- 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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Teens Arrested in MySpace Extortion Scam
Two New York teens have been arrested after trying to extort $150,000 from the makers of MySpace, the popular online community site. MySpace discovered the intrusion earlier this year and blocked it. The Los Angeles-based company also reported the incident to authorities. During the course of the investigation, threats were made that unless $150,000 was paid, new exploit code would be released, according to the statement.
Haha, it’s hard to feel sorry for idiots. This may teach other’s to think twice about extortion on any company. Check out the full read at Slashdot.
"Conroe-L": Core 2 Duo on the Cheap
Intel’s newest roadmap has an unusual addition: Conroe-L. Intel defines Conroe-L as a single core processor, which we assume is based on the Conroe Core 2 Duo architecture. The most recent roadmaps have Conroe-L designated as a Q2’07 component as a supplement to Cedar Mill chips.
Single Core CPU’s are being slowly being phased out now. By the time three quarters roll around, there will be even less demand for them. It looks as though they will replace the lower-end P4 and Celeron D chips, so they will be good for budget PC’s. You can find out more info at Daily Tech.
Ultra Products MicroFly Case PSU Mod
Ultra Products introduced the MicroFly (small form factor) case just a short time ago and not too long after that a small design flaw was found. If you are using a 6 inch deep power supply, the X2 and 600W offered by Ultra, two small tabs are in the way. These issues have been correct by Ultra Products, unfortunately a few cases did get shipped out. The fix for this is super easy and takes very little time to complete and I will show you how I corrected this issue.
If you have one of these problematic cases, check out the informative how-to at Modders-Inc.
Triple 1GB Corsair Flash Voyager Giveaway
As we come off a successful week of giving away 4 Deskpad XXL’s, this week up for grabs are 3 of the 1GB Corsair Flash Voyagers! That’s right, yet again, 3 prizes means 3 winners! Get your hump over and enter!
If you are too cheap to buy one, then you need to enter the contest at Virtual-Hideout to see just how useful they can be.
Microsoft Adds Ultimate Edition of Office 2007
The new retail package, which was not part of the Office 2007 lineup announced back in February, will offer nearly all the components available to large businesses in one $679 product. A Microsoft representative said on Thursday that the new entrant in the lineup was “created as a result of customer feedback,” but didn’t offer more details on its origins.
Is it just me, or does “Ultimate” just not sound that professional… for a professional product? Either way, this will be the ‘ultimate’ version, but will primarily be used in very large businesses only. Read more at NeoWin.
Buffalo 4GB Flash Drive Review
The Buffalo RUF2-S 4GB unit is FAST FAST FAST. Faster by far than anything else we have or have had in the shop. Four gigs of storage will be a big draw to many with the ability to store and carry large blocks of media. Four gigs is even large enough to carry an episode of LOST. The Buffalo’s size and feel was compact and balanced. The snug snap fit cap that can be secured on the opposite end during use also is a huge plus. As we said already, this cap is not one that is going to fall off after six months of use.
Unless you are a big fan of simplicity, you will find this drive ugly. However, the Read/Write speeds are quite good compared to other 4GB drives out there. But is that extra speed worth the $230 price tag? Considering you can get a Corsair Voyager 4GB for around $100, it’s hard to even consider a purchase. Check out Overclocker Cafes full review here.
Infinium Tries ‘Phantom’ Name Change
Former Infinium Phantom ‘console’ developer and current Lapboard accessory creator Infinium Labs has revealed multiple new details in financial filings, including the fact that it’s changing company name to Phantom Entertainment, as long as shareholders approve. But with the SEC prosecuting former CEO Timothy Roberts, ‘accumulated losses since inception of $69,331,794’, and _another_ former CEO, Kevin Bachus, now suing the company for back pay, will the company ever release a product?
That’s the question right there… will ‘Phantom’ ever release absolutely anything? I almost want them to release something, just to see if they are capable of even a crappy product. Grab links and check out the comments at Slashdot.
Western Digital Silently Updates Raptor Series
Western Digital silently updated two of its Raptor series drives: the 36GB WD360ADFD and 74GB WD740ADFD 10,000RPM models have been blessed with doubled buffers to 16MB each. The performance specifications have improved over the 8MB cache models along with a slight increase in power consumption. The new models also add Native Command Queuing to the list of features, a change from the older Tagged Command Queuing method.
Buffer to disk transfer rates are slightly increased in the new versions. Both models have also been made quieter in idle state, which is always welcomed. It’s really hard to justify picking up a 36GB drive nowadays, but the 74GB may be worth looking into. More info at DailyTech.
Intel 2006 Desktop CPU Roadmap Update
Core 2 Duo processors will be introduced on July 23 of this year and, according to Intel’s estimates, and will be accompanied by the new 96x “Broadwater” chipset. According to Intel’s updated roadmap, Core 2 processors will expand to roughly 35% of Intel’s shipments in Q1’07. Conroe, as the desktop version of Core 2 Duo is dubbed, will be the first Intel processor with the new letter/number naming schedule, as noted below.
If these prices hold true and performance reports are accurate, you should be able to get an amazing chip for around $200. What’s interesting to note, is that even the CPU’s that have a ‘budget’ price have a FSB of 1066. I cannot wait to get ahold of one of these.. Check out all the known information at DailyTech.
Q3 ThermoHAWK 200 Infrared Thermometer Review
The ThermoHAWK 200 Infrared Thermometer is quite the gadget. Actually, it’s more than just gadget since it’s very useful. Let’s face it, temperature is something all of us can relate to. No matter if you are doing research for a paper on water temperature or need to know how hot your computer memory is, this device will tell you within a second…
3D Gameman takes a look at a thermometer one from Q3, and considers it to be very useful. I may have to look into one of these myself.. Check it out 3D Gameman.
HIS X1800 GTO IceQ3 Turbo 256MB VIVO Review
After looking at Connect3D’s X1800GTO, it’s HIS’ turn with their new X1800GTO Turbo. This card features HIS’ brand new IceQ3 cooling solution and comes overclocked right out of the box. Being a part of HIS’ Turbo line this card has received a default overclocked speed of 520MHz core with the memory speed remaining the same. Why the amount of 520MHz was chosen is unknown but it seems like a small enough jump to be a pretty safe overclock without straining the card too much. Plus with the heavy duty IceQ3 cooler, overheating the card is hardly a worry.
If you are considering an X1800GTO, this should be worthy of your consideration. Paired against the Connect 3D model, the HIS comes out on top. You even have the ability to flash it to an X1800XL for even more performance. Check out the full review over at Bona Fide Reviews.
Corsair Twin2X2048-6400C4 Memory Review
Corsair and nVIDIA have been working together to create a new memory standard dubbed EPP which stands for “Enhanced Performance Profiles”. When used in a compatible motherboard, EPP helps the system automatically overclock the memory and tighten up timings to improve performance. Corsair has just released a set of its DDR2-800 memory that is perfect for Socket AM2 Athlon64 processors. Fast memory modules with low latencies, its new Twin2X2048-6400C4 memory is exactly what the doctor ordered. When running in dual channel mode, the Corsair Twin2X2048-6400C4 provides 12.8GB/s worth of memory bandwidth which happens to be exactly what the dual core Socket AM2 Athlon64 X2/FX processors need.
This is some great memory, especially if you are looking to test out the new EPP on your AM2. These modules keep up to the direct competition and even surpass them in some tests. The price is also right. Check out the full review at PC Stats.
NVIDIA nForce 500 Chatlog
Bjorn3D has posted the chat log from the NVIDIA chat last Tuesday. You can check it out here.
<SwedBear_Bjorn3D> Q: Did I miss something or is Active Armour (firewall) still available with nForce5?
<NVIDIA_tap> Active Armor is no longer available in nF5
<Sean_NV> Nope, ActiveArmor is gone
<Alpha736> is there going to be anything to replace activearmor?
<NVIDIA_tap> Why? We support most major firewalls.
<NVIDIA_tap> The idea is that we want to add value when we see an oppurtunity. Firewalls have matured to the point where our best strategy is to support exisiting products. As Microsoft standardizes an API for hardware acceleration of firewalls…we will be there.
Matrox TripleHead2Go now shipping
Montreal, Canada, May 25, 2006 – Matrox Graphics Inc., the leading manufacturer of graphics solutions for professionals, is pleased to announce that its award-winning new TripleHead2Go is now shipping worldwide and receiving widespread support from industry leaders, the press and top enthusiast system integrators. TripleHead2Go is a palm-sized box that uniquely allows you to add three monitors to your workstation, gaming system or laptop, delivering incredible productivity boosts to office work, Surround Design to workstation environments for professionals and an immersive Surround Gaming experience to enthusiasts.
You can read the full press release here.
Nintendo of America Announces Executive Promotions
REDMOND, Wash., May 25, 2006 – On the heels of the successful unveiling of the new Wii™ console, Nintendo of America Inc. today announced three key promotions at the executive level. Current President Tatsumi Kimishima is taking on the new role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, while Reggie Fils-Aime is being promoted to president and chief operating officer from his current role as executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. Additionally, Mike Fukuda is being promoted from senior vice president of Business Development to executive vice president of Business Development. All promotions are effective immediately.
This is also not tech news, but it’s very interesting. Reggie is a relative newcomer [at least from the publics eyes], but has landed himself as President. Check out the full press release here.
Half-Life 2 Episode 1 Teaser
Bjorn3D has just thrown up a new HL2 teaser trailer for your consumption. Not really tech news, but who’s NOT waiting for this game?? Check it out here.
Future for Vista Looks Bleak, but Where’s Linux?
With Microsoft taking a beating because of Vista’s problems and delays, it is time for desktop Linux to step up and experience some considerable growth. Right now, with Vista and Microsoft garnering very low approval ratings, desktop Linux providers need to be more aggressive about their marketing and get their message to concerned consumers. This should not be thought of as kicking Microsoft when it’s down, but the fact remains that a lot of people, even dedicated MS fans, are disappointed with what they know about Vista and what they have been hearing about the company in general. This means it is an ideal time to present people with a viable option.
Check out the full article at XYZ Computing.
Hardware Roundup for May 26
- Lian Li G70B Aluminum Case – Overclockers Club
- Thermaltake Armor Jr. Case – 3D Gameman
Cases & Enclosures
- Jetart VC3600 VCool GPU Cooler – XS Reviews
- SilverStone NT06 CPU Cooler – PC Modding Malaysia
- Zalman CNPS9500-AM2 – FrostyTech
Cooling
- Crucial Gizmo Overdrive – MaxitMag
- VIZO Paragon 2.5″ One Touch Backup HDD Enclosure – Virtual-Hideout
Memory & Storage
- AMD Socket AM2 Chipset Showdown: ATI vs NVIDIA – FiringSquad
- Microprocessor History, Part 2 – BTX Form Factor
Motherboards & CPU’s
- Hiper Type-R HPU4M580 PSU – Technic3D
Peripherals & Power Supplies
- Asus EN7900GT TOP/2DHT/256M/A – PC Stats
- HIS Radeon X1800GTO IceQ3 Turbo – Viper Lair
- MSI NX7600GT – NVNews
- NVIDIA DualTV MCE – HotHardware
- Sapphire Toxic X1900XTX – T-Break
Video Cards & Monitor
- Linux: Ubuntu 6.06 LTS Dapper Drake – Phoronix
- X-Micro Bluetooth Stereo Media Phone Kit – Xtreme Computing
Etcetera & Contests
Xbox 360 Faceplate Face-Off
An Xbox 360 faceplate is just a faceplate, right? Nothing but a $20 piece of plastic that spices up the looks of your console. If you subscribe to that school of thought you’d be wrong. We take a look at 7 faceplates and what you get for your hard earned money. The results might surprise you.
Are you still one of those people with a 360 and a bland, standard faceplate that was included? Yeah, me too. If you think you’ve seen great faceplates, you haven’t seen nothing yet. I now have to order one.. Check out the full article at [H] Console.
Microsofts JPEG Replacement
What do you do when you feel that a current standard isn’t good enough? You create your own. Microsoft has been talking up its new Windows Media Photo image format to take the place of the ubiquitous JPEG image. Windows Media Photo imaging will be natively supported by Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Vista operating system and will be back ported to Windows XP.
Usually such a move wouldn’t interest me, but this could actually turn out to be a good move. This new format, so they claim, will provide the same quality as JPEG but use only half the amount of space. Time will tell whether or not we will see this become a standard in digital cameras though. Check out the full posting at DailyTech.
Corsair PC2-6400C3 Meets AMD’s AM2 Processors
It is obvious from our testing that the memory controller on AMD’s AM2 processors is critical in system performance when it comes to a number of applications. For this article we were trying to get the highest gaming scores and our efforts proved to be very successful. Starting out with PC2-5400 memory running CL4 timings our base score was 134.0 fps. After moving up to PC2-6400 memory with CL3 timings and increasing our memory capacity from 2GB to 4GB the score increased to 159.1 fps — a 25.1 fps increase or 18.7%.
This is a great look at what to expect from DDR2 on the AM2. These modules specifically look amazing, because they can handle CAS3 at great PC2-6400 speeds. Check out the full article at Legit Reviews.
abit Launches Fatal1ty AN9 32X Motherboard
May 23, 2006 – Universal abit is proud to unveil its next generation of Fatal1ty gaming motherboards. Tested and approved by fivefold professional world champion Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, the Fatal1ty AN9 32X is Built to Kill!
You can read the full press release here.
OCZ Technology Launches Special Ops Edition Exclusive Gaming Memory
Sunnyvale, CA—May 24, 2006—OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, is pleased to announce the release of the Special Ops Edition DDR and DDR2 lines. Parts will be offered in PC-3200, PC2-5400, and PC2-6400 speed grades. This new line of OCZ memory features a unique camouflage motif XTC heatspreader and a price tag that has an edge over competitors.
You can read the full press release here.
Hardware Roundup for May 25
- Does the OEM AMD Dual Core Processor Cooler Really Need Upgrading? – TweakNews
Cooling
- OCZ EL DDR PC-4000 Gold GX XTC 2GB Dual Channel – Hardware Secrets
Memory & Storage
- AMD Athlon64 FX-62 and X2 5000+ Socket AM2 Processors – PC Stats
- ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe – BIOS Magazine
- ATi RD480 Crossfire Motherboard – Byte Sized Reviews
Motherboards & CPU’s
- Altec Lansing inMotion 9 (IM9) Portable Audio System for iPod – BonaFideReviews
- iStar STC-750PD2 (750w) Power Supply – Virtual-Hideout
- Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 – Big Bruin
Peripherals & Power Supplies
- ATI 8.25.18 Display Drivers – Phoronix
- ATi Catalyst 6.5 with Control Panel – NGOHQ
- Catalyst 6.5 Comparison – Technic3D
- More details about the GeForce 7950GX2 – NGOHQ
- GeForce 6800 128MB 16 Pipes Burstfire – Cooling-Station
- GeForce 7900-series Graphics Cards Compared – Tech Report
- Samsung 970P – Overclockers Online
- Updated ATI Radeon Graphics Card Guide – A1-Electronics
Video Cards & Monitor
- Contest: 3dGameMan’s Massive Giveaway! – 3D Gameman
- Apple MacBook Pro 15.4-inch 2.16GHz – Digital Trends
- ASUS A3Vc – X-Bit Labs
- eBook Readers Ready for Consumers? – XYZ Computing
- StealthSurfer II PrivacyStick – Think Computers
Etcetera & Contests
Windows Vista Beta 2 Review
On May 23, 2006, Microsoft will finally ship Windows Vista Beta 2, and it will soon thereafter make this release available to the public via a Consumer Preview Program (CPP), whereby computer enthusiasts or anyone who’s interested can order a free copy of Beta 2 on DVD and install it on their own computers. This is a scary time for Microsoft. The company has gotten a lot of bad press lately for the delays, and the missing and broken features. And now, it’s unleashing Windows Vista on the public. The company expects over 2 million people to install Vista Beta 2. I thought I’d tell you what to expect.
This is only the first part of the review, but Pauls look into the Beta is very in-depth. If you are interested in learning more about the new OS, check out the review here.