Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including How to Optimize a MySQL Server, ASUS Vivobook S500CA 15.6 inch Ultrabook Review, The problem with Windows convertible tablets, NVIDIA GTX TITAN vs. SLI & Crossfire, and How To Use Multiple PHP Versions (PHP-FPM FastCGI) With ISPConfig 3 (CentOS 6.3)



How to Optimize a MySQL Server @ Hardware Secrets

If you have a MySQL server, chances are that it is not running at the top of the performance it can deliver. In this tutorial, we will teach you how to optimize a MySQL server, so you can make your application (i.e., your website) run as fast as possible.

Read more: How to Optimize a MySQL Server @ Hardware Secrets

Samsung SM843 Pro: High Performance Data Center SSD @ HotHardware.com

We have taken a look at a few Samsung-built solid state drives over the years, including the Samsung 830 and 840 series SSDs, and found them all to be relatively strong performers in their respective product categories. Today we're going to be looking at a somewhat different type of drive from Samsung, the SM843 Pro Data Series SSD. The SM843 is essentially the same drive as the consumer-targeted 840 Pro SSD, but with a specialized firmware that's optimized for mainstream, ready-heavy data center applications and increased over-provisioning of the NAND...

Read more: Samsung SM843 Pro: High Performance Data Center SSD @ HotHardware.com

ASUS Vivobook S500CA 15.6 inch Ultrabook Review @ Legit Reviews

Are you looking for an affordable Intel Ultrabook that features Windows 8 with Touch? The ASUS VivoBook S500 just launched this week and is an entry level 15.4" Intel Ultrabook that is loaded with features and costs under $700 shipped. Read on to see how the ASUS VivoBook S500 Ultrabook performs with an Intel Core i5-3317U processor, 6GB DDR3 memory, 500GB 5400RPM hard drive and 24GB SSD for caching purposes.

Read more: ASUS Vivobook S500CA 15.6 inch Ultrabook Review @ Legit Reviews

Gigabyte Z77X-UD4H Motherboard Review @ ThinkComputers.org

It has been quite a while since we have taken a look at a motherboard from Gigabyte. The last board we looked at was the Z77X-UD3H back when the Z77 chipset first launched. It has been quite a while since the Z77 launch and we are seeing a second round of Z77 motherboards appear. The Z77X-UD4H is part of of this new round of motherboards and builds upon the UD3H by adding some new features to the board. The Z77X-UD4H is a great motherboard for people looking to get into the Z77 chipset without having to drop a whole lot of money. Right now the Z77X-UD4H is selling for $164.99, which makes it one of the more inexpensive Z77 motherboards available. Don't let the price tag fool you though, this board is filled with great features! Let's dive in

Read more: Gigabyte Z77X-UD4H Motherboard Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Silverstone Strider Gold ST65F-G 650 W @ techPowerUp

According to Silverstone, the Strider Gold series represents the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and quality. We will take a look at the mid-level member of the series, the ST65F-G. It can deliver 650 W of power, utilizes a fully modular cabling design, and has an extra small footprint.

Read more: Silverstone Strider Gold ST65F-G 650 W @ techPowerUp

Edifier Predator e1100 MKII Multimedia Speaker System @ MEGATech

Most speakers look pretty generic. They’re basic black or grey boxes that blend into just about anywhere, but that’s not at all what you get when you pick up the Edifier Predator e1100 2.1 multimedia speaker system. Instead, you get all sorts of flowing lines and curvaceous profiles in a design that has clearly been inspired by the science fiction community. This is not a surround sound system, but as a 2.1 speaker system, it’s well suited for a variety of purposes. Hook it up to your TV, your computer, or just about any other audio source and the let the sound engulf you.

Read more: Edifier Predator e1100 MKII Multimedia Speaker System @ MEGATech

Acer Iconia W510 Hybrid Tablet Review @ Techspot

It’s hard to put into words the impact that mobile technology has had on the computing industry thus far. We’re clearly in the middle of an enormous shift, moving from a time when desktop machines and notebook computers dominated the landscape to what’s commonly referred to as the post-PC era.

We are already seeing smartphones, tablets and hybrids chip away at the once-thriving PC business. Meanwhile, smartwatches and augmented reality visors are signaling an emerging trend of wearable computing that could start gaining some ground in the coming year. With new forms of mobile devices that we haven’t even thought of yet likely on the horizon many have ventured to say that the days of the desktop PC are numbered.

Microsoft’s answer to this changing landscape is Windows 8, an operating system that attempts to balance the demands of traditional productivity-oriented desktops with the mobility of, well, mobile devices. Results have been mixed thus far as desktop users have complained about the ‘unnecessary’ user interface (formerly the Metro UI) while Microsoft’s pure tablet implementation - Windows RT – is limited in the software it can run.

Read more: Acer Iconia W510 Hybrid Tablet Review @ Techspot

The problem with Windows convertible tablets @ The Tech Report

Based on his experience, TR's Cyril Kowaliski says Windows convertible tablets are rarely, if ever, the best tools for the job. Here's his take on why.

The problem with Windows convertible tablets @ The Tech Report

NVIDIA GTX TITAN vs. SLI & Crossfire @ Hardware Canucks

When we first reviewed NVIDIA’s new GTX TITAN, there was one notable absence from our comparisons: SLI and Crossfire. After countless requests and no small amount of retesting due to an aggressive driver release schedule from AMD and NVIDIA, this review will finally see high end multi card solutions against NVIDIA’s spectacularly expensive GTX TITAN.

Most gamers’ interest in this area focuses on getting the best solution for their money. Now that may sound like an oxymoron considering the $1000 needed to get a single TITAN into your system, but even elitists want to know which setup will give them the best gaming experience. Whether or not that means spending a grand is immaterial when striving for performance above all else. This also re-sparks the age old battle between a single powerful card versus two less expensive models.

On paper the TITAN faces an uphill battle in its quest for superiority. Not only is it currently one of the most expensive cards on the market (NVIDIA’s GTX 690 and AMD’s HD 7990 share this top-tier as well) but availability has been spotty at best and its performance isn’t quite up to the level of similarly priced alternatives. However, since the TITAN doesn’t have to rely upon in-game multi card profiles, it does have a distinct advantage in terms of overall consistency.

Read more: NVIDIA GTX TITAN vs. SLI & Crossfire @ Hardware Canucks

be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 1000 Watt PSU Review @ Hi Tech Legion

The fundamental problem with this is simple; no matter what you build, no matter how many frills, bells and whistles it has, it will ultimately come apart without a good foundation to build on. Building on a marsh obviously does not lend itself to stability. Ideally, you need to build on something rock solid, or all of the other pieces will simply come down around a weak base. The same goes for your computer build. One of the most overlooked components is the PSU, which is ridiculous given that it is the piece that provides the necessary power to every component in your build. You need that power to be solid and unwavering or, like a building built on a marsh, all of the other components will weaken. Fluctuating and dirty power will make all of your components perform erratically or, in worse case scenarios, fail. Think of the PSU as the foundation you are building on, simply because it truly is.

be quiet! is bursting into the US market with the Dark Power Pro 10 1000W PSU aimed at the enthusiast builder. The be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 exudes upper echelon quality in every aspect, from its selectable single/multi-rail operation for 12v, 80+ Gold efficiency and modular design right down to the embossed aluminum name plates and top quality 135mm Silent Wings fan. The Dark Power Pro 10 is modular in all cables excepting the permanently attached 24-pin motherboard cable and offers an array of cables to aid in simple routing. All cables are black sleeved, and included cables feature a total of eight 6+2 pin PCIe, dual CPU power capabilities, eleven SATA and nine 4-pin connectors. Added to this, the built in fan controller of the Dark Power Pro 10 1000W can also power and control four 3-pin case fans along with the internal 135mm fan. The Dark Power Pro 10 boasts 93% efficiency to go along with C6 capabilities and meets ErP 2013 Guidelines and Energy Star 5.0. Backing the Dark Power Pro 10 1000W is a 5-year warranty from be quiet!.

Read more: be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 1000 Watt PSU Review @ Hi Tech Legion

HP ENVY 4 TouchSmart (ENVY 4-1102xx) Ultrabook Review @ Custom PC Review

Years ago when HP/Voodoo first unveiled the ENVY, it was one the best looking ultraportable notebooks on the market. It had a full carbon fiber chassis topped off with a high gloss layer and boasted an ultra thin profile even before Ultrabooks were cool. Now years after that first introduction, HP has fully incorporated the ENVY line into their lineup of notebooks, so let’s see what HP has done with their latest iteration of their finest ultraportables.

Today we’ll be reviewing the HP ENVY 4 TouchSmart (ENVY 4-1102xx) Ultrabook. As suggested by its name, the ENVY 4 TouchSmart will include a touchscreen, which has gotten more and more popularity lately with the rise of smartphones and tablets. Additonally, since the ENVY 4 TouchSmart is an Ultrabook as well, we can also expect that it’ll be thin, it’ll have a long battery life, and it’ll have an Intel processor.

Read more: HP ENVY 4 TouchSmart (ENVY 4-1102xx) Ultrabook Review @ Custom PC Review

Patriot Gauntlet Node Portable Wireless Enclosure Review @ Bigbruin.com

For over 25 years, Patriot Memory has been manufacturing high quality USB flash drives, system memory, and various flash based storage devices such as SSDs and SD cards. By keeping a close watch on market trends and how they can make their user's lives easier, they have seen the number of smartphones and tablets increase. As those devices become more popular, Patriot recognizes the need for additional storage on those devices. In order to increase storage for those devices, Patriot has developed a line of wireless hard drives, which they call the Gauntlet series. This new series is available in two configurations; the first includes a 320GB hard drive, while the second is a DIY enclosure where you add your own 2.5" hard drive.

Read more: Patriot Gauntlet Node Portable Wireless Enclosure Review @ Bigbruin.com

PIVOS XIOS DS Media Play Review @ OCC

The XIOS DS Media Play looks sleek and has a very small footprint but packs some interesting features. The Android OS will bring new life to your TV and the thousands available apps in the Google Play Store translate into an impressive potential of fun, productivity, and entertainment. The box provides a great experience as is but PIVOS went the extra mile and collaborated with the XBMC Media Center development team to bring the software with hardware decoding to the Android OS. Add the connectivity capabilities of the unit and we have a serious threat to those fancy HTPC systems at a mere asking price of $115. Built around the ARM CORTEX-A9 CPU and a MALI-400 MP GPU, the XIOS DS Media Play has what it takes to satisfy the needs of the majority of media lovers.

Read more: PIVOS XIOS DS Media Play Review @ OCC

How To Use Multiple PHP Versions (PHP-FPM FastCGI) With ISPConfig 3 (CentOS 6.3) @ Howtoforge

Since ISPConfig 3.0.5, it is possible to use multiple PHP versions on one server and select the optimal PHP version for a website. This feature works with PHP-FPM (starting with PHP 5.3) and FastCGI (all PHP 5.x versions). This tutorial shows how to build PHP 5.3 and PHP 5.4 as a PHP-FPM and a FastCGI version on a CentOS 6.3 server. These PHP versions can be used together with the default PHP (installed through yum) in ISPConfig.

Read more: How To Use Multiple PHP Versions (PHP-FPM FastCGI) With ISPConfig 3 (CentOS 6.3) @ Howtoforge

Leetgion El Druin game mouse Review @ Guru3D

A company by the name Leetgion released a gaming mouse optimized for RPG usage, it's called the El'Druin game mouse which we review and test today. So the high DPI mouse is made by Leetgion and these are the guys behind Thermalright. The mouse has all the features you may expect from a nice game mouse at a true gamers price level. Perhaps something you want to check out?

So basically Thermalright known from their heatsinks and coolers started a daughter company under the brand Leetgion. After the initial launch they soon introduced Hellion, which was the world's first mechanical gaming mouse. The second mouse that they're now releasing you will probably remember from its unusual design as shown in our news. It is the Action RPG gaming mouse, EL'DRUIN. A mouse that comes with a RPG armor design.

The EL'DRUIN contains the Leetgion SPAD and Omni-Tuner, along with removable Palm Plates, an Avago9500 Laser Engine and Omron Micro Switches. The SPAD, short for Skill Power Actions D-Pad is innovative control suited to gamers' need. It's a programmable five way thumb pad that gives access to skills without the need to memorize complex button placements.

Read more: Leetgion El Druin game mouse Review @ Guru3D