Budget Hackintosh PC Build Project
The state of the Hackintosh continues to advance, and building one is now easier than ever. A few years ago, you had to have a high level of expertise to build and maintain a Hackintosh, and the compatibility problems were significant. Today, the available software tools are very advanced, and while there are still potential pitfalls, if you can install Windows, you can probably build a working Hackintosh. In this article I'll show you how to build a modern Intel Ivy Bridge-based Hackintosh with PC components that are guaranteed to work.
Read More ...
120GB OCZ Vertex 3.20 Solid State Drive OCZ Technology launched their Vertex 3 solid state drive based on the second-generation LSI-SandForce SF-2281 processor back in early 2011, making it a familiar storage product among high-performance enthusiasts. Two years later they've revisited the popular design, and made several improvements. Now available with 20nm Synchronous Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND flash components, Vertex 3.20 is designed to offer better performance for less cost. Vertex 3.20 arrives in 120GB and 240GB capacities, both offering 550 MB/s reads and 520 MB/s writes. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the 120GB OCZ Vertex 3.20 SSD (model VTX3-25SAT3-120G.20), and compare it against the fastest SATA 6GB/s storage solutions. Read More ...
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST With the economy on the rebound, gamers are coming out of hibernation with a hunger for modern DirectX11 graphics and realism. Since AMD has all but disappeared from the scene, NVIDIA has timed their affordable mainstream video card launch perfectly. Based on the NVIDIA Kepler GK106 architecture, the GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST delivers 2GB of 1502 MHz GDDR5 memory and 768 CUDA Cores operating at 980 MHz up to 1033+ with NVIDIA GPU Boost technology. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST graphics card using several highly-demanding DX11 video games. Read More ...
Fractal Design Adjust 108 Fan Controller Fractal Design brings simplicity and style together with the Adjust 108 fan controller. This accessory has a beautiful brushed aluminum face and 6 individual slider controls. Each fan channel can power up to 36 watts of enthusiast level performance. The only component of a pc that creates any substantial noise at full capacity is the fans, and eventually it becomes the next thing on the list to find a solution for. Benchmark Reviews will examine the Adjust 108 model FD-FC-ADJ-108-BL for quality, performance, and how capable it is of toning down the white noise from fans during the times when its least desired or needed. Read More ...
ADATA DashDrive Air AE400 Wireless Storage Just the other day my wife was telling me that she needed something to put in her purse that she could use to recharge her iPhone when the battery died on her. She has a lot of kid's apps on there and the games and videos drain the battery life very quickly. If she is out and about, without an extended amount of time to plug the phone into a static charger, this can quickly turn into a big issue. Also plaguing her is the amount of space that all those Dora and Blue's Clues episodes take up on phone, leaving precious little space available for taking a thousand pictures that we'll probably never look at again. While there are plenty of options available as solutions to both of those issues, ADATA has recently released a device that takes care of both of those and more. Benchmark Reviews has the new ADATA DashDrive Air AE400, a wireless hotspot, battery charger, and media streaming device that fits perfectly into a purse or even a cargo pocket. It looks pretty stellar too. Follow along and we'll talk about everything this little device can do. Read More ...
Ineo AlienVibes W601 Speaker System There are times when you just have to let the music roar, and headphones are not an option. So what do you do? How about a compact speaker system with great bass performance and quite a bit of power at a very decent price. Benchmark Reviews has put the Ineo Alienvibes W601 Subwoofer Speaker System (with remote control) to the test and we were impressed with how it performed. Crank up the volume and it has a big punch and wall shaking bass. This may be the sound system you are looking for. Read More ...
Lian Li PC-V750WX Compact E-ATX Case When an enthusiast hears of the new Lian Li PC-V750WX E-ATX case, what comes to mind is a very large and unwieldy case like the NZXT Phantom 820, Corsair 800D or the Lian Li PC-90. Many people would be surprised the to find out then that the Lian Li PC-V750WX is able to accommodate a E-ATX motherboard within its 230mm x 440mm x 586mm size. This is 210mm (~8.26 ) shorter than the NZXT Phantom 820 I last reviewed. Lian Li used some unique features to fit ten expansions slots into a case substantially smaller than any of its competitors. The real question is, with a price tag of $390 can Lian Li provide enough features on top of its compact size to make up for the substantial price gap between it and its larger competition. Benchmark Reviews will be setting out on this review to determine if Lian Li has a feature set to accommodate the gargantuan price tag for its miniscule case. Read More ...
Ineo Alienvibes W401 Speaker System Are you looking to hang up the headphones for a while and experience the freedom and openness of your computer audio through a speaker system? Well, if good looks, performance, and a really good price interest you then the Alienvibes W401 2.2 Channel Subwoofer PC Speaker System may be the perfect fit for you. Benchmark Reviews has obtained a sample and has put it though its paces. You are more than welcome to join us for a tour. Read More ...
Func MS-3 Gaming Mouse On 9/9/1999, a company started in California with the goal of creating fantastic equipment... with the sole purpose of enhancing the experience of playing a great game, rather than diminishing it. Soon after, the original Func sUrface 1030 launched, winning awards from many different sites and magazines. In 2013, Func has introduced their first-ever gaming mouse. A result of hundreds of hours of study, the Func MS-3 Gaming Mouse sports an ergonomic shape and purposefully placed buttons - all to enhance your game and provide the greatest advantage possible. Have they succeeded on their first try? At Benchmark Reviews, we intend to find out. Read More ...
ASUS Orion Pro Gaming Headset The Republic of Gamers (ROG) was established by ASUS in 2006 in order to be the organization's entity that focused solely on the needs of PC gamers. Since then, the ROG has not only produced great gaming hardware, but it has developed into a gaming community. It goes without saying that ASUS has the respect of the vast majority of hardcore gamers out there, and ASUS set out to ensure that the Orion Pro gaming headset would nothing but elevate its reputation. The goal here was to develop a headset that delivered unrivaled audio, yet remained light and comfortable. Benchmark reviews will test the ASUS Orion Pro gaming headset to see if it lives up to the ROG standards. Read More ...
AZiO Levetron GH808 USB Gaming Headset It is widely believed that gaming headsets provide a much more immersive, captivating gaming experience than a speaker set up. They are also great in environments where the people around you don't fancy hearing deafening gunfire and explosions. Gaming headsets generally come in 3 different forms: wired 3.5mm headsets ,wired USB headsets and wireless headsets. One tends to usually decide which of these types to buy before considering things like 7.1 surround, Dolby audio, noise cancellation, etc. 3.5 mm and wireless headsets immediately present compelling features: the former can be used in tandem with a quality soundcard to produce sublime audio output, the latter frees the user from the burden of cables. We are left to investigate the advantages of buying a USB headset, and observe how they compare to the rest. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will test the AZiO Levetron GH808 Gaming Headset and see if it is a viable option for an enhanced audio experience. Read More ...
CM Storm Quickfire TK Mechanical Keyboard For many of our readers, a keyboard is the way they interact with the world whether it is for work or pleasure. In our ever more connected world, problems like typing speed and comfort are becoming more of a necessity than a nicety. Cooler Master realizes this and has brought out an entire line of mechanical keyboards to handle the demanding needs of typists. In this review, we will be looking at the CM Storm Quickfire TK w/Cherry MX Red switches. These light linear switches are preferred by many gamers for their light touch and linear motion. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will determine if the CM Storm Quickfire TK Mechanical Keyboard SGK-4020 is a great value or if enthusiast we be better served with a different keyboard. Read More ...
Rosewill RSL-113 Solar Infrared Dual-LED Lights Benchmark Reviews tests a lot of computer-related hardware, so this item might seem out of place. Performance enthusiasts invest in their gear, so it makes sense to ensure it's safe and protected. The Rosewill RSL-113 Dual-Head PIR Solar Light is a (passive) pyroelectric infra-red activated lighting system that draws power from three AA solar-charged batteries located inside the unit. In this article, Benchmark Reviews investigates the Rosewill RSL-113 Solar-Charged Infrared Dual-LED Lights. Read More ...
AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 Gaming Keyboard Nowadays, it seems that the term gaming is loosely associated with cheap, low quality, general-purpose peripherals. What then separates the notorious gaming-grade products from the rest? Most modern gaming keyboards feature mechanical keys in an attempt to prevent accidental key-presses and ghosting, issues that gamers are commonly faced with. Macro keys are also desired by gamers, especially those of the MMO genre. Fortunately, many of these features are more or less standard on today's gaming keyboards; the manufacturers must now appeal to gamers' sense of look and feel instead. With the MECH5, Azio has done an amazing job incorporating many of the features required for today's gamer. They go a step further by encasing it in a durable, very good-looking body, something that you can tell was intended for gaming by looks alone. In this article, Benchmark Reviews evaluates the AZiO KB577U MECH5 keyboard's performance to determine if it deserves its gaming badge and is worth your hard earned money. Read More ...
INEO I-NA321U PLUS Docking Station Try to imagine what the ideal external hard drive docking station might look like. It should be compact, intuitive to use, and ideally be a relatively good looking piece of hardware. And it should be fast. At first glance the I-NA321U+ seems to have all that and more. The I-NA321U+ is a USB 3.0 compatible dual hard drive docking system with a few very handy features. Perhaps the most interesting of the value-added features is a one touch drive copy function. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will take a look at this relatively new dual drive docking station from ineo Technology, Inc. Read More ...
How Tablet PCs Could Save Civilization I've read many articles published by various editors on the death of the Desktop PC at the hand of Tablets, and I don't put much stock in them. I, personally, will never give up having a Desktop. The raw power capabilities needed for ripping, converting, editing, compiling, and securing various data will always ensure it a place in my home, until the Desktop becomes a Wrist Computer with a direct neural interface. Or, at least, that's my hope of what it will become. However, there is a potential death for the Desktop PC in the future, and it's has nothing to do with advancing technologies... Read More ...
EonNAS 850X NAS Network Storage Server All digital storage technologies are susceptible to data rot. Just ask the multimedia giant Pixar, who saw dozens of critical files disappear before their eyes, during production of the movie Toy Story . Modern hard drives are remarkably reliable devices, but most have an average uncorrectable read error rate of 10^14. That means one read failure for every 12TB of data. The drive doesn't crash ; it just gives you corrupted data every now and then. The only way around this is to continuously test the data, and scrub the errors as they occur. The storage industry deployed this technology in large data centers, and now Infortrend is making it available to consumers, with their new EonNAS series. The Sun-based OS in the EonNAS Pro 850x also has some other tricks up its sleeve, like data deduplication. Read on to find out more. Read More ...
Fractal Design Define R4 Arctic White Case In the PC hardware market you tend to get exactly what you pay for. It's not always the case, but 9 times out of 10 you will find that if you pay less you get less. How else can we justify handing over $110 for 12kg of cleverly crafted sheet metal and vacuum formed plastic. We pay for the brand and we pay for the looks, and some of us also pay for build quality. In this article Benchmark Reviews aims to delve deep into the Fractal Design Define R4 Arctic White Case (Model: FD-CA-DEF-R4-WH), and see if it's got what it takes to satiate the appetite of today's enthusiast. The Fractal Design Define R4 features include: the use of sound reducing materials, a 3-speed fan controller supporting up to three fans, modular drive bays and support for very large hardware. Please read on to find out more. Read More ...
Intel 525 SSD mSATA Solid State Drive Built from the same technology that made the Intel SSD 335 Series possible, the Intel Solid State Drive 525 Series packages a LSI/SandForce SF-2281VB1-SDC processor optimized for the mSATA interface with 6Gb/s bandwidth and available in capacities up to 240GB utilizing 25nm INFT NAND Flash components. Ideal for high-performance storage in notebook computers, tablet devices, and enthusiast motherboard, the Intel 525 SSD is a simple upgrade that instantly boosts speed and responsiveness. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Intel SSD 525 Series mSATA Solid State Drive (SSDMCEAC240B301) against SATA 6GB/s storage solutions. Read More ...
A4TECH V3 Bloody Gun3 Gaming Mouse If you've ever gone shopping for a gaming mouse, you've seen the myriads of different options that are available, from multiple buttons, to high-DPI sensors, and tons of other things. Ultimately, one needs to look at what you play for games the majority of the time to pick the right mouse for you, as some features are more applicable depending on what you play. A4Tech developed their V3 Bloody Multi-Core Gun3 gaming mouse with shooters in mind, and that shows in every aspect of this mouse. From the packaging to the features, this is definitely a FPS's mouse. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the A4Tech V3 in multiple FPS games, as well as in general computer tasks. Read More ...
Razer Ouroboros Elite Gaming Mouse In 2009, Razer started working on a mouse with some ambitious goals. It would be a gaming-grade, wireless hybrid mouse. It would be ambidextrous, even adjustable - allowing the user to create that perfect fit. It would pack in the latest sensors and gaming technology, complete with a cloud-based driver solution. Three years later in late 2012, Razer finally released the Ouroboros. As soon as it was released, it quickly sold out of stock online and in stores and has since disappeared from regular channels. At Benchmark Reviews, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse and take it for a spin. Read More ...
MyDigitalSSD BP4 Slim 7 Solid State Drive MyDigitalDiscount.com Inc. was founded in 2001 by Matt Dawson out of his passion for the latest gadgets and has since grown into a globally recognized retailer catering to technology users. The MyDigitalSSD BP4 Slim 7 Series SATA Solid State Drive is their latest high-performance storage solution, designed with an ultra-slim 7mm profile to fit all SATA notebooks as well as desktop PCs. Equipped with a Phison PS3108-S8-I SSD controller and Toshiba TH58TEG7DCJTA20 19nm Toggle NAND Flash, the 240GB BP4 Slim 7 model MDS7-BP4-240 sent to Benchmark Reviews for testing is made to produce up to 560 MB/s reads and 530 MB/s writes with 4K Aligned Reads reaching 46,000 IOPS and 4K Aligned Writes as high as 79,000 IOPS. Read More ...
Genius Gila GX Gaming Mouse For several years, Genius has been manufacturing quality computer peripherals and decided, in 2011, to leverage its years of experience by creating the GX Gaming series, which currently consists of mice, keyboards, headsets, speaker systems, and mouse pads. The Genius Gila, which Benchmark Reviews will evaluate in this article, is the company's latest foray into the gaming mouse market. This mouse boasts a 12-button design and offers desirable gaming mouse features such as adjustable weighting, on-the-fly DPI adjustability, and user-defined macros. The Genius Gila GX Gaming Mouse looks good and its features sound good, so read on and find out if it really IS good. Read More ...
NZXT Phantom 630 Computer Case Some of the first reviews I wrote for Benchmark Reviews were for NZXT cases. Most of these were lower-end cases priced at $75 and under. Although the cases were inexpensive, I was impressed with both the quality of construction and the thought put into their design. Since then, NZXT has moved upmarket, starting with their original Phantom case, which has now become a series of its own. Just introduced is the new Phantom 630 case, the little brother of the Phantom 820 we've seen previously. At an MSRP of $179.99, this is a not an inexpensive case, so let's see if it's worth the money. Read More ...
AZiO Levetron GM533U Gaming Mouse Choosing a gaming mouse nowadays can be rather difficult. Especially with the many compelling options and special features offered by multiple manufacturers. Above everything, a gaming mouse must be comfortable, durable, have programmable buttons, and a reasonable dpi range. Most modern mice come with extra features such as wireless functionality, adjustable weight, customizable lighting, and even onboard memory for button profiles.That being said, a particular model may tick all the boxes, and still be imperfect. There is a certain X factor when it comes to mice and other gaming peripherals; it just has to suit the individual using it. As a result, this article will necessarily be somewhat subjective. The mouse under inspection is one of the few offered from AZiO. The GM533U appears to have ticked many of the boxes but should you pick this one over the many other alternatives from reputable gaming brands? Benchmark Reviews takes the Levetron GM533U for a spin to find out. Read More ...
DeepCool N9 Aluminum Notebook Cooler From Beijing DeepCool Industries Co. Ltd comes the very attractive DeepCool N9 Notebook Cooler. The clean lines of the aluminum cooling grid, offset by the dark black chassis and stainless steel support makes the DeepCool N9 Notebook Cooling pad a very fine addition to anyone's desk. This is the second BenchmarkReviews.com. article on a new line of notebook cooling pads being released in the US. Read More ...
Rosewill Armor EVO E-ATX Computer Case Rosewill has a wide range of computer accessories. Anything from tools, fans, cases, external enclosures, keyboards, and printer toner. Primarily Newegg's in-house brand, they've been expanding their product lines and reach; some of their products have recently started to show up at other retailers. I've found many of their products to provide an incredible performance per dollar ratio in the past, as one of my favorite computer chassis of all time is the Rosewill Thor v2. A beast of an enclosure, my only complaint was the Thor was a bit on the large side. When I saw the ARMOR-EVO E-ATX case announced, I wondered if my wish had come true - could the Armor-EVO provide the advantages of the Thor v2 in a smaller package? At Benchmark Reviews, we have a chance to find out. Read More ...
Assassin's Creed III: Deluxe Edition Video Game This holiday season has certainly been a season for sequels in the video game market. We've seen the release of Assassin's Creed III, Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, and Planetside 2. Each of these releases has been highly anticipated by their respective fanbases. The new games include better-than-ever graphics, new engines, new features, and they further unravel their storylines. At Benchmark Reviews, we got our hands on one of the most highly anticipated of these new games, Assassin's Creed III: Deluxe Edition. In this article, we'll take a look at the new engine used for Assassin's Creed III as well as the gameplay and new open world features. Read More ...
DeepCool M3 Notebook Cooling Pad It is a fact that laptops can get very hot and, depending on where it is placed, it can get mighty uncomfortable. The advent of laptop coolers has provided a way to help reduce the heat for the comfort of both the computer and the user. Beijing Deepcool Industries Co., Ltd are introducing a line of laptop coolers into the North American Market. Benchmark Reviews has obtained DeepCool M3 Audio Cooling Pad to review. Let's see if it can take the heat off your lap while bringing cool sound to your ears. Read More ...
Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX HD Smartphone Pervasive computing has taken over as the dominant technology market for consumers. Users who want to stay productive, or merely connected while away from their desk, have found the Smartphone to be a mobile workhorse. Today, Benchmark Reviews brings you a hands-on review of Motorola's top-line device, the DROID RAZR MAXX HD. Both the RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD have a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a 4.7″ 720p HD Super AMOLED display. The RAZR HD has a 2530 mAh battery, and the RAZR MAXX HD has 3300mAh of go juice inside. This is not an all-day battery; this is a 2-3 day battery, depending on your usage pattern. Let's take a closer look at Motorola's latest flagship phone. Read More ...
OCZ Vector Solid State Drive The OCZ Vector 2.5 solid state drive (VTR1-25SAT3 series) is an ultra-slim 7mm high-performance SSD storage device produced in-house by OCZ Technology with a focus on reliability. Featuring OCZ's new Indilinx Barefoot 3 storage controller, the Vector SSD series is built to produce optimized performance for enthusiasts wanting to capitalize on near-instant response times. OCZ Vector SSDs are available in 128/256/512GB capacities, and deliver up to 550MB/s read speeds with up to 95,000 Random Read IOPS. In this article Benchmark Reviews puts these specifications to test, and compares the OCZ Vector solid state drive against the leading competition. Read More ...
NETGEAR ProSafe GS110T Gigabit SmartSwitch Until recently, there were only two types of network switches, un-managed and managed. Today, there is a new class, called Smart Switches. A blend of the two previous extremes, they're targeted to both corporate users and what the industry politely calls ProSumers . Switches aren't reviewed by the press that often, but they are a necessary part of many home and SMB networks, so we need to look at what's available now and then. NETGEAR is a major player in the networking market, and today Benchmark Reviews looks at the GS110T, one of the less expensive offerings in their ProSafe SmartSwitch line. It's got enough GbE ports to future-proof most home installations, plus two fiber optic interfaces. Read More ...
Gigabyte Aivia Osmium Mechanical Keyboard It is now common to see gaming peripherals in the marketplace that originate from manufacturers that are originally known for producing high-quality computer components. Gamers certainly welcome this trend, and we all hope that it continues because the end result is that we have many outstanding options from which to choose. Being one of the manufacturers that is known primarily for producing motherboards and other computer components, Gigabyte has quietly been providing us with some solid peripherals. Its latest keyboard entry, the Gigabyte Aivia Osmium Keyboard, is, clearly, very well constructed, boasting Cherry MX Red mechanical key switches. There are a number of other mechanical keyboards out there from which to choose, and Benchmark Reviews will explain why the feature-rich Gigabyte Aivia Osmium mechanical gaming keyboard should be among those on your consideration short list. Read More ...
Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Case Everything is getting smaller. With today's emphasis on efficiency and mobility, and processors that do even more with much less power consumption, it is a trend that will probably continue. With the success of enclosures such as the BitFenix Prodigy and Coolermaster's Elite 120 Advanced, it is great to see other manufacturers embrace this trend and put their own innovations and ideas into the small form factor market. Choices are always a good thing for a customer, and Fractal Design brings their own blend of ITX with the Node 304. In the following pages, Benchmark Reviews will take a closer look at the ideas featured in the Fractal Design Node 304 FD-CA-NODE-304-BL Mini-ITX tower computer case. Read More ...
Das Keyboard Model S Professional Metadot's Das Keyboard is one of the most recognized keyboards on the mechanical keyboard market. The Das Keyboard has become one of the standards to which all other mechanical keyboards are compared. The question that Benchmark Reviews will be trying to answer is Metadot's keyboard The keyboard to have or is it just another mechanical keyboard in the growing market of mechanical keyboards aimed at both the gamers and the professionals. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the Das Keyboard Professional Model S Mechanical. Read More ...
Rosewill Gaming Keyboard RK-8100 Despite being a PC gamer since receiving MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries for my parents' ancient Epson back in 1995, I've never really had a keyboard specifically designed as a gaming keyboard. They've always been generic office things from Microsoft or Logitech. At a relatively low $24.99, Rosewill targets this well-featured peripheral at the budget-conscious gamer. It features a number of bells and whistles to appeal to a gaming audience. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Rosewill Gaming Keyboard RK-8100 (model RIKB-11003). Read More ...
Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone SPH-L710 Desktop and notebook computers are slowing being dominated by the smartphone, a portable yet capable electronic device that grows more powerful with each new generation. For users who want to stay productive, or merely connected while away from their desk, the smartphone is proving to be a mobile workhorse. Samsung is a master of portable consumer devices, and a pioneer in the smartphone industry. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the Samsung Galaxy S III (model GT-I9300), an ultra-powerful smartphone with 4.8 HD Super AMOLED screen and Google Android 4.1.2 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Read More ...
A4Tech Ultracore3 V7 Gun3 Gaming Mouse Being an enthusiast doesn't necessarily mean pouring an incredible amount of money into a hobby. While going to a web site that sells computer components, sorting by Highest Price and just adding everything at the top of the list to your cart will probably result in a fast computer (probably...) I'm not sure if that is what defines an enthusiast. Sometimes finding those products that ride that price/performance line, getting the absolute most for the money spent - that's where enthusiasm can be found. A4Tech, a company with 25 years of experience with mice and other peripherals, has just released a new line of gaming mice that Benchmark Reviews is going to take a look at today. First up, the A4Tech Ultracore3 V7 Gun3 wired gaming mouse - let's see what A4Tech has in store for gaming enthusiasts... Read More ...
ADATA DashDrive Elite HE720 USB 3.0 Hard Drive The Adata DashDrive Elite HE720 promises a sleek and light weight method of moving hundreds of gigabytes of data from point A to point B. Imagine showing up at your friends' door with four seasons of their favorite TV show in your pocket. Although USB memory devices currently offer the lightest and smallest way to move data, the cost per gigabyte becomes quite high as capacity increases. In this article, Benchmark Reviews looks at the features and performance for the lightweight, portable and overall good-looking ADATA DashDrive Elite HE720 USB 3.0 External Hard Drive. Read More ...
SilverStone SUGO SG09 Micro ATX Build Notes Building a system in a micro ATX computer case is always a challenge, since there's so much less space to work in. Component placement and wiring will require much more attention and time than they would for a build in a standard ATX tower chassis. After our previous look at the SilverStone SUGO SG09 Micro ATX chassis, SilverStone sent us some new components designed for use in this case. Benchmark Reviews takes a look at how these new components affect the build. Read More ...
How To Send Free Text Messages Via Email Wireless carriers continue to raise the price for sending text messages from your cellular phone, even though Short Message Service (SMS) has been around for twenty years and creates very little load on their infrastructure. Network carriers such as AT T charge $.20 per text message or $.30 per multimedia message unless you add their optional $20/month unlimited messaging service, which may not fit into everyone's budget. International texting creates additional charges, which could also be avoided. This guide offers an alternative, and shows you how to send simple text and multimedia picture messages through any email account. Read More ...
Thermaltake Level 10M Gaming Mouse A couple of years ago, Thermaltake entered into a design collaboration with auto maker BMW, resulting in the impressive and very expensive Level 10 computer case. At $800 retail, it didn't sell very well, but it did make its mark as one of the most innovative and dramatic computer cases ever produced. The same design aesthetic is evident in Thermaltake's latest collaboration with BMW, the Level 10M Gaming Mouse. The box boasts that it's Born to be seen , but of course what really matters is how it performs, and Benchmark Reviews is here to find out just that. Read More ...
Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 USB has made it convenient to charge mobile devices, since most people also have access to a computer with an available port. But as the devices add up, those ports become scarce. This is ideal during extended travel, when battery power for items like the Apple iPad or iPhone runs low after a movie. Keeping fully charged is a challenge while traveling, since most people leave their bulky systems at home. This is where a portable USB charge adapter comes in very handy. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the travel-sized Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev 2, model PSAEQ-AC01301-BL. Read More ...
Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Headphones OG-AUD63042 Finding a good quality set of headphones with a microphone that are compatible across multiple platforms is difficult. Either you get good sound, with no headset features, or you get a headset with less than stellar audio quality for music. The Oblanc NC2-1 UFO headphones aim to fill that slot. Us here at Benchmark Reviews have had the opportunity to put these headphones through their paces. With a padded headband, massive 50 mm driver, in line microphone with call control, and a 4-pole connector with adapter to work across smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, and computers; the NC2-1 headphones are packed with features, and we're going to test them out. Read More ...
Mad Catz Tritton Pro+ 5.1 Surround Headset Before current generation consoles were even conceived, PC gamers and enthusiasts have been able to enjoy the benefits that headsets offer. In recent years XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3 users are now also able to enjoy those same benefits. Today Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at the TRITTON Pro+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset from Mad Catz. The TRITTON Pro+ is compatible with PlayStation 3, XBOX 360 and PC (Europe) via an optional cable. The TRITTON Pro+ boasts true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound via eight individual drivers - four in each earcup (Front, Center, Surround, Subwoofer) - each with independent volume control. Visually speaking there isn't much that separates the Pro+ from the rest of the TRITTON range of headsets; it's all about what's inside, so let's find out more. Read More ...
EonNAS 1100 NAS Network Storage Server Data Rot! Every time a compact disk gives up the ghost and you some files, you've experienced it. All digital storage technologies are susceptible to data rot, AKA bit rot. Benchmark Reviews recently highlighted reliability issues that SSD users are experiencing; their flash memory failures have been an eye-opening experience for consumers. We all know how a hard drive crashes , but we're not so clear on how electrons disappear. Large data centers have been acutely aware of this problem, and the industry devised ways of eliminating it. Now, Infortrend is making that technology available to consumers, with their new EonNAS series. The key to data integrity is in the ZFS file system, that's part of the Sun-based OS installed in the EonNAS 1100. Plus, it performs data deduplication on the fly! Read on to find out more... Read More ...
NZXT Cryo X60 Notebook Cooler RN-CRX60-B1 No matter which laptop you have, the expensive or inexpensive one, they pretty much all seem to get very hot in a short period of time. NZXT has released their fifth notebook cooler, the Cryo X60, model RN-CRX60-B1. With a slim profile design using two 120mm asymmetrical cooling fans, aluminum construction, and high airflow with vented aluminum mesh cutouts. Supports laptops up to 16 screen size. This is a premium laptop cooler with an integrated 4 port usb hub and a 5 speed fan controller that runs optionally on Usb power or AC adapter. Built by NZXT known for gamer enthusiast quality cooling products and accessories, Benchmark Reviews will be testing this cooler for performance and value. Read More ...
ROCCAT KONE Pure Gaming Mouse For those of you out there that are looking for a nice basic but high spec gaming mouse, the ROCCAT KONE Pure - Core Performance Gaming Mouse might well be just right for you. By stripping away some of the gimmicks and not so useful features of the KONE[+], ROCCAT have been able to build a sleek beast with the KONE Pure and here at Benchmark Reviews we aim to test it to its fullest. First of all it is smaller than both the KONE[+] and the KONE XTD, and it also does away with the LED strips and weight adjustment system, leaving a gaming peripheral that is a great pleasure to use. The KONE Pure uses the same Omron switches and R3 Pro-Aim laser sensor found in the KONE XTD but lovingly packs them into a more compact package. Think of the KONE Pure as more of a brother than a replacement to the KONE XTD and KONE[+]. Read More ...
HAWKEN Mech Combat FPS Video Game Preview From the moment you hit the launch button to when you expire in a burning and crumpled mess, the impact of the Hawken Mech Combat FSP video game is almost mesmerizing. Meteor Entertainment and Adhesive Games have produced a gripping and fast paced game that is challenging, and very engaging. Benchmark Reviews has had the opportunity to preview the game during the Open-Beta events 1 and 2. Read More ...
BlueAnt Commute Handsfree Car Kit CMT-USEN BlueAnt Wireless is well known for their Bluetooth-connected headsets, such as the high-quality BlueAnt Q2 and the durable BlueAnt T1 series. Bluetooth headsets are great solutions for cellular telephone calls, but can become uncomfortable to wear and lack voice-activated control over calls and text messaging. The BlueAnt Commute CMT-USEN voice-activated handsfree car kit delivers complete voice command interaction with your SmartPhone, and includes all the great technology that delivers clear communication in their premium headsets. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the BlueAnt Commute under several conditions, comparing the features and benefits over other handsfree options. Read More ...
ROCCAT KONE XTD Gaming Mouse This time last year ROCCAT released the KONE[+] to replace the original KONE Gaming Mouse, this year there are two upgrades for the KONE gaming mouse line - the KONE XTD and the KONE Pure. In this article Benchmark Reviews will be looking at the ROCCAT KONE XTD Max Customization Gaming Mouse (model# ROC-11-810). The KONE XTD looks exactly the same as its predecessor but there have been a few changes under the hood. For starters the KONE XTD boasts an 8200 DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor, a 32-bit Turbo Core V2 72MHz ARM MCU processor, upgraded Omron switches and an advance Tracking Distance Control Unit. We were impressed with the KONE[+] so let's see if the KONE XTD is a worthwhile replacement. Read More ...
Guild Wars 2 Digital Deluxe Video Game In their second installment of the popular Guild Wars franchise, ArenaNet has certainly bought out the big guns. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will be reviewing their Digital Deluxe offering, which includes some compelling extras for those that plan to be in larger guilds. The game features a heavily modified Guild Wars 1 graphics engine, complete with totally new audio and cinematics engines which take advantage of today's DirectX 11 video and sound cards. With continuous events and structured player versus player, there should be plenty to keep you occupied for a long time. Read More ...
ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD mini-ITX Motherboard Recently I've had the opportunity to test several small form factor cases aimed at the enthusiast market, and it's been fascinating to see the progress vendors have made in creating cases that allow users to squeeze high performance systems into increasingly smaller spaces. However, the best designed SFF enthusiast case isn't much good without a high performance motherboard, and historically there hasn't been much for the enthusiast in the mini ITX form factor. Until now, at least: ASUS has released their P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD motherboard. Let's see what performance and features they've managed to hammer into this tiny thing. Read More ...
Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse Gamers are demanding people to create equipment for, and who can blame them. When you spend hours a day with your hardware, (like many of us at Benchmark Reviews), and other people are depending on your hardware to hold up, you have certain expectations from it. When looking for a mouse, one considers many factors, including size, weight, customization, durability, and the list goes on. Logitech has aimed its G600 MMO Gaming Mouse towards gamers looking for a high-quality mouse with lots of features, and it definitely shows. With 20 programmable buttons, a maximum DPI of 8200, the G-Shift feature, a lightweight body, and many other features, this mouse provides a balance between functionality and fun. If you've ever found yourself looking for a mouse with a good balance between functionality, durability and cool features, then take a look at this... Read More ...
Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse Ahh, flagship gaming mice. Nothing says enthusiast more than a top-of-the-line, fully featured, optioned-out model. Although the Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse has been on the market for awhile, it still resides as Logitech's top answer to various other hybrid wireless gaming mice (Razer Mamba/Naga Epic, Microsoft Sidewinder X8 - if you can still find one, Gigabyte AIVIA, Cyborg R.A.T. 9...). I've always felt that a quality mouse and keyboard will change your computing experience for the better - so does the G700 deliver? Benchmark Reviews will find out for sure... Read More ...
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 OLED Gaming Keyboard Mad Catz released their new STRIKE 7 keyboard two months back, representing the high end model of their new cyborg series keyboards. Like the Cyborg RAT-9/7/5/3 mice, the STRIKE 5 is now released. It's more affordable, and just as promising. Equipped with the same keyboard and customization setup, the STRIKE 5 is equipped with the same power with the only difference being the auxiliary panel. Instead of the VENOM touchscreen which came with 12 apps, the STRIKE 5 comes with a simplified OLED EYE display. For those looking for a cheaper alternative to the STRIKE 7, Benchmark Reviews will analyze the STRIKE 5 to see if it holds up. Read More ...
Cooler Master HAF-XB Computer Case Enclosure I've reviewed a number of computer cases in the past few years, but I've never had the opportunity to work with anything like the new Cooler Master HAF XB. Rather than offer yet another take on the traditional tower case, Cooler Master goes with a completely new design: a bi-level case which keeps the power supply and drives in the bottom half and the motherboard in the upper half. It'll occupy a lot more desk space than a tower, but what advantages does it offer? Benchmark Reviews will thoroughly dissect this intriguing case and build a high-end AMD gaming system into it to see how it works. Read More ...
Arctic Dual USB Car Charger People love their portable electronics, and can't get escape without their phone, tablet, and digital multimedia devices in tow. We take our ebook readers with us everywhere, carry a Bluetooth wireless headset for calls on the road, and occasionally find time to take pictures with the digital camera. All of these devices require power, and when you're away from home it's hard to keep batteries charged during long trips or after prolonged use. Every vehicle has a 12V cigarette lighter receptacle, but most lack USB power outlets. Arctic Cooling offers the Dual USB Car Charger (model PSAEQ-AC01901-BL) to keep your devices working while on the road, with two USB ports and the ability to fast-charge at up to 2.1 amps of power. Read More ...
CM Storm Ceres 400 Wired Gaming Headset Cooler Master's subsidiary, CM Storm, continues to develop quality PC gaming peripherals proving that it is a serious player in the industry. The CM Storm Ceres-400 wired gaming headset, model SGH-2010-KKTA1, is the organization's latest audio entry into the market, and it is clear what the objective was when developing this headset; to provide budget-conscious gamers with a high-quality set of headphones. Priced at around $50, the Ceres-400 is packed with features, such as the large 40mm drivers, you normally won't find at this price point. Benchmark Reviews is proud to take a close look at this headset in order to provide you with a thorough review of it. Read More ...
Personal 3D Printing vs Patents and Gun Controls 3D printing technology has progressed beyond prototyping and developed into consumer production. What was once an expensive process that enabled quicker proto-fabrication has now become an affordable means for regular users to construct or duplicate any object of their desire. Inventors have championed 3D printers as devices favorable to their pursuit of product development, but the same technology will allow consumers the ability to copy patented work or firearms without consideration. The resulting dilemma will play out in courts around the globe as 3D printing devices and the software that coordinates them are steadily improved. Read More ...
NZXT Phantom 820 Tower Computer Case A great case can last an enthusiast many builds. This means that case designers need to create cases that can handle many different configurations, with many different requirements. A multi-GPU system has different requirements than a single GPU system, which in turn has different requirements than professional workstation. While NZXT attempts to cater to all of these parties, designing a case involves making compromises between the three areas of quality, features, and cost. Therefore, the question Benchmark Reviews will attempt to answer is what compromises did NZXT make in the creation of the NZXT Phantom 820. Read More ...
RHA SA950i Portable Headphones Following on from the RHA CA-200 Noise isolating headphone review last week, Benchmark Reviews is all set to take a look at the higher priced RHA SA950i On-Ear Portable Headphones from Reid Heath Acoustics. The SA950i headphones are designed primarily for Apple iPhone/iPod/iPad users, but will also work just as well on most other modern smartphones. Available in Apple Retail Stores from October 30th 2012 (MSRP $59.95), the RHA website claim the SA950i Headphones feature technologies more commonly found in full-sized studio equipment, and delivers professional-grade audio in a compact supra-aural design . The SA950i Headphones also feature a 1.5m braided cable with a multi function in-line remote, contour forming ear cups, adjustable chrome sliders, 40mm titanium coated mylar drivers and dynamic neodynium magnets. RHA seem pretty confident about the SA950i Headphones, and we aim to see if they can really deliver. Read More ...
Intel SSD 335 Series Solid State Drive Intel's SSD 335 Series solid state drive is available in 240GB capacity and features 20nm 64GB IMFT 29F16B08CCMF2 NAND Flash components. Optimized for the SATA 6Gb/s interface, the Intel SSD 335 Series provides sequential reads up to 500 MB/s and 450 writes up to MB/s. Performance for 4 KB random reads reaches 42,000, while writes climb to 52,000 IOPS (94,000 combined). Intel SSD 335 uses a second-generation LSI/SandForce SF-2281VB1-SDC processor with enhanced BCH ECC capability, and supports for ATA-7 Security Erase. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the value-priced Intel SSD 335 Solid State Drive (SSDSC2CT240A4K5) against competing storage solutions to determine the best value for your computer system. Read More ...
SilverStone SUGO SST-SG09 MicroATX Chassis As more enthusiasts discover that they really don't need seven or eight slots in a standard ATX motherboard, the popularity of Micro ATX and Mini ITX rigs is exploding. Formerly constrained to HTPC or light home server duty, small form factor systems are now becoming the province of enthusiasts, aided by motherboards and cases designed to support the power and air flow required to house the higher-end components such systems require. The latest performance-oriented Micro ATX case is Silverstone's new SUGO SG09B, and since it's from Silverstone, you might expect that it has some unique design features. You'd be right. Read More ...
OCZ Technology: From SSDs to Layoffs Once upon a time between 2004-2006, OCZ was a well-known manufacturer of high-end memory components and power supply units that sold under the motto Founded by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts . During the peak economy in 2007, OCZ Technology CEO Ryan Petersen proved his devotion to enthusiasts by purchasing PC Power Cooling (May 2007), swiftly followed by elite system-builder Hypersonic PC (October 2007). Through the years that followed, OCZ's brand name would successfully sell NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, overclocker heatsinks, premium thermal pastes, hardcore gaming peripherals, and even a mind-controlled Neural Impulse Actuator (NIA). On March 2008, OCZ Technology revealed the industry's first consumer Solid State Drive - the apex of their dedication towards high-performance computer hardware enthusiasts. The future looked so very bright, until stock value became the mission. As of 26 October 2012, many of the great minds behind OCZ's enthusiast movement were without work. Read More ...
Gigabyte F2A85X-UP4 AMD FM2 Motherboard The second generation of AMD A-Series APUs is now among us. Hopefully you have been able to read our articles about the newest AMD Trinity Processors. Those APUs are nice, but they amount to nothing without a motherboard to pair them with. At Benchmark Reviews, we tested those APUs with the Gigabyte F2A85X-UP4 Socket FM2 A85X Motherboard. While the A85X chipset brings a few minor changes to the FCH, Gigabyte has added a lot of their own features to the F2A85X-UP4 motherboard to ensure that it meets all of the needs of early FM2 adopters. Read More ...
Silverstone FP37 SDXC USB 3.0 Front Bay Card Reader A media card reader can be a convenient device when it comes to transferring information between cameras, video cameras and a desktop computer. Media card readers based on USB 3.0 should take advantage of the higher interface bandwidth to allow much faster file transfer. In this article, Benchmark Reviews looks at the Silverstone FP37 USB 3.0 front bay media card reader to find out just what kind of features and performance can be expected from this newer generation of media card reader. Read More ...
AMD FX-8350 Vishera Desktop Processor AMD introduced its new FX-series processors almost exactly a year ago, and AMD enthusiasts hoped these Zambezi CPUs, built on AMD's new Bulldozer architecture, would provide real competition to Intel's Sandy Bridge line. But although the FX-8150 had eight integer cores and was capable of high clock speeds, its high price and poor performance at the individual core level meant that it wasn't very competitive with the equivalent Intel CPUs. Now we have the AMD FX-8350 CPU, code-named Vishera and based on the Piledriver architecture to test. Has AMD managed to reduce the performance deficit relative to Intel? Let's find out. Read More ...
Use PlayStation3 Gamepad with PC Games Ever considered buying a gamepad for racing, sports, or split-screen PC games? Well, there are quite a few options from Microsoft, Logitech, and Saitek including the popular Logitech F710 and Saitek P3600. However, if you don't fancy the grip of the Xbox controller, don't agree with the colour scheme of the F710, or are just looking for something different, there is good news! The Sony DUALSHOCK 3 controller (designed for the PS3), with a little work can be made to work on your PC. Certain unique features of the PS3 controller, such as six-axes motion-sensing and pressure sensitive buttons, make it a viable competitor to the more popular options. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will demonstrate that one of the best controllers of all time can be used to score breathtaking goals, pull off amazing combos, and crush lap times in your favorite PC games. Read More ...
Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard After almost dying out, then re-emerging as boutique items for snobs, mechanical keyboards are experiencing a sudden surge in popularity as people realize the advantages they have in keyboard feel and longevity over the traditional rubber dome or membrane keyboards. After testing mechanical keyboards from Cooler Master, Corsair, Rosewill, and Thermaltake, Benchmark Reviews now has the opportunity to look at a mechanical keyboard from one of the largest keyboard vendors in the world, Logitech. Join me as I explore the features and capabilities of their new Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Read More ...
JVC HA-NC250 Noise Cancelling Headphones Noise cancelling headphones are almost a necessity for frequent travelers. Benchmark Reviews has just complete field trials of the JVC HA-NC250 noise cancelling headphones. These headphones provide solid all around performance for a very competitive price. Read More ...
RHA CA-200 Black Noise Isolating Headphones Since its conception Benchmark Reviews' primary focus has been on consumer and enthusiast PC hardware, and now with the proliferation of mobile computing and gadgets it was only a matter of time before that focus shifted slightly. Today we will be taking a look at a set of RHA CA-200 Black Headphones from Reid Heath Acoustics. Available now for a mere $29.95, the CA-200's claim to offer high quality and performance at a low cost. Features include; 40mm mylar drivers, neodymium magnet and CCAW voice coils, 3.5mm gold plated connections, an ErgoFit system which allows the ear cup to pivot on multiple axes, and most importantly - a detachable braided cable. Please join us as we analyze the performance, comfort, aesthetics and functions of the RHA CA-200 Black Headphones. Read More ...
Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset A great headset will change the way you think about sound. It all started when I upgraded to a Sapphire Radeon 7970. As it turns out, this dual-slot graphics card extended just enough to prevent the installation of my aftermarket sound card in the only remaining PCI slot. The Razer Carcharias headset I was using just didn't sound the same with onboard sound, so it was off to find another solution - so I returned the 7970 and all was good. HA! Like any of us here at Benchmark Reviews would miss out on a perfectly valid chance to upgrade... Truth be told, I still felt like something was missing in my computing experience, so I set out to find another headset that would enhance the audio I enjoy - a worthy compliment to the enhanced visuals afforded by the Radeon 7970. That brings us to the Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset - ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears... Read More ...
PNY XLR8 PRO Solid State Drive Not many Solid State Drive manufacturers offer a five-year full-replacement product warranty, but PNY does. Built in the USA, the PNY XLR8 PRO SSD series combines a second-generation LSI/SandForce SF-2281 SATA 6Gb/s controller with fast IMFT-branded NAND flash components to produce up to 85,000 IOPS. PNY has tweaked the XLR8 PRO SSD-series to deliver transfer speeds up to 550 MB/s read and 520 MB/s write. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests these claims, and compares XLR8 PRO SSD performance to competing storage solid-state solutions to find out which SSD is best. Read More ...
CM Storm Recon Mouse and Skorpion There are many different aspects to an enjoyable computer experience, and one of the foremost of those is input devices. The right mouse or keyboard can make or break a game, cause the death of a boss, or the death of your party, make your headshot across the map, or end up with you staring at a respawn timer. Cooler Master recently released their Storm Recon mouse, as well as the Skorpion mouse bungee. The ambidextrous Storm Recon boasts many different bells and whistles, and here at Benchmark Reviews, we will put both items through their paces. Read More ...
Genius GX-Gaming Cavimanus 7.1 Headset There are headsets that are nice for listening to music, and then there are headsets specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience. Genius presents the GX-Gaming Cavimanus 7.1 channel corded Headset and takes pro gaming audio to a whole new plateau. The Cavimanus has combined a high quality neodymium 40mm sound driver, with a well calibrated vibration feature that provides incredible explosive bass that sounds like its coming from a sub woofer. With a mid-range retail price point of $64.99, Benchmark Reviews will analyze the Cavimanus (HS-G700V) for quality, performance, and value. Read More ...
NETGEAR R6300 Gigabit Wi-Fi Router Next generation wireless routers are now firmly in the marketplace, and Benchmark Reviews has had the opportunity to take a closer look at one of NETGEAR 's current flagship routers, which is the NETGEAR R6300 Gigabit Wi-Fi Router. Having Broadcom's 5G Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11ac chips on-board, The R6300 is capable of delivering speeds of up to 1300Mbps when connected to other 802.11ac devices, and speeds of up to 450Mbps when connected to 802.11n devices. Some have suggested that it has, a face that only a mother could love, but, personal preferences aside, the design of the R6300 is not indicative of this router's performance and capability. It is packed with great features, such as READYshare, that are designed to address your personal and professional wireless needs. Whether you want to stream HD video, sit down for an extended gaming session, or even do a number of tasks simultaneously, the NETGEAR R6300 can handle it. Read More ...
Patriot Gauntlet 320 Wireless HDD PCGTW320S If you've ever wanted a compact storage device that was small, had its own power supply, and wirelessly accessible, then the Patriot Gauntlet 320 fits the build perfectly. While capable of connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0, the Patriot Gauntlet is so much more. Designed as a portable hard disk drive with 320GB of storage space, 5.5-hour lithium-ion battery, and and integrated 150Mbps Wi-Fi b/g/n access point, the Patriot Gauntlet 320 (PCGTW320S) simultaneously streams media to up to five devices. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Patriot Gauntlet 320 using Google Android and Apple iPhone devices as well as digital media players and the PC platform. Read More ...
MSI GTX N650Ti Power Edition Video Card The final iteration of NVIDIA's Kepler GPUs is now upon us. The GTX 650Ti, which is technically closer related to the GTX 660 than the actual GTX 650 itself, is about to fill in the final gap in Kepler GPU chart. The GTX 650Ti is being positioned as an affordable GPU meant to allow all gamers to have the same Kepler benefits that may have previously been out of reach. Here at Benchmark Reviews, we have the MSI GEFORCE GTX 650Ti Power Edition 1GD5/OC video card on hand and we have put it through its paces. In the following article, we will strip down the MSI GTX 650Ti Power Edition video card and test it against a wide variety of other graphics cards to show you just where it stands. Read More ...
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Video Card NVIDIA's GeForce GTX series traditionally offers enthusiast-level performance with features like multi-card SLI pairing and GPU Boost application-driven variable overclocking technology. The GeForce GTX 650 Ti graphics card keeps with tradition in terms of performance by offering the capable GK106 GPU with 768 CUDA cores, but skips past some of the top-end extras. Nevertheless, NVIDIA Kepler GPU architecture delivers additional proprietary features such as: 3D Vision, Adaptive Vertical Sync, multi-display Surround, PhysX, and TXAA antialiasing. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti graphics card with DirectX 11 video games. Read More ...
AMD A8-5600K APU Trinity Desktop Processor Right on track, well after Ivy Bridge, AMD has released their second generation of Accelerated Processing Units in the form of the Trinity series A10-5800K and the A8-5600K. Last week, we brought you a preview of these two APUs just to give you a taste of their gaming performance and some of their specifications. Today, at Benchmark Reviews, we are going in detail for a full work-over of the A8-5600K APU. Read More ...
AMD A10-5800K Trinity Desktop Processor Right on track, well after Ivy Bridge, AMD has released their second generation of Accelerated Processing Units in the form of the Trinity series A10-5800K and the A8-5600K. Last week, we brought you a preview of these two APUs just to give you a taste of their gaming performance and some of their specifications. Today, at Benchmark Reviews, we are going in detail for a full work-over of the A10-5800K APU. Read More ...
Orcs Must Die! 2 Video Game Are you looking for some slice dice fun that doesn't require a large time commitment? Do you wish you were in the Lord of the Rings movies, killing orcs left and right? If you answered 'yes' to both of these questions, then Orcs Must Die! 2 is the action game for you. Featuring slick graphics and great use of sound, Orcs Must Die! 2 is the type of game you launch intending just to play a map or two, then look at the clock and find out hours have passed. Check out why you should give this budget-priced video game a chance in this review from Benchmark Reviews. Read More ...
MSI Z77 MPOWER LGA1155 Motherboard MSI should be well known to most of our readers, and today Benchmark Reviews checks out their new MSI Z77 MPOWER LGA1155 motherboard. This time around MSI is aiming at the performance enthusiast and overclocker: the MPOWER is an OC Certified motherboard. What, precisely, does OC Certified mean? Join us as we put this board through its paces and see if it can serve as the foundation of an overclocked system. Read More ...
SPEEDLINK KUDOS RS Gaming Mouse It's annoying when certain jazzed up peripherals are branded as 'Gaming' especially when they have no particular benefit to gamers. SPEEDLINK on the other hand have made a very good effort with the KUDOS RS Gaming Mouse, while it is very flashy looking with its red metallic finish it also packs some good features too. The KUDOS RS features include a 5700 dpi laser sensor, on-the-fly sensitivity and profile switching, 7 programmable buttons and a 4D scroll wheel. Here at Benchmark Reviews many of us are enthusiastic gamers and we strive for quality and functionality as just much as you, our faithful readers. Please read on to find out more. Read More ...
CM Storm Scout 2 Gaming PC Case Benchmark Reviews evaluated the first CM Storm Scout gaming case when it was first released in 2009. Back then, it was a unique combination of form, function, and swagger. The built-in handle made it a natural for LAN parties, but the size and weight meant two things - you could pack in some serious hardware, and you needed serious muscles to carry it around. Perhaps surprisingly, that combination turned out to be very popular, and Cooler Master was encouraged to bring the basic design up to date after a few years. The 2012 version, called Scout 2, is better in almost every way. No major shifts in form or function occurred, and almost everything you liked about the original Scout has been updated and improved. Let's take a look at what the design team did with their second chance... Read More ...
Borderlands 2 Defeat The Warrior Farming Guide Borderlands 2 is an exciting game that pulls you into a fantasy world that's been done a hundred times, but finds a way to give it to you like never before. While the game itself is a hybrid creation with familiar ingredients that taste of Eve Online, World of Warcraft, and Fallout, then seasoned with hints of Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty. Players assume the role of a vault hunter in one of four combat disciplines: Commando, Gunzerker, Assassin, and Siren. The character then fight bandits in first-person shooter format across a vast array of maps, but unlike most FPS-styled games, each level means better loot and tougher enemies. In this article Benchmark Reviews explains how to easily beat 'The Warrior' end boss within 'The Talon of God' final story mission, then we show you how to farm him for XP and legendary purple weapons over and over again. Read More ...
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 Gaming Keyboard Mad Catz has always taken wild swings at design and innovation. Their latest introduction, the Mad Catz STRIKE 7 gaming keyboard, is among the most luxurious and expensive keyboards on the market. With 7 detachable and modular pieces, 1 TFT-LCD touch screen, 12 programmable macro keys, 12 touch screen macros, and 3 instant toggle profiles, the raw capability of this keyboard can put any keyboard to shame. Benchmark Reviews will take apart the STRIKE 7 and see if it really is the king of the crop. Read More ...
AMD Trinity APU A10-5800K & A8-5600K Preview Less than two days ago, Benchmark Reviews received the latest and greatest APUs from AMD; the A10-5800K and the A8-5600K. They don't launch in the retail market for a couple of weeks, but we are bringing you the low down in a special preview of the newest Accelerated Processing Units about to become available. The Second Generation APUs follow along the same lines as last year's APU releases by AMD with some notable upgrades in both CPU and GPU performance. The new Trinity series of APUs also comes with a new chipset and socket that are surprisingly not backwards compatible with the first generation Llano series of APUs. Read More ...
Biostar Hi-Fi Z77X Intel ATX Motherboard The latest chipset from Intel, the Z77, has been around for a little while now and has certainly spurred a lot of interest by aftermarket motherboard manufacturers. Little actually changed between the Z68 chipset and the Z77 chipset. Z77 added Smart connect to let you receive emails while your computer is asleep and Rapid Start to speed up boot times. With so little changing, it is up to the manufacturers to pack their motherboards so full of features that they stand out above the rest of the competition. That is exactly what Biostar has done with the Hi-Fi Z77X. Read More ...
Thecus N5550 NAS Network Storage Server The Thecus N5550 NAS Server is aimed right at the typical small business owner or advanced home user, by virtue of its size and form factor. It benefits from a recent tech refresh of the Intel Atom product line, has 2GB of DDR3 installed, and uses an interesting SATA/RAID controller solution. The Local Display feature means you can hook up a keyboard, mouse and video monitor directly to the NAS, for setup or media streaming duties. With five bays you can have capacity and redundancy, with RAID 5, 6, or 10, plus a hot spare. Dual GbE network ports are standard, as is a single USB 3.0 port on the front panel. Benchmark Reviews has tested several NAS products lately, ranging from simple two bay units, up to an 8-Bay NAS for the storage needs of large businesses. Let's see how this 5-bay device compares to its competitors. Read More ...
Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset For many gamers, the most important piece of hardware in their repertoire (after their computers of course) is their headset. Whether you use one so you can game while your significant other is asleep, to get better audio quality than your speakers provide, or simply because you prefer them, there's nothing like a good headset. Razer offers gamers their Carcharias wired gaming headset, model number RZ04-00270100-R3U1. Priced for $79.99, the Carcharias offers good sound, a comfortable fit (even with glasses!), and plug-and-play interfacing. Benchmark Reviews will test the Carcharias headset for range, sensitivity, comfort and general functionality. Read More ...
EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB SuperClocked When PC gamers upgrade their computer's video card, they want to get as much value as possible from their investment. They also want to be covered in case of failure, and get back into the fight as quickly as possible. NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 660 graphics card delivers impressive performance to the mainstream, pushed into hyper speed by EVGA's factory SuperClocked treatment. A 3-year warranty can be extended to 10-years, surpassing every other brand in the industry. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB SC (model 02G-P4-2662-KR) against a collection of DirectX 11 discrete graphics solutions. Read More ...
Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced Mini-ITX Case As more and more features are subsumed onto the motherboard, and graphics cards grow ever more powerful, many enthusiasts are realizing that they can do without the size and space requirements of an ATX form factor system. Micro-ATX and mini-ITX systems are becoming more popular, with new motherboards and cases breaking out of the HTPC market that they've defined for so long and nudging into the enthusiast market. Benchmark Reviews looks at Cooler Master's Elite 120 Advanced case and builds a gaming system in it to see how it fares. Read More ...
Available Tags:OCZ , NVIDIA , GeForce , GTX , Wireless , Gaming , ASUS , USB , Keyboard , Tablet , Server , Intel , SSD , Notebook , Motorola , Smartphone , Gigabyte , Samsung , Galaxy , USB 3.0 , Via , Thermaltake , Logitech , Logitech , Cooler Master , 3D , AMD , USB 3.0 , AMD , Logitech , Logitech , Router , HDD , MSI , AMD , APU , AMD , MSI , AMD , APU , EVGA , Cooler Master ,
No comments:
Post a Comment