- Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
- AMD Launches Ryzen PRO 7000 Series Mobile & Desktop Platform
- Intel Launches Sleek Single-Slot Arc Pro A60 Workstation Graphics Card
- NVIDIA Announces Latest Ada Lovelace Additions: GeForce RTX 4060 Ti & RTX 4060
- Maxon Redshift With AMD Radeon GPU Rendering Support Now Available
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Marvell To Purchase Intel’s Communications And Application Processor Business For $600 Million
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 27, 2006 – Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. and Intel Corporation today announced that they have signed an agreement for Intel to sell its communications and application processor business to Marvell for a purchase price of $600 million plus the assumption by Marvell of certain liabilities. The planned sale will give Marvell a strong presence in the growing market segment for processors used in smart handheld devices. The sale also will enable Intel to focus its investments on its core businesses, including high-performance, low-power Intel Architecture-based processors and emerging technologies for mobile computing, including Wi-Fi and WiMAX broadband wireless technologies. The transaction is expected to close in approximately four to five months and is subject to regulatory review and other normal closing conditions.
You can read the full press release here.
AGEIA Inks Publisher-Wide Agreement with Major Russian Publisher 1C Company
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – June 27, 2006 – AGEIA™ Technologies, Inc., the pioneer in hardware-accelerated physics for games, today announced that Russian publisher 1C Company has signed a publisher-wide licensing agreement for AGEIA PhysX™ technology. The leading publisher and distributor of computer games in Eastern and Central Europe, 1C Company publishes and distributes titles from leading Eastern European developers, as well as titles of international publishers for the local market.
You can read the full press release right here.
Hardware Roundup for June 27
- Cooler Master Centurion 534 Computer Case – TechNeek
- Inter-Tech Sinan Hermes SPEED2500 External – Technic3D
- Thermaltake Muse OTB 2,5 HDD – TweakPC
- Thermaltake Muse LanDisk external HDD Enclosure – A1 Electronics
Cases & Enclosures
- Cooljag AMA-P AM2 Cooler – Pro-Clockers
- Zalman Reserator ZM-RF1 Fan Kit – Virtual-Hideout
Cooling
- Epox 9U1697-GLI K8 – PC Stats
- Kontron ”786LCD/mITX LV Plus” – EPIA Center
Motherboards & CPU’s
- Enermax AURORA Aluminium Keyboard – Cache-Community
- Everglide Titan MonsterMat Mouse Surface – Big Bruin
- Fellowes Split Design Keyboard with Microban – XYZ Computing
- Griffin radioSHARK USB AM/FM Desktop Radio – Think Computers
- Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard – ASE Labs
- Ultimate Ears super.fi 5 EB Earphones – 3D Gameman
- Ultrasone iCans Headphone – Futurelooks
Peripherals & Power Supplies
- ATI 8.26.18 Display Drivers – Phoronix
- Dell Ultrasharp 2407WFP – Bit-Tech
- GeForce 7950 GX2 Retail Round-up – Bit-Tech
- HIS X1800GTO IceQ3 Turbo 256MB – ByteSizedReviews
- HIS X1800GTO IceQ3 Turbo 256MB – Maxit
- MSI GeForce 7950 GX2 – T-Break
Video Cards & Monitor
- Apple MacBook Pro – ByteSector
- Linksys NSLU2 NAS – Digital Trends
- TopDesk – Exposé for Windows – TweakPC
Etcetera, Complete Systems & Contests
Half Life 2: Episode One Review
This game grabs you right at the beginning continuing right as you left off. Once you get started, the game play and pace is a little different than the original Half Life 2. After you readjust, the game is smooth and slick with a few repetitive patches. This game is really meant for the player who has a yearning to learn more about the Half Life 2 universe. The still impressive Source engine holds its own against is much newer competitors. Valve really has this brand on lockdown: they could probably produce ten more episodes without running out of story to tell.
You can check out the review at GamePyre. You can also check out our review of the game here.
Anarchy Online Turns 5 years old!
On this day, June 26 2001, Anarchy Online went live to an albeit less than
stellar launch, however it has continued to prove successful with several
expansion packs and a free to play option.
Congratulations AO and we look forward to our next 5 years on Rubi-Ka!
New Vista Build Released, WinFS Dropped
In its continuing efforts to improve its next generation operating system, Microsoft has released another interim build of Windows Vista to testers. Build 5456 is a rather large jump from Windows Vista Beta 2 (Build 5384.4) and offers a number of improvements which are sure to be welcomed by users.
Considering it’s a ‘large’ jump, I have to wonder why MS decided to pin an outdated build on the public. Either way, if it is indeed a large jump, then we should be in good shape by later this year.
ATI’s Single-PCB Dual-GPU Plans
ATI’s upcoming RV560 and RV570 will find its way into single-board, dual-GPU CrossFire configurations. Since the GPU cores have integrated composite engines, the cards are capable of Crossfire support directly on the card.
While this seems like a great idea, it seems to be only the X1600 series that will be dual. It will be interesting to see how the price compares to the X1900 series on launch… if there is one that is.
Billions donated to charity
Warren Buffet , the world’s second richest man, announced over the weekend that he will soon donate 85% of his entire net worth, weighing in at around $37 Billion, to charities, with over 80% of it going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This makes it the single largest monetary donation in history.
Now that’s what I call a generous contribution. Could this be due to the fact that Bill Gates recently announced his stepping down, and desire to put more time into the foundation?
Software Industry Embraces AMD’s Upcoming PC Enthusiast Platform
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. – June 26, 2006 – AMD (NYSE: AMD) announced today
broad software developer support for its upcoming four-core,
multi-socket enthusiast platform, codenamed 4×4. Leading software
developers including Bioware, Cakewalk, Crytek, Havok, Irrational Games,
Midway, NERO and Sony have been working on software applications and
games to take advantage of multi-core processors and benefit from AMD’s
Direct Connect Architecture.
You can read the full release here.
Hardware Roundup for June 26
- Antec NSK2400 Desktop PC Case – Think Computers
- SunbeamTech Silent Storm Case – Pro-Clockers
- VIZO Luxon 3.5″ IDE/SATA Hard Drive Enclosure – ExtremeMHz
Cases & Enclosures
- Jing Ting Chipforce JTS-0006 Chipset Cooler – Big Bruin
- Thermaltake Safari BX-01 BTX CPU Cooler – Motherboards.org
- Zaward Square Cooler – Technic3D
Cooling
- AData USB Fingerprint Security Drive – Overclocker Cafe
- ATP Pro Max 1GB Compact Flash Card – Think Computers
- Mushkin Redline XP2 8000 DDR2 SDRAM – Bjorn3D
Memory & Storage
- ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe AM2 – Virtual-Hideout
- EPoX EP-9U1697 GLI – Overclockers Online
- EPoX EP-9U1697 GLI Pictorial – Rojak Pot
Motherboards & CPU’s
- Krait Mouse – Game Apex
- Logitech V400 Cordless Notebook Mouse – ASE Labs
- Silverstone ST75ZF: PSU for Quad-SLi! – Technic3D
Peripherals & Power Supplies
- Crossire: ATI’s Answer to SLI – Tech-Hounds
- HIS X1300 512MB DDR2 Dual DVI PCI Express – Bona Fide Reviews
Video Cards & Monitor
- innovatek Dual Inline Digital Wasserthermometer – Cooling-Station
- Contest: Last Call – Cooler Master AquaGate Mini R120 – Overclockers Online
- Sony VAIO VGN-SZ150P/C – HotHardware
Etcetera, Complete Systems & Contests
2006 Computex Booth Babe Gallery
Well you have seen all the hardware from Computex, but how about the booth babes? You know some of these girls get paid $250 per day to wear skimpy outfits and show off hardware. We have around 100 photos of these ladies doing what they do best so check them out!
How can you resist such an article? Check it out at Think Computers.
Mandriva 2007 Alpha
The last time we had took a look at Mandriva was back in the
Mandrake 9.2 days. Anyhow, with the first Alpha release now out for
Mandriva 2007 Alpha, we decided to fire up the GNOME candidate to see
how it looks these days. Some of the new items in Mandriva 2007 Alpha
include X.Org v7.1, Linux 2.6.16.20, GNOME 2.15, and many other
open-source software updates. Plenty of new features and changes can be
found in this development release.
You can check out the first look over at Phoronix.
Coolermaster Mystique 631 ATX Chassis Review
Coolermaster has done a fantastic job with the Mystique 631 with its great many options. With its plentiful and standard options, the Mystique will serve any kind user whether you are an enthusiast or looking to change your home or professional computer appearance to something that suggests refinement.
Check out the full review a tVirtual-Hideout.
Akasa Evo 98 Universal CPU cooler Review
Overall this cooler impressed it keeps up the Akasa Evo Brand reputation for being good quality fan based coolers. (Oh yes it looks pretty good as well) don’t worry though if bright lights are not your thing as the Evo98’s light is not a bright one just a mellow cool blue. I really wish though it was 120mm fan compatible as I reckon it would be a better cooler with a larger 120mm fan, having said that it is excellent.
Check out the full review at Xtreme Computing.
I-Star S-8 Storm Series ATX Case Review
Out of the box, the I-Star S-8 Storm Series ATX Case looks quite attractive.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I’ve never been one for lights,
bells, whistles or sirens. The front plastic bezel is textured with vertical
lines, and brushed aluminum dash plates are a very nice touch. Ventilation
holes are strategically stamped along the side panel of the case.
Check out the full review at ModTheBox.
AMD Confirms a New Fab in New York State
AMD is expected to be spending upwards of $3.5 billion by the time the plant is finished. The plant is going to be home to more than 1000 employees and AMD says it should be completed sometime in 2010. In previous reports circulating online, it was indicated that New York state had been busy putting together an incentive package for AMD worth somewhere around the $1 billion mark. For New York state, having AMD build a new facility will introduce a big boost for the economy — new jobs are created and the state gets more taxes.
Things are looking even better for AMD. With a fab in NY, it may mean quicker releases, but possibly lower prices on these shores?
Ultra MicroFly Micro-ATX Case Review
Once upon a time, finding a versatile compact case that you would be proud to be seen with was nearly impossible. Then in buzzes the Ultra MicroFly Micro ATX Case. This attractive, all-aluminum case can house any micro ATX motherboard, and yet accepts standard depth optical drives and ATX power supplies due to being 1.5″ deeper than comparable cases.
Check out the full review at Virtual-Hideout.
Fedora Core 6 Preview
It is time yet again where the next Fedora Core installment
(this time, Core 6) begins to grab the attention of red-hat-wearing
penguins and other GNU/Linux enthusiasts. Yesterday was the inaugural
test release of Fedora Core 6, which is targeted at die-hard Fedorians,
and any other users wishing to get a glimpse at what Fedora Core 6 will
hold in store. Of course, Fedora Core 6 Test 1 is not a stable release
for use with production machines, so proceed at your own risk. We have
been experimenting with Fedora Core 6 Test 1 for about 24 hours now, and
have a few thoughts to share. Fedora Core 4 Stentz shaped up to be a
competitive release, and Fedora Core 5 Bordeaux continues to be one of
the best Linux distributions to date, so how will Fedora Core 6 fare in
this competitive open-source world?
If you are an FC fan, check out the writeup at Phoronix.
Spire SP-600W Rocketeer IV Power Supply Review
The SP-600W Rocketeer IV is being marketed as a “modular cable, SLI-ready, gaming PSU”. As of this writing, if you look at the Rocketeer IV at Spire’s site, it is advertised as being “darkgrey titanium colored” (this one is definitely black), and the advertised specs are somewhat different (lower) than the ones on this PSU.
Check out the full review at OCIA.
Cooler Master iGreen Power Supply Giveaway
Modders-Inc is entering their 2nd and final week of the Cooler Master iGreen power supply giveaway. The Cooler Master iGreen power supply is setting the standards for all other power supply’s to follow. Entering the giveaway is quick and easy, so check it out!
You can check out the full details at Modders-Inc.
Thermaltake Eureka Aluminum Case Review
The Thermaltake Eureka Case looks great with excellent features. It has 5×5.25″ and 2×3.5″ external drive bays, and 5×3.5″ internal drive bays. There is plenty of room to work on the inside and the motherboard tray is removable. The included two 120mm fans provide fantastic air circulation which is crucial. It even fits an extended ATX motherboard. This product has home server written all over it. Watch the Video to find out more…
Check out the full review at 3D Gameman.
Cooler Master Mystique 631 ATX Mid-Tower Case Review
Today 3DXtreme is pleased to present our latest hardware review of a recently released mid-tower Case from Cooler Master. Cooler Master has long been known for delivering some of the highest quality Cases to the market. The ATC series was a personal favorite of mine and I owned three of them over the years. When heat and the need for more space shifted my focus to full-tower Cases I was sad to have to leave my ATC Cases behind. Today’s Case, the Mystique 631, is an aluminum mid-tower available in a silver or black brushed aluminum finish. Weighing in at a mere 13.9 lbs it was refreshing to review a Case this light yet this well constructed. It has been awhile since I’ve seen a lightweight Case that was made of aluminum come in for a review.
Check out the full review at 3D Xtreme.
Cooler Master Centurion 540 Review
The Cooler Master Centurion 540 is a mATX case with a sleek aluminum front, sporting very nice blue LEDs and a black fan grill. While the outside appearance leaves nothing to be desired, the inside does not disappoint either. The hardware installation is a breeze and the great fan mounting positions make it an ideal candidate for water cooling. The case definitely has the Cooler Master quality, but still a very affordable price tag.
Check out the full review at techPowerUp!.
Earth’s Temperature at Highest Levels in 400 Years
The Earth is the hottest it has been in at least 400 years, probably even longer. The National Academy of Sciences, reaching that conclusion in a broad review of scientific work requested by Congress, reported Thursday that the “recent warmth is unprecedented for at least the last 400 years and potentially the last several millennia.”
It looks like the 1° increase in the atmosphere is our fault. No surprise there.
Day of Defeat Update coming soon!
DAY OF DEFEAT SOURCE SUMMER UPDATE COMING JUNE 28
Valve’s Popular WWII Online Action Game Approaches First Birthday
Bellevue, WA, June 22, 2006 – Valve® announced a Day of Defeat: Source Summer 2006 Update featuring a Free Map Pack is scheduled for release on June 28 via Steam (www.steamgames.com) to everyone who owns a copy of the game.
The Map Pack, which arrives just before DoD: Source’s 1st birthday, introduces a new gameplay style, Detonation, in two brand new missions (Jagd, Colmar).
In addition to the new missions and gameplay style, the Summer 2006 Update also introduces new technical features and gameplay enhancements to Day of Defeat: Source. Some of the new gameplay enhancements – such as spawn clip adjustments, improved hit location detection, and weapon balancing – were made after reviewing the player statistics gathered since the stats (www.dayofdefeat.com/stats) feature was added to DoD: Source earlier this year.
Since it’s original release in the fall of last year, Valve has introduced a number of new features, missions, and enhancements for the game – following in the company’s long tradition of ongoing development for its online properties. Below is a summary of the new missions and features added to Day of Defeat: Source since the initial launch:
New Missions Added:
Colmar (June 2006) — Set in Northern France, Colmar introduces Day of Defeat’s Detonation style of gameplay. Marred with cold weather conditions, Colmar’s Detonation objectives drive successful teams to attack target areas in unison.
Jagd (June 2006) – Jagd challenges to teams to a more advanced urban Detonation mission, one that most be completed in a limited amount of time and is therefore unforgiving to unorganized offensive attacks.
Kalt (February 2006) – The narrow city streets, wheelhouse, and center bridge on which Kalt is fought challenges Axis and Allied forces to disperse and hold multiple points. As such, surging attacks and sudden changes in momentum may be common.
Argentan (January 2006) – The first new mission introduced after the initial launch of Day of Defeat: Source is set alongside the rolling hills of a French trainway. It’s hillsides and country structures provide the setting for punishing sniper and machine gunner stand offs.
- Technology Updates:
- Color Correction
- Film grain
- New Shaders
- – Light warping
- – Phong Shading/Rim Lighting on player models
- Improved Animations
- Support for Bloom on DX8 level GPUs
- Prop Vertex Lighting
- Engine Optimizations
- – Image-based texture blending
- Gameplay Enhancements:
- Spawn Clip adjustments
- Improved Hit location detection
- Weapon balancing
- Detonation Gameplay Introduced
- Player Statistics
Available via Steam and at retail outlets the world over, Day of Defeat: Source is one of today’s most played online action games. Players join the ranks of Axis vs. Allies battles in Western Europe at the height of the war in 1944. Players enlist in specific combat roles, ranging from scouts to sharpshooters, and are tasked, as a unit, to complete objective-based missions.
For more information on Day of Defeat: Source, Valve or Valve’s games, please visit www.steamgames.com.
About Valve
Valve is an entertainment software and technology company founded in 1996 and based in Bellevue, Washington. The company’s portfolio of entertainment properties includes Half-Life®, Counter-StrikeTM, Day of Defeat®, and Team Fortress®. Valve’s catalog of products accounts for over 20 million retail units sold worldwide, and over 80% of PC online action gameplay. In addition, Valve is a developer of leading-edge technologies, such as the Source game engine and Steam, a broadband platform for the delivery and management of digital content. For more information, please visit www.valvesoftware.com