Intel 80GB SSD (X25-M MLC) Review
Bjorn3D takes a look at the Intel 80GB SSD (X25-M MLC)

Hard drives have been a big bottleneck in computer systems for quite some time now. Speeds on typical non-raid drives average somewhere between too slow and too darn slow. SSD's have been on the market for a while and prices are starting to drop. Some are becoming inexpensive enough for manufacturers to include them in laptops, and others are inexpensive enough for enthusiasts to dabble with. Initially sizes were very small, and 32GB wasn't uncommon to see running in the $500 (USD) range. We've done some scouting lately and we've seen 64GB drives from reputable manufacturers running in the $150 dollar range.

As with most things computer, there's the drive we end up with and there's the one we want. We thought that it would be nice in our first venture into the world of SSD's (Solid State Drives) to start off with the one we want, the flagship line of the fleet, which, of course, comes from Intel. We're going to be looking at the current flagship drive in Intel's mainstream line, the Intel 80GB X25-M MLC (Multi Level Cell) SSD. Intel makes an Enterprise level drive that utilized Nand SLC (Single Level Cell) flash that's faster, but this is the mainstream model that is a little more affordable. How affordable would be the big question. Current pricing runs in the $600 dollar range for the Intel X25-M SSD. That's a pretty hefty price tag for an 80GB drive, so we're hoping for a price drop to bring them down to an affordable level for the masses.

Intel 80GB SSD (X25-M MLC) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-CKM50A In-Ear Headphones Review
TopReviewShop posted a review on the Audio-Technica ATH-CKM50A In-Ear Headphones

There are quite a few offerings available in the sub-$100 headphones market, and to differentiate themselves Audio-Technica has gone with an unconventional design for its latest set of portable in-ear headphones - the ATH-CKM50A. The design style, which is dubbed the "direct diaphragm mount", is aimed to provide increased audio fidelity and acoustical impact. Read on for our take on on the ATH-CKM50A's from Audio-Technica.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKM50A In-Ear Headphones Review



Xigmatek Red Scorpion S1283 CPU Cooler Review
TopReviewShop posted a review on the Xigmatek Red Scorpion S1283 CPU Cooler

Just how well does the latest offering from Xigmatek, the Red Scorpion S1283 CPU Cooler, cool one of the fastest and hottest processors on the market - an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650? We'll find out today.

Xigmatek Red Scorpion S1283 CPU Cooler Review

Canon PowerShot A590 IS Review
TechReviewSource.com posted a review on the Canon PowerShot A590 IS

One of Canon's latest digital cameras is the Canon PowerShot A590 IS,
which is a mid-line budget camera that looks a little bulky, but works very nicely and impresses with its quality pictures. It's an 8-megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom, image stabilization, and more that packs quite a punch in its clunky body that will cost you $200 or less.

Canon PowerShot A590 IS Review

Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Review
TestFreaks.com posted a review on the Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator

Razer is the well known peripheral maker of gaming keyboards, mice and more. Today we will look at one of their audio products the Razer Piranha. This is a gaming communicator which means it features both headphones and a microphone for in game communication. The Razer Piranha includes a noise canceling microphone which allows the gamer to be heard clearly in crowded gaming environments such as LAN parties.

Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Review

Antec Three Hundred Case Review
TechwareLabs has published a review of the Antec Three Hundred Case

Looking for a good case that is cheap, roomy, looks good, and has plenty of cooling. The Antec Three Hundred may be perfect for your rig. The quiet and yet well engineered case comes with plenty of features that you might find surprising. Read our review to find out more.

Antec Three Hundred Case Review

Logitech V550 Nano Review
InsideHW.com has posted article about Logitech V550 Nano wireless laser mouse for notebooks.

In a variety of interesting products from Logitech, our attention especially was driven by one not so long ago introduced Logitech V550 Nano wireless laser mouse for notebooks. Beside standard attributes for this mouse category, V550 Nano has few unusual characteristics that will make work easier to every notebook owner. You have for certain heard of Logitech Company so in this occasion we will skip usual introduction and we'll go right to the point.

Logitech V550 Nano Review

NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Computer Case Review
Rbmods posted NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Computer Case review

Most computer cases nowadays are suffering from a size problem; they seem to be getting bigger and bigger as people find more stuff to put inside them. But what if you're looking for a case that is easily portable and takes up less space under your desk? NZXT, makers of a wide range of computer products, offers such a case, the NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Computer Case. Will this case steal the show? Read on to find out.

NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Computer Case Review

Microsoft LifeCam Show Review
Hardware Pacers has posted a review on the Microsoft LifeCam Show

The Microsoft LifeCam Show is a great webcam with amazing capability and features packed into a small package. This webcam has amazing clarity even in some of the darkest lighting conditions. Small and compact, this webcam is perfect for travel, but has very large functionality and capability. The bundled software, LifeCam 2.0, is an amazingly cool software suite; the features of the LifeCam 2.0 software previously only came with expensive production video software. 800 x 600 max video resolution is not a bad resolution, but 8.0 MP still picture captured is pretty awesome.

Microsoft LifeCam Show Review

Core i7 920 Core Disabling Performance Analysis
TweakTown posted Core i7 920 Core Disabling Performance Analysis

So, while I was there pondering around with the options, I wondered what would happen if we started disabling cores. How would that affect 3D performance? What I really wanted to know is how many cores we really need; one, two, three or four? – Sure, there have been articles that compare a dual core based Core 2 processor to a quad core one, but what happens if the only difference between every CPU configuration is the amount of cores while FSB, speed and memory settings are all the same?

With that in mind, cores started dropping quicker than flies on a 40c day in Australia and the benchmarks came a’flowing. I can tell you right now, the results were very interesting. So without further ado, let’s get straight into the benchmarks to find out how many cores we really need for today’s games.

Core i7 920 Core Disabling Performance Analysis

Sapphire HD 4830 Review
Bjorn3D takes a look at the Sapphire HD 4830

After taking a look at my last Sapphire video card and being totally impressed, I was more than willing to take a look at their latest offering in the 4800 series family. The HD 4830 is basically a cut down version of Sapphire's HD 4850, and by doing so, Sapphire is able to offer it at a much lower price point while offering pretty close to the same overall performance, or so that's what Sapphire is saying anyways. We'll find out just how well (or bad) the card does soon enough.

So, enough of the formalities. Let's get on to looking at the card and see just how well it’ll stand up to the Nvidia competition. It’ll also be interesting to see just how well this little card overclocks, considering I was able to max out ATi’s Catalyst Control Center Overdrive utility with Sapphires HD 4870 Toxic.

Sapphire HD 4830 Review