EVGA GeForce GTX 780 SC ACX review
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 WindForce 3x OC review
GeForce GTX 780 SLI and Multi monitor review
GeForce GTX 780 review
OCZ Vertex 450 SSD review
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost OC WindForce 2X review
MSI Radeon HD 7790 TurboDuo OC review
Metro Last Light VGA Graphics Benchmark performance test
Noctua NH-U12S and NH-U14S review
ASUS GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU Mini review
Featured Stories
EVGA GeForce GTX 780 SuperClocked ACX review
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 05/24/2013 10:32 AM | 22 comment(s) ]
Today we test and review a GeForce GTX 780 from EVGA, the SC ACX edition specifically. The Superclocked model comes with a nice factory tweak and that all new ball bearing fan based ACX cooler. Overall the card is almost as fast as a GeForce GTX Titan, 100% cool and 100% silent. We test the product with the hottest games like Metro: Last light, Battlefield 3, Sleeping Dogs, Far Cry 3, Medal of Honor Warfighter, Hitman Absolution and many more.
Read the article right here.
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 WindForce 3x OC gets tested
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 05/23/2013 02:14 PM | 20 comment(s) ]
Oh yes, one more GeForce GTX 780 review. Meet the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 WindForce 3x OC edition. The graphics card comes with a factory overclock and the new WindForce 3X 2 Slot 450W fan sink with Triangle Cool fans, as they like to cool it. That would be three silent 80mm fans. Overall the card is almost as fast as a GeForce GTX Titan, 100% cool and 100% silent. We test the product with the hottest games like Metro: Last light, Battlefield 3, Sleeping Dogs, Far Cry 3, Medal of Honor Warfighter, Hitman Absolution and many more. You can read the article right here.
OCZ Vertex 450 SSD gets tested
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 05/23/2013 01:55 PM | 0 comment(s) ]
In this article we test, benchmark and review the all new OCZ Vertex 450 SSD. Armed with the new Indilinx Barefoot 3 controller this is the fifth incarnation of the popular OCZ Vertex series.
You can read this article right here.
GeForce GTX 780 gets tested
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 05/23/2013 01:54 PM | 112 comment(s) ]
In this article we review NVIDIA's all new GeForce GTX 780 (with FCAT as well). The GeForce GTX 780 is a new high-end graphics card based on the Flagship product, the GTX Titan. This means it is based on the GK110 GPU and has an whopping 7.1 Billion transistors.
You can read this article right here.
GeForce GTX 780 SLI and Multi monitor gets tested
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 05/23/2013 01:53 PM | 15 comment(s) ]
For this article we review the GeForce GTX 780 SLI, do a handful of FCAT Frametime measurements yet also do a SurroundView session with three monitors. The boards used are reference from NVIDIA. Over the next few pages we'll tell you a bit about multi-GPU gaming, the challenges, the requirements and of course a nice tasty benchmark session with the latest games.
You can read this article right here.
Current Stories 
Dual-core Phenoms spotted
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 01:24 PM | 0 comment(s) ]
Interesting, 65nm dual-core Phenom listings surfaced onto a price search engine in Europe, and unofficial benchmarks of a 2.2GHz model surfaced. Also a Chinese site says AMD may have given up on the 2.3GHz chip we heard about last month, but the chipmaker's October roadmap includes two new dual-core Phenom derivatives. Branded Athlon X2 7550 and Athlon X2 7750, the two CPUs have respective clock speeds of 2.5GHz and 2.7GHz, which they each pair with 3MB of total cache
Download: CPU-Z 1.48 released
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 11:38 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
CPU-Z is a diagnostic tool that provides information on your CPU, including: processor name and vendor, core stepping and process, processor package, internal and external clocks, clock multiplier, partial overclock detection, processor features, supported instructions sets, L1 and L2 cache information, location, size, speed, and technology.
CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.
News and corrections
* Improved support for Intel Core i7 (Bloomfield & Gainestown).
* Intel Atom dual-core version support.
* AMD Athlon "Kuma" processor support.
* Alternate clock computation method based on "duty cycles" for Intel Core 2 processors (see ShowDutyCycles in cpuz.ini)
Download: Click here.
Download: NVIDIA nForce-Driver 20.08 WHQL Vista and XP
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 11:30 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
A busy day for NVIDIA, they just released new Forceware drivers. You can now download the new nForce 20.08 WHQL driver for Windows XP/Vista 32/64-bit. Release highlights:
* Ethernet Diver (v67.86.2) WHQL
* NAM (v.67.93)
* Sata/IDE Driver (v10.3.0.42) WHQL
* RAID Driver (v10.3.0.42) WHQL
* RAIDTOOL (v10.3.0.42)
* SM Bus (v4.69) WHQL
* SMU (v1.61) WHQL
* GPU Driver (v178.13) WHQL
* AwyMode driver (v.6.0.6000.107)WHQL
* Installer (v6.14)
Products supported:
nForce 790i Ultra SLI
nForce 790i SLI
nForce 780i SLI
nForce 750i SLI
nForce 730i, GeForce 9300, GeForce 9400
nForce 680i SLI
nForce 680i LT SLI
nForce 650i SLI
nForce 650i Ultra
nForce 630i/GeForce 7150
nForce 630i/GeForce 7100
nForce 630i
nForce 630a/GeForce 7050 PV
nForce 630a/GeForce 7025
nForce 610i/GeForce 7050
We have a discussion threaad open on these driverrs right here.
Download:
NVIDIA nForce-Driver 20.08 WHQL XP 32-bit
NVIDIA nForce-Driver 20.08 WHQL XP 64-bit
NVIDIA nForce-Driver 20.08 WHQL Vista 64-bit
NVIDIA nForce-Driver 20.08 WHQL Vista 32-bit
Intel P55 Express is single-chip due Q3 2009
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 09:09 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Intel is working on P55 Express, this chipset will replace the P45 and will be launched in the third quarter of next year, in time for the launch of the Lynnfield and Havendale processors. Havendale and Lynnfield, will be based on Nehalem architecture aka Core i7, in the desktop segment (first half 2009). These Quad core processors Lynnfield LGA 1160 will be limited to a TDP value not over 95 W
P55 supports both Lynnfield 45nm Nehalem-based quad-cores and IGP dual-core Nehalem codenamed Havendale. It looks that Lynnfield will launch in Q3 2009, while Havendale will slip to Q1 2010. The chipset supports one PCIe 16X or two eight-speed PCIe cards and it is a single chip architecture. It is pin compatible with future Intel 5 series chipsets, but we are not sure if it
Adobe Flash 10 delivers GPU acceleration
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 09:03 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Adobe has released the next major version of the multimedia plugin. Adobe's Flash Player 10 is available from this page for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux - including Ubuntu 7 and 8. Tom Barclay, senior product marketing manager, Platform Business Unit, Adobe Systems, said Adobe Flash Player 10 delivers enhancements and new features such as new support for custom filters and effects, native 3-D transformation and animation, advanced audio processing, and GPU hardware acceleration. In addition, the new release builds on Adobe's expertise with text to deliver a new text engine that provides interactive designers and developers with more text layout options and better creative control.
The guys over at TR gave the new plug-in a shot, and while it didn't see a huge difference in CPU usage on a Core 2 Duo E6400, maximizing YouTube videos did feel noticeably snappier. Disabling hardware acceleration through the plug-in settings somehow didn't affect that, however. After investigating the matter, they found this blog post written on May 16 by Adobe software engineer Tinic Uro. In the post, Uro says web developers actually have to enable GPU acceleration manually in the code. Stranger yet, the new GPU-accelerated modes can supposedly slow down content, because "the software rasterizer in the Flash Player can optimize a lot of cases the GPU cannot optimize." So much for that. With that said, I just installed and tried something with lots of vectoring and it doesn't seem to do anything :-)
More info on Far Cry 2 DRM
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 09:00 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
A hot topic recently are the viral like DRM protections software houses insert into games. Ubisoft has confirmed that the PC its open-world shooter Far Cry 2, will use a slightly different configuration of the SecuROM DRM technology found in Spore and Crysis Warhead.
- You have 5 activations on 3 separate PCs.
- Uninstalling the game "refunds" an activation. This process is called "revoke", so as long as you complete proper uninstall you will be able to install the game an unlimited number of times on 3 systems.
- You can upgrade your computer as many time as you want (using our revoke system)
- Ubisoft is committed to the support of our games, and additional activations can be provided.
- Ubisoft is committed to the long term support of our games: you'll always be able to play Far Cry 2.
Overall, I think this is a reasonably fair compromize. Not great, but definitely the gamers can work with and get used to.
Imperium Romanum 2 for PC
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 08:58 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Some new images of Imperium Romanum , the upcoming city-building game where players are governor of a province and must build and maintain a thriving and prosperous settlement. The game takes place during the reign of the Roman Empire and players build Roman towers, gates, and bridges using a new currency with which to do so.
Judging from the graphics alone, I'm starting to really like this game, check out the link for some more eye-candy, that is growing to become a cool game.
Build, reign and defend!
Download ATI Catalyst 8.10 WHQL Vista and XP
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 08:54 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
ATI just released new Catalyst 8.10 drivers today, available for Windows XP and Vista.
Highlights of the Catalyst 8.10 Windows release include:
Performance improvements
- Unreal Tournament 3: Performance increases of up to 15% are seen when using the ATI Radeon
Download GeForce 178.24 WHQL ForceWare XP and Vista
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 04:27 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
NVIDIA just released an updated ForceWare driver. It's build 178.24 and carries WHQL certification, meaning it received two thumbs up from microsoft.
New in Version 178.24:
- Adds support for newly-released GeForce 9-series motherboard GPUs.
- Includes several application compatibility fixes. Please read the release documentation for more details.
Release 178 Highlights:
- WHQL-certified driver for GeForce 6-series, 7-series, 8-series, 9-series, and 200-series GPUs.
- Adds support for GeForce 9800 GTX+, 9800 GT, 9500 GT, and 9400 GT GPUs.
- Adds support for NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory (this driver package installs NVIDIA PhysX System Software v8.09.04).
- Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in several full games and demos today by downloading the GeForce Power Pack.
- Adds support for 2-way and 3-way NVIDIA SLI technology with GeForce GTX 200-series GPUs on Intel
NVIDIA GF9300 (ECS GF9300TA) mainboard review [Guru3D]
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/16/2008 02:28 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Today a test on the ECS GF9300T-A motherboard. Today NVIDIA is introducing their more budget conscious mainboard chipsets. The GF9300 and GF9400 based integrated graphics chipset motherboard products.
We'll see integrated IGPs more and more in the years to come, and mark my words... we feel that this trend is becoming normalized in the mainstream market. We peek at a GF9300 mainboard, the model tested comes from the fine folks at ECS, and as always... they were quick enough to send us their "Black Edition" model, a product series that is doing so very well in the EU and USA thanks to it's nice design and additional features. Have a peek, let it sink in that you are looking at a product costing roughly 99-109 USD.
Check out this full guru3D review right here.
Corsair CX400W power supply
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 09:39 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Corsair intro's a new entry level PSU today. The Corsair CX400W may not have enough Watt for all the really demanding hardware some enthusiasts are running in their rig (yeah you bro) but 400W should be more than plenty for the average desktop computer.
The CX400W has a single +12V rail with a max. current of 30A and is rated up to 400W continuous power output at 40
XFX nForce 750i SLI gets 'officializored'
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 09:37 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
I just figured, that's a cool word, 'officializored'. Wozers, that took them a while ... but XFX claims (self-proclaimed) it has released the "mother" you've always wanted: the nForce 750i SLI motherboard. Here's the PR:
"Our motherboard delivers performance straight out of the box, for the ultimate gaming experience. And, the 750i SLI comes with exceptional game support and bar none the fastest multi-GPU gaming platform available in the performance category.
The XFX 750i SLI is the perfect way to instantly upgrade to an SLI-Ready performance system. Offering the ultimate in flexibility, the XFX 750i SLI features PCI Express 2.0 for twice the bandwidth, and is backward compatible with existing PCI Express 1.0 graphics card.
Crafted specifically for next-generation graphics card, the XFX 750i SLI also includes full overclocking capabilities for Intel Yorkfield and Wolfdale CPUs.
Other admirable traits include an NVIDIA control panel that enables you seamlessly monitor characteristics in an intuitive and customizable 3D environment; NVIDIA MediaShield
SilverStone unveils Clear CMOS
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 09:33 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Well, I know i mentioned in my articles a lot that mainboard manufacturers should included a CMOS micro-switch on the maomnboard, but this might be taking it a step too far. Anyway, SilverStone unveiled a new product that makes it possible to clear your CMOS without having to open your case. Some enthusiast motherboards already have this functionality though.
They'll probably end up charing you 15 EUR / 20 USD for it.
SilverStone SST-CLEARCMOS is designed for the overclocking enthusiasts. When installed and mounted in corresponding chassis for external use, an overclocker no longer needs to open the computer chassis to clear CMOS. The SST-CLEARCMOS is extremely useful in offering a way to quickly clear CMOS/BIOS for recovering from failed overclocking attempts, updating BIOS, or resetting BIOS for installing new devices.
Apple's MacBook Pro packs new NVIDIA GPU
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 09:30 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Apple unleashed and updated its MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops. The specs. Apple's MacBook Pro using NVIDIA's new 9400M GPU + chipset 1-2 punch for integrated graphics, supplemented by 9600M GT switchable discreet graphics chip for heavy lifting, and pumping out those graphics over a Mini DisplayPort connector, if you'd like to supplement the LED backlit screen.
The GeForce 9400 M has 16 parallel graphics cores and 54gflops of performance. The GeForce 9400 M is five times faster than current graphics in MacBook Pros,in the real world that translates to 6x the performance. The existing NVIDIA in the current MacBook Pro has only 55% the performance of the NVIDIA GeForce 9400 M.
As expected there's an SSD option, with drive accessible underneath the battery. The 15.4-inch base model retails for $1999, with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR3 RAM and both GPUs. Step up to $2499 and you get a faster CPU, 4GB of RAM and a 320GB HDD. The 17-inch MacBook Pro comes in a similar configuration with a 2.6GHz processor, starting at $2799, but sans the redesign and GPU sweetness.
For the more budget minded Apple has dropped the price of its previous-gen MacBook to $999, and it's introduced a pair of next-gen MacBook models that look like smaller versions of the updated MacBook Pros (down to the black display frame and aluminum body). Priced at $1,299, the cheapest of the aluminum MacBooks features a 13.3" LED-backlit display, a 2GHz Core 2 Duo, GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, 2GB of DDR3 memory, and a 160GB hard drive. For an extra $300, you can get the pricier model with a 2.4GHz processor, 250GB hard drive, and keyboard backlighting. Oh, and an extra $700 will let you upgrade to a 128GB solid-state drive, as well.
Apple had two more surprises. For one, the MacBook Air is getting an upgrade to Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, and Apple has tossed in a mini-DisplayPort connector for good measure. Also, the Mac maker has launched an iMac-style 24" desktop monitor with LED backlighting, a 1920x1200 resolution, built-in stereo speakers, DisplayPort connectivity, and a MagSafe power connector (for charging your MacBook). Those perks don't come cheap, though: Apple charges $899 for the display.
Photo courtesy of Engadget
Far Cry 2 and CC Red Alert PC gone gold
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 09:26 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Ubisoft just announced that Far Cry 2, the open-world shooter, is done and dusted and off to manufacture. All versions ship on October 24 in Europe and October 21 in the US. Developed this time around by Ubisoft Montreal--the PC original was crafted by Crytek--Far Cry 2 will hit PS3 and Xbox 360 at $60, with the PC version coming in at $50. Additionally, those that pre-order the PC version through Valve's digital distribution platform Steam will receive $5 off.
There's a report PCGames.de translated from the French Ubisoft Shop suggesting the shooter sequel will use the much reviled SecuROM for copy protection
In other news, EA Command and Conquer Red Alert 3, the RTS sequel with something for everyone, has gone gold and is on schedule for its October 28 launch on PC. The promised Xbox 360 version of the alternate-history strategy game is still in the works and will take a little longer. It arrives on November 11.
Trailer: EA Dead Space Ships
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 09:23 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
Electronic Arts announced today that Dead Space, the new survival horror game, has shipped to retail in North America for the PS3 and Xbox 360. The PC version will ship on October 20. Dead Space will be in stores in Europe on October 24 for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.
Set five hundred years in the future, Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, a normal systems engineer, who is sent with a small repair team to restore communications aboard an immense mining ship, the USG Ishimura. Once onboard the vessel, Isaac discovers that the crew has unearthed an ancient and malevolent alien presence far beneath the planet's surface and brought it onboard. It's a living nightmare onboard the Ishimura, which has turned into a floating bloodbath, as the crew has been unspeakably mutilated and infected by an ancient alien scourge. Clarke's repair mission becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the artifact to the planet at any cost.
As the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Dead Space ship out to stores today, with the PC version following next week, publisher EA has issued a new trailer:Introducing Windows 7
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/15/2008 02:10 AM | 0 comment(s) ]
In case you where wondering what the 'official' name for the follow up of Windows Vista (developed under codename Windows 7) is. well the final decision has been made, Windows 7 is going to be called .. *drum-roll* .. Windows 7. Ah well, clean and simple, I kind of liked the codename anyway.
Hi there, Mike Nash here.
For me, one of the most exciting times in the release of a new product is right before we show it to the world for the first time. And that time is right now.
In a few weeks we are going to be talking about the details of this release at the PDC and at WinHEC. We will be sharing a pre-beta "developer only release" with attendees of both shows and giving them the first broad in-depth look at what we've been up to. I can't wait for them to see it.
And, as you probably know, since we began development of the next version of the Windows client operating system we have been referring to it by a codename, "Windows 7." But now is a good time to announce that we've decided to officially call the next version of Windows, "Windows 7."
While I know there have been a few cases at Microsoft when the codename of a product was used for the final release, I am pretty sure that this is a first for Windows. You might wonder about the decision.
The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity. Over the years, we have taken different approaches to naming Windows. We've used version numbers like Windows 3.11, or dates like Windows 98, or "aspirational" monikers like Windows XP or Windows Vista. And since we do not ship new versions of Windows every year, using a date did not make sense. Likewise, coming up with an all-new "aspirational" name does not do justice to what we are trying to achieve, which is to stay firmly rooted in our aspirations for Windows Vista, while evolving and refining the substantial investments in platform technology in Windows Vista into the next generation of Windows.
Simply put, this is the seventh release of Windows, so therefore "Windows 7" just makes sense.
Download - HOC Crysis Warhead Benchmark v1.1.1
Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/14/2008 04:01 PM | 0 comment(s) ]
The HOC Crysis Warhead Benchmark is a very hard opponent against the synthetic benchmark. Many usefull options, many tweaks, many lost FPS... this tool has now been updated towards version 1.1.1
Crysis Warhead updates and refines the gameplay of the original game through a sidestory plot involving Psycho, one of previous protagonist Nomad's allies. The game is a parallel story that follows Sergeant Michael "Psycho" Sykes, a character from the original Crysis, as he faces his own trials and challenges on the other side of the island during the time period of the first game. It features new fully customizable weapons, vehicles and enemies, along with new multiplayer content. It also showcases a new, enhanced and optimized version of CryEngine 2 and is the first game developed by Crytek's Budapest studio.
System requirements
- 32/64 bit Windows XP / VISTA
- The latest drivers for your graphics card
- Source: DVD or STEAM
Download click here.