It is been awhile since we have seen a new version of 3DMark but the wait is over. Today, Futuremark has released a new version of 3Dmark for PC. Among the new benchmarks include “Fire Strike” that is designed to test DirectX 11 gaming PC with extreme preset for multi-GPU systems. A new “Cloud Gate” test for Windows notebooks and home PCs with two graphics tests and physics tests. It also uses DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 10 for testing DirectX 10 compatible hardware.
Additionally, the new benchmark is aimed to centralize all computing devices that includes desktop, notebook, tablets, and mobile devices. A new Ice Storm test is designed for Android, iOS and Windows mobile devices that includes two graphics tests for GPU and a physics tests for CPU. The benchmarks will use DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 9 on Windows PC and on Android and iOS, it will use OpenGL ES 2.0. Check out the video below for a preview of the benchmarks.
Intel has added one more model to the SSD 335 line-up. The new 180GB model joins the 240GB launched in October last year. Like the 240GB model, the 180GB model will use SandForce SF-2281 controller with 20nm MLC NAND. The drive is rated with 500 MB/s sequential read, 450 MB/s sequential write, 42K IOPS random read, and 52K IOPS random write. The drive is already available at retail channel for retail price at around $180.
ASUSTOR has released enterprise-level 1U and 2U rackmount NAS, the AS-600 series. The NAS features Intel Atom dual-core processor running at 2.13GHz and 1GB memory that is expandable to 3GB. The NAS are verified as VMware, Citrix and Hyper-V ready for the enterprise use. Four models are announced that consists of two four-drive bay units the AS-604RS and the AS-604RD and two nine-drive bay units, the AS-609RS and the AS-609RD. All four models will also be equipped with dual gigabit Ethernet port, eSATA, USB 3.0, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and hard drive hot swapping. Check out the PR for more detail information.
A new version of AIDA64 is released. The new version brings optimized benchmarks for Intel Atom Z2760 Cloverview SoC and adds preliminary support for the upcoming AMD “Richland APU” and Intel “Vallyview” SoC. Furthermore, the support for Intel “Haswell” and “Lynx Point” PCH has been improved. Below are the list of new features and improvements:
Optimized benchmarks for Intel Atom Z2760 “Cloverview” SoC
Preliminary support for AMD “Richland” APU and Intel “Valleyview” SoC
Improved support for Intel “Haswell” APU and Intel “Lynx Point” PCH
APP SDK 2.8, OpenCL 1.2 Update, OpenGL ES 3.0, Simple Firmware Interface support
OCZ Vector SSD and Indilinx Barefoot 3 SSD controller support
GPU details for AMD Radeon HD 7470, AMD Radeon HD 7870 “Tahiti LE”, nVIDIA GeForce GT 635M, nVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX
OCZ adds two new PSU to its line up. The 750W and 850W Silencer MK III features Dual Thermal Control System that allows users to switch between the normal and silent modes. The PSU comes with a single +12V rail, 100% Japanese capacitors, and is rated for 80 Plus Gold certification. It also features complete modular cable design and is SLI and CrossFire ready for your dual GPU system. The PSUs come with 7 year warranty, long enough to last the life of your system. Continue reading “OCZ Adds New 750W and 850W PSUs to Its PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III Portfolio” »
AVADirect has been known to turn out some really awesome notebooks for gaming but to see such an extreme offering for not just gaming but also the content professional consumers is a great thing! This thing is a pure beast and the only thing I could hope is to get my hands on one of them for some hardcore gaming testing. high end SLI or Crossfire in a mobile rig….. Yes please!
While we all are aware of the shift in the toward mobile computing over the last few years, we still do not think that desktop PC will die in any foreseeable future. However, Intel is clearly shifting its focus away from desktop motherboard as the company will ramp down the desktop motherboard business over the next three years. Intel will still provide chipsets for use by other motherboard vendors like SUS, Gigabyte, and MSI but it will no longer develop and sell its own board. Haswell-based motherboards will mark the last motherboard from Intel.
Intel is shifting the talents within the company to other areas of growing market such as the recently announced NUC. Additionally, it will focus on the emerging form factors such as small form factor, Ultrabook, desktop AIO, etc. Intel will also continue developing reference as well.
It is not too hard to understand why Intel made such decision. While desktop PC business is not going to go away any time soon, it is not an area that is growing. Mobile computing such as Ultrabooks, smartphones, and tablets are gaining popularity. For those who need more computing power, small form factor like mini-ITX and AIO are also getting the momentum. So it would make perfect sense for Intel to focus on these growing market, especially in the mobile smartphone and tablet area where it is still not able to have as big of an impact as it has on notebook and desktop.
Got some times to kill on Saturday from 1PM to 6PM. If you are happening to be close to Santa Clara, Ca, you can join the Grand Finals of Call of Duty: Black Ops II Rivalries at NVIDIA campus. You get to enjoy the the fun and craziness of the Lan party. The registration is still open, check out the information below.
Want to attend the Grand Finals of Call of Duty: Black Ops II | Rivalries at the NVIDIA campus in Santa Clara, CA this Saturday?
Join us for what will surely be some amazing match ups, food, drinks and fun.
RSVP today! Registration is FREE and first come first serve. The fun begins at 1:00 p.m. and will continue to approximately 6:00 p.m.
Launched back in December of 2012, the 480GB Mushkin Atlas mSATA is finally here available to in the US. The largest capacity mSATA SSD packed in merely 50.80 x 29.85 x 4.85mm space uses SandForce SF-2281 controller that offers maximum read up to 540MB/s and write up to 425 MB/s. While the drive carries an MSRP of $499.99, it is currently available in Newegg.com for $449.99.
In addition to ProSpec SSD, Mushkin also launches a new 960GB Chronos SSD. Mushkin joins OWC and OCZ to deliver the 2.5” SSD in such capacity. The new Chronos doubled the storage capacity from previous 480GB Chronos and if Mushkin is using the same technology, then the new drive will still be using the same SandForce SF-2281 controller paired with synchronous NAND. So far, Mushkin has yet to release the pricing but it is expected to ship the drive later this month.
iBUYPOWER brings the Revolt to the CES show floor. The Revolt is a new mid-tower desktop system with new design that looks like a console yet is packed with amini-ITX motherboard with latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics and the fastest Intel CPU available. The Revolt is designed for overclockers with liquid cooler packed with 140mm radiatar and key components cooled through specific airflow channels. The system also features integrated lightning system so you can show off to your friends and families with the awesome light show
Thunderbolt is still a reserved to premium motherboards and Gigabyte is going all out with not just one but two thunderbolts on their Z77 motherboards. The Z77X-UD5 TH and the Z77X-UD4 TH both are equipped with the latest technology with 10Gbps data transfer speed. Gigabyte is showing these ports capability by implementing Intel Collage Display feature that powers four 1920×1200 displays for a maximum resolution of 3840×2400 via Intel HD 4000. Check out the video below for quick introduction of Gigabyte 4K display support and Intel Collage display:
