Content and news by Rob Williams

SLOVENIA, 19. May 2006 — Driversplanet.com, a web page providing links to device drivers and device information is back. In last couple of months there has been updated over 40.000 new models, and broken links have vanished. Now the database is constantly being updated with new links providing the best possible service to users.

Grats to them on the resurrection! Check out their site at http://driversplanet.com/.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2006 – Intel Capital, the venture capital investment arm of Intel Corporation, has embarked on a bolder, more proactive strategy designed to enhance innovation worldwide by helping its portfolio companies to be more successful through larger investment stakes and more active collaboration.

You can read the full press release here.

Cases & Enclosures
• Thermaltake Armor Junior Mid-Tower ATX Case – Big Bruin
• ThermalTake Matrix VX VD3000 – Fastlane HW

Cooling
• Spire Verticool II and DiamondCool II CPU Coolers – 3D Xtreme
• Thermaltake Symphony Mini – Technic3D

Memory & Storage
• SyncMAX PC2 5400 – Overclocker Cafe
• OCZ 2GB Platinum Edition PC4000 Dual Channel DDR500 – Bona Fide Reviews

Motherboards & CPU’s
• AMD Socket AM2 Motherboards – AMD Board
• Asus P5WD2-E Premium – Hardware Logic
• Foxconn 975X7AA Crossfire Mainboard – Overclocker Cafe
• Sapphire X1600 PRO Crossfire – Bjorn3D

Peripherals & Power Supplies
• Bluetake i-PHONO BT450Rx Mini Bluetooth Stereo Headset – Futurelooks
• Enermax Aurora & Crystal Keyboards – 3D Gameman
• Enermax Aurora Aluminum Keyboard – Pro-Clockers
• LCG 350W & 500W PSU – GamePyre
• Logitech G7 Laser Mouse – Overclockers Club
• Maxpoint/Enermax Whisper II 535W – Modders-Inc

Etcetera & Contests
• Contest: Corsair Nautilus 500 External CPU Water Cooling Unit – Big Bruin
• Disc Makers Pico Automatic CD Replicator – XYZ Computing
• Get the Most Out of Your PSP: Accessories – Digital Trends
• Trust GM-5400 – Gaming Objects

It’s no surprise that AM2 has been launched today, and their are reviews EVERYWHERE. Here are but just a few:

Guru3D: The FX-62 CPU we used today was supplied by AMD (for a couple of days). It’s obviously is a fantastic CPU and even more apparent the fastest available to date. I was surprised that we could easily tweak another 350-400 MHz out of the CPU with just air-cooling. Hey it’s done in seconds with the 590 mainboard (high frequency memory highly recommended here btw). Then there’s that X2 4000+ processor we used. Dang .. it’s a third of the price of that FX-62 yet with performance close to the FX-60 once overclocked.

HardOCP : I personally am going to wait it out a bit with my 4800+ and 2GB of DDR-400. I will build another system this year but I am not sure whether it will be Blue or Green. I do know for sure that if I am building an AMD system here next month, I would very much embrace AMD and DDR2 and move forward with their AM2 processor inside.

Hexus: AMD succeed in taking DDR2 to K8, with an integrated memory controller that’s both very high bandwidth and low latency, allowing AM2 CPUs to match or exceed the performance of their Socket 939 counterparts. That’s the important conclusion to take from the CPU side of things when considering AM2 as a whole.

HotHardware: What AMD has accomplished today is indicative of the evolution and migration of an architecture, that will pave the way for future performance and enhancements. The move to DDR2 memory was inevitable and as future Athlon core architectures evolve, the company will have much needed bandwidth to service ever-hungry dual core processor pipelines.

Bjorn3D: MD has done what we feel to be an outstanding job with the introduction of their socket AM2 lineup. The X2 5000+ we reviewed today completely surprised us from the standpoint of how well it performs, particularly in the realm of memory related benchmarks. We forgot to mention earlier that the X2 5000+ in our test system performed as much as 6-7 degrees Celcius cooler than its FX-60 opponent. This is an 89 watt processor, not the low energy 65 watt version that will be available in the socket AM2 series up through the X2 4800+.

Here are some other related articles from around the web:

• AMD AM2 5000+/FX62 MSI K9N SLI PLAT – Driver Heaven
• AMD AM2 FX62 and NVIDIA nForce5 Launch – GamePyre
• AMD AM2 Platform: Athlon 64 FX-62 Processor Review – PC Per
• AMD Athlon64 5000+ AM2 – T-Break
• AMD Athlon64 FX-62 Socket AM2 Review – PC Modding Malaysia
• AMD Athlon64 X2 5000+/FX62 CPU Review – Motherboards.org
• AMD Launches The Socket AM2 Platform – Legit Reviews
• AMD Socket AM2 Family Preview – Phoronix
• Evesham Technology FX-62 System – Hexus
• Intel’s Conroe spanks AMD FX-62’s botty – Hexus
• NVIDIA nForce 590 MCP – Bjorn3D
• NVIDIA nForce 500 Preview – techPowerUp!
• NVIDIA nForce 500 Series Technology Overview – Viper Lair
• nVIDIA nForce 500 Series Preview – Technic3D
• SCAN 3XS Athlon 64 FX-62 AM2 system – Hexus
• Socket AM2: Athlon 64 FX62 , X2 5000+ and nForce 500 Review – AMD Zone
• Socket AM2: Athlon 64 X2 5000+ – Neoseeker
• Socket AM2 chipsets collide – Tech Report

Fremont, CA (May 23, 2006) –Corsair® Memory, the worldwide leader in design and manufacture of high performance memory, today unveiled the world’s first DDR2-800 2GB kit rated at true low latency of CL3. The latest addition to the award-winning XMS™ family of products, TWIN2X2048-6400C3 delivers unparalleled memory performance at 800MHz and supports the industry’s lowest latencies of 3-4-3-9 in this speed grade. Featuring Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), a new open memory standard jointly development by Corsair and NVIDIA®, the users can take advantage of the added memory performance characteristics and capabilities when used with an EPP-capable motherboard.

You can read the full press release here.

SUNNYVALE, CALIF. – May 23, 2006 – As part of AMD’s ongoing commitment to deliver leading technology for desktop PCs, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the immediate availability of the AMD Athlon(tm) 64 FX-62 dual-core processor, the world’s ultimate processor for PC enthusiasts, and the AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 5000+dual-core processor compatible with AMD’s new socket AM2 platform. Socket AM2 from AMD is designed to enable next-generation platform innovations such as AMD Virtualization and high-performance, unbuffered DDR2 memory to the award-winning AMD64 architecture. Additionally, socket AM2 streamlines the work for motherboard manufacturers, while reducing costs through economies of scale, which can provide better products and increase supply chain flexibility.

You can read the full press release here.

WALTHAM, Mass., and ATLANTA – May 22, 2006 – NCR Corporation and Novell have announced a global agreement to offer Novell® Linux Point of Service on NCR RealPOS* retail point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The agreement between Novell and NCR – one of the world’s largest store automation solution vendors – makes a secure, reliable software platform and hardware combination available for retailers deploying Linux-based POS solutions. NCR’s plans call for offering Novell Linux Point of Service on NCR EasyPoint* kiosks and NCR FastLane* self-checkout in the future.

You can read the full press release here.

Cases & Enclosures
• SunbeamTech Zorro ATX Chassis – Virtual-Hideout

Cooling
• Noctua NH-U9 and NH-U12 – Overclockers Online
• PrimeCooler Aqua Ready 1 Water Cooled Heatsink – A1-Electronics

Memory & Storage
• Icy Dock MB452UK-B USB 2.0 3.5″ External Enclosure – Big Bruin
• Super Talent T800UX2GC4 PC2-6400 Memory Kit – Legit Reviews

Motherboards & CPU’s
• ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 Preview – Phoronix
• Intel’s Woodcrest processor Preview – Tech Report

Peripherals & Power Supplies
• Cooler Master iGreen 430watt Computer Power Supply – Tweak News
• Creative Mouse HD7500 – UK Gamer
• SWISSMEMORY s.beat MP3 Digital Audio Player – Xtreme Computing
• SyncMAX PC2 5400 Memory – Overclocker Cafe

Video Cards & Monitor
• ASUS EN7800GT Silent Video Card – Motherboards.org
• Desktop Graphics Card Comparison Guide Rev. 10.7 – Rojak Pot
• Linux: NVIDIA 1.0-8762 Display Drivers – Phoronix
• NGO NVIDIA Optimized Driver v1.8466 – NGOHQ
• Plusdeck2c PC Cassette Deck – Think Computers
• ViewSonic VA2012w 20.1″ Widescreen Monitor – UK Gamer

Etcetera & Contests
• MESH Matrix² CrossFire 1900/1600/1300 systems – Hexus
• Netgear RangeMAX 240 – Digital Trends
• Sony Walkman NW-A3000 – BIOS Magazine
• Sapphire 512MB Ivory Digital Audio Player – Hexus
• Contest: UKGamer May Giveaway – UK Gamer

In the fight for control of the digital home, Intel and AMD have both introduced their own platforms. At one side stands AMD with Live! and at the other side stands Intel with Viiv. To effectively understand Viiv and Live!, you must realize that both are not exactly technologies. Instead, they are a list of specifications that define the minimum hardware and software requirements a computer needs to be considered either Viiv or Live! compatible.

If you are confused about the differences between Live and Viiv, this is a great article for your reading pleasure. By the time you are done, you will have a good grasp on things.. and feel smarter! Check out the article at Xzentech.

There are many motherboards available that are capable of working with both today’s Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors, as well as with the majority of the upcoming Core 2 models. However, please make sure you verify Core 2 support before purchasing a particular motherboard, as it may not coexist well with old motherboard revisions.

For the usual Tom’s in-depth article, head here. They are comparing all of the top i975x motherboards, including my favorite.. the ASUS P5WD2-E. No board really comes out a clear winner, because they all proved quite reliable, which is nice.

Canada is leading the way in Firefox internet usage, with 16% of internet users using the popular open source programme. The figures, provided by OneStat show the gradual market increase that Firefox is gaining, with IE accounting for 77.41% in Canada. While Firefox’s popularity grows in Canada and the US it is struggling elsewhere, which brings the global market share of the browser down to just 11.79%, where in the US the share is 12.81%.

As a Canadian, I can only say that I feel proud. Check out the full posting at Neowin.

It seems like every few days now there’s some mainstream press article looking at whether there is or there is not a new internet bubble. We won’t come down on one side or the other, but will note one similarity. Following so much domain name speculating, comes the news that the domain name diamond.com has been sold for $7.5 million.

This is incredible, no way around it. Diamonds are expensive, and apparently so is the domain name. Since diamonds are forever though, maybe 7.5 Million will stretch a long way? Check out the full posting at TechDirt.

Besides ATI, NVIDIA has also put in its support for DisplayPort. Other consumer electronics companies such Philips and Samsung are also supporting the new standard. DisplayPort, says ATI, will become the next major standard due to its high-bandwidth and low latency capabilities. Technically, DisplayPort takes on some other features of HDMI, which is based on DVI but also has lines to carry a multi-channel audio signal. DisplayPort too will also be able to carry audio as well as a high-bandwidth signal that will be able to display an image with a higher resolution than even dual-link DVI (2560×1600).

It probably won’t be a little while until we actually need to worry about this.. a year at least. It does have some benefits over HDMI though, so it may not be such a waste of time as many are making it out to be. As always, time will tell. Check out the posting at DailyTech.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) recently disclosed details on its new 45nm process, with the first one released on the market to be a low-power version. Following the low-power version will be several variations of the technology. TSMC will then move into “risk production” for the low-power version in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Things are moving faster than ever. It shouldn’t be yet a few more years before we start to see 32nm~ in production. Check out the full posting at DailyTech.

Fremont, CA (May 22, 2006) –Corsair Memory, the worldwide leader in design and manufacture of high performance memory, today announced broad availability of the world’s first production DDR2-1066 and DDR2-800 low latency 2GB kits. The new TWIN2X2048-8500C5 and the TWIN2X2048-6400C4 are optimized for the upcoming NVIDIA nForce® 590 chipset based motherboards and feature Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP).

You can read the full press release here.

SEATTLE – MAY 22, 2006 – AMD (NYSE: AMD) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) today announced an agreement to jointly support flexible business models for emerging markets powered by Microsoft® FlexGo™ technology. The initiative reflects both companies’ efforts to bring affordable access to technology to consumers around the world. At the 2006 Microsoft Windows® Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Seattle, the companies stated their commitment to support the initiative through a pilot program that provides consumers the opportunity to purchase PCs through a combination of innovative technology and a pay-as-you-go computing model. Through the joint development that is underway between AMD and Microsoft, Microsoft’s FlexGo technology will also be incorporated within key AMD microprocessor products.

You can read the full press release here.

As you make your way into the massive South Hall in the Los Angeles Convention Center, you’ll see directly up front making a powerful first impression – Electronic Arts. Their booth has a circular shape with a gigantic full 360-degree video screen showing seamlessly connected 360-degree video. Featured within this gigantic booth are many of EA’s fantastic upcoming games, including Crytek’s Crysis, Battlefield 2142, Superman Returns, Madden NFL 07, Spore, etc. Check out this full on tour of the EA booth at the 2006 E3.

Check out the full article at Think Gaming.

Cases & Enclosures
• Aspire X-DISCOVERY Case – Technic3D
• CoolerMaster Centurion 532 PC Case – Think Computers
• iStarUSA S-8 Storm Series ATX Chassis – Virtual-Hideout
• Lian Li PC-G70B-CW – Fastlane HW

Cooling
• Zalman VF900-Cu Ultra Quiet Performance VGA Cooler – PC Apex

Memory & Storage
• OCZ Ultra-Slim Mini-Kart Flash Drive – CoolTechZone

Motherboards & CPU’s
• ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe vs Sapphire PURE Crossfire PC-A9RD580 – Hexus
• Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe Preview – PC Modding Malaysia

Peripherals & Power Supplies
• Altec Lansing MX5021 2.1 Speaker System – Bona Fide Reviews
• Giganta Lazer 4 Mousepad – Pro-Clockers
• Roadmaster USA VRFM8 MP3 FM Modulator – Big Bruin

Video Cards & Monitor
• Galaxy GeForce 7600 GS GDDR3 – Elite Bastards
• RivaTuner 2.0 RC16 Released – Guru3D

Etcetera & Contests
• DISH Network ViP 622 HDTV DVR – Digital Trends
• Contest: Noctua NHU9 and Coolink 92mm Fan – XS Reviews
• Contest: Overclockers Online & Cooler Master May Give Away – Overclockers Online
• PIKOM KL PC Fair 2006 Coverage – CyberwizardPit

The Game Heroes of Might and Magic V from Ubisoft comes into the Editorship from Technic3D. We will clear in this Review: which everything is new in the 5th. Part?

Check out the full review at Technic3D.

Looking for the ultimate air cooling solution for your Intel 775? The Zalman 9500AT may be up your alley, but may prove a little pricey for your liking. Installation proved a little problematic, but the cooling ability is evident.