Archive for July 2010

CoolIT ALC VANTAGE review

Cooling 191 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

We test and review the CoolIT ALC Vantage. The ALC series are single self contained water-cooling based unit, that are very easy to install. No need to full em up, nope .. seat them, secure them activate them and you are good to roll. The latest model comes with a LCD screen that enables user-selectable control profiles with a display capable of 6 colors and 4 orientation settings. The Vantage A.L.C. provides good performance, reliability and a great feature set.

SilverStone PS01-E has a dark theme

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

SilverStone is about to launch a new chassis. The PS01-E is an upgrade from the previous Precision series PS01 chassis. The new model has a black interior and weighs a bit less than its predecessor. As you can see the new design comes with a rather unusual front and all black ex and interior. The mid-tower case has dimensions of 200 (W) x 456 (H) x 500 (D) mm and comes with nine visible 5.25-inch bays.

Very popular and started by Cooler Master is the motherboard tray cut-out which allows easier installation of CPU cooler back plates. The chassis has two 120mm fans installed of which one comes with a blue LED in front (1200 RPM fans btw).  Pricing is expected to be around 65-70 EUR.


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VLC Media Player 1.1.1 available for download

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework, that plays most multimedias files as well as DVD, Audio CD, VCD, and various streaming protocols.

Features

  • GPU and DSP decoding, depending on the platform
  • Faster and more stable
  • New codecs and HD codecs enhancements
  • MKV, mp4 and avi improvements
  • Extensions
  • Important code cleanup and rewrite
  • Interface and playlist reworked
  • Completely Free

Download


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MediaPortal 1.1.0 final available for download

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Do you have a HTPC or need the functionality ? Personally i use this software on my own HTPC as it's just really good. MediaPortal is an Open Source application ideal for turning your PC in a very advanced Multi-Media Center / HTPC. MediaPortal allows you to listen to your favorite music & radio, watch your video's and DVD's, view, schedule and record live TV and much more.

 MediaPortal turns your PC and TV into a very advanced home media center. Our software allows you to listen to your favorite music and radio stations; watch and store your videos and DVDs; view, schedule and record live TV as a digital video recorder; and much, much more. MediaPortal is open source software. This means you can help develop MediaPortal or tweak it for your own needs with lots of innovative plugins from our great community.

Download (30MB)


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Arctic releases Silentium T11 chassis

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Choosing a well-made chassis for computer core components is an initial and critical decision for computer builders. A chassis nowadays is more than just a skeleton to provide structure for the components, it should also be a framework that allows good and silent cooling, and have a stylish appearance at the same time. The new chassis, ARCTIC Silentium T11, contains all the superior qualities that any computer users may look for. This series is affordable, yet offering exceptional durability, expandability and accessibility to users.

  • Advanced ventilation with two temperature controlled 120mm fans for superior airflow and maximum cooling performance at a minimum noise level
  • Supports up to 14

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Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1 2G Preview

Review 567 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1 2G Exclusive Preview

We have an exclusive sneak preview of the Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1 2G soundcard. This card also marks a move back to the highly popular 8788 based chipset (at least for this model) that has been seen on some of the best sounding cards built to date. This card has many of the original ideas that made the XM 7.1 so popular but also has some changes that will appeal to different user types. The card is also aimed at a lower price point with a MSRP of $159.99 which appeals to a larger audience.

Wanna learn what is looks like and what the specifications are ?  Well, have a look here at this Guru3D.com exclusive.


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RAZER TRON gaming gear

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Razerannounced with Disney, the TRON:Legacy -themed TRON Gaming Keyboard Designed by Razer, TRON Gaming Mouse Designed by Razer, and the exclusive bundle with TRON Gaming Mouse and Mouse Mat Designed by Razer all incorporating the distinctive blue glow and custom features inspired by the upcoming Disney film TRON: Legacy, releasing Dec. 17, 2010 in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D, and compatible with TRON: Evolution the video game. Together with Disney, Razer is offering gamers and TRON fans alike a set of definitive gaming peripherals to get the true TRON experience.


Each TRON: Legacy product Designed by Razer features a luminescent blue glow that is reminiscent of the film aesthetic. Whether it's the keyboard with a detachable modular keypad or the illuminated mouse, gamers will feel as if they've been enveloped by the TRON universe and pulled into a digital world.

Product Details
About The TRON Gaming Keyboard Designed by Razer:

Prepare to lay programs and fellow users to waste with the precision of a Light Cycle carving a jetwall. From the Rez and De-Rez lighting effects during start-up and shutdown to the smooth black finish of the Hyperesponse keys, the TRON Gaming Keyboard is exactly what you need to dominate the game Grid. A detachable modular keypad, lighting effects triggered by in-game actions, and fully programmable keys with macro capabilities make this a must for any TRON fan.

COST: US $149.99 ; AVAILABILITY: Q4 2010

Features:

  • Illuminated Keyboard with Rez & De-Rez Effects at Start-up and Shutdown
  • Detachable Modular Keypad (Attachable on the Right or Left)
  • TRON Lighting Alerts Triggered by in-game Actions
  • Fully Programmable Chiclet Keys with macro capabilities
  • Media Jacks (Audio out, Microphone in)

About The TRON Gaming Mouse Designed by Razer:
The TRON Gaming Mouse comes in an ambidextrous design with a luminescent blue glow protruding from sleek edges and lines. Designed for the upcoming TRON: Evolution game and inspired by the Light Cycle featured in the film, the mouse creates light alerts based on your in-game actions, thrusting you into the TRON universe. The unique effects upon start-up and shutdown complete the immersive TRON feel. With a 5600dpi 3.5g laser sensor, the TRON Gaming Mouse gives gamers tournament grade precision while they defeat characters in the TRON: Evolution game. Gamers can now enjoy a mouse that goes beyond appealing looks and design, and gives them functionality.

COST: US $99.99 ; AVAILABILITY: Q4 2010

Features:

  • Illuminated Mouse with Rez & De-Rez Effects at Start-up and Shutdown
  • TRON Lighting Alerts Triggered by in-game Actions
  • Ambidextrous Design
  • 5600dpi 3.5g Laser Sensor
  • 7 Hyperesponse Buttons
  • Braided 7 Foot USB Cable

About The TRON Bundle: Gaming Mouse and Mat Designed by Razer:
Besides enjoying light alerts triggered by in-game actions on an interactive gaming mouse, gamers can now add the gaming mouse mat that features a bio-luminescent tracking glow trail as they swipe their mouse across the smooth, hard surface. The TRON gaming mouse mat and mouse bundle is the definitive suite for gamers who want the TRON edge. The gaming mouse mat is the perfect peripheral to complement the gaming mouse, as it's made for high sensitivity gaming mice and offers the utmost tracking precision.

COST: US $129.99 ; AVAILABILITY: Q4 2010

Features:

  • TRON: Legacy Inspired Theme
  • High Precision Tracking Surface
  • Mouse Mat with Bioluminescent Tracking Glow Trail

  


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Mobo manufacturers expect good July sales

Mainboard 578 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Taiwan-based motherboard makers are turning optimistic about their July sales and expect shipments to grow 20% on month with third-quarter shipments to grow 15-20% sequentially, according to sources from motherboard makers.

Most of the motherboard makers were originally conservative about shipments performance in July and August due to weaker-than-expected demand in Europe and China in the second quarter, but as demand from the two market channels started picking up in early July, the makers have recently started adjusting their shipments forecasts for the third quarter.

However, shipment volumes in the third quarter are still unlikely to bounce back to the same level as in the first quarter, the sources noted.

As for the fourth quarter, the sources believe that strong shipment growth will persist in October, but will start turning weak in November and December, therefore the makers are expected to focus on promoting their products in the third quarter to boost shipment volumes, meaning a price war is likely to occur in August and September with the China market to see the fiercest competition.

Asustek shipped about 10.3 million own-brand motherboards in the first half, Gigabyte Technology shipped 8.4 million units, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) shipped 4.4 million units, Micro-Star International (MSI) shipped 3.8 million units and ASRock shipped 3.9 million units - via DigiTimes.


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NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 PCB picture leaked?

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

The guys over at EXPreview spotted a photo of what seems to be a PCB of the Geforce GTX 450. Now, there's nothing more boring than to look at a dull clean stripped PCB but I betcha that at least a few of you guys find it interesting !

" The new card will be based on GF106, boasting 1GB of GDDR5 memory paired up with 128-bit memory interface. The PCinlife forum has just unleashed a mysterious PCB design drawing. It


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StarCraft II - Ghosts of the Past Trailer

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

We are a small week away from one of the biggest PC game launches of the year with Blizzard's Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty. To celebrate, Blizzard has released a new trailer for the game called 'Ghosts of the Past' along with some details on where you can grab your copy of the game at earliest possible opportunity. The video is composed entirely of cut-scenes and in-game cinematics as part of Blizzard's Join the Dominion viral promotion.



Blizzard will be hosting special Midnight Launches in Netherlands, London, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, Moscow, and a Fry's Electronics in Fountain Valley, CA complete with members of the development team signing copies of games and other events and prizes. Several retailers across the United States will be also be hosting regular events such as Best Buy, GameStop and Wal-Mart. Arrive in plenty of time on the evening of Monday, July 26 for the July 27 midnight release - via ggmania
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CoolIT ALC Vantage released (video)

Cooling 272 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Currently we are already reviewing this product hence the snazzy video below. CoolIT has unleashed its ALC Vantage. This CPU cooler is the successor of the ALC ECO, a self-contained liquid cooler which at 50~60 USD it just tremendous value.

This new cooler is for 80% the same, yet a funnel has been added and the most wicked LCD screen embedded into the CPU block increasing sheer coolnesss and functionality. At just over 100 USD the lovely thing is, it is completely configurable in several performance modes, colors and other preferences. Have a peek at the video and you can expect our full review somewhere next week.


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