Reviews 52161 Published by

Sapphire Radeon HD 4670 512MB video card review
Elite Bastards posted a review on the Sapphire Radeon HD 4670 512MB video card

Compared to the RV770 core and its 956 million transistors on a 55 nanometre manufacturing node, RV730 is made up of 514 million transistors (also manufactured on a 55 nanometre process) and squeezed into a 146mm squared die. RV730 carries all of the same basic functionality as its big brother, from Shader Model 4.1 and DirectX 10.1 support through to the second generation UVD engine and hardware tessellation unit.

Into that transistor count, AMD have managed to pack the same basic amount of processing power as their previous generation high-end core (RV670), giving the Radeon HD 4670 a total of 320 Stream Processors to play with, which are arranged as eight SIMD cores, each of which sports forty Stream Processors (against ten cores with eighty Stream Processors in RV770).
Sapphire Radeon HD 4670 512MB video card review

Samsung LN-T4681F 46 Inch 1080P LED Backlit LCD TV Review
Tweaknews.net posted Samsung LN-T4681F 46 Inch 1080P LED Backlit LCD TV Review

At first I thought there is no way that LED technology can make up for the cost difference when compared to a standard panel lit LCD TV. Boy did the LN-T4681F take those thoughts, write them down on a sheet and paper and shred them to confetti right before my eyes.
Samsung LN-T4681F 46 Inch 1080P LED Backlit LCD TV Review



Aerocool Hi-Tech 7 Pro Review
techPowerUp takes a look at the Aerocool Hi-Tech 7 Pro

The Aerocool Hi-Tech 7 Pro features a huge 400 mm fan which is the biggest ever seen on a computer case so far. Also included is a fan controller and thermal monitor up front. We fire the turbine up to see how that monster fan performs.
Aerocool Hi-Tech 7 Pro Review

Rosewill RX630-S-B Xtreme Series 630W Power Supply Review
Bigbruin.com posted a review on the Rosewill RX630-S-B Xtreme Series 630W Power Supply

Before the review started I didn't know what to expect from for the Rosewill RX630-S-B Xtreme Series 630W power supply. The published features and specifications were strong, and from what I had read elsewhere on the web the general opinion seemed positive. I just wasn't sure that a Rosewill power supply priced under $90 was really going to impress, and I worried that too much of that small budget had been spent on the aesthetics.
Rosewill RX630-S-B Xtreme Series 630W Power Supply Review

NZXT Avatar Review
TestFreaks posted a review on the NZXT Avatar case

Of course right now there are many companies out there producing gaming mice, and they all are different in one way or another, which one is the best? I'm not sure really, but today I've got one that I consider one of the best. It comes from a company that's well known for quality made products, NZXT, it's their first foray into the mousing arena. Is it worth your money? I think so, read on
NZXT Avatar Review

Crysis Warhead performance in-depth
TechSpot posted an article on Crysis Warhead performance

Roughly this time last year Crytek released the highly anticipated first-person shooter Crysis exclusively for the PC. Since then the game has been used as the prime benchmark for high-end graphics cards, with only a handful of them being able to conquer the title, delivering great frame rates using high quality settings.

In the meantime, Crytek has been working hard on a successor of the title called "Crysis Warhead". This new version of the game updates and refines the gameplay through a parallel story that follows Sergeant Michael "Psycho" Sykes. Crysis Warhead features new fully customizable weapons, vehicles, and enemies, along with new multiplayer content.

Our take on this article will be all about hardware performance considering it is based on an enhanced version of the CryEngine 2. Crytek claims this optimized version allows for enhanced performance. And so today we plan to find out exactly how Crysis Warhead performs using a range of previous and current generation graphics cards.
Crysis Warhead performance in-depth

Qimonda DDR2-800 4GB Memory Modules Review
Digit-Life posted a review on the Qimonda DDR2-800 4GB Memory Modules

4GB DDR2 memory modules are not exotic anymore, their prices have dropped from the sky-high level. Workstation modules with ECC support are still the most widespread products in this category, but you can also get this much memory for your desktop as well.
Qimonda DDR2-800 4GB Memory Modules Review

Lian-Li Tyr PC-X2000 Gaming and HTPC Case Review
Metku.net took a closer look at Lian-Li's Tyr PC-X2000 Case

The case we received from Lian-Li this time is one of the newer models - Tyr PC-X2000 and it mainly aims at not only to high end HTPC use, but also to "gaming" markets".
Lian-Li Tyr PC-X2000 Gaming and HTPC Case Review

iPod Touch 2nd Generation Review
Hardware Secrets posted a review on the 2nd Generation iPod Touch

There's one thing as right as summer rain: once a year, Apple revises its line of iPods. They gain new formats, colors and features that become the stuff of dreams of thousands of gadgets aficionados like us. Among the new faces presented by Apple in early September there is the new 2nd generation iPod Touch with its sleek design and touch-sensitive interface. Playing music is just one of its features – and one of the less important ones, actually – since it doubles as a PDA, being able to browse the web, check e-mails, play games and watch videos and photos. Let's review all these capabilities and see what's different from the first generation.
iPod Touch 2nd Generation Review

NZXT Avatar Gaming Mouse Review
OCIA.net has posted their review of the NZXT Avatar Gaming Mouse

NZXT introduces the first gaming mouse from their award winning design team. As with all of NZXT's PC accessories, Avatar is designed to provide gamers with the ultimate crafted gaming armor to emerge victorious in the gaming arena of choice. Featuring an ambidextrous and smaller form, the Avatar mouse is versatile and ideal for gamers.
NZXT Avatar Gaming Mouse Review

Antec Twelve Hundred Gaming Case Review
Mikhailtech posted a review on the Antec Twelve Hundred Gaming Case

Over a year and a half ago, now, Antec released the Nine Hundred case, marked by any large fans to combine efficient air-cooling with lots of room, the makings of which are ideal for a high-end gaming machine. For some, there are a few downsides to the case, including lack of support for large power supplies., and the inability to accommodate 10.5 inch video cards, such as the Nvidia 9800 GX2. These both boil down to the Nine Hundred not having enough space for all users. Antec responds with the Twelve Hundred case, but does it deliver?
Antec Twelve Hundred Gaming Case Review

Kingston HyperX DDR2-1200 Dual Channel Kit Review
InsideHW.com has posted review of the Kingston HyperX DDR2-1200 dual channel kit memory

Kingston HyperX modules are made with selected series of memory chips which are usually soldered to quality 6-layer or 8-layer PCB circuit board. Multilayer PCB reduces noise in communication with memory controller, which is very important during overclocking. In this situation, things are very simple - if signals are pure and clear in communication between memory module and chipset, than it's possible to attain higher working speeds.
Kingston HyperX DDR2-1200 Dual Channel Kit Review

Rosewill RZLS142-AP Case Review
Hardware Secrets checked out the Rosewill RZLS142-AP Case

RZLS142-AP is a simple steel mid-tower case from Rosewill with four 5 ¼" bays, six 3 ½" bays (two external for floppy disk drives) and two 120-mm fans, one on the rear and one on the front. This case is clearly targeted to the Average Joe, but is it a good pick? Let's take an in-depth look on this new product from Rosewill.
Rosewill RZLS142-AP Case Review

Dual Core Atom: Intel D945GCLF2 & Atom 330 Review
Neoseeker takes a look at the new dual core Atom 330 paired to a Intel D945GCLF2 motherboard:

Last week, when going through the "what's new" list of a local supplier, I found a gem: an inexpensive mini-ITX motherboard with a dual core Atom processor. This little marvel, the Intel D945GCLF2, does not even show up on the Intel web site - other than being noted as announced during IDF. Interested in what it was capable of, I bought one on the spot.
Dual Core Atom: Intel D945GCLF2 & Atom 330 Review

Antec NeoPower 650 Blue PSU Review
OCModShop posted a review on the Antec NeoPower 650 Blue Power Supply

I give to you the Antec Neopower 650 Blue. The high efficiency modular power supply that will get you through hordes of zombies, and then some. The ultimate combination of high power, high efficiency and cool style for today's high performance PC systems. 650 watts of pure power, with 85% efficiency, cable management, and dedicated circuitry with a super-silent 120mm blue LED fan. Figured out why they call it the 650 Blue yet? I thought you would get it quickly. You're so smart..
Antec NeoPower 650 Blue PSU Review

Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 Rev.2 Heatpipe VGA Cooler Review
Tweaknews.net posted a review on the Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 Rev.2 Heatpipe VGA Cooler

Arctic Cooling's well deserved reputation for high performance, low cost VGA cooling remains intact with the release of the Accelero S1 (Rev.2.) With great cooling performance and wide online availability at a pricepoint of $26.00 US or less, the S1 is a superb value. Outstanding support and a six (that's right, I said SIX) year warranty only make the S1 an even sweeter deal.
Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 Rev.2 Heatpipe VGA Cooler Review

Forcetake MARS RAM Cooler Review
Frostytech posted a review on the Forcetake MARS RAM Cooler

Each Forcetake Mars RAM heatsink is more than just a stamped aluminum plate like a lot of the memory heatspreaders in use by manufacturers themselves. The Mars cooler is in fact two extruded aluminum sections which are clamped together around a U-shaped heatpipe with dense copper fins, and the memory module itself.
Forcetake MARS RAM Cooler Review

Glacialtech Igloo 7312 Silent E Heatsink Review
FrostyTech posted a review on the Glacialtech Igloo 7312 Silent E Heatsink

The Igloo 7312 Silent E is a moderately compact AMD K8 heatsink, made just of extruded aluminum and an 80mm fan. The Glacialtech Igloo 7312 Silent E is rated for a maximum load of 89W, and is very quiet. Glacialtech's Igloo 7312 Silent E heatsink stands just 70mm tall and comes with a fixed speed 80mm fan that rotates at a quiet 2000RPM. Weighing in at a light 371 grams, the Igloo 7312 Silent E is compatible with AMD socket 754/939/940/AM2 processors of 89W TDP or less. Frostytech tested the heatsink up to 125W, and the results weren't just satisfactory.
Glacialtech Igloo 7312 Silent E Heatsink Review

WolfKing Trooper MVP Laser Gaming Mouse Review
Benchmark Reviews posted a review on the WolfKing Trooper MVP Laser Gaming Mouse

Pointing devices are very important to us all during every day use of a PC. Advances in technology have made them extremely accurate, quick to respond and great for gaming. The optical mouse was a great innovation and a change for the better. The advent of the laser engine gave us much more accuracy, faster response times and no more cleaning. The laser mouse has become a "must have" for any serious gamer in these current times. Benchmark Reviews has been afforded an opportunity to examine one of these devices, the Wolf King Trooper MVP Laser Gaming Mouse.
WolfKing Trooper MVP Laser Gaming Mouse Review

GMC Noblesse AVC-S1 HTPC Case Review
Rbmods posted a review on the GMC Noblesse AVC-S1 HTPC Case

Home theater PC cases come in all shapes and sizes, but to look like other pieces of home theater equipment, the case need to be small. But does the small size come with a sacrifice? GMC, a Korean company that makes a wide range of computer cases, sent us one of their popular HTPC cases, the GMC Noblesse AVC-S1. Will this case prove that good things come in small packages? Read on to find out.
GMC Noblesse AVC-S1 HTPC Case Review

QNAP's TS-209 II Turbo NAS Review
Bit-Tech published a review of QNAP's TS-209 II Turbo NAS

Without expansion potential with data retention, this might upsell you further to a four disk TS-409 should you want some breathing room, the problem is with this argument is that you need a pair of disks as a minimum for RAID expansion or migration anyway, so you're still buying two drives regardless. The only other option for expansion from a single drive upwards is a Drobo and its network adapter, but that's far more limited in its application (storage only, no extra features) unlike the QNAP NAS boxes.

Other options include the ZyXEL NSA-220 which does include a HomePlug option so you can stick it anywhere around the house out of the way, rather than within arms reach of your router/switch. Sadly though, it looks like some 1950s washing machine and that's not a good thing. The next best thing, then, is the Thecus N2100 which will save you at least £50. Having owned a Thecus N2100 though, all I can say is that I wish I'd paid £50 more and got a TS-209 - it's more difficult to install the hard drives, they run hotter, it's noisier and the plastic casing is cheap and nasty compared to the seemingly luxuriously sleek QNAP enclosure.

I'm not just bitter because apparently turning off the N2100 using the the on/off button, of all things, can irreversibly corrupt the firmware, destroying my data, it's simply because the QNAP TS-209 is a better product with a web interface that's light years ahead. It does have some quirks that did lose our data but it's not unreasonable considering the abuse I've given it in the last few days - pulling hard drives in and out like some magical chair game: at least it's still working.

So yes, the QNAP TS-209 II is sub-par in terms of performance and in some respects doesn't do what we expect of it, but in others it's the one of the better products out there. Ultimately, if you get one it should work perfectly fine but just be aware of its limitations. We can't stress enough to only get one if you will actually use its features, otherwise either keep an eye out for something simpler and cheaper, or build it yourself because a basic RAID array is effortless and FreeNAS accompanied by some old hardware costs a fraction of this, although admittedly finding something of this size and with its generally good looks isn't easy.
QNAP's TS-209 II Turbo NAS Review