Guru3D - Driver Sweeper is a fast tool to remove driver leftovers from your system. It's very important to remove your drivers on a proper way, because driver leftovers can cause problems like stability and startup problems. You can use it if you want to update/remove drivers from your system.

Jonathan's PC is the the Rig of The Month November 2009. Meet the man at the age of 22, he has been a Guru3D aficionado for a while already digging through our articles, he shares our passion of building nice PCs. His PC will be the Rig of the Month and he has built his PC with some interesting components.

This rig is the showcase of a somewhat very stylish single tone color design -- you can tell he's an aficionado alright thanks to component usage. The clean wiring job makes his rig outstanding.

Let's check it out.

SPARKLE introduced the SPARKLE GeForce GTS250 Low Profile Graphics Card, the world's first low profile graphics card based on GeForce GTS250 graphics chip, providing 3D performance and home theater experience to HTPC enthusiasts.

• 1024MB/512MB Large-Capacity GDDR3 Memory
• Single 6pin Power Supply
• Native HDMI Support
• All Solid Capacitors
• Cooling System
• 2nd Generation Pure Video HD
• Full Microsoft DirectX 10 Support
• NVIDIA PhysX
• NVIDIA CUDA Technology

Consummately designed low profile, the PCB height of the SPARKLE GeForce GTS250 Low Profile Graphics Card is 6 cm,only half the height of ordinary Graphics Card with full profile design, which makes the SPARKLE GeForce GTS250 Low Profile Graphics Card to be the best partners for HTPC. HTPC enthusiasts don't need to worry about the inconvenience caused by narrow space HTPC chassis and full profile designed graphics cards. With low profile design, the SPARKLE GeForce GTS250 Low Profile Graphics Card not only can easily meet the HD video playback and DX10 gaming demand from HTPC users, but also can easily satisfy the requirements from SSF, mini-chassis and industry PCs which demand compact and practical graphics card.

Overclocking is very much supported and actually well marekted these days by manufacturers. ASUS will raise the bar again and now takes it to an new level.

The Taiwanese company's motherboard that will demonstrate this overclocking via the Bluetooth ability is the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Maximus III Extreme, a cutting-edge product based on the P55 chipset. Wireless overclocking will be possible via the combined resources of ASUS's proprietary ROG Connect overclocking platform and its extension, the RC Bluetooth. This latest addition will allow ROG users to tweak their system statuses from a Bluetooth-capable PDA phone.

The Maximus III Extreme is a very powerful addition to the famous ROG Maximus III motherboard series and, like all ROG boards, it was especially designed for top gaming capabilities and maximum overclocking possibilities. ROG Connect (which was first introduced with the Maximus III Formula and Maximus III GENE) could already allow users to employ notebooks and netbooks to manage their main systems via USB, but the latest variation makes improvements to the BIOS, giving it update and recovery functions along with the possibility for on-the-fly voltage and frequency adjustments, all at hardware level.

The ability to restore a corrupted BIOS via a notebook will be especially useful for hard-core overclockers, since BIOS corruption is quite likely when forcefully modifying the chipset's functions.

These possibilities will be supplemented by the aforementioned overclocking via Bluetooth possibilities. The RC Bluetooth will, however, also be equipped with all the regular Bluetooth functions, such as stereo music playback. All that is required to switch between overclocking mode and normal mode is the press of a small button built into the device's rear I/O panel.

The wireless overclocking capabilities of the ROG Maximus III Extreme will be demonstrated from November 26 through 29 at the world's largest LAN/eSports event, DreamHack Winter.

ASRock released some photos of the upcoming ASRock H55M, ASRock H55M Pro and ASRock H55DE3 motherboards. The latter one is an ATX motherboard, while the other two use the mATX form factor. Specs and feature wise this board the H55 chipset based boards will need to compete with AMD's 785 chipset.

Next to pairing the chipset up with the upcoming Core i3 and i5 processors the more prominent feature of the H55 chipset based motherboards is the support for embedded Intel graphics core on Clarksdale processors, the motherboards will offer HDMI, DVI-D and other interfaces.  The new H55 chipset display performance is increased quite significantly and according to Intel close to ATI's / AMD's HD 4200 IGP chipset. We ex[pect pricing at rough 100~125 USD for a motherboard like this.

Intel's H55 series chipset is under embargo until 7th January 2010.

In a low-key move during Thanksgiving, NVIDIA has added the first graphics chipset to its GeForce 300 series. The GeForce 310 is a direct replacement for the earlier 210 and (andf thus a rename), like its predecessor, is meant as a basic GPU to upgrade the performance of systems that are limited to slower integrated graphics. It has just a 64-bit memory bus and just 16 processing cores but can still fully accelerate 1080p video in hardware and provide general-purpose computing tasks, whether it's NVIDIA's own CUDA and PhysX or more universal standards like DirectCompute and OpenCL.

In spite of its GeForce 300 series name, the card is believed to be based on current architecture rather than the Fermi design, which will add DirectX 11-level graphics and much stronger general computing performance.

The part normally runs with a 589MHz main clock and carries 512MB of DDR2 memory that runs at 500MHz. Despite its budget focus, a reference board carries DisplayPort, DVI and VGA connectors and will work with HDMI through an adapter for either the DisplayPort or DVI links. NVIDIA hasn't said when it expects cards to be out on the market or detailed full operating system support, though the GeForce 310 like the 210 before it is likely destined for pre-built computers more than as a stand-alone upgrade.

Driver Sweeper is a fast tool to remove driver leftovers from your system. It's very important to remove your drivers on a proper way, because driver leftovers can cause problems like stability and startup problems. You can use it if you want to update/remove drivers from your system.

Most important change in this version that it fixes the problems found with 2.0.5 with Desktop Icon. This unfortunately means that previous saved icon data isn't compatible with 2.1.0.

More info and revision history can be found here:

• Official Guru3D - Driver Sweeper homepage click here.
• Official Guru3D - Driver Sweeper forums click here.

Download:

 Guru3D - Driver Sweeper (Setup)
 Guru3D - Driver Sweeper (no installer)

Changelog (2.1.0) - 26-11-09

 New:

  - Added Brazilian Portuguese translation.
    Thanks to Thiago Lara.
  - Added Turkish translation.
    Thanks to Oguz Ari.
  - Parameters for Desktop Icon Restoration.
    -icon:last   Uses the last known backup.
    -icon:first  Uses the first known backup.
    -icon:<datetime> Uses the backup known from date and time as can be found in the item list.

 Updated:

  - Changed clean parameters to -clean:"NVIDIA - Display".

 Fixed:

  - Exception while trying to restore desktop icons.
  - Desktop Icon not working properly on Windows 7.
    A big thanks to Thorsten Blauhut for his Desktop Icon program which helped me address this issue.

A-DATA released today its new compact Flash card CF633X, the ultimate memory card fast enough to keep up with your digital SLR cameras.  Performing at the industry\'s fastest read/write speed up to 93/92 MB/s, the new A-DATA CF633X adopts the turboMLC technology and delivers the performance of SLC at the cost of MLC.

With an ECC automatic error-checking program in place, the CF633X consumes less power and extends the use of a DSLR.  Capacity available in 16GB and 32GB, the CF633X is the perfect storage device for users to store more high resolution images and high definition video clips. 

Lower power consumption and RoHS compliant, the CF633X extends the average lifespan of a CF card by utilizing interleaves technology.  With which, bad blocks in the flash are pre-labeled and closed for data entry to prevent data-loss.

UDMA 6 enabled, the new A-DATA CF633X supports quad channel and performs up to 93 MB/s in read and 92MB/s in write.  Backed by rigorous stress-testing procedures and a product life time warranty, this is indeed a perfect match for your advanced DSLR.

Yesterday NVIDIA released a ForceWare 195.62 Beta driver for Windows Vista | XP | 7. The drivers now have been WHQL certified.

Download

 ForceWare 195.62 Win 7 | Vista 64-bit WHQL
 ForceWare 195.62 Win 7 | Vista 32-bit WHQL
 ForceWare 195.62 Windows XP 32-bit WHQL

LaCie introduced a new HD multimedia hard drive player, combining Full HD 1080p playback, unsurpassed format compatibility and DLNA media server functionality - LaCinema Classic HD, design by Neil Poulton. Users can browse, play and share HD media collections from anywhere in the home, directly on HDTV. The LaCinema Classic HD offers a timeless and sleek design making it a great addition to any TV setup. Providing the widest media format compatibility, LaCinema Classic HD will play all your files without concern - from the most popular DivX format to high-quality MKV H.264 video format via its HDMI 1.3 connection. Uncompromising support for Dolby Digital audio quality enhances the LaCinema Classic HD, as well as your entertainment viewing experience.

The LaCinema Classic HD keeps it easy - use it as an external hard drive to load media from your Mac or PC. Then, simply connect the LaCinema Classic HD to your HDTV for instant playback.

Acting as a DLNA media player, LaCinema Classic HD can conveniently play movies, music, and photos from your computer or network storage. LaCinema Classic HD even offers network access to easily transfer files from your Mac and PC, while keeping it connected to the TV. Its unique DLNA server function ensures the LaCinema Classic HD works in tandem with your home network, acting as a media server to stream content to compatible players, such as PlayStation 3 or Xbox. The LaCinema Classic HD boosts capacities that include up to 2TB of media storage. By using the included remote control and easy navigation interface, you have quick and convenient access to your media libraries. Additionally, the front USB port allows you to connect a USB drive or digital camera to instantly share your photos on your HDTV with friends and family.

"LaCinema Classic HD is all you need to store, play and share your movies, music and photos at home. We believe organizing and playing should be simple for everyone, without concern for media compatibility or how to access media, no matter where it's stored in your home," said Salem Tirane, Digital Home Product Manager.

At no premium, LaCinema Classic HD surpasses the usual media player experience by including a high-quality HDMI cable, Ethernet cable and the renowned DLNA Twonky Media Server for Mac and Windows. Users will be able to get the most of their multimedia contents out of the box!

The LaCinema Classic HD also features the option of connecting a USB WiFi 802.11N adapter (sold separately) for wireless access to the home network.

Availability
LaCinema Classic HD is available through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+, LaCie Corner, and LaCie Storage Partner, starting at the suggested retail price of $249.99.

One of the new technologies that I am most looking forward to is USB 3.0. I have an external hard drive that I back my computer up to and it takes forever over a USB 2.0 connection. With USB 3.0, the deed can be completed much faster. OCZ and Symwave have announced that they have teamed up to create a new USB 3.0 external storage solution.

The two firms are mum on the details at this point other than to tease us saying that the storage solution will be the smallest, highest performance, and lowest power USB 3.0 external storage solution around. With the myriad of SSDs that OCZ offers its easy enough to guess that we are looking at a SSD inside a USB 3.0 chassis.

The pair will unveil the storage solution at CES 2010 in January. I would be interesting to see OCZ cram that huge 1TB SSD it unveiled recently into a USB 3.0 external storage solution.

This is a WHQL-candidate driver for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs and ION desktop GPUs.

New in Version 195.62

• Adds GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD videos with the new Adobe Flash 10.1 beta. Learn more here.
• Adds support for GeForce GT 240.
• Adds support for OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language) for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
• Adds support for CUDA Toolkit 3.0 features and performance enhancements. See CUDA Zone for more details.
• Adds SLI and multi-GPU support for many top new gaming titles including Borderlands, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, FIFA Soccer 10, and more.
• Includes numerous bug fixes including improved performance for Need for Speed: Shift. Refer to the release notes on the documentation tab for information about the key bug fixes in this release.
• Users without US English operating systems can select their language and download the International driver here.

Existing Support:

• Supports DirectCompute with Windows 7 and GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
• Supports OpenGL 3.2 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
• Supports NVIDIA 3D Vision Discover, a complete, low cost solution to start your immersive stereoscopic 3D experience. NOTE: If you are using NVIDIA 3D Vision active shutter glasses, you must download the separate 3D Vision driver which includes the driver for the 3D Vision IR emitter.
• Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel X58-based motherboards.
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on a dedicated GeForce graphics card. Use one card for graphics and dedicate a different card for PhysX processing for game-changing physical effects. This driver installs PhysX System Software version 9.09.0814. Learn more here.
• Download these FREE PhysX and CUDA applications now!
• Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software.

We have a discussion thread open on these drivers right here.

Download

 ForceWare 195.62 Vista 64-bit
 ForceWare 195.62 Vista 32-bit
 ForceWare 195.62 Windows XP 32-bit

NVIDIA released their NVIDIA System Tools with ESA Support revision 6.05

The NVIDIA System Tools installation package includes:

1. NVIDIA Performance Group (v6.05.23.05) add-on to the NVIDIA Control Panel

• nForce MCPs
  • 
    

A-DATA recently introduced their XPG Plus Series DDR3-2200+ v2.0 DRAM module that is the highest speed of DDR3 DRAM module in the industry. A-DATA

The Inno3D GeForce GT 240 had only just launched but it has already been given the i-Chill treatment with XStriker3. Uniquely designed for passive and active cooling solutions, the Xstriker3 was the first cooler specially designed for Inno3D i-Chill series - built to increase efficient air circulation for extreme gaming.

Inno3D i-Chill GT 240 is built with top-notch quality, which includes faster core speeds; gold plated DVI+VGA+HDMI connectors that allows better signal quality; top quality OS-CON capacitors; aluminum ramsinks to stabilise memory; with full game bundles and 3 years warranty. Inno3D i-Chill GT 240 has reached over expectation and beats the Vantage performance scores in comparison to the reference speeds as shown in the below comparison table. It is equipped and built with top quality features to run a smooth game play.

Inno3D i-Chill Xstricker3 is exclusively assembled with 3 main features which include:

• Air Boost Technology - this is based on Bernoulli's Principle which states that during steady air pressure all air particles that pass any given point follow the same path at the same speed. Hence increase and decrease in the same velocity occurs simultaneously with air pressure or a change in the airflow gravitational potential energy.
• Heatpipe Technology - features copper base heatpipes filled with liquid material that extends directly from the GPU centre to provide heat conductivity and vaporizes heat transfer. The Aluminum fins are specially designed to allow air flow pass through easily and remove heat efficiently.
• Silent Cooler with large Air Flow - features combination of passive and active cooling solutions. The silent cooling fan allows air circulation from the center and sides of the card and is built with systematic noise reduction.

According to a recent article on German-language Hardware Infos, AMD might be planning a release of a new dual-GPU graphics card, which will be officially announced sometime in the first quarter of 2010. The specifications and features of the new card are somewhat similar to AMD's current flagship, the HD 5970, as both cards are based on the same 40nm RV870 graphics processing units.

Said article also gives a summary on the previous reports on the rumored HD 5950, including details on the GPU and memory clock speeds. Unfortunately, these specifications haven't yet been finalized and we are expecting the HD 5950 to work at between 650MHz-675MHz core clock, or 1800-2000MHz memory clock. Additional features include 2 x 1440 Stream Processors, 2 x 72 PBC, 2 x 32 ROPs and 2 x 256-bit GGDR5 memory.

Unfortunately there's no word on pricing, but the new card will debut sometime around the same period as NVIDIA's much-anticipated Fermi-based line of GeForce graphics cards. This should ultimately enable AMD to lower the prices on their latest generation of Radeon cards, as the Fermi-based architecture is expected to deliver an impressive performance boost, over the current GT200 family of GPUs.

Razer introduced yet another mouse, the Imperator is a new gaming mouse designed for right-handed palm and fingertip gamers. It has a 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor and is one of the first mice with adjustable side buttons. The Razer Imperator will start shipping next month for $79.99 (69.99EUR).

The Razer Imperator is designed with gaming-grade ergonomics in mind

NVIDIA announced the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has rejected all 17 claims in three Rambus patents that the company had asserted against the GPU maker in the International Trade Comission (ITC). Earlier this year the patent office already rejected 49 claims against NVIDIA, but there are still eight claims in two other patents left that need to be examined.

NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) today announced that the assigned patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has rejected all 17 claims in three Rambus patents that the company had asserted against NVIDIA in the International Trade Commission (ITC).

The action, known as filing an action closing prosecution, follows preliminary rejection of the claims earlier this year by the USPTO.

"This continues our string of victories against Rambus patents in the USPTO," said David Shannon, NVIDIA executive vice president and general counsel. "We believe these patents are invalid and are confident that a similar decision will be made on the patents that continue to be examined."

There are still eight claims in two other patents involved in the case, which the USPTO has yet to finally determine but which it had preliminarily rejected. The ITC litigation involves memory controllers related to graphics processors.

Consumers have been reporting issues with their brand new Apple i7 iMac's, some with a cracked screen casing, and others are reporting theirs are dead on arrival. This issue doesn't appear to be universal, only affecting some of the new iMac's, but is still enough of a problem to raise concern if you plan on purchasing one this Christmas.

Engadget even reported having dead on arrival i7 iMac, that wouldn't even boot. Engadget.com isn't alone in this; they are among dozens of others who are reporting the same problems at Apple.com support forum.

Gigabyte will initially release three AMD Socket AM3 boards with SATA3 and JUSB 3.0..

These new boards are the GA-790FXTA-UD5, GA-790XTA-UD4, and GA-770TA-UD3, and Gigabyte based them on AMD's 790FX, 790X, and 770 chipsets, respectively. Along with the new I/O, Gigabyte says it also increased the amount of power available through USB ports, just like on the P55 boards. (The firm advertises this new wave of mobos with the "333" label, which stands for third-gen SATA, USB 3.0, and tripled USB power.)

All three AMD boards also feature an "8+2 CPU VRM power phase design," which allows compatibility with 140W Phenom II processors. The Phenom II X4 965, in other words, which is now available with a 125W power envelope