Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including PowerColor Devil R9 270X 2GB, Lian Li PC-A79 Aluminum Chassis Review, Cooler Master Nepton 140XL Cooler Review, Intel Core i3 4330 / i5 4440 review: affordable Haswells, and LSI MegaRAID SAS 9271-8i 6Gb/s 8-Port SATA+SAS ROC RAID Controller



Review: PowerColor Devil R9 270X 2GB @ Custom PC Review

Last week we were blessed with the opportunity to check out MSI’s R9 270 Gaming, which is an excellent variant of AMD’s recently introduced Radeon R9 270 and this week we’ll be checking out a brand new graphics card from PowerColor, the Devil R9 270X. While the Radeon R9 270X and its variants have been released several weeks ago, PowerColor’s cards were unfortunately missing from AMD’s initial launch, but for those of you who waited, you’ll have the option of getting what may possibly be the best R9 270X variant out there.

Today we’ll be reviewing the PowerColor Devil R9 270X. As you may expect, the PowerColor Devil R9 270X is quite a special variant of the R9 270X as it comes with a host of features catering to the enthusiast crowd. Among the features we get PowerColor’s aggressive custom triple fan four heatpipe cooling solution, which PowerColor claims will provide 17% more airflow, 18% reduction of noise and 25% lower temperatures compared to the reference cooling solution. PowerColor has also implemented what they call the Platinum Power Kit, which is their 7+1+1 digitally controlled power delivery system. PowerColor claims that the Platinum Power Kit aids in higher overclocking potential, provides an additional 20% boost in stability as well as 30% better power efficiency. Of course, what’s all that without an overclock from the factory, right? As such, the Devil R9 270X boasts core clocks of 1080MHz (30MHz faster than reference) and carries a memory clock of 1400MHz (5.6GHz effective).

Ready to see the beast PowerColor has unleashed? Let’s take a closer look!

Read more: Review: PowerColor Devil R9 270X 2GB @ Custom PC Review

RAVPower Luster RP-PB08 3000mAh External Battery Pack Review @ TestFreaks

Not long ago I took a look at the Genius Energy Mouse which is a mouse with an external battery inside is charge your other devices and today I have something similar, or at least I think it is. The product for review today is from RAVPower and it’s their new Luster RP-PB08 3000mAh external battery pack which is very small and portable making it easy to take with you. On one end of the Luster you’ll find the standard USB port for charging but on the other is a very bright flashlight. To me this is a flashlight with a built-in battery pack so you can have light when you need but also have power when you need it as well. I’ve found it to be very handy and useful and I know it will be getting a lot of use by me, at least the flashlight part will anyway. So read on to learn about a great little product..

Read more: RAVPower Luster RP-PB08 3000mAh External Battery Pack Review @ TestFreaks

Fighter Within (XBOX ONE) Gameplay Video @ HardwareHeaven.com

Recently Kaeyi Dream headed over to Ubisoft's offices to check out Fighter Within for the XBOX One using Kinect, check out her gameplay footage.

Read more: Fighter Within (XBOX ONE) Gameplay Video @ HardwareHeaven.com

Lian Li PC-A79 Aluminum Chassis Review @ eTeknix

Lian Li are legends in the PC chassis industry, not only are they famed for their high precession construction and relentless use of aluminium, but also for their huge range of products that support the more extreme end of the PC industry. While sure they make a few mITX cases, as well as some crazy and fun specialist cases, their real speciality are the big chassis suitable for workstations, rendering rigs and extreme performance computing in general.

The chassis we are taking a look at today is undoubtedly aimed at the more extreme end of the market and while many may interpret that as “ultimate gaming rig”, that is only one definition of extreme. This chassis is built to take anything from an mATX motherboard to a dual socket workstation board, huge amounts of storage, lots of expansion cards, lots of fans and just a lot of high-end components in general.

At £299 it isn’t exactly cheap but as you can see from the specifications below you do get some pretty impressive compatibility, not to mention the fact that the huge chassis is made of high quality, light weight aluminium. This maybe a retail product, but it is far from consumer grade tech, and it’s not even close to the sort of prices you would expect to pay for your usual high-end chassis product.

Read more: Lian Li PC-A79 Aluminum Chassis Review @ eTeknix

ASRock Z87 Extreme6 (LGA 1150) ATX Motherboard Review @ eTeknix

Despite Z87 being present on the market now since June it is still Intel’s newest consumer desktop platform and offers consumers a lot of cutting edge functionality. Today we have a rather fine looking motherboard that adds to the extensive array of Z87 motherboards available on the market. ASRock’s Z87 Extreme 6 is shooting to be a high end motherboard but at the same time offers a competitive pricing that is more typical of a mid-range Z87 motherboard. ASRock’s Z87 Extreme 6 sits in the ASRock mid-to-high end Z87 segment and offers up a load of high end features like a 12 phase CPU VRM, support for 2 Way SLI or 3 Way CFX, ten SATA III ports, Realtek ALC1150 audio and dual Intel LAN with teaming support

Read more: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 (LGA 1150) ATX Motherboard Review @ eTeknix

Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X OC Edition Video Card Review @ ThinkComputers.org

One of the best things when a new graphics card is released is waiting for custom versions of the card to come out. Many of these cards offer factory overclocks and custom cooling solutions. Not only will this give you better performance, but also quieter and more efficient cooling. Today we are taking a look at an R9 280X from Gigabyte (GV-R928XOC-3GD) which features a factory overclock of 1000 MHz core and 1100 MHz boost. Gigabyte has also installed their own custom WindForce 3X cooler, which should keep things nice and cool. Is the the R9 280X for you? Read on as we take a look...

Read more: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280X OC Edition Video Card Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card Review 2GB or 4GB of VRAM @ Legit Reviews

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 2GB is one of the most sold graphics cards today. It has proven to be a great card for those with a 1080p gaming setup as it is relatively affordable and can often be found for around $250. In recent months companies like Gigabyte have begun offering 4GB models of this popular card for an extra $40-50 over the price of the base model with 2GB of memory. Gigabyte currently has the Gigabyte GTX 760 GDDR5-2GB for $259.99 and the Gigabyte GTX760 GDDR5-4GB for $299.99, so they are charging $40 or 15% more to have double the frame buffer. Many gamers are wondering how much memory they need, so when we got the chance to look at the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB we couldn't pass it up. We would finally be able to see if the extra frame buffer was just a marketing gimmick or something useful that was worth the extra money....

Read more: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card Review 2GB or 4GB of VRAM @ Legit Reviews

Cooler Master V8 GTS Review @ Vortez

Cooler Master have been at the forefront of the cooling market for over 20 years now and although they have branched off into other avenues, their pursuit for the cooling top spot is still a desired accolade. Our latest cooling review takes us to Cooler Master’s boldest move yet with an aggressive air cooler named V8 GTS.

V8 GTS is colossal CPU cooler which features a triple-heatsink design along with a mounting harness which have two 140mm cooling fans attached. Along with the triple-heatsinks, Cooler Master have engineered the base of V8 GTS to have a ‘vapor chamber’ – helping to eliminate hot spots on the CPU.

Read more: Cooler Master V8 GTS Review @ Vortez

Cooler Master Nepton 140XL Cooler Review @ Modders-Inc

Cooler Master is doing, releasing another addition to their mid-range self-contained liquid cooling kit lineup called the Nepton 140XL. It is designed in-house, equipped with a 140mm radiator and bundled with a pair of Cooler Masters JetFlo 140 fans available for $99.

Read more: Cooler Master Nepton 140XL Cooler Review @ Modders-Inc

BIOSTAR NM70I-1037U Motherboard Review @ Madshrimps

The BIOSTAR NM70I-1037U board features an improved CPU, Ivy Bridge Celeron 1037, which is powerful enough to perform many tasks. In order to boost the 3D capabilities even further, we can install a dedicated video card into the available PCI-Express x16 port so we would be even able to game with low to mainstream graphics levels.

Read more: BIOSTAR NM70I-1037U Motherboard Review @ Madshrimps

Google Nexus 5: The TechSpot Review @ Techspot

It’s that time of the year again, where Google releases a new Nexus handset for those wanting a cheap yet powerful device running stock Android. 2013’s Nexus is the Nexus 5, aptly named as it’s both the fifth Nexus device and it packs a five-inch display. Like its predecessor, the Nexus 4, this new device is produced by LG and packs many similarities to the LG G2, which is the company’s more expensive flagship mode.
Google Nexus 5 - $349 - $399 (unlocked)

5.0”, 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD display (441 ppi)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC
2.3 GHz quad-core CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM
16 or 32 GB internal storage
8 MP camera, 1/3.2” sensor, f/2.4 lens, 1080p video
2,300 mAh, 8 Wh battery
LTE, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Stock Android 4.4 ‘KitKat’
130 grams, 8.6mm thick

Despite its low price – $349 for an unlocked 16 GB model – the Nexus 5 packs top-of-the-line specifications. Internally there’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with a 2.3 GHz quad-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, LTE radios worldwide (a first for Nexus devices) and a 2,300 mAh battery, complemented by a 4.95-inch 1080p IPS display. Let’s not forget the camera either, which is an 8-megapixel unit and will hopefully prove much more capable than the Nexus cameras of the past.

Read more: Google Nexus 5: The TechSpot Review @ Techspot

ViewSonic VX2252 22” Monitor Review @ Hardware Canucks

In a market that’s loaded with well-priced competitors, some may question the relevance of Viewsonic’s VX2252. It is a 22”, 1080P monitor which costs less than $175 but Viewsonic has backstopped it with some serious technology. Granted, with over 25 years of experience ViewSonic knows what it takes to make a great value orientated display: good performance, great looks, a host of extra features and accomplish all of this without breaking budgets. On paper this may sound simple, but getting the proper blend of performance and price takes a deft touch.

With the low-cost marketplace firmly wrapped up, ViewSonic is branching out and have started to offer monitors which cater to slightly different corners of the value-first segment. This has been accomplished with varying degrees of success but the VX2252 does things a bit differently. Unlike most other entry level monitors, it has been designed to cater to the multimedia enthusiast who is on a tight budget. Between the two sizes available right now (the other is a 24” model priced at $190) the 22-inch VX2252 appears to fill this role like a well-tailored tuxedo.

Read more: ViewSonic VX2252 22” Monitor Review @ Hardware Canucks

Batman: Arkham Origins Review @ OCC

The old adage applies here if it's not broke, don't fix it. I very much prefer this situation here with Origins than when Bioware and EA changed up the near-perfect formula of Dragon Age: Origins in the sequel. While Dragon Age 2 is not necessarily a bad game, the first game was clearly superior. With Batman: Arkham Origins, we have a case where I can honestly declare this the best Batman Arkham game yet. It has everything Arkham City had with consistently better boss battles and a story that arguably rivals Arkham Asylum. But if you weren't hoping for more of the same, you may not see it that way. If you were hoping for the leap forward to be as grand as the one from Asylum to City, I don't blame you for being disappointed, I simply hold a different opinion.

Read more: Batman: Arkham Origins Review @ OCC

Beginners Guide: How To Install / Remove an Intel Socket LGA2011 CPU @ PC Stats

Installing a socket LGA2011 Intel Core i5 or i7 processor into a fresh motherboard can be intimidating step, particularly if you've never worked inside a PC before. Well, PCSTATS has heard your calls for a quick Beginners Guide on this subject, so that's what we'll be laying out in this article today!

Read more: Beginners Guide: How To Install / Remove an Intel Socket LGA2011 CPU @ PC Stats

ROCCAT Raivo Gaming Mousepad Review @ Neoseeker

When it comes to shopping for gaming peripherals, the mouse pad is often overlooked as a contributor to the gaming experience. More often than not, users rely on cheap dollar store mouse pads or even just their desks for their expensive gaming mice, the excuse being "it's good enough". How many times have you seen a friend or family member use an ad-infested mouse pad simply because they got it free from somewhere? Yet they are likely the very same users who end up with worn out mouse feet, or frequently need to lift their mouse because it does not track properly. Some desks and cheap pads are just too reflective or feature complicated patterns for sensors to accurately gather surface data. The worst is the dirt and grime that quickly gathers on mouse feet for the desk users. Eventually the smooth feeling, expensive mouse ends up being rough to move around (unless your desk is consistently clean).

ROCCAT is a company that offers a wide range of mouse pads among its lineup of gaming peripherals. In the past several months, we have come across several of ROCCAT's mouse pads, the Hiro and the Sense, each offering unique build materials catered to different price markets. Today, we have the ROCCAT Raivo on review. Contrasting the silicone and cloth-based material found on the Hiro and Sense, respectively, the Raivo features a rigid, semi-flexible micro-dotted granular surface and integrated support plate to ensure longevity and durability. As usual, ROCCAT also delivers a non-slip rubber backing while their cat-inspired logo graces the surface. The pad comes in three colors: Lightning Blue, Stealth Black, and Midnight Black – we have the Stealth Black version on review today.

How does the hard surface of the ROCCAT Raivo compete against other mouse pads on the market? Let's take a closer look as we head into our review.

Read more: ROCCAT Raivo Gaming Mousepad Review @ Neoseeker

Intel Core i3 4330 / i5 4440 review: affordable Haswells @ Hardware.Info

In June Intel introduced its Haswell processors, but not all of them were released at the same time. The first dual-core Core i3 CPUs have now hit stores, and today we'll take a closer look at the Core i5 4440 and Core i3 4330.
If you missed our original coverage of the fourth generation Core processors, you can find that here. The initial launch included laptop Core i7s and desktop Core i7s and Core i5s. Both platforms recently received a number of new processors.

Read more: Intel Core i3 4330 / i5 4440 review: affordable Haswells @ Hardware.Info

Radeon R9 270 Market Overview @ ocaholic

In this article we made a list of all Radeon R9 270 around sorted by manufacturers with pics, specs and prices. At the end of the article you also find an interactive overview with filtering and sorting functions to compare all cards. If you think or see that some are missing/there are mistakes, please leave a comment and we will add/fix it as soon as possible.

Read more: Radeon R9 270 Market Overview @ ocaholic

Hands-on review: PowerShell Controller + Battery review @ Techradar

Scratch two massive firsts off the list; we just played a game on an iPhone using physical controls, and saw an iPhone charging with microUSB.Logitech's PowerShell Controller + Battery brings a traditional D-pad and button mashing control scheme to Apple's ubiquitous smartphone, and it'll charge your iPhone. It'll be on shelves in early December, just in time for Christmas. At $99, it's a pricey stocking stuffer, but its ability to act as a mobile charger adds a big incentive to toss one under the tree and into your bag.Docking your iPhone with the PowerShell Controller is simple. Just slide it into the plastic frame, a built in lighting connecter does all the work.

Read more: Hands-on review: PowerShell Controller + Battery review @ Techradar

Corsair CS650M Power Supply Review @ KitGuru

Today we review one of the power supplies in the new Corsair range, a semi modular unit featuring 80 Plus Gold Certification. Corsair are targeting a wide audience with this specific range the CS650M unit we review today is priced at a very competitive £75 inc vat. Is this a power supply that should be in your shortlist for a new upgrade?

Read more: Corsair CS650M Power Supply Review @ KitGuru

LSI MegaRAID SAS 9271-8i 6Gb/s 8-Port SATA+SAS ROC RAID Controller @ NikKTech

When i first started using and testing SAS equipment several years ago the SAS standard wasn't really popular amongst non-professionals and so almost all of the available solutions back then were considered enterprise grade because of their somewhat high cost, wealth of features and performance levels. Fast forward a few years in the future and right now there are even consumer oriented mainboards that feature entry-level onboard SAS controllers in an effort to cover consumers who are not after the extra features and performance offered by mid and high-end add-on cards. Now as some of you know last year we paired the latest LSI MegaRAID 9265-8i 6Gb/s 8 port SATA+SAS RAID Controller and its main counterpart manufactured by ARECA the ARC-1882i 8 Port 6Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID Adapter with a total of 8 Kingston HyperX 120GB SATA III SSDs to see just which solutions offered the best bang for your buck and in the end both produced impressive results. Well today we are placing both cards against one of the latest mid-end SAS/SATA RAID controllers to hit the market by LSI, the MegaRAID 9271-8i 6Gb/s 8 port SATA+SAS RAID Controller to see if LSI has brought anything new to the table.

Read more: LSI MegaRAID SAS 9271-8i 6Gb/s 8-Port SATA+SAS ROC RAID Controller @ NikKTech