Thermaltake Reveals the XPRESSAR RCS100 Phase-Change Processor Cooling

Back in March 2008, Thermaltake introduced its first phase change cooling prototype. At the time, we were able to reveal only a few pictures, without knowing what was to come. Today Thermaltake said that after four years of research, the company's first DC inverter type micro refrigeration cooling system is finally ready to hit the market. The so-called Thermaltake XPRESSAR utilizes cyclic refrigeration method based on the vapor-compression refrigeration, to take away the heat produced by processors.

Vapor-compression refrigeration systems use a circulating liquid refrigerant as cooling medium which absorbs and removes heat from the space to be cooled and subsequently reject that heat elsewhere. All such systems have four components: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. For now the XPRESSAR phase-change cooling will be paired with a Xaser VI case and sold as XPRESSAR RCS100.

The total weight of both parts will equal to 22.2kg. Thermaltake ensures that such a system will result in 20ºC better temps than most liquid-based systems, and also be compatible with all Intel LGA775 and LGA1366 (Nehalem) processors (maybe an AMD kit will be released sometime later). More information on the XPRESSAR RCS100 can be found here. Pricing and availability are still to be announced. It's time for the reviews now.

Noctua Releases New CPU Coolers for Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron

Noctua today released four new CPU coolers for Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron processors. Optimized for use in dual socket systems, the new DX (Dual Xeon) and DO (Dual Opteron) versions of Noctua's highly successful NH-U12 and NH-U9 series introduce the premium quality quiet cooling performance that has become synonymous with Noctua to the world of professional workstations and servers. "Maximum cooling performance at minimum noise levels and excellent reliability can be particularly important when it comes to high-end workstations and special server applications", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO.

"Due to the ever-growing demand for our Xeon and Socket F mounting kits, we decided to design new, customized versions of our coolers that are completely tailor-made for use on Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron systems, especially dual socket configurations. Enter the DX/DO series!"

Just to name a few examples of the customizations for server and workstation usage, the NH-U12DX's and NH-U9DX's fin shape has been modified so that two coolers form an air duct on Dual Xeon setups, producing superior cooling performance at very low noise levels. Also, the all new SecuFirm2 mounting system for Socket 771 comes completely pre-installed in order to ensure maximum convenience and extremely short installation time. Fully compatible with the original Intel installation system, the new NH-U12DX and NH-U9DX work as a simple drop-in replacement for Intel's stock cooler.

Both the new DX series coolers and the NH-U12DO and NH-U9DO are fitted with Noctua's renowned NF-P12 and NF-B9 fans as well as NT-H1 thermal compound, making them complete premium quality packages that provide outstanding quiet cooling performance for Intel or AMD based workstations and servers.

Availability
All new coolers are available immediately. Bundles can be customized for system integrators.

OCZ Technology Introduces HydroFlow CPU Waterblock

OCZ Technology Group, Inc. a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory and computer components, today unveiled the “HydroFlow” HF-MK1 Waterblock for superior CPU watercooling. Designed with the highest possible exchange rate between the block and coolant, the HydroFlow can be easily integrated into any enthusiast system and help efficiently lower the processor temperature.

"The HydroFlow HF-MK1 targets the highest possible thermal exchange rate between a solid body and the surrounding fluid, while maintaining enough cross sectional area for superior thermal conductance within the fin structure,” commented Dr. Michael Schuette, V.P. of Technology Development at OCZ Technology. "Additionally, the relieved contact area concentrates the pressure on the actual die area of any processor, thereby minimizing the thermal interface material-induced loss in heat dissipation. In short, the HydroFlow epitomizes the recent advances in fluid cooling at an affordable price.

The triangular fins in the HF-MK1 provide the highest volume to surface ratio of any geometric shape for best dissipation possible, and this special design also creates sufficient turbulence to eliminate the “skin” effect caused by laminar flow. The base block of the HydroFlow increases center contact with the processor core for the greatest possible cooling potential, ensuring maximum exchange and functionality between the waterblock and CPU.

Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned case-modder, OCZ makes the HydroFlow easy to integrate into your rig by supplying both high-flow 3/8” and 1/2” barbs in the packaging without the hassle of searching for compatible hardware. The HydroFlow HF-MK1 is affordable with an MSRP of $39.99, yet a technologically advanced solution to keep your processor functioning at optimal levels.

Elpida, Buffalo Release Prototype DDR3 2400 MHz Memory

Elpida and Buffalo Technologies have unearthed a memory standard never before heard, and thought by many, as the limits of current DDR3 technology, given the silicon fabrication process current DRAM chips are made with. The elusive PC3-19200 standard has been achieved. Elpida has tested stable, a prototype memory module that runs at 2400 MHz DDR (1200 MHz actual clock-rate). The modules use Elpida's 2.5 Gbps DRAM chips.

These speeds, however, come at the cost of latencies and voltages. The module was tested stable at 2400 MHz only at 11-11-11-34, and a voltage of 2.1 V, which is high, by DDR3 standards. However, the module locks a surprise when it comes to the same numbers: The module was tested stable at 2096 MHz, at amazingly low 1.5V, with much tighter timings of 9-10-9-24. The companies wish to put this to mass production soon.

Toshiba Introduces Industry's First 250GB 1.8-inch Mobile HDD

Toshiba Corporation, the industry pioneer in small form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), today announced expansion of its market-leading 1.8-inch lineup with three new high-capacity, high-performance Serial ATA HDDs for mobile PC applications, including the industry's first 250GB) 1.8-inch HDD. Toshiba's third-generation 5,400 RPM SATA 1.8 HDD family also features 120GB and 160GB capacities, along with the throughput power of the SATA 3.0Gb/s interface. In addition, the new series includes Toshiba's state-of-the-art free fall sensor option, which enhances protection from external shock and vibration events by responding to drops as low as five inches in height.

This powerful, high-capacity family further broadens Toshiba's full line of 1.8-inch HDDs to meet the diversified storage needs of both PC and CE manufacturers with products suited to the specific capacity, performance and configuration requirements of each application. Building on Toshiba's recent introduction of PATA 1.8-inch HDDs with up to 240GB capacities, this new SATA 1.8-inch HDD series enables PC manufacturers to further miniaturize notebook designs without sacrificing functionality.

Toshiba's concentration on the 1.8-inch HDD platform and leadership in advanced recording technologies have enabled the company to continually push areal densities, to 378.8Gb/in2 in the new series, and to deliver storage capacities that were previously available only from larger form factor HDDs, while decreasing the power consumption required by the storage device. The new 250GB 1.8-inch HDD (MK2529GSG) achieves a new low of 0.0016 watts-per-GB in energy consumption efficiency). In addition, incorporation of high-performance features, such as SATA 3.0Gb/s and 5,400RPM disc rotation, will bring to all mobile PCs the benefits of a mature, field-proven storage platform supporting longer battery life, increased shock.
With more than 60 million 1.8-inch HDDs shipped, Toshiba has consistently held the number one position) in the 1.8-inch HDD segment since introduction of its first model in 2000.

Toshiba Group, a Corporate Citizen of the Planet Earth, is committed to realizing a better environment. Guided by "Toshiba Group Environmental Vision 2050" the Group is implementing measures to boost environmental efficiency by 10 times in FY2050, against the benchmark of FY2000. The core target is to reduce projected CO2 emissions by a total equivalent to 117.7 million tons a year by FY2025, through the development and sales of highly efficient power supply equipment and systems, and the manufacture of environmentally conscious home appliances and office equipment. By working to mitigate global warming, make efficient use of resources and control management of chemicals, Toshiba Group creates value for people and promotes lifestyles in harmony with the Earth.

Environmentally conscious products
- Halogen Free Product The new drives are Toshiba's first 1.8-inch HDD that achieve chlorine and bromine concentrations below the standard required for recognition as Toshiba environmentally conscious products, an ECP (below 900ppm for each, and an overall total below 1,500ppm).

- Improved energy consumption efficiency. Compared to the 160GB model (MK1617GSG), the new 250GB model (MK2529GSG) improves energy consumption efficiency, as defined under the Japanese legal standard, to 0.0016W/GB, a 43% improvement.

- Lower CO2 emissions during the product lifecycle During their lifecycle, the new drives will lower CO2 emissions by approximately 54g a year4).

- RoHS compatible The new drive complies with the European Union's RoHS directive for eliminating use of six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

- The new series meets standards for certification as a standout Toshiba ECP Toshiba is promoting an "Excellent ECP" program to stimulate creation of high value products offering exceptional environmental friendliness. For more information, visit http://www.toshiba.co.jp/env/en/products/index.htm

Sony Debuts 8x Blu-Ray Disc Writer Drive

In yet another PR posted yesterday Sony debuted its third generation internal Blu-ray Disc (BD) writer for the computer aftermarket, which at about $400 achieves a new level of affordability for BD enthusiasts.

The new BWU-300S model burns single and dual layer BD-R media at up to 8X speed, recording a full 25GB disc in about 15 minutes and a full 50GB disc in about 30 minutes. The 8X recording speed is achieved using 6X compatible BD-R media. The drive also records DVDs at up to 16X, CDs up to 48X, and supports DVD-RAM recording.

The internal BWU-300S features a Serial ATA (SATA) interface and standard 5.25-inch form-factor for easy installation inside a desktop PC with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems. It comes bundled with a "Men in Black" Blu-ray Disc from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Also included with the drive is CyberLink's software suite for capturing, authoring, editing, burning and viewing high-definition personal content. The BWU-300S drive will be available through select retailers, resellers and directly at Sony Style starting next month. Pre-orders are now being accepted by Sony on the website.

ASUS to Cut P45 Motherboard Prices

The Intel P45 chipset has had a fair bit of success in the markets these days. ASUS has a whole range of motherboards based on the P43 and P45 chipsets to cater to all price-bands ranging from US $100 to $250. P45 itself however, comes at a time when a section of the industry is gearing up for the upcoming range of processors from Intel, based on the newer LGA-1366 socket, which would be followed later by the LGA-1160 socket. ASUS plans to give its range of P45 chipset based motherboard some model-specific price cuts that channel vendors determine. ASUS commented that it decided to reduce prices in order to meet demand for P45-based motherboard among students.

It is also noted that other first-tier motherboard vendors wouldn't be able to follow suit with price-cuts due to the impact it could have on their revenues. So a price-cut from ASUS alone could put ASUS in a comfortable position since they could be the only ones selling their products at attractive prices, and so, make up for the revenue lost on the price-cuts while preparing its market for the next line of products in the months to come.

ASUS Launches 9800 GTX+ ''Dark Knight'' Edition

NVIDIA seems to have made an exception with the GeForce 9800 GTX / GTX+, for allowing its partners to design and sell non-reference design graphics cards based on the said GPU. Earlier we had seen pictures of a card designed by Palit, perhaps the first non-reference 9800 GTX+, taken during this year's NVISION event. It's ASUS now, with their non-reference GeForce 9800 GTX+ accelerator branded as EN9800GTX+ DK/HTDI/512M, in which "DK" abbreviates Dark Knight.

The card uses a custom PCB designed by ASUS, the power inputs are pushed to the posterior end of the card, a black metal railing is seen covering the side of the card (XFX style), the center of attraction is the large cooler designed by ASUS. It consists of aluminum fin arrays on either sides of a fan, to which heat is conveyed by four heat-pipes. The has a double-slot design, sports 512 MB of GDDR3 memory and is 3-way SLI capable. The card can be pushed as far as 735 MHz (core) and 2,200 MHz (memory).

ASUS P6T Series Features New Intel X58 Chipset for Intel i7

With the release of the new Intel X58 platform imminent, ASUS has consolidated plans around the P6T Series of motherboards. Specifically designed to provide outstanding performance that caters to increasing user needs, the ASUS P6T Deluxe motherboard will fully embrace the new Intel platform; and touches on several significant changes in terms of key components like the CPU socket, chipset and DIMM channels. With such a big leap in terms of technology, the P6T Deluxe will be slated to provide faster bandwidth, storage and enhance overall performance – allowing users to look forward to experiencing extreme overclocking performance.

The Coming New Intel Platform
The first obvious change on the P6T Deluxe is the migration of the chipset to the new Intel X58+ICH10R. This successor to the X48 chipset features support for 36 lanes – making it possible for 4 PCI-E x16 slots to run at x8 modes. This chipset evolution will also match Intel’s new CPU generation – the Nehalem family, and allow users to utilize 1366-pin Bloomfield CPUs with core frequencies of 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz and 3.2GHz (the very first Nehalem members in market). The memory controller will be integrated to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 1333 for the CPU; while the L3 cache is expected to reach up to the 8MB mark. The new generation of CPUs will support memory of up to 24GB with a total bandwidth of 3200MB/s; and differing from the X48, this new platform exclusively supports DDR3. What’s even more exciting is the fact that this new platform will adopt a new system bus structure – QPI (QuickPath Interconnect) which supports up to 6.4GT/s (3.2GHz) and a max bandwidth of up to 25.6GB/s (twice the bandwidth compared to current FSB 1600 standards). With such high specification standards, the P6T Deluxe truly looks set to unleash the ultimate in performance for hardcore PC users.

SAS Support for Server-level Storage
To match the supreme performance of the new platform, the ASUS P6T Deluxe will adopt the SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller to let users utilize SAS hard disks. These hard disks will provide higher data transmission speeds and better data storage reliability in comparison to current SATA interfaces; and could herald the start of a new standard for mainstream storage devices that caters to enterprise users. With this technological improvement, users will be able to connect 2 SAS hard disks to the P6T Deluxe without the need to purchase an extra SAS controller card. Performance-wise, an SAS hard disk gains a 39% improvement on PC Mark HDD Test benchmarks when comparing RAID 0 performances with SATA (supported by SB ICH10R) interfaces.

Real Power, Real Savings with 16-Phase Power Design
The P6T Deluxe adopts ASUS’ revolutionary 16-phase power design, and utilizes real hardware power regulation to guarantee genuine power efficiency and increased power efficiency. With this industry-leading design, the P6T Deluxe draws less power, operates at lower temperatures and delivers excellent performance – making the whole system more stable, and thus extends the life spans of key components such as the CPU and motherboard.

P6T Deluxe with DTS Proprietary Algorithms for Clear, Immersive Audio
The P6T Deluxe, much like selected ASUS Home Theater PCs, will utilize DTS SURROUND SENSATION ULTRAPC TECHNOLOGY* with proprietary DTS algorithms to provide professional level surround and cinema sounds. Able to create a center and rear channels even on two speakers or headphones, the P6T Deluxe with DTS SURROUND SENSATION ULTRAPC TECHNOLOGY will allow the listener to perceive sounds as if surrounded by audio from all sides for a fully immersive audio experience.

The DTS proprietary algorithms include: Dialog Clarity, which solves the problem of unintelligible dialog usually found in home theater environments through enhanced signal clarity; LFE Mixing, which mixes existing bass channel content into left and right stereo channels to allows users to obtain superb bass effects – even on two speakers or just headphones; and Bass Enhancement, which improves bass performance by utilizing proprietary psychoacoustic techniques to restore the perception of fundamental low-frequency tones – without the additional hardware costs of adding a subwoofer.

*DTS technologies are subject to product specifications and may require a driver update.

ASUS Rampage Extreme Motherboard

ASUS has for some time now had a very successful run with their Republic Of Gamer (ROG) motherboards, which started with quite humble beginnings and the Commando. Since then, the ROG brand has grown from strength to strength in the endeavour of providing the best hardware engineering; the fastest performance and innovation for PC enthusiasts the world over. ASUS' ROG motherboards could be considered the epitomy of a well rounded, high performing platform upon which to base your high-end system.

Today we have been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to review the X48-based ASUS Rampage Extreme, which is the latest offering from ASUS marketed towards the performance user or overclocking enthusiast. In fact, the ASUS Rampage Extreme is "Designed for overclockers" according to the manufacturer and if first impressions are anything to go by then I agree wholeheartedly.

Before we begin the review let's take a moment to consider what kind of images that the name Rampage Extreme conjures up...
According to the Meriam Webster Online Dictionary it defines Rampage as: a course of violent, riotous, or reckless action or behavior. Woohoo I'm interested already :D

And Extreme is defined as: a very pronounced or excessive degree.

Summing up the name 'Rampage Extreme' we can now settle with the knowledge that this motherboard should provide us with an overclocking experience to the 'enth degree. And if that's the case then sign me up and strap me in!

Swiftech Releases Apogee GTZ Processor Water Block

It's been awhile since something new and interesting was released on the watercooling front. But today watercooling king Swiftech is introducing Apogee GTZ, the company's new flagship water-block for processors.

Apogee GTZ outperforms both its Apogee GT and Apogee GTX predecessors, thanks to an entirely new design that pushes and refines both thermal and mechanical specifications to the limits of today's technology.

The new Apogee GTZ combines the benefits of direct coolant impingement over the CPU area with an entirely new CNC machined C110 copper base plate design which is primarily characterized by a pin matrix composed of 225 µm (0.009") micro structures.

This results in a 20% improvement in thermal resistance compared to the Apogee GTX. In real world, a comparison chart shows that when used to cool an overclocked to 3500MHz C2Q6600 processor with 1.5V, Apogee GTZ beats Apogee GTX with 8'C. By default Apogee GTZ is compatible with LGA775 sockets only, but for $9.95 you can purchase optional hold-down plates for Socket 603/604, 771, Socket 754, 939, 940, F and Socket AM2.

The Apogee GTZ water-block sells for $69.95.

NVIDIA Intros New Quadro Fx Notebook Family of Graphics Cards

Demand for better graphics performance and programmability within the professional notebook market continues to increase as animators, designers and engineers work with larger 3D models, datasets and images. NVIDIA Corporation, the worldwide leader in visual computing technologies, continues to address the demand with the introduction of a new series of NVIDIA Quadro FX mobile GPUs, featuring an NVIDIA CUDA Parallel Computing Processor. Leading workstation manufacturers such as Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP and Lenovo are now offering the new series of Quadro FX mobile GPUs across a wide range of professional notebook workstations.

Highlighting the flagship product of the series is the Quadro FX 3700M, with 128 CUDA Parallel Computing Processor cores, which offers an unprecedented 1 GB of dedicated graphics memory for graphics-performance hungry industries such as oil and gas exploration, mechanical design and digital content creation. Now, the power of a desktop workstation is available in a compact, notebook configuration.

"Design professionals who rely on the performance and features of a desktop workstation can now get this same level of performance in a notebook," said Jeff Brown, general manager, Professional Solutions, NVIDIA. "With the new Quadro FX 3700M visual computing solution, the notebook becomes a powerful workstation, allowing professionals to work anywhere, at any time, without sacrificing graphics quality or performance."

Engineered to deliver high-performance visualization of large datasets with extremely high image quality in an ISV-certified notebook platform, these notebooks also feature:

Up to 1 GB GDDR3 memory
Up to 256-bit memory interface
Up to 51.2 GBps graphic memory bandwidth
OpenGL 2.1, Shader Model 4.0, and DirectX 10
PowerMizer 8.0 adaptive power management tools

Additionally, the Quadro FX 2700M GPU, with 48 CUDA Parallel Computing Processor cores and 512 MB of GDDR3 memory, is an ideal graphics solution for 17-inch notebook platforms targeting high-end design and content-creation applications. The Quadro FX 1700M GPU with 32 CUDA Parallel Computing Processor cores, the Quadro FX 770M GPU with 32 CUDA Parallel Computing Processor cores, and the Quadro FX 370M GPU with 8 CUDA Parallel Computing Processor cores, are designed for 15.4-inch and 14.1-inch notebooks, which help round out the new Intel Centrino II-based platforms.

The complete line of NVIDIA Quadro FX notebook solutions is available worldwide through leading notebook manufacturers and workstation system integrators.

Intel Unveils Extensible Host Controller Interface Draft Spec to Support USB 3.0

Intel Corporation today announced the availability of the Extensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) draft specification revision 0.9 in support of the USB 3.0 architecture, also known as SuperSpeed USB. The xHCI draft specification provides a standardized method for USB 3.0 host controllers to communicate with the USB 3.0 software stack.


Interoperability among devices from multiple manufacturers is important for consumer adoption of SuperSpeed USB products. The Intel xHCI draft specification revision 0.9 supports compatibility among various implementations of USB devices and will make it easier to develop software support for the industry.

This specification describes the registers and data structures used to interface between system software and the hardware, and are developed to be compatible with the USB 3.0 specification being developed by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group. The Intel xHCI draft specification revision 0.9 is being made available under RAND-Z (royalty free) licensing terms to all USB 3.0 Promoter Group and contributor companies that sign an xHCI contributor agreement; information is available online from Intel Corporation at intel.com/technology/usb/spec.htm.

"The future of computing and consumer devices is increasingly visual and bandwidth intensive," said Phil Eisler, AMD corporate vice president and general manager of the Chipset Business Unit. "Lifestyles filled with HD media and digital audio demand quick and universal data transfer. USB 3.0 is an answer to the future bandwidth need of the PC platform. AMD believes strongly in open industry standards, and therefore is supporting a common xHCI specification."

"Dell welcomes the availability of Intel's xHCI specification because it provides a single interface standard that will expedite the industry transition to next-generation USB 3.0," said Rick Schuckle, client architecture strategist. "This interface standard is important to ensure that our customers have interoperable USB 3.0 systems, devices and software drivers."

"Microsoft has developed driver support for the USB industry standard since its inception and is committed to supporting the latest hardware technologies on the Windows platform," said Chuck Chan, Microsoft general manager of Windows Core OS. "Microsoft intends to deliver Windows support for hardware that is compliant with the xHCI specification; this is a huge step forward in enabling the industry and our customers to easily connect SuperSpeed USB devices to their PCs for exciting new functionality and usages."

"NEC Electronics has supported Intel's EHCI specification for USB 2.0 and WHCI specification for Wireless USB 1.0, and developed solutions based on both of these standards," said Hiroshi Iguchi, NEC Electronics vice president of its 2nd SOC Operations Unit. "NEC Electronics will now provide USB 3.0 solutions based on Intel's xHCI specification to ensure interoperability of our solution with multiple products from various manufacturers. As we have done for USB 2.0, NEC Electronics would like to lead the USB 3.0 market with our discrete USB 3.0 host controller."

Intel plans to make available a revised xHCI 0.95 specification in the fourth quarter. The updated revision of the specification will also be released under RAND-Z licensing terms via an xHCI adopter's agreement.

Montevina - At Last!

The debut of the long awaited Montevina platform finally made its way down to our local region after having been launched at San Francisco on 14 July. While we would love to have been there for the initial launch, Intel hasn't let the speed of the Internet slow them down one bit with an exciting launch event held at the One Degree 15 Marina Club over at Sentosa Cove. Before we go into details on the event itself however, let's take a quick review of what the Montevina platform actually is and how it will affect you, the consumer.


Intel has decided to brand the new Montevina notebook platform under the same Intel Centrino branding that most people are familiar with, but positioning the Montevina platform as the second generation, i.e. the Centrino 2. It isn't really accurate, as the Montevina platform is actually the fifth generation of the Centrino platform, but Intel's deliberate branding by using Centrino 2 to differentiate the current generation from the older platforms may be the right kind of touch it needs to compete against AMD's equivalent new Puma notebook platform.

Let's start with the basics first. The Intel Centrino 2 platform's favorite number is 45, as the new platform will support the latest 45nm Penryn/Wolfdale based processors (similar to the Santa Rosa refresh) but offers up to 1066MHz FSB support compared to the 800MHz FSB support of the Santa Rosa platform. 45 also used for their Mobile Intel G45 Express Chipset, which promises to deliver a whole load of performance boosts in 3D graphics and decompression/acceleration of HD videos, thanks to the newer integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics engine. The graphics engine also boasts of DirectX 10 capabilities for quality integrated graphics gaming performance, but well, let's be fair here, we don't expect Crysis to run on "Very High" settings.

Apart from these newer features though, the Montevina platform seems more like a gradual increment that we've all have been used to since the days of the Napa, with minor enhancements that continue to build on the previous platform. While 45nm may seem like a big deal in Intel's marketing scheme, the availability of Penryn/Wolfdale based processors have been on notebooks since the beginning of this year for the Santa Rosa Refresh platform. As such, we aren't really too excited (yet) about the newer platform and while we do want to test out the newer laptops featuring the Centrino 2 platform, we aren't really expecting much of a performance boost (but we're still keen on being surprised).



Seen at the launch too were the various notebook models from the vendors that have already started embracing the Centrino 2 platform. Some of these models were also sporting WiMax dongles that are an optional feature for Intel Centrino 2 laptops

Lenovo's 15-inch ThinkPad T500 allows the user to switch between using the onboard integrated graphics and the discrete ATI Mobility Radeon graphics.

Toshiba's Qosmio G50 which is using an Intel P8600 mobile processor which features an 18.4-inch Full HD panel and a NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT. Note the WiMAX dongle at the side.

HP's addition to the Centrino 2 platform was the 14.1-inch HP Pavilion dv4 which features a Blu-ray combo drive.
The ASUS G50V featuring the Montevina platform with a NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT and up to 8GB of DDR3 1066 RAM.

WiMax on the High Seas
As mentioned earlier, the Intel Centrino 2 platform comes with support for WiMax, the latest 4G broadband wireless technology that brings even more addictive Internet surfing experience to users on the go, being capable of easily covering entire cities and providing seamless surfing on-the-go. In Singapore, QMax is currently the sole WiMax provider and mainly caters to the marine industry but hopefully we should soon see more commercial usage soon. To fully experience WiMax, QMax took us out to sea while we surfed the World Wide Web on the newest Intel Centrino 2 laptops. Check it out.

Currently, QMax's WiMax coverage is currently only available for the southern parts of Singapore. This is due to the fact that QMax's WiMax currently caters to mostly the marine industry. Some parts of Singapore like the CBD areas are also covered.

In theory, you could probably drive around the entire island while still remaining connected with WiMax once the network infrastructure is fully deployed and the algorithms for base station transitions are up and running. QMax has said that they will soon be done with the migration of their older WiMax network to the newer version and will be able to provide their customers with a seamless Internet surfing experience. With that, we look forward to an even more seamlessly connected world without the interruptions and reconnections required on the current Wi-Fi networks.

OCZ Technology Unveils First Fatal1ty Brand DDR2 and DDR3 Memory

OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory and PC components, today announced the first memory modules available in their Fatal1ty Series after the partnership was announced last month. These high-performance memory kits were co-developed with the expertise of Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, 12-time World champion, to meet the specific needs of fellow gamers. OCZ Fatal1ty Professional Series kits are the official memory modules of Championship Gaming Series (CGS), and feature incredible performance to power through the latest PC titles and contribute to the success of professionals and everyday gamers.

“OCZ worked closely with Fatal1ty and his team to design new memory kits that pair perfectly with the top selling motherboards for a superior gaming experience,” commented Alex Mei, Chief Marketing Officer of the OCZ Technology Group. “Fatal1ty knows what it takes to win at the highest level of eSports, and these new kits deliver superior stability and performance to gamers whether you are a professional player on the Championship Gaming Series, or a weekend warrior looking to dominate when playing the latest titles.”

“The launch of Fatal1ty Brand memory is very exciting because I am working with OCZ Technology who makes top quality products,” says Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel. “Fatal1ty Gaming Gear is all about bringing equipment to the highest possible level to improve the gaming experience."

OCZ is dedicated to delivering premium gaming solutions that meet the unique demands of enthusiasts on all levels. Fatal1ty memory modules are designed to help deliver exceptional gaming visuals and overclocking potential to ensure that high-powered gaming PCs maintain unsurpassed stability. Featuring aggressive latencies, high densities up to 4GB, and blazing frequencies, Fatal1ty memory helps DirectX-10 PC games reach their full potential. Select Fatal1ty modules also feature EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) as an additional “plug and play” overclocking tool on DDR2 NVIDIA® gaming platforms.

The first memory kits to be introduced under Fatal1ty Professional Series line include:

OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 4GB Kits with CL 5-4-4-18 timings
OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 EPP-Ready 2GB Kits with CL 5-5-5-15 timings
OCZ DDR3 PC3- 10666 2GB/4GB Kits with 9-9-9-26 timings
Unleash the performance power of your gaming PC with Fatal1ty brand DDR2 and DDR3 memory. With the shared goal of strengthening the global gaming community, the OCZ Fatal1ty Series was tailored exclusively for the needs of gamers who require fast, reliable memory.

GeForce 9800M, 9700M Offer Performance and Energy Savings in a Broad Range

NVIDIA has released two lines of high performance graphics processors (GPU) for the notebook PC market, the GeForce 9800M series and the 9700M series. These are sub-classified into GT and GTS for the 9700M and GT, GTS and GTX for the 9800M. These new GPUs provide a wide range of options for manufacturers to choose from and design high-performance gaming and multimedia notebooks.

These 9800M GTX GPU is based on the same G92 core, and will outperform its previous generation 8800M GTX that also happens to be based on the same core. The rest are based on the G94 and the newer G96 cores. These GPUs are CUDA compliant and will be able to accelerate game physics using the PhysX API. They support NVIDIA Hybrid Power technology. Simply put, on notebooks with integrated graphics processors (IGP) along with these GPUs, the system will be able to switch over to the IGP when not gaming, and switch over to the GPU when heavy graphics tasks are running (such as gaming, 3D rendering, HD Video acceleration, etc.). Speaking of video, these GPUs support Powervideo HD technology, includes VP2 acceleration. There's no information on these GPUs' fabrication technology yet. Specifications provided below.

MSI Launches Montevina-based GX620 Notebook

MSI has launched the GX620 a Centrino 2-based notebook with the company's exclusive Turbo Drive Engine technology to enhance the speed of CPU. The GX620 includes the new ECO Engine power saving technology to extend battery running time. The ECO quick launch touch sensor allows consumers to switch among five different modes including Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office, and Turbo Battery.

GX620 features a 15.4-inch LCD display, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 3D graphics card and MSI's exclusive vivid image enhancement technology. GX620 also features Digital/Analog 5.1 Channel headphone output and SPDIF connection. The GX620 features Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, including Core 2 Duo processor and PM45 Express chipset, to deliver mobile solutions and provide HD capabilities, wireless connectivity, and long battery life for Blu-ray movie playback, highlighted MSI.

Intel Slashes the Prices of Several Core 2 Duo CPUs, Cuts the Price of C2Q6600

Pentium developer Intel, today slashed the prices of several Core 2 Duo processors, and most notably has slashed the price of its 65nm Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU. The price of Core 2 Quad Q6600 drops 14%, from $224 to $193 in 1000 units tray quantity. In addition to making its most popular quad-core CPU cheaper, Intel has also slashed the prices of three 45nm dual-core Core 2 Duos. The Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 is now 31% cheaper, from $266 to $183. Intel's Core 2 Duo E8400 and E7200 CPUs are now 11% and 15% cheaper, fixed at $163 and $113 respectively.