News

The FX5600 is a hard card to place. Leadtek bundles a bunch of good stuff and packs it with VIVO features. Is this good enough for your hard earned cash? Read on to find out.Next Page »

I stumbled across this article which basically spelled out a good portion of what I had to learn by tedious trial and error.
Beginner's Home Network Guide.

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Networking, or connecting computers together to share information, has long been one of the more difficult areas of basic computing to get a grasp on, mainly because it is one of those points at which the generally friendly user interface of your average Windows box starts showing cracks, or possibly gaping holes ready to swallow up the unsuspecting user.

The RIAA has been a lot more irate in their attacks against piracy because it's much more common. But what about the software companies? Well they just struck a major victory on July 4th against a well-known software pirate. See, calm, quiet persistance is more effective than annoying, loud-mouthed empty threats.

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Lewisham Council Trading Standards and the BSA conducted the joint investigation into the activities of Bilal Khan, 23. Khan was being investigated for selling counterfeit software online, including popular products from Adobe, Macromedia and Microsoft.

Alot of reviews in my email this morning. And, I don't know what I'm doing up so early... I'm going to finish my Leadtek Video card review by Monday.

Steelpad 4s @ Viperlair. I didn't like it.
Zonet Router @ PCA.
Samsung 17in LCD @ MTB.
AOpen Springdale @ DVH.
Enermax hulk PSU @ 3DGM.
Abit IC7-G @ Hexus.
Gigabyte Radeon 9600 Pro @ PC Stats.
Xpider case @ OCA.
Vantec ION PSU @ ET.
Free stuff @ Viperlair.
Compro TV tuner @ Myworld.

The United States is 227 today! If you would like more information about this day, Here is a link to a bunch of resources for your reading. Today was the day that the declaration of independence was signed.

Yeah! The USA is 227 years old today!

CM Musketeer @ Metku.
Abit NF7-M @ ClubOC.
Asus 655FX @ PimpRig.
Free stuff @ Xtremods.
Cable organizers @ Casemodgod.
Sunbeam CC @ Voidedwarranty.
WinDVD Recorder @ TTZ.

Remember that July 4th is tomorrow! This website may not be updated for a day or two, but don't worry, we're having a blast!

Chenming case @ Pimprig.
Spire heatsink @ PCStats.
Albatron 5600P @ PCStats.
OCZ Dual 256MB PC3200 @ 3DGM.
Samsung 17inch LCD @ ET.
Crucial Dual PC3200 @ MonkeyReview. Here also.
800Mhz P4 roundup @ OCA.
Gigabyte Nforce 2 @ Short-media.
Asus KT600 @ AMDZone.
P4 3.0C @ Tweaknews.
Epox Springdale @ Hexus.
Intel Tejas pics @ Hexus.
Asus KT400 @ MBReview.

It seems that the portable market is doing well. I'm sure many people think about just buying a notebook instead of a desktop. If all you're doing is word processing and spreadsheets, there is no need for a big desktop.

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The increase in unit sales offset a decline in average selling price. The average price of a notebook sold at retail during May fell to $1,294, Baker said. That figure, a $75 decline from April and a year-over-year drop of more than $250, marks the first time that average notebook prices have fallen below $1,300, Baker said.

My apologies for little news posting, been very busy with articles and version 3 work. I almost have the forums workable...

MS Sidewinder USB @ Modtown.
Abit IS7-Max2 @ Viperlair.
Sony PC @ Designtechnica.
TT Xaser 3 @ TTL.
Abit NF7 v2 @ AthlonXP.
Antec Lanboy @ ClubOC.

If you haven't checked out the Crucial Memory article, please do! I have even more stuff to review and even more stuff coming! Thanks peeps for making it all happen (makes me have a tear in my eye).

PC Toys mousepad @ PimpRig.
Abit NF7 v2 @ Nexushardware.
CM ATCS @ Hexus.
Aopen new BIOS @ DVH.
Hard drive cooler @ Ascully.
Another mousepad @ ET.
Shuttle NF2 XPC @ Hexus.
Cold Cathode @ Metku.
MML Coverage @ Lanaddict.
Red UV Case @ OCIA.
DET comparisons @ CyberCPU.
DFI Canterwood @ OCA.

Still marketed under the Itanium 2 name, the new processor boasts a 50% increase in performance over the previous generation. In short, costs are steady, prices are up. Intel is making a nice chunk of money in the server market.

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The chip debuted Monday under the Itanium 2 name, along with new versions of the Xeon processor for midrange servers. Madison offers roughly 50 percent better performance over its most recent predecessor, according to Intel, and is already rated highly against the best chips audited benchmark tests.

Articles and reviews are just flying off lately! The latest one dives into Dual Channel Crucial Memory.



Read it all here. We've got even more stuff coming in for review. And remember that this week is Fourth of July Weekend (For us in the USA).

I just put up a Crucial Memory review, please check it over and give me some feedback.

CDRW DVD @ MTB.
DFI KT400a @ Short-Media.
MSI FX5900 @ Hexus.
P4 OCing @ VR-Zone.
Abit IS7-G @ ClubOC.
PSU airflow @ Techjuice.
Vantec Nexus @ ClubOC.
Vantec Nexus @ PCA.
Samsung Home theator system @ TTZ.
Motherboard designs @ MBreview.

In the modern world of faster and faster CPUs, you need some RAM that can handle very high FSB speeds. Crucial steps forward to provide the RAM you need. Read on to find out more.Next Page »

My Dad's birthday is today. Gotta do some stuff.

CM Aero 7 @ OCIA.
PC Silencing @ 3DV.
RazorX @ MTB.
Radeon vs Geforce @ OCA.
AMD Barton 3000+ @ Furioustech.
Iceburq4 @ TTL.
Shuttle AN35 @ Hexus.
Albatron FX5600 @ ClubOC.
Intel PAT roundup @ VR-Zone.
AIW Radeon 9000 Pro @ Viperlair.

We have our bimonthly guide to our picks for budget, midrange, and highend home systems for this month.



Read it here. I'm a bit behind schedule in reviews. I've got some nice Crucial memory and a Leadtek FX 5600.

Nothing witty or remarkable to say just now. Maybe I'll edit this later with something... Prob not.

AGP aperture size @ CyberCPU.
Keyboard @ MTB.
OCing the Opterton @ AMDZone.
KT600 @ Hexus.
PC Case @ PCA.

Home systems are back for the month of June. Cheaper and cheaper the high end systems get each month with much better specs. Read it to find out my picks for the systems this month.Next Page »

Silent PC Review has two recent PSU reviews:

proSilence PCS-350W Fanless PSU: It's the first drop-in FANLESS drop-in replacement for an ATX12V PSU! Completely totally silent. Naturally we subject the silent wonder to every torture in the SPCR test lab.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/goto.php?t=s&id=90&a=1

Nexus NX-4000 400W PSU: The follow-up to its successful NX-3000 power supply is a higher power 400W model called... the NX-4000! We put the Nexus NX-4000 PSU through the grinder in SPCR's torture chamber and find out if it stays mum (quiet) and strong (stable).
http://www.silentpcreview.com/goto.php?t=s&id=88&a=1

Mike Chin
editor/publisher
mikec@silentpcreview.com
http://www.silentpcreview.com

I'm going down the shore for half the day tomorrow, so if you need to reach me... You can't! Drop me some emails, I'll get back to you.

Geforce FX 5600 Ultra @ 3DV.
Mobile rack @ Short-Media.
FIC 9200 @ OCA.
Asus nForce 3 @ AMDZone.
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro @ Hexus.
EPIA M10000 @ Techseekers. Here also.
Enneya GF4 MX 440 @ MyWorld.
Zalman PSU @ 3DGM.
KT400a Roundup @ Hexus.
OCZ PC3200 @ Viperlair.
Maxtor 160GB @ Extensiontech.

Awhile back I posted some news about a shortage of IP shortages in Asia. It seems those allegations are false.

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He said that around five blocks of "slash eight," or /8, addresses are consumed worldwide each year. Each block allows for 16 million host addresses. There are 100 blocks still available in the current IPv4 (IP version 4) system--enough for 20 years, or perhaps fewer when 3G, or third-generation, phones take off, but certainly more than the two years predicted by doomsayers, he said.

You have read about parts and seen cool stuff happen with computers. Find out how to build your own computer step by step with good pictures! Beginners are always welcome.Next Page »

My new system should arrive today. I also have a few projects to work on. I'm going to submerge a computer in water and see if it runs. Take that!

P4 3.2Ghz @ VRzone
Athenatech case @ TTL.
CM Keyboard @ 3DGM.
UV cables @ ET.
MSI FX5600 @ Viperlair.
MSI MegaPC @ Hexus.
Fully submerged computer @ Pimprig. But not in water!

We have our bimonthly guide to our picks for budget, midrange, and highend gaming systems for this month. I handled it this month.



Read it here. Home systems are coming... Wed! And, a review popping up on Friday. Don't forget something coming out tomorrow! Crazy week.

Check out the budget, mid-level, and top notch gaming system reccomendations for this month. Yeah, MY recommendations.Next Page »

New drivers posted today! Monday, June 23. I will be updating mine... when I build my new computer, which won't be till tomorrow. The damn car inspection took so long, I missed the FedEx person.

Download them here.

Even though most people are running over 3.2Ghz, Intel released the official 3.2Ghz part today. There are some reviews in the news post below.

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The 3.2GHz Pentium 4 will likely be the fastest desktop chip on the market for a few months. The Pentium 4 has already opened a slight gap over the rival Athlon from Advanced Micro Devices, according to benchmark testers, and AMD is not expected to come out with another desktop chip until September when the Athlon64 debuts. PCs containing AMD chips often sell for less than do computers running Intel chips of the same speed.

My brand spanking new system comes today! I'm planning on doing at least three articles on it. And, the system guides this week. So, I have about 3-4 articles coming out this week. OMG! Busy busy.

Game Accelerator BIOS @ Viperlair.
Erhgo Driver Keyboard @ PCA.
Transfer Panel @ TTL.
SATA Rack @ ClubOC.
Albatron nForce 2 @ MyworldHardware.
Free stuff @ Casemodgod.
Steel Pad 4S @ MHW. Here also.
GTA Vice City @ Madshrimps. Here also.
Danger Den WCing @ Reviewnation.
A nice wood case @ Voidedwarranty.
Toshiba PPC @ Tweaknews.
BFG FX5900 U @ OCA.
Free stuff @ Hightekpc.
Compcases @ TWL.
Intel 3.2Ghz @ Hexus.
DFI Lanparty @ AMDZone.
Intel 3.2 Ghz @ HWE.
Trust USB Hub @ Modtown.

Well, I got some nice things for review soon. Good hardware. Look for it next week and the system guides are popping out also. I am forced to do both the gaming and home systems.

DFI Lanparty KT400a @ OCA.
Vantec Nexus @ HightekPC.
Gigabyte KT400a @ AMDZone.
Abit IS7-G @ 3DGM.
Asus PPC @ HWA.
Seagate interview @ HWextreme.
Vantec ION PSU @ ClubOC.
TT VGA Cooler @ ET.

Three years down the road for the second version of the Xbox. Incase you don't remember, it is built around a Intel P3 733Mhz. That CPU is aging fast.

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Game consoles typically run on a five-year life cycle, which means market leader Sony would be due to replace its PlayStation 2 in 2005. But Sony executives, while refusing to make any commitments for a PS2 successor, have indicated that the Cell processor expected to power the PlayStation 3 is taking longer to develop than expected. Sony also recently announced an interim update to the PS2, the PSX home-entertainment appliance, that should add some new life to the brand, according to Peter Glaskowsky, editor in chief of industry newsletter Microprocessor Report.

It's funny, PC's have about a year and a half lifespan tops.