As every year, COUGAR, leading German PC case and power supply brand, will be showing a strong presence at the Computex 2012 Tech Fair in Taipei, Taiwan. At booth J0409a, Floor 1 in the Nangang Exhibition Hall from June 5 through June 9, COUGAR will be challenging serious gamers with their latest high-end PC equipment line-up. Prominently on the floor ground will be the long-awaited Challenger ultimate gaming case, the most power efficient 80 Plus Platinum certified PC power supply Platinum PTX, as well as the patented and award-winning Vortex series of PC case fans.
CHALLENGER – the Ultimate Gaming Case
The CHALLENGER mid-tower case is particularly targeting gamers demanding for huge upgradeability capacity, best airflow and optimized ventilation characteristics. COUGAR’s specific black and orange color combination paired with the large metal-mesh front bezel lend it an aggressive yet stylish appearance. But the ultimate design high-light is to be found right on the top of the case: to power up your computer you first have to lift a cover lid just like a pilot unlocks the missile button to fire. A safety feature to prevent accidental touch, which at the same time makes you feel in gaming mode right away. To play even most advanced games, the COUGAR CHALLENGER offers sufficient space for powerful graphics cards of up to 410mm length. This is achieved by a unique 3-Mode drive cage concept. In standard mode there is 300mm of space, by using a special HDD track mechanism you can relocate the drive cage to you gain another 30mm, and when removing it entirely you get the maximum of 410mm.
Platinum PTX – Created for Gamers, stylish and efficient
The 80 Plus Platinum certified COUGAR Platinum PTX high-end PC power supply delivers up to 94% ultimate efficiency while supporting PCI Express 2.0 next generation with (6+2) PCIe connector for multi-graphics game play at its best. COUGAR’s intelligent fan control system allows fan-less operation while working lower than 25% of the units maximum output, this ensures totally noiseless computing. Once the power supply surpasses the 25% limit, automatic fan adjustment kicks in, tuning the fan speed according to work load and ambience temperature. As all COUGAR power supplies, the Platinum PTX is also utilizing the patented VORTEX fan technology. For 12V, 5V and 3.3V solid state capacitors warrant for highest durability and un-bursting performance. The COUGAR PTX Platinum is available as 550W and 700W. Version.
Vortex Fan – Optimum Cooling Efficiency & Extreme Silence
The patented COUGAR VORTEX fan technology sets itself clearly apart from the crowd by virtue of a unique design approach creating high-vortex-airflow with turbine blades enclosed by an exclusive frame providing for optimum cooling efficiency. This in turn leads to a reduction of the fan speed and thus resulting in extremely quiet operation. The Advanced HDB (Hydro-Dynamic Bearing) guarantees super silent performance with a highly increase lifespan. COUGAR’s temperature-control design automatically adjusts the fan rotation speed according to the PSU temperature. Even on its highest rotating level the fan is still quiet enough to be barely noticeable. COUGAR PSU’s und cases are also shipping with VORTEX fans.
In honor of Ratchet and Clank’s 10th anniversary and to coincide with the release of the Idol Minds-developed Ratchet and Clank Collection due out this summer, Insomniac Games is releasing a brand new title on the PSN this fall.
Ted Price, CEO of Insomniac Games, promises that the new title will return to the “classic feel” of the series, with innovative iterations on the early games’ familiar third-person camera controls, gameplay, and weapons. He also hints at online play which will allow players to experience the game together, though details aren’t available yet.
The new title will be “fun-sized,” but we’re hoping for a full-sized Ratchet & Clank title in the near future. The announcement for Full Frontal Assault teases a “special surprise for North American fans,” which could possibly mean a new retail game following this summer’s release of the Ratchet And Clank 10th Anniversary HD Collection.
German gaming peripherals manufacturer, ROCCAT Studios, will unveil one of the most powerful gaming devices ever – and successor to the world famous Kone[+] – with the sneak preview of the ROCCAT Kone XTD Max Customization Gaming Mouse at the E3 expo in Los Angeles and the Computex expo in Taipei on June 5.
Extending the already formidable capabilities of the legendary Kone[+], the XTD is powered by an impressive performance package loaded with the latest 8200 DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor, a 32-bit Turbo Core V2 72MHz ARM MCU processor, and the world’s most advanced Tracking & Distance Control Unit – all working in clockwork unison to deliver world-beating battle ability. It also features a new mega-tough, ultra-precise scroll wheel designed to let gamers give every command with absolute accuracy.
Add to that a range of ergonomic features designed to deliver the longest play comfort, like a perfectly balanced right-handed design and a finger-pampering soft touch surface – as well as a suite of the world’s most advanced gaming software for max customization – and the Kone XTD promises to be the Hamburg based company’s most powerful gaming mouse to date.
“We’ve taken the Kone franchise to new heights with the XTD,” says René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and CEO. “This is a supreme gaming weapon custom-built for the most demanding warriors. We can’t wait to show off the newest big cat of gaming mice at E3 and Computex.”
The Kone XTD also comes standard with many exclusive features much loved by Kone[+] fans, including Easy-Shift[+] technology, which lets users double the functions of their buttons and wheel, and ROCCAT Talk, which lets the XTD communicate with compatible products – like the ROCCAT Isku Illuminated Gaming Keyboard – to provide “set bonus” gaming advantages that let gamers play faster and with more accuracy.
The Kone XTD is expected to hit shelves internationally September 2012. Select E3 and Computex visitors can test drive the XTD at ROCCAT booths.
Bethesda has announced the first DLC for Skyrim, and as was previously predicted, it’s called Dawnguard. Take a look at the first trailer for the DLC inside.
The DLC looks to give players the choice to choose between joining the Vampires or their nemesis the Dawnguard. Looking at the trailer, it also appears that there will be different vampire beast forms, mounted combat, and more.
Right now, Dawnguard is only listed for the Xbox 360 for 1,600 Microsoft Points this summer. PC and PS3 versions have not been announced yet, so there may be an exclusive window for the 360.
A fresh round of Dead Space 3 screenshots have leaked online, following yesterday’s reveal of the game’s first image and logo.
Like those images, these screenshots appear to originate from files on the game’s official site, posted online by AGB.
Images from the unannounced sci-fi survival horror threequel show off Dead Space series protagonist Isaac Clarke, new co-op buddy John Carver and some of the game’s new enemies.
Carver first popped up in an “animated teaser” posted to the official Dead Space site earlier this week. His suit has evil red eyes: will he turn out to be a baddie?
Regardless, Isaac and Carver appear to team up. This fits with earlier reports that the game will offer drop-in, drop-out co-op for a second player.
There’s also a new mutated necromorph that looks like two people squashed into one, a shot of Isaac dual-wielding weapons and one picture of the hero with his mask off, where he sports a dashing new beard. Perfect for cold locales.
OCZ will showcase the Company’s latest client and enterprise storage solutions at Computex 2012 in Taipei, Taiwan June 6 through June 9 at the Taipei International Convention Center.
OCZ will display a comprehensive lineup of its innovative SSD products. For high-end business, server, and OEM clients, OCZ will showcase PCI Express (PCIe) SAN acceleration and replacement solutions, and unveil the impending Intrepid 3 SATA III SSD Series based on the Everest 2 architecture. Live demos at the booth will include both the current industry-leading Z-Drive R4 CloudServ PCIe SSD that delivers over one million IOPS, and the highly anticipated Z-Drive R5 Series based on the co-developed OCZ-Marvell Kilimanjaro platform that raises the bar in performance, reliability, and endurance. OCZ will also showcase the VXL Storage Accelerator software that enables large scale deployment of a virtualized environment for businesses to eliminate the need for costly tier-1 SANs in a wide range of enterprise IT infrastructures.
For client storage, OCZ will showcase the flagship Vertex 4 SATA III SSD, along with the upcoming ‘Lightfoot’ portable SSD designed with the Intel Thunderbolt platform that excels in data transfer speeds and offers high capacity for multimedia professionals.
Join OCZ Technology at booth T203A in the TICC to see the latest SSD products designed for client and enterprise applications demanding maximized productivity, performance, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Doom 3 BFG Edition, a re-mastered and expanded version of Doom 3, will be released for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this autumn, developer id Software has announced.
The new version includes the original Doom and Doom 2, Resurrection of Evil plus The Lost Mission, a never-before-seen single-player story for Doom 3 spread over seven fresh levels.
Re-mastered graphics, support for 3D and head-mounted displays, 5.1 surround sound, improved rendering and lighting will also feature.
Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions will, naturally, include Achievements/Trophies.
There’s also a new checkpoint save system for “smoother progression” through the game, plus an armour-mounted flashlight, allowing players to illuminate dark corners and kill enemies at the same time.
“Doom 3 was enthusiastically embraced by gamers worldwide at its release,” id Software boss John Carmack explained. “Today, the full experience has been enhanced and extended to be better than ever, and is delivered across all the platforms with a silky smooth frame rate and highly responsive controls.”
“New support for 3D TVs, monitors, and head mounted displays also allows players to experience the game with more depth than ever before. We think shooter fans everywhere will love it.”
What appears to the be first screenshot from Dead Space 3 has surfaced online.
It shows a character propelling themselves through a planet’s orbit in one of the series’ trademark armoroued suits. Once again, the game’s HUD is displayed on the character’s back.
The image looks to originate from the series’ official EA site, which currently shows a countdown written in an alien language. Translated, the numbers points to next Monday, when EA will hold its E3 press conference.
Yesterday that site also began teasing a new Dead Space graphic novel short, which looks like it will tie-into Dead Space 3.
The existence of Dead Space 3 comes as no surprise. Continual leaks over the past year have revealed it will be partly set on an ice planet, tie-up the story of series star Isaac Clarke and feature drop-in, drop out co-op. Expect to hear more at E3 next week.
Even though Computex 2012 isn’t yet upon us Gigabyte have already been showing off their X11 Ultrabook at a private media event in Taipei. The 11.6″ Ultrabook features a fully carbon fibre casing allowing its weight to reach as low as 973g. The overall design is a wedge shape with the thinnest part being just 3mm to 16.5mm for the thickest part. Overall dimensions are 297 x 192 x 3 to 16.5 mm (LxWxD).
The X11 Ultrabook is powered by a dual core ULV Intel processor with HD 4000 graphics with 4GB of dual channel DDR3 RAM. There is a 128GB SSD for better performance and battery life, connectivity includes USB 3.0, USB 2.0, mini-DisplayPort, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 and a micro-SDHC slot. The fitted battery has a capacity of 4730mAh or 35Wh which gives roughly 4-5 hours of battery life. The X11 will make it to market in Q3 of 2012 at a price of $999-$1299.
Dell today announced a completely refreshed portfolio of its Latitude and OptiPlex business laptops and desktops, featuring durable, consumer-inspired design that appeals to today’s professionals coupled with state-of-the-art manageability and data protection. The new Dell business computing solutions integrate seamlessly into today’s evolving business technology ecosystems which require secure, anytime and anywhere data access and outstanding productivity to meet the demands of an increasingly mobile workforce.
Dell Latitude E-Family & Dell OptiPlex
The new Dell business client solutions offer dynamic, flexible and intuitive interfaces, stylish and sophisticated design and business-class control. Ranging from entry-level to premium and desktop to ultra-portable, the new laptops and desktops offer the following:
Long-lasting durability: StrikeZone shock absorber, Fast Response Free-Fall Sensor, and newly-added rubber hard drive isolation help protect data from drops and vibration;
Productivity: Long battery-life with up to 32.7 hours with an optional 9-cell battery + slice + bay, 2 GB of memory, integrated graphics, Third Generation Intel Core processor technology, and optional 128 GB SSD and ExpressCharge for 80 percent recharge in an hour (select configurations);
Industry’s most manageable business PCs: The latest Intel vPro systems management Intel Active Management Technology 8.x with Dell’s unique vPro extensions that support remote BIOS management and remote hard drive wipe enabling IT to remotely manage Latitude E-family laptops and OptiPlex desktops, including easy out-of-band management;
High-level data protection: Dell Data Protection | Encryption offers the highest level of FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) 140-2 Level 3 certification commercially available with the optional Dell exclusive Hardware Encryption Accelerator;
USB 3.0: USB 3.0 enabled for fast wired data transfers for local storage and sync – delivers 10 times faster speed than USB 2.0 and USB Powershare to charge USB 3.0 devices when in sleep mode;
Enhanced Connectivity: Available with optional LTE Mobile Broadband and Bluetooth 4.0;
Performance: Third Generation Intel Core processor options, as well as increased memory and discrete graphics options.
Building upon the highly-praised previous business client portfolio, which saw more than 100 refinements of fit, finish and consumer-inspired appeal, Dell extends this leadership with the following enhancements:
The Latitude E6430s, a new design, strikes the balance between portability and is go-anywhere productivity in a class-leading, highly mobile, lightweight, 13.3-inch chassis paired with a surprisingly large 14-inch display.
The Latitude E6230, E6330, E6430, and E6530 laptops with 12.5-inch, 13.3-inch, 14-inch and 15.6-inch displays, respectively, are designed to support a diverse array of mobile professionals and provide durability and on-the-go productivity with long battery life, as well as seamless connectivity with a high-performing antenna and the latest wireless and mobile broadband options.
The Latitude E5430 and E5530 laptops with 14-inch and 15.6-inch displays, respectively, are ideal for professionals looking for a budget-friendly blend of mobility and office productivity. The Dell Latitude E5 series laptops are also now offered with Intel vPro systems management.
The ruggedized Latitude E6430 ATG laptop is designed for extreme temperatures, vibration, dust and high altitudes and helps boost workforce productivity regardless of location or terrain with its reinforced 14-inch display and an optional easy-to-carry handle.
The Dell OptiPlex family provides day-to-day productivity for critical business tasks and is designed to be the industry’s most secure, flexible and manageable business desktops. The refreshed lineup includes the new OptiPlex 3010, 7010, 9010 desktops and the OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One desktop.
The new desktop family features wireless connectivity options, microphone and headset mini-jacks for voice-over-IP and Microsoft Unified Communications certification for optimal video conferencing, as well as support for up to three digital native monitors and up to four front or side USB ports.
The OptiPlex 9010 XL, available through Dell OEM Solutions and supported by Dell ProSupport for OEM, has fewer component changes during the life of the product, advanced notification of potential component changes, and a managed end of life transition process, providing manufacturers greater stability and less need for costly recertification.
The newly designed, sleek OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One empowers productivity while preserving precious desk space with an integrated power supply, VESA mounting, and optional wireless mouse and keyboard.
Dell Precision Family
Dell is also announcing additional details on the new entry-level Dell Precision T1650 tower workstation, which provides powerful performance on a budget. The T1650 is designed for demanding professional applications and workloads like 2D and mid-range 3D models, editing photos, CAD drawings and web development that push beyond a standard desktop. The T1650 offers a new industrial design with tool-less features, broad range of Intel Core and Xeon CPU options, increased memory speed of 1600 MHz, four USB 3.0 ports and Intel Smart Response Technology.
Dell Integrated Solutions
Dell’s business computing portfolio, combined with experience gained through more than two billion interactions with customers each year, uniquely positions the company to provide customers with tailored solutions for cost effective security, management, and end-user productivity. These solutions include Dell Data Protection | Encryption, Dell Desktop Virtualization Solutions, the Dell KACE Family of Systems Management Appliances, Dell Cloud Solutions and Dell Pro Support Services.
Pricing and Availability:
Availability information and pricing for Latitude and OptiPlex systems will be released in the coming weeks.
The Dell Precision T1650, along with the recently introduced Dell Precision T3600, T5600 and T7600 tower workstations, are now available for purchase globally
ASUS is known for offering different product models from small variations in design, such as in(ex)clusion of Thunderbolt or the addition of a game (Battlefield 3). So it comes as no surprise that they will make two versions of the Maximus V Z77 Formula motherboard. The different types of Maximus V Formula boards will be decided by in(ex)clusion of the ThunderFX audio components.
The ThunderFX part will see the inclusion of a headphone amplifier which uses the Texas Instruments 6120A2 amplifier, found on ASUS soundcards like the Xonar Essence STX. There will also be a USB sound card powered by the C-Media 6631 chip. Although all these special components seem to have been designed with noise-cancelling high quality headphones in mind, those gamers with 7.1 or 5.1 surround sound systems may find themselves slightly disappointed.
ASUS should be unveiling the Maximus V formula at Computex 2012 next week at a special R.O.G press event.
Lian-Li today announces two new brushed aluminum chassis’ – PC-V355 and PC-A55.
The micro-ATX supported PC-V355 and the slim PC-A55 ATX chassis both have the features that are to be expected from Lian Li, including: brushed aluminum frames, pop-off panels, and many tool-less features.
PC-V355 – HTPC/Mini-Tower with Slide-Out Motherboard Tray
Designed to be either a larger HTPC or mini-tower with the dimensions of (WxHxD) 283 x 263 x 386mm (11.14” x 10.35” x 15.19”), the PC-V355, supporting a micro-ATX motherboard, has many features to make installations, upgrades and upkeep easier. The slide-out motherboard tray lets users setup their system outside of the chassis. The HDD cage supports up to three 3.5” HDDs which are secured using thumb screws with rubber suspensions for reduced vibration. A 2.5” hard drive can also be installed in the HDD bay.
Two 120mm intake fans at the front of the PC-V355, which blow cool air directly on the HDD bay and VGA card, are easily removable, and have washable twist-off air filters. The cooling capabilities can be easily adjusted thanks to the 3-speed fan controller.
The front I/O panel has two USB 3.0 slots and HD audio support. However, the 5.25” ODD is located on the side panel.
The PC-V355 has four expansions slots for future upgradeability, and can take VGA cards up to 310mm cards in length. The PC-V355 supports a PSU up to 210mm that is to be rear mounted, and a CPU cooler up to 100mm.
The PC-V355 is available in black or silver for the suggested retail price of US$139 (VAT not included).
PC-A55 – ATX Chassis with Front-Mounted PSU and Unique Cooling Design
With a standard ATX PSU up to 160mm in length able to be mounted vertically in the front on the chassis, the PC-A55 is shorter and smaller than average ATX chassis with the dimensions of (WxHxD) 188 x 375 x 455mm (7.40” x 14.76” x 17.91”) while still having enough space for easy installations.
The PC-A55 has a unique cooling design to push cool air through the case in high volumes at low RPMs. The 140mm intake is located in the bottom of the chassis blows air directly over the VGA card and across the motherboard. The 140mm fan on the top panel is directly over the motherboard so that excess heat is removed quickly and effectively.
The front panel can be removed tool-lessly for easy access, and the I/O panel and power button is located on the top panel.
The PC-A55 supports two 3.5” HDDs, two 2.5” HDDs, and one 5.25” optical disk drive. There are seven expansion slots for future upgradeability, and VGA cards up to 310mm in length and CPU coolers up to 150mm fit in the PC-A55.
The PC-A55 is available in black or silver for the suggested retail price of US$119 (VAT not included).
SAPPHIRE Technology has just announced the SAPPHIRE HD 7950 Flex Edition brining the company’s unique solution for multi-screen gaming to the highly acclaimed HD 7000 series of graphics cards based on the Graphics Core Next architecture from AMD.
Most graphics cards based on AMD technology require the third monitor in an Eyefinity set-up to be a DisplayPort monitor, or connected with an active DisplayPort Adapter. The SAPPHIRE FleX family can support three DVI monitors in Eyefinity mode and deliver a true SLS (Single Large Surface) work area without the need for active adapters. The first two monitors are connected to the two DVI ports and the third to an HDMI to DVI cable (supplied) with no extra hardware required.
The SAPPHIRE HD 7950 FleX is now the highest performing card with this feature, allowing gamers to use low-cost DVI monitors for all three screens. Additional monitors can be added to the setup, but must be DisplayPort connected. With its core clock speeds of 860 MHz and 1250 MHz (5 Gb/sec effective) for the memory this model is slightly faster than the HD 7950 standard edition and brings easy to configure multi-screen enjoyment to even hard-core gamers.
For enthusiasts wishing to maximise performance, a new version of the SAPPHIRE overclocking tool, TriXX supporting this latest generation of technology is available free to download from the SAPPHIRE website. TriXX allows tuning of GPU voltage as well as core and memory clocks, whilst continuously displaying temperature. Manual control of fan speed is supported, as well as user created fan profiles and the ability to save up to four different performance settings.
The HD 7000 series is the third generation of DirectX 11 compatible solutions from the graphics division of AMD – formerly ATI. The SAPPHIRE HD 7950 is ready for DirectX 11.1 and the new Windows 8 operating system as well as delivering all the features of the current DirectX 11 such as DirectCompute11 and multi threaded communications with the CPU. Communication with the host PC is optimised with the implementation of the latest high speed PCI-Express Gen3.0 interface, and multiple cards can be used to further enhance performance in CrossFireX mode on a suitably specified mainboard.
HDMI specifications have also increased in the HD 7000 series. Fast HDMI 1.4a supports Stereoscopic 3D with enhanced frame rates of 60 Hz per eye – 120 Hz total. It is also ready for the next generation of 4K displays that can be driven from a single high speed input of 3 GHz HDMI 1.4a or DisplayPort 1.2 HBR2.
APP Acceleration is the name given to the enhanced performance of a wide range of applications using the stream processing capabilities and specific hardware features of the graphics architecture. The HD 7000 series has been optimised for this type of task. Typical applications include Video encoding and decoding, compression and multiplexing for media distribution, gaming or video conferencing. APP acceleration can also enhance everyday tasks such as Internet browsing, Office applications and file compression with supported software suites.
Gigabyte today announced the record highest validated CPU clock speed on the Intel Core i7 3770K processor using a Gigabyte Z77X-UD3H motherboard, as well as the new world record highest DDR3 memory speed using the Gigabyte Z77X-U5H motherboard.
The 7.0 GHz milestone was surpassed using an Intel 3rd generation Core i7 3770k processor (aka Ivy Bridge) by renowned overclocker HiCookie, pushing the Gigabyte Z77X-UD3H motherboard to a fully validated 7.03 GHz using liquid nitrogen cooling. This is regarded as the current #1 highest Ivy Bridge CPU frequency and a world record according to respected global overclocking website HWBot.org.
Additionally, HiCookie has broken the current highest memory speed for the Intel Ivy Bridge platform, reaching an unprecedented 3280MHz with all 4 memory slots populated using the GA-Z77X-UD5H motherboards and G.Skill Trident X DDR3-2800 memory – also a new world record.
Super Flower has launched a new high performance semi-modular power supply unit. Featuring 650W of continuous power and 750W of peak output the the SF-650P14XE packs a huge range of features such as:
Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Load Line Calibration (LLC)
Half bridge resonant topology
DC to DC output
Synchronous rectification
80 PLUS Gold certification (up to 90% efficiency)
Super Flower are setting the standard high with build quality using only Japanese capacitors, Infineon made MOSFETs and double vertical transformers. Cooling is provided by a 140mm fan, which made by the Chinese company Yate Loon, the fan is available in blue or red L.E.D depending on the buyers preference. The most stand-out feature of the SF-650P14XE is the Avionics grade modular cable couplings which have previously been used ABS Tagan branded power supplies.
There is enough cabling to ensure CrossFireX and SLI support (2 way only) and connectors include Connectors include 24-pin ATX, 4+4 pin ATX/EPS, two 6+2 pin PCIe, two 6-pin PCIe, four SATA, five Molex, and one floppy cable. The usual range of protection mechanisms are equipped, including OCP , OVP , OPP and SCP. The SF-650P14XE is priced at US $110.
Closed loop liquid CPU coolers are all the rage these days, arguably they are the new fashionable way to cool your CPU – rapidly replacing the tower heatsink CPU cooler design. Enermax seem to be the latest company wanting to hop on the liquid cooling bandwagon. We have known about Enermax’s plans to develop a liquid CPU cooler all the way back since CeBIT 2012 in Germany earlier this year. As far as we know Enermax have plans for just one liquid cooling base product that may have slight variations such as single fan or dual fan. The new Enermax liquid cooling that will debut at Computex 2012 is likely to feature the following:
“Micro Channel” copper cold plate for more effective heat transfer
Ceramic bearing pump
Durable and silent 120mm twister bearing fan
Enermax also plans to unveil some other products at Computex 2012 such as the huge 2500W LED power industrial power supply as well as 1350W and 1700W variants of the Platimax series. Their booth is located at at TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, 1st floor, No. I-1110.
Rapidly growing memory giants G.Skill have announced that they will be hosting a “world class overclocking invitational” at this years Computex 2012 event. The event will see some of the biggest names in overclocking, like HiCookie and Kingpin, take on Z77 and X79 motherboards with G.Skill TridentX RAM to try and break some records. EVGA, Gigabyte, MSI, ASUS and G.Skill are all represented at the event.
Biwin today announced the world’s first 10-channel 2.5-inch SATA III (6 Gbits/sec) SSD, the enterprise class NuvoDrive NX, offered in 80 GB, 160 GB and 300 GB capacities.
Virtually all current SATA III SSDs have 4- or 8-channel controllers. The NuvoDrive NX’s is based on an advanced new 10-channel controller that alleviates the issue of flash bandwidth on the SATA III bus for high speed sequential transfers. The 10-channel controller also, for the first time, makes popular 80 GB, 160 GB and 300 GB capacities available in a SATA III SSD
NuvoDrive NX features a large 256 MB DRAM cache to dramatically accelerate random write performance. NuvoDrive NX will deliver up to 80,000 4K random write IOPS for both compressible and incompressible data types. It supports sequential read and write speeds upwards of 500 MB/sec.
NuvoDrive NX SSDs are equipped with all the latest endurance, reliability and security features including: BCH ECC built in, global wear leveling, AES 128 and 256 encryption, native TRIM support, and support for SMART commands. NuvoDrive NX is sampling now to OEMs, and will be in mass production in Q3. Biwin will showcase a working demo system with the NuvoDrive NX at Computex Taipei, June 5-9 in Nangang Hall booth # J1218.
Creative Technologytoday announced the Sound BlasterAxx, a whole new generation of Sound Blaster and a new genre of audio device that the world has not seen before. Specially designed and engineered to meet the audacious demand for simplicity and coolness by a whole new generation of networked mobile device users, the Sound BlasterAxx shifts to a new paradigm of literally producing great sound and becoming a great listener of sound while keeping everything amazingly simple. The sound produced by the flagship Sound BlasterAxx, a unique one-piece elegantly designed hexagonal device, simply blows people away, and yet mind-bogglingly, no power adapter is required.
Besides seamlessly supporting PCs and Macs, the Sound BlasterAxx is also designed to work intelligently with smart devices including the iPhone, iPad, Android phones and Android tablets, providing the best of all worlds. The Sound BlasterAxx leverages Creative’s vast audio engineering expertise to provide best-in-class audio playback for music, movies, games and voice communications. To support the intelligent audio applications on these smart mobile devices, the Sound BlasterAxx also features advanced Bluetooth wireless audio connectivity and a high-quality dual-microphone array
The Sound BlasterAxx stands above the rest in appearance as well as performance. Elegantly designed in the form of a hexagonal tower with backlit capacitive touch controls, it allows users to access key functions at a touch. The Sound BlasterAxx utilizes a unique patent-pending “stacked stereo” speaker design that incorporates two-speaker drivers angled to provide stereo separation. When combined with SBX Pro Studio Surround technology, it delivers awesome room-filling sound from a compact one-piece device powered by only the tiny USB current. Specialized circuitry enables very low power consumption but large amplified power output from a PC or Mac USB connection. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for a two-speaker system with all the messy wiring, microphones and wires, and the unwieldy power adaptors along with their plugs and cables.
The Sound BlasterAxx also works standalone when used with mobile devices. It can then be powered by any certified simple USB power adaptor.
The Sound BlasterAxx is powered by the new SB-Axx1 (Sound Blaster “Axxelerated” multi-core audio processor chip) which inherited all the desired features and technologies of the legendary Sound Blaster series, and boosted by an array of additional technologies and features to tackle the challenges of the new market defined by the new mobile networked generation. This means that for the first time, a single audio enhancement solution bridges every major audio and communication platform and network; for example the PC world, Mac world, Mobile world, Tablet world, the Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, the PSTN system, the LAN, the WAN, etc. Each of these worlds has its own unique complex requirements.
Since the SB-Axx1 chip is so powerful, flexible and programmable, it is able to adapt quickly and seamlessly to any new audio scenario in these multi-faceted and connected worlds.
With an astounding suite of audio technologies in the SB-Axx1 chip, Sound BlasterAxx delivers dramatic enhancements to two of our fundamental daily activities in the intricate new world of audio: LISTENING and TALKING. These technologies include:
SBX Pro Studio enhances the world of LISTENING with Awesome Playback:
The fully customizable SBX Pro Studio set of technologies dramatically improves audio playback for music, movies and games – delivering unprecedented levels of personal audio realism from a compact one-piece device.
SBX Crystalizer – Enhances audio for music and movies by restoring details in the high and low frequencies
SBX Surround – Delivers an immersive personal surround sound experience
SBX Smart Volume – Solves the problem of abrupt volume level changes in music, movies and games by intelligently applying gain and attenuation to deliver consistent volume levels; includes Night Mode to reduce the impact of explosions and bursts of sound so as not to disturb others after hours
SBX Dialog Plus – Enhances the intricacy of the human voice in movies and games, allowing the listener to hear the dialog clearly
SBX Bass – Fills in the missing low frequency tones and gives that ‘extra punch’ for a better entertainment experience
CrystalVoice Technology enhances the world of TALKING and Communication with crystal-clear hands-free voice and video conference calls:
The Sound BlasterAxx design also integrates a high-quality dual-microphone array which leverages SBX CrystalVoice technology to dramatically improve voice quality for hands-free phone calls or video-conferencing calls. Voice Focus ensures precisely targeted voice pick-up, while Noise Reduction enables clear conversations without background noise interference. Smart Volume gives users the freedom to walk around a room during phone conversations while the listener experiences clear, consistent volume levels.
Acoustic Echo Cancellation – Eliminates the echoes in a hands-free conference call
Noise Reduction – Enables the person speaking to be heard clearly over background noise by constantly monitoring the environment, eliminating unwanted noise that interferes with the conversation
Smart Volume – Automatically adjusts the loudness of a voice to maintain a consistent volume level. This makes it convenient for the speaker to converse normally, regardless of whether the speaker is close to, or far away from the microphone
Voice Focus – Envelopes the user in an audio shield that blocks out unwanted voices or noises, enabling only the user’s voice to be heard clearly
VoiceFX – Enables the alteration of the user’s voice with a variety of effects: create interesting accents, or enable someone to sound like a completely different person, such as changing one’s voice from male to female, or monster, or robot, and much more
The whole suite of technologies on the Sound BlasterAxx can be controlled from the PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets. Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel lets users fully customize and control their audio experience from a PC or Mac. The Creative Central app lets users do the same from an iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet – with a newfound wireless convenience.
In a nutshell, Sound BlasterAxx makes the two fundamental activities of TALKING and LISTENING simple again.
About the Sound BlasterAxx Series
The Sound BlasterAxx will be introduced in three models: the SBX 20 and SBX 10, which are Bluetooth wireless-enabled, and the SBX 8, which will connect to a PC or Mac via USB for use on a desktop.
Sound BlasterAxx SBX 20
Premium Wireless Sound BlasterAxx for Smart Devices
Works wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices
Application support for iOS, Android, PC and Mac
Innovative acoustic ID utilizes a stacked stereo design that directs sound to fill the room
Voice Focus with dual-microphone array
Premium speakerphone encompassing noise reduction and voice focusing technologies to improve communications
Hardware-accelerated SBX Pro Studio and CrystalVoice technology
Control buttons embedded in a backlit touch-sensitive panel
Aux-In connectivity for wired connection to audio playback devices
410 x 91 mm form factor
Sound BlasterAxx is also available in the following models:
Sound BlasterAxx SBX 10
Best-in-Class Wireless Sound BlasterAxx for Smart Devices, PC and Mac
This model incorporates all functions of the SBX 20, except it is smaller in size
Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8
Ultra-portable Sound BlasterAxx for PC and Mac
Smaller in size than the SBX 10 and is designed to be the perfect companion for PC and Mac
Pricing and Availability
The Sound BlasterAxx SBX 20, priced at US$199.99, will be available in Aug 2012. The Sound BlasterAxx SBX 10, priced at US$149.99, and the Sound BlasterAxx SBX 8, priced at US$99.99 will be available in July 2012.
Be quiet! announced today the release of its new high end line of PC power supply units (PSUs) called Dark Power Pro 10. The flagship series now uses state-of-the-art power conversion and cooling technologies along with other design enhancements to be the quietest and most energy efficient models in the company’s 12 year history. The range features six models all with a modular cable management system and power outputs from 550 to 1200 Watts.
Now with 80 PLUS Platinum Certification
The all-new power conversion circuitry topology features Full Bridge (high power models) and Half Bridge (lower power models) LLC resonant converter and DC-to-DC voltage stepdown along with Synchronous Rectifying to confer unmatched power efficiency and signal stability. Efficiencies range up to 94% and 80 PLUS Platinum certification, the highest independent energy certification on the market, depending on the model.
SilentWings and engineering details enable ultra-silent concept
Dark Power Pro 10 series all use be quiet!’s renowned SilentWings fan; the key feature in a completely redesigned cooling system with a new and custom made 135 mm fan. This fan features a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) which provides a 300,000 hour lifespan and makes it virtually inaudible. Furthermore using very high quality fans enhances PSU reliability as fan failure is by far the most common failure mode for power supplies. Silent operation is additionally achieved via painstaking optimizations which have minimized all forms of noise—acoustic, electrical and mechanical. In addition the fan grille design and mounting were both fine tuned during design for quietness.
The result is astonishingly low noise levels. For example, the 850 Watt model produces less than 12 dB(A) of noise all the way up to 90% of full load, the 550Watt less than 14 dB(A) even at full load. Additionally up to four case fans can be attached to and independently controlled by PSU circuitry exclusive for this function to further minimize system noise.
Overclocking key: Single- and Multi-Rail operation
Resolving a long-time dispute amongst PC enthusiasts, be quiet! offers the only power supply which lets you choose between multi- or single-rail 12 V mode. A quick flip of the switch turns Dark Power Pro 10 from factory default four rail setting to high performance single rail mode.
“Dark Power Pro 10 offers users a truly no compromise PSU with the highest levels of performance, energy efficiency and is astonishingly silent” said Scott Richards, Global Brand Director for be quiet!. “Our German design team has put it all in this product line. Unsurpassed quality of build and performance along with uniquely quiet operation… precisely the attributes that have made us the long-time sales leader in our home market of Germany.”
Being a no compromise design, Dark Power Pro 10 also features 105° C Japanese capacitors along with a five year warranty. Six versions will be available: 550, 650, 750, 850, 1000 and 1200 Watts. Suggested prices start at 135.00 Euro for 550 W version and go up to 279.00 Euro for 1200 Watts of power. Dark Power Pro 10 is shipping now.
That’s right, today’s gaming deal of the day is the seriously old school Populous, I had bundled with my Sega Megadrive back in 1989!
What’s cool about it:
Become a god, assume godly powers, shape civilizations, and make them all bow to your will
The power of light or the force of darkness? Holy wrath or divine miracles – you decide
Punish the infidels with plagues, earthquakes, and tornadoes. A ”little” volcano here and there might also convince them as to which god they should pray to
Overview:
Miracles are child’s play. Earthquakes are serious fun. The all-powerful can perform miracles in their sleep. But omnipotence isn’t what it used to be. These days, it takes awesome natural disasters to dominate a world. You give them good land. You tell them when to farm and when to fight. You make them content beyond their wildest dreams. But then they become raging arsonists. What’s a deity to do? Disasters are your divine prerogative – volcanoes, quakes, swamps. For stubborn non-believers, nothing beats a flood for spring cleaning. Cruel ice, lush grassland, parched desert… With 500 worlds, a deity’s work is never done.
PROTOTYPE 2’s Sgt. James Heller might be the ultimate shape-shifting badass, but even he wouldn’t say no to a little excessive force. PROTOTYPE2’s second DLC pack, Excessive Force, from Activision Publishing, Inc, gives fans key add-ons to their arsenal of destruction as well as three all-new custom skins.
The full contents of PROTOTYPE 2’s Excessive Force DLC pack includes:
Viral Infector Grenade Launcher
Force Multiplier Powers:
Shockwave
Chaos Creator Mode
Medusa’s Wrath
Custom Skins:
Armored Heller
Agile Armor Alex Mercer
Zombie Mercer
The Excessive Force PROTOTYPE 2 DLC pack is available now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 400 Microsoft Points, and on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system for £3.99.
See the Excessive Force video trailer on the official YouTube channel.
VIA Technologies today announced the VIA ARTiGO A1200 slim PC kit, featuring a VIA Eden X2 dual core processor. The fanless, ultra-compact VIA ARTiGO A1200 is suitable for a myriad of applications in the home or office, including home server, home automation, hotel management, media streaming, digital signage and surveillance applications.
The latest in the VIA ARTiGO series, the VIA ARTiGO A1200 delivers an ultra-low profile design a mere 3cm high, and utilizes the innovative industrial buckled-blade thermal fin design to dispatch system heat and provide reliable, stable performance in temperatures ranging from 0ºC~45ºC. The VIA ARTiGO A1200 can fit easily into any environment, whether it is behind a monitor or on the wall with a 10 x 10 cm VESA mount or placed alongside other home media devices.
“VIA has long been a leader in driving innovation for low power compact computing, especially with our ARTiGO series,” said Epan Wu, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. “By moving to the Em-ITX form factor we are able to deliver a slim line, fanless system, creating a completely silent computing experience.”
VIA ARTiGO A1200
The ultra thin 24.3cm x 12.4cm x 3.0cm VIA ARTiGO A1200 is powered by a 1.0GHz VIA Eden X2 dual core processor for a fanless power efficient system with support for up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Combined with the highly integrated all-in-one VIA VX900 media system processor (MSP), the VIA ARTiGO A1200 provides playback of the most demanding HD video formats, including MPEG-2, DivX, WMV9, VC1 and H.264 for a breathtaking viewing experience at screen resolutions up to 1080p.
The unique dual-sided I/O coastline interface includes one HDMI and one VGA display port, two high-speed GigaLAN Ethernet ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one CFast socket, two audio jacks (Mic-in and Line-out), 12V DC-in power and an optional USB 3.0 host port.
LianLi will be attending Computex Taipei 2012 from June 5 to June 9, 2012 in Taipei, Taiwan. Their booth is located at #J1009a at Nangang Exhibition Hall 1F.
Special Edition Moving Cases
This year at Computex Lian Li will be showcasing two moving cases. The eye-catching CK-101 resembles a traditional steam engine train and will be moving up and down the tracks at the Lian Li booth. While the CK-101 even has smoke coming out of the exhaust, it is not just a model. The CK-101 supports 3.5” and 2.5” HDDs, a slim ODD, and USB 3.0.
Additionally, the SUV-esque PC-Q15 adds an automotive touch to Lian Li’s theme this year. This PC-Q15, which is specially designed for Computex, will be driving around in loops at Lian Li’s booth. Come see for yourself these crowd-gathering moving chassis.
New Line of Brushed Aluminum Chassis
Besides the moving chassis, Lian Li will be displaying four new cases that have yet to be released to the market. The displayed line will feature many innovative features and designs, including:
A chassis designed for extreme noise reduction that has no visible vents – only a carefully calculated sized intake vent underneath the chassis.
A server level chassis that can hold an HPTX motherboard with ease and has space to hold up to twenty 3.5” HDDs.
An upgrade of the PC-X2000F, which holds an EATX motherboard with lots of tool-less features and hotswap capabilities.
A skinny ATX chassis with lots of storage potential that can hold VGA cards up to 370mm in length.
See and Touch All Models
In addition to these highlighted products Lian Li will be displaying their full line of mini, mid, and full tower elegant brushed aluminum chassis with the high quality build and features that are to be expected from Lian Li.
Lancool’s Latest Steel Chassis
Constructed with steel rather than aluminum, Lancool’s chassis will be on display at Lian Li’s booth. Come see for yourself these more mainstream-level steel chassis manufactured by Lian Li.
Custom OEM Manufacturing Requests Welcome
With 20 years of manufacturing experience for both system integrators and OEM/ODM clients, Lian Li is proud to be the only manufacturer in Taiwan able to provide quality aluminum workmanship and design. A rich history of cooperating with several of the world’s top system integrators gives Lian Li the edge when it comes to understanding the needs of OEM/ODM and SI customers. Lian Li’s renowned craftsmanship can deliver customers’ special requirements with quick and professional results.
ECS will be present at this year’s Computex event. Their display will consist of an ECS Ultrabook, ECS All-In-One PCs featuring Windows 8 as well as showcasing their new Nonstop technology in action on their latest range of motherboards. ECS will be at the Nangang Exhibition Hall 4F, Booth No. L118 and you can read more about their Computex display below:
ECS will display its series of motherboards of using the latest Intel and AMD platforms and a wide range of Thin Mini-ITX motherboards at Computex 2012. ECS will also introduce its latest Nonstop Technology for its motherboards which improve upon the long-term stability of ECS motherboards as well as the ECS GeForce GTX 680, a top choice of high-end graphics cards.
ECS AIO (All-In-One): Enrich Your Computing Desire
Using ECS’ Thin Mini-ITX motherboards, ECS will unveil a new line of Windows 8 supported AIO PCs, G24 Series. With full HDMI capability these edge-to-edge 10-finger 23.6” touch panel display AIOs are not only your personal computer but also your 2nd TV device. Moreover, the unique plug and play portable HDD module enables you to store and carry easily and conveniently. ECS’ G24 Series is the latest all-new customizable AIO system that meets the needs of next generation desktop computing.
ECS Ultrabook: The Best Multi-Functional Choice
The ECS Ultrabook UT40 Series, which will be revealed at Computex, supports Intel 3rd Generation Processors, Ivy Bridge. The UT40 series offers lightning fast boot-up – only 7 seconds- and data transmission speeds thanks to their SSD hard drives and USB 3.0 interfaces. Additionally, the UT40 series ultrabooks, weighing only 1.9kg and with a thickness of 21mm, feature 14-inch displays and a resolution of 1366 × 768.
ECS Wi-Bridge, Smart Connection to Wireless Digital Life
ECS Wi-Bridge is a portable wireless display adapter, which is lightweight and has a small footprint to save more space in your living room or on your office desk. ECS Wi-Bridge successfully breaks the wireless limitation and connects your PC or NB with an HDMI output display. It is both compliant with iOS and Android systems. You can access your content by a remote controller bundled in the package. ECS Wi-Bridge is the best wireless solution to break the boundary between your PC and the couch.
