Reviews 52163 Published by

Swiftech H20-220 Apex Ultima Water-Cooling Kit Review
Madshrimps posted a review on the Swiftech H20-220 Apex Ultima Water-Cooling Kit

Swiftech's latest water cooling kit comes with a brand new high performance water block (Apogee GTZ), a revised compact reservoir, a dual 120mm radiator and silent water pump. We test its performance on three different overclocked systems, going from a Dual Core E8500 to a 4Ghz overclocked Core i7 920 CPU. How does it compare a high end HSF? Is it worth the extra cost? Find out in this review.
Swiftech H20-220 Apex Ultima Water-Cooling Kit Review

Shuttle's X27-D Atom dual-core barebones SFF Review
bit-tech published a review of Shuttle's X27-D Atom dual-core barebones SFF

Where previous SFFs have been a hard sell for Shuttle, the X27-D hits the mark very well with a fantastic looking case, a better set of features and a more flexible build than the rest of the nettop competition. The well built power unit makes the X27-D exceptionally efficient and it's super quiet too, although that depends entirely on what hard drive is used. It would be an all win situation, except for the fact the second Atom core doesn't add that much at all.

The Shuttle X27-D is a really great product in its own right, but we wouldn't buy it because it sits in an awkward medium: £30-50 is a notable extra jump over the EeeBox or (the non-D) Shuttle X27, yet the AMD Sempron build isn't that much more of an upsell again for //a lot more performance.
Shuttle's X27-D Atom dual-core barebones SFF Review



Thermaltake V9 Gaming Case Review
Bjorn3D takes a look at the Thermaltake V9 Gaming Case

Some people like simple mid tower cases that are freakishly boring and get stuffed inside a desk. Others like over the top full tower gaming cases with all the bells and whistles. Then, you have guys like me who are in the middle. We like modern good looking gaming mid towers that give exceptional cooling. Something you can take to a LAN party and people aren't like 'Holy $%17', but are more like 'Hey man, that's a nice PC you got there'. Today, Thermaltake kindly dropped off at my doorstep the V9 Marvelous Gaming Case. It has four 5 1/4' bays, seven 3.5' bays, two 120mm fans, a 230mm fan on the top, and a place to put a slim 80mm fan behind the CPU socket on the motherboard tray. It even has two holes predrilled and ready for external water cooling, as well as slits and an air filter for your power supply's fan.

Included with these features are a window, ventilation holes, dust filters for the front fan and bays, and, of course, your standard USB/Audio ports on top. Sounds like quite the snazzy case, eh? Let's go on and take a look at it.
Thermaltake V9 Gaming Case Review

GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 285 Graphics Card Review
TweakTown posted a review on the GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 285 Graphics Card

While we would all no doubt love to own the latest top of the line dual GPU bad boy, for many it's simply not a purchase that can be swallowed by their partner, bank account or even themselves. The GTX 285, on the other hand, should offer excellent performance while not hitting the bank account as hard. The key words there, though, is "as hard", because don't think for a second that the GTX 285 is going to be cheap.

The card we're looking at today comes from GIGABYTE, so with everything said and done let's have a quick look at the package before having a closer look at the card and its specifications. From there we will check out the performance and see how it compares to the older cards like the GTX 280 which is still a very capable card along with the ex performance crown holder, the HD 4870 X2. Let's stop blabbering and get a move on to the package.
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 285 Graphics Card Review

Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GByte Review
ocaholic.ch posted a review on the Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GByte

Meanwhile there is also a dual GPU version of the Radeon HD 4850 on the market which is called ATI Radeon HD 4850 X2. Therefore we now have a sample of Sapphires Radeon HD 4850 X2 in our editorial office.
Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GByte Review

EVGA GeForce GTX 285 SSC Edition Review
Hardware Canucks posted a review of the new EVGA GeForce GTX 285 SSC Edition.

We all know that one of the major limiting factors of the initial G200 products was the fact that they were built on a 65nm manufacturing process which essentially made their production costs high (hence the prices we saw at launch) and contributed to the production of massive amounts of heat. The GTX 285 on the other hand is the next evolution of the G200 architecture and uses the newer 55nm manufacturing process which should hopefully allow for higher clocks, lower power consumption and decreased heat.
EVGA GeForce GTX 285 SSC Edition Review

GeForce GTX 285 review 3-way SLI
The Guru of 3D posted a review on the GeForce GTX 285 video card

In this article Guru3D.com tests the GeForce GTX 285 from eVGA (SSC edition), Inno3D (Overclock edition) and Point of View (EXO edition). The new new GTX 285 is a respin product based off the GeForce GTX 280 yet now fabricated on a smaller 55nm fabrication node.

Next to an already in-depth performance review we'll also go a little extravagant today as we'll also test 2-way and 3-way SLI performance based on these GeForce GTX 285 cards. So if interested (of course you are!) you better grab yourself a cup of coffee, and click on the URL please, to visit read the 24 page article.
GeForce GTX 285 review 3-way SLI

Canon Pixima MP980 Review
TechReviewSource.com posted a review on the Canon Pixima MP980

Canon's all new all-in-one printer, the Canon Pixima MP980, is the replacement for their older model, the MP970, and it comes packed with features. It's definitely an all-in-one in the strict sense of the term, allowing you to print, scan, and copy right from it with one-click functionality. It has a decent-sized LCD screen and six ink system prints very nice-looking photos prints. It also has built-in networking with wireless capabilities.
Canon Pixima MP980 Review

ASUS ENGTX285 1GB video card review
Elite Bastards posted ASUS ENGTX285 1GB video card review

NVIDIA's new single-chip flagship SKU makes full use of the GT200 core, and thus provides a full complement of 240 Thread Processors coupled with 32 ROPs, and utilising a 512-bit memory bus together with 1GB of GDDR3 memory. Compared to a reference GeForce GTX 280 which boasts a core clock speed of 602MHz, with a shader clock of 1296MHz and 1GB of GDDR3 memory clocked at 1107MHz, the die shrink to 55 nanometre has allowed NVIDIA to raise reference clock speeds quite considerably for the GeForce GTX 285. Therefore, this time around we find ourselves able to enjoy a 648MHz core clock coupled to a 1476MHz shader core, while this board once again features 1GB of GDDR3 RAM, this time clocked at 1242MHz.
ASUS ENGTX285 1GB video card review

Inno3D GeForce GTX 285 Overclock Graphics Card Review
TweakTown posted a review on the Inno3D GeForce GTX 285 Overclock Graphics Card

Having just had a look at the GTX 285 from GIGABYTE which strictly follows the reference design, it's nice to see a company at launch offer a card that doesn't carry the stock clocks. While there is nothing wrong with reference clocks and the speeds the GTX 285 puts out in its stock form, there's no denying that we want more power if we can get it.

Inno3D tend to send us some special cards, be it a good overclock or a nice new heatsink that helps keep the card nice and cool. While it doesn't come as any surprise that this Inno3D card carries with it the reference heatsink, it's good to know it carries their overclock trait.
Inno3D GeForce GTX 285 Overclock Graphics Card Review

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 Unveiled
HotHardware.com takes a look at the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285

Today NVIDIA is launching yet another high-end 3D graphics offering, an optimized version of their top shelf GeForce GTX 280 single GPU card, dubbed the GeForce GTX 285. This new GeForce is a die-shrunk version of the legacy GTX 280 with lower power consumption characteristics that don't require an 8-pin PCI Express connector, rather just a pair of more standard 6-pin plugs.

Although the GeForce GTX 285 we'll be showing you here hasn't exactly been a well kept secret, its final specifications and performance have been. As its name implies, the GeForce GTX 285 is a step up from the GTX 280. Just how large of a step up remains to be seen, however. We'll take you through a thorough evaluation and deep dive look at NVIDIA's new flagship GPU, in the pages ahead.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 Unveiled

Asus ENGTX285 TOP Review
OCC has published a new review on the Asus ENGTX285 TOP

The Asus ENGTX285 did what it was supposed to do, become the fastest single GPU run through the OverclockersClub suite of gaming benchmarks. Other than an anomaly in BioShock, this card ran faster than the
competition. It should have, it is after all an overclocked version of the GTX 285. The fan seemed to be not as loud as in the past but it could be just my old ears not hearing as well as they once did. When the driver controlled the fan speeds I had an idle temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a load of 78 Celsius, both pretty good temperatures for a high end card. Much better than the ATI barn burners when the fans are driver controlled. When I moved the fan to 85% the idle temperature dropped by one degree Celsius while the load temperature dropped an amazing 31 Celsius under load to 47C.
Asus ENGTX285 TOP Review

55nm GT200: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 1GB Review
PC Perspective posted a review on the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 1GB video card

The new GeForce GTX 285 GPU uses the same great architecture (the GT200) that is behind the GTX 280 though shrunk down to a 55nm process technology. What the hell does that mean for you? Higher clocks, lower power and lower prices! We take a look at a BFG and ASUS card in this first test!
55nm GT200: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 1GB Review

Antec P1000 Computer Case Prototype
Benchmark Reviews posted an article on the Antec P1000 Computer Case Prototype

Antec has been the top choice for system builders and hardware enthusiasts for almost a decade now, which is quite surprising when you consider the competition. But the good old days of beige box computer cases with plenty of fans lining the inside are long gone. To achieve market dominance in 2009, you have to manufacturer a product that features everything more would consider desirable. While visiting with Mr. Han Liu, Antec's product development director present at the 2009 International CES, Benchmark Reviews discussed the Antec P1000 gaming chassis prototype.
Antec P1000 Computer Case Prototype

AVC Black Samurai Heatsink Review
FrostyTech posted a review on the AVC Black Samurai Heatsink

The AVC Black Samurai heatsink packs in a 120mm PWM fan which scales from 800-2000RPM, exhausting air downwards towards adjacent motherboard components like passive MOSFET and Northbridge heatsinks. Standing a good 150mm tall on six 6mm diameter heatpipes, the 760gram Black Samurai is a big cooler. For a little added visual appeal, the entire Black Samurai has been dark nickel plated.
AVC Black Samurai Heatsink Review

Cooler Master Cosmos S Computer Chassis Review
Maximum CPU has posted its review of Cooler Master's Cosmos S Computer
Chassis.

Cooler Master has long been known for computer cases in the computer enthusiast world. Their cases offer impeccable styling without compromising functionality or cooling.
Cooler Master Cosmos S Computer Chassis Review

Cooler Master HAF 932 Review
InsideHW.com has reviewed Cooler Master HAF 932 case

HAF 932 is the first model from newest Cooler Master HAF chassis series. HAF (High Air Flow) series is designed to provide maximal airflow. When "maximal airflow" is mentioned, probably the first association is noise, but nowadays this isn't the case because R&D team from Cooler Master is actually listening to user critiques. As result of this "collaboration" between Cooler Master and users we can present you Cooler Master HAF 932. If you wonder how Cooler Master achieved big airflow with low noise levels, answer is simple: fans with large radius and low RPM. Of course Cooler Master didn't re-invent hot water but this is not the only reason that makes this case unique and special.
Cooler Master HAF 932 Review

Thermaltake Spedo Advance Package
APH Networks published a review on the Thermaltake Spedo Advance Package

Things have changed quite a lot over one year. With the dawn of a new year, it will bring about a refreshed array of new products that the world will soon see. In the past year, we have witnessed the introduction of new products that were faster and more efficient than ever before. Ranging from the initial launch of new unibody Apple MacBooks, to the exciting beta version of Windows 7, everything on the face of the earth seems to be getting bigger and faster (We're not saying it's a good thing or bad thing -- you decide). There's $1000 12-inch "netbooks", 17 inch laptops with SLI graphics that gets half an hour of battery life, but then there's also laptops on the latest Intel mobile platform that provides switchable graphics -- you get the idea. The only thing that is almost universally agreeable to have gotten worse this year is the economy, with hope that the dawn of a new year will bring back some much needed renewal of various markets. Either way, consumers are starting to spend their money more wisely these days, but those who have cash on their hands are definitely benefiting from reduced-price items. Be it buying cars or purchasing new computer components, it's always important to consider the merits and the affordability of a product before buying such. On a lighter note, since we mentioned cars already -- how about a 'sports car inspired' full tower case? Today, we will be taking a look at the Thermaltake Spedo Advance Package chassis. This case is designed not only to be like a fast car, but also contains elements of the looks of one. But how does it actually stack up in real life? We will answer this very question in our review today.
Thermaltake Spedo Advance Package

Cooler Masters V10 Heatsink Review
TweakTown takes a look at Cooler Master’s V10 Heatsink

Cooler Master is making some bold products for 2009. It started off with the Black Label that we reviewed just yesterday and is now spreading to the company’s CPU cooler products. If you thought the V8 was extreme, just wait till you see the V10. In all fairness the V10 should really be called the W16, or at least the V12; the gap between the V8 and V10 is very far apart. Think Mustang compared to a supped up Venom Viper.

The new V10 will not be released until February and Cooler Master is keeping a tight grip on performance numbers, allowing everyone to get a chance to get samples for the launch. But since we asked nicely, we are able to bring you this exclusive pictorial a full month ahead of time. Let’s have a look!
Cooler Masters V10 Heatsink Review

Nvidia's GeForce GTX 285 and 295 graphics cards reviewed
The Tech Report posted a review on Nvidia's GeForce GTX 285 and 295 graphics cards

Two new GeForces are here, making a claim as the fastest cards around. We've tested them against, well, everything. Almost. 17 different GPU configs. Six of the latest games. A killer Core i7 test rig. And our first-ever triple-slot cooler. Dig in for an epic TR-style review.
Nvidia's GeForce GTX 285 and 295 graphics cards reviewed

Biostar TPower N750 nForce 750a Motherboard Review
PC Stats posted Biostar TPower N750 nForce 750a Motherboard Review

Today though PCSTATS is testing an unlikely marriage of an nVidia chipset and an AMD socket AM2 processor - say hello to the nVidia nForce 750a SLI integrated graphics chipset! The Biostar TPower N750 motherboard is based on the single chipset Nvidia 750A SLI Media Communications Processor (MCP), which means this board supports two NVIDIA Geforce videocards in SLI.
Biostar TPower N750 nForce 750a Motherboard Review

SilenX IXG-80HA2 Review
OCC has published a new review on the SilenX IXG-80HA2

There are a couple of valuable observations to make from the results. The most important is the dramatic cooling performance the IXG-80HA2 has when combined with the fan kit. If you compare the stock cooler at 100% with the IXG-80HA2 with fans installed, you will find approximately 20% cooler temps in an idle state and around 30% better under load. Impressive! Almost as dramatic is the cooler's ability to remain effective without fans and operating in silence. Yes, the IXG-HA2 with no fans performed on par with the stock cooler at 25%. As a word of warning, the copper heatpipes on the heatsink get very hot when used passively.
SilenX IXG-80HA2 Review

Akasa Blue Aurora AK-966BL Heatsink Review
FrostyTech posted Akasa Blue Aurora AK-966BL Heatsink Review

The thermal design follows in the footsteps of models released by
Xigmatek and others, but if you flip the Blue Aurora AK-966BL over you won't find exposed heatpipes. The Akasa Blue Aurora AK-966BL is equipped with a 120mm PWM fan which scales from 500-1500RPM and is internally illuminated with a few blue LEDs. The roughly 625 gram heatsink is compatible with socket 775 Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad processors, and stands a respectable 150mm tall.
Akasa Blue Aurora AK-966BL Heatsink Review

Cooler Master HAF 932 Full Tower Case Review
PC Stats posted Cooler Master HAF 932 Full Tower Case Review

The Hummer-inspired ooler Master HAF 932 case is built on a foundation of roughened matte black plastic and steel chassis with a large red LED-illuminated fan right up front.At nearly two feet tall and weighing in at just under 30 pounds, the Cooler Master HAF 932 High Air Flow Chassis is an imposing full tower ATX case, marketed towards gamers and overclockers with an array of fans, cooling options, and lots of space for large components.
Cooler Master HAF 932 Full Tower Case Review