Benchmark Reviews Syndication: performance computer hardware tests, overclocking and cooling how-to guides, and technology news for enthusiasts. http://benchmarkreviews.com Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:19:11 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/M_images/round_rss.png http://benchmarkreviews.com Benchmark Reviews Syndication: performance computer hardware tests, overclocking and cooling how-to guides, and technology news for enthusiasts. http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=589&Itemid=72 The NVIDIA GTX 460 is quickly establishing itself as the graphics card to beat in its price segment. The reconfigured Fermi architecture gives the card a real edge in gaming performance. With 1/3 fewer transistors to feed, it uses less power, runs cooler, and overclocks extremely well on air. With that kind of capability baked into the design, it didn't take long for NVIDIA's partners to start releasing overclocked editions. EVGA is one of the top AIC vendors for NVIDIA products, with a well established and loyal customer base. Their latest GTX460 video card is an SC (Superclocked) model that takes the reference design and pumps it up to 763 MHz. Benchmark Reviews takes a comprehensive look inside the EVGA GeForce GTX460 SC 01G-P3-1372-TR and then runs it through a full test suite. Read on if you want to see how this EVGA Superclocked edition performs and then watch as we push it even further with EVGA Precision and OC Scanner software. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=588&Itemid=59 If you are a gamer, then chances are you enjoy the sounds and music of your favorite games. A good set of headphones is a great addition to any gamer's equipment, especially if you play in a common area such as a dorm room, living room, or just like to become fully immersed in the sounds. Additionally, if you play a game that uses voice chat, an attached microphone is essential for hassle-free communication with your friends or foes. Genius has provided Benchmark Reviews their USB Circumaural Headset, model HS-03U. This headset boasts features such as noise-cancellation, in-line volume control, and vibration. Stay tuned as Benchmark Reviews tests out these features, and many more on the Genius HS-03U Headset. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Audio Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=586&Itemid=72 NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 460 graphics solution has convincingly dominated the mid-range price point, and its GF104 Fermi architecture threatens several competing high-performance products. Our benchmark tests have concluded that both the 768MB and 1GB version can offer great gaming performance, along with outstanding overclocking headroom. Combined into a SLI set, two stock-speed GeForce GTX 460's compete with the Radeon HD 5870 in terms of frame rate performance. In this article, Benchmark Reviews takes the highly overclocked PNY 'XLR8 Black Box' video card (model VCGGTX4601XPB-OC) and compares it against a field of DirectX-11 graphics solutions. If you're shopping for a powerful middle-market video card, this externally-exhausting 1GB GeForce GTX 460 product could be the perfect fit. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=587&Itemid=58 Sometimes I find that playing games with a keyboard just does not cut it. Games that require quick action such as platform games or puzzle games don't always work as well using a computer keyboard. Game pads feel much more natural when you are trying to defeat your opponent in a fighting game, or get to the next grueling level on a fast paced puzzle game. There are a variety of game pads, and Benchmark Reviews has tested many of these game pads over the years. Genius has provided Benchmark Reviews the Mini USB Maxfire Pandora Pro. This is a type of game pad that is often overlooked in this segment, a small and portable game pad. With features such as the ability to fold into a small package and turbo buttons, the Pandora Pro promises features from the larger types of game pads, but in a might more portable package. Read the full article on Benchmark Reviews to see if they can deliver. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=573&Itemid=62 Not everyone wants to spend a small fortune buying the fastest processor sold, simply for the promise of factory-made speed. Overclockers are quite the opposite; they're known for taking a more affordable model and making make it into a CPU comparable to the top products. Overclocking can mean exerting additional performance from computer hardware, or it can be a hobby for anyone who likes to tweak settings the same way that some people wrench on cars. But like any race car, the high-performance computer requires the right components to keep it operating at peak condition. Heat is the problem, and overclocked processors generate plenty of it. CPU cooler heatsinks are the answer, and the Xigmatek Aegir SD128264 is the latest product to promise outstanding thermal efficiency and ease of installation. Benchmark Reviews tests the double-layer HDT design of the Xigmatek Aegir SD128264 against the best heatsinks in the industry, using both silent and high-output fan combinations. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=584&Itemid=61 A well designed case can be the difference between an easy, well-organized build or a nightmare build that haunts you everytime time you need to do work on your computer. The Sentey Arvina GS-6400R is a full ATX case that supports E-ATX motherboards. The Arvina comes with six fans, five 5.25 drive bays, five 3.5 drive bays, and quite a bit of flare in its look. With numbers like these, it sounds like Sentey could have a winner with its Arvina line, but do these numbers add up to a good experience or are you just paying for a lot of flashy lights? Benchmark Reviews will take a indepth look at this case to find out. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=583&Itemid=38 Congratulations! If you're reading this article it means you are either trying to overclock your LGA 1156 platform for the first time or you have already overclocked it but might want to know more about how is it done and how can you enhance your setup to reach that sweet point. The LGA 1156 platform has been out for a while now, and it quickly got adopted by users as the main performance platform thanks to lower prices compared to the LGA 1366 platform while keeping the same performance. Intel launched 4 cores/8 threads processors (Core i5 and Core i7) based on Lynnfield's architecture, and after that, we saw 2 cores/4 threads CPUs with Intel GMA HD graphics (Core i3 Core i5) based on Clarkdale's technology. Thanks to a better and more efficient technology, along with the reduced manufacture's size, the entire LGA 1156 gamma is able to overclock in a very decent way within air-cooling conditions, and that's what we're analyzing today. Benchmark Reviews will teach you how to understand overclocking values while doing the process at the same time. After that, the Core i3, Core i5 and the powerful Core i7 processors will be deeply analyzed to check how MHz increase against heat, voltage and power consumption. Start your engines and have a look at our latest Intel LGA 1156 Overclocking Guide to setup your latest Core i3/i5/i7 CPU to the max! Articles - Featured Guides Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=582&Itemid=64 Mafia II is the single-player sequel to Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven, in which players assume the life of World War II veteran Vito Scaletta. Driven by a passion for fame and riches, players take on thugs in Empire Bay, working their way to the top in Mafia II. Built on 2K Czech's proprietary Illusion game engine, Benchmark Reviews tests Mafia II using ATI Radeon and NVIDIA GeForce video cards. PhysX and GeForce 3D-Vision technologies are revealed, which shape and build this game into an immersive experience. To help players get the most out of their time behind the trigger, game strategy is explained with tips and hints added. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Games Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=561&Itemid=60 USB 3.0, aka SuperSpeed USB , is finally out, and it brings massively improved throughput and performance over USB 2.0. At 4.8Gbps, it's ten times faster than USB 2.0's maximum of 480Mbps. The only problem is that very few devices are available with USB 3.0 interfaces. Patriot's Gauntlet external drive enclosure is one such, and Benchmark Reviews checks out the Patriot Gauntlet SuperSpeed USB Edition PCGT25S external drive enclosure with an OCZ Vertext Turbo 120G SSD to see how its performance compares with USB 2.0 speeds as well as a direct SATA connection. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:04:44 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=580&Itemid=61 As computers become more commonly included in people's home entertainment systems, it is only natural that companies like nMedia try to create custom cases to cater to those consumers' needs. As seen with other cases from nMedia that Benchmark Reviews has tested, such as the 6000B HTPC Case (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=153 Itemid=1), nMedia is no stranger to multimedia and HTPC case design. nMedia has given Benchmark Review a chance to look at their latest in their HTPC case line, the HTPC 1080p Micro ATX Chassis. Mentioning a low-profile design, dual 80mm silent fans, all-in-one front I/O panel, and an optional LCD Panel would only begin to highlight the features of the HTPC 1080p. Please join Benchmark Reviews and read the full article as we fully explore what nMedia has to offer with the HTPC 1080p. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=581&Itemid=70 With the growing demand of faster and more accessible internet, new technologies such as fiber optics are being introduced. It's only natural that companies like TRENDnet are coming up with innovative and easier ways to allow you to use this technology in your home. TRENDnet has recently introduced the TPL-303E2K 200Mbps Powerline AV adapter kit for specifically this reason. The TRENDnet TPL-303E2K uses the existing wiring in your home or office to provide a secure, high-speed network. By connecting one adapter to your router and the other to the ethernet port on your computer, you're able to easily give internet access to that computer just like it was plugged directly into the router. With support for up to 8 adapters, a network with many devices is able to be created. Within this article, Benchmark Reviews tests and benchmarks the TRENDnet 200Mbps Powerline AV Adapter kit TPL-303E2K. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Network Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=571&Itemid=61 NZXT took the wraps off its newest Crafted Series case last month and, when it becomes available this September, the NZXT Phantom promises to the be an enthusiast favorite. With room for seven fans, a fully integrated fan controller, and an enthusiast-inspired design, it's easy to see why expectations of this case are high. Benchmark Reviews has been provided with an early sample and, hoping it will live up to the hype, we take an in-depth look at the Phantom Full Tower Case (PHAN-001BK) and deliver a verdict on this latest offering from NZXT. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=566&Itemid=72 There is no doubt that the NVIDIA GTX 460 has created quite a splash since its introduction. The reconfigured Fermi architecture of the new GF104 chip gives the card a welcome boost in gaming performance, compared to the first GPUs in the series. With 1/3 fewer transistors to feed, the board uses much less power, runs cooler, and it overclocks well with just air cooling. With that kind of capability baked into the basic design, it didn't take long for NVIDIA's partners to start releasing overclocked editions with advanced cooling hardware. MSI has taken on the challenge, and released one of their custom designs under the Cyclone banner. Benchmark Reviews can't resist a good HSF assembly; that much should be obvious to long term readers. So here we are with a detailed review of the MSI N460GTX Cyclone 1GD5/OC video card. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Wed, 11 Aug 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=553&Itemid=62 Along with the innovation in computer case design comes an increasing number of new fan designs. Manufacturers try to tune noise and performance with tweaks to rotational speed, blade design, and even grill and fan chassis alterations, giving the enthusiast a broad selection of fans with differing acoustic and airflow levels. SilverStone Technology has introduced a new version of the giant 180mm fans used in their vertical motherboard chassis series (the Raven RV01, Raven RV02, and Fortress FT02): the SilverStone SST-AP181 Air Penetrator fan. Benchmark Reviews compares the performance of this new fan to the stock fans in a Fortress FT02 case to see if the extra performance justifies their price. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=577&Itemid=72 Benchmark Reviews was stunned to see NVIDIA's mid-range GeForce GTX 460 graphics solution dominate the price point and threaten high-performance products. Our tests have concluded that both the 768MB and 1GB version can offer great gaming performance, and outstanding overclock headroom. Combined into a SLI set, two stock GeForce GTX 460's compete with the Radeon HD 5870. In this article, Benchmark Reviews takes the highly overclocked ASUS ENGTX460 DirectCU TOP/2DI/1GD5 video card and compares it against a field of DirectX-11 graphics solutions. If you're after a new video card, this 1GB GeForce GTX 460 could be the best $230 ever spent. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=546&Itemid=61 Some years ago, Intel tried to move beyond the ATX Advanced Texchnology Extended motherboard standard with a new design layout called BTX, for Balanced Technology Extended . One of the main reasons for doing this was to improve the cooling of motherboard components. The new design called for new cases as well, and although a few BTX systems and cases were produced, they never caught on. The ATX standard remains today, albeit with variants like MATX , EATX and HPTX . But innovation in cooling and case design is hardly dead, as the SilverStone Fortress FT02 cases proves, and Benchmark Reviews checks it out to see if its unique vertical motherboard mounting design has any real-world benefits. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=539&Itemid=65 Precision is a trait that gamers from all walks of life strive to achieve. Having quick reflexes is vital when proving your worth online; your mouse becomes your weapon, and your virtual existence is held in place by the reliability of its performance. When there's a thirst for pixelated blood that needs to be quenched, there's no substitution for quality. Ergonomics, precision, endurance; it all screams one thing: fancy gaming mouse. Mad Catz has provided just the thing in their Cyborg R.A.T. 7! Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=534&Itemid=65 The last few years have brought a few small evolutions to input peripherals. Most of these have been driven by demands for better ergonomics, greater functionality and improved performance. Cooler Master's CM Storm division is one of a select few who have risen to meet the demand. The newest addition to their line is a laser gaming mouse called the Inferno. Model SGM-4000-KLLN1-GP debuted at CeBit 2010 and is geared for gaming. Many consider the Inferno to be a reduced cost predecessor of the Sentinel, but with the suite of software features and additional buttons it may prove to be a superior replacement. Read on as Benchmark Reviews evaluates the Inferno against the competition. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=576&Itemid=72 When Benchmark Reviews first tested the video card, we knew that NVIDIA had a winner on their hands. For the mid-range price of $200, gamers can enjoy high-speed frame rates and PhysX enhancements. After some additional investigation, it seemed that the price point offered more than just a successful domination of the rivaling ATI Radeon HD 5830, it also surpassed the more expensive GeForce GTX 465. There are several enthusiast video cards that cost more than the GTX 460, which presents the case for combining two of these video cards into a $400 SLI set. At this price segment the GTX 460 SLI set directly competes against the ATI Radeon HD 5870, but could potentially deliver more performance than ATI's Radeon HD 5970. In this article, Benchmark Reviews compares single and SLI performance for the 768MB GTX 460 against the entire enthusiast graphics card segment. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=530&Itemid=58 Many companies are clamoring to compete with AT T's Apple iPhone 4. Verizon has the Blackberry, and Sprint's answer is the HTC EVO 4G Smartphone which uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Can Sprints' EVO compete to win customers over from the Blackberry and iPhone market? Benchmark Reviews will take a look at how things compare and see if this could be the phone for you... especially if you are a Sprint mobile customer and are looking to upgrade. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=579&Itemid=60 OCZ Technology has once again brought cutting-edge high-speed SSDs into the value storage segment with their Agility 2 series. Based on the SandForce SF1200 controller, the OCZ Agility 2 SSD delivers up to 20,000 IOPS with incredible bandwidth speed. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 120GB OCZ Agility 2 Extended OCZSSD2-2AGTE120G against some of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Just when PCs were starting to seem irrelevant in this fast-paced world of mobile gadgets and smart phones, along comes a new product that changes the entire landscape. SSDs, or more formally Solid State Drives, have finally lifted computers beyond the age of spinning metal magnetic platters. Delivering a boost in speed that no memory upgrade or new processor could ever dream of, solid state drive technology has sent hard disk drives packing. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=578&Itemid=63 Many years ago, overclocking was not limited by Intel/AMD like nowadays. As it is usual, when they see they can make extra money from the consumers by limiting their features to those who pay more, they don't hesitate to take advantage of that. In the last years, the Intel made it a little bit impossible for those who want to buy a CPU with unlocked multiplier. Intel was limiting that feature to the Extreme Edition CPUs. AMD took this as an opportunity to approach consumers with a feature their competition wouldn't give and so the AMD Black Edition CPUs appeared. AMD has been kindly enough to offer Black Edition products for each segment in the market, and that means you can find a BE (Black Edition) CPU for less than $100. Intel is striking back with a pair of new processors which feature an unlocked multiplier without the $999 tag. Today, Benchmark Reviews will analyze the Intel Core i5 655K Unlocked CPU which basically is a Clarkdale based 2-cores/4-threads processor with Intel HD graphics and specially aimed at overclockers. Is the unlocked multiplier good enough to pay that little extra or isn't it worth it? Is it better to overclock with multiplier or should I to raise the BCLK? Those answers and more will be covered as Benchmark Reviews tests the Intel Core i5-655K Clarksdale processor, model BX80616I5655K. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Processors Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=544&Itemid=62 Why do we overclock? It's really a very simple question, but one that has found new meaning over the years. It used to be that computer hardware enthusiasts had very few options when it came to choosing a processor, and building your own custom system was simply not possible. This was back in the day when computers featured a 'Turbo' button, overclocking from 33 to 66MHz was a click away. Back then, overclocking the CPU could push clock speeds past any production level. Today the market is different, and overclocking the processor could result in very little additional performance. With so many dual-, quad-, and hexa-core processors now sold on the open market, overclocking has transformed itself from a tool to help people work faster, into a hobby for enthusiasts. Enthusiast overclockers demand only the best performance from their computer hardware, which is why the aftermarket heatsink industry is thriving with fierce competition. Benchmark Reviews tests the latest Intel LGA1366 heatsinks in this Best CPU Cooler Performance Q2-2010 article. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=575&Itemid=61 Antec has been around for a long time. Chances are, if you enjoy building your own computers or even tinkering with them, you have heard of Antec. They make a myriad of components and accessories for a wide range of computer users. One of the areas in which Antec has always had a strong presence is computer cases. Many of their enclosures have received very high marks from all across the industry, earning them a lot of recognition in the computer world. In the summer of 2010, Antec released a new line of computer cases known as the Dark Fleet. In this article, Benchmark Reviews is taking an in-depth look at the Antec DF-30 Mid-Tower Computer Case. At right around $100, the DF-30 represents the most inexpensive case so far in the Dark Fleet line. We will be exploring the DF-30 Mid-Tower Case to see if it stands up to the name Antec has worked so hard to earn. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=574&Itemid=61 Usually high-end cases are the ones that attract all the excitement, but the majority of people will be looking for a well-priced mid tower case like the Cooler Master Elite 430. Cooler Master's newest addition to the Elite series retains an identical interior build existing since the Elite 370, but gave it a unified paint job and new exterior shell on the RC-430-KWN1 model. The Elite 430 is small and light, yet maximizes interior space to fit even the longest graphic cards. This new release is aimed to be competitive among the mid tower market, Benchmark Reviews investigates whether the Cooler Master 430 succeeds or not. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=563&Itemid=62 ProlimaTech, the company behind the award-winning and record-setting heatsink, has released a successor to the overclocking throne: the ProlimaTech Super-Mega heatsink cooler for Intel CPUs. The Megahalems was ProlimaTech's first run at CPU-cooler's, and a very successful one at that. Having already earned the Benchmark Reviews Editor's Choice Award and countless accolades from other websites, ProlimaTech has built high expectations with their follow-up products. The Super Mega is ProlimaTech's plan to remain seated comfortably at the top. In this article, Benchmark Reviews examines the ProlimaTech Super Mega heatsink and compares performance results directly against the original Megahalems design. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=572&Itemid=61 Antec have been rather busy of late, busy creating the Dark Fleet series that is. The Dark fleet series is Antec's newest range of gaming PC cases and consists of three models, the DF-30 and DF-35 Mid Tower cases, and the DF-85 Full Tower case. Today Benchmark Reviews has the pleasure to bring to you the Dark Fleet DF-85 Full Tower PC case. The DF-85 comes with a whopping seven fans pre-installed, an external 2.5 SATA Hot-Swap bay, an internal 2.5 SSD mount and four movable Fleet Swap Hot-Swap drive interfaces with Fleet Release doors for easy access. This is just the tip of the iceberg though, please read on to see what's hot and what's not with the Antec Dark Fleet DF-85 Full Tower PC case. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=570&Itemid=46 ProlimaTech, the company behind the award-winning and record-setting Megahalems heatsink, has released a successor to the overclocking throne: the ProlimaTech Super-Mega heatsink cooler for Intel CPUs. The Megahalems was ProlimaTech's first run at CPU-cooler's, and a very successful one at that. Having already earned the Benchmark Reviews Editor's Choice Award and countless accolades from other websites, ProlimaTech has built high expectations with their follow-up products. The Super Mega is ProlimaTech's plan to remain seated comfortably at the top. In this exclusive article, Benchmark Reviews examines the ProlimaTech Super Mega and illustrates the improvements made to the original Megahalems design. News - Featured Website News Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=568&Itemid=66 Zalman is once again in the spotlight here at Benchmark reviews, returning today with the ZM-NC3000U notebook cooler. Regular visitors may remember the ZM-NC2500 Plus notebook cooler from Zalman was reviewed here not to long ago. While the function is the same, the design is very different. The Zalman ZM-NC3000U notebook cooler sports a big 220mm centre mounted fan and has a sand blasted, anodized aluminium vented surface surrounded by a glossy black outer bezel, which makes for a very nice look indeed. We aim to see in this review if this design difference will offer any more performance over its younger brother, so join us now as we examine the design and analyze the capabilities of the Zalman ZM-NC3000U notebook cooler. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Laptop Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=569&Itemid=69 The AMD 880G Northbridge and SB850 Southbridge are two of the latest bits of chipset silicon designed to bolster AMD's position in the mainstream PC market. They were released about a month apart this Spring, as part of a full line of 800-series chips, and ASUS wasted no time putting them into production. Key items that help make the M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 motherboard stand out are native support for SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.0, and AMD's latest game changer, the Phenom II X6 CPU. With both Core Unlocker and Turbo Unlocker functionality built right into the board, this combination could be the magic ticket to dynamic-clocked, quad core processing on the cheap. Benchmark Reviews is pleased to review one of the latest ASUS motherboards, using the latest entries from AMD's new 800-series chipset. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:15:30 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=562&Itemid=58 Herman Miller is a company that engineers function, and architects fashion. Their Aeron chair has dominated the industry, and influenced our perception of what a good chair should be. Welcome the Herman Miller Embody chair. Designed specifically for people who work for hours at their computer, Embody is the first work chair that benefits both mind and body. More than just a solution towards minimizing the negative effects of sitting, Herman Miller's Embody chair was also designed to deliver positive effects on the body. In this article Benchmark Reviews takes you on a tour of the Herman Miller Embody ergonomic office chair, and demonstrates how much better sitting all day can feel. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=559&Itemid=72 NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 460 768MB-GDDR5 graphics card empowers DirectX-11 video games to deliver unmatched geometric realism at the $200 price point. Based on the same Fermi architecture that powers their high-end GeForce GTX 480 model, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 delivers mid-range performance for gamers on a budget. The GeForce GTX 460 comes armed with NVIDIA's GF104 Fermi graphics processor, and packs seven Streaming Multiprocessors for a total of 336 CUDA Cores and 56 Texture Units. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests 3D video game frame rate performance on the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 768MB video card, and compare our results against the most competitive graphics products in the segment. NVIDIA's GTX 460 price tag fits in nicely between the Radeon HD 5770 and $200 Radeon HD 5830, but it could deliver more performance for the value. In the following pages, Benchmark Reviews demonstrates how well the GeForce GTX 460 performs against these other DirectX-11 video card products. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:01 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=558&Itemid=72 NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 460 1GB-GDDR5 graphics card empowers DirectX-11 video games to deliver unmatched geometric realism at the $220 price point. Based on the same Fermi architecture that powers their high-end GeForce GTX 480 model, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 delivers mid-range performance for gamers on a budget. The GeForce GTX 460 comes armed with NVIDIA's GF104 Fermi graphics processor, and packs seven Streaming Multiprocessors for a total of 336 CUDA Cores and 56 Texture Units. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests 3D video game frame rate performance on the 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 video card, and compare our results against the most competitive graphics products in the segment. NVIDIA's 1GB GTX 460 price tag fits in nicely between the $200 Radeon HD 5530 and $250 GeForce GTX 465, but could deliver more performance for the value. In the following pages, Benchmark Reviews demonstrates how well the GeForce GTX 460 performs against these other DirectX-11 video card products. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=567&Itemid=61 With Cooler Master's recent release of the HAF X the anticipation culminating since CES 2010 can finally be relieved. This new edition to Cooler Master's High Air Flow series is a full tower case truly meant for enthusiasts. Heavy-weight systems packing huge power need a heavy-weight case with mammoth cooling performance. Model RC-942-KKN1 builds on successful features from the past while incorporating some new ideas. The case was designed to do two things extremely well, hold lots of high performance parts and keep them cool. Read on while Benchmark Reviews evaluates the HAF-X. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=564&Itemid=69 GIGABYTE has grown a lot in the market lately. They mainly produce top-notch quality motherboards and GPUs, and they have even entered new areas as well. We couldn't say they had a specific motherboard for each user until they finally released their Mini-ITX H55N-USB3 motherboard. Last year, Mini-ITX motherboards meant low CPU-performance. But in 2010, things have changed and now you can build a very small PC with great performance and good efficiency. Benchmark Reviews tests the GIGABYTE H55N-USB3 motherboard paired with an Intel Core i3 530 processor and 4GB of RAM to check which kind of performance we can expect from a Mini-ITX HTPC system like this one. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=565&Itemid=66 Zalman is a name synonomous with cooling in the PC industry and they have enjoyed great success in the CPU and GPU cooling market. Recently Zalman have added Notebook/Netbook coolers to their product line-up and today Benchmark Reviews is looking at the ZM-NC2500 Plus Ultra Quiet Notebook Cooler, which boasts dual Intake fans, support for Notebook sizes up to 17 widescreen and a built in 3 port USB hub with a 2.5 SATA Hot Swap bay for extra convenience. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Laptop Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=585&Itemid=60 Just when PCs were starting to seem irrelevant in this fast-paced world of mobile gadgets and smart phones, along comes a new product that changes the entire landscape. SSDs, or more formally Solid State Drives, have finally lifted computers beyond the age of spinning metal magnetic platters. Delivering a boost in speed that no memory upgrade or new processor could ever dream of, solid state drive technology has sent hard disk drives packing. OCZ Technology, an enthusiast memory company and pioneer of consumer SSD products, further commits to their passion for high-speed storage and delivers the OCZ Vertex 2. Based on the SandForce SF1200 controller, the OCZ Vertex 2 Extended SSD delivers up to 50,000 IOPS with incredible bandwidth speed. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 120GB OCZ Vertex 2 Extended OCZSSD2-2VTXE120G against some of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=557&Itemid=61 Antec is one of the premier computer accessory manufacturers, and their cases have garnered a well-earned reputation for quality and features. Indeed, the Antec Hundred series of cases (the Two Hundred, Three Hundred, Six Hundred, Nine Hundred, and Twelve Hundred) are considered by many to be the benchmarks in their classes for cost-effective enthusiast level cases. Antec has just introduced their new Dark Fleet series, with several new models sporting an edgier style than they've previously shown. Benchmark Reviews examines the mid-tower Antec DF-35 case to see how it fares against the competition. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=560&Itemid=62 The progress made in the design and implementation of CPU coolers over the last few years has been little short of amazing. While both Intel and AMD provide perfectly adequate coolers with their boxed retail CPUs, enthusiasts will want to consider a third-party CPU cooler for their rigs from both performance and styling standpoints. Overclocking your CPU mandates something better than the stock cooler, and if you've a windowed case, looks don't hurt either. Cooler Master was founded to produce advanced cooling products, and in this review Benchmark Reviews looks at the latest in their line of V coolers, the Cooler Master V6GT (model RR-V6GT-22PK-R1). Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=551&Itemid=60 Solid State Drive storage devices have become the hot ticket for high-performance computer enthusiasts. Impartial towards either PC, Linux, or Apple platforms, SSDs have the power to transform slow computers into blazing-fast speed machines. The SandForce SF-1200 has quickly become the de facto SSD controller for companies seeking recognition, and for good reason. The G.Skill Phoenix Pro embraces the SF-1222TA3-SBH processor to produce up to 50,000 IOPS with only 7% over-provisioning to generate maximum performance with optimal capacity. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 60GB G.Skill Phoenix Pro SSD FM-25S2S-60GBP2 against some of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=556&Itemid=63 In September 2009, AMD unleashed a torrent of personal computing potential by introducing the market to the first sub-$100 quad-core processor, the Athlon-II X4-620. Since then, like it has with the entire Athlon-II series, AMD has been releasing newer versions of their inexpensive quad-core CPUs. In this article, Benchmark Reviews takes a look at AMDs latest release in the Athlon-II X4 line, the Athlon-II X4-640 ADX640WFK42GM AM3 Processor. Built on the Propus die, the Athlon-II X4 series cuts costs by eliminating any L3 cache and limiting the L2 cache to 512KB per core. In looking at the performance of the Athlon-II X4-640, we will compare it to other recent AMD offerings in a similar price range, the Athlon-II X2-260 and the Athlon-II X3-445. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Processors Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=547&Itemid=65 One of the primary reasons that PC video games are so popular is because they offer precision control and accuracy beyond what the gaming console can deliver. Tools are an important part of the trade, and to be the best you've got to use the best equipment. Logitech is keenly aware of these fundamentals, which is why they've created an entire business around high-performance peripherals. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Logitech G9x Laser Gaming Mouse (model 910-001152) in fast-paced FPS action games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=543&Itemid=69 When we last tested an ASRock HTPC, it was the ION 330 AMCP7A HTPC (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=359 Itemid=69) armed with the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M GPU. Now equipped with Intel's Core i3-330M 2.13GHz dual-core mobile processor and Intel GMA HD integrated graphics on an ASRock HM55-HT mini-ITX HM55-Express motherboard with 4GB of DDR3, Benchmark Reviews tests high-definition video playback and gaming performance for the ASRock Core 100HT HTPC system. The latest updates add SuperSpeed USB-3.0 functionality for attached storage devices, and THX TruStudio PRO technology to deliver a realistic audio experience. Other additions come in the shape of a wireless media center remote control, and uncompressed digital HDMI audio/video output. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=555&Itemid=60 Corsair is known for their high end memory products, many of which cater solely to the enthusiast and overclocking crowds. The Corsair Reactor SSD CSSD-R60GB2-BRKT is an Entry Level Solid State Drive claiming to offer good performance for a decent price. Corsair used the JMicron JMF612 in the Reactor series which JMicron claims is the answer to the stuttering the original JMF601 and JMF602 controllers have. In this article, Benchmark reviews is going to to see if the Corsair Reactor R60 can keep up with the other SSD's on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=554&Itemid=61 Xigmatek have a few cases in their collection now, the latest is the Xigmatek Utgard CPC-T90DB-U01 which is the focus of this review. The Utgard is in many ways very similar to the Midgard chassis and it has many differences too, some are good while some are not so good. There is real support for water cooling with the Utgard as well as 3 design choices - Classic (U01), Windowed (U02) or mesh (U03) and all come with the option of additional 500w power supply. Join Benchmark Reviews now as we see what the Utgard Classic has to offer. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=552&Itemid=67 Ask any PC enthusiast and they'll tell you that system heat is a constant concern , said Crucial Ballistix senior product manager, Jeremy Mortenson. The new Crucial Ballistix kit comes with a pair of innovations in memory cooling. The first one is an improved heat spreader design compared to the old models. This isn't such a big innovation in the memory market but the second will be an interesting one for sure. Crucial added thermal sensors for temperature monitoring via software. Since we're PC enthusiasts at Benchmark Reviews, the BL2KIT25664FN160 kit from Crucial couldn't miss our benchmark's suite and tests. Join us in this article to watch out what this new Crucial Ballistix Kit has to offer. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=550&Itemid=38 Performance is often attributed to expensive objects of desire. In the automobile space, it's generally accepted that a higher performing vehicle will incur a significant markup over the average fuel-efficient family offerings. Computing is much the same. Retail OEM machines are pre-built at predetermined price points, often targeting the humble office/Internet-centric user. Performance isn't a primary concern for these systems, nor are upgradability or customisation. On the other hand, you have the expensive 'gamer' orientated machines which cost several thousands of dollars! This is where Benchmark Reviews steps in. We've sat down and created three enthusiast machines without the dreaded price gauge of many pre-built setups - the 'Enthusiast PC Build' for Q3 2010! Articles - Featured Guides Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:00:31 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=549&Itemid=69 The Intel P55 platform has been with us for a good while now, and it is a real sleeper, having the memory controller integrated with the CPU gives it a nice performance advantage over competing products, even higher priced ones. If it has any serious shortcomings, it's the number of PCI-e lanes that it supports. With a maximum of 16 lanes of PCI-e 2.0 available for graphics cards, there is no room for expansion, if additional devices require PCI-e 2.0 connectivity. Guess what the most common support chips for SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.0 require? You got it, PCI-e 2.0. ASUS works their way out of this problem on the P7P55D-E Pro motherboard with a PCI Bridge from PLX Technology that takes some spare PCI Express 1.1 lanes, converts them into the required PCI-e 2.0 version, and serves them up to the latest NEC and Marvell controllers. Benchmark Reviews was intrigued by this latest combination and we're pleased to present a review. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=548&Itemid=61 If you're the kind of computer enthusiast whose case is always open, and you change components in your rig more often than you change your underwear, a work bench type of computer case might be something you could use. These open-air chassis make it easy to swap out components and access areas of your system like diagnostic LEDs and voltage measurement points. Of course, they also make it easy for the dirt and danger of the outside world to get to your system's expensive and delicate electronics, so they're not for everyone. Lian Li's new PC-T60 and PC-T7 Test Bench chassis (for ATX/mini-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, repectively) address this market with the brushed aluminum flair the company is known for, and Benchmark Reviews checks out the new Lian Li PC-T60 ATX/Mini-ATX Test Bench chassis in this review. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=542&Itemid=58 Computer desktop real estate is something that you can never have too much of. Adding multiple monitors to your system is one of the easiest ways to add precious pixels to your desktop. EVGA is no stranger to the realm of display technologies, and their new product, the UV Plus UV-19 (Model: 100-U2-UV19-TR) aims to make that easier on everyone using DisplayLink technology. Benchmark Reviews is going to take a look at this external USB Display extender and see what it can offer. EVGA boasts such features as USB 2.0 convenience, DVI connection, Small design, and Low-power consumption, just to name a few. Will the UV Plus+ UV-19 live up the EVGA name? Stay tuned to the the rest of the article on Benchmark Reviews to find out. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=532&Itemid=72 PC video games are still the best way to experience realistic effects and immerse yourself in the battle. Consoles do their part, but only high-precision video cards offer the sharp clarity and definition needed to enjoy detailed graphics. Armed with Voltage Tweak functionality, the ASUS GeForce GTX 465 delivers a healthy helping of graphical power at an affordable price. The ENGTX465/2DI/1GD5 model has plenty of headroom for overclockers to drive out additional FPS performance, while keeping temperatures cool. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the ASUS ENGTX465 against some of the best video cards within the price segment by using several of the most demanding PC video game titles and benchmark software available: Aliens vs Predator, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, BattleForge, Crysis Warhead, Far Cry 2, Resident Evil 5, and Metro 2033. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=533&Itemid=69 ASUS has already earned our praise for their ASUS P6X58D-Premium motherboard. As the name implies, this exceptional X58-Express motherboard comes loaded with everything that could fit the circuit board... and a premium price to match. The ASUS P6X58D-E motherboard is exactly what enthusiasts want: more for less. It's nearly identical to the ASUS P6X58D-Premium version, but makes minor sacrifices to help drive down the price. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the affordable ASUS P6X58D-E motherboard against a collection of other Intel X58-Express enthusiast solutions to measure graphics, processor, memory, and SSD storage performance. This article will concentrate on the differences that exist between X58-Express products, since the added features are all that differentiate these motherboards. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=545&Itemid=72 For every new chip design comes a fleet of new products. The launch of ATI's 5000 series powerhouses is already becoming old news. In the wake of leading edge technology there is always a turbulent sea of opportunity both for chip makers, partners and consumers. The turbulence there is caused by mid-range and budget products developed on new technology competing with high-end and mid-range products from past generations. One card released in this wild market is PowerColor's PCS+ HD 5550. The HD 5550 is based on the same Redwood GPU as ATI's mid-range 5670. While the 5550 was released by ATI as a low end form factor card, PowerColor model AX5550 512MD5-PP has beefed up the clock, memory, board and cooler to put some power into something most of us can afford. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=541&Itemid=38 Most PC users are familiar with the 4GB system memory limitation of 32-bit Windows Operating Systems, which is why 64-bit computing has become the standard for computer enthusiasts. Occasionally though, a computer system will not report the correct amount of RAM installed. In this article, our 64-bit Windows 7 test system had 6.00 GB of installed memory but indicates only 4.00 GB usable RAM available. While some may dismiss this as a case of defective RAM, you might be surprised by the culprit. Benchmark Reviews troubleshoots Installed Memory vs RAM Usable by Windows. Articles - Featured Guides Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=540&Itemid=72 The market for Radeon HD 5870 video cards has matured since the launch of this top-tier GPU in September of 2009. Development has continued on both the hardware side and the software side of the ATI family, and the ASUS EAH5870/2DIS/1GD5/V2 is one of several new 58xx series cards released by ATI AIB partners in the last few months that follow a new design pattern. The complexity of the 5870 reference design has given way to a more focused approach. A robust power supply, an efficient cooling package, and a simpler system for voltage control; all add up to a bigger bang for the buck, higher reliability and more headroom for overclocking. Several vendors have been trying to find the right recipe for maximizing the value proposition of the Radeon HD5870, and this time Benchmark Reviews is going to look very closely at the second generation Voltage Tweak EAH5870 model from ASUS. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=538&Itemid=65 Gamers want the best system they can get their hands on. This means a blazing fast CPU, dual video cards, and good ram. However, all this is potentially useless if you pair this system with an unreliable mouse. Mionix aims to prevent this problem by unleashing the latest addition to their lineup of gaming peripherals: the Naos 5000. Boasting up to 5040 dpi, switchable profiles and a unique weight tuning system, the Mionix Naos 5000 stands above all else. As a newcomer to the computer peripheral scene, Mionix, a small company based in Sweden, may not be a name familiar to gamers. However, this doesn't stop them from providing a wide range of solid gaming accessories. In this article, Benchmark Reviews takes a look at the Mionix Naos 5000. Keep reading to find out if this mouse really is light-years ahead of the game. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:30:10 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=521&Itemid=63 In early May 2010, AMD released a new series of processors that fills in some of the gaps in their Athlon-II and Phenom-II Dual, Triple, and Quad-Core Lines. Most of the newly released processors are really just 100MHz clock speed bumps on the old versions. In this article Benchmark Reviews focuses on the newly released AMD Athlon-II X2-260 Regor AM3 ADX260OCK23GQ processor. Based on the Regor core, the Athlon-II X2-260 has a 3.2GHz clock speed, up 100MHz from the Athlon-II X2-255 at 3.1Ghz which was released in January 2010. The Athlon-II X2-260 is at the very low end of the newly released processors and represents a value based market at only $76. Benchmark Reviews is going to directly compare the Athlon-II X2-260 to its predecessor to see just what advantages can be found in the new chip running 100MHz faster. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Processors Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=531&Itemid=60 Very recently Benchmark Reviews has tested several Solid State Drive products based on the SandForce SF-1222 controller. The specifications for each product were each very similar, if not identical. Throughout all of our benchmark SSD tests the results were also very close, and nothing seemed to stand out until we concentrated in one particular area. The differences were made evident as we experimented with a new benchmark setting for upcoming SSD reviews. Consider these factors when you shop for and compare SandForce-based SSDs, just exactly as it required back when Indilinx firmware updates were changing the landscape. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=535&Itemid=61 Thermaltake isn't new to the market. They have a full line of different cases and cooling systems. Today Benchmark reviews will be testing the Thermaltake Element-Q, model VL52021N2U. This chassis belongs to the Small Form Factor Line and it's targeted at the Mini-ITX industry. Apart from being the typical mini-case with 220 watts PSU included, what makes this product special against other Mini ITX cases? It supports full 5.25 optical drives and two 3.5 full sized HDDs. Compared to many other Mini-ITX cases; this can be an advantage over other products making your new purchase a lot cheaper. It also supports a full-height PCI card, which means you can install your Audio or Video card and enhance your HTPC experience. Read our full review to verify if the Element-Q suits to your needs. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=536&Itemid=60 SSDs are both PC and Mac friendly, which is great news since Apple Computers have made significant progress taking up market share over the past decade. Although Mac computers can be expensive, Other World Computing offers hardware upgrades at prices that compete with the PC market. One such product, the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro-RE, is one of the most affordable SandForce-based SSD's available. SandForce-based SSDs are getting tremendous attention from the industry, and products based on the SF-1222 controller have demonstrated exceptional operational performance and speed. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the 100GB OWC Mercury Extreme Pro-RE, model SSDMXRE100, against some of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=537&Itemid=69 With the release of the new 6-core Thuban processors, AMD unveiled their latest chipset to go with it; the 890FX/GX. Very similar to the 790FX chipset, the 890GX is the first ever to support native SATA III 6Gb/s. In this article Benchmark Reviews takes an in depth look at one of the Biostar's latest motherboards built around the 890GX chipset. The Biostar TA890GXB-HD mATX AM3 Motherboard is an entry-level board that, as the G suggests, pairs with onboard graphics in order to give budget minded users the option of using the latest technologies with the option of taking some of the pressure off their pockets. AMD has a reputation, especially recently, of making good quality products available to the everyday users and enthusiasts that might not be able to afford their hobby otherwise. The 890GX chipset is recommended for use with Phenom-II processors and it pairs quite well with the Athlon-II series as well, which are the most likely pairing for the Biostar TA890GXB-HD AM3 Motherboard, given its price. We will be pitting the TA890GXB-HD against the older 785G chipset to see just what type of performance the new chipset offers. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Mon, 31 May 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=529&Itemid=69 In April of 2010, AMD introduced the final parts of their Leo platform: new iterations of their 45nm processor family and the supporting 8-series chipset. Unlike Intel, which seems to delight in spawning new CPU socket architectures, AMD continues to support the AM3 socket, so upgrades are easier and cheaper. The 8-series chipsets along with the SB850 south bridge brings some new capabilities over the previous Dragon 7-series chipsets, and as you might expect, ASUS is ready with a new enthusiast-level offering, the ASUS Crosshair IV Formula motherboard. This AMD 890FX-based motherboard offers some interesting new enhancements over the previous generation 790FX-based Crosshair III Formula motherboard, and Benchmark Reviews compares the two as well as taking the Crosshair IV Formula as far as it can go with the fastest components. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Thu, 27 May 2010 01:18:37 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=509&Itemid=60 SandForce-based SSDs are getting tremendous attention from the industry, and for very good reason. Benchmark Reviews has tested several products based on the SF-1222 controller, and every one of them have demonstrated exceptional operational performance and speed. With so many storage solutions coming to market that are based on the same design, price and warranty determine the best product. Based on the SandForce SF-1200 processor, the Patriot Inferno SSD uses special selected NAND flash component to deliver the best performance possible. In this article Benchmark Reviews tested the 100GB Patriot Inferno SSD, model PI100GS25SSDR, against some of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Tue, 25 May 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=526&Itemid=61 The Lian Li Armorsuit PC-P50R is a mid-size tower with a sleek black exterior, and some serious red highlights. Taking advantage of the full aluminum construction, Lian Li lets a bucket of red anodizing die loose on the interior, and the result is stunning. The case also comes outfitted with four red LED fans that enhance the AMD theme. Lian Li has never been shy about dressing up its signature products, and they've produced some of the most original and striking PC gaming cases that I can remember. Special attention has been focused on the tool-free features of the case, and the case is lightweight to make it suitable for LAN parties. Many features aid in getting a full gaming system built or reconfigured quickly and cable management is simple, yet effective. Benchmark Reviews is pleased to review this special AMD Dragon edition of the Lian Li PC-P50 series. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Tue, 25 May 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=527&Itemid=73 Online video chat is rapidly becoming a standard form of communication. Corporations frequently hold webinars as the most cost efficient form of long-distance communication. Every platform, from in-browser chat programs like Gmail's to the well-known Skype, is supporting video chat. Webcams are slowly turning into required accessories like keyboard and mice. However, most webcams are cheap and produce horrible image quality. Realizing this many companies have started offering HD webcams. Benchmark Reviews checks out FaceVsion's new TouchCam-N1 HD VideoCam to see if its 720p video support can offer a new refreshing experience with video chat. Reviews - Featured Reviews: WebCams Tue, 25 May 2010 02:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=525&Itemid=60 The Hard Disk Drive (HDD) has enjoyed a long service life in the computer industry, and only recently has the Solid State Drive (SSD) threatened to replace it. While the HDD offers higher capacity at a better price, SSDs offer tremendous speeds and operational performance. Finally, Seagate has achieved the optimal blend of each, and presents the Solid State-Hybrid Hard Drive. Seagate's Momentus-XT hybrid uses a 7200-RPM hard drive fused with 4GB SLC NAND flash to deliver SSD speeds and HDD storage capacity. Seagate's Adaptive Memory technology uses an algorithm to monitor user data access transactions, which caches qualified data onto the SSD. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Seagate Momentus-XT Solid State Hybrid Drive against several of the fastest notebook storage devices available. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=522&Itemid=72 When intense gaming action demands absolute attention, the last thing anybody wants is noise distracting them. Gigabyte's Radeon HD 5870 Super Over Clock delivers top-level graphics performance for DirectX-11 video games with an 950MHz overclocked Cypress-XT GPU, and thanks to twin 80mm cooling fans this GV-R587SO-1GD model keeps noise whisper quiet. Priced at $500, the Gigabyte HD5870 SOC competes directly with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX-480. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Gigabyte HD5870 SOC against some of the most powerful video cards on the market using several of the most demanding PC video game titles and benchmark software available: Crysis Warhead, Far Cry 2, Resident Evil 5, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Metro 2033, and BattleForge. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Wed, 19 May 2010 02:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=523&Itemid=61 If you´re looking for a Mini-ITX computer case for your new high-efficiency platform the Antec ISK 310-150 might be the right product for your needs. In 2009, some Mini-ITX motherboards were launched based on the Intel Atom platform. Antec quickly response was the ISK 300-65. At this moment, many other brands like Zotac, ECS, ASUS or even ASRock have taken the Mini-ITX market and expanded it to make the HTPCs powerful and affordable. There was still a limiting since many products offered low power PSUs (65 watts is simply not enough). If you want a Mini-ITX H55 paired with the Intel Core i3/Core i5 CPUs you need at least a 150 watts PSU to make sure you won´t have power-related problems. Benchmark Reviews tests the Antec ISK 310-150 which offers a new, elegant front finish with a 150 watts Flex-ATX PSU to power your system. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Sun, 16 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=516&Itemid=72 It used to be that PC video games such as Crysis and Far Cry 2 were as demanding as you could get, but that was all back before DirectX-11 brought tessellation and to the forefront of graphics. DX11 now adds heavy particle and turbulence effects to video games, and titles such as Metro 2033 demand the most powerful graphics processing available. NVIDIA's GF100 GPU is their first graphics processor to support DirectX-11 features such as tessellation and DirectCompute, and the GeForce GTX-470 offers an excellent combination of performance and value for games like Battlefield: Bad Company 2 or BattleForge. Priced at $349, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX-470 empowers DirectX-11 video games to deliver unmatched geometric realism from 14 Streaming Multiprocessors with a total of 448 CUDA Cores and 56 Texture Units. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests 3D frame rate performance on the retail Zotac GeForce GTX-470 video card (model ZT-40201-10P), and compare the results against the most powerful graphics products on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Fri, 14 May 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=528&Itemid=72 For the environmentally, economically and otherwise interested parties, PowerColor has introduced a new line of graphics cards under the Go! Green banner. These cards aim to reduce power consumption by half while still competing with and beating the competition. Benchmark Reviews has obtained the AX5670 1GBD5-NS3H which has been modified from the HD 5670 reference design to include an extra 512MB of memory as well as reduce power consumption. This review will test the lofty goals set by PowerColor as well as reveal the truth about going green. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Thu, 13 May 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=520&Itemid=63 Back in October of last year, Athlon introduced its first Athlon II X3 triple-core processors, the 425 and 435. Working with the less than perfect yields from the Deneb and Propus dies, the Rana die was born. As yields improve, the processors can become more stable at higher clock speeds. In January 2010, the Athlon-II X3-440 was released; a 100MHz speed bump on the X3-435 processor. Now AMD is bumping the speed up by another 100MHz with the release of the X3-445 and the X3-450 is slated to come out later on this year. In this article Benchmark Reviews is closely examining the Athlon-II X3-445 ADX445WFK32GM to see what kind of power can be harnessed from this low-priced, triple-core, potentially unlockable 3.1GHz processor, especially when paired with AMDs newest 890G chipset. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Processors Tue, 11 May 2010 04:15:45 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=518&Itemid=72 The Zotac GeForce GTX-480 is based on the same reference design that debuted on 26 March 2010, but this retail kit (ZT-40101-10P) differs in all of the ways that matter most: power consumption is lower, resulting in reduced heat output and silenced fan noise. Priced at $499, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 empowers DirectX-11 video games to deliver unmatched geometric realism. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests 3D frame rate performance on the improved retail-version Zotac GeForce GTX-480 in single-card and SLI-modes, and compares results against some of the most powerful graphics products on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Tue, 11 May 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=524&Itemid=67 In the industry of technology, brands offering similar products without innovating will not be easily adopted by the enthusiast market. If we talk about memory, then the mayor factors are frequency, latency and of course... price. Intel specifications for Core i3/i5/i7 products recommend using a maximum DRAM voltage of 1.65v. While most brands try to fit on Intel´s limits on the high side, G.Skill is trying something different. The G.Skill ECO F3 10666CL7D 4GB Dual Channel Kit is intended to run at 1333MHz with barely 1.35 volts benefiting both high-end enthusiasts who want better Overclocks and lower temps, or simply those who want to build an HTPC an every shaved watt can be the difference. Benchmark Reviews will test the G.Skill ECO kit to check if this kind of memory is able to do that difference (considering that frequency and latency are not a major factor on Intel chipsets anymore). Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory Mon, 10 May 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=495&Itemid=58 Most people buying mousepads expect it to be small and light, so when the SteelSeries NP+ came rolled up in a bundle at half a meter tall, it looked more like a doormat than anything. Today Benchmark Reviews analyses the SteelSeries NP+ rough surface gaming mouse pad to find out what kind of innovation was put into making this unique gigantic gaming mat. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories Fri, 07 May 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=502&Itemid=67 It's always better to have and not need, than to need and not have. This Golden Rule applies to computer system memory as much as the other aspects in life, and having more RAM than your PC needs can only help matters. Multimedia editors require large amounts of memory to keep their encoding tasks moving at top-speed, otherwise the PC's much slower storage drive is called into play. Crucial offers the power-user a guaranteed boost to system performance, with their triple-channel 12GB DDR3 memory kit. The Crucial CT3KIT51264BA1339 UDIMM kit consists of three 4GB DDR3 modules rated for 1333MHz CL9-9-9-25-1 each. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the high-density RAM kit against memory big and small, fast and slow. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=513&Itemid=60 The SandForce SF-1222TA3-SBH processor is part of the SF-1200 SSD controller family, and through various new technology implementations SandForce has redefined performance expectations for the entire solid state storage landscape. Not only are bandwidth speeds extremely fast (nearly saturating the SATA-3GB/s interface), but operational IOPS performance reaches SLC-NAND levels. Additionally, SandForce RAISE technology provides redundant protection for single SSD computer systems, and data is automatically secured with AES-128 encryption. Benchmark Reviews has individually tested the ADATA S599, Corsair Force F100, and RunCore ProV SSDs, all which use the SandForce SF-1200 controller, but we've never experimented with these drives in a combined array. For this article, Benchmark Reviews tests two SandForce SF-1200 SSDs in a striped RAID-0 array to unleash absolute performance. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=519&Itemid=62 The factor many car buyers consider most important, studies have shown, is styling- whether the person being asked will admit it or not. Practicality, performance, and even price are secondary considerations. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does point out how important styling is in many people's purchase decisions. Especially in a crowded marketplace, styling can help distinguish one product from its competitors. Thermaltake's new Frio CLP0564 CPU Cooler makes a bold styling statement, but can it back it up with performance? Benchmark Reviews puts this cooler through the paces with an overclocked and overvolted Core i7-920 processor to find out. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Mon, 03 May 2010 02:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=517&Itemid=70 Network storage is a concept that many people use without a second thought in corporate environments, but what about at home? Count the number of PCs in your house and tell me it wouldn't be nice to have one central location for backups, video and music storage, and everything else. All that and much more is readily available in a Network Attached Storage server. The QNAP TS-259 Pro NAS server uses a custom Linux distro and a powerful, energy-efficient 1.66GHz Intel Atom D510 CPU with 1GB of DDR2-800 memory to eliminate any potential bottlenecks. Dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet controllers allow failover safety and teaming, while two SATA drive bays offer single disk, JBOD, and RAID 0/1 configurations. Benchmark Reviews examines the QNAP TS-259 Pro in detail here, and tests its performance against a wide variety of NAS servers. We also have a pleasent surprise for Win7 users. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Network Mon, 03 May 2010 01:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=506&Itemid=70 Benchmark Reviews brings to you today, the ASUS RT-N16 Multi-funtional Wireless-N Router, which boasts up to 700% faster wireless throughput than 802.11g, has two USB 2.0 ports for connecting printers or USB storage medium such as a USB HDD or USB flash drive, NTFS support for attached storage and 4 Gigabit LAN ports to name just a few of the features of this router. A wireless router offers flexibility in that you can share your high speed broadband with a mixture of wired and wireless connectivity or just pure wireless connectivity without the need of the main computer being switched on. Wireless networking has proliferated homes and offices around the world, network vendors release new devices on a regular basis, you now have so many options that it's hard to make a choice. The truth of the matter is, regardless of how many things a wireless router or access point can do, the two most important things about them are their speed and their range, join us now as we take a look at the ASUS RT-N16 and see if this is the right router for you. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Network Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=514&Itemid=58 As the PC gaming market expands, peripherals are becoming an essential part of any gamers' inventory all around the world. The most typical among all gear: the mice. For those slightly more serious, a good gaming surface is the best upgrade for any mice. Benchmark Reviews takes a look at the SteelSeries 4HD hard surface gaming mat to see how well it performs when used with gaming mice. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=511&Itemid=60 SandForce is the hot ticket in SSD controller technology for 2010, offering outstanding bandwidth speed and operational performance. SandForce RAISE technology provides redundant protection for single SSD computer systems, while data is automatically secured with AES-128 encryption. The SandForce SF-1200 controller has already found its way into many of the fastest SSDs available, and now RunCore utilizes the SandForce SF-1222TA3-SBH (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=488 Itemid=60) processor in their Pro-V prosumer MLC SSD series. Benchmark Reviews tests the 200GB RunCore Pro-V SSD, model RCP-V-S2520-MCN, against some of the most popular storage devices available and demonstrates that 4K IOPS performance is more important than speed. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=512&Itemid=62 The stock cooler included with retail-packaged CPUs represents the manufacturer's best efforts to provide a cooler that will keep the processor within its temperature limits at stock clock speeds, all for the lowest cost. But if you want to overclock your system, you're going to need an aftermarket cooler. The ideal cooler would be inexpensive, quiet, easy to install, and keep your CPU icy cold under all loads and conditions. But of course, in the real world it's always a balancing act among these various parameters. CoolIT Systems' new ECO A.L.C. ECO-R120 CPU cooler aims to balance these requirements by offering an easy-to-install sealed liquid cooling system for your CPU. Using both stock and high-speed fans, Benchmark Reviews compares it to the top air coolers and the Corsair H50 liquid cooling system on an overclocked and overvolted Intel Core i7-920 processor. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cooling Wed, 28 Apr 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=508&Itemid=63 AMD's Turbo CORE technology is now available in 'Thuban' Phenom-II AM3 desktop processors, beginning with the 2.8GHz X6-1055T and 3.2GHz X6-1090T CPUs. Turbo CORE senses when three of the six processor cores are not in use, and automatically boosts the clock speed up to 500MHz. Paired with the AMD 890FX chipset found on ASUS' Crosshair-IV Formula ROG motherboard, the AMD Phenom-II X6-1090T Black Edition CPU can reach 4.0GHz on all six cores with an additional 4.3GHz Turbo CORE. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the AMD X6-1090T against the Intel Core i7-920 and i7-890X processors in gaming, computing, and overclocking performance. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Processors Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:01:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=476&Itemid=66 The Camangi WebStation is a compact tablet Wi-Fi or 3G-connected PC that utilizes the Google Android Operating System. Similar to the Apple iPad, the Camangi WebStation adds all of the features an Android smartphone offers and combines them with tablet size and functionality. Weighing a mere 13 ounces, the Camangi WebStation tablet can double as an eBook reader with the installed Aldiko or Google Books applications. Internet phone calls can be made using Fring, and the 3G Wizard adds connectivity when Wi-Fi is unavailable. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Camangi WebStation Google Android Tablet PC in a combination of everyday uses to see how well it can replace other compact computer devices. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Laptop Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=503&Itemid=60 SuperSpeed USB-3.0 delivers a very dramatic improvement over the older USB-2 protocol. Bandwidth speed has increased from 480 Mb/s to 5000 Mb/s, and file transfer rates as fast as 400 MB/s are now possible; making SuperSpeed USB-3.0 very competitive with the Serial-ATA interface. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the Super Talent RAIDDrive ST3U64SRK SuperSpeed USB-3.0 flash drive, a product with up to 128GB of capacity which utilizes two SSD controllers in a RAID-0 array. The Super Talent USB-3.0 RAIDDrive is capable of 320 MB/s according to specifications, making it the fastest USB flash drive on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=510&Itemid=60 The biggest mistake PC hardware enthusiast make with SSDs is grading them by their speed. File transfer speed is important, but only so long as the operational IOPS performance can sustain that bandwidth under load. Based on the high-performance SandForce SF-1200 SSD Processor, Corsair's Force F100 solid state drive is in an excellent position to take the entire market. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 100GB Corsair Force SSD CSSD-F100GB2 against some of the most popular storage devices available and demonstrates that 4K IOPS performance is more important than speed. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=507&Itemid=61 Good functionality, a sleek design, and a low budget are the things Thermaltake had in mind while designing the Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case VL80001W2Z. With the typical cases designed for a higher-end systems we usually see from Thermaltake, the V3 Black Edition is a breath of fresh air. Thermaltake has taken a different direction with this chassis; it focuses on providing a wide range of functionality for a great price. Thinking about purchasing a new case but don't want to burn a hole in your wallet? Join Benchmark Reviews as we take a look at the Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case, model VL80001W2Z. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:28:42 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=504&Itemid=72 The PowerColor PCS+ AX5870 1GBD5-PPDHG2 graphics card is one of several new HD 5800-series video cards released by ATI AIB partners in the last couple months that follow a new design pattern. Advances in power-semiconductor packaging have allowed for a simpler VRM implementation that consumes much less real estate on the board. At the same time, the use of a down-flow HSF arrangement eliminates the dead spots found below and behind the blower wheel on the reference design. The combination makes for a smaller, more efficient, and more reliable card that's less costly to produce. I call that progress, but there are others who bemoan the process of removing cost from a design. I can understand the angst if functions and features are being removed, but finding a cheaper way to deliver the same performance is a good thing. Benchmark Reviews has tested some ATI Radeon HD 5870 video cards already, so the performance and features of the GPU are hardly news, but we thought it was time to sample one of the new 2nd generation cards and see how the design has matured. Please follow along as we give you a detailed look at one of the latest high-end Radeons from PowerColor. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Video Cards Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=490&Itemid=65 In the past year numerous manufacturers have hopped onto the gaming peripheral bandwagon in an attempt to expand their businesses. Gaming mice have become incredibly fancy, with 6000DPI, 1200Hz polling rate, and anywhere from five to twenty buttons. As companies attempt to product differentiate, the visual design of gaming mice are becoming more exaggerated. Steelseries take a different approach this time for the minimalistic Kinzu optical mouse. Benchmark Reviews peaks under the covers of this ordinary looking mouse to see where it lies amidst the hundreds of gaming mice out on the market. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=505&Itemid=38 In a recent Benchmark Reviews technical article, SSD performance was tested in AHCI and IDE mode using only the HD-Tune software to produce results. It wasn't intentional, but our test results were flawed by this single-threaded benchmark tool, and our conclusion did not properly illustrate IOPS performance. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the latest JMicron, Indilinx, and SandForce SSDs using a combination of tools to illustrate the true difference between SATA IDE and AHCI-mode, and demonstrates how one SATA mode is better suited than the other. Articles - Featured Guides Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=494&Itemid=67 64-Bit Operating Systems allow PCs to utilize more than 4GB of system memory, which is great news for multimedia professionals who need the extra RAM. Intel's X58-Express platform delivers triple-channel DDR3 performance, giving PC hardware enthusiasts and power-users the opportunity to choose between 3, 6, or 12GB system memory kits. In this article, Benchmark Reviews compares 12GB DDR3 memory kits against various 6GB versions. The 12GB Corsair Dominator CMD12GX3M6A1600C8 1600MHz CL8-8-8-24 DDR3 memory kit will be at the center of our attention as we discover exactly where that extra RAM is most helpful on our six-core Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition 'super-computer'. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=493&Itemid=66 Not every computer needs to have a four billion hertz processor and the world's best video card. Just like power tools, some jobs require raw power while other jobs require more finesse. When the job at hand involves video, web applications, light gaming or light office work it doesn't make sense to use a supercomputer or even a high-performance machine. This idea has become mainstream through the recent marketing of netbooks (internet notebooks) and video sharing devices, but even those platforms do not suit all light application needs. In this article Benchmark Reviews will test a nettop (internet desktop) from MSI; Wind Box model 6667BB-004US. This barebones PC kit is like an older, more capable sibling to the netbook. But how does it measure up against other alternatives? Reviews - Featured Reviews: Laptop Tue, 13 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=473&Itemid=61 NZXT has been making quality computer cases since 2004. They have become a popular brand among computer enthusiests, and for good reason. NZXT cares about style and functionality. Here at Benchmark Reviews, we also care about style and functionality, and when NZXT agreed to let us review its new Hades (HADE-001BK) mid-tower Chassis, we happily agreed. The Hades boasts such features as up to nine 5.25 bays, or five 5.25 and four 3.5 bays. It touts room for up to 5 cooling fans and large video cards, and it also features a cable management system; all for around $100. Will the Hades live up to the NZXT reputation of quality? Stay tuned to find out! Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=498&Itemid=60 Overclockers around the world use Corsair memory kits for their high-speed performance. Similarly, Corsair SSD storage products have continued this tradition. The Corsair Nova V128 CSSD-V128GB2-BRKT is an Indilinx-ECO Solid State Drive kit that designed to deliver 270 MB/s maximum read speeds and offer 195 MB/s writer performance. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests ACHI speeds for the Corsair Nova-series V128 SSD against the fastest SSDs available. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=496&Itemid=67 Overclockers and PC hardware enthusiasts understand that system memory performs best with low latency and fast speeds, but both seldom come in the same package. Corsair offers the exception. Available with XMP eXtreme Memory Profile support, the Corsair Dominator-GT DDR3 memory kit can deliver 2000 MHz at CL7. Sold in dual- and triple-channel kits, Benchmark Reviews tests the CMG6GX3M3A2000C7 set against a wide range of modules in our RAM tests using the six-core Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition processor. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:20:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=497&Itemid=69 Last year ASUS introduced the 785G chipset, one of their latest chipset with integrated graphics. This comes on the back of other recently successful chipsets with integrated graphics such as the 780G and 790GX. In true AMD fashion, we can tell a lot about the chipset by its numbering. The 785G is an upgraded version of the 780G and keeps a lot of the same features. Many motherboard manufacturers have been making products with the new chipset and, of course, ASUS is one of the top names. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will be examining the ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO Micro-ATX AM3 Motherboard. We will be specifically looking at the differences between this board, with the 785G chipset, and the similar 780G and 790GX chipsets. The ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO is being marketed as great combination for the Athlon-II line of processors because of its budget price-point. For this reason, Benchmark Reviews will be testing the ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO against older equipment in order to provide an idea of the upgradeability offered by this motherboard. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Motherboards Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=488&Itemid=60 The SandForce SF-1200 SATA-3GBps controller is new to the industry, yet many manufacturers are already hailing it as the replacement for Indilinx's industry-leading Barefoot SSD processor. SandForce adds DuraClass technology to their SF-1200 processor, a new technology which claims to provide best-in-class endurance, performance, and lower power consumption. DuraWrite technology extends the endurance of MLC-NAND memory by providing at least five-year lifecycles measured with 3000-5000 cycle MLC flash. Additionally, SandForce RAISE technology provides RAID-like protection for single SSD computer systems, and data is secured with AES-128 automatic encryption. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the SandForce SF-1200 Solid State Drive processor used in the ADATA S599 SSD. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=485&Itemid=67 Overclockers and PC hardware enthusiasts understand that system memory performs best with low latency and fast speeds, but both seldom come in the same package. Kingston offers the exception. Available with two XMP eXtreme Memory Profiles, the Kingston HyperX DDR3 memory kit can deliver either 1867MHz CL7, or 2002MHz at CL8. Sold in dual- and triple-channel kits, Benchmark Reviews tests the KHX2000C8D3T1FK3/6GX set against a wide range of modules in our RAM tests using the six-core Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition processor. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory Fri, 02 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=484&Itemid=60 ADATA is a finished-goods company with deep roots in the enthusiast system memory market. Like nearly every company that sells DRAM-based products, ADATA has gone the way of the SSD. Promising 280/270 MBps read/write speeds with Windows-7 TRIM support, the ADATA S599 Solid State Drive offers 100GB of high-speed storage capacity. Built from the SandForce SF-1200 SSD processor, Benchmark Reviews tests ACHI speeds and performance with the ADATA AS599S-128GM-C against some of the fastest storage devices available. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=487&Itemid=65 When you think about Gigabyte, motherboards usually come to mind. Fierce business competition can force a company to branch out, which is why Gigabyte works with many different products such as PC graphics accelerators and PC peripherals. Gigabyte sent Benchmark Reviews their latest gaming mouse. With a pro-laser 6000 DPI sensor, 32KB built-in memory for combination macros, customizable buttons and a very appealing design, the Gigabyte Ghost Xtreme appears as a very interesting product for hardcore gamers. Benchmark Reviews tests the Gigabyte GM-M8000X Gaming mouse in this article to see if this new contender is good enough for PC gamers. Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100