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Guru3D 2019 December 13th contest: Win 32GB G.Skill Trident Z Neo 3600 MHz DDR4
Eight, sixteen, or is thirty-two Gigabytes of DDR4 memory is the magic number for champions? Speaking of champions, are you interested in a 32GB Trident Z Neo DDR4 kit from G.Skill. Optimized for AMD Ryzen 3000 but also working on Intel setups this 3600 MHz kit is bound to please.
Read moreReviews: Radeon RX 5500 XT MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, Sapphire, and PowerColor
Meet the five Radeon RX 5500 XT graphics cards we review for you. We'll test the 4GB and 8GB models. The new cards in an MSRP configuration will sell at $169 (4GB) / $199 (8 GB) in an aim to battle NVIDIA with the GeForce GTX 1650 Super. We have a deck full of cards for you to read up on: MSI Radeon RX 5500 XT GamingX 8GB review - ASUS Dual Radeon RX 5500 XT EVO 8GB review - Gigabyte Radeon 5500 XT Gaming 8GB review - PowerColor Radeon 5500 XT Red Dragon 8GB review and Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 5500 XT 4GB review.
Guru3D Winter 2019 PC Buyer Guide
It is 'that' time of year again, when we emerge from the maelstrom that was the end of 2019. This article has been in the works for a fair while but we wanted to wait, see and respond to the developments of AMD, Intel and NVIDIA, the events in Q3/Q4 have led to significant revisions over the course of the last 6 to 8 or so weeks.
Read our comprehensive guide, right here.
Current Stories 
PS3 smaller Cell and/or RSX chips in August?
Word out on the street is that to cut PS3 costs earlier than expected there will be upgaring the Cell architecture. At the moment, Sony sells the PS3 at a loss. The respected group of analysts is now earmarking August as the milestone month. Sony's CFO recently suggested that the move would occur in the second half of year -- a date analysts then pegged at November.
No precise info is shared yet the new expectations were provided by Nikko CG. However, it's safe to assume that the PS3's break-even event will be realized by a switch to a sub-65nm cell processor, sub-90nm RSX graphics chip, or both, since the smaller chips are less-costly to manufacturer.
Europe offering movies on self-erasing DVDs
Four European countries are offering DVD movies on a format called DVD-D that is unique in that the content is erased 8 hours after the disposable disc makes its first rotation in a player. The format is also applied to software, with a 48-hour life span, either of which can be kept indefinitely until its first use, at which point the timer starts. Such DVD-Ds are available in Italy, France, Germany and Scandinavia at bookstores, gas stations and kiosks for about a third of the price of a traditional multi-play DVD.
After the 48 hours are up, inserting the disc into a DVD player will result in a No Disc message. Recordable DVD-D discs are also available, with a 4.5GB capacity. The blank DVD-D+R can be recorded at up to 8X speed, and can either be ordered with pre-recorded content in quantities less than 2,000, or bought as blanks. The client can then specify how long the data is to remain, having the option of one-time viewing only, or a time period of 8 hours, 48 hours or otherwise. Blank DVD-D+Rs available for purchase can be recorded with a 48-hour data life.
There is certainly potential for companies to distribute demo programs or software on DVD-D discs, provided of course the discs can be copy protected first, as it's not clear what, if anything, prevents users from copying the DVD-D's content before the data self-erases. The discs and packages are fully recyclable.
ASUS Eee PC 900 has a $549 Price Tag
Unfortunately, those upgrades come at a price that pushes the Eee PC 900 squarely into an even higher price bracket. When the Eee PC 900 launches on May 12 in the United States, it will be priced at $549 for both Linux and Windows XP versions.
The Linux version of the Eee PC will come with a 4GB SSD + an additional 16GB internal flash module for a total of 20GB of storage space. The Windows XP model -- due to the licensing fees associated with Windows -- will only feature an internal flash module of 8GB leaving it with just 12GB of total storage space.
The other notable upgrades for the second generation Eee PC include the larger, 8.9" 1024x600 display, 1GB of DDR2 memory, Multi-Touch trackpad, and the inclusion of a 1.3 MP webcam (up from 0.3 MP). Otherwise, the Eee PC still includes an undersized keyboard, three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, and an Intel Celeron-M processor which can run at 630 MHz or 900 MHz.
It should be interesting to see if the Eee PC can manage to maintain the momentum of its predecessor given the higher price. It's true that the higher price affords a better user experience, but it may also push potential consumers to look at larger 15.4" alternatives in its price range.
However, for those that are strictly looking for an ultra-portable machine, the Eee PC 900 makes quite a statement as do competing offerings like the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC and the Everex CloudBook Max.
NVIDIA ForceWare 174.93 XP/Vista Drivers
A new NVIDIA ForceWare driver appeared on the web which is being served on-line by one of NVIDIA's partners. It's revision build 174.93 XP for Windows XP 7 Vista. Bare in mind this to be considered a beta driver, use it at your own risk. There are several discussion open on these drivers in the Guru3D NVIDIA driver forums, check them here.
Download:
ForceWare 174.93 Vista (64-bit)
ForceWare 174.93 Vista (32-bit)
ForceWare 174.93 XP (32-bit)
Guru3D Folding Team Breaks 167th Place
Congratulations ladies and gentlemen, Team Guru3D has broken through the 200th place barrier and we are now ranked at 167 out of 117339 with 11.5 million points. Thanks to all folders efforts here, what a great accomplishment. We have roughly 350 active GPUs and CPUs crunching data.
If you have not done so, please join Team Guru3D and start helping out pushing us forward for the good cause.
Team Stats : standford, extremeoc
Please join the folding team at (for information):
- Folding for Guru3D landing page
- Folding for Guru3D discussion and forums threads
Don't be a wuss, join us !
Overclockers push 8-core Skulltrail to 6 GHz
Overclocking with advanced air-cooling can take Intels Skulltrail platform from 3.2 GHz to 4 GHz pretty easily, even our review showed that. Now, 4.5 GHz is manageable with a modest water-cooling system. Not surprisingly, there is a lot more capability in this platform if take an extreme Skulltrail a bit more extreme.
According to a forum post on XtremeSystems, an overclocking community sites,
Intel cuts CPU prices
Intel will cut prices of its processors. There are some big price cuts for the old 65nm chips but the price action on the new 45nm processors are just really small:
High-end model that will get reduced in price is the Core 2 Quad Q9550 at 2.83GHz and 12MB cache and it will get 2 dollars cheaper from its current $527 to $525. These are, of course, the wholesale prices. The very popular Core 2 Quad Q9450 at 2.66GHz and 12MB cache will drop from $319 to $317. The Core 2 Quad Q9300 at 2.5GHz and 6MB cache will drop from $270 to $268.
Two older models, the Q6700 with a 2.66GHz clock speed and 8MB cache and a 1066MHz FSB speed will drop from the current $527 to $268. The ultra popular 65nm Kentsfield Q6600 with its 2.4GHz clock and 8MB cache will drop from $250 to $227.
All dual core 45nm E8x0 series Penryn based models will drop $2 and as of next week, the E8500 with 3.16GHz clock 6MB cache and FSB 1333 will drop to $266, the E8400 with a 3GHz clock and 6MB cache and FSB 1333 will drop to $187; and finally, the E8200 clocked at 2.66GHz with 6MB cache and FSB 1333 drops to $167.
The older 65nm E6850 at 3GHz and 4MB cache drops to $266, the E6750 at 2.66GHz and 4MB cache drops to $187, and the E6550 at 2.33GHz and 4MB cache drops to $167.
The 4-series of Core 2 Duo processors will drop slightly in price. Starting with the E4700 with 2.60GHz clock, 800MHz FSB speed and 2MB cache drops $2 to $137, the E4600 with 2.40GHz clock, 800MHz FSB speed and 2MB cache drops from $139 to $117 while the E4500 with 2.20GHz clock 800MHz FSB speed and 2MB cache drops $2 to $117.
nForce 790i HDD Corruption Issue
Nvidia admitted that its most-recent chipset for Intel Corp.
NVIDIA unveils dual-GPU Quadro FX 4700 X2
NVIDIA has quietly upgraded the higher end of its workstation card line via the Quadro FX 4700 X2. A professional cousin to the GeForce 9800 X2, the Quadro shares the same tactic of incorporating two mid-range graphics processors into a single card; the approach offers more performance than a single chip but without consuming more than one PCI Express slot. While core clock speeds are unavailable, the combined card holds 2GB of video RAM clocked at 800MHz (1.6GHz effective).
The California electronics firm also separates the FX 4700 X2 from the home model with advanced multi-monitor support on top of the SLI performance enhancements available for a single display. Extra space is used on the card to provide four dual-link DVI outputs that each can support very high resolution screens, ranging from 2560x1600 on most 30-inch displays to 3840x2560 ultra-high density monitors from IBM. The combined effect can generate as much as a 15360x2560 image. Stereoscopic imagery is also supported from the card, which is available today but isn't yet given a list price.
Asus Launches New Eee PC
After the initial success of the Eee PC of which 1 million units had been sold in just 5 months, Asus now launches a new version of the trendy gadged, the new Eee PC 900.
This new generation packs in a whole range of hardware that includes a 8.9 inch widescreen, a 1.3M pixels webcam, the new FingerGlide and 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows and Linux platforms respectively, all keeping the overall weight under 1kg.
Mobility is one of the major factors attributed to the Eee PC
Thermaltake PW850i Internal DIY Liquid cooling
To fulfill the heavy demand of Internal DIY Liquid cooling system from worldwide gamers Thermaltake has launched a brand new series of DIY liquid cooling system- ProWater series. The first model to be introduced is the new PW850i that incorporated the latest production mechanism and technology of the internal liquid cooling world.
The Thermaltake P500 Pump used in PW850i has high water volume of 500L per hour to support the heavy operations of liquid cooling systems; the hard-wearing ceramic bearing further increases the life span of the pump. The professional designed inlet and outlet will eliminates possibilities of air blockage. Thermaltake PW850i also adopts the automotive style radiator with the Thermaltake exclusive dimple dimpled tubes, DDT technology rather than the traditional ones and the adjustable fan (1300~2400 RPM); CPU heats will be transmitted efficiently in the coordinated system environment. In order to avoid possible low coolant level dangers, level marks have been added on the new huge transparent tank in PW850i, making coolant maintenance and monitoring easier than ever before.
Thermaltake all new PW850i Internal DIY Liquid Cooling System will satisfy all cooling demands in any system environments. Thermaltake PW850i Internal DIY Liquid cooling system will definitely be your best choice for a quiet and efficient liquid cooling system!
Abit intros GeForce 8200-based AMD mainboard
Abit today announced a single mobo based on the GeForce 8200 chipset from Nvidia. This A-N78HD motherboard combines full Socket AM2+ support for Phenom processors with an integrated DirectX 10-class Nvidia "motherboard GPU" that boasts high-definition video decoding capabilities. Physically, the A-N78HD is based on the Micro-ATX form factor, so its expansion is limited to one PCI Express x16 slot, one PCIe x1 slot, and two PCI slots.
The mobo has four DDR2-1066 memory slots, six 300MB/s Serial ATA connectors with RAID 0/1/0+1/5 and JBOD support, one IDE connector, and one floppy connector. On the rear I/O hub, you'll find HDMI, DVI, and VGA display ports as well as FireWire and Gigabit Ethernet ports. Abit has even implemented four-phase pulse width modulation for the processor power delivery circuit, which it says allows greater overclocking potential. Because it's based on the GeForce 8200 chipset, the A-N78HD also supports Hybrid SLI functionality.
For enhanced stability and longevity of you
OCZ Announces DDR3-2000 Modules With Flex II
OCZ Technology Group released a new a DDR3 addition to their new Flex II memory series. These premium modules run at 2000MHz speeds at CL8-8-8 timings for added performance to high-end systems with integrated water-cooling.
The OCZ Flex II heat management solution enables high-frequency memory to operate within an optimal balance of extreme speeds and low latencies without the high temperatures that inhibit or damage the module. Each PC3-16000 Flex II memory module features a thermal management technology from OCZ that combines a new heatspreader design with integrated liquid injection system and dedicated channels directly over the module's ICs to effectively dissipate heat produced by high-speed memory. This sophisticated series was engineered with a unique "flexible" design to give enthusiasts the option to run the modules passively or water cooled via the thick array of aluminum fins, and the concurrent use of both options promotes maximum heat dissipation.
The PC3-16000 Flex II modules are optimized for the latest cutting edge DDR3 platforms featuring the new NVIDIA 790i chipset and will be available in 2GB (2x1024MB) dual-channel kits. OCZ includes all the necessary accessories right in the box to setup your water-cooling system immediately after purchase, without the inconvenience of searching for additional hardware. The Flex II series is backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
Specs:
- 2000MHz DDR3
- CL 8-8-8-28
- Available in 2GB (2x1024) Dual Channel Kits
- Unbuffered
- OCZ Lifetime Warranty
- 1.9 Volts
- 240 Pin DIMM
- 2 x 1/4" ID (inner diameter) barbs
- Flex II XLC Heatsink
- 1.95 EVP
- Package Contents: Flex II Memory Kit, 3/8" and 1/2" Barb Adaptors, 4-Way Manifold Barb, 40" Plastic Tube, Manual
- Part Numbers: 2GB (2x1024) D/C Kit PN - OCZ3FXT20002GK
Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway Trailer
Take a look at the latest trailer of Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway, Gearbox's upcoming shooter.
Featuring unprecedented visuals and gameplay, Brothers in Arms Hell
EVGA nForce 750i SLI FTW For The Win review
EVGA nForce 750i SLI FTW For The Win review
eVGA decided to make a new cheaper mainboard opposed to 780/790, designed it l33t and sexy. They named their new baby the eVGA nForce 750 FTW. Where FTW literally means "For The Win". Now if you send a product with "FTW" in the actual name then as a company you need to have some pretty big balls, as any reviewer will see if that product lives up-to the reputation.
Read the full review here:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/evga-nforce-750i-sli-ftw-for-the-win-review/
S3 Graphics 4300E graphics processor
S3 Graphics today announced the S3 Graphics 4300E graphics processor for embedded markets, bringing the latest in HD video playback, graphics rendering, display connectivity, and power management to developers of gaming, digital signage and other multimedia intensive embedded applications. The S3 Graphics 4300E incorporates two dual-link DVI transmitters, each with integrated HDMI and HDCP and an integrated LVDS transmitter. Integrated support for twp analog displays is also included.
The S3 Graphics 4300E processor uses proven low leakage 65nm process technology and features an energy efficient multimedia architecture that scales from 300MHz to 600MHz. The graphics and HD video cores can be coupled with the latest DDR2 and DDR3 memories supporting up to 256MB of local graphics memory. The multimedia processor also incorporates a high speed serial link PCI Express 2.0 compliant bus supporting x1, x4, x8, and x16 lane widths, in addition to PCI Express ASPM for further reducing operational power to allow astonishingly low heat, fanless configurations.
The S3 Graphics 4300E also features S3 Graphics integrated HD Audio controller and codec. The S3 Graphics 4300E will debut at Embedded Systems Conference, taking place at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California on April 15
Schoolboy Corrects NASA's Math On Killer Asteroid
A 13-year-old German schoolboy corrected NASA's estimates on the chances of an asteroid colliding with Earth, a German newspaper reported Tuesday, after spotting the boffins had miscalculated.
Nico Marquardt used telescopic findings from the Institute of Astrophysics in Potsdam (AIP) to calculate that there was a 1 in 450 chance that the Apophis asteroid will collide with Earth, the Potsdamer Neuerster Nachrichten reported.
NASA had previously estimated the chances at only 1 in 45,000 but told its sister organisation, the European Space Agency (ESA), that the young whizzkid had got it right. The schoolboy took into consideration the risk of Apophis running into one or more of the 40,000 satellites orbiting Earth during its path close to the planet on April 13 2029. Those satellites travel at 3.07 kilometres a second (1.9 miles), at up to 35,880 kilometres above earth -- and the Apophis asteroid will pass by earth at a distance of 32,500 kilometres. If the asteroid strikes a satellite in 2029, that will change its trajectory making it hit earth on its next orbit in 2036.
Both NASA and Marquardt agree that if the asteroid does collide with earth, it will create a ball of iron and iridium 320 metres (1049 feet) wide and weighing 200 billion tonnes, which will crash into the Atlantic Ocean.
The shockwaves from that would create huge tsunami waves, destroying both coastlines and inland areas, whilst creating a thick cloud of dust that would darken the skies indefinitely.
The 13-year old made his discovery as part of a regional science competition for which he submitted a project entitled: "Apophis -- The Killer Astroid."
Update - as it seems this news false as reported here.
Microsoft Exec snaps Over Vista Upgrade Loophole
It was reported last winter that by using an 11 step process, a cheaper Vista upgrade could be installed on a PC with no pre-existing operating system. This gaping loophole was apparently left wide open by Microsoft and stood in contrast to previous versions of Windows that required a copy of the previous Windows OS, with no exceptions.
While many noted that the OEM version of Vista tended to be cheaper, the upgrade version did have some advantages, in that you could switch between 32-bit and 64-bit versions (OEM only allowed one specific OS), it had a more flexible license allowing easier reinstalls, and it could be found at significantly cheaper if you were a student.
In the Windows Secrets newsletter early this month, Associate Editor Scott Dunn asserted that he believed that Microsoft purposefully left the loophole open to encourage savvy users to adopt Vista. Said Dunn, "the fact that the upgrade back door is still present in Vista SP1 is a strong indication that the feature has at least the tacit support of Microsoft officials."
In his blog Ligman offers up a raving retort, arguing:
So if you see anyone stating, or writing, that buying an upgrade by itself (Windows Vista Upgrade for instance) without having a full license first gets you the rights to run the software, just realize that what the person is actually stating is,