP TS-459 Pro Turbo NAS network storage server is going to be an excellent alternative to small data clusters or a file server stuffed with drives. The additional functionality should certainly not go overlooked, because it could save your company money in other departments or cut the cost of buying additional equipment for your home business. The TS-459 Pro reviewed in this article offers four bays of SATA storage, allowing RAID configuration possibilities most other all-in-one products cannot deliver, and satisfies the storage-space intensive corporate market as well as SOHO power-users at the same time. If you're an IT professional looking to offer a network-attached mass-storage server with redundant data arrays and network failover features, the QNAP TS-459 Pro is great for storage-centric operational needs with outstanding file transfer speeds and a fair startup cost."
Click here to read the full review.
- CCE Reviews: Patriot Valkyrie 2 Bay NAS Review:
"So at the end of it all where does the Patriot Valkyrie 2 Bay NAS stand? I think Patriot hits on their goal of building an inexpensive NAS device that has some nice services for the end consumer such as a print server, download manager and iTunes to name a few. It is extremely simple to setup and get running in no time at all.
With that being said, dont expect enterprise level performance as the Valkyrie is aimed more at the home user than the office environment. The Valkyrie is an attractive unit that should perform well enough for the general home user that wants a simple and easy to setup network storage device."
Click here to read the full review.
- HardwareHeaven: Synology Disk Station DS410j NAS Review:
"The Disk Station is a very good NAS and we cannot name any alternative on the market that has so many features, it is really more like a little server.
At around the £300/$500 mark the Disk Station 410j isnt a budget item, it is however very competitively priced when compared to products from other companies. There is of course no Hard disk included but this allows us to create a custom sized hard disk plan, choosing the ideal configuration before purchasing. The only real negative we can see with this product is that it comes with one years warranty, we would have liked to see 2-3 years however their support via the Synology website is very good and the frequency of software updates is also impressive."
Click here to read the full review.
- TweakTown: Thecus N7700 Pro 7 Drive NAS Server Review:
"The Thecus N7700 Pro is one of the highest performing NAS servers we have tested to date. The performance increase over the standard N7700 is apparent in real world usage. I have been using the N7700 since May of 2009 and just bouncing files back and forth between the two see file transfers cut in 1/3 the time."
Click here to read the full review.
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MSI 890GXM-G65 AM3 Motherboard Review
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
MadShrimps have posted a review of the MSI 890GXM-G65, an AMD 890GX-based AM3 motherboard that features both SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.0, and an integrated Radeon HD 4290 GPU.
Here's what they had to say:
"Now, concerning the 890GXM-G65 mainboard. To be honest, every time a new mainboard lands on my desk, I expect it to have huge flaws. In the recent past, I've done a lot of troubleshooting and beta-testing for boards and I do understand better how difficult it is to get a board just right from the absolute beginning ... sometimes it all goes well, but sometimes the flaws are innumerable. Now, in this case, I have to say that I was surprised about the quality of the bios and the board in general. No, I did not have to spend an entire night prowling through the bios to find the right combination to get 8GB working ... no, first boot everything worked perfectly stable. The test sessions with this board went smoothly and I have no reason to complain about anything."
This seems like an excellent AM3 motherboard, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those building an AMD system. Even if you don't plan to use the integrated GPU, the new southbridge is reason enough to pick this AMD chipset over any other.
Click here to read the full review.
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Ozone Ground Level Mousepad & Smog Mouse Review
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
LanOC Reviews have tested two gaming peripherals from newcomer Ozone Gaming, the Ground Level mousepad and Smog mouse.
Let's see what they had to say:
- LanOC Reviews: Ozone Ground Level Mouse Pads:
"With three options to suit your personal needs at some of the lowest prices in the industry, the Ground Level line should definitely be consider for any enthusiast looking to upgrade. The surface is smooth and allows for a great glide with no issues in tracking and the rubber foam base ensures that the pad will stay where you want it. Each of the three is easily transportable, providing for great potential for an extra mat for on the go, or your staple surface."
Click here to read the full review.
- LanOC Reviews: Ozone Smog:
"On the outside, there are a few quirks that hold back a shining potential of the Smog. Gamers of all types will appreciate the customization and ability of this mouse but may be turned off by the odd look and skeptical of it comfort-ability. However, there are a lot of things that Ozone has done excellently, and some faults to a reviewer with a larger hand. That said, this mouse may appeal to those with a smaller hands. We've definitely seen potential in a company tailoring to the needs of professional gaming, and look forward to Ozone's next installment of mice."
Click here to read the full review.
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Top 20 3DMark Vantage Movers & Shakers
April 5, 2010 - Joe "OuTkAsT-1" Topolnisky
Getting back in the swing of things tonight, we continue our weekly look at the top 3DMark Vantage scores submitted to the online result browser (ORB). Heating up the charts this week we have eight new entries, including new 1st overalls in each category! How high did they raise the bar? Read on to find out:
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Entry Preset Top 20:
1. E92568 GIGABYTE X58A-UD9 + HD5870 SOC
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Performance Preset Top 20:
1. P50516 GIGABYTE X58A-UD9 + HD5870 SOC
11. P43555 Amis
17. P41605 980x+5970 quadfire 10.1
New to the 3DMark Vantage - High Preset Top 20:
1. H41332 GIGABYTE X58A-UD9 + HD5870 SOC
10. H28171 SAKURA @ JP
New to the 3DMark Vantage - Extreme Preset Top 20:
1. X29834 EtheEnthusiast
2. X28811 Dick Hard
5. X26720 nswf BlackBeast 5970s
Looks like the i7 980X finally took over the charts this week. Impressive stuff! :D
Anyways, keep up the great work everyone. And remember, you can track of the top scores throughout the week by visiting our Hall of Fame. Until next time!
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60GB-128GB Solid State Drive Review Roundup
April 5, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews, LanOC, PC Perspective, PureOverclock, and Techgage have reviewed several 60GB to 128GB solid state drives (SSDs) from A-DATA, Kingston, OCZ, and Plextor.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Benchmark Reviews: A-DATA S599 SandForce SF-1200 SSD Test:
"In summary, the ADATA S599-series is a high-performance SATA-3.0 GBps Solid State Drive that builds on the powerful SandForce SF-1200 SSD processor. SandForce innovates the SSD industry by prolonging MLC NAND flash module lifetime, and delivering RAID-like data redundancy. The ADATA S599 proved to meet or exceed its specifications, and 286/277 MBps read and write speeds are enough push the envelope of second-generation SATA performance. Unfortunately, most new SSDs coming to market are likely to be compliant with 3rd-generation SATA standards, and may also be faster. While the current retail prices make the ADATA S599 an attractive buy, expect even more discounts to come as additional SATA-6G SSDs join the market. ADATA made a wise decision to partner with SandForce for the S599, as it easily outperforms Indilinx-based SSDs."
Click here to read the full review.
- LanOC: OCZ Agility Series 60 GB SSD Review:
"When youre in the market for an SSD you have to first get over the sticker shock from the dropping but still high prices. OCZ brings the Agility in to bridge the gap between cheap but slower standard hard drives and the much more expensive high end SSDs. You dont lose the features of high end SSDs like Trim and you dont have to worry about the issues people experienced when SSDs where first introduced. The 60 gig size comes in perfect for someone who plans on just running their OS or games off of one drive along with an NAS or larger drive for file storage. When keeping the price in mind this is one of the best buys in SSDs right now!"
Click here to read the full review.
- PC Perspective: Plextor PX-128M1S Solid State Drive Review:
"These new drives from Plextor offer decent performance at a good price. While we would have liked to see the top-tier optical media company come out swinging with a newer generation controller, not everyone has such resources at their disposal. This Marvell controller is unproven, but it did its job well and maintained rock solid read speeds regardless of workload. This tech may be considerably cheaper, but it is easily bested by the competition."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock: Kingston SSDNow SNV425-S2 128GB Review:
"The Kingston V SNV425-S2 may not be the fastest SSD on the market, but it's no slouch, and with an excellent price, you get a very capable SSD, and the value offered here is the most impressive feature. The Kingston SNV425-S2 is probably one of the first "affordable" SSDs on the market that isn't a basement-dweller in terms of performance. Frankly, with these respectable numbers and amazing price, this drive is sure to make many consumers jump onto the SSD bandwagon."
Click here to read the full review.
- Techgage: OCZ Vertex Turbo 120GB SSD Review:
"In much the same way OCZ's Vertex is in the same position... it is not as fast as the Vertex 2 or Crucial RealSSD, but it is the much better priced choice, offering performance that is still hard to beat and at $2.41 per GB offers probably the best price/performance ratio of any SSD. As of this writing they offer a lower price/GB ratio on the 120GB model than even Intel's G2 X25-M series drives while offering anywhere from equivalent to much better performance thanks to their much higher 160MB/s write speed rating (Intel's 80GB drive is limited to approximately 80MB/s). Not to mention they don't require an additional investment in a new motherboard with SATA 6Gb/s support for full performance, either!"
Click here to read the full review.
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AMD Phenom II X2 555 BE AM3 CPU Review
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
ITShootOut.com have posted a review of the AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition AM3 processor, which is clocked at 3.2Ghz and features the highly overclockable new C3 revision core.
Here's what they had to say:
"The AMD Phenom II X2 555 is undoubtedly a faster chip than competing Intel processors in this price bracket, but what really sets it apart is the potential it offers to those willing to experiment. We were able to unlock the cores in our 555 to produce a fully fledged 3.6GHz quad core chip with only a few minutes of BIOS tweaking, at which speed it offered performance competitive with a Core i7 based PC costing many times as much. The Phenom also offered scintillating performance in our gaming benchmarks making it the perfect processor for those looking to build a second LAN party box on the cheap."
Given the $25 price difference between this model and the Athlon II X2 255, the Phenom II X2 is definitely the best purchase, especially if you are an overclocker. Don't forget that there is always the possibility of unlocking this processor, so you may just end up with a quad-core processor for less than a $100.
Click here to read the full review.
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Kingston SSDNow V+ (Gen. 2) 128GB SSD Review
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Canucks have reviewed the new second-generation Kingston SSDNow V+ 128GB solid state drive, which features claimed 230MB/s sequential read and 180MB/s sequential write speeds.
Here's what they had to say:
"We really do think this drive does have the potential to grow into one heck of a great performer but we really hope that the growing pains we discovered are only going to be around for the short term. Much like when Indilinx arrived on the scene, early adopters of the SSDNow V+ are going to be able to witness firsthand the growth and development of this drive. However, this may all be thrown out the window if Toshiba cant keep up with constant firmware releases.
However, we are reviewing this drive now but even if we base this conclusion solely on existing performance, the SSDNow V+ 128GB still ends up looking like a star. This isnt because Kingstons drive will burn up the charts with balls-to-the-wall performance but rather its current price is simply stunning. Basically, you can get near high-end performance for much less than you would expect which is why this drive wins our Dam Good Value Award."
Along with the Corsair Nova Series 128GB, this is among the cheapest 128GB solid state drives on the market. The Kingston models performs very well and it's relatively large as well, what's not like?
Click here to read the full review.
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ECS H55H-I Mini ITX Motherboard Reviews
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Hardware Secrets and PureOverclock have reviewed the compact ECS H55H-I, an Intel H55 LGA1156 motherboard that is based on the tiny mini ITX form factor.
Let's see what they had to say:
- Hardware Secrets:
"ECS H55H-I is clearly targeted to users that want to build a small computer or an HTPC (home theater PC), and will certainly please customers that pick this product, as it has everything one should expect from a motherboard targeted to this kind of computer: small footprint, three different kinds of video outputs including HDMI , optical and coaxial SPDIF outputs and analog 7.1 audio output with independent jacks. The presence of an eSATA port completes the package."
Click here to read the full review.
- PureOverclock:
"ECS has put together a nice little board here, literally, with the H55H-I mini ITX. There's a pretty good layout, respectable features, and good connectivity options with VGA, DVI, and HDMI capabilities. And with one PCI-E X16 slot available, you can install a nice little discrete card, perhaps a Radeon 5450, to give your video a boost.
While there are some overclocking and tweaking options available, the reality is that this motherboard isn't designed to be pushed like that. A simple and straightforward BIOS is really all that's required, but the options available are a bonus. For the average user, these are more than enough, and frankly may never be touched for the most part."
Click here to read the full review.
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AMD Athlon II X2 255 AM3 CPU Review
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews have posted a review of the AMD Athlon II X2 255 AM3 processor. This lower-end model is clocked at 3.1Ghz, features 1MB of L2 cache, and no L3 cache.
Here's what they had to say:
"AMD's ADX255OGQBOX retail kit is available online for only $74.99, which means the Athlon-II X2-255 is priced to sell. While enthusiasts and hard-core gamers will find that the X2-255 doesn't offer the frame rates they desire, any user working with a computer that is over a couple of years old will find that the Athlon-II X2-255 offers an amazing bang for the buck. While the Athlon-II X2-255 doesn't have the L3 cache offered by the Phenom processors, it still outperforms similarly priced Intel process as we saw in most of the tests against the Pentium Dual Core E5300."
This is a $75 processor, for ~$25 more you can get a Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition which has 6MB of L3 cache, is multiplier unlocked, and can potentially be turned into a quad-core model. Also, since the X2 555 is guaranteed to have the C3 revision core, it will also potentially overclock quite a bit better.
Click here to read the full review.
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Gigabyte Ghost Xtreme GM-M8000X Gaming Mouse Review
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
Benchmark Reviews have posted a review of the new Gigabyte Ghost Xtreme GM-M8000X, an improved version of the original Ghost GM-M8000.
Here's what they had to say:
"Performance with the Gigabyte GM-M8000X is near-perfection. The mouse answers to the smallest, minimal movement. Accuracy and precision is something this mouse won´t ever lack. There is no stuttering in any conditions, and the laser will work in almost every surface you throw at it. Functions and profiles work as they should and the User Interface (UI) has been improved from the last product. In other words, if you really want a gamer mouse, you can´t miss this one. It will give you the necessary weapons to play your favorite game and not to stand behind the competition.
Appearance is pretty subjective. I love this mouse in black color, but others might prefer it grey/platinum or any other color. The DPI LEDs look great along with the "Ghost" logo which reminds you which profile you´re using at the moment. Gigabyte keeps elegance while adding some interesting arrangements so it won´t look top pimp, and that´s definitively something many users will thank."
Judging from the users reviews, $65 is quite reasonable for this very well designed mouse, everyone who owns one seems to love it.
Click here to read the full review.
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Micro Cool Banchetto 101 Tech Station Review
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
High Tech Reviews have taken a look at the fancy and extremely unique Micro Cool Banchetto 101 tech station.
Here's what they had to say:
"The Micro Cool Banchetto 101 might not be for everyone, but if you are a modder and do a look of testing say of motherboards this device is something you really should look into. This includes reviews, technicians that are working on motherboards or even someone that just wants a case if you will for their PC that will get a lot "Wows" when friends and co-workers see it.
Whether you like to be different or you just happen to be a avid system builder then the Micro Cool Banchetto 101 is the item for you. You can have a motherboard installed and be testing it in less than 3 minutes. Give one a look and you make have to buy one for yourself."
If you're sick of traditional cases, this is definitely a solution that will seperate you from the rest of the crowd.
Click here to read the full review.
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ATI Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition Tested
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
PC Perspective and Techgage have just tested the highly anticipated ATI Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition graphics card, which allows for unprecedented 6 monitor gaming from a single card.
Here's what they had to say:
- PC Perspective:
"I have to admit that even though I was let down by the FPS experience of gaming on 6 monitors, the sheer beauty of seeing a 3x2 Eyefinity configuration is awe inspiring. I found myself finding things to fill the real estate with and could see someone becoming accustomed to it very easily for a permanent configuration. Gaming on 6 panels creates a bit of a problem as we mentioned and only SOME games are going to see the benefit from it: fans of RTS titles and driving games will probably find it mesmerizing. And the ability to fall back on 3-panels for FPS titles does seem like a waste of investment (especially if this is the majority of your gaming time) but at least the option is there.
The Radeon HD 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition graphics card is aimed at a very specific type of gamer and to that end, AMD has succeeded. I was disappointed to see that the 2GB frame buffer offered so little in performance advantages over the 1GB card so recommending it over other HD 5870s is hard to do unless you really do want the freedom of 4+ monitors hooked up to a single GPU. Should you find yourself multi-monitor curious, this card is the only way to go."
Click here to read the full review.
- Techgage:
"As you could expect, Eyefinity 6 isn't for the weak of heart. For one, it's a technology that's obviously designed for six displays, and even with modest 20" models, that's going to take up a lot of room. Second, you need the Eyefinity 6 edition graphics card, which includes six mini-DisplayPort connectors on the back. It also boosts the available GDDR5 to 2GB and carries a higher price tag of $479.
Because the card includes mini-DisplayPort connectors, you'll need to use adapters in order to hook up all six monitors without issue. Five adapters will be included in the box, not six (for some reason), so you'll need to purchase an additional connector or connectors (if you want to use the same adapter for each, since the boxed card will only include 2x DisplayPort, 2x DVI and 1x HDMI). It can be assumed that vendors such as Sapphire will sell editions of the card that include all of the same adapter, and six in total."
Click here to read the full review.
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CoolIT ECO A.L.C. CPU Cooler Review
April 1, 2010 - Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan
BCCHardware have posted a review of the new CoolIT ECO A.L.C. CPU cooler, an affordable self-contained water cooling kit.
Let's see what they had to say:
"Another great thing about the ECO is the price. With a MSRP of $74.99 USD the ECO is a great value. There are multiple air-coolers on the market today that have higher MSRPs than the ECO and overall if you compare the performance to price ratio of the ECO I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.
At the end of the day it's very easy to like the ECO. Installation is a breeze, performance is great, and the MSRP is extremely competitive, what more can you ask for? Thanks to these reasons we've awarded the ECO A.L.C. CPU Cooler our "Editor's Choice - Gold" award. Jumping on the watercooling bandwagon has never been easier or more affordable, and you will most definitely want to check out the the CoolIT ECO A.L.C CPU Cooler for yourself."
This seems like an interesting product, but I would like to see how it compares to the Corsair H50 before recommending it to those who want an easy liquid-cooling solution.
Click here to read the full review.
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