29/12: SPARKLE Introduces GeForce8800 GT Passive Cooling Graphics Card

SPARKLE Introduced The World's First GeForce 8800 GT Passive Cooling Graphics Card With 1GB Video Memory


SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., announced the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Coolpipe 3 Graphics Card, the World's first graphic cards based on NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT GPU with 1GB video memory and passive cooling solution, The SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card will bring Ultra HD gaming experience to high-end gamers. Based on NVIDIA’s next generation GeForce 8800 GT architecture, the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card adopts innovative unified architecture, dynamically allocates processing power to geometry, vertex, physics, or pixel shading operations, delivering up to times the gaming performance of prior generation GPUs. Built upon technologies such as NVIDIA Lumenex Engine, providing support for DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0, NVIDIA Quantum Effects technology for physics computation and GigaThread Technology for extreme processing efficiency in advanced, next generation shader programs.

Specifically developed to answer enthusiast gamers’ demand for Ultra HD high-performing graphics, the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card is not only powered by most advanced 65nm GeForce 8800 series GPU from NVIDIA, but also combined with formidable R&D strength from SPARKLE, which brings inconceivable 1GB GDDR3 video memory on independent developed solution. Now the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Coolpipe 3 Graphics Card can provide unbelievable video memory bandwidth for latest DirectX 10 games such as Crysis and so on, to reveal gorgeous gaming texture at 1920x1200 Ultra HD
resolution with fluent gaming speed.

The SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card possesses 600MHz core speed, 112 stream processors with 1500MHz shader clock and 1GB 1800MHz 256-bit GDDR3 video memory. GeForce 8800 series rendering architecture, DirectX 10 shader model
4.0 support, Ultra High speed stream processors and super capacity 1GB video memory, all these luxuriant features endow the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card with brutal 3D horsepower, to incisively and vividly present most cinematic gaming scenes to the gamers. In addition to all these incredible features, the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card is designed for the new PCI Express 2.0 bus standard and are backwards compatible with the original PCI Express standard. So they are full ready for future games and applications which have rigorous requirements on bandwidth this video hard 65nm process lets SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 graphics card to bring less heat volatilization than 90nm and 80nm products on market. Further more, SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 graphics card is is equipped with heat-pipe-based passive
cooling system using high technology. Compared with conventional HSF, this noiseless passive cooling solution features higher throughput thanks to high efficiency heat-pipe optimized for mass heat volatilization. It has high performance thermal compound ensures optimal thermal dissipation even after years of use.

The SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card also marries the biggest video memory with the best-in-HD. They leverage NVIDIA’s revolutionary second-generation video processing engine to deliver high-quality playback of HD DVD and Blu-ray movies on highend PCs. The new programmable video processing engine takes on all of the high definition H.264 video decoding, freeing the CPU to perform other tasks and significantly reducing power consumption, heat, and noise.

“With powerful 65nm GeForce 8800 series GPU, the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Coolpipe 3 Graphics Card offers a hyper-reactive, intensely robust gaming experience for the latest next-generation DirectX 10 games, such as Crysis, Gears of War, Bioshock, as well as full support for current DirectX 9 games." Said Precilla Wu, sales manager of SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd. ” SPARKLE decided to raise the bar and deliver GeForce 8800 series graphics cards with 1GB video memory, giving our customers incredible confidence to handle gorgeous DX10 gaming scenes which have rigorous demand on video bandwidth. Also with high efficient heat pipe passive cooling system, the SPARKLE GeForce 8800 GT 1GB Cool-pipe 3 Graphics Card best choices for today's Ultra HD gaming."

19/12:

Walton Chaintech Introduces APOGEE GT DDR3 2000 Memory Module

Taking Overclocking Potential to a New Stage


The overclocking memory module specialist, Walton Chaintech, announced its success in developing the world fastest DDR3 2000MHz memory module. With its high data rate, APOGEE GT DDR3 2000 Blazer series has turned out to be the best overclocking tool to bring out CPU performance while improving the operational function and enhancing the computer’s potential of any user.

APOGEE GT Blazer series has earned a performance over 14,000MB/S on the EVEREST Memory bandwidth read and write test, providing the high level professional product with a specially-made high clock memory for extreme overclocking. As the efficient heat-reduction is always a concern for power users, APOGEE GT Blazer series’ performance is well enhanced when it is used with Cool It Smart heatsink design. APOGEE GT DDR3 2000 (PC3-16000) is rated to run CL 9-8-8-24 to take the latest Intel platforms to the highest level ever.

APOGEE GT DDR3 2000 is made of 8 pieces, Micron D9G 128Mx8 chips, which are well known for their exceptional overclocking capability. Each chip is handpicked for meeting strict performance and quality requirements. Not only that, all chips are manufactured of using Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) packages to assure better thermal dissipation and electrical efficiency.

APOGEE GT DDR3 2000 memory modules are available in 2GB dual channel kit (1GBx2). The modules are specifically engineered and designed for exacting power users. Each module is 100% tested for quality assurance and compatibility, ensuring customers to enjoy an extreme user experience either for gaming or other multimedia applications with high computing needs.

Walton Chaintech has been dedicated in improving its competitiveness in the global market and provided customers with the most advanced products of unbeatable quality. Without doubt, the company’s continuous effort in technology development enables APOGEE GT DDR3 2000 memory modules become a perfect choice for any high-performance system.

29/12: Arctic Cooling Presents New Large 30 Gram Package of MX-2

For high demanding applications – new large 30 gram package of MX-2


The Swiss cooling solution provider ARCTIC COOLING now offers the performance leading thermal compound MX-2 also in a 30 gram packaging.

High Performance

MX-2 is a high thermal conductivity and low thermal resistance compound for components that require optimum thermal dissipation. It is ideally suited for use in CPU, GPU cooling and other applications between power semiconductor components and heat sinks where thermal conductivity is the major factor.

Safe to apply anywhere

Since the MX-2 does not contain any metal particles, there are no problems regarding electrical conductivity or capacitance. Unlike other silver and copper compounds, MX-2 ensures that contact to electrical circuits, pins and leads cannot result in any damage. “Many worldwide media experts have proven that the MX-2 thermal conductivity outperforms similar TIM products.” said Patrick Chung, Marketing Manager of ARCTIC COOLING, “They’re also pleased that the MX-2 is neither electrical conductive nor capacitive which makes it safe to apply without any worries.”

MX-2 30g will be available by the mid of Jan 2008. The MSRP is USD 39.95 and Euro 28,95 (excl VAT).

27/12: Thermaltake Armor+ VH6000 (Recomemded for Gamer)

The Juggernaut Hath Cometh

DIY enthusiasts were probably jumping for joy when Thermaltake announced the Armor+ series. Claiming to be the most powerful casing and "born to feed the beasts", (their words, not ours) the Armor+ seems like a juggernaut of a casing that should live up to its hype. At the very least, it's as huge as it claims.

Having heard the marketing speak, we will be taking a good look into the features and design of the casing for ourselves. Previous Armor designs were gamer-centric and the Armor+ VH-6000 is no different. In fact, Thermaltake is gunning for the gaming community and has managed to get the Armor+ designated as the official casing for the World Cyber Games (WCG). The Armor+ comes in two versions: one with embedded water cooling and one without and we will be reviewing the latter today.

In terms of its build quality, the VH-6000 feels solid, weighing in at 16.8kg, so it's not as heavy as say, the Antec P190 we reviewed recently. This is probably because unlike the P190, the Armor+ doesn't come with two heavy PSUs, or any at all. Appearance-wise the VH-6000 is pleasing to the eye with its curves and definitely lives up to its militaristic theme with a frontal armored look. When powered up, the blue LED glow of the casing also stands out, though it can be slightly tacky. Gamers will also appreciate the transparent side panel - the better to admire their expensive graphics cards - and there are also two system fans which are the source of the LED glow.

At First Glance

The first thing that caught our eye as we started tinkering with the casing was the fact that this chassis is a fingerprint magnet. It's pretty much a no-brainer with the glossy plastic top of the casing and Thermaltake has at least acknowledged the fact and provided a cleaning cloth together with the manual. The top also has a small storage compartment for your tools and accessories, which we felt was a nice touch.











The back of the casing has a spoiler and vents for hot air to escape. Similarly, the casing is slightly off the ground for ventilation purposes through the natural convection of air currents.




Located at the top of the casing are the standard USB2.0, audio, FireWire and an eSATA port. A storage area with ample space for screws and accessories can be found next to these connectors.














The odd bit at the end of the casing looks pretty handy for lifting the casing, though the sticker says otherwise and we agree that this plastic 'handle' won't be able to handle the weight.





The front 'doors', if we could call the twin wedges of metal at the two sides of the front bezel, don't really have any practical use besides looking attractive and rounding off the curvy look of the casing. They are secured with magnets and strong enough that they won't easily open and may even inadvertently hinder your optical drives. The front drive bays fit up to seven 5.25-inch drive bays including a 3.5-inch drive bay that can be converted using the kit provided. Another kit also converts one of the 5.25-inch bays to a storage drawer.






Seven 5.25-inch bays are located at the front of the casing. The covers of the bays are easy to remove and replace.













In lieu of an optical drive, a drawer is provided that can be slotted into the 5.25-inch bay. A nice touch by Thermaltake for the pack rats who have too many screws and accessories.














The VH-6000 casing comes with a whopping 10 PCI slots for all your CrossFire, SLI and expansion cards goodness.

Interior Design

You should have noticed by now that one of the side panels is actually transparent and comes with a huge 230mm fan with a blue LED Light. Oddly enough, despite its larger size on paper, we got the feeling the fan wasn't as big or as solid as the Big Boy fan of the Antec P190. This is probably because compared to the Big Boy, the plastic one on the Armor+ looks just like an ordinary cooler fan, albeit much larger. Performance wise, the fan spins at 800RPM while only emitting only 15dBA of noise, much quieter than the P190's Big Boy fan.

Going one up on the Antec P190 Big Boy fan is the 230mm on the Armor+. Comes with a blue LED too!
















Located just behind the removable drive cage is a 120mm fan that should help cool all seven hard drives.

Mounting hard drives is relatively easy, simply by unclipping a tray and mounting a hard disk onto the tray before re-inserting the drive. It is relatively painless and took us one minute, compared to our experience with Thermaltake's SwordM V5000BNA. Additionally, the whole HDD cage can be detached for mounting an additional 140mm VGA cooler, though it strikes us as odd, as the fan would be blowing out hot air taken in from the mounted hard disks. Seeing as there are no vibration dampeners in the HDD cage, this feature strikes me as really odd.

The removable HDD cage can accommodate up to five hard disks, and uses a tray loading mechanism. Two more HDD slots are located at the bottom of the casing.









The two HDD slots at the bottom can be removed and replaced with either 120mm or 140mm fans for even more cooling. Also, while the Armor+ can hold up to 10 expansion slots, more than the usual seven found on most casings, these extra slots come at the expense of the bottom HDD/fan slots, so if you're using an Extended ATX motherboard, those HDDs have to go. Of course, with support for up to five HDDs already, we doubt most users would mind.







The bottom HDD trays as mentioned earlier are removable and fans can be placed in the slots instead for even more cooling.











Interior Part Deux

The Armor+ series has a sliding motherboard tray similar to those found in their Xaser VI series, making things such as mounting the motherboard that much more easier. When you consider the fact that the casing is quite heavy to work with in the first place, this addition is really welcome.







Another useful feature is the removable motherboard tray, which slides out completely for easy installation. The tray also has two holes at the bottom for routing cables behind.
















Installing a PSU is easy, just uncscrew the bridge, slot the PSU in, then replace the bridge to lock the PSU in place, secure the PSU by screwing it in and you're done. Two minutes of painless installation.






There are two holes on the motherboard tray for routing your cables behind, though unlike the P190, there is barely sufficient space to do so, thus trying to properly route the cables to maximize airflow might take awhile.




We loaded up the casing with a hard disk, one optical drive, motherboard and video card. Routing the cables took us awhile to figure out, but we did make full use of the holes at the side for routing.













The hard disks cables are routed from behind too. Notice the various punctures on the motherboard tray? Thermaltake has pre-punched the holes for the various motherboard configurations and they should cover all types of supported motherboards.






Last Words

The Thermaltake Armor+ VH-6000 is only set to be released on the 1st of January, hence we are unable to provide an recommended retail price now. Overall, this is a chassis with a number of useful features. With plenty of cooling options, including a massive though quiet side fan, and a spacious interior that supports an amazing number of expansion slots and hard drives, the Armor+ casing will definitely appeal to both gamers and enthusiasts alike. Some of the features that we liked include the modern tool-free design which made assembling the system easier as almost everything could be done without a screwdriver (except for the PSU and motherboard). The sliding motherboard tray also makes the casing a joy to work with as it is pretty heavy and not having to move the casing around while installing the motherboard is a huge plus point. Lastly, the adjustable PSU bridge is another nice touch by Thermaltake, again making installation or upgrading a PSU easy as cake.







Apart from the questionable decision to mount a fan on the HDD cage module which doesn't make much sense to us, or the tacky blue LED lights, which in the end, really depends on user preference since the casing is designed for gamers in mind, the Thermaltake Armor+ VH-6000 is still a good all-rounder for anyone looking to upgrade to a bigger and better casing.