Astrotoy7 Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Here's a pretty nifty new card from Galaxy >> A single slot GTX 260 Ideal for those with smallish cases \o/ More info here Microsofts malware product - MS Security Essentials has come out of beta and is now live. It is a free antivirus/malware proggie that has had some quite positive reviews. Whilst it is free - it must be mentioned that it runs a Validation scan on your windows install before starting so beware ye Pirates .... *Arrrghhh!* >squawk< You can download it HERE If you want to read a review of it this one is pretty good *The long awaited Lucid 300 Hydra is about to be released for production. What is it? It is a chip that allows multi GPU setups with almost any GPU combination - including AMD and nvidia mix'n'matches ! Great idea of course - but will it work >> no benchies yet. More info here at expreview mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerhs Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 well, Astro, its time to renew your faith in AMD. behold the Radeon 5850. faster, quieter, and less power hungry than a GeForce GTX 285. seriously, the only problem i have with the 5850 is the location of the power connectors (i would prefer to have them on top of the card instead of on the side for space considerations). this one puts out a lot less heat than the 5870, and its quieter to boot. good thing that its shorter, too. i should have room to fit it in my new micro-ATX computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted October 2, 2009 Share Posted October 2, 2009 well, Astro, its time to renew your faith in AMD. behold the Radeon 5850. faster, quieter, and less power hungry than a GeForce GTX 285. Its definitely a great option, especially if they keep the price decent I probably wouldnt get one due to being an avid folder and possibly an nvidia fanboy mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Looks like Intel have sneakily released the 3.2Ghz Core i7-960 priced at about $560USD... it isnt going to be everyone's first choice Learning to cash in on Athlons good name, AMD has released a bunch of Athlon IIs, reported around the traps to be decent little performers and great at keeping cool and sucking less power - like the original athlons. These are more reasonably priced the Corei7 960 * * * Id mentioned the HTC hero android phone a page or so back - whilst definitely impressive - was too expensive(for what I was willing to pay for a phone) and contained features I would never use. Luckily there is now another option. I have officially put WinMo aside for a while and have entered the android phone world with the HTC Tattoo (aka 'Click') - which is a lo-fi 'entry level' (ie. affordable) android phone. I dont want to fork out $600AUD for the Hero/Magic/Dream for features I will never use - but do want to give android a go - I really love HTC 'sense UI'. The cool thing about the tattoo is that its shell is totall customsiable - you can remove every bit easily and replace with custom shells - some which you can even design yourself via HTCs site (though they havent launched this service yet) Im happy with the silver version atm I love the little android logo on the back - pretty cute Now...to get used to stylus free texting mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Here's some news to rain on the parade of AMD fans with DX9 cards that were hoping to jump on the windows 7 bandwagon with their ole X1900 etc .... AMD dumps DirectX 9 card support under Windows 7 Speaking of AMD, looks lke theyre gunning for Intel's Gulftown with their own 6 core desktop CPU in Q2 2010 (codenamed Thuban) Do we really need them ?? To cap off the AMD news - it looks lke the dual 5870 is due at the end of November. It will definitey be the worlds most powerful card until nvidia can scrounge a competing product. Will it break crysis at 1600p maxxed... I think it might.... just mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 Here's an update about the MS freeware antivirus app > Microsoft Secuirity Essentials. Independent AV tester gurus, AV Comparatives had performed their first Malware Removal Tests with MSE as one of the applications used. The test used 10 randomly sampled malware items and pits the various apps against each other. The methodology is more thoroughly outlined in AVC's report longstoryshort: MSE was awarded an advanced+ rating in this category. Not bad - but please keep in mind that the more complete set of tests > On demand and Proactive/Restrospective Tests have not been updated to include MSE in its current form. For those that want to try other freeware AV options, AVG9 Free edition has also been released, but has been downscaled a bit - in particular the rootkit based protection, which is incorporated into the payware editions. mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urluckyday Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 So...kingsoft? does that basically mean they are a FAIL? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 Kingsoft have thoroughly deserved this accolade: I remember Kingsoft also getting in trouble over their Chinese>English translation software - A furniture company used it to make a label for "Dark Brown" and Kingsofts app gave them "ni**er brown". Trouble ensued. mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urluckyday Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 ^hahaha...classic on all levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallucination Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 I remember Kingsoft also getting in trouble over their Chinese>English translation software - A furtniture company used it to make a label for "Dark Brown" and Kingsofts app gave them "ni**er brown". Trouble ensued. mtfbwya Do you know the name of the furniture company? I've been looking for a love seat that colour for ages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I'm posting this here just for those that havent heard about it. Whilst most current users won't really notice a change, if you game on your vista pc, this is a good update to be aware of with the impending DX11 cards and games. Basically, DX11 libraries that are included in Windows 7 have been released as an update for Windows 7 and Window Server 2008. These initially were included in an DirectX SDK August Update. KB971512 is the 'Windows Graphics, Imaging and XPS' Update and was released on 26 October 2009 and available from MS > x64 x86 Make sure you have the latest (August) DirectX redistributable installed and Service Pack 2 to ensure you have the complete set of libraries (including some tweaked backward compatibility support) KB971512 is actually part of a group of platform updates that bring Windows7 resources to Vista, which you can read about and get download links from HERE nb. Im pretty sure that if you installed the previously linked August redist/SDK update that you actually wont need the october update > when I tried to install it said I already have it Best try it and find out. (This kb is just under 5MBs) mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Whether you like Apple or not, it cant be denied that The Apple tablet is one of the most eagerly anticipated gadgets in recent memory. It's been called everything from "The Oversized iphone" to the "Jesus Tablet" by tablet fans and Apple detractors the world over. With only speculation and patent application images to fuel geek imaginations to date, it's been hard to get too excited about it. Enter whacky nvidia CEO Jen Hsun Huang. In what has to be the pic of the week (IMO) here is JHH showing off a device in plain sight - a device that he refused to talk about when queried on it. The ongoing catfight between Intel and nvidia is well documented, and seems to be getting nastier - recently, JHH chipped in on teh debate again - indicating his love for all things Apple... Apple uses the best technology for their [computers]. Apple says to their customers: if you buy a computer from us you can be sure we have selected the best technology inside for you. That is their promise to consumers. Their promise to consumers isn't we've selected the best technology for you with the exception of what Intel allows us to use. That's not their promise. And that's why Apple uses the best technology where they want whenever they want. And that's why I'm all Apple! At home it's just Macs everywhere. It's NVIDIA's technology in all of them but I use Macs. My son has two Macs, my daughter has a Mac, there's an extra Mac just in case and my wife has a Mac. It's just Mac, Mac, Mac! Because I know it's got the best stuff inside. lolz. Could it be the Apple tablet in the pic - and does this mean in it is Tegra powered ? If so, it would definitely be quite a nifty device. I wonder if it will support handwriting input....... mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urluckyday Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Certainly looks like something that would be (less than) fun to carry around in normal-people situations and scratch up the screen...but oh so sleek in perfect conditions...gotta be Apple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Certainly looks like something that would be (less than) fun to carry around in normal-people situations and scratch up the screen...but oh so sleek in perfect conditions...gotta be Apple. You take different precautions with different devices. Most people are happy to chuck their phone in their pocket with little more than a screen protector on it, or a case of sorts(that often doesnt cover the screen) When it's a netbook or lappie you are more careful. With my tablet, I have tight fitting padded bag, and carry it around very carefully when I use it. It actually wasnt hugely expensive but I am fond of my TC1100 and they are relatively rare to come by these days. Works great with W7 too mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallucination Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Could it be the Apple tablet in the pic - and does this mean in it is Tegra powered ? If so, it would definitely be quite a nifty device. I wonder if it will support handwriting input....... mtfbwya I doubt it's Apple, it's neither opaque white nor aluminum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Apple uses the best technology for their [computers]. Apple says to their customers: if you buy a computer from us you can be sure we have selected the best technology inside for you. That is their promise to consumers. Their promise to consumers isn't we've selected the best technology for you with the exception of what Intel allows us to use. That's not their promise. And that's why Apple uses the best technology where they want whenever they want. And that's why I'm all Apple! At home it's just Macs everywhere. It's NVIDIA's technology in all of them but I use Macs. My son has two Macs, my daughter has a Mac, there's an extra Mac just in case and my wife has a Mac. It's just Mac, Mac, Mac! Because I know it's got the best stuff inside. GAWD. As if we needed another reason to dislike this guy. *covers nVidia-powered PC in shame* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 lolz Cmon Q> the world of tech would be dull without fruitcakes like Ballmer and JHH As far as the 'possible apple tablet' > EDIT: Applet Tablet fanboys will need to get back to frothing using their imagination only as it was today clarified that it is a Tegra based prototype of another device source. The device will have windows CE and android variants appparently mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Here's a headline you'll likely never see again: Intel pays out $1.23billion to settle all litigation with AMD Now, AMD - use it wisely - don't spend it all on hookers and pizza mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 For those that are even mildly tech aware - it was hard not to hear bout Googles big reveal of their Chrome OS a couple of days ago. Basically, its not meant to be a rival to Windows or Mac, but an OS with a mobile+network focus(Im not going to use the 'c' word that rhymes with loud) that will give you direct access to apps. Whilst people are fiddling around on Chrome OS images as we speak, without having a chrome OS optimised device, they might as well not bother as it wont give them the guts of what Chrome OS is about. eg. put the iphone (symbian os) on a pc emulator and see how much fun it is ?? Of course, Linux people are going to say they have had thin client builds for agez, but of course they are only accessible by people keen on the Linux journey. Devices that run google OS will have specific hardware parameters(just like android phones) and the interface is built for GUI user friendliness - or at least thats what Google is saying. Time will tell if it will take off. I think putting the letters OS into the title is a bad idea. Android is becoming extremely popular with mobile device users, and manufacturers. It is just as much an OS as chrome OS - they should have called it something different perhaps - people have gone in expecting something abit more akin to the Win/Mac than android and then have been whining all over the internet about ever since the reveal on Thursday They couldt called it Google Mobile/Thin OS or something similar - stop some dumb folks from getting confused and trting to run crysis on it Here's detailed coverage of the Google OS presentation from engadget mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 For those of us pc gamers that are looking forward to Mass Effect 2 - the sys reqs. have been put out not too long ago... Whilst it seems you might get it to crawl along on a 6800, the 'recommonded' specs start at an 8800GT....phaw! Minmum System Requirements Processor: 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent AMD CPU Memory: 1GB RAM for Windows XP / 2GB RAM for Windows Vista and Windows 7 Video Card: 256MB (with pixel Shader 3.0 support) Supported Chipsets: NVIDIA GeForce 6800 or greater; ATI Radeon X1600 Pro or greater Hard Drive: 15GB OS: Windows XP SP3/ Windows Vista SP1/ Windows 7 DVD ROM: 1x Speed Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible DirectX: DirectX 9.0c August 2008 (included) Input: Keyboard/ Mouse Recommended System Requirements Processor: 2.6+ GHz Core 2 Duo Intel or equivalent AMD CPU Memory: 2GB RAM Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT, NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT, or better recommended Sound Card: 100% DirectX compatible sound card and drivers DirectX: DirectX August 2008 OS: Windows XP SP3/ Windows Vista SP1/ Windows 7 So if your pc looks like it might not cut it, it might be cheaper for you to get your hands on a x360 if you really want to play this game... mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerhs Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 ^^^^ those specs really aren't that much higher than the first game, at least for the minimums. the recommended is a bit more hefty, though. it shouldn't pose much of a challenge for my system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 it shouldn't pose much of a challenge for my system. My system is OK, its my pesky monitor Im worried about I managed 1600p OK with ME1. I wonder if things will change for ME2....... In other news, the folks over at nvidia must be giggling endlessly with Intel finally pulling the chain on Larabee as a desktop GPU platform. It seems like its going to be a software dev platform... In any event, it looks like nvidia CEO Jen Hsun Huang was on the money when he said 'what Larabee' JHH has been kicking mich a$$ this year with wise cracks and predictions - now for GT300 to follow suit.....at least before CryEngine2.0 is out anyway mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 By the time nVidia launches Fermi (GT300), DAAMIT will probably be close to launching a revision of the HD 5xxx, effectively putting them six months and half an architectural node ahead of nVidia. That's hardly kicking a$$, and this is coming from someone with a computer sporting an nVidia motherboard and two nVidia video cards. With Fermi, nVidia will have had to invented the second coming of silicon to impress anyone this go-around. There are many predicting (hoping) that Fermi will end up being the next NV30 (FX). I don't believe that that will be the case, but you never know. The same thing most certainly happened to ATI with R600. Either way, this half-a-node lead is completely win-win for DAAMIT, especially if they can maintain it. Why? Because even if nVidia's GPU of the same generation ends up being the superior one, it will still only be released after DAMMIT has held the performance crown for ~6 months with no answer from nVidia, and no real competition from them, either. That is, of course, unless nVidia slashes prices, which with them is akin to pulling teeth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrotoy7 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 That's hardly kicking a$$ JHH is the one kicking a$$ He has apparently lost weight, looking fighting fit and been trading insults with Intel all year long,often coming out with the last say. Just look at him in the pic a few posts above Get a guy like that in AMD and watch things change! As for the kit.... we cant say anything categorically yet because they are not available for tesing. Heres some Fermi tech specs Courtesy of Bright Side and nvidia's Ian Petersen, clock speeds still being finalised. Only the first few lines make any sense to the likes of me, but I think it's fair to say it's shaping up to be a decent showdown. Of course - the final verdict will be in when these things get crunched through some games! This kit is being rolled out starting January. As far as gaming performance goes, I think at 720p these will all play out the same. As demosntrated with GTX 295 and the 59xx, once you start venturing into >1080p is when things get a but more interesting. Since 1600p gaming isnt really relevant to many, its a moot point and card choice again comes down to a mixture of price vs brand loyalty mtfbwya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerhs Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 January?? NV is getting way behind now that AMD has launched the 5970 (5870 X2). the only thing AMD needs to fix is to improve availability of their new cards. the new cards are out of stock so often that the prices have jumped a good $50-75 depending on the retailer you're looking at. makes me happy that i got my 5850 when Newegg had some at $260. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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