Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles:

A First Look At The Intel Broadwell NUC Kit (NUC5i3RYH)
ASRock X99X Killer Review
Asus GTX 980 Strix
Battlefield Hardline Beta Benchmarked, Performance Preview
BenQ's XL2420G G-Sync monitor reviewed
Case Mod Friday: Icy Blue Angel II
ChillBlast Fusion Nano Custom System
Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage USB V2.0 Review
Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR4-2666 16GB Memory Kit Review
DDR4 Haswell-E Scaling Review: 2133 to 3200 with G.Skill, Corsair, ADATA and Crucial
Gigabyte GTX 980 G1 Gaming 4GB Video Card Review
Hands On: Office Preview Apps on Windows 10
How To Install Subsonic Media Server On Ubuntu 14.10
HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset Review
ID-Cooling SE-214X Heatsink Review
Intel NUC5i5RYK Broadwell-U Mini-PC Hands-On Video With Benchmarks
Logitech G502 Proteus Core Mouse Review
MSI USB 3.1 Hands-on Preview: 10Gbps USB
Noreve iPad Air 2 Protective Cases Review
Sentey Optimus Plus Mid-Tower Case Review
SilverStone Fortress FT05 Computer Case Review
Tt eSPORTS DRACONEM Aluminum Mouse Pad Review
Xigmatek Aquila Micro-ATX Chassis Review

A First Look At The Intel Broadwell NUC Kit (NUC5i3RYH)

With wrapping up my Core i7 5600U Broadwell Linux tests using the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon in the next few days, fortunately the Intel BOXNUC5I3RYH just arrived as the first available NUC Kit shipping with a Broadwell processor. The NUC5i3RYH features a Broadwell Core i3 processor, HD Graphics 5500, and support for a M.2 SSD card and 2.5-inch HDD/SSD.

Read full article @ Phoronix

ASRock X99X Killer Review

Today we are delving back into the high end Intel marketplace with a look at a motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts. This is our ASRock X99X Killer Review.

Read full article @ HardwareHeaven

Asus GTX 980 Strix

The final piece needed to get our In Win D-Frame Mini build together was a powerful video card that runs cool, quiet, and matches the red and black theme of the build. For a short while I ran a reference GTX 980 but quickly switched to the Asus GTX 980 Strix. Well today I’m going to take a closer look at the card to see what it Is all about, how it performs, and how well it overclocks. Going off previous Strix reviews we can expect it to run well and stand out in the noise department as well assuming the Strix cooler can keep the GTX 980 running cool.

Read full article @ LanOC Reviews

Battlefield Hardline Beta Benchmarked, Performance Preview

Battlefield Hardline is scheduled to arrive on March 17 but starting this week you can get your frag on for free during EA's open beta phase, which should hopefully help avoid a repeat of the launch issues that plagued Battlefield 4. While the Battlefield Hardline beta will be available to gamers on all platforms folks playing on PC can use this performance preview to determine what kind of performance your graphics card will deliver.

Read full article @ Techspot

BenQ's XL2420G G-Sync monitor reviewed

Today, we're turning our attention to BenQ's XL2420G, a 24" G-Sync monitor that's currently selling for about $580 at Newegg. This display is a little smaller and more affordable than some of the other G-Sync offerings we've looked at, but it's not lacking in functionality or connectivity. Quite the opposite.

Read full article @ The Tech Report

Case Mod Friday: Icy Blue Angel II

Welcome to another Case Mod Friday showcase! This week we have Snef Computer Design's “Icy Blue Angel II” build. Hex's Gear's upcoming R40 micro-ATX case made headlines late last year and Snef Computer Design took on the case being one of the first custom builds using the new case. Snef calls this build Icy Blue Angel II and you can see why, he has gone with a white and blue design that just looks beautiful!

Read full article @ ThinkComputers.org

ChillBlast Fusion Nano Custom System

If you fancy a change and want to ditch that oversized computer hogging space in your living room then UK system builder Chillblast may just have the solution you need. We spent some time chatting with Ben Miles, Sales Director for the company. If you want to learn more about ChillBlast, and the team behind the systems, then be sure to read our recent interview over HERE (http://www.kitguru.net/channel/zardon/interview-with-uk-gaming-system-builder-chillblast/) .

Read full article @ KitGuru

Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage USB V2.0 Review

The Sound Blaster brand remains ever present in the audio market and their gaming headsets offer a wide variety of solutions to cater for every segment. We were thoroughly impressed with the EVO Zx and ZxR, however these were undeniably high end in regards to pricing. Moving towards the more wallet friendly entry-mid range, Creative have the Tactic3D series. This is a series of USB or Wireless headsets that feature SBX Pro Studio Technologies.

We are looking at the Tactic3D Rage USB V2.0 which is a versatile headset that is compatible with the PC, MAC, PS4 and XBOX ONE* (*with adaptor) through its use of fully modular cables and microphone. Powered by 50mm full spectrum drivers set in a headset with a SpringSteel core, the specifications look impressive, but the real party piece is that it is LED illuminated via USB which has customisable colour and effects.

Read full article @ Vortez

Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR4-2666 16GB Memory Kit Review

All the way back in June, Crucial - the consumer arm of semiconductor giant Micron - announced their Ballistix Elite DDR4 memory modules. These sticks boasted fairly standard speeds of DDR4-2666 and DDR4-3000, but what really caught our eye was the heat spreaders. Frankly, they were sleekest and most badass heat spreaders that we had ever seen, and combined with the black PCB it made for an unusually eye-catching stick of RAM. Not only that, these modules featured built-in thermal sensors that allowed for real-time temperature monitoring via a custom Ballistix utility. A fast, great-looking memory module with sensors and its own utility? Sign us up!

Following that initial announcement we heard nothing for a over 6 months, and then in mid-January we finally got a notice that the memory kits were going to start hitting the retail market, so we claimed one. Since the DDR4-3000 modules haven't yet made an appearance, we picked up the Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR4-2666 16GB memory kit, known as model BLE4K4G4D26AFEA.

Read full article @ Hardware Canucks

DDR4 Haswell-E Scaling Review: 2133 to 3200 with G.Skill, Corsair, ADATA and Crucial

For any user interested in performance, memory speed is an important part of the equation when it comes to building your next system. This can apply to any user, from integrated graphics throughput to gaming and prosumer environments such as finance or oil and gas. Individuals with an opinion on memory speed fall into two broad camps, from saying faster memory has no effect, to the ‘make sure you get at least XYZ’. Following on from our previous Haswell DDR3 scaling coverage, we have now secured enough memory kits to perform a thorough test of the effect of memory speed on DDR4 and Haswell-E.

Read full article @ Anandtech

Gigabyte GTX 980 G1 Gaming 4GB Video Card Review

In September 2014, Nvidia launched the second take on the Maxwell GPU architecture. This latest version of Maxwell promises better performance, lower power consumption, and more advanced rendering features. Gigabyte's flagship video card is the Gigabyte GTX 980 G1 Gaming. Gigabyte claims their GPUs have been selected to ensure the best overclocking and the 600-watt cooler that sits up top … Read more.

Read full article @ Modders-Inc

Hands On: Office Preview Apps on Windows 10

Yesterday Microsoft released the long awaited touch friendly versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint to everyone using the Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9926

Read full article @ WinSupersite

How To Install Subsonic Media Server On Ubuntu 14.10

Subsonic is an easy to use, open source, web-based media server. Because Subsonic is written in Java you need to have Java installed on your system. I already have Java installed so i skipped the installation part in the video.

Read full article @ n00bs On Ubuntu

HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset Review

At CES 2015, Kingston announced an update to the original HyperX Cloud gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset. If you are familiar with the HyperX Cloud gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud II looks nearly identical. Physically, the difference comes from a difference in color options, and a new mid-line controller. What separates these headsets is the inclusion of virtual 7.1 Surround Sound thanks to a USB sound card on the HyperX Cloud II. Read on to see how they perform!

Read full article @ Legit Reviews

ID-Cooling SE-214X Heatsink Review

By doing away with the heatsink heatspreader, inconsistencies in the solder bond between heatpipes and copper base plate are omitted. The exposed heatpipe base approach also lightens things up, the 160mm tall SE-214X weighs a modest 740grams. In addition to the copper heatpipes there is the aforementioned vertical aluminum rod going down through the center of the fins.

Read full article @ Frostytech

Intel NUC5i5RYK Broadwell-U Mini-PC Hands-On Video With Benchmarks

Intel is readying its latest generation of NUC small form factor systems, based on the company’s recently-released Broadwell-U processors. We got our hands on a Core i5-powered version dubbed the NUC5i5RYK. To be more specific, this little machine is packing a Core i5-5250U processor with on-die Intel HD 6000 series graphics. The system also sports built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, M.2 SSD support, and a host of other features.

We’re still readying our full review, but in the meantime we thought you’d like to take a peek at the diminutive Intel NUC5i5RYK to get a sense of what the system can do.

As you’ll see, not only is the machine nice and small, but it packs some punch as well.

Read full article @ HotHardware

Logitech G502 Proteus Core Mouse Review

The first mice looked like carved from a block of plastic, today, there are plenty of much sleeker mice out there.
This has become necessary in view of the increasing demands for ergonomics and modifier keys are becoming increasingly important for gamers.
A well-known manufacturer of gaming mice is Logitech.
The latest creation from Logitech, we want to take you for a little more closely today - the G502 Proteus Core Gaming Mouse.

Read full article @ OcInside

MSI USB 3.1 Hands-on Preview: 10Gbps USB

Arguably the most critical mainstay behind the inter-connectivity of modern technology devices is the Universal Serial Bus, or USB for short. The connection provides opportunity for an almost limitless level of connectivity that has redefined the way in which we use computing devices. So what does it take to make something as well-defined as USB even better?

And that's where USB 3.1 comes in. A 10Gbps link speed, up to 100W of power delivery, and upcoming widespread application of a new Type-C connector are some of the key features that the new version will usher in.

Read full article @ KitGuru

Noreve iPad Air 2 Protective Cases Review

Depending on our preference, we have plenty of ranges to choose from for the models they have available (iPad Air 2); Noreve can also ship the products wrapped as gifts or give us the possibility to choose a different colour for the interior lining, but an extra fee will be applied.

Read full article @ Madshrimps

Sentey Optimus Plus Mid-Tower Case Review

This case, the Sentey Optimus Plus, features a large side panel window instead of fan mounts. Additional features include a fan controller, filtered intakes, a dedicated cooling fan for hard drives, and a SD card reader. These features come at an additional premium though when compared to other cases in the same price range. In this Benchmark Reviews article, I will discuss the Optimus Plus in depth and whether or not this is a good mid budget case for your next build.

Read full article @ Benchmark Reviews

SilverStone Fortress FT05 Computer Case Review

The video game industry has become more and more popular in modern society, especially in the last two decades or so. I have always loved playing games since my toddler years, as I recall playing on my Sega Genesis console. Since then, I have owned every generation of Sony's PlayStation with a vast library of games. Even after investing all that money into video games, I could not get enough. On occasion, I would drop by my friends' house for a LAN party, or hop on their Nintendo for a couple of hours. Although I had access to a large variety of games in my childhood years, I did not find satisfaction in them, even after fully completing the games with all the bonus items. I realized I wanted more than simply playing the games themselves. Hence, I recently started delving in world of game design and development, analyzing all of the games I could my hands on. During my analytical process, I soon recognized that a lot of the games have many similar features and functionality. Yet, many people are still interested. Take the Assassin's Creed series, for example. Each game in the series involves jumping from building to building, all while fending off enemies. Some may ask why people are still interested in such repetitive games. In essence, it comes down to the storyline that entices them. Shifting our focus back to the hardware side in the PC world, things are not all that different. What we have today at our hands is SilverStone's Fortress FT05 computer chassis. Although it looks like any computer case out there in terms of basic functionality and looks, what exactly makes this one stand out from all the rest?

Read full article @ APH Networks

Tt eSPORTS DRACONEM Aluminum Mouse Pad Review

Being a gamer, one of the most important things we need is a mouse pad. The mouse pad helps us dictate our movements and our work flow. Most of the mouse pads these days are made out of a cloth and some made out of aluminum. Over the past few years we all have been seeing movements into control mousepads and also speed mouse pads. Different materials and products help aid in or don’t help with tracking of the mouse sensor or even the mouse feet. Some gaming mice only like certain type of mouse pad to work correctly. Well today we are going to be taking a look at the Tt eSports Draconem mouse pad. Which offers 2 sides of control, high speed and high control and is made of thick aluminum.

Read full article @ ThinkComputers.org

Xigmatek Aquila Micro-ATX Chassis Review

It’s rare we see a Xigmatek chassis roll through the eTeknix office, but it’s certainly always a pleasure when one does. Xigmatek has a good reputation for creating uniquely designed chassis, with good build quality and competitive prices and it looks like they’re above to tick all those boxes once agin. The Aquila is a Micro-ATX cube type chassis, perfect for those who want a big system in a small box; perfect for LAN gaming, a HTPC setup or for those who are just short on space.

Cube style chassis are a big hit right now and virtually every major manufacturer has launched a new product in this category over the last couple of years. The biggest, or should that be the smallest, innovation in this part of the market is that the smaller chassis have been crammed full of high-end features that make them very competitive when compared to their mid-tower and even full-tower counterparts; a smaller chassis no longer means smaller performance.

The Aquila comes loaded with all the features you could need for a good gaming chassis. You’ll find USB 3.0 support, room for a Mini-ITX or micro-ATX motherboard, a full-size ATX PSU and graphics cards of up to 330mm; more than enough room for many of the biggest cards on the market.

Read full article @ eTeknix