3DMark Vantage Screenshots
Want to get a taste of the new 3DMark from Futuremark called 3DMark Vantage? If so head on over to the 3DMark Vantage website and check out the latest screenshots! http://www.futuremark.com/3dmarkvantage/

Mushkin Announces XP-800AP 800W Power Supply Unit
DENVER, CO, January 31, 2008 – Mushkin Inc. (www.mushkin.com), a global leader in high-performance and system specific computer products, today announced the release of the XP-800AP 800W power supply unit (PSU).  The XP-800AP provides gamers and enthusiasts with ample power to push multi-CPU and multi-GPU systems to their limits.

“We’re thrilled to bring this extremely versatile unit to the gamer and enthusiast markets whose users will definitely appreciate the increased performance,” said Brian Flood, Mushkin’s director of product development. “With class-leading +12V output, an extensive feature set, and the latest connector standards, the XP-800AP can provide power across multiple platform generations for years to come. 

The XP-800AP unit provides a comprehensive set of features including active PFC, 110-240V input, VersaPlug modular cabling, four PCIe cables with 6/8-pin adaptable connectors, user-selectable single +12V rail/quad +12V rail, 900W peak power, thermally controlled 135mm fan, 64A output at +12V, EPS 2.91 support, and industrial-grade components.

The XP-800AP PSU is immediately available through the mushkin.com web store and authorized resellers and distributors.  The unit is backed by a generous 5-year limited warranty and Mushkin’s industry-leading technical support personnel.

Part Number: 550300 – XP-800AP 800W Power Supply Unit
http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/power_supply/xp-800ap.asp 

More tech news & reviews from around the web... 

Danger Den MPC-975X Chipset Waterblock @ techPowerUp
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X

MSI K9A2 Platinum AMD 790FX Motherboard @ HotHardware.com
http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/MSI_K9A2_Platinum_AMD_790FX_Motherboard/

MSI K9A2 Platinum AMD 790FX Motherboard @ HotHardware.com
http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/MSI_K9A2_Platinum_AMD_790FX_Motherboard/

Ultra Products M998 Case Review
http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/hardware/1743_1.html

Today Michael, our resident overclocking lunatic, has the latest and greatest power supply from our friends at Kingwin. The newest Mach 1 boasts a phenomenal 1000w of power, modular power cables, a 150mm blue LED cooling fan, and much more. Here is a quote from the review:

"When selecting a power supply, a Novice may look no further than the total wattage of the unit while an enthusiast will look for more stringent stats such as Active Power Filtering Circuits or the SLI Ready logo. As always, the competition among manufacturers is fierce which can reap huge benefits for the consumer. Advancements in the power supplies energy efficiency, the added aesthetics, and even shrinking the physical size of the unit itself, all go a long way in giving the consumer more of what they want."

Read about Kingwin's 1000w Mach 1 power supply right here at Club Overclocker!

 
Over the last couple of years I have amasses a nearly endless array of external devices that clutter my desktop both at home and in the office.  This fact is not lost on the engineers over at Ultra Products.  The Stackables Series represents Ultra's solution to all that mess; a stackable, matching system of external devices that let you pick and choose the devices you need and stack them neatly on your desk.  Today we will be looking at some of the more useful components in the series and the power center that brings it all together.  Lets take a look!

More tech news & reviews from around the web... 

Asus BLITZ Extreme Intel P35 Express DDR3 Motherboard Review
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2240

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 Video Card Giveaway @ Legit Reviews
http://forums.legitreviews.com/about13887.html

AutumnWave OnAir GT USB HDTV Tuner @ APH Networks
http://aphnetworks.com/reviews/autumnwave_onair_gt

Thermaltake NBcool T2000 Notebook Cooler Review @ TechwareLabs
http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/cooling/Thermaltake_T2000/

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz - Wolfdale Arrives
http://techgage.com/article/intel_core_2_duo_e8400_30ghz_-_wolfdale_arrives/

GMC R2 Toast Mid-tower Review
http://www.mikhailtech.com/Reviews/GMC/R2_Toast/page1

VIA Unveils Next-Generation Isaiah x86 Processor Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO – JANUARY 29, 2008 – A brand new daily web comic for IT developers and pros debuted today at www.heroeshappenhere.com/comic. Created by veteran comic book editor and writer Jordan Gorfinkel and produced by Avalanche Comics Entertainment, the web comic follows a cast of information technologists as they write code, fix bugs and solve problems around the globe, while simultaneously trying to maintain their personal lives. Read the full press release here.

Futuremark Announces the Futuremark Games Studio
With its first game already in development, Futuremark Games Studio was created to produce original world class games.
Espoo, Finland - January 29th, 2008 - Futuremark (www.futuremark.com), is proud to announce the formation of a group named the Futuremark Games Studio. For the past 10 years, Futuremark has been pushing the boundaries of PC 3D graphics performance with its 3DMark® series, which has become by far the world's most popular benchmarking software. The 3DMark series combines stunning 3D art with world class engines from Direct3D 6 up to Direct3D 10. "Futuremark Games Studio is committed to developing original IP games with the highest quality game play combined with our established track record of creating blow-your-socks-off visuals", said Tero Sarkkinen, CEO of Futuremark Corporation. "For years, our fans have been asking us when will we start making games. Very soon they are going to get it - and then some!" Read the full press release here.

Antec NeoPower 650 and NeoPower 650 Blue PSU Review @ [H]
Antec NeoPower 650 and NeoPower 650 Blue - Antec is one of the most recognizable names in the industry when it comes to power supplies and chassis. Today we have a look at two units that are now considered "mid-range" offerings. So what makes an Antec 650w Blue?

Review Link: http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ0NSwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

Tech news & reviews from around the web...

Vista Codecs @ PC Review
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/articles/Windows/Vista_Codecs/

Gigabyte 6Quad GA-P35-DQ6 Review
http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/motherboards/1741_1.html

Asus BLITZ Formula Intel P35 Express Motherboard Review
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2239

[Tech ARP] Desktop Graphics Card Comparison Guide
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=88

Apevia X-Jupiter Jr Case @ Pro-Clockers
http://www.pro-clockers.com/review.php?id=317

HighPoint RocketRAID 3520 SATA Raid Controller Review @ TechwareLabs
http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/storage/highpoint_raid_3520/

HD 3870 in Crossfire vs. HD 3870 X2
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1282/hd_3870_in_crossfire_vs_hd_3870_x2/index.html

There is nothing I enjoy more than a foray into the unknown, and the world of HTPC's is definitely an unknown one to me.  So what better way to explore, than with a product review?  Thermaltake has been kind enough to send the Club their flagship HTPC case, the DH102, as the instigator for this experiment. Here's a quote:

"What it really comes down to, however, is the LCD.  When I told some friends about this case, they balked at the $540 price tag.  When they came to actually look at the case, however, all were amazed, and two of them guaranteed that they would buy one, all because of the cool factor that the touchscreen LCD had to offer."

Read the Thermaltake DH-102 home theater PC review right here at ClubOC!

ASUS Unveils World’s First Graphics Cards with Dual AMD Radeon HD 3870X2 Graphics Cores
FREMONT, CA (January 28, 2008) – ASUS®, worldwide leader in component and notebook design and manufacturing, today released the ASUS EAH3870X2/G/3DHTI/1G and EAH3870X2/G/HTDI/1GM featuring dual on-board AMD® Radeon™ HD 3870X2 graphics processing units (GPUs). The EAH3870X2/G/3DHTI/1G comes equipped with 1GB of the fastest DRR3 0.8ns memory and two additional DVI outputs to ensure a pulsing and engaging gaming experience. The unique dual fan sinks on the new ASUS cards promise efficient heat dissipation, resulting in more system stability. With the purchase of the new EAH 3870X2 cards from ASUS, gamers can take immediate advantage of the graphics processing power with the bundled Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts, a popular DirectX™ 10 PC title. The ASUS EAH3870X2 series will be available through ASUS authorized dealers in North America this week, with an introductory MSRP of $449 USD. Read the full press release here.

Will You Give Up On Vista? @ OSWeekly.com
"We’ve talked about Apple’s forays into television advertising with their Get a Mac campaign, and we’re used to seeing these ads appear on television by now. We’re also familiar with the clever but simplistic (sometimes excessively so) print ads that Apple has pushed out to the masses in order to get us thinking about their products. Both of these methods of spreading the word can be very effective, but one specific avenue of advertising that we don’t usually talk about when it comes to Apple is online advertising. That may have been true in the past, but Apple’s recent efforts in this area have us talking now." Link: http://www.osweekly.com

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 Dual GPU Video Card @ [H]
ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 - One of the more anticipated video cards of this year is finally here, AMD is launching the ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2. What will two 3870 GPUs on one board do for you in gaming? We are going to find out exactly that in Crysis, UT3, COD 4 and HL2.

Link: http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ1NCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

CoolIT Systems Announces Liquid Cooling for AMD’s New Dual GPU Graphics Cards
Calgary, Alberta – January 28th, 2008 - Right on the heals of AMD announcing the availability of the ATI Radeon™ HD 3870 earlier this month, CoolIT Systems debuts the third installment in the Reference Series line of liquid cooling systems designed to quietly and effectively cool Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.’s highly anticipated performance graphics cards, the ATI Radeon™ HD 3870 X2. In recent testing, the liquid cooled cards were stably clocked up to over 900MHz core clock speed and the memory pushed to 1GHz with no thermal issues. Read the full press release here.

Tech news & reviews from around the web...

TI Radeon HD 3870 X2 Video Card Review @ Legit Review
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/656/1/

Nexus Caterpillar Silent PC Case Review @ TechwareLabs
http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/cases/nexus_caterpillar/

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 - getting back in the game
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=11398

AMD HD3870X2 @ Bjorn3D
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1228

G92 Madness Continues @ Madshrimps
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&articID=661

Driver Heaven Review: ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/AMDX2Review/index.php

Sunbeamtech Rheobus Extreme @ Pro-Clockers
http://www.pro-clockers.com/review.php?id=316

Thermaltake SwordM Full Tower Case Review @ ThinkComputers.org
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=702

Ultra X2 750W Extreme Titanium @ Bjorn3D
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1220

Kingwin Revolution Heatpipe Direct Touch RVT-12025 CPU Cooler Review @ OCIA.net
http://www.ocia.net/reviews/rvt12025/page1.shtml

	Raidmax was kind enough to send us their latest gaming case, the Aztec.  The Aztec is part of their Elite line of gaming cases.  Over the years we've reviewed quite a few Raidmax enclosures and we have been pleased with their products.  Raidmax has always offered modified cases at affordable prices.  The Aztec is priced right at just over $90, but does it live up to the standards that we are accustomed to seeing from Raidmax?  Let's dig in and find out if it can.

When is the last time you've talked to someone about thermal paste? I'm going to guess that it has probably been a while. There are only so many things to say about it, and for the most part we've all come to accept the fact that Arctic Silver 5 is all we need, right? Evidently not...

At the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, amid all those new big screen TV's and custom paint jobs on PC enclosures, even thermal paste got an occasional mention. We heard from more than once source that there is growing discontent over the Arctic Silver 5 formula. The general feeling is that enthusiasts want more performance without the long cure times and thick viscosity. As always the paste must have no electrical conductivity. Read the entire review, right here at Club Overclocker!

Red Beard and Bratz Team up to Launch Metal Bratz Skins
Red Beard’s President Cetin Yildirim unveiled, ‘Bratz Metal Skins’ at CES 2008 earlier this month. “The response has been incredible.  Today’s electronic accessory market virtually ignores the younger female demographic and their affinity for customization.  Red Beard and Bratz (the leading #1 US license for girls), are working in conjunction to offer Skins this demographic can appreciate and enjoy. Bratz fans will be able to customize their video game hardware, and laptops.”

‘Red Beard and Bratz is a partnership between two global brands with a shared passion for creating meaningful consumer product experiences through design and innovation,” Yildirim said. “Bratz Metal Skins creates a unique and personal gaming experience…”

“We’re working with Bratz to take gaming and customization to a new level,” said Yildirim. "The personalization of your favorite product with your favorite characters is something carried over in every aspect of our lives; it’s the temporary version of a tattoo."

The Nintendo DS Lite® is the first product line targeted for the Metal Bratz Skins. Red Beard plans to make many of its leading Metal Skin styles with the Bratz licensed images, connecting millions of consumers to the Metal Bratz Skins experience.

Specially designed Red Beard Metal Skins, including major home based console, portable console, iPod and laptop Skins, functionally bring together the Red Beard and Bratz experience.

Pricing & Availability
The Red Beard Metal Bratz Skin is expected to be available within 60 days for a suggested retail price of between $6.99 and $14.99 (US) through major US and Canadian retailers.

About Red Beard™: Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Red Beard™ is a leading worldwide developer, manufacturer and distributor of high quality epoxy coated removable and reusable metal Skins for home based gaming consoles potable consoles, controllers, laptops, MP3s, and cellular phones. Founded in 2005, Red Beard has continued to prosper and grow with its first international distribution taking place in 2006.

Where to Buy: Wal Mart, Toys R US, EB Games, Shopko, Pamida, Blockbuster, Nebraska Furniture Stores, The Source by Circuit City, Loblaws, Real Candian Superstores.

Red Beard maintains operations in the U.S,  Europe, Canada, and China. More information about Red Beard and its products can be found at  www.GoRedBeard.com.

Tech news & reviews from around the web...

Centaur Technology Tour in Pictures @ [H]
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com

Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6 Intel X38 Express Motherboard Review
http://www.pcstats.com

ASUS P5N-T Deluxe (NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI)
http://www.hardwarezone.com

Sapphire HD3870 Atomic Edition @ techPowerUp
http://www.techpowerup.com

Razer Barracuda Gaming Headset @ TechwareLabs
http://www.techwarelabs.com

Super Talent Project X 2x1GB DDR3 PC3-14400 Review @ Hardware Canucks
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com

Seasonic S12II - 500 watt power supply review
http://www.hi-techreviews.com

Aeneon Xtune DDR3-1333 @ Bjorn3D
http://www.bjorn3d.com

Thermaltake ToughPower 1000 Modular Power Supply @ Pro-Clockers
http://www.pro-clockers.com

Raidmax Sagitta 2 PC Case Review @ ThinkComputers.org
http://www.thinkcomputers.org

ClubOC Review: Klegg Electronics NetDisk Mega - Advanced Network Storage
Klegg Electronics has devised an external storage solution that offers the best of both worlds; local area network access and the conveniences of USB portability. They call their solution, the NetDisk. The NetDisk is offered as either an empty enclosure where you use the drive of your choice, or it comes in a wide variety of sizes with a pre-installed drive. Klegg sent us a 320GB model to test and to share our results with you.

Check out the Klegg NetDisk Mega right here at Club Overclocker!

Futuremark Launches Value for Performance Shopping
Espoo, Finland - January 24, 2008 - Futuremark Corporation, www.futuremark.com, announced today the full release of the "Price and Performance Information Page" on YouGamers.com. This new Futuremark service takes the guesswork out of buying your next processor or graphics card. "Users often ask the question, 'how fast can my system go for my hard earned dollars?", said Matti Kontu, VP of Futuremark. "Now Futuremark answers that question."

What makes the service unique is the amount of real-world data used to calculate the system performance. Futuremark currently receives over 20,000 benchmark results from 3DMark06 each day which provide real-life performance statistics contributing to a more accurate service for the informed shopper. This data from the 3DMark06 scores is matched with retail prices from CNET Shopper and is used to calculate relative performance from over 120 processors and graphic cards to help consumers make better purchasing decisions. The service is available free for anyone at: http://www.yougamers.com/hardware/stats/3dmark06/priceandperformance/

Read the full press release here.

VIA Unveils Next-Generation Isaiah x86 Processor Architecture
Austin, Texas, US, 24 January 2008 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of x86 silicon and platform technologies, today announced details of the VIA Isaiah Architecture, a new x86 processor architecture that will deliver significant boosts to the functionality and performance of desktop, mobile and ultra mobile PCs while minimizing power requirements, saving on battery life and enabling ultra compact system designs.

Designed from the ground up by the company's US-based processor design subsidiary, Centaur Technology Inc., the VIA Isaiah Architecture combines all the latest advances in x86 processor technology, including a 64-bit superscalar speculative out-of-order microarchitecture, high-performance multimedia computation, and a new virtual machine architecture. The first generation of Isaiah-based products will be pin-compatible with the VIA C7 processor family, enabling a smooth transition for system builders and providing them with an easy upgrade path for current designs.

The first processors implementing the VIA Isaiah Architecture will use proven 65 nanometer technology for greater power efficiency, which, combined with new enhanced power and thermal management capabilities, will ensure the best performance per watt on the market and help drive the rapidly emerging categories of green, silent and small form factor desktop PCs and home media centers, and ultra thin and light notebooks and mini-notes.

Read the full press release here.

VIA's New Centaur Designed Isaiah CPU Architecture @ [H]
VIA's New Centaur Designed Isaiah CPU Architecture - If you would have told me last year that I would be able to sit down and play Crysis on a VIA low power CPU, well, I think I would have to had called BS on that, but I did just that yesterday. That get your attention?

More tech news from around the web...

Sapphire's Ultimate HD 3850 and Atomic HD 3870 @ HotHardware.com
http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/Sapphires_Ultimate_HD3850_and_Atomic_HD3870/

Vvikoo 8800GT Max 1GB Review - XSReviews
http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/graphics-cards/vvikoo-8800gt-max-1gb/

Overclock3D Content: Crucial Ballistix PC3-12800 2GB DDR3 Kit
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/memory/crucial_ballistix_pc3-12800_2gb_ddr3_kit/1

Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800W Modular PSU @ Benchmark Reviews
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=133&Itemid=1

Apevia X-Telstar Steel Mid-tower Case Review @ OCIA.net
http://www.ocia.net/reviews/xtelstar/page1.shtml

AMD unleashes the ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 and ATI Radeon™ HD 3600 series, delivering leading-edge graphics technology with full support for DirectX® 10.1, PCI Express® 2.0 and DisplayPort™
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- January 23, 2008 -- AMD today announced the introduction and availability of the ATI Radeon™ HD 3400 and ATI Radeon™ HD 3600 series, the leading-edge entry-level and mainstream graphics processors (GPU) in the ATI Radeon™ HD 3000 series. Ranging in price from USD $49-$65 suggested e-tail pricing (SEP) for the ATI Radeon HD 3400 series and USD $79-$99 SEP for the ATI Radeon HD 3600 seriesi , the new graphics solutions deliver unmatched value to the consumer. Both series continue to advance AMD’s leadership by delivering display connectivity through DisplayPort™ integrated into the GPUii, allowing AMD to exceed current manufacturing expectations in the industry. As part of the first family of graphics cards built using 55nm process technologyiii, both series provide exceptional performance-per-watt for a quiet and power-efficient experience at unbelievable price points. Read the full press release here.

More tech news from around the web...

SteelSeries Ikari Laser Review @ XSReviews
http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/peripherals/steelseries-ikari-laser/

MSI Radeon HD 3870 X2 OC Graphics Card
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1279/msi_radeon_hd_3870_x2_oc_graphics_card/index.html

ASUS Nova @ t-break
http://www.tbreak.com/reviews/article.php?id=574

[Tech ARP] Desktop Graphics Card Comparison Guide
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=88

AMD HD34X0 and HD3650 Info @ Bjorn3D
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1221

AMD Phenom processor family performance
http://www.techspot.com/review/84-amd-phenom-family-performance/

Thermalright Ultima-90 CPU Cooler @ Pro-Clockers
http://www.pro-clockers.com/review.php?id=314

Tuniq Miniplant 950watt Power Supply
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1278/tuniq_miniplant_950watt_power_supply/index.html

CoolIT Freezone Elite CPU Cooler Review
http://techgage.com/article/coolit_freezone_elite_cpu_cooler/

Less heat and reduced noise are two phrases that always perk up the ears of any PC enthusiast.  It doesn't matter if you are stretching for that next benchmark or just trying to get down to the next dB for your HTPC, heat and the associated noise of cooling a high end build is always a factor.  With the Ultra Aluminum Hard Drive Cooler, Ultra is bringing the same heat pipe solution found in may top heatsinks to your high performance hard drive.  Lets see how this cooler measures up here at the Club.

Ubicom Processors in Five Award-Winning Innovations at CES
SUNNYVALE, CALIF., JANUARY 22, 2008 - Ubicom®, Inc., a leading provider of communications processor and software solutions, announced that its processing and software technology was used to create five products named as CES Innovations 2008 Award Honorees. The Logitech Squeezebox Duet won the c|net Best of CES 2008 award for home audio and the NETGEAR® HD / Gaming 5GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111) received LAPTOP Magazine's Best of CES award for Wi-Fi / home-networking. Read the full press release here.

Super Talent SSD Earns Microsoft® Windows® Certifications
San Jose, California – January 22, 2008 -- Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, announced today that their 128GB SATA solid state drive (SSD) has been awarded the “Works with Windows Vista®” and “Designed for Microsoft Windows XP” logo certifications. Read the press release here.

Mushkin Announces Availability of High Speed DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs for Apple Mac Pro Workstations and Apple Xserve Servers
DENVER, CO, January 22, 2008 – Mushkin Inc. ( www.mushkin.com ), a global leader in high-performance and system-specific computer memory products, today announced the release of high speed PC2-6400 FB-DIMMs for Apple Mac Pro and Xserve systems available in 1GB and 2GB single modules and 2GB and 4GB dual-channel kits.  These products are designed to provide effortless memory upgrades for owners of the newly released Mac Pro and Xserve systems that support DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs. Read the press release here. 

More tech news...

Overclocked GeForce 8800 GTS 512 MB Roundup @ [H]
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com

Ultra Aluminum Hard Drive Cooler
http://www.3dgameman.com

Xigmatek NRP-HC1201 1200W @ techPowerUp
http://www.techpowerup.com

ASRock 4Core1333-eSATA2 R5.0 Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com

Driver Heaven Review: High Power Rock Solid 1200w Power Supply
http://www.driverheaven.net

Thermaltake BigWater 760i Review
http://techgage.com

Seagate unleashes new Momentus laptop drives
Just recently, I had the pleasure of discussing the new generation of Momentus hard drives from Seagate.  If you don't know, the Momentus is Seagate's laptop line of disk drives, and the new product line is denoted by the 5400.4 moniker.  The 5400.4 boasts densities of up to 250GB, second generation perpendicular recording, as well as a native SATA 3Gbps interface, resulting in a substantial performance increase over the 5400.3.  Seagate's internal testing of their new hard drives show that the performance is on par with the Samsung 250GB drive, and seriously outclassing other 2.5" drives from Fujitsu, Hitachi, Toshiba and Western Digital.

Read our Seagate Momentus 5400.4 press release here.

Read Seagate's press release here.

Just a few short months ago, I had the opportunity to review Swiftech's original Compact water-cooling kit, the H20-120 Compact.  What we concluded then was that the Compact idea was a great way to simplify installation of a water cooling kit without sacrificing performance.  Fast forward to 2008, and we have the second iteration of the Compact series: the H2O-220 Compact.  The challenge has also changed, however, as the original Compact was tested on an overclocked Opteron 170; this time the challenge is Intel Q6600, and I fully expect to push the kit to its limit.

In the past, I have been able to reach 3.6GHz on air with the Q6600, and I fully expect to blow past this limit on water.  Ideally, I want to hit 4GHz on this quad, though I know that is a lot to ask.  Can the H2O-220 Compact hack it?  Read on to find out!

ASUS Striker II Formula Motherboard Offers PC Gamers the Ultimate SLI Platform
Based on the NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP, the new ASUS ROG motherboard supports 3-way SLI technology out-of-box
FREMONT, CA (January 21, 2008) – ASUS®, worldwide leader in component and notebook design and manufacturing, today released the Striker II Formula motherboard. This cutting-edge motherboard is the latest in ASUS’ Republic of Gamers line and takes full advantage of the NVIDIA™ nForce 780i SLI™ MCP (Media Communications Processor). To deliver the most immersive PC gaming experience, the new Striker II Formula motherboard provides support for 3-way SLI technology, resulting in amazingly fast game-play. Read the full press release here.

More tech news...

Sanyo Denki A11H Online UPS @ techPowerUp
http://www.techpowerup.com

Diamond Radeon HD 3850 512MB Ruby Edition Video Card @ Legit Reviews
http://legitreviews.com

I4U: ASUS EAH3850 Top ATI HD 3850 Video Card Review
http://www.i4u.com

Thermaltake Xaser VI VG4000BNS Case Review at HardwareXL
http://www.hardwarexl.com

Asus P5K64 WS motherboard review @ Rbmods
http://www.rbmods.com

More Trouble For AMD In 2008?
http://www.techarp.com

ASUS Maximus Formula (Non-SE) @ Bjorn3D
http://www.bjorn3d.com

Gaming System Duo Posted @ Ninjalane
http://www.ninjalane.com

B-Gear/B-Tarantula 550 watt Power Supply Review @ hi-techreviews.com
http://www.hi-techreviews.com

X-Arcade Tankstick Dual Controller with Trackball @ HotHardware.com
"We've just posted a new article at HotHardware, in which we evaluate X-Gaming's very cool, very retro, X-Arcade Tankstick Dual Controller With Trackball.  Just seeing this thing will take you back to your earlier years when gaming meant stopping by the local arcade and dropping quarters into a slot on your favorite machine.  Be warned though, after reading this article you may be compelled to connect the Tankstick to a home theater PC.  Playing favorites like Mr. Do, Galaga, and Street Fighter II on the big screen would definitely rock!  Head on over to the site and check it out…" Read about it here.

BlueAnt X5 Stereo Bluetooth Headset Review @ Legit Reviews
"The BlueAnt X5 Stereo Bluetooth Headset is designed for not only those Bluetooth devices that support the A2DP Profile natively, but those audio devices that you want experience wirelessly. BlueAnt incorporates a small dongle that can be used with any 3.5mm jack to bridge the sound between audio device and X5 headphones. With a retail price of $149, BlueAnt tries to deliver a complete package to the user and prepares them for almost any situation one can think of. How well does the BlueAnt X5 stack up against the Motorola and Plantronics?" Read on.

More tech news...

Asus EN8800GT (NVIDIA GeFoce 8800GT) TOP 512MB @ APH Networks
http://aphnetworks.com/reviews/asus_en8800gt_top_512mb

Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 Case Review at 3DXtreme
http://www.3dxtreme.net/index.php?id=coolermastercosmosp1

TrustedReviews Article Bulletin: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS4
http://www.trustedreviews.com/motherboards/review/2008/01/18/Gigabyte-GA-EP35-DS4/p1

DH Review: Corsair TX650W PSU
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/Corsair_TX650W/index.php

Danger Den MC-TDX Waterblock @ techPowerUp
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MC-TDX

Antec Sonata Plus 550 Case Review @ circuitREMIX
http://www.circuitremix.com/index.php?q=node/92

ASUS P5K3 Deluxe WiFi-AP Intel P35 Motherboard @ BmR
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=139&Itemid=1

Hybrid Aluminum Case Review @ TechwareLabs
"LANCOOL (Lian Li) has sent us an aluminum/steel hybrid case to test out. With a black annodized aluminum exterior and sporting multiple interior design features that we find lacking in many cases the K7 may be an excellent case from several viewpoints. We explore the K7 in our review and take you from unpacking to installation and give you our conclusion on this "metal boned" new enclosure for your system." Read the article at TechwareLabs.

OCZ Technology Announces New PC2-8000 4GB Platinum Edition Memory to offer Mainstream Enthusiasts an Affordable Overclocking Kit
Sunnyvale, CA—January 17, 2008—OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a worldwide leader in innovative ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, today announced the PC2-8000 Platinum Edition 4GB dual channel kit, designed to boost the performance of mainstream gaming systems. These new 2GB modules are the ultimate upgrade for entry-level enthusiasts seeking an exceptional overclocking kit at a price point that suits all budgets.

As part of OCZ’s Platinum series, the PC2-8000 2GB modules are engineered to satisfy the demands of overclockers and enthusiasts, and designed to deliver the performance and speed gamers require for today’s graphic-intensive DirectX 10 PC games. At a blistering 1000MHz, the 4GB Platinum Edition runs at faster speeds than typical 2GB modules, offering incredible bandwidth and stability on the latest platforms.

“System memory density is a significant cost factor in the overall configuration of any personal computer,” commented Dr. Michael Schuette, VP of Technology Development at OCZ Technology. “However, retrofitting a system with an abundance of memory does not necessarily translate into having to spend an abundance of cash. By releasing quality products like the PC2-8000 2GB modules at a low price point, OCZ Technology once again demonstrates the commitment to providing the customers with the best possible solution in the market place.”

Read about OCZ's new Platinum Edition Memory here.

GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB Roundup - Albatron, eVGA and XFX @ Legit Reviews
"The XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB Alpha Dog XXX Edition featured overclocked settings out of the box and is the fastest GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB card that XFX has to offer. The default settings have the core clock at 678MHz, the shader clock is 1700MHz, and the memory clock is at 986MHz. After using RivaTuner to manually overclock the settings we were able to increase the core clock to 805MHz, the shader clock was then 2018MHz, and the memory clock was 1152MHz. The core and shader clocks were just shy of what the EVGA card could do, but the memory IC's saved the day and was able to go 77MHz higher than the EVGA card. Our Lightsmark 2007 score went from 308.5 FPS to 352.0 FPS, which is a 14% improvement as a result of the great overclock." Read the roundup over at Legit Reviews!

XFX nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Review
"The system performance of the XFX 780i SLI motherboard is great and exactly where we'd expect to find it. The 680i SLI and 780i SLI chipsets line up side by side, so the competition between them and the Intel chipsets has really not changed with this release. The one advantage that Intel has at this point is DDR3 memory support - something NVIDIA has admitted is behind but I don't see the huge demand for it yet. In reality, in overall system performance and even in gaming, DDR3 isn't going to get you much further unless you are hitting 1600 MHz+ frequencies and then you'll be spending $600+ on a 2GB memory kit." Read the XFX review here.

Kingwin Z1 Series External Enclosure
“The Kingwin Z1 external SATA hard drive enclosure sure was a battle for me to review. On the one hand, it looks absolutely gorgeous. Each color is rich and vibrant at the same time. The matted-brushed aluminum created a very nice effect but I was a little let down that there was no activity LED included. Performance wise, this enclosure is nothing to write home about. While not be a slug by any means, the 109.9mbps was nothing near the 192.8mbps of the AC Ryan TFX enclosure. Sure we tested that enclosure with a slightly faster Western Digital drive, but at almost 50% faster, there is something to be said for the external hard drive controller that is housed within…” ~3dGameMan.com

Has Microsoft Learned Anything from Vista Failure? @ OSWeekly.com
"Admittedly, it may not have been as poor a performer as Windows Me, but the facts are that Windows Vista lost a lot of Windows users to other platforms. Even worse, many of them were fairly high profile users." Read the article here!

More tech news...

I4U: Benchmarking the AMD Spider Platform
http://www.i4u.com/full-review-363.html

XFX 8800 GT Alpha Dog XXX Edition 256MB Review
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/xfx8800gtADE/

Overclock3D Content: OCZ ReaperX PC2-6400 4Gb DDR2 Kit
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/memory/ocz_reaperx_pc2-6400_4gb_ddr2_kit/1

Aerocool M-40 Small Form Factor Case @ Pro-Clockers
http://www.pro-clockers.com/review.php?id=311

Air Touch Flexible Keyboard Review @ OCIA.net
http://www.ocia.net/reviews/atkeyboard/page1.shtml

Microsoft Vista SP1 RC Public Release
We've been so busy catching up from CES that we missed this one. Microsoft recently made SP1 RC available to the public. You can read about it and download SP1 RC here.

TT Big Water 760i Review at 3DXtreme
"At stock the Big Water 760i was impressive and completely overtook the stock cooler without a problem. I fear adding a GPU block with more heat would more than likely start to push this system further than it can really go. For $150 it’s a great starter kit, a great alternative to air cooling and allow someone who might want to play with water cooling to enter the foray in a safe way." Read about it here.

Corsair TX750W Power Supply Review @ Rbmods
"About a year ago, we had the chance to review a power supply from Corsair, who is typically known for their memory and cooling products. At that time, we were impressed with their performance and quiet operations. Corsair has continued to develop power products in the meantime and has sent us one of their newer supplies, the Corsair TX750W Power Supply. Will this supply prove that Corsair is serious about becoming a player in the power supply market? We will attempt to answer that question in this review." Read about the Corsair TX750W PSU here!

Foxconn DigitaLife X38A Intel X38 Express Motherboard Review
"In this review PCSTATS is testing out Foxconn's DigitaLife X38A motherboard, an Intel X38 Express and Intel ICH9R platform that supports both DDR2 and DDR3 memory formats. The Foxconn X38A works with 45nm Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors, and every other socket 775 CPU that runs on a 800/1066/1333MHz Front Side Bus. The DigitaLife X38A has four DDR2 and two DDR3 memory slots, these accommodate either 8GB of DDR2-1066/800 memory or 4GB of DDR3-1333 RAM respectively. Memory types cannot be mixed together though." Read about it here.

More tech news from around the web...

Asus P5N-T Deluxe 780i Motherboard
http://www.overclock3d.net

Xigmatek HDT-S983 Exposed Heatpipe-Base Heatsink Review
http://www.frostytech.com

Crucial Ballistix DDR3-1600 @ Bjorn3D
http://www.bjorn3d.com

Thecus N5200 Pro NAS Review @ Virtual-Hideout
http://www.virtual-hideout.net

Danger Den MC-TDX 775 CPU Waterblock Review @ [OC]ModShop
With all the new dual core and quad core processors in the market now a days using more and more power and producing more and more heat, many people need to upgrade their cooling, as well. For many, stock coolers work just fine, but what if you have a water-cooling system? Read about it here.

Lite-On LH-20A1S 20x DVD+/- RW Drive Review @ OCIA.net
"With all of this ballyhoo about HD-DVD-this and Blu-Ray-that, it’s easy to forget that regular old DVDs and even our old faithful CDs are still quite posh. Not only is your box nearly unusable without some sort of compact disc reader for software, but most forms of entertainment such as movies and music still sells predominantly on these “old” formats of DVD and CD." Read OCIA's review here!

Gigabyte 3D Mercury Water Cooled Case
"Water cooling used to be a very daunting task for all but the most experienced enthusiasts. It required time, dedication, and knowledge of many different types of components, and installing them in an orderly, professional matter was a very time consuming process. Many have simply jumped ship, including me, and returned to air-based cooling solutions over the past years. But nowadays, water cooling is becoming more and more accessible. Just about every vendor involved in the cooling business provides all-in-one systems, 5.25" bay contraptions, and integrated case solutions. Today we have Gigabyte's 3D Mercury integrated water-cooling case for review. The 3D Mercury is built around Gigabyte's 3D Galaxy water cooling system but is built into a large chassis that is compatible with even Extended ATX motherboards." Read it here.

Palit GeForce 8800 GT Super+1GB @ [H]
Palit puts 1GB of GDDR3 memory on a GeForce 8800 GT based video card and we find out how this affects gameplay in Crysis, UT3, and COD4 in both single and an SLI configuration. You guys looking for the perfect hi-res budget card should read up.

Read about it at [H].

	Sure 2 gigabytes of memory has been the standard for a while now, but today's software has been gradually upping the anti to 4 gigabytes over the last year.  Led by windows Vista, the demand for high performance DDR2 in 4 GB kits keeps getting hotter.  The trouble is, there just isn't much memory in the 4 GB kits worth getting exited about.  Mushkin is about to change that with several 4 GB additions to their performance DDR2 lineup.
Today we will be looking at their XP2-6400 DDR2 Kit, just one of the several new 4 GB kits available.  Featuring low latencies and double the space we have become used to, this may be the 4 GB upgrade you have been looking for.  Take a look right here at the Club.

CES Las Vegas - Day 2 Coverage
We got off to a late start on Tuesday.  Come to find out, we're old and just can't party until 2 am and get up at 7am anymore.  Day 2 took us to the Sands convention center inside the Venetian.  It's not as large as the LVCC, but it still took us all day to look around. Read about our CES Day 2 adventures here!

OCZ Technology Coverage at CES!
CES started off with a bang this year.  All of the big wigs were throwing parties and having a great time after hours.  We were lucky enough to get invited to several of the parties this year.  The one I'm going to talk about is the OCZ party.  Ryan Petersen can really throw a party.  He started off by reserving the penthouse suite at the Bellagio and then invited us up to see their new products later in the week. Check out the OCZ coverage here!

CES Las Vegas - Day 1 Coverage
Monday, January 7th marked the first official day of CES Las Vegas and man is there a lot to see. The CES show is spread out all over Las Vegas and not confined to just the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year there is a ton of stuff to see at the Venetian Hotel, displays at the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Hilton, and more... Our day 1 coverage is still in works but you can check it out here!

ASUS Xonar D2 Sound Card and U1 USB Audio Station Reviews
"The Xonar D2 and U1 sound devices give ASUS a great 1-2 punch that should challenge Creative as the best third-party sound products on the market today. I think the main issue is getting consumers to actually look at these products and their specifications before they go on auto-pilot and purchase Creative's respective products. Creative has had a hold on this market for years now, but I think they finally have some competition that should get some publicity." Read more here about the Xonar D2 here.

[Tech ARP] PC Hardware Myths To Avoid In 2008
"Okay, those are the few myths that have gotten on my nerves whenever I try to give sound advice to customers at the PC shop where I work. I try to educate buyers but when one's mind is set (thanks to the very effective marketing strategies used by PC hardware companies), one can only watch and listen to their woes later." Read the article here.

OCZ Vendetta Exposed Heatpipe-Base Heatsink Review
"OCZ's broad market availability means you won't have a hard time tracking down the Vendetta heatsink in your neck of the woods. The Xigamtek HDT-S983 was a great heatsink, and the OCZ Vendetta cooler will certainly follow in its footsteps. The OCZ Vendetta heatsink FrostyTech is reviewing today is equipped with soft rubber vibration absorbing fan posts, and a 92mm PWM fan that spins at 1200-2800RPM, and some rather unique fin geometry." Read the full review here.

Intel Unveils 16 Next-Generation Processors, Including First Notebook Chips Built on 45nm Technology
INTERNATIONAL 2008 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, Las Vegas, Jan. 7, 2008 – Intel Corporation unveiled 16 products today, including the company's first 45 nanometer (nm) processors for Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology based laptops.

All of these new chips include the company's new transistor formula and 45nm manufacturing process that boost a PC's speed, reduces power requirements, saves on battery life, helps the environment and comes in smaller packages for more fashionable and compact computer designs. With the introduction of the new processors, Intel will be offering a total of 32 desktop, laptop and server processors based on these industry-leading innovations.

Read the full press release here!

StarTech.com WattSmart EPSPOW850PRO 850w PSU Review @ [H]
"There is nothing today that indicates that the EPSPOW850PRO is anything short of capable of delivering what it is billed as doing within the ATX12v specifications. Given some attention (and polish) to a few details, or excellent pricing, this unit could be more than the just another option in this output range as it is today."

Link: http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQyOCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

Antec Introduces the Mini P180 Case
The Mini P180 is a stylish, compact and portable version  of Antec's popular P180 enclosure.
International CES, Las Vegas, NV - January 7, 2008  - Antec, Inc., the leading global provider of high-performance computer components for the PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, has launched the Mini P180, the latest
addition to its Performance One series. The compact, high-performance enclosure provides the quality and quiet of the Performance One series in a small and highly portable frame, perfect for gamers and Quiet Computing enthusiasts.

The Mini P180 continues the proud legacy of the Performance One series, delivering the efficiency, functionality, and style of cases like the award-winning P180 while offering unprecedented lightweight portability. The Mini P180 features a dual chamber structure that isolates heat by separating the power supply from other internal components. The cooling system includes a 120mm rear mounted fan, a 200mm top mounted fan and an advanced cable management system to improve airflow throughout the case. This compact chassis features three-layer side panels made of aluminum and plastic, as well as silicone grommets to reduce hard drive vibration and noise.

The Mini P180 accommodates up to a microATX motherboard with four expansion slots for increased versatility. The cable management system keeps wires neatly in place, and the 270-degree double-hinged door allows for easy
installation by providing direct accessibility into the case. In addition to eight drive bays, there are convenient front mounted USB 2.0, eSATA and Audio I/O ports. The Mini P180 has a glossy black finish, and its compact
dimensions allow for convenient portability.

"Gamers are always in search of cases that are both able to handle the demands of networked games, and are easy to carry to local area network parties," said Scott Richards, Senior Vice President of Antec. "Antec is committed to surpassing the expectations of even the most enthusiastic gamers. The Mini P180 improves on the design of the award-winning P180 by allowing builders to have a cool, quiet and high-performance system in a versatile and compact case."

The Performance One series also includes the P180, P182, and the P190 + 1200. All Performance One cases meet Antec's 'Quiet Computing™' standards for silent computing at high performance levels.

The Mini P180 will be available in January through major retailers, e-tailers, and distributors. The Mini P180 will retail for approximately $159.00 and is backed by Antec's Quality 3-Year Warranty. For additional product information and full technical specifications, please visit www.antec.com.

Antec Introduces Super-Premium Line of Power Supplies
The Antec Signature Series offers faster response times, hybrid cable management, high-tech cooling
Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, NV – January 8, 2008 – Antec, Inc., the leading global brand of high-performance computer components for the PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, today announced the Signature Series, its newest and most advanced family of power supply units.

Available in 850 Watts and 650 Watts, the Signature Series features several cutting-edge innovations that set it above the competition, several of which have never been offered in a consumer power supply. The Signature Series utilizes active DC-to-DC voltage regulation as opposed to the standard passive magnetic amplifier method, providing for shorter transient response times and greater system stability. The Signature Series’ transient response times can be as low as 10 microseconds, in contrast to the standard power supply transient times of 1000 microseconds (1 millisecond). In addition, the Signature Series boasts an advanced cooling system with a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) fan. By adapting its speed to the power output of the unit, a PWM controlled fan can run at speeds as low as 15% of its maximum, as opposed to a traditional fan which can only run at about 40%, thus ensuring the quietest possible operation.

All Signature Series power supply units are built to the highest standards of quality, utilizing exceptionally reliable components such as Japanese capacitors and fans. The Signature Series also utilizes a dual power circuit board (PCB) layout to optimize airflow, as well as to allow for heavier and more robust components and reduce electrical noise. Each Signature Series power supply unit boasts a hybrid advanced cable management system to provide optimal power distribution and airflow. Mandatory cables are hardwired to reduce resistance and energy waste, while the peripheral cables can be installed as needed, reducing clutter. Signature Series power supplies pass 80 PLUS®, the highest independently-certified standard in energy efficiency, reducing operating costs and protecting the environment.  Universal Input enables Signature Series units to be used anywhere in the world.

“The Signature Series is a truly premium product,” said Scott Richards, senior vice president at Antec. “The response capabilities, cooling system and hybrid advanced cable management are perfect for discerning builders looking for the very best. We believe the Signature Series will set bold new standards for quietness and stability.”

The Signature 650 and Signature 850 are available now and will retail for estimated street prices of $249.00 and $299.00, respectively. Signature Series is available through major retailers, e-tailers and distributors. The PSUs are backed by Antec’s Quality 5-Year Warranty for parts and labor. For additional product information and full technical specifications, please visit www.antec.com.

Asus BC-1205PT BD Combo @ t-break
It feels like Blu-ray vs. HD DVD discussion has been ongoing for ages, but neither Blu-ray nor HD DVD gained any significant market share from PC market. However, prices are getting lower each month. Recently, Asus released BC-1205PT BD Combo, Blue-ray reader with DVD burning features, but is it time for Blu-ray on your desktop yet?

Link: http://www.tbreak.com/reviews/article.php?id=572

Corsair TX750W Power Supply @ Bjorn3D
2007 seemed to be the year of the power supply here at Bjorn3D. 2008 may end up being much the same. Today we are taking a look at the 750 watt version from the Corsair TX line of power supplies. According to Corsiar, the TX series is designed for PC enthusiasts looking for a great product at a great price. In our previous review of the 450 watt model from Corsair's VX line, we found that Corsair lived up to it's claims of a price-conscious product. Let's see if they keep with that trend with the TX750W.

Link: http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1212