Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including AMD Radeon R9 280X vs. Nvidia GeForce GTX 770 at 4K, Kingston mS200 120GB mSATA SSD Review, Acer Aspire E1-572-6870 Review, I tried Fedora 19 KDE one more time, and Synology DS213j Home to Small Office 2-bay NAS Review



AMD Radeon R9 280X vs. Nvidia GeForce GTX 770 at 4K @ Hexus

AMD managed quite a clever move last Tuesday. The company practically rebranded its current mainstream and enthusiast graphics cards from Radeon HD 7000 to Radeon R9/R7. Yes, there is a tweak here and there, but for the most part, the new cards bear striking similarity to those on retailers' shelves for all of this year. The kicker, as far as AMD is concerned, is the lower prices and improved bang-for-buck when compared to equivalent cards from Nvidia.

Appreciating there's nothing really that new this time around - we'll have to wait for the Radeon R9 290/X for a grounds-up architecture - it's with some interest that we hear AMD messaging '4K' for the best Radeons. That resolution assertion makes more sense for the upcoming R290/X cards, but there's no harm in evaluating how the premier R9 card for now, the 280X, handles a 3,840x2,160-pixel resolution.

Read more: AMD Radeon R9 280X vs. Nvidia GeForce GTX 770 at 4K @ Hexus


X Doria Dash Folio for iPad mini Review @ TestFreaks

For today’s review we will be looking at the x-doria Dash Folio which as the name implies is a folio style case for the iPad mini. It is designed to be multi-functional as it protects the iPad mini while providing multiple stand positions for viewing the tablet. The front cover acts as a Smart Cover allowing the iPad to wake/sleep when opening and closing the cover.

Read more: X Doria Dash Folio for iPad mini Review @ TestFreaks

Mobile CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 10.1 @ Tech ARP

There are so many mobile CPU models that it has become quite impossible to keep up with the different models or even remember their specifications!

Therefore, we decided to compile this guide to provide an easy reference for those who are interested in comparing the specifications of the various mobile CPUs in the market, as well as those already obsolescent or obsolete.

Currently covering *877 mobile CPUs*, this comprehensive comparison will allow you to easily compare *up to 19 different specifications*for each and every CPU!

Here are the latest updates in Revision 10.1 :

*- Added the AMD A4-5200 quad-core APU.
- Added the AMD A4-5000 quad-core APU.
- Added the AMD A6-1450 quad-core APU.
- Added the AMD A4-1250 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD A4-1200 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD E2-3000 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD E1-2500 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD E1-2100 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD GX-420CA quad-core APU.
- Added the AMD GX-416RA quad-core APU.
- Added the AMD GX-415GA quad-core APU.
- Added the AMD GX-217GA dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD GX-210HA dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD GX-210JA dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD E2-2000 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD E1-1500 dual-core APU.
- Added the AMD C-70 dual-core APU.
- Updated the Transistor Count and Die Size specifications of the AMD A10
(Richland) family of processors.
- Updated the Transistor Count and Die Size specifications of the AMD A8
(Richland) family of processors.
- Updated the Transistor Count and Die Size specifications of the AMD A6
(Richland) family of processors.
- Updated the Transistor Count and Die Size specifications of the AMD A4
(Richland) family of processors.
- Corrected the Multiplier specifications for all AMD APUs.*

Read more: Mobile CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 10.1 @ Tech ARP

Kingston mS200 120GB mSATA SSD Review @ Legit Reviews

Now that mSATA drives are really starting to grow in popularity, we are seeing more models pop up from various SSD manufacturers. Kingston has the latest one we've received powered by a SandForce controller paired with Toshiba NAND. The SSDNow mS200 line is part of their 'System Builders' series which they state is "specifically designed for use in OEM branded servers". What this means for most is that it's geared toward mobile hosts with a focus on value (it comes with no accessories) and power savings while still pumping out up to 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write performance. Read on to see how it performs!

Read more: Kingston mS200 120GB mSATA SSD Review @ Legit Reviews

ASUS R9 280X DirectCU II TOP 3 GB @ techPowerUp

ASUS is using a completely revamped PCB design and the cooler from their GeForce GTX 780 DC II on their latest R9 280X card. The card also comes overclocked out of the box with an overclock on both memory and GPU, which provides a serious performance advantage over the reference design.

Read more: ASUS R9 280X DirectCU II TOP 3 GB @ techPowerUp

L-Com Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switches @ TechwareLabs.com

L-Com isn't a company you hear much about in the tech industry circles; indeed their primary market has been industrial applications, where durability is just as important as performance. Today we'll be taking a look at a pair of Gigabit Ethernet switches from L-Com, the LC-SW805G 5 port switch and the LC-SW808G 8 port switch. They're not designed to withstand triple digit temperatures and dusty environments clogged with industrial chemicals, but that same mindset of durability obtains here as well.

Read more: L-Com Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switches @ TechwareLabs.com

Acer Aspire E1-572-6870 Review @ TechReviewSource.com

The Acer Aspire E1-571-6870 is a budget laptop that offers the latest Intel Haswell CPU, a comfortable keyboard and removable battery. It does lack an optical drive, the display could be a little better and the battery life is short.

Read more: Acer Aspire E1-572-6870 Review @ TechReviewSource.com

KINGSTON 16GB HyperX Na'Vi Edition DDR3 Review @ Vortez

Kingstons HyperX branding is a signature of performance and what better way to exemplify that performance than a collaboration with one of the worlds top performing eSports teams - Na'Vi or more formally known as Natus Vincere.

The kit we have for review today is based upon two 16GB kits (4x8GB) and will be tested in Quad channel on the X79 platform. The kits are however available to buy separately in either 16GB (2x8) or 8GB (2x4) in dual channel configuration which is ideally suited to wider range of platforms from both AMD and Intel.

Read more: KINGSTON 16GB HyperX Na'Vi Edition DDR3 Review @ Vortez

Sapphire Radeon R9 280X Toxic Video Card Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Well AMD's R9 and R7 series cards are here and that means that video card manufacturers have released their own versions of these cards with custom PCB designs, factory overclocks and custom cooling solutions. One such company is Sapphire and today we are talking a look at their top of the line Radeon R9 280X Toxic. The card not only happens to be Sapphire's top of the line card, but also one of the most powerful R9 280X's out there! Sapphire has loaded this card with a factory overclock of 1100 MHz for the core with a 1150 MHz boost and the memory is also overclocked to 6.4 GHz (effective). They are using a custom PCB with a 10 phase power configuration that features double sided black diamond chokes and solid capacitors. Keeping everything cool is Sapphire's Tri-X coolers that is made up of two 90 mm fans and a single 80 mm fan. Is this the perfect R9 280X for you? Read on as we take a look!

Read more: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X Toxic Video Card Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Diamond Multimedia Radeon 7870 7870PE52GV Review @ HCW

Today we are looking at the Radeon 7870 GHz Edition model 7870PE52GV from Diamond Multimedia. Yes, that Diamond Multimedia.

If you were building gaming PCs in the late 90′s, you may have used a Diamond Monster3D 3DFX Voodoo card for 3D gaming, perhaps with their one of their Diamond Stealth series 2D accelerators. One of my favorite pieces of PC hardware before starting HCW was the Diamond Monster Sound MX300 – it had an Aureal Vortex2 ASIC that would provide hardware acceleration for the A3D sound API. I much preferred this over EAX (Creative Labs ended up paying $26 million to bury Aureal in lawsuits. Aureal won, but went bankrupt defending themselves), but unfortunately Windows 7 made this style of audio acceleration obsolete (poor Creative, right?).

Diamond Multimedia is now a brand owned by the broadband hardware company BestData based in Los Angeles, and have started selling video cards again, exclusively based on AMD GPUs.

Read more: Diamond Multimedia Radeon 7870 7870PE52GV Review @ HCW

Mach Xtreme Technology MX-ES 32GB USB 3.0 Pen Drive Review @ KitGuru

Flash drive technology has advanced over the years and in recent months we have seen some lightning quick USB 3.0 models hitting the market. Today we're looking at the MX-ES 32GB USB 3.0 Flash drive. The Drive is available in 8Gb, 16GB and also 32GB capacities. We are testing the biggest 32GB version today, which also the fastest of the three drives available.

Read more: Mach Xtreme Technology MX-ES 32GB USB 3.0 Pen Drive Review @ KitGuru

XSPC Raystorm 750 EX280 WaterCooling Kit @ NikKTech

When you're testing PC hardware and electronics like we do there's really nothing better than to get in your test room (or lab as some like to call it) and see that the current ambient temperature is at around 23-25 degrees Celsius if not less. This is also part of the reason as to why i really enjoy and prefer the winter season over the summer one although i know most people feel the exact opposite. Still although winter is almost here that may not be enough to help keep your system cool and so since quite a few of you have requested it we will do our best to bring reviews of some of the most popular custom watercooling kits (aka loops) in the market aimed towards professionals, overclockers, serious gamers and enthusiasts. One such watercooling kit is the latest Raystorm 750 EX280 by XSPC and after almost 3 weeks of serious testing it's finally showing its true colors.

Read more: XSPC Raystorm 750 EX280 WaterCooling Kit @ NikKTech

I tried Fedora 19 KDE one more time @ Dedoimedo

Another revolution, for the first time ever, Dedoimedo gives you Fedora and Nvidia. But I'm getting ahead of myself. In more detail, here's the usually long and thorough review of Fedora 19 Schroedinger's Cat 64-bit edition with the KDE desktop, including live session, dual-boot configuration alongside Kubuntu, post-install setup and use, covering Wireless, Samba sharing, look & feel, step-by-step installer & partitioning procedure, easyLife, Nvidia driver setup, package management & updates, applications, multimedia playback - Flash and MP3, desktop customization, system resources, system stability, suspend & resume, printing, various problems, and more.

Read more: I tried Fedora 19 KDE one more time @ Dedoimedo

MSI R9 270X Hawk Review @ OCC

I have to say that MSI put together a pretty decent package with the R9 270X Hawk, which lived up to expectations for the most part. At stock speeds, the R9 270X Hawk is just faster than the HD 7870 and is easily faster than the GTX 660 in every test run. It even gives the GTX 760 a run for its money in some of the tests. That alone earns the price point of $219 for the R9 270X Hawk. Adding to the performance is easy by overclocking the card with all the built-in features. However, one key piece was not ready in time for launch and that is a version of MSI's Afterburner software that supports the triple voltage control feature that should let this card really fly. Even without any voltage tweaking, the card was capable of running at over 1200MHz on the core and over 1600MHz on the GDDR5 memory, giving the user a boost of 100MHz on the core and 200MHz on the memory without using voltage tuning.

Read more: MSI R9 270X Hawk Review @ OCC

Cooler Master HAF Stacker 935 @ Modders-Inc

I think we have all thought at one time or another that if we could just build a case that we wanted it would bee so cool. Or not having to cram in all your hardware, water cooling setup, hard drives and all the wires and cables that go with it. Cooler Master must have been thinking the same thing and came up with a totally new idea for the computer case market. The Cooler Master HAF Stacker 935 is like nothing you have every seen before.

Read more: Cooler Master HAF Stacker 935 @ Modders-Inc

Asus Matrix R9 280X Platinum @ LanOC Reviews

When I spoke about the AMD launch of its new R9 cards, I mentioned that most of the cards are rebadged versions of the 7000 Series cards. That doesn’t mean manufactures couldn’t go out of their way to improve on the designs themselves. Asus attempted this with their flagship R9 280X called the Matrix R9 280X Platinum. The Matrix itself brings a lot of amazing features, but the platinum edition is handpicked and equipped with a higher overclock to go with it all. Today I’m going to take a close look at the card to see what sets it apart from the rest of the R9 280X’s on the market.

Read more: Asus Matrix R9 280X Platinum @ LanOC Reviews

Aria GLADIATOR Sparta i5 4.40GHz Overclocked Bundle Review @ KitGuru

Intel's Haswell processors have presented us with arguably some of the biggest variations in air-cooled overclocking ability that we have seen from the company's mainstream and high-end processors since the pre-Nehalem era. With that in mind, there's a clear justification to opting for pre-overclocked bundles sold by retailers. Is Aria's 4.40GHz i5 4670K-equipped Gladiator Sparta bundle a good choice?

Read more: Aria GLADIATOR Sparta i5 4.40GHz Overclocked Bundle Review @ KitGuru

Corsair Graphite 230T Review @ Vortez

It’s another new month and Corsair are yet again releasing a brand new computer chassis. The multi-faceted computer tech giant seems to be engaging in a full-scale assault on the computer case market. Last month we reviewed the Obsidian 750D and the time before that, Carbide 330R. This time it’s the turn of the Graphite series to welcome a new candidate and its certainly been a while – the only case within the series, the 600T was released back in 2010!

The new 230T is a mid-tower computer chassis available in orange, grey and black and is aimed at budget conscious system builders. Can Corsair triumph in the low-mid range market with this new Graphite chassis?

Read more: Corsair Graphite 230T Review @ Vortez

CM Storm Reaper Review @ Vortez

In the final of a series of three reviews we’re taking a look at the final product in CM Storm’s new AL-Series, the Reaper. You’ve hopefully already read our thoughts on the Pulse-R Headset and MECH keyboard, and the strong theme of aluminium design features continues into the final member of the new range. It occupies the high end of the CM Storm mouse range, toppling the Sentinel Advanced II from its long-held position.

Deviating from the unorthodoxy of the MECH, the Reaper is of slightly more regular design based around a 8-button layout. Justifying its chops as part of the AL-series is a large aluminium panel that forms the rear palm rest of the chassis and is removable and replaceable. These relatively refined looks belie internal components which on paper match up against some of the best currently available.

Read more: CM Storm Reaper Review @ Vortez

Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5 head-to-head review @ V3

Apple's latest iPhone outsmarts its predecessor in terms of power and battery life     

Read more: Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5 head-to-head review @ V3

Enermax Liqtech 120X Review @ Hexus

This time last year, Enermax arrived on the liquid-cooling scene with a pair of all-in-one solutions dubbed the ELC120 and ELC240. In our review of the latter, we concluded that the firm had made "a competent entry into the liquid cooling market," but added that "it may need to do more to catch the eyes of an increasingly-niche audience."

Fast forward 12 months, and Enermax is hoping to do exactly that with a range of liquid-cooling solutions dubbed Liqtech. Introduced as part of the company's new 'Ahead Of The Game' gaming line, the Liqtech will initially be available as a 120mm solution, with a bigger 240mm derivative scheduled for release later this year.

Read more: Enermax Liqtech 120X Review @ Hexus

Cooler Master CM 690 III review: bigger and better @ Hardware.Info

The Cooler Master CM 690 is a popular desktop chassis that we've seen a couple iterations of. Now there's the third edition, so how does the CM 690 III compare to its predecessors and the competition?

The CM 690 has come in many flavours. The CM 690 II had 'lite', 'Advanced' and 'Window' versions. The more affordable ones would typically have fewer cooling options.

The CM 690 II Advanced was one of our personal favourites for a long time, with a great combination of price, ease of use and effective cooling. Hardware.Info readers awarded Cooler Master for the best chassis in several different years.

Read more: Cooler Master CM 690 III review: bigger and better @ Hardware.Info

Synology DS213j Home to Small Office 2-bay NAS Review @ Madshrimps

Synology has NASes available for all price ranges. In this review we will look upon one of their offering aimed at budget conscious people, with two internal bays for 3.5’’ drives (for 2.5’’ we need to purchase an optional adapter), which also features a single-core 1.2Ghz processor along with 512MB of RAM and runs the latest version of DSM.

Read more: Synology DS213j Home to Small Office 2-bay NAS Review @ Madshrimps