Archive for March 2009
EVGA Precision 1.5.1
Download: EVGA Precision v1.6.0
EVGA Precision allows you to fine tune your GeForce graphics card for the maximum performance possible, with Core/Shader/Memory clock tuning, real time monitoring support including in-game, Logitech Keyboard LCD Display support, and compatibility with almost all EVGA (and other) graphics cards.
New multi-GPU systems control approach. Now Precision gives you independent access to thermal monitoring, overclocking and fan control settings of all GPUs installed in the system regardless of SLI mode status. Please take a note that the previous version settings and profiles are not compatible with version 1.5.0+ and will be lost.
Version History EVGA Precision v1.6.0 (2009-03-26)- Now Precision monitoring window can be detached from the main form allowing the user to define custom monitoring window position and size. Double click attached monitoring window to detach it from the main form, double click it one more time or simply close it to attach it back.
- Now Precision provides multi-GPU control for the systems with up to 8 NVIDIA GPUs to ensure compatibility with future SLI systems and provide support for modern 5-GPU Quad-SLI + PhysX systems.
- Optimized multi-GPU profiles loader drastically reduces profiles load time when GPU synchronization mode is enabled.
- Now Precision always sorts GPUs by PCI location to ensure that GPU indices stay the same in the system regardless of operating system, display driver version and GPU display outputs connection.
- EVGA On-Screen Display Server has been updated to version 3.2.0. Similar to the previous version of Precision, new server also features new skin format v1.1 adding bitmap effects support to the skin compiler.
- Added new black skin edition.
Download: click here
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Daily deals Mar 27 2009
So for the daily deals we often revert to CPUs, power supplies, memory and graphics cards. For this bulletin I wanted to do something else, PC cases.
A chassis is always a personal choice, so this it is a bit of a daunting challenge to point you to some nice deals. None the less, I hope you like my choices, the prices are among the best I found on the web for you. Check it out:
- Antec Skeleton Mini Tower - You hate it or love it, the design however is really controversial. Just have a look at the design if you do not know what I am talking about. It is selling for $149.99
- Cooler Master Cosmos S Black Full Tower - This one I own myself. I adore it, I love it a little really. It's so stylish and the space is just amazing. Not cheap though, the best price I could find is $199.99, but worth every penny.
- ThermalTake Bach Media Lab Black HTPC - If you want to build a classy HTPC and do not want to spend hundreds of dollars, then check out this chassis. It's design is classy, black and I actually won it's little sister, the Mozart. I never regretted that purchase. Check out the price link to see the sheer design for a really nice HTPC, and it's only $115.27, a really fair price.
- Lian-Li Lian Li Silver Aluminum PC7 A Plus - There's no PC Case deasl page possible without at least one Lian Li chassis, pure aluminum baby. Typically very expensive, however check it out ... The PC-7A PLUS Classic I spotted for $96.77, very classy stuff really.
- NZXT Tempest Black - The last chassis I like to point out is one from NZXT, known for quality products. They really think through their PC cases. The tempest has a stunning design really. We found it for $99.99, go check it out.
That's it for this update, have a great weekend you guys :)
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SPARKLE Calibre X250/X250G Graphics Card with Abundant OC Capability
Sparkle send out a press-release earlier this week. It's a new GTS 250 they are offering. Overall Sparkle always has unique product designs, and this one doen't fail that concept either. Have a look at the press release and then observe that .. well downright weird cooler, honestly I have no clue how manby PCI slots that thing is gonna eat, I estimate more than two though:
SPARKLE announced the Calibre X250 512MB/X250G 1GB GDDR3 Graphics Card with Calibre Dual Fly Fan and SPA Tune OC software, extending the DirectX 10 gaming performance of GeForce GTS 250 GPU to a new level, bringing vivid DX10 gaming graphics on a mainstream consumer computing platform.
Calibre X250/X250G Graphics Card features a 55nm chip process from TSMC. The core speed is raised from 738MHz to 761MHz, the shader clock is raised from 1836MHz to 1911MHz, making it can deliver unrivaled graphics performance in the hottest games including Far Cry 2, Mirror
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NVIDIA APEX Technology Accelerates Physics Creation Pipeline for Developers
NVIDIA Corporation today announced NVIDIA APEX, a dramatic new capability to its PhysX technology development software development kit (SDK), that provides artists, level designers, and game developers with a set of easy-to-use tools that streamline the process of implementing scalable physics across multiple platforms for next-generation titles.
With NVIDIA PhysX technology, game developers can design worlds that literally come to life: walls can be torn down, glass can be shattered, trees bend in the wind, and water flows with body and force. Designed as a modular framework that works in concert with existing PhysX SDKs, NVIDIA APEX makes it easy for developers to add detailed physics effects to their games and helps them optimize the gaming experience across multiple platforms with a simple "author once" cross platform content creation feature. This enables APEX to not only help developers accelerate the time it takes to author new games, but will also help them reduce overall development costs in the process. The APEX toolset will be available free of charge for licensed NVIDIA PhysX developers and is already being integrated into some of the world's most popular development libraries and game engines, including Emergent Game Technologies' Gamebryo LightSpeed.
"APEX is a powerful addition to NVIDIA PhysX technology," said Geoffrey Selzer, CEO of Emergent Game Technologies. "World-class technology, however, is only one piece of the solution. We chose to partner with NVIDIA for APEX/LightSpeed integrations due to their combination of best-of-breed technology and their culture of being of service to the industry which parallels our own. NVIDIA's commitment to partners, technology, and developers has been demonstrated not only through collaborative relationships like ours, but through their holistic point-of-view about what the industry needs to thrive. PhysX, APEX, and LightSpeed will provide a breakthrough for designers, artists and engineers reenergizing creativity in the game industry."
Another key component of APEX is the support for new plug-in modules, each of which provide a "high level" interface enabling artists and level designers to facilitate turnkey physics content creation with little or no programmer involvement. At GDC, NVIDIA is showcasing three new modules
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GlacialTech Launches 5610 Plus PWM & 5610 Plus Silent CPU Coolers
GlacialTech, a diverse provider of cooling, power supply, and PC enclosure solutions for consumer and industrial applications, and a world-class provider of cost effective cooling components and chassis launches the latest 5610 Plus PWM CPU cooler and 5610 Plus Silent CPU Cooler. The unique design incorporates a specially aligned sinter heat-pipe combination of two pipes that dissipate the heat from the CPU directly into the heat sink fins. From there, the Silent version's fan quietly and efficiently brings the temperature down.
GlacialTech has implemented a cost effective and useful way to keep your processor cool. When running resource hungry applications and you have the PWM version installed, turn up the RPM to 2700 to manage your heat dissipation more effectively. While the PC is idle or doing non-intensive work, turn the RPM back to 800. This is how you manage your power consumption, your decibels and your overall peace of mind. Alternatively, the users have the option to purchase the Silent version as GlacialTech offers you the variety and options to suit your needs.
Features
- Quality Aluminum design with Copper base
- High density aluminum fin
- PWM version: Enhanced speed adjustable one 9cm axial Fan with bullet blade
- Silent version: Fixed speed two 9cm axial Fans with bullet blade
- Two sinter heat-pipes with nickel coating
- Weight / noise performance
- Easy to install
- Multi-platform (Intel LGA775, LGA1366, AMD AM2)
Looks good, only two heatpipes though which is very little if you crave enthusiast performance.
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NVIDIA files countersuit against Intel for breach of contract
NVIDIA Corporation today announced that it has filed a countersuit in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware against Intel Corporation for breach of contract. The action also seeks to terminate Intel's license to NVIDIA's valuable patent portfolio.
NVIDIA's countersuit was brought in response to a filing by Intel last month in the Delaware court, alleging that the four-year-old chipset license agreement does not extend to Intel's future generation CPUs with "integrated" memory controllers, such as its Nehalem processor.
"NVIDIA did not initiate this legal dispute," said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA. "But we must defend ourselves and the rights we negotiated for when we provided Intel access to our valuable patents. Intel's actions are intended to block us from making use of the very license rights that they agreed to provide."
NVIDIA entered into the disputed agreement in 2004 to bring platform innovations to Intel CPU-based systems. In return, Intel took a license to NVIDIA's rich portfolio of 3D, GPU, and other computing patents. NVIDIA had been attempting for more than a year to resolve the disagreement with Intel in a fair and reasonable manner.
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Windows Vista SP2 to be available within weeks
The second Service Pack for Windows Vista should be available within a couple of weeks. DailyTech wrote today that Microsoft has delivered the RTM (Release to Manufacturing) Escrow build to Connect beta testers. Windows Vista SP2 will add Blu-ray recording, WiFi updates, and various bug fixes and tweaks.
The new service pack delivers many much anticipated features, along with numerous tweaks and bug fixes which should strengthen the Vista experience. Among the hottest additions in the new pack is the ability to record in Blu-Ray format for the first time in Windows. Other key additions include Bluetooth v2.1 connectivity, Windows Connect Now (WCN) Wi-Fi Configuration wireless functionality, faster Wi-Fi resume times after hibernation, Windows Search 4.0, and the ability to configure the maximum number of TCP connections.
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GDC: Unreal Engine 3 Features [movie]
At GDC 2009, Epic has once again decided to show off the considerable leaps and bounds made to its Unreal Engine 3 technology. As always .. it looks good alright. Check it out.
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Pirate Bay to roll out secure 5 euro per month VPN service
Heh .. these guys do not stop do they. The Pirate Bay is planning to launch a paid VPN service for users looking to cover their tracks when torrenting. The new service will be called IPREDator, named after the Swedish Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Directive (IPRED) that will go into effect in April. IPREDator is currently in private beta and is expected to go public next week for
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PhotoFast G-Monster PCIe 1TB SSD
We all know that SSDs are the next generation of storage solution for the computer, but so far the hard drive is still holding out strong mainly because of the cost-per-GB issue.
As technology advances and narrows the gap between hard drives and SSDs where cost-efficiency is concerned, perhaps SSDs of the future like the 1TB PhotoFast G-Monster PCIe will become more commonplace, capable of hitting pehnomenal read and write speeds of 750MB/s and 700MB/s, respectively. Imagine transferring full HD videos in just seconds! No word on pricing, but we're looking at "expensive" when it launches this April. Those with a smaller budget can also opt for the 256GB and 512GB models.
Have a look at their PDF spec sheet here.
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TwinTech GeForce GTS 250 1024MB review |test
Today here at Guru3D.com, we'll review one of TwinTech's GeForce GTS 250 graphics cards. The TwinTech GeForce GTS 250 XT OC is packed with 1GB of memory, pre-overclocked and comes with a wicked cooler from Arctic Cooling. For a first introduction... that was certainly impressive to see.
But will the product be able to keep up with Guru3D's pace in testing? Let's find out. Have a look at this link right here to read up on the full article.
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FileFront Says Farewell
Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc., current owner of FileFront, decided to pull the plug on the popular gaming and file hosting web site on March 30, 2009. FileFront (still) is a repository for over 1.5 million files, totaling 48+ TB of space.
This is the original message, published on FileFront by the web site's management and team:
"We regret to inform you that we are forced to indefinitely suspend the FileFront site operations on March 30, 2009. If you have uploaded files, images or posted blogs, or if you would like to download some of your favorite files, please take this opportunity to download them before March 30th when the site will be suspended.
We would like to give a warm thank you to all of you who have been part of the FileFront communities we have built together. Your support has had a meaningful impact for all of us here at FileFront. Again, we want to give you a sincere
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Antec Skeleton case mod contest
COD6: Modern Warfare 2 trailer
Infinity Ward shows off it's the first trailer of Call of Duty 6: Modern Warfare 2. They are doing this at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Be warned though, it doesn't contain any gameplay footage. The game is under development for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles.
The launch date is set for November 11, 2009.
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Rumor: Foxconn to end its retail sales
Originally Foxconn is a very big OEM manufacturer. Bright Side of News speculates Foxconn will soon quit its retail business.
The site reports those rumors from last year that electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn will be acquiring ASUS' Pegatron manufacturing division are true, but that one of the conditions is that Foxconn will need to close its retail business. Last quarter Foxconn wasn't willing to do this just yet, but the report indicates the recession and the drop in demand for computers has accelerated the move.
Foxconn will reportedly acquire Pegatron by June, and close its Channel unit.
Although this is a rumor as of right now, something that might pop up to confirm this would be an announcement that Foxconn is buying Pegatron. Be on the lookout for this type of announcement to corroborate the Foxconn Chanel closure. With this closure, the way for an acquisition of Pegatron Technologies is wide open. This would not only give Foxconn increased manufacturing capacity but also the clients and contacts already held by Pegatron. ASUS would get rid of a competitor as well as receive some extra funds. ASUS has long been working on establishing channel dominance and at the time of this writing, the company is making a tremendous amount of retail products in addition to its component sales. It looks like this would be a win-win situation for both companies and would allow them even greater penetration into the worldwide markets without the increased cost, as it would divide the market between them: ASUS takes the role as a Global Brand and Foxconn as a Global OEM. Once completed, ASUS can go head to head with the big players in the US like Dell, HP and IBM, while at the same time Foxconn is the company that will manufacture most of components for the brands mentioned above.
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TwinTech GeForce GTS 250 1024MB XT OC review | test
Vuzix shows Augmented Reality kit
Vuzix have announced [pdf link] an augmented-reality (AR) add-on kit for their Vuzix VR920 video headset, developed in collaboration with AR specialists metaio. he system will initially be demonstrated with a 3D animated book, that has computer-generated characters, but Vuzix believe it has potential applications in gaming, education and travel.
The AR Accessory Kit comprises two main components. Firstly there
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Canon EOS 500D dSLR has 1080p HD video recording
Other features include the Digic 4 image processor, 3" LCD display with VGA resolution, face detection mode, ISO3200 and additional high-speed ISO 6400 and 12800 settings.
The Canon EOS 500D body will be available in early May for 869EUR ($799.99). It will also be available in a kit with the Canon's EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens for 969EUR ($899.99)
The muscle behind Canon's new EOS Rebel T1i camera is the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor with 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion and the ability to process full HD video. The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR offers continuous shooting at 3.4 fps for up to 170 large/fine JPEG images or up to nine RAW images in a single burst when using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card. Whether capturing wildlife on the run or a child mid-stride on the soccer field, users will appreciate the fast shooting capabilities of the Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera.
With the combination of its 15.1-megapixel APS-C size CMOS image sensor and the powerful new DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments, along with two additional high-speed ISO settings
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Mercedes F-Cell Roadster looks like an electric carriage
Daimler engineers this week presented a new Mercedes Benz concept that reminds me a bit of those old horse carriages - but with a lot of modern technology applied to it. Instead of horse power, this retro design uses a 1.2kW hybrid motor, it has a fiberglass front section and instead of a wheel it has a joystick. It's not much faster than a bike though, the top speed is only 15mph (about 24km/h) but the operating range is 217 miles (almost 350km).
As for who was responsible for creating the unique F-CELL Roadster, that honor goes to the trainees of of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen plant, with more than 150 trainees and dual education system students working for about a year on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the hybrid model. According to Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager G
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Seagate BlackArmor NAS units up to 8TB
Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to provide small businesses with solutions that meet both current and future storage needs, Seagate (NASDAQ: STX), the world
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Single PCB based GeForce GTX 295 might be in the works
China based Expreview reports that NVIDIA apparantly is working on a new GTX295 reference design card featuring not two, but a single PCB.
The current GTX295 features dual-PCB design codenamed P656 with one GPU on each. New GTX295 will adopt a single PCB design known as P658, which means NVIDIA can place two GPUs onto one PCB board. As such wiring and power supply parts as well as the dual direction cooler need to be rearranged.
If the story is correct then a new question rises .. and that would be 'Why'. Well look at it this way, you can bring down overall costs of the entire VGA card. Making it cheaper to produce and offer. The clock and performance of GTX295 remain unchanged during this transition, and 6pin+8pin power connectors are employed. Added a back plate, the pricing of new GTX295 won
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