Review of the Abit TH7 RAID mainboard
June 29, 2001
Abit, one of the most active manufacturers in market, recently sent us a sample of their latest motherboard for the Intel platform - the TH7 (RAID edition). The Abit TH7 RAID is based on the i850 chipset, and takes it lead from the Intel D850GB Pentium 4 reference board. Only a slight lead however, as the TH7 has quite a few of its own tricks to share. These include the SoftMenu BIOS system, an integrated RAID controller, and a diagnostic panel - all of which combines to form a much different beast than the D850GB
Posted by Chris Verr
SiS 315 32MB SDR Reference Card Review @ Chick's Hardware
June 29, 2001
Chick's Hardware have posted the first review of the new 3D graphics chipset from SiS, the 315. The reference card is made with the final silicon and sports 32MB SDRAM, TV-Out and DVI! The new chipset is made as a budget card and is targeted to take on NVIDIA's MX200 range. Will they succeed?
Here's a snip:
"SiS are taking a step forward in the development of their graphics division, they introduce the new SiS 315 3D video chipset, will it be the next generation 3D chipset or will it just be another wild goose chase, leaving NVIDIA back at the top?"
Click here to read the rest.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Enermax 350 Watt Power Supply Review @ The Tech Zone
June 29, 2001
The Tech Zone takes a look at a nice 350 watt power supply from Enermax. The Enermax EG365P-VE doesn't cost much more than most 300 watt power supplies (in some cases it cost less) but it packs a lot more features and a much bigger punch. Intel P4 ready too!
Check out the full review here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Prolink Pixelview PlayTV Pro Review @ Tweak Town
June 29, 2001
TweakTown have posted a review of the cheap yet quality Prolink Pixelview PlayTV Pro all-in-one TV/FM Tuner & Video Capture Card, which they awarded their Editor's Choice award.
Read the complete review at here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD'S multiprocessor platform receives NOVELL'S Sever Software Certification
June 29, 2001
SUNNYVALE, CA- JUNE 28, 2001-AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that Novell Inc., a leading provider of Net services software, has certified the AMD Athlon(tm) MP processor and the AMD-760(tm) MP chipset, AMD's multiprocessing platform for one- and two-way servers. This certification, known as "Yes, Tested and Approved," assures business users that through rigorous testing, Novell has evaluated AMD's multiprocessing platform as providing the highest degree of reliability and interoperability with the Novell NetWare operating system.
Novell NetWare is a server operating system that brings non-stop access and Internet-ready security to all types of networks.
"Novell is proud to be the first server operating system to certify the AMD Athlon MP processor and the AMD-760 MP multiprocessing chipset," said Carleton Watkins, director of Worldwide Developer Support for Novell. "The union of Novell NetWare with AMD's innovative hardware provides a stable and robust enterprise and Internet server platform, and we look forward to more collaborative efforts with AMD in the future."
"AMD is excited to earn Novell certification of our one- and two-way server platform," said Ned Finkle, director of Software Infrastructure Relations for AMD. "With Novell's official certification, commercial customers can be assured that servers built with AMD Athlon MP processors provide users with robust and reliable platforms."
Novell has certified server systems using Tyan's Thunder K7 S2462 system board, the world's first dual-processor, DDR-based platform for AMD's new line of AMD Athlon MP processors for servers and workstations. Tyan's Thunder K7 system board utilizes breakthrough chipset technology and includes a host of integrated features.
"Novell certification is certainly a significant milestone in the validation of this breakthrough platform," said Don Clegg, vice president of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Tyan. "This certification empowers IT managers to choose Tyan and AMD server technology that delivers performance at previously unmatched values."
The AMD multiprocessing platform has been certified for a number of Novell products, including Novell NetWare 5.1 with Support Pack 2a, GroupWise 5.5, Novell Distributed Print Services 2.1, NDS eDirectory and Novell BorderManager 3.5.
Based on the state-of-the-art AMD Athlon MP processor and the AMD-760 MP chipset, AMD's multiprocessing platform supports Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology and incorporates AMD's latest innovation, Smart MP technology. AMD's stable Socket A infrastructure is planned to exceed enterprise users' long-term business needs while lowering their cost of doing business. Smart MP technology enables the combined power of the processor and chipset to deliver better overall performance on widely available, x86-based, dual-processor platforms.
About the AMD Athlon(tm) MP Processor
The AMD Athlon MP processor is a seventh-generation x86 processor designed for high- performance multiprocessing servers and workstations. It provides up to a 38 percent performance increase over widely available x86 multiprocessor-based systems on benchmarks such as WebBench, ServerBench and 3D Studio Max.
A key advantage of AMD's multiprocessing platform is Smart MP technology. It greatly enhances overall platform performance by increasing data movement between the two CPUs, chipset and memory system. Smart MP technology features dual point-to-point, high-speed 266MHz system buses with Error Correcting Code (ECC) support, designed to provide up to 2.1GB per second per CPU of bus bandwidth in a dual-processor system. Smart MP technology also has an optimized Modified Owner Exclusive Shared Invalid (MOESI) cache coherency protocol that manages data and memory traffic in a multiprocessing environment.
The AMD Athlon MP processor, with stable Socket A infrastructure and support for DDR memory technology, has a high performance, full-speed cache with hardware data pre-fetch, a fully pipelined superscalar floating point engine, and an exclusive L2 Translation Look-aside Buffer (TLB). It also incorporates 3DNow!(tm) Professional technology. 3DNow! Professional technology has 52 new instructions that extend AMD's 3DNow! technology, enabling smoother, richer and more lifelike images, more precise digital audio and an enriched Internet experience.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy awarded AMD an ENERGY STAR® Certificate of Recognition for its energy-efficient processors, including the AMD Athlon MP processor. These processors help manufacturers meet stringent ENERGY STAR specifications for a variety of appliances, equipment and other products. Products with the ENERGY STAR label are designed to use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.
AMD Athlon MP processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.18-micron copper process technology at Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.
About the AMD-760(tm) MP Chipset
The AMD-760 MP chipset, the world's first AMD Athlon multiprocessor chipset to support DDR memory technology, is AMD's high performance two-way multiprocessor core logic solution for the AMD Athlon MP processor. It consists of two chips -- the AMD-762(tm) system controller (northbridge) and the AMD-766(tm) peripheral bus controller (southbridge). The AMD-760 MP chipset unleashes the power of DDR memory technology, which, combined with other sophisticated core logic in data, memory and I/O control as well as system and power management, provides a powerful solution for server and workstation platforms. The AMD-760 MP chipset supports up to two AMD Athlon MP processors with independent 266MHz front side buses, as well as PC2100 DDR memory and AGP 4x graphics.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $4.6 billion in 2000. (NYSE: AMD).
Visit AMD on the Web
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
CRN selects AMD ATHLONT processor for 'ULTIMATE PC'
June 29, 2001
AMD Athlon(tm) processor chosen ahead of Pentium® 4 processor at PC EXPO
NEW YORK-JUNE 26, 2001-AMD today announced that CRN has selected the AMD Athlon(tm) processor for its "Ultimate PC" demonstration at PC EXPO in New York. CRN Test engineers chose the AMD Athlon processor ahead of the Pentium® 4 processor, combining the AMD Athlon processor with the fastest, most robust and reliable PC components selected by CRN to create the most powerful PC in the industry today.
CRN, a leading trade newsweekly of computer industry news and analysis for solution providers, integrators and e-businesses, constructs the Ultimate PC every year at PC EXPO and Comdex, two of the computer industry's largest trade shows. CRN Test Center engineers build the Ultimate PC every day before a live audience at the Crystal Pavilion entrance of the Jacob Javits Convention Center at PC EXPO.
"Through rigorous testing, we found that the 1.4GHz AMD Athlon processor combined with DDR memory is an excellent performer," said CRN Test Center Director John Yacono. "In many test applications it outperformed competing processors with higher clock speeds, which indicates the AMD Athlon processor's architecture gets the most out of each tick of the clock, making it the natural choice for the Ultimate PC."
"AMD is delighted that CRN recognizes the AMD Athlon processor as the processor of choice for the Ultimate PC," said Pat Moorhead, vice president of desktop and mobile marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group. "Clearly, megahertz alone is not the best indicator of processor performance. The most important aspects to business and consumer PC users are better software performance, higher productivity in real-world environments, system longevity and proven reliability. AMD Athlon processor-based systems with DDR memory consistently outperform competitive PC processor systems, and truly form the most powerful PC solution in the world."
The Ultimate PC award is the latest in a series of honors given to the AMD Athlon processor. The highly decorated AMD Athlon processor has already received more than 90 awards worldwide. In addition to CRN's Ultimate PC award, it has won a "triple crown" of computing accolades, receiving Maximum PC magazine's "CPU of the Year Award" for 2001, PC World's "Product of the Year" in June 2000, and PC Magazine's Technical Excellence prize for Best Component in Hardware Category for 1999.
The award is just one of many AMD highlights at PC EXPO. AMD is showcasing its mobile AMD Athlon 4 processor in notebooks, and is featuring the AMD Athlon MP processor in dual processor-based servers and workstations. The AMD Athlon MP processor represents AMD's first multiprocessing-capable platform for one- and two-way servers and workstations, enabling AMD to further penetrate the commercial market. Already more than 20 manufacturers are developing multiprocessing workstations and servers based on the AMD Athlon MP processor.
About the AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
The AMD Athlon processor is an x86-compatible, seventh-generation design featuring a superpipelined, nine-issue superscalar microarchitecture optimized for high clock frequency; the industry's first fully pipelined, superscalar floating point unit for x86 platforms; high-performance cache architecture, featuring 384KB of total on-chip cache (256KB of on-chip level two (L2) cache and 128KB of on-chip level one (L1) cache); enhanced 3DNow!(tm) technology with 24 additional instructions designed to improve integer math calculations, data movement for Internet streaming, and DSP communications. The AMD Athlon processor features either a 266MHz Front-Side Bus (FSB) or a 200MHz FSB based on the Alpha(tm) EV6 bus protocol. AMD Athlon processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.18-micron process technology in Fab 25 in Austin, Texas and Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy awarded AMD an ENERGY STAR® Certificate of Recognition for its energy-efficient processors, including the AMD Athlon processor. These processors help manufacturers meet stringent ENERGY STAR specifications for a variety of appliances, equipment and other products. Products with the ENERGY STAR label are designed to use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the DFI WT70-EC Pentium 4 socket 423 mainboard
June 28, 2001
The WT70-EC is a Pentium 4 board designed by DFI. Ever confident of its technical abilities, DFI has seldom shied from developing products for new platforms. Because of this, the company has developed a myriad of motherboards over the years, all of which have met with the strict standards of consumers. The DFI WT70-EC - which we'll be looking at today - is based on the i850 chipset from Intel, and thus supports RAMBUS PC600 and PC800 memory, as well as the Pentium 4 CPU.
Posted by Chris Verr
ECS K7AMA @ Legion Hardware
June 28, 2001
At Legion Hardware have had an extremely in-depth look at the DDR-RAM. They have covered how it works and what it has to offer.
Over the past few months numerous Pentium III and Athlon DDR boards have passed through the lab that all have one thing in common; they all sported VIA’s DDR chipsets whether that was the Apollo 266 or KT266. Well finally the drought has been broken as ECS present with the new K7AMA featuring ALi’s flagship chipset called the ALiMAGiK 1.
Click here to read the full article.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
NVIDIA GeForce2 Go & Dell Inspiron Review @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 28, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted the a short and sweet look at the Dell Inspiron and the NVIDIA GeForce2 Go GPU!
"Looking for a laptop? Try to get a GeForce2 Go to go with it! How's that for a tongue twister?
Today, Marauder takes a look at his latest baby - the new Dell Inspiron with a NVIDIA GeForce2 Go GPU inside! So, how well does the GeForce2 Go perform?
There's only one way to find out - click here!"
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ThermalRight SK6 Review @ Iamnotageek.com
June 28, 2001
John Apps, from Iamnotageek.com just finished up the review of the ThermalRight SK6. Here's a snip:
"If you are in the market for a new heatsink, you have to check this one out. It beat out all the heatsinks I put up against, it and I gave it some tough competition. Above the heatsink in the middle you can see a plastic bag which contains a thermal pad, you can just throw that out, no I am serious, throw it out and get yourself some silver thermal paste.
I didn't even bother testing the thermal pad on this heatsink. I was glad to see ThermalRight had the foresight not to ship it with the thermal pad on the heatsink it saves me the trouble of scraping it off."
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Transcend’s 512MB DDR 266 Memory Module Debuts at Incredibly Low Price
June 28, 2001
Taipei, Taiwan, June 28, 2001/Various Agencies—Expand your system’s memory capacity without bursting your budget. Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), the professional memory manufacturer, proudly introduces the 512MB DDR (Double Data Rate) 266MHz DRAM memory module at an incredibly low price.
DDR266 bandwidth is double that of the PC133, and can attain a data transfer speed of 2.1GB per second. The newly announced 512MB DDR modules from Transcend are the DDR266 series using Samsung or Winbond 32Mx8 bit DDR chips, with a capacity of 512MB and an 184pin form factor. All Transcend DDR memory modules have passed compatibility testing of the NSTL/VIA Join Logo Program, which is a testing program conducted by the National Software Testing Laboratories, Inc. (NSTL) in coordination with VIA Technologies, Inc. (VIA). This objective, quality assurance testing, as defined by the NSTL, verifies correct operation, functionality and compatibility of system products.
Roy Wang, product manager for Transcend, stated, “The Transcend 512MB PC-266 DDR memory module will not only create an incredibly powerful and stable DDR system environment for users, but they also get the best cost/performance ratio. With the continuing drop in chip costs, the price for these modules has been set at more than $200USD below the projected retail price anticipated several months ago. This allows users to get an unprecedented bargain.” Transcend promises that all memory modules are made with 100% original DRAM chips, further strengthening the stability and performance of the Transcend DDR memory modules. In addition, every memory module is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Ordering information:
TS64MLD64V6F5: Standard DDR memory module
TS64MLD72V6F5: ECC DDR memory module
TS64MDR72V6F5: ECC Registered memory module
Company Introduction:
Established in 1988, Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend) is one of the world's leading memory module and motherboard manufacturers. Transcend was the first company in Taiwan to gain ISO 9001 certification for memory products, and the first company in the world to offer its customers memory with a lifetime warranty. Transcend broke into the motherboard market in 1998, and now offers award-winning designs for Socket 370, Socket A, Slot 1, and Slot A processors, with a plethora of chipsets, form factors, leading edge features, and a two-year warranty on every motherboard. The company operates a global manufacturing and logistics network with over 400 employees in eight offices located in Taiwan, The USA, The Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. This network means customers get local technical support, and can expect product delivery within 24 hours. As a result of continuous, sustained growth, Transcend's total global annual revenues in 2000 exceeded US$250 million.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ECS e-letter
June 28, 2001
ECS E-LETTER – 28th June, 2001
Dear Customers and Friends,
Welcome to this week’s e-letter, designed to keep you up to date with company news, product information and market conditions. ECS Elitegroup (ECS) is a manufacturer of mainboards, PDAs, IA products and barebone system units.
K7S5A2 with SiS 735 chipset out soon
We are pleased to announce that the socket A K7S5A2 DDR mainboard will soon be available. It is an ATX board that supports Athlon and Duron processors up to 266 MHz FSB. The board comes with the highly acclaimed SiS 735 chipset that has received favourable comments from such influential reviewers as Tom’s Hardware Guide, t-Break and OC Workbench. This high performance chipset supports a range of features, including AC97 Audio Codec. There are 2 DIMM DDR sockets for up to 1GB of DDR SDRAM (DDR266/200) and 2 DIMM SDRAM sockets for up to 1GB of SDRAM (PC133/100), to cater for each user’s choice of memory platform. For expansion options, the K7S5A2 comes equipped with 5 PCI slots, an AGP 4X slot and AMR slot.
There are 6 USB ports (4 as headers on-board), an EPP/ECP parallel port and two 16550 high-speed serial I/O ports. A range of audio ports is supplied, comprising line-in, line-out, microphone-in, CD-in and game port. Two PCI IDE interfaces support 4 IDE devices (PIO mode 4, DMA mode 2, ATA 33/66/100). There are also PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors.
The K7S5A2 comes with our popular LAN/modem wake-up, Magic Setting (allows the CPU frequency to be adjusted without fiddling with jumpers) and hardware monitoring functions (provides information on voltage, temperature and fan speed conditions). Furthermore, the Keyboard Power-On function allows the PC to be turned on by using a password.
Combining typical ECS rock-solid stability with the powerful SiS 735 chipset, the K7S5A2 is your best choice in socket A DDR motherboards.
K7VMA wins Motherboard Homeworld’s Editor’s Choice Award
Motherboard Homeworld, a very popular US-based review site, has reviewed our K7VMA and awarded it their Editor's Choice Award. Among the board’s strengths, the reviewer was particularly impressed by the board’s stability and feature range, given the board’s low cost. “For what you get, versus what you pay, this is a champion of a motherboard,” MBHW wrote. To see the complete review, please go to: http://www.motherboards.org/articles.html/aid=888/pg=1 ..
The K7VMA is a socket A, ATX board which comes with the VIA KM133 chipset and ATA66/100. Memory capacity is 1.5GB. For expansion, there are 4 PCI slots, as well as AGP and AMR slots.
K7VZA, “one of the fastest KT133A boards on the market today,” exclaims Australia’s Tweaktown, and “a great value motherboard,” says Spain’s Noticias3D
Tweaktown, a popular review site in Australia, recently published a review of our socket A K7VZA (version 3.0) which they rated 9/10. The review commented that the board had excellent stability, good performance and was available at a low price. In the benchmark tests, the K7VZA beat products from Asus and FIC, leading the reviewer to remark that, “Blowing the other test boards away makes it one of the fastest KT133A boards on the market today.” For the complete review, please go to: http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/ecs_k7vza/ ..
The K7VZA was also recently reviewed by Noticias3D, a Spanish review site. They concluded that it was “a great value motherboard.” The reviewer at this site liked the board’s top rate performance and excellent stability, even at high frequencies. The space around the CPU socket for large heat sinks and the board’s low price tag also were also pluses for the board. To see this review (in Spanish), please visit:
http://www.noticias3d.com/articulos/200106/k7vza/1.asp .
Intel launches Tualatin chip for servers
This week Intel launched its Tualatin 0.13-micron process, 1.13GHz Pentium III processor aimed at the server market. Compaq has already confirmed that it will soon announce a new line of servers using Tualatin, according to EBNews (www.ebnews.com). Intel also intends to launch mobile PC versions of the Tualatin sometime during the third quarter, that industry sources say will probably be in July.
Compaq to overtake Palm in the PDA revenue race
According to Dataquest, Compaq may overtake Palm in the PDA revenue race this quarter, Digitimes (www.digitimes.com) reports. Palm estimates that its shipments from March-May were 700,000 units, with revenue from hardware sales to be US$130-135 million. In comparison, Compaq will ship about 500,000 units this quarter of its much higher priced iPAQ, and expects that its 2Q PDA sales will exceed US$200 million. Dataquest predicts that Handspring should come in third, with 2Q sales of US$60-65 million and shipments of 330,000 units.
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of our e-letter. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to include in future issues. On the other hand, if you would rather not receive our newsletter, or if the newsletter is not being sent to the appropriate person in your company, please let us know.
For information about ECS and our products, please visit our websites at:
www.ecs.com.tw (English/Taiwan HQ/Chinese)
www.ecs.uk.com (English/UK)
www.ecsjpn.co.jp (Japanese)
www.elitegroup.de (German)
www.ecs.ru (Russian)
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the MSI 12X DVD-ROM drive
June 27, 2001
Now that we've finished off the review of the MSI 52X CD-ROM, it's time to take a look at the MSI 12X DVD-ROM - a jack of many trades that's also capable of reading CDs at 40X speed. Let's take a look at ai while comparing the CD-ROM read speed with MSI's own 52X CD-ROM drive.
Posted by Chris Verr
STMICROELECTRONICS and IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES extend partnership to new generations of POWERVRT technology
June 27, 2001
STMicroelectronics to develop Graphics Accelerators based on PowerVR Series4 and Series5
Kings Langley, England and Geneva, Switzerland, 26 June 2001 - Imagination Technologies Group (LSE: IMG), the leading provider of human computer interface intellectual property (IP), and STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a world leading supplier of system-on-chip solutions, today announced that they have extended their successful partnership to include the development and manufacture of a range of high performance PC graphics and video accelerators based on PowerVR Series4 and Series5 technology designed by Imagination Technologies' PowerVR Technologies division.
This move follows the success of ST's KYRO(tm) and KYRO II(tm) graphics accelerators, which are based on PowerVR Series3. A dozen leading manufacturers of PC Graphics Add-In-Boards have already adopted KYRO and KYRO II technology for their products.
The partnership agreement between ST and Imagination Technologies was forged in April 1999 and combines Imagination Technologies' acclaimed PowerVR tile based rendering technology with ST's world-class digital video know-how, process technology expertise, and manufacturing capability.
"Our KYRO family of graphics accelerators has proven the considerable advantages of PowerVR's Tile Based Rendering over traditional graphics renderers to both manufacturers and end-users. The advantages of PowerVR will only increase as future applications increase in complexity and PowerVR Series4 and 5 will offer users unrivalled performance without the price premium enforced on other graphics solutions by their outdated designs", said Tim Chambers, VP and General Manager of ST's Graphics Product Division.
"ST has made KYRO into one of the strongest emerging brands in the marketplace and offers a viable alternative to the 'brute-force' technologies of its competitors. With ST's commitment to a roadmap based on PowerVR Series4 and Series5, the KYRO family of graphics accelerators will continue to provide outstanding performance, features and unrivalled value", said Hossein Yassaie, CEO of Imagination Technologies.
PowerVR takes a different algorithmic approach to 3D, aiming to eliminate redundant processing and avoid memory bottlenecks. By doing only what is absolutely necessary, and by keeping as much 3D processing as possible on-chip, PowerVR's combination of Tile Based Rendering, 32-bit True Colour, 8 Layer Multitexturing and Hidden Surface Removal allows maximum performance to be extracted from the available memory bandwidth.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is the world's third largest independent semiconductor company. The Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronic applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products and industrial automation and control systems. In 2000, the Company's net revenues were $7,813.2 million and net earnings were $1,452.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc is an international company that develops, licenses and supplies market-leading 2D/3D graphics, digital video, Digital Signal Processing, audio and speech technologies and products for consumer entertainment and PC Markets. The company has deployed and planned technologies for games consoles, PC's, arcade entertainment machines, digital set-top boxes, in car information/entertainment systems, and mobile devices. Since it was founded in 1985, the company has introduced, via licensing arrangements or directly, a succession of innovative technologies, silicon chips and add-in boards, which have played a major role in the development of multimedia and computer-based entertainment systems. Imagination Technologies Group plc has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). More information is available on the Imagination Technologies web site at www.imgtec.com
About PowerVR Technologies
PowerVR Technologies - a division of Imagination Technologies - develops and markets the unique PowerVR graphics/video technology. Existing partners licensing the technology include NEC and STMicroelectronics. PowerVR Technologies design wins have included Sega's latest video games console, Dreamcast, the Naomi arcade system, which is used in the majority of new arcade machines worldwide, and numerous PC add-in and OEM customers. More information is available on the PowerVR Technologies web site at www.powervr.com
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
BIT88 Universal Sound Enhancer @ The Hardware zone
June 27, 2001
The BIT88 promises to convert any audio source to truly stunning high-fidelity music without changing any of your current hardware.
Incorporating vacuum tube amplification and SRS Labs' patented "WOW" and TruBass technologies, does this S$199 (USD 109) add-on accessory have what it takes to keep you glued to your current audio setup for a few more years?
Find it out here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Abit's TH7-Raid mainboard review @ Hardware-test.dk
June 27, 2001
Hardware-test.dk have released their test of Abit TH7 mainboard, here's an excerpt from what they say:
"Abit has since the beginning of 1998, been known as a motherboard maker who will not compromise either stability and/or performance. This is also the case with this motherboard. This motherboard is a representative of the latest on the market; a Pentium 4 motherboard, the full name is Abit TH7-RAID. As the name implies, the motherboard features an onboard software RAID controller, buildt on the Highpoint HPT370 chip. Will this motherboard be able to live up to earlier supreme boards from Abit?"
Read on here and se how they rate it.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Thermaltake Dragon Orb 3 @ The Hardware Zone
June 27, 2001
With a price of only U$S 33, the new Thermaltake Dragon Orb 3 comes with a speedy 7,000RPM fan and a solid copper base for enhanced cooling.
Touted to support up to 1.5GHz AMD Athlon and 2.0GHz Tualatin processors, does this new cooler have what it takes to impress the hard core overclocker? Check out the latest article from CPU-zilla as he takes the Dragon Orb 3 out for a ride.
Don't miss it!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Performance Enhanced SDRAM review @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 27, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted the review of the OCZ Performance Enhanced SDRAM.
Here's a clip - "Now, what's so special about this 150MHz 2-2-2 SDRAM? Take a look at this clip - "Check out the chip label. A check reveals that the chips is actually Infineon's 7.5ns SDRAM which is designed to run at only 133MHz 3-3-3! So, how does this DIMM actually make it up to 150MHz 2-2-2?"
Enjoy!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Lian-Li Mini PC-31 Case Review @ The Tech Zone
June 26, 2001
The Tech Zone has a case review for you today. The Lian-Li Mini PC-31 is a black mini tower case that provides two 5.25" bays and a server filling six 3.5" drive bays. Special features includes all aluminum construction, 100% tool free entry, and a fit and finish that would do a Lexus proud!
Check out their full review here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
RomTec USA Interview
June 26, 2001
Romtec, an extremely new company, hit the market a couple months ago when websites everywhere started to review the Romtec TRIOS, a hardware device that enables any PC user to switch up to three hard drives in one computer.
While it looks a bit fruity looking, one thing is clear. It's innovative.
It's unique. And clearly, Romtec is here to stay. Check out their latest interview with the folks at G3D:Gaming In 3D.
"Why should gamers choose one of your products, the Romtec TRIOS, over a simple RAID setup?
Trios allows user to Isolate an O/S for a dedicated Game use,
and yet move with another O/S that is dedicated in another interest of the End User."
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Kyro2 Review @ Hexus.net
June 26, 2001
Finally after moving server again, Hexus.net have got their Kyro 2 Review live. They have had a somewhat different approach with this card to other sites and have come out with different results, showing it isn’t all that it is made out to be.
Here's a Snip:
"The Kyro II follows on in the line of PowerVR cards that do the rendering in a completely different way; to put it simply the Kyro chipset only renders what is visible in a 3D scene. When an object is in front of another it blocks the object behind it, with a traditional
render device such as a GeForce, it renders everything in the scene and then just before the scene is displayed the hidden objects are hidden, the Kyro, only renders what is visible, thereby saving a whole lot of memory bandwidth on hidden objects, the hidden objects are taken out of the equation long before a rendering call is given. The picture below shows the differences between the two different rendering platforms."
Read the rest here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Actual Rev. 6.0 of the BIOS Opt. PDF eGuide Released! @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 26, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted the new revision 6.0 BIOS Optimization PDF eGuide! and includes the "missing" rev. 5.8 update that they forgot to post earlier.
Check it out here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD'S mobile AMD ATHLON(TM) 4 processor powers HP'S latest retail notebook PC's
June 25, 2001
- Systems based on the new 1GHz mobile AMD Athlon 4 processor immediately available from HP -
- 850MHz mobile AMD Duron(TM) processor delivers leading performance in value notebook systems -
SUNNYVALE, CA-JUNE 25, 2001-AMD today announced that its new 1GHz mobile AMD Athlon(TM) 4 processor featuring AMD PowerNow!(TM) technology-which delivers up to 30 percent more battery life without compromising performance-is being incorporated in the latest notebook PCs from Hewlett-Packard Company.
In addition, the 850MHz mobile AMD Duron(TM) processor, which provides a superb combination of features and performance in value notebooks, is expected to be available in HP notebook PCs on July 1.
The new AMD processor-based products will be featured in HP's best-selling retail notebook PC line-the HP Pavilion n5000 series-available through HP retail partners and hpshopping.com.
"With AMD PowerNow! technology's battery-saving capabilities, the new 1GHz mobile AMD Athlon 4 processor delivers up to 50 percent more performance than competitive systems while running on batteries," said Pat Moorhead, vice president of desktop and mobile marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group. "HP's endorsement shows continued manufacturers' support and momentum, as well as market acceptance of AMD mobile processors."
"HP was the first company to incorporate an AMD mobile processor with AMD PowerNow! technology into a retail notebook product line," said Hilary Glann, worldwide marketing manager, HP Mobile Computing Division. "HP Pavilion notebook PCs with mobile AMD Athlon 4 and mobile AMD Duron processors provide our retail customers a broad range of performance and value options to help meet their all-in-one mobile computing needs."
The 1GHz mobile AMD Athlon 4 and 850MHz mobile AMD Duron processors support AMD's stable Socket A infrastructure and provide performance on demand for both business and consumer users.
About the Mobile AMD Athlon(tm) 4 Processor
The mobile AMD Athlon 4 processor features a new lower power design for notebook computing, 384KB of on-chip, full-speed cache with hardware data pre-fetch (256KB of on-chip level two (L2) cache and 128KB of on-chip level one (L1) cache), a superscalar floating-point unit, support for AMD's 3DNow! Professional technology instructions for enhanced multimedia capabilities, and AMD PowerNow! technology for extended battery life.
The mobile AMD Athlon 4 processor is compatible with AMD's Socket A infrastructure, and supports the advanced 200MHz AMD Athlon front-side bus (FSB), providing the highest bandwidth available for notebook PCs.
Mobile AMD Athlon 4 processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.18 micron copper process technology in Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.
About the Mobile AMD Duron(tm) Processor
The new mobile AMD Duron processor is designed to provide an optimized solution for value-conscious business and home users. Employing an innovative design, the new mobile AMD Duron processor features AMD PowerNow! technology, a sophisticated cache architecture with 192KB of total on-chip cache and data pre-fetch, a high-speed 200MHz front-side bus, and a superscalar floating point unit with support for AMD's 3DNow! Professional technology.
The new mobile AMD Duron processor offers value-conscious buyers access to technology and performance that stands out among other processors in its class. It reflects AMD's 30 years of design and manufacturing expertise and sales of more than 150 million PC processors.
About AMD PowerNow!(TM) Technology
AMD PowerNow! technology can significantly extend the battery life of notebook PCs up to 30 percent. It also provides performance on demand and enables a cooler and quieter-running notebook computing experience. AMD PowerNow! technology is a combination of software and hardware support that allows the processor to run at different frequencies and voltages based on user preference or application demand.
A simple Windows® control panel interface allows the user to select between three modes of system operation:
* AMD PowerNow! technology provides a unique "automatic" mode that allows the system to determine the appropriate level of power and performance based on application demand, delivering the best of both worlds- extended battery life with no compromise in performance.
* In the high-performance mode the CPU always runs at maximum performance.
* In battery-saver mode the CPU always runs in its lowest power state, enabling the longest system battery life.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $4.6 billion in 2000. (NYSE: AMD).
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the MSI Pro266 Master R mainboard
June 25, 2001
The MSI Pro266 Master R has no equal in the current marketplace. It's literally packed with features, sports an integrated RAID controller, PC-2-PC communications, and a D-LED diagnostic panel - among other things. It's main attraction however, is its VIA Pro266 chipset, which not only allows it to support 133MHz FSB processors, but also both DDR and SDR SDRAM memory.
Posted by Chris Verr
Samsung 570v TFT Review @ Iamnotageek.com
June 25, 2001
The people at Iamnotageek.com posted the following review:
"The 570v is Samsungs entry level flat screen monitor. Its a great looking monitor and its at a price most people can now afford. If you spend long hours in front of a computer how you owe it to you eyes to at least look into a flat panel monitor."
Read the rest at here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Rumble FX's 3D Sound Amp Review @ Gamingin3d.com
June 25, 2001
Despite the fact that you have a pair of $100+ Sennheiser headphones and $75+ sound card, your sound experience on your PC is still lacking
something. Well, what is it? Well...the folks at Rumble FX believe it's their new offering, the 3D Sound Amp. While it appears cheesy and looks like it's targeted for the N64 crowd, it still has a few features. Check out its' latest review at G3D:Gaming In 3D today.
"While the documentation on how to install the amp was pretty mediocre and standard, I thought the fact that they included like a 15-foot cable was pretty nice. While it's definitely not a must have item on the list, it's still nice to know that they were concerned about some users with those huge living rooms."
Read the complete review here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
SiS 635/735 DDR Chipset Preview @ The Tech Zone
June 24, 2001
The Tech Zone takes a sneak peek inside the gargantuan powerhouse chipset maker, SiS! Wait a second? Isn't SiS the company who's all but dropped off the map, except for highly integrated low-end mainboards? Well, SiS's latest chipset offerings are highly integrated products, but it appears that SiS might be ready to enter the mainstream, with chipsets that offer both value and performance with DDR memory. Yes, we're talking about SiS's 635 and 735 chipsets.
Read their full preview over here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
OCZ Gladiator HSF Review @ Tweak Town
June 24, 2001
TweakTown have posted a review of the impressive new OCZ Gladiator copper HSF which is their first review product to receive a perfect 10 / 10 rating and of course their Editor's Choice Award.
Enjoy the rest of the article at Tweak Town.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Asus v8200 Pure Review @ Iamnotageek.com
June 24, 2001
One of few non-reference GeForce 3's the v8200 is a good overclocker and comes with a nice software package. I have given the v8200 the best value award so read the review and find out why.
Quote:
"If you take a close look at the wires coming from the fan you will notice there is three not just two. The third is for counting the RPM's, ASUS comes with a utility that allows you to monitor fan speed as well as voltages and temperatures. This feature probably exists on other cards but this is the first video card I have reviewed that has it."
Click here to read the rest.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Digitek MediaPad Elite PX 31000-LTE III Notebook @ Hardware Zone
June 24, 2001
Fancy a top-of-the-end Pentium III 1GHz notebook but don't want the effort to blow a bazooka-sized hole in your wallet? Try Digitek's MediaPad Elite PX 31000 and you might walk away with great savings to boot.
Here's an excerpt from the review:
"Though the Digitek MediaPad Elite PX 31000-LTE III notebook boasts an attractive price and value-for-money configuration, it is however, not the fastest 1GHz mobile performer we know. Still, if you want something that holds well with your wallet and yet touts speed, agility and remarkable battery life over other similarly priced notebooks, then this Elite is probably one of the better offerings around right now."
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
CommunicAsia 2001 (Part 1 of 2) @ Hardware Zone
June 23, 2001
If last year's CommunicAsia 2000 event is any indication on the direction of our communication, connectivity and broadcasting advances in this region, this year's 2001 showcase is a reality of what that could be. The Hardware Zone team pays a visit and gives you the scoop.
Taking place from 19-22 June 2001, the show consumes all of 75,800 square metres of floor space (meaning lots of walking around and bumping into unfamiliar faces) and as the organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services, puts it in a press statement -- "is undeniably the largest infocomms trade event in Asia". CommunicAsia is hosted by the Infocomms Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).
Check the rest of the article here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
MSI GF3 Review @ HardOcp.com
June 23, 2001
Microstar enters the GeForce3 market with their new StarForce 822.
Is it stable, is it fast, will it make you look cool in front of all the hotties?
All your questions will be answered...maybe.
If you want to find out, click here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ADi i610 15-inch TFT LCD Monitor @ Hardware Zone
June 23, 2001
Offering a unique design and unconventional placement of control buttons and speakers, the ADi i610 15-inch TFT LCD monitor would definitely catch the attention of visitors to your office (or even co-workers). We take a close look at the low-cost i610 and evaluate whether the innovative design features incorporated into this Adi TFT LCD monitor enhance or diminish ease-of-use and performance.
All-in-all, the ADi i610 15-inch TFT LCD monitor offers unique design, fairly good performance, and very reasonable price of S$799 (with GST) with three-year warranty. What it lacks is ease-of-use in terms of button placement (especially for left-handed users) and optimized audio directional orientation for the two stereo speakers.
Enjoy the rest of the review at Hardware Zone.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Gigabyte ---K7 series news release
June 22, 2001
Gigabyte announces whole series of motherboards supporting AMD FSB266 CPU
Since the launch of AMD AthlonTM/DuronTM CPU, it has acclaimed good remarks from consumers. As technology advances, AMD has breakthrough itself with a 266Mhz FSB CPU. In order to satisfy the growing needs of our customers, Gigabyte announces a whole series of motherboards supporting this new standard to fulfill our commitment to the requirements of our customers.
As the FSB 266 CPU requires a higher power rating, the complexity in the design of the circuitry increases. Therefore, it is not an easy task to design a reliable board. The experience of Gigabyte plays an important role in delivering this whole series of motherboards that are stable and reliable to support these CPUs. We improved the design of the power supply and included LCL filter to ensure the stability when the system is running at 266Mhz FSB. It ensures a speedy and stable computing environment for everyone. The following are the different models available and a brief introduction is included for users.
1. DIY series
GA-7DXR AMD 761 + VIA 686B
GA-7VTX VIA KT266 + VIA 8233
GA-7ZXR/-C (rev. 3.0) VIA KT133A + VIA 686B
These three models have improved overclocking features. A heatsink and fan are mounted on top of the north bridge to improve stability during overclocking. The package comes with 2 free USB external connector for future USB connectivity. GA-7DXR and GA-7ZXR (rev 3.0) supports IDE RAID interface which improves data transfer speeds and data redundancy. GA-7DXR and GA-7VTX supports the PC1600/PC2100 DDR. The AGP Pro interface which is backward compatible with AGP 2X/4X allows you to immerse yourself in the 2D, 3D gaming world. GA-7ZXR (rev 3.0) supports PC133 SDRAM, another version GA-7ZXR-C is similar except that there is no RAID support. These three boards have obtained worldwide media recognition; they are definitely the ultimate warrior of Gigabyte series of AthlonTM/DuronTM motherboards.
2. Economy Series
GA-7ZXC VIA KT133A + 686B
GA-7SDX SiS 733
GA-7SRX SiS 735
GA-7ZXC and GA-7SDX supports PC133 SDRAM, GA-7SRX supports the PC1600/2100 DDR. These 3 motherboards mainly targeted at the economy market. Redundant and seldom used functions are removed to cut the costs. These 3 motherboards are excellent in quality and performance, it is definitely the knights of Gigabyte’s AMD Athlon/Duron series.
3. Integrated Series
GA-7ZMMH VIA KM133A + 686B
GA-7VMM VIA KLE133 + 686B
These models use the VIA integrated chipsets, which means that there is no need to buy an additional graphics card. In addition, there is integrated audio. These two boards have excellent cost-performance ratio and are suitable for business enterprises and internet users. These 2 motherboards are our Enterprise warriors for the Athlon/Duron.
The whole series of motherboards support AMD FSB 266 are also downward compatible with the FSB 200 CPUs. Why would you bother to buy a board that only supports 200Mhz when Gigabyte offers you the direct route to 266Mhz and saves you from future upgrading? No matter what are you computing needs, Gigabyte has the best product lines to cover all your computing needs.
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Dragon Orb 3 Review @ Iamnotageek.com
June 22, 2001
The Dragon Orb 3 is Thermaltake's new heavy weight heatsink. It's got a whole lot of copper and a 7K RPM fan. If it is priced right this Orb could really take off.
Quote: "Most of you have probably seen that the Thermaltake is marketing the top part of the Dragon Orb 3 by itself as an upgrade for your current Orb. It is called the Storm Fan. The Storm fan is just an easy nice looking way to stick a 7000 RPM fan on your Orb. Sticking a 7K fan on any heatsink is obviously going to help out the performance. To see how much difference the increased copper makes in the Dragon Orb 3, I removed the fan inside the Mini Copper Orb and places the Storm Fan on top."
Enjoy the rest here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 5- Part 3) @ Hardware Zone
June 22, 2001
This is the final installation of the Computex 2001 coverage. Look out
for new products from Gigabyte, MSI, SOYO and ViewSonic. Plus, by popular demand, all the girls of Computex 2001 caught in action. Be forewarned, this article is huge, due to the amount of pictures.
Click here to read this article.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
MSI K7T266 Pro-R review @ PC Hardware
June 22, 2001
PC Hardware posted a review of the DDR motherboard MSI K7T266 Pro-R. As you may know many rumors appeared on the web when MSI launched this mobo. Many websites reported sub performance and stability problems. PC Hardware tested it and discovered that the new version plus the 1.3 version BIOS is a redoubtable performer in benchmarks like Content Creation Winstone 2001, Business Winstone 2001, Sysmark 2000, Sisoft Sandra 2001 and why not… Quake III Arena.
Stability and quality are also maximized by this MSI implementation of the VIA266 which feature a onboard Promise RAID controller.
The review is available at here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ECS K7VZA Motherboard Review @ Tweak Town
June 22, 2001
TweakTown have posted a review of the ECS K7VZA KT133A motherboard.
Normally ECS are known for producing OEM based motherboards, however this mothreboard is certainly very different; it was the fastest KT133A motherboard tested in the review.
Enjoy!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the MSI 52X CD-ROM drive
June 22, 2001
Diversification is the name of the game for MSI. Already known as a prolific vendor of motherboards, MSI has chosen to present us with a little something else from their bag of tricks - the MSI 52X CD-ROM drive. Let's take a look.
Posted by Chris Verr
FIC AZ11EA Motherboard Review @ TweakTown
June 21, 2001
TweakTown have posted a review of the FIC AZ11EA motherboard which is based on the VIA KT133A northbridge and VIA 686B southbridge chipsets which gives support for AGP4x, ATA100 and what not.
Enjoy this review here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Seagate Cheetah 36XL Review @ Legion Hardware
June 21, 2001
Legion Hardware has posted a review of this SCSI hard disk drive, let's take a look:
"Seagate Cheetah 36XL SCSI is more mainstream in servers, however they are slowly becoming more affordable making them more popular for the high end user. SCSI has a lot to offer desktop users over IDE. Not only will data transfer rates be much faster but the average hard drive-intense application will perform much more quickly. Games like Quake III will load much faster and when installing programs from the hard drive significant speed increases will also become evident."
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
SAMSUNG to license IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES' multimedia tuner patents
June 21, 2001
Imagination Technologies today announces that its patent licensing partner, Scipher plc, has granted a licence to Samsung Electronics for the use of Imagination Technologies' multimedia tuner patents. The technology covered by the patents enables TV to be watched on a PC / multimedia device and is used by manufacturers of PC-TV tuner cards.
The licensing agreement with Samsung follows on from successful licensing of the same patents to tuner manufacturers Temic Telefunken and Phillips Electronics. Together these companies and their customers represent a large majority of the world market for PC-TV tuner technology - delivering royalty streams for Imagination Technologies and Scipher over several years.
Imagination Technologies appointed QED, the patent licensing arm of technology development and licensing company, Scipher to exploit its PC-TV patents. This relationship has since been extended with QED appointed to manage the licensing of global patents covering multimedia architectures relevant to PCs, set-top-boxes, game consoles and other multimedia systems. In addition to licensing the patents to companies who are already using these technologies, QED will also be granting licences to companies who wish to incorporate them into new developments.
David Hulston, Managing Director of QED, said: '' We are extremely pleased to have again successfully licensed Imagination's PC-TV tuner patents - this time to Samsung. We are delighted with the relationship we have with Imagination Technologies and look forward to further successes with the intellectual property that we are licensing on their behalf.''
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc is an international company that develops, licenses and supplies market-leading 2D/3D graphics, digital video, Digital Signal Processing, audio and speech technologies and products for consumer entertainment and PC Markets. The company has deployed and planned technologies for games consoles, PC's, arcade entertainment machines, digital set-top boxes, in car information/entertainment systems, and mobile devices. Since it was founded in 1985, the company has introduced, via licensing arrangements or directly, a succession of innovative technologies, silicon chips and add-in boards, which have played a major role in the development of multimedia and computer-based entertainment systems. Imagination Technologies Group plc has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). More information is available on the Imagination Technologies web site at www.imgtec.com.
About QED
Headquartered in the United Kingdom and with offices in both Japan and Sweden, QED is an intellectual property (IP) licensing company that provides proactive licensing services to a range of world-class international clients, helping them to generate income from their IP portfolios. QED combines commercial, technical, legal and patent expertise to help its clients secure their IP rights, identify IP opportunities and exploit the value of their IP assets. QED Intellectual Property Limited (QED) is the IP licensing arm of technology development and licensing company Scipher plc (FTSE:SIP). For further information please visit our web-site at www.qed-ip.com.
About Scipher
Scipher plc is a technology development and licensing company that creates value in two principal ways. It develops commercial applications for patent protected technologies derived from its own R&D resources, which are then licensed or sold in high-growth markets. Secondly, it provides IP protection and licensing services that enable its clients to exploit the full potential of their IP assets. Scipher's large and expanding portfolio of advanced technology products and know-how comprises a number of product streams that serve the markets for 3D Sound, Displays, Wireless Communications, Sensors, Broadcast Monitoring and Secure Identification.
Currently, around two-thirds of Scipher's revenues are earned outside the UK, with products sold or licensed in over 30 countries.
The distinct characteristics of Scipher stem from a tradition of advanced R&D and intellectual property management that dates back more than 70 years. They include inventions and developments of historic importance, among them stereo recording, television broadcasting, and the medical CT scanner, which won a Nobel Prize for its inventor.
Further information on Scipher can be found at www.scipher.com.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 5- Part 2) @ Hardware Zone
June 21, 2001
The guys at Hardware Zone keep producing reports from their trip to Computex 2001. Here is a part of the newest article:
"The second part of the fifth day coverage. In this article, we looked at new motherboards from ASUS, AOpen and Elitegroup. Looks like this will not be the last article on Computex 2001. Beware, there are a lot of pictures in this article and it may take some time to load if you are on a slow connection.
We saw lots of stuff at the AOpen booth, they had almost everything, from motherboards to casings and heatsinks. All you need is a CPU and a hard disk drive and you should be able to build a system from scratch using AOpen components. That's what I call a total solution (well, almost)."
Read the rest at Hardware Zone.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
G550 and HeadCasting Reviews @ Iamnotageek
June 20, 2001
Iamnotageek.com have just finished a review of the technology Matrox has announced with the G550. Matrox gone off into a whole new area with this card and its HeadCasting technology. Matrox is not after the gaming audience with this card, the GeForce2 MX will probably still beat this card in gaming performance.
Here is a quote about the G550:
"The G550 will be produced on a 0.18-micron process, just like the G450. This means the die size should be increased and it will probably run a little hotter, however that isn't much of a problem as the G450 runs very cool compared to most cards on the market. The G550 is also pin compatible with the G450 which means something very unfortunate. The G550 like the G450 is only capable of using 64-bit DDR SDRAM. This is a strongest indication that Matrox is moving far away from the gaming market. 64-bit DDR SDRAM is not going to cut it in the latest and greatest games. Don't expect to see this card in configurations higher then 32MB either."
Here is a quote about HeadCasting: "HeadCasting lets you see the head of the person your talking to but seeing that head doesn't give you anymore information. If you can see someone with video you can see the facial expressions they make. If someone rolls their eyes you would have no way of knowing that with HeadCasting. HeadCasting may make facial expressions but those could only be based on what the person on the other end says not the actual look on their face. You also can't show something like a chart or a new product that you could through video conferencing."
Read the complete article at Iamnotageek.com.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
OCZ Glacier II HSF Review @ Tweakers Asylum
June 20, 2001
The Tweakers Asylum just finished up the review of the OCZ Glacier II HSF..
This is the Intro of the review:
"OCZ has made a name for itself in the memory department, being one of the few companies that pretest their memory at a given speed before selling it.
Along with their memory products OCZ is also known for their line of HSFs.
Today we are taking a look at the OCZ Glacier II."
Go directly to the review by clicking here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 4- Part 2) @ Hardware Zone
June 20, 2001
In this article, The Hardware Zone looked at some copper heatsinks, new products from Promise Technology, new toys from Leadtek and cool mobile devices from FIC.
Here's a small preview:
"We were invited to visit the ATT (Advanced Thermal Technologies) suite at Grand Hyatt. These guys manufacture only copper heatsinks and have been pretty successful at making full solid copper heatsinks.
So far, most so-called copper heatsinks are made up of only copper fins glued to an aluminium base using some special thermal adhesive. We know that interfaces are the main problems to such designs and generally designs like that often suffer from less than desirable heat dissipation characteristics. Anyway, I shall reserve my comments until I actually test one of these heatsinks."
Click here to read the complete article.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Tweakmonster RAMsinks Review @ Extreme Overclocking
June 20, 2001
Extreme Overclocking has their latest review posted of the Tweakmonster copper RAMsinks.
Here's an excerpt from the review:
"The Tweakmonster copper RAMsinks are made from a block of pure copper and CNC machined to perfection. These aren't for the average user as they are a little pricey, however the cost is worth it to have these precious jewels on your video card to show off!"
Read the rest and enjoy!!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Potential issues with Microsoft Transcriber! @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 20, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted a warning about a potential cause of unnecessary crashes in your Pocket PC - Microsoft Transcriber.
Here's a clip:
"Have you tried the Casio E-125 overclocking procedure yet? If so, beware of Microsoft Transcriber. I don't know if this happens only with an overclocked processor but whenever I select Transcriber, it randomly causes Microsoft Reader to crash with an error message. Games like Metalion also crashes with Transcriber selected."
Read the rest at Adrian's web site.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
VIA Announces Second Annual VIA Technology Forum 2001
June 20, 2001
VIA Announces Second Annual VIA Technology Forum 2001 Taipei - Beijing - Tokyo - Munich
VTF 2001 will showcase the Company's Vision for Ubiquitous Computing through its Open Value Internet Architecture Technology Platform
Taipei, Taiwan, 20 June 2001 - VIA Technologies, Inc today announced that it will be hosting its second annual VIA Technology Forum, a two day event showcasing VIA's vision of an innovative, open standard technology platform for ubiquitous computing, at the Taipei International Convention Centre on September 4th and 5th 2001. VTF 2001 Taipei will be followed by a global roadshow of one-day events in Tokyo, Japan, on September 7th, Beijing, China, on September 8th and Munich, Germany, on September 13th.
VTF 2001 will build on the success of the inaugural VIA Technology Forum held in September 2000, and features a compelling programme of keynote speeches and technology track seminars hosted by VIA executives, industry experts and high level representatives of the industry's leading company's covering a broad range of subjects, including:
* Advanced Memory Technology & System Design
* Mobile Computing Platform Innovation and Diversification
* Enhancing System Connectivity and I/O Bandwidth
* Future Advances in Performance Desktop PC Systems
* Connecting to the Wireless Internet
* Extending the PC Footprint to High Potential New Market Segments
* Implementing Low Power, High Density Value Server Platforms
* Emerging New Digital Broadband Networking Technologies
* Future Trends in IC Design, Manufacturing, & Packaging Technologies
"VTF 2000 provided a truly open and interactive forum for industry partners and customers to share in our vision of the future of computing" commented Wen-Chi Chen, President & CEO of VIA Technologies, Inc. "We anticipate VTF 2001 as being even more successful as we explore exciting possibilities for generating future industry growth through our Value Internet Architecture strategy."
Information on VTF including sponsorship opportunities, agenda, locations and registration details can be found at www.viatech.com/VTF
VTF 2000
Over 1500 industry professionals and press attended VTF2000 making it a significant event on the global technology calendar. Over 29 Sponsors exhibited at VTF Taipei creating a mini tradeshow atmosphere over the two days. Keynote speakers from VIA, AMD, TSMC, 3Com, Micron and NEC launched the event followed by technology tracks on subjects including DDR memory, IEEE 1394 and Win CE. Roadshow events followed in Tokyo, Beijing, Munich and Prague making VTF2000 a truly global experience.
About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc. is the world's leading fables supplier of PC core logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia and communications chips. VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC platforms, as well as cost-effective VIA C3(tm) processors for Value PCs and Internet Appliances. Its customers include the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators. VIA is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of the Greater China high-tech manufacturing engine, and has branch offices in the US, China and Europe. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388), and achieved annual revenues of nearly US$1 billion in 2000.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Abit Weekly
June 19, 2001
In this week's ABIT Update:
-- Announcements
- ABIT Launches New English Website
-- REVIEWS
- Tech Report on VP6
******************************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENTS
******************************************************************
ABIT is pleased to announce it's newest drive towards target customer service. Now with ABIT's completely product orientated website, end users can now access all the information about their ABIT product from one page.
To take a look at the new ABIT website (English) please go to:
http://www.abit-usa.com/
******************************************************************
REVIEWS
******************************************************************
Tech-Report Gives VP6 a 10!
Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday 12 June 2001—Tech Report recently took a good hard look at the VP6 and came away impressed with its performance and reliability: “Whether or not you can make use of SMP, the VP6 is certainly a capable and reliable performer.” Rating the VP6 a solid 10 out of 11, the review is certainly comprehensive. Take a look at what else they had to say...
http://www.abit.com.tw/english/press/2001/press079.htm
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Shuttle AK31 Review @ Legion Hardware
June 19, 2001
Here is a review on Shuttle's new AK31 board featuring the KT266 Chipset! Take a look:
"Shuttle AK31 DDR is becoming more and more an industrial standard since the GeForceDDR. The support for this memory type has now been integrated into mainboard chipsets as main system memory. Legion Hardware has already looked at Intel DDR-RAM mainboards that added significant life back into the old Pentium III. One of the DDR P3 mainboards reviewed was the AV32, which is another Shuttle board. Today I’m going to take a look at Shuttle’s AMD DDR solution the AK31."
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
BIOS Optimization e-Guide - BIOS Features Setup section posted! @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 19, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted another e-Guide based on the BIOS Optimization Guide Rev. 6.0!
This latest e-Guide covers the BIOS Features Setup section.
Enjoy!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
VIA vs. Intel: Pentium 4 + DDR @ SysOpt.com
June 19, 2001
SysOpt.com posted this article today:
"We have obtained undisclosed insider information on how VIA plans to circumvent the P4 bus license in order to legally manufacture their P4M266 chipset."
Don't miss the rest, click here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computer How To Book Review @ The Tech Zone
June 19, 2001
The Tech Zone got an interesting piece of "hardware" to review. It's a book! Yes! A book that shows you how to put computer hardware together! Ever wanted to build your own comp from beginning to end but didn't because you just don't have the know how?
The book, Building the Ultimate P3 Value Computer can help!
Check the full book review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the MSI K7T Turbo R
June 19, 2001
MSI has never been accused of lacking originality. For proof, one need look no further than their latest board - one that's based on the VIA KT133A chipset, and equipped with a RAID controller. The name of the beast is the MSI K7T Turbo R, and it's the latest fully-loaded Socket A board to show up at our HQ. Let's take a look.
Posted by Chris Verr
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 5- Part 1) @ HardwareZone.com
June 18, 2001
There's another report from HardwareZone, about his coverage of Computex Taipei 2001:
Here's a quote:
"In the final day of our expedition to Computex 2001, we visited Chaintech, Richfield Innovations, AOC and also attended the launch of ELSA's new entry-level professional graphics card, the Synergy 2000.
The new ELSA Synergy 2000 is based on the NVIDIA Quadro2 EX graphics chipset that offers superb performance at an affordable price point for entry level professional graphics applications. The graphics board comes with 32MB of SDRAM memory with an AGP interface that supports up to 4x transfers. Embedded with a 350MHz RAMDAC for a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels at true 32-bit colors, the Synergy 2000 offers 350 million pixels/second of fill rate performance and a polygon rate at 20 million/second. Although its specifications pale in comparison with today's high-end gaming graphics card, what sets the Synergy 2000 apart from the rest is its exceptional driver support for professional graphics applications. Let's put it this way, no one uses a gaming card (e.g. a GeForce3) for AutoCAD or 3D Studio Max."
Don't miss the rest, click here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
One Tech's Eclipse Light Review @ Gamingin3d.com
June 18, 2001
How many of you have spent hours at a time on the computer at night?
With stressed eyes, headaches, and a sore neck, going on the computer for long durations cannot be pleasant. Next question. How many of you have heard of CVS? Next question, how many of you want to put your hard-earned money to some real good use? Check out G3D:Gaming In 3D today where they've reviewed the Eclipse Light, something every PC user should check out.
"Would it surprise you guys to know that over 91% of all PC users suffer from eyestrain? How many out of these 72 million people suffering do you suppose are gamers? Facing long nights watching a 21' monitor playing either Counter-Strike or some other cool game demo you just downloaded, it's not surprising to say that most gamers have suffered from CVS (computer vision syndrome) before. How many times have you been on the computer playing some game and you've had to stop, pause, and blink real hard? How many times has your vision gotten so bad that the monitor screen appears blurry and you have to stop, pause, and re-focus. All of these are causes of CVS and can give you headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes."
Enjoy the rest here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Updates @ Adrian's Rojak Pot!
June 18, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot ( http://www.rojakpot.com/ ) just posted the following updates :-
I. Rev. 1.3 of the Casio E-125 Overclocking Guide - Just updated the Casio E-125 Overclocking Guide with notes and a picture regarding the Transcriber crash problem I noticed. Be sure to try out the workaround before you give up your overclocking attempts! :)
Direct Link - http://www.rojakpot.com/Other_Articles/E-125_OC/E-125_OC_01.htm
II. Information about the shipping of Compaq iPAQs H3660 and H3630 with 32MB of ROM - "However, the specification sheets of all Compaq iPAQs will still only list the size of their ROM as 16MB. This is Compaq's marketing strategy - they want to get rid of their inventory of iPAQs with 16MB of ROM before "releasing" their iPAQs with 32MB of ROM."
Direct Link - http://www.rojakpot.com/Index.htm or
http://198.95.255.5/NonCGI/Forum13/HTML/000081.html
III. A forgotten update to the BIOS Optimization Guide was just posted. It was previously supposed to have been posted with rev. 5.9 of the guide but somehow, we missed it. So, the guide has now been updated with the "forgotten" BIOS function!
Direct Link -http://www.rojakpot.com/Speed_Demonz/BIOS_Guide/BIOS_Guide_Index.htm
Enjoy!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Thermaltake Mini Copper Orb HSF Review @ TechPlanet.com
June 18, 2001
The TechPlanet site just completed a review on Thermaltake's Copper Orb HSF.
Here's a snip:
"Thermaltake have made themselves renowned for the famous "Orb" coolers.
The next one in their "Orb" line is the Copper Orb. It's essentially a Chrome Orb, but with a copper base/inlet. I put it to the test against the SuperOrb by Thermaltake as well, to see if it really is worth buying."
Click here to read the rest of this review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Wind Tunnel II Gamer Case Review @ Tweaktown.com
June 16, 2001
TweakTown have posted a review of the Wind Tunnel II Gamer ATX Mid-Tower >Case which is sold by the Cooler Guys in the USA.
This case is an improvement over it's older brother, with many more features to keep the gamer in all of us happy.
Read it http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/windtunnelII/">here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Pocket PC Performance Guide Updated! @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 16, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted an update of the Pocket PC Performance Guide!
Here's a snip:
"Check out the scores and compare them to your own scores! And please do send your scores to me. More scores make the comparison more accurate. I'm also looking for scores of unlisted Pocket PCs so if you own one, please run our GAPI Benchmark 2.0 and send us the scores! :)"
Read the rest here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ECS D6VAA Dual Motherboard Review @ The Tech Zone
June 16, 2001
The Tech Zone has posted a review on the ECS D6VAA.
This motherboard offers support for two CPUs, three DIMMs, five PCI slots and RAID, all for under $100! Great price but how does it perform? Read the full review here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Iomega's new Peerless Drive System Preview @ Hardware Zone
June 16, 2001
Just launched recently, the Iomega Peerless drive system offers large storage capacity for professionals and power users. Using cartridges with 10GB or 20GB of storage capacity, the Peerless drive system offers performance, capacity and portability at a relatively low cost. The Hardware zone have a preview for you.
Here's an excerpt:
"Peerless leverages on hard drive technology for performance, cost and capacity. The disk cartridge is basically a small mobile hard drive with integrated springs and cushioning to keep the drive from damage against shock and abuse. Unlike Iomega's older Jaz cartridges, the disks are actually concealed inside the cartridge along with the disk motor and read/write head. This eliminates contamination which can cause reliability problems that is often associated with disk cartridges with exposed storage medias."
And click here to read the rest!.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the ECS K7VMA mainboard
June 15, 2001
The ECS K7VMA is an all-in-one solution for those who like their VIA KM133 motherboards with a touch of ProSavage graphics, and a hint of sound. Though primarily targeted at OEMs and low-budget consumers, the K7VMA also represents a compelling choice for anyone interesting in quickly slapping together a system with little more than some memory, and a processor. That said, Overclocking die-hards, and power-users will probably harbor little interest in the device, as they are not part of the market that ECS is attempting the cater to with their newest board.
Posted by Chris Verr
Gigabyte announces Universal motherboard GA-6VTX, supports Intel newest 0.13 micron Socket 370 Pentium III Processors
June 15, 2001
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd, a leading high performance motherboard manufacturer, is launching an enhanced model, GA-6VTX, an Universal motherboard supports the current and future Intel Pentium III and other compatible processors.
Designed with VIA Apollo Pro133T chipset, it delivers great quality at an exceptional value and provides the ideal solution for future upgrades of processors up to 1.13GHz and above. Incorporated with the latest South Bridge VT82C686B, GA-6VTX also supports Ultra DMA 100 Bus Master interface which provides an excellent and faster connection for IDE devices. In order to provide a clear identification for the end user, Gigabyte uses blue socket so the end users can easily tell what kind of processors they can use. The
GA-6VTX is also named as Blue Thunder. What more important is that the GA-6VTX is backward compatible, it means this board can support the existing processors without any problems.
To optimize the system’s performance, Gigabyte provides 2 superior utilities, EasyTuneTM III and @BIOSTM. EasyTuneTM III is a Windows based program. Which allows the user to easily overdrive the PC without the need to meddle with jumper settings. @BIOSTM is another Windows based utility for updating new BIOS upgrades via the Internet. With only a few clicks, the user can update the latest BIOS.
For hardware hobbyists, the GA-6VTX gives overclocking options through offering multiple bus speed and multiple CPU voltage setting. There are more features, such as: AC 97 audio, one AMR slot, 3 DIMMs, one AGP 4X slot, infrared connector, wake-on-lan, external/internal modem wake-up and 4 USB ports (2 ports by optional USB cable ), 5 PCI slots, one ISA slot.
Equipped with these features, GA-6VTX delivers advanced technology, great quality and is your perfect choice for high-performance and cost-effective solution.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Creative Labs DT2200 Speakers Reviewed @ Jsi Hardware
June 15, 2001
Over at Jsi Hardware today they take a look at some cool looking speakers from Creative Labs the DTT2000.
Snippage :
"I first played a few games and some MP3s on my 2 speaker setup which to me sounded great, I spent the next 2 hours neatly setting up the speakers around my PC and powered it back up. To my horror and dismay I had reversed the left and left surround (left rear) speakers but once I realised that I fixed it within a few seconds and away I went"
Enjoy the complete review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
MSI K7 Master Reviewed @ HardOcp
June 15, 2001
MicroStar comes out swinging with their K7 Master board based on the AMD 760 DDR chipset. Winner? Loser? In between? Read Matt's first review with HardOcp.com, we really like the angle he took with it and he comes up with some valid points you will want to know about if you are going to be purchasing a DDR board sooner or later.
Enjoy the complete article here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Satellite Internet - What is it? Article @ Speedguide.net
June 15, 2001
Short and Sweet, Speedguide.net has a new article up discussing the ever popular growing Satellite Communications for internet access springing up all over the world, it's a great read on Satellite technology and methods.
Here's a Quote from the article:
"So you're waaaaaaay out in the country, and neither DSL nor Cable is an option. Like say ..in Kosova. Or Bosnia. Or, God forbid, North Dakota. Perhaps on a ship. You'd like to get the internet, but carrier pigeon seems to be your only option. Wherever you are, if you're north of the equator and have a view of the visible sky to the south of you, you may have another option. You can probably get internet ...via Satellite. Yes, just like Wolf Bliitzer and James Bond you too can have nearly instant communications with the vast internet."
Here's a direct link to the article.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Labtec LCS-2514 Speakers Review @ Gamingin3d.com
June 15, 2001
For the most parts this year there has been some fierce competition in the PC speakers area. While Klipsch has definitely develeloped a tight niche in the gaming community, companies like Cambridge and Altec Lansing are still churning out solid products to the community. Today at G3D:Gaming In 3D though, they have an alternative company you can choose from, Labtec.
Let's see how these speakers perform...
"As soon as I opened up the box, I knew I was in trouble. There was wire, and lots of it. You can place the rear satellites about 20' away from each other! So, where's the problem then? Well, this isn't standard speaker wire.
The cords are hardwired to the satellites (but thankfully not also to the sub). "Fine." I thought, "I can just use twist ties." Well, that didn't work out too well. Labtec has an odd way of wiring this system up. They have both pairs of satellites set up to connect to the subwoofer, which is alright, but then have two additional leads going from the sub to the front right satellite for volume control. Why they couldn't do this with one additional lead rather than 2 is beyond me. Needless to say, this only complicated the whole "rats nest" thing."
Click here to read the complete review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 4) @ HardwareZone
June 15, 2001
The continuation of the exclusive report of Computex 2001 at Hardwarezone.com. On the fourth day of this event's coverage, CPU-zilla visited Cooler Master, Iwill and Jazz Speakers and check out their newest offerings.
"The folks from Cooler Master invited us to their suite located at the Grand Hyatt Hotel to take a peek at their latest products. Ranging from cool aluminium casings to heatsinks, we were pretty impressed at what they can offer the overclocking community.
The newly designed ATCS chassis is fully constructed out of aluminium. It has a clear green acrylic cover on the front panel that gives the chassis an added touch of class. They also added bright blue LEDs to spice up the front panel display."
This links to our live report : Click here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the OCZ Performance Series PC2100 CAS2 memory
June 14, 2001
In our last article, we took a look at 4 different DDR PC2100 CAS 2.5 memory modules. The goal was threefold: to highlight to users the importance of RAM quality, to determine which brand offered the best performance, and to see which responded best to Overclocking. This time around, we'll be challenging those results as we take a look at a OCZ Performance Series PC2100 CAS2 memory that was put together under the highest level of quality-control and performance expectations - all in hopes of marketing the fastest memory under the sun.
Posted by Chris Verr
ATI's RAGE MOBILITY(TM)-M graphics chip selected for world's thinnest and lightest notebook PCs*
June 14, 2001
ATI's RAGE MOBILITY(superscript: (TM))-M graphics chip selected for world's thinnest and lightest notebook PCs*
ATI chip brings powerful graphics technology to three new Sharp notebooks
MARKHAM, Ontario - ATI Technologies Inc. (TSE:ATY, NASDAQ:ATYT), a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions announced today that Sharp Corporation has selected ATI's RAGE MOBILITY(-M graphics chip for three new ultra portable notebook PCs for the Japanese market.
This design win reinforces ATI's technological and market leadership in delivering multimedia solutions to the ultra-portable notebook space.
ATI's RAGE MOBILITY-M graphics processor with 4MB (megabytes) of integrated SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) will be featured in Sharp's PC-MT1-H1 and H1S ultra-portable notebook PCs. With a thickness of just 0.7 inches (at its thinnest point), and weighing in at just 2.9 lbs., the PC-MT1-H1 and H1S are the world's thinnest and lightest notebooks.* Both feature the Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Intel Pentium III processor featuring Intel SpeedStep technology at 500/300 MHz (megahertz) CPU (central processing unit), a 20GB (gigabyte) hard drive, a 12.1-inch XGA low-reflective, black CTFT (color thin film transistor) display, and other leading edge components. ATI's RAGE MOBILITY-M also powers Sharp's new PC-SX1-H1 notebook, which features Transmeta's Crusoe TM5600 600 MHz processor and is less than one inch thick (at its thinnest point).
"Sharp's excellent reputation for developing leading edge ultra-portable notebooks is complemented by the graphics and video capability delivered by our RAGE MOBILITY product line," said Phil Eisler, Vice President and General Manager, Mobile and Integrated Business Unit. "Sharp's selection of the RAGE MOBILITY-M is further recognition that ATI has successfully met the perennial challenge of low power consumption while delivering high graphics and video performance."
Company Background
Founded in 1985, ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions for personal computer and Mac platforms. The pioneer, innovator and market leader in the graphics industry, ATI provides cutting-edge technologies for the PC, set-top box, game console and other consumer appliances markets. The Company has more than 1,900 employees supporting customers from its headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Canada, as well as from offices in Barbados, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ATY).
* The PC-MT1-H1/H1S are the thinnest and lightest of all notebook PCs equipped with a 12.1-inch LCD screen. (As of May 2001, intra-company data, Sharp Corporation)
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Swiftech MC462 Cooler Review @ The Tech Zone
June 14, 2001
The Tech Zone reviews what has to be the biggest TBird cooler ever made! The MC462 uses a 3" fan, covers the entire CPU socket, weighs more than a pound and requires the removal of your motherboard to install!
Performance, as you can imagine, is out of
this world. Check out the full review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
MemTach 0.89A released @ Cpureview.com
June 14, 2001
To find out how your memory is performing, you can read the article released by Cpureview.com, about the MemTach benchmark software.
Here's a quote:
"I wanted to be able to also measure the best achievable performance -
as well as the worst possible performance. I wanted to be able to analytically determine the performance characteristics of the memory subsystem in systems I test. Ideally, I should be able to determine the L1 size, L2 size, memory paging organization and miss penalties by
analyzing the performance of certain test routines. [Sorry, that's my Comp Sci background showing. I've been designing real-time software for too long...]"
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 3 - Part Two) @ HardwareZone
June 14, 2001
In this second part of the Day 3 report, the people at HardwareZone reported his observation and findings the Intel pavilion and the AMD suite. Check out the new Intel 845, AMD 760MP and the nVIDIA nForce chipsets.
Here's is brief part of the article:
"In this year's Computex, you can see that the two rivals are fighting hard against each other for supremacy in the microprocessor arena. Intel is promoting hard on their Pentium 4 processors, while AMD is trying to push the fact that its new 1.4GHz is faster than Intel's Pentium 4 at 1.7GHz clock speed. We know that Intel is fast losing market share as users are going to cheaper alternatives using AMD's Athlon or Duron processors. This is the reason why Intel's presence at Computex is especially strong this year."
Read the rest here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Mod_Gzip How-To Article Posted! @ ExtremeOverclocking.com
June 14, 2001
Extreme Overclocking decided to write up a quick little article on this very cool module for Apache Web Server called mod_gzip. Basically mod_gzip compresses your html/php/cgi/etc files on the fly before sending them out on the Internet. Then your web browser automatically decompresses the file and displays the web page. It's totally transparent and can really speed up a web site and reduce bandwidth usage!
Enjoy the complete article clicking here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Gainward GeForce3 Review @ [HardOcp]
June 13, 2001
Here's a quote from the great review that HardOcp has done with the Gainward GeForce3 graphic card:
"Now that we all know a GeForce3 is not going to cost US$600, we are starting to see a bunch more Vid Card companies jump in to the fray. Gainward is one of those companies and they are aiming squarely at the retail market here in the U.S. If this GeForce3 does not get your attention, then odds are, none of them will."
And enjoy the rest following this link.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Gigabyte GeForce2 MX400 review @ Technoyard.com
June 13, 2001
Technoyard.com has posted their latest review on the Gigabyte GeForce 2 MX400.
Here's a qoute;
"nVidia recently announced their latest chipset based on the GeForce2 MX; the GeForce 2 MX400. Does this new chip offer us any great deal of extra performance in contrast to the GeForce 2MX or is it just a new addition to confuse us more? We put Gigabyte's GA-GF 1280 to the test."
Don't miss the rest of this review
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
X-Micro Impact 5 Review @ Legion Hardware
June 13, 2001
Legion Hardware let us know about their latest review: the X-Micro Impact 5 graphic card... Here's a little preview of their article:
"It’s amazing how quick time flies in this business. Six months ago we saw X-Micro release their GeForce2 Ultra card, the Impact 4 Ultra. Now 6 months later X-Micro have unleashed the biggest and meanest 3D weapon the market has to offer. Introducing the Impact 5 featuring NVIDIA’s latest creation the GeForce3.
X-Micro has done well to gear their GeForce3 card so quickly, I wasn’t expecting to see the Impact 5 for quite a few more months."
Keep reading it here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the DFI AK75-EC mainboard
June 13, 2001
DFI has always had a diverse catalog. In fact, if there's a new trend in motherboard industry, you can usually count on DFI hit the ground running. With that in mind, we'll be presenting you to the DFI AK75-EC, a feature-rich board based on the VIA KT133A chipset.
Posted by Chris Verr
Epox 8K7A DDR Motherboard Review @ Jsi
June 13, 2001
Over at Jsi Hardware today they have posted a review on a Socket A based DDR Motherboard from Epox the 8K7A.
Snippage : "So DDR what's that all about then?
Well with current SDRAM setups the memory and cache subsystems are the main bottlenecks, we have seen how much faster the original DDR geforce was compared to the Original SDR Geforce its the same with your systems main memory, the SDRAM is holding back the system."
Read the rest at Jsi Hardare
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Thermalphobia Non-Conductive Shim Review! @ ExtremeOverclocking.com
June 13, 2001
Extreme Overclocking has up their latest review of Thermalphobia's
non-conductive shim. It's basically their same great shim as before, except this one has an anodized coating!
If you're an Overclocking fan, don't miss this review
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
DIY PDA Holder Guide @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 12, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot posted a guide on how to create your own PDA holder! But why would anyone want to build a PDA holder?
Ever wanted to turn your PDA into a MP3 player while you are driving? Well, that's easily done by rigging a stereo line between your PDA and the car's sound system. But the question now is how does one arrange for the PDA to be solidly attached to the car while still remaining accessible to the driver?
Well, Ken recently came up with the idea of creating his own PDA holder! His design now enables him to hook up his HP Jornada Pocket PC to his car's sound system whenever he hops in for a ride, thereby enabling him to enjoy CD quality music without resorting to a CD player. The best part is that his Jornada remains fully accessible to him so he can easily select songs and mess with the Jornada during a traffic stop!
Here, check out a clip from the guide:
"I figured that it was the best place to install my PDA holder because no glue or even screws were required. Furthermore, it was right below the el-cheapo cassette player that came with my car. That's exactly where I want it to be because the stereo line jack can then be rigged between both devices to get me an ultra cool MP3 player right in my car!"
If you want to enjoy the res of the article, you can do it following this link
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Thermalsonic Thermoengine @ Tweakers Asylum
June 12, 2001
The Tweakers Asylum has just finished putting up the review of the Thermalsonic Thermoengine.
If you're thinking on buying a new CPU cooler, this review might be just right for you!
This is a small part of the article:
"After reviewing this piece of hardware for myself, I can understand why everyone likes these things so much. I realized right after I opened the box that my new Thermoengine would be a superb cpu cooler. It has a unique design and is made from quality material. We all know you can't judge a book by it's cover, however, so let's strap this baby in and abuse the living hell out of it! :)"
Don't miss the rest here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Antec SX480 Mid Tower Review! @ ExtremeOverclocking.com
June 12, 2001
Extreme Overclocking has finished up their latest review on Antec's SX480 mid-tower case.
This case is truly geared towards the overclocker, featuring a 400w AMD approved power supply, 2 pre-installed 80mm fans, with mounting points for two more. This case is the same consistant quality that you would expect from Antec.
Click here to get the full review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Gateway Performance XL 1700 (1.7GHz Pentium 4) System @ Hardware Zone
June 12, 2001
As the top-of-the-line Gateway desktop computer, The hardware Zone tested the Performance XL 1700 driven by Intel's latest power chip for desktops--the 1.7GHz Pentium 4. Power users and multimedia enthusiasts will not be disappointed with this machine. Let's see what surprises lie inside this Gateway box.
Here's an excerpt from the review :
"If you have the cash to spend and want a powerful and top-of-the-line multimedia desktop computer, the Gateway XL 1700 is a must-have product. For those especially who want the performance without the hassles of a DIY system, this computer offers sleek design and innovative features, such as quick-release side panel latches, easy attach expansion card clamp mechanism (no need to use screws), 5.25-inch & 3.5-inch bay blue-colored tabs for quick drive removal, and an unused 3.5-inch bay (purchasers can opt for an Iomega drive if so desired for a few more dollars). Another plus is the generous three-year warranty offered from Gateway."
Follow this link to enjoy the entire review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Revfiew of the Vantec FCE-62540D HSF cooler
June 11, 2001
Every once in a while, a new heatsink hits the market that stands out just enough to demand a review. This time around, it's the Vantec FCE-6254OD. Gifted with an imposing frame, and capped with a super Delta fan capable of 7000rpm, the Vantect FCE-6254OD is a worthy beast, and we're happy to be taking a look at it today.
Posted by Chris Verr
Canon C755 Printer Review @ The Tech Zone
June 11, 2001
The Tech Zone has another printer review!. Here's a snip for you:
"Okay, printers aren't the most exciting things in the world of PC hardware, yet they're essential items you simply can't do without. Today is installment #2 of their look into the "Canon Universe" with a look at one of their multifunction printers, the C755. Not only a printer, but a 360 dpi scanner, fax machine, and copier!"
Read the full review here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 3- Part one) @ The Hardware Zone
June 11, 2001
The Hardware Zone continues to give us a detailed report from the Computex Taipei 2001. Here is a snip of their last article:
"In this first part of the third day coverage, we looked at some PC chassis, new dual CPU motherboards and USB 2.0 products.
The booth we covered are: Tyan, Enermax, Aten, Enlight, amongst others.
We came across two new dual CPU solutions, one based on the AMD 760MP chipset, and the second, is an Intel 860 chipset. The AMD 760MP chipset will support the new AMD Athlon MP processors for dual processing capability. The new AMD Athlon MP processor features a new cache architecture that offers exclusive L2 TLB (Translation Look-aside Buffer) and data prefetch. This basically means that data is automatically fed to the processor even before you need it. This has the effect of minimizing delays due to lengthy data search times and consequently, increases system performance and throughput. In addition to that, 52 new instructions were added to the current 3DNow! technology, and it is now called 3DNow! Professional. Just how much more performance can be gained from these additional instructions? Well, we all know that if softwares are not optimized for these instructions, they would be pretty useless (and the same goes for the Pentium 4 too)."
Follow this link to read the rest of the article.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 7450C review @ The Hardware Zone
June 11, 2001
The Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 7450C is a high-resolution scanner that The hardware zone take for a test drive and give us their results.
Here's an excerpt from the review :
"In conclusion, the Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 7450C is a good high-resolution scanner overall. Though it is rather noisy (it emits a low chainsaw-buzzing noise during certain resolution scans), and cumbersome-looking for today's aesthetic desktop space, it has impressive features, including 10 - 2,000 percent scaling (in 1 percent increments), film adapter unit and automatic document feeder."
To read the rest of the article, click here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
DDR shown 41% faster than PC133 for some types of code @ Cpureview.com
June 10, 2001
In this new review at Cpureview.com, we'll see some interesting news about DDR SDRAM:
"We are not talking about a measly 5% to 8% that we can see in application level benchmarks; we are talking about a 40% boost in applications that are seriously memory bound (like MemTach; and a lot of scientific code)."
Enjoy the review
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Moving to Linux: Part 2 - Settling In @ Cpureview.com
June 10, 2001
Here's a Quote from this series of articles, about the transition to Linux:
"Since moving my desktop to Linux I've published four reviews at CPUReview (some of considerable size) complete with charts and tables from spreadsheets (without using any version of Excel!), an AMD press release and numerous news updates."
If you're considering too moving to Linux, don't miss this one!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Evergreen Technology's RumbleFX Headphones Review @ gamingin3d.com
June 10, 2001
Ever craved that "rumble" feature for your headphones when your gaming? Ever craved for force-feedback headphones? How about cool metallic looking headphones with a force-feedback feature? If you fit one of these, than the RumbleFX headphones might be the one for you if your willingly to deal with its' cheapo sound quality. Check out G3D's latest review on it for more info.
"A little bit more than two years ago, there was a force-feedback craze in two major companies, Microsoft and Logitech. While both of them released new innovative products in the joystick, steering wheeel, and even mice field featuring this new technology, it took a much smaller company to come up with force-feedback headphones. First it was Xitel featuring Aureal sound cards along with their package and now it's Evergreen. With their new lineup of products entitled the Rumble FX series, Evergreen Technologies plan to sell and markets this thing to console and PC gamers a like."
Follow this link to enjoy the rest of this review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Coventive Technologies Launches Advanced Server and Information Appliance Solutions
June 10, 2001
InnoServer, InnoStorage and InnoAppliance Series Mark the Company’s Latest Entry into the World’s Linux Server and Information Appliances Race
Taipei (June 6, 2001) — Coventive Technologies (www.coventive.com), an international software company committed to delivering customized embedded Linux® solutions for server and information appliances, today announced three families of new solutions designed to capture market share in the key burgeoning server appliance market aimed at business and consumer users.
The new software solutions, which make their world debut at this week’s Computex event at the Taipei World Trade Center, are comprised of three product series, InnoServer, InnoStorage, and InnoAppliance, aimed at the heart of innovative new directions for Linux-based computing devices. The solutions enable OEMs, system integrators and VARs to offer the latest in multi-function server and storage appliances to meet advanced networking function requirements with easy-to-use and robust products. Leading the market, Coventive’s unique BladeCluster solution in the InnoServer family is the first appliance solution to offer intelligent clustering, fail-over, redundancy and load balancing.
“With our technical excellence in embedded software engineering, Coventive is able to deliver highly optimized and reliable Server Appliance and Information Appliance solutions. OEMs and ODMs have come to rely on Coventive to reduce their time-to-market for new appliances using our total tested software stack solutions,” notes Randy Tan, CEO.
InnoServer and InnoStorage for Corporate Users
Coventive's InnoServer and InnoStorage software solution series are engineered for a variety of specialized server appliances that are part of a growing new market segment aimed at replacing traditional general-purpose servers. Server appliances are non-programmable, network-enabled, sealed servers, which are pre-configured for a specific application or set of functions, such as a file/print server or shared workgroup storage. The server appliance approach offers users a device that is inexpensive and easy to use and install (usually plug-and-play), with higher reliability and performance than delivered by general-purpose servers. The worldwide server appliance market is poised to grow rapidly--industry analyst IDC recently estimated that the size of the server appliance market would exceed US$11.5 billion by 2004.
InnoServer Series (for solution details, please see attachment):
§ Coventive BladeCluster Solution： Based on well-proven Pentium technology, the BladeCluster solution has innovative compactPCI packaging for high density and hot-swap capability. It sets new economic and redundancy standard for application and web hosting facilities, and Internet data centers.
§ Coventive Multi-Function Server Appliance (MFA) is an embedded Linux-based server with pre-installed various internet services such as Web server, mail server, proxy server, Firewall, PPPOE, NAT and etc for SME (Small Medium Enterprises) users to plug and work without further need of complex installation.
§ Coventive High Availability (HA) Solution provides today’s SMEs (Small/Medium Enterprises) the assurance to run 24 hour a day, 7 days a week and non-stop Internet services. The HA software stacks, run on Linux environment, provide redundant services of the most common server functionalities, including file server, web server and mail server.
InnoStorage Series (for solution details, please see attachment):
§ Coventive Network Attached Storage (NAS) Solution, available in 1U/2U industry standard form factors with pre-installed management. Coventive software modules give xSP the abilities to increase the network storage capacities quickly, easily, and safely while coping with fast-growing Internet population of today and tomorrow.
§ Coventive Network Portable Storage (NPS) Solution is a Linux-based, small form-factor application-hosting platform for small medium enterprise users. The intuitive management software gives non-IT people the relax way to maintain companies’ data free from hurdles.
InnoAppliance for Business and Consumer Users
Coventive's InnoAppliance Series is made up of easy-to-use information appliance software solutions designed with dedicated functionality, such as a kiosk-based web information device for a shopping mall or university campus. Information appliances are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and often portable, and easy-to-use. This burgeoning market is expected to grow from US$2.4 billion in 1999 to US$17.8 billion by 2004, according to IT industry analyst IDC. Within the next few years, information appliances are expected to become mainstream, with products such as set-top boxes with Internet access, web phones, web pads, home servers, and smart phones and hand-held web browsers.
InnoAppliance Series (for solution details, please see attachment):
§ Coventive Set-top Box is a trouble-free device allowing consumer, who can’t afford PC at home, to surf the web sites, receive/send emails, enjoy chatting with friends on the TV sets all by just using the remote control set.
§ Coventive PDA Solution is a StrongARM-based device running embedded Linux OS, email, browser, MP3, Voice Recorder, Games and a host of PIM application such as To-Do List, Address book, Scheduling, dairy and so on.
§ Coventive DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is a real time monitoring system for surveillance application. Images are taken via camera and feed into the DVR system where it includes a tiny web server for remote users to log on via browser and monitor. Users at remote side can record, playback, fast forward and rewind the whole recorder pictures.
§
§ Coventive Kiosk solution runs on embedded Linux environment and x86 hardware, providing not only the basic internet browsing and email functionalities for public access but also provide remote management services like Remote booting, fault-detection and on-line data upload.
§ Coventive Windows-based Terminal is a very simple device, powered by embedded Linux, RDP and ICA modules, capitalize on the advancement of network infrastructure and increasing server computing power of today, enable corporate users to perform daily Windows’ applications through the centralized servers without sacrifices of performance and efficiencies.
Linux is at the Core of Coventive’s New Offerings
All of Coventive’s software solutions introduced today are based on the popular Linux operating system, embedded deep in the core of each device, using the company’s expertise as Asia’s largest software company devoted to embedded Linux software. Linux is an ideally suited operating system for server appliances because of its robustness and configurability due to the open source development environment. Wherever Coventive-based appliances are distributed, Coventive localizes the software to ensure that the appliances meet each unique market’s requirements, delivering tuned and well-defined systems.
Products based on InnoServer, InnoStorage and InnoAppliance series embedded software are available immediately through Coventive distribution channels in Asia, and with near term distribution planned for the US, Europe and the Middle East.
About Coventive Technologies
Coventive Technologies is an international software company delivering complete embedded Linux-based software solutions for the server appliance and information appliance markets. The company is Asia’s largest embedded Linux software company, with offices in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Beijing, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur and San Jose, California.
Coventive includes among its customers and partners some of the leading names in the computer industry, including Technauts, Access (Japan), Gigabyte, Legend Computers and Intel, which partners with Coventive to market x86 and StrongArm solutions to Taiwan's considerable OEM/ODM industry for information appliances. Coventive boasts equally formidable channel partners in Asia, including CSA, Malaysia's largest systems integrator; Wahoo, a systems integrator in Taiwan; and Axis, an appliance and peripheral product design and engineering company in Japan.
To learn more about Coventive, please visit our Web site at http://www.coventive.com.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD 1.4Ghz TBird Review @ Hexus.net
June 10, 2001
Well after all of the excitement of the 760MP stuff earlier this week it is time for the TBird 1.4Ghz Review at Hexus.net.
Here is a snip for you ;)
Back to the 1.4. Why is it good? Well not only in our tests does it perform VERY well, but it is also an Athlon based CPU thus you know that the most important thing is the price to performance ratio. Just think, the 1.33 and the other CPUs will drop in price now so you could head out and get a bargain.
Read the rest of the review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Comparison review of 4 DDR PC2100 memory modules
June 8, 2001
Are all DDR memory-modules created equal? How can memory modules be differenciated from each other? What is the impact of memory modules on system Overcloking That are the questions that we'll be endeavoring to answer during the course of this article where we're going to do a comparison review of 4 DDR PC2100 memory modules.
Posted by Chris Verr
CRUCIAL.COM expands office productivity program
June 8, 2001
New lower prices on high-density server memory-- 256MB EDO buffered DIMMs and 512MB PC133 registered DIMMs
Meridian, ID, June 06, 2001--Crucial Technology, a leading factory-direct memory upgrade supplier, today announced the expansion of its Office Productivity Program for organizations with computer networks by offering select 256MB and 512MB server memory upgrades at incredibly low prices. The discounted modules work in a wide range of enterprise servers and are available for US$99 and US$199, offering a huge savings to customers needing guaranteed quality in mission critical applications.
"These modules are the workhorses in many of today's large networks," said Scott Heimgartner, Crucial’s Product Marketing Manager. "They're the ideal, high-quality upgrade for a variety of servers, and we want to help our customers prolong the life of those servers at the best price possible."
"This is just one more advantage Crucial offers to enterprise customers," said Rick Littrell, Crucial’s Corporate Sales Manager. "Our factory-direct prices combined with special incentives in our Office Productivity Program makes Crucial a cost-effective solution for upgrading server memory."
Crucial's 256MB EDO buffered DIMMs are now available for US$99, and Crucial’s 512MB PC133 registered DIMMs are now available for US$199 through Crucial’s award-winning Web site at http://www.crucial.com, where customers can also access other Office Productivity Program resources.
Crucial introduced its Office Productivity Program in May, a service that helps organizations with computer networks use memory upgrades to improve productivity and cut costs. The customer-focused program provides articles with information and advice on improving network efficiency, plus special discounts and benefits that help customers get the right amount of high-quality memory for a more reliable and productive IT structure. Program details are available at www.crucial.com/productivity.
Crucial.com is the Web site of Crucial Technology, a division of Micron Semiconductor Products, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc. Crucial sells memory upgrade modules factory-direct from Micron Technology, Inc., and offers over 60,000 upgrades for more than 11,000 desktops, notebooks, servers, routers, printers, and electronic devices.
Micron Technology, Inc., and its subsidiaries manufacture and market DRAMs, very fast SRAMs, Flash Memory, other semiconductor components and memory modules. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit its Web site at www.micron.com.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
NVIDIA nForce article @ Legion Hardware
June 8, 2001
NVIDIA officially announced their launch into the chipset market with the Crush 11/12 at this year’s Computex a few days ago. NVIDIA completed their first motherboard chipset with a little help from Microsoft, a little $100 million dollar help. Microsoft donated this small chunk of change to NVIDIA to develop the necessary core logic for Microsoft’s soon to be released XBOX game console.
NVIDIA have created quite a large and respected empire over the past few years, defeating 3Dfx and becoming the worlds leading 3D graphics manufacturer was no small challenge for NVIDIA. NVIDIA’s GeForce2 line was what changed NVIDIA’s position on the market; no other company could compete with the GeForce2 range. Sure ATi did well with the Radeon but it still wasn’t enough to even loosen NVIDIA's tight grip on the market.
Now NVIDIA have tightened their grip by releasing the uncontested GeForce3 that is currently the fastest graphics card yet.
Click here to read the full review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Samsung SW-212 12x8x32x CDRW Review @ Iamnotageek.com
June 8, 2001
Here's an excerpt from this interesting review at Iamnotageek.com:
"Its a 12x8x32x CD-RW.
Unfortunately it doesnt have the burn proof technology, but even without it I could burn at 12x while defragging my hard drive.
Its only $85 so it is work a look."
Don't miss this article, enjoy it here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Epox 8K7A+ review @ Hexus.net
June 8, 2001
The people at Hexus.net have had a look at Epox's DDR platform offering, the Epox 8K7A+. But does it perform? It is first motherboard with full multiplier adjustment. So what did we think? Well here is a snip for you:
"Epox used to have a fairly low profile in the aftermarket high end motherboard scene. They first began to get noticed with their last socket A board the 8KTA3 , this got some very good reviews, and brought the company into the limelight, Epox's latest board on the block the 8K7A and 8K7A + ,definitely have the features to further their reputation, as a serious contender in the overclocking / gaming fraternity. Lets see how it all goes together."
Click here to read the complete review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
BIOS Optimization Guide (Integrated Peripherals) released! @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
June 7, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot posted part of the BIOS Optimization Guide in the Microsoft Reader format. This allows the guide to be downloaded and viewed on any Pocket PC or PC with Microsoft Reader installed.
"Currently, only the Integrated Peripherals section has been posted but eventually, the entire guide will be converted to the Microsoft
Reader format.", said Adrian Wong.
Take a look to this release at here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Ball Mouse Revival Guide @ Overclockers Melbourne
June 7, 2001
Overclockers Melbourne have posted a guide to Reviving Your Ball Mouse. Heres a snip:
"Basically what you will need is a mouse (duh), some isopropyl alcohol or something like that, that cleans and disappears (which is the head cleaning fluid in the picture, you can obtain it from any place that has DIY stuff for electrical dudes, like Dick Smith or something), a cotton bud or two, and also something thin and metallic, like a butter knife, or a nail file (metal), or a pin (something to scrape the rollers in the mouse). It would be good also to have a tiny little bit of electronics grade grease, but most of us don't so I won't mention it anymore."
Enjoy the complete article here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
DigitalDoc5 Review @ Trainwrecker.com
June 7, 2001
Here's an extract from the DigitalDoc5 Review at trainwrecker.com
"The DigitalDoc5 is a combination temperature sensor, fan speed and voltage monitor that mounts in a 5.25 bay in your PC, server or RAID tower. More than just a thermometer, it's built in microprocessor can be set to automatically activate your computer's cooling fans when needed or warn you with alarms of excess temperature, fan or power supply failure. A novice may wonder how many sensors you really need, so think of fan and temp monitors on your monster HSF, your video card, motherboard chipsets, memory chips, hard drive(s) and measuring ambient room air to compare to your inside case temps."
Keep reading following this
ATI's RAGE MOBILITY(tm)-M1 graphics processor
June 7, 2001
ATI chip brings dramatically reduced power consumption and highest integration to Xybernaut's state-of-the-art MA(r) V
MARKHAM, Ontario - ATI Technologies Inc. (TSE:ATY, NASDAQ:ATYT), a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions, today announced that Xybernaut Corporation (NASDAQ: XYBR) has selected ATI's RAGE MOBILITY-M1(tm) graphics chip for its new Mobile Assistant(r) V (MA(r) V) wearable computer.
Xybernaut wearable computers provide users with a mobile PC that is worn on the waist or integrated into clothing. The computer itself is roughly the size of a paperback book, with a light-weight chassis that contains the central processing unit (CPU), hard drive, expansion slots and external ports.
The RAGE MOBILITY-M1 accelerator features a unique "single component graphics sub-system solution" that replaces the need for, in earlier generations, more than six individual chips to provide memory and graphics functions. The single sub-system design results in reduced component cost and space savings. With the highest integration and comprehensive power management technology, the RAGE MOBILITY-M1 offers the MA V dramatically reduced power consumption without compromising performance.
The highest performing graphics chip ever used in a wearable computer, the RAGE MOBILITY-M1 graphics processor drives either an all-light readable touch-screen flat panel display, or a direct view head-mounted display (HMD). The head-mounted SVGA (super video graphics array) display measures just 1.1" diagonally, but provides the same full-color, full-screen view as a desktop monitor. The RAGE MOBILITY-M1 provides the MA V with razor-sharp 24-bit color, 8 MB (megabytes) of integrated memory and an advanced graphics feature set. The MA V also features a 500 MHz (megahertz)Intel(r) Celeron(r) processor with up to 256 MB RAM (random access memory), a high speed FireWire(r) connection, an advanced speech recognition system and an optional camera and head-mounted display system. Faster and 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, the MA V packs performance ideal for use in a variety of vertical markets, and is the most advanced wearable PC on the market today.
"Wearable PCs, led by the Xybernaut(r) MA(r) V, are already redefining productivity in a variety of industries by allowing people to perform a wide range of mobile tasks more easily, more safely, and more efficiently than ever," said Phil Eisler, Vice President, Mobility and Integrated, ATI Technologies Inc. "ATI is committed to developing cutting-edge graphics solutions for wearable PCs and other future computing technologies."
"The RAGE MOBILITY-M1 graphics processor provides the MA V with graphics capabilities unrivaled by any wearable PC on the market today," said Edward G. Newman, Chairman, President and CEO of Xybernaut. "With the increased processing speed, functionality and modularity of the MA V, together with ATI's graphics processor, Xybernaut has taken wearable computing to a new level."
The RAGE MOBILITY family: ATI is the first to bring true desktop features and performance to the mobile platform RAGE MOBILITY graphics accelerators are designed to provide mainstream notebook computers with the 3D, 2D and multimedia performance previously available only with high-end systems, while also delivering industry-leading power and performance functionality, in a space-saving, highly integrated design.
Company Background
Founded in 1985, ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions for personal computer and Mac platforms. The pioneer, innovator and market leader in the graphics industry, ATI provides cutting-edge technologies for the PC, set-top box, game console and other consumer appliances markets. The Company has more than 1,900 employees supporting customers from its headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Canada, as well as from offices in Barbados, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ATY).
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Windows 2000 Boot Menu Editing Guide @ Overclockers Melbourne
June 7, 2001
Overclockers Melbourne have posted a guide to editing your Windows 2000 Boot Menu. Heres a snip:
"Any of you who are using a standard Windows 2000 dual boot system running windows 2000 with either Windows 9x or ME will know of the windows 2000 boot menu. This is a menu which comes up upon startup for
your system and by default has a 25 second delay in which you can choose which OS to boot. It generally defaults to windows 2000. Now if you are like me and you only use win2k for networking, and 3d graphics, you may want to change this. This guide shows you how to do it, and also how to change the delay of the startup menu, the order the OS's are listed, and the names of the OS's shown."
Enjoy the rest here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Athlon / 760 MP Exposed - Analysis and Review @ Cpureview.com
June 6, 2001
Cpureview.com has posted his first article about the Athlon SMP, with twelve large pages of analysis and information, including Q&A with AMD.
They also made a large number of predictions; and dug up current Palomino pricing.
Read this interesting analysis here.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Reviews @ Adrian's Rojak Pot!
June 6, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot (http://www.rojakpot.com/) posted the following reviews:
I. ViewQuest AmazingCam VQ680 4-in-1 PC Camera - It's time for another great review by Ken Ng! This time, Ken checks out the ViewQuest AmazingCam VQ680 4-in-1 PC Camera! You may not have heard of it before but whenever you see the new Intel Pocket PC Camera, you are actually seeing an AmazingCam with a different casing. :)
So, read the review and find out what made Intel choose the ViewQuest
AmazingCam VQ680 as the OEM winner for its Pocket PC Camera project!
Here's a clip of the review :-
"After using the camera for over three weeks, the battery meter hasn't even registered a drop at all! This is simply amazing. It is said that the batteries can last over 3000 snapshots in normal mode! That makes the AmazingCam VQ680 one of the most power- efficient digital cameras out there."
Direct URL -
http://www.rojakpot.com/Reviews/ViewQuest_VQ680/ViewQuest_VQ680_01.htm
III. PDA Panache Trio-1 Triple Function Stylus - Ken and I just finished up another review. Well, it's Ken's review while I just chipped in with my comments. Anyway, it's about a triple function stylus with a really unique tip selection mechanism. It would be a sure winner with the babes or so we thought... Here's a clip of the review:
"Using the PDA Panache Trio-1 Triple Function Stylus may be a little
confusing at first. But once you know the trick, it's as easy as drinking water. And it's a nice way to impress chicks because the way the pen functions is almost magical. :D
If you notice, there's only one top button where you press upon to engage a tip and one side 'button' which releases an engaged tip. So, if there's only ONE button to engage the tip, how do you choose which of the THREE tips you to engage? How can one button select three tips? Are the engineers who invented this stylus dumb or something?"
Direct URL - http://www.rojakpot.com/Reviews/PDA_Panache_Trio/PDA_Panache_Trio_01.htm
We have also posted a critical update to our Casio E-125 Overclocking Guide regarding the potential loss of the backlight due to improper cable handling. This is very important for those who are going to attempt the procedure. The loss of backlight may be permanent!
Direct URL -
http://www.rojakpot.com/Other_Articles/E-125_OC/E-125_OC_01.htm
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Thermaltake PC2100 @ Iamnotageek.com
June 6, 2001
John Apps, from Iamnotageek.com, about the Thermaltake PC2100:
"Just got down reviewing Thermaltake's PC2100 DDR DRAM.
Wasn't too impressed with it, but you can see that all in the review.
Weird thing was I couldn't find it for sale anywhere."
Well, click here to read the complete article.
Enjoy!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
HardwareZone Awards 2000: Best 3-Megapixel Digital Camera
June 6, 2001
Here's a excerpt from this review at HardwareZone:
"Continuing on our series of articles from the Hardware Zone Awards 2000 event, we now look at the winner of the Best 3-Megapixel Digital Camera award. If you're deciding on which camera to purchase, you should check out this extremely detailed article covering all technical aspects of the five finalists.
AND THE WINNER GOES TO................................
...the Canon PowerShot G1. Having carefully considered the final choice, we can only say that the closest contender to the Canon PowerShot G1 was the Nikon Coolpix 990. Though the Nikon digital camera excelled with its amount of features (histogram function, multi-zone auto-focus), we don't see prosumers and amateur photographers using them excessively as they require some practice. It may also have the best flash range (contrary to what the spec comparisons say) and rich color reproduction, but it pales in comparison to the PowerShot G1 in several areas."
Click here to read the full review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD introduces world's most powerful PC processor, the 1.4GHz AMD ATHLON(TM)
June 6, 2001
- Compaq, HP and NEC-CI among computer manufacturers to offer 1.4GHz AMD Athlon(TM) processor-based systems -
- New 950MHz AMD Duron(TM) processor offers high level of performance for everyday computing -
SUNNYVALE, CA-June 6, 2001-AMD today announced the 1.4 GHz AMD Athlon(TM) processor, the world's most powerful PC processor for the performance market, and the 950MHz AMD Duron(TM) processor for everyday business and home computing.
The 1.4GHz AMD Athlon processor-based systems with Double Data Rate (DDR) memory continue to outperform 1.7GHz Intel Pentium(R) 4 processor-based systems by up to 40 percent on a variety of benchmarks, including cutting-edge multimedia, desktop publishing, digital imaging and voice recognition applications. The AMD Duron processor provides a practical solution for everyday business and home PC needs by providing up to a 30-percent performance advantage over Intel Celeron processor-based systems.
Systems featuring AMD's newest processors are available immediately from Compaq Computer Corporation. AMD expects availability soon from Hewlett-Packard Company, MicronPC and NEC-CI, among others.
"At 1.4GHz, the AMD Athlon processor with DDR memory continues to significantly outperform the competition as the most powerful PC platform in the world, reinforcing AMD's leadership in delivered performance," said Pat Moorhead, vice president of desktop and mobile marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group. "It is evident from competitive offerings that megahertz alone is no longer a clear indicator of processor performance. Ultimately, AMD delivers what is most important to business and consumer PC users-superior software performance, higher productivity and platform longevity."
"People buy performance cars based on how fast they can get from 0 to 60; it's about the delivered horsepower, not how fast the engine rotates," said Shane Rau, a senior research analyst at IDC in Mountain View, Calif. "In the same way, what's really important in a performance PC is how much work the PC can perform in a given amount of time."
"Creative web and graphic designers directly benefit from the combination of Adobe Photoshop 6.0 and the high performance of the 1.4GHz AMD Athlon processor with DDR memory," said Karen Gauthier, senior product manager at Adobe. "Users of Photoshop 6.0 on AMD processors can be assured of enhanced productivity and greater creative control."
"AMD processors with DDR memory offer the ultimate performance and are consistent with Compaq's superior product offerings that serve our customers at either the home or office," said Mark Vena, director, CTO Product Marketing, Home and Office Division for Compaq Computer Corporation. "The introduction of the newest AMD Athlon and AMD Duron processors will provide customers who rely on our Compaq Presario Internet PCs with a broader range of performance and value options for their computing needs."
"HP supports and incorporates AMD processors into its consumer computer solutions and is pleased with their state-of-the-art technologies," said Mark Sanchez, marketing manager for HP North America Consumer Computing. "AMD processors continue to deliver an outstanding foundation that provides customers high performance levels for their computing needs."
All AMD Athlon and AMD Duron microprocessors are compatible with the mature, reliable Socket A infrastructure which is broadly supported by a variety of motherboards worldwide.
Pricing
The 1.4 GHz AMD Athlon processor, available with a 266MHz front-side bus (FSB) or a 200MHz FSB, is priced at $253 in 1,000-unit quantities.
The 950MHz AMD Duron processor is priced at $122 in 1,000-unit quantities. For more information on pricing, please visit www.amd.com/news/virtualpress/pricing.html.
AMD Athlon(tm) Processor Awards Around the World
The AMD Athlon processor and AMD Athlon processor-based systems have received more than 90 awards worldwide. Please see www.amd.com/products/cpg/athlon/awards/athlon.html for a complete listing of AMD Athlon processor and AMD Athlon processor-based system awards.
About the AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
The AMD Athlon processor is an x86-compatible, seventh-generation design featuring a superpipelined, nine-issue superscalar microarchitecture optimized for high clock frequency; the industry's first fully pipelined, superscalar floating point unit for x86 platforms; high-performance cache architecture, featuring 384KB of total on-chip cache (256KB of on-chip level two (L2) cache and 128KB of on-chip level one (L1) cache); enhanced 3DNow!(tm) technology with 24 additional instructions designed to improve integer math calculations, data movement for Internet streaming, and DSP communications. The AMD Athlon processor features either a 266MHz Front-Side Bus (FSB) or a 200MHz FSB based on the Alpha(tm) EV6 bus protocol. AMD Athlon processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.18-micron process technology in Fab 25 in Austin, Texas and Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.
About the AMD Duron(tm) Processor
The AMD Duron processor is a derivative of the award-winning AMD Athlon processor and is designed to provide an optimized solution for value conscious business and home users. Employing an innovative design, the AMD Duron processor features a sophisticated cache architecture with 192KB of total on-chip cache, a high-speed 200MHz front-side bus, and a superscalar floating point unit with enhanced 3DNow!(tm) technology.
The AMD Duron processor offers value-conscious buyers access to technology and performance that stands out among other processors in its class. It reflects AMD's 30 years of design and manufacturing expertise and sales of more than 150 million PC processors. AMD Duron processors are manufactured on AMD's 0.18 micron process technology in Fab 25, Austin, Texas.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $4.6 billion in 2000. (NYSE: AMD).
Visit AMD on the Web
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the BIostar M7MIA socket A AMD760 mainboard
June 6, 2001
Today, we'll be reviewing the Biostar M7MIA - the first Socket A, AMD 761-based board we've received from the folks at Biostar. Thanks to its shiny new chipset, the Biostar M7MIA comes equipped with support with 133MHz FSB Athlon processors, as well as PC1600 and/or PC2100 DDR-SDRAM memory.
Posted by Chris Verr
Cool Case Mods EL Keyboard Mod @ Jsi Hardware
June 5, 2001
Over at Jsi Hardware today they have posted a cool mod for your keyboard the Cool Case Mods EL Keyboard Kit.
Snipet : "I first decided on which keyboard I was going to mod, now not all keyboard are easy to do this mod to especially standard flat keyboards can cause problems I decided on this natural keyboard as it was neat, tidy and easy to work with. "
To read the full review, click here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Streaming 3d Characters: Low Bandwidth, High Emotion!
June 5, 2001
Exstream Media (http://www.exstream.to) releases it's 3d streaming player, the "Tulip" system.
The player, at only 155k in size, delivers characters that talk, sing, and FEEL! (OK, I'm exaggerating on that last claim) The Tulip Authoring system is designed for delivering high volumes in short turnaround periods. One artist can deliver 15 minutes of animation, posted on the net for the world to see, in one day. Planet Blue, the parent company of Exstream, is a leading visual effects company in Los Angeles ( http://www.planetblue.com ) There, the Tulip system has been used in feature films, commercials and video games.
The download is free, and about 20 minutes of demonstrations are available, at http://www.exstream.to
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Blizzard Water Cooling Kit Review @ Iamnotageek.com
June 5, 2001
Jhon Apps sent us a review of a water cooling system, here is a quote from what he says in his article:
"Water cooling made simple.
I have seem some pretty insane water cooling projects. People making many of their own parts are spending a lot of money. While the Blizzard Water Cooling Kit is not the most extreme, it is a reasonable price and simple. Everything you need to water cool your cpu is included."
Enjoy!!
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day 1) @ The hardware zone
June 5, 2001
Here's an excerpt from this day-to-day report...
"It's Day 1 at the Computex Taipei 2001.
The SiS booth greeted us when we entered Hall 1. Apart from their much publicized SiS735 chipset that supports AMD Athlon/Duron CPUs using DDR or SDRAM memoy, they also showed chipsets for new Intel Tualatin CPUs for both DDR and SDRAM platforms (SiS635T and SiS633T respectively).
What caught my attention was the new SiS315 graphics chipset which offers a 256-bit 3D acceleration using an integrated T&L engine. Read on..."
Read the entire article here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Ten new customers for KYRO / KYROII POWERVR processors at COMPUTEX 2001
June 5, 2001
IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES STMICROELECTRONICS KYRO(tm) AND KYRO II(tm) POWERVR 3D GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR ADOPTED BY A BROAD RANGE OF PC GRAPHICS ADD-IN-BOARD MANUFACTURERS KYRO and KYRO II boards announced and shown at Computex Taiwan
Taipei, 4th June 2001 - PowerVR Technologies - a division of Imagination Technologies, the leading provider of human computer interface intellectual property (IP), is pleased to report that leading PC Graphics Add-In-Board manufacturers are today announcing boards based on STMicroelectronics' critically acclaimed KYRO II(tm) 3D Graphics Accelerator at the Computex show in Taiwan.
KYRO and KYRO II are ST's 3D Graphics and Video Accelerators derived from the partnership between ST and Imagination Technologies. Powered by PowerVR(tm) Tile Based Rendering technology, KYRO and KYRO II demonstrate that Tile Based Rendering is the architecture for the future by showing clear performance leadership when compared with other products in their class on popular games and industry benchmarks.
CHANCE-I announces its BLOOD KYRO-2 featuring ST's KYRO II. The BLOOD KYRO-2 will be available with 32 Mbytes.
Club3D Technology Inc (Grand Hyatt Hotel Taipei, Suite number : 1430 & 1431) announces its Club3D KYRO I CLK-1064TV featuring ST's KYRO with 64MB and TV-out. Also, its Club3D KYRO II CLK-2032TV and CLK-2064TV featuring ST's KYRO II with 32MB and 64MB with TV-out and TV-Out/DVI respectively.
Ennyah Technologies Corp (Hall 1, booth number C833) announces its Michelan KYRO 3D Pro K4000 featuring ST's KYRO and its Michelan 3D Pro 4500 featuring ST's KYRO II. The Michelan 3D Pro 4000 and the 3D Pro 4500 will both be offered in 32Mbyte and 64 Mbyte options, with each memory configuration available with TV output as an option.
InnoVISION Multimedia Ltd (Hall 1, booth number B1277 and 1227) announces its Inno3D KYROII 4500 featuring ST's KYRO II. The Inno3D KYRO II 4500 will be available in 32 Mbyte and 64 Mbyte options, each available with TV Out as an option.
Joytech (Hall 2, booth number E081 and E082) announces its APOLLO KYRO 2 featuring ST's KYRO II. The APOLLO KYRO 2 will be available with 64 Mbytes with either TV Output or DVI Output.
Kifer announces its Royal Kings KYRO-1 STG4000 KO4000S64-T0 with TV-out and KO4000S64-00 without TV-out featuring ST's KYRO I. Also Royal Kings KYRO-2 STG4500 KO4500S64-T0 with TV-out and KO4500S64-00 without TV-out.
Lung Hwa (Hall 1, booth number D401) announces its 3D Best 4000 featuring ST's KYRO and its 3D Best 4500 featuring ST's KYRO II. The 3D Best 4000 and 4500 will be available in 64 Mbytes with optional TV output function.
MPLUSTECH announces its MPLUSTECH KYRO featuring ST's KYRO and its MPLUSTECH KYRO II featuring ST's KYRO II. The MPLUSTECH KYRO will be available with 32 Mbytes and the MPLUSTECH KYRO II will be available with 64 Mbytes.
OJU CTN (Hall C, booth C1253) announces its CV-024AKYRO II featuring ST's KYRO II. The CV-024AKYRO II will be available with 64 Mbytes with either TV Output or DVI Output.
SUMA (Hall C, booth 1257) announces its SUMA KYRO and SUMA KYRO II featuring ST's KYRO and KYRO II. The SUMA KYRO will be available with 32 Mbytes and TV Output and the SUMA KYRO II will be available with 64 Mbytes and TV Output and Video Input.
KYRO and KYRO II are ST's 3D Graphics and Video Accelerators derived from the partnership between ST and Imagination Technologies. Powered by PowerVR(tm) Tile Based Rendering (TBR) technology, KYRO and KYRO II demonstrate that Tile Based Rendering is the architecture for the future by showing clear performance leadership when compared with other products in their class on popular games and industry benchmarks.
Tile Based Rendering takes a different algorithmic approach to 3D, aiming to eliminate redundant processing and avoid memory bottlenecks. By doing only what is absolutely necessary, and by keeping as much 3D processing as possible on-chip, TBR allows maximum performance to be extracted from the available memory bandwidth. The advantages of Tile Based Rendering will only increase as future applications increase in complexity.
To enable games and other 3D titles to run with unrivaled image quality, KYRO and KYRO II support highly efficient Full Scene Anti-Aliasing, Internal True Color (tm), and Environmental and Dot3 Bump mapping. With an exclusive feature set including support for 8-layer multi-texturing, Z32 (tm), and ConstantStencil(tm), KYRO and KYRO II deliver performance and image quality that sets new standards in PC games.
KYRO and KYRO II also include a fast 128-bit 2D engine, hardware video playback and DVD decode assistance, AGP Bus Master Interface, a 128-bit SGRAM/SDRAM interface with up to 64 Mbyte support, and integrated Palette DAC. A video input port allows connection to a wide range of video source and capture peripherals, while a digital video output port provides glueless connection to flat panel displays and TV encoders.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is the world's third largest independent semiconductor company. The Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronic applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products and industrial automation and control systems. In 2000, the Company's net revenues were $7,813.2 million and net earnings were $1,452.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination Technologies Group plc is an international company that develops, licenses and supplies market-leading 2D/3D graphics, digital video, Digital Signal Processing, audio and speech technologies and products for consumer entertainment and PC Markets. The company has deployed and planned technologies for games consoles, PC's, arcade entertainment machines, digital set-top boxes, in car information/entertainment systems, and mobile devices. Since it was founded in 1985, the company has introduced, via licensing arrangements or directly, a succession of innovative technologies, silicon chips and add-in boards, which have played a major role in the development of multimedia and computer-based entertainment systems. Imagination Technologies Group plc has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE:IMG). More information is available on the Imagination Technologies web site at www.imgtec.com.
About PowerVR Technologies
PowerVR Technologies - a division of Imagination Technologies - develops and markets the unique PowerVR graphics/video technology. Existing partners licensing the technology include NEC and STMicroelectronics. PowerVR Technologies design wins have included Sega's latest video games console, Dreamcast, the Naomi arcade system, which is used in the majority of new arcade machines worldwide, and numerous PC add-in and OEM customers. More information is available on the PowerVR Technologies web site at www.powervr.com
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD targets commercial market with new AMD ATHLON MP processor for servers and workstations
June 5, 2001
-AMD's superior multiprocessor platform boosts system performance by up to 38 percent compared to existing x86 multiprocessor-based systems-
TAIPEI, TAIWAN-JUNE 5, 2001-At Computex, AMD today introduced its first multiprocessing-capable platform for one- and two-way servers and workstations, enabling AMD to further penetrate the commercial market. Based on the state-of-the-art AMD Athlon(tm) MP processor and the AMD-760(tm) MP chipset, the multiprocessing platform supports Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology and incorporates AMD's latest innovation, Smart MP technology.
"On a variety of important industry benchmarks, the new AMD Athlon MP processor delivers up to 38 percent more performance over our competition," said Ed Ellett, vice president of workstation and server marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group. "The leading-edge performance of the AMD Athlon MP processor helps enterprise customers enjoy increased productivity. AMD's stable Socket A infrastructure is planned to exceed their long-term business needs while lowering their cost of doing business."
Multiprocessing workstations and servers based on the AMD Athlon MP processor and the AMD-760 MP chipset will initially be available worldwide from more than 20 manufacturers at frequencies of 1.2GHz and 1GHz.
"This new performance scalability is a solid addition to AMD's technology portfolio," said David W. Williams, director of Windows Hardware Strategy at Microsoft Corp. "Platforms based on the AMD-760 MP chipset will certainly get the attention of businesses and IT professionals looking for this level of performance along with the compatibility running Microsoft Windows operating systems that come with the AMD Athlon MP processor."
"Today's corporate customers are looking for eBusiness computing platforms that can scale to meet their growing processing loads while providing the cost-efficiency necessary to help them achieve their profitability goals," said David Hochhauser, vice president, infrastructure management marketing, Computer Associates (CA). "The performance, scalability and longevity that AMD's multiprocessor technology offers, combined with the reduced cost of ownership and ensured reliability that CA's Unicenter provides, fulfills these requirements superbly."
"The launch of the AMD Athlon MP processor vividly illustrates the manner in which competitive forces reshape markets," observed Nathan Brookwood, principal analyst at Insight 64. "The 1999 launch of the AMD Athlon line of processors extended AMD's reach to the high end of the PC market. Last month's launch of the mobile AMD Athlon(tm) 4 processor allowed AMD to reenter the notebook market. Now, the new AMD Athlon MP processor provides the ammunition the company needs for a credible assault on professional workstation and entry-level server segments. As AMD broadens its line, it gives system suppliers new ways to differentiate their products, and increases the choices available to end-users."
"Tyan Computer is proud to be the first manufacturer to ship system boards based on AMD's innovative AMD-760 MP chipset," said Symon Chang, founder and CEO of Tyan. "Our Thunder platform, with versions for both servers and workstations, takes full advantage of AMD's new multiprocessor technology that increases performance through its use of independent data paths between the chipset and processors."
"Dual processor workstations are ideal for running XSI animation software," said Alan Waxenberg, third-party business manager, Softimage Co. "We believe AMD is changing the way animators view hardware. The addition of AMD Athlon MP dual processors provides animators powerful options when choosing multiprocessor workstations."
"AMD processor-powered workstations have become an unequalled addition to our pre-visualization work," said Rick McCallum, producer of the motion picture Star Wars: Episode II. "The nature of digital motion pictures requires hardware tools that allow our pre-production team to meld digital and 'real' worlds in a time- and cost-effective manner."
Pricing
The AMD Athlon MP processors are priced at $265 for 1.2GHz and $215 for 1GHzfrequencies, in 1,000-unit quantities.
About the AMD Athlon(tm) MP Processor
The AMD Athlon MP processor is a seventh-generation x86 processor designed for high- performance multiprocessing servers and workstations. It provides up to a 38 percent increase over widely available x86 multiprocessor-based systems on benchmarks such as WebBench, ServerBench and 3D Studio Max.
A key advantage of AMD's multiprocessing platform is Smart MP technology, which greatly enhances overall platform performance by increasing data movement between the two CPUs, chipset and memory system. Smart MP technology features dual point-to-point, high-speed 266MHz system buses with Error Correcting Code (ECC) support designed to provide up to 2.1GB per second per CPU of bus bandwidth in a dual-processor system. Smart MP technology also has an optimized Modified Owner Exclusive Shared Invalid (MOESI) cache coherency protocol that manages data and memory traffic in a multiprocessing environment.
The AMD Athlon MP processor, with stable Socket A infrastructure and support for DDR memory technology, has a high performance full-speed cache with hardware data pre-fetch, a fully pipelined superscalar floating point engine, and an exclusive L2 Translation Look-aside Buffer (TLB). It also incorporates 3DNow!* Professional technology, which has 52 new instructions that extend AMD's 3DNow!(tm) technology, enabling smoother, richer and more lifelike images, more precise digital audio and an enriched Internet experience.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy awarded AMD an ENERGY STAR® Certificate of Recognition for its energy-efficient processors, including the AMD Athlon MP processor. These processors help manufacturers meet stringent ENERGY STAR specifications for a variety of appliances, equipment and other products. Products with the ENERGY STAR label are designed to use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.
AMD Athlon MP processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.18-micron copper process technology at Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.
About the AMD-760(tm) MP Chipset
The AMD-760 MP chipset, the world's first AMD Athlon multiprocessor chipset to support DDR memory technology, is AMD's high performance two-way multiprocessor core logic solution for the AMD Athlon(tm) MP processor. It consists of two chips-the AMD-762(tm) system controller (northbridge), and the AMD-766(tm) peripheral bus controller (southbridge). The AMD-760 MP chipset unleashes the power of DDR memory technology, which combines with other sophisticated core logic in data, memory and I/O control as well as system and power management to provide a powerful solution for server and workstation platforms. The AMD-760 MP chipset supports up to two AMD Athlon MP processors with independent 266MHz front side buses, as well as PC2100 DDR memory and AGP 4x graphics.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD announces the world's first Hypertransport implementation - Nvidia's nFORCE chipset
June 4, 2001
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA-JUNE 4, 2001-AMD today announced that NVIDIA has incorporated AMD's HyperTransportTM data bus technology into its new nForce platform processing architecture, becoming the first chipset to incorporate AMD's innovative data bus technology.
More than 150 companies are working with AMD to drive the development of HyperTransport technology. NVIDIA is yet another example of an industry heavyweight implementing AMD's HyperTransport technology to help increase the performance of its products.
AMD's HyperTransport is an innovative technology that enables the computer chips inside a vast range of different types of systems to communicate with each other faster compared with existing technologies. In NVIDIA's case, the HyperTransport technology is designed to deliver up to a six-fold increase in bandwidth between the nForce Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP) and nForce Media and Communications Processor (MCP).
The NVIDIA nForce platform processing architecture combines NVIDIA's award winning graphics with the industry's first implementation of the new Dolby Digital Interactive Content Encoder, a breakthrough technology built in the MCP that dynamically encodes multi-channel audio into Dolby Digital 5.1 in real-time.
"NVIDIA's incorporation of AMD's HyperTransport technology is critical in our quest to deliver unmatched system performance," said Dan Vivoli, vice president of marketing at NVIDIA. "Today's PC applications are increasingly complex with advanced 3D graphics, high-speed networking, streaming video, and cinematic 3D audio. In fact, the bandwidth supplied by HyperTransport allowed us to implement full Dolby Digital 5.1 3D audio processing and broadband networking in the MCP, something no other current technology allowed us to do."
Both AMD and NVIDIA have supported Double Data Rate (DDR) memory for PCs and video cards. The NVIDIA nForce platform processing architecture includes a 128-bit memory interface that is designed to double the peak data throughput over today's PC2100 DDR systems to 4.2GBytes per second, which is 33% more than dual channel RAMBUS Pentium® 4 systems.
"Coupled with the AMD Athlon processor and DDR memory, NVIDIA's newest chipset solution provides performance, mainstream and entry solutions for x86 PCs that will continue to deliver on the AMD Athlon promise to give you the ultimate computing experience," said Richard Heye, Vice President, Platform Engineering & Infrastructure of AMD's Computation Products Group. "This is yet another example of AMD pushing new and customer beneficial technologies into the market."
About HyperTransport(tm) Technology
HyperTransport technology is a new high-speed, high-performance, point-to-point link for integrated circuits. HyperTransport provides a universal connection that is designed to reduce the number of buses within the system, provide a high-performance link for embedded applications, and enable highly scalable multiprocessing systems. It was designed to enable the chips inside of PCs, networking and communications devices to communicate with each other up to 48 times faster than with existing technologies.
Compared with existing system interconnects that provide bandwidth up to 266MB/sec, HyperTransport technology's potential peak bandwidth of 12.8GB/sec represents better than a 40-fold increase in data throughput. HyperTransport technology provides an extremely fast connection that complements externally visible bus standards like the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), as well as emerging technologies like InfiniBand. HyperTransport technology is designed to provide the bandwidth that the new InfiniBand standard requires to communicate with memory and system components inside of next-generation servers and devices that may power the backbone infrastructure of the telecom industry. HyperTransport technology is targeted primarily at the information technology and telecom industries, but any application in which high speed, low latency and scalability is necessary can potentially take advantage of HyperTransport technology.
HyperTransport technology also has a unique daisy-chainable feature, giving the opportunity to connect multiple HyperTransport input/output bridges to a single channel. HyperTransport technology is designed to support up to 32 devices per channel and can mix and match components with different bus widths and speeds.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $4.6 billion in 2000. (NYSE: AMD).
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
CoolPC Neon & Window Kit @ Acid Hardware
June 4, 2001
AcidHardware have just posted their review of the CoolPC window and neon light modification kit. If you are currently situated in Australia and are looking for an inexpensive way to turn your ordinary beige case into something a bit more appealing, we recommend that you don't pass up the opportunity to check out these kits.
"In the past year there has been a growing market for those that are interested in modifying their PC cases in order to make them aesthetically pleasing. We have seen custom projects ranging from the extremes of a hand air brushed case to neon lights and window modifications. The company that has pioneered the way in custom PC modification kits would have to be PCMods. PCMods manufacture and retail products such as neon lights, window kits, bay buses and up to now have been the only ones to do this. The problem overseas customers have to face is the high prices as resellers can't source the products locally and have to seek them from PCMods in America. One of the largest cooling store outfits in Australia, CoolPC have noticed this market gap and have sought to produce and market their own kits from parts sourced locally and abroad. The end result is a much cheaper product of equal quality for the Australian market."
Read the entire article here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Computex Taipei 2001 (Day zero) @ The hardware zone
June 4, 2001
HardwareZone brings us a report on their first hours of the trip to Computex Taipei.
Read on for some interesting bits on their flight to Taipei, subsequent loss of luggage, crappy hotel phonelines and chicken fast food dinner.
Enjoy it here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Dell Inspiron 8000 PIII 900 and 1GHz with NVIDIA GeForce2 Go review @ The Hardware Zone
June 3, 2001
The second manufacturer to introduce big-performance notebook systems with NVIDIA's GeForce2 Go video chipsets, Dell is the one to beat this quarter. Check out our in-depth review of both their PIII 900MHz and PIII 1GHz systems, each with GeForce2 Go and our brief benchmark comparisons of these two with Toshiba's PIII 850MHz Satellite 2800-A621 and Digitek's 1GHz MediaPad Elite PX-31000.
Here's an excerpt from the review :
But despite their five-star ratings, we feel that both Dell Inspiron 8000s still have room for improvement. These include a reduction in weight (both models weigh 3.6kg each compared to Toshiba's 3.22kg) and better screen brightness (the UXGA screen is dimmer than the SXGA+ screen. This is due to the great amount of pixels on a 15-inch display, which compromises on the brightness rating per pixel). However, set these aside and the Dell Inspiron 8000s are the best and most pervasive notebook systems at the moment. 'Nuff said.
Click here to read this review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
BAMK-0003 19" ATX Case Review @ The Tech Zone
June 3, 2001
Overclock case maker AMK is at it again.
This time they sent The Tech Zone the BAMK-0003 19" ATX. If it looks like case used by Alienware, it's because it is. Special features include sliding motherboard tray and sliding cover for the front face.
The BAMK is available in black, silver or beige. If you want that Alienware look without paying that Alienware price , take a look over here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ATI's RAGE MOBILITY(tm) 128 graphics processor powers Apple's new iBook portable computer
June 3, 2001
ATI chip featured in smaller, lighter, faster notebook design
MARKHAM, Ontario - ATI Technologies Inc. (TSE:ATY, NASDAQ:ATYT), a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions, today announced that Apple( has selected ATI's RAGE MOBILITY(tm) 128 graphics chip for its new iBook(tm) notebook computer.
The RAGE MOBILITY 128 delivers industry-leading 3D graphics, razor-sharp 32-bit color, and an integrated DVD (digital versatile disc) decoder that lets users experience full-frame rate DVD movies.
The lightweight iBook packs the performance ideal for consumers and education. It features ATI's RAGE MOBILITY 128 graphics processor with an 8 MB (megabyte) integrated frame buffer and other leading-edge components. One of the highest performance graphics chips ever used in a laptop, the ATI RAGE MOBILITY 128 graphics processor has won numerous accolades, and helps users get the most fun out of fast-action games and multimedia titles by adding a tremendous speed boost, gorgeous 3-D images and stunning photo-realistic effects. Yet, its low power consumption contributes to the industry leading battery life of the iBook.
"The combination of the ATI RAGE MOBILITY 128 with the iBook's brilliant 12.1-inch CTFT (color thin film transistor) display with impressive 1024 X 768 pixel resolution is perfect for a high quality gaming experience and DVD movie playback," said Vincent Win, Vice President, Strategic Sales, ATI Technologies Inc. "ATI is committed to developing cutting-edge graphics solutions for the Apple community, and we look forward to continuing to provide Apple users with an unmatched graphics experience in the future."
"Apple's new iBook is the perfect tool for today's digital lifestyle," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's Senior Director of Portables Product Marketing. "With the RAGE MOBILITY 128 graphics processor, we're especially pleased to provide leading edge graphics in our consumer and education notebook."
The RAGE MOBILITY family: ATI is the first to bring true desktop features and performance to the notebook platform RAGE MOBILITY graphics accelerators are designed to provide mainstream notebook computers with the 3D, 2D and multimedia performance previously available only with high-end systems, while also delivering industry-leading power and performance functionality, in a space-saving, highly integrated design.
RAGE MOBILITY accelerators feature a unique "single component graphics sub-system solution" that replaces the need for over six individual chips to provide memory and graphics functions. The single sub-system design results in important component cost savings, and low power consumption, twinned with long battery life for notebook computer systems.
Company Background
Founded in 1985, ATI Technologies Inc. is a world leader in the supply of graphics, video and multimedia solutions for personal computer and Mac platforms. The pioneer, innovator and market leader in the graphics industry, ATI provides cutting-edge technologies for the PC, set-top box, game console and other consumer appliances markets. The Company has more than 1,900 employees supporting customers from its headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Canada, as well as from offices in Barbados, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States. ATI common shares trade on NASDAQ (ATYT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange(ATY).
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Copyright 2001 ATI Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. ATI and ATI product and product feature names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ATI Technologies Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.
For further information, please visit our Web site at http://www.ati.com
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Networking 101 P1 @ HardwareOc.com
June 3, 2001
Here is a quote from this article:
"Welcome to the first of several articles on networking. With the proliferation of the Internet, and of high-speed connections to it the world of networking has moved out of the office and into the home. So the goal of these articles is to give you enough information to allow you to set up your own home network easily and quickly. This first article is simply to go though may of the terms, abbreviations, and some technologies that relate to the Internet and home networking."
Enjoy it here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Networking 101 P1 @ HardwareOc.com
June 3, 2001
Here is a quote from this article:
"Welcome to the first of several articles on networking. With the
proliferation of the Internet, and of high-speed connections to it the
world of networking has moved out of the office and into the home. So the goal of these articles is to give you enough information to allow you to set up your own home network easily and quickly. This first article is simply to go though may of the terms, abbreviations, and some technologies that relate to the Internet and home networking."
Enjoy it here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
New Vantec All Copper Cooler Review @ Hardocp
June 2, 2001
Copper is slowly becoming commonplace in high performance Heatsink & Fan unit designs.
Vantec is gearing up for the HSF Wars to come this year as CPUs seem to be getting smaller and consume less power, but they don't really seem to be getting much cooler...at least not when they loaded at 100%.
Follow this link to read the complete review.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
EPoX AMD 760 DDR Mainboard Review @ Hardocp
June 2, 2001
EPoX, they were the lowly mainboard company that rose from the ashes like a giant phoenix with their KT133A board and it being such a success.
So they pulled it off once, but can they do it again? Sit down, strap in, and take the EPoX AMD 760 DDR chipset board for a ride.
Enjoy the review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
VIA to Demonstrate VIA Apollo KLE133
June 2, 2001
VIA to Demonstrate VIA Apollo KLE133, The Most Cost Effective Integrated Chipset For the Socket A AMD Duron(tm) Processor, at Computex Taipei 2001
With integrated graphics and fast 200/266MHz system bus settings the VIA Apollo KLE133 sets the new standard for the Socket A AMD Duron(tm) processor based Value PC systems.
Taipei, Taiwan, 1st June 2001 - VIA Technologies, Inc today announced that it will demonstrate its new VIA Apollo KLE133 chipset at Computex Taipei (Booth A1132). With its highly integrated feature set, including built-in AGP graphics, audio, and networking features, the VIA Apollo KLE133 provides OEMs and System Integrators with the most cost effective solution for building high performance AMD Duron(tm) processor based systems at highly attractive price points.
"The introduction of the VIA KLE133 further extends our chipset leadership position on the Socket A platform," commented Richard Brown, Director of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Only VIA can provide OEMs and System Integrators with a complete range of chipsets covering all market segments, ranging from the KT266 for the highest performance AMD Athlon* processor based systems with DDR memory to our integrated KLE133 and KM133 chipsets for competitively priced AMD Duron* processor based Value PCs".
VIA Apollo KLE133
The VIA Apollo KLE133 combines rich AGP graphics capabilities with such advanced features as a fast 200/266MHz Front Side Bus and 133MHz SDRAM support to deliver unrivaled flexibility and performance in an affordable yet highly-integrated chipset for the Socket A AMD Duron(tm) based platform.
Its support for PC133 SDRAM ensures ample memory bandwidth for the most demanding software and Internet applications at minimal additional cost. A wide range of additional integrated features provides OEMs and System Integrators with further scope to reduce the cost of building innovative Value PCs without sacrificing features and performance. These include an integrated 10/100 BaseT Ethernet and HomePNA controller, AC-97 audio, MC-97 modem, Super I/O, hardware monitoring capabilities, support for four USB ports, ATA-100, and advanced power management.
VIA at Computex
In addition to the VIA Apollo KLE133, VIA will be demonstrating a full range of its industry leading VIA Apollo and VIA ProSavage* core logic chipset products at its booth (A1132) at Computex Taipei, held at the World Trade Center, Taipei, from 4-8 June 2001. The company will also be exhibiting its new VIA C3* processor and Information PC and Set Top Box reference systems at the Centaur booth located at B738.
About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc. is the world's leading fabless supplier of PC core logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia and communications chips. VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC platforms, as well as cost-effective VIA C3(tm) processors for Value PCs and Internet Appliances. Its customers include the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators. VIA is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of the Greater China high-tech manufacturing engine, and has branch offices in the US, China and Europe. The company is listed in the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388), and achieved annual revenues of nearly US$1 billion in 2000.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
AMD unveils innovative self-service customer support system
June 2, 2001
AMD UNVEILS INNOVATIVE SELF-SERVICE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SYSTEM
-- Ask.AMD.com provides customers with fast, easy Web-based answers --
SUNNYVALE, CA-JUNE 1, 2001-AMD today announced the launch of Ask.AMD.com, a Web-based, self-service system which offers technical support and product information to system builders and end users.
"Ask.AMD.com allows customers to get the technical help they need to answer commonly asked PC processor questions, and to ensure they get it as quickly and easily as possible," said Sue Papaieck, Director of Worldwide Headquarter Sales Operations for AMD.
"Our customers deserve one-stop shopping, and they deserve it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ask.AMD.com never closes," said Papaieck.
Most questions received in AMD's Technical Service Center relate to PC
processors. For that reason, Ask.AMD.com focuses on solutions for issues related to AMD processors. Chip, the cartoon mascot for the Ask.AMD.com Web site, helps customers find answers to many commonly asked questions, such as how to upgrade their processor in a PC desktop system or which motherboard should be used with an AMD processor.
Customers may ask questions using various search methods and are then asked to choose from a list of potential solutions. If a customer cannot find the particular solution to an inquiry, Chip can forward questions to AMD analysts for direct assistance via email.
AMD's innovative approach to Web-based support is designed to continually evolve as new products are introduced and different questions develop. The system automatically tracks questions and AMD analysts develop new answers as needed.
AMD's service center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST (Thursdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST). Ask.AMD.com offers online support 24 hours, seven days a week, providing customers with round-the-clock support.
Chip is waiting for you now at ask.amd.com .
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and
networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $4.6 billion in 2000. (NYSE: AMD).
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AMD, the AMD logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Review of the Iwill KA266 ALi Magik socket A mainboard
June 1, 2001
We've been wanting to review to Iwill KA266 for a while now, but events always seemed to conspire against us, up until now. As it stands, the KA266 is already reputed to be among the top boards in the market. It's easy to see why, seeing as it comes in a RAID-equipped variation - the KA266-R, with support for PC1600 and PC2100 DDR-SDRAM, support for 133MHz FSB Athlon CPUs, and ATA100 drives.
Posted by Chris Verr
VIA Technologies, Inc and Acreo AB agree to establish a Wireless Design
June 1, 2001
Will Focus on Development of Radio Frequency ("RF") and Mixed Signal Blocks for Wireless System Applications
Taipei, Taiwan, & Lund, Sweden, 31 May 2001 - VIA Technologies, Inc, theworld's leading fabless semiconductor design house, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, and the Swedish microelectronics institute Acreo, today announced an agreement to co-establish a new design center for wireless applications in Lund, Sweden.
"Our partnership with Acreo offers excellent opportunities for VIA to tap into one of the world's leading research communities for RF technologies and wireless systems design," explained Wenchi Chen, President and CEO of VIA Technologies, Inc. "At the same time, VIA will be able to contribute to the community our extensive experience and expertise in rapidly commercializing new technologies and rolling them out onto the global market."
"VIA is a dynamic pioneer in the Taiwan PC industry with access to some of the most sophisticated semiconductor processes. Their participation in the new design center will also add a dynamic force inside Socware, our design cluster for System-on-chip-ware", said Hans Hentzell, president of Acreo.
"The VIA and Acreo cooperation is a part of the Socware business model, that will allow international technology leaders and Swedish companies and research institutions to join a collaborative design cluster in Sweden", says Rolf Rising, Head of Socware design cluster. "The location of the Design Center to Lund, close to its University, is a logical step to get access to the university's leading research and education profile in wireless technologies."
The center will focus solely on Radio Frequency ("RF") and Mixed Signal blocks, and will be of strategic value to both VIA and Acreo. It will be the first design center that VIA has established in Europe, and will enable the company to add wireless system application R&D capabilities to its industry-leading PC core logic, x86 processor, communications, networking, and multimedia design expertise.
About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc. is the world's leading fabless supplier of PC core logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia and communications chips.
VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC platforms, as well as cost-effective VIA C3(tm) processors for Value PCs and Internet Appliances. Its customers include the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators. VIA is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of the Greater China high-tech manufacturing engine, and has branch offices in the US, China and Europe. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388), and achieved annual revenues of early
US$1 billion in 2000.
ACREO is a Swedish institute whose expertise within electronics and optics lies in applied research and development. Its different technological development areas are system level integration, interconnect and packaging, imaging, surface characterization, photonics, silicon carbide electronics and micro system technology. Acreo has during several years been in the forefront with technologies for system-on-package (SoP). Now Acreo is adding strategic competence in the area of system-on-chip (SoC) design for wireless applications. Acreo has facilities in Stockholm/Kista, Norrköping and Hudiksvall. The department of System Level Integration is located in Norrköping and will now pioneer the start of Acreo in Lund.
Further information can be retrieved from Acreo's web site at www.acreo.se
Socware design cluster is a Swedish national cooperation involving
universities and institutes, Government ministries, authorities and
institutions as well as business and industry in a USD 60 million
investment. Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) serves as the business platform for Socware.
Further information can be retrieved from the Socware or ISA web site at www.socware.com or www.isa.se
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Hansol 520F 15-inch TFT LCD Monitor review @ Hardwarezone.com
June 1, 2001
Offering no-nonsense practicality, the new Hansol 520F 15-inch TFT LCD monitor is sleek in design yet affordable. This Hansol LCD monitor features space-savings at a reasonable price and is well suited to meet most professional or business users' needs.
Here's an excerpt from the review :
"As one of the few IT products to receive a 5-star rating, the Hansol 520F 15-inch TFT LCD monitor should be a top consideration when shopping for a 15-inch TFT LCD monitor for business or SOHO use—users just need to route audio via their system's own external speakers which would sound better than those small 1-2 watt speakers found on LCD panels and some notebook PCs. The Hansol 520F TFT LCD monitor sells for S$799 and comes with a two-year carry-in warranty (1st year parts and labor, 2nd year labor only)."
Take a look at the complete review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
ATi TRUFORM Technology @ Legion Hardware
June 1, 2001
Technology 3D computer graphics have been improving constantly over the years, were now at a stage where games are starting to represent more life like environments. When you look quite a few years back to the ‘Doom’ era and then compare this title with today’s first person games you can see just how amazing the advancements have been. For example Quake III and Unreal Tournament display some of today’s best 3D graphic work, however even these two games still lack 3D graphic technology, which could make them even more life like. With currently available hardware and software technology, it has become possible to create moving images that appear nearly photorealistic. However, this is only practical for pre-rendered 3D sequences.
An interactive application requires a 3D scene to be rendered in real-time, which requires a tremendous amount of computational power.
You will find the complete article here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
GTS Monster Cooling @ Legion Hardware
June 1, 2001
Frame Rates play a huge role in game play these days and every extra frame just adds to the playing quality.
Every gamer knows that more frames per second help make playing the game easier and more enjoyable.
It takes a lot of skill and luck to sniper you enemy in the head at 20Fps, but taking the same shot sitting on 100Fps is going to result in a head shot. This is the common case for first person shooters like Unreal Tournament and Quake III. So how do you get out of the emergency lane and onto the speedway? Easy spend up to $1000 AUD and get a GeForce2 Ultra or even better a GeForce3! Unfortunately this isn’t possible for most people (me being one of them).
So how do we get onto the speedway the cheap way?
The answer is here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
Hercules Geforce 3 Review and analysis @ Hexus.net
June 1, 2001
Hexus.net have just completed their Hercules Geforce 3 Review, this is
one of the longest and most comprehensive reviews of this card on the net, all 29 pages are packed with images and detail.
They discuss the card, the GPU, performance, overclocking, in a lot of detail and with a lot of benchmarks in many different software applications, including DroneZ, Serious Sam, 3Dmark 2000, and 2001, AquaMark... the list goes on. Oh and the TV Out... ;)
Enjoy their review here
Posted by Pablo Aguilar
