
WD overtakes Seagate in HDD shipments :: Posted by THRASHER2
51.1 million drives in Q1
Western Digital has managed to outpace Seagate in hard drive shipments and for the first time in three decades it has managed to grab the top position in the storage industry.
Seagate vs. WD is one of the truly great IT rivalries and over the past years and decades both outfits have had their fair share of ups and downs. However, Western Digital seems to have the upper hand in most market segments at the moment and Q1 sales clearly show that it is pulling ahead of Seagate.
According to iSuppli, WD shipped 51.1 million units in Q1, while Seagate managed 50.3 million. WD thus finished the quarter with a 31.3 percent market share, while Seagete trailed with 30.9 percent. Hitachi is also doing well. It's share rose 13.9 percent and it grabbed 17.6 percent of the market, while Toshiba/Fujitsu and Samsung account for 10.7 and 9.5 percent respectively.
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WD overtakes Seagate in HDD shipments :: Reply by evasive
So even buying Maxtor (and thus Connor) has not given them enough production sites to outpace WD. Nice...
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Cooler Master reveals the Elite 370 mid-tower case :: Posted by THRASHER2
For those who want a case that's affordable but not cheap Cooler Master has constructed the Elite 370 mid-tower featuring a clean and classic black design that measures 190 (W) x 424 (H) x 481 (D) mm and weights just 4.7kg thanks to the use of 0.5mm SECC steel.
The new, low-cost chassis includes three exposed 5.25-inch bays, tool-free installation for optical drive and HDDs, a front I/O panel with audio and USB 2.0 ports, dust filters for the top and bottom intakes and one 120mm exhaust fan at the rear. Also, part of the motherboard tray has been cut out so as to enable easy installs of coolers that require a backplate.
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Mach Xtreme anounces MX-Starter solid state drive duo :: Posted by THRASHER2
Mach Xtreme Technology has this week revealed the newest addition to its flash-based storage offer, the MX-Starter line of 'entry-level' 2.5-inch solid state drives that boast a SATA 3.0 Gbps interface and utilize MLC (multi-level cell) NAND memory chips.
The MX-Starter drives feature 64MB of cache, a MTBF (mean time before failure) of over 1 million hours, TRIM and Garbage Collection support, and read and write speeds of up to 100 MB/s and 60 MB/s, respectively. These SSDs will be available in 32GB and 64GB capacities, backed by a one-year warranty.
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EVGA aims to expand its European presence :: Posted by THRASHER2
Californian graphics card and motherboard maker EVGA has announced its intention to intensify European operations and in that note proceeded with a restructure of EVGA Europe, letting of the division's chief Hans-Wolfram Tismer, in the process.
"EVGA is seen here in Europe mostly as premium brand. But we have so much more to offer," said EVGA founder, director and CEO Andrew Han. "Ultimately EVGA is about providing unique experience of product ownership and true sense of the belonging. We really believe in the strength of EVGA brand and we believe that over the coming months, more and more customers will see advantages and benefits of our products and services here in Europe starting with June re-launch of the EVGA Europe Step Up program."
Beside the Step Up offer, EVGA Europe has kicked off a Channel Partner Program and plans to introduce more community programs like Mods Rigs, EVGA Affiliate, EVGA Gaming, Folding@EVGA , EVGA's Loaner and EVGA Bucks, in the more or less near future.
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Super Talent readies another USB 3.0 flash drive :: Posted by THRASHER2
Super Talent is almost ready to get more bits moving with the new USB 3.0 Express RAM Cache flash drive that, in addition to the usual MLC NAND memory, it includes a DRAM-based caching system which is supposed to improve small block random performance by up to 110x over USB 2.0 speeds.
The fresh flash drive measures 62 x 37 x7.5 mm, works with USB 3.0/2.0 systems, and is currently being showcased at Computex but will go on sale in 32GB and 64GB capacities in early July.
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AMD talks, demos first Fusion APU at Computex :: Posted by THRASHER2
June 1st, 2010, the first day of this year's Computex show is going down in history as the day AMD offered the first glimpse of its long-promised Fusion APU (accelerated processing unit) that has 'regular' processing cores and one graphics core on the same die.
During the Fusion presentation at Computex, Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, AMD Products Group, confirmed that AMD is currently sampling both Llano Ontario APUs and that the release target remains 1H 2011. Llano is a mainstream chip manufactured on 32nm process technology that will have up to four x86 cores and an integrated DirectX 11 GPU, while Ontario is a low-power solution that targets slimmer, more portable form factors (netbooks, tablets even).
While no actual APUs were showcased (wafers look nice but don't really count), there was an Aliens vs. Predator DX11 demo claimed to be running on a system powered by an APU. It wasn't much, just a Predator going through a jungle, not killing marines or aliens but it will have to do for now. Hopefully later this year we'll get some more significant demonstrations.
In support of the upcoming APUs, AMD has also officially announced the creation of the Fusion Fund which is headed by ex-Nvidia exec Manju Hegde and aims to make investments in companies that develop applications, solution for Fusion chips.
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Gigabyte working on custom GeForce GTX 470 :: Posted by THRASHER2
Not to be out-gunned by its rivals, Gigabyte has started experimenting on Nvidia's GeForce GTX 400 series card in order to develop a new line of models with higher-than-stock frequencies and overclocking capabilities.
Seen below is a sample board of the GeForce GTX 470 Super Overclock which should be available later this summer. The card has 12-phase power, providing more and smoother current, an all-blue PCB, a 320-bit memory interface, 448 CUDA Cores and the same connection options as the reference GTX 470s - dual-DVI and mini HDMI.
Gigabyte's GTX 470 SO will be factory overclocked (final frequencies have not been revealed) and be equipped with a custom cooler.
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Asus and MSI P67 motherboards seen at Computex too :: Posted by THRASHER2
It's not coming until 2011 but the P67 chipset is enjoying a healthy presence at Computex 2010 with multiple manufacturers showing off motherboard based on them. The P67 is Intel's next-gen mainstream chip that features support for Sandy Bridge LGA 1155 processors.
Below you can see a couple of P67 boards made by Asus and MSI which, in addition to the LGA 1155 socket, boast two PCI-Express x16 slots for multi-GPU setups, four DDR3 memory slots, USB 3.0, SATA 6.0 Gbps, Gigabit Ethernet, and 7.1 channel audio. Asus' model has 14-phase power while MSI's product seems to have 8+1 Hi-c CAP PWM.
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Sonic Solutions buying DivX :: Posted by THRASHER2
California-based Sonic Solutions, developer of the Roxio family of multimedia applications has announced that it will be acquiring DivX Inc., the company behind the DivX codec, through a transaction in which it offers $3.75 in cash and 0.514 shares of Sonic common stock for each DivX share.
According to Sonic, this move will enable it to extend its technology solutions that enable retailers, online services, Hollywood studios and consumer electronics manufacturers to deliver video via the internet.
"Our studio, storefront, and consumer electronics partners agree: they want a clear and efficient path to deliver premium content to their customers," said Dave Habiger, president and CEO of Sonic Solutions. "The combination of Sonic and DivX promises to be the foremost provider of platforms, tools, and technologies for the efficient delivery of premium video entertainment to virtually any type of consumer electronics device. We expect DivX's deep technology and broad deployment in the CE and mobile areas to give us significant leverage as we expand and enhance our RoxioNow premium entertainment platform."
Sonic expects to close the DivX deal in September 2010 following shareholder and regulatory approval.
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Dual-core VIA Nano processor running at Computex :: Posted by THRASHER2
Announced about a year and a half ago, VIA's dual-core Nano processor is still not selling, it hasn't been launched but it can be found at Computex, powering a build running a movie trailer to show off its multimedia capabilities.
The two-headed Nano is manufactured on 65nm technology, operates at 1.6 GHz and is paired up with a motherboard equipped with the VN1000 chipset that has 4GB of DDR3 memory and Chrome 520 integrated graphics. The setup makes use of the Chromotion HD 2.0 video engine within the IGP to decode 1080p content and provides multiple display connectivity options - DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort.
According to VIA the dual-core Nano will target low-power desktops and will finally make its debut at the end of this year, likely in a 45nm-built package.
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Iomega releases new eGo Portable and Desktop hard drives :: Posted by THRASHER2
EMC-owned zippy storage company Iomega has today updated its eGo line with multiple portable and desktop drives that go from 320GB all the way up to 2TB in terms of capacity, and are bundled with the Iomega Protection Suite, a collection of data protection software.
The first new release from Iomega is a charcoal gray 500GB eGo Portable model boasting a USB 3.0 interface and priced at $129.99. Next up, there are the Compact Edition eGo Portable 2.5-inch HDDs which come in Ruby Red, Midnight Blue and Silver, boast USB 2.0 connectivity and are priced at $94.99 (320GB), $114.99 (500GB) and $199.99 (1TB).
As for the 1TB eGo BlackBelt Mac Edition Portable drive, this one has one USB 2.0 and two FireWire 800 connectors and is scheduled to start selling in Apple stores later this month for $229.99.
On the 3.5-inch side we have the charcoal gray, USB 3.0-enabled 1TB and 2TB eGo Desktop Hard Drives priced at $149.99 and $229.99, respectively, and the Mac Edition eGo Desktop models which feature a sleek silver enclosure, and one USB 2.0 and two FireWire 800 ports. The Mac drives cost $159.99 (1TB) and $249.99 (2TB).
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Intel 'K' series unlocked CPUs embeaced by CyberPower too :: Posted by THRASHER2
Custom PC seller CyberPower has just added Intel's recently-introduced Core i5-655K and Core i7-875K processors with an unlocked multiplier to its LGA 1156-based, Windows 7 Home Premium-loaded Gamer Xtreme line of desktop systems.
"We are excited that CyberPower will feature the new Intel Core i7-875K and Intel Core i5-655 processors in its Gamer Xtreme series of desktop PCs. These new processors offer many advanced features to help PC enthusiasts get the most out of their overclocking experience," said Eric Thompson, Director of NA Channels, Intel Corporation.
Prices of 'unlocked' gaming rigs start at $699 but they can quickly go up by choosing extras like watercooling, multi-GPU setups with high-end DirectX 11 cards, and multiple HDD/SSD configurations. For a better view of what CyberPower has to offer see its website .
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Palit shows its non-reference GTX 465 :: Posted by THRASHER2
Dual-fan cooler and Displayport output
Palit has announced its non-reference GTX 465 card with a dual-slot fan that we saw back on Palit's non-reference GTX 465.
The cooler features two 90mm fans and, unlike the reference card, this one features two dual-link DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Despite the generous offer of outputs on the back, if you want more than two displays you still need more than one card.
Despite the larger cooler with an additional fan, the card still works at the same reference 607MHz for the GPU, 1215MHz for those 352 CUDA Cores and 3206MHz for 1GB of GDDR5 memory paired up with a 256-bit memory interface.
The card is already available in Europe with prices starting at €274,45
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CoolIT updates its ECO A.L.C. cooling system :: Posted by THRASHER2
Different radiators
CoolIT Systems has updated its ECO A.L.C. all-in-one water cooling system that will now be available in four different versions (in addition to the original one), depending on the size and the use of the radiator. We already had a chance to check out the original 120mm version here, and these new ones look even more interesting, as this time ECO A.L.C. will be available with 80, 92, 240 and dual 240mm radiators.
The ECO 80 A.L.C. and ECO 92 A.L.C. certainly sound pretty good if you need to fit a water cooling system inside a small and cramped up case and these will certainly find its customers on the market. The ECO 240 A.L.C. and ECO 240 A.L.C. Dual Head are mostly aimed at enthusiasts which will know how to appreciate the additional cooling performance of the larger 240mm radiator cooled by two 120mm fans, as noise is the least concern when you just want to squeeze an additional few MHz out of your system.
The noted ECO 240 A.L.C. Dual Head is designed for dual socket motherboards, like for example, EVGA's Classified SR-2. It has the same 240mm radiator with two 120mm fans but comes with a pair of base which means a pair of pumps as well.
The new CoolIT ECO A.L.C. systems can be ordered directly from CoolIT and costs US $89.99 for the 80, US $99.99 for the 92 and US $124.99 and US $164.99 for the ECO 240 A.L.C. and ECO 240 A.L.C. Dual Head.
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AMD shows off Fusion :: Posted by THRASHER2
Hybrid graphics-microprocessor chips
AMD has been showing off its new hybrid graphics-microprocessor chips. In a press release AMD said it is on schedule to show working chips later this year and launch the Accelerated Processing Units.
AMD said that the Fusion design represents a significant shift in the architecture of personal computers, combining the microprocessor, which is great at processing big tasks one after another, with the graphics chip, which can process lots of small and similar tasks all at the same time.
Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager of the AMD Products Group, showed off the APU technology in Taipei saying that hundreds of millions of us now create, interact with, and share intensely visual digital content.
“This explosion in multimedia requires new applications and new ways to manage and manipulate data.”
The first APUs are expected to ship in the first half of 2011, but AMD is describing the designs now so that it can get software developers working on making code to run on Fusion. Microsoft is providing DirectX multimedia software that works with Fusion.
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Hitachi launches slim 2.5-inch drive :: Posted by THRASHER2
320GB in just 7mm
Hitachi has unveiled a new 2.5-inch hard drive aimed at the increasingly popular thin-and-light notebook market. The drive is a mere 7mm thick and it should allow vendors to come up with even thinner notebook designs without reaching for pricey SSD drives.
Seagate launched a similar drive in late 2009, however, whereas Seagate's models were limited to 250GB and 5400rpm, Hitachi's new Travelstar Z7K320 offers 320GB at 7200rpm. Last but not least, Hitachi's disk has 16MB of cache rather than 8MB and it clearly has an edge over the competition.
With the advent of new 32nm ULV Intel processors and a new generation of Atoms designed for ultra slim form factors, we're sure the new Travelstar will appear in quite a few notebook/netbook designs towards the end of the year.
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Vendors start to embrace Optimus :: Posted by THRASHER2
Several designs shown off at Computex
Nvidia is telling the world plus dog that its Optimus graphics switching technology has the potential to transform the mobile graphics market and several vendors seem to agree.
The idea is quite simple, Optimus notebooks can seamlessly switch between integrated graphics and discrete Nvidia graphics, thus allowing for major energy savings in apps that don't require much in terms of graphics.
Laptopmag checked out 13 Optimus notebooks at Nvidia's Computex booth and it appears that quite a few more models were shown off by individual vendors at the show. What's more, notebook makers chose to implement Optimus in a wide variety of designs, ranging from 10-inch netbooks with ION 2 graphics to 15.6-inch models with powerful 3xxM series mobile GPUs and proper gaming credentials. Acer and Asus lead the way, but MSI, Lenovo, Clevo, Gateway and Packar Bell have also unveiled a few Optimus models.
Nvidia's Director of ION/Geforce marketing David Ragones said that several additional vendors will show off Optimus notebooks during the show and it appears that Nvidia has a rather attractive technology on its hands. However, Nvidia still lacks mobile DirectX 11 parts. AMD is currently shipping several DX11 chips, but their introduction has been rather slow.
Of course, few people actually need DirectX 11 support on their notebooks, but the really big advantage doesn't lie in the API, but rather the manufacturing process. DirectX 11 parts are 40nm, while most older DirectX 10 parts still stick to 55nm. Sadly, most mobile discrete parts sold today are still 55nm, which doesn't sound too impressive considering that CPUs have gone 32nm months ago.
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Galaxy shows off dual-GPU GTX 470 :: Posted by THRASHER2
Bring meat and forks for everyone
As you probably already know, NvidiaÂ’s Fermi is one hot chip and this makes dual-GPU designs pretty difficult if not even impossible, especially if you intend to push these babies at full speed. Galaxy, however, seems to have felt adventurous enough and showed off a dual-GPU GTX 470 card at Computex.
We're not sure what to make of it. The card features two GF100 GPUs on a single PCB and it features two 8-pin PCIe power connectors and three dual-link DVI outs. It's clearly a prototype, but the company obviously wasnÂ’t shy of showing it off.
Best case scenario - weÂ’d say that the GPUs are modestly downclocked and/or crippled versions of the real deal. On the other hand, Galaxy has had enough time to practice their dual-GPU designs as of late, so we'll wait and see. Unfortunately, given the fact that Nvidia advises users to use Nvidia certified cases when using two Fermi based cards, itÂ’s not hard to be skeptical.
Worst case scenario? Well, you could turn your rig into a makeshift, passive fireplace.
You can find some photos of the card here.
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