http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/front3.jpg
XSPC AX Radiator Desk Stand Review
One of the biggest limiting factors in what you can do with watercooling is how much room you have in your case. With so much equipment to pack in for watercooling alone, space ends up being one of the chief concerns for builders and modders. And the single biggest limiting factor: how much radiator one can fit. Radiators are large, bulky, and inflexible in how they need to be installed. This can easily lead to the builder having to sacrifice cooling surface for space. There is a solution to this problem though; external radiator stands. And if you have chosen to use XSPC’s AX series of radiators, then you’re in luck. Today we will be looking at the AX Radiator Desk Stand from XSPC.
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/phantom630.jpg
Win a NZXT Phantom 630 Case!
It is summer time and it is the perfect time to give you, our readers some free hardware! We have teamed up with our friends at NZXT to give away a brand new NZXT Phantom 630 Case! This Ultra Tower not only looks good it has room for quite a lot inside like long graphics cards, XL-ATX Motherboards, 8 hard drives and a lot of watercooling! Like many of our contests we will be running this one on Facebook and it is extremely easy to enter!
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/reactormod.jpg
Case Mod Friday: ReactorMod
Welcome to another Case Mod Friday showcase! This week we have a builders ReactorMod build. Here is what he had to say about it: It's a modded Chieftec BX-03 case. I wanted to make it look like it's quite old and kinda shabby. I was thinking about this build for quite a long time, so I managed to collect some cool stuff that I've found on a nearby scrap yard (e.g. switch or steel sheet that I used to make the radiator cover). I also used some spare parts that I had lying around.
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/front2.jpg
Enermax Triathlor FC 550W Power Supply Review
Enermax is a brand whose strong product is their power supplies, especially when it comes to the high-end spectrum. Their Platimax and MAXREVO units are some of the best out there. But these units are not cheap in terms of cost. Enermax knows not everyone has a ton of cash to throw at a new power supply so they have created the Triathlor series of power supplies. There are actually the Triathlor and Triathlor FC units. The Triathlor units are lower wattage and non-modular and the Triathlor FC units are higher wattage and are modular. Today we are checking out the Triathlor FC 550W unit which is 80PLUS Bronze certified and offers quiet operation.
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/front1.jpg
SilverStone ARM22SC ARM Two Dual LCD Monitor Mount Review
We mainly know SilverStone for their cases and for good reason, they are high quality and look great. What if SilverStone took that same quality and put it into a LCD monitor mount? Then you would have what we are reviewing today which is the ARM Two ARM22SC dual LCD Monitor Mount from SilverStone. LCD arms are a great addition to any computer setup, especially if you are using a multi-monitor system. The ARM22SC is constructed with robust aluminum alloy and steel so this is a heavy duty piece of hardware. It will support two displays with VESA mounts. Read on as we get this installed and see how it transforms our desk.
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/XIOS_DS_main2.png
Win a Pivos XIOS DS Media Player!
Pivos is a company we have been working with lately and they make some pretty cool little media players. We have already reviewed their XIOS DS media player and it is a very unique device. Pivos was nice enough to give us one to give away to our readers! Just like all of our contests this one is very easy to enter and we will be running it on Facebook? So what are you doing get out there and get your entry in!
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/blackandwhite.jpg
Case Mod Friday: Black and White
Welcome to another Case Mod Friday showcase! This week we have Christian Black and White build. Here is what he had to say about it: Well this is the first time I do something like this, and it really is interesting the world of case modding the project is BLACK AND WHITE and really was a design chosen because I began to paint the cabinet only and one thing leads to another as in all cases and was thinking of some ideas for covers.
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hdd-history.jpg
The History Of The Hard Drive
In 1953, engineers in IBM's California-based laboratory invented the very first hard drive. Since that first disk drive, technological advances have been made at an astonishing rate, with data capacity increasing and size and price decreasing exponentially, year on year. 60 years on, the hard drives of today are unrecognizable from the first models, which took up an entire room. Hard drives today are measured in terms of gigabytes and terabytes, rather than megabytes-an amount of data that would have been almost unimaginable in the early history of computers. Here we take a look back at the evolution of the hard drive as it grew from 5MB to 4TB.
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/front.jpg
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 Review
Lenovo has been making headlines with their IdeaPad Yoga. It is a tablet convertible that can be used as a laptop as well. There are 11-inch and 13-inch models. While the larger 13-inch model has the choice of Intel Core processors, the 11-inch does not and is rather powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 3 platform. Today we will be taking a look at that unit which does offer a very sleek and slim design, responsive 11.6-inch touchscreen, Lenovo’s patent-pending hinge design that allows the screen to flip completely over and it is running Windows RT. Let’s check it out!
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/viroid.jpg
Case Mod Friday: ViRoiD
Welcome to another Case Mod Friday showcase! This week we have Ben's ViRoiD build. Here is what he had to say about it: Pictures speak louder than words. Getting a 690 to fit in a prodigy is not a big deal until you start thinking about watercooling it, and a cpu, and ram. I wanted a color that matched the p8z77-i, and blue was the ticket. The orange case was chosen because of its location opposite of blue on the color wheel. Modding the front of the case to fit the 200mm rad was fun, plus it gave me some extra materials to make some psu covers with.

Archive for May, 2011

Techbargains Deals for 5-16-11

Techbargains Deals for 5-16-11

OUR FAVORITE DEAL OF THE DAY!
OCZ Vertex 2 60GB Internal MLC Solid State Drive (TRIM, Sandforce Controller) for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $179 – use this form).

Computers & Peripherals:
17.3” HP dv7tqe Intel Core i7-2630QM Quad-Core Sandy Bridge Laptop w/ Blu-Ray for $874.99 plus free shipping (normally $1249 – use coupon code: NB4151).

20” AOC E2043FK WLED-Backlit LCD Monitor for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $129).

14.5” HP ENVY 14 Intel Core i5-480M 2.66GHz Laptop (4GB/500GB/Radeon HD5650) for $799.99 plus free shipping (normally $999 – use coupon code: NB4692).

Dell Vostro 460 Intel Core i5-2400 Quad-Core SandyBridge Desktop w/ 20in LCD for $649.00 (normally $916).

1TB Seagate FreeAgent Go Portable External Hard Drive for $74.99 plus free shipping (normally $119).

Microsoft H5D-00001 LifeCam Cinema 720p High Definition Webcam for $39.99 (normally $59).

Corsair H60 Water Cooling Universal CPU Cooler (works w/ Sandy Bridge) for $54.99 plus free shipping (normally $71 – use this form).

100-Pack Imation 4.7GB 16X DVD+R Blank Media for $9.99 (normally $34).

OCZ Vertex 2 60GB Internal MLC Solid State Drive (TRIM, Sandforce Controller) for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $179 – use this form).

Gaming:
PlayStation 3 Move Bundle + $20 BB Gift Card for $79.99 (normally $149).

Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor + Kinect Adventures + Dance Central for $128.99 (normally $189).

Sony Playstation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Controller for $35.99 (normally $59).

Logitech Harmony Adapter for PS3 for $31.99 (normally $59).

Home Entertainment:
55” Insignia NS-55E560A11 LED LCD HDTV (1080p) for $999.99 plus free shipping (normally $1499).

32” Dynex DX-32E150A11 32in LCD HDTV (720p) for $299.99 (normally $399).

Sony BDP-S270 Blu-Ray Player (REFURB, Netflix Streaming) for $59.99 (normally $99).

LG LHB536 5.1 3D-Ready 1100W Blu-ray Home Theater System (Built-in Wifi) for $349.00 plus free shipping (normally $1499).

Personal Electronics:
Plantronics Backbeat 903+ Plus Bluetooth Headset for $34.99 plus free shipping (normally $99).

Best Buy dSLR Roundup (Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21MP dSLR $2124).

Sony Alpha A330 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (REFURB) w/ 18-55 Lens for $319.99 plus free shipping (normally $549).

Apple iPod Nano Touch 8GB MP3 Player (REFURB) for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $149).

+Continue Reading

Monday News Post 5-16-11

Monday News Post 5-16-11

Ah we start another week here at ThinkComputers. Make sure you check out our review of the OCZ ZX Series 850W Modular Power Supply. It packed an 80 PLUS Gold certifications, is completely modular and has a 5 year warranty!


“OCZ has recently released its latest power supply offering in the ZX Series of power supplies. These power supplies effectively replace the Z Series power supplies in the Maximum Performance sector and off an 80 PLUS gold certification, a single +12V rail, modular design and an impressive 5 year warranty. 80 PLUS gold certification means this power supply will run 87% efficient at 100% load. 80 PLUS gold is the second highest certification given to power supplies only out-done by the 80 PLUS Platinum certification. Today we will be taking a look at the 850W version of the ZX Series power supply.” Read On…

Now for the affiliate news!

Cases
Lian Li PC-C50B HTPC Chassis Review @ eTeknix.com
Corsair Obsidian 650D Mid Tower Case Review @ TweakTown
Antec Sonata IV Mid-Tower Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Cooling
Swiftech Polaris 120 CPU Cooler Review @ OCIA.net

Gaming
Speedlink Strike FX Wireless Gamepad Review @ XSReviews
Steelseries Siberia V2 Gaming Headphones Review @ Hardware Canucks

Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws-X Series PC3-17000 16GB Kit Review @ TweakTown

Processors
AMD Phenom II X4 980 BE 3.70 GHz @ techPowerUp

Storage
ADATA Nobility N005 16 GB USB 3.0 @ techPowerUp
ADATA S511 240GB SSD Review (Sandforce 2281) @ Kitguru
Samsung Spinpoint F4EG EcoGreen 2Tb Hard Drive Review @ The SSD Review

Motherboards
MSI Z68A-GD80 (B3) Motherboard @ Hardware Secrets
ASRock Z68 Pro3 (Intel Z68) Motherboard Review @ TweakTown
ECS HDC-I Mini-ITX Fusion Board Review @ Madshrimps
ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Motherboard Review @ Legit Reviews

Video
HIS 6790 IceQ X Turbo Graphics Card @ Viperlair
MSI N560GTX-Ti Hawk Review @ OCC

+Continue Reading

Zalman CNPS9900 MAX CPU Cooler Review

Zalman CNPS9900 MAX CPU Cooler Review

Zalman is well known for their vast array of quality cooling products and today, that’s no exception. Today we get to take a look at the Zalman CNPS9900 MAX CPU Cooler, which can come with either red or blue (we have) LEDs. Its circular design features a dual heatsink design with a centered 135mm ultra quiet fan. This goes along well with its black-pearl nickel plating all over the cooler. With this cooler keep up with the cooling quality of Zalman? Read on further to find out.

+Continue Reading

OCZ ZX Series 850W Modular Power Supply Review

OCZ ZX Series 850W Modular Power Supply Review

OCZ has recently released its latest power supply offering in the ZX Series of power supplies.  These power supplies effectively replace the Z Series power supplies in the Maximum Performance sector and off an 80 PLUS gold certification, a single +12V rail, modular design and an impressive 5 year warranty.  80 PLUS gold certification means this power supply will run 87% efficient at 100% load.  80 PLUS gold is the second highest certification given to power supplies only out-done by the 80 PLUS Platinum certification.  Today we will be taking a look at the 850W version of the ZX Series power supply.

+Continue Reading

Gaming Friday: TrackMania Nations Forever

Gaming Friday: TrackMania Nations Forever

We here at ThinkComputers are very avid gamers. So each Friday we will be covering a game that should help you get through the weekend. The games will range from new games to classics that we still love to play. They also are not limited to justPC games either. If you have a game you think we should cover check out the Gaming Friday thread in the forums.

Today we will be telling you about the highly addictive racing game TrackMania Nations Forever. This free, yes free game can be found on steam and is all about fun. If you are looking for a driving sim this is not it, in this game you zip around the track in a formula 1 car at blazing speeds without all the technical details you would find in a sim. Interested? Read on to see what this game is all about!

+Continue Reading

Techbargains Deals for 5-12-11

Techbargains Deals for 5-12-11

OUR FAVORITE DEAL OF THE DAY!
Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3-B3 Intel Z68 LGA1155 ATX Motherboard w/ USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s for $119.99 (normally $199).

Computers & Peripherals:
13.3” Toshiba Portege R835 Intel Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz Sandy Bridge Laptop (3lbs!) for $799.00 plus free shipping (normally $999).

MSI H61 Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz SuperCombo for $271.99 plus free shipping (normally $359).

20” Dell IN2020M LED-Backlit LCD Monitor for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $159 – use coupon code: XF5HVGGWW4K?LR).

XFX Radeon HD5750 1GB HDCP PCI-E Video Card for $69.99 (normally $154 – use this form).

Logitech G9x Wired Gaming Laser Mouse (New in Dented Box) for $41.99 plus free shipping (normally $99 – use coupon code: logi_g9x_51111).

Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3-B3 Intel Z68 LGA1155 ATX Motherboard w/ USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s for $119.99 (normally $199).

LG WH10LS30 10X Internal Blu-ray Burner w/ LightScribe Support for $69.99 plus free shipping (normally $199).

Gaming:
Microsoft Kinect Sensor w/ Kinect Adventures Game for $125.09 plus free shipping (normally $149 – use coupon code: EMCKEJH29).

Home Entertainment:
40” Samsung UN40C5000 40in LED-Backlit LCD HDTV (1080p) for $749.99 plus free shipping (normally $899).

32” Samsung LN32C550 LCD HDTV (1080p) for $399.00 plus free shipping (normally $799).

Sony STR-DH510 5.1ch 100W/ch Home Theater Receiver for $149.99 plus free shipping (normally $199).

+Continue Reading

ASUS RT-N56U Dual-band Gigabit Wireless-N Router Review

ASUS RT-N56U Dual-band Gigabit Wireless-N Router Review

ASUS must’ve recently hired a pro designer, their latest devices have been superbly attractive. This trend has continued with the RT-N56U Dual-band Gigabit Wireless N Router. Hands down, it is the best looking piece of networking equipment ever created. After the initial attraction subsides and you start to trust the RT-N56U with your day to day networking activities, you’ll find that it isn’t just a good looking device, it also has stable and consistent performance. The RT-N56U packs the speed, features and scalability to fit into any home or small office network. Check out the full review for all of the gritty details.

+Continue Reading

Wednesday News Update!

Wednesday News Update!

The news post for today is quite large! Let’s see what’s going on around the web!

Cases
Cooler Master Storm Enforcer Mid Tower Chassis Review @ TweakTown
Silverstone Raven RV02-E White Ltd Edition Review @ OC3D

Gaming
Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Z3RO-G 5600DPI Gaming Mouse Review @ Kitguru
Plantronics Gamecom X30 Xbox Review @ XSReviews

iPhone / iPad
Griffin Technologies Elan Folio Slim for iPad 2 Review @ Virtual-Hideout

Memory
Patriot Viper Xtreme Division 2 DDR3-1600MHz (2 x 2GBs) Kit Review @ The SSD Review

Motherboards
ASRock Z68 Extreme4 (Intel Z68) Motherboard Review @ TweakTown
Gigabyte G1.Assassin Socket 1366 Motherboard @ Pro-Clockers
MSI P67A-GD80 (B3) Review @ Neoseeker
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO @ PureOverclock
ASUS P8Z68V PRO Intel Motherboard @ Benchmark Reviews
ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Motherboard Review @ Hi Tech Legion
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO Z68 Sandy Bridge Motherboard Review @ Hardware Canucks
Gigabyte Z68X UD5 B3 Motherboard Review @ eTeknix.com
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD4-B3 @ techPowerUp

Storage
OCZ IBIS 240GB Review @ ocaholic
Mach Xtreme GX 16 GB USB 3.0 @ techPowerUp

Video
MSI Radeon HD 6950 2GB Twin Frozr III PE OC’ed Video Card Review @ TweakTown
AMD Radeon HD 6570 512 MB Video Card Review @ Hardware Secrets

+Continue Reading

How to Start a Tech Site Webinar

How to Start a Tech Site Webinar

Have you ever wanted to do what we do here at ThinkComputers? We get e-mails all the time from people asking how they can start a tech site. It is hard to answer that question many times, well tomorrow (5-12-11) we will be teaming with John Chow, Stephen Fung and Gary Ng to explain how you can start a tech / review blog or site. Anyone can do what we do, it just takes some hard work and the right direction. Read on to see how you can register for this webinar.

+Continue Reading

Patriot Supersonic 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive Review

Patriot Supersonic 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive Review

USB 3.0 has really been catching on.  Every new motherboard coming out has USB 3.0 connectivity and almost all the new cases have front-mounted USB 3.0 ports.  USB 3.0 is 10 times faster than USB 2.0, but the only devices that can truly take advantage of this speed is solid state drives and flash drives.  Today we will be looking at a 32GB USB flash drive from Patriot dubbed, “Supersonic”.  Let’s check it out!

+Continue Reading