Tech News

• ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO (Intel LGA 1150) @ techPowerUp

  Published: Monday, July 15, 2013 | By: Dennis

  Is it just me or does it seem that ASUS has started releasing more motherboard versions than before?  I have also noticed that the "gold" boards haven't featured in many reviews lately.

  

  New to the ASUS ROG line-up, the ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO is for those looking to get that high-end ROG "GENE" experience in a full ATX format, but does stretching the GENE also stretch the HERO's ability too thin, or has the ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO come to save the day?

  GENE was a good motherboard type, compact and powerfui.  Out of all the MicroATX motherboards I have reviewed I did like that one the best.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• Chassis makers reducing notebook business

  Published: Monday, July 15, 2013 | By: Dennis

  It would seem that notebooks are going the way of stuff that is going away.

  Seeing notebook demand gradually weakening, chassis makers have turned their focuses to non-notebook product lines, trying to minimize the impact. Catcher Technology has successfully reduce its notebook product line's revenue contribution to below 40% and the percentage is expected to rise slightly in the second half.
  
  Chassis maker Ju Teng is also expected to see the revenue contribution from its tablet business rise significantly from 4-5% in 2012 to 20% in the second half of 2013, dropping its notebook business' proportion to only 80%.

  This isn't good.  Consider that most large businesses have started issuing laptops to their employees for the following reasons.

  • portable
  • easy to replace
  • smaller 
  • do everything a desktop does. 

  Some content producers are still issued workstation machines but overall there is a reduction of desktop PCs across the board in favor of notebooks.  Now there is a global demand reduction for notebooks in favor of tablets.

  I wonder, where is all of this demand? Could it be that people buy more than one tablet device and never upgrade their laptop/notebook?  Ya thats it, thanks Intel and Microsoft you are doing the world an awesome job. 

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• The 7 Types of Hashtag Abusers - An editorial for awareness

  Published: Saturday, July 13, 2013 | By: Dennis

  Now that hashtags have been added to Facebook you have to wonder how people will use them, or in this case abuse them.  Here is an editorial talking about the 7 types of abusers while I don't fully agree with the first one I do think that a person doing "air hashtags" is pretty darn stupid and speaks to their level of mentality.

  2. The Verbal Hashtagger
  
  Someone who actually says the word “hashtag” in conversation. Exhibit A: Kasey, the Bachelorette contestant, who charms women with phrases — spoken out loud! — like “hashtag marriage material” and “hashtag let the journey begin.” If a Verbal Hashtagger is hiking Machu Picchu, say, he might observe the ancient ruins, feel overwhelmed with emotion, and say, “Hashtag…. breathtaking.”

  I suspect there will be more of this in the coming months/years, at least until someone comes up with something better.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• The 7 Types of Hashtag Abusers - An editorial for awareness

  Published: Saturday, July 13, 2013 | By: Dennis

  Now that hashtags have been added to Facebook you have to wonder how people will use them, or in this case abuse them.  Here is an editorial talking about the 7 types of abusers while I don't fully agree with the first one I do think that a person doing "air hashtags" is pretty darn stupid and speaks to their level of mentality.

  2. The Verbal Hashtagger
  
  Someone who actually says the word “hashtag” in conversation. Exhibit A: Kasey, the Bachelorette contestant, who charms women with phrases — spoken out loud! — like “hashtag marriage material” and “hashtag let the journey begin.” If a Verbal Hashtagger is hiking Machu Picchu, say, he might observe the ancient ruins, feel overwhelmed with emotion, and say, “Hashtag…. breathtaking.”

  I suspect there will be more of this in the coming months/years, at least until someone comes up with something better.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 1866 MHz C10 2x 8 GB @ techPowerUp

  Published: Thursday, July 11, 2013 | By: Dennis

  Oh yes, my favorite local company once again sending products around the world for review.   What I really find interesting is that TPU mentioned Computex considering I was there and didn't see Crucial anywhere.

  Crucial expanded their line-up a short while ago at Computex by introducing the Ballistix Sport XT product for mainstream users and those who know how to tweak their memory. We take a look at the high-end 1866 MHz C10 model, which carry a few surprises.

  The memory does look really good and was tested at 1866Mhz @ CAS10.  The CAS rating is kinda slow but the speed isn't bad especially at 1.5v. During their overclocking test they were able to hit 2133Mhz with the same voltage and only a few timing tweaks.

  Sadly no lights.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• New CYBERPOWERPC Zeus HTPC Series - The Ultimate HTPC

  Published: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 | By: Dennis

  CITY of INDUSTRY, CA (July 9, 2013) – CyberPower Inc. www.cyberpowerpc.com, a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs,  today announced the Zeus HTPC, a sleek new series of Windows-based home-theatre PCs that can double as your primary desktop.
  
  The Zeus HTPC combines the compact and stylish design of a home theatre system with the power and performance of a gaming PC. The Zeus HTPC is your DVR, enthusiast home theatre PC, gaming console and DVD/Blu-Ray Player all in one thin micro-ATX chassis that fits perfectly in your home theatre stack or on your desk. The chassis utilizes a passive cooled heatsink technology paired with razor fins for maximum heat dissipation and minimal noise. CYBERPOWERPC will offer six Zeus HTPC models.

  
  
  
  The Zeus HTPC is a multimedia monster powered by your choice of a 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor or AMD APU to provide easy access to all your favorite multimedia applications from PC gaming and movie streaming to surfing the web. Combined with discrete graphics with the AMD Radeon HD 7750 users can dive into the latest PC gaming titles in full HD and beautifully rendered graphics in rich detail.
  
  CYBERPOWERPC took special care to ensure the Zeus HTPC is seen and not heard. The system delivers silent operations even at maximum loads with its passively cooled chassis and optional silent edition video card. The only thing users will hear is the crisp sound of their game, movie or TV program and not annoying background fan or system noise.
  
  In spite of its sleek design, which measures just 17.125x15.35x2.75 inches (L× W×H), the Zeus HTPC is the quintessential multi-purpose system with a host of features, including Windows Media Center compatibility. The Zeus HTPC’s on-board IR receiver makes it easy and convenient to connect the system to you favorite remote. Buyers also have the option of adding the InfiniTV Cable Tuner card or other TV tuner options, which can record live TV in high definition. The Zeus HTPC can record up to four channels simultaneously so you can watch want you want when you want.

  The Zeus TV Pro A100 powered by an AMD APU is priced at $699 and features:

  • AMD A8-6400K Quad-Core CPU
  • 8GB System memory
  • 1TB 7200 RPM HDD
  • Slot-loading DVDRW
  • 802.11n WiFi
  • Media Center Remote
  • Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard with built-in Touchpad

  The Zeus TV Pro i100 powered by a 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor starts at $895 and includes:

  • Intel® Core™ i5-4430 Quad-core Haswell CPU
  • 8GB system memory
  • 2TB 7200 RPM HDD
  • Slot-loading DVDRW
  • 802.11n WiFi
  • Media Center Remote
  • Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard with built-in Touchpad

  All six Zeus HTPC models can be customized with a number of performance hardware and component upgrades such as CPU/GPU upgrades, solid state drives, hard drive, performance gaming memory, gaming peripherals, business productivity software, and more at the company’s website, www.CYBERPOWERPC.com.
  
  All CYBERPOWERPC gaming PCs include an industry best 3-year limited warranty.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• New CYBERPOWERPC Zeus HTPC Series - The Ultimate HTPC

  Published: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 | By: Dennis

  CITY of INDUSTRY, CA (July 9, 2013) – CyberPower Inc. www.cyberpowerpc.com, a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs,  today announced the Zeus HTPC, a sleek new series of Windows-based home-theatre PCs that can double as your primary desktop.
  
  The Zeus HTPC combines the compact and stylish design of a home theatre system with the power and performance of a gaming PC. The Zeus HTPC is your DVR, enthusiast home theatre PC, gaming console and DVD/Blu-Ray Player all in one thin micro-ATX chassis that fits perfectly in your home theatre stack or on your desk. The chassis utilizes a passive cooled heatsink technology paired with razor fins for maximum heat dissipation and minimal noise. CYBERPOWERPC will offer six Zeus HTPC models.

  
  
  
  The Zeus HTPC is a multimedia monster powered by your choice of a 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor or AMD APU to provide easy access to all your favorite multimedia applications from PC gaming and movie streaming to surfing the web. Combined with discrete graphics with the AMD Radeon HD 7750 users can dive into the latest PC gaming titles in full HD and beautifully rendered graphics in rich detail.
  
  CYBERPOWERPC took special care to ensure the Zeus HTPC is seen and not heard. The system delivers silent operations even at maximum loads with its passively cooled chassis and optional silent edition video card. The only thing users will hear is the crisp sound of their game, movie or TV program and not annoying background fan or system noise.
  
  In spite of its sleek design, which measures just 17.125x15.35x2.75 inches (L× W×H), the Zeus HTPC is the quintessential multi-purpose system with a host of features, including Windows Media Center compatibility. The Zeus HTPC’s on-board IR receiver makes it easy and convenient to connect the system to you favorite remote. Buyers also have the option of adding the InfiniTV Cable Tuner card or other TV tuner options, which can record live TV in high definition. The Zeus HTPC can record up to four channels simultaneously so you can watch want you want when you want.

  The Zeus TV Pro A100 powered by an AMD APU is priced at $699 and features:

  • AMD A8-6400K Quad-Core CPU
  • 8GB System memory
  • 1TB 7200 RPM HDD
  • Slot-loading DVDRW
  • 802.11n WiFi
  • Media Center Remote
  • Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard with built-in Touchpad

  The Zeus TV Pro i100 powered by a 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor starts at $895 and includes:

  • Intel® Core™ i5-4430 Quad-core Haswell CPU
  • 8GB system memory
  • 2TB 7200 RPM HDD
  • Slot-loading DVDRW
  • 802.11n WiFi
  • Media Center Remote
  • Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard with built-in Touchpad

  All six Zeus HTPC models can be customized with a number of performance hardware and component upgrades such as CPU/GPU upgrades, solid state drives, hard drive, performance gaming memory, gaming peripherals, business productivity software, and more at the company’s website, www.CYBERPOWERPC.com.
  
  All CYBERPOWERPC gaming PCs include an industry best 3-year limited warranty.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• NL: Review Block - Random Stuffs Part Dux

  Published: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 | By: Dennis

  Sometimes some reviews coming along that baffle the mind, they are just so out there that you cannot fathom and they say being able to fathom is rather important.

  Storage
  - Western Digital Se 4TB Review @ TechwareLabs
  - Icy Box IB-WF200HD @ Rbmods

  Epic Chassis Design
  - Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 @ techPowerUp
  - Cooler Master N400 Computer Case @ Modders-Inc

  Cooler
  - NZXT Kraken X60 All-in-One Water Cooler Review @ Madshrimps

  Power Supply
  - Thermaltake SMART M750W Power Supply Review @ APH Networks

  Elitist Video Cards
  - Palit GeForce GTX 780 Super Jetstream review

  More web reviews after a click from our sponsor.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• Cooler Master Storm Havoc Gaming Mouse Review @ Techgage

  Published: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 | By: Dennis

  The other day I was playing a little Borderlands 2 and thought to myself. Would a different mouse change my experience with this game?  After some deep thought and a few reverse kill streaks on a raid boss I came to the conclusion that the only difference it would make is if didn't work or didn't exist.

  Of course what that has to do with this review, I have no idea.

  In our review of CM’s Sentinel Advance II gaming mouse last year, we found it to be a feature-filled product that was also comfortable to use, but it fell short of earning our wholehearted recommendation. This time around, we've got the SA II’s direct replacement, Havoc. Will the new kid on the block surpass its predecessor?

  Nice looking mouse though, form fitting and with a great name.

  Full ArticleVisit Website

• Inside the Box: A look at Borderlands 2 Mission Editor

  Published: Monday, July 8, 2013 | By: Dennis

  Articles like this are really good on a number of levels.  First you get to see a glimpse into what it takes create a mission after it has been storyboarded.  This would include actual game programming and take into account art direction (at some point).  This is followed up with a look at actual game engine programming and how things are timed.  The one thing I have discovered about games after playing Borderlands 2 is that no matter how good the level design is there are always repeated elements based on "time".  For instance when you have completed the game every time you visit the "Bank" in Sanctuary you hear Lilith, Brick and Mordecai talking about what to do next. 

  This happens every time and its because the game time hasn't advanced.  Every time you come back after exiting the game the interaction is reset.  This quote kinda sums it up.

  

  If the level just loaded was Sanctuary, but Hunting the Firehawk isn't yet complete, then the Lilith that lives in Sanctuary is destroyed. This is because even though her Pawn is placed in the Sanctuary level, the story says she isn't supposed to be there yet. Likewise, if the level just loaded was Frostburn Canyon, but this mission is complete (i.e. the story says she's moved to Sanctuary), then the Lilith in Frostburn Canyon is destroyed. Don't worry, I'm told the process is humane and she doesn't feel a thing.

  The article is a little long but worth a read if you are interested, or just love all Borderlands 2 related stuff.

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