Here today's reviews and articles, including Intel Lifts Veil on Haswell Graphics Branding and Performance, Giada Q11 Android OS Mini PC, Video Perspective: Oculus Rift Development Kit Hands-on Preview, High End Case Roundup: In Win, Lian-Li, & SilverStone, and The Perfect Server - Ubuntu 13.04 (nginx, BIND, Dovecot, ISPConfig 3)



Intel Lifts Veil on Haswell Graphics Branding and Performance @ HotHardware.com

Intel is finally offering up juicy details on its Haswell graphics offerings after teasing it at CES, including branding and some performance metrics. With the release of the company's 4th generation Core processors, Intel's new integrated graphics will go by the "Iris" moniker. Meanwhile, Intel's baseline HD Graphics will also see a bump in performance and capabilities.

Now, we'll see Intel HD 5000 graphics along with the higher-end Intel Iris Graphics 5100 and Iris Pro Graphics 5200...

Read more: Intel Lifts Veil on Haswell Graphics Branding and Performance @ HotHardware.com

Giada Q11 Android OS Mini PC @ techPowerUp

The Android operating system is starting to invade the world of PCs. Today, we will test a mini-PC from Giada, the Q11. It uses an ARM CPU and runs on an Android OS. This unit has access to numerous applications through the Google Play store and consumes very little energy, barely exceeding 10 W at full load.

Read more: Giada Q11 Android OS Mini PC @ techPowerUp

Intel Iris Graphics Announced For 4th Gen Core Processors @ Legit Reviews

Today Intel unveiled the performance capabilities of Intel Iris graphics, which will be available on select SKUs of our highly-anticipated 4th Gen Intel Core processor family. For the very first time Intel is showing off 3DMark performance benchmarks, so read on to find out what is in store for all of us when Haswell processors come out!

The Intel Core i7-3770K 3.9GHz quad-core processor with Intel HD 4000 Graphics as the baseline going against some new Haswell processors. The first comparison is against the Intel Core i7-4770K 3.9GHz quad-processor that has Intel HD 4600 Graphics. Since both processors have the same clock frequencies and number of cores/threads it shows that Intel was able to get a 20-70% performance gain in the three 3DMark benchmarks shown. The final processor shown in this chart is the Intel Core i7-4770R and it dominates...

Read more: Intel Iris Graphics Announced For 4th Gen Core Processors @ Legit Reviews

Intel dubs Haswell IGP 'Iris,' promises 2-3X performance increase @ The Tech Report

So long, Intel HD Graphics! Well, kind of. At a press event earlier today, Intel revealed that the faster variants of Haswell's integrated GPU will bear new names: Iris graphics and Iris Pro graphics. Intel is also promising a two- to three-fold graphics performance increase over current Ivy Bridge integrated graphics.

Read more: Intel dubs Haswell IGP 'Iris,' promises 2-3X performance increase @ The Tech Report

Gigabyte Fly Headphones Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Gigabyte is a well-known name in motherboard manufacturing but they have also expanded their product offering to include video cards, cases, and peripherals. Gigabyte is now continuing with their expansion to other aspects of multimedia consumer products, namely headsets and other audio devices. With their current audio product line currently consisting of only the H11 in-ear headset so far, Gigabyte is introducing a new on-ear device for bass enthusiasts.

The Gigabyte Fly headphones are designed to be lightweight and portable while providing powerful bass performance. The Gigabyte Fly headphones only weigh 79 grams without the 1.2 meter long vinyl-coated cable and 3.5mm gold plated audio jack. The reinforced adjustable steel headband on the Gigabyte Fly is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand the daily commute and rigorous outdoor activities. The Fly headphones’ ear cups are equipped with 40mm Neodymium drivers that have a frequency response range of 15 to 20,000 Hz and sensitivity of 122 dB/mW. Soft leatherette ear cushion covers help isolate noise and also provide comfortable fit while wearing the Gigabyte Fly headphone for long periods of time. For peace of mind, the Gigabyte Fly headphone comes with a two-year warranty tied into a unique serial number included inside the package.

Read more: Gigabyte Fly Headphones Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Cougar Dual-X 120mm Blue LED Case Fan Review - Innovative Design With Powerful Performance @ TechnologyX

Case fans historically tend to fall into one of two categories of performance – air flow/power potential, and noise level/quiet operation potential. One usually has to sacrifice a bit of the quiet operation factor in order to achieve the desired power level needed to do an adequate cooling job. If you need to avoid the noise level, then you may need to sacrifice some air flow to get the decibels down to acceptable levels. A number of case fans have hit the market in recent years claiming voluminous air flow and whisper-quiet operation; or marketing variations of this theme. The examples that can truly make this claim are few and far between.

Read more: Cougar Dual-X 120mm Blue LED Case Fan Review - Innovative Design With Powerful Performance @ TechnologyX

Time to Ante Up Again: Poker Night 2 Review @ Techgage

A single-player poker game might not sound too exciting at first, but Telltale Games has done a fine job of spicing things up. It’s tossed in a collection of recognizable characters, a slew of one-liners and the ability to unlock exclusive items in Borderlands 2 and Team Fortress 2. The icing on the cake? The game’s $5 price tag.

Read more: Time to Ante Up Again: Poker Night 2 Review @ Techgage

Intel GT3 Graphics in Haswell - Twice as Fast as Ivy Bridge @ Legit Reviews

Next month Intel will be releasing dozens of processors based on the new highly anticipated Haswell microarchitecture. These processors use the brand new 22nm 3D Tri-Gate production process and have some pretty interesting features, but we are going to be talking about the graphics aspect of the new processors today. Intel GT3 graphics is said to double the performance over current Intel graphics solutions, but is it coming to desktop processors?

One would expect that Intel would be putting this glorious new GPU technology into socketed desktop processors, but we have learned that is not the case. Only certain BGA versions will receive GT3 (Intel HD 5xxx) integrated graphics. Intel will have some R-series desktop processors that feature Intel HD 5200 graphics (GT3e), like the Core i7-4770R, but they are all BGA solutions. All of the traditional desktop processors will get GT2 (Intel HD 4xxx) integrated graphics...

Read more: Intel GT3 Graphics in Haswell - Twice as Fast as Ivy Bridge @ Legit Reviews

G-Form Extreme Edge Case for iPad & 10.1" Tablets Review @ TestFreaks

Protection for tablets can come in many shapes, sizes, colors and forms and not all are created equal. Up for review today I have a case that I would consider extreme protection for your tablet. This is the case that was dropped from 100,000 feet with an iPad inside of it and the iPad survived unscathed. Now that’s what you can call extreme protection surely! The case is the G-Form Extreme Edge Case and it’s for the iPad & 10.1″ tablets. The case uses a special material that reacts when force such as a drop is applied to it. It’s normally a soft almost gel like material but when force is applied it hardens instantly for protection of whatever is inside of it. So read on to learn more…

Read more: G-Form Extreme Edge Case for iPad & 10.1" Tablets Review @ TestFreaks

Video Perspective: Oculus Rift Development Kit Hands-on Preview @ PC Perspective

Since first hearing about the Kickstarter project that raised nearly 2.5 million dollars from over 9,500 contributors, I have eagerly been awaiting the arrival of my Oculus Rift development kit. Not because I plan on quitting the hardware review business to start working on a new 3D, VR-ready gaming project but just because as a technology enthusiast I need to see the new, fun gadgets and what they might mean for the future of gaming.

I have read other user's accounts of their time with the Oculus Rift, including a great write up in a Q&A form Ben Kuchera over at Penny Arcade Report, but I needed my own hands-on time with the consumer-oriented VR (virtual reality) product. Having tried it for very short periods of time at both Quakecon 2012 and CES 2013 (less than 5 minutes) I wanted to see how it performed and more importantly, how my body reacted to it.

Read more: Video Perspective: Oculus Rift Development Kit Hands-on Preview @ PC Perspective

SteelSeries Call of Duty Black Ops II Mouse Review @ Hardware Secrets

SteelSeries has a history of releasing thematic peripherals, such as the World of Warcraft and Diablo line of products (both games from Blizzard Entertainment). Now the company releases a set of mouse and mouse pad for the best-selling FPS title, Call of Duty Black Ops II. The basis of the peripheral is the celebrated Sensei mouse, but with some differences that we will see throughout this review.

Read more: SteelSeries Call of Duty Black Ops II Mouse Review @ Hardware Secrets

Gigabyte Next Generation Intel Preview (Enhanced Audio Motherboards) @ HardwareHeaven.com

Last week we went to Taipei, one of the global cities in the production of technology and home to Gigabyte's Head Office. Not only did we have a really interesting tour of their factory detailing how each stage of the production process is carried out but we also had a chance to meet some of their great staff and we were shown their next generation Intel boards. Today we can show you some images as well as talk about what makes them different to the competition... and previous Gigabyte models.

Read more: Gigabyte Next Generation Intel Preview (Enhanced Audio Motherboards) @ HardwareHeaven.com

GRID 2 Video Preview (PC) @ HardwareHeaven.com

Today Stuart Davidson takes a look at the latest preview of Codemaster's GRID 2 for PC. As well as the video, we have a gallery of the latest available press screenshots.

Read more: GRID 2 Video Preview (PC) @ HardwareHeaven.com

StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm Review @ PC Perspective

The wait has been long and anxious for Heart of the Swarm, the expansion to 2010's StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty. Blizzard originally hinted at a very rapid release schedule which did not exactly come to fruition. The nearly three years of development time for Heart of the Swarm is longer than a single studio spends on a full Call of Duty title; although, one could make a very credible argument that a Blizzard expansion requires more effort to create than said complete Call of Duty title.

Read more: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm Review @ PC Perspective

High End Case Roundup: In Win, Lian-Li, & SilverStone @ HotHardware.com

If you love building computers, you probably appreciate a good case or chassis. While there are plenty of excellent products available for a song, there's also an upper echelon of models that cost quite a bit and offer all the premiere features you could hope for. While it seems as though there's a lot of similarity between low-end and midrange cases, once you get to a certain price point, various companies take things in very different directions. The three premium chassis we're looking at in this roundup certainly bear that out.

In Win, Lian Li, and SilverStone all make some beautiful cases. And when we asked them to send us one of their top of the line products, they all responded in kind: In Win with the unique H-Frame, Lian Li with the tall, all-black PC-X2000FN, and Silverstone with the Fortress FT02...

Read more: High End Case Roundup: In Win, Lian-Li, & SilverStone @ HotHardware.com

Alienvibes W601 2.2 Channel PC Speaker System Review @ Bigbruin.com

Ineo Technology is best known for their storage solutions, but they recently launched their Alienvibes division which is focused on audio products such as headphones and speakers. Bigbruin.com had the opportunity to take a look at their EP02 headphones last fall, and now Alienvibes is back with a range of speakers intended for use with PCs and portable media players. In this review we will be checking out the W601 speakers, which is a 2.2 channel system has some impressive features that include dual subwoofers, a wireless remote, SD/USB MP3 playback, and two inputs from sources such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other audio source.

Read more: Alienvibes W601 2.2 Channel PC Speaker System Review @ Bigbruin.com

Corsair AX860i 860W Power Supply Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Corsair has become known for their power supplies over the past couple of years. Almost everyone you talk to these days will list a Corsair power supply in recommending a power supply for a build. Corsair’s top line of power supply line is the AX series and today we are taking a look at the AX860i model. This 860W power supply features digital (DSP) control for the best possible voltage regulation, an 80PLUS Platinum certification, full modular design and monitoring and customization through Corsair’s Link software. I have heard nothing but great things about this power supply so let’s take a look…

Read more: Corsair AX860i 860W Power Supply Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Noctua NH-U12S & NH-U14S CPU Coolers Review @ NikKTech

For good or bad Summer is finally here which would explain why all of our 4 test rigs have begun heating up a lot more during these past few days as would the fact that i can't seem to be able to stay in front of our 800W photo bench for more than 20 minutes at a time. So since we all know how important a good CPU cooler is especially during the Summer period we announced that we will be doing a very cool giveaway with our friends over at Noctua tomorrow with 3 of their latest cooling solutions up for grabs. Because of that however we also feel that you need to know what it is that we will be giving away so for the past 3 days we've been putting the latest NH-U12S and NH-U14S CPU Air Coolers through rigorous testing with impressive results especially for two single fan solutions.

Read more: Noctua NH-U12S & NH-U14S CPU Coolers Review @ NikKTech

Dell XPS 18 Review @ TechReviewSource.com

The Dell XPS 18 is a portable all-in-one desktop PC. Larger than a tablet or laptop, but smaller than a full blown all-in-one desktop, the Dell XPS 18 lets you bring a full Windows 8 PC around the house or office corridors with you. It mostly works, though the market for such a product is still in its beginning stages.

Read more: Dell XPS 18 Review @ TechReviewSource.com

Noctua NF-S12A FLX 120mm Cooling Fan Review @ DragonSteelMods

If you’ve ever built your own system you know that you need good fans and one such company that makes them is Noctua as if you’re an enthusiast you know this. If you’re looking for quiet and reliable fans that are on the cutting edge of cooling technology, then you go with Noctua plain and simple. Today for review I have one of the latest fans from Noctua, the NF-S12A FLX, the FLX means Flex or flexible meaning that you can control the fan speed and it gives you three choices 1200rpm, 900rpm or 700rpm depending on what your uses are for the fan. These make a great choice for either CPU air cooling, liquid cooling or even just case cooling. Read on to learn more…

Read more: Noctua NF-S12A FLX 120mm Cooling Fan Review @ DragonSteelMods

The Perfect Server - Ubuntu 13.04 (nginx, BIND, Dovecot, ISPConfig 3) @ Howtoforge

This tutorial shows how to prepare an Ubuntu 13.04 (Raring Ringtail) server (with nginx, BIND, Dovecot) for the installation of ISPConfig 3, and how to install ISPConfig 3. ISPConfig 3 is a webhosting control panel that allows you to configure the following services through a web browser: Apache or nginx web server, Postfix mail server, Courier or Dovecot IMAP/POP3 server, MySQL, BIND or MyDNS nameserver, PureFTPd, SpamAssassin, ClamAV, and many more. This setup covers nginx (instead of Apache), BIND (instead of MyDNS), and Dovecot (instead of Courier).

Read more: The Perfect Server - Ubuntu 13.04 (nginx, BIND, Dovecot, ISPConfig 3) @ Howtoforge