News for February 10th 2009
Title: MediaGate MG-35 3.5″ USB 2.0 Multimedia External IDE HDD Player / Seagate Barracuda 500GB IDE Hard Drive @ TestFreaks
Review Snipit:
“Today for review I’ve got a combo, Geeks is running a special until the 15th of February on the Mediagate MG-35 and 500GB IDE hard Drive for $119.95. I’m not going to really focus on the hard drive, as well, it’s a hard drive, the real product review is the Mediagate MG-35. The MG-35 is a much more than an HDD enclosure, it’s also a multimedia player with networking functionality as well so it can be used as a NAS device or even a streaming media player. ”
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Title: 2PCOM PS1264U CPU Cooler Review on Technic3D
Link: http://www.technic3d.com/article-809,1-2pcom-ps1264u-cpu-kuehler-im-test.htm
Quote: “The 2PCOM PS1264U CPU Heatsink arrived Technic3D. HTC technology (Heat-pipe Touch Chip), 120mm PWM Fan, 4x 6mm Heatpipes and PILLAR Technology can you see in the following Review compared with Zalman, Titan Cooling and many more.”
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“A desktop-friendly device, Lexmark’s E260dn provides good all-around convenience and a compact design that fits just about anywhere. Add in the fact that it’s very quiet and easy on the eyes, and you’ve got a neat office partner to spend your day with. If you’re looking for hassle-free printing and don’t have specific paper handling or finishing requirement, the E260dn is a good value choice. Print quality is perfectly acceptable for text, but images are a bit disappointing. Lexmark even throws in a basic network management application along with the driver itself, which provides both PCL 6 and Postscript Level 3 emulations along with the ability to print watermarks and multiple pages per sheet. We’d have liked the ability to walk-up and print via a USB memory stick, along with the option of fitting Wi-Fi, but these features would bump the price.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=917
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I used to do these a lot a few years ago and I don?t know why I didn?t do one last year. So this time I?m bringing another Pato game club. This is essentially my version of a book club but with video games. My goal is to cite a few niche titles that this year would be perfect for a download or ebay to play through. Lets do this.
Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1477
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Connection wise the card has both VGA and DVI ports meaning those of us with older monitors don’t need to use any of the annoying DVI to VGA adaptors that we would have with newer cards. Another very nice addition to the card that others may not have is the presence of a HDMI port, allowing you to connect the card directly to your HD TV, the card can also channel your computers sound through the HDMI cable so that you can have video and sound all through one cable, which I think is a great feature to have.
Read the rest of the review here … http://www.cpu3d.com/review/7178-1/sapphire-radeon-hd-4670-512mb-ddr4/introduction.html
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PC Gamers like them some headphones. Whether its communicating with team members in tactical shooters, taunting n00bs in PvP, or just not waking your significant other when gaming into the wee hours, a good headset is a necessary tool for gamers.
Plantronics has developed their GameCom 777
Gaming headset, which is used by professional gamers (at least that’s what I saw at their booth at PAX 08). This gamingheadset features Dolby Headphone technology, which not only allows gamers to experience positional sound in games, but listen to music and watch movies in 5.1 surround.
Review URL ::
http://www.ocmodshop.com/ocmodshop.aspx?a=1473
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Looks like the Netbook market is about to get even hotter. Although officially labeled as a \”PalmTop\” this mini notebook features a Dual Core AMD Turion 64 x2 1.2GHz Processor along with a 7\” Touch Screen and 128MB of discrete ATI graphics.
http://www.tbreak.com/news/62/Nawaiya%26%23039%3Bs-Dual-Core-AMD-based-Touchscreen-Palmtop
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A few weeks back, we took an in-depth look at the dual-GPU powered NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295. Just to recap a bit; the GeForce GTX 295 is NVIDIA’s current flagship graphics card that couples a pair of 55nm GT200 GPUs with 1792MB of frame buffer memory, culminating in what is ultimately the fastest, single graphics adapter on the market at this time. It appeared after about 5 months of work and fine tuning, NVIDIA was sick and tired of letting AMD’s Radeon HD 4870 X2 lead the pack as the fastest single graphics card in the market.
In our launch article, we also gave you a glimpse of the EVGA GeForce GTX 295 Plus, but due to time constraints, we weren’t able to benchmark and fully evaluate the card. We have since, however, given the EVGA GeForce GTX 295 Plus a good once over, and are ready to shine the spotlight on it here. Although it is, at its core, a straight-up reference design, EVGA worked a bit of their mojo and tweaked the GTX 295 Plus’ clock speeds slightly to boost the card’s performance over stock models. Click the link below and take a look…
EVGA GeForce GTX 295 Plus:
http://hothardware.com/Articles/EVGA-GeForce-GTX-295-Plus
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TechwareLabs has published an editorial titled: What is Memory and How it is Used? Memory Hierarchy Explained. Here’s a clip from the editorial:
Quote:Your out buying a processor and RAM, and you keep hearing this word memory being thrown around. Everything from your processor, to your RAM, and even your video card has memory. Why do you need so much and what are the differences in the memory? Join Brad as we take a look at the hierarchy of computer memory.
LINK: http://www.techwarelabs.com/articles/editorials/memory_hierarchy
Title: What is Memory and How it is Used? Memory Hierarchy Explained @ TechwareLabs
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Title: Antec Skeleton Case Review – Tech-Reviews.co.uk
Briefing: It’s not often that we’re presented with a computer enclosure that doesn’t follow suit to the usual tower-format of case. Antec’s Open-Air Skeleton is one such enclosure which is different from the rest. The Antec Skeleton is a stripped down version of a system case, consisting of only the core essentials of an enclosure – no side panels etc. As I’m sure you’re aware, this is quite a unique approach to a computer case and quite a risky move on Antec’s part. Anyway, let’s go take a look…
Link: http://tech-reviews.co.uk/reviews/antec-skeleton-review/
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“With support for the latest Intel chipset and Core i7 processors, along with the additional overclocking headroom afforded by ROG Extreme Engine, the sexy-looking (just check out the red, black and dark metallic grey cooling) Rampage II Extreme is that fastest and most customisable motherboard on the planet. The downside is that it costs almost the same as a whole computer. If you’re not out to beat the overclocking world record, motherboards such as MSI’s Eclipse (around £280) and ASUS’ P6T Deluxe (Best Current Price: £249) are much better value for everyday use, plus they come with more expansion slots.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=916
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Hardware Bistro has just posted latest review on Noctua NH-U12P
CPU Cooler. Thanks
Quote: “We have reviewed several products from Noctua and we would like to remark that their products are always come with good quality and outstanding
performance. Today we’ll take a step forward to review their
CPU cooler; NH-U12P which is the replacement of their previous great NH-U cooler. Let us examine this cooler further to see whether it is worth its value or not.”
Read More:
http://hardwarebistro.com/index.php?option=com_simple_review&Itemid=84&review=60-Noctua-NH-U12P-Heat-Pipe-CPU-Cooler-Review
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“Samsung’s SpinPoint F1 HD103UJ is exceptional value. Not only is it a very good performer, but it’s low on noise and doesn’t require much power. It also sports one of the most advanced technologies for high-speed data transfer. Unless you need a monster 1.5TB or 2TB drive – and the relatively high price that goes with it – the SpinPoint F1 HD103UJ is a brilliant drive for the asking price.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=915
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Title: Xigmatek HDT S1284
CPU Cooler Review @ ModReactor
Direct Link:
http://www.modreactor.com/english/Reviews/Xigmatek-HDT-S1284-CPU-Cooler-Review.html
Quote: “Heatpipe Direct Touch processor coolers are no news anymore
and nowadays we’re seeing more and more of them. Today we’ll be
reviewing one such product from Xigmatek. The particular model in the
center of our attention is the HDT S1284 Enhanced Edition. ”
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Title: TRENDnet TEW-623PI Wireless N PCI card Review @ FusionMods.Net
Link: http://www.fusionmods.net/index.php?theCase=viewThread&threadID=1870
Quote: “Wireless N is becoming more and more popular, and because of this, the prices of the wireless n equipment are coming down. Â This is just the case with TRENDnet\’s TEW-623PI PCI wireless card. Â Its a well performing Wifi N card that is well designed and has a affordable pricetag.”
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Today we have a look at the OCZ Vendetta part deux with a larger heatsink and bigger fan. This heatsink incorporates Heatpipe Direct Touch (HDT) where the heat-pipes are in direct contact with the heat source which allow for better cooling performance than conventional heatsinks.
Full Article:
http://www.tbreak.com/articles/48/1/OCZ-Vendetta-2/Page1.html
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OCIA.net has posted their review of the OCZ Throttle 8GB eSATA Drive. Below is a direct quote from the review:
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Title: Synology DS209+ 2-Bay Disk Station @ Techgage
Link: http://techgage.com/article/synology_ds209_2-bay_disk_station/
Quote: Synology has become well-known over the years for producing some of the highest-quality NAS boxes on the planet, some of which we’ve taken a look at in the past, and the new DS209+ is no exception. Though expensive, it has a huge feature-set and superb performance to back it up, which makes it a good buy for anyone with a fairly lenient budget.
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TITLE: Shuttle SP45H7 @ LanOC Reviews
DESCRIPTION: In the PC gaming world it seems like everything just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Recently we looked at the Coolermaster 840, at over 22 inches tall it’s a very large case. What if you could pack your whole rig into something no taller than a DVD case. This is where Shuttle comes in; they have been designing barebone setups for 19 years that defy what most people say should fit into a small form factor case. In fact, they were the first company to produce a SFF system. Barebones of course means you get a case, power supply, and motherboard; leaving you to only get your HD, disc drive, CPU, Ram, and video card. Today we are going to look at their SP45H7 barebone, with a Intel P45 chipset and a SFF case I suspect this has the possibility to be a great lap party setup.
ARTICLE URL: http://lanoc.org/reviews/shuttle-sp45h7/
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NEW CONTENT (Notebooks & Netbooks) – ASUS Eee 1002HA Netbook Reviewed
QUOTE: “But despite the poor economy and reduced numbers of computers shipped, not all is doom and gloom in the computer market. The netbook segment is producing significant levels of growth in the industry and at this point, most all PC makers are in the netbook market with machines of their own. The only notable holdout is Apple.
Today we are going to look at a netbook from ASUS, the company that started the netbook revolution. Specifically, we are looking at the ASUS Eee 1002HA netbook that has a very slick design and some great features that shoppers looking for a netbook will want to take notice of. The 1002HA isn’t a perfect netbook, but it comes dangerously close to being the best netbook in the land.”
For more information, please visit - http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1744/asus_eee_1002ha_netbook_reviewed/index.html
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We have just posted up our review of the life-saving mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 3G. This is a battery/case that extends the life of your power-hungry iPhone 3G by 2x. mophie is known for their high-quality products and for an MSRP $99USD, the Juice Pack better perform quite well. If you’re tired of poor battery life on your iPhone 3G make sure you catch our review for all the details.
Title: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone
URL: http://www.bcchardware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6749&Itemid=40
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Title:Â Coolermaster Silent Pro M600 Power Supply Review
Summary: It’s been a little while since we last looked at a Coolermaster unit here at the site, but at long last I’m looking at one today: the Silent Pro M600. This is a modular 600W unit that promises 600 watts of good clean power while not making a lot of noise in the process. Let’s see if it can deliver.
Articles URL: http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=134
Site URL: http://www.jonnyguru.com
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Title: Thermaltake ElementS (VK6000) Case Review
Link: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/690
Category: Reviews
Summary:
ElementS is a high-quality steel mid-tower case from Thermaltake, bringing interesting features such as two 2.5†hard disk drive bays. Let’s take a look on this new case.
Here is a snippet:
“ElementS, also known as VK6000, is a high-quality steel mid-tower case from Thermaltake, bringing interesting features such as two 2.5″ hard disk drive bays. Let’s take a look on this new case.”
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“The Phenom II X4 Quad Core 940 Black Edition is undoubtedly AMD’s fastest and most overclockable Phenom yet, but it’s still a million miles away from competing with Intel. While AMD can’t keep up with Intel on raw performance, the company is at least keeping high-end computing within reach of mass market. As an added bonus, AMD-based 790GX motherboards are cheaper than those using Intel’s X58 chipset, so you can build a quad-core system much more cheaper than an Intel-based solution. While that’s true, X58 boards generally offer more robust overclocking features, including BIOS setup programs which make life easier for seasoned tweakers. With the Phenom II X4 Quad Core 940 Black Edition you get what you pay for. If you want maximum performance and cost isn’t an issue, you’ll want Intel’s Core i7.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=914
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Tech Arkade hast just published a preview on F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin. Is the game worthwhile? Find out here: http://techarkade.com/component/content/article/45-games-a-software/97-fear-2-project-origin-preview.html?directory=65
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TITLE: AMD Phenom II X3 720 BE Black Edition AM3 CPU @ Benchmark Reviews
DESCRIPTION: Three is a number not normally associated with processors, although it’s actually gaining momentum thanks to Intel’s triple-channel memory architecture that caters to the 3GB sweet-spot for Windows XP. Dispite this, a triple-core processor just doesn’t seem natural to many of us, because we’re so used to seeing everything come in twos. But three isn’t a bad thing at all, because AMD’s Phenom II X3 720 BE processor is actually quite good. Benchmark Reviews compares the 2.8GHz Black Edition AM3/AM2+ CPU against the Intel Core i7-920 and other AMD processors. You might be surprised by how well the odd man out can fit in.
ARTICLE URL: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=296&Itemid=63
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iXBT Labs Review: ASUS P6T Deluxe OC Palm Edition Motherboard
Excerpt:
“As the first motherboard with Socket 1366 in our test lab, ASUS P6T Deluxe is bound to attract extra attention as it features so many new technologies. And our readers’ interest to the new processor microarchitecture, new CPU family, new socket, new chipset, etc. inevitably touches the motherboard as well.”
Article: http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/mainboard/asus-p6t-deluxe-i58x-p1.html
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Gigabyte GA-X48-DS5 Intel X48 Express Motherboard Review
“Gigabyte’s high-end GA-X48-DS5 motherboard is, as you might have guessed, based on the Intel X48 Express and ICH9R chipsets. It’s core logic offers up 32 lanes of PCI Express 2.0 bandwidth which makes this platform great for running a pair of Crossfire’d ATI videocards at full tilt.”
URL LINK: http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2366
TAG-LINE:Â Gigabyte GA-X48-DS5 Intel X48 Express Motherboard Review @ PCSTATS.com
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“As user-friendly as it might be, Quicken Home & Business 2009 lacks important small business features, such as Inventory, Payroll, Time Billing, and Jobs Management. It does have Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable sections, some cash flow options and a Balance Sheet, but overall it’s not a complete small-business solution. One feature that did stand out was Job Costing. Here you can make a master job list to track jobs and set them as active or inactive. You can also make a job estimation list to evaluate if the project is worth your time. These lists can be e-mailed, but Quicken doesn’t have reporting categories for job costing. If you need a program for personal accounting with only a few small business extras, Quicken Home & Business 2009 works. Having said that, until Intuit starts to produce UK-tailored versions of its software again, you should tread carefully.â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=913
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As usual, it utilises Intel’s X58 chipset along with ICH10R southbridge, and supports triple channel DDR3 ram, CrossfireX, as well as Gigabyte’s innovative UltraDurable 3 and DES Advanced. As far as performance is concerned, we can expect the EX58-UD4Â to be very similar to other X58 based motherboards from Gigabyte … such as the EX58-DS4.
Read the rest of the review here … http://www.cpu3d.com/review/7212-1/gigabyte-ex58-ud4-motherboard/introduction.html
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Title: Scythe Kama Bay Review @ XSReviews
Review Link: http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/other-products/scythe-kama-bay/
Quote: “Today going under scrutiny at XSReviews is one of the less sought-after products in the enthusiast hardware industry, something expected to come with your case – a card reader. However, this is not simply a bog standard card reader but in fact a multi-function controller and media card reader, or so the manufacturer describes it as. Let’s see whether this product is all it’s cracked up to be. Time to introduce the product in question; I give you the Scythe Kama Panel.“
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“Prince Of Persia is an outstanding family game. More of 3D platformer than an action adventure, it looks, sounds and plays like a next-generation title. Perhaps more important is that it manages to entertain throughout and the inevitable relationship between the Prince and Princess is endearing. The inability to die and the minimalist control scheme will alienate hardcore players looking for depth and challenge, as will the boring combat that ends up relying far too heavily on Quick Time Events (QTEs), but give it time and there’s a lot to admire in Prince Of Persia – once you’ve managed to tune out the Prince’s incessantly goofy American articulation!â€
http://www.itreviewed.co.uk/rev.php?id=912
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TechwareLabs has published a review of the Thermaltake MaxOrb EX. Here’s a clip from the review:
Quote: Improving on the design of their previous monster performance cooler the MaxOrb, Thermaltake has released the MaxOrb EX which promises even better performance in a shiny new all copper package. Will copper make the difference and is this new cooler worth the price tag? Mike Takes the MaxOrb EX out for a spin and compares the two monster coolers on the same platform to bring you the results.
LINK: http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/PowerSupply/thermaltake_maxorb_ex
Title: Thermaltake MaxOrb EX Review @ TechwareLab
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