Hardware Roundup: Wednesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, CPU's, Music / Video Players, Speakers/Headphones, CPU Cooling, VGA Cooling
Posted: February 6, 2008 06:25AM
Author: Dale Shuck

The mid-week edition of the roundup brings more information on Intel's Skulltrail platform.  As we saw in the reviews earlier, the Skulltrail platform has a lot to offer including the first support for SLI cards on an Intel platform.  Legit Reviews dives further into the details with their Intel SkullTrail Preview - Dual Core 2 Extreme QX9775 Processors.  More details can be found in the Intel SkullTrail Platform from motherboards.org where they state the QX9775 processor is simply a LGA771 version of the QX9770 processor (reviewed HERE by OCC).  Neoseeker posted the Phenom 9600 Black Edition Review & TLB Fix Investigation and reveals the microcode fix for the TLB erratum has some pretty astounding effects on performance.  While we're discussing CPUs take a look at the Zalman CNPS8700 LED Low Noise Heatsink from FrostyTech for a capable low-noise cooling solution.  HotHardware is back with more workstation-class GPUs with their FireGL V5600 vs. QuadroFX 1700 vs. FireGL V3600.  In the gaming GPU department, there is the ASUS EN8800GTS TOP at Bjorn3D.  We also have the  BFGTech 8800 GTS 512MB OC2 WC Edition at [H]ardocp.  Not only is the card factory overclocked, it also includes a pre-installed Danger Den water block.  If water cooling is not in your budget then check out the Arctic Cooling Accelero Xtreme 8800 Video Card Cooler reviewed by Madshrimps.  Enthusiasts looking for an Intel-based board with PCI-E 2.0 and support for the 1600 MHz FSB need to check out the Asus Maximus Extreme Intel X38 Express Motherboard at PCSTATS.  Touch screens seem to be the rage a la the iPod Touch and the iPhone and the Super Talent VIDEGO28 Touch Screen Digital Media Player at ExtremeMHz is another entry with that feature.  Rounding out our selection today, ThinkComputers looks at the Zalman ZM-RS6F USB Surround Sound Headphones.

Hardware Roundup: Monday Edition

Category: Motherboards, CPU's, Gaming, Input Devices, Speakers/Headphones, Gadgets, CPU Cooling, Mouse Pad, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: January 21, 2008 06:27AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Today's roundup kicks off with the BlueAnt X5 Stereo Bluetooth Headset at Legit Reviews.  We have several items for you gamers today.  Performance and control are two features gamers look for in a mousing surface and the SteelSeries SP Pro Gaming Mousepad aims to offer a combination of both.  OCModShop lets us know if it delivers on those promises.  The X-Arcade Tankstick Dual Controller with Trackball from HotHardware might have you reminiscing about the all the quarters you spent at the arcade (see the OCC review here).  Not every game can be played with a mouse and keyboard and if you're a flight sim fan you need to check out the Saitek X52 Joystick at motherboards.org  (you can also read the OCC review here).  If you're still trying to decide which Intel processor to include in your next upgrade head over to Tech ARP for a look at their Intel Core 2 Performance Comparison Guide.  Much has been written about the current state of AMD's processor lineup and the Phenom vs. Core2 Quad debate so why would AMD offer another entry in the AM2 family?  See what Virtual-Hideout has to say about the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition CPU  (don't forget to read the OCC review as well).  TweakTown has the ATI Catalyst 8.1 Analysis - XP & Vista.  Bjorn3D reviews the ASUS Maximus Formula (Non-SE) based on Intel's X38 chipset.  Few enthusiasts ever choose to use a stock CPU cooling solution.  However, choosing the best alternative is always a trade off in price, performance and noise levels.  RBmods looks at the GlacialTech Igloo 5750 Silent CPU Cooler and sees if this dual-fan model is worhty of your consideration.  CES 2008 converage continues with Best of CES 2008 at Techgage.  ThinkComputers also brings us more CES 2008 goodies with Lunch@Piero’s, Cooler Master and Sands Expo.

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, Cases, Memory, Power Supplies, Speakers/Headphones, Storage / Hard Drives, Modding, CPU Cooling, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: January 15, 2008 06:38AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our web wanderings turned up a lot of reviews to go through today.  Let's begin by welcoming a new affiliate to the fold, HotHardware, who brings us a review of the Asus EAH3850 TOP Graphics Card.  While we're looking at video cards, [H]ardocp gives us a chance to look at the other side of the ATI/NVIDIA competition with an evaluation of the Palit GeForce 8800 GT Super+1GB.  Also in the NVIDIA camp is the XFX GeForce 8800 GT XXX 512MB Alpha Dog Edition at NVNews.  Now we move on to memory with two reviews of DDR3 kits.  First up is the Supertalent ProjectX 2GB DDR3-1800 Memory Kit at RBMods followed by Crucial Ballistix DDR3-1600 from Bjorn3D.  For an amazing original case mod, check out Project: Eutanasia at MetkuMods and watch as the builder takes us from design to completion.  It's always fun to take a look at what the previous year had in store and LostCircuits treats us to their 2007: A Retrospective.  Looking forward, we find the Intel Skulltrail Out In Feb '08! at Tech ARP.  Skulltrail/V8 is Intel's dual quad-core processor board that gives you a chance to have octo-core processing and four PCI-E x16 slots.  Given that kind of setup, you'll have a real need for some serious power like the Cooler Master Real Power Pro 1250W PSU at TweakTown.  Keeping your Intel processor cool and quiet is a job for the Auras LPT-700 Heatsink and FrostyTech reports on how well it succeeds at that job.  OCModshop gives us a look at the Razer Piranha Gaming Headset (also reviewed by OCC).  We all have a need for the ability to store our data and multimedia files.  A network storage device is one solution to this problem and Virtual-Hideout reviews the Thecus N5200 Pro NAS today.  For a little video envy you can check out the Samsung SyncMaster 245T 24-Inch LCD Monitor at Tweaknews.  And in the "It's Not Over Until It's Over" department we have more CES 2008 coverage from ThinkComputers (Intel) and Techgage (Cars).

Hardware Roundup: Saturday Edition

Category: Memory, Power Supplies, Speakers/Headphones, General News, CPU Cooling, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: January 12, 2008 12:23PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our weekend roundup turned up a little bit of reading to keep you busy between football games.  We'll begin by looking having a look at some CPU cooling system reviews.  FrostyTech has the OCZ Vendetta Exposed Heatpipe-Base Heatsink, a capable product, especially on the higher fan setting.  The ASUS Silent Knight II CPU Cooler is another air cooled product and Virtual-Hideout checks out its performance. Pre-built kits offer a good alternative for those wanting to dip their toes in the water cooling pool but aren't quite ready to build their own setup.  Overclocker Cafe finds the Tt Bigwater 760i Water Cooling Kit to be a good mix or performance, noise and ease of installation, even if it it performs only a bit better than air cooled options.  Tech ARP gives us their guide PC Hardware Myths To Avoid In 2008.  From Motherboards.org comes the Icemat Audio Black Siberia Multi Headset from Steel Series.   Tweak News checks out the Super Talent PC14400 1800Mhz DDR3 2GB Memory Kit to see what it brings to the enthusiast market.  3dGameMan offers us a look at the Ultra X2 750W Modular Power Supply.  And we finish out today's roundup with more CES 2008 coverage as Techgage has CES 2008: DeviceVM's Splashtop.

OCZ Vendetta Exposed Heatpipe-Base Heatsink @ FrostyTech
PC Hardware Myths To Avoid In 2008 @ Tech ARP
Icemat Audio Black Siberia Multi Headset @ Motherboards.org
CES 2008: DeviceVM's Splashtop @ Techgage
Ultra X2 750W Modular Power Supply @ 3dGameMan
Razer Lachesis Gaming Mouse @ FPSLabs
ASUS Silent Knight II CPU Cooler @ Virtual-Hideout
Super Talent PC14400 1800Mhz DDR3 2GB Memory Kit @ Tweak News
Tt Bigwater 760i Water Cooling Kit @ Overclocker Cafe

Razer THX Mako Advanced 2.1 Desktop Audio

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: January 9, 2008 09:42AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Razer - Razer announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) the Razer Mako, a 2.1 advanced desktop audio system. Co-developed with THX,  the Mako offers:

• Patented THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker Technology
• THX Certified for optimum quality and performance
• Bi-amplified satellites (2x50 watts each) with DSP Control
• Powered subwoofer
• Frequency range 25 – 20,000Hz (+/- 2.5dB 40 – 18,000Hz)
• Total system power 300 watts
• ClassHD™ Digital Amplifier technology with full DSP control
• Amplified headphone jack

The Mako is currently shipping worldwide with a suggested retail price of  US: $399.99; Europe: €399.99.

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Memory, Cooling, Mobile, Gaming, Input Devices, Speakers/Headphones, CPU Cooling, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: January 8, 2008 05:54AM
Author: Dale Shuck

CES 2008 starts its second day today so be sure to check back during the day as our team provides continuing coverage of this huge event.  Our roundup takes us first to The Witcher Gameplay and Performance at [H]ardocp where they analyze the game and evaluate its performance using four different video cards.  Water cooling enthusiasts will want to check out the Danger Den Water Box Plus and Kit at 3dGameMan.  If water cooling isn't your thing, FrostyTech  looks at the Apack Zerotherm Nirvana 120 Heatsink.  nVidia's 8800 series cards have generated a lot of interest and NVNews reviews the XFX 8800GT Alpha Dog Edition.  We also have a pair of DDR3 memory kit reviews with the OCZ 2x1GB DDR3-1333 Gold Edition Memory Kit at Virtual-Hideout and the Corsair Dominator DDR3 1800MHz Intel XMP Memory at PC Perspective.  TweakNews has a look at the SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Gaming Headset and comes away pleased with what they heard.  Refresh products often fail to impress, but Bjorn3D finds the Thermaltake Armor+ a worthy upgrade to the original product.  Check out MetkuMods to see if the same holds true for the Logitech G15 Rev2.  The Tech Report has a look at Asus' Eee PC 4G sub-notebook.  Other CES coverage comes from [H]ardocp as they fill us in on announcements from Intel and nVidia.

The Witcher Gameplay and Performance @ [H]
Intel Unveils 16 New Processors @ [H]
Danger Den Water Box Plus and Kit @ 3dGameMan
Apack Zerotherm Nirvana 120 Heatsink @ FrostyTech
NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Technology @ [H]
XFX 8800GT Alpha Dog Edition @ NVNews
OCZ 2x1GB DDR3-1333 Gold Edition Memory Kit @ Virtual-Hideout
SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Gaming Headset @ Tweaknews
Thermaltake Armor+ @ Bjorn3D
Logitech G15 Rev2 @ MetkuMods
Corsair Dominator DDR3 1800MHz Intel XMP Memory @ PC Perspective
Asus' Eee PC 4G sub-notebook @ The Tech Report

Hardware Roundup: Thursday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, Cases, Speakers/Headphones, CPU Cooling
Posted: January 3, 2008 04:55AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Looking around the web we have more interesting reviews to bring you today so let's get started.  Zotac is not new to the video card market, but we're just beginning to see their cards in the North American market.  3dGameman reviews the Zotac 8600GTS Video Card and shows us what its got under the hood.  The folks over at FrostyTech bring us two CPU cooling solutions with the Gigabyte Volar GH-PSV21-FB Heatsink and the Glacialtech Igloo 5750 Silent Heatsink.  The In-Win Allure MicroATX Designer Case probably won't make an appearance on too many enthusiasts' desks but  many readers end up building systems for daughters/wifes/girlfriends and Madshrimps looks at this "lady-friendly" case to see what its got.  3dGameMan makes another appearance in today's roundup with a review of the Razer Piranha Headset.  Today also brings us two offerings from the AMD/ATI camp.  TweakTown has a look at the passively cooled  Sapphire Radeon HD 3850 Ultimate Edition video card.  AMD announced its new 790FX chipset and AM2+ socket platform as part of the Phenom launch and today we get a chance to look at the ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Motherboard reviewed by TechSpot.

Zotac 8600GTS Video Card @ 3dGameMan
Gigabyte Volar GH-PSV21-FB Heatsink @ FrostyTech
In-Win Allure MicroATX Designer Case @ Madshrimps
Glacialtech Igloo 5750 Silent Heatsink @ FrostyTech
Razer Piranha Headset @ 3dGameMan
Sapphire Radeon HD 3850 Ultimate Edition @ TweakTown
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Motherboard @ TechSpot

Hardware Roundup: Wednesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Input Devices, Speakers/Headphones
Posted: December 26, 2007 05:33AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Searching around the web today we have the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 at Techgage.  Tech ARP reviews the Edifier C3 2.1 Speaker System that includes a separate amplifier in its own enclosure.  Next in the lineup is the Raidmax Aztec Gaming Case reviewed at ThinkComputers.  Techgage also has a look at the the USB-based Turtle Beach Ear Force AK-R8 Headphones aimed at the gaming market.  Finally Bjorn3D reviews the XFX 8800 GTS 512 XXX Alpha Dog video card.  

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 @ Techgage
Edifier C3 2.1 Speaker System @ Tech ARP
Raidmax Aztec Gaming Case @ ThinkComputers
Turtle Beach Ear Force AK-R8 Headphones @ Techgage
XFX 8800 GTS 512 XXX Alpha Dog @ Bjorn3D

Hardware Roundup: Thursday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Memory, Cooling, Gaming, Input Devices, Speakers/Headphones, Storage / Hard Drives, CPU Cooling
Posted: December 20, 2007 05:54AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Today the web has yielded up a collection of reviews from our affiliates so let's get started.  First up is the GMC Noblesse AVC-S7 Slimline HTPC Case from OCModShop.  If you need a larger case ViperLair has the Silverstone Temjin Tj10 for you to look at.  Two more video card reviews are out beginning with NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB with Tech ARP's look at the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB followed by the ASUS EN8800GT TOP 512MB at Bjorn3D.  In the world of cooling Madshrimps reviews the Danger Den NVIDIA 4101 H20 Water Cooling Kit.  Tweaknews looks at the Thermalright HR-11 Videocard Backside Cooler and FrostyTech checks out the Scythe Infinity SCINF-1000 Heatsink.  If you're looking for DDR3 memory TweakTown tests the Patriot Memory PC3-15000 (1866 MHz) DDR3 kit.  To enhance your gaming experience or maybe to just relax and enjoy some music Techgage reviews the Ultrasone HFI-700 Headphones.  Also in the  gaming department we have the Razer Lycosa Gaming Keyboard from EverythingUSB and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) reviewed by DVHardware.  Closing out today's roundup is the Corsair Flash Padlock at RBMods.

GMC Noblesse AVC-S7 Slimline HTPC Case @ OCModShop
Patriot Memory PC3-15000 (1866 MHz) DDR3 @ TweakTown
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB @ Tech ARP
Danger Den NVIDIA 4101 H20 Water Cooling Kit @ Madshrimps
Scythe Infinity SCINF-1000 Heatsink @ FrostyTech
Ultrasone HFI-700 Headphones @ Techgage
Thermalright HR-11 Videocard Backside Cooler @ Tweaknews
ASUS EN8800GT TOP 512MB @ Bjorn3D
SilverStone Temjin TJ10 @ ViperLair
Corsair Flash Padlock @ RBMods
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) @ DVHardware
Razer Lycosa Gaming Keyboard @ EverythingUSB

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Morning Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Cooling, Speakers/Headphones, Digital Photography/Video, Storage / Hard Drives, Gadgets, CPU Cooling
Posted: December 11, 2007 05:56AM
Author: Dale Shuck

We have a full plate in front of us today as we sample from the offerings around the net so let's get started.  The upcoming release NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS continues to generate a lot of interest.  Tech ARP posted their NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS (G92) Benchmark Results and [H]ardocp looks and the BFGTech GeForce 8800 GTS OC 512MB.   TweakTown has two video cards on the table today and treats us to a review of the Leadtek WinFast 8500 & 8600GT with HDMI.  Next up are several items in the cooling department with two reviews from FrostyTech – the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 Silent Heatsink and the Scythe Ninja Mini SCMNJ-1000 Heatsink.  OCModShop evaluates the Gigabyte 3D Galaxy II Water Cooling System.  Rounding out the offerings in the cooling arena is Tweaknews review of the Nanoxia DualContact Hybrid Base CPU Cooler.  Techgage abuses and tortures the OCZ ATV 2GB & ATV Turbo 4GB thumb drives and reports on just how rugged these little drives are.  The Nexus Caterpillar Silent ATX Case is brought to us by the good folks over at Madshrimps.  The Rosewill 8" Digital Photo Frame reviewed by Overclocker Cafe might make a nice present to someone on your holiday list this year.  Wrapping up, we have the Rosewill RX81-CW-US Hard Drive Enclosure at ThinkComputers and TweakTown's review of the Yidsun SPK-796 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker.

NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS (G92) Benchmark Results @ Tech ARP
Nexus Caterpillar Silent ATX Case @ Madshrimps
Scythe Ninja Mini SCMNJ-1000 Heatsink @ FrostyTech
Glacialtech Igloo 5610 Silent Heatsink @ FrostyTech
Gigabyte 3D Galaxy II Water Cooling System @ OCModShop
Rosewill 8" Digital Photo Frame @ OC Cafe
OCZ ATV 2GB & ATV Turbo 4GB @ Techgage
Rosewill RX81-CW-US Hard Drive Enclosure @ ThinkComputers.org
Leadtek WinFast 8500 & 8600GT with HDMI @ TweakTown
Yidsun SPK-796 Bluetooth Stereo Speaker @ TweakTown
BFGTech GeForce 8800 GTS OC 512MB @ [H]ardocp
Nanoxia Dualcontact Hybrid Base CPU Cooler @ Tweaknews.net

Hardware Roundup: Monday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cooling, Monitors, Speakers/Headphones, Software
Posted: December 10, 2007 06:22AM
Author: Dale Shuck

We get things rolling this week with a series of video card reviews.  Leading off is TweakTown's look at the HD 3850 Crossfire vs. 8800GTS 512MB G92. Tech ARP has the Galaxy GeForce 8600 GTS and TechSpot looks at the Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS 512 reference card.  TweakTown also reviews the Inno3D GeForce 8800GT OC 512MB along with a review of the GIGABYTE GP-S7500 2.1 speaker system. You'll definitely need a decent monitor to put a new video card to the test so why not check out the ASUS PG221 22-inch Wide-Screen over at Techgage.  [H]ardocp takes us on a tour of UT3 Gameplay and IQ.  Virtual-Hideout looks at the Thermaltake iXoft Notebook Cooling Pad.  Bjorn3D examines Uniblue RegistryBooster 2 (which was also reviewed by OCC).  Finally it's time to relax and check out the Holiday 2007 Wish List from ThinkComputers.

HD 3850 Crossfire vs. 8800GTS 512MB G92 @ TweakTown
Galaxy GeForce 8600 GTS Rev. 2.0 @ Tech ARP
ASUS PG221 22-inch Wide-Screen @ Techgage
Holiday 2007 Wish List @ ThinkComputers.org
GIGABYTE GP-S7500 2.1 Speaker System @ TweakTown
UT3 Gameplay and IQ @ [H]ardocp
Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS 512 @ TechSpot
Inno3D GeForce 8800GT OC 512MB @ TweakTown
Thermaltake iXoft Notebook Cooling Pad @ Virtual-Hideout
Uniblue RegistryBooster 2 @ Bjorn3D

Hardware Roundup: Friday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, CPU's, Cases, Cooling, Mobile, Manufacturers, Gaming, Speakers/Headphones, Storage / Hard Drives
Posted: November 23, 2007 12:23PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Welcome to the Black Friday edition.  For those of you still recovering from too much food and football on Thanksgiving, this is a perfect opportunity to kick back and do a little reading and start working on your Christmas wish list.  ModTheBox gets us started with a review of Asus' ultra-mobile offering - the  eee-PC.  Looking for a new case?  We have several review offerings today on mid-tower cases.  3dGameMan looks at two offerings from Raidmax - the Aztec & Sagitta 2, Techgage reviews the Hiper Anubis and Bjorn3D takes on the Ultra m998.  For those with cooling issues on their mind, Virtual-Hideout puts the Evercool Widescreen Laptop Cooler through it paces and PCApex takes on four thermal paste products to see how they compare.  TweakTown offers us a brief glimpse at some of the new features Gigabyte will be offering on their X48 motherboards as well a a review of the Yidsun SP-788 headset.  Rounding out today's offerings are a look at the Maxtor One-Touch 4 Plus external hard drive over at Techgage and a review of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune from [OC]ModShop.  Finally, Tech ARP looks at the new AMD Spider technology.  So, load up another turkey sandwich and enjoy!

- Asus eee-PC Ultra Mobile PC @ MODTHEBOX
- Raidmax Aztec & Sagitta 2 Cases @ 3dGameMan
- Evercool Widescreen Laptop Cooler Review @ Virtual-Hideout
- Mini Thermal Paste Round Up @ PC Apex
- Gigabyte adds Xmas lights to motherboard @ TweakTown
- Hiper Anubis Mid-Tower @ Techgage
- Yidsun SP-788 Bluetooth Stereo Headset @ TweakTown
- Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus 500GB External Hard Drive @ Techgage
- Ultra m998 Mid-ATX Case @ Bjorn3D
- Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3) @ [OC]ModShop
- AMD Spider Technology Report @ Tech ARP

Hardware Roundup: Wednesday Evening Edition

Category: Cases, Cooling, Power Supplies, Mobile, Gaming, Speakers/Headphones, Small Form Factor, CPU Cooling
Posted: October 31, 2007 11:14AM
Author: kingdingeling

Looking around the web today, we find a variety of reviews. The OCModShop has posted some coverage of "The Simpsons Game" launch in London by Keeley Hazell. TweakTown has taken Asus' Eee PC and taken it apart to see what components are hidden by the cover. Staying with smaller computers, Tweaknews has got the Antec Veris Fusion Black Case on the review bench, which is designed for the use in HTPCs or other forms of small form factor computers. To go along with this case, you might choose the SoundGraph iMON Ultra Bay LCD Display reviewed by the Virtual-Hideout. ThinkComputers has the ZEROtherm BTF92 OC Edition CPU Cooler up for reviewing, which might be a good and quiet cooling solution for your HTPC. If you need a good sound system to go with that, try the Logitech G51 Gaming Surround 5.1 Speakers being reviewed at TechGage. Also, after reviewing the CrossFire Edition, Bjorn3D has now reviewed the normal PC Power & Cooling 750 Watt Quad Silencer Power Supply.

PC Power & Cooling 750 Watt Quad Silencer Power Supply Review @ Bjorn3D
Antec Veris Fusion Black HTPC Case Review @ Tweaknews
SoundGraph iMON Ultra Bay LCD Display Review @ Virtual-Hideout
Logitech G51 Gaming Surround Speakers Review @ Techgage
ZEROtherm BTF92 OC Edition CPU Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
ASUS Eee PC: Exclusive Inside Look! @ TweakTown
Keeley Hazell Launches 'The Simpsons' @ [OC]ModShop

Hardware Roundup: Thursday Morning Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Speakers/Headphones, Hard Drive Cooling
Posted: October 18, 2007 07:54AM
Author: kingdingeling

It's that time of day again, to publish the hardware roundup. With the releases of Futuremarks PCMark Vantage, both Bjorn3D and Techgage have published reviews on it. Much more emphasis was put onto real life application benefits, such as sound encoding, high-definition photo editing and multi-tab web browsing. TweakNews is looking at a hard drive enclosure today, the Kingwin Z1, featuring both USB and eSATA ports and a stylish design. Over on the bigger side of your computer, the OC Cafe is reviewing the Thermaltake Mozart iP Media Case, which is the first ever HTPC case to feature an iPod dock. ThinkComputers is also reviewing the Rosewill R6AS5 PC Case, which really seems like a great bang for your buck considering the build quality and features.

Futuremark PCMark Vantage Review @ Techgage
Altec Lansing FX3020 SoundBar Review @ Techgage
Kingwin Z1 Hard Drive Enclosure Review @ TweakNews
Futuremark PCMark Vantage Review @ Bjorn3D
Rosewill R6AS5 PC Case Review @ ThinkComputers
Thermaltake Mozart iP Media Case Review @ OverClockersCafe

Hardware Roundup Tuesday Morning Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Input Devices, Speakers/Headphones, CPU Cooling
Posted: October 8, 2007 11:37PM
Author: kingdingeling

It's the time of day again for our OCC Affiliate Reviews. Looking around the net today, the OCModShop has articles of three new Razer products, the Lachesis 4000 DPI mouse, the Piranha Gaming Headset, and the successor of the Tarantula, the Lycosa Keyboard. The perfect combination for your peripherals when building a new rig. But what do you want to put into that rig? How about an Albatron 8600GTS, reviewed over at LAN Addict? As a case, the Antec Veris - Fusion Black 430 HTPC case might appeal to those with space constraints. Darkvision Hardware has the new heatsink from OCZ up for review, the long-awaited Vendetta.

- Razer Lachesis Gaming Mouse Hands-On @ OCModShop
- Razer Piranha Gaming Headset Hands-On @ OCModShop
- Razer Lycosa Gaming Keyboard Hands-On @ OCModShop
- OCZ Vendetta HSF Review @ Darkvision Hardware
- Albatron 8600GTS Video Card Review @ LAN Addict
- Antec Veris - Fusion Black 430 HTPC Case Review @ MektuMods

Hardware Roundup Monday Afternoon Edition

Category: Motherboards, Cases, Mobile, Speakers/Headphones, OCC News, CPU Cooling
Posted: October 8, 2007 11:43AM
Author: road-runner

Time for the daily affiliate reviews, and articles around the net again. Looking at case reviews today we have the Gigabyte 3D Mercury Water Cooling Case at 3DGameMan, and a small roundup of three cases from In Win at TweakTown, with one being ATX format, and two mATX formats. MadShrimps has review on another monster power supply, the PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 1KW-SR. On the monitor side of things we are looking at two reviews on Acer products. 3DGameMan has a new review on the Acer AL2216W 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor, also ThinkComputers looks at the Acer AL2002W 20" Widescreen LCD Monitor. In the market for P35 motherboard, we have a Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6 motherboard review at Virtual-Hideout. If you need to cool your cpu down, then check out Gigabyte's latest release of the $40 Gigabyte Volar Cooler at Overclocker Cafe. On the sound front, we have some portable speakers by Titan called EZ Sound, being looked at by Overclockers Online, and a Super Talent VIDEGO24T MP4 Series Player review at TweakTown. Last week we brought you the Workstation & Server CPU comparison guide ver. 2 from TechArp, it has now been updated to ver. 2.5, so take a look at that. [H]ardocp test out DX10 on five different video cards with World in Conflict, DX10 Performance and IQ Review. Lastly TechGage has another interview, this time with Intel's Memory Guru, Christopher Cox.

- Gigabyte 3D Mercury Water Cooling Case @ 3DGameMan
- In Win Case Roundup @ TweakTown
- PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 1KW-SR @ MadShrimps
- Acer AL2216W 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor @ 3DGameMan
- Acer AL2002W 20" Widescreen LCD Monitor @ ThinkComputers
- Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6 Review @ Virtual-Hideout
- Gigabyte Volar Cooler @ OverclockerCafe
- Super Talent VIDEGO24T MP4 Series Player @ TweakTown
- Workstation & Server CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 2.5 @ TechArp
- World in Conflict DX10 Performance and IQ Review @ [H]ardOCP
- Interview with Intel's Memory Guru, Christopher Cox @ TechGage

OCC News: LTB Audio Unleashes Two New Gaming Headphones

Category: Speakers/Headphones, OCC News
Posted: July 31, 2007 10:26AM
Author: Dale Shuck

OverclockersClub -

LTB Audio Systems, Inc. has begun shipping the new Magnum 5.1 True surround sound headphone system with microphone for PC's with analog Hi-Definition sound cards. In addition, LTB launched the wireless Q-Bass USB headphones with a true 2.1 audio with built in subwoofers and microphone. LTB is targeting the serious gamer with the Magnum 5.1 series.  Designed to provide a true surround sound experience, it features multiple speaker units for front, rear, center and subwoofer channels.   It comes quipped with AC97 mini jacks to connect to your system’s sound card.  The unit also features a built-in digital volume control on the headset and can be powered either through USB or AC which eliminates the need for batteries.  The ear cups are coated in a textured rubber skin in what LTB describes as a "venom red" color.

News: Pyramat set to release Lap Blaster laptop speaker system

Category: Mobile, Speakers/Headphones, Gadgets
Posted: June 26, 2007 09:24AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - You might recognize the name Pyramat for its line of rump-shaking gaming chairs, but the West Coast company is about to branch out to the gamer on the go with the new Lap Blaster USB speaker system. The flat speaker pad can hold most laptops up to 17 inches in size, and also features an iPod dock and wrist rest.

OCC Guide: How to Make a High-Quality Audio Interconnect for Your PC

Category: Sound Cards, Speakers/Headphones, OCC News, Modding
Posted: May 29, 2007 09:59PM
Author: Dale Shuck

OverclockersClub - Ok, so you've got a high-quality soundcard, and a decent amplifier/receiver and some nice speakers, but what do you use to connect your pc to your amp?  Most people use the cheapest, piece of crap cable that they picked up for pocket change because it does the job.  But what if you want something better and don't want to pay a stupid amount of money on an audio interconnect? The answer? Make your own!

Click HERE to discuss this article in the OCC Forums. - Nemo *News Editor*

OCC Article: LTB Interview and Tour

Category: Speakers/Headphones, OCC News
Posted: May 23, 2007 10:51PM
Author: Dale Shuck

OverclockersClub - I first heard of LTB when OCC reviewed the Magnum 5.1 USB Headphones last December. The Magnum headphones had gotten a good review, but since I already had a good pair of headphones, I didn't think too much of the set from LTB. I also didn't have much use for a microphone, not to mention the fact that I didn't believe that headphones could really generate 5.1 surround sound. On Tuesday, I had an opportunity to visit LTB's office in Teterboro, NJ.

Click HERE to discuss this article in the OCC Forums - Nemo *News Editor*

Review: LTB MG51 Magnum 5.1 USB Headset

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 17, 2007 10:18PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Techgage - Sound. To a gamer it's the hinge pin of gaming. You need it to survive and with the advent of multi channel sound solutions there's no excuse for living with old school 2.0 setups, even when you're lanning or trying to game without disturbing others. Today we take a look at a set of headphones that are 5.1 and feature their own built in amp and sound decoding.

Click HERE to compare this review to OCC's own review of the LTB MG51 Magnum 5.1 USB Headset - jammin *News Editor*

Review: LTB MG51 Magnum 5.1 USB Headset

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 17, 2007 08:43PM
Author: Josh Jones

TechGage - LTB, Listen to Believe as they're otherwise known is a new player in the PC sound game. They also offer home theater sound solutions but we're not covering those here since we're focusing on their USB MG51 Magnum 5.1 USB headset. Let's take a quick look at the Magnum 5.1: With a dynamic Plug & Play interface, the new LTB-MG51-USB headphone system provides quick connectivity for Movie and gaming enthusiasts. With support for full HRTF 3D and EAX 2.0, the Magnum 5.1 offers a great way to get True 5.1 from today's Notebook computers that most often can only produce 2.0 Audio. The LTB-MG51-USB is a must for serious Gamers and for Multi-media PC's. The Magnum 5.1 system with it's Built-In MIC is ideal for VOIP, Team gaming and includes a stereo adaptor for MP3 players and stereo listening.

Review: Titan Mini 2.1 Speakers

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 16, 2007 04:26AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Virtual-Hideout - The Titan Mini 2.1 Speakers were easy to setup and use, but how much benefit do they provide? The quality was not that much above my old laptop's speakers and many newer laptops today are featuring better built-in speakers. The added burden of carrying around another set of speakers may offset the benefit, and if you use a USB port to power the speakers, you're not saving battery life either.

Review: Creative Gigaworks T20 speakers

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 15, 2007 08:07AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

bit-tech - I've been a gamer and computer user since the age of four and I've been through a fair few different types of speakers in the game between then and now. Surround sound, wireless, 2.0, 2.1, I've done them all and I've never been happy. It's always been one of those things for me when something inevitably goes wrong. There were always too many wires or the subwoofer was too big for me to fit under my desk, or the sound quality was too muffled for me to tell the difference between Bat out of Hell and Beethoven. Some people tell me I ask too much from my speakers, I say that those people don't ask enough. It was a bit of a surprise then when I managed to get my hands on Creative's Gigaworks T20 speakers and found that not only were they the best speakers I'd ever had a chance to use, but that they were affordable too.

Review: Altec Lansing AHP524 Headphones

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 9, 2007 09:31PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Techgage - In the market for inexpensive studio headphones? Altec Lansing might have just what you need. We were impressed with the sound quality displayed here. Though it doesn't have any bells and whistles, it's price is right.

Review: Tritton Audio Xtreme 5.1 PC Gaming USB Headset

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 9, 2007 04:30AM
Author: Dale Shuck

EverythingUSB - Surround sound is like dual monitors and satellite radio. Once you have it, it's hard to go back. So when your new neighbor calls the cops on you for having the volume too loud, or you're attending a LAN party with no speakers permitted, it's imperative to have a backup plan. Enter the Tritton AXPC gaming USB headset, offering true 5.1 surround thanks to 4 individual drivers in each cup, rumble feedback, and a detachable boom mic to keep those late night gaming sessions rocking. Did we mention it's USB? Full review ahead.

Review: SteelSound 5H v2 Gaming Headset

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 8, 2007 10:59AM
Author: Josh Jones

TechZone - Last month, we had a look at a couple of professional gaming mouse pads by the good folks at SteelSeries: the SteelPad 5L and the SteelPad S&S . This company has a huge line of professional gaming gear, ranging from high-end mice and keyboards to gaming apparel and security software. If you're going to take your PC gaming seriously, you're going to want some serious equipment. And the SteelSound 5H v2 professional gaming headset is pretty darn serious.

Review: Logitech X-540 5.1 Speakers

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 4, 2007 11:22AM
Author: Josh Jones

TechLounge - With prices for speakers as low as they are, and with all the competition and variety, it's difficult to pick a good set of speakers... Especially if you aren’t an audiophile. No matter what price bracket speakers are in, there's a certain degree of mystery as to how they'll perform. Sure, if you drop a fistful of C-notes, you're probably going to get good audio, but even then, the only way to know is to listen.

Review: SteelSound 3H Headset

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: May 1, 2007 04:15AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Bjorn3D - Whether a frequent LAN goer or the family computer happens to share the bedroom, there are plenty of reasons why a good quality headset might be needed. 105mm Howitzer fire going off at 1am on a Monday morning with your window wide open and your neighbor’s bedroom about ten feet away would be an ideal example! The SteelSound 3H we have for this review is the most economical headset offered by SteelSeries. Nonetheless these are marketed as a “professional gaming headset”, therefore I will test them accordingly.

Review: SteelSeries 3H and 4H Headsets

Category: Speakers/Headphones
Posted: April 19, 2007 10:49PM
Author: Christopher Murphy

Techgage - SteelSeries has become well known for offering quality products for gamers, and today we are taking a look at two well-priced offerings from their headset lineup, the 3H and 4H...I would only recommend the 3H for situations that require moving them around and wearing them for short periods of time. If you’re looking for something to wear in more intense gaming sessions, by all means go with the 4H. After using them, I can safely say both are a cheap solution for gaming but don’t really satisfy for anything else. Neither of them are terrible products, but other alternatives can be had for a marginal increase in price.