Archive for September, 2010

Nvidia’s GPU Technology Conference

Nvidia’s GPU Technology Conference

During this last week, I recently was lucky enough to attend a Nvidia’s GPU Technology Conference, which I’ll hereafter refer to as GTC.  GTC was focused primarily on Programming Nvidia’s GPU processors that are installed in several lines of their video cards. The most common & recognized by many is the GeForce line of graphic cards, made more for the average consumers & game enthusiasts.  The next line of cards discussed at GTC was the Quadro cards, with more of a tool for visualization industry, including design and animation.  The final card discussed at their show was the Tesla cards, made specifically for parallel computing and to take advantage of the many cores prevalent in the GPU processor architecture.

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Wednesday’s News Post! 9-29-10

Wednesday’s News Post! 9-29-10

The week is once again already half over! If you haven’t checked it out yet make sure you check out our review of the NZXT HALE90 750W Power Supply. Nice to see NZXT get back into the power supply game! Here is a quote from the review.

“It has been quite a while since we have seen a power supply from NZXT. Well they really have stepped things up with their latest line of power supplies called the HALE90 Series. Each of these power supplies features an 80PLUS Gold certification meaning they will run at least 87% efficient between 20% and 100% load and 90% efficient at 50% load. These power supplies also features a single +12V rail design, a 140mm fan, modular cables, and much more. Today we will be looking at the 750W version, which retails for $159.99.” Read On…

Now for the affiliate news…

Audio
Psyko 5.1 Gaming Headset @ PureOverclock

Cases
Cooler Master HAF 912 Plus Case Review @ HardwareHeaven.com
Antec LanBoy Air Case Review @ Hardware Secrets

Cooling
Corsair Air Series A50 Performance CPU Cooler @ TweakTown
Zalman ZM-NC3000U Ultra Quiet Notebook Cooler Review @ Bigbruin.com
Zalman VF3000F VGA Cooler for NVIDIA GF100 Series GPU Review @ Hi Tech Legion
Cooler Master V6GT Review @ UMLan

Memory
Kingston HyperX H2O PC3 16000 3x2GB Cas 9 Review @ OCC
2500MHz Patriot Viper-II Sector-5 Memory Kit @ Benchmark Reviews

Motherboards
ASRock 870iCafe AM3 Motherboard @ Pro-Clockers
Asus M4A88TD-V Evo/USB3 Motherboard @ Rbmods
Biostar TA870+ Motherboard @ iXBT Labs

Power
Thermaltake Toughpower Grand 750 W Power Supply Review @ Hardware Secrets

Storage
OCZ Vertex 2E 120GB SSD review @ HEXUS
CiragoTV Platinum CMC3000 Multimedia Player @ TestFreaks

Video
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 SLI versus ATI Radeon HD 5770 CrossFire @ Legit Reviews
Sparkle Geforce GTX480 Video Card @ TechwareLabs
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 – The Super-Affordable Fermi @ Techgage.com
PNY GeForce GTS 450 1GB XLR8 Review @ Hardware Canucks

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Arctic Cooling Arctic M551 Laser Gaming Mouse Review

Arctic Cooling Arctic M551 Laser Gaming Mouse Review

I have to be honest, when I agreed to review two mice for Bob the thought never occurred to me that they would be from Arctic Cooling, a company known for, well cooling products. I have owned several of their cooling products over the years and have never been disappointed, so I was looking forward to see how they would translate that experience into a mouse. They have released two mice that are geared to “professional gamers and experienced users”, the Artic M551 and Artic M571. Today we will be putting the Artic M551 through its paces.

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Techbargains Deals for 9-28-10

Techbargains Deals for 9-28-10

Computers & Peripherals:
Compaq Presario CQ5300F AMD Sempron 140 2.7GHz Desktop Computer (2GB/500GB) for $249.99 plus free shipping (normally $329).

25.5” Asus VW266H 25.5in Widescreen LCD Monitor (1920×1200, HDMI, 2ms) for $224.99 plus free shipping (normally $309 – use coupon code: EMCYXNP53 and use this form).

120GB OCZ Vertex 2 Internal SATA MLC Internal Solid State Drive (Trim, SandForce) for $185.99 plus free shipping (normally $259 – use coupon code: BTEYWNY28 and use this form).

2TB Western Digital Caviar Green 64MB Cache Internal SATA Hard Drive for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $199 – use coupon code: EMCYTZT162).

Intel Core i5-760 2.8GHz Quad-Core LGA1156 Desktop Processor (RETAIL) for $170.99 plus free shipping (normally $199 – use coupon code: EMCYTZT162).

Asus RT-N16 Gigabit 802.11n Wireless N Router w/ USB Storage, Printer & Media Server (DD-WRT) for $77.00 plus free shipping (normally $99 – use coupon code: EMCYXNP58).

Dell 2230d Monochrome Laser Printer w/ Automatic Duplexing for $119.99 plus free shipping (normally $199 – use coupon code: BJH92F7RMMV?2R).

Logitech G9x Wired Gaming Laser Mouse (Dented Box, Adjustable DPI/Weights/Grip) for $41.99 plus free shipping (normally $99 – use coupon code: logi_g9x_92810).

Asus TS Mini SOHO Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz Home Server (1GB/500GB HDD) for $194.99 plus free shipping (normally $399 – use coupon code: EMCYXNW89 and use this form).

Lenovo IdeaCentre A300 Intel Dual-Core T4400 2.2Ghz All-in-One Desktop (4GB/500GB/Wifi/TV Tuner) w/ 22in LCD for $649.00 plus free shipping (normally $999 – use coupon code: USPIDEAA300923).

30GB Kingston SSDNow V Series 2.5in Internal SATA Solid State Hard Drive (TRIM) for $59.99 plus free shipping (normally $99).

Patriot Viper II Sector 7 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3-1600 PC3-12800 Triple Channel Desktop Memory for $104.99 plus free shipping (normally $182 – use coupon code: EMCYXNW38 and use this form).

Gaming:
Sony Playstation 3 Slim 160GB Gaming Console for $269.99 plus free shipping (normally $299 – use coupon code: VDP247GZZSPBLH).

Microsoft Xbox 360 Slim New Gen 250GB Halo Reach Limited Edition Bundle for $359.99 plus free shipping (normally $399 – use coupon code: VDP247GZZSPBLH).

FIFA Soccer 2011 (Xbox 360, PS3) w/ $10 Walmart Gift Card for $59.96 plus free shipping (normally $69).

Medal of Honor: Limited Edition Game Pre-Order (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $59).

Home Entertainment:
55” Samsung UN55C6300 LED LCD HDTV (1080p, 120Hz, Newest Gen) for $1399.00 (normally $1999).

42” Panasonic VIERA TC-L42U22 LCD HDTV (1080p) for $549.95 plus free shipping (normally $749).

32” Sharp AQUOS LC32D47U LCD HDTV (720p) for $329.99 plus free shipping (normally $549).

Onkyo TX-NR708 7.2ch 110W/ch AV Receiver (3D-Ready HDMI 1.4, Network Ready, THX Certified) for $549.99 plus free shipping (normally $899).

Personal Electronics:
Pharos Drive 250US Portable GPS Navigator (4.3in, Text-to-Speech) for $59.99 plus free shipping (normally $129).

Sennheiser RS120 Wireless Stereo Headphone for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $89 – use coupon code: EMCYXNW55).

Dell Signature Backpack (fits laptops up to 16in) for $13.99 plus free shipping (normally $49 – use coupon code: 862RRF6QMVMZ3G).

Sennheiser HD555 Open-Air Circumaural Dynamic Stereo Headphones for $93.99 plus free shipping (normally $129 – use coupon code: ENDZONE10).

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The Mozilla Seabird Concept

The Mozilla Seabird Concept

Every once in a while something comes along that really opens your eyes to the potential technology has reached in the recent year. In the mobile market these eye-opening events happen more often because of the dramatic leaps that are made in such a short amount of time. Today I present you with a smartphone concept that could easily be made into reality.

The wonderful people over at Mozilla, the makers of the extremely popular internet browser, Firefox, started a division“…where people come together to create, experiment, and play with new Web innovations and technologies.” They call this playground Mozilla Labs. This is the place where “Crazy ideas and inspirations are encouraged as we all explore and experiment with brand new ideas in whole new ways. Mozilla Labs is about inspiring and harnessing the intelligence, wisdom, and energy of the Mozilla community”. So, basically this is a division of Mozilla meant to push the envelope of creative design with technology, something that we love at ThinkComputers.

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NZXT HALE90 750W Power Supply Review

NZXT HALE90 750W Power Supply Review

It has been quite a while since we have seen a power supply from NZXT. Well they really have stepped things up with their latest line of power supplies called the HALE90 Series. Each of these power supplies features an 80PLUS Gold certification meaning they will run at least 87% efficient between 20% and 100% load and 90% efficient at 50% load. These power supplies also features a single +12V rail design, a 140mm fan, modular cables, and much more. Today we will be looking at the 750W version, which retails for $159.99.

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OCZ Technology Continues to Drive Solid-State Drive Prices Down With the Launch of Onyx 2

OCZ Technology Continues to Drive Solid-State Drive Prices Down With the Launch of Onyx 2

SAN JOSE, CA—September 27, 2010—OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) and memory modules for computing devices and systems, has unveiled the OCZ Onyx 2 Series, a 2.5 inch SSD with superior affordability designed for mainstream desktops and mobile systems. Offering a faster and more durable alternative to traditional hard drives in a cost-efficient solution, the Onyx 2 delivers excellent performance with lower price per gigabyte than that of other comparable drives on the market.

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Techbargains Deals for 9-27-10

Techbargains Deals for 9-27-10

Computers & Peripherals:
15.6” Toshiba Satellite L650D-ST2N01 AMD Phenom Quad-Core P920 Laptop (4GB/500GB) for $649.00 plus free shipping (normally $799).

15.6” Acer Aspire AS5734Z-4725 Intel Dual-Core T4500 2.2GHz Laptop (3GB/320GB/Win7) for $379.99 plus free shipping (normally $499).

Agestar USB 2.0 / eSATA Hard Drive External Docking Station for $16.99 plus free shipping (normally $23).

23” Dell Ultrasharp U2311H IPS LCD Monitor for $239.25 plus free shipping (normally $99 – use coupon code: L0C?QB9$865114).

1.5TB Seagate FreeAgent Desktop USB 2.0 External Hard Drive for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $149).

Galaxy GeForce GTX460 768MB HDCP PCI-E Video Card (DirectX 11, 3D Ready) for $149.99 plus free shipping (normally $199 – use this form).

2TB Seagate Barracuda LP (Low Power) 2TB Internal SATA Hard Drive for $94.99 plus free shipping (normally $179).

Logitech Z-5500 500W Digital 5.1 Speaker System (THX-Certified) for $249.99 plus free shipping (normally $399).

Gaming:
Sony Dualshock 3 Playstation 3 Controller and Resistance 2 Video Game Bundle (PS3) for $49.96 (normally $69).

Nintendo DSi Portable Gaming Console + BrainAge Game for $129.99 plus free shipping (normally $199).

Gears of War 3 Game Preorder + $20 eGift Card for $59.96 plus free shipping (normally $79).

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Limited Edition Game for $46.99 plus free shipping (normally $59).

Microsoft Xbox 360 S Slim Newest Generation 4GB Gaming Console (802.11n Wifi) for $179.99 plus free shipping (normally $199).

Medal of Honor: Limited Edition Game Pre-Order (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $59).

Home Entertainment:
40” Curtis LCD4065 LCD HDTV (1080p) for $514.66 plus free shipping (normally $699 – use coupon code: AFL4COUPON).

Jamo S 406 HCS 1 5.0ch Black Home Theater Speaker System for $199.88 plus free shipping (normally $249).

42” Haier HL42XD2 LCD HDTV (1080p) doe $479.99 plus free shipping (normally $699).

32” Dynex DX-32L150A11 LCD HDTV (720p) w/ Tivo Premiere HD DVR for $399.99 (normally $699).

Personal Electronics:
Viore PLC7V96 7in Portable LCD TV $49.99 (normally $99).

Olympus FE-3000 10MP 3X Digital Camera for $65.28 plus free shipping (normally $119 – use coupon code: AFL4COUPON).

TomTom XL 350TM Portable GPS Navigation (4.3in, Text To Speech, Lifetime Traffic AND Maps) for $159.99 plus free shipping (normally $229).

AT&T GoPhone Pay As You Go Cell Phone No Contract – Nokia 2330 for $7.99 plus free shipping (normally $119).

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Monday’s News Post 9-27-10

Monday’s News Post 9-27-10

Well the week starts again! Make sure you check out our review of the Corsair A70 Performance CPU Cooler! Here is a quote from the review:

“Corsair is a company known for their memory, but recently they have gotten into the CPU cooler market and have created a great series of cooling, both air and water-cooled. Today we have the opportunity to check out Corsairs top performing air cooler, the Corsair A70. About a month ago we had the chance to check out their other air cooler, the A50. How well will they perform against each other? Read on further to find out.” Read On…

Now for the affiliate news…

Cases
AZZA Hurrican 2000 Gaming Tower @ Pro-Clockers
Lian Li PC-Q11 Mini-ITX @ techPowerUp
Xion Predator AXP970-001BK @ LanOC Reviews

Cooling
ZEROtherm ZT-10D Premium CPU Cooler @ TweakTown

Displays
Sharp LC-46LE820UN Review @ Digital Trends

Gaming
Arctic M551 Gaming Mouse Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Memory
Mushkin Blackline PC3-12800 Review @ XSReviews
OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 8GB Gold Edition Ram @ TestFreaks

Processors
Intel Core i5 670 CPU Review @ Technic3D

Storage
WD Scorpio Black 500GB Notebook Hard Drive Review @ Legit Reviews
Western Digital – Velociraptor 600 GB Hard Drive @ TechwareLabs
QNAP TS-859U-RP 8-Drive Rackmount NAS @ TweakTown
OCZ Enyo USB 3.0 SSD Review @ HardwareHeaven.com
Mushkin Mulholland 16GB & 32GB Flash Drive Review @ OCC
Thermaltake BlacX 5G HDD Docking Station @ Techgage.com

Systems
Asus G73 Republic Of Gamers Laptop Review @ Kitguru
Gateway FX 6840-01e Desktop Gaming System Review @ OCIA.net

Video
Galaxy GeForce GTX 480 Super OC 1536MB Overclocked @ TweakTown
MSI N460GTX HAWK GeForce GTX 460 @ Benchmark Reviews

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Thermaltake Mobile Fan 12 Review

Thermaltake Mobile Fan 12 Review

Have you ever been working at your computer or laptop and felt a little hot? Being hot and uncomfortable makes working hard and you are less productive. I’ve had this happen to me on numerous occasions. Thermaltake has just the thing for this problem; they call it the Mobile Fan 12. It is a 12cm fan that sits on your desk and is powered by USB; there is even a speed control knob. Let’s take a look and see if this product is worth the $19.99 price tag.

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