Reviews 52193 Published by

Thermaltake Xaser VI VG4000SNA Computer Case Review
Tweaknews.net posted a review on the Thermaltake Xaser VI VG4000SNA Computer Case

With the Xaser VI, Thermaltake has an aluminum full-tower chassis that will rival the best in it's class. The innovative tool-free features are well executed and make working in this Xaser a real pleasure. Arguably the best feature is the sliding motherboard tray. Or maybe the hard drive mounting solution. What about the densely populated front panel I/O plate? Or the outstanding cooling design? There's a lot of stuff here to like, and I like the vast majority of it.
Thermaltake Xaser VI VG4000SNA Computer Case Review

Mvix MX-780HD Wireless HD Media Center Review
TweakTown posted a review on the Mvix MX-780HD Wireless HD Media Center

Founded in 2005, Mvix USA is a company who believes in the concept of digital entertainment. With a product line that offers different versions of this ideal, Mvix is about getting your digital content displayed where it should be, on your television. Sure, you can watch your ripped movies on the PC monitor, but why not take it to the next level and enjoy that same content on a large screen TV?

Enter one of their latest arrivals, the MX-780HD. While having many similarities with the older 760-series media center, MVix has raised the bar and brought newer technologies to the scene. On top of this, they have also improved output as well. So kick up your heels as we take a look at the Mvix MX-780HD. We will look at the features included, then take it for a test drive by displaying digital movies on a 37” LCD television and see if it is worthy of consideration for your media center.
Mvix MX-780HD Wireless HD Media Center Review



ASUS Maximus II Formula motherboard review
Elite Bastards posted ASUS Maximus II Formula motherboard review

ASUS' Republic of Gamers motherboards have sported a PCI Express 1x 'SupremeFX' card for some time now, but the Maximus II Formula sees something of an overhaul in this department, being as it is the first to feature SupremeFX X-Fi functionality.

Now, this particular branding might lead you to believe that this offering sports Creative's X-Fi processor... But you'd be wrong. What we actually have here is, in fact, an early supporter of Creative's new SoundBlaster X-Fi MB technology, which in essence uses the hardware codec of another audio processor (in this case Analog Devices' AD1988B chip) coupled with software CPU utilisation to offer up much of the functionality of Creative's current X-Fi sound cards. This means that you get access to EAX functionality up to EAX 4.0 (meaning no EAX 5.0 support), as well as other features such as 3D CMSS and Crystalizer for improving sound quality.
ASUS Maximus II Formula motherboard review

SilenX IXTREMA Pro IXC-120HA2 Review
Bjorn3D takes a look at the SilenX IXTREMA Pro IXC-120HA2.

We have seen many newcomers to the computer cooling industry; and lately, many of these newcomers have been making a name for themselves, like Noctua and Zerotherm. These companies are now competing against well-established manufacturers like ThermalRight and Zalman, and today, we will be reviewing another heatsink and fan from SilenX - even another manufacturer that is quickly becoming a big player in the PC cooling industry.
SilenX IXTREMA Pro IXC-120HA2 Review

Super Micro C2SBX+ Review
Phoronix tested the Super Micro C2SBX+ motherboard under Linux

Super Micro, are you familiar with them? Chances are that unless your focus is on the workstation and server markets, you probably haven't heard of them. However, this company has been around since 1993 and they have been producing a variety of different motherboards, servers, computer enclosures, and other products to fit the needs of their customers. Super Micro manufacturers a variety of different Intel server motherboards -- and they are one of the few that offers quad-socket Xeon motherboards -- but they also have a growing selection of Core 2 desktop motherboards. The C2SBX+ is one of their newest motherboards and with our first Super Micro review at Phoronix we are looking at this product. This Intel X48 motherboard is designed for digital entertainment, gaming enthusiasts, and other high-end applications.
Super Micro C2SBX+ Review

AcoustiPack Ultimate Sound Dampening
Tech-Reviews.co.uk has just posted a news review online on the AcoustiPack Ultimate Sound Dampening

We've rambled on about silent products a lot lately at Tech-Reviews. One product we've tried to avoid is sound dampening - due to rumours of the rather time consuming installation this product entails. However, without using sound dampening, we've found it nearly impossible to silence our rig completely. Given the chance to review some of Acousti Products' latest acoustic material kits, the AcoustiPack Ultimate, we simply couldn't turn the offer down.
AcoustiPack Ultimate Sound Dampening

Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 Ultimate Review
ASE Labs posted a review on the Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 Ultimate

While the next generation of graphics cards from ATI are just around the corner, you can get some amazing performance with full open source support for a great price. Some of the readers might also be looking for a silent solution while having good performance and the Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 Ultimate steps up to provide that. It combines a truly massive heatsink with the powerful 3870 GPU to create a fast and completely silent graphics card for your quiet PC.
Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 Ultimate Review

HighPoint RocketRAID 2640X4 Review
TechwareLabs has published a review of the HighPoint RocketRAID 2640X4

Looking to add some power and zip to your gaming experience? Seeking some redundancy for your server data without having to add a lot of extra drives? Michael takes a look at the very affordable Rocket Raid solution by HighPoint, the 2640x4. Pop in 4 drives and you have the ability to add both power and redundancy to your server or gaming rig. How well does it perform? Check out our review to find out.
HighPoint RocketRAID 2640X4 Review

Zalman Reserator XT Liquid Cooling System Review
HardwareLogic posted a review on the Zalman Reserator XT Liquid Cooling System

Once considered the ultimate in geekdom, liquid cooling (also known as water cooling) has become almost mainstream. For those pushing the envelope, there's high performance (and high cost) kits from retailers such as Danger Den, DTek, or Swiftech. However, those kits usually require either a great deal of patience, or experience, during installation. For those less schooled in the art of exotic cooling, your choices are fairly limited. While there are no shortage of pre-fabbed kits, both internal and external, marketed at the novice, these kits usually forego quality to make themselves as easy to install and user friendly as possible.
Zalman Reserator XT Liquid Cooling System Review

Foxconn BlackOps Tech Report
Tech ARP posted the Foxconn BlackOps Tech Report

Foxconn is a relative newcomer to the motherboard business, at least in the retail segment. The truth of the matter is that thhey have been manufacturing motherboards for ages, albeit for other companies. They have only recently entered the retail market under the Foxconn brand name.

Recently, they announced the availability of their new Foxconn BlackOps X48 Express motherboard. This is the latest addition to their Quantum Force series of motherboards, which are designed specifically for extreme overclocking. In fact, it is so packed full of features that Foxconn is proudly claiming that it is far superior to what was considered the ultimate overclocker's motherboard - the ASUS Rampage Formula.
Foxconn BlackOps Tech Report

OCZ EliteXstream 800w Review
DriverHeaven posted a review on the OCZ EliteXstream 800w

When OCZ took over PC Power & Cooling, many people believed that they would stop marketing power supplies under their own brand name, however this has not been the case. Surprisingly their new units are not copies of PC Power & Cooling units as others would immediately assume, however even though their core design is different they are certainly sharing some design ethics.

Today we will review one of the higher end new OCZ units, the EliteXstream 800W supply. The EliteXstream is a high performance PSU, designed to appeal to hardware enthusiasts who above all else value top electrical performance.
OCZ EliteXstream 800w Review

Kingston Technologies DataTraveler HyperX 4GB Review
TechwareLabs has published a review of the Kingston Technologies DataTraveler HyperX 4GB.

Looking for large portable storage that is also very fast? Michael checks out the HyperX DataTraveler 4GB USB drive to find out how fast it really is. Will the HyperX 4GB DataTraveler deliver your documents in lightspeed? Read our review to find out.
Kingston Technologies DataTraveler HyperX 4GB Review

Coolmax CUQ-1350B 1350W Power Supply Review
JonnyGURU.com posted Coolmax CUQ-1350B 1350W Power Supply Review

Once upon a time, a company by the name of Coolmax sought to impress me with two of their Green Power branded power supplies, and failed. Now, they've sent their biggest and baddest at me, the Green Power 1350W, looking to rectify the situation.

How will the CUQ-1350B fare when faced by the usual stiff competition and rigorous load testing methods at this site? Come on in, pull up a chair, and I'll tell you all about it.
Coolmax CUQ-1350B 1350W Power Supply Review

Zalman GS1000 Review
XSReviews has reviewed the Zalman GS1000 case

We have seen many cases here at XSReviews ranging from the conservative silent types to the somewhat more extravagant. When looking for cases many people want to have the best of both worlds: silence and looks. Yet although there are solutions available for such a customer, many fall short of delivering a truly silent gaming case.

With this in mind and the hope of filling this gap, Zalman have crafted the GS1000 -- a quiet case that looks to have been designed with gaming in mind.
Zalman GS1000 Review

Maximo iP-HS1 iMetal iPhone Headset Review
I4U NEWS published a review of the Maximo iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset for the Apple iPhone.

Today we are looking at a headset for the iPhone called the Maximo iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset. The headset has a built-in mic for making and receiving calls and a soft touch button that allows you to answer and hang up calls as well.

Sound quality from the Maximo iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset is good with nice deep bass and crisp highs and mids. The headset works well for calls with clear and legible speech on both sides of the conversation. The mic does pick up a bit of extraneous room sounds, but not so much to be a real issue.
Maximo iP-HS1 iMetal iPhone Headset Review

Antec Twelve Hundred Review
Tech-Reviews.co.uk has posted a news review on the Antec Twelve Hundred Gaming Case

Antec have surprised us in the past with their very stylish cases. Today, we'll be reviewing something slightly different from the normal high class cases Antec have sent us. Today we'll be reviewing is the Antec Twelve Hundred, otherwise known as the 1200 - the big brother of the highly successful Nine Hundred. This case - like its brother - is designed towards gamers with the masses of space it offers and its cooling potential. However, is it good enough to live up with its brother? Read on to find out.
Antec Twelve Hundred Review

XFX GTX 280 XXX Edition Review
Metkumods took a closer look at XFX's GTX 280 XXX Edition.

This time we will show you a graphics card that has evolved to be something more than its forefathers. Sure, the pixel pushing ability is still there and benchmarks will show that clearly but what more can a graphics card do? Up till now, nothing much but this is about to change...
XFX GTX 280 XXX Edition Review

Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DS5 Review
Today Neoseeker takes a look at a motherboard from Gigabyte, the GA-MA790FX-DS5

Basically, the Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DS5 is a good board for both business and gaming use - the benchmark results clearly showed that. Selling at approximately $200, it is a good value, and lets you overclock power hungry Phenoms without a great risk of frying VRM's.
Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DS5 Review

Razer Lycosa review
BurnOutPC.com has just posted their review on the Razer Lycosa Gaming keyboard.

Razer already had their own type of keyboard called the Tarantula, but they now have another one called the Lycosa. A slick looking keyboard with led lighting, touch sensitive media controls and more. Without much further a due, let's see what this keyboard has to offer
Razer Lycosa review

Logitech AudioHub Notebook Speaker System Review
Hardware Pacers has posted a review on the Logitech AudioHub Notebook Speaker System.

Logitech, one of the leading game controller and peripheral manufacturers, has been offering products on the cutting edge of technology for over 25 years. One of the more recent innovations is the AudioHub Notebook Speaker System. This system will convert a tiny laptop sound system into a rich full sounding stereo sound.
Logitech AudioHub Notebook Speaker System Review

Samsung MCBQE32G5MPP 2.5" 32GB SSD Review
TweakTown posted a review on the Samsung MCBQE32G5MPP 2.5" 32GB SSD

Samsung is one of the largest memory suppliers in the world, so it is natural to find them playing in the Solid-State Drive (SSD) market. Their latest offering, the MCBQE32G5MPP-0VA00 is a 2.5-inch 32GB drive with big potential and a new low price tag. From the get go we were told to expect MTRON MOBI performance at a 15% reduced cost.

Today we are going to take the new Samsung MCBQE32G5MPP-0VA00 and put it through hell with two different single drive configurations and run RAID 0 on two, three and four drives. In addition, we took three drives and ran a RAID 5 array just to see if there was a performance hit we would get on an Areca SAS controller.
Samsung MCBQE32G5MPP 2.5" 32GB SSD Review

AMD Phenom X4 9350e and 9950 Black Edition Debut
HotHardware.com posted an article on the new AMD Phenom X4 9350e and 9950 Black Edition CPUs

AMD is launching a three-pronged attack on the desktop CPU space today, with the introduction of three new quad-core Phenom X4 processors. One of the processors, the new 2.6GHz Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition, is AMD's latest flagship desktop CPU. The other two, however, are somewhat surprising "green", low-power quad-cores dubbed the Phenom X4 9350e (2.0GHz) and Phenom X4 9150e (1.8GHz).

With its Black Edition branding, it should be obvious to the power user among you that the Phenom X4 9950 BE is targeted squarely at enthusiasts and overclockers. But the audience for the Phenom X4 9350e and Phenom X4 9150e processors is a little harder to quantify. Head on over to the site and check them out...
AMD Phenom X4 9350e and 9950 Black Edition Debut

QNAP TS-209 Pro Gigabit SATA NAS Review
Benchmark Reviews posted a review on the QNAP TS-209 Pro Gigabit SATA NAS

Shoppers today are faced with many options when choosing where to store their valuable data: from traditional optical media and hard drive based storage, to flash drives and even more exotic third party online storage - each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article Benchmark Reviews will look at one such option that's recently emerged in the storage market; the network-attached storage (NAS), in the form of the QNAP TS-209 Pro Gigabit SATA NAS. The NAS has lately gained popularity as more and more consumers realize the need for a reliable, cost effective, and easy to access centralized way to store their data.However, with so many competing products it's not always possible for buyers to easily compare what's on the market. Read on as Benchmark Reviews puts this "all-in-one" NAS through its paces.
QNAP TS-209 Pro Gigabit SATA NAS Review

Tuniq Ensemble 1200W Review
OCC has published a new review on the Tuniq Ensemble 1200W PSU

The most dissapointing thing about the Ensemble is its failure to meet its quoted efficiency. Having said that, 80% is by no means poor and will in no way affect the performance of the Ensemble. The claimed maximum efficiency of 87% seems rather high to me and I suspect some exaggeration on behalf of Tuniq, which I feel we may see from other manufacturers. The minor hiccup on the high +5VSB noise should not cause too much concern, it's only 10mV and most performance motherboards are built to deal with some power supply noise as long as it's not excessive. There are few "perfect" power supplies out there and motherboard designers have to take this into account at the design stage. I would like to point out one major problem with the Ensemble. The 12V1 cable on this power supply consists of three 4-pin molex with an FDD connector to finish off. Most of you will be aware that this consists of only one conductor for the 12V rail, but pull the rated 20A on this rail and you will have problems.
Tuniq Ensemble 1200W Review

ASUS Xonar D2X soundcard Review
The Guru of 3D posted ASUS Xonar D2X soundcard review

Fashionably late .. two things nice about coming late to the party is that you know what everybodys wearing, and everybody notices your arrival.

The Asus Xonar D2X is a high-end sound card without equal for your enthusiast-level PC. Behold its over-the-top looks, marvel at its no-holds-barred features, and be captivated by the sound it makes. The D2X isn't for everyone, it's expensive, it's a showboat, and it wants power. But, it is without equal. You may find better, but certainly not an equal.

It took all of 5 seconds of listening to the Xonar D2X to know that it is our new reference sound card. This unseats the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude at the high end (not that we really keep track of these things) as our favorite all-around card to game, listen to music, and watch movies with. Well done. As always, though, with bad recordings or low bit-rate MP3, the D2X is merciless in revealing flaws.

This is high-def audio folks.
ASUS Xonar D2X soundcard Review

Thermaltake DuOrb CPU Cooler Review
Futurelooks gets ready for a hot summer with a cool CPU cooler

This macho saying has many dubious applications, but it’s quite at home in the world of CPU coolers. When cooling with air the more surface area you have, the more heat you can dissipate. So Thermaltake’s latest DuOrb CPU cooler, which sports two fans and two heatsinks, should be at the top of the heap right? I guess that depends on what part of the heap you look at.
Thermaltake DuOrb CPU Cooler Review

Samsung CLP-610ND Color Laser Printer Review
Tweaknews.net posted a review on the Samsung CLP-610ND Color Laser Printer

The CLP-610ND does what few printers are capable of. It brings the features, performance and capabilities of a expensive commercial color laser printer, but is priced low enough that the average consumer can take advantage of its functionality.
Samsung CLP-610ND Color Laser Printer Review