Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including GeForce GTX 670 vs GTX 770 - Should I upgrade?, Cooler Master CM Storm Reaper Gaming Mouse Review, ASUS USB-AC56 Wireless Adapter, TR's Christmas 2013 system guide, and XFX Radeon R7 240 / 250 Passive review: no fan, low price



GeForce GTX 670 vs GTX 770 - Should I upgrade? @ ocaholic

A gamer simply can't get enough graphics power in their rig, which makes the upgrade question omnipresent. To show you whether it makes sense to upgrade from one generation to another we created this series of articles, where we will compare graphics cards from different generations. Today we're having a close look at the differences between the GTX 670 and the GTX 770.

Read more: GeForce GTX 670 vs GTX 770 - Should I upgrade? @ ocaholic

Cooler Master CM Storm Reaper Gaming Mouse Review @ Madshrimps

The CM Storm Reaper from Cooler Master sports an unique design by integrating a machined back which is removable and is equipped with an Avago 9500 laser sensor. The friendly user interface allows us to customize the programmable button functions, assign macros, work with several profiles, fine-tune parameters and adjust the LED lighting system.

Read more: Cooler Master CM Storm Reaper Gaming Mouse Review @ Madshrimps

Dead Rising 3 Video Review (XBOX ONE) @ HardwareHeaven.com

Today Kaeyi Dream reviews XBOX One exclusive Dead Rising 3 from Capcom.

Read more: Dead Rising 3 Video Review (XBOX ONE) @ HardwareHeaven.com

BitFenix Shadow @ techPowerUp

The BitFenix Shadow looks pretty sweet with its dual LED lighting element in the front, which can be toggled off, red, or blue. Is the chassis able to shine or will it have to stay in the shadows due to shortcomings?

Read more: BitFenix Shadow @ techPowerUp

ASUS USB-AC56 Wireless Adapter @ LanOC Reviews

Recently we have done a few reviews on the emerging wireless AC technology but up until now those reviews have been limited to routers which merely allow access. Today we take a look at what may be one of the fastest ways to utilize your new wireless AC connection. The USB-AC56 from Asus is a dual-band network adapter meant to allow you to tap into the 5MHz band and only requires the use of a single USB3 connection. Will the AC56 prove to be your quickest solution to the fastest wireless speeds available or will it be better to search for other options? We’ll find out.

Read more: ASUS USB-AC56 Wireless Adapter @ LanOC Reviews

XFX R7950 Double Dissipation Video Card Review @ Legit Reviews

With everybody's attention on the latest AMD Radeon releases, the R9 series, it often makes people forget the previous generation video cards, which are still relevant and frequently drop in price making them a good buy. Such as the R7950 series, released in early 2012. One example is the XFX R7950 Double Dissipation video card, it features PCIe 3.0, DirectX 11, Ghost Thermal technology, 3GB DDR5 running at 5GHz, and a GPU clock of 925MHz. Not bad for a card that costs $249.99 Shipped after a $20 rebate! Let's take a look and see whether this card can handle some of the latest games.

Read more: XFX R7950 Double Dissipation Video Card Review @ Legit Reviews

VisionTek Radeon R9 270X 2GB Gaming Graphics Card @ TechwareLabs.com

With the introduction of the R7 and R9 series Radeon cards, AMD has been making a concerted effort to reclaim the attention of the enthusiast market. Given the dominance Nvidia has had with the Geforce GT 600 series, AMD's got their work cut out for them. As part of their effort to beat Nvidia in the performance-per-dollar game, they've released several new cards across a wide range of price points. The R9 270X, aimed at the $200 price range, is meant to cater to the gamer on a budget. Let's dive in and see just what AMD and Visiontek have given us, and how it performs.

Read more: VisionTek Radeon R9 270X 2GB Gaming Graphics Card @ TechwareLabs.com

Toshiba MQ01ACF050 500GB SATA III HDD @ NikKTech

When the first 2.5" (15mm thick) drives were unveiled to the world roughly 20 years ago the popularity of 3.5" ones thanks to their highest capacities and performance didn't leave much room for debate regarding which form factor was best. In the end it wasn't until several years later with the introduction of the next-gen portable personal computers (laptops) that use of 2.5" drives was deemed necessary mostly because of their size. Today things have changed quite a bit however and although 2.5" drives are still the number 1 choice for notebook manufacturers due to their small size (5-9.5mm thick), lower temperature levels and lower electrical demands they are also starting to take the place of their larger 3.5" brothers both in regular personal computers and in data intense application environments (enterprise-class). Because of that the leading manufacturers are dishing out many new models based on the 2.5" form factor for use with regular laptops, ultra-thin ones and of course with portable enclosures. Lately Toshiba introduced their latest MQ01ACF050 500GB 2.5" SATA III hard disk drive aimed towards casual users and as always we got out hands on one to see what it has to offer.

Read more: Toshiba MQ01ACF050 500GB SATA III HDD @ NikKTech

Cooler Master CM Storm Reaper Gaming Mouse Review @ HiTech Legion

Gaming is full of enjoyment for most people and there is so much variety to please anyone. We have our casual games that get played on mobile devices, such as angry birds and candy crush. Those are certainly entertaining for short periods of time. But in my opinion nothing beats crushing your opponent in an RTS or relieving the stress of the day by kicking butt in your favorite first person shooter. Then of course there are those who enjoy the MMORPG, while it can sometimes be like working an awesome second job, they certainly have a variety of things to do that will please many different gamers.

To dominate though you need to have some skill and it doesn’t hurt to have the right tools for the job. For PC gaming that means having a decent keyboard and mouse. One that is comfortable for those long gaming sessions. It doesn’t hurt to have a non-slip grip and plenty of extra buttons to program and for certain types of games the ability to write macros. The CM Storm Reaper has everything and more so I want to refer to it as the Grim Reaper of gaming mice, helping you to reap souls in your favorite game.

Read more: Cooler Master CM Storm Reaper Gaming Mouse Review @ HiTech Legion

NZXT Phantom 530 Full Tower Chassis @ PureOverclock

Today we are looking at a new full tower chassis from NZXT, continuing the legacy of the original. The Phantom 530 has been redesigned from the ground up. While creating the Phantom 530, the NZXT design team painstakingly took every beloved aspect of the original design and revamped it to make it even better. With a host of new features and priced at $129, it's a compelling option for someone who wants lots of space in a case. Let's take a closer look at the NZXT Phantom 530.

Read more: NZXT Phantom 530 Full Tower Chassis @ PureOverclock

TR's Christmas 2013 system guide @ The Tech Report

Yes, it's time for a new TR system guide. We have old recommendations to tune up, availability constraints to account for, and price hikes to work around all to serve those of you preparing for some last-minute Christmas shopping. We've also added a new build to the mix: a small-form-factor gaming rig with everything needed to make console gamers jealous.

Read more: TR's Christmas 2013 system guide @ The Tech Report

The Witcher 5-Years Later Review @ OCC

It's interesting to look back at a game that started a franchise still loved today. You know it has earned respect, but you also know that time changes how we think of things. Years ago and years from now, a good, quality game is still a good, quality game. Despite its age, The Witcher represents a very solid and enjoyable experience that I would easily recommend to anyone interested in the franchise or in the role-playing game genre. Sure the graphics are not mind-blowing now, but forgive it its wrinkles and enjoy what it offers you. Besides, it can be nice to play a game that does not cause every fan in your computer to spin up to full speed.

Read more: The Witcher 5-Years Later Review @ OCC

AOC Q2963PM 29" UWHD MyMulti-Play AH-IPS Monitor Review @ eTeknix

Over the last few years, we have been [in general] demanding higher and higher resolutions from our monitors, and before we even think about using a multi-screen setup – the most common resolution of choice has to be 1920×1080. Over the last year or so, we have been seeing a slow transition over to the 2560×1600 bandwagon as some users opt for bigger 27″+ panels. The problem with these through is that the cost is far greater than a 1920×1080 panel so having a pair of 22″ or 24″ panels is not uncommon – it gives a balance between the desktop space and cost that many people look for.

In a bid to give users the best option of desktop space and display aspect ratio, the 2560×1080 resolution has slowly been cropping up within the market place and in effect it is an ideal alternative for anyone that is looking at a dual 1920×1080 screen setup. The super-wide aspect of this 29″ monitor gives a single desktop space to work within, however when we move over to the gaming side of things, the extra pixels allow for a wider peripheral vision without the distraction of a bezel right in the middle of your view.

AOC’s super-wide monitor is just one of the few to now offer the new resolution, but it doesn’t just give more pixels; it also has one of the best panels on the market to show the image as well. The AH-IPS (Advanced High-Performance In Plane Switching) panel that AOC have chosen produces a mixture of supreme colour accuracy, high pixel density and a high level of brightness, oh and let’s not forget that it has a superb viewing angle as well. All the ingredients are there for certain, but does having a 21:9 aspect monitor really make that much of a difference?

Read more: AOC Q2963PM 29" UWHD MyMulti-Play AH-IPS Monitor Review @ eTeknix

Silverstone Fortress Series FT04 Chassis Review @ eTeknix

Today we’re taking a look at the FT-03 Mini PC chassis from Silverstone, the latest edition of their competent range of super compact PC cases. The FT-03 is a welcome addition to the market given the recent rise in popularity for the smaller M-ITX and M-ATX form factors and no one knows M-ITX better than Silverstone who have one of the most competent ranges of small chassis designs on the market.

The important thing to remember though is that there is no “standard” size for any pc chassis, it’s quite possible to fit an m-itx board to something like a mid-tower should you wish to do so and save on space inside the chassis, something that is clearly true in the M-ITX chassis category, while there are M-ITX chassis on the market right now that are in fact quite large, the FT-03 is focused around space saving solutions and getting the components into as small a space as possible, which of course not compromising on component compatibility and the most important factor in a small build, heat. All of which I’m sure their engineers would tell you, is no easy task.

Read more: Silverstone Fortress Series FT04 Chassis Review @ eTeknix

Fractal Design ARC MINI R2 Micro-ATX Mid Tower Chassis Review @ MissingRemote

Over the last few years Fractal Design has cultivated a reputation for delivering intelligent, quiet, and well-built PC cases that do not require breaking the bank. With solid steel construction, ample storage options, and three hydraulic bearing Silent Series R2 fans (2x 120mm, 1x 140mm) included, we should expect the ARC MINI R2 Micro-ATX case to continue this tradition. However it is natural to wonder if Fractal Design can deliver the innovative features of its larger, more expensive, chassis at the smaller enclosure’s $99 price point. Let’s find out.

Read more: Fractal Design ARC MINI R2 Micro-ATX Mid Tower Chassis Review @ MissingRemote

A Week with NVIDIA's G-SYNC Monitor @ Hardware Canucks

NVIDIA’s G-SYNC technology has been the talk of the gaming world since it was announced at their Montreal event. While I was able to see it there first-hand, demos were held under strictly controlled conditions and the amount of actual face time with it was limited. Nonetheless, what I saw was impressive and, like many of you, I’ve been counting down the days until NVIDIA released supporting monitors into the wild so more users could experience what could very well be a watershed moment in gaming-oriented technology.

Unfortunately the widespread release of G-SYNC will only be in Q1 2014 but an early alpha-stage prototype monitor did land on my doorstep last week and, as you can tell by the near lack of content on Hardware Canucks since then, it has ruined my productivity. Simply put, I'm addicted.

Read more: A Week with NVIDIA's G-SYNC Monitor @ Hardware Canucks

XFX Radeon R7 240 / 250 Passive review: no fan, low price @ Hardware.Info

In early October AMD launched the first Radeon R9 and R7 video cards. We tested the Radeon R9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X already, and today we're going to look at two lower-positioned cards: the Radeon R7 250 and 240.

Oland GPU
The Radeon R7 250 and 240 are the entry-level cards in AMD's new family. Both are based on the Oland GPU that until had only been used for laptop and OEM cards.

Read more: XFX Radeon R7 240 / 250 Passive review: no fan, low price @ Hardware.Info

Kingston HyperX Predator 2800MHz 8GB Memory Kit Review @ KitGuru

It's Kingston's turn to take shot at the ultra-high frequency memory market. Can the 2800MHz HyperX Predator kit grab the attention of enthusiast benchmarkers and extreme overclockers?

Read more: Kingston HyperX Predator 2800MHz 8GB Memory Kit Review @ KitGuru

Cooler Master Eisberg 120L Prestige Review @ ocaholic

Cooler Master is relatively new in the CPU AIO water cooling market and with the recent introduction of the Cooler Master Eisberg 120L Prestige, it is quite clear that the company wants a bigger piece of that market. Teaming up with the likes of Alphacool from Germany and Eheim for the pump design, Cooler Master is definitely aiming at high-end market. The Cooler Master Eisberg 120L Prestige promises some rather unique and impressive features and since it is based on an open-type design, it is expandable with more components, something that we do not usually see in the AIO water cooling market. Today, we embark on a journey to check out if the Cooler Master Eisberg 120L Prestige has what it takes to compete in an already crowded CPU AIO water cooling market.

Read more: Cooler Master Eisberg 120L Prestige Review @ ocaholic

The TR Podcast 147: Amazon airlifts, 4K goes mainstream, and 290X goes wobbly @ The Tech Report

Join us as we discuss the Radeon R9 290X quandary, the Amazon drone buzz, the John Carmack upset, and so much more.

Read more: The TR Podcast 147: Amazon airlifts, 4K goes mainstream, and 290X goes wobbly @ The Tech Report

Gigabyte Aivia Osmium Cherry Brown Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (GK-OSMIUM BRN) @ Bjorn3D

Gamers love their mechanical keyboards and have their own preferred switch. The distinctive clicky feel from a mechanical keyboard offers gamers superior feedback where very little actuation force is needed to register the key is ideal for the repeated action and the multiple press in games. In many FPS shooter games, that milliseconds of response time can be a matter of life and death. So gamers swear by their mechanical keyboard.

Read more: Gigabyte Aivia Osmium Cherry Brown Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (GK-OSMIUM BRN) @ Bjorn3D