Tech News

AMD Socket 939 Athlon Motherboards List Review

Posted on August 22, 2005 10:50 AM by Rob Williams

In these handy review pages, our lists, which we hope you find as useful as we do this our compilation of the range of AMD Athlon 64, Athlon64 FX, x2 dual-core & Sempron socket 939 motherboards available from Abit, ASRock, Asus, Biostar, Chaintech, DFI, ECS, Epox, Foxconn, Gigabyte, MSI & Soltek manufacturers which we hope will give you plenty of details to help you choose which make and model of AMD Athlon 64, Athlon64 FX, x2 dual-core & Sempron socket 939 motherboard to buy.

Check out the full review over at A1 Electronics.

Sapphire’s PI-A9RX480 Motherboard Review

Posted on August 22, 2005 10:37 AM by Rob Williams

ALTHOUGH BETTER KNOWN for graphics cards, Sapphire has quietly been making motherboards for a while now. Those motherboards haven’t really targeted the enthusiast market until recently, with the introduction of Sapphire’s “PURE Innovation” PI-A9RX480. The distinctive white board garnered plenty of attention at this year’s Computex show, and one has finally made its way to our labs for testing.

Check out the full review over at Tech Report.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Posted on August 22, 2005 10:36 AM by Rob Williams

Windows keyboard shortcuts are all intended to provide some sort of convenient alternative to common tasks, and whether specific combinations do so is up to the individual to decide. Some are simple time-saving motions, while others are complex maneuvers in finger gymnastics. There are dozens of other common Windows shortcuts (and even more related to specific software titles), and memorizing just a few of the more basic ones may be worth the time-savings they can afford you.

Check out the full article over at Big Bruin.

MSI RD480 Neo2 Review

Posted on August 22, 2005 10:34 AM by Rob Williams

Currently in final production at the time of writing, the two samples in the photos are engineering samples so we couldn’t get out hands on one for testing, but having run the figures past Rys, they add up to just a little over 1000W output, drawing 1400W from the mains… so no need for a dimmer switch in the lounge anymore!

Check out the full review over at Hexus!

Enermax Galaxy Preview

Posted on August 22, 2005 10:30 AM by Rob Williams

Currently in final production at the time of writing, the two samples in the photos are engineering samples so we couldn’t get out hands on one for testing, but having run the figures past Rys, they add up to just a little over 1000W output, drawing 1400W from the mains… so no need for a dimmer switch in the lounge anymore!

Wow, that’s insane! I have no idea which systems could take advantage of 1KW, but it’s somehting in the future for sure. Check out the pic and info over at Hexus.

Half-Life: Blue Shift to get the Steam treatment

Posted on August 21, 2005 9:58 AM by Rob Williams

VALVE HAS made a Steam update stating that the oft-forgotten second Half-Life expansion, Blue Shift, is to be released over the system.

Sweet, free game! I actually enjoyed Blue Shift when it was first released, and I can’t wait until it’s released on Steam. Definitely look out for it. Source: The Inquirer

Xbox 360 Tech Sheets!

Posted on August 21, 2005 9:54 AM by Rob Williams

Xbox 360 News has released five pages with tons of info about the upcoming system. You can take a look at it now and decide which peripherals you want to buy when the system releases in November.

I previewed these sheets at my local EB the other day, so I’m not sure how prevelent they are, of if they are supposed to be viewed, but chances are they are. Check out all the info over at Xbox 360 News.

Why Stop BugMeNot?

Posted on August 21, 2005 9:53 AM by Rob Williams

It looks like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the site that just realized charging for content doesn’t make sense, has come up with another way to stop BugMeNot logins. Instead of just requiring your email and password, they require your name as a third field.

I have used BugMeNot numerous times, because it makes no sense to have to register just to read a news post or article. It’s stupid that sites are trying to work around it. You would think they would love the extra visitors. Check out the news post over at Tech Dirt.

Latest StraticsCast Podcast Now Available

Posted on August 21, 2005 9:39 AM by Rob Williams

The newest StraticsCast is now available for download! This latest issue includes news about Planetside, Star Wars Galaxies: Trials of Obi-Wan, City of Villains, RF Online, Final Fantasy XI: Vana’diel Collection, Lineage II, Shadowbane, Matrix Online, Valhyre: The Aftermath, World War II Online: Battleground Europe… and don’t forget to enter our Planetside…..

LapWorks Laptop Legs Review

Posted on August 21, 2005 9:34 AM by Rob Williams

The smallest accessories can a great investment as long as you find a good use for it. The LapWorks laptop legs may bring you
better cooling performance, but it will definitely bring you flexibility in your typing.

It’s too bad these don’t do much for cooling. Check out the review at InsaneTek.

Abit AW8-MAX Review

Posted on August 21, 2005 9:32 AM by Rob Williams

The AW8-MAX is a silent performer with the looks of a turbo charged Japan drift car. Given that this motherboard allowed us to push our setup beyond the limits yet keeping it a silent as possible, we are very impressed with Abit. Although this motherboard lacks a dual PCI-E x16 slot, we still find it incredibly fun to tweak and tune. When done right, you can be hitting the FSB streets with extreme speeds that some can only imagine of. Credit goes to the very useful µGuru chipset and utility that makes life easier for overclockers. The utility also allows users to control and monitor up to eight fans that are connected to the motherboard. This is perfect for users who want to have total control over the fans installed inside their system, without having to spend more on an external fan controller.

Head over to PC Modding Malaysia for the full review!

Iwill DN800-SLI Dual Xeon SLi DDR2 Motherboard

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:43 PM by Rob Williams

I would have to say we have a high performance dual Xeon based motherboard that really is aimed at the 3D creation market. But on the other hand we could have and enthusiasts gaming rig as well ( a very expensive one), don’t think so, well Alienware uses this board in one of there ALX branded machines and there has to be a reason for that.

Check out the full review over at Xtreme Computing!

ABIT AW8-MAX i955X Motherboard Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:40 PM by Rob Williams

Today, we are proud to present a comprehensive review of the latest Intel motherboard from ABIT – the ABIT AW8-MAX i955X motherboard! Come and check out the bells and whistles of this fascinating new motherboard!

– Added five more pages on the motherboard’s features.
– Added usability, overclocking and benchmark results.
– Added new conclusion.
– Upgraded review status to Comprehensive Review.

Check out the full review over at Rojak Pot!

Seasonic S12 330W, 120mm Power Supply Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:38 PM by Rob Williams

Seasonic is known for its power supplies being special because of a single reason; efficiency. Seasonic is one of the only companies with power supplies that have the typical efficiency draw of up to 80%. Mostly all other power supplies today come with a typical rating of 60%. So the Seasonic power supplies use only the amount of wattage it needs and will save you cash.

Check out the full review over at Mod Synergy!

Intel Pentium D 840 Dual-Core LGA775 Processor Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:37 PM by Rob Williams

The most obvious new feature of the LGA775 Intel Pentium D 840 processor is its dual-core nature. This 90nm processor uses a pair of Prescott cores running at 16 x 200MHz to bring multi-processing to the desktop in a LGA775 pinless package. The most significant extra that this CPU brings to the table is its support for 64-bit x86-64-based operating systems through Intel’s EMT64 technology.

Head over to PC Stats for the full review!

Hiper Clavier Aluminum Keyboard Video Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:36 PM by Rob Williams

Finally, an aluminum keyboard that’s slim, stylish, well built & has excellent tactile response. Tactile feedback is crucial for the serious gamer to the casual user. First impressions are everything & this is one product that’s easy to fall in love with. Also, it has useful shortcut keys & connects into a USB port. This is one seriously sexy keyboard that you will not be able to keep your hands off. It’s a must upgrade! Watch the Video to find out more…

Check out the full video review over at 3D Gameman.

asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:33 PM by Rob Williams

In a substantial change of pace from their high priced supreme CPU
cooling solutions, asetek has released their new VapoChill Micro line of
affordable CPU coolers. The VapoChill Micro comes in three models, High
End, Extreme Performance, and Ultra Low Noise. The Ultra Low Noise model
will be the focus of this review.

Check out the full review over at A True Review.

Shadowbane House of Commons Chat Tonight

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:32 PM by Rob Williams

Don’t forget to check in on Stratics IRC tonight for our House of Commons with the good folks at Shadowbane at 5pm PST / 8pm EST. Tonight’s discussion will center around the September Content Patch to include the Loreplay Server and Bane Windows of Opportunity. Connect to these chats via one of…..

Irth Online Exclusive Screenshots

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:31 PM by Rob Williams

We have some nice new exclusive screenshots from the Magic Hat folks of Irth Online. Check them out! A boar running with an Axe? Sounds like a good RPG to me!

Steel Sound 5H USB Headset Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:25 PM by Rob Williams

The Steel Sound 5H is pretty comfortable for wearing, thanks to its flexible design. The microphone is mounted in such way that users can keep it inside the headphone when not using it. Besides that, the headset can be separated into small few pieces that makes it easier to carry along when you’re going out for a Fragfest or a LAN Party. The sound quality of the Steel Sound 5H is very good and with the USB SoundCard, the headset transforms into a 7.1 headphone. The price of the Steel Sound 5H might be very expensive to some, especially the USB version. If you have the cash and the urge to own one of the best gaming headsets designed by top gamers, then I would say that the Steel Sound 5H is a definite choice for hardcore gamers.

Check out the full review over at PC Modding Malaysia.

GeForce FX5700VE Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:22 PM by Rob Williams

When doing video card reviews you mostly see new top of the line cards that make us say WOW! What about the people who cannot afford these cards, and who are looking for budget cards? Well today we are going to be taking a look at a budget card that will play almost every new game, and is under $100! I’m talking about the GeForce FX5700VE. So let’s get started!

If you are in the market for a decent low end card, check out the full review over at Think Computers.

Acer Ferrari 4005 WLMi Turion64 Notebook Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:21 PM by Rob Williams

The Acer Ferrari 4005 WLMi notebook is powered by an AMD Turion64 ML-37 processor running at 2.0GHz, 1GB of DDR-333 system memory, an integrated ATI Mobility Radeon X700 video card with 128MB of dedicated video memory and a large 15.4″ LCD screen. Storage comes care of a 2.5″ 5400 RPM 100GB hard disk. Network connectivity goes in four directions, with a Gigabit Ethernet adaptor, 802.11G wireless, Bluetooth and a 56K modem all available to the user. The Acer Ferrari 4005 WLMi measures 14.29″ x 10.46″ and about 1.36″ thick. Without the battery it weighs in at 6.3lbs. Part of the top cover is made of real carbon fiber, lending the notebook a unique appearance and putting it in touch with its Ferrari heritage.

Head over to PC Stats for the full review. What a gorgeous notebook!

Overclockers Online Contest 7 Days Left

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:21 PM by Rob Williams

It’s the summer and it’s HOT! To cool down our precious systems, Overclockers Online has teamed up with Thermaltake for this latest contest. We’re going to give away the Big Typhoon and Golden Orb II. Both of these bad boys can take the heat!

Check out ALL the details over at Overclockers Online.

Antec Sonata II Review

Posted on August 20, 2005 3:20 PM by Rob Williams

Anyone looking for a completely quiet machine will have probably purchased a third-party cooler to bring down the noise. If this is your intention, then that machine will be a match made in heaven inside the Sonata II. The Tricool fan and Smart Power 2.0 PSU work well with the Big Typhoon in keeping the noise level at a minimum.

Check out the full review over at Overclockers Online.

GC 2005: Unreal Tournament 2007

Posted on August 19, 2005 12:18 PM by Rob Williams

August 19, 2005 – Epic’s Unreal Tournament 2007 will demonstrate the capabilities of next-generation hardware in 2006 on PC and undisclosed consoles (a PS3 version is pretty much given, but still isn’t officially official). UT 2007 is a game built on Unreal 3.0 technology and it sells that power well. Though like…..

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