Monday, August 12, 2013

IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 8/13/2013

TweakTown



RumorTT: Refreshed Nexus 10 will be manufactured by ASUS
A refreshed Google Nexus 10 is on its way, but just who will manufacture the 10-inch slate? The latest rumor is that ASUS will be building it, which is a hit for Samsung who made the original Nexus 10 slate.
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ASUS scored the contract for the refreshed Nexus 7, so if this report is true, ASUS are sitting in quite the position with Google going into the future. Considering the leap in specifications from the original Nexus 7 to the refreshed 2013 model, if the same is done to the Nexus 10, we could be in for quite the treat.
We should see the refreshed Nexus 10 with at least a 2560x1600-pixel display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC, and more. I'm expecting it to arrive with 16GB on-board flash storage by default, and some slick accessories, too. This will be the perfect tablet to buy for Battlefield 4's second screen mode, something I plan to do myself.

    




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Battlefield 4 will 'never force' team play, but will 'encourage' it
Thomas "Thompen" Andersson, Battlefield 4's Lead Multiplayer Designer, has explained how the developer is designing Battlefield 4 to "highly encourage" but "never force" team play in the first-person shooter.
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DICE's first incentive for players, involves gameplay mechanics, where he continues on the official Battlefield 4 blog: "We want to promote team play by creating great gameplay mechanics such as Field Upgrades, Commander Mode, and a new range of gadgets specifically designed to expand co-operation in the field. We have drastically expanded on the tools and benefits of efficient team play, and as a result we feel Battlefield 4's multiplayer experience is the deepest, most rewarding, and fun experience in the series."
Andersson said he believes EA DICE can "do a better job ... of letting players make more educated choices in their kit loadouts and combat roles" by showing what gadgets do and allowing gamers to compare weapons.

    




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Virtuix Omni gaming treadmill goes up for pre-order, just $499
The Kickstarter-funded Virtuix Omni gaming treadmill is now available for pre-order, with the Virtuix Omni Natural Motion Interface coming in at a price of $499, and a shipping date of March 2014.
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For $499, you'll receive the Omni platform itself, a pair of shoes, a belt, and the tracking hardware and software. For $1109, you'll receive the Duel Package, which includes two devices, and three pairs of shoes. So if you'd like to step into true virtual reality, pick up the Duel Package, a pair of Oculus' Rift VR headsets, and game your entire life away.
Who needs next-gen consoles when you have this in your home?

    




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First 'internationally recognized' athlete VISA given to pro gamer
It wasn't long ago that the US government officially recognized professional League of Legends gamers as athletes, but now the first VISA has been awarded to a Canadian League of Legends gamer.
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Danny "Shiphtur" Le, received his VISA so that he could fly down to southern California to train for October's world championship, which is being held in Los Angeles. The VISA he holds is a P-1A, which is the VISA for "internationally recognized athletes," according to a spokesman for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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The spokesman stated that each candidate would be individually evaluated for a VISA. But, Le is a Canadian, and Canadian's can stay in the US for up to six months without a VISA, so why did the pro League of Legends gamer apply for a VISA? As a business gamer, Le will play in competitions and if he wins prize money, he keeps it - but he cannot earn a salary while in the US. With Le based in California for now, he is earning a salary, which he would like to keep, hence the VISA application.

    




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Amazon sets fire to Kindle Fire HD prices, next-gen is close
We should be preparing ourselves for Amazon to unveil its next-generation Kindle Fire HD tablets, but for now you should bask in the glory of Amazon's price cuts to the current Kindle Fire HD models.
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The refreshed Kindle Fire HD slates will feature an all-new exterior design, as well as completely refreshed internals, too. The retail giant has just slashed the current-generation Kindle Fire HD to just $159, but in reality Amazon should've just called this a 'fire sale' and enjoyed the pun.

    




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Apple continue to lose foothold in Chinese mobile market
Apple isn't having a good time in China, with Canalys' latest report showing that the iPhone's market share has dropped to just 5% in the second quarter of 2013. This is down from 9% in the same quarter of last year.
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Canalys' China Research Director, Nicole Peng, told Bloomberg that Apple is getting hit by low-cost Android-powered smartphones that are being pushed by vendors such as Lenovo, ZTE and Xiaomi, which have all been pushing super-cheap smartphones with decent internal specifications. Peng said: "Apple is only focused on the high-end segment, and China's smartphone market growth right now is coming from the mid- to low-end. Apple doesn't have any products in the mid- to low-end and that's where Xiaomi has been building their brand awareness."
The world's largest wireless carrier, China Mobile, has close to 750 million subscribers, but Apple will not play ball with them. The Cupertino-based smartphone giant will not accept lower subsidies from the carrier, which is now hurting them, bad. Is this why Apple is reportedly working on the cheaper iPhone 5C?

    




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Civilization Online powered by CryEngine 3, South Korean exclusive
XLGames and 2K are currently working on Civilization Online, an MMO title which is being powered by Crytek's very capable CryEngine 3. The new Civilization Online will shift away from the usual turn-based strategy game, into a single character within one of four societies.
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Civilization Online is still centered around the ideas and characteristics that made Civilization the franchise that it is today, but Civilization Online just takes it from a new perspective. From the start of the game, player's will slot into one of four societies, where their task will be to conquer the world as it progresses through the ages.
Civilization Online is a massively, real-time, open world title that will see huge environments for gamer's to explore. There'll also be crafting PvP, resource gathering and other elements built-in. Traditional combat will be a part of Civilization Online, as will the ability to conduct research, build structures and even access an auction house to get rid of the items you have crafted.
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The game will allow you to choose different careers at will, on a situational basis. As an MMO, it can be won, with one society eventually meeting certain criterias like winning the space race, and then the game world will reset.
There is one very large bad news to state, Civilization Online will only be launching in the South Korean market for the time being. There's no details on a late date for the US, or any other country for that matter, which is unfortunate because it does sound like it would be quite the popular MMO.

    




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Acer to leave the cold arms of Microsoft for Google's warm embrace
Microsoft is losing partners left, right and center, with major partner, Acer, looking to shift its business away from the Redmond-based OS giant. The Wall Street Journal reports that Acer is trying to grow its "non-Windows business as soon as possible" by jumping to Android for mobile devices.
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Acer's goal is to generate 30% of its re venue from Android-based devices and Chromebooks by as early as the end of 2014, up from the current 10% revenue stream they will see from Android-based Acer goods this year. It would seem like, from the outside at least, Acer is trying to grow itself toward a Samsung-like company.
Acer President, Jim Wang, told The Wall Street Journal: "For the PC industry, I haven't seen light at the end of the tunnel. First, we have to sustain our market share and protect our bottom line...and by doing tablets and smartphones right, we can be prepared for the day after tomorrow."

    




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Google's 'Wi-Fi balloons' are currently being tested in California
Google has finally started the testing of its Project Loon Wi-Fi balloons in California's Central Valley, where they are "to research various approaches for improving the technology, like the power systems (solar panel orientation and batteries), envelope design, and radio configuration."
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The Wi-Fi balloons have previously been tested in New Zealand and various parts of Africa, but there's no concrete date when we could expect them to float across other skies just yet.

    




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Samsung infringed on Apple patents, ITC acts with an import ban
The US International Trade Commission has ruled that Samsung infringed on two Apple patents, which comes just a few days after the Obama administration vetoed an earlier ruling by the ITC that banned the import and sale of older iPhones and iPads.
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In December of last year, ITC Administrative Law Judge, Thomas Pender, suggested that certain Samsung smartphones be banned as they infringed on four different patents owned by Apple. Less than a month after this, the ITC said they would review the decision. This new ruling is the result of the ITC's review of the matter.
The patents that are causing all of these issues are US Patent No. 7,479,949, which relates to a touchscreen and user interface. The second, US Patent No. 7,912,501, which is in relation to detecting when a headset is connected. The ITC ruled that the South Korean giant didn't infringe on the other two patents.

    




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Samsung Galaxy Note III mentioned in Samsung support documents
We know it's coming, but an Android Central reader has noticed mentions of the Galaxy Note III in documentation for Samsung SideSync, which connects your phone to a computer and uses it as a second screen.
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The phablet should be unveiled at IFA in Berlin next month, or even before that, but until then we can stare at the photo above in anticipation. The Galaxy Note III shouldn't be much better than the Galaxy Note II, apart from a bigger screen and a few more features, but maybe I'm expecting too much these days? Is innovation that hard?

    




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RumorTT: Apple to unveil the next-gen iPhone at September 10 event
We know it's coming, but we haven't had a date, until now. All Things Digital are reporting that Apple will unveil their next-generation iPhone at an event being hosting on September 10.
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We should expect two iPhones to be unveiled on the day, the possibly larger, faster and next-gen iPhone - which could arrive as the iPhone 5S, or if Apple are smart, they will unveil something new and refreshing, and push it out as the iPhone 6. On top of that, we should see a budget-minded iPhone 5C, if previous rumors are correct.
This new event is to be focused purely on the iPhone and iOS, so we should expect some great things for the iPhone in the next month. Are you excited? If Apple only show off a slightly refreshed iPhone 5S running iOS 7, I will be very disappointed. They need to unveil something revolutionary to stop this constant attack from all fronts that is Google, Samsung, LG, Sony, and co.

    




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RumorTT: Google Glass to cost just $299
Toward the end of the year we can expect the consumer version of Google Glass to arrive, but what sort of price should we expect? Most have been expecting $500+, but according to a local researcher at the Topology Research Institute, we should expect a price of an affordable $299.
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The display on Glass will most likely be supplied by Taiwan-based Himax Display Inc. and will cost between $30 and $35, which will be the most expensive part of building Glass. On July 22, Google announced they had acquired a 6.3% stake in Himax Display, who make liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) chips and modules that will be used in devices such as Google Glass, heads-up displays and handheld projectors.
Topology Researcher, Jason Tsai, also said: "We believe wearable devices will face the first wave of growth in the coming one to three years due to their innovative features, and will then experience a rapid growth in the next phase when the market becomes more mature."

    




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Tweakipedia: Using Windows Updates Downloader for your updates
Our Tweakipedia section has a new post.

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We've just written a guide on how to use Windows Updates Downloader, which is a tiny piece of software that downloads specific Windows Updates for you. This can help if you're installing Windows often, or installing Windows to multiple machines on a regular basis. It can also help out immensely when you want to slipstream these updates into an up-to-date Windows installation disc.
You can read more on the Tweakipedia article right here!

    




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Google pushes out digital textbooks, allows students to buy or rent
Today, Google launched a digital textbook section in Google Play Books. The new section is only available in the US and is available through the Google Play website, Android, and iOS apps. Many of the textbooks are available for rental, but most must be purchased outright.
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Website GigaOM is advising returning students to be cautious and still shop around as both Amazon and Barnes & Noble also rent digital textbooks and prices varied across the stores on the same books. They found that a psychology textbook rented for $66 for 180 days, while a print version from Amazon can be rented for $25.23 per semester with the option to extend the rental period by 15 days for $5.

    




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Samsung Wallet makes its way to Google Play on certain Galaxy devices
While Samsung's Wallet app has been available in the US in beta form for several months now, the company has just launched the full version of the app on the Google Play Store for select Galaxy devices. Unlike Google's Wallet app, Samsung's version allows users to store items such as plane tickets, membership cards, coupons, and other important items.
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At the moment, the app is limited to Samsung devices and will only run on the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, Note, and Note II. Additionally, the app is only currently supported by Walgreens, Major League Baseball, Expedia.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Lufthansa.

    




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Mad Catz begins shipping Tritton Kunai headset for PC and Mac
Today, Mad Catz began shipping its highly anticipated TRITTON Kunai stereo gaming headset for PC and Mac. You may remember our coverage of the Kunai during the E3 Expo back in June. Available in red, black, and white, this new headset features 40mm neodymium drivers as well as an in-line remote offering easy access to the audio controls.
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Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., stated, "Our TRITTON Kunai range proved popular at E3 thanks to its clean aesthetics and impressive audio. We are confident that passionate PC and Mac gamers will appreciate the performance and value synonymous with the brand." The TRITTON Kunai is available for PC and Mac at major electronics retailers for about $80.

    




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G.Skill reclaims world record for fastest DDR3 - 4400MHz reached
Today, G.Skill announced that its RAM has once again broken the world record in overclocking. Professional Overclocker "YoungPro" from Team AU set a new record for DDR3 memory at 4400MHz using G.Skill's Trident X RAM.
YoungPro used a 4th Generation Intel Core i7 4770K and an ASUS Maximus 6 Impact motherboard alongside an ample amount of LN2 to take a factory spec 4GB stick of G.Skill's Triden X DDR3 3000MHz C12 up to the world record with an overclock of 4400MHz CL13. Validations can be found at Source #1 and #2 below.

    




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LG launches Optimus L1 II, a budget friendly Android smartphone
Today, LG launched its latest budget friendly Android-based smartphone, the Optimus L1 II. Unlike its much more powerful sibling the G2, this phone features some very low-end hardware specs. Featuring a 3-inch 240x320 pixel QVGA display, the L1 II is powered by a single-core QUALCOMM Snapdragon processor.
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The Optimus L1 II packs in 512 MB of RAM, which may keep things running smoothly but it's highly doubtful. 4GB of internal storage is available to store all your photos, apps, and files and can be augmented with a microSD card up to 32GB. The phone features the usual compliments of 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPRS, and A-GPS.
The rear-facing camera sports 2-megapixels, while an unspecified front camera is featured to handle all the self shots one could possibly want. Surprisingly, the Optimus L1 II runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, making it the most affordable Jelly Bean-based smartphone sold by LG. Finally, a 1,540mAh battery is on deck to power the device. This new offering from LG will set you back $99 and is expected to launch in Vietnam first with a worldwide rollout following shortly thereafter.

    




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ASUS stops manufacturing Windows RT tablets
Today, ASUS announced that it will cease production of Windows RT tablets effective immediately. Jerry Shen said that Windows RT's lack of backward compatibility with Intel processors is the major reason OEMs are no longer able to support Microsoft's RT operating system.
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Poor sales numbers also contributed to the factor, with Surface RT tablet purchases plummeting. Shen said that the entire industry considers Windows RT a failure. "It's not only our opinion, the industry sentiment is also that Windows RT has not been successful," said Shen.

    




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AMD's dual-GPU Radeon HD 7990 has its price slashed by $200
If you're been waiting for a price drop on AMD's dual-GPU Radeon HD 7990, your time has come. The HD 7990s were selling at $999, but are now enjoying an official price of $799 from AMD.
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The $799 price is AMD's MSRP, so partners can enjoy even lower prices, with consumers lapping it up. Partners like PowerColor and XFX have now priced their respective reference HD 7990 models at just $699 and $699, respectively. HIS, GIGABYTE and VisionTek are all $749 and lower, without rebates.
So in reality, the $200 price cut is actually more like $250-$330.

    




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Saints Row gets a $1 million pre-order package
Saints Row is one of those games you either love or hate, but the game franchise does have some very loyal fans and a very large cult following. Knowing this, UK retailer GAME has launched a pre-order package of epic proportions.
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That's right, the price in the image above is $1 million, but in all fairness, you get some pretty sweet perks upon purchase. These include a flight in space courtesy of Virgin Galactic, spy training, a complete wardrobe makeover, a seven night stay at the top of the Burj-Al-Arab in Dubai, a Lamborghini, and a new Toyota Prius. Oh, and I forgot to mention the obligatory free plastic surgery.
Unfortunately, only one of these pre-order packages is available. When tallied up, everything is worth about $800,000. This means that it would actually be cheaper to purchase everything yourself and then spend $59 on the game when it releases. Sadly, there will more than likely be someone who buys this just because they can.

    




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Nintendo is losing money on each and every Wii U it sells
Nintendo's Wii U isn't selling well for starters, but how could it get worse for the Japanese company? Well, GameIndustry is reporting that Nintendo is selling their Wii U at a loss, still, nine month after it has launched.
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The Japanese company stated in 2012 that they would initially take a loss for a few months on Wii U sales, but as manufacturing efficiencies and lower component prices would close that gap in cost for Nintendo. But, the company still haven't turned a profit from Wii U sales, and it looks like it will only get worse as time goes on because Sony and Microsoft are both just a couple of months away from launching their next-gen consoles.

    




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Samsung's ATIV Book 9 Plus comes out on August 20
Samsung are preparing its ATIV Book 9 Plus notebook, which features a stunning 13.3-inch 3200x1800 SuperBright+ touch-capable display. There's 350 nits of brightness and 10-point touch input, with the 3200x1800 resolution providing 275 PPI.
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Inside the ATIV Book 9 Plus, we have an Intel i5-4200U dual-core Haswell processor at 1.6GHz, 4GB of DDR3 1600MHz RAM, a 128GB SSD, 3-in-1 card reader, webcam, integrated microphone and speakers, Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiDi. We also have two USB 3.0 ports, a micro HDMI port, mini VGA and a 1.8mm headphone/microphone combo jack.
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Software wise, we have Windows 8 x64 of course. The Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus crams all of this into a notebook that measures in at just 13.6mm thick, and weighs just 1.39kg or 3.06 pounds. The South Korean company claim that its ATIV Book 9 Plus can run for up to 11 hours from a single charge. Just how much will all of this set you back? $1399, which isn't too bad considering you receive the 3200x1800 display.

    




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NVIDIA confirms next-gen Surface, says they're going to "bring it"
NVIDIA have let slip (or have they) by confirming they're working with Microsoft on a next-gen Surface slate. After a three-month stint of beating analysts' estimates, but failing to do anything special on the mobile front, NVIDIA's chief executive, Jen-Hsun Huang spoke with CNET, confirming that they still have a great future ahead of them.

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He told CNET: "Now we're going to bring it with the second-generation Surface. We're working really hard on it, and we hope that it's going to be a big success." Microsoft have of course denied the rumors, but so did NVIDIA spokesman Ken Brown, too. Huang didn't confirm whether he was referring to the Surface RT tablet, or the higher-end Surface Pro tablet, I think he meant the latter.
Brown did state that NVIDIA's hardware didn't make it into the current Surface Pro, adding "so make what you will of that." With Microsoft pushed to record a $900 million write-down on the Surface RT, they'll want to not repeat that mistake again and it looks like NVIDIA is now a part of this course correction.
I think we should expect some next-gen Tegra 5 goodness in the successor to the Surface, and I'm excited to see if Microsoft can correct their mistakes with the original Surface tablets.

    




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Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) Blu-ray Movie Review
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Bryan Singer's take on the Jack and the Beanstalk tale in Jack the Giant Slayer aims to tap into recent financial successes in re-working classic stories such as Alice In Wonderland and Snow White and the Huntsman. Whilst the film suffers from similar flaws, especially a rather rocky first half, once the film found its footing, Jack the Giant Slayer turns out to be a competent and entertaining experience - albeit an unmemorable one, not befitting such a huge budget.
In an unnamed medieval kingdom, Jack (Nicholas Hoult) whilst in the town square to sell his horse, is made an offer by a harried Monk; a promise that the beans in his possession, stolen from Lord Roderick (Stanley Tucci), can be on-sold for a reasonable sum. Jack agrees and is unsurprisingly admonished by his uncle upon returning home, who throws the beans on the ground. Unbeknownst to him, the beans begin to germinate in the soil under the floorboards, causing an immense beanstalk which sprouts into the sky and into another world above the clouds. Unfortunately, the beanstalk takes Jack's home with it, along with the King's Daughter Isabelle, who was sheltering from the deluge.
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King Brahmwell (Ian McShane) assembles a fellowship (no, not that Fellowship) including the brave Elmont (Ewan McGregor) to retrieve his daughter, but when she's held captive by a band of vicious giants, they'll need to fight a force of strength well beyond their own, not least one assisted by a turncoat of their own.
I'm a big fan of director Bryan Singer and especially loved his romantic love-letter to the iconic DC superhero in 2006's Superman Returns. Whilst Zach Snyder gets to pick up the mantle to the character later this summer, Singer has floated between projects, including the aborted attempt to remake the 1970's sci-fi film Logan's Run, eventually boarding the project that eventually became Jack the Giant Slayer.
Over seven years in development, the film fell victim to multiple re-writes by some six scribes in order to rectify issues with demographics and budget. Sadly, this has taken a toll on the film itself - the tone swings substantially and the initial half of the film plods along somewhat listlessly. Whilst the film does admittedly pick up some slack in the latter half, clearly the damage has already been inflicted. Amongst other issues, characters have already been established as bland and generic, so it's hard to rekindle the audience's interest in their plight. The cast uniformly do the best they can, including Ewan McGregor who has had significant blue screen experience under director George Lucas, and despite some solid special effects and all the intent in the world, ultimately, this is either a film that you'll like or hate - I can't see many loving it, nor wanting to return to it.
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Video
Jack the Giant Slayer is presented in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1, encoded with AVC MPEG-4 compression.

Warner have given Jack a superb 2K transfer, which accurately reflects the 2K digital intermediate and digital theatrical presentation. It's somewhat ironic that 70mm feature films from four decades ago are being scanned in 6k for posterity, but modern films are being produced at 2K, but I digress.
This is a sumptuous presentation, with every frame color corrected and CG enhanced within an inch of its life. This is a great example of the level of detail that can be displayed in a 1080p image - every stitch in a costume and every flaw in a visual effect is on full display. I didn't notice any digital nasties, nor any film or film to video artifacts.

This is a splendid transfer, and although I have reservations about whether you'd want to return to the film over and over again, you may feel inclined to do so from a demonstration point of view.
Audio
Jack the Giant Slayer is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, at 24 bits.
Fittingly, a reference quality video transfer joins a reference quality audio transfer. This is a completely non-subtle and wholly bombastic track which utilizes the totality of whatever speaker system you have.
Dialogue is crystal clear and sync-locked, and no intelligibility issues were noted. The original sound mix is one that I would describe as aggressive and this is reflected in the DTS encode. The surrounds are kept quite active throughout and for a mostly family-friendly feature, it's a little surprising that the subwoofer output is cooked, and over the top and will likely bottom out less performing subwoofer units.
Overall, pretty impressive stuff and one more bullet point on why you could be convinced to return to the film.
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Extras
Whilst there's a reasonable amount of extra features to be found here (emphasis on 'found'), Warner have taken the head scratching decision to force Blu-ray fans to navigate a novel, but confusing menu system in order to access the extra features in an example if any was necessary that the format has gone mainstream.
First up, we have around six minutes of Deleted Scenes which are in rough and unfinished state, none of which would have added anything of note to the film proper. Next we have a sanitized and family friendly Gag Reel which is smirk worthy, but ultimately superfluous.
Now, to the aforementioned controversial Become a Giant Slayer Feature which forces users to navigate an on-screen game to access around 40 minutes of assorted making of featurettes. The game, which can be lost, forces the user to start from the beginning to continue on. Unfortunately, there is no standard way of accessing featurettes, nor can any override menu be found. Yeah, umm, great...
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The World's End (2013) Cinema Review
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Rounding out the so-called "Blood and Ice Cream trilogy" that begun life with 2004's Shaun of the Dead and continued with 2007's Hot Fuzz, The World's End reunites director Edgar Wright and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost one more time.
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Wanting to recreate a failed ten-establishment pub crawl from their youth, down and out Gary King (Simon Pegg) reunites the five childhood friends Peter (Eddie Marsan), Oliver (Martin Freeman), Steven (Paddy Considine) and with a sprinkling of emotional blackmail, the holdout Andrew (Nick Frost). Returning to their former stomping ground of Newton Haven reveals that not much has changed externally, but the gang are taken aback by the curious uniformity of pubs, which has washed away any traces of individuality, coupled with the lack of familiarity by the grizzled bar keepers. After a bathroom attack by the youths that menacingly patrol the city, it becomes increasingly clear that all is not well in their home town, and that they, and humanity is under threat.
Intent on reaching his goal of downing a pint at the tenth and final pub The World's End, Gary must face the threats head on whilst keeping the group together.
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I'm a big fan of the wholly English humor and sentiments that the filmmakers projects have imbued previous projects such as Shaun of the Dead and TV's Spaced, but I've always been particularly enamored with Hot Fuzz, which is way up there in my list of top movies. To say I had high hopes for The World's End is an understatement, but in retrospect, perhaps I could have moderated them a bit better.
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As it stands, I enjoyed the film, although it falls well below the high bar set by its predecessors. Whereas Simon Pegg generally plays loveable buffoons, his portrayal of Gary King was somewhat annoying and hard to care about, by playing up the characters flaws a little too successfully.
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Hot Fuzz too was a powerhouse of intersecting editing and design choices that really gave the film an exciting visual edge, but all of that is missing in The World's End, so in that respect it is almost a poor step child. Still, the film does have a number of genuine laughs and general mirth and the visual effects are pretty spectacular, and certainly more ambitious than one would assume. On that note, I'll be interested to see how Edgar Wright uses his talent working with the Marvel property Ant-Man due in 2015, but I just can't help but think that property diverted his attention from this comparatively small comedy.
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MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB HAWK Overclocked Video Card Review

Introduction

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MSI continue to produce what I feel is some of the strongest performing video cards on the market. Combing series' like the new Gaming and old favorites like the HAWK and Lightning with both AMD and NVIDIA offerings means the company does a fantastic job of standing out from the pack.
While the Lightning Series is reserved for the top single GPU offerings from both AMD and NVIDIA, the HAWK Series has always been one that caters to the masses. With mid-range cards really offering more bang for their buck than ever, the HAWK Series helps take that to another level by offering even more again.
The particular HAWK Series video card we're looking at today is based on the new and popular GTX 760 series chipset from NVIDIA, and one that has done an excellent job of impressing us since its inception. Today we take the time to look at one of the best valued mid-range GPUs on what has become one of our favorite series of video cards.

Package

msi_geforce_gtx_760_2gb_hawk_overclocked_video_card_review
Straight away the first thing we notice is the new HAWK box design. It looks fantastic and stands out. In typical MSI fashion the front of the box is fairly basic with the model number and series clearly shown. Outside of that, though, we don't have a whole lot more being shown with just the "OC Certified" logo and a few other key features including the 2GB of GDDR5, PCIe 3.0 support and lastly DirectX 11 support.
msi_geforce_gtx_760_2gb_hawk_overclocked_video_card_review
Being a HAWK Series card means that we've got a bit more going on when it comes to the information side of things on the box. Opening the box up you can see some of the main features that are offered including Military Class 4 components, which include Super Ferrite Choke, Hi-C Cap and Dark Solid capacitors. You can also see some key overclocking features including the Twin BIOS, V-Check Points, Triple Overvoltage and Enhanced Power Design.
msi_geforce_gtx_760_2gb_hawk_overclocked_video_card_review
Moving to the bottom half of the box you can see it's all about the Twin Frozr IV Advanced cooler which includes dual 10cm fans, improved heat pipe and heatsink design and a nickel plated copper base. Also included is the Dust Removal Technology which sees the fans spin in reverse at startup for 30 seconds to remove any dust that has built up.
msi_geforce_gtx_760_2gb_hawk_overclocked_video_card_review
Finishing up with the back of the box we have some of the key features that are relative to the GTX 760 core itself. You can also see some of the main specifications along with a number of logos.
msi_geforce_gtx_760_2gb_hawk_overclocked_video_card_review
Moving inside the box we've got a fairly standard setup for a HAWK card. Starting from the left we've got a Quick User Guide and driver CD, along with a DVI to VGA connectors, three V-Check cables and two 6-pin to 8-pin PCIe power connectors to round off the bundle.
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Seagate 1.2TB Enterprise Performance 10K v7 Enterprise HDD Review

Introduction

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The Seagate Enterprise Performance 10K v7 provides a new enterprise-class SAS 6Gb/s 10,000 RPM HDD in a slim 2.5" form factor. These seventh-generation HDDs from Seagate are geared for those with the need for a fast layer of mission-critical storage. The 10K v7 is only offered in a capacity of 1.2TB, an increase of 300GB over the previous Enterprise Performance 10K v6.
Many would be surprised to know of a challenge to current generation high-performance 2.5" HDDs in the advent of newer SSDs with larger capacities. Withstanding the onslaught of SSDs has been easy for the 2.5" 10K HDDs, as the price per GB of SSDs continues to relegate them to niche applications in the majority of datacenter applications. While the continued price advantage of HDDs keeps the SSD's at bay, any advantage in capacity can begin to tip the scales in favor of SSDs.
Enter the Seagate Enterprise Performance 10K v7. Spinning 1.2TB of storage on four glass substrate platters at 10,000 RPMs delivers performance that can handle OLTP, database, and other mission critical data in write intensive environments. The 10K v7 features the same areal density as its predecessor, the 10K v6, but adds an extra platter and two more heads (a total of eight) to deliver the bump in capacity.
Seagate has taken the approach of utilizing the 10K v7 to compliment the 10K v6 series instead of supplanting it and its smaller capacities of 900, 600, 450, and 300GB. This creates a hierarchal approach with the 10K v7 setting atop the product stack as the high capacity 10K RPM enterprise HDD offering. The 10K v6 is really an evolution of the v6 in many ways, with very few differentiating factors outside of the capacity increase and slightly higher power consumption metrics.
The sustained data rate holds steady at 204 MB/s (125-204 MB/s from inner to outer tracks) and the average latency stays at 2.9ms. Both versions feature 64MB of programmable and segmented cache. The 10K v7 allows for different modes of operation for the cache, and users have the option of enabling a prefetch feature for read-ahead caching.
The addition of the extra platter and heads affects the power consumption of the HDD, with the typical operating wattage jumping to 4.65 Watts from the 10K v6's average of 4.22 Watts. Both drives feature the SAS interface for High Availability features and robust SCSI command set functionality. Reliability remains unchanged at 2.0 million hours MTBF and an AFR of 0.44%. The 10K v7 also offers encryption standard on all models, and the optional FIPS 140-2 certified SED models.
Other notable features the 10K v7 shares with the v6 are Seagate's RAID Rebuild functionality and T-10 compliant PowerChoice technology to optimize idle power consumption. Seagate's Instant Secure Erase feature also allows for easy cleansing of the drive prior to repurposing or retirement. In dense server applications, such as high capacity racks, the addition of an extra 300GB of capacity per bay adds up quickly. This enhanced capacity allows for larger high-performance tiers in space-constrained environments.
Today we are going to place the Seagate Enterprise Performance 10K v7 against its predecessor, the Enterprise Performance 10K v6, to observe any generational differences between the two products.
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Corsair AX860 860-Watt 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply Review

Introduction

corsair_ax860_860_watt_80_plus_platinum_power_supply_review
We've taken a look at several of the new Corsair AX and AXi series power supplies and they have proven to be some of the best darn units available right now. The AX1200i is arguably the best unit in the world at the moment and the lower wattage units with digital capabilities are just as potent as we've seen with the AX860i. We've also taken a look at the Corsair AX760 without the digital capabilities, and were quite pleased with it, except for the price.
What we haven't taken a look at to this point is the AX860 power supply. Its features are identical to that of the AX760, but it offers an additional 100W of power. It still offers the same Platinum efficiency and modularity. It even has the same wattage minor rails which means that all of extra power comes from the 12V rail. Making things even more interesting is that prices have changed a bit since these units hit the market and not only is the price difference between the AX760 and AX860 units much closer, but you can also currently get the AX760i for the same price as the AX860.
Let's tear this thing apart and find out if the extra 100W is worth the price increase or if you are better of going for the digital capabilities offered by the AXi unit if your budget is at this level.

Specifications, Availability and Pricing

corsair_ax860_860_watt_80_plus_platinum_power_supply_review
The Corsair AX860 boasts a single 12V rail rated for 71A or 852W of power. Both the 3.3V and 5V rails are rated for 25A each with a combined maximum output of 125W. The 5VSB rail is rated for 3A of 15W. Maximum combined output for the Corsair AX860 is 860W.
corsair_ax860_860_watt_80_plus_platinum_power_supply_review
The AX860 is an enthusiast grade power supply and its features mimic just what you would expect out of such a unit. It features a full suite of protections including SCP, OVP, OCP, OPP and OTP. The power supply is fully modular and all of the cables are fully sleeved. Corsair rates the AX860 for 100% continuous output at 50C and the unit is also rated for 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency.
Corsair has an MSRP of $199.99 on the AX860 power supply. A quick bit of searching will yield a slightly cheaper price of $189.99 from Newegg at the time of writing. This may not be the cheapest price for a unit of this wattage on the market, but it is competitively priced against the competition. The AX860 comes with a seven year warranty to back it up.
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Oculus Rift VR 720p HD Development Kit Unboxing Video and Article
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I\'ve said this so many times now, but it needs to be said again - I\'m a resolution lover. I love high-res, high refresh rates, all of the fringe, high-end stuff. I\'ve never been into virtual reality, and I didn\'t back Oculus VR\'s original Kickstarter, but I\'m kicking myself (pun intended) now that I didn\'t back them.
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After hearing and seeing so many videos and articles on it, I needed to simply try it for myself. Oculus VR weren\'t at Computex Taipei, so I couldn\'t go and meet them, but a few days before PAX Australia 2013, I received an e-mail from Virtual Reality Insanity. The Melbourne-based company invited me to come check their booth out, where they were showing off Oculus Rift.
So, I did. It was awesome. It was the standard developer kit, and I loved the immersion. I went from being a super high-res fan, to immersion fan within seconds. There was a \"screen door\" effect, because of the low-res 1280x800-pixel display mounted inside of the Rift headset, but the immersion... oh man, the immersion, was bloody awesome.
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A day or two after the e-mail from Virtual Reality Insanity, I had an e-mail from Oculus VR, who asked if I wanted to set up a meet-and-greet with them. I\'m sure you can guess my answer - a resounding, YES. Of course, so I set it for a few hours after the first test of Rift.

oculus_rift_vr_720p_hd_development_kit_unboxing_video_and_article
I have my entire thoughts on that right here and I\'m still living off of that excitement.
What we have here today, is the Oculus Rift Developer Kit, which you can buy directly from Oculus\' website. I received mine this morning, and right up until typing this paragraph, it is still sealed in its container.
The container itself that it comes in is awesome. As you can see from the pictures below, this isn\'t some cheap eBay purchase. It\'s a premium way of displaying the next leap in video games and technology.
oculus_rift_vr_720p_hd_development_kit_unboxing_video_and_article
The Oculus Rift\'s hardware specifications and details will be covered in a follow-up piece, for now, let\'s get into the unboxing of this VR headset. We\'ll take a look at the box, and around the box first, because it is just that awesome. Check out our video embedded above.
oculus_rift_vr_720p_hd_development_kit_unboxing_video_and_article
And there we have it, folks! We\'ll have a couple of more pieces on the Rift soon, but because this is a developer kit and not a full consumer retail model, it will take a little getting used to. It\'s not as easy as plugging it in and away we go.
So, I\'m going to install a few games, and play around with some popular titles and software pieces (such as the virtual cinema) and then provide a follow-up piece on the Rift in the next week or so.
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GIGABYTE Z87N-WIFI (Intel Z87) Mini-ITX Motherboard Review

Introduction

gigabyte_z87n_wifi_intel_z87_mini_itx_motherboard_review
If you've followed my motherboards over the past few years, you'd know that I have this unhealthy love for the Mini-ITX platform. One that is probably made worse by the fact that I still have continued to never personally build a system for myself around one. It doesn't change the fact that I love the platform, though, and continue to test motherboards based on it as soon as they arrive to see just what's going on.
We recently got a chance to see what MSI is doing with the platform in the form of the Z87I. Closer to launch we also got to look at the ASRock offering in the form of the Z87E-ITX. Today it's time to see what GIGABYTE is doing with the platform with its new Z87N-WIFI.
Since the launch of the Intel Z87 platform, we've been able to get a good grasp of what's going on with it and when it comes to the Mini-ITX form factor, having already looked at a couple of boards that use this form factor, it's hardly new to us, and most likely you as well.
So, let's just get into what exactly we're dealing with here today and start off with the package.

Package

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gigabyte_z87n_wifi_intel_z87_mini_itx_motherboard_review
As you'd expect, the box is of course smaller and not quite the same amount of information can be shown on it. Saying that, though, you can see GIGABYTE is showing off quite a bit with the front pushing some of the main features including Ultra Durable 4 Plus along with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.
Turning the box over you can see a picture of the board and some of the main features. A lot of these surround the Ultra Durable 4 Plus feature which includes Long Lifespan All Solid Caps, High Temperature Protection, High ESD, Humidity Protection and Anti Surge technology. All features to make for a more stable and longer lasting board. Some of the other major features covered include the UEFI DualBIOS, 15u Gold Plated CPU Socket, along with others that we'll look at on following page, as we move in closer to the motherboard.
gigabyte_z87n_wifi_intel_z87_mini_itx_motherboard_review
gigabyte_z87n_wifi_intel_z87_mini_itx_motherboard_review
With a small box it comes as no surprise that we're not dealing with the largest of bundles. You can see the standard line up of goodies which include paperwork, driver CD, a pair of SATA cables and a rear I/O backplate. Along with these, though, also included is a Wi-Fi Antenna. We'll take a closer look at the Wi-Fi networking on the next page when we look at the motherboard itself.
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GIGABYTE Z87X-OC Force Motherboard Digital PWM and Cooling Deep Dive

Introduction

gigabyte_z87x_oc_force_motherboard_digital_pwm_and_cooling_deep_dive
It's been a few years since I've water cooled anything. Since my systems rarely stay together for more than a few months, it just doesn't make sense to break out the triple and quad radiators, pumps, blocks, tubing and reservoirs. If you ask about AIO cooling, I'll tell you that Noctua does it just as good with half of the hassle. Sometimes it's nice to put forth the effort, get out the storage bins filled with cooling parts and set out on a mission though.
Then again, sometimes it's just not needed. Unfortunately, sometimes you start down a path and later realize you're going in the wrong direction. Today's editorial is about starting in the wrong direction, but later figuring out we were right where we wanted to be all along.
Since Computex, I've gathered a Z87X motherboard from each of the major manufacturers to write an editorial on new features I personally find interesting. GIGABYTE was kind enough to send over their latest flagship Z87X board for Intel's 4th generation Core processor, Haswell. The GA-Z87X-OC Force uses new digital VRMs from International Rectifier. The new digital design means the VRMs run cooler than traditional MOSFITs, but GIGABYTE took the design of the OC Force and G1.Sniper 5 to a new level, incorporating liquid cooling in the PWM cooler.
Let's take a look at the new OC Force and see the new International Rectifier digital PWMs that use a single chip to replace the traditional 4-piece MOSFIT/Driver design.
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Antec HCP-850 Platinum 850-Watt 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply Review

Introduction

antec_hcp_850_platinum_850_watt_80_plus_platinum_power_supply_review
Antec is one of the names that has been around the longest in the power supply industry. They have had ups and downs throughout their history, but have innovated time and time again to deliver industry leading power supplies. It has been quite some time since we've taken a look at what Antec has to offer, but that is coming to an end as we've got one of their latest units on the test bench today.
The power supply in question today is the Antec High Current Pro Platinum 850W. The High Current Pro Platinum is an update of the High Current Pro line. We took a look at the HCP-1200 a couple ago and it proved to be a spectacular example of a flagship power supply.
The updated HCP Platinum series simplifies things a little bit by reducing the number of 12V rails, while also upping the efficiency of the units a little bit too. Antec offers the new HCP-Platinum in three wattages - 850W, 1000W and 1300W. Today we are taking a look at the 850W model.

Specifications, Availability and Pricing



antec_hcp_850_platinum_850_watt_80_plus_platinum_power_supply_review
One of the big changes for the HCP-Platinum is the reduction in 12V rails down to a maximum of four. The HCP-850 Platinum has four 12V rails. Each of them are rated for 40A each with a combined maximum output of 850W. Both the 3.3V and 5V rails are rated for 25A each with a combined maximum output of 130W. The 5VSB rail is rated for 3A or 15W. Maximum combined output for the HCP-850 Platinum is 850W.
antec_hcp_850_platinum_850_watt_80_plus_platinum_power_supply_review
As a flagship PSU, you would expect to see nothing but a full list of features, and the HCP-850 Platinum doesn't disappoint. All of the protections are present including SCP, OVP, OCP, OPP and OTP. The power supply features fully modular cables, all of which are fully sleeved. As the name suggests, the HCP-850 Platinum is rated for 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency. Antec also states that the HCP-850 Platinum is rated for 100% continuous output at 50C.
Antec has an MSRP of $249.99 on the HCP-850 Platinum. Directron has the best price on the unit at the time of writing and it comes out to $232.63 after shipping. That price puts it much more in line with the rest of the competition, but it is a little bit on the expensive side if you can't catch a deal on it. Antec offers a seven year warranty on the HCP Platinum line of power supplies.
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ADATA SX300 256GB mSATA SSD Review

Introduction

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Even though hundreds of different products shipped with mSATA, the smallest SSD form factor for solid state drives, it didn't catch on as quickly as we expected. The high adaption issue doesn't have anything to do with supply or even a limited number of products with mSATA connectors. The low adaption can be blamed on education and advertising.
A large number of notebooks and ultrabooks in 2012 and 2013 shipped with an mSATA port under the keyboard, but most OEMs never advertised the feature. If your notebook was built to order from Dell, Lenovo, HP or one of the other big box OEMs, during the order process you were asked about installing a mSATA SSD. The SSDs offered were mostly for cache in a system that pairs a small SSD with a larger HDD. If you didn't choose to install the cache option, the OEMs would still send a system with the connector, they just wouldn't tell you about it.
Everyone I know wants more storage in their notebook, but most assume it's not possible. It's a notebook, there is only so much room. Wouldn't it be great to have a 256GB SSD and a 1TB HDD available on your mobile workspace? Chances are it IS possible, you just have to poke around to find the mSATA slot.
Today we're looking at the latest revision of the ADATA SX300, ADATA's flagship mSATA SSD. The SX300 uses the latest revision of the LSI SandForce SF-2281 controller, stepping B02. Let's take a look at the full specs.
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SilverStone SOB02 Slot Loading 6x Blu-ray Writer Review
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When you purchase a SilverStone product whether it is a chassis, power supply or storage accessory, one thing you can always expect is quality. If you have recently purchased a chassis in the Milo, Sugo or Fortress series then stayed tuned because we have a must have accessory for your build.
The SOB02 is the perfect solution for anyone that has recently decided to build their next rig in one of the aforementioned chassis. Featuring a slim slot loading design, this 6x Blu-ray writer can write your standard CD at 24x and DVD single layer media at 8x. If you are into double layer media, then you will be happy to know that SOB02 can also write double layer DVD's at 6x and of course Blu-ray single and double layer at 6x too. This drive carries a one year warranty from SilverStone.
silverstone_sob02_slot_loading_6x_blu_ray_writer_review
For our review, SilverStone was kind enough to send along the SST-FP58B that allowed us to install the slot loading Blu-ray writer along with four 2.5" drives into a single bay in our chassis.
silverstone_sob02_slot_loading_6x_blu_ray_writer_review
Opening the packaging, we found the SOB02 secured in thick foam.
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A quick look over the drive, we see it is manufactured by Panasonic with the model number UJ265.
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The front of the drive houses the slot loading face with the eject button and activity LED to the left.
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The I/O port of the SOB02 uses a standard SATA connection with the power portion looking to be a proprietary connection.
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The FP58B, which allows installing the slim SOB02 into a chassis, has all the slot loading characteristics, including a dust screen built into the slot.
silverstone_sob02_slot_loading_6x_blu_ray_writer_review
Above you can see the layout of the FP58B. At the top, we have room for our slim Blu-ray writer, with enough room below for four 2.5" drives.
silverstone_sob02_slot_loading_6x_blu_ray_writer_review
Here we have installed the SOB02 into the FP58B, along with filling the drive bays with four 2.5" drives. As you may notice, the SOB02 comes with an angled SATA and power connection. This allows for space savings inside chassis with space restrictions.
silverstone_sob02_slot_loading_6x_blu_ray_writer_review
Here we have ran Nero Info Tool on the drive so you can see supported features.
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Creating a disc with Nero DiscSpeed, we ended the benchmark at a speed of 2x. Note that in order to reach 6x on single and dual layer media, you must burn the disc in CAV mode.
silverstone_sob02_slot_loading_6x_blu_ray_writer_review
For benchmarking, we used single layer Verbatim media, as it is highly respected as the best available. Above we found the drive to reach 6x speeds in CLV mode.
The SilverStone SOB02 with its slim form factor and slot loading features is the perfect companion for those of you building in any of the chassis I mentioned above. Actually, it truly is a necessary accessory. For those of you that choose to build in full-tower chassis, adding the FP58B will clean up your build, allowing you to have full burning capabilities and even four SSDs in the drive slots below.
Performance of the SOB02 was on par with marketing specifications, at 6x. In fact, while using this drive, I had the chance to back up quite a bit of my Blu-ray collection by ripping them to MKV files with full HD audio, a process that took about an hour per disc. Adding to the value of the SOB02, SilverStone includes a copy of CyberLink PowerDVD 9 BD with the drive.
Pricing of the SOB02 at the time of writing is set at $149.99, adding the FP58B to your order will set you back another $24.99.
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Seagate Slim Portable 500GB Hard Disk Drive Review
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When looking for a portable backup solution, there are certainly no shortage of products to fit your needs. If we look back at just a few of our reviews here at TweakTown, you will find products from Western Digital, ADATA, and Angelbird just to name a few. Today we look at one of Seagate's latest, the Slim Portable in the 500GB capacity.
The Slim Portable carries on Seagate's recent branding change, where we saw the Barracuda turn in the Desktop HDD and Momentus into Laptop HDD. Here we have what was once called FreeAgent turn into Slim Portable, all of this branding change allows end users to easily choose the drive they need, without the fuss of digging through marketing material to find out what they want and need. The Slim Portable carries a thin 10mm form factor with a weight of just 150 grams. At this time, a single capacity is offered at 500GB, with a two year warranty.
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Unpacking the Slim Portable, we found the drive to come with all documentation to get started. Additionally, we have the USB 3.0 cable and the drive itself.
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Our sample was delivered in the silver-brushed aluminium design. Seagate also offers this drive in black if that is your cup of tea.
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The backside of the drive offers model identification.
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Internally, Seagate has chosen to use the Momentus Thin hard disk drive.
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Instead of using a fully custom PCB, which we saw with product from WD, Seagate chose to use the ASMedia 1053, one of the best storage controllers on the market today.
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With the specifications for this drive claiming a weight of 150 grams, we just had to justify that claim. Surprisingly we found the drive weighs much less, only 123 grams.
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Like competing products, Seagate too has its very own backup software. To begin using the Seagate Dashboard, we selected the protect feature.
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Here we choose what types of files we want to backup, and clicked the checkmark to begin the procedure.
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Selecting the share feature from the main menu, you will find the option to upload media to Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
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While software from competitors use existing cloud services like Dropbox, Seagate has chosen to manage its very own cloud service with the help of Nero.
To test external storage platforms, I utilize two of the most well-known and respected benchmark applications. ATTO Disk Benchmark is the first and is recognized as the industry standard for marketing specifications. Through DiskBench, we offer real-world testing as it offers a custom data set that can be controlled by the user. For our testing, I use a 10GB directory of mixed data that includes, pictures in both the RAW and JPEG file formats, AVCHD video and documents in both the XLS and DOC formats.
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The Seagate Slim Portable is formatted in the NTFS file system, carrying 465GB of useable capacity.
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In ATTO testing, we found the Slim Portable to reach 106 MB/s read, followed by 107 MB/s write.
seagate_slim_portable_500gb_hard_disk_drive_review
Above our chart reflects real-world file transfer testing. Here the Slim Portable came in just under 102 MB/s, right behind the Passport EDGE and quicker than competing products from ADATA.
The Seagate Slim Portable takes the concept of portable storage to highest level. Here we have a truly slim drive that offers no sacrifice in terms of performance. With the build quality at a top tier level, we find material such as brushed aluminium and durable plastics securing our drive.
Performance is on par with competing products and even higher in some respects. Our ATTO testing showed the drive capable of 107 MB/s in both read and write, making that system backup a ten minute job, rather than hours.
At the time of writing, I was able to find the Seagate Slim Portable for an astounding $59.99 at several online retailers, making this one of the most affordable backup solutions to date.
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Top 10 TweakTown Content from the past week [05 August 2013]
Here are our top 10 articles, reviews and guides from the past week!

    




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Lian Li PC-TU100 B Mini-Tower Chassis Review

Introduction

lian_li_pc_tu100_b_mini_tower_chassis_review
Back in 2011, I received a chassis that I affectionately called a "nuclear football" or a "sleeper", with a very industrial feel to it when the PC-TU200 was delivered from Lian Li. That design was very compact, but still allowed for things like larger CPU coolers and full sized video cards. Along the line, since that release, there must have been some requests to take what already was pretty compact for what you could fit inside, take it back to the drawing board, and figure out how to make this design even smaller.
There is a point where you can go too far in this way of thinking. With the original, you could slam in a real powerhouse of a build and easily tote it around with the sturdy handle attached to the top panel of the chassis. With the idea to go smaller, you are definitely cutting into things like CPU cooler height restrictions, overall video card length, as well as the amount of room offered for optical or storage drives, as well as even being able to cool the much smaller design. This, however, did not stop Lian Li from producing something, that while slightly specific to workable components, will easily fit into a backpack or even a carry-on bag for you next long distance trip. We have all heard of some of the horror stories about traveling with larger cases, and maybe some of you have seen the images of the damage as I have, but with a design like this, I can say that will never happen with this newest design.
The newest addition to the Lian Li lineup is the PC-TU100, and somehow Lian Li figured out how to almost halve the exterior dimensions, while still leaving a fair amount of room for certain components. As long as you plan ahead with a chassis such as this, even though you are about to see a very compact chassis that needs a few specialized parts to make it all work flawlessly and still be able to deliver chassis that would work perfect for LANs, a trip across town to a buddies, or a flight halfway around the world is possible.
For such a small chassis, there is still a lot going on in the design and feature set, so pay close attention as we continue with the review to see if the PC-TU100 from Lian Li is the right chassis for your needs.
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Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013) Blu-ray Movie Review
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Freed from his secondment with Marvel Studios for the Spider-Man franchise, former horror director Sam Raimi returns to cinema screens for his first film in four years, helming this semi-prequel to the 1939 Hollywood classic Wizard of Oz. However, unlike that film, I strongly doubt that audiences seven decades in the future will hold the latest offering in the same loving regard.
Nickel and dime magician Oscar Diggs (James Franco) travels from precinct to precinct with his carnival act, breaking hearts and making a little cash with his wondrous, yet cheap abilities which astound the less discerning crowds. His downtrodden yet loyal assistant Frank (Zach Braff) stage manages his act, but when Oscar is hunted down by the burly man for his sleazy unrequited love, it facilitates his quick escape to safety via hot air balloon. But when the balloon is sucked into a forming tornado, Oscar is flung into a land significantly different to Kansas -- Oz. Quickly (and reluctantly) drawn into the political schism of Oz, Oscar thinks he's literally struck gold with his fortunes, but when a new threat faces Oz, Oscar will need to either become the man that Oz has foretold would save the land, or revert to his selfish and cowardly qualities.
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Taking its visual cues from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland rather than the original Wizard of Oz, Oz itself is on one hand a sumptuous land of shiny digital delights and on the other, a completely confected landscape full of the same unconvincing and floating characters and hence criticisms leveled at the likes of Star Wars prequel trilogy. The visual effects are certainly beautiful, but are intangible and wholly unbelievable. You could argue that the film is meant to be overtly unreal, but I kept thinking how lovely the matte painting was, rather than how amazing the vista was.
Sam Raimi is no stranger to big budget summer blockbusters and directs Oz with competence and efficiency, but the real problem weighing the film down is in the bland script that borders on banality. Characters have little to no motivation and I won't spoil the plot twist that results in the films threat - suffice to say that it's cheap, ham fisted and indescribably dumb.
The cast are generally good actors in their own right, but their portrayals are rudely upstaged by two completely digital characters. Special criticism can be leveled at Mila Kunis for her particularly unconvincing portrayal of Theodora the Witch, a role which required either a good actor, or one prepared to chew the scenery. It seems that Kunis is unable to carry either of those, and while she may be one of Hollywood's hottest names (and faces), she is miscast in such a pivotal role.
Whilst the dust has settled on the box office figures, Disney have already green lit a sequel to be written by the same names and featuring the same faces. I hope they can do a better job than here, because despite excellence in some areas, the film isn't the sum of its parts.
oz_the_great_and_powerful_2013_blu_ray_movie_review
Video
Oz: The Great and Powerful is presented in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1, encoded with AVC MPEG-4 compression.
In a word: sumptuous. Completely reflecting the theatrical digital projection experience, Oz hits Blu-ray with a bright and bold transfer, which I dare say would look good on whatever display device you own. Colors literally pop from the frame, contrasted to within an inch on their life, always threatening to dissolve into black crush, but failing to ever do so. The image is razor sharp at all times, giving it an even more unreal sheen that I noticed in the theatre.
Whilst the on-screen images are rarely convincing, the resultant encode is Blu-ray at its best, coming from source material that is second to none.
Audio
Oz: The Great and Powerful is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, at 24 bits.
In a word; engaging. Whereas the on screen visuals might have resulted in more disconnect than the film should rightly possess, the sound mix works to weave the viewer totally in the environment and part of the action itself. There are only plusses here, and I'm struggling to think of any negatives.
Dialogue is crystal clear and sync is perfectly locked. The front and rear sound stages are engaged in equal measure, with a full 360 degree sound field carved out at all times, never dipping during more dialogue heavy sequences. The subwoofer is utilized appropriately and at times aggressively, but never overloading the carefully balanced mix.
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Extras
It seems these days that the time turnaround between theatrical and Blu-ray release is completely inverse to the quantity and quality of extra features provided, a sad fact when certain catalogue titles are being released with stellar supplement materials. Still, let's take a look at what is in store for us.
My Journey in Oz, by James Franco featurette is the longest of the included featurettes and takes on the role of a de facto 'making of', by following Franco both in front of and behind the camera, interviewing cast and crew and showing some of the on-set visual effects tricks.
Walt Disney and the Road to Oz featurette discusses the long history that Walt Disney had with the L. Frank Baum property, whose timeline dovetails smartly with his own success.
The China Girl and the Suspension of Disbelief featurette focusses on one of the more compelling characters from the film, ironically one created completely by CG.
Before Your Very Eyes: From Kansas to Oz featurette takes a brief 10 minute look at the visual effects and costumes, whilst the Metamorphosis featurette focusses on the practical effects and makeup.
Mr. Elfman's Musical Concoctions finds the composer detailing his latest work, notable since his rather public falling out with Raimi over the Spider-Man 3 score implied he would never again work for the director.
Finally we have a brief, sterilized and otherwise uneventful Blooper Reel.
oz_the_great_and_powerful_2013_blu_ray_movie_review
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Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption (1991) Blu-ray Review
star_trek_the_next_generation_redemption_1991_blu_ray_review

By the fourth season of CBS's Star Trek: The Next Generation, the fledging series had become a well-oiled machine, with the somewhat rocky baby steps well and truly behind it. Following the success of the season three two-part episode The Best of Both Worlds, a first for the series, the template was thus applied to future season finales with varying degrees of success. The season four finale and season five opener Redemption has joined its predecessor as an edited, feature length feature in its own right.
Redemption finds the Klingon empire at a crossroads when the Enterprise is asked to oversee the installation of Gowron (Robert O'Reilly) as Chancellor of the Klingon High Council. The threat posed when a power struggle between competing families emerges, requires Worf (Michael Dorn) to leave his Starfleet post and assist the Klingon home world in order prevent a civil war from breaking out.
While the Klingon-centric episode Redemption doesn't hit with quite the same intensity as the Borg infused Best of Both Worlds, Redemption does much to add to the mythos and political machinations of Klingon culture - a theme that would be returned to quite successfully in the later Deep Space Nine series, alongside providing a much larger role for fan favourite character, Worf.
star_trek_the_next_generation_redemption_1991_blu_ray_review
Video
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption is presented in the series original intended aspect ratio of 1.33:1 encoded with AVC MPEG-4 compression.
By now, most Star Trek Blu-ray fans will be familiar with the role that CBS Digital has played in completely reassembling and re-compositing the elements that make up the series, including the occasional implementation of new digital effects. After much experimentation, by season four, the visual look of the series had become well established, along with effects technologies and film stocks, which means that Next Generation Blu-ray's will feature a more unified visual style from here on out.
As we have become accustomed to, the elements are in great condition, with no scratches aberrations and rock solid telecine stability. There are very occasional white film artifacts, but these are minor and not distracting. The image is generally very sharp and well defined, although some of the on-set lighting conditions, particularly on Klingon vessels, makes some shots appear rather grainy and slightly hazy.
Unlike the Best of Both Worlds, all the 35mm footage and effects elements have been located, which means that the image is totally 2K native and doesn't feature any upscaled shots.
star_trek_the_next_generation_redemption_1991_blu_ray_review
Audio
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption is presented in DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 at 24 bits, alongside the original broadcast stereo audio tracks in Dolby Digital 2.0 (192 kb/s).

Similar to all season releases thus far, the audio has been expanded to full 7.1 by reverting to the original audio stem elements. Just like the full seasons, the original broadcast stereo tracks have been retained for posterity, although I doubt many will engage it (pun intended).
I didn't notice any issues with audio sync, nor dialogue intelligibility, even when the mouth pieces attached to Klingon actors cause them spit and splutter their lines. Surround channels are utilized quite well and I'm continually surprised how great the tracks are, bearing in mind this was created with stereo technology.
Low frequency output is generally present throughout, especially during the climactic battle on the Klingon homeworld Qo'noS, although it's not as tight or refined as modern, native surround mixes today.
star_trek_the_next_generation_redemption_1991_blu_ray_review
Extras
Just like the standalone disc for Best of Both Worlds, Directors Roger Lay and Robert Meyer Burnett assembled some exclusive extra features that aren't replicated on the full Blu-ray season releases. While some may be disappointed by this decision, the low entry price shouldn't cause much upset.
First up, we have an Audio Commentary hosted by Writer Ron Moore who recalls a significant amount regarding the process of fleshing out the script and its focus on Klingon politics. It's an interesting listen and hardcore Trek fans will lap it up, but not essential listening.
Next, we have the 30 minute long Survive and Succeed: An Empire at War Documentary, which focusses almost entirely on this single episode, rounding up key members of the cast in front of the camera, including Michael Dorn and Robert O'Reilly to discuss their role and those behind the camera, including someone we haven't really heard much from in The Next Generation Blu-ray's - composer Ron Jones, hopefully signifying that further input from the man will be forthcoming.
Finally, we have two Episodic promos from the original broadcast.
star_trek_the_next_generation_redemption_1991_blu_ray_review
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The Wolverine (2013) Cinema Review
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For a role that he wasn't supposed to have, owing only to the schedule over-run on John Woo's Mission Impossible 2, the Wolverine character has done much to further Hugh Jackman's career. In fact, despite the breadth and strength of his wider career, his take on Wolverine has defined it. So, it's curious that after three ensemble and two solo Wolverine ventures, we've still yet to see a truly ballsy, risky adventure that challenges conventions and provides any deep reflection on such an iconic character. Maybe that's not what Marvel are going for, but as Jackman's future opportunities for the character are diminishing, I'd love to see him get the chance to really smash one home, before he hangs up the Adamantium claws.
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After saving the life of a Japanese soldier in World War II from the allied bombing of Nagasaki, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is handed a samurai sword by Yashida (Hal Yamanouchi), who promises to accept it at a future time. Fast forward to present day, Wolverine hasn't aged a day, tortured by his visions of the deceased Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) and living a pitiful, hermit like existence. When he is contacted by Yashida's representative Yukio (Rila Fukushima), who seeks to reconnect him with Yashida on his deathbed, Wolverine makes the trek to Tokyo, where he is presented with the opportunity to relieve him of his immortality.
the_wolverine_2013_cinema_review
the_wolverine_2013_cinema_review
Taking its cues from the 1982 Wolverine story arc written by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, Japan makes for an unlikely setting for Wolverine, albeit a fascinating one. I've long been a fan of the country and the setting has sown the seeds for a return trip. The setting provides the backdrop of one of the most exciting sequences, the bullet train fight scene, and despite some imperfect visual effects, it proves to be a gripping and visually interesting sequence that harkens back to the ambitious bullet time effects of The Matrix.
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Unfortunately, The Wolverine ultimately finds a great character in search of a great script. It's fun and certainly entertaining, but due to the paint by the numbers plot, there's no sense of urgency or underlying threat when plot points are telegraphed so well in advance, with a third act that descends into cartoony silliness, betraying the initially serious setup. Despite this, The Wolverine is a technically well-made film and comic book fans still smarting from the betrayal of X-Men: The Last Stand and the crushing disappointment of the less than mediocre X-Men Origins: Wolverine will still probably be pleased that this entry at least has some positive signs of life.
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Thermaltake Tt eSPORTS MEKA G1 Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard Review

Introduction

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It may seem like I wasn't giving any attention to Thermaltake and its keyboards since I took on the role of peripherals editor here at TweakTown, but that really wasn't the case at all. The issue is more based on our review criteria. By that I mean that while the Challenger and original version of the MEKA keyboards were reviewed here by my predecessor, since then there has been little outside of the range of color combination changes, and other small additions not worthy of a full review.
While I missed out on the Challenger series of membrane switch keyboards that offered fans on them to keep your hands cool, as well as fancy lighting schemes, you all know how I feel about rubber dome keyboards, so maybe that was a good thing. I also missed out on the MEKA and G Unit series where Thermaltake stepped into various color options and offered mechanical switches. Now we are talking my language. Mechanical key switches, backlighting, no software needed to use it - all the things that pique my interest when looking for things to review. I try to keep my eye out on what consumers are looking for, and I think today might be the day you switch out your current keyboard.
In fact, by missing the previous released version, I know Thermaltake has had a fair amount of time to work on the design and layout, and is now delivering a more refined product. From what I can tell just in images on its website, as well as looking at various reviews, I have to say, for my personal tastes, it was well worth the wait to get a hold of this new Tt eSPORTS MEKA G1 Illuminated keyboard that sports Cherry MX black switches behind every key, as well as individually illuminated keys.
Even as far as the styling and the way the features work, it is just so simple to use and attractive - you are going to be impressed with Thermaltake's latest mechanical keyboard offering.
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Supermicro C7Z87-OCE (Intel Z87) Motherboard Review

Introduction

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Supermicro isn't a company name that pops up at all when it comes to consumer motherboards. It's also fairly safe to say that a lot of people actually haven't heard of them before. The company, though, has been around for 20 years, and created a strong name in the server market.
With the latest Intel chipset we're seeing the company start to offer something a bit more consumer orientated with the first board we're seeing being the C7Z87-OCE, with a clear focus being on the "OC" in the name. I have to admit, though, there's a certain level of hesitation when it comes to the "OC" capabilities of this board.
We don't mean it in a cruel way, but with companies like ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI and ASRock having been in the consumer overclocking mobo game for so long, we do really wonder what Supermicro can do today with this new board. Saying that, the one thing we do expect out of Supermicro here today is an unbelievably stable motherboard, due to their server background experience.
One of the first things that actually came to mind when Supermicro told us about this board, though, was just how it probably couldn't come at a better time. With Intel stepping out of the consumer motherboard market, there's really a space for someone to come in and start taking some newly available left behind market share. While Intel weren't exactly known for overclocking, the one thing Intel was well known for was quality.
Having a company like Supermicro come in, one that is well known for reliability and build quality, means that they could really come in and take over in areas that Intel left behind - especially when it comes to people who don't need any fancy flair, and instead just want solid performing boards that work perfectly out of the box.

Package

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supermicro_c7z87_oce_intel_z87_motherboard_review
Looking at the box, you can see that it's informative, giving us an idea on a number of the main features offered. You can see Supermicro is highlighting the OC features a fair bit, along with a more detailed description of the specifications on the back of the box, alongside a picture of the board.
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Moving inside the box, you can see it's a fairly simple package. We've got a small quick reference guide for the board, driver CD, I/O backplate and six SATA cables. We're not all that surprised with the bundle being on the light side of things considering Supermicro's background in the server side.
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Pikmin 3 Nintendo Wii U Review
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It's fair to say it's been a quiet time of late for the Wii U. No games released recently and Nintendo has been struggling to keep the market happy and the console selling. It was always seen that Nintendo felt Pikmin 3 was going to be a game to turn the tide and get gamers buying the system. It's been clear that Nintendo felt this was a major title for them with numerous Nintendo directors dedicated to the game and Miyamoto being one of the main key designers on the title. Fortunately for Nintendo, this has paid off as the game is fantastic, but it's definitely not for everyone and has a few flaws that are almost hard to believe.
Pikmin 3 takes a step away from the previous two titles with the main protagonist Olimar being replaced by three new characters. These human characters are from a planet which has run out of food and is stranded in space. They are sent as the last real chance to save the human race from starvation and are sent to an island where food has been detected. Little do they know there are many challenges and obstacles to gain that food and it is that which forms the core gameplay of Pikmin 3.
Not much has changed in the gameplay stakes from Pikmin 2, but there are definitely additional challenges to tackle. First of all the change to three characters has been a major positive. This leads you to be able to have three different groups of Pikmin spread over the map to finish tasks. Every so often the game will force you to work in these groups (or at least, it's not possible to finish some levels without doing it) to reinforce the fact that this strategy can be used. Tasks range from bashing down walls, to carrying fruit and defeating boss characters. The other strategy involved is the various Pikmin on offer which have differing abilities, such as the new winged Pikmin.
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The core gameplay remains three fold; gathering Pikmin, controlling Pikmin, and finding fruit to survive. For those who have not played the previous titles in the series, Pikmin are smaller creatures that the leaders can move around and control with the blow of a whistle. They are a small army you can use to achieve tasks and generally the more you have, the better. Managing Pikmin is the main aim of the game - keeping Pikmin alive. Pikmin you have in control at the end of one day, carries over to the other.
The main challenge with Pikmin 3 is managing time and fruit. Each day has a set time and if you are not controlling Pikmin when the sun goes down, they will perish and so time management, one of the hallmarks of the Pikmin series, makes a return and is key. You will find yourself having some days where you are just consolidating a previous day's work, such as finding fruit or bringing a dead boss back to the ship. It is important to gather fruit, because if you do not, eventually the crew runs out of food, and it is game over.
The biggest surprise we found with Pikmin 3 is the lack of handholding that the game offers the player. The first few hours do feel a bit like a tutorial, but there is nothing like what we have seen in recent Nintendo games. First of all there is no super guide to speak of, and in general, the game opens up on a brand new day and says go for your life.
However, this isn't a major problem, as one of the key aspects of the Pikmin series has always been exploring the game map trying to find new Pikmin, a boss character or new objectives. In many ways this is one of the least casual friendly games Nintendo has released recently, but also a game that should appeal to the casual market. This is why it's a surprise Nintendo decided to leave most of the formula alone.
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Perhaps the biggest surprise with Pikmin 3 is how much better the game plays with a Wiimote and nunchuk combination. That is not to say that the gamepad is useless - it is not and contains important information (as well as offers the opportunity for off TV play) for the player. However, Pikmin 3 with a Wiimote is an entirely new and different game. It just feels right to play it like this and we are going to go as far as say if you want to play Pikmin 3, you simply should have that combination to play with. Utilizing the gamepad for controls is not as accurate or finite as the Wiimote, and it certainly makes the game a lot more of a challenge.
Aside from the main game mode, there is a single player and multiplayer challenge mode, which tasks you to take down as many enemies as you can in a set time frame, progressively getting harder. The game also has the ability for you to play the main campaign multiplayer as well, however, inexplicably Nintendo has limited the multiplayer options to local only. The game itself should take you around ten hours to complete first time through, and there certainly is room to go back and better your score, because you can jump to any point in the day cycle, at any time.
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Being one of Nintendo's first big releases on the Wii U and of course the HD era for Nintendo, all eyes were on how well the game was going to look. We can happily report that the game is beautiful to look at and the higher powered Wii U really does take the Pikmin series visually to another level. Pikmin is a universe that offers unique characters and vistas and they really shine on the Wii U. There is also a mode in the game allowing you to take screenshots from the leaders view and again the graphics quality shines through when viewed like this.
Pikmin 3 is Nintendo's big hope to shift Wii U consoles out of stores. There is no doubt that this game is a success, but there is huge doubt that this is the game Nintendo thinks it is going to be. It's a fantastic game for Wii U owners that you simply must play if you have one of the consoles, but whether it is worth picking up a console just to play this game... well, that is debateable.
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Samsung Announces U.S. Launch of ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Tab 3
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the U.S. launch of the ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Tab 3. These two additions to Samsung's PC lineup represent the company's continued commitment to offering consumers choice and easy convergence between PC and smartphone devices.
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In keeping with the iconic design legacy of the award-winning Book 9, the Book 9 Plus delivers an unparalleled and superbly vivid display, a 10-point touch-screen and enhanced performance in a beautiful and sleek form factor. The ATIV Tab 3 takes design cues from the popular Samsung GALAXY series and is the world's thinnest Windows 8 tablet. The Book 9 will be available for pre-sale in the U.S. on August 18 and the Tab 3 will be in stores beginning on September 1. Samsung also plans to introduce versions of both products specialized for business use in fall 2013.
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samsung_announces_u_s_launch_of_ativ_book_9_plus_and_ativ_tab_3
"We continue to push the boundaries of design, innovation, performance and mobility with the ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Tab 3," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of consumer IT product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "We've closely listened to our customers and are offering an even wider variety of solutions within our computing portfolio, as well as seamless interconnectivity between the mobile and PC ecosystems."
ATIV Book 9 Plus
The ATIV Book 9 Plus offers a striking design enhanced with an incredibly precise 13.3-inch QHD+ (3200 x 1800) Gorilla Glass touch-screen display. The screen is 2.8X sharper than full HD and with 350nit SuperBright technology; you will never miss a detail. The panel also tilts back up to 180-degrees, so you can change or share your perspective with just a touch of your finger. Additionally, the display locks at approximately 110-degrees to ensure a comfortable touch experience without wobbling.
Built with the latest Intel Core i5 Processor 4200U, a 128 GB SSD, and with lightning-fast boot-up (as fast as 5.9 seconds) and wake-up (as fast as 0.9 seconds), the Book 9 Plus allows users to access the information and programs they need nearly instantly. And with up to 7.5 hours of battery life (MobileMark 2012), consumers can go from meeting to meeting throughout a business day on a single charge.
ATIV Tab 3
A tablet with the power of a PC, the ATIV Tab 3 makes personal computing more stylish, mobile and productive than ever. The Tab 3 is the world's thinnest Windows 8 tablet at 0.31 inches thick and weighing just 1.28 pounds. It is the perfect companion device for travel as well as everyday use at work and home. It comes with a Bluetooth keyboard that functions as a cover and kickstand for protection and ease-of-use. The tablet also features up to 7 hours of battery life (MobileMark 2012), eliminating the need to carry a charger for most long-distance flights.
The ATIV Tab 3 is preloaded with Office Home & Student for the best experience at home, at work or on go. It is the ideal device for both creativity and productivity thanks to improved S Pen functionality. The included S Pen offers more than 1,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and is compatible with Microsoft Office, as well as Samsung programs including S Note and S Memo.
SideSync
SideSync is available on the ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Tab 3, enabling users to seamlessly switch from working on their PC to their GALAXY smartphone by simply linking the two devices via a USB cable or even over WiFi. When connected through USB or wirelessly, users can effortlessly work across devices, including responding to a text on a mobile phone from the PC keyboard; viewing maps, photos and multimedia from their phone on their PC screen; making edits to files on their phone via their ATIV PC; and even dragging and dropping files from one unit to another. The result is a more unified experience, fewer interruptions to work and everyday life, and the ability to utilize the best features of both devices.
The ATIV Book 9 Plus will be available for pre-sale for an MSRP of $1,399.99 from August 18 and the ATIV Tab 3 will be available for in-store purchase beginning September 1 for an MSRP of $699.99.
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GALAXY Launches The GeForce GTX 770 GC 4GB
Galaxy Microsystems, a leading graphics card manufacturer, announced today the GTX 770 GC 4GB, now with 2 times the memory vs. reference editions. The 4GB version is tuned to match the impressive 1163 MHz boost clock of the GTX 770 GC 2GB and features an extra 2GB of memory to ensure smooth frame rates at high resolutions. The additional ram is especially critical for SLI setups where each card must share copies of the same resources.
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galaxy_launches_the_geforce_gtx_770_gc_4gb
Galaxy's Force Air Bracket is also present to help exhaust heat from the PC, and it provides a flexible assortment of outputs including DVI-I, DVI-D, DisplayPort, and HDMI. An adapter is included for VGA displays. Like other GTX 700 series cards before it, the GTX 770 GC 4GB supports DirectX 11.1, GPU Boost 2.0, TXAA, and a maximum of 4 concurrent displays. Overclockers will make full use of the card's superior 5+2 phase power supply (vs. 4+2 reference) which delivers more stable current to the GPU, in addition to IR DirectFET MOSFETs that reduce EMI (electromagnetic interference) and heat output.

    




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ASUS Introduces PB298Q Ultrawide 21:9 Panoramic Monitor
ASUS announced the PB298Q, a 29-inch widescreen monitor with an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio and 2560 x 1080 resolution. The PB298Q features an AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance In-Plane Switching) display for rich, vibrant color and wide 178-degree viewing angles. It has a narrow 0.8mm bezel design which helps create the illusion of a frameless, edge-to-edge display. It also has rich connectivity options, ASUS-exclusive technologies, and an ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments allow for enhanced productivity.
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Increasing productivity with a panoramic 21:9 display
The 2560 x 1080 resolution of the ASUS PB298Q is 33% wider than standard Full HD display and, together with its 29-inch diagonal, is equivalent to two non-widescreen, 5:4 aspect ratio, 17-inch monitors placed side by side. The 21:9 aspect ratio gives more room for multiple windows, removing the need for a secondary desktop monitor. The ultra-wide resolution also means users can view more columns in a spreadsheet, with up to 13 more standard-sized columns than a conventional Full HD monitor.
The LED-backlit AH-IPS display gives extremely accurate color reproduction, making the PB298Q ideally suited to both professional and home use. 178-degree wide viewing angles also mean that images don't wash out when seen from either side, or above and below. Paired with a narrow 0.8mm bezel design, it helps create the illusion of a frameless monitor that delivers edge-to-edge visuals.
Extensive connectivity and exclusive technologies
The PB298Q display has an array of connectivity options for wide compatibility with a range of multimedia devices. Video inputs include DisplayPort, HDMI, and Dual-link DVI ports, while audio can be played through built-in 3W stereo speakers.
With an 80,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio and a 300cd/m² brightness rating, the ASUS PB298Q display delivers life-like visuals by adjusting backlight luminance to achieve the darkest black and the brightest white shades. The exclusive ASUS MultiFrame software lets users organize multiple desktop windows, arranging them in an orderly fashion where they don't overlap.
ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology also ensures vivid colors in every situation, with its six modes easily activated using a designated hotkey. The PB298Q also comes with QuickFit Virtual Scale with on-screen guidelines for an actual-size preview of images prior to printing. The PB298Q also features a sturdy stand with adjustable tilt, swivel, and height (up to 150mm), while a pivot joint allows the display to be rotated through 90 degrees for portrait use.

    




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ASUS Announce ET2301 AiO PC With Fold-Flat 23" Multi-Touch Display
ASUS today announced the ET2301, an all-in-one desktop PC that's perfect for the varied needs of today's home users, thanks to a 23-inch Full HD display that can be positioned at almost any angle for comfortable 10-point multi-touch control. Powered by a 4th generation Intel Core desktop processor, the ET2301 AiO PC features IPS display technology for brilliant colors and wide viewing angles, ASUS SonicMaster Premium technology with a powerful array speaker and desktop Intel Thunderbolt connectivity.
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Designed with touch in mind
Perfect for productivity and ideal for shared entertainment, the ASUS ET2301 AiO features a cleverly designed stand, hinged at the top and bottom to allow the screen to tilt smoothly through 95 degrees. In an upright position, the screen is at the perfect angle for traditional desktop PC use with a mouse and keyboard; when folded flat, it sits almost horizontally for comfortable 10-point multi-touch control with Windows 8. The 23-inch Full HD display is LED-backlit and IPS technology gives bright, vibrant color with 178-degree wide viewing angles, so images stay clear, even when seen from the side.
ET2301 features the latest 4th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 desktop processors with across-the-board improvements in multi-tasking and energy efficiency, for cool, quiet and quick performance with even the most demanding productivity software. NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M graphics ensures incredible performance with the latest DirectX 11 games and NVIDIA 3D Vision technology adds a new dimension of enjoyment to games, movies, photos and YouTube videos.
Best-ever All-in-One audio
The ASUS ET2301 AiO delivers immersive virtual surround sound, without the clutter of desktop speakers, thanks to a powerful array speaker with internal woofer and optional desktop subwoofer. ASUS SonicMaster Premium technology takes entertainment to a new level, too. Premium audio hardware and professional-grade audio processing software ensures a rich and rewarding listening experience with all kinds of material.
ET2301 also features audio enhanced by the same professional tools heard on the world's most popular music, movies and video games, thanks to MaxxAudio Master by Waves, recipient of a Technical Grammy award.
Cutting-edge connectivity options
The ASUS ET2301 AiO features an array of cutting-edge connectivity options. 802.11ac Wi-Fi offers wireless data rates (867Mbit/s) approaching that of Gigabit Ethernet for turbo-charged file transfers and seamless HD video streaming, all without the inconvenience of network cables. USB 3.0 and Intel Thunderbolt ports support an ever-expanding range of next-generation, high-performance peripherals, while ASUS AiCharger II technology gives 50% faster USB recharging of smartphones and tablets, even when ET2301 is switched off.
The ET2301 also features exclusive ASUS technology for increased flexibility in households with more than one Windows-based PC. Device Share mode transforms the ET2301 into a sophisticated desktop dock by making its multi-touch display, speakers and USB peripherals available for use with a notebook PC over a simple HDMI and USB connection. ASUS Ai Crosslink makes it easy to share files with other Windows PCs over a USB cable connection, too - no network required.
ASUS desktops - leading in satisfaction with reliability
ASUS computers reflect a tradition of the finest quality, innovation and longevity. Based on the PCWorld USA 2012 reader survey of tech satisfaction, reliability, and service, users ranked ASUS as a leading choice for desktop PCs, citing high satisfaction with their value, connectivity, ease of use and reliability. The survey also found ASUS desktop PCs were one of the most likely to be recommended to others.

    




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Tt eSPORTS Launches the POSEIDON Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard
Tt eSPORTS, the leading expert in professional e-Sports gaming peripherals, is officially announcing the POSEIDON Illuminated gaming keyboard for sale. Being no stranger to bringing forth well designed gaming keyboards, from membrane to plunger to mechanical types - Tt eSPORTS decided it was time to make a quality Cherry MX gaming keyboard at an extremely affordable price so that more gamers around the world could have the chance to experience a mechanical keyboard.
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The design was carefully planned, taking no shortcuts in construction and overall function, to bring out a premium backlit mechanical gaming keyboard without the premium price. With a solid ABS body construction, the POSEIDON Illuminated will not give way to flex while pushing down on the keys as many other pricier keyboards seem to suffer from.
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The POSEIDON Illuminated comes with all the main features a mechanical gaming keyboard needs, with no need for extra software - providing the ultimate in plug and play compatibility for both gaming at home and being a lan warrior.
Features
  • Cherry MX Blue switches - Perfect for the user who prefers a tactile and clicky response. These switches are built for speed and durability, and are rated to last for 50 million keystrokes.
  • Fully Back-Lit keyboard -With an LED under each cap, the POSEIDON Illuminated is a fully back-lit keyboard, offering 4 levels of adjustable brightness via the Fn (function) + F11/F12 keys.
  • N-Key Rollover - With 6-8 Key N-Key Rollover support, gamers can freely hit multiple combinations of keys at a time for a fluid gaming session.
  • Accessible Media Keys - With the Fn (function) + F1-F7 keys, you can control your volume and media player anytime, without having to minimize your current game or program.
  • Disable Windows key switch - With the disable 'windows key' button, gamers can prevent accidental presses of the windows key while in-game, and avoid frustration from accidentally jumping out of an intense game mid-battle.
The POSEIDON Illuminated gaming keyboard MSRP is USD $79.99, and will start rolling out worldwide in August.

    




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TRENDnet Ships the TEW-800MB AC1200 Wireless Media Bridge
TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the availability of the AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Media Bridge, model TEW-800MB, which connects up to four devices around a TV to the Internet using a revolutionary Wireless AC network.
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Only a Wireless AC router, such as TRENDnet's TEW-812DRU or TEW-811DRU, is able to deliver Wireless AC speeds of up to 867 Mbps. Once the media bridge is connected to a Wireless AC network, simply connect a smart TV, media player, gaming console, and receiver to the four Gigabit ports for instant internet access. Wireless AC easily handles multiple HD streams simultaneously. The TEW-800MB can also connect to a Wireless N network at up to 300 Mbps.
"The TEW-800MB is an extreme performance product which expands the capabilities of a Wireless AC network," said Zak Wood, director of global marketing for TRENDnet. "It brings the internet experience to your TV over the fastest wireless speeds available today."
Additional Information
Warranty: 3 year limited
Product page: http://www.trendnet.com/products/proddetail.asp?prod=100_TEW-800MB&cat=206
Pricing and Availability
TEW-800MB availability: This month from online and retail partners
TEW-800MB MSRP: $159.99

    




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SteelSeries Introduces the Siberia v2 Dota 2 Edition Headset and more
SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in professional grade gaming peripherals along with Valve, developer of Dota 2 and creator of The International Tournament, today announced the Siberia v2 Illuminated Gaming Headset Dota 2 Special Edition which features an exclusive in-game item, Scythe of Vyse for Nature's Prophet.
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In addition to the new headset, SteelSeries will also roll out two new SteelSeries QcK+ mousepads featuring character artwork from the game. The Siberia v2 Dota 2 Edition headset lets the player experience the non-stop excitement of the game while enjoying an incredible soundscape, lightweight over-the-head suspension design and the ability to customize what you're hearing through an easy-to-configure software suite. Red LED illumination on the outside of each earcup can also be customized to exact user specifications and profiles via the SteelSeries Engine. At an MSRP of $119.99, the headset is equipped with large, premium driver units for the loudest and clearest sound while its circumaural earcups are wrapped in soft leather for comfort and increased passive noise reduction.

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The SteelSeries Siberia v2 Illuminated Gaming Headset Dota 2 Special Edition - $119.99 Combining lightweight comfort and an optimized soundscape with premium features the headset includes:
DOTA RED ILLUMINATION
Super-bright, red LED lights that glow through the outer mesh grill on each earcup. The illumination offers 6 different modes and can be assigned to behavior and game specific profiles through the SteelSeries Engine, including: Active Mode (responsive pulsing to sound effects, music, and/or voice), Slow Pulse, Fast Pulse, High Bright, Low Bright and Off.
EXCLUSIVE IN-GAME ITEM
The Scythe of Vyse for Nature's Prophet has been originally designed and is available exclusively to players who purchase the SteelSeries Siberia v2 Dota 2 Edition headset.
NOISE-CANCELLING MICROPHONE & CONTROLS
The Siberia v2 Dota 2 Edition headset features an active noise cancelling microphone system. The microphone processor reduces the "noise" and focuses on the sound that is closer to the mic, your voice. It can also retract into the left earcup when not in use. The headsets in-line volume and mute controls are found on a durable cord with a USB connector.
The SteelSeries QcK+ Dota 2 Edition Mousepads - $19.99
Each displaying unique character artwork from the game, the new SteelSeries QcK+ mousepads are comprised of the Tiny and the Vengeful Spirit Editions. The mousepads are composed of a high-quality cloth material and an optimized texture that guarantees both smoothness and glide while a non-slippery rubber base holds the mousepad in place. Because of its size, the QcK+ is perfect for players who are using low sensitivity settings or for those who prefer to have a larger, consistent surface for game play.
Attendees of The International 3, which will kick off in Seattle tomorrow, will be the first to purchase the new SteelSeries Siberia v2 Dota 2 Edition products. The headset and mousepads will be available to consumers via the SteelSeries Web Shop and other etail partners later this summer. For more information about each of the new products, please visit http://steelseries.com/products/games/dota2.

    




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SilverStone Unveils New, Useful PC Peripherals
USB hubs can hog large swathes of your desktop real-estate, and clutter it will cables, before you even realize. SilverStone thinks it has an answer to that, a new 4-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed hub with a magnetic surface, that lets you latch it onto a SECC case. The new EP01 USB 3.0 hub from SilverStone features a hexagonal shape, with four of its sides holding downstream ports, one holding the upstream type-B connector, and one with a DC input that lets it support USB charging specification 1.2, which lets the hub detect a device that is capable of drawing more than 1,000 mA, and supplying it with that. This lets you charge your smartphones and tablets, which otherwise don't charge when plugged in to a PC. Measuring 71.6 x 63.3 x 19.5 mm (WxDxH), it weighs about 65 g.
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Moving on, SilverStone unveiled a pair of extremely practical SATA power cables, the CP06-E2 and CP06-E4, pictured below in that order. The CP06-E2 has a male SATA connector on one end, connecting to your PSU; and two female SATA connectors on the other, with very little spacing between them. This helps in cases like 3.5-inch to 2x 2.5-inch convertors, where there's very little spacing between the two 2.5-inch bays, causing the long spaces between PSU cables to protrude out, or remain stiff. The CP06-E4 is a 4-connector variant of the cable.
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Lastly, SilverStone rolled out a pair of external portable storage solutions, the EP02B and MS07B, pictured above in that order. The EP02B is simply a SATA power+data back-plane, with DC and a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connector on one end, letting you convert any SATA drive into a USB mass storage device. The MS07B, on the other hand, is a more conventional 2.5-inch portable enclosure, which is open-ended, letting you slide in a 2.5-inch SATA drive, dock it with a standard back-plane, and lock it in place. This enclosure features USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface. The company didn't release pricing or availability information.

    




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Plextor and Maingear Announce Strategic Partnership
Plextor, leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital storage devices, and Maingear, leading custom designer of high performance PC systems, have announced a strategic partnership. Plextor is currently center stage with their ultrafast SSD technology. This makes for a perfect match with Maingear that has a sterling reputation for award winning custom PC systems that are individually tuned for peak performance.
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Plextor and Maingear featured a collaborative exhibit at last month's E3 - the annual gaming expo held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The 2013 show was attended by upwards of 50,000 gaming enthusiasts.
Plextor and Maingear caught the crowd's attention with their exhibit featuring a Maingear RAID 0 computer equipped with four 128 GB Plextor M5 Pro Xtreme Solid State Drives. As a post-E3 grand finale, Plextor gave away the Maingear computer in a drawing facilitated by PC Gamer.
Maingear was impressed-if not amazed-by the increased performance of their PC equipped with Plextor SSDs. They were fascinated enough to choose Plextor as their main supplier for SSDs.
Wallace Santos, CEO and founder of Maingear computers commented: "Maingear custom desktop and notebooks wouldn't be complete without offering one of the best hard drive solutions available. With Plextor solid state drives offering Super RAID, our customers can build a system with more than enough speed and space to fit their games, movies, and music with room to spare."
Maingear's custom gaming PC's are known to be among the fastest and most reliable in the industry. This makes for a perfect fit and strong partnership since Plextor's SSDs are also known for extraordinary speed and quantity.
In fact, Plextor's M5 Pro Xtreme SSD is the first true professional SSD to reach the milestone of 100,000 IOPS random-read speeds. The drive also features Plextor's True Speed technology (developed by Plextor's firmware team) preventing SSD speed drops and automatically returning performance to like-new speeds. The M5 Pro Xtreme has an MTBF (mean time between failures) of 2.4 million hours. This ranks as the highest level of reliability in the industry.
"We are extremely proud to work closely with Maingear to bring consumers an enhanced gaming experience," said Darlo Perez, Managing Director of Plextor Americas. "Plextor SSDs are targeted for advanced users who demand high-performance and our products are extremely fast, reliable, and stable, which makes it suitable with Maingear's custom PC systems."
Maingear has an array of Editor's Choice awards to corroborate their reputation as developers of the best gaming desktop computers available. Their innovative high performance gaming computers can handle the latest and most demanding games with ease. The Maingear customer is given the design option of overclocked, water cooled, or three-way SLI configurations for the ultimate gaming rig.
Maingear's signature luxury paint jobs are also a pretty nifty customer option. Their New Jersey facility actually boasts a downdraft paint booth where they coat the exterior of their custom gaming rigs with glossy Glasurit paint (that's the same paint used by Porsche and BMW).
In summary, when you put a Plextor SSD in a Maingear rig, you have extreme speed, massive throughput, and fault tolerant performance that will suit the performance and the aesthetic needs of the world's most serious gamers.

    




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NEC Display Solutions Introduces 19-inch AccuSync Desktop Monitor
NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today its new 19-inch, AccuSync AS193i desktop monitor. This LED-backlit model with IPS panel is suited for small-to-medium-sized businesses and school classrooms looking for outstanding image performance with environmentally conscious features.
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The budget-conscious AS193i offers a 28 percent reduction in power consumption relative to its predecessor. Mercury-free LED backlighting improves energy efficiency, and enables easy transport and wall mounting capabilities. The AS193i is compliant with the latest regulations, including ENERGY STAR 6.0 and TCO 6.0, is EPEAT Silver rated, and includes ECO Mode and carbon footprint meter tools. The ECO Mode function helps save power, reduce heat and extend the life of the display by allowing users to adjust the backlight intensity.
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Moreover, the display provides superior screen performance, including wide viewing angles and life-like skin tones. Its Ambix dual-input technology allows for digital/analog compatibility with upgraded video cards and software, as well as connection to two systems. Rapid Response technology, in the meantime, delivers virtually interrupted, undistorted viewing of high-speed, full-motion video.
"NEC's AccuSync Series delivers a powerful new monitor with an IPS panel at an attractive price point," said Kevin Christopherson, Director of Product Marketing for Desktop Displays at NEC Display Solutions. "The AS193i embraces eco-friendly qualities such as ECO Mode, LED backlighting and a carbon footprint meter, differentiators that set NEC apart."
The AS193i includes the following features:
  • 19-inch, 5:4 wide screen with LED backlight
  • IPS Panel
  • 1280 x 1024 native resolution
  • VGA and DVI-D connectivity
  • Tilt adjustability
  • Touch-integratable
  • Integrated speakers (1W x 2) with headphone jack
  • Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) system and off timer, which provide innovative power-saving methods and reduce CO2 emissions by shifting to lower power consumption levels or automatically powering down when the monitor is on but not in use
  • ECO Mode and carbon footprint meter, which helps track and calculate the reduction of green gas emissions
  • ENERGY STAR 6.0, TCO 6.0 and EPEAT Silver compliance
  • Compact packaging, which helps reduce paper usage, shipping costs and waste
The AS193i will be available in August 2013 at an estimated street price of $179 and ships with a standard three-year parts and labor warranty, including the backlight.

    




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MSI Announces MS-9A29 Fanless IPC
MSI, the leading provider of industrial PC, has released a new embedded system to the market. The newly launched MS-9A29 is an ultra compact size fanless embedded system with low-power Intel Atom processor, offering a perfect cool solution for industrial applications. The versatile installation options of wall mounting, display-attaching, and cabinet installation allow the embedded system to be easily integrated in various field sites, especially fits to space-critical application sites. Great flexibility can also be found in this product with its rich networking, storage, and expansion options. Thanks to all the friendly design, the MS-9A29 offers great cost-effectiveness with maximum flexibility and convenience for your future maintenance or expansion.
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Calm, Slim, yet Versatile
For mission-critical industrial applications, a cool industrial computer for non-stop operation is always required. Featuring with Intel Atom low-power processor and smart mechanical design, the MS-9A29 offers this kind of calm solution that many industrial applications need. With its small-size housing, the MS-9A29 can be easily integrated in space-critical cabinet, automation control system, or directly attached to LCD monitors using the optional bracket and simply one screwdriver. The flexibility for integration of this small system is achieved with multiple communication options (Gigabit LAN/Serial/WiFi/3G), rich storage media (SATA, mSATA, and Mini-PCIe), and the great expansion possibilities with Mini-PCIe. For on-site monitoring, dual independent displays with VGA and HDMI outputs are supported to ensure error-free operation. All of these well satisfy the diversified yet critical demand from automation control, data communication, digital signage, KIOSK, and more.
Innovative Design with User in Mind
Unlike most compact-size embedded systems with fixed case design, the MS-9A29 has a removable bottom cover design that allows users to easily access the mainboard, so that the installation or maintenance of the memory, serial ports, HDD, WiFi, or 3G modules can be quickly done. MSI is the pioneer to design a 3G SIM card holder onboard*, making the system ready for 3G application without the need to redesign an additional SIM card holder for the entire kiosk, digital signage, or automation system.
Almost all of the mini-PCIe 3G add-on cards available on the market are not designed with a SIM card holder. This bothers the system integrator when integrating 3G network to their target system (Kiosk, automation, digital signage, etc.). They have to specifically redesign a SIM card holder to their system.
Key Features:

  • Slim and compact size that is perfect for space-critical applications

  • Ready-to-attach to LCD monitors with simply one screwdriver and optional bracket

  • Intel Atom processor with ultra low power and fanless design, a perfect cool solution for automation

  • Support DDR3 SO-DIMM memory up to 4GB

  • Dual independent displays with VGA and HDMI outputs

  • Dual Gigabit LAN for high-bandwidth communications

  • Dual Mini-PCIe for expansion (one with SIM holder), offering more application possibilities

  • Versatile options for networking: Gigabit LAN and optional WiFi/3G by Mini-PCIe

  • Removable bottom cover design for internal Mini-PCIe (WiFi/3G?), SATA, memory, and serial connection

  • Designed with 3G SIM-card holder onboard ready for 3G Mini-PCIe application

  • Support mSATA for solid state disk option, offering faster data access and reliable storage

  • Two openings on rear panel reserved for 3G/WiFi antennas

  • Can be mounted on wall or monitor (with bracket)
For more information, visit the product page.

    




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Top 10 TweakTown Press Releases from the past week [05 August 2013]
Here are our top 10 posted press releases from the past week!

    




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SanDisk Announces Expanded Capital Return Program
SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions today announced that it has expanded its capital return program with the initiation of a quarterly dividend and the authorization of $2.5 billion of additional stock repurchases. The company will complete part of this stock repurchase through a $1.0 billion Accelerated Share Repurchase ("ASR") agreement, which was entered into today.
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The SanDisk Board of Directors has approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.225 per share of common stock, equivalent to an annual yield of approximately 1.6% based on the July 31, 2013 closing price of $55.12. On an annualized basis, this will return approximately $220 million to stockholders based on shares outstanding as of June 30, 2013. The first dividend payment will be made on August 30, 2013 to holders of record on August 12, 2013. Future dividend payments are subject to review and approval by the Board.
As of today, the company has entered into a $1.0 billion ASR agreement with a financial institution. Under the terms of the ASR, SanDisk will receive during the third fiscal quarter of 2013 an initial delivery of approximately 14.5 million shares based on current market prices. The final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on SanDisk's volume-weighted average stock price during the term of the agreement, which is expected to be completed no later than April 8, 2014.
The $2.5 billion of stock repurchase authorization brings the total amount authorized for stock repurchases to $3.75 billion. Approximately $2.1 billion remains available for repurchase following the execution of the $1.0 billion ASR agreement, year-to-date purchases of approximately $435 million and prior years' purchases.
"Today's announcements underscore our confidence in the company's business and our commitment to share our success with our shareholders," said Sanjay Mehrotra, president and chief executive officer of SanDisk. "The dividend provides immediate and ongoing returns to our shareholders, and we believe that utilizing our cash for share repurchases will add significantly to long-term shareholder value."

    




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Ozone Gaming launches Meet The Pro Mousepad Series
Whether you are using optical or laser mice, Meet the Pro Mousepad will work perfectly. Ozone Pro Gaming Teams just love this mousepad thanks to its microfiber texture ensuring precise and steady mouse movements. The Ozone Meet the Pro Mousepad has been designed with a powerful rubber base to fix its position. So forget about correcting and moving the mousepad when you're in action.
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K1ck Edition
Ozone K1ck is an extra-large gaming mousepad specialy designed with the K1ck eSports Club logo. The K1ck Association plays in most of the successful videogames that can be found in worldwide competitions and is one of the few legal and registered eSports Associations in Europe. Tested by professional gamers, its high-end ultra-grip rubber base ensures maximum comfort and control at all times regardless of the surface it's placed on.
Amazing design and texture perfect for gamers that push their limits to the edge. Get a smooth and steady speed glide for any kind of mouse.
Ricardo FOX Pacheco: "The K1ck Ozone mousepad has the right feeling that makes me concentrate on my game, not having to worry if my equipment will fail me in crucial times. The texture is great and the thickness is perfect, and having an amazing design is a big plus. All this adds up in a mousepad that I always enjoy playing with."
MVP Edition
Ozone MVP is the surprise team this season. They have gone from being almost strangers to being the Asian benchmark League of Legend team. The time has come for them to have their own personalized equipment. With the technical characteristics of Pro gaming material and the MVP logo design, this competition mousepad is now available to the general public.
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Amazing design and texture perfect for gamers that push their limits to the edge. Get a smooth and steady speed glide for any kind of mouse.
Bae "Dade" Eo-Jin : "MVP is my team and Gaming is my life, that is why Ozone MVP Pro Gaming Mousepad is my first choice. As a professional gamer I need the best quality to get the best results. With this Ozone mousepad I get the quality I am looking for thanks to its non-slip rubber base and the advanced micro fiber texture. And of course it also looks amazing with the special Ozone MVP Design."
Giants Edition
European E-Sports and Giants go hand in hand. The teams logo with its modern design is one of the most recognizable brands in the gaming world. This Ozone Giants Mousepad has all the necessary features to take them the top. MTP series provides users with a reliable surface for optimal functionality with any kind of mouse.
Amazing design and texture perfect for gamers that push their limits to the edge. Get a smooth and steady speed glide for any kind of mouse. Juan "eXter" Navarro: "Gaming is my work, Giants is my team and Ozone Giants Pro Gaming Mosepad is my choice. As a professional gamer I know what I need, what I deserve, that's why I just love the non-slip rubber base, the amazing micro fiber texture and of course, the special E-Sport Design with this powerful Ozone Giants Pro Gaming Mousepad."

    




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CYBERPOWERPC Announces the Fang Taipan M2 Gaming Laptop
CyberPower Inc. http://www.cyberpowerpc.com, a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs, does not believe in cookie-cutter laptop PCs that leave you with few options for customization. The company today unveiled its Fang Taipan M2, a gaming laptop that comes one way: your way.
The Fang Taipan M2 is the ultimate gaming laptop that can be customized for every buyer with the latest in gaming tech. The "poison" you load in the Taipan M2 to kill your competition is your choice.
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The GPU arsenal at your disposal includes the power of dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M in SLI mode and dual AMD Radeon HD 8970M in CrossFire mode. The Taipan M2 also makes use of the superlative Intel Core i7-4930MX Extreme Edition CPU, supporting up to 32 GBs of dual-channel, high-performance Kingston HyperX or Corsair Vengeance Memory.
The recoiled Taipan M2 brings back the original, stylish and rubberized look with improved functionality. In addition to USB 3.0 and e-SATA interfaces, the Taipan M2 features lightning-fast Thunderbolt input for the ultimate in connection speed, as well as rear and front-facing cameras. The keyboard is color-programmable with responsive tactile feedback for the enhanced gaming capability.
To complement its powerful hardware, the Taipan M2 features a full HD 17.3" (16:9) LED-backlit display at 1920 x 1080 resolution and the perfect sound setup for audiophiles with an Onkyo speaker system supported by premium Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 audio technology. A single HDMI output is also included to bring your gaming experience to the next level.
The Taipan M2 boasts support for a wide range of technologies: AMD Eyefinity to max out gaming performance, NVIDIA Optimus to automatically optimize battery life while maintaining outstanding performance whether you're watching a movie, surfing the web, or playing a graphically-intensive game, and Intel's Rapid Start Technology in RAID 1 and 0 to minimize loading downtime by increasing boot speeds and data transfer rates.
The base Taipan M2 specs include:

  • 17.3" Full HD 1920 x 1080 display

  • Intel Core i7-4700MQ 2.40 GHz 6M Turbo 3.40 GHz

  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M 2 GB GDDR5 (SLI-MODE)

  • 64 GB SanDisk SATA III 6.0 Gb/s Solid State Drive

  • 750 GB 7200 RPM SATA300 Hard Drive (Storage)

  • Integrated Illuminated Full Size Isolated Keyboard

  • 16 GB (8 GBx2) DDR3 SODIMM Dual Channel Memory

  • Illuminated Keyboard, Built-in 5.0/1.0 MP Webcams,

  • Internal 802.11 b/g/n Wireless LAN + Bluetooth Combo

  • 8X DVD±R/RW/4X + DL Super-Multi Drive

  • Microsoft Windows 8 (64-bit Edition)
Base price for this configuration is $1869.
The Fang Taipan M2 can be customized to your specifications with more powerful CPUs, greater and faster performance memory, larger capacity SSD storage options, and optical drives.All CyberPowerPC notebook systems include a 1-year limited warranty.

    




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Toshiba Introduces the dynadock V3.0 Universal Docking Station
Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced a highly affordable new addition to its line of award-winning universal docking stations, the dynadock V3.0. The dynadock V3.0 is the ideal one-cable connection that instantly and effortlessly "docks" any Windows-based laptop to an extra monitor and multiple devices at any given time. Toshiba's new docking station provides users with faster speed and improved graphics than its predecessor due to the addition of USB 3.0 ports and HDMI out support.
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"The dynadock V3.0 really shines because its USB 3.0 connection creates a workstation that any user can easily connect/disconnect and even share with other users" said Phil Osako, Senior Director PC Marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "This versatile product makes using all of your devices simple and even helps to clean up the user's desk space with its compact size."

Toshiba's small and sleek dynadock V3.0 hosts an HDMI out supporting both video and 5.1 channel audio. In addition it has six powerful USB ports, including two front USB 3.0 ports with Toshiba USB Sleep & Charge and four rear USB 2.0 ports to significantly boost sharing and productivity, creating a full-service workstation wherever a user chooses to set it up. Like Toshiba's dynadock U3.0, it also serves as a convenient hub that connects the users' main laptop or desktop to all of their peripheral gadgets via one cable, eliminating unnecessary clutter on their desk. It is compatible with a large-screen HD display, variety of USB powered gadgets, including full-size keyboard and mouse, external storage, printer, optical drive, and more.
The unit's USB 3.0 connection and built-in HD graphics cards support up to 2048 x 1152 resolution, delivering faster frame rates and higher-resolution image than would normally be seen on a PC. This elevates the movie watching, gaming and media streaming to a richer level. Whether users are turning to their laptop for work or play, the dynadock V3.0 has the ability to transform their computing system into a comfortable and convenient desktop experience.
Pricing and Availability
Toshiba's dynadock V3.0 is currently available for purchase at major retailers, e-tailers and direct from Toshiba at ToshibaDirect.com, for a starting price of $119.99 MSRP.

    




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AMD Opens New Global Design Centre in Hyderabad
AMD today announced the opening of a new design centre in Hyderabad, featuring world-class lab facilities dedicated to furthering both software and hardware innovations at the heart of AMD's popular Accelerated Processing Units (APUs.) In a ceremony held today, the new design centre was inaugurated by Rory Read, president and chief executive officer at AMD.
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"AMD is committed to providing our customers with innovative, tailored technology solutions that empower people and deliver exceptional experiences," said Read. "Our Hyderabad Design Centre will play an important part in that mission as the team works in concert with our other design centers around the world to deliver AMD's next round of innovative products."
Located at Raheja Mindspace, HITEC City, Madhapur, in the heart of Hyderabad's technology hub, the new facility features 175,000 square feet of world-class engineering labs, equipment and office space for the hundreds of engineers who work there to deliver world-class, differentiated System-On-Chips (SOCs) for AMD and its global customers. AMD also has a design centre in Bangalore, as well as sales offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.
"India is a crucial market for AMD, and our design centers in both Hyderabad and Bangalore are key design and development hubs for our business," said Madhusudan Atre, corporate vice president, Design Engineering at AMD. "Like our talented engineering teams around the world, the engineers working in AMD's new Hyderabad Design Center are every bit as focused and committed to the sustained delivery of hardware and software innovations that can help drive the company's business forward."

    




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