Tech News
-
Intel i7 4790 Haswell Refresh Slower than previous Gen 4770K? @ Madshrimps
Sounds like there may be a small hiccup with the i7 4790 processors interacting with the Z97 motherboard that could be causing it to run slower then predicted.
Today is NDA day for Intel's brand new Z97 platform. Sadly there will be no launch article on MadShrimps; simple reason is because we have experienced some issues with the current Haswell refresh processors on our Z97 testbeds. MadShrimps has tested Z97 with the 4770K and did a comparison between Z87 and 297. That data is ready and was ready to be published, however the outcome we got when briefly testing the i7 4790 from the brand new refresh range is concerning to say the least. Time for a brief explanation of what happened today...
It wouldn't be the first time a product has stumbled a little out of the gate, but it doesn't appear to be earth-shattering in scope, and now knowing the issue should help in crafting a solution. Now all we can do is wait for a response. -
Tt eSports Level 10 M Hybrid Gaming Mouse Review @ HiTech Legion
Interesting new mouse design from Tt eSports, taking end-user customization to a new level. Now instead of the normal physical adjustment points that we're seeing now with flagship models such as changing the weight, or adjusting the height and length of the finger and palm rests, now you can decide whether you want to even run it with a cord or not.
It makes sense, providing a single solution to meet multiple demographics of user now. They don't need to release a seperate wireless model, or a seperate gaming model, since they all fit into one package now that you can modify quite extensively to fit your playstyle.
The Thermaltake TTeSports Level 10 M Hybrid gaming mouse is the answer. The Level 10 M Hybrid is a combination wired and wireless mouse (hence the hybrid) that uses a 5.8G USB dongle for the wireless transmission. Thermaltake has built the Level 10 M Hybrid for durability using a solid aluminum base to build upon.
-
ioSafe 214 Fire and WaterProof NAS Video Review @ Madshrimps
Burn safes have been around for ages, it was only a matter of time until someone got the bright idea to turn one into a network storage device. With how much of our lives are now kept filed electronically as well as on paper, it would make sense to ensure that the bytes are protected as well, as part of a disaster recovery scenario.
In this digital age we no longer keep our entertainment on physical media, almost everything is available from a network attached device. Photo albums, home movies, financial information, legal documents and more is not safe from disaster on your PC or on-site backup HDD. Placing a HDD inside a safe does protect your precious data but requires proactive updates on your end. ioSafe provides a product that's water and fireproof, which is available online and based on the popular and successful Synology DSM.
-
Fractal Design Node 804 Case Review @ HiTech Legion
I must say that I'm intrigued by this case, and not just because the split chassis design reminds me of the packaging from the McDonald's McDLT (it keeps the hot side hot, and the cold side cold). It's no secret that smaller form factor PC's generally have to be more mindful of the generated heat, given a smaller cubic footprint to vent that heat out. How manufacturers continue to innovate in order to combat this within the confines of the space alloted will be something to watch for.
The Fractal Design Node 804 is a dual chamber chassis that supports micro ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. The Node 804 has been designed to separate typically hot components like the motherboard, processor, and GPU from cooler components such as your HDD and power supply.
-
CYBERPOWERPC FANG Mini Series Puts Desktop PC Power in the Palm of Your Hand
Just announced recently, Cyberpower is unveiling their champion in the Small Form Factor arena, the FANG Mini.
By focusing on compact, efficient design, the FANG Mini series delivers desktop-level performance in a system that measures just 4.5 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches. This tiny PC will fit comfortably in a crowded entertainment center in your living room, tucked away on the back of your computer monitor via the included VESA bracket, or unassumingly sit on your desk next to your keyboard and mouse.
-
Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card Review @ Madshrimps
With the increase of mainstream acceptance of PCs infiltrating the family rooms and offering competition where game consoles typically claimed sole dominance, adding an external sound cards/controllers to your setup can offer a convenient way to give your sound quality a boost. Or they're generally small enough to go mobile as well, and give your laptop a little quality nudge while on the road.
Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB card from Creative is a nice addition on systems which not support installation of internal solutions, being available on both Windows and OS X platforms. Even if the device has a small footprint, we do get connectivity for 5.1 systems, optical, but also integrated dual-microphone array along with an extra 3.5mm jack Mic-in and Line-in.
-
XSPC Razor R9 290/290X Full Cover Cooling Block Review @ HiTech Legion
There's no denying that this current generation of video cards are some of the hottest around, both figuratively and literally. While water cooling these cards traditionally has been the working realm of the enthusiast, manufacturers now appear to have started embracing more mainstream use of this effective cooling option through aftermarket bolt-on water blocks, to just having it plumbed and ready to go straight out of the factory (in the case of the new 295X for example).
AMD’s new R9 290 and 290X have proven to be hot running components and XSPC has a full cover Razor Block set to cool them down. The XSPC R9 290/290X Razor is installed simply on any reference design, and targets not only the GPU, but the VRM and memory as well for a complete cooling solution. The heart of the Razor is a solid copper contact plate with liquid channeling to all major PCB components and direct contact on the PCB side.
-
Asylum: Review Block - Video Cards
As the days count down until Computex, AMD appears to have been busy, and we've seen their video cards getting a lot of attention and press time recently as they respond to NVIDIA's launch of the 780 series. So we've lined them up and popped the hoods to give you a glimpse at the newest generation of AMD hardware in store for you.
AMD Radeon R9 295X2 8 GB @ techPowerUp
MSI Radeon R9 290X Lightning 4 GB @ techPowerUp
MSI R9 290X LIGHTNING Review @ Vortez
Sapphire Vapor-X R9 280X (Refresh) Video Card Review @ HiTech Legion
Sapphire Radeon R9 270 2GB Dual-X Edition Video Card Review @ HiTech Legion
GIGABYTE GTX 750 Ti OC Review @ Vortez -
PNY Optima 240GB SSD Review @ Tweaktown
Slow booting PC got you in the dumps? Well, good news is on the way. PNY has a few new rebates offered on their value branded Optima 256GB SSD drives to give that computer a swift kick in the pants, without putting a large dent in that tax return.
PNY has the two lowest priced 256GB class SSDs on Newegg. One we've seen before and the other is new. Chris tells us about the new SMI controlled Optima.
-
Buy EVGA GeForce GTX - Get Watch_Dogs!
Do you remember video cards used to come bundled with video games? EVGA remembers and is offering a copy of "Watch Dogs!" when you buy select EVGA branded video cards GTX 660 and above.
April 29th, 2014 - In a world of smart technology, you need smarter weaponry—GeForce GTX graphics cards. Now for a limited time, you can get Watch_Dogs free with purchase of an EVGA GeForce GTX graphics card (GTX 660 and above).
Take your fight to the streets with a whole new level of performance, ingenuity, and technology including exclusive NVIDIA® TXAA™ antialiasing for stunning graphics, HBAO+, and 4K Surround™ for the most immersive experience. Also, share your greatest Watch_Dogs moments with GeForce Shadowplay™ and get one-click settings optimization and driver support with GeForce Experience™ technology.
Watch_Dogs™ on GeForce GTX. The Way It’s Meant to be Played..
About EVGA
EVGA is the #1 NVIDIA authorized partner in channel sales throughout North America and UK. Based on the philosophy of intelligent innovation, market knowledge, and the real time operation, EVGA continues to identify the need in the market place and providing the solution to that need. By offering product differentiation, 24/7 tech support, a 90 day Step-Up program, and other customer focused programs, EVGA is a clear leader in all categories: etail, retail, distribution, and system integration. With headquarters in Brea, CA, EVGA’s global coverage includes EVGA GmbH in Munich, EVGA LATAM in Miami, and EVGA Hong Kong. For further information online about EVGA, visit: http://www.evga.com
