Saturday, August 29 2009 |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:43 PM (EDT) |
MSI's HD 4890 Cyclone SOC is the fastest model of the Cyclone Series. It comes with clocks of 1000 MHz / 1000 MHz out of the box and uses a huge heatpipe cooler to keep the card cool. As an extra feature a native HDMI connector has been added in case you want to connect the card to your big TV screen. |
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition 3.4 GHz Socket AM3 Processor Review @ PCSTATS.com |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:43 PM (EDT) |
"AMD's Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition processor represents a speed boost over the previous forerunner, the 955 Black Edition. The 3.4GHz quad-core Black Edition socket AM3 chip and is intended to compete against Intel's existing LGA775 quad-core processors, but the real question on everyone's mind is how it fare against Intel's upcoming Core i5 CPUs!?" |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:43 PM (EDT) |
"Super Talent has always been a name synonymous with memory. After using Super Talent RAM in the past, I held high expectations for their new line of USB Flash drives: the Pico series. Measuring merely 1.50" x 0.50", the Pico is by far the smallest USB thumb drive I have ever used. This drive lends itself to being kept in your pocket, on a key-chain, or as I will be testing it, on a necklace." |
OCZ StealthXStream 400 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:42 PM (EDT) |
"StealthXStream 400 W (OCZ400SXS) is an inexpensive entry-level power supply from OCZ, costing only USD 55. Is it a good pick for users building an entry-level or mainstream PC? Let's check it out." |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:42 PM (EDT) |
"Today however the focus is on another technology which has seen broad adoption: exposed heatpipe bases. Like natural evolution, this thermal design technique took hold and displaced heavy copper heatspreaders about two years ago. The result is a market filled with exposed heatpipe base CPU coolers, mostly in tower form. The DeepCool's IceWing 5 Pro is however a 'suspended heatsink', which is good because it lowers total height to a moderate 131mm." |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:42 PM (EDT) |
“Personal storage is all the rage with home computer users nowadays with users looking to save and backup their digital photos, movies, personal and private data easily and safely. Next to using a simple USB flash drive, a USB hard drive dock, utilizing a full sized hard drive, is the simplest method to backup a tremendous amount of data, depending entirely on the size of the hard drive you choose to plug into it. Kingwin is no stranger to this market and has already done quite well with it's original EZ-Dock hard drive docking system we've reviewed. Today they are back with the EZ-Dock 2 and they've given us the honor of checking it out for you guys. Come along as we dive deeper into this product.“ |
Posted by Nathan @ 1:41 PM (EDT) |
"Motherboards with inexpensive discrete chipsets remain popular, but rarely make it to reviews because of poor functionality. But sometimes such motherboards get proprietary technologies, in which case it would be strange not to review them. Today we shall examine one of such motherboards based on the AMD 770 chipset." |
Friday, August 28 2009 |
Posted by Nathan @ 5:00 PM (EDT) |
The BenQ Joybee GP1 mini projector is a wonderful device that more than exceeded our expectations. Being able to plug in a USB 2.0 Flash drive that contains images (JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF) or videos (MPEG4, MJPEG, XviD, 3ivX) and having the BenQ Joybee GP1 mini projector automatically launch a media playback menu without a laptop is awesome. With a noise level under 40dBA, the GP1 is relatively quiet and has fairly decent picture quality at the devices native 858 x 600 resolution. When it comes to image quality, the 100 ANSI lumens of brightness is adequate in dimly lit areas, but during the daytime the image is easily washed out. This makes the GP1 ideal for simple work presentations, academia or casual movie watching. The integrated 2W speaker that is incorporated into the chassis is more than good enough to crank out the audio for most situations, but you can always use other speakers if you prefer better audio. BenQ has done an impressive job getting this much quality into a palm-sized projector with a 5.4 x 4.7 x 2.1-inch footprint. Even the user interface is easy enough to use that a first time projector user should be up and running in minutes... |
Posted by Nathan @ 5:00 PM (EDT) |
Over the course of this review, my opinion of the Xonar HDAV1.3 Slim has gradually improved alongside the software and drivers. Initially I wasn't very impressed, but could see the potential. With each updated version of the drivers and player I've become just a little more comfortable with the card. I'm happy to say that today I'm extremely satisfied with its performance. |
Posted by Nathan @ 5:00 PM (EDT) |
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing a lot of external enclosures, a product that not too long ago was considered a luxury in owning for the average consumer. Nowadays, with advancing technology and lowering prices, its almost odd to see a user without. Naturally, there is an enormous selection of models out there, all (for the most part) sporting the same data transfer rate. So what is it that causes model A to sell more than model B? In-Win knows, and has sent us an example known as the Ammo, to find out for ourselves. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:59 PM (EDT) |
The Lian Li PC-X2000 is a full-tower with a straight and simple design. The hole case is made of black and brushed aluminium with a very high manufacturing quality. The Sidepanels are made of two milimeter thick aluminium. Additionally they are equiped with noise isolating material. The range of features like hot swap HDD cage, fan-controller, ODD mounting kit, liquid cooling compatibility and more, makes the very proud price of CHF 573.- worth it. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:59 PM (EDT) |
Today we look at a higher price bracket for those who demand a little extra than our recent 4890 roundup and there is no better card to focus on than the massively successful, and extremely powerful 285 GTX from Nvidia. We have been noticing the prices of these cards dropping recently and rather than focus on a plethora of 1gb versions we thought it would be interesting to focus on possibly the cheapest 2gb 285 GTX available from lesser known manufacturer Sparkle. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:58 PM (EDT) |
Early on in their debut, Solid State Drives were planned as included equipment on new computers coming from tier one manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Apple. In one way or another they made good on their word, but the inflated price for these premium options made SSDs a distant reality. This situation created the perfect condition for a enthusiastic upgrade market. Not surprisingly, manufacturers went after the individual consumer after losing traction with mass system builders, and upgrade kits became the obvious solution for many enthusiasts. Kingston is well known for manufacturing their own memory products, but when it came to the new SSD technology they turned to proven sources such as Samsung. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Kingston SSDNow V+ Series 64GB SATA-II MLC SSD SNV225-S2/64GB. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:58 PM (EDT) |
"While USB flash drives are "pretty fast", that may seem like an eternity if you have a few gigabytes of info to move. So we're stuck, right? Wrong. OCZ apparently has the answer for those people who need much faster than a simple USB flash drive, and they're accomplishing it with an eSATA interface. So today we're going to examine the OCZ Throttle 32GB eSATA/USB flash drive and see what it can do. How fast is it really? Is the price worth that extra speed boost? Let's find out." |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:57 PM (EDT) |
"After thoroughly using the F-35, I really can't think of too many things wrong with it. Actually, all I can think of is that it lacks e-SATA, and it fingerprints easily. Neither of these are a big deal at all. The F-35 looks awesome! The shiny black coloring works. I love the two 50mm fans and the blue LED on the front is great. More importantly, the performance is great as well! The F-35 does perform slower then an internal drive, but that's to be expected when using an external enclosure." |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:57 PM (EDT) |
The high performance CPU cooler market has gotten very competitive lately, and after the release of Intel's Core i7 platform not every cooler is compatible with the larger cpu. Fortunately many manufacturers, including Kingwin, are now including Core i7 mounting hardware with their existing coolers. Most coolers are still compatible with older processors though, so it is important to make sure they are effective in every setup. Now, RBMods reviews the Kingwin XT-1264. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:57 PM (EDT) |
“Verbatim has storage devices in their product portfolio for some time now, but this is their first external RAID hard drive. Obviously Verbatim team didn’t waste time and energy on creating some fancy name for this device, and instead focused their creativity on features. Idea behind this device is simple and it can take care of your data storage worries for foreseeable time in the future…” |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:56 PM (EDT) |
"After reviewing Noctua NH-U12P it's time to test a similar model, NH-C12P, which is a six-heatpipe cooler where the 120 mm fan in placed horizontally, thus fitting some SFF cases. Let's check if its performance is similar to its brother's." |
Thursday, August 27 2009 |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:05 PM (EDT) |
The Cooler Master HAF series began with the 932 which evoked mixed opinions among users and enthusiasts. The second edition in the series, with a similar imaginative name, the 922, has been adjusted a little making it into a slightly smaller Mid Tower chassis as well as allowing a price drop in the region of $20. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:04 PM (EDT) |
When it comes to the enthusiast heat sink market there is a short list of manufactures who dominate the industry for the most part. Of course there are many other companies who are fighting for a spot trying to make a name for themselves. Today I have the chance to check out a heat sink from a company called Titan, being in the industry for twenty years has become a competitor in the IT market. Working on the high performance market they recently released a heat sink called the Fenrir. In Norse mythology Fenrir stands for a monstrous wolf, with a name with such meaning I’m curious to see how it will perform. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:04 PM (EDT) |
This leads us to the model that we will be taking a look at today, the LM200 without the touch screen. If you need something to stare at, then you do have the option of a VFD that displays some very necessary information. Even without the screen, the LM200 is still a looker and I am so ready to jump into the disassembling it for us. The mixture of black and silver brushed aluminum adds a incredible sense of exquisite decor. But what's more, I give you all the interesting facts about the LM200 in the intro of this review. Let's move out and tear inside the box. |
SteelSeries 5H v2 Gaming Headset Review @ Tech-Reviews.co.uk |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:03 PM (EDT) |
SteelSeries are a company who specialize in professional gaming gear. Dominating their product portfolio more so are their gaming headsets. One such headset which is popular among many professional gamers worldwide is their 5H v2 headset. Featuring a pull-out microphone, XL ear cushions and a custom engineered soundscape for gaming, it certainly sounds promising. Let’s see if it’s popular for all the right reasons… |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:03 PM (EDT) |
This is your standard tower style heatpipe cooler with the radiator being the perfect size for a 120mm fan. Just like the original Hyper 212 there are 4 physical heatpipes bent in the middle giving us twice the cooling capacity. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:02 PM (EDT) |
The name AZZA may not immediately ring a bell when it comes |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:01 PM (EDT) |
Sports cars and performance go hand in hand, Gamers and enthusiasts liken their PC to performance hotrods all the time; whether it be the speed in which super pi can be completed as being likened to a drag race or “pimping” out your case much like Xibit and his boys do to cars. Thus far I have not personally seen any chassis made specifically for the car enthusiast in mind aside from custom mods; that is until now. In-Win have done it again mixing performance style and functionality all into one beautiful looking package. The In-Win F430 is a perfect marriage of the car and computer enthusiast into one cherry chassis. Let’s get a good look at it up close and personal: |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:01 PM (EDT) |
Antec’s Performance One chassis range has evolved greatly over the years from the original P180 which has then taken on a series of updates, revisions and improvements with the latest edition being the P183.Due to these cases being compatible with all form factor motherboards up to and including ATX, the chassis are understandably large and spacious. With this in mind, Antec created the mini P180 aimed at the more niche market – users with micro-ATX rigs. Featuring a similar, yet smaller, layout to the larger chassis’ in the range, the mini P180 is marketed as being an excellent gaming enclosure as well as easy to transport. On paper everything sounds rosy so let’s see how it shapes up as we look a little closer…. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:00 PM (EDT) |
"Today we're looking at a beast: the Enermax Revolution 85+ 1050W power supply. It appears to have plenty of grunt under the hood. It even looks like a brute, with a surprisingly edgy aesthetic that is complemented by some impressive features and performance claims. Let's take a look at the beast and see if it can meet our expectations." |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:00 PM (EDT) |
While there are many companies in the SSD marketplace, few carry with them the same brand recognition as Corsair. In this review we take a look at one of their newer solid state drives which promises great performance at a price point that has up until now been reserved for much lower-end products. Let’s hope they can deliver. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:59 AM (EDT) |
"Overall, the VisionTek 4850 1GB B2 performed decently, although overclocking potential is limited. The core ran cool thanks to the Accelero L2, and the power circuits even had a small heat sink. This video card is easily installed into most systems with its wide array of connections: HDMI, VGA and DVI. The VisionTek B2 video card has a basic package, but for a midrange card it is adequate, and nothing really stands out as lacking." |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:59 AM (EDT) |
With the average number of computers per household rising, the need for sharing files is increasing. Laptops, NetBooks, HTPC's, network capable printers, the list goes on. All of these devices will need access to files. The need to have files easily accessible is a necessity in a tech savvy home. A NAS (Network Attached Storage) device in a household will solve all file sharing issues. Once configured, a NAS device will be the center point of all file sharing. The limitations to what the NAS device is capable of depend on the type of NAS device you have. This is where Patriot's Corza NAS comes into the picture. The goal of the Corza is to be able to share files locally and worldwide while being simple. Supporting features like iTunes library sharing, FTP, torrent managing, and even printer serving, the Corza covers all bases. |
Wednesday, August 26 2009 |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:11 PM (EDT) |
SSD drives are starting to come in bigger sizes these days but they are still not available in terabytes and when they will be they will cost a fortune. Therefore SATA hard drives are still better when it comes to storage, Geeks.com sent us one of their Hitachi 1 TB "3.5 Internal SATA hard drives for a test. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:11 PM (EDT) |
"Towards the end of last year, Rutledge reviewed the Razer Moray In-Ear Headphones, a set of light weight earbuds perfect for those gamers on the go. While also offering compatibility with all sorts of mobile devices, such as multimedia cell phones, MP3 players and personal game consoles, the Moray could also be used on a PC with the included adapter. However times have changed, technology has advanced, and gamers demand more. Wouldn't it be great if they would make a set of travel buds with an inline mic so you could frag on the go and still communicate with the rest of your clan? Or how about being able to call your virtual dog's name or blow on a hot dish, fresh out of the oven without having to talk directly into the screen of your DS? Razer has you covered, as they release the Moray+ mobile gaming communicator." |
ASUS Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Review @ Legit Reviews |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:10 PM (EDT) |
"The ASUS Crosshair III Formula motherboard essentially takes the 790FX M4A79T-Deluxe PCB and tweaks it a bit while adding additional features and bumping the quality in the components. Like all Republic of Gamer boards the Crosshair III Formula comes with an add-in audio module providing cleaner sound. There is also the LCD Poster which provides diagnostic information and a menu for browsing through the options provided in TweakIt. TweakIt is a hardware supported overclocking feature that lets you adjust all the BIOS settings on the fly. This can help all overclockers push their systems to the edge of stability. Before we dig into the board images and tests here's a list of the features on the board..." |
Thermaltake VI-ON 3.5" SATA Hard Drive Enclosure eSATA and USB @ TestFreaks |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:09 PM (EDT) |
" About one week ago I took a look at the Thermaltake Max 4 USB and eSATA external hard drive |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:09 PM (EDT) |
"Recently we've been looking at several Solid State Drives (with more on the way) and today we'll be examining the Patriot Torqx that features some impressive performance claims. We've heard several manufacturers boast about their products and top performance numbers, and a few have delivered but a few haven't, so forgive us if we're a bit skeptical. That's why we're putting the Patriot Torqx today against some of the fastest SSDs on the market and see just how well it can live up to those claims. Let's take a closer look and find out." |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:08 PM (EDT) |
“NZXT is relatively new company (founded in 2004) but their products are always designed in an non-orthodox way. Their cases always look like a fusion between standard and modded chassis. We got their Apollo model that belongs to Crafted series and NZXT describes it as “the perfect combination of cooling, value and design”. Lot of water has gone under the bridge since this chassis was introduced but it still looks modern and has very reasonable price tag. Model that had arrived in our test lab was black version although gray, blue and orange versions are available also…” |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:08 PM (EDT) |
"We love running around during the summer - the beach, ball games, family gatherings, eating out - the usual stuff. In the heat, however, it's no fun lugging around a hefty DSLR with several lenses. That's why compact point-and-shoot cameras like the 12-megapixel T90 continue to sell well in this moribund economy. Sony and Canon execs both claim camera and camcorder sales remain relatively strong. After all, taking photos and video clips is an integral part of people's lives (post to your Facebook page or YouTube recently?) and people want their cameras with them all of the time. Since cell phone camera quality is still pathetic, the point-and-shoot digicam lives! And the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 is as easy to carry and use as you'd wish. Now let's see if it's worth the $260 it costs in the real world." |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:07 PM (EDT) |
It is a common practice among many motherboard manufacturers to have a line of motherboards with different part numbers to indicate different features, performance and price point. Motherboard manufacturers often start with a top of the line board design and stripe or tweak a few components here and there to produce a cheaper derivative. It is a way to save some bucks when it comes to product design. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:06 PM (EDT) |
Benchmark Reviews recently reviewed the SilverStone SUGO SST-SG06B Case, and supplied with that product was the SST-SOD01 kit. As was mentioned in that review, the case supports only slim optical drives. The SST-SOD01 slim drive kit we received is actually the Panasonic UJ-875A Slim Optical Drive manufactured for SilverStone. Since many of you will undoubtedly be looking to purchase the SUGO SG06 case or another small form factor case, you will need a slim optical drive. Benchmark Reviews offers for your consideration the Panasonic UJ-875A 8X DVD +/- RW Slot Loading Slim Optical Drive with SATA interface and DVD-Burner capabilities. |
Posted by Nathan @ 12:06 PM (EDT) |
With the M4A78T-E ASUS presents a DDR3 mainboard that comes with graphics already onboard. Therefore you have the possibility to buy a graphic card in a second step which makes the board interesting especially for beginners who would like to upgrade their system step by step. The fact that the motherboard also supports CrossFireX makes it even appropriate as a basis for an AMD/ATI gaming PC. |
Tuesday, August 25 2009 |
In Win X-Fighter AL-13 Series Gaming Case Review @ Tech-Reviews.co.uk |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:21 AM (EDT) |
Today at Tech-Reviews we are reviewing a new case from In Win, a relatively well known company who specialise in computer cases and power supplies. The X-Fighter has been produced with a certain theme in mind. And that theme is Star Wars. Now, being a fan of the films, this case immediately grabbed my attention with its futuristic design. But, it’s not all about looks, so let’s see if the interior lives up to the same standards as the exterior. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:21 AM (EDT) |
The QNAP TS-439 has a lot of great features going for it. For a 4 drive NAS device which really is a computer optimized for storage purposes, it doesn't have a huge footprint. The black front with gun metal aluminum chassis gives it a very sleek and professional look, definitely meant for the office or a network, tucked away in a network cabinet. Unlike the TS-809 Pro that I reviewed earlier, the TS-439 comes complete with eSATA ports to increase your capacity by an additional 2 drives. |
Aero Cool VX9 Pro, VXE, And VXR Gaming Chassis Review @ OverclockersHQ |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:20 AM (EDT) |
When it comes to chassis the gaming world is flooded with do-dads and flashy things. It can be difficult for a case manufacturer to stand out from the crowed. Most case manufacturers try to go over the top with design and include bright LED’s and flashy features. The problem with all of these extras is the cost of the case usually dwarfs that of your standard white box. Aero Cool is starting up a new line of performance gaming cases the PGS series of cases is in a tiered pricing structure. The first to be launched is there bottom end gamer case the Victory Series. The way Aero Cool has chosen to stand out is by making a very decent gaming PC for the budget gamer. With all of the flair of a pricey case but the price point of a white box this batch should be a frugal choice. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:19 AM (EDT) |
Thor's Hammer is signalizing the strength and efficiency of our cooler for your overheating Core i7 CPU's. With its 4 8mm Heat-pipes on the H.D.T. Base and the 3 6mm Heat-pipes on the 2nd layer, it is launched as a "World Exclusive Technology Cooler" but also outstanding and great performance. Not only persuades the enthusiasts and worldwide users by performance, but Thor's Hammer is also attractive by its unique and shiny black dedicated. |
AeroCool Vx-E - Performance Gaming Case Review @ Legit Reviews |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:18 AM (EDT) |
"The folks over at AeroCool have released several new cases with their PGS (Performance Gaming System) value series. These are targeting to the budget - midrange gamer with two of the three models also having a "pro" version which offers a few extra features like a built in fan controller. One of the cases smack in the middle of the lineup is the Vx-E model which we received to see how we think it fares compared with others in its class. Priced at $69.99, it's twenty dollars less than the VX-9 Pro and $15 more than the VX-R..." |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:18 AM (EDT) |
"Up on the review block today I’ve got the Thermaltake Element T Mid-Tower Chassis or PC case. This case is sold as something for gamers, or pros, and it has a simplistic yet elegant design to it. There’s plenty of room inside for any system, and room enough for the largest video cards and many hard drives. The case is very subtle in it’s look, and style, being basic black with red accents, there’s a top mounted 200mm cooling fan included and the PSU is mounted on the bottom of the case to help keep the inside of the case cool. One great feature of this case is that the motherboard tray is cut-out where the CPU cooler would be located, so you won’t have to remove the motherboard tray to change coolers like some coolers require. Read on to check it out… " |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:17 AM (EDT) |
Alienware was formed in 1996 and in the first 10-years of their existence the company created a name for themselves in the enthusiast market. It did not matter if a consumer was looking for a high performance desktop, notebook or HTPC system because Alienware had something capable to offer. When combined with futuristic and distinctive styling they have always appealed to discerning users. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:17 AM (EDT) |
"Continuing our CPU cooler review series, today we tested Noctua NH-U12P, which uses the now standard tower design with four U-shaped heatpipes and a 120 mm fan. Will its performance be compatible to its price? Let's see!" |
Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000 Heatsink Review @ frostytech.com |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:17 AM (EDT) |
"The Scythe Big Shuriken is actually a really small heatsink, well not so much tiny as low profile. From the CPU to the top of the fan, the Big Shuriken measures a scant 57mm tall. That's not a whole lot of space to cram in a heatsink, but somehow Scythe have packed in four 6mm diameter heatpipes, 60 or 70 razor thin aluminum fins and a 120mm fan." |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:16 AM (EDT) |
"Alienware has been advertising its latest portable gaming rig as the "most powerful 17-inch laptop in the universe." We're not sure how to go about verifying the off-planet portion of that claim, but as far as Earthly laptops go, it's hard to dispute. A fully tricked-out model like the one we had the opportunity to test comes equipped with Intel's fastest mobile processor, a pair of NVIDIA's quickest mobile graphics cards, and 8GB of the speediest memory around. It's easily the best performing notebook we've ever tested. And, at over $5,000 fully loaded, it's also one of the most expensive." |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:15 AM (EDT) |
"The reason the OCZ Behemoth Double-Laser Gaming mouse was rated an 8 in the comfort test is the fact that it is a little large for my hand and I am used to a more relaxed and spread out hand position like the Razer Diamondback 3G was able to provide, whereas the OCZ mouse had a more tense and bunched up feel to it. The customization of the OCZ mouse was better than the Razer mouse, as it has way more options for what the buttons are able to do, as well as has the ability to create a script for a button. I do prefer the way that the Razer mouse is able to change the DPI settings by holding one of the side buttons and using the scroll wheel to change the resolution setting, while you only have four in-game options with the OCZ mouse." |
Cooler Master SNA 95 Universal Power Adapter @ Benchmark Reviews |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:15 AM (EDT) |
The purpose is simple: offer a universal notebook adapter with widespread compatability with nearly all notebook computers in use today. It's the sort of product that fits in nicely on store shelves at your local electronics store or computer repair shop. The Cooler Master SNA 95, which stands for Slim Notebook Adapter and totals 95W of nominal output power, includes everything needed inside one small kit. The RP-095-D19A-A1 model comes with eight different charger tips to ensure compatability with the majority of popular laptop systems, and a 1A USB port to rapid-charge connected devices. Benchmark Reviews details the features and functionality behind the Cooler Master SNA 95 universal slim notebook adapter. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:15 AM (EDT) |
With the Siberia, Steelseries has a high qualitative headset in its portfolio which has been developed from gamers for gamers. Optically the big ear muffs promise a clean and exact resolution of in-game effects, movies and music. The microphone can be fixed wherever you want by using a small clip. |
Monday, August 24 2009 |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:30 PM (EDT) |
We have just released a Review of the Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 Toxic, including lots of Benchmarks in different Presets, HDTV CPU-Load, power consumption, loudness, temperatures and many more details. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:29 PM (EDT) |
It has been a little while since Corsair last released a CPU cooler, so they're hoping to successfully win everyone over with their all-in-one H50. Based on Asetek solutions, Corsair spent many months tweaking the H50 before they considered it complete, so let's find out if their hard work paid off in the end. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:29 PM (EDT) |
"As both popularity for SSDs and development of their technology grow, manufacturers are beginning to release their second generation SSD product lines. Today we have for review OCZ's second generation "mainstream" SSD, the OCZ Agility 120GB SSD. Back in May, OCIA.net site owner Shawn Knight had a chance to look at the first generation of mainstream SSDs from OCZ. That mainstream SSD, the Apex, performed exceedingly well for its price-point. Today, we'll see how substantially SSD consumers benefit from the development of technology over time." |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:28 PM (EDT) |
While most of us on Tweak Town are after the most performance and overclocking capable boards out there, it’s important to note that there is still a very large side of the market that we don’t always give a great deal of thought to, that being the integrated market. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:28 PM (EDT) |
The ASUS Matrix GTX 285/HTDI/1GD3/A card is an interesting beast of a card. With a lower default clock you would expect performance of the card to be lower than the other cards I’ve tested, but this was not the case. The card scored nearly the same as the other GTX285s, besting them in some, losing by a small margin in other tests. The card overclocks well, going past 735MHz for the core totally stable. ASUS has done a masterful job with their MATRIX card with a good bundle, good overclocking and the extra features they offer with every product. This product is a Hot Product for those reasons. Of course one can’t ignore the fact that Windows 7 is about to be released with DirectX 11, but for now the GeForce GTX285 is the fastest single chip card from either side. |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:27 PM (EDT) |
"Today we’re looking at a new offering in their product line, the PC-A70F, which seeks to build upon the success of their previous designs and looks very similar to their A71 lineup in what is perhaps best described as an evolution of form and function. Does form truly meet function, or does this tower leave us wanting? Let's find out." |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:27 PM (EDT) |
"After using this drive as my main OS drive for about two weeks now, I can say that I am sold on the merits of the latest generation of solid state drives. Having gotten used to using an Intel SSD, I was afraid that the stuttering problems of the earlier JMicron-controlled drives would manifest themselves. But once I pulled the drive open and found that the TORQX uses the INDILinx controller, those fears were quickly erased. The 64GB TORQX delivers great read and write performance with access times that make traditional drives look like they are running in slow motion. At 64GB, this drive is a little small for a full-on install. My normal everyday computer has over 200GB worth of installed programs and I would not be able to run this drive in that system the way it is configured. Have no fear though Patriot offers SSD's in sizes up to 256GB in size for those that want only a Solid State Drive." |
Posted by Nathan @ 4:26 PM (EDT) |
The Arctosa Gaming Keyboard is one of Razer's entry-level enthusiast peripherals to help gamers get into the world of high-end keyboards. It is a keyboard with many of the advanced features that you expect on a gaming keyboard, but with a price that wont break the bank. With such features as fully programmable macro keys and anti-ghosting technology, just to name a few. Benchmark Reviews is here to test this keyboard and its many features to discover whether it lives up to the Razer name, or if it is just another regular old keyboard with some fancy logos and shiny buttons on it. |
Sunday, August 23 2009 |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:29 AM (EDT) |
With more and more people becoming entrenched within the digital age there is an increasing need for storage. Hard drive docks are definitely a part of the solution with easy to use USB and eSATA connections all in a package that sits on your desk. Today we will be looking at what the Vantec NexStar Dual Bay Hard Drive Dock has to offer. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:29 AM (EDT) |
Today augmented reality comes in many, many forms, but they’re still not much more than methods for tricking the eyes. One of the most popular has been the introduction of AR (Augmented Reality) eyewear for gaming. These follow normal lines and allow for either enhanced viewing, 3D viewing or some combination of the two. |
Thermaltake ToughPower XT 750W Power Supply Review @ OverclockersHQ |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:28 AM (EDT) |
There are two types of users: those making as small a footprint as possible in the environmental conditions by using computers like the Eeetop or netbooks and then there are the enthusiasts. While I wouldn’t say the equipment itself is any less harmful for the environment but we are definitely sucking more power than the average user so what can we do to appease our consciences? Simply get a more efficient power supply. Thermaltake has been around for a long time and they have a name for being a quality product manufacturer and the latest line of ToughPower PSUs are no exception. Not only are they giving you quality parts like Japanese Capacitors but they also boast a bronze Efficiency requirement which means cleaner power and more efficient use of said power. Let’s get a look at the Thermaltake ToughPower XT 750W Power Supply and see how it stacks up. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:27 AM (EDT) |
Intel has taken the performance crown from itself again with the launch of the Core i7 975 XE CPU. This CPU is the fastest available processor for the gaming enthusiast on the market with 8 logical cores running at 3.33GHz. If you have the $1000 this CPU will set you back laying around and a system to put it on (X58 motherboard, HD 4890 video card or similar, DDR3 3GB and fast HDDs), this CPU will really help your system shine. The Extreme Edition CPUs are not for the faint of heart as they will run you over $999 USD, but if you want the best you have to pay through the nose for it. |
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 2TB Network Attached Storage @ TestFreaks |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:27 AM (EDT) |
"The BlackArmor series from Seagate are aimed at small businesses, and professional users but they can be great tools for the everyday user as well. I’ve taken a look at two of the BlackArmor series of external hard drives the PS 110 and the Ws 110, and both are very nice products overall that can be great tools for transporting and keeping your data safe. Today I’ve got another in the BlackArmor series of storage and backup devices, the NAS 220 2TB Network Attached Storage box. The NAS 220 is a NAS box as one might expect given it’s name, and I’ve taken a look at several NAS devices here on TestFreaks, so I’m not only giving you a comprehensive overview of the NAS 220 but tossing in some comparisons as well so we can see how it performs compared to a few others." |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:26 AM (EDT) |
The Element T certainly brings a different package and look than the Element G. The Element T brings a lot of to the table when it comes to storage with six 3.5" bays and one space to mount a SSD drive. There is enough room that worries should be minimal for full size power supplies or larger heatsinks. |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:26 AM (EDT) |
"In today's economy many people need to be frugal, which is often very difficult when shopping for a kilowatt power supply. But today we're looking at the HEC Raptor 1100CM power supply, a kilowatt modular unit that promises power for those on a tighter budget." |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:25 AM (EDT) |
“On this year’s CeBIT Logitech presented successor of very popular keyboards from G series: G19. This keyboard has arrived at our test lab but with high price tag. Are innovations on this keyboard really worth that much or not, you will find out very soon…” |
Posted by Nathan @ 11:25 AM (EDT) |
The memory maker expands its line of gaming mice with a huge model for big-handed gamers. |