Tech News September 2004

Aerocool JetMaster Mid Tower Gaming Case Review @ Tech-Mods.net
Tech-Mods.net :: Saturday, September 11, 2004

“With so many options out there these days it is becoming hard to choose a decorative case, whether it be a pre-modded chassis; they are mostly manufactured in that fashion. As side from price categories there are different themes as well. Today we are going to have a look at a budget minded gaming case from Aerocool that is themed from the well known T3 series movies. The Aerocool JetMaster Mid Tower Gaming Case. ”

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Vantec Fan Vibration Dampener Kits @ FrostyTech.com
Frosty Tech :: Saturday, September 11, 2004
“Vantec’s Vibration Dampener kits come in a variety of sizes for fans from 60mm, through to 120mm. Vantec have also produced a version to help reduce vibration coming from a standard ATX powersupply. Each Vantec Fan Vibration Dampener kit comes with two silica gel gaskets, a pack of 8 case fan screws and several silica gel washers for alternative mounting of up to two fans. The powersupply vibration dampener kit comes with just one silica gel gasket and the necessary mounting hardware.”

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Zalman 5.1 Channel Headphone Amplifier Review @ OCIA.net
OCIA :: Saturday, September 11, 2004

“Gaming was stellar to say the least. I didn’t notice any difference in Quake 3, mostly due to its aging sound engine in sure, but Battlefield and Call of Duty where unbelievable. I was able to hear people creeping up behind me in both of the latter mentioned games. This was especially useful when piloting a jet in Desert Combat. I could locate, with extreme precision, where the plane was on my tail. This helped me to outmaneuver them and ultimately increase my kill to death ratio.”

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WindowsXP Safe Mode Guide @ PCstats.com
PCStats :: Saturday, September 11, 2004
“In our experience many users have little more than a vague awareness of the existence of ‘safe-mode’ in Windows, and no idea how to get into it or why they would want to. Good topic for a guide, we thought. In this article, PCstats will explain how Windows XP’s various ‘Safe Modes’ work, how you access them and how they can help you troubleshoot various software and operating system issues. Now, isn’t this a handy topic!?”

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AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 (Socket 939) Processor Review @ TweakTown
TweakTown :: Saturday, September 11, 2004
“Mike has checked in with a review of the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor today which is based around the new Socket 939 platform. After taking a quick look at what the processor has to offer in terms of features we get down to the real issue and see how the expensive beast can really perform in today’s current games such as Doom 3 against an older overclocked Athlon XP processor.”

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Beginner’s Guide to Computer Assembly @ InsaneTek
InsaneTek :: Saturday, September 11, 2004

“Since the boom of the technology age, many people think that building a computer is extremely hard and an ability that only skilled people have. However, to the massive crowd out there that believes this, you’re wrong! Anyone can build a computer with the parts in hand, and common sense in mind. Building a computer is actually very simple and you can do it too! Let’s start with purchasing the parts you would need for your system. I would recommend Newegg as the best place to buy computer hardware. It usually has the cheapest parts, and has beyond amazing shipping quality.”

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Gigabyte GA-8KNXP Ultra-64 Motherboard Review @ PC Stats
PCStats :: Saturday, September 11, 2004
“In this review PCstats will be looking at the GA-8KNXP Ultra-64. Although this board is impressive across the scale, it does seem as though Gigabyte’s engineers simply adapted the already successful GA-8KNXP Ultra motherboard for extra duty; tossing in two 64bit PCI slots and an Adaptec SCSI controller into the mix. Obviously based on the reliable and proven i875P chipset, the GA-8KNXP Ultra-64 motherboard supports the usual assortment of Socket 478 Pentium 4 processors from 533MHz to 800 MHz FSB…”

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CoolMax CR-500B Power Supply @ Bjorn3D
Bjorn3D :: Friday, September 10, 2004
“To say that a power supply is a vital component of a computer would nearly be an understatement; here at Bjorn3d we constantly recommend high-end power supplies as the solution to many problems involving top-notch graphics cards and powerful computers. Many people fail to see the necessity, and now the necessity can be fulfilled with COOLMAX’s quiet, affordable, and full-featured new CR-500B 500W Power Supply.”

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Review of LG RU-52SZ61D DLP 52″ HDTV @ Designtechnica
Designtechnica :: Friday, September 10, 2004
“To sum up, LG’s RU-52SZ61D is a better-than average HD Capable display device. It is an HD Capable model, which to this reviewer’s mindset is more desirable these days than a fully integrated model with CableCARD. Let’s face it; you’ll either going to add a satellite HD set-top box or a cable HD one. So, why bother paying for tuning that you don’t want or need. At a suggested retail price of $3,499 (probably less than $2,999 Street), it offers new DLP display technology, which is a worthy successor to the old-fashioned CRT picture tube. It’s also housed in an attractive black cabinet that can sit on a base with storage, or it can be easily placed into a wall unit. It has all of the right connections presently needed for any upscale Home Theater and then some. The RU-52SZ61D (or its identical, but smaller 44-in. sibling – RU-44SZ61D) is strongly recommended for repeated viewings.”

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Matrix Orbital MX422 LCD Review @ GruntvillE.com
GruntvillE :: Friday, September 10, 2004

“The MX422 is basically the LK204-24-USB LCD display mounted on a nice looking double 5-1/4” drive bay insert. The front has a brushed metal finish which is pretty typical in the nicer aluminum cases like the Cooler Master and the Lian Li. The rear of the unit looks a little confusing and has a lot packed on to it, but it is designed to allow easy access for plugging in the accessories and it is easier to figure out than it first appears.”

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PolarFLO TT Water Block @ Viper Lair
ViperLair :: Friday, September 10, 2004
“As we’ve stated at the beginning of the review, building an efficient water cooling system will take some planning and research. For LGA775 processors, your current options are a bit slim, but we certainly would have no problems putting the PolarFLO TT on your short list.”

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Power Supply Roundup – Six PSU’s fight to the death @ TweakTown
TweakTown :: Friday, September 10, 2004
“Today Cameron Johnson has posted a power supply roundup comparing some of the latest units from OCZ, Thermaltake, Vantec and Coolermaster. We’ll check out the appearance and features of each PSU and then put them up against each other and measure the type of minimum and maximum voltages each is able to deliver with a standard system and then an overclocked system based around an Intel Pentium 4 Prescott processor.”

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Yeong Yang YY-5601 Mid-Tower Case @ SystemCooling
SystemCooling :: Friday, September 10, 2004

“You may have heard of Yeong Yang but, like me, have no hands on experience with their products. In the pressed metal business since 1978, they began building PC chassis in 1990. A couple of years ago I saw a beautiful black cube server case that I have lusted after ever since. That’s right, it was from Yeong Yang. Well, it’s finally time to get up close and personal with one of their cases, the new YY-5601. The YY-5601 or “Cetus” is a mid-tower case with cooling and ease of use in mind. Let’s take a look and see if it meets those goals.”

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Dual Core Processing: Over-simplified, demystified and explained
Short-Media :: Friday, September 10, 2004
“Why the shift to dual core and how will this impact the gigahertz performance race? Who or what will dual core processing benefit and will it be sought after by enthusiasts or left buried deep inside the dark recesses of server rooms?”

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OCZ Technology 1024-PC3200 2-2-2 Platinum Rev 2 Memory Kit @ 3DX
3dXtreme :: Friday, September 10, 2004
“The OCZ PC3200 Revision 2 memory delivered slightly faster speeds than the Corsair XMS 3200XL at DDR400 (2-2-2-5) and costs significantly less (around $280 vs. $315). This difference in cost may be the single most determining factor for someone that is shopping for DDR400. Keep in mind that with slightly looser timings operation up to DDR500 should be easily possible making this memory the perfect compliment to any system from an AMD64 based rig to an overclocked Intel P4 based rig. We award the OCZ PC3200 Revision 2 Memory the 3DXtreme Editor’s Choice Award based on the performance and price of this product.”

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Danger Den TDX Waterblock Review @ Hard h2o
Hard-h2o :: Thursday, September 09, 2004

“The Danger Den TDX is the latest waterblock from the renowned american seller. Both of its former CPU waterblocks, the RBX and the Maze 4 earned a well deserved fame due to excellent performance and beautiful looks. Is this new block a worthy successor? Read the review to know.”

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TITAN TWC-A04 Water Cooling Kit Review @ Tech-Mods.net
Tech-Mods.net :: Thursday, September 09, 2004

“It wasn’t very long ago that computers and heat was an issue, times have changed like all things good. We now are running into temperatures created by our processors that can literally melt down a top end system in minutes. Air cooling has been the norm for most of us and we all know to well how loud that can be, well the next step forward in cooling our systems safely and generously quieter can easily be water cooling. Surprisingly enough the average computer user wouldn’t even think to have their computers cooled with radiators and tubes of water. Today companies such as TITAN Computers.co has a water cooling kit that makes the step forward very simple with their TWC-A04, a fully self contained unit that can be installed easily by the novus or the expert in all of us.”

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OCZ PowerStream 520W Power Supply Unit Review @ CoolTechZone
CoolTechZone :: Thursday, September 09, 2004

“OCZ Technology is a key leader when it comes to producing high quality workstation memory. They cater to enthusiasts with high expectations of gaining as much performance out of their systems as possible. OCZ is right next to their competitors and even ahead in some areas (value). System memory is not the only product that OCZ specializes in, the company produces power leads, heatsinks, and power supplies”

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Cooler Master Cavalier T01 Mid Tower Case Review @ Tech-Mods.net
Tech-Mods.net :: Thursday, September 09, 2004

“Right when you thought there couldn’t be much more added to a computer case; Cooler Master Makers of well known computer enthusiast items has introduced their Cavalier series mid tower line with an eye catching addition. Very similar to their Cavalier T03 with the added feature of a dancing sound gauge presented on the front bezel for all to enjoy. Today we will be looking at the Cavalier T01 Mid Tower Case from Cooler Master.”

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Thermaltake XTunner Review @ Hardware Pacers
Hardware-Pacers :: Thursday, September 09, 2004

“The Thermaltake XTunner is an out-of-sight performance enhancer to any computer system at a minimal cost. Although this device has limited functionality (increase and decrease), it is very efficient in controlling fan speed. The design and look of the XTunner is vibrant and sharp. The addition of the XTunner will enhance a computer in both operational effectiveness and aesthetic value. The remote makes the XTunner a unique system giving it an interesting touch. Overall, the XTunner is one of the great value buys of the season.”

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SilverStone Temjin SST-TJ05 Mid-Tower Server Case @ System Cooling
SystemCooling :: Thursday, September 09, 2004

“SilverStone continues to diversify their PC enclosure offerings to meet the needs of users seeking a roomy but affordable server style case with the Temjin 5. This new enclosure is slightly taller and wider, and much deeper than most standard mid-tower ATX cases. The SilverStone TJ05 incorporates hybrid construction combining a beautiful aluminum front with a more traditional (and cost effective) steel chassis. The Temjin 5 is available in either silver or black.”

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Cooler Master XDream 3 @ Phoronix
Phoronix :: Thursday, September 09, 2004
“Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry’s best thermal solutions, but is their mission accomplished when referring to the performance of their new XDream 3 cooler?”

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Bench’emAll! version 2.60 beta
Bench’emAll :: Wednesday, September 08, 2004
“Bench’emAll tool has been released, now it is 2.60 beta version with SPECViewperf 8 supported. BenchemAll is a tool to automate 3D performance benchmarking and make benchmarking as easy as never before. Visit Bench’emAll site http://www.benchemall.com to get more info. You can download latest version here.”

The forgotten component – What’s up with computer audio?
TweakTown :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“Last month during QuakeCon it became clearly apparent that computer audio has become somewhat of a forgotten component in the computer industry when talking to gamers and listening to companies at the gaming event. We’ll present some benchmark numbers of five different sound solutions as well as provide commentary along the way on our thoughts of computer audio solutions and what should be done to improve things using nVidia’s SoundStorm APU as an example.”

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Chenbro SR20968 SATA Server Chassis Review
GruntvillE :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“Directly below the 3 5 ¼” drive bays is the crème de la crème of this particular case. Optionally, you can purchase a removable SCSI or SATA drive cage with backplane. Chenbro has sent us the SATA to play with in the SR20968. Mounted to the front of the case by 4 thumbscrews, the drive cage holds a maximum of 4 SATA hard drives, each hot swappable with a simple pull of a latch. The design is remarkable and yet so simple. The basic case comes pre-equipped with a standard IDE drive cage that holds 4 drives itself. Both drive cages have ways to mount 92mm fans to the cage so that you get maximum airflow to these hot hard drives.”

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Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply Review
MODTHEBOX! :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“The Vantec ION2 350W Power Supply incorporates a refined amount of power connections in order to promote a more efficient use of cable and decrease overall system clutter. Logically, this makes sense due to the total amount of devices to be connected with a 350W power rating. Each cable has been professional sleeved using Vantec’s own cable sleeving kit and sealed with matching heat shrink. A total of 6 female Molex power connections are divided amongst two cables. Each connection plug has been swapped out for a stylish black alternative carrying on the overall color theme.”

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HEXUS.net at the ABIT Hardware Festival
Hexus :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“Fatal1ty well and truly beat his opponent, 6 frags to 0 in all of three minutes. However, his opponent still had enough pride to stay on stage and have a quick chat with Fatal1ty, trying to pick up some tips and work out just what happened to him.”

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Gigabyte B49GU Router review
Designtechnica :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“With a host of advanced features, Gigabyte’s B49GU is a SOHO router with a lot of promise for business users. Unfortunately, its lack of quality documentation and its issue with wireless dropouts and a general lack of wireless speed make it a less than stellar performer.

Based on the Atheros 802.11g chipset that supports Extreme-G speeds of up to 108Mbps, the B49GU was just as disappointing and erratic as the very similar D-Link DI-624. As a wired router, the Gigabyte B49GU is a solid performer with a lot of useful enhancements. But when you dig deeper into its feature set and take the wireless performance, or lack thereof, into account, the B49GU looks like a good idea that was poorly implemented and rushed to market. ”

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ASUS P5AD2 Premium Wireless Edition
ViperLair :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“The fact is, Intel changed a lot at the beginning of this Summer with the 915/925 release, and it required a lot of manufacturers to come up with compelling products that take advantage of all these new features, and at the same time, provide an enjoyable computing experience. We think ASUS did just that with the P5AD2 Premium.”

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Logisys Silver Phantom Case Review
Hardware-Pacers :: Tuesday, September 07, 2004

“If performance and functionality are key, but design, look, and aesthetics are paramount, then the Logisys Phantom is the right choice. The Phantom offers the user a multitude of preinstalled LEDs and lighted UV fans, but allows the user to add even more design options. Ultimate attractiveness has been Logisys’ goal when they design their products and appealing quality craftsmanship has been their vehicle for delivery. The silver Phantom case with engraved acrylic LED lit-up window will have users blown away with its cool explosive looks.”

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