Intel To Launch Three Nehalem-based CPUs by End of Q408?

It's still a bit early to instill confidence in rumors, but this one seems reasonable. Industry-tracking site DigiTimes is reporting that by the end of the year, Intel will launch three different processors based on the Nehalem microarchitecture. The fastest model will debut at 3.2GHz, similar to today's LGA775-based QX9770, while the others will be clocked at 2.93GHz and 2.66GHz.

If history is any indicator, Intel will launch the 3.2GHz part first and label it as part of the 'Extreme' series. After some time has passed, they'll follow-up with the lower-clocked offerings, which are still likely to be priced higher than current Yorkfield mid-range offerings.

As we are already aware, the X58 chipset will launch at the same time as the first processor's launch, which will end what we know as the FSB, thanks to the introduction of the QuickPath Interconnect architecture. As for further specifics, such as pricing and model names, that won't be known until later this year, though leaks are sure to happen before then.

In other news, Intel has updated its processor schedule in will begin to phase out its Core 2 Extreme QX6850 and 6800 after July this year, the sources revealed. Additionally, the performance-level quad-core Q9550 and Q9650 will both phase out in the first quarter of 2009. Intel will leave its quad-core Yorkfield processors for the mainstream market and their life cycle will not end until the end of fourth quarter 2009.

Source: DigiTimes

Want the Largest HTPC Chassis Ever? Lian Li's Tyr X2000 Is For You

As I recently explained in our ASUS U6E 12.1" review, bigger is no longer necessarily better. Today, most people are not satisfied with their PCs unless it's small, quiet and robust. Hard to put all three of those together, but it can be done. Well, there still linger people who think that bigger is better, and wow, does Lian Li have you covered.

The company has just released their Tyr X2000 'HTPC/Gaming Chassis', that's not so much large as it is FREAKING HUGE. As you can see in the photo below, it's capable of supporting a full eATX motherboard with plenty of room for airflow. At the bottom can be found hard drive bays for six drives, with no real expandability past that. But when was the last time you really used more than SIX hard drives?

I digress. On top, a power supply can be mounted in addition to your ODDs and 3.25" accessory, be it a floppy drive (??) or something else. Pricing is not mentioned in the press release, but chances are if you have to ask, it's not going to be for you.

Update: It looks like the selling price will be around $520USD. The case will only be available to the US through NewEgg, in systems that they apparently pre-build to sell. Canada and the rest of the world will sell the case naked via the usual e-tailers.

The Tyr X2000 is aligned to become the most unique HTPC/Gaming Chassis on the market today allowing unprecedented high performance components to be encompassed in the home theatre environment without compromising on looks and appeal. The stylish and unique side panels accept 2x 5.25" Optical Device Drives and one 3.5" drive, which are accessible from either the left or right side, while the front face is for ergonomics and airflow. The 6x hot swap RAID SATA HDD bays can contain terabytes of multimedia for your viewing pleasure while the spaciously zoned interior can accommodate virtually any system you can think of.

Source: Lian Li Tyr X2000 Microsite

Waving Good-Bye to Bill Gates

As June 27 gets closer and closer, technology pendants, competitors and fellow colleagues face the growing realization that Bill Gates will soon leave the technology industry and his position as chairman of Microsoft. It's not entirely clear what impact the leave will have, but the entire incident remains to be a historical event worth noting.

The man, despite any personal grievances one may hold, has made many contributions to the technology and software industry, as well as to the world through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Although Gates will still have a part time job at Microsoft, he will not be there on a day-to-day basis and will instead focus his efforts on his charity.

It's a nice thing to see fellow CEOs give their respects and say their goodbyes to the man who essentially changed the personal computer to be what we know it today. CNet has a collection of 13 technology leaders saying goodbye to Bill Gates, and his legacy.

As Bill Gates steps down from full-time work at Microsoft, well-wishing cheers and not-so-nice jeers are echoing from Silicon Valley. After 32 years of competition and acquisition, Gates managed to ruffle some feathers, while still making some famous friends. After the end of this month, Gates plans to spend only 20 percent of his time as a Microsoft chairman and the rest of his time will be devoted to the Gates Foundation and other pet projects.

Source: CNet

June 24th Tech Roundup

Motherboards & Processors
• Intel Core 2 Extreme Mobile X9000 Processor - HotHardware
• NVIDIA nForce 790i and Intel X48 Chipsets - Digit-Life

Displays & Video Cards
• ASUS Radeon HD 4850 - Motherboards.org
• Leadtek PX9800 GTX GeForce 9800 GTX - techPowerUp!
• NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX 512MB - Phoronix
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 512MB - ClubOC

Memory & Storage
• A-DATA Plus-Series DDR2 800 2 x 2GB - Overclockers Club

Peripherals & Gadgets
• Aliph Jawbone 2 - Digital Trends

Cooling
• ASUS Lion Square CPU Cooler - Legit Reviews
• ZEROTherm ZEN FZ120 Cooler - Hardware Logic

Chassis & Power Supplies
• Cooler Master Silent Pro M600 Power Supply - Elite Bastards
• Hiper Osiris HTC-1K514-A1 Mid-Tower - Benchmark Reviews
• Kira CS 630W Power Supply - JonnyGURU
• Tuniq Ensemble 1200w Power Supply - ClubOC