DFI

Down But Not Out

Our loyal readers may have noticed we lost some content on our web site, this was due to our site getting hacked.  Unfortunately the lost content is not recoverable without redoing all the reviews manually.  Some will get redone and others probably will not, the staff is working feverishly to redo the reviews that will be replaced.

Rest assured some additional security measures have been implemented to prevent this unfortunate incident from happening again!

G.SKill Launches Ultimate Workstation Memory Kit For EVGA SR-2

Taipei, Taiwanー23th July 2010ーG.Skill International Co. Ltd., manufacturer of extreme performance memory and solid-state storage with solid quality, has today released the world’s only hand-picked, hand-tested, ultra-high capacity DDR3 memory kit for workstations: 48GB (4GBx12) of 1,900MHz CL8 1.65V with G.Skill’s popular Ripjaws series heatsink.

Designed exclusively for EVGA’s best in class Super Record 2 (SR-2) motherboard, which features dual Intel Xeon LGA1366 CPU sockets and 12 DDR3 memory slots, G.Skill has been able to match its masterpiece of 48GB DDR3 precisely to this board, making it performance for performance-hungry workstation users. Furthermore, based on G.Skill lab’s internal test results, advanced users capable of understanding sophisticated BIOS adjustments will be able to reach 2,000MHz CL8 with the G.Skill Ripjaws 48GB DDR3 kit.

Combed with the Intel Xeons 4-6 cores CPUs and EVGA’s support for Nvidia’s 4 way SLI technology, G.Skill’s DDR3 48GB (4GBx12) 1,900MHz CL8 Ripjaws is the best memory solution for building the ultimate super-computer for applications such as 3D rendering, data modeling, scientific research and other professional applications.

48GB 1,900MHz CL8 hits the upper limits of DDR3 technology for Intel’s Xeon CPUs, and as such, all G.Skill 48GB DDR3 kits are 100% hand-tested by G.Skill’s most senior R&D team to ensure the best stability, reliability, compatibility and performance. The 48GB Ripjaws will be available at G.Skill’s retail partners worldwide in August, or contact G.Skill directly. Stay tuned for the latest news about further developments in ultra-high capacity kits at www.gskill.com.

About G.Skill

Established in 1989 by enthusiasts, G.Skill is a leading memory manufacturer based in Taipei, Taiwan. The company’s top priority is Quality. All of our products undergo a series of the most rigorous tests and strict quality control processes. In addition to a committed, qualified IC testing house to examine our products, all G.Skill products are 100% tested to ensure the highest yield, reliability and quality

ASUS AT3IONT-1 Deluxe MITX Board Review

  

Introduction 

We are in an era where personal computers are becoming smaller with each passing generation; except for those whom like to cool or use their systems in ever more esoteric ways. As a result Intel has dropped the gauntlet with the Atom processor and with the formation of MITX as the de-facto standard for all small form factor systems, then we are in for some interesting times! The idea behind these systems is for low power consumption making them a green alternative to the larger computers but with the obvious sacrifice of speed and in some cases durability. 

The obvious applications for the above hardware are to use in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) box or a HTPC (Home Theatre PC) We all know that HTPC cases get very hot, due to the amount of power that is used in such a small confined space and with little airflow. However with each generation of the Intel Atom processor, then the power requirements are lowered ergo the heat.  

One company that has been amongst the forefront of the computer world is Asus. Previously known for their range of motherboards, graphics cards and more recently their netbook range; then it would be fair to assume that the aforementioned business has made an impact in the I.T industry and with their knowledge of producing quality ‘netbooks’ it is with hopes that this can be translated into the ‘desktop’ environment with the use of the Intel Atom processor.  

Continue reading ‘ASUS AT3IONT-1 Deluxe MITX Board Review’ »

Exclusive Pictures of ASUS Concept Motherboard – Immensity

Socket 1366.
2x 8Pin CPU Power.
Features Lucid Hydra. And to top it off, it has a 5000 series ATI GFX embedded!

This GPU isn’t an integrated chip like AMDs 785G, this has a full blown GPU on it! What 5000 series you say? Well it’s not confirmed yet, but this has featured a 5770 GPU embedded onto it.

ETA? No idea, maybe this year, keep your eyes peeled!

G.Skill at Computex 2010

G.Skill released its new Phoenix Pro SSD and series of ultra high performance memory modules at Computex 2010.

Phoenix Pro SSD
G.Skill has shown its latest SSD solution, Phoenix Pro, based on SandForce SF-1200 controller. By partnering with SandForce , Phoenix Pro series has enhanced IOPS up to 50,000, which has a great improvement on small file read/write speed, comparing to the previous Phoenix generation. G.Skill is glad to expand its Phoenix SSD product line to the next level and provide extreme gamers, PC enthusiasts and power users the perfect choice of storage solution. The Phoenix Pro SSD will be available at 60GB, 120GB and 240GB at G.Skill’s authorized distribution partners within two weeks.

Continue reading ‘G.Skill at Computex 2010’ »

Antec Premiers Elite Line of High-Performance Power Supplies with High Current Pro Series

***** NEWS *****


New series features four 80 PLUS Gold certified power supplies, attaining highest level of efficiency and performance ratings.

Fremont, CA  June 2, 2010 Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, today announced its newest premium line of consumer power supplies, the High Current Pro series. Available in four 80 PLUS Gold certified models, the High Current Pro series boasts unrivaled server-grade efficiency and reliability for powering the most demanding system builds.

The High Current Pro uses a unique full-bridge phase-shift topology for fast response time, superb efficiency and none of the annoying pitch noise typically found in higher-power PSUs. The HCP-750, HCP-850, HCP-1000 and HCP-1200 with 750 watts, 850 watts, 1000 watts and 1200 watts of Continuous Power, respectively, all achieve the highest 80 PLUS certification level, Gold, delivering their rated Continuous Power with least 87% efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% loads, even at up to 50°C a rare distinction in energy efficiency attained by very few other power supplies. In addition, Active Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) on all models, with a power factor above 0.9 helps reduce electrical waste and further increases efficiency.

Reliability-boosting PSU features on the High Current Pro include all Japanese-brand capacitors, DC-to-DC voltage regulators, and unique high-amperage High Current outputs that assure graphics card compatibility. Together, these features provide the performance and rock-solid stability required for cutting-edge gaming and professional systems.

Antec’s High Current Pro series is the optimal choice for users seeking a first-class solution to power demanding system builds, said Scott Richards, senior vice president of Antec. With all four models achieving 80 PLUS Gold certification, providing unequaled efficiency and performance, on all levels, and using top-notch components, the HCP series once again demonstrates Antec’s leadership in power supply design and innovation.

The High Current Pro series high levels of power are delivered over overcurrent-protected +12V rails “ four rails on the HCP-750 and HCP-850, five rails on the HCP-1000 and a massive eight rails on the HCP-1200, all with specialized High Current outputs, heavy-gauge 16 AWG high-current lines at the PCI-E sockets and unique 10-pin High Current Hybrid Cable Management connectors to deliver high power along with low power losses to wiring resistance.

Additional features include Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) double-ball bearing fans for operation up to 50 percent quieter than traditional voltage-controlled fans – 135 mm on the HCP-750, HCP-850 and HCP-1000 and a specially configured, noise-optimized rear 80 mm fan configuration on the HCP-1200, Advanced Hybrid Cable Management to reduce cable clutter and improve airflow throughout the chassis, and double layer printed circuit board on all models “ with abundant dual double-layer PCBs on the HCP-1200 “ allow for heavy-duty components and larger traces that dissipate heat better, improving reliability and extending overall life.

The High Current Pro series includes support for Intel quad core, Core i3, Core i7 and Core i5 CPUs, as well as AMD Phemon II X6 CPUs and quad GPUs. All models are NVIDIA SLI Ready, (including Triple SLI certification on the HCP-1200 model) and ATI CrossFireX certified.

The entire High Current Pro series will be available through major retailers, e-tailers and distributors in July 2010 and is backed by Antec’s AQ5 Antec Quality 5-Year limited warranty on parts and labor.

Thermaltake VL20001W2Z Element V Review

Voodoo – Color shift Fan with 6 color changing pattern for optimal gaming experience.
Vivid – Three color shifting fans creates most eye catching appearance.
Vary – Adjustable fan speed control for performance mode or silent mode.
Ventilation – Excellent thermal performance with optimized air flow.
Vast – Support up to 11X5.25 drive bay or 5X5.25 and 6X3.5 with 2 iCage.

Since the beginning of Thermaltake in 1999, it has been at the forefront of creating new and exciting products at a time where most computer users were provided little to no choices for components. This may seem irrelevant, but in reality crucial to the performance of a PC.

Thermaltake Server Series solutions, with years of thermal experience and industry leadership, sets its goal on reforming total thermal management in server segment by formulating the perfect mixture of versatility, efficiency and thermal management with each respective server product category: Rackmount Chassis, Server Fixed & Redundant Power Supply and Server CPU Cooling Management Solutions.

With its comprehensive line of products, Thermaltake’s core customers can enjoy a one-stop-shop experience, reduce product design-in evaluation period and most important of all, flawless integration process. Each of Thermaltake’s strengths enables its customer to focus on their core business while taking advantage of the skills and efficiency of a single thermal management solution partner.

Continue reading ‘Thermaltake VL20001W2Z Element V Review’ »

Gigabyte Releases Worlds First USB3 Mini-ITX Motherboard

GA-H55N-USB3 Box + Board

GA-H55N-USB3 Box + Board

You might have thought someone would have already done this? Apparently not,  just released this week is the worlds first USB 3 Mini-Itx motherboard from Gigabyte, the GA-H55N-USB3.

GA-H55N-USB3 Top Shot

GA-H55N-USB3 Top Shot

Based on the H55 chipset for LGA1156 processors, the board supports up to a Core i7 870 processor with up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The board also features a single PCI-Express slot making it a possible to create a nifty little gaming rig in an unthinkably small enclosure. If you are just planning on lighter work you can use an i5/3 processor with integrated graphics and have the standard HDMI, DVI and VGA interfaces.

GA-H55N-USB3 Rear Panel

GA-H55N-USB3 Rear Panel

Not content with just USB3 support, Gigabyte have also included 3xUSB Power Boost, which allows you to charge that shiny new iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. You can charge your device while turned on, or take advantage of the special On/Off charge support which allows charging all the time, even when the PC is switched off!

For more info head on to the Gigabyte website. All images credit Gigabyte.