Wednesday, February 2, 2011

IT News HeadLines (techPowerUp) 01/02/2011



techPowerUp!
(PR) Zotac Announces its GeForce GT 440 Graphics Cards
ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world's largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today introduces a new graphics card for mainstream users seeking a performance kick – the new ZOTAC GeForce GT 440 series graphics cards with 512MB and 1GB DDR5 memory.

Powered by the high-performance NVIDIA Fermi architecture, the ZOTAC GeForce GT 440 series pack 96 customizable unified shaders capable of rendering beautiful DirectX 11 graphics or accelerate NVIDIA CUDA-enabled video transcoding and image editing applications. The customizable shaders enable the ZOTAC GeForce GT 440 series to accelerate streaming high-definition Internet video powered by Adobe Flash technology for flawless playback free of dropped frames and stuttering.


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TechPowerUp and PowerColor Hardware Giveaway January 2011 Winners Announced
Announcing the winners of the second and final month of PowerColor and TechPowerUp GPU-Z giveaway (January 2011). We picked up three lucky winners from a pool of 20,000 entries, from all over the world. Spanning across December 2010 and January 2011, the contest gives six lucky winners some rad graphics hardware from PowerColor. Here are the winners:
  • Danny from Israel, wins PowerColor Radeon HD 6970
  • Steve from United Kingdom wins PowerColor Radeon HD 6870 PCS+
  • Grant from United States wins PowerColor Radeon HD 6850 PCS+
Huge congrats, guys! PowerColor will contact the winners directly and arrange for shipping of the prizes. This concludes the giveaway. We would like to thank PowerColor for making the giveaway possible. TechPowerUp will return with more interesting contests such as this.
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Q4 PC Graphics Shipments in a Slump, Competitors Eat into Intel's Lead
Market research firm Jon Peddie Research gave out PC graphics shipments figures for Q4 2010. PC and related products sales overall were lower than usual in 2010 as the industry saw propagation of ULPCs, netbooks, and tablets propagate, hence PC graphics sales, too, were lower by as much as 7.8% down compared to the same period in 2009. Sales of GPUs and processor-embedded GPUs in Q4 stood at 113 million units, 432.2 million in all of 2010. Intel continues to be the dominant player, though its market share was lowered by competitors AMD and NVIDIA. Intel's market share was lowered in 2010, to 52.5%, from 55.2% in Q3 2010. AMD/ATI is at the second spot with a market share of 24.2% (up, from 23% in Q3); and NVIDIA at the third spot at 22.5% (21% in Q3). Other smaller GPU vendors, VIA and Matrox, stood at 0.8%, and 0.1%, respectively.

Source: TechConnect Magazine
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Gigabyte Rolls Out HD 6870 SuperOverclock UDV+ Graphics Card
Gigabyte introduced its fastest graphics card based on the AMD Radeon HD 6870 GPU, bearing the SuperOverclock (SOC) badge. SOC graphics cards make use of top quality components and a copper-rich PCB as prescribed by the company's own Ultra Durable VGA+ specifications, and use high-end cooling. The GV-R687SO-1GD, as it's formally known, carries clock speeds of 950/1150 (core/memory), against reference speeds of 900/1050 MHz. The card uses a 10-inch long PCB that uses a stronger VRM to leave room for some overclocking. The GPU itself is hand-picked by performance binning.

The card is cooled by Gigabyte's WindForce 3X GPU cooler, which makes use of a large aluminum fin array to which heat is conveyed by copper heat pipes, ventilated by three 80 mm fans. As with every other HD 6870, there are 1120 stream processors 1 GB of 256-bit GDDR5 memory, and display connectivity that includes two each of DVI and mini-DP, and one HDMI. Gigabyte's HD 6870 SOC is expected to be priced closer to the $250 mark.


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HIS Extends IceQ X Series to Radeon HD 6870, Intros Highly Overclocked Turbo-X Model
After the launch of NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 560 Ti, AMD made it easier for partners to release overclocked and custom-design Radeon HD 6870 graphics cards. Partners seem to be responding to this. HIS released two new custom-design Radeon HD 6870 graphics card models, based on the Barts IceQ X board design the company implemented on its HD 6850 IceQ X series. Like with the HD 6850, there's the base model that sticks to AMD reference clock speeds of 900/1050 MHz (core/memory), and a Turbo-X model that uses overclocked speeds of 975/1150 MHz. The "X" in Turbo-X denotes that it's faster than the Turbo model based on AMD's reference design board, by HIS. The cooler makes use of a slightly large aluminum fin array to which heat is conveyed by 8 mm thick nickel-plated copper heat pipes, which is centrally ventilated by a 92 mm fan. The cooler is covered by a frosty-looking shroud. Like with every other HD 6870, the card features 1120 stream processors, and connects to 1 GB of GDDR5 memory over a 256-bit wide memory interface. HIS did not give out pricing details.


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(PR) HighPoint Launches RocketHybrid HBAs – Powered by Marvell HyperDuo Technology
HighPoint Technologies, Inc. launches its Smart Hybrid HBA's product line. These ground-breaking PCI-E 2.0, SATA 6Gb/s HBA's combine solid state disks (SSD) with hard disk drives (HDD), into single, high-speed storage solutions, optimized for performance hungry workstations and applications. Smart Hybrid HBA's allow users to take advantage of the gigabyte-unit cost savings of a HDD's combined with the performance of SSD, without sacrificing capacity.

HighPoint's RocketHybrid HBA's are powered by Marvell's cutting-edge SATA 6Gb/s 88SE9130 IC and revolutionary HyperDuo technology. This technology was designed to aid SSD's acceptance into the mass-market by addressing the cost and capacity issues associated current SSD storage. Current hybrid approaches of combining SSD's and HDD's for use as boot drives, do not provide the consistent, high-speed file access required by high-performance applications, such as gaming or media editing.


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(PR) Intel Identifies Sandy Bridge Chipset Design Error, All Shipments Stopped
As part of ongoing quality assurance, Intel Corporation has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives. The chipset is utilized in PCs with Intel's latest Second Generation Intel Core processors, code-named Sandy Bridge. Intel has stopped shipment of the affected support chip from its factories. Intel has corrected the design issue, and has begun manufacturing a new version of the support chip which will resolve the issue. The Sandy Bridge microprocessor is unaffected and no other products are affected by this issue.


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(PR) StarTech Launches First SATA HDD Docks to Support Four Drives Simultaneously
StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity parts has announced the availability of two new 4-Drive External Hard Drive Docking Stations, both offering USB and eSATA host connections, with support for 2.5" and/or 3.5" Serial ATA hard drives or Solid State Drives (SSDs).

Adding to StarTech.com's extensive line of Hard Drive Docking Stations, the SATDOCK4U3E SuperSpeed single connection dock and SATDOCK4U2E high speed single/multi-PC drive docking stations are the first in the market to support four SATA hard drives or solid state drives simultaneously, offering users a practical way to maximize their external storage capacity.


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Exceleram Intros New Rippler Memory Kits for Sandy Bridge Processors
German memory maker Exceleram released five new Rippler series dual-channel DDR3 memory kits brandishing optimal support for Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture processors. The fleet consists of 2x 2 GB and 2x 4 GB pairs, carrying SPD/XMP profiles of 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz. It starts with ERS300A, which is a 2x 2 GB kit that does 1333 MHz with 9-9-9-24 timings, strictly adhering to the JEDEC PC3-10700H specification. Next is the ERS301A, which is a 2x 4 GB kit that also sticks to the JEDEC specification, doing 1333 MHz @ 9-9-9-24.

Things become faster with ERS302A, which is a 2x 2 GB kit carrying XMP-1600 profile, doing 1600 MHz at 9-9-9-24. The ERS303A is a 2x 4 GB version of the same. Lastly, there's ERS304A, which carries an XMP profile that runs the modules at 1333 MHz, albeit with 7-10-10-24, with CAS taking a kit on every other vital latency parameter. All kits carry module voltages specified in the profiles at 1.50 volts. All modules feature black PCBs and the Rippler heatspreader the company used in several models, in the past. Exceleram did not give out pricing information.


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(PR) QNAP Debuts New Affordable High Performance Turbo NAS Server Family
QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of world class NAS servers, NVR Video Surveillance Systems, and Network-based Media Players today announced the TS-x12 lineup of affordable high performance Turbo NAS servers intended for the fast-growing home and SOHO market segment. The new models utilize the latest Marvell 1.2GHz processor and include 256MB of DDRII memory and Gigabit LAN ports, offering up to 8TB of networked storage with a unique blend of solid performance, high reliability, and advanced features at very affordable price points. The TS-x12 series includes the 1-drive TS-112, 2-drive TS-212, and 4-drive TS-412.

NAS is becoming a popular addition to home networks as they solve the problem of how to centrally store and share digital content among computers in the home – especially in mixed Windows/Mac networks. QNAP's new TS-x12 models are easy to attach to existing networks and provides easy file sharing within the network, centralized backup of all networked computers, website hosting, printer sharing, even recording of surveillance video from IP cameras.


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(PR) Team Announces the Lightest USB 3.0 Flash Drives in the Industry
As the digital life era arrives, more and more consumer demand for high-resolution multimedia. Limited by the transfer rate specifications, USB2.0 no longer can handle HD media processing. With this year’s kick off of USB3, Team Group Inc. released three mainstream energy-saving USB3.0 flash drives with ultra transfer speed to satisfy the consumer’s need for HD media files process.


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(PR) Antec Announces Newest Next-Generation CPU Cooler: KÜHLER H2O 620
In its 25th anniversary year, Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, today announced the Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 next-generation high-performance CPU cooler. Working in tandem with Asetek, the industry-leading supplier of OEM liquid cooling systems for computers, Antec has developed an easy-to-install liquid CPU cooling solution that outperforms stock CPU coolers up to 20 percent under full load. The Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 is crafted to bring sealed liquid CPU cooling to mainstream PC hardware and gaming enthusiasts world-wide – all delivering a Quiet Computing experience that requires zero maintenance, and that's built to OEM standards for reliability.

The KÜHLER H2O 620 features Asetek's low-profile pump for exceptional liquid circulation while preserving internal airflow, and easy-bend tubes for maximum flexibility in radiator positioning. Additionally, the KÜHLER H2O 620 utilizes liquid temperature controlled fans to deliver Antec's renowned Quiet Computing technology for quiet, efficient performance and uses the latest generation copper cold plate for optimal conduction.


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(PR) Powerchip to Become PC DRAM foundry for Elpida
Elpida Memory, Inc. and Powerchip Technology Corporation today announced that they have reached a non-binding understanding that Elpida will purchase all DRAM products that Powerchip will manufacture, including the current portion which Powerchip has been selling as Powerchip branded products. Elpida will sell those products as Elpida's house brand products. Further consultations between both companies will be held to reach an early final agreement.

Elpida currently has a foundry agreement with Powerchip for PC DRAMs and purchases half of what Powerchip manufactures at their fabs in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Powerchip currently has 80,000 wafers per month capacity for commodity DRAM production and licenses from Elpida the right to distribute the other half of the products as their own branded products. Powerchip also has a right to purchase approximately 30,000 DRAM wafers fabricated at Rexchip Electronics Corporation, a joint venture between the two companies, and sell those DRAMs to their customers as their own branded products.
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(PR) AMD Announces FirePro 2270 and V5800 DVI Professional Graphics Cards
AMD today introduced the AMD FirePro 2270 and ATI FirePro V5800 DVI professional graphics cards. AMD designed these new offerings for professionals in the medical, financial, design and engineering fields who require the ability to view and interact with multiple applications simultaneously.

"Because of their superior power consumption and multi-display capabilities, solutions based on the AMD FirePro 2270 and ATI FirePro V5800 DVI deliver strong value for financial, medical and corporate workstation environments," said Janet Matsuda, general manager, AMD Professional Graphics. "With the AMD FirePro family, we continue to demonstrate our focus on enhancing productivity through an enhanced visual experience."


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(PR) MSI Announces F-Series Performance Laptops
MSI is rolling out a new generation of F Series notebook computers. They include the FX620, FR620, FX720, and FR720 which employ the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor, the newest generation of high performance display technology, and powerful computing capabilities packed in a stylish exterior. You'll want to take these mean machines everywhere.

Taipei-MSI is introducing four new additions to its F laptop series, including the 15.6-inch FX620/FR620 and the 17.3-inch FX720/FR720. They feature the newest high performance 2nd generation Intel Core i5 CPU, Turbo Battery+ power-saving technology, Easy Face recognition software, i-Charge, S-Bar, high-end, cinema-grade THX TruStudio Pro smart wrap around sound, and Cinema Pro image technology. What's more, MSI has done away with the impersonal, cookie-cutter sameness so common to high tech products and replaced it with its own raised totem seal coating and color film print to prevent scratching and wear. These chic NBs meet the highest standards both inside and out.


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(PR) Tt eSports Announces the Shock One USB Gaming Headset
Tt eSPORTS are proud and excited to release the next edition of their Professional Shock Gaming Headsets, the "One" which is the most advanced headset in the range, which has many amazing features including DTS 5.1 Virtual Surround Sound and Dynamic 40mm Speakers that allow for high quality Bass Enhancement.

The "One" has been designed to produce immense sound quality in-game as well as being able to offer a comfortable solution for gamers with it's multiple Ear-Pad Cushions and leather headband pad to allow for multiple hours of wear for continuous periods of gaming.


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NVIDIA Developing Subpixel Reconstruction Antialiasing to Compete with MLAA
NVIDIA is developing its own antialiasing (AA) technology to rival morphological antialiasing (MLAA). The subpixel reconstruction antialiasing (SRAA) NVIDIA is currently conducting research on aims to provide better image quality with minimal performance penalty. It "combines single-pixel (1x) shading with subpixel visibility to create antialiased images without increasing the shading cost," as NVIDIA puts it in its research abstract. SRAA is suited for rendering engines that don't use multisample antialiasing (MSAA) since they use deferred shading. For such renderers, SRAA works as a post-processing layer, just like MLAA.

Where SRAA defers from MLAA is that the new algorithm can better respect geometric boundaries and has a fixed runtime independent of scene and image complexity. SRAA benefits shading-bound applications. "For example, our implementation evaluates SRAA in 1.8 ms (1280x720) to yield antialiasing quality comparable to 4-16x shading. Thus SRAA would produce a net speedup over supersampling for applications that spend 1 ms or more on shading; for comparison, most modern games spend 5-10 ms shading. We also describe simplifications that increase performance by reducing quality," claims NVIDIA.

Source: NVIDIA Research
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(PR) Active Media Products Ships World's First 64GB SATA DOMs
Active Media Products, a leading manufacturer of DOMs, small form factor SSDs and USB drives, today announced the world's first 64GB SATA DOM (Disk on Module) drives, which are ideal for servers and embedded computing applications where high reliability is paramount. These DOMs are built with MLC flash to provide outstanding resistance to extreme dust, temperature, shock and vibration. These 64GB DOMs are also less than half the size and a fraction the weight of a 2.5" SATA HDD or SSD, measuring only 2.2 x 1.3 inches (55 x 33 mm).

"These 64GB DOMs demonstate AMP's commitment to developing cutting edge storage solutions," said Active Media Products VP of Sales, Jerry Thomson. "Active Media Products has by far the widest selection of DOM types and the highest capacity DOMs available, and these 64GB offerings extend our leadership even further."


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(PR) ADATA Unveils XPG Gaming Series V2.0 DDR3 2133G and DDR3 1866G 8GB Dual Channel Kits
ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, today announced an expansion of its XPG Gaming Series V2.0 product line with high capacity DDR3 memory modules, DDR3 1866MHz and 2133 MHz

In this latest release, ADATA not only presents performance-focused memory kits, but also demonstrates a continued dedication to high capacity memory kits for the market. Both new XPG 2133G and 1866G modules run at CL 9-11-9-27 timing with 1.65 Voltage, featuring 2oz double-copper PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and aluminum heat spreaders with Thermal Conductive Technology (TCT). Each memory chip is directly in contact with heat spreaders to achieve immediate heat dissipation.


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