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:: PC Perspective . News Archive
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.:News Archive ( 7/2007 )
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Tech Report | Subject: General Tech
The Tech Report has been try to get a hold of Realtek to discuss some missing EAX features for quite a while now. The original inquiry was back in November, and they revisited it in May with the 1.66 driver. There was no change in the driver's EAX implementation in that version either. Today they try the 1.71 driver, so you can find out if Realtek has addressed their concerns.
"Realtek's series of ALC codec chips are by far the most popular solutions for integrated motherboard audio.
Unfortunately, we discovered last year that the company's drivers didn't correctly implement a couple of key EAX
positional audio features—occlusions and obstructions—rendering some games unplayable. We contacted Realtek about
the issue, but they didn't respond.
Six months later, we revisited Realtek's drivers and found that little had changed. With the then-current 1.66 driver release, EAX occlusions and obstructions still weren't being implemented properly, if at all. Again, we contacted Realtek, but the crab remained silent. I didn't expect to cover the issue again, particularly because Windows Vista has dropped support for hardware-accelerated DirectSound 3D, requiring special software that thus far only Creative provides for its own audio products. However, last week a reader emailed me suggesting that Realtek had fixed occlusion and obstruction support in its latest 1.71 drivers, so I decided to take them for a spin, with curious results." Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: HotHardware | Subject: Memory
OCZ's DDR2 PC2-6400 Vista Performance Platinum 4GB Dual Channel is not limited to Vista, but it is limited to 64-bit systems. They are sporting OCZ's Xtreme Thermal Convection heatspreaders and the timings are relatively tight at 5-4-4-12 making these DIMMs easily overclockable. Read on at HotHardware to see just how far they managed to push them.
"Today at HotHardware, we have posted our thoughts on a new high-performance DDR2 kit from OCZ, the DDR2 PC2-6400
Vista Performance Platinum 4GB Dual Channel kit. As its name suggests, OCZ's DDR2 PC2-6400 Vista Performance
Platinum 4GB Dual Channel kit is a member of the company’s low latency Platinum XTC line, and it offers and
impressive package that boasts 4GB (2GB x 2) of memory rated at 800MHz with relatively tight 5-4-4-15 timings. Head
on over to the site and take a look…"
Here are some more Memory articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Modders-Inc | Subject: Case and Cooling
OCZ's ModXStream 780W gives you a very feature rich, as well as powerful, power supply. OCZ's EZMod cable management system makes for a clean install and the black mesh will fit in with the interior of most PCs. Four 20A 12V rails, with a max 755W will ensure that even multiple graphics cards get enough power, and the overall efficiency is good. Modders-Inc will take you through a tour of this PSU.
If you haven't spent the time to read Lee's review of the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W Quad PSU, then get on with it!
"The choices are becoming endless when it is time to choose a power supply for todays demanding computer components.
The consumer has several things to consider, loudness, output, efficiency, and usability to name just a few. Today
we are going to take a look at the OCZ ModXStream power supply which is available in the 780W configuration as well
as a 900W configuration."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Cooler Master | Subject: Case and Cooling
When it comes to PC chassis, no one does it better than Cooler Master. For years now, Cooler Master has been on the leading edge of PC chassis design. Today, Cooler Master is pleased to announce its latest creation - the CM 690 PC chassis. By utilizing a unique mesh design, the CM 690 effectively blends together both form and function, offering users a mid-tower chassis without compromise.
When looking at the CM 690, it's easy to be taken in by its bold lines and superb styling. But don't let its exterior fool you - the CM 690 is a lot more than just a pretty face. Its unique Cooler Master mesh design not only gives it its modern good looks, but also facilitates excellent thermal performance. Inside, users can install up to seven 120mm fans for high-efficiency ventilation, making the CM 690 perfectly suited for today's high-powered hardware. A 80x15 mm fan can even be installed at the rear of the motherboard tray to keep the CPU area well cooled. Other innovations like the bottom-mounted power supply, top mounted ventilation holes and retaining holes for water cooling units makes the CM 690 the ideal choice for systems that require the utmost stability.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Big Bruin | Subject: Case and Cooling
Sunbeamtech's Quarterback case seems a little larger than your average Quarterback, but it is a great case to build a system with. It weighs just over 9kg, and has four 120mm fans to go with the large openings in the front of the case. It is also very inexpensive for a tool-less case, but Big Bruin had some concerns about being able to use the core fan setup and longer graphics cards at the same time.
"For many people a computer is an expression of their personality, and to be happy with their computer they need the
outward appearance to match their sense of style. Case manufacturers recognize the broad range of personal
preferences in case styles, so they are constantly releasing new styles in order to appeal to the masses. While
almost every case is similar in function, their looks and added features are what helps to set them apart.
Sunbeamtech is one of the many manufacturers that regularly releases new cases to keep up with a rapidly changing market. One of their latest models, the Quarterback, is an ATX midtower style case that includes many of the features that computer enthusiasts want, while also including a few unique touches." Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: VIA Arena | Subject: General Tech
The BEAR from Vecna Robotics is a 6 foot tall tracked robot that is designed to retrieve casualties from areas too dangerous for medics to enter. It is currently powered by a VIA EPIA M10000G with a C3 processor, and there are plans to make this robot semi-autonomous. Currently it is remotely piloted by a human, as we are still much better at decision making, but it may well be that the first Terminator ends up being a combat medic. Read more about it at the repository of all things VIA, VIA Arena.
"During a fierce gun battle, an American soldier gets shot. His commanding officer wants to rescue him as. Just like
in the movies, he has no intentions of leaving anyone behind, but is nervous about putting more of his troops at
risk. Looking at the situation rationally, he knows that he will just end up with more casualties—and perhaps even
deaths—on his hands. And the whole time he is thinking this through, the whole time he is trying to work out some
sort of solution that will allow his squad to safely extract their wounded comrade, there’s a man out there who is
bleeding to death …Enter the BEAR. No, not the animal that has fur and pilfers picnic baskets from unsuspecting
families, but the Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot, the latest creation from Vecna Robotics. When it is
eventually released, the BEAR will be suited to exactly this kind of operation, as well as other tasks considered
too dangerous or difficult for humans."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Tech Report | Subject: Graphics Card
Just how much graphics memory do you need? The Tech Report does their best to determine the answer, by testing Diamond's 1GB HD 2900 XT. The theoretical memory bandwidth tops any card out there, the sheer amount of memory on the card is unique to consumer graphics, which makes it seem like this card can take on all comers. The question is, can the so far disappointing GPU take advantage of the memory?
"This card, with a staggering 128 GB/s of memory bandwidth, raises a number of intriguing questions about the role
of memory bandwidth, the question of graphics memory size (how much is enough?) and most of all, the potential of
AMD's R600 GPU. Some time has passed since the 2900 XT's debut, drivers have had time to mature, and here we have a
faster version of the card. Can this new 2900 XT take on Nvidia's best? Are the matchups altered in DirectX 10
games? And how does the UVD-less 2900 XT really perform in HD video playback? Read on for all of these answers and
more."
Here are some more Graphics Card articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Tech Lounge | Subject: Mobile
At 8lbs, and enough high powered components to drain the battery in no time the Alienwaire Aurora m9700 notebook isn't terribly portable. As a desktop replacement however, this notebook has more than enough power for any gamer in it's most expensive configuration. The Tech Lounge couldn't resist picking one up to review, and you just know they didn't get the basic model.
"When I think laptop, I think portable computing. I want to be able to check some mail, sync some music, and
basically, go a long time out of the house without worrying about where I'm going to find a free outlet. I'm also
the sort who uses a laptop for work, not games, and would rather spend my gaming budget on a capable desktop. But I
understand wanting a laptop that can game, I've done the LAN party deal for posterity. I also understand the appeal
of the desktop replacement: a quiet computer that takes up almost no space is something most everyone agrees with."
Here are some more Mobile articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Intel Press Room | Subject: General Tech
SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 30, 2007 - Intel Corporation joined more than 40 server technology providers today in support of the new Server Systems Infrastructure (SSI) industry specification for modular server platforms. The Modular Server Specifications simplify and lower the cost of product development by providing design guidance that enables server builders to develop compliant and interoperable building blocks at the blade, chassis and manageability software level. The Modular Server Specifications are designed by the SSI organization, an industry initiative with more than 185 members. This announcement includes design specifications for compute blades, mezzanine cards and system management interfaces. The latest specifications build on previous successes of SSI, which include energy-efficient power supplies and optimized server board form factors for pedestal and rack-mount server platforms. All design specifications from SSI are made openly available to the broad market.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: techPowerUp! | Subject: Storage
OvisLink's AirLive WiFi NAS handles SATA and PATA drives, and lets you use them over it's 802.11g WiFi connection. It comes bundled with software that can turn it into a perfect BitTorrent server or an FTP downloader, as well as functioning as a normal NAS. Unfortunately it cannot function as a FTP server. techPowerUp! decided that this is a great value for Bit Torrent users, as well as anyone wanting a wireless storage solution.
"The OvisLink powered AirLive WiFi enclosure may look just like a normal NAS storage device, but it has a lot more
to offer than that. The well constructed and easy to use web interface can convert the enclosure to an iTunes
server, can handle your FTP, HTTP and even BitTorrent downloads - straight to the internal IDE or SATA hard drive."
Here are some more Storage reviews from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Ars Technica | Subject: Case and Cooling
Ars Technica has designed a pair of gaming boxes to satisfy gamers everywhere. One is a bit price conscious, weighing in at ~$1200, and the go all out for the ~$3000 performance box. It is worth the time to look if you are thinking about picking up a PC, or just figuring how long you will have to live on Mr. Noodles to buy one.
You can always contrast their choices with our own PC Perspective Hardware Leaderboard, to see which setups you prefer.
"This month we once again leave our regular System Guide behind in favor of the Gaming Box System Guide. As you can
guess by the name, gaming is the focus of this guide.
The Value Gaming Box falls somewhere between the Budget Box and Hot Rod, as an example of how a little more money goes a long way in graphics and gaming performance. Think of aiming for the 3D performance of the Hot Rod, but without the price. The hard drive may not be as big, the case might not be as nice, and the system may not provoke as much geek envy among friends, but the performance is close enough. The Performance Gaming Box comes in at around double the cost of the Hot Rod and is what the same enthusiast might build if he had the budget for a gaming machine that had one sole purpose in life: playing the most demanding games on hardware with all the bells and whistles turned on. The Performance Gaming Box may share core components with the Value Gaming Box and other systems from the Ars System Guide, but it is taken to a higher level of performance. For the serious gamer who is looking at high-resolution play with the latest titles, the Performance Gaming Box may be perfect. For those who demand Hot Rod performance but without the budget to live on the bleeding edge, the Value Gaming Box is the place to start." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: ExtremeMhz | Subject: General Tech
Vista has added an interesting feature to the installation progress, similar to loading a RAID driver but with much more flexibility. You will be able to choose more than just one driver to load, and you are not stuck using floppies to keep the files on. Read through the warning that ExtremeMHz provides at the end of the article to save yourself some frustration.
"Windows Vista brings one very welcomed change in the install process of this highly troublesome OS. With Vista,
you have the option of pre-loading third-party drivers from a removable storage device such as a CD or even your
trusty flash drive. Yes, this is a somewhat decent attempt at finally making the floppy drive a thing of the past.
However, this feature is not without its share of flaws. After quite a number of Vista installs, some of which
involved loading more than one RAID driver, I have come across a number of very annoying issues that most would want
to be aware of. In this latest EMHz Tech Tip, we briefly cover some of the issues many may face when they finally
give in and attempt to switch from Windows XP."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: HotHardware | Subject: Case and Cooling
The MSI P6N SLI Platinum and Abit Fatal1ty FP-IN9 SLI are very similar boards, with dissimilar prices. The MSI based on the 680i SLI and the Abit on the 650i SLI. The main difference between those 2 chipsets is the third PCI express slot, and the 650i's being limited to 8x as opposed to 16x, not that there is any benefit to be gained from the 16x PCI express bus ... yet.
Read the full review at HotHardware, there is a pleasant surprise for those looking at saving $100 on their next motherboard. As well, Ryan has reviewed a different 650i motherboard, the ECS NF650iSLIT-A Motherboard.
"We wanted to let you all know that we’ve just posted a new article at HotHardware, in which we evaluate the
features, bundles, overclockability, and performance of two NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI-based motherboards, the MSI
P6N-SLI Platinum and the Abit Fatal1ty FPIN9-SLI. One of the boards is more feature-rich and somewhat more
expensive, while the other is more streamlined and targeted at gamers on a strict budget. Head on over to the site
and check them out…"
Here are some more Motherboard articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Benchmark Reviews | Subject: Display
The Planar PX2611W offers an 26" alternative to the huge 30" widescreens for those with smaller desks, or pocketbooks. Benchmark Reviews found this 1920 x 1200 wide gamut monitor to be perfect for gaming. You can find out just how good it is by reading the full review.
"Planar offers the very competitive PX2611W - a 26 inch widescreen LCD monitor that is ideal for most PC's,
including web browsing, photography work, and especially gaming. It features a 1920x1200 WUXGA native resolution
with 8 bits of color per pixel (as opposed to six), has DVI-D with HDCP and analog VGA inputs, a wide color gamut,
and is using the same internal LCD panel as the high-end NEC 2690WUXi. Benchmark Reviews will analyze the quality
and value behind the Planar PX2611W 26-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor."
Here are some more Display articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: CoolTechZone | Subject: Case and Cooling
CoolTechZone has a look at LogiTech's new Wii inspired Cordless mouse. It is unlikely that gamers will adopt it as a replacement, and besides they have the actual Wii to game with. However, if you are using a projector to show off a presentation or controlling an HTPC, this mouse suddenly makes a lot of sense to use.
"Logitech is at it again with a revolutionary new mouse that appears to have been inspired from Nintendo's Wii
controller. You see, it's not an average mouse. Similar to the Wii controller where you can move the controller in
the air for specified body movements and control your game characters, Logitech's newly announced MX Air cordless
mouse does the same. The only difference is that instead of working in games, it works with a select few multimedia
applications to make browsing and working with your multimedia files a breeze."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: [H]ard|OCP | Subject: General Tech
A lot of news about AMDs plans for the near future were revealed by their executives at the Technology Analysts Day. Catch [H]ard|OCP's coverage of their plans for multipurpose processors, new core structures, including a mysterious Bulldozer core that is touted to be able to share the work of a single thread amongst it's cores ... something no AMD or Intel Dual or Quad core can currently manage.
There were also a number of roadmaps revealed, including 4 way Crossfire, as well as 3 way, which they do have working. They also cover desktop and notebook roadmaps, as well as introducing a new Pipe core. Ryan was there as well, so do not miss his coverage of this huge event for AMD. Last, but not least; make sure to give Ryan and Wise a pat on the back ... it's System Administrator Day!
"AMD CTOs chime in this morning on what exactly is AMD's plan for the future. In that we see AMD's next generation
desktop and server parts revealed - the BULLDOZER. Along with that, M-SPACE, BOBCAT, and FALCON FUSION Family."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AMD | Subject: General Tech
BRUSSELS/SUNNYVALE, CALIF. - July 27, 2007 -The European Commission (EC) today confirmed that it has charged Intel with violating EU competition laws by abusing its dominant position in the global microprocessor market. The Commission said in a press briefing today that "in the short, medium and long-term, we think that the actions of Intel are bad news for competition and consumers." http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs/schedule.cfm.
The EC's Statement of Objections is based on evidence collected in a thorough, multi-year investigation of the company's business practices which the European Commission characterized as "extremely rigorous." Evidence seized from Intel offices and collected from PC manufacturers across Europe provided the foundation for the European Commission's strong antitrust case. "Consumers know today that their welfare has been sacrificed in the illegal interest of preserving monopoly profits. Intel has circled the globe with a pattern of conduct, including direct payments, in order to enforce full and partial boycotts of AMD. The EU action obviously suggests that Intel has, once again, been unable to justify its illegal conduct," said Thomas M. McCoy, AMD executive vice president legal affairs and chief administrative officer.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AMD | Subject: General Tech
During executive presentations today, AMD unveiled details about new
platform and product initiatives, future processor design philosophies
and insights into its manufacturing model. Highlights below include:
AMD Quad-Core Processors: AMD's code-named "Barcelona" chips - quad-core processors for servers - are on track to ship for revenue in August 2007. AMD demonstrated multiple "Barcelona" performance scenarios underscoring leadership in performance, virtualization, performance-per-watt and investment protection. AMD CoolCore Technology power management enhancements, which turn blocks of memory logic off when not in use, will further increase energy efficiency. AMD CoolCore Technology will be incorporated into multi-core products with the introduction of "Barcelona." True quad-core AMD Phenom processors will ship in the fourth quarter of 2007; AMD plans to introduce its next-generation 45 nm desktop processors in 2008. AMD plans to bring quad-core to notebooks in 2009 with the first "Fusion" processor family, code-named "Falcon." More detail about this news is below. New CPU Cores: AMD shared details about plans for two next-generation CPU cores: "Bulldozer," for the server and client markets and "Bobcat" for the mobile, ultra-mobile and consumer electronics markets. "Bulldozer" will deliver a dramatic increase in throughput-oriented performance-per-watt, and will be partitioned for future scalability and modularity. "Bobcat" is designed for maximum energy efficiency and performance-per-watt for next-generation mobile devices, scaling as low as 1 watt. Future Server & Workstation Technologies: AMD made further disclosures about the new 45 nm server processor family code-named "Shanghai," which is planned to be introduced in mid-2008. In addition to core improvements on the "Barcelona" design, "Shanghai" will include 6 MB of L3 cache. AMD will develop chipsets for its next-generation server and workstation platforms in 2009, which will include octal-core processors, code-named "Sandtiger." This platform will feature the introduction of Direct Connect Architecture 2, including HyperTransport 3.0, highly scalable memory and I/O performance. AMD will also offer partner choices in chipsets as part of its next-generation server and workstation platforms.
DESKTOP TECHNOLOGIES and PLATFORMS:
AMD's upcoming 45 nm desktop processor family codenamed "Ridgeback," is
planned for a mid-2008 introduction. "Ridgeback" will include 6 MB of L3
cache for increased performance, as well as HyperTransport 3.0, Split
Plane, and the new AM2+ socket, which is fully forward- and
backward-compatible with existing AM2 motherboards.
AMD released additional specifications for its next-generation platform
for desktops, code-named "Leo." Based on the upcoming AMD Phenom
processor, RD790 Northbridge and SB700 Southbridge chipsets, and R670
and R680 graphics cards, "Leo" will be introduced in 2008.
Next-Gerneration Notebook Platforms: AMD released additional specifications for its next-generation platform for notebooks, code-named "Puma." Based on AMD's "Griffin" mobile processor and the mobile "RS780" chipset, the platform will also feature M8X discrete GPUs and additional new technologies. "Puma" is planned to debut in 2008. The first product from AMD's family of accelerated processors combining CPU and GPU capabilitieses, code-named "Falcon", is expected in 2009. Optimized for notebook computers, the "Falcon" family will feature up to four CPU cores with an integrated, unified shading architecture and DirectX GPU core for enhanced graphics processing. "Falcon" will be a part of AMD's "Eagle" platform for notebook computing. COMMERCIAL CLIENT SOLUTION AND PLATFORMS: AMD disclosed high-level information about its efforts collectively codenamed "Hardcastle" to combine AMD technology and open industry initiatives to deliver improved performance, manageability, security and stability in commercial client platforms to be delivered in 2008. The "Perseus" desktop platform and the "Puma" notebook platform are initial "Hardcastle" business-class solutions.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: X-Bit Labs | Subject: Case and Cooling
XIGMATEK is a company that has some interesting ideas, but hasn't really caught on with enthusiasts. X-bit Labs is going to try to undo that by reviewing their HDT-S963, a cooler with Heatpipe Direct Touch. They find that it is efficient enough to compete with the major brands, especially at lower fan speeds. At higher speeds the fan noise becomes a problem, but that could easily be rectified by replacing the stock fan with a quieter model.
"We would like to introduce to you XIGMATEK Company and their new processor cooler using H.D.T. (Heatpipe Direct
Touch) technology. Let’s take a closer look at this solution and find out how efficient it actually turned out."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: OCZ Technology | Subject: Case and Cooling
Sunnyvale, Calif. - July 26, 2007 - OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability PC components, today announced that the Silencer 750 Quad power supply from PC Power & Cooling has been chosen by leading technology publication Maximum PC to power its 2007 annual "Dream Machine." The famed "Dream Machine" is a high-performance computer system built each year by Maximum PC to represent the ultimate in cutting-edge hardware and performance. Representing the pinnacle of power management innovation and reliability, PC Power & Cooling power supplies have been chosen to power every Maximum PC "Dream Machine" since 1999. Nine consecutive power supplies have powered the annual "dream" build, including the Turbo-Cool 425 ATX (1999), the Turbo-Cool 850 (2005), and now the Silencer 750 Quad (2006 and 2007).
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Tech Report | Subject: System
Shuttle has added the SG33GH to their popular G-series, and added a lot of new features to take advantage of the recent advances in HDTV. The usual suspects all make an appearance, HDCP-compliant HDMI onboard video and full support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS encoding. Shuttle adds one of the best integrated graphics controllers The Tech Report has seen on an HTPC, although it isn't enough for gaming. This model looks to make an impact in the HTPC market.
"Of course, the systems built around this chassis have progressed by leaps and bounds over the last five years. The
G-Series debuted with the SS40G, which was designed for Socket 462 Athlon processors and limited to PCI expansion,
just 1GB of memory, and analog audio and video outputs. Today, the latest XPC SG33G5 comes equipped with digital
audio and video outputs and can accommodate quad-core processors, PCI Express graphics cards, and up to 4GB of
memory. My, how things have changed.
The SG33G5's combination of HDMI and S/PDIF outputs, driven by Intel's new G33 Express chipset and GMA 3100 integrated graphics, makes the SG33G5 ripe home theater PCs, and this XPC's "Glamor" styling should look good in your living room. But is this a fitting tribute to five years of the G-Series chassis? Let's have a loo" Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Slashdot | Subject: Processor
The idea is to stop using those sluggish electrons, and switch to those speed demon photons. This won't be an easy switch, but it may be needed to keep the increase in speed that we have become accustomed to. If it can be done, a prototype silicon laser modulator that can achieve 40Gbs is very impressive, and necessary to have a photonic IC. Slashdot has the news flash.
"Intel Researchers announced they have successfully demonstrated a 40Gbps optical chip, an accomplishment the
company says will yield cheaper photonic integrated circuits. 'chip makers have shown a keen interest in photonic
integrated circuits (PICs) over the past few years because of their ability to provide a cost-effective solution for
optical communication and future optical interconnects in computing industry. There are obstacles, though: One of
the key components needed for silicon PICs is the very high-speed silicon optical modulator, which is used to encode
data on optical beam."
Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: [H]ard|OCP | Subject: Graphics Card
The newest graphics review at [H]ard|OCP is MSI's overclocked 8800GTS 320MB card. They pushed the GPU from 500 MHz to 575MHz and the RAM from 1.6GHz to 1.7 GHz, but they didn't push the price up by much. When put up against the 640MB version, the higher clock speeds pushed this card ahead, at least up to 1920*1200, and pushed past the 2900XT as well.
"We take the highly overclocked GeForce 8800 GTS 320 MB video card from MSI and run it through our Vista gaming
tests including Lost Planet DX10 performance. The 640 MB 8800 GTS and 2900 XT are the cards to beat. Which is the
best value under $400?"
Here are some more Graphics Card articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Register | Subject: General Tech
This one comes to FireFox users in much the same way as the vulnerability that was patched last week, through the way Uniform Resource Identifiers are handled. Last week's flaw involved URI's passed from IE, this week it has to do with the way FireFox, Netscape 9 and Mozilla handle them directly. A patch is currently in the works, which you can read about on The Register. This type of vulnerability will keep appearing when new URI's are added, which is going to keep happening with the growth of it's two subsets, Uniform Resource Librarys and Uniform Resource Names.
"Security researchers have disclosed a zero-day vulnerability in the latest version of Firefox that gives miscreants
complete control of Windows-based computers when the Mozilla browser visits a booby-trapped website.
The vulnerability resides in the way Firefox handles uniform resource identifiers, the protocols that allow the browser to access software and other resources located on a PC. The browser fails to properly vet at least five different URIs, a flaw that could allow an attacker to install malware on a PC simply by convincing a victim to click on a doctored link." Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Red & Blackness Mods | Subject: Case and Cooling
Six 12V rails, two of which are 28A, the other four are 18A, at a combined maximum power of 960W, coupled with two 6 pin PCI-E and two 8 pin PCI-E connectors make the Coolermaster M1000W PSU perfect for multiple GPU systems. The most shocking surprise for R&B Mods was how quiet this PSU was, something they did not expect to go hand in hand with such a powerful PSU.
"The 1000W powersupplies are on the market, do we really need this much power? Do they perform so much better than
lower wattage Psu´s do? These are a few questions we are going to look into today. We got Coolermasters latest M1000
powersupply to test and we are today going to compare it vs a few very well performing Psu´s with a lower wattage
than this one to see if there is any difference. This unit comes equipped with six 12V rails and several 6 pin and 8
pin PCI-E power cables so it sure looks like a winner on paper with its ultra silent performance."
Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: BCCHardware | Subject: Memory
BCC Hardware compares 3 Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB kits, the PC2-6400 Eased Latency and PC2-6400 Low Latency Kits
and the PC2-8500 Eased Latency Kit. You get an idea from the review that while the Eased Latency kits are much cheaper, with a little overclocking they end up a better deal than their low latency cousins.
"As you can see from the results above, memory performance on today's Intel Core 2 Duo systems has more to do with
CPU speed than actual memory speed. When three different sets of Patriot memory are compared, all three produce
similar results. The kit that impressed me the most though was the "cheapy" DDR2-800 "Eased Latency" kit. This kit
ran at CAS3 at an amazing DDR2-879 when it comes clocked in at stock 5-5-5-12!"
Here are some more Memory articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: XYZ Computing | Subject: Mobile
XYZ has compiled a list of 9 notebooks, each of which they rate as a dream machine. Some, like the Alienware, you will have a hard time getting your company to pay for, but others are very light and have extended battery power. Read through the list and pick your favourites, maybe you can convince your boss you need one, but I suppose it's more likely that all you will do is convince them they need one.
"Now that notebook computers are ubiquitous they have become just another tool in our computing lives. This means
that too many of us are stuck using the cheapest one we can find, normally a 6-pound, 15.4" system. This system, in
all likelihood, does not get moved around very often because it is heavy and the battery only lasts for an hour or
two. This doesn't have to be the case though, especially if money is not an issue. With the technologies available
today a notebook can be under three pounds, have a battery life of over 10 hours, and pack in an optical drive and a
dual core processor if you are willing to pony up the dough to buy it (or convince your boss that you need one)."
Here are some more Mobile articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Gamepyre | Subject: General Tech
GamePyre picked up Transformers: The Game, with high hopes. After fighting dodgy controls and the lousy interface, they did see some new Transformers, but unfortunately it was not enough to save the game in the end. The only good news they had was that it would be a good deal if you found it in the bargain bin.
"It really does pain me to give something bearing the Transformers name a bad score, but I can't lie about this game. Sure, you get to see a couple of Transformers that aren't in the movie, but that doesn't make up for the absolutely horrible controls. Even if you are a total Transformers nut, I'd suggest waiting till the price comes down. Save yourself a few bucks and go see the movie again instead, it will be a better use of you time."
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Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Phoronix | Subject: General Tech
The first ever Ubuntu Live conference is happening, and Phoronix got an invite. You can drop by for a look at the Ubuntu roadmap, as well as many of the new Dell Linux systems. This is a sort of precursor to the bigger Open Source Con, being held during the latter part of this week.
"On the second day of the Ubuntu Live 2007 conference presented by Canonical and O'Reilly was a keynote by Intel's
Doug Fisher, Matt Zimmerman, and Tim O'Reilly among others. Also taking place were sessions on such topics as
CloneZilla, Ubuntu on laptops, Dell Linux systems, and over two dozen other sessions. Ubuntu Live 2007 is now more or
less done except for all of the parties and OSCON 2007 taking place the remainder of the week. Among the photographs
to share today include some pictures from the OpenMoko in the exhibit hall, System76 laptops, and slides on Ubuntu's
release road-map."
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Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: VIA Technologies | Subject: General Tech
Taipei, Taiwan, 24 July 2007 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the VIA EPIA NR Nano-ITX mainboard, powered by a fanless 1.0GHz VIA C7 processor and VIA CX700 system media processor for ultra compact, quiet and durable embedded systems.
Measuring just 12cm x 12cm, the VIA EPIA NR is the first Nano-ITX mainboard to natively support LVDS in two single or one dual-channel monitor configuration without the need for a daughterboard; this makes it ideal for a wide range of ultra compact embedded devices requiring two displays, such as healthcare, industrial control, retail and signage systems. The VIA EPIA NR also provides considerable storage options, with Serial ATA and IDE hard drive connectors for mainstream systems and Compact Flash for local OS storage in industrial automation. Moreover, an extensive I/O set includes broadband Ethernet as well as a mini-PCI port, USB2.0, COM, LPC and Super I/O headers; while WLAN connectivity can be supported through an add-in card for greater flexibility in system design. "The rich feature set of the VIA EPIA NR is targeted at both traditional and fast-emerging embedded markets, and allows developers to highly customize their system designs" said Daniel Wu, Assistant Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "By leveraging the board's size, low profile, power efficiency and fanless operation, developers can cost effectively build small x86 systems for a wide spectrum of networked applications and environments." |
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