Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro HSF Review
Bjorn3D :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Today, I am going to look at a fairly new CPU cooler from Arctic Cooling named the Freezer 64 Pro. This is a cooler designed to fit on AMD Athlon 64 CPUs (Socket 754/939/940). Arctic Cooling does also make a version that mounts on Intel systems called the Freezer 7 Pro for the Intel Socket 775.
Is AMD Doomed?
CoolTechZone :: Monday, February 27, 2006
“We recently published our review of Intel’s Core Duo platform and confirmed that Intel has in fact leapt ahead. Quite logically, the performance results of the Core Duo prove, yet again, Intel’s superiority in the mobile segment. Intel has managed to fit in a billion transistors on a single 65nm microprocessor. Moreover, 45nm is already in the works and 65nm is passé. To give you an idea of transistor comparison, Smithfield has 230M in contrast to Presler’s 370M.”
Epox GeForce 6100 (EP-9GF6100MJ) Motherboard Review
PC Modding Malaysia :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Content: “Overall, the Epox EP-9GF6100MJ is value AMD64 socket939 motherboard that comes with decent performance which has quite similar performance with the GeForce6150/nForce430 motherboard. For AMD fans on a tight budget, they might consider this GPU motherboard which is powered by GeForce6100 and nForce430 since it is the first GPU motherboard series that supports AMD64. The Epox EP-9GF6100MJ costs around USD79, which is relatively inexpensive for entry level users.”
Swiftech MCW60 VGA Waterblock
OCIA :: Monday, February 27, 2006
“Here’s a closer look at the base plate. You can clearly see Swiftech’s Patent-Pending Diamond Pin Matrix design. One thing to note on the inner machine work… on some of the first production runs of the APOGEE CPU block, there was a problem with copper shavings being left on the inside of the block. Swiftech has now added a bead blasting process to ensure that the base plates are totally clean and free of shavings. This is why the inside of the block now has a somewhat textured finish instead of a shiny one.”
Outpost Kolaki X
Bytesector :: Monday, February 27, 2006
“Outpost Kaloki X is the Xbox 360 Live Arcade version of the earlier PC release, Outpost Kaloki. It provides a simple, yet captivating story with surprising depth in its strategy requirements. Offering two story modes, Adventure and War, and scenario modes, OKX is an addicting arcade game that is worth the 800 gamer points.”
ABIT AW8 Evaluation @ techFEAR
TechFEAR :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Summary: “Driven by Intel’s 955X north bridge and ICH7R south bridge, the ABIT AW8 is poised to be a terrific entry level contender of the AW8 line. The AW8 supports the LGA775 line of Intel processors and can power up to 8GB of memory when combined with a 64-bit operating system.”
SilverStone Storage MS02
Phoronix :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Summary: “The MS02 is a compact yet attractive 2.5″ hard disk drive enclosure from the engineers over at SilverStone Technology. While keeping the finely brushed exterior in tiptop shape the aluminum enclosure is designed to operate silently as well as meeting the cooling needs of the drives. To top that off, Windows and Macintosh users have a one touch backup system in place with the SilverStone MS02 to ensure the safekeeping of their beloved files.”
Xtrac Pads Mouse Mats
Pro-Clockers :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Quote: Most people that games have a mouse mat, whether it be a frosted glass beauty or a battered old Lara Croft thick foam edition. Some people even decide to go without a mouse mat. That was what I was doing until I was kindly sent a package containing Xtrac Pads finest…
DynapowerUSA Blackwidow Case Review
Mikhailtech :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Internally, the back is standard with a couple notable exceptions. First, there’s a custom PCI retention system. Second, the fan snaps into a pre-installed bracket. The front has provisions for 4x 5.25″ bays and 6x 3.5″ bays (2 external, 4 internal). There are also two blue retention clips for quick installation of a pair of drives. Lastly, there’s a spot for a 120mm intake fan. It draws air from the bottom of the case.
Corepad Deskpad XXL
Think Computers :: Monday, February 27, 2006
Cedega v5.1 + NVIDIA
Phoronix :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Summary: “One of the strongholds preventing computer enthusiasts from switching to Linux is due to the lack of retail games available under Linux. However, TransGaming’s Cedega software allows a majority of Microsoft Windows games to run seamlessly under Linux with very little to no end-user modifications required. TransGaming Cedega operates by emulating the Windows 32 APIs including Direct3D, DirectInput, and DirectSound. With the most recent version of Cedega (v5.1) hitting the web last week, we have conducted a series of tests to examine its performance impact on some of the popular titles.”
Thermaltake ToughPower 550W
Bjorn3D :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Today, I’m looking at Thermaltake’s yet to be available ToughPower 550W power supply. You might ask what’s the big deal? Let’s say you already have a PurePower / PowerStation ~500W model. While the amount of Watts may be enough, your new components may require more stable voltages and higher amperage (strength of an electrical current). As the name implies, ToughPower is all about stability.
Seagate Momentus 5400.3 160GB 2.5″ Hard Drive
ViperLair :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
“Performance was very good, and for a 5400RPM drive we would consider the performance excellent overall. Our 7200RPM Travelstar died during testing, but the Momentus 5400.3 was very comparable to the faster Travelstar in many of our throughput benchmarks. The Travelstar was faster in the Sysmark test and 480MB write tests, and the Momentus quicker with Windows boot and game level loading.”
A.C.Ryan Roundcable2-FX IDE Cable (Ver.2) Review
Virtual-Hideout :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Quote: “With the new improvements to the A.C.Ryan Roundcable2-FX Cables (version 2), I can certainly recommend them now for everyone out there looking for a great cable that’s not only unique, but used in the right situation, can clean up some bulky round cables of old.”
Ultra Products X-Connect 2 550W PSU
Big Bruin :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Quote: One of the latest Ultra Products brand power supplies is the X-Connect 2, also known as the X2. This power supply is only available in a titanium finish and with a total power rating of 550 Watts. The updates on this power supply from the previous generation include a modular FlexForce cable system and Dual Rail Technology. I will look at these items, among other things, to see how they enhance the power supply, and whether they are worthy updates.
2006 Home Video Preview
Designtechnica :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
We take a look at some home video products set to be introduced later this year. HP has an LCD TV with an integrated Media Center PC and RCA has a plasma made out of wood!
High Power 560Watt Power Supply HPC-560-A12C @ ThinkComputers.org
Think Computers :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Arctic Cooling Alpine 64 Heatsink
Pro-Clockers :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Quote: Arctic Cooling is no stranger to the pages of Pro-Clockers. We choose to review their products because they do as advertised, that is to maintain a low level of noise and also cool the product which they are to cool. Today, we have one of the latest CPU coolers from A.C. It is the new Alpine 64. It is aimed at being a direct replacement for the stock OEM piece. We will how see well it ready performs and if it is worth the $15.50 asking price.
FW: OCZ PC3200 Gold GX XTC Memory Review
Overclocker Café :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The Overclocker Cafe has posted their review of OCZ’s Gold Edition PC3200 GX XTC memory kit in its 2GB trim. Having just average 2-3-3-8 1T timings OCZ’s kit looks outside the box for something to set the GX XTC units apart from the rest of the field. It looks like they found it with a gold plated aluminum perforated heat spreader. Here’s a snip from the Overclocker Cafe’s review.
From the use of a gold/aluminum hybrid, it looks as if OCZ is looking to improve on the efficiency of how fast the heatspreader does its job. This in theory is by making the contact area of the heatspreader with the memory chips themselves a honey comb design. The thinking is that this honey comb pattern allows a greater air exchange around this vented heatspreader and the areas between the chips.
Crucial Ballistix 1GB Kit PC4000 LED (BL2KIT6464L505) Memory Review
OCInside.de :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Memory is an important component of the PC system and with current operating systems e.g. Microsoft Windows XP in combination with current games or DTP applications nowadays 512 MB are by far not enough and should be upgraded to at least 1GB memory. However memory is not like memory and naturally there’re dozens of DDR (double data rate) module types on the market, that the choice isn’t really easy. In order to make the choice somewhat easier, there’s a new test report of the high-end 1 GB memory kit with LED lighting and heatspreaders by Crucial.
Operating Systems, Hardware Compatibility and You
CoolTechZone :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
“Apple has languished for years and has been consistent (gaining .2 or .3 percent in overall market share doesn’t make a significant difference) in market share in relation to Microsoft. In the early days, Mac hardware was far superior, but few years ago, Intel and AMD based systems trounced the Mac platform. Apple has committed to a change to Intel based hardware for its future Macs, but will not allow OS X operating system to run on a standard PC.”
DFI LANParty UT NF4 SLI-DR nForce 4 SLI Motherboard Review Posted!
Tech ARP :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Quote – “If you are a PC enthusiast or overclocker and looking for the ultimate Socket 939 motherboard, this might be IT! Introducing the DFI LANParty UT NF4 SLI-DR motherboard!
Vongo Subscription Movie Service
Designtechnica :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
We talked with Vongo at CES to get the scoop on their hot product. It’s a subscription movie service that allows you to watch Starz and other premium content on your PC, and transfer it to your portable media player.
Keyboard Cleaning Guide
The Tech Zone :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
In this guide I will show you how to thoroughly clean you keyboard with some simple household items. When you reach the end of this guide, your keyboard should look as clean as it was the day you bought it.
Coolermaster RealPower SLI RS-550ACLY (550W) PSU Review
Technic3d :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
“To the test we received the larger of the two Real Power models, the das RS-550ACLY with SLI”
Wi-Fi Hotspot Security Tips
Laptop Gamers :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
You’ve set up your Boingo account, you’re hanging out at the Home Turf sports bar in LAX and you figure you’ll do a little business or check your e-mail while sipping a Chardonnay. Well, that’s the point of Wi-Fi hotspots; being able to take care of a few things while in a relaxing atmosphere. However, don’t get so relaxed that you ignore security and give all your confidential information to some unscrupulous hacker. The next time you’re at a Hotspot, use these security tips to keep yourself safe.
Zalman HD160 HTPC Case
DV Hardware :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
I recently had a chance to review Zalman Home Theatre PC Enclosure HD160. It motivated me to go ahead and turn my own personal PC into a “Media Center” PC. The entire chassis is 100% brushed aluminum and it sits horizontally which allows it to blend right into the rest of your home theatre equipment, and gives the system a very luxurious look. It comes complete with a volume control knob and a card reader panel right on the front of the case..
Computer Myths and Misconceptions
PC Mechanic :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The internet is a great medium for getting information and help on all sorts of subjects. Many people have a lot of specialized knowledge in one field, so they can give out lots of good advice in that area of expertise. Of course, once in a while you get someone who doesn’t know their stuff chiming in with incorrect advice.
Shuttle’s XPC SN21G5 barebones system
The Tech Report :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
SHUTTLE GOT THE small form factor barebones party started way back in 2001 with the SV24. In the years that followed, the company rode the bleeding edge, integrating the latest sockets and chipsets into its evolving breadbox-sized chassis. Shuttle has slowed the pace recently, though, becoming more of system integrator than a barebones chassis provider. The breadbox remains, but Shuttle would seemingly prefer to sell complete systems to mainstream consumers than barebones units to PC enthusiasts. That’s left a gaping void in the small form factor world, and we’ve yet to see the competition really step up to fill it.
Fortunately, Shuttle hasn’t completely forgotten about do-it-yourself PC builders. In fact, the company has just launched a new addition to its small form factor barebones lineup. The XPC SN21G5 packs NVIDIA’s GeForce 6100 integrated graphics chipset, a carefully massaged ICE cooler, and room for a GeForce 7800 GTX into Shuttle’s proven G5 chassis.
Can the diminutive SN21G5 keep up with the latest full-sized ATX motherboards? Perhaps more importantly, how does it compare with Shuttle’s last cube with integrated graphics for the Athlon 64? Keep reading to find out.
Thermaltake Tide Water
Overclockers Online :: Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Quote: I demonstrated that the TT Tide Water is a perfect solution for completely silent cooling of even the hottest video cards on the market today with the option of turning it into an all out performing cooling monster with the sacrifice of a few decibels. The ease of installation makes it perfect for any and all users and if you are comfortable changing your CPU heatsink and fan then the TT Tide Water install will be like eating a piece of cake at a 12 year olds birthday party.
