Tech News
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Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition Review @ Techgage
Published: Sunday, November 27, 2011 | By: DennisI was one of the lucky ones that had to buy this processor for launch, but you know I don't mind.
To those looking to build the biggest, baddest high-end PC around, the wait for Sandy Bridge-E was no doubt painful. But, it's finally here, and much to our expectations, Intel has once again solidified its position as the performance leader. So let's take a look at what it offers, and compare it to the i7-990X, i7-2600K and AMD FX-8150.
Sandy Bridge E is, by far, the most powerful architecture available but with only marginal overclocking ability. With any luck you'll be able to see this in our next motherboard review.
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NL: Review Block - Cases and Coolers
Published: Sunday, November 27, 2011 | By: DennisCases
- NZXT Tempest 410 PC Case @ Pro-Clockers
- Corsair Carbide 500R Case @ Rbmods
- Fractal Design Define XL Black Pearl Case Review @ Legit Reviews
- OC3D: CM Storm Trooper Review
- Silverstone Raven 2 Evolution USB 3.0 @ techPowerUp
- Cooler Master Storm Trooper Case Review @ Madshrimps
- Rosewill Ranger Mid Tower ATX Computer Case Review @ Tweaknews
- Antec Eleven Hundred (1100) Super Mid Tower Case Review
Coolers
- Noctua NH-C14 @ LanOC Reviews
- XSPC EX360 Radiator @ PureOverclock
- Prolimatech Panther CPU Cooler @ Pro-ClockersBe sure to check out our own reviews of Cases and Coolers, you might be suprised.
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Happy Thanksgiving
Published: Thursday, November 24, 2011 | By: DennisFor those of you in the United States Happy Thanksgiving.
. There will have some news items a little later today. In the mean time go eat some Turkey, watch the game and look forward to a great day of shopping tomorrow.On a related note Darren and I will be recording the next podcats in the next couple of days. If you have any questions be sure to send them in.
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Organization of the Artist - A simple management concept that works
Published: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 | By: DennisHere is a concept that I tend to live by when it comes to running web dev projects for my clients. It was never very popular with them since it didn't give them the opportunity to voice their opinions during the development stage but it allowed me to concentrate on delivering a good product and within their budget.
Gehry initially developed the concept of the organization of the artist as a reaction against what he calls the "marginalization of the architect/artist." Gehry explains:
There's a tendency to marginalize and treat the creative people like women are treated, 'sweetie, us big business guys know how to do this, just give us the design and we'll take it from there.' That is the worst thing that can happen. It requires the organization of the artist to prevail so that the end product is as close as possible to the object of desire [the design] that both the client and architect have come to agree on.While architecture isn't exactly the same as web development the concepts are almost identical, and you wouldn't believe how quickly projects can go sideways when your clients start asking for chances from the initial design. Yes, sometimes these changes are a good thing, and should be celebrated but that is not always the case. In those instances I have to ask, "if you are such an expert why did you hire me?"
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ASUS X79 Rampage IV Extreme Socket 2011 Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks
Published: Monday, November 21, 2011 | By: DennisVery much a pretty motherboard.
With Sandy Bridge E processors finally hitting retailer's shelves it was high time that we began looking at some X79 motherboards. The ASUS Rampage IV Extreme is currently one of the most expensive Socket 2011 boards around but it holds to the Republic of Gamers pedigree by offering a long list of features, some of which we have never seen before.
Of course the expansion card layout is almost identical to the Gigabyte X79 UD7 with a few "high-end" editions such as eight memory slots and the normal compliment of ASUS hardware and features.
Pay special attention to the OC Key since that might be the future of real time hardware based overclocking.
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NL: Review Block - The Three C's
Published: Monday, November 21, 2011 | By: DennisCases
- Lancool PC-K57 Review at Overclockers Online
- Antec Solo II Mid Tower Case Review @ ThinkComputers
- Fractal Design's Core 3000 enclosure
- Corsair Carbide Series 500R Mid Tower Case Review @ Hardware Canucks
- Antec P280 @ techPowerUp
- NZXT Tempest 410 Elite Review
- Antec Performance One P280 Midtower Case Review @ Legit Reviews
Cooling
- Alpenföhn K2 CPU cooler @ Hardwareoverclock
- Phobya Watercooling-Set for CPUs Review on Technic3D
- Corsair H100 Liquid Cooling @ Rbmods
Cards
- Sapphire HD6670 Low Profile Graphics Card Review @ HardwareHeaven -
Blue Snowflake Microphone Review @ Tech-Reviews
Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 | By: DennisWe use the Blue Yeti when recording the Ninjalane Podcast and while the Yeti is the ultra-high-end the Snowflake (and snowball) was on the list for consideration.
A good microphone can be used in all types of scenarios whether it’s recording a commentary on a Battlefield 3 video to just chatting to a friend on Skype. Today we have Blue Snowflake microphone to review. It’s a professional microphone in a very small package, so let’s see how it performs.
The nice thing about the Snowflake is its size and ability to be hidden away when not in use. Try to do that with the Yeti.
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QNAP TS-219P II Network Attached Storage Review @ APH Networks
Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 | By: DennisIt has been awhile since we last featured QNAP products so I'm glad to see they are still alive and kicking stuff around.
Normally I wouldn't bother posting this but the "quote" the review site sent over is rather comical.
According to Google, success is broadly defined as "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose". But what does it specifically mean to you? Back in the day, I have heard many individuals craving for lots of money to live well. Others have dreamed of owning many exotic cars. As for myself, I like to follow Albert Einstein's formula. "A + B + C = Success, if A = Hard Work, B = Hard Play, C = Keeping your mouth shut." If any one of those elements were taken out of the formula, success does not exist in my world. Personally, this has been very applicable with many tasks that I accomplish, especially when it comes down to important work that must be done, whether it be at school or at work. Missing hard work would lead to a low quality end product. Having no "play" will simply drive you up the wall. Lastly, keeping my mouth shut is how I personally get things done without getting distracted. Writing papers and delivering presentations with appropriate content is what makes the audience keep reading and paying attention from start to finish. When it comes down to technology, I apply the same concept in consumer products I obtain. I look for products that pack both quality and fun together, while being advertised in an elegant and presentable way. What we have here today is QNAP's TS-219P II network attached storage system. While maintaining its clean looks, it packs quite a big punch with the amount of features loaded for the end user. Despite its size, I'm sure this little guy wow you just as much as other products in the line such as the QNAP TS-559 Pro II reviewed by my colleague Jonathan not too long ago. Curious to what the TS-219P II can do? Keep reading to find out!
Oh ya. and really LONG..
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A Look Back: 3dfx Graphics Cards @ ThinkComputers
Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 | By: DennisThis reminds me of a "joke" review I did a few years back for April Fools.
I don’t know about you but when I first started to build my own computers all I wanted inside was a 3dfx graphics card. I’m not sure what it was, the awesome advertisements in PC magazines, the high price, or just the hype. Luckily I was able to build a few systems with 3dfx graphics cards before they went bankrupt and were eventually acquired by Nvidia. 3dfx definitely helped change PC gaming. 3dfx will probably always be remembered by computer and gaming enthusiasts so today we take a look back at the 3dfx graphics cards.
Some good info there for those of you looking down memory lane.
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Gigabyte GeForce GTX 570 Super Overclock Review @ Hardware Canucks
Published: Friday, November 18, 2011 | By: DennisDr00l over the SOC. Most overclockers prefer the lighting series from MSI due to the larger PWM but for me it's the lights and that the card doesn't break any of the industry standards for expansion card height.
But really it's the lights.
The GTX 570 may have been introduced over nearly a year ago (yes, it has been that long) but it is still one of the best graphics cards around when it comes to price / performance ratio. Gigabyte has taken it upon themselves to take this card to the next level by integrating it into their Super Overclock series. The resulting GTX 570 Super Overclock boasts high clock speeds and a $50 price premium over the reference version but its performance could go toe to toe against the GTX 580.
Decent overclocking results too and all without using any LN2.
