Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including Computer Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know, How To Set Up Apache2 With mod_fcgid And PHP5 On OpenSUSE 12.3, The Workstation & Server CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 6.1, Apple showed its new soul, and Samsung Galaxy S4 Smartphone



Computer Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know @ Techspot

Many hardcore computer users might think themselves above learning new tricks, but there's always new things to learn that will help improve your skills. Our bet: you will find at least one useful thing here that you didn't know before.

Inspired and with the help of this AskReddit discussion, we’ve compiled some of the most handy computer tricks you might not be taking advantage of. Our ultimate goal is to help you become more productive by shaving valuable seconds off your workflow. Of course, you can always pass along these tips to your not-so-savvy friends and family members to help them become better PC users as well.

Read more: Computer Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know @ Techspot

Samsung Galaxy S4 Smartphone @ DreamWare Computers

The Galaxy S3 became wildly successful, often dubbed as the "iPhone Killer" due to it's large screen size, powerful components and sleekly designed OS enhancements from Samsung. Now, just shy of a year after the S3 hit shelves, Samsung has released the Galaxy S4.

The Galaxy S4 ushers in a lot of great upgrades over the S3, some of which include a larger screen, upgraded RAM, faster processor, higher screen pixel count and additional sensors. Owning an S3 myself, I'm excited to see if the S4 will end up being a worthwhile upgrade!

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S4 Smartphone @ DreamWare Computers


How To Set Up Apache2 With mod_fcgid And PHP5 On OpenSUSE 12.3 @ Howtoforge

This tutorial describes how you can install Apache2 with mod_fcgid and PHP5 on OpenSUSE 12.3. mod_fcgid is a compatible alternative to the older mod_fastcgi. It lets you execute PHP scripts with the permissions of their owners instead of the Apache user.

Read more: How To Set Up Apache2 With mod_fcgid And PHP5 On OpenSUSE 12.3 @ Howtoforge

ASRock Z87 Extreme4 Review @ Vortez

In recent years ASRock have stepped up to the table with some impressive hardware across the Intel and AMD platforms. Their black and gold styling generated both interest and intrigue – paving the way for attention to detail upon motherboard aesthetics. It seems that since Sandy/Ivy Bridge with their respective chipsets, motherboard styling is as important as the features that come integrated, and ASRock are back yet again with some black and gold action for their Intel 8 Series motherboards.

Today, as tradition would have it – we are taking a look at the Z87 Extreme4. This motherboard is regarded as ASRock’s mid-range mainstay and their Z77 version last year was quite frankly a great value for money offering. Are we to expect the same qualities and characteristics with Z87 Extreme4 too? Only time will tell.

Read more: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 Review @ Vortez

PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 SCS3 1GB Passive Video Card Review @ Legit Reviews

PowerColor has been one of the very few add-in board manufacturers that continually releases enthusiast class, silent graphics cards in the companies SCS3 (Silent Cooling System) product line. When we learned that PowerColor would be building a passive AMD Radeon HD 7850 1GB video card with stock clock speeds we were dumb founded. How could PowerColor built a totally silent version of this mid-level gaming graphics card? Read on to find out!

The PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 SCS3 1GB video card is without a doubt an impressive looking card. You don't run across passive cards every day, let alone a mid-range AMD Radeon HD 7850 1GB card with the reference clock speeds left intact! PowerColor was very ambitious with this cards design, but did they hit a home run or a foul ball?

Read more: PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 SCS3 1GB Passive Video Card Review @ Legit Reviews

The Workstation & Server CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 6.1 @ Tech ARP

There are so many workstation and server 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 workstation and server CPUs in the market, as well as those already obsolescent or obsolete.

Currently covering 665 workstation and server CPUs, this comprehensive comparison will allow you to easily compare up to 20 different specifications for each and every CPU. We hope it will prove to be a useful reference. We will keep this guide updated regularly so do check back for the latest updates!

To make it easy to compare the specifications, we split it up into three sections for your convenience. Just click on Split List to access them. However, if you prefer to compare all the CPUs for each company in a single table, we also have a single list which can be accessed by clicking on Full List. Just click on the company and the type of list you prefer.

Read more: The Workstation & Server CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 6.1 @ Tech ARP

Gigabyte Z77X-UP5-TH LGA 1155 Motherboard @ HardOCP

If you are upgrading to a LGA 1155 motherboard any time in the near future, I highly recommend you give our Gigabyte Z77X-UP5-TH evaluation the once over.

Gigabyte's Z77X-UP5-TH motherboard is chock full of features that allow all kinds of connectivity; dual Thunderbolt support, Bluetooth 4.0, a robust WiFi technology, and nine different SATA connection points. We put it through our usual paces and see how fast and stable it is as well as how it performs when overclocking.

Read more: Gigabyte Z77X-UP5-TH LGA 1155 Motherboard @ HardOCP

Intel DC S3500 480GB SSD Review @ HCW

When Intel launched their first new SSD controller in years, it took the form of the high end enterprise drive, the DC S3700. The focus was on performance consistency over just about anything else, and it handled its steady state transition better than any drive we’ve ever tested.

However because it used very expensive high endurance 25nm NAND, with a lot of it over-provisioned (to attain said consistency), it may be considered too costly for a many of applications. Even though it is available in capacities as low as 100GB usable, that drive still costs $250. And not all applications call for such a high performance drive, or need such durable flash.

Read more: Intel DC S3500 480GB SSD Review @ HCW

Using RoundCube Webmail With ISPConfig 3 On Debian Wheezy (Apache2) @ Howtoforge

This guide explains how to install the RoundCube webmail application on a Debian Wheezy server running ISPConfig and Apache2, and how to enable the ISPConfig 3 plugins for RoundCube so that users can perform actions like changing their email passwords from within RoundCube. Roundcube webmail is a browser-based multilingual IMAP client with an application-like user interface; it comes with functions like MIME support, address book, folder manipulation, message searching and spell checking.

Read more: Using RoundCube Webmail With ISPConfig 3 On Debian Wheezy (Apache2) @ Howtoforge

At WWDC 2013, Apple showed its new soul @ The Tech Report

There was something different about Apple during yesterday's WWDC keynote. According to TR's Cyril Kowaliski, that something was Apple's new soul—a new identity based not on one man's ego, but on human ideals we can connect with.

Read more: At WWDC 2013, Apple showed its new soul @ The Tech Report

ASUSTOR AS-604T NAS Network Storage Server @ Benchmark Reviews

Everybody needs a NAS, I'm convinced. Maybe if I described it in terms of what the modern NAS has become - a Private Cloud, then everyone would better understand my conviction. Years ago, when Benchmark Reviews first started testing and reviewing NAS servers, they were intended to sit on your network as a sort of file server. You could access it using a file manager, like Windows Explorer, and you could also employ some backup software that was typically supplied by the vendor, and often proprietary. Today, as we all know, everything is wide open. Access anything, anywhere is not just a dream anymore, its reality. Hardware is still important, but it's the depth and breadth of the software that is becoming more of a differentiator.

Read more: ASUSTOR AS-604T NAS Network Storage Server @ Benchmark Reviews

MSI Z87 MPOWER MAX Motherboard Review @ HiTech Legion

Good ideas should be nurtured and bad ideas should be thrown out. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone just thought logically and adopted practical solutions. Just simply take time to observe and improve upon those traits and features that have been proven to work. This approach is something I have observed with MSI’s award-winning Lightning line of video cards which have become the darling of GPU overclockers worldwide due to the ambitious design honed through years of experience and constantly improved upon by MSI’s engineering team. When it came time to create boards for Intel’s Z87 platform, MSI applied the same approach to develop a well-rounded overclocking mainboard.

The MSI MPOWER MAX Z87 is a high-end mainboard that is primarily designed for overclocking but also includes plenty of features fit for gamers and enthusiasts. The MPOWER MAX Z87 mainboard draws inspiration from MSI’s Lightning series of video cards and is equipped with Military Class IV technology, DigitALL Power PWM and all OC essential features. Utilizing super-pipe technology, the MSI MPOWER MAX Z87 has a unique VRM heatsink design optimized for low-airflow environments which is ideal for LN2 setups. With three PCI-E x16 slots spaced optimally for multi-GPU setups, the MSI MPOWER MAX Z87 motherboard can run up to two NVIDIA video cards in SLI and up to three AMD video cards in CrossFireX. Similar to MSI’s Gaming line, the MSI MPOWER MAX is outfitted with high-quality audio powered by an EMI shielded Realtek ALC1150 codec with built-in headphone amps, gold plated connectors in an isolated PCB area to minimize interference.

Read more: MSI Z87 MPOWER MAX Motherboard Review @ HiTech Legion

NVIDIA Reiterates Dedication to Gaming on PC, Working with Developers @ PC Perspective

NVIDIA views the gaming landscape as a constantly shifting medium that starts with the PC. But the company also sees mobile gaming, cloud gaming and even console gaming as part of the overall ecosystem. But that is all tied together by an investment in content – the game developers and game publishers that make the games that we play on PCs, tablets, phones and consoles.

The slide above shows NVIDIA targeting for each segment – expect for consoles obviously. NVIDIA GRID will address the cloud gaming infrastructure, GeForce and the GeForce Experience will continue with the PC systems and NVIDIA SHIELD and the Tegra SoC will get the focus for the mobile and tablet spaces. I find it interesting that NVIDIA has specifically called out Steam under the PC – maybe a hint of the future for the upcoming Steam Box?

The primary point of focus for today’s press meeting was to talk about the commitment that NVIDIA has to the gaming world and to developers. AMD has been talking up their 4-point attack on gaming that starts really with the dominance in the console markets. But NVIDIA has been the leader in the PC world for many years and doesn’t see that changing.

Read more: NVIDIA Reiterates Dedication to Gaming on PC, Working with Developers @ PC Perspective

SilverStone AR02 @ PureOverclock

A few weeks ago we took a look at SilverStone’s AR01 CPU cooler from their new Argon series of coolers. We were thoroughly impressed with its price, sound levels and overall performance. The Argon series is comprised of three coolers – the AR01, AR02 and the AR03. Each looks similar at first glance but is geared towards a different end user. The AR02 is the low man on the totem pole in the lineup (as far as size is concerned) but don’t think that makes him not worthwhile. SilverStone kindly sent us the AR02 to check out, so let’s get to it!

Read more: SilverStone AR02 @ PureOverclock

CM Storm QuickFire Stealth Mechanical Keyboard Review @ OCC

In the end, after using the CM Stealth for over a week, I'm still using it at my desk. Its predecessor, the Trigger, which held the longest term at my desk, is just waiting for its turn back at home. If you know me well, or at least have read a few keyboard reviews from me, then you know it is a pretty big deal for a numpad-less keyboard to still have a spot at my desk. I'm a big one to complain about not having my numbers, but something about this Stealthy board makes me happy. I love the look, especially without the red caps - just all blacked out. I do like how small it is; I can move it out of the way and use a much larger portion of my desk than I'm used to. It's not Green switches - but knowing the option is out there keeps me happy and I am honestly considering buying one with Greens to be a full time unit at my desk.

Read more: CM Storm QuickFire Stealth Mechanical Keyboard Review @ OCC

Astro A50 Wireless Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

Back in 2011 Skullcandy acquired Astro Gaming in a move which seemed to be a good fit for both manufacturers. Skullcandy had of course built a good audio brand but never quite cracked gaming and Astro were showing signs of being an interesting alternative to the Razers of this world. Today we have one of Astros high end gaming products to review, the A50 Wireless which is designed for use with PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 in mind… as well as any device with optical or 3.5mm out.

Read more: Astro A50 Wireless Headset Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

Antec HCG-750M 750W Power Supply Unit @ NikKTech

One COMPUTEX is over and another E3 has just begun so naturally things are somewhat chaotic these days with all the people going back and forth to attend both shows. Unfortunately although many manufacturers revealed quite a few impressive products during this year's COMPUTEX we were unable to attend we did however managed to have some of those products delivered to us to start on their reviews before they were even unveiled in COMPUTEX so that in a way makes up for that. To be completely honest with you some of us are way more interested in this year's E3 since there are going to be (or at least should be) several ground breaking game titles presented there such as Chris Roberts Star Citizen/Squadron 42, Call Of Duty Ghosts, Star Wars Battlefront, Thief and Elite Dangerous by David Braben. So if any of you end up going there remember not to miss out on these amazing upcoming game titles (if you are not worry not, you can check E3 at our friends over at Gamespot). Leaving E3 aside today we will be focusing one of the products presented in this year's COMPUTEX the HCG-750M High Current Gamer Modular 750W PSU by Antec.

Read more: Antec HCG-750M 750W Power Supply Unit @ NikKTech

Intel SSD DC S3500 Review (480GB): Part 1 @ Anandtech

We always knew that Intel would build a standard MLC version of its flagship S3700 enterprise SSD, and today we have that drive: the Intel SSD DC S3500.

Read more: Intel SSD DC S3500 Review (480GB): Part 1 @ Anandtech

RHA MA450i Earphones Review @ KitGuru

Back in January, we took a look at RHA's SA950i headphones (http://www.kitguru.net/site-news/highlights-v/luke-hill/rha-sa950i-headphones-review/) and were thoroughly impressed by their design and performance. Now we are looking at RHA's MA450i earphones (http://www.rha-audio.com/uk/earphones/ma450i-black.html) to see if they can offer similar performance in a different design.

Read more: RHA MA450i Earphones Review @ KitGuru

Serious Sam 3: BFE review - Blood by the pound @ Dedoimedo

The game that almost made me vomit - and not because it's gross or anything like that. So here's a review of Serious Sam 3: Before First Encounter video game, featuring lots of action, amazing graphics, excessively gory violence, and a funny plot aimed toward killing as many aliens as possible. Have fun.

Read more: Serious Sam 3: BFE review - Blood by the pound @ Dedoimedo