Intel 6th Generation Core i7 6700K Review
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Intel Core i7 5775C Review
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Some AMD Radeon R9 Fury Video Cards Can Unlock More Performance, Possibly to a Fury X
AMD's new line of video cards, the R9 Fury X and Fury, are slowly finding their way into the hands of consumers, but it seems R9 Fury owners can get a pleasant surprise. A tool is available to unlock the R9 Fury into an R9 Fury X video card, granting a higher level of performance than the card already has. Hawaii and Tonga video cards can also use this tool to unlock to the next step up, but before you rush out and try it, there are some issues to be aware of. The most obvious is you can damage and brick the card, while some cards may not be able to be unlocked at all or all the way. Still, if you don't mind the risk and want to try for more performance, this is your opportunity.
This tool, known as CUINFO, scans your video card to see if it had a cluster or two disabled, and if it has, then you can unlock it. Instant performance right then and there. Not all R9 Furys can become a full blown Fury X with 4096 stream processors (SP), but even if you can just unlock the Fury to 3840 SPs, you'll be able to get a boost. Remember, do this at your own risk as your card can break from it. If you're interested, hit up this link for the guide.
Source: WCCFtech
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Leaning Nanomagnets for Potential Memory Chips
Flash memory has done a lot to change the state of electronics, as the medium is nonvolatile and much faster than traditional, magnetic HDDs. We are not done with magnets though, especially with the amount of effort being invested into spintronics that will enable computers to boot in an instant and use significantly less power. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have recently solved a problem they had in prior research that should help bring about spintronics.
The previous research concerned nanomagnets of tantalum, which the researchers found could have their polarity flipped by an electrical current, and not an external magnetic field. Magnetic fields are large and inefficient to make, so their use has prevented certain magnetic technologies from being integrated into chips. The problem the researchers encountered was that the nanomagnets had to be vertically stacked to pack enough onto a chip, but this orientation negated the polarity switching. It turns out that giving the magnets a slight tilt of even two degrees is enough to re-enable the electrical switching.
By creating a nonvolatile magnetic memory system that can be integrated directly into computer chips, it should be possible to significantly reduce the power consumption of a computer. This is because of how much energy is needed to transmit data between memory devices.
Source: University of California, Berkeley
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Xbox One to Gain DVR Functionality Next Year
Microsoft has announced at Gamescom that the Xbox One will soon have "full-featured DVR functionality" that will be available to all owners with no additional subscription required. Television shows can be recorded in the background and can be streamed to Windows 10 devices using the Xbox app. The recordings can also be transferred to other devices to be viewed elsewhere. A Microsoft spokesperson clarified the functionality stating "DVR for Over-the-Air TV lets you record live over-the-air TV only," meaning that you won't be able to record cable or satellite broadcasts.
Source: Polygon
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Kingston Adds to HyperX FURY DDR4 Series
Kingston has announced the addition of 8GB and 16GB dual-channel kits to the HyperX FURY DDR4 line of memory. The new sets of memory are targeted at the latest sixth generation Intel Core processors and Z170 chipsets and will be available at frequencies of 2133MHz, 2400MHz, and 2666MHz. The memory runs at just 1.2V and is cooled by a low profile black heatspreader. HyperX business manager Lawrence Yang described the memory stating, "We are thrilled to announce additional HyperX FURY DDR4 dual-channel kits in low-latency 2133MHz, 2400MHz and 2666MHz speeds for entry-level enthusiasts looking to maximize their gaming performance and user experience. These new modules reach the highest frequencies possible through automatic overclocking with no hassle. HyperX FURY DDR4 is ideal for anyone looking for maximum speed with minimum initial investment."
Source: Press Release
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Noctua Introduces the NM-i115x Upgrade Kit for Intel Z170 Motherboards
Intel's new Skylake processors have arrived, and with them come a new chipset and socket for motherboards. The Skylake processors run on Z170 motherboards and the LGA1151 socket, which is no surprise given the processors support DDR4 memory. It does mean that some CPU coolers may not support the LGA1151 socket right away, but if you have an older Noctua cooler, you're in luck. Noctua has announced the NM-i115x kit that can upgrade its older coolers to support the LGA1151 socket and allow you to keep using that favorite cooler. This kit is a free upgrade for most Noctua owners whose cooler won't work on Skylake (there are some coolers that require the kit to be purchased). All you need to do is a provide a proof of purchase (screenshot, photo, or scan) of the Noctua cooler and either the Z170 motherboard or Skylake processor, and then Noctua will ship you the NM-i115x kit.
The NM-i115x kit works on all Noctua coolers made since 2005, but all new coolers that came with the SecuFirm 2 mounting kit won't need to take advantage of it. If you own one of those and are already on an LGA1150, 1155, or 1156 motherboard, you can swap over to LGA1151 without worry. To see which coolers already fit on which motherboards, you can see Noctua's handy chart here. The NM-i115x kit can also be purchased in stores for a small fee if your cooler is not part of the free upgrade offer.
Source: Press Release
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Delve Into the Deep Roads with Dragon Age: Inquisition - The Descent
Dust off your helmets and gear up for another adventure in Thedas, as BioWare has officially announced a new piece of DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition. Called The Descent, this DLC takes us into the Deep Roads to an area far beneath the surface, where a Darkspawn horde await us. The Inquisition must solve one of Thedas' greatest mysteries, as the world is beset by earthquakes that could consume it. The Darkspawn may be the ones to blame, but there could be something else lurking within the depths, something more ancient and dangerous. The Descent can be undertaken anytime after you reach Skyhold, so while we don't get the questions after Inquisition ends answered, we do get to square off against the "ultimate Darkspawn horde." Based on how monstrous some of them look now, we should be in for one wild ride, especially when some Blighted dwarves stand in our way. The Descent features level scaling, so as your journey deeper and deeper in, you'll start facing tougher and tougher challenges.
Source: YouTube and Twitter [1], [2], & [3]
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Experience New Orleans and Organized Crime During the 1960s in Mafia 3
Last week, 2K Games confirmed that Mafia 3 does, in fact, exist, and we would get to see it during Gamescom. Well, a short while ago the worldwide reveal trailer for Mafia 3 was officially shown off, and boy, does this game look to be one to get. Mafia 3 takes us to 1968 and the heart of New Orleans, where our new protagonist, Lincoln Clay, has just returned from Vietnam. He's discovered that family just isn't who you're born into, considering he's an orphan, but who you die for, which he didn't learn until he was off fighting a war halfway around the world. Upon returning from the war, Clay, a half-black veteran, joins up with the Black Mafia in New Orleans, but sadly, they're wiped out soon after by the Italian Mafia, and Clay is left for dead. Now it is up to him to exact a path of vengeance and eventually create a power vacuum in the city, one in which Clay and his new mob can fill.
NSFW (language and violence)
The 1960s were a turbulent time, but also one filled with hope and change. Mafia 3 looks to play this up nicely, with New Orleans being an unwelcoming, racially charged city in 1968, one that looks to offer a unique experience to carry organized crime into a new era. Muscle cars, iconic songs, and the swamps and bayous of Louisiana should make for a stunning backdrop in Mafia 3, and one that we'll get to experience next year. Mafia 3 is set to arrive in 2016 (no exact date given just yet) for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Sources: YouTube, Official Website, and IGN
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Hardware Roundup: Intel Core i7 6700K Edition
Intel's new Core i7 6700K has arrived today, bringing with it the company's 6th Generation Core architecture and the Skylake series. This new chip is built on the 14nm process and features four cores and eight threads, thanks to Intel's Hyper Threading. It also has a stock speed of 4GHz and a Turbo Boost of 4.2GHz, 8MB of shared L3 cache, DDR4 to the masses, and the potential to be a serious overclocker. The Core i7 6700K is just the first of the Skylake products to arrive, as the Core i5 6600K and beyond will be shown off during IDF15 later this month. Be sure to check out our reviews and others to see just how well the Core i7 6700K performs and overclocks to see just what Intel has on offer.
Intel 6th Generation Core i7 6700K @ OCC
Intel Core i7-6700K @ TechSpot
Intel Core i7-6700K @ ThinkComputers
Intel Core i7 6700K @ Bjorn3D
Intel Core i7-6700K @ PC Perspective
Intel i7-6700K @ LanOC Reviews
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Hardware Roundup: Wednesday, August 5, 2015, Edition
We have arrived at the middle of the week, with several items to help get you over the hump. The be quiet! Shadow Rock LP CPU cooler gets put to the test to see how this low profile model can handle a workload. We also have the EK Water Blocks L360 liquid cooling kit that comes with everything you need to get your own custom loop set up and running. For storage needs, there's a review of the MyDigitalSSD's 240GB SATA m.2 SSD that sees how fast this small drive can access your data. If you need a way to control your PC from a distance, perhaps the Azio Vision backlit wireless keyboard is the one for you. Lastly we have the Lenovo LaVie Z and LaVie Z 360 laptops, two 13.3" models that feature reduced weight to allow for new levels of portability.
CPU Cooling
be quiet! Shadow Rock LP @ Frostytech
EK Water Blocks L360 @ Bjorn3D
Storage/Hard Drives
MyDigitalSSD 240GB SATA m.2 SSD @ PC Perspective
Keyboards/Mice
Azio Vision Backlit Wireless Keyboard @ Neoseeker
Laptops/Tablets
Lenovo LaVie Z and LaVie Z 360 @ PC Perspective
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New Transparent Electrode Developed Using Silver Nanowires
For a great many technologies, transparent electrodes are necessary, but few actually exist. The most commonly used example is indium tin oxide (ITO) and is actually quite expensive because of how rare indium is. Some alternatives involve networks of silver, which is also a rare metal, but researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie have created a new conductor that uses so little silver, that the result is cost effective.
A common design for silver transparent conductors arranges strips of the metal into grids, but this new solution instead uses nanowires in a loose mesh. First the silver nanowires are in a suspension with ethanol and then deposited onto a substrate. As the ethanol dries the nanowires organize themselves into that mesh, maintaining transparency and conductivity. Next the researchers deposit a layer of AZO, a wide bandgap semiconductor made of zinc oxide with a heavy dose of aluminum. This composite has proven to be as conductive as the silver grids, though the conductivity can be manipulated by altering the length and concentration of the nanowires.
In the end the new electrode uses just 0.3 grams of silver per square meter, compared to the 15-20 grams per square meter for the silver-grid solutions. Currently the researchers are working to optimize the software used to determine the optimal properties of the nanowires and see the new transparent conductor being used in solar cells.
Source: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
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Meet the Five Racing Icons in Need for Speed; Arriving November 3 for PC, PS4, and XBO
During E3 in June, EA showed off the new Need for Speed game, which looks to recapture the experience of the older Underground games, while adding in new elements to the formula. Racers can modify their cars in any number of ways, with a wide variety of cars available to tweak, modify, paint, and drive however they want. Take the cars out on races, compete how you see fit, and advance along based on your style of play: Speed, Build, Crew, Style, and Outlaw. This new Need for Speed takes us to the city of Ventura Bay, and in it are five real world icons for you to impress and get on your side. These five icons introduce you to the five different playstyles, and each one can help you on your chosen path. Check out the new Gamescom trailer below to see just who is along for the ride.
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Corsair Introduces New RGB Keyboards, Mice, and Headsets at Gamescom
Gamescom has officially kicked off in Cologne, Germany, and while plenty of games are going to be shown off during the conference, gaming gear will also be part of it. Corsair is a name many equate with a variety of computer hardware, from cases to RAM and SSDs, but today's announcement focuses on getting a deeper level of control in your games. An assortment of new peripherals have been unveiled at Gamescom, with the STRAFE RGB mechanical keyboards, the Scimitar RGB MMO/MOBA mouse, and VOID gaming headsets leading the way.
The Corsair STRAFE RGB and STRAFE RGB Silent mechanical keyboards will be available in October for $149.99 and $159.99, respectively, with pre-orders starting this month. The Scimitar RGB MMO/MOBA mouse launches next month for $79.99, while all three VOID gaming headsets arrive in August. The VOID analog is $79.99, the VOID USB for $99.99, and the VOID Wireless $129.99 for the carbon color, or the Wireless SE with a snazzy Yellowjacket color and wireless extension dock (and Best Buy exclusivity) for $149.99.
Source: Press Release
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Tt eSPORTS Announces Battle Dragon Wireless Speakers
Tt eSPORTS, the gaming focused product line from Thermaltake, has announced the addition of an audio component to the Battle Dragon series in the form of the Battle Dragon Wireless Speakers. The speakers sport a "simplistic and clean cut matte finish" that give them "a modern look that shouts sophistication and elegance." Six watts of output power provide mono and stereo output modes and a 900mAh Li-Polymer battery provides for up to nine hours of battery life. The speakers can be charged wirelessly or using micro USB in just three hours. The feature set of the speakers is rounded out with Bluetooth pairing, aux-in functionality, and multi-colored LED indicators.
Source: Press Release
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Homefront: The Revolution Gets a New Trailer for Gamescom
Homefront: The Revolution received a new trailer today for gamescom 2015. Anyone at the show, media and public attendees, can get their hands on the game.
The open-world FPS is set in an occupied United States, with the player in the middle of a guerrilla war against a Korean corporation, and its military control. Surveillance drones, armored patrols, and police violence are the new norm under the Korean occupiers, as they have the advantage with better tech, weapons, armor, and air support. You will have to rely on hit and run tactics, ambushes, and surprise attacks to survive and eventually lead the Resistance to victory.
This new trailer shows a young child reading from a prepared document a thank-you message for all the occupiers have done from the United States, while the actual events are shown, both the beatings and the resistance. The game is scheduled to launch Spring 2016 for PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
Source: Press Release and Deep Silver
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Halo Wars Sequel Announced, Accompanied by Teaser Trailer
Halo Wars was a real-time strategy game released for the Xbox 360 that put gamers in control of human and Covenant forces as they battled each other in a change of pace from the traditional FPS nature of Halo games. A sequel was announced by Microsoft today for Xbox One and Windows 10 devices with the added bonus that it is being developed by Creative Assembly, the team behind the Total War series of games. A brief teaser trailer was included with the announcement and a release date of Fall 2016 is expected.
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