AMD A10-6700 APU Richland Processor
AMD
has a pattern when it comes to processor releases. They release a new
processor, run it through its paces for a while, then they release more
of the same die with higher clock speeds. Generally, though, the new
processors release at something closer to the release price of the first
series of processors. That is the one part of the equation missing from
this summer's AMD APU releases. The AMD A10-6700 is the second
processor coming out in June 2013 with an MSRP of $142. In this article,
Benchmark Reviews is taking a detailed look at the A10-6700, especially
its differences from the unlocked A10-6800K.
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AMD A10-6800K APU Richland Processor
So
far, it seems that the early summer of 2013 is destined to be full of
Intel Haswell coverage. Rather than consigning themselves to the
shadows, AMD is quietly releasing two new members of their APU family.
The next generation of APUs is being represented at the top by the
A10-6800K and the A10-6700 Accelerated Processing Units, codenamed
Richland. It has been about eight months since AMD released the last
generation, Trinity APUs. When that happened, AMD took back the
performance lead from Ivy Bridge in the sub-$150 CPU price range. This
has been AMD's bread and butter for a while now, especially with their
ability to pair discrete level graphics with their CPUs that totally
decimate the onboard capabilities of their opponent. Haswell may change
things, but for now, we'll see where AMD is setting the bar for
entry-level performance. In this article, Benchmark Reviews takes a hard
look at the third generation of AMD APUs with the top end AMD A10-6800K
Richland Processor.
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QNAP TS-870U-RP 10GbE NAS Network Storage Server
There's
a new Ethernet in town called 10GbE, and its blazing fast. Benchmark
Reviews recently gave you the inside scoop on the newest 10GbE
networking hardware, and I mentioned that the first thing I did was to
hook up a 10GbE NAS. Plain old Gigabit Ethernet has been holding back
mid-range NAS servers for a while now. With 10GbE starting to enter the
mainstream, QNAP is now making their 10GbE-capable storage products more
affordable. The QNAP TS-870U-RP Turbo NAS is part of a new model line
that trades off some CPU power and a couple of build features in order
to lower the cost of entry. With eight 3.5 drive bays available there
is a potential for 32TB of drive space, and the Intel Celeron CPU, with
32nm Sandy Bridge architecture, has enough horsepower to make file
transfers fly by. It also has two x8 PCIe slots for 10GbE NICs and these
make a huge difference in real-world performance. Take a closer look
with us, at the current value leader in NAS speed demons.
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240GB OCZ Vertex 450 Solid State Drive
The
last time we tested the OCZ Vertex 4, it was powered by a dual-core
Marvell controller that combined technology from separate sources. This
time, the OCZ Vertex 450 solid state drive is made of in-house
components. Featuring an Indilinx BF3-M10 Barefoot 3 controller that
supports 20nm Synchronous Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND flash components
with AES-256 encryption and Trim support, Vertex 450 is good for 540
MB/s read speeds over a SATA 6-Gb/s connection. In this article
Benchmark Reviews tests the 240GB OCZ Vertex 450 SSD, model
VTX450-25SAT3-256G, against the leading competition.
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MSI Z87 MPower MAX Motherboard
Intel's
new Haswell CPUs bring with them a new socket, LGA1150, and a new
supporting chipset, the Z87. MSI's new Z87 MPower MAX motherboard is the
first of third-party Intel Z87-Express desktop motherboard we've had
the opportunity to test. As a member of MSI's MPOWER motherboards, the
full-sized ATX motherboard is a high-end product stuffed with features
aimed at enthusiasts and gamers. Let's take a look at it!
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Intel Core-i7 4770K Haswell Processor
After
months of rumors and speculation, Intel's 4th generation Core CPUs,
code-named Haswell, are here. Haswell CPUs are a tock -- that is, a new
microarchitecture-- in Intel's tick-tock annual release cycle. Based
on the same 22nm fabrication process and 3-D transistors introduced with
last year's Ivy Bridge CPUs, Haswell brings with it a new socket 1150,
which means that you can't just drop it in to replace an Ivy Bridge or
Sandy Bridge CPU, since you'll need a new motherboard. But what new
features and performance does Intel's Haswell processor bring with it?
Let's find out.
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Pivos XIOS DS Media Player PTGMCXDALU
Streaming
and digital products are quickly replacing their physical counterparts,
allowing personal entertainment to reach a new level of convenience.
Watching streaming content or downloaded multimedia files have almost
completely replaced television broadcasts and movies on disc, especially
for viewers with a portable multimedia device. Pivos Technology Group
observed the shift to digital content, and produced the Pivos XIOS DS
Media Play! embedded system (model PTGMCXDALU-US) for multimedia
enthusiasts. Capable of playing nearly every modern video format across
HDMI onto a HDTV or monitor at high-definition 1080p using the familiar
Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich interface. In this article Benchmark
Reviews tests the Pivos XIOS DS Media Play! system, and rates how well
it performs against the leading competition.
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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 Video Card
NVIDIA's
GeForce GTX 770 video card is built from the 28nm Kepler GK104 graphics
processor, identical to the GTX 680 released back in March 2012.
Featuring 1536 CUDA cores that are clocked to reach 1085 MHz using
NVIDIA Boost 2.0 technology, GTX 770 also comes with 2GB of GDDR5 video
memory that creates the world's fastest 1753 MHz graphics frame buffer.
In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests and compares the NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 770 graphics card using several highly-demanding DX11 video games,
such as Metro: Last Light, Batman: Arkham City, and Battlefield 3.
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Genius Ring Air Mouse 2
It
is not often you find a product that has the potential to change the
way you work. The Genius Ring Mouse 2, made by KYE Corporation, is just
such a product. I immediately could envision myself controlling my own
presentation without having to return to the podium, or call on someone
to flip through my slides. This alone is enough to justify the
purchase for me. But, for the sake of our readers, Benchmark Reviews
will test the Ring Mouse II to see what it can and cannot do for
business, travel, education and i-users .
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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Graphics Card
NVIDIA's
GeForce GTX TITAN allowed gamers to challenge any video game they
choose with the highest quality settings possible, but in limited supply
and high price tag. For many players, their games really only needed
half as much power and memory from a video card. Enter NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 780: built from GTX TITAN to deliver 3GB of GDDR5 video frame buffer
memory, and 2304 CUDA cores from the GK110 GPU that reach 900 MHz using
NVIDIA Boost 2.0 technology. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests
and compares the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 graphics card using several
highly-demanding DX11 video games, such as Metro: Last Light, Batman:
Arkham City, and Battlefield 3.
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Razer DeathAdder 2013 Gaming Mouse
Razer
has made a good product better with the new DeathAdder 2013 gaming
mouse, model RZ01-00840100-R3U1. Maintaining it's famous ergonomic
design, Razer has upgraded the optical laser to a more sensitive one as
well as added rubber side grips. Many versions of the DeathAdder are
available and the budget-conscious consumer will surely contemplate
whether or not the refinements are worth the price difference. The
featured product is marketed as an essential ergonomic gaming mouse;
there are no bells are whistles, no weight adjustment, no changeable
lights, just a mouse designed to dominate. Since the 2013 version of the
DeathAdder is quite similar to it's predecessors, this review may also
serve as an evaluation of the general DeathAdder series. Read on as
Benchmark reviews takes a close look at the raved-about Razer DeathAdder
2013 gaming mouse to see what all the hype is about.
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Corsair Obsidian 350D Micro ATX Computer Case
When
Corsair introduced its Obsidian line in 2009 with the 800D it brought
out a case that was beautiful, functional, and massive. In 2011 Corsair
introduced the mid-tower Obsidian 650D it was still beautiful,
functional, and just a bit too big for many enthusiasts. In 2013,
Corsair introduced its first Micro-ATX case the 350D. The 350D keeps the
beauty and functionality of its larger brethren but fits it into 17.7 x
17.3 case designed to contain a powerful multi-GPU system in a much
smaller enclosure than many enthusiast have been accustomed to in the
past. So let Benchmark Reviews walk you through the Corsair 350D and
look at the new smaller case design.
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Genius DVR-FHD590 Full HD Vehicle Recorder
The
streets are a dangerous place for motorists, and heavy traffic
congestion adds as much risk to long trips as it does to short commutes.
Defensive driving will help prevent some accidents, but the daily drive
to and from work is wrought with random chance and uncertainty. It's
not a question of if you'll be involved in an accident, it's a question
of when. You can never know when someone might run a red light as you
enter the intersection, or suffer a tire failure that sends them out of
control. Insurance companies tend to penalize their drivers with blame,
simply because they lack solid evidence to prove otherwise. Now you can
capture that proof on video, for only $131 online. The Genius DVR-FHD590
high-definition 1080p vehicle recorder automatically powers on whenever
someone is behind the wheel, and acts as a witness if the worst should
happen.
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MAD CATZ R.A.T. M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse
Mad
Catz arguably changed the gaming mouse market when they released their
R.A.T. into the wild. With an unusual appearance and a previously
unapproachable level of customization, the subsequent R.A.T. series of
mice went on to win multiple awards and generate a lot of interest.
Today, Benchmark Reviews has a chance to take a closer look at one of
the newcomers to the R.A.T. line, the R.A.T. M wireless mobile gaming
mouse. Does this rodent have what it takes to back up its heritage?
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Mad Catz M.O.U.S.9 Gaming Mouse
Enthusiasts
know Mad Catz and their gaming-oriented peripherals. In fact, the
company motto is All About the Game. Under their Tritton, Saitek, and
Cyborg sub-brands, they've offered keyboards, headsets, game
controllers, mice, flight sticks and other peripherals aimed at gamers.
Now, they tell us, they've decided to offer a more mainstream mouse,
the M.O.U.S.9. Although it's visually very similar to their R.A.T.
series of gaming mice, the M.O.U.S.9 is more consumer-oriented. How much
more so? Well, we here at Benchmark Reviews aim to find out.
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MSI Z77A-G45 GAMING Motherboard
Intel's
Haswell CPU's and Z87 motherboards may well be just around the corner,
but that hasn't stopped MSI from releasing another line of Z77
motherboards. With this new line of motherboards MSI are aiming at the
gaming scene, and have a bold new color scheme and heatsink design to
match. We are used to seeing either yellow or blue theme motherboards
from MSI but this new 'gaming' line-up breaks that mould. Benchmark
Reviews takes a look at the mid range MSI Z77A-G45 GAMING LGA1155
Motherboard (P/N 911-7752-19S) in this article. The MSI Z77A-G45 GAMING
motherboard supports 3rd Gen 2nd Gen Intel CPU's designed for the
LGA115x socket, and DDR3 speeds up to 3000MHz (OC). Not much separates
motherboards with the same chipset these days, so extras like a KILLER
E2200 NIC, Creative Sound Blaster Cinema sound and PCI Express Gen 3
expansion slots aim to make sure you have a high quality experience with
this latest offering from MSI.
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Mad Catz Cyborg F.R.E.Q. 5 Gaming Headset
Mad
Catz is continuing to broaden their Cyborg hardware line-up and up next
is the Cyborg FREQ 5 stereo gaming headset. It supports both PC and
devices so it's not just your stay-at-home gaming headset. It includes
both a USB and 3.5mm analog connection. Naturally the USB connection
unlocks additional microphone/audio adjustment capabilities. The Mad
Catz FREQ 5 comes with 50 drivers for deep bass and crisp highs. It is
the younger brother of Mad Catz's FREQ 7, which delivers surround sound
at a slightly higher price range. Benchmark Reviews will be taking a
look at how this stereo headset performs among its numerous competitors.
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ASUS CUBE Google TV Media Streamer
Television
and streaming multimedia content are staples to modern personal
entertainment, allowing online providers such as Netflix, Amazon Instant
Video, HBO GO, and YouTube to compete with premium cable and network
programming. It's become clear that digital music, photos, and movies
have practically replaced their physical counterparts. Likewise, the
growing number of people who enjoy streaming and downloaded multimedia
content could soon outnumber those tuning in to television broadcasts or
renting movies on disc. The industry knows this to be true, which is
why ASUSTeK Computer Inc. has introduced the ASUS CUBE Media Streamer
with Google TV and given users 50GB of ASUS WebStorage space. In this
article, Benchmark Reviews explores the ASUS CUBE and demonstrates how
well this second-generation Google TV 'buddy box' fits into the modern
home theater landscape.
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XFX Radeon HD R7790 Video Card
As
it turns out, AMD's graphics plans seem to have taken an unexpected
turn. Rather than seeing 8000 series GPUs, we are hearing from AMD that
their existing line of 7000 series GPUs are stable through 2013. AMD has
ensured consumers that this does not mean they won't be releasing any
new GPUs in 2013 and the first proof we have of that is the release of
Radeon HD 7790. Manufacturing partners are now releasing their versions
of the Radeon HD 7790 and Benchmark Reviews has received a sample of the
XFX Radeon HD R7790 video card for testing. This article is dedicated
discovering what XFX has done with the latest Radeon HD 7000 series GPU,
the 7790.
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NETGEAR XS708E ProSafe Plus 10GbE Switch
The
cell phone and Ethernet are 40 years old this year and both are
omnipresent in our digital lives. Like many elements of today's consumer
tech, Ethernet was developed at XEROX PARC and then commercialized
elsewhere. Ethernet came to the PC in 1982, with a bandwidth cap of 10
Megabits per second; most consumers and small businesses are now
operating at 1Gb/s speeds. That will change soon to 10Gb/s, if the
NETGEAR XS708E 10GbE Switch is any indication. Its eight RJ-45 ports are
designed to interface with common Cat 6 wiring, and it also has one
SFP+ port to handle fiber optic connections. Benchmark Reviews brings
you an inside look at a break-out offering in the NETGEAR ProSAFE Plus
Switch line, which brings 10GbE connectivity down to the masses.
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ASUSTOR AS-604T NAS Network Storage Server
Everybody
needs a NAS, I'm convinced. Maybe if I described what the modern NAS
has become - a Private Cloud, then everyone would agree. Years ago, when
Benchmark Reviews started reviewing NAS servers, they were made to sit
on your network as a sort of file server and you used proprietary,
vendor supplied backup software. Today, as we all know, everything is
wide open. Access anything, anywhere, with any application is not just a
dream anymore. Hardware is still important, but the depth and breadth
of the software is becoming more of a differentiator. The ASUSTOR
AS-604T NAS Network Storage Server uses a familiar hardware platform -
Intel Atom and a Linux distro, but the design team didn't stop there.
There are some fundamental improvements that were ready to be solved
from a slightly different perspective. Join in, as we see how this new
4-bay device compares to its competitors.
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Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad
With
the introduction of Windows 8, Microsoft had done its best to
accommodate multiple forms of input. Along with the traditional keyboard
and mouse, touch had finally become a built-in consideration rather
than a tacked-on addition. Helped along by Apple, the rapidly growing
mobile device market and proliferation of touch interfaces, touch has
become a far more commonplace method of interfacing with a computer.
Logitech, a company well known for their peripherals, wasted no time in
updating their line of devices with the Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad
which Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look at today. Can a
gesture-enabled multi-touch pad enhance your productivity more than a
mouse and keyboard? Read on to find out...
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240GB OCZ Vertex 3.20 Solid State Drive
OCZ
Technology launched their Vertex 3 solid state drive based on the
second-generation LSI-SandForce SF-2281 processor back in early 2011,
making it a familiar storage product among high-performance enthusiasts.
Two years later they've revisited the popular design, and made several
improvements. Now available with 20nm Synchronous Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
NAND flash components, Vertex 3.20 is designed to offer better
performance for less cost. Vertex 3.20 arrives in 120GB and 240GB
capacities, both offering 550 MB/s reads and 520 MB/s writes. In this
article Benchmark Reviews tests the 240GB OCZ Vertex 3.20 SSD (model
VTX3-25SAT3-240G.20), and compares it against both the 120GB model as
well as the fastest SATA 6GB/s storage solutions available.
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Hackintosh Performance Hardware Options
Recently
I described my latest Hackintosh build, a mini-ITX system based on an
Intel Core i3-3220 CPU, an ASUS P8H77-i motherboard, and an ASUS GTX660
video card. I had to work with what our vendors sent us for the project,
but that doesn't mean that you do. In this follow-up article I'll
explore the performance and price of some different CPU and video
hardware options.
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4TB Seagate Desktop HDD ST4000DM000
Seagate
has recently re-branded their consumer storage products, formerly named
Barracuda, in time for the launch of their 15th-generation. The 4TB
Seagate Desktop HDD (OEM model ST4000DM000, retail kit STBD4000400)
features a SATA 6Gb/s interface with Native Command Queueing (NCQ).
Eight data heads read and write to four 1GB disc platters which enable
625Gb/in2 areal density. Cached by 64MB DRAM, this 5900 RPM hard disk
drive is specified to move files at 180 MB/s sustained data rate. In
this article, Benchmark Reviews tests performance and explores new
features on the 4TB Seagate Desktop HDD.
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Leawo Total Media Converter Ultimate
The
Leawo Total Media Converter Ultimate claims to be an all-inclusive
media management system that allows you to transcode and backup Blu-ray,
DVD, and just about any other media format available. The Total Media
Converter Ultimate is priced at $99, which makes it one of the pricier
options for media conversion and storage. In this article, Benchmark
Reviews will look at the Leawo Total Media Converter Ultimate and
determine if it is worth the price premium for the functionality it
provides.
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Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 Case
If
you research a little about Fractal Design, you'll discover that
Design in their name is not an accident. They've set out to provide
products with an extraordinary design level using a less-is-more
philosophy. With that in mind they've made some revisions to their Arc
Midi enclosure, resulting in the new Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 computer
case. The original was praised for its ability to accommodate radiators
and other water cooling components in a mid-tower enclosure. Benchmark
Reviews has the chance today to take a closer look at the revisions made
to the Fractal Design Arc Midi. How does this case measure up to the
competition? Read on to find out...
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Hackintosh OS X Software Installation
To
get the Hackintosh computer running with Apple OS X, we'll be using the
UniBeast and MultiBeast utilities, the reasons building a Hackintosh
has become so much easier than it used to be. We'll use UniBeast to
create a specially formatted USB key from which we can boot to install
OS X Mountain Lion, and we'll use MultiBeast to install the drivers and
tweaks to get things like Ethernet and audio working after the initial
OS X installation. In this guide I'll show you how to build a modern
Hackintosh guaranteed to work.
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Patriot Supersonic Magnum Flash Drive
With
the advent of affordable solid state drives and the SuperSpeed USB 3.0
interface, we have seen a drastic increase in the size and speed of
flash drives. Patriot is one of the companies leading the way on both
speed and size with its Supersonic Magnum line, which we will be looking
at today. The Supersonic Magnum flash drive is 256GB flash drive with a
read speed of 250MB/s and a write speed of 160MB/s. In this review
Benchmark Reviews will be verifying the speed of the Patriot Magnum
Supersonic and compare it to two SATA-II SSD's.
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Budget Hackintosh PC Build Project
The
state of the Hackintosh continues to advance, and building one is now
easier than ever. A few years ago, you had to have a high level of
expertise to build and maintain a Hackintosh, and the compatibility
problems were significant. Today, the available software tools are very
advanced, and while there are still potential pitfalls, if you can
install Windows, you can probably build a working Hackintosh. In this
article I'll show you how to build a modern Intel Ivy Bridge-based
Hackintosh with PC components that are guaranteed to work.
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Can Console Gaming Save AMD From Collapse?
One
year ago Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) company stock was
publically trading for $8.20 per share, and since then value has sunk to
as low as $1.86 per share, performing far worse than other stocks
within the same industry. While the numbers don't lie, they don't always
tell the entire story. Not so long ago I wrote an article that asserted
how game developers would see new demand for their products as the
platform technology improved. The obvious winners were those invested in
game console production and development, but it was too early to point
the finger at many specific names. Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's
XBOX platform were expected to thrive well into the next generation, but
hardware component suppliers were still an unknown... until now.
Unofficially announced, both Sony and Microsoft have selected Advanced
Micro Devices as the source of their next-generation console processor
needs. How much will this help to save a failing company?
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480GB Crucial M500 Solid State Drive
Micron
Technology updates their product family with the new Crucial M500 solid
state drive, which arrives in capacities ranging from 120GB-960GB for
2.5 SATA, mSATA, and M.2/NGFF form factors. Built upon the Marvell
88SS9187-BLD2 SATA 6Gb/s controller using custom Crucial firmware, M500
utilizes 20nm Micron-branded Synchronous Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND
Flash components for an increased per-die NAND capacity that makes the
entire more affordable. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the
480GB Crucial M500 Solid State Drive (model CT480M500SSD1) and compare
it against the fastest SATA 6GB/s storage solutions available.
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Thermaltake Knucker Plunger Gaming Keyboard
In
today's throw away culture it seems that nothing is sacred anymore,
spending ~$100 on a keyboard seems like nothing to some folks with
seamlessly disposable income, but not all of us have that luxury. To
this end Thermaltake's Tt eSPORTS division have created the Knucker
Plunger Gaming Keyboard (model: KB-KNK008). The Knucker Gaming Keyboard
was designed and priced to sit part way between a regular rubber dome
keyboard and a mechanical switch keyboard. The end result is what
Thermaltake call 'Plunger switch technology', a semi-mechanical rubber
dome setup that gives tactile feel of mechanical switches at a much
lower cost. Here at Benchmark Reviews we aim to give you the information
you want without all the hype, so you can make an educated decision for
yourself. Read on to find out if the Knucker Keyboard is all that it
promises to be.
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120GB OCZ Vertex 3.20 Solid State Drive
OCZ
Technology launched their Vertex 3 solid state drive based on the
second-generation LSI-SandForce SF-2281 processor back in early 2011,
making it a familiar storage product among high-performance enthusiasts.
Two years later they've revisited the popular design, and made several
improvements. Now available with 20nm Synchronous Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
NAND flash components, Vertex 3.20 is designed to offer better
performance for less cost. Vertex 3.20 arrives in 120GB and 240GB
capacities, both offering 550 MB/s reads and 520 MB/s writes. In this
article Benchmark Reviews tests the 120GB OCZ Vertex 3.20 SSD (model
VTX3-25SAT3-120G.20), and compare it against the fastest SATA 6GB/s
storage solutions.
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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST
With
the economy on the rebound, gamers are coming out of hibernation with a
hunger for modern DirectX11 graphics and realism. Since AMD has all but
disappeared from the scene, NVIDIA has timed their affordable
mainstream video card launch perfectly. Based on the NVIDIA Kepler GK106
architecture, the GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST delivers 2GB of 1502 MHz
GDDR5 memory and 768 CUDA Cores operating at 980 MHz up to 1033+ with
NVIDIA GPU Boost technology. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests
the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST graphics card using several
highly-demanding DX11 video games.
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Fractal Design Adjust 108 Fan Controller
Fractal
Design brings simplicity and style together with the Adjust 108 fan
controller. This accessory has a beautiful brushed aluminum face and 6
individual slider controls. Each fan channel can power up to 36 watts of
enthusiast level performance. The only component of a pc that creates
any substantial noise at full capacity is the fans, and eventually it
becomes the next thing on the list to find a solution for. Benchmark
Reviews will examine the Adjust 108 model FD-FC-ADJ-108-BL for quality,
performance, and how capable it is of toning down the white noise from
fans during the times when its least desired or needed.
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ADATA DashDrive Air AE400 Wireless Storage
Just
the other day my wife was telling me that she needed something to put
in her purse that she could use to recharge her iPhone when the battery
died on her. She has a lot of kid's apps on there and the games and
videos drain the battery life very quickly. If she is out and about,
without an extended amount of time to plug the phone into a static
charger, this can quickly turn into a big issue. Also plaguing her is
the amount of space that all those Dora and Blue's Clues episodes take
up on phone, leaving precious little space available for taking a
thousand pictures that we'll probably never look at again. While there
are plenty of options available as solutions to both of those issues,
ADATA has recently released a device that takes care of both of those
and more. Benchmark Reviews has the new ADATA DashDrive Air AE400, a
wireless hotspot, battery charger, and media streaming device that fits
perfectly into a purse or even a cargo pocket. It looks pretty stellar
too. Follow along and we'll talk about everything this little device can
do.
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Ineo AlienVibes W601 Speaker System
There
are times when you just have to let the music roar, and headphones are
not an option. So what do you do? How about a compact speaker system
with great bass performance and quite a bit of power at a very decent
price. Benchmark Reviews has put the Ineo Alienvibes W601 Subwoofer
Speaker System (with remote control) to the test and we were impressed
with how it performed. Crank up the volume and it has a big punch and
wall shaking bass. This may be the sound system you are looking for.
Read More ...
Lian Li PC-V750WX Compact E-ATX Case
When
an enthusiast hears of the new Lian Li PC-V750WX E-ATX case, what comes
to mind is a very large and unwieldy case like the NZXT Phantom 820,
Corsair 800D or the Lian Li PC-90. Many people would be surprised the to
find out then that the Lian Li PC-V750WX is able to accommodate a E-ATX
motherboard within its 230mm x 440mm x 586mm size. This is 210mm (~8.26
) shorter than the NZXT Phantom 820 I last reviewed. Lian Li used some
unique features to fit ten expansions slots into a case substantially
smaller than any of its competitors. The real question is, with a price
tag of $390 can Lian Li provide enough features on top of its compact
size to make up for the substantial price gap between it and its larger
competition. Benchmark Reviews will be setting out on this review to
determine if Lian Li has a feature set to accommodate the gargantuan
price tag for its miniscule case.
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Ineo Alienvibes W401 Speaker System
Are
you looking to hang up the headphones for a while and experience the
freedom and openness of your computer audio through a speaker system?
Well, if good looks, performance, and a really good price interest you
then the Alienvibes W401 2.2 Channel Subwoofer PC Speaker System may be
the perfect fit for you. Benchmark Reviews has obtained a sample and has
put it though its paces. You are more than welcome to join us for a
tour.
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Func MS-3 Gaming Mouse
On
9/9/1999, a company started in California with the goal of creating
fantastic equipment... with the sole purpose of enhancing the experience
of playing a great game, rather than diminishing it. Soon after, the
original Func sUrface 1030 launched, winning awards from many different
sites and magazines. In 2013, Func has introduced their first-ever
gaming mouse. A result of hundreds of hours of study, the Func MS-3
Gaming Mouse sports an ergonomic shape and purposefully placed buttons -
all to enhance your game and provide the greatest advantage possible.
Have they succeeded on their first try? At Benchmark Reviews, we intend
to find out.
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ASUS Orion Pro Gaming Headset
The
Republic of Gamers (ROG) was established by ASUS in 2006 in order to be
the organization's entity that focused solely on the needs of PC
gamers. Since then, the ROG has not only produced great gaming hardware,
but it has developed into a gaming community. It goes without saying
that ASUS has the respect of the vast majority of hardcore gamers out
there, and ASUS set out to ensure that the Orion Pro gaming headset
would nothing but elevate its reputation. The goal here was to develop a
headset that delivered unrivaled audio, yet remained light and
comfortable. Benchmark reviews will test the ASUS Orion Pro gaming
headset to see if it lives up to the ROG standards.
Read More ...
AZiO Levetron GH808 USB Gaming Headset
It
is widely believed that gaming headsets provide a much more immersive,
captivating gaming experience than a speaker set up. They are also great
in environments where the people around you don't fancy hearing
deafening gunfire and explosions. Gaming headsets generally come in 3
different forms: wired 3.5mm headsets ,wired USB headsets and wireless
headsets. One tends to usually decide which of these types to buy before
considering things like 7.1 surround, Dolby audio, noise cancellation,
etc. 3.5 mm and wireless headsets immediately present compelling
features: the former can be used in tandem with a quality soundcard to
produce sublime audio output, the latter frees the user from the burden
of cables. We are left to investigate the advantages of buying a USB
headset, and observe how they compare to the rest. In this article,
Benchmark Reviews will test the AZiO Levetron GH808 Gaming Headset and
see if it is a viable option for an enhanced audio experience.
Read More ...
CM Storm Quickfire TK Mechanical Keyboard
For
many of our readers, a keyboard is the way they interact with the world
whether it is for work or pleasure. In our ever more connected world,
problems like typing speed and comfort are becoming more of a necessity
than a nicety. Cooler Master realizes this and has brought out an entire
line of mechanical keyboards to handle the demanding needs of typists.
In this review, we will be looking at the CM Storm Quickfire TK w/Cherry
MX Red switches. These light linear switches are preferred by many
gamers for their light touch and linear motion. In this article,
Benchmark Reviews will determine if the CM Storm Quickfire TK Mechanical
Keyboard SGK-4020 is a great value or if enthusiast we be better served
with a different keyboard.
Read More ...
Rosewill RSL-113 Solar Infrared Dual-LED Lights
Benchmark
Reviews tests a lot of computer-related hardware, so this item might
seem out of place. Performance enthusiasts invest in their gear, so it
makes sense to ensure it's safe and protected. The Rosewill RSL-113
Dual-Head PIR Solar Light is a (passive) pyroelectric infra-red
activated lighting system that draws power from three AA solar-charged
batteries located inside the unit. In this article, Benchmark Reviews
investigates the Rosewill RSL-113 Solar-Charged Infrared Dual-LED
Lights.
Read More ...
AZiO KB577U Levetron MECH5 Gaming Keyboard
Nowadays,
it seems that the term gaming is loosely associated with cheap, low
quality, general-purpose peripherals. What then separates the notorious
gaming-grade products from the rest? Most modern gaming keyboards
feature mechanical keys in an attempt to prevent accidental key-presses
and ghosting, issues that gamers are commonly faced with. Macro keys are
also desired by gamers, especially those of the MMO genre. Fortunately,
many of these features are more or less standard on today's gaming
keyboards; the manufacturers must now appeal to gamers' sense of look
and feel instead. With the MECH5, Azio has done an amazing job
incorporating many of the features required for today's gamer. They go a
step further by encasing it in a durable, very good-looking body,
something that you can tell was intended for gaming by looks alone. In
this article, Benchmark Reviews evaluates the AZiO KB577U MECH5
keyboard's performance to determine if it deserves its gaming badge and
is worth your hard earned money.
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INEO I-NA321U PLUS Docking Station
Try
to imagine what the ideal external hard drive docking station might
look like. It should be compact, intuitive to use, and ideally be a
relatively good looking piece of hardware. And it should be fast. At
first glance the I-NA321U+ seems to have all that and more. The
I-NA321U+ is a USB 3.0 compatible dual hard drive docking system with a
few very handy features. Perhaps the most interesting of the value-added
features is a one touch drive copy function. In this article, Benchmark
Reviews will take a look at this relatively new dual drive docking
station from ineo Technology, Inc.
Read More ...
How Tablet PCs Could Save Civilization
I've
read many articles published by various editors on the death of the
Desktop PC at the hand of Tablets, and I don't put much stock in them.
I, personally, will never give up having a Desktop. The raw power
capabilities needed for ripping, converting, editing, compiling, and
securing various data will always ensure it a place in my home, until
the Desktop becomes a Wrist Computer with a direct neural interface. Or,
at least, that's my hope of what it will become. However, there is a
potential death for the Desktop PC in the future, and it's has nothing
to do with advancing technologies...
Read More ...
EonNAS 850X NAS Network Storage Server
All
digital storage technologies are susceptible to data rot. Just ask the
multimedia giant Pixar, who saw dozens of critical files disappear
before their eyes, during production of the movie Toy Story . Modern
hard drives are remarkably reliable devices, but most have an average
uncorrectable read error rate of 10^14. That means one read failure for
every 12TB of data. The drive doesn't crash ; it just gives you
corrupted data every now and then. The only way around this is to
continuously test the data, and scrub the errors as they occur. The
storage industry deployed this technology in large data centers, and now
Infortrend is making it available to consumers, with their new EonNAS
series. The Sun-based OS in the EonNAS Pro 850x also has some other
tricks up its sleeve, like data deduplication. Read on to find out more.
Read More ...
Fractal Design Define R4 Arctic White Case
In
the PC hardware market you tend to get exactly what you pay for. It's
not always the case, but 9 times out of 10 you will find that if you pay
less you get less. How else can we justify handing over $110 for 12kg
of cleverly crafted sheet metal and vacuum formed plastic. We pay for
the brand and we pay for the looks, and some of us also pay for build
quality. In this article Benchmark Reviews aims to delve deep into the
Fractal Design Define R4 Arctic White Case (Model: FD-CA-DEF-R4-WH), and
see if it's got what it takes to satiate the appetite of today's
enthusiast. The Fractal Design Define R4 features include: the use of
sound reducing materials, a 3-speed fan controller supporting up to
three fans, modular drive bays and support for very large hardware.
Please read on to find out more.
Read More ...
Intel 525 SSD mSATA Solid State Drive
Built
from the same technology that made the Intel SSD 335 Series possible,
the Intel Solid State Drive 525 Series packages a LSI/SandForce
SF-2281VB1-SDC processor optimized for the mSATA interface with 6Gb/s
bandwidth and available in capacities up to 240GB utilizing 25nm INFT
NAND Flash components. Ideal for high-performance storage in notebook
computers, tablet devices, and enthusiast motherboard, the Intel 525 SSD
is a simple upgrade that instantly boosts speed and responsiveness. In
this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Intel SSD 525 Series mSATA
Solid State Drive (SSDMCEAC240B301) against SATA 6GB/s storage
solutions.
Read More ...
A4TECH V3 Bloody Gun3 Gaming Mouse
If
you've ever gone shopping for a gaming mouse, you've seen the myriads
of different options that are available, from multiple buttons, to
high-DPI sensors, and tons of other things. Ultimately, one needs to
look at what you play for games the majority of the time to pick the
right mouse for you, as some features are more applicable depending on
what you play. A4Tech developed their V3 Bloody Multi-Core Gun3 gaming
mouse with shooters in mind, and that shows in every aspect of this
mouse. From the packaging to the features, this is definitely a FPS's
mouse. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the A4Tech V3 in
multiple FPS games, as well as in general computer tasks.
Read More ...
Razer Ouroboros Elite Gaming Mouse
In
2009, Razer started working on a mouse with some ambitious goals. It
would be a gaming-grade, wireless hybrid mouse. It would be
ambidextrous, even adjustable - allowing the user to create that perfect
fit. It would pack in the latest sensors and gaming technology,
complete with a cloud-based driver solution. Three years later in late
2012, Razer finally released the Ouroboros. As soon as it was released,
it quickly sold out of stock online and in stores and has since
disappeared from regular channels. At Benchmark Reviews, I was lucky
enough to get my hands on a Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse and take it for
a spin.
Read More ...
MyDigitalSSD BP4 Slim 7 Solid State Drive
MyDigitalDiscount.com
Inc. was founded in 2001 by Matt Dawson out of his passion for the
latest gadgets and has since grown into a globally recognized retailer
catering to technology users. The MyDigitalSSD BP4 Slim 7 Series SATA
Solid State Drive is their latest high-performance storage solution,
designed with an ultra-slim 7mm profile to fit all SATA notebooks as
well as desktop PCs. Equipped with a Phison PS3108-S8-I SSD controller
and Toshiba TH58TEG7DCJTA20 19nm Toggle NAND Flash, the 240GB BP4 Slim 7
model MDS7-BP4-240 sent to Benchmark Reviews for testing is made to
produce up to 560 MB/s reads and 530 MB/s writes with 4K Aligned Reads
reaching 46,000 IOPS and 4K Aligned Writes as high as 79,000 IOPS.
Read More ...
Genius Gila GX Gaming Mouse
For
several years, Genius has been manufacturing quality computer
peripherals and decided, in 2011, to leverage its years of experience by
creating the GX Gaming series, which currently consists of mice,
keyboards, headsets, speaker systems, and mouse pads. The Genius Gila,
which Benchmark Reviews will evaluate in this article, is the company's
latest foray into the gaming mouse market. This mouse boasts a 12-button
design and offers desirable gaming mouse features such as adjustable
weighting, on-the-fly DPI adjustability, and user-defined macros. The
Genius Gila GX Gaming Mouse looks good and its features sound good, so
read on and find out if it really IS good.
Read More ...
NZXT Phantom 630 Computer Case
Some
of the first reviews I wrote for Benchmark Reviews were for NZXT cases.
Most of these were lower-end cases priced at $75 and under. Although
the cases were inexpensive, I was impressed with both the quality of
construction and the thought put into their design. Since then, NZXT has
moved upmarket, starting with their original Phantom case, which has
now become a series of its own. Just introduced is the new Phantom 630
case, the little brother of the Phantom 820 we've seen previously. At an
MSRP of $179.99, this is a not an inexpensive case, so let's see if
it's worth the money.
Read More ...
AZiO Levetron GM533U Gaming Mouse
Choosing
a gaming mouse nowadays can be rather difficult. Especially with the
many compelling options and special features offered by multiple
manufacturers. Above everything, a gaming mouse must be comfortable,
durable, have programmable buttons, and a reasonable dpi range. Most
modern mice come with extra features such as wireless functionality,
adjustable weight, customizable lighting, and even onboard memory for
button profiles.That being said, a particular model may tick all the
boxes, and still be imperfect. There is a certain X factor when it comes
to mice and other gaming peripherals; it just has to suit the
individual using it. As a result, this article will necessarily be
somewhat subjective. The mouse under inspection is one of the few
offered from AZiO. The GM533U appears to have ticked many of the boxes
but should you pick this one over the many other alternatives from
reputable gaming brands? Benchmark Reviews takes the Levetron GM533U for
a spin to find out.
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DeepCool N9 Aluminum Notebook Cooler
From
Beijing DeepCool Industries Co. Ltd comes the very attractive DeepCool
N9 Notebook Cooler. The clean lines of the aluminum cooling grid, offset
by the dark black chassis and stainless steel support makes the
DeepCool N9 Notebook Cooling pad a very fine addition to anyone's desk.
This is the second BenchmarkReviews.com. article on a new line of
notebook cooling pads being released in the US.
Read More ...
Rosewill Armor EVO E-ATX Computer Case
Rosewill
has a wide range of computer accessories. Anything from tools, fans,
cases, external enclosures, keyboards, and printer toner. Primarily
Newegg's in-house brand, they've been expanding their product lines and
reach; some of their products have recently started to show up at other
retailers. I've found many of their products to provide an incredible
performance per dollar ratio in the past, as one of my favorite computer
chassis of all time is the Rosewill Thor v2. A beast of an enclosure,
my only complaint was the Thor was a bit on the large side. When I saw
the ARMOR-EVO E-ATX case announced, I wondered if my wish had come true -
could the Armor-EVO provide the advantages of the Thor v2 in a smaller
package? At Benchmark Reviews, we have a chance to find out.
Read More ...
Desktop PC: Intel Says the End is Near
Back
on August 2010, I made a prediction: desktop PCs have an expiration
date, and that time may not be far off. I followed-up that article with
several more editorials that contained plenty of truth, but our readers
commented in revolt. Even some of my industry peers said I was
pessimistic, and that the enthusiast desktop PC industry would continue
to thrive and grow. I later predicted key points that would prove
themselves essential for Intel to sustain desktop motherboard
development, and now Intel has announced the end of the desktop platform
- or rather a slow three-year wind-down toward an end by 2016. Here's
how the desktop PC ends...
Read More ...
Assassin's Creed III: Deluxe Edition Video Game
This
holiday season has certainly been a season for sequels in the video
game market. We've seen the release of Assassin's Creed III, Far Cry 3,
Hitman: Absolution, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, and Planetside 2. Each
of these releases has been highly anticipated by their respective
fanbases. The new games include better-than-ever graphics, new engines,
new features, and they further unravel their storylines. At Benchmark
Reviews, we got our hands on one of the most highly anticipated of these
new games, Assassin's Creed III: Deluxe Edition. In this article, we'll
take a look at the new engine used for Assassin's Creed III as well as
the gameplay and new open world features.
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DeepCool M3 Notebook Cooling Pad
It
is a fact that laptops can get very hot and, depending on where it is
placed, it can get mighty uncomfortable. The advent of laptop coolers
has provided a way to help reduce the heat for the comfort of both the
computer and the user. Beijing Deepcool Industries Co., Ltd are
introducing a line of laptop coolers into the North American Market.
Benchmark Reviews has obtained DeepCool M3 Audio Cooling Pad to review.
Let's see if it can take the heat off your lap while bringing cool sound
to your ears.
Read More ...
Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX HD Smartphone
Pervasive
computing has taken over as the dominant technology market for
consumers. Users who want to stay productive, or merely connected while
away from their desk, have found the Smartphone to be a mobile
workhorse. Today, Benchmark Reviews brings you a hands-on review of
Motorola's top-line device, the DROID RAZR MAXX HD. Both the RAZR HD and
RAZR MAXX HD have a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1 GB of
RAM, and a 4.7″ 720p HD Super AMOLED display. The RAZR HD has a 2530 mAh
battery, and the RAZR MAXX HD has 3300mAh of go juice inside. This is
not an all-day battery; this is a 2-3 day battery, depending on your
usage pattern. Let's take a closer look at Motorola's latest flagship
phone.
Read More ...
OCZ Vector Solid State Drive
The
OCZ Vector 2.5 solid state drive (VTR1-25SAT3 series) is an ultra-slim
7mm high-performance SSD storage device produced in-house by OCZ
Technology with a focus on reliability. Featuring OCZ's new Indilinx
Barefoot 3 storage controller, the Vector SSD series is built to produce
optimized performance for enthusiasts wanting to capitalize on
near-instant response times. OCZ Vector SSDs are available in
128/256/512GB capacities, and deliver up to 550MB/s read speeds with up
to 95,000 Random Read IOPS. In this article Benchmark Reviews puts these
specifications to test, and compares the OCZ Vector solid state drive
against the leading competition.
Read More ...
NETGEAR ProSafe GS110T Gigabit SmartSwitch
Until
recently, there were only two types of network switches, un-managed and
managed. Today, there is a new class, called Smart Switches. A blend of
the two previous extremes, they're targeted to both corporate users and
what the industry politely calls ProSumers . Switches aren't reviewed
by the press that often, but they are a necessary part of many home and
SMB networks, so we need to look at what's available now and then.
NETGEAR is a major player in the networking market, and today Benchmark
Reviews looks at the GS110T, one of the less expensive offerings in
their ProSafe SmartSwitch line. It's got enough GbE ports to
future-proof most home installations, plus two fiber optic interfaces.
Read More ...
Gigabyte Aivia Osmium Mechanical Keyboard
It
is now common to see gaming peripherals in the marketplace that
originate from manufacturers that are originally known for producing
high-quality computer components. Gamers certainly welcome this trend,
and we all hope that it continues because the end result is that we have
many outstanding options from which to choose. Being one of the
manufacturers that is known primarily for producing motherboards and
other computer components, Gigabyte has quietly been providing us with
some solid peripherals. Its latest keyboard entry, the Gigabyte Aivia
Osmium Keyboard, is, clearly, very well constructed, boasting Cherry MX
Red mechanical key switches. There are a number of other mechanical
keyboards out there from which to choose, and Benchmark Reviews will
explain why the feature-rich Gigabyte Aivia Osmium mechanical gaming
keyboard should be among those on your consideration short list.
Read More ...
Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Case
Everything
is getting smaller. With today's emphasis on efficiency and mobility,
and processors that do even more with much less power consumption, it is
a trend that will probably continue. With the success of enclosures
such as the BitFenix Prodigy and Coolermaster's Elite 120 Advanced, it
is great to see other manufacturers embrace this trend and put their own
innovations and ideas into the small form factor market. Choices are
always a good thing for a customer, and Fractal Design brings their own
blend of ITX with the Node 304. In the following pages, Benchmark
Reviews will take a closer look at the ideas featured in the Fractal
Design Node 304 FD-CA-NODE-304-BL Mini-ITX tower computer case.
Read More ...
Das Keyboard Model S Professional
Metadot's
Das Keyboard is one of the most recognized keyboards on the mechanical
keyboard market. The Das Keyboard has become one of the standards to
which all other mechanical keyboards are compared. The question that
Benchmark Reviews will be trying to answer is Metadot's keyboard The
keyboard to have or is it just another mechanical keyboard in the
growing market of mechanical keyboards aimed at both the gamers and the
professionals. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the Das Keyboard
Professional Model S Mechanical.
Read More ...
Rosewill Gaming Keyboard RK-8100
Despite
being a PC gamer since receiving MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries for my
parents' ancient Epson back in 1995, I've never really had a keyboard
specifically designed as a gaming keyboard. They've always been
generic office things from Microsoft or Logitech. At a relatively low
$24.99, Rosewill targets this well-featured peripheral at the
budget-conscious gamer. It features a number of bells and whistles to
appeal to a gaming audience. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests
the Rosewill Gaming Keyboard RK-8100 (model RIKB-11003).
Read More ...
Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone SPH-L710
Desktop
and notebook computers are slowing being dominated by the smartphone, a
portable yet capable electronic device that grows more powerful with
each new generation. For users who want to stay productive, or merely
connected while away from their desk, the smartphone is proving to be a
mobile workhorse. Samsung is a master of portable consumer devices, and a
pioneer in the smartphone industry. In this article Benchmark Reviews
tests the Samsung Galaxy S III (model GT-I9300), an ultra-powerful
smartphone with 4.8 HD Super AMOLED screen and Google Android 4.1.2 Ice
Cream Sandwich operating system.
Read More ...
A4Tech Ultracore3 V7 Gun3 Gaming Mouse
Being
an enthusiast doesn't necessarily mean pouring an incredible amount of
money into a hobby. While going to a web site that sells computer
components, sorting by Highest Price and just adding everything at the
top of the list to your cart will probably result in a fast computer
(probably...) I'm not sure if that is what defines an enthusiast.
Sometimes finding those products that ride that price/performance line,
getting the absolute most for the money spent - that's where enthusiasm
can be found. A4Tech, a company with 25 years of experience with mice
and other peripherals, has just released a new line of gaming mice that
Benchmark Reviews is going to take a look at today. First up, the A4Tech
Ultracore3 V7 Gun3 wired gaming mouse - let's see what A4Tech has in
store for gaming enthusiasts...
Read More ...
ADATA DashDrive Elite HE720 USB 3.0 Hard Drive
The
Adata DashDrive Elite HE720 promises a sleek and light weight method of
moving hundreds of gigabytes of data from point A to point B. Imagine
showing up at your friends' door with four seasons of their favorite TV
show in your pocket. Although USB memory devices currently offer the
lightest and smallest way to move data, the cost per gigabyte becomes
quite high as capacity increases. In this article, Benchmark Reviews
looks at the features and performance for the lightweight, portable and
overall good-looking ADATA DashDrive Elite HE720 USB 3.0 External Hard
Drive.
Read More ...
SilverStone SUGO SG09 Micro ATX Build Notes
Building
a system in a micro ATX computer case is always a challenge, since
there's so much less space to work in. Component placement and wiring
will require much more attention and time than they would for a build in
a standard ATX tower chassis. After our previous look at the
SilverStone SUGO SG09 Micro ATX chassis, SilverStone sent us some new
components designed for use in this case. Benchmark Reviews takes a look
at how these new components affect the build.
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How To Send Free Text Messages Via Email
Wireless
carriers continue to raise the price for sending text messages from
your cellular phone, even though Short Message Service (SMS) has been
around for twenty years and creates very little load on their
infrastructure. Network carriers such as AT T charge $.20 per text
message or $.30 per multimedia message unless you add their optional
$20/month unlimited messaging service, which may not fit into everyone's
budget. International texting creates additional charges, which could
also be avoided. This guide offers an alternative, and shows you how to
send simple text and multimedia picture messages through any email
account.
Read More ...
Thermaltake Level 10M Gaming Mouse
A
couple of years ago, Thermaltake entered into a design collaboration
with auto maker BMW, resulting in the impressive and very expensive
Level 10 computer case. At $800 retail, it didn't sell very well, but it
did make its mark as one of the most innovative and dramatic computer
cases ever produced. The same design aesthetic is evident in
Thermaltake's latest collaboration with BMW, the Level 10M Gaming Mouse.
The box boasts that it's Born to be seen , but of course what really
matters is how it performs, and Benchmark Reviews is here to find out
just that.
Read More ...
Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2
USB
has made it convenient to charge mobile devices, since most people also
have access to a computer with an available port. But as the devices
add up, those ports become scarce. This is ideal during extended travel,
when battery power for items like the Apple iPad or iPhone runs low
after a movie. Keeping fully charged is a challenge while traveling,
since most people leave their bulky systems at home. This is where a
portable USB charge adapter comes in very handy. In this article,
Benchmark Reviews tests the travel-sized Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev 2,
model PSAEQ-AC01301-BL.
Read More ...
Oblanc NC2-1 UFO Headphones OG-AUD63042
Finding
a good quality set of headphones with a microphone that are compatible
across multiple platforms is difficult. Either you get good sound, with
no headset features, or you get a headset with less than stellar audio
quality for music. The Oblanc NC2-1 UFO headphones aim to fill that
slot. Us here at Benchmark Reviews have had the opportunity to put these
headphones through their paces. With a padded headband, massive 50 mm
driver, in line microphone with call control, and a 4-pole connector
with adapter to work across smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, and
computers; the NC2-1 headphones are packed with features, and we're
going to test them out.
Read More ...
Mad Catz Tritton Pro+ 5.1 Surround Headset
Before
current generation consoles were even conceived, PC gamers and
enthusiasts have been able to enjoy the benefits that headsets offer. In
recent years XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3 users are now also able to
enjoy those same benefits. Today Benchmark Reviews will be taking a look
at the TRITTON Pro+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset from Mad Catz. The
TRITTON Pro+ is compatible with PlayStation 3, XBOX 360 and PC (Europe)
via an optional cable. The TRITTON Pro+ boasts true Dolby Digital 5.1
surround sound via eight individual drivers - four in each earcup
(Front, Center, Surround, Subwoofer) - each with independent volume
control. Visually speaking there isn't much that separates the Pro+ from
the rest of the TRITTON range of headsets; it's all about what's
inside, so let's find out more.
Read More ...
EonNAS 1100 NAS Network Storage Server
Data
Rot! Every time a compact disk gives up the ghost and you some files,
you've experienced it. All digital storage technologies are susceptible
to data rot, AKA bit rot. Benchmark Reviews recently highlighted
reliability issues that SSD users are experiencing; their flash memory
failures have been an eye-opening experience for consumers. We all know
how a hard drive crashes , but we're not so clear on how electrons
disappear. Large data centers have been acutely aware of this problem,
and the industry devised ways of eliminating it. Now, Infortrend is
making that technology available to consumers, with their new EonNAS
series. The key to data integrity is in the ZFS file system, that's part
of the Sun-based OS installed in the EonNAS 1100. Plus, it performs
data deduplication on the fly! Read on to find out more...
Read More ...
NZXT Cryo X60 Notebook Cooler RN-CRX60-B1
No
matter which laptop you have, the expensive or inexpensive one, they
pretty much all seem to get very hot in a short period of time. NZXT has
released their fifth notebook cooler, the Cryo X60, model RN-CRX60-B1.
With a slim profile design using two 120mm asymmetrical cooling fans,
aluminum construction, and high airflow with vented aluminum mesh
cutouts. Supports laptops up to 16 screen size. This is a premium
laptop cooler with an integrated 4 port usb hub and a 5 speed fan
controller that runs optionally on Usb power or AC adapter. Built by
NZXT known for gamer enthusiast quality cooling products and
accessories, Benchmark Reviews will be testing this cooler for
performance and value.
Read More ...
ROCCAT KONE Pure Gaming Mouse
For
those of you out there that are looking for a nice basic but high spec
gaming mouse, the ROCCAT KONE Pure - Core Performance Gaming Mouse might
well be just right for you. By stripping away some of the gimmicks and
not so useful features of the KONE[+], ROCCAT have been able to build a
sleek beast with the KONE Pure and here at Benchmark Reviews we aim to
test it to its fullest. First of all it is smaller than both the KONE[+]
and the KONE XTD, and it also does away with the LED strips and weight
adjustment system, leaving a gaming peripheral that is a great pleasure
to use. The KONE Pure uses the same Omron switches and R3 Pro-Aim laser
sensor found in the KONE XTD but lovingly packs them into a more compact
package. Think of the KONE Pure as more of a brother than a replacement
to the KONE XTD and KONE[+].
Read More ...
HAWKEN Mech Combat FPS Video Game Preview
From
the moment you hit the launch button to when you expire in a burning
and crumpled mess, the impact of the Hawken Mech Combat FSP video game
is almost mesmerizing. Meteor Entertainment and Adhesive Games have
produced a gripping and fast paced game that is challenging, and very
engaging. Benchmark Reviews has had the opportunity to preview the game
during the Open-Beta events 1 and 2.
Read More ...
BlueAnt Commute Handsfree Car Kit CMT-USEN
BlueAnt
Wireless is well known for their Bluetooth-connected headsets, such as
the high-quality BlueAnt Q2 and the durable BlueAnt T1 series. Bluetooth
headsets are great solutions for cellular telephone calls, but can
become uncomfortable to wear and lack voice-activated control over calls
and text messaging. The BlueAnt Commute CMT-USEN voice-activated
handsfree car kit delivers complete voice command interaction with your
SmartPhone, and includes all the great technology that delivers clear
communication in their premium headsets. In this article, Benchmark
Reviews tests the BlueAnt Commute under several conditions, comparing
the features and benefits over other handsfree options.
Read More ...
ROCCAT KONE XTD Gaming Mouse
This
time last year ROCCAT released the KONE[+] to replace the original KONE
Gaming Mouse, this year there are two upgrades for the KONE gaming
mouse line - the KONE XTD and the KONE Pure. In this article Benchmark
Reviews will be looking at the ROCCAT KONE XTD Max Customization Gaming
Mouse (model# ROC-11-810). The KONE XTD looks exactly the same as its
predecessor but there have been a few changes under the hood. For
starters the KONE XTD boasts an 8200 DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor, a
32-bit Turbo Core V2 72MHz ARM MCU processor, upgraded Omron switches
and an advance Tracking Distance Control Unit. We were impressed with
the KONE[+] so let's see if the KONE XTD is a worthwhile replacement.
Read More ...
Guild Wars 2 Digital Deluxe Video Game
In
their second installment of the popular Guild Wars franchise, ArenaNet
has certainly bought out the big guns. In this article, Benchmark
Reviews will be reviewing their Digital Deluxe offering, which
includes some compelling extras for those that plan to be in larger
guilds. The game features a heavily modified Guild Wars 1 graphics
engine, complete with totally new audio and cinematics engines which
take advantage of today's DirectX 11 video and sound cards. With
continuous events and structured player versus player, there should be
plenty to keep you occupied for a long time.
Read More ...
ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD mini-ITX Motherboard
Recently
I've had the opportunity to test several small form factor cases aimed
at the enthusiast market, and it's been fascinating to see the progress
vendors have made in creating cases that allow users to squeeze high
performance systems into increasingly smaller spaces. However, the best
designed SFF enthusiast case isn't much good without a high performance
motherboard, and historically there hasn't been much for the enthusiast
in the mini ITX form factor. Until now, at least: ASUS has released
their P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD motherboard. Let's see what performance and
features they've managed to hammer into this tiny thing.
Read More ...
Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse
Gamers
are demanding people to create equipment for, and who can blame them.
When you spend hours a day with your hardware, (like many of us at
Benchmark Reviews), and other people are depending on your hardware to
hold up, you have certain expectations from it. When looking for a
mouse, one considers many factors, including size, weight,
customization, durability, and the list goes on. Logitech has aimed its
G600 MMO Gaming Mouse towards gamers looking for a high-quality mouse
with lots of features, and it definitely shows. With 20 programmable
buttons, a maximum DPI of 8200, the G-Shift feature, a lightweight body,
and many other features, this mouse provides a balance between
functionality and fun. If you've ever found yourself looking for a mouse
with a good balance between functionality, durability and cool
features, then take a look at this...
Read More ...
Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse
Ahh,
flagship gaming mice. Nothing says enthusiast more than a
top-of-the-line, fully featured, optioned-out model. Although the
Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse has been on the market for awhile,
it still resides as Logitech's top answer to various other hybrid
wireless gaming mice (Razer Mamba/Naga Epic, Microsoft Sidewinder X8 -
if you can still find one, Gigabyte AIVIA, Cyborg R.A.T. 9...). I've
always felt that a quality mouse and keyboard will change your computing
experience for the better - so does the G700 deliver? Benchmark Reviews
will find out for sure...
Read More ...
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 OLED Gaming Keyboard
Mad
Catz released their new STRIKE 7 keyboard two months back, representing
the high end model of their new cyborg series keyboards. Like the
Cyborg RAT-9/7/5/3 mice, the STRIKE 5 is now released. It's more
affordable, and just as promising. Equipped with the same keyboard and
customization setup, the STRIKE 5 is equipped with the same power with
the only difference being the auxiliary panel. Instead of the VENOM
touchscreen which came with 12 apps, the STRIKE 5 comes with a
simplified OLED EYE display. For those looking for a cheaper alternative
to the STRIKE 7, Benchmark Reviews will analyze the STRIKE 5 to see if
it holds up.
Read More ...
Cooler Master HAF-XB Computer Case Enclosure
I've
reviewed a number of computer cases in the past few years, but I've
never had the opportunity to work with anything like the new Cooler
Master HAF XB. Rather than offer yet another take on the traditional
tower case, Cooler Master goes with a completely new design: a bi-level
case which keeps the power supply and drives in the bottom half and the
motherboard in the upper half. It'll occupy a lot more desk space than a
tower, but what advantages does it offer? Benchmark Reviews will
thoroughly dissect this intriguing case and build a high-end AMD gaming
system into it to see how it works.
Read More ...
Arctic Dual USB Car Charger
People
love their portable electronics, and can't get escape without their
phone, tablet, and digital multimedia devices in tow. We take our ebook
readers with us everywhere, carry a Bluetooth wireless headset for calls
on the road, and occasionally find time to take pictures with the
digital camera. All of these devices require power, and when you're away
from home it's hard to keep batteries charged during long trips or
after prolonged use. Every vehicle has a 12V cigarette lighter
receptacle, but most lack USB power outlets. Arctic Cooling offers the
Dual USB Car Charger (model PSAEQ-AC01901-BL) to keep your devices
working while on the road, with two USB ports and the ability to
fast-charge at up to 2.1 amps of power.
Read More ...
CM Storm Ceres 400 Wired Gaming Headset
Cooler
Master's subsidiary, CM Storm, continues to develop quality PC gaming
peripherals proving that it is a serious player in the industry. The CM
Storm Ceres-400 wired gaming headset, model SGH-2010-KKTA1, is the
organization's latest audio entry into the market, and it is clear what
the objective was when developing this headset; to provide
budget-conscious gamers with a high-quality set of headphones. Priced at
around $50, the Ceres-400 is packed with features, such as the large
40mm drivers, you normally won't find at this price point. Benchmark
Reviews is proud to take a close look at this headset in order to
provide you with a thorough review of it.
Read More ...
NZXT Phantom 820 Tower Computer Case
A
great case can last an enthusiast many builds. This means that case
designers need to create cases that can handle many different
configurations, with many different requirements. A multi-GPU system has
different requirements than a single GPU system, which in turn has
different requirements than professional workstation. While NZXT
attempts to cater to all of these parties, designing a case involves
making compromises between the three areas of quality, features, and
cost. Therefore, the question Benchmark Reviews will attempt to answer
is what compromises did NZXT make in the creation of the NZXT Phantom
820.
Read More ...
RHA SA950i Portable Headphones
Following
on from the RHA CA-200 Noise isolating headphone review last week,
Benchmark Reviews is all set to take a look at the higher priced RHA
SA950i On-Ear Portable Headphones from Reid Heath Acoustics. The SA950i
headphones are designed primarily for Apple iPhone/iPod/iPad users, but
will also work just as well on most other modern smartphones. Available
in Apple Retail Stores from October 30th 2012 (MSRP $59.95), the RHA
website claim the SA950i Headphones feature technologies more commonly
found in full-sized studio equipment, and delivers professional-grade
audio in a compact supra-aural design . The SA950i Headphones also
feature a 1.5m braided cable with a multi function in-line remote,
contour forming ear cups, adjustable chrome sliders, 40mm titanium
coated mylar drivers and dynamic neodynium magnets. RHA seem pretty
confident about the SA950i Headphones, and we aim to see if they can
really deliver.
Read More ...
Intel SSD 335 Series Solid State Drive
Intel's
SSD 335 Series solid state drive is available in 240GB capacity and
features 20nm 64GB IMFT 29F16B08CCMF2 NAND Flash components. Optimized
for the SATA 6Gb/s interface, the Intel SSD 335 Series provides
sequential reads up to 500 MB/s and 450 writes up to MB/s. Performance
for 4 KB random reads reaches 42,000, while writes climb to 52,000 IOPS
(94,000 combined). Intel SSD 335 uses a second-generation LSI/SandForce
SF-2281VB1-SDC processor with enhanced BCH ECC capability, and supports
for ATA-7 Security Erase. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the
value-priced Intel SSD 335 Solid State Drive (SSDSC2CT240A4K5) against
competing storage solutions to determine the best value for your
computer system.
Read More ...
SilverStone SUGO SST-SG09 MicroATX Chassis
As
more enthusiasts discover that they really don't need seven or eight
slots in a standard ATX motherboard, the popularity of Micro ATX and
Mini ITX rigs is exploding. Formerly constrained to HTPC or light home
server duty, small form factor systems are now becoming the province of
enthusiasts, aided by motherboards and cases designed to support the
power and air flow required to house the higher-end components such
systems require. The latest performance-oriented Micro ATX case is
Silverstone's new SUGO SG09B, and since it's from Silverstone, you might
expect that it has some unique design features. You'd be right.
Read More ...
OCZ Technology: From SSDs to Layoffs
Once
upon a time between 2004-2006, OCZ was a well-known manufacturer of
high-end memory components and power supply units that sold under the
motto Founded by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts . During the peak economy
in 2007, OCZ Technology CEO Ryan Petersen proved his devotion to
enthusiasts by purchasing PC Power Cooling (May 2007), swiftly
followed by elite system-builder Hypersonic PC (October 2007). Through
the years that followed, OCZ's brand name would successfully sell NVIDIA
GeForce graphics cards, overclocker heatsinks, premium thermal pastes,
hardcore gaming peripherals, and even a mind-controlled Neural Impulse
Actuator (NIA). On March 2008, OCZ Technology revealed the industry's
first consumer Solid State Drive - the apex of their dedication towards
high-performance computer hardware enthusiasts. The future looked so
very bright, until stock value became the mission. As of 26 October
2012, many of the great minds behind OCZ's enthusiast movement were
without work.
Read More ...
Gigabyte F2A85X-UP4 AMD FM2 Motherboard
The
second generation of AMD A-Series APUs is now among us. Hopefully you
have been able to read our articles about the newest AMD Trinity
Processors. Those APUs are nice, but they amount to nothing without a
motherboard to pair them with. At Benchmark Reviews, we tested those
APUs with the Gigabyte F2A85X-UP4 Socket FM2 A85X Motherboard. While the
A85X chipset brings a few minor changes to the FCH, Gigabyte has added a
lot of their own features to the F2A85X-UP4 motherboard to ensure that
it meets all of the needs of early FM2 adopters.
Read More ...
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