LANPartyMap.com - Find a Local LAN Party |
It looks like Xoxide has just released a great LAN Party tool. LANPartyMap.com lets users post their local LAN Parties on a Google Map. You can find more information about the LAN by clicking on the balloon. This should be great for getting more people to your LAN Party, or finding a local LAN Party to attend. In short, LANPartyMap.com is LANParty.com with a much cleaner interface. Check out the LAN Party Map.
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Intamod Modding Accessories @ OZCaseModz |
Some of the most common modding parts are sometimes the most important in giving your case the finishing touches you require. Cold Cathodes Flourescent Lights (CCFL's) and LED fans aren’t exactly the most unique addition to a case but often value for money can be something that’s overlooked.
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SoundStorm Strikes Back? @ Phoronix |
By now, most of us have heard that NVIDIA will be bringing back integrated graphics into their upcoming AMD C51 Chipset, which is expected to launch within a few weeks, but is NVIDIA's SoundStorm Technology ready for a glorious return? Or will NVIDIA be entering into the arena an entirely new audio technology? We'll share some thoughts and tentative possibilities here in this article.
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Berry Linux v0.62 @ Phoronix |
Hours ago, a new version of Berry Linux was released, and for those un-familiar with this LiveCD distribution, it's based upon Red Hat Linux (Fedora) as well as the Debian-based Knoppix. Some of these updates in the latest v0.62 release include Mozilla Firefox 1.0.6, GCC 4.0.1, KDE 3.4.2, and the 2.6.12.5 kernel. Coming out from our initial encounter with Berry Linux, we have some new screenshots from this latest v0.62 release.
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ASUS P5LD2 Deluxe WiFi+TV @ Phoronix |
Although the Chipset utilized on the ASUS P5LD2 Deluxe is the i945P, rather than Intel's flagship i955X, the motherboard does manage to pack a wealth of onboard features with an additional ATA-133 IDE controller, Firewire, and a SATA2 controller. Topping off the P5LD2 Deluxe package is a WiFi+TV tuner card as well as ASUS's Stack Cool 2 and AI Quiet Technology. Just how well does this motherboard compete against other motherboards and other Chipsets? We'll find out today in this review of the ASUS P5LD2 Deluxe WiFi+TV edition.
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Titan Serina Notebook Cooling Pad @ ThinkComputers.org |
Notebook cooling pads, there is really not much to say about them, and the ones you see out there are really cheap. They are usually loud and don’t really do a good job, just make a lot of noise. Not to mention that they are not stylish at all and most of them are made of plastic. Today we will be looking at a notebook cooling pad that is a bit more than a cooling pad, and actually brings some style to the table. Sure it can look cool, but can it cool your laptop? Let’s find out!
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Hiper Type-R Modular 580W @ Phoronix Direct |
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Power supply makers have more or less run out of ideas on how to improve the appearance of their products. They've done everything from LEDs, to fancy cable sleeving, to modular designs, but in the end none of them tend to stand out. Today from Hiper, however, we have a unit that breaks away from common designs: the Hiper Type-R Modular 580W PSU.
Hiper Power Supplies
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SNES- As Good As It’s Console Gaming Is Going to Get" at XYZ Computing |
It is my opinion that console gaming peaked with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Though it has just 16-bit graphics and a CPU which can’t even power one of today's cell phones, this is arguably the best console gaming system of all time. What is so great about the SNES? First of all there is the system itself. The SNES came packaged with two controllers and Super Mario World. Many systems, including Genesis, included just one controller and consumers had to buy another one if they wanted to play against one another. As for Super Mario World, the included game, it is one of the finest video games of all time. Though some would say it was impossible to successfully follow up Super Mario Brothers 3, this game did just that, even surpassing in it some ways. The system also features a simple, yet sound, design."
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My Experiences with the XFX 7800GTX @ ThinkComputers.org |
Power Well, I've had my XFX 7800GTX since they first came out, I ordered it the day after they came out publicly. All in all I am very happy with it, why shouldn't I be, right? It is the top of the line graphics card from a top card maker. This is sort of a review of this card and sort of not, normally we don't review things that we pay for, it creates a sort of bias towards the product.
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SmoothWall Express 3.0 Alpha @ Phoronix Direct |
Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the SmoothWall firewall comes the long over-due Express 3.0 (Grizzly) Alpha 1 release. Among other vast improvements, SmoothWall Express 3 now utilizes the Linux 2.6.12 kernel and features a new open architecture so developers can easily add additional security components to SmoothWall. For your viewing pleasure, we've posted some screenshots of the administrative web-interface from SmoothWall Express 3.
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PodCasting 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started @ BonaFideReviews |
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Everywhere you turn online these days you hear the word "podcast" or "podcasting." No, it's not some broadcasting method used by Martians, even though it might sound like it. A Podcast is just an audio file that is syndicated via an RSS feed, that you download and listen to with your computer or a portable device such as an iPod. What makes it different from an ordinary RSS feed is the audio component included in the "enclosure field." Think of it as a feed that talks to you. |
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HighSpeedPC Standard HSPC Tech Station v2.0 @ Phoronix |
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Late last year we had the opportunity to try out the Tech Station computer test bench, which is manufactured by the people at HighSpeedPC. Today, we have our hands on the latest revision of their tech station kit with the Standard HSPC Tech Station v2.0. Will these alterations in the revision warrant an upgrade for current users or better yet recruit new HighSpeedPC customers? Today we'll be sharing our opinions on this open-air workstation. |
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Seasonic 380Watt PSU Contest!! @ ThinkComputers.org |
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Well its time for another contest! This time we are giving away a Seasonic 380Watt Power Supply! All you have to do is be one of our forum members with a minimum of 5 posts per week and 10 posts by the time the contest is over. The contest will run from September 1st to September 15th so jump in the forums and start posting! |
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JavoEdge JAVOeBuds QuickReview @ amdgamer.com |
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The JAVOeBuds from JavoEdge is the answer to all this tangled business. Their headphones are retractable, giving you more time to listen to your music and less time playing with wires. They fit any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack. So whether you have a PDA, MP3 player or a gaming device like a Sony PSP, the JAVOeBuds will do the job." |
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Sunbeamtech Acrylic Lite-Up Keyboard @ BigBruin |
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The Sunbeamtech Acrylic Lite-Up Keyboard has the typical features of your everyday keyboard with a few notable differences... The blue backlighting is a very cool feature, but it doesn't help you read the keyAlthough the Chipset utilized on the ASUS P5LD2 Deluxe is the i945P, rather than Intel's flagship i955X, the motherboard does manage to pack a wealth of onboard features with an additional ATA-133 IDE controller, Firewire, and a SATA2 controller. Topping off the P5LD2 Deluxe package is a WiFi+TV tuner card as well as ASUS's Stack Cool 2 and AI Quiet Technology. Just how well does this motherboard compete against other motherboards and other Chipsets? We'll find out today in this review of the ASUS P5LD2 Deluxe WiFi+TV edition.< in the dark. It might be a great thing to show off at a LAN party, but if your looking for a visual aid when the lights go out, this may not be the keyboard for you. |
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Evercool WC-202 Watercooling Kit @ ThinkComputers.org |
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I always thought the name 'Evercool' was a cool name for a company that makes cooling products. A natural step in the evolution of making cooling products is of course to move to water cooling. After all, it is the new popular way to cool off those hot cpus and components. Well, Evercool has come up with a system that includes everything you need to water cool your components, everything except water! It is the WC-202 Water Cooler. I've dabbled a bit in water cooling and other liquid types of cooling so I was very curious as to just how well this system would work... |
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NEC MultiSync FE992-BK 19 Inch CRT Display Review at XYZ Computing |
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Although the focus of the display market has shifted to LCDs there are still those who are firmly sticking with their cathode ray tubes. Whether this is being done for value, color accuracy, or downright stubbornness varies case to case but the fact remains that CRTs still have their purpose. The computer industry, more so than most other fields, loves to write-off older technology but even cursory research into displays will reveal that CRTs still have much to offer. This review will be taking a look at NEC's new MultiSync FE992, a 19" display. Given the size and specs this would have, some time ago, been a desirable product but today it will be overlooked by many people who only want a LCD display. We will be examining the product, seeing how relevant it is, and testing how it compares to the new technologies to which we have grown so fond.
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Hiper Clavier Aluminum Keyboard @ Phoronix |
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Almost nothing in an enthusiast computer is left un-modded these days. Whether it is functional mods done to heatsinks, motherboards, processors, or aesthetic mods done to cases and fans, almost everything you can imagine can be done to a computer. However, modders sometimes find it hard to find the perfect matching peripherals for their newly decked out system. Today we have a product from Hiper Group that just might solve some of your peripheral matching dilemmas, the Hiper Clavier Aluminum Keyboard. |
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Liberality For All Preview @ ThinkComputers.org |
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Enough of that... I am writing this piece to introduce something that I think a lot of people should know about. It's going to piss a lot of people off and make a lot of people laugh as well from what I have seen so far of it. In the wake of all of what is going on with video games and more, I can see where the 'Liberals' are trying to take us. They are trying for the Orwellian 1984 etc. They want to control all of us, in what we see, hear, and do. Look around, the UN is trying to do it all over the world, they are trying to be the World Police. Look at the corruption in the UN, and they want to tell all of us what to do? They want to be our conscience? Anyway, It's a new comic book called 'Liberality for All' |
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Ulti-mat Precison Mouse Pad Review @ BigBruin |
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This mouse pad definitely delivers, but the high cost hurts the overall score. Although this mouse pad makes mousing nearly effortless, only die-hard computer enthusiasts will even consider buying a mouse pad for nearly $45... Ulti-mat should look into lowering the cost of this item, then I think they'll have a real winner on their hands. |
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How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones? @ BonaFideReviews |
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A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is “How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?” Well we look to provide that answer in this article. |
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ASRock 775Dual-880Pro @ Phoronix |
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Although ASRock is generally regarded by computer enthusiasts for producing poor and inadequate motherboards when compared against its rivals, they do manage to manufacture incredibly inexpensive and extremely innovative products. Currently, ASRock offers a combo, dual, and upgrade series - each of which series brings their own unique features. In fact, the focus of this article is the newly unleashed 775Dual-880Pro motherboard that not only supports DDR and DDR2, but also AGP and PCI Express, while supporting Intel's new dual-core processors! |
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Canned Air Computer Maintenance @ BigBruin |
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Many people don't think of their computer when doing a bit of cleaning around the home, but perhaps they should. We're talking about an effort far less unpleasant than doing windows or cleaning the bathroom, and the use of a can of compressed air can take care of a bulk of the work for you. Cleaning your system on a somewhat regular basis can easily help extend the life of components, increase system stability, and reduce noise. This Tech Tip will take a look at a few areas to focus on, and all you really need to do is open your case and pull the trigger! |
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Antec Vcool VGA Cooler @ ThinkComputers.org |
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After doing a few reviews, the effect of 'cool' things coming in the mail kinda wears off; the excitement of new things coming isn't there as much as it was when I first started. When the new 7800GTX came out, I decided I needed a new card, and of course bought it as soon as it came out. The first thing I notice besides the improved gfx performance, was the heat that it puts out! 59c-61c at idle and it hits 85c under load. When I heard I was getting a VCOOL from Antec I was actually excited in trying something new, that might actually reduce the temps of this awesome card. And guess what? It works and works well, I am very impressed and will be keeping the VCOOL in my system permanently. I would like to thank Antec for the VCOOL for review. |
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e-Geforce 7800GT 256MB PCIe VIVO |
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7800GTX works on 24 Pixel Pipeline and 8 Vertex Shader units while the 7800GT works on 20 Pixel Pipeline and 7 Vertex Shader Units. Obviously the card is inferior to 7800GTX but the price difference is worth considering. The 7800GTX currently costs around $542.00 and the 7800GT around $449.99, $100 difference between their prices. The 7800GTX is truly a beast but 7800GT provides great performance/price ratio to those who are neck to neck with their budget. |
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ThermalRock Eclipse ATX @ Phoronix |
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ThermalRock, a division of Thermaltake, has diverted away from the design of traditional ATX cases in favor of offering a new level of innovation with such things as CD storage on the front bezel. However, will their latest creation, the Eclipse ATX chassis, be anything more than a re-designed Thermaltake Soprano? |
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VisionTek Xtasy Theater 550 Pro @ BonaFideReviews |
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Two months ago we reviewed the ATI All-in-Wonder X800 XT AGP which features the ATI Theater 200 Analog video decoder. After reviewing the Theater 200's performance we were quite happy with the quality of the video that was captured. Today, thanks to VisionTek, we have the opportunity to try out ATI's latest Theater band chip. The 550 Pro, found on the VisionTek Xtasy Theater 550 Pro add-in card, claims the title of the first PCI Express (x1) compatible chip making it an excellent candidate for ATI's next round of All-in-Wonder cards. |
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Lian Li V1200 Plus Case Review at XYZ Computing |
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Lian Li's V1200 Plus represents the apex of enclosure technology to date. Lian Li is a long time favorite of computer builders, especially those who are willing to spend more so that they will get the features and design benefits of a high end product. This case has a formidable price tag, but with its great looks, innovative layout, and brand reputation it has more that a few things going for it. At 210 x 490 x 625mm this case has the depth of a full-tower, but not the height. This makes it perfect for extensive systems and for people who need to tinker inside the case. |
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Book Review: Linux Desktop Garage at XYZ Computing |
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Susan Matteson's Linux Desktop Garage is a light read, aimed at the complete Linux novice. Matteson's goal is to explain to readers the absolute basics of Linux on the desktop, without getting bogged down into anything too complex or overly detailed. The author's casual style tries to keep things fun and interesting, as opposed to textbook reading, which a book about Linux can easily turn into. She is clearly trying to make the transistion to Linux less daunting than it otherwise would be, which is not a bad thing. The book includes a Gnoppix LiveCD so you can put your learning into practice without a full installation. |
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Video Game Violence ?!? @ ThinkComputers.org |
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Well, there are many articles circling on the internet now about the topic of video game violence, and I am sure if you are reading this then you are probably saying “Another One?” Well let me assure you that THIS article will not be the same as the others. Why? Because I am pissed off at all of it, and I'm not going to be Politically Correct about it either |
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Sunbeamtech Pro Series Illuminated Keyboard Review @ BigBruin |
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Sunbeamtech has released a flood of new computer products this year including items such as cases, coolers, mod items, and input devices. The one thing all of these different items seem to have in common is a bit of flair provided by some sort of lighting. The Pro Series Illuminated Keyboard is one of the latest releases from Sunbeamtech, and helps the end user to get one step closer to having everything in their system glow. |
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Maxtor DiamondMax 10 300GB SATA Hard Drive |
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With the weather becoming more dry, and the heat radiating against the walls of your house, your computer begs you for more cooling! How many times have you been sitting next to your computer wondering how hot it was, then glance over at your temperature monitor and about scream? I know I have quite a few times! That's when you need to jump into the world of water cooling, or into the land of fans! Most people get into computers now wanting to do a little water cooling setup, and overlook fans. Nothing like the whine of an 80cfm 120mm fan in the middle of the night! Today we will be reviewing the Evercool Spider Filter Fan 80mm fan, and the Evercool H.D.D. Lander Cooler. Enjoy |
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Maxtor DiamondMax 10 300GB SATA Hard Drive |
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The performance of the Maxtor DiamondMax 10 300GB drive was impressive in both the benchmarks and real world testing. It managed to put up the best numbers of all the drives on hand in pretty much every test conducted... Comparing apples to apples, the SATA-150 performance of the Maxtor drive was the best. |
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SCSI Hard Drive Basics @ BigBruin |
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SCSI may not be an economical solution for a desktop computer, but it doesn't pretend to be. The high price tag comes with equally high performance and reliability, and in critical server and workstation applications, the added expense may easily be justified and recovered in a short period of time. |
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SunbeamTech Chameleon @ Phoronix |
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When it comes to lighting a computer case, the usual products used are simply LED fans or CCFLs (Cold Cathode Florescent Lamp), or more recently EL wire. However, there has been another type of lighting device on the market for quite some time and that has been LED laser beams. Up for review today, we have our hands on the SunbeamTech Chameleon.
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Mushkin Redline Heatspreader Preview @ Phoronix |
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Mushkin recently announced their newly designed heatspreader that will premiere with their high performance Redline modules beginning August 16. Today we have our hands on these new Mushkin Redline heatspreaders, and have plenty of additional pictures along with a few words regarding their improved design and appearance.
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Logisys Double CCFL Fan Kit @ ThinkComputers.org |
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Well My future's so bright I gotta wear shades... Ok, now I'm showing my age here because not many of you got that I bet. Any who... Today you get blinded by the light; we have for your viewing pleasure the Logisys Double CCFL Fan Kit. Logisys has become a fairly standard brand in the computer market and is known for quality products. I like lights, flash and whatever makes my case stand out from the rest at a LAN. I was excited to be getting this item for review; will it live up to my hopes and aspirations? Read on and let’s find out. Before I start let me throw in a thank you to Logisys for this fine piece of lighting |
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HEC Group 6C28 ATX PC Case Review @ BigBruin |
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Compucase may not be the first name you think of when shopping for a case, but as the US source for HEC Group cases, they may be worth consideration the next time you want to find a new home for your system. Today we are taking a look at the HEC Group 6C28 ATX PC Case. The case is a mid tower model that combines a good mix of looks, features and functionality, even if the name leaves a lot to be desired. |
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A glance at the latest innovatek products! Konvekt-O-Matic PRO and PRO LC - Passive Radiators @ amdgamer |
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The Konvekt-O-Matic PRO Series is the consequential evolvement from the well known and renowned (and often copied) proven innovatek Konvekt passive Radiator principal - the first of its kind and specifically designed passive Radiators for Watercooling." |
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Logisys Deluxe CCFL Kit & Dual CCFL Ring Fan @ Phoronix |
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Looking to mod out your rig with some CCFL tubes and fans? Overwhelmed by the number of choices? Well today's review might help you narrow down your choices a little bit. Logisys has provided us with their 120mm CCFL can and a 15" CCFL light. Yes, 15". Perhaps the only 15" on the market! |
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Tul Launches X800 GT Video Card |
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The Tul Corporation has just introduced their PowerColor X800 GT video card. This video card is aimed at competing against video cards using Nvidia's 6600GT GPU. The X800 GT uses ATI's R480 core and a 0.13 micro-fabrication process. The card has 160 million transistors and up to 256MB/256 bit GDDR3 memory. The core clock speed is 475 MHz and the memory speed is 490 MHz. The GT uses DirectX 9.0 architecture. |
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Will the Bell System Survive? @ BigBruin |
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Will the Bell System Survive? A Massive Transfer of Wealth from Bell to VoIP Is Underway. The "Internet Revolution" has brought us e-mail, the World Wide Web and quick, convenient ways to communicate that we’ve come to take for granted. And now it’s reached consumers who are looking for a more economical, more flexible way to talk on the phone. |
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Dusting Your Computer - Keeping it Cool @ BonaFideReviews |
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My mother always told me to dust, but I never did, mostly because I was lazy, but also because I couldn't find any tangible benefit to dusting. I just didn't see how I'd benefit from my room or my things being less dusty. Well now I've gotten a bit older, and I finally found a reason to dust - a cooler running computer. I'm going to give some background on my own system and circumstances first, then run tests before and after dusting, as well as explain how and what I used to dust. |
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Evercool F117 Nighthawk VGA Cooler |
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In its latest venture into cooling Evercool has created the F117 Nighthawk Universal VGA Cooler. With a crafty, sharp looking design that resembles the state of the art fighter jet, the F117 should prove to be a pretty solid product. Evercool has provided me with one for review, so let's take a look at how it performs. |
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Sapphire X800XL Review @ Got Apex |
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Last week I looked at the Sapphire X800XL Ultimate edition. It proved to be a good card, putting up impressive numbers, enough so that you can play the latest games at decent detail and AA/AF combinations. This week we take a look at another one of Sapphire's offerings, the X800 XL Hybrid. The Hybrid puts a different interface onto the X800XL series, using ATI's PCIe->AGP bridge, but also adds Video In capability to the VO that most Sapphire cards come equipped with. What this means for you is the continuation of your legacy S754/478 boards that normally come equipped with AGP instead of the newer PCIe interface. If you are looking for the video editing portion of this, then the VIVO capability further enhances the bundle. |
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SilverStone SG-01 Sugo SFF @ Phoronix Direct |
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Shuttle Computer was one of the first manufacturers to widely market Small Form Factor PCs. When visiting Computex Taipei this year, Shuttle Computer had an exhibition where they simply had their sexy showgirls walk around with these tiny SFF PCs. Although the design and size of these chassis' are rather impressive, they require some proprietary hardware such as the motherboard and power supply. Wishing to bring SFF PCs to the masses, SilverStone Technology has released the Sugo SG-01, which is a Small Form Factor chassis but is compatible with all micro ATX motherboards and power supplies. |
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Samsung 193P+ LCD Display Review at XYZ Computing |
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The evolution of LCD technology can be seen in the Samsung 193P+. This monitor was first released as the 193P, a high-end 19" display. Though this display still has a comparatively innovative cabinet, the LCD panel is representative of technology from a few years ago, which is when it was brought to market. Samsung's designers recently reintroduced the 193P as the 193P+ which means a similar base but with an updated LCD panel. This review will be taking a look at the new display and seeing how well Samsung managed to update this hit product. |
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Cooler Master Real Power 450W @ Phoronix Direct |
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Cooler Master has been providing solutions for the enthusiast market for quite some time. They have an established name and presence in the market when it comes to cooling, cases, and power supplies. Most of their fame, however, is mostly from building quality cases, like the CM stacker and the Wavemaster. Today we have the Cooler Master Real Power 450 up for review. |
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What Is VoIP and How Does It Work? @ Big Bruin |
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Chances are that you have already made a VoIP call without even realizing it. The major phone companies already use VoIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing VoIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way into every business and household across the globe. |
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Foxconn TV-544 & TP-544 ATX Towers @ Phoronix |
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The case market these days is saturated with cases of all varieties. The most popular ones are flashy modded cases, or high quality aluminum cases. However if you're just looking for a very sturdy, well-built case, Foxconn's TV-544 or TP-544 might be the perfect case for you. |
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Sunbeamtech Chromatic Windmill Control Panel Review @ Big Bruin |
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On the back of the Chromatic Windmill you will find all the connectors neatly lined up, and well labeled... You will also find a place to install a back-up battery. If the power is ever lost to the unit you won't lose your settings. This is a great feature, as I have always hated moving components around and losing the values that I had programmed in! |
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Spire WisperRock V @ ThinkComputers.org |
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Well, in my humble opinion there are to many companies making cooling solutions. There are so many out there to choose from anymore, I'm not going to list them, you know most of them I'm sure. Having this many companies making heat sink fan cooling solutions can be a problem, not everyone is going to be great. Truth is, most aren't, and the ones that at one time were, have let their success go to their heads and let quality control fade away, thinking they will sell products on their name alone. Having cool names, cool packaging might sell products to a newbie, but at what cost really? Today for review I have a heat sink fan combo from Spire, called the Whisperock 5, sure everyone knows the name, they make a decent cooler right? |
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KickButtComputers Signature Series Preview @ Phoronix |
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Inspired by the American television shows Orange County Choppers and Monster Garage, a crew down in southern California has begun producing a quite extensive array of custom computer cases - dubbed the Signature Series. In this article today, we'll be offering some rare looks at their first "themed" chassis off their workbench along with other insights on how KickButtComputers is aiming at creating an entirely new genre of computer case modifications. |
