ASUS Striker II NSE motherboard review
Elite Bastards posted a review on the ASUS Striker II NSE motherboard

Memory support is the one and only difference between the nForce 790i SLI and Ultra SLI chipset - While the standard nForce 790i SLI officially supports memory speeds of up to 1333MHz, the 790i Ultra SLI can make use of speeds up to 2000MHz. In short then, while both boards support EPP 2.0, the nForce 790i SLI chipset is identical to its bigger brother aside from officially supporting memory clocks above 1333MHz, so if running insane memory clock speeds doesn't interest you, then this chipset will suit your needs without burning quite such a large hole in your wallet.

ASUS Striker II NSE motherboard review

AMD Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition Processor Review
The Guru of 3D posted a review on the AMD Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition Processor

It's now April 2008 and AMD released their Phenom X4 50-series processors, with an all new fixed B3 core, hopefully they can now leave the past behind them and move forward with a processor that can actually start competing with the competition. The leading 'flagship' processor is the Phenom X4 9850 BE runs at a 2.5 GHz clock frequency at a full 2.0 GHz HT 3.0 speed at a 1.2-1.3V voltage and 125W TDP.

Mind you that this "Black Edition" release, the newest Phenom X4 has an unlocked multiplier that is more interesting for overclocking. We took the CPU to 3200 MHz on just the stock air-cooler.

AMD Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition Processor Review



Nvidia 55nm Mobile Graphics Cards Unveiled
VR-Zone has managed to find out Nvidia is planning a GeForce 9800M GTS refresh codenamed NB9E-GT1 and a new GeForce 9800M GT codenamed NB9E-GS1 based on 55nm G94b architecture.

Both GeForce 9800M GTS and 9800M GT have 1GB of GDDR3 memories onboard. Interestingly, the GeForce 9650M GT codenamed NB9P-GT is actually a 55nm G96b.

Nvidia 55nm Mobile Graphics Cards Unveiled

AutumnWave OnAir USB HDTV-GT Tuner Review
TweakTown posted a review on the AutumnWave OnAir USB HDTV-GT Tuner

There are quite a few products available nowadays that allow you to display and capture over-the-air High Definition television content to your home computer or laptop. While the number of choices are plentiful, most of them are designed for those outside the confines of the United States. The reason for this is simple; the US tends to lag far behind other parts of the world when it comes to transmitting high-def signals over the air.

With the inevitable transition toward digital broadcasting due to federal laws getting ready to take place early next year, this trend is finally changing. With this thought in mind, AutumnWave has come forward to address this new market need. They are a US based company founded in 2005 and at the time of this writing, their entire consumer product line is designed for mobile television devices.

AutumnWave OnAir USB HDTV-GT Tuner Review

ThermalTake Armor Case Review
ASE Labs posted ThermalTake Armor Case Review

What happens when you need a full size case for a new build? Maybe you want the extra space for additional cooling or hardware support. Look no futher than the Thermaltake Armor VA8003BWS. We already know that Thermaltake is a big player in the cases and modding market. This case certainly fits its name. It is big, heavy, and tough.

ThermalTake Armor Case Review

GIGABYTE ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB Crossfire Review
Virtual-Hideout posted GIGABYTE ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB Crossfire Review

Two of those latest cards has come to us in the form of Gigabyte's ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB graphics cards, or GV-RX387512H for those currently shopping. NVidia's 8800 series are a very common top end budget gamer card and typically does well in most cases. How does the Gigabyte HD 3870 stack up against the card? And is it a viable solution? Read on for the surprising results.

GIGABYTE ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB Crossfire Review

Asetek LCLC - Low Cost Liquid Cooling System
HotHardware.com evaluate the features and performance of the Asetek LCLC, Low Cost Liquid Cooling system.

The LCLC may resemble other water cooling setups but it provides many features that set it apart from the pack. Asetek has attempted to address nearly all of the traditional disadvantages of water cooling compared to air cooling. First off, the LCLC is a completely sealed system, which means it comes completely pre-assembled. This eliminates issues of assembly error and makes installation simpler. A non-toxic, non-flammable liquid and plastic tubing is used to eliminate evaporation issues, which means the system will not require refilling, reducing maintenance. This also makes a reservoir unnecessary, which makes the system simpler. To further simplify the LCL, the pump and cold plate (a.k.a. water block) have been integrated together into a single unit. Overall, the LCLC proved to be a solid product. Head on over to the site and check it out...

Asetek LCLC - Low Cost Liquid Cooling System

EK Water Blocks EK Supreme Review
techPowerUp posted a review on the EK Water Blocks EK Supreme

Today we take a look at EK Water Block's EK Supreme. This CPU waterblock features a universal mounting plate, as well as a clear acrylic top that can be lit up with two 3mm LEDs. Performance is excellent on the EK Supreme, making it truly worthy of the name "Supreme".

EK Water Blocks EK Supreme Review

Saitek Cyborg Command Unit Review
Techgage posted a review of Saitek's latest "Cyborg" product, the Command Unit gaming keypad.

Hardcore gamer? Have a need to create insane macros to get the job done? Saitek's "Cyborg" Command Unit delivers! Although the hardware itself leaves a bit to be desired, the included software offers the ability to create numerous long macros to help you get the job done.

Saitek Cyborg Command Unit Review

North Q 3340WLA Extreme CPU Cooler Review
Driver Heaven posted a review on the North Q 3340WLA Extreme CPU Cooler

Today we will take a look at NorthQ's latest and greatest CPU cooler, the 3340WLA Extreme. There certainly isn't a shortage of CPU coolers on the market today and they come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Nearly two years ago NorthQ released the 3310BL UFO which we reviewed and it was a good cooler at the time, a design which they continuously evolved (and enlarged) for two years in order to keep up with the growing demand for better CPU coolers.

The 3340WLA Extreme however is an entirely new design instead of an oversized version of the old 3310BL and today we will find out if it as capable as their past efforts.

North Q 3340WLA Extreme CPU Cooler Review

Gigabyte X48T-DQ6 X48 Motherboard Review
APH Networks has published a new review on the Gigabyte X48T-DQ6 X48 Motherboard

The last time we looked at a motherboard was the P5E3-Deluxe/WiFi-AP@n X38 motherboard from Asus roughly half a year ago. At that time, the X38 chipset was Intel's latest flagship chipset chosen to officially replace the tried-and-true 975X from last season. Lately, there's lots of news surrounding Intel's next generation flagship chipset -- the Intel X48. What makes this chipset so interesting, is that while it is not very different from X38 (It's really a cream of the crop X38, optimized with minor modifications such as official 1600MHz FSB support) enthusiasts still watched closely with Intel X48 based motherboards simply for its overclocking potential. Today, we'll take a look at Gigabyte's flagship DDR3 board featuring Intel's flagship X48 chipset, the Gigabyte X48T-DQ6. Gigabyte has been gathering tons of attention ranging from hardcore overclockers to the relatively casual everyday enthusiasts lately -- and with their latest flagship board with one of the best chipsets available on the Intel platform, what can Gigabyte's engineering team put together and run it through the factory to our testing platform? The packaging of a high end board, and tons of enthusiast oriented features -- as I gathered together tons of excitement, as well as nothing less than high expectations from the moment I laid my eyes upon this board, we'll see how the Gigabyte X48T-DQ6 steps up against the rest.

Gigabyte X48T-DQ6 X48 Motherboard Review

Preview: Nikon COOLPIX S52c - Unwired Freedom
Hardware Zone published a preview on the Nikon COOLPIX S52c

With wireless communication topping the popularity chart, Nikon has kindly provided us with a sneak peek at the brand new Nikon S52c, continuing the wireless trend set by its predecessor and bringing more to the table with upgraded features. Read on for the quick preview!

Preview: Nikon COOLPIX S52c - Unwired Freedom

Super Talent Pico 8GB Ultra Small Flash Drive Review
3D Game Man posted a review on the Super Talent Pico 8GB Ultra Small Flash Drive

The Super Talent Pico series flash drives are some of the smallest flash drives on the planet. Being small and lightweight (6g) it has a clear advantage since it's not in the way and can be stored anywhere. Ever wonder how small these drives will get? So do I! These drives are also surprisingly rugged considering how small and fragile they look. I was first impressed with the size but it also performs extremely well. As a matter of fact, it performs much better than many other USB2 flash drives I've tested.

Super Talent Pico 8GB Ultra Small Flash Drive Review

OCZ Vendetta 2 Review
OCC has published a new review of the OCZ Vendetta 2

For the idle and load stock temperatures, the OCZ Vendetta 2 CPU cooler had around the same temperatures as the other coolers it was compared to, but when the processor was overclocked it's true colors started to shine through. While idling and overclocked, the Vendetta 2 tied the Thermalright Ultra, and was only one degree warmer than the water cooled system. At full load it was the coolest of all the air coolers and just a bit higher than H2O. Those are very good temps, especially considering the cost between the air and water cooling setup. The fan on the OCZ Vendetta 2 is very quiet and has no vibration noise whatsoever. The fact that this cooler can work on different platforms is a plus, and it includes all the necessary hardware to handle said platforms. OCZ also includes a thermal paste to use if you have no other preference or supply, so no extra costs are needed when installing.

OCZ Vendetta 2 Review

The GeForce 9 series multi-GPU extravaganza
The Tech Report takes a look at the GeForce 9800 GTX video card

OK, I've been doing this since the last century, but I really have no idea how to frame this article. It might be a review of a new graphics card. Nvidia just recently introduced its GeForce 9800 GTX, and this is our first look at that card.

But we didn't really stop there. We threw together two and then three 9800 GTX cards in order to see how they perform in some incredibly powerful and borderline ridiculous configurations. Then we totally crossed in the line into crazy-land by doubling up on GeForce 9800 GX2 cards and testing the new generation of quad SLI, as well. What's more, we tested against the previous generation of three-way SLI—based on the GeForce 8800 Ultra--and against the competing CrossFire X scheme involving three and four Radeons.

Most of you probably care incrementally less about these configurations as the GPU count--and price tag--rises. But boy, do we ever have a hefty amount of info on the latest GPUs compiled in one place, and it's a pretty good snapshot of the current state of things. Keep reading if you're into that stuff.

The GeForce 9 series multi-GPU extravaganza

Panasonic Lumix L10 DSLR Camera Review
I4U NEWS reviews the Panasonic Lumix L10 DSLR Camera.

Today we are checking out the Panasonic Lumix L10 DSLR camera. This camera is aimed at the beginner DSLR owner and is not what most would consider cheap.

Overall the Lumix L10 works very well and is easy to use for the beginner the camera is aimed at. The biggest problem with the Lumix L10 is the price. The kit I am reviewing here retails for around $1100. You can get the Nikon D80 for around the same price and in my option it is a much better camera. If the Lumix L10 was a few hundred bucks cheaper it would be a clear winner. As it is I suggest you shop around a bit, it's not that the Lumix L10 is a bad camera, it's actually quite good. The price is just too high in my opinion.

Panasonic Lumix L10 DSLR Camera Review

AMD 790FX Vs NVIDIA 780a Chipsets
TweakTown posted a comparison review between the AMD 790FX and NVIDIA 780a Chipsets

Now that AMD has a new CPU, what about the platform itself? Well, thanks to the acquisition of ATI graphics, who has managed to make some rather interesting chipsets in their short span into the motherboard chipset market, AMD now has the ability to produce its own chipsets for its CPUs at mass, rather than relying on third party chipset manufacturers. AMD already has three new chipset families with multiple platforms under each of the families in its 7 series chipsets.

NVIDIA is not one to be outdone though; while focusing on the Intel platform, AMD has finally started to produce AMD chipsets again, and while the 680a was supposed to be the big momma for NVIDIA’s AMD line-up, it simply didn’t sell due to AMD’s lacklustre CPU architecture when compared to the Core 2 series.Today we have the top chipsets from both AMD and NVIDIA, that being the AMD 790FX and the NVIDIA 780a. We will pit these two head-to-head; who has the best chipset? Which one is loaded with more features? We will soon find out.

AMD 790FX Vs NVIDIA 780a Chipsets

LapWorks Attache Laptop Desk Review
OCIA.net has posted their review of the LapWorks Attache Laptop Desk

Today we will be taking a look at a "dedicated" desktop stand from LapWorks, the Attache Laptop Stand. The Attache picks up where the Futura left off in terms of desktop stands, adding several features that should greatly improve usage in this configuration.

LapWorks Attache Laptop Desk Review

AMD Phenom X4 9850, 9750 and 9550
Bit-Tech published a review of AMD's Phenom X4 9850, 9750 and 9550 processors

Those into massive multi-tasking or highly threaded applications will benefit the most from a quad-core processor, but even with AMD's massive steps forwards, we still feel the Q6600 is the slightly better purchase, regardless of the small £10 price difference. Both can be overclocked, but the Phenom X4s are much hotter and less tolerant to heat in comparison. At just over 60?C our Phenom at 2.8GHz was stable, but at just under 70?C it locked up.

If you can keep it cool then it should really work for you, however even with an expensive, large and very capable ZeroTherm cooler we still couldn't keep it cool at a quite reasonable 1.45V. Admittedly 65nm Core 2 Quads are hot runners at high voltage too, but they seem to be more tolerant of higher temperatures and the Intel 65nm process seems to leak less current.

What AMD is missing is a K10 dual core -- its mainstream 65nm parts //are being revamped, but slowly, and they are still based on the old K8 core so Intel is leaving them far, far behind. I don't understand it -- why push a new process technology onto the most complex parts first? Why aren't we seeing new, lower wattage, high clocked dual-core processors?

Regardless of that, AMD Enthusiasts should have some fun with the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition and it's good to see AMD "back in the game." Hopefully with some elaborate watercooling or phase change setups (pictures in the forums, please!) we should see some pretty awesome overclocking endeavours, and what's more, for around £150 it's something most of you can afford to enjoy.

AMD Phenom X4 9850, 9750 and 9550