Diamond Viper Radeon HD 3850 Ruby edition 512MB review

Today Guru3D peeks at the Diamond Viper Radeon HD 3850 512Mb Ruby edition, a fun product. It's a Radeon HD 3850 colored with a red PCB, a custom cooler slapped on top of it and they pre-overclocked it to get closer the Radeon HD 3870 performance level, all that for roughly 140 EUR / 179 USD. Not bad. Let's have a look at the technology empowering this graphics card and then startup the in-depth review.

Full URL:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-3850-review-diamond-viper-ruby-edition-512-mb/

It never ceases to amaze me how much fun the more budget oriented products can be. NVIDIA recently released their GF8200 based mainboards. So why not grab a Phenom processor, some memory and the ECS GF8200A mainboard and see where we end up? And I'll tell you in advance ... for this kind of money, this little mainboard again is amazing for the price.

See, this mainboard comes with Hybrid graphics, (integrated GeForce 8200), VGA output, HDMI output, HD audio integrated, Gigabit Ethernet, PCI-Express 2.0, Serial ATA (RAID 0,1,10) DDR2 memory up-to 1066 MHz and all that for a price hovering at roughly 70 bucks! That's just electrifying. Say you want to build a HTPC capable of decoding 1080P Blu-Ray. Well, purchase this mainboard, slap some memory on it and get a budget processor. Because the integrated graphics core will handle the HDMI and even media VC-1/h.264 decoding for you (Blu-ray / HD-DVD). This is just a very cheap alternative. It will also handle six 3Gb/s SATA drives, 12 USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet.

Let's check it out:

http://www.guru3d.com/article/ecs-gf8200a-black-edition-mainboard-review/

Plextor released two new models for their the next generation of NAS drives. The two new models – Plextor StorX PX-NAS500L /PX-NAS1000L offer 500GB and 1TB capacity, respectively and are designed for users moving into a NAS solution for the first time, as well as competent small office business users.

Users with escalating media collections and data can connect it to their separate wireless media streamer/router using the Gigabit LAN port and watch movies, listen to music or share data wherever they choose. In the event of users finding they are starting to run out of space again, they can simply add another hard drive to the Plextor StorX unit via USB to extend the storage capacity.

In addition to offering significant extra storage, the Plextor StorX devices come equipped with useful features. The Plextor StorX includes: a print server that can share a printer over the network when connected to it via USB; a one-touch USB back-up button. Additionally, the NAS, which has the ability to operate over GigaLAN networks (10/100/1000 Mbps), is both secure and flexible: it includes a high security feature so that the administrator can limit access to certain folders; and it can be configured as a dedicated FTP server.

The Plextor StorX is designed for extreme liability and continued use 24 hours, 7 days a week. The system will quietly go into sleep mode when not accessed for a period of time.

The Plextor StorX PX-NAS500L and PX-NAS1000L will both be available from early June 2008 from the network of Plextor dealers. Novelties are covered by Plextor's Fast Warranty Service (2-year warranty in the EU, Norway and Switzerland; 1 year in other countries).

Specifications:

• OS: Windows XP / Vista;
• Software requirement: Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later;
• Dimensions: 210 x 125 x 75 mm;
• Support protocol: TCP/IP, HTTP, SMB, FTP, DHCP, uPnP, ARP;
• LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN support;
• Connector: LAN: 1 x RJ45; 2 x USB 1.1/2.0 ports;
• HDD RPM: 7200 rpm;
• Extras:
  • Power supply: DC 12V 3A External AC power adapter;
  • Power cable UK + power cable EU;
  • Network cable RJ45;
  • Manual on CD: 6 languages (and quick installation guide);
  • RoHS compliant.

Cooler Master's Hyper Z600 product page is now online, we've already shown you this cooler at our CeBIT 2008 report. A review sample is inbound, yet delivery was delayed.  I hope to have a review on a couple of coolers within the next two weeks.

This massive processor cooler was shown off at CeBIT a couple of weeks ago. It supports the latest Intel and AMD sockets and has a copper base, six heatpipes and aluminum fins. It measures 127.28mm x 127.28mm x 160mm and weighs 1045g.

Overclockers are also kept in mind when designing the Z600, as up to two 120mm fans can be added to opposing sides of the heat-sink in a push-pull configuration. With one 120mm fan, the Z600 transforms into a first class cooler for CPUs running beyond 89W. With two fans, the Z600 becomes cooling solution for the serious overclocker. The Hyper Z600 is compatible with all existing CPU sockets.

Features:

1. The interlaced fins maximizes the dissipation surface to provide superior cooling performance

2. Unique “X” design creates lower back pressure to make air pass through heatsink quickly and guide more air pass through the heatsink

3. Mirror-coated copper base and 6 heat pipes ensure 100% contact with the processor to maximize the heat conduction. It could draw heat from CPU to the heat pipes immediately.

4. Optimum fin space allows air pass through heatsink quickly

Intel, Samsung and TSMC have reached an agreement on the need for industry-wide collaboration to target a transition to larger, 450mm-sized wafers starting in 2012.

The transition to larger wafers will enable continued growth of the semiconductor industry and helps maintain a reasonable cost structure for future integrated circuit manufacturing and applications. The companies will cooperate with the semiconductor industry to help ensure that all of the required components, infrastructure and capability are developed and tested for a pilot line by this target date.

I was a Pioneer audio freak once. Right now Onkyo has my two thumbs up up the best audio quality. But the design of this new Elite series from Pioneer are truly impressive. Pioneer introduced four new A/V receivers to its Elite line. The SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH feature 7.1-channel surround sound connections and support DTS HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus lossless audio formats. The SC-07 and SC-05 benefit from the same Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEpower analog class D technology Pioneer uses in its flagship SC-09TX receiver.
Both SC models sport Pioneer's Home Media Gallery IP networking that allows personal digital music and JPEG photo files to be accessed from a PC hard drive or USB. The feature supports DLNA, Windows Vista or Windows Media Connect, and Microsoft playsforsure DRM technology. The two are also equipped with Precision Quart Locking System that synchronizes data via an HDMI connection with the company's new Blu-ray Disc players and the receivers for ultra precise CD playback. Rounding out SC-exclusive attributes is Pioneer's DSP with Full Band Phase Control to eliminate group delay of each speaker.

The SC-07 is the heavyweight of the four, with a Burr Brown Sampling Rate Converter capable of upscaling audio to 192kHZ, 24-bit resolution, as well as two 1.3a HDMI outputs for multiple room support.

Common features to all include room-tuning software, a new symmetric equalization (EQ) and anti-jitter technologies. Each receiver integrates design cues that make them ready for custom home theater installations in multi-zone and multi-source set-ups.

The VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will be available in June for a suggested price of $750 and $1,000, respectively, while the SC-05 and SC-07 ship in August for $1,800 and $2,200, respectively.

Pioneer Elite SC-07

Pioneer SC-09

The visual capabilities of typical PCs are driven by either integrated graphics on the motherboard or by higher performance, discrete graphics cards. Unfortunately, the most common integrated graphics chips lack the performance and features needed by many popular modern 3D applications, games, and movies. Discrete graphics cards deliver a far superior visual experience, but consume more energy.

According to the press release, Hybrid SLI-enabled motherboards eliminate this problem by putting a GeForce GPU directly on the motherboard. This GeForce GPU has better DirectX compatibility and HD movie playback capability than the most common integrated graphics chips found in today's PCs, but consumes less energy than a discrete graphics card.

Designed for PC enthusiasts and hard-core gamers, the HybridPower feature completely powers down the discrete graphics cards and switches graphics processing to the motherboard GPU in applications where major 3D horsepower is not required, such as e-mail and Web surfing. Users will appreciate the lower energy consumption, quieter PC operation, and less heat. When additional 3D horsepower is needed, it can be manually transitioned back to discrete graphics cards using HybridPower technology, which are then powered up and ready to rock the 3D world. Hybrid SLI technology allows to save on energy costs over the life of the PC for high-end, enthusiast-class PCs, and deliver additional graphics performance for more mainstream desktops via these two features.

For mainstream users, a Hybrid SLI technology feature called GeForce Boost allows the user to add an additional graphics card for even more graphics horsepower. By combining the performance of the motherboard GPU and graphics card discrete GPUs, GeForce Boost increases overall graphics performance up to 50% for today’s visually intensive applications and home entertainment.

The Hybrid SLI-enabled desktop PC motherboards are designed to create a balanced PC with GeForce GPUs and AMD Phenom processors. Eight models, including a newly available nForce 780a SLI motherboard, are available:

• nForce 780a SLI, nForce 750a SLI, nForce 730a, and nForce 720a
• GeForce 8300, GeForce 8200, and GeForce 8100

Currently available Hybrid SLI-enabled discrete graphics cards include:

• NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 and NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX (both HybridPower-capable)
• GeForce 8400 GS and GeForce 8500 GT (both GeForce Boost-capable)

Hybrid SLI-enabled PC motherboards for Intel processors and Hybrid SLI-enabled notebooks will be available in Q3 of 2008.

Check this trailer out. Looks pretty good. This is the first ever gameplay footage of Mirror's Edge (PC PS3, Xbox 360), the upcoming first-person action-adventure game that is currently in development at Digital Illusions CE. Presented from a first-person perspective, the cinematic opened with Faith running, arms akimbo, before jumping on and climbing up a chain-link fence, sliding under a set of low steel pipes and performing a barrel roll as she landed.

It's not unlike trying to imagine Assassin's Creed from a totally different point of view. Along the way, she slid down pipes, ran sideways along building walls to bridge gaps, and used what looked like power cables as a makeshift zip line. 
 

MasterDrive SSDs use NAND Flash rather than magnetic platters as the storage medium, giving them many advantages over HDDs. These drives have no moving parts, and therefore are completely silent, lighter weight and more reliable than HDDs. Moreover, they consume a fraction of the power of HDDs, meaning they produce less heat and offer longer battery life in mobile computing. MasterDrive SSDs use a SATA-II (3Gbps) interface to support high bandwidth and broad compatibility with motherboards, and have a standard 2.5-inch form factor. Proprietary wear-leveling algorithms extend the life of these SSDs.

“These new SSDs are a rugged, lightning fast, low power storage alternative for mobile professionals and enthusiasts. With such overwhelming benefits, MasterDrive SSDs are sure to revolutionize mobile storage”, commented Super Talent Marketing Director, Joe James.

MasterDrive DX drives mploy SLC NAND Flash to support astounding sequential read and write speeds up to 120 and 70 MB/sec respectively, and are backed with a three year warranty. MasterDrive MX drives use MLC Flash to achieve maximum sequential read/write speeds of 120 and 40 MB/sec, and include a 1-year warranty. MasterDrive SSDs are available now from NewEgg and eWiz.

Creating a little hype surely brings in dough. Take-Two Interactive Software said today that Grand Theft Auto IV has surpassed all-time entertainment records for day one and week one sales by dollar value. Released on Tuesday, April 29th, Grand Theft Auto IV, the critically acclaimed video game, has sold through to consumers approximately 6 million units globally with an estimated retail value of more than $500 million in the first week. Grand Theft Auto IV sold approximately 3.6 million units on its opening day with a retail value of approximately $310 million globally.

"We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV's first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

"Rockstar's goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score. Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece," said Ben Feder, Take-Two's Chief Executive Officer.

"DOOM is part of the id Software DNA and demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next installment of our flagship franchise to Earth," said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software.  "It's critical for id Software to have the best creative minds in-house to develop games that meet the standards synonymous with our titles."

The DOOM franchise is one of the most recognizable and important in gaming history, having been named "one of the ten most influential games of the decade" by PC Gamer and "the #1 game of all time" by GameSpy.  DOOM 4 will join the award-winning series which has consistently topped sales charts throughout the world.

The D silicon stepping in the 45-nanometer process will be code-named Hydra and is alleged to be AMD's true response to Intel's Nehalem CPU micro-architecture. This silicon stepping will introduce an L2 cache level of 1MB per core, which means that the upcoming processors will enjoy twice as much cache memory over the existing K10.5 silicon.

More than that, the new micro-architecture will also bring the much-hyped High-K metal gate technology that has been jointly developed by AMD and IBM using 45nm SOI (silicon-over-insulator) cores. The first 45-nanometer SOI cores, however, will be introduced earlier, in both Deneb and Propus chips. Hydra will also bring a huge, 6 MB L3 cache pool that will be shared among all the processor's cores. The new chip is expected to hit the market in at least eight-core configurations, although the company is likely to introduce them as eight-core native designs, rather than the recently unveiled MCM (Multi Chip Module).

As far as the brute computing performance is concerned, it is estimated that Hydra processors will be able to deliver stock core frequencies of over 3 GHz.

It is currently unknown whether it will be as overclockable as Intel's counterparts, but this is highly unlikely to happen, given AMD's conservative stance when it comes to tweaking its chips. Intel took the same approach with the Nehalems, and rumor has it that only the Bloomfield-based high-end offerings will be ale to go beyond the default clock speed.

The Hydra chips will arrive on the market in mid-2009 or even later and in the meantime, Intel's Nehalems will be the only high-end alternative.