IT-Code-News: IT News HeadLines (TechConnect Magazine) 30/07/2009

Micron to provide more memory for servers
Well-known DRAM maker Micron has proudly announced that it has made the first DDR3 load-reduced, dual-inline memory module (LRDIMM) providing higher data frequencies and higher capacities.

The memory company says that the dual-inline modules make use of its 1.35V 2Gb 50nm-manufactured DRAMs and are equipped with Inphi's isolation memory buffer chip in place of a register to reduce the bus load when transferring data between the memory and processor. Micron's new LRDIMMs reduce the bus load by 50% for a dual-rank module and 75% for a quad-rank module, when compared to today's DDR3 registered DIMMs.

According to Micron, by using currently-available RDIMMs, a typical server system can accommodate up to three quad-rank 16GB RDIMMs per processor but, with LRDIMMs, the same system will be able to support up to nine quad-rank 16GB LRDIMMS per processor, pushing the memory capacity from 48GB to 144GB.

"With the rise in virtualization, our new 16GB modules allow customers to easily expand their memory capacity. While traditional RDIMMs limit the amount of memory that can be accommodated due to their loading profile, LRDIMMs eliminate that problem by reducing the module load," said Robert Feurle, vice president of DRAM marketing at Micron. "And because our LRDIMMs are designed using Micronأ¢آ€آ™s new low-power 2Gb-based 50nm DDR3 chips, which reduces module chip count, we are providing customers with a more cost-effective and efficient means to scale server memory capacity and performance, while also reducing the power levels."

Micron is currently sampling 8GB LRDIMMs and is planning to provide 16GB samples this fall, with 16GB LRDIMM mass production being scheduled for 2010.

SilverStone readies the GD03 HTPC case
SilverStone has just sent out word that very soon we'll be seeing its new GD03 HTPC case in stores. Seen below, the black chassis measures 425 (W) x 182.2 (H) x 436 (D) mm, weights 7.85 kg and has a front I/O panel with two audio, one FireWire, and two USB ports, two 5.25-inch bays and two hot swappable SATA hard drive racks.

Also providing five internal 3.5-inch bays (for even more storage), the case comes equipped with two 80mm fans at the back running at 2050 RPM and featuring a sound output of 21 dBA. The SilverStone GD03 should become available in the next couple of weeks and cost around 190 Euro.

Apple rolls out 2TB Time Capsule
Without much noise Apple has added to its online store a new Time Capsule model, one boasting 2TB of storage space. Providing wireless (802.11a/b/g/n) automatic data backup, the storage solution is priced at $499, which means the 1TB version got cheaper and can now be bought for $299.

The 2TB Time Capsule is in stock and ready for shipping so if you're interested, check out the Apple Store.

Acer Android netbook still set for Q3 release
After Intel's Pine Trail delay denial, another recent rumor has been cvasi-smashed, with Acer saying that it didn't push back the release of its Android netbook. A few days ago there was a report that, due to low projected demand, Acer decided to delay the introduction of its Android/Windows XP dual-booting netbook from August to a yet undetermined date.

Responding to the rumor, Acer (who apparently never said it aimed for an August release) said that it still very much plans to launch an Android-loaded netbook in this third quarter, which means it is coming in August or September. The exact specifications of the netbook are not confirmed but it's likely that Acer will use a SKU already available under the Aspire One series.

TSMC on the rebound in Q2
As hoped and expected, although starting 2009 really slow, TSMC has seen its sales and shipments surge in Q2, almost taking away the bad taste left by the Q1 results. The fab owner and potential Langwell maker has said that Q2 revenue was of NT$74.21 billion ($2.25 billion), up a massive 87.9% over the NT$39.5 billion (about $1.19 billion) reported in Q1, while net income topped NT$24.44 billion ($743 million), also significantly up when compared to the Q1 result (NT$1.56 billion /$47 million).

According to TSMC, advanced process nodes (0.13-micron and below) accounted for 65% of wafer revenues in Q2, with 90nm bringing 23% of wafer revenues, 65nm 28%, and 45/40-nanometer passing the 1% mark.

For the current quarter (Q3) TSMC has predicted a revenue between NT$88 billion ($2.67 billion) and NT$90 billion ($2.73 billion).

GlacialTech intros the Igloo 1050, 1100 LGA 1156-supporting coolers
Cool breeze harbinger GlacialTech has now announced the Igloo 1050 and 1100 series CPU coolers which feature support for Intel's upcoming LGA 1156 processors (and only for them. The aluminum-made 1050/1100 coolers measure 95 x 57 / 95 x 67 mm, weight 310 / 380 grams, are equipped with a 80mm fan and feature the following specs:

- 1050 Light - 2600 RPM (maximum fan working speed) | 35.5 CFM (airflow) | 25 dBA (sound output)
- 1050 Light(E) - 2600 RPM | 35.5 CFM | 25 dBA
- 1050 Light (2B ) - 2600 RPM | 35.5 CFM | 25 dBA
- 1050 - 3200 RPM | 44.1 CFM | 32 dBA
- 1050(E) - 3200 RPM | 44.1 CFM | 32 dBA
- 1050 (2B ) - 3200 RPM | 44.1 CFM | 32 dBA
- 1050 PWM - 3600 RPM | 50 CFM | 15 ~ 38 dBA
- 1050PWM(E) - 3600 RPM | 50 CFM | 15 ~ 38 dBA
- 1050 PWM (2B ) - 3600 RPM | 50 CFM | 15 ~ 38 dBA

- 1100 Silent - 2000 RPM | 26 CFM | 20 dBA
- 1100 Silent(E) - 2000 RPM | 26 CFM | 20 dBA
- 1100 Silent(2B ) - 2000 RPM | 26 CFM | 20 dBA
- 1100 Light - 2600 RPM | 35.5 CFM | 25 dBA
- 1100 Light(E) - 2600 RPM | 35.5 CFM | 25 dBA
- 1100 Light (2B ) - 2600 RPM | 35.5 CFM | 25 dBA
- 1100 - 3200 RPM | 44.1 CFM | 32 dBA
- 1100(E) - 3200 RPM | 44.1 CFM | 32 dBA
- 1100 (2B ) - 3200 RPM | 44.1 CFM | 32 dBA
- 1100 PWM - 3600 RPM | 50 CFM | 15 ~ 38 dBA
- 1100 PWM(E) - 3600 RPM | 50 CFM | 15 ~ 38 dBA
- 1100 PWM (2B ) - 3600 RPM | 50 CFM | 15 ~ 38 dBA

GlacialTech hasn't said anything about the release date or prices of the Igloo 1050 and 1100 coolers but we should find those out soon enough. Just five more weeks until the Lynnfield launch.

Igloo 1050

Igloo 1100

Lian Li unveils the PC-8N mid tower chassis
Skill case craftsman Lian Li has now presented its the newest creation, the PC-8N mid-tower case. Remind use of more simpler times, the black-painted aluminum chassis measures 210 (W) x 450 (H) x 490 (D) mm and weights 4.64kg, has four exposed 5.25-inch bays, front-placed audio and USB ports, and an anti-vibration HDD cage supporting up to three units.

The new case also has removable side, front and top panels, vented PCI brackets and two (front and rear) 120mm fans working at 1200 RPM. The PC-8N chassis is expected to start shipping at the end of August and cost $109 (without VAT).

Sony and Sharp finally sign deal on LCD joint venture
After over 18 months since announcing their intention to form a joint venture focused on large-sized LCD panel production, Sony and Sharp have now reached and agreement to make that happen. The first move leading to the formation of the JV was actually made on July 1st, when Sharp transferred its still in construction LCD plant in Sakai City, to its wholly-owned subsidiary Sharp Display Products Corporation.

On December 29 (2009), Sony will invest 10 billion yen ($105 million) in Sharp Display Products (SDP) and get newly-issued shares, thus turning the subsidiary into the LCD joint venture. Sony will continue to invest in SDP in the future so as by the end of April 2011, it will have a 34% stake in the venture.

According to the two partners, Sharp Display Products will be the first to use 10th generation glass substrates to produce large-sized LCD panels and modules that deliver the industry's highest levels of quality, cost and performance.

EIZO announces the FlexScan S2433W-H 24-inch LCD monitor
EIZO has now unveiled a new FlexScan LCD monitor aimed at professional users, the 24.1-inch S2433W-H. Coming in black and silver, the LCD can have its panel rotated at 90 degrees, features the EcoView function which automatically adjusts brightness depending on ambient lighting, and is able to reproduce 96% of the Adobe RGB color space.

Spec wise, the S2433W-H provides a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a 6ms response time, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a maximum brightness of 360 cd/m2, and has D-Sub, DVI and DisplayPort connectors. Backed by a five-year warranty, the LCD is expected to start shipping in September and cost about $1000.

Trillian Astra beta build 115 released
Cerulean Studios has just rolled out a fresh update for its Trillian Astra instant messaging application which is currently in open beta. The 4.0.0.115 build is a bug fixing release and comes to tackle the following issues:

[AIM] Avatars are sneaking out at 96x96 in certain situations
[MSN] Contacts' display names not updating in contact list
[MYSPACE] MySpaceIM Check for Mail Crashes Trillian Build 114
[TWITTER] Crash on connection
[Avatar] Reseting avatars to empty broke
[Message Window] Saving image captures with the wrong extension
[Widgets] Sped up some issues related to contact list widgets
[FACEBOOK] miscellaneous connections details not saving
[IRC] Connection settings not remembered across restarts

To get a taste of the highly-capable and multi-network-supporting IM program see this page for a download.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

IT News HeadLines (TechConnect Magazine) 30/07/2009

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