Title: AMD’s X-Video Bitstream Acceleration @ Phoronix
Direct Link: http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=13034
Summary: “In early September we shared that UVD2 and XvMC is coming to Linux and that two new library files had begun shipping with the ATI Catalyst driver: AMDXvBA and XvBAW. Earlier this month the Unified Video Decoding 2 (UVD2) support was then enabled by default in the Catalyst 8.10 driver. These video acceleration improvements to the ATI Linux driver aren’t exactly end-user friendly yet, but today we have information on how those interested can begin using the X-Video Motion Compensation extension with their ATI hardware along with what the XvBA extension will provide users in regards to advanced video acceleration that is very similar to Microsoft’s DirectX Video Acceleration.”
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Primarily a PC case, power supply unit and cooling solutions manufacturer, Silverstone is treading new waters with the launch of its first input device. The Silverstone Raven is a gaming oriented mouse, not to be mistaken with the upcoming Silverstone Raven case which has what some might call, “a questionable design”
Full Article:
http://www.tbreak.com/articles/5/1/Silverstone-Raven-Gaming-Mouse/Page1.html
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Far Cry 2 performance in-depth
http://www.techspot.com/review/123-farcry2-performance/
If like us you are a fan of first-person shooters, then there is a good chance you have spent the better part of this year anticipating the arrival of Far Cry 2. Last week marked the release date for this awaited sequel, and so we immediately jumped in and bought our copy. However, rather than play the single player mission from start to finish and then go into some multiplayer action, we have been hard at work for bringing you this article.
As usual our in-depth performance review takes various ATI and Nvidia graphics cards and compares them in this new first-person shooter title. Having recently completed a similar article with Crytek’s Crysis Warhead, we have been keen to see if Far Cry 2 is just as demanding.
The quality presets tested include Ultra High, Very High, and High, which will be tested at 1280×1024, 1680×1050, and 1920×1200 resolutions. The built-in Far Cry 2 benchmark tool has been used to test the various graphics cards, so you will be able to accurately compare your systems performance to ours.
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NEW CONTENT (Storage) - Patriot Warp V2 128GB 2.5” Solid State Drive
QUOTE: “Just yesterday on my monthly journey to Fry’s, I noticed several retail boxed Patriot Warp Drives in a locked cabinet. The 128 GB model like the one we are looking at today was on sale for 369.00 U.S.D., around 20 Dollars more than the Newegg price. For many the high cost will be a big turn off and the Warp will not enjoy the same commercial success that a VelociRaptor will, but a 128GB SSD just a few months back would have set you back 1100 Dollars or more.
The Patriot Warp that we are looking at today is actually the second revision to the Warp Series. Very few of the first versions were released and unfortunately I didn’t have a Rev 1 sample on hand to test against the Rev 2. It should be noted that the packaging we received our Warp in did not specify if it was a V1 or V2, but we were assured it was the new V2. We will of course compare the drive to the other 2.5-inch drives we have tested since moving over to the new hard disk workstation.”
For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1639/patriot_warp_v2_128gb_2_5_solid_state_drive/index.html
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Improved Rock Band instruments is great, but they don’t really seem to hold a candle to the new Guitar Hero gear. For one, not only is the new Guitar Hero controller better made, but it is now “full sized”. It is much bigger than the toy-like wireless Gibson, which looks like a ukelele when slapped against my immense torso. The new GH guitar also has innovative solo buttons, but unlike the Rock Band buttons, these are touch sensitive and have a much different feel. It almost feels like you’re finger-tapping a real guitar (without all the pain), but it is very easy to lose your finger placement (and your fingers need to be spread out slightly farther than when holding the fret buttons). Switching back and forth between the touch slider and the fret buttons will undoubtedly make you miss a few notes while getting your bearings.
The GH Drums are also improved over Rock Band. Instead of four Toms and a foot pedal, these drums have three toms, two cymbals and a foot pedal (that’s SIX controls!). Playing drums feels a lot more like the real thing than playing guitar or bass, but these new drums somehow feel more authentic. The cymbals spring back a little better, and all of the pads are touch sensitive.
Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1393
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Article Name: Aerocool Aeroracer Pro Mid-Tower ATX Case Review @ Tweaknews.net Article Url: http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/aerocool_aeroracer_pro/
Article Snippet: “AeroCool’s AeroRacer Pro turned out to be a mixed bag. I like the exterior finish treatment and the overall look of the case. The cooling performance was very good although I think a few minor tweaks could enhance the airflow while reducing audible noise. I even like the large power button with its chrome bezel and blue backlighting, but the “ENGINE START” business seems a bit gratuitous to me.”
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TechwareLabs has published a review of the Thermaltake Vi-On HDD Enclosure. Here’s a clip from the review:
Quote: Join Nitro as we look at the one of a kind, Thermaltake Vi-On HDD Enclosure. Able to hold one 3.5″ HDD, this enclosure is silent, sleek, stylish, and wont mess up the all black theme of your desktop. As we all know, performance is key. How well will the Vi-On do when we put it to the test?
LINK: http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/storage/thermaltake_vion_hdd_enclosure/index.shtml
Title: Thermaltake Vi-On HDD Enclosure @ TechwareLabs
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NEW CONTENT (Visual) - BFG Tech GeForce GTX 260 OCX Graphics Card
QUOTE: “Not too long ago BFG Tech thought that it was time to kick it up a notch and expand upon the popular OC line it already had. Expanding that line, two new OC variants were created; the OC2 which helped knock up clock speeds a bit more than the standard OC models and the OCX which was designed to offer a significant boost over stock clocks.
We didn’t want to look at the card that was just a bit overclocked, nor the card that was overclocked a little bit more. We wanted to look at the big daddy of the GTX 260 line from BFG, the OCX variant. So with that said, let’s check out the package then from there we will have a look at the card itself and a closer look at the clockspeeds on tap before we get stuck into the benchmarking side of things.”
For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1638/bfg_tech_geforce_gtx_260_ocx_graphics_card/index.html
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Title: Razer Lachesis Gaming Mouse Review
Link: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/639
Category: Reviews
Summary:
The Razer Lachesis gaming-grade mouse reaches an astonishing resolution of 4,000 dpi. See how it fared in our test.
Here is a snippet:
“Razer has just reached a new height in terms of tracking resolution for gaming mice: its new model, the Lachesis, features a jaw-dropping 4,000 dpi of resolution. It also has an ambidextrous design, a rubber-coated large body and a pulsing blue light Razer logo. As with all the products from the company, the impeccable presentation goes along with the desire of making the best weapon of the virtual warrior. Let’s take a detailed look about the mouse and then proceed to see how the Lachesis fared in the field test.”
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Title: SilverStone FT01 Mid-Tower @ Techgage
Link: http://techgage.com/article/silverstone_ft01_mid-tower/
Quote: SilverStone has become well-known over the years for producing top-quality products, and the FT01 further reinstates that fact. Although the chassis is a bit pricier than others, it’s well-deserved. Obvious R&D went into this one, and not only does it offer superb airflow and the lack of a single sharp edge, it’s also one of the quietest chassis’ we’ve used in a while.
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Ninjalane has just posted a new review of the Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freeze Heatsink. This is a very value packed heatsink, but not for the extreme overclocker.
Subject: Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer @ Ninjalane
URL: http://www.ninjalane.com/display.aspx?docname=sbcorefreeze
Quote: “Sunbeamtech has given us an opportunity to see the evolution in action with the Core-Contact Freezer heatsink. This new design removes the plate that separates the heat pipes from the processor so now the heat pipes have direct contact with the processor. Is this a more effective way to cool these new multi-core processors? We will be testing this to find out.”
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InsideHW.com has posted article about Dell Studio 1735 notebook. You can read a clip from review:
“Last month we tested model 1535 from new Studio series of notebooks from Dell and this time we got another model from same series but with slightly bigger dimensions. For all of you that missed that review we will say that Studio series is intended for home users. Dell Studio 1735 belongs to DTR category (DeskTop Replacement) of notebooks and because of that, most of its characteristics are predetermined. When we took Dell Studio 1735 out of the box we experienced a déjà vu which was expected because the only differences in design from 1535 model are bigger dimensions and presence of numerical keypad…”
If you are interested to read some more, we present you link:
http://www.insidehw.com/Reviews/Notebooks/Dell-Studio-1735.html
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“Lancool’s (a brand owned by well respected manufacturer Lian-Li) latest offering is aimed at the mainstream gamer and enthusiast in the mid- to high-end market segment. The PC-K1 (around £85) is a relatively subdues midi-tower chassis that cuts straight to the chase. Exquisitely cut from aluminum and steel, the chassis is a good choice for the discerning needs of enthusiast level gamers not interested in garish accessories. A really neat feature is a little flip-open dust-free lid on the top cover which reveals multimedia I/O ports for easy access. Under the lid is an I/O bracket which accommodates two USB 2.0 ports, a single IEEE1394 port, and HD+AC97 Audio in/out capabilities. The chassis supports full ATX and micro-ATX form factor motherboards and has a secure power supply bay designed to keep it rigid during transportation. When it actually comes to building your machine it couldn’t be easier. Thumbscrews remove the need for any tools, the top panel can be removed or replaced, and cable management is a synch - special cable clips on the back of the motherboard tray secure in-the-way cables. Heck, there’s even a removable motherboard tray, letting you install the motherboard on the tray outside the case - goodbye working in small space! To not underestimate the PC-K1’s unassuming looks - it’s one heck of a good chassis.!
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=829
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Title: Antec Fusion HTPC Case Review on Technic3D
Link: http://www.technic3d.com/article-670,1-antec-fusion-htpc-gehaeuse.htm
Quote: “The Antec Fusion HTPC is the next PC Case in the Technic3D Editorship. See you in the following Review which qualities the HTPC Case with Display and many Features presents.”
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Title:
Scythe Kama Bay Amplifier
Link:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Scythe/Kamabayamp
Brief:
The Scythe Kama Bay Amplifier is made for all of you who want to use a pair of efficient passive speakers along with your PC without having to shell out the big bucks. Priced at only € 50 this amp could easily become an integrated part of your rig offering very solid performance for its price.
October 29th, 2008 by Kristofer
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