Friday, May 17th 2013

Today's Reviews

Cooling
Graphics Cards
Memory
Mouse
Notebooks
Processors
PSUs
Speakers
SSD
Storage

TechPowerUp GPU-Z 0.7.1 Released

TechPowerUp announced GPU-Z 0.7.1, the latest version of the popular graphics subsystem information, monitoring, and diagnostic tool. Version 0.7.1 adds support for new GPUs, and an experimental feature that lets you investigate power-capping on some of the newer generations of NVIDIA GPUs (needs GeForce 319.xx or later drivers). To begin with, GPU-Z 0.7.1 introduces support for NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce GTX 780 and GeForce GTX 770 graphics cards, along with support for AMD's new Radeon HD 8000M, HD 8000G, and HD 8000D series GPUs/IGPs, including the HD 8310G, HD 8410G, HD 8450G, HD 8510G, HD 8550G, HD 8610G, and HD 8650G; and a few exotic GPUs, such as GT 730M, GT 750M, GTX 780M, GRID K1, GRID K2, and HD 7730.
DOWNLOAD: TechPowerUp GPU-Z 0.7.1 | TechPowerUp GPU-Z 0.7.1 ASUS ROG Themed

The change-log follows.

Transcend Announces MSM610 mSATA SSD

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade products, today announced the release of its SATA II 3Gb/s MSM610 mSATA mini solid state drive (SSD). With its diminutive yet robust form factor, impressive sequential read/write transfer speeds, and a host of reliability features, the MSM610 mSATA mini SSD delivers solid state performance and durability to today's advanced mobile devices such as tablet PCs, Ultrabooks, and other embedded storage applications.

Fully compliant with the SATA II 3Gb/s specification and built with industry-leading toggle-mode MLC NAND flash chips, the MSM610 mSATA mini SSD boasts blazing fast sequential read and write speeds up to 245 and 48 MB/s respectively. This outstanding performance translates into reduced boot up and data transfer times, superior application launch speed, and enhanced overall system responsiveness; especially useful for dual-drive notebooks and Ultrabooks taking advantage of both the high-speed MSM610 mSATA mini SSD and a high capacity hard disk drive.

Samsung Announces Industry-First 45 nanometer Embedded Flash Logic Process

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the industry's first 45 nanometer (nm) embedded flash ("eFlash") logic process development. Samsung successfully implemented the new process into the smart card test chip, which means that this process technology fulfills the stringent quality requirements of the security solution market and can be successfully deployed on a commercial scale.

"Samsung's 45nm eFlash logic process has the potential to be broadly adopted into various components for security solutions and mobile devices, including smart card IC, NFC IC, eSE (embedded secure element) and TPM (Trusted platform module)," said Taehoon Kim, vice president of marketing, System LSI Business, Samsung Electronics. "The excellent performance from this smart card test chip will help solidify our leadership in the security IC market."

OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 Supports USB 3.0 with Adapter

Other World Computing (OWC), a leading zero emissions Mac, and PC technology company, announced today that its OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 Hardware RAID data storage/backup solution supports USB 3.0 'SuperSpeed' performance when paired with the Newer Technology eSATA to USB 3.0 Adapter. The adapter, which utilizes an available eSATA drive port, offers a Plug and Play connection to USB 3.0-equipped Macs or PCs for real-world sustained data transfer rates of more than 200MB/s from the Qx2 to meet the needs of demanding performance-intensive professional applications such as Audio/Video editing, HD-video, digital photography, professional music, graphics, redundant backup, and any use requiring data storage performance and reliability.
Thursday, May 16th 2013

Today's Reviews

Cases
Cooling
Graphics Cards
Keyboards
Memory
Mouse
Multimedia
NAS
Notebooks
PSUs
Speakers
SSD
Storage

NEC Adds 23-Inch LED-Backlit Monitor with IPS Panel to MultiSync EA Series

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today an addition to its high-end IT desktop line, the MultiSync EA Series, with the 23-inch EA234WMi. This performance-driven monitor is LED-backlit and ideal for corporate environments. The LED backlighting of the EA234WMi allows for a slimmer profile, lighter weight and increased power savings compared to previous generation models. ControlSync technology allows users to control up to six EA234WMi displays in a multi-monitor configuration. Upon establishing one unit as the master, users are able to control many performance attributes of the multi-monitor setup in unison through the single monitor.

"We are excited to add the MultiSync EA234WMi to our portfolio. This model offers a robust feature set to meet the needs of the most demanding users," said Kevin Christopherson, Director of Product Marketing for Desktop Displays at NEC Display Solutions. "Not only will customers get exceptional performance, but this display also has received the highest levels of environmental certifications."

Razer Launches Atrox Arcade Stick with Support From Fighting Game Community

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, today announced the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox 360, the final product following an extensive beta testing program. Tested by some of the world's best pro-gamers and Fighting Game Community members all over the world, the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick is constructed with modders and tournament gamers in mind. Featuring premium quality Sanwa components, the 10 highly responsive buttons and a precision eight-way joystick allow gamers to strike instantly and surely, game after game, while maintaining peak performance and reliability.

An extremely moddable controller, the inside of the arcade stick platform opens up at the touch of a button, making the Razer Atrox a breeze to customize for all tastes and play styles. Users can swap in their own personal designs for a unique look, while also getting access to the internal compartments and honeycomb structure for easy screw mounting.

Mad Catz Ships R.A.T.M Wireless Gaming Mouse

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today that the Company has begun shipping the R.A.T.M Gaming Mouse, the first in a new range of GameSmart mobile gaming accessories.

The R.A.T.M is the first mouse to combine Bluetooth Smart (4.0) technology and a gaming grade laser sensor, providing market leading battery life, universal compatibility and the performance expected from a R.A.T. gaming mouse. Delivering up to a one year battery life, the R.A.T.M is compatible with a multitude of devices from PC and Mac through to next generation TV's, smart phones and tablets. For devices that do not feature Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the R.A.T.M comes equipped with a nano dongle. For platforms running Windows 8 with native Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the R.A.T.M can be connected directly. The R.A.T.M features a patented adjustable palm rest, 12 action buttons (10 of which are programmable), and a power efficient 6400DPI twin-eye laser sensor. The R.A.T.M uses an all new Windows and Mac compatible drag-and-drop programming interface, allowing gamers to intuitively program commands with speed.

SilverStone Revives Tundra with TD02 and TD03

SilverStone gave its Tundra line of liquid-cooling products a new lease of life with two new closed-loop CPU coolers, the TD02 and TD03 (pictured in that order). The two feature design and fans by SilverStone. The TD02 features a radiator assembly that measures 278 x 124 x 33.5 mm (LxWxH, excluding fans), and can latch on to four 120 mm fans, a pair of FM121 fans come included. The TD03, on the other hand, uses a radiator assembly close to half the size of its sibling, measuring 124 x 159 x 45 mm. The base+pump assembly is the same for both, measuring 55 x 60 x 33.5 mm, which features a polished copper base. The two will reach stores later this week.

Lenovo Launches Yoga 11S Convertible

Lenovo announced that customers can place orders for the IdeaPad Yoga 11S beginning today on www.lenovo.com or pre-order on www.bestbuy.com. The acclaimed 360° flip and fold Yoga 11S premiered in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show, following its popular predecessor, the IdeaPad Yoga 13.

Sized well for mobility in a thin, 11.6-inch design, the Yoga 11S Ultrabook convertible comes with choices of a powerful third generation Core i3, i5 or i7 Intel processor giving consumers the ability to create high-performance content and presentations and seamless graphics that make it a great entertainment device.

Xigmatek Announces Janus Low-profile CPU Cooler

Xigmatek rolled out the Janus low-profile CPU Cooler. It uses a C-type aluminum fin-array design. From a mirror-polished nickel-plated copper base, six 6 mm-thick heat pipes convey heat to an aluminum fin-stack arranged along the plane of the motherboard. It is ventilated by two fans arranged in a top-flow push-pull configuration. The top fan is a 10 mm-thick 120 mm spinner, while the bottom one is a 15 mm-thick 80 mm one. The bigger fan spins at 800-1200 RPM, pushing up to 38.42 CFM of air; while the smaller one does around 2000 RPM, pushing 13.53 CFM. Measuring 120 x 110 x 45 mm (WxDxH), the Janus weighs about 430 g. It supports most modern CPU socket types, including Intel LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA1366, and LGA775; and AMD AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2, FM2/FM1.

Innodisk Releases DDR4 RDIMM Samples to Server Market

Innodisk is proud to be among the first to supply (DDR4) registered DIMM product samples to key server companies for their next-generation systems. With this announcement, Innodisk, an industry leader in DRAM modules for industrial applications and embedded systems, will continue to offer the most advanced technology to its customers. The result of almost eight years of development, DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) technology improves on the previous generation, DDR3, in every way. These new memory products provide users with greater performance, but can still cut costs by saving power and space, and reducing waste heat.

DDR4 offers a giant leap in peak performance over DDR3 technology, with a 3.2 Gbps data transfer rate. In fact, DDR4 could eventually even surpass this already high rate, according to standards organization JEDEC, in the same way that DDR3 surpassed its initial ceiling of 1.6 Gbps. DDR4 memory bus speeds start at 2133MHz, which already offers a huge jump in potential performance from the average bus speed of 1333MHz and 1666MHz offered by DDR3.

Dell Expands its Precision Workstation Lineup

Dell today announced an expanded and stronger Dell Precision workstation portfolio that includes the smallest tower workstation chassis in its class, the Dell Precision T1700 small form-factor, and the world's most powerful rack workstation, the Dell Precision R7610. In addition, the Dell Precision family features a more powerful and reliable Dell Precision T1700 Mini-Tower rounding out a workstation portfolio that offers increased performance, dependability and smart design for entry-level and high-end workstation users.

Industry's Smallest Entry-Level Tower Workstations
Offering powerful workstation performance at near desktop PC prices, the new Dell Precision T1700 small form-factor (SFF) is the smallest, approximately 30 percent smaller than competitive systems, and lightest workstation in its class allowing IT to easily deploy an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certified workstation almost anywhere, regardless of space constraints.

ASUS Announces its Mainline Z87 Classic Series, with a New Look

ASUS announced a fleet of socket LGA1150 motherboards, covering its mainline (classic), Republic of Gamers (ROG), and The Ultimate Force (TUF) lines. With this series, ASUS is adopting a new color scheme for its mainline motherboards, breaking away from the black PCB with blue heatsinks scheme it maintained since the first LGA1156 motherboards, almost four years ago. The new mainline motherboards from ASUS feature black PCBs with golden-colored heatsinks covering the VRM and PCH, and simpler naming. ASUS' first wave of Z87-based mainline (classic) motherboards include the entry-level Z87-C and Z87-A, mid-range Z87-PLUS and Z87-PRO, and premium Z87-DELUXE.

ASUS Unveils its Z87 TUF Series

ASUS' TUF (The Ultimate Force) line of extra-durable motherboards will include two socket LGA1150 models, the Z87-Sabertooth, and the Z87-Gryphon. The more familiar-sounding Z87-Sabertooth, is built in the conventional ATX form-factor, featuring an 8-phase CPU power supply, thermal armor covering most parts of the board, dust-covers or dummy-spacers for most ports, slots, and headers, yet an active fan-based air-circulation within the thermal armor. Connectivity includes eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports, three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots wired to the CPU, 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, eight USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and a number of conventional USB 2.0/1.1 ports.

The Z87-Gryphon is the first micro-ATX motherboard in the TUF series, featuring an optional thermal armor kit, 8-phase CPU power, expansion slots that include two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (x16/NC or x8/x8), a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4, wired to the PCH), six SATA 6 Gb/s ports, four USB 3.0 ports, 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output, gigabit Ethernet, and display outputs that include DVI and HDMI.

ASUS Debuts its Z87 Republic of Gamers Motherboard Series

Along with the Z87 mainline (classic) series, ASUS unveiled its premium gamer-overclocker targeted Republic of Gamers (ROG) Maximus VI series, consisting of three models, the Maximus VI Hero, the Maximus VI Gene, and the Maximus VI Extreme. The Maximus VI Hero is the more affordable ATX model among the three; the Maximus VI Gene is the only micro-ATX offering, while the Maximus VI Extreme is the flagship motherboard from ASUS for socket LGA1150.

The Maximus VI Hero offers a 12-phase CPU power supply, most ROG-exclusive features, expansion slots that include three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (x16/NC/NC or x8/x8/NC or x8/x4/x4), eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports, SupremeFX onboard audio with ground-layer isolation, and essential connectivity options that include four USB 3.0 ports, gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI display output. We won't be surprised if Maximus VI Hero ends up being a sub-$200 option, to compete against similarly priced alternatives from ASRock and MSI.

ECS Intel 8-Series Chipset Motherboards Officially Debut

ECS introduces the first Intel 8-Series Motherboards featuring the new 4th Generation Intel Core processor family for their new family of desktop motherboards Pro, Deluxe and Essentials.

The new ECS (Elitegroup Computer Systems) family of motherboards featuring the new Intel 8-series Chipset family with new designed specifically for the new 4th Generation Intel Core processor family of CPUs, which will be available and shipping worldwide in Q2 2013. The new chipset features support for full SATA III 6 Gb/s internal ports and PCI-Express Gen.3 x16 bus design. They also integrate USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, and enable responsiveness technologies like Intel Smart Response, Intel Smart Connect, and Intel Rapid Start.

ADATA Launches Ultra-Compact DashDrive Choice UC51

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, today announced a small but stylish addition to its DashDrive family of USB Flash drives. The new DashDrive Choice UC510 packs durability and charm into a super small and handy profile.

With this new drive, ADATA has once again made the most of Chip on Board (COB) technology, and the result is a highly water-resistant, durable device that is ultra-small and easy to carry. The drive body shines with a metallic gleam, and the capless design eliminates the need for a drive cap and the related chance of cap loss. The UC510 has a USB 2.0 interface, providing the required performance for most common data storage and transfer needs.
Wednesday, May 15th 2013

Today's Reviews

Cases
Cooling
Keyboards
Motherboards
NAS
Networking
Notebooks
PSUs
Speakers
SSD
Storage

AMD Updates its Never Settle Bundle

AMD updated its "Never Settle" game bundles for all graphics card models upwards of Radeon HD 7700 series. The update adds a game to each of the three product families - HD 7700, HD 7800, and HD 7900 series. The offer covers new purchases made after the 15th of May. Buyers of single-GPU HD 7900 series graphics cards no longer have to choose between Crysis and Tomb Raider; while buyers of HD 7800 series get Crysis 3 Hunter Edition. In essence, single-GPU HD 7900 and HD 7800 series buyers get the same bundles.

You get Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, Bioshock: Infinite, Tomb Raider (2013), and FarCry 3: Blood Dragon; with both single-GPU Radeon HD 7900 series, and Radeon HD 7800 series. Buyers of Radeon HD 7700 series will get an addition, too, Tomb Raider (2013). This is a limited offer that runs while supplies last, covers only new purchases made after May 15, and only targets North America, EMEA, Australia, and New Zealand.

Stealth Introduces a New Powerful Fanless Mini PC

Stealth.com Inc. (Stealth Computer) a leader in the industrial computer and peripherals market has released a new powerful fanless small form factor PC model LPC-480FS. The LPC-480FS is a highly reliable, fanless, energy efficient, rugged mini PC designed for a large variety of demanding applications.

Stealth's LPC-480FS is a powerful diminutive computer that operates without noisy cooling fans which could draw in dirt and dust potentially causing catastrophic failures. Stealth's fanless computers are encapsulated in a rugged extruded aluminum chassis performing as a heat sink to dissipate heat build-up. Its sturdy small size and fanless design make it ideal for space challenged applications. The LPC-480FS LittlePC measures an amazing 6.1" x 10.0" and less than 2.17" in height or about the size of a hard cover book.

Noctua Presents NH-U12DX i4 and NH-U9DX i4 CPU Coolers for Intel Xeon

Noctua today presented a new revision of its much acclaimed NH-U12DX and NH-U9DX quiet CPU coolers for Intel Xeon workstations and servers. The new i4 models support LGA2011 (both Square and Narrow ILM), LGA1356 and LGA1366 based Xeon platforms and now come with PWM fans for automatic speed control. Fitted with the professional SecuFirm2 mounting system and bundled with Noctua's industrial-grade NT-H1 thermal compound, the NH-U12DX i4 and NH-U9DX i4 form complete premium quality packages for quietly cooling Xeon based workstations and servers.

"Builders of quiet workstations and servers still have trouble finding quality cooling solutions for Intel's LGA2011 socket with Narrow ILM mounting", explains Mag. Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO), "so we've decided to update our DX line of coolers to work with both Square ILM and Narrow ILM based LGA2011 platforms. At the same time, we've added PWM control and switched the U12 version to the new, slimmer layout of the NH-U12S, which not only provides better performance but also ensures easier access to the RAM slots, which was another long time request from our industry partners."

Seagate Technology Announces Offering of $1.0 Billion of Senior Notes

Seagate Technology plc. today announced that it intends, subject to market and other conditions, to offer up to of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes (the "Notes") in a private placement. The Notes are expected to be issued by Seagate HDD Cayman, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Seagate Technology plc, and guaranteed by Seagate Technology plc.

Seagate intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes to replenish cash associated with the recent redemption of the 10% Senior Secured Notes, to retire up to an aggregate amount of $250 million of outstanding senior notes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, capital expenditures and other investments in the business, and other repurchases of indebtedness.

WD Announces My Passport Ultra

WD, a Western Digital company, today announced the availability of the My Passport Ultra line of portable hard drives, which combine additional layers of data protection with super-fast USB 3.0 connectivity, a slim, compact design and four color choices to offer mobile consumers the safest and easiest way to protect their digital content while traveling. Available in 500 GB, 1 TB and new 2 TB capacities, My Passport Ultra portable hard drives have built-in WD SmartWare Pro backup software with Dropbox integration, hardware encryption and password protection to safeguard against unauthorized drive access. A protective pouch is included with the My Passport Ultra to help shield it from the daily knocks encountered by today's mobile consumer.

MSI Z87 MPower Pictured

Here are some of the first clear pictures of MSI Z87 MPower, one of the company's top socket LGA1150 motherboards, which will be unveiled a little later. The board retains the black+yellow color-scheme from its predecessor, the Z77 MPower, built more solidly. The board appears to feature a 16-phase CPU power delivery, which uses a combination of SFC chokes, DrMOS, and high-C tantalum capacitors. It draws power from two 8-pin EPS connectors, in addition to the 24-pin ATX.

The CPU socket on the Z87 MPower is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 64 GB of dual-channel memory, and three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x16/NC/NC or x8/x8/NC or x8/x4/x4); three PCI-Express x1 slots make for the rest of the expansion area. Connectivity includes an enhanced onboard audio solution named "Audio Boost," which we imagine is an onboard amp for select channels; gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, display outputs that include dual-HDMI and DisplayPort connectors, and a number of USB 3.0 ports. Storage connectivity includes eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Find more pictures at the source.

Source: 59Hardware.net

SilverStone Intros FP56 Front-Panel

SilverStone introduced the multi-utility FP56 front-panel. Built for 5.25-inch drive bays, the panel gives you room for two 2.5-inch drives, a multi-format card reader, three USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ports, and a high-current USB 3.0 port for quickly charging your gadgets. The FP56 draws power from a standard 4-pin Molex plug, and connectivity from a standard USB 3.0 front-panel header. The card reader supports various generations and form-factors of SD, MemoryStick, xD, and CompactFlash cards. Its rear portion has mount-holes for two 2.5-inch drives stacked alongside each other. To blend with your case, you can use any of the black, white, and silver bezels included. SilverStone didn't announce pricing or availability.

I-O Data Introduces SSDN-3V Series

I-O Data rolled out the SSDN-3V line of consumer SSDs. Built in the Ultrabook-friendly 7 mm-thick 2.5-inch form-factor, the drives just about take advantage of SATA 6 Gb/s interface, and include a USB adapter that lets you plug it externally, to clone your existing software installation, using the included Acronis True Image 2013 software license. Available in 60 GB (SSDN-3V60), 120 GB (SSDN-3V120), and 240 GB (SSDN-3V120) capacities, the drives appear to be based on a SandForce 2281 controller platform, offering transfer-rates of up to 308 MB/s reads, with up to 185 MB/s writes. A 7 to 9.5 mm adapter comes included. The three are slated for the end of May.

Source: Hermitage Akihabara

HP Expands x2 Detachable PC Portfolio to Enable Ultimate Flexibility

HP today announced the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2, two detachable PCs that offer the full functionality of a notebook with a removable screen that also is a sleek tablet. Powered by the Android and Microsoft Windows 8 operating systems (OS), respectively, these versatile two-in-one devices combine power and portability, giving customers the flexibility to create, consume and share content in more places.

HP's unmatched portfolio of next-generation PCs is designed to enable users to connect with their information on devices that easily adapt to their needs. By releasing the magnetic hinge, users can move elegantly between the two form factors -- tablet and notebook PC -- all in one device.

AMD Introduces the World's Fastest Notebook Graphics Card

AMD today launched the AMD Radeon HD 8970M, the world's fastest notebook graphics card. The AMD Radeon HD 8970M graphics processing unit (GPU) delivers the best mobile gaming experience imaginable to gamers, powered by AMD's award-winning Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture.

"Today's gaming notebooks need a graphics card that is fast, powerful and energy-efficient," said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, Graphics Business Unit, AMD. "The AMD Radeon HD 8970M GPU is the perfect combination of technologies, blending performance, immersive features and an extensive battery life that delivers an unrivaled gaming experience, even on the go."

ASRock Z87 Extreme9/ac World's First Thunderbolt-certified Motherboard

If you've been following news of computing technologies, you've probably already noticed the presence of Thunderbolt technology. Now the maestros of motherboard manufacturing, ASRock is the world's first to add more of these wonderful Thunderbolt ports to the upcoming Intel 8 Series motherboards! What's more, the company's top-of-the-line Z87 Extreme9/ac motherboard is the world's first Intel 8 Series motherboard to pass the Intel Thunderbolt certification.

These Thunderbolt ports will come on ASRock's Z87 Extreme9/ac, which are allegedly arriving to the market very soon, along with dozens of other exciting new features, such as ASRock's A-Style. So, if you're looking forward to build a solid next gen desktop rig with insanely fast data transfer abilities and innovative new software or hardware features, keep your eyes open for this bad boy.
Tuesday, May 14th 2013

Today's Reviews

Cooling
Graphics Cards
Keyboards
Memory
Motherboards
Mouse
Mousepads
Notebooks
PSUs
Speakers
SSD
Storage

TRENDnet Announces Availability of Nano Wireless Extender

TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today from MedPi 2013, announces the availability of the N150 Nano Easy-N-Range Extender, model TEW-713RE, which extends an existing wireless network at the touch of a button.

Simply go to the area of the home with poor wireless connectivity. To maximize extension range, plug the TEW-713RE into an outlet in a location where there is still two bars of network connectivity to the home wireless router. The extender is so compact it's practically unnoticed when plugged into an outlet. Press the WPS button on the wireless router and then on the TEW-713RE and you're done. The TEW-713RE automatically adopts the router's wireless network name, encryption, and password. It's now securely extending the wireless network to an area which experienced poor or no wireless coverage.

EK Releases Its First LN2 Evaporation Cooler

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium water cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to introduce EK-SF3D Triple Point EVO, company's first product from the line of liquid nitrogen (LN2) evaporation cooler for competitive overclockers. Used in conjunction with up to four Module Adapters this unit allows extreme overclocking of virtually any (DDR-)SDRAM memory module (of any generation).

EK-SD3D Triple Point EVO is a product of joint venture between Petri 'SF3D' Korhonen, legendary overclocker and extreme evaporation cooler designer from Finland, and EK design & engineering team. The product is made of electrolytic grade nickel plated copper in order to provide the necessary mass to even out the temperature fluctuation. Top extension is made from high quality POM Acetal - with it's poor thermal conductivity it is better at preventing unwanted condensation formation that many overclockers are not fond of.

Arctic Announces Alpine 20 Plus CO CPU Cooler

Arctic announced the Alpine 20 Plus CO, a low-profile CPU cooler specifically designed for socket LGA2011. It could provide an inexpensive air-cooling option for Core i7 LGA2011 desktops, and Xeon LGA2011 workstations. The cooler is a fan-heatsink, with a dense aluminum heatsink being ventilated by a 92 mm PWM-controlled fan, which spins at speeds of 600-2,200 RPM. The cooler measures 99 mm x 95 mm x 80 mm (LxWxH), weighing about 440 g. Backed by a six-year warranty, the Alpine 20 Plus CO is priced at 14.50?.

Mad Catz Ships M.O.U.S.9 Wireless Mouse

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today that the Company has begun shipping the M.O.U.S.9 Wireless Mouse, a new lifestyle GameSmart mouse featuring Bluetooth Smart technology.

The M.O.U.S.9, with striking aesthetics based upon the Company's award-winning R.A.T. gaming mouse, has been simplified for everyday use and features new Bluetooth Smart technology and a laser sensor capable of tracking on virtually any surface, including glass. Delivering up to a one year battery life, the M.O.U.S.9 is compatible with a multitude of devices from PC and Mac through to next generation TV's, smartphones and tablets. For devices that do not have Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the M.O.U.S.9 comes equipped with a USB nano dongle.

Lian Li Announces New PC-Q13 Curved Chassis

Lian-Li Industrial Co. Ltd, today announces a new brushed aluminum Mini-ITX chassis ? PC-Q13. With its curve-shaped design and large acrylic front window the fully aluminum PC-Q13 allows users to show off their systems, and is sure to be the talking piece of any room. Whether in the living room, bedroom, or office, the PC-Q13 with its curve-shape and brushed aluminum finish takes visual command without being ostentatious. Additionally, DIY builders can put their stylized internal components and intricate builds on full display ? as they should not be hidden from sight.

Thanks to the two expansion slots on the top of the chassis, the PC-Q13 supports graphics cards up to 200mm (7.8"). For storage, up to four 2.5" hard drives or SSDs can be mounted in the removable hard drive cage at the bottom of the chassis. A 140mm fan in the rear of the chassis expels hot air, while ventilation on the top and side allows for cool air to enter. A small form factor power supply up to 125 mm (4.9") is placed on rubber pads in order to reduce vibrations.

MSI Rolls Out Radeon HD 7790 2GB OC Graphics Card

MSI launched a new Radeon HD 7790 graphics card with 2 GB of memory, and factory-overclocked speeds. The R7790-2GD5/OC from MSI features custom PCB and cooler designs by MSI. The card uses a tall, dual-slot GPU cooler, which uses a 100 mm fan to ventilate a heat-pipe fed aluminum fin-stack. The PCB uses components selected by MSI, including SFC chokes, which don't whine on load.

The card offers clock speeds of 1050 MHz core, over 1000 MHz core, while leaving the memory untouched. It features double the memory amount as AMD's reference design. Based on the 28 nm "Bonaire" silicon, the Radeon HD 7790 packs 896 stream processors, and a 128-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface. The card draws power from a single 6-pin PCIe power connector; display outputs include two DVI, and one each of HDMI and DisplayPort. MSI didn't reveal pricing or availability.

D-Link Now Shipping New Lineup of 11AC Routers

D-Link today announced it is now shipping a new line of AC Routers with the availability of the Wireless AC1750 Router (DIR-868L), Wireless AC1200 Router (DIR-860L), Wireless AC1000 Router (DIR-820L) and Wireless AC750 Router (DIR-810L). Offering next-generation Wi-Fi speeds, D-Link's latest 802.11ac Routers deliver a range of wireless speeds and price points for creating a reliable and strong Wi-Fi home network ideal for HD video streaming, online gaming, and multiple user activities.

"Today's average home now has more than 15 devices, oftentimes with multiple iPads, iPhones, as well as Android phones and tablets, and consumers are looking for the best in wireless connectivity to help deliver uninterrupted HD video streaming, online gaming and multiple user capabilities," said Daniel Kelley , vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc. "With the introduction of the new 11AC Router line, D-Link provides next-generation wireless speeds to meet the needs of the digital home coupled with advanced remote management and sharing capabilities to better suit mobile lifestyles."

GeForce GTX 680 Can Be Flashed to GTX 770?

No you can't, but read on. When we learned that NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce GTX 770 uses a GPU not unlike the GeForce GTX 680 in specifications, we overlooked one possibility, that it uses the same exact chip, the GK104. We assumed that NVIDIA could release a new ASIC codenamed "GK114" or "GK204," which features higher energy-efficiency, and GPU Boost 2.0.

A Reddit user claims that a simple BIOS flash of the GeForce GTX 680 could turn it into a GeForce GTX 770. The BIOS ROM image, which probably works with reference-design GTX 680 boards was posted, along with a GPU-Z screenshot of a "GeForce GTX 770" obtained this way. The BIOS runs the card at 1059 MHz core, 1125 MHz maximum GPU Boost, and 1752 MHz (7.00 GHz GDDR5-effective) memory, yielding a memory bandwidth of 224 GB/s. The BIOS file can be found here (try it at your own risk). We tested the BIOS with some of our own GTX 680 cards, and found it to be nothing more than a modified GTX 680 BIOS (for increased clocks) with a modified driver INF file that makes the GeForce driver display a different model name. The BIOS just has made-up clock speeds that could run on some GTX 680 cards, but could be unstable on most.

We created four additional GPU-Z screenshots to serve as evidence that just by modifying the INF file, you can make the card appear as anything you want. The string from the INF file is used in Windows for display purposes only; the graphics driver does not use it for anything else; certainly not feature detection.

When your GTX 680 manages to be stable with the new BIOS, the higher clock speeds obviously work to get you that 5-7 percent performance increment. Third-rate companies often get away selling rebranded fake graphics cards in developing markets using this method. For example, they buy cheap GeForce 210 cards and sell them as GT 630 for twice the money. Even between officially rebranded NVIDIA graphics cards (such as GeForce 8800 GT to 9800 GT), the device ID is changed, so there's no reason why NVIDIA won't do the same with the GTX 770. In conclusion, this "GTX 770" mod is nothing more than a combination of a custom GTX 680 BIOS that adds higher clock speeds, and a custom INF file that changes the card's name string.
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