"Construction quality was good; there were no obvious physical flaws on the DIMMs and the performance was reliable.
Functionality is excellent: the user can choose to run at the default 1333MHz or the XMP-profile 1600Mhz by selecting the desired profile in their computer's BIOS, with no overclocking or guesswork needed. While the 1600MHz speed won't provide much performance improvement over 1333MHz, you're paying for it, so you might as well use it. The heat spreaders aren't low-profile but also aren't as high as many others; still, you should check the clearance on your system if your cooler overhangs any of the memory slots.
Right now, a good DDR3-1600 memory kit hits the sweet spot for price vs. performance: it's faster than DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1333 (besides, there's some subtle enthusiast stigma attached to memory slower than 1600MHz), and provides virtually the same performance as much more expensive "high performance" memory. You'll get G.SKILL's lifetime warranty and support in a 16GB kit that's less than $90 at Newegg, which is the lowest price I can find for a DDR3-1600 quad channel memory kit with 9-9-9-24 timings. Right now this is the best bang for the buck available in a memory kit of these specs."
David Ramsey - BenchmarkReviews
G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL memory kit review by BenchmarkReviews - Introduction & Conclusion.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Lian Li PC-90 'The Hammer' review on TechwareLabs
"So once again Lian Li has changed up the computer case design while leaving the exterior of the case unchanged. Just when you think there isn’t much else you can do with a computer case, Lian Li comes in and WOW’s you once again. The days of the beige PC case that is made of stamped steel and weighs 10~20lbs are long since gone and have been replaced with multiple color options and windows to see the internals which are lit up by light emitting diodes and cases made from stamped and formed aluminum which are just as rigid as their predecessors and at a fraction of the weight.
Lian Li has engineered some of the most unique and desirable cases on the market in recent years and with the PC-90, they have added one more very desirable case to the lineup. We are really impressed with what Lian Li’s engineers have come up with in each new model and each time we are blown away. The PC-90 is another great case to own and even through there isn’t much to look at to WOW anyone who passes by, it will surely knock their socks off when you take the time to show them the internal layout and with proper/clean cable management will be the selling factor for anyone who has a lot of hard drives and is constantly fighting with heat issues.
TechwareLabs awards the Lian Li PC-90 the Approved hardware award."
Matthew Homan - TechwareLabs
Lian Li PC-90 Hammer chassis review by TechwareLabs - Introduction & Conclusion.
Lian Li has engineered some of the most unique and desirable cases on the market in recent years and with the PC-90, they have added one more very desirable case to the lineup. We are really impressed with what Lian Li’s engineers have come up with in each new model and each time we are blown away. The PC-90 is another great case to own and even through there isn’t much to look at to WOW anyone who passes by, it will surely knock their socks off when you take the time to show them the internal layout and with proper/clean cable management will be the selling factor for anyone who has a lot of hard drives and is constantly fighting with heat issues.
TechwareLabs awards the Lian Li PC-90 the Approved hardware award."
Matthew Homan - TechwareLabs
Lian Li PC-90 Hammer chassis review by TechwareLabs - Introduction & Conclusion.
Noctua NH-C14 CPU cooler review by Modders-Inc
"This 6 heat pipe cooler is massive. At 1000g, and cooled by two 140mm whisper quiet fans, you will need space for this to shine. If you are done in by a slimmer profile, or taller memory, and are looking for a heatsink that will give you maximum cooling while allowing you to stay with your current equipment, take measurements and give this cooler a good, haaaard look. It may very well be *exactly* what you need."
Craig Tate - Modders-Inc
Noctua NH-C14 CPU cooler review by Modders-Inc - Introduction & Conclusion.
Craig Tate - Modders-Inc
Noctua NH-C14 CPU cooler review by Modders-Inc - Introduction & Conclusion.
G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL DDR-3 memory kit review on TweakTown
"With 16GB on offer from this quad channel kit for $89.99 USD, you get a good amount of RAM at a really good price. On top of that, it's probably one of the best looking kits that come in at under $100 US thanks to that black PCB and awesome looking RipjawsZ. If you've blown all your money on a new CPU and video card for your machine, you can turn around and buy this 16GB kit of RAM from G.Skill and know you're getting something that not only performs well, but looks great as well."
Shane Baxtor - TweakTown
G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL memory review by TweakTown - Full review.
Shane Baxtor - TweakTown
G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL memory review by TweakTown - Full review.
Tt eSPORTS Theron 5600DPI gaming mouse review on RealWorldLabs
"Overall the THERON Gaming Mouse by TteSports is not only a very good unit but it's also amongst the best ones I’ve ever used and so i doubt there's anyone out there who will be disappointed by its accuracy, speed, grip, build quality and design and that's why we are awarding it with our Editors Real Choice Award."
Nik Kastrantas - RealWorldLabs
Tt eSPORTS Theron mouse review by RealWorldLabs - Introduction & Conclusion.
Nik Kastrantas - RealWorldLabs
Tt eSPORTS Theron mouse review by RealWorldLabs - Introduction & Conclusion.
Friday, January 20, 2012
HardwareSecrets - The best way to apply thermal grease
"If there is one thing about computer hardware where there is no consensus, it’s the right way to apply thermal compound on a CPU. Today, we present seven ways to apply it, showing how the CPU looks after removing the cooler and how each way affects cooling performance."
Rafael Otto Coelho - Hardware Secrets
Read the bible of thermal compound applications by HardwareSecrets. When you've digested that, check out Mittoni's extensive range of thermal compounds. We also do thermal adhesives and thermal compound removers too..... Get into them!
Rafael Otto Coelho - Hardware Secrets
Read the bible of thermal compound applications by HardwareSecrets. When you've digested that, check out Mittoni's extensive range of thermal compounds. We also do thermal adhesives and thermal compound removers too..... Get into them!
Thermaltake Overseer RX-I chassis review on Pro-Clockers
"The Thermaltake Overseer RX-I is a budget-minded gamers’ dream. The looks are extreme but also full of detail that begs to be looked at. It definitely reminds us a lot of the Chaser which will be reviewed here shortly.
The cooling possibilities are endless as TT place fans or fan options just where they are needed. Included are three fans: two 200mm up top and in the front and a single 120mm in the rear. The user can opt to purchase three more fans in the same size configurations as just stated for the bottom, side panel and top of the case. And all to the included fans are pretty quiet topping off at 16 dBA."
Tony Walker - Pro-Clockers
Thermaltake Overseer RX-I chassis review by Pro-Clockers - Introduction & Conclusion.
The cooling possibilities are endless as TT place fans or fan options just where they are needed. Included are three fans: two 200mm up top and in the front and a single 120mm in the rear. The user can opt to purchase three more fans in the same size configurations as just stated for the bottom, side panel and top of the case. And all to the included fans are pretty quiet topping off at 16 dBA."
Tony Walker - Pro-Clockers
Thermaltake Overseer RX-I chassis review by Pro-Clockers - Introduction & Conclusion.
Ever wondered how I look so good in photos?
People are always asking how I look so good in photographs (honestly....)
Now you can look like me!
Now you can look like me!
IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 - Finally gets official TrackIR 6DOF support!
Okay WW2 combat flight sim fans, this is important news!
"2011 was a banner year for the simulation industry, especially for the flight sim community. Team Daidalos, the group chosen to officially continue development and support of the IL-2 legacy, has set 2012 off to a good start by releasing 4.11m for IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 that includes a number of features that bring the aging simulation up to and even exceeding today’s flight sim standards and expectations, including 6DoF views, improved enemy AI, updated engine management modeling, new flyable planes, new ground units, more flexible difficulty settings, and much more. Perhaps best of all, this patch, which includes a large number of new features in addition to bug fixes, is free!"
Erik "EinsteinEP" Pierce - SimHQ
Read the feature article from SimHQ. Not familiar with what the NaturalPoint TrackIR is or what it does? Check out this 'nutshell' introduction:
"2011 was a banner year for the simulation industry, especially for the flight sim community. Team Daidalos, the group chosen to officially continue development and support of the IL-2 legacy, has set 2012 off to a good start by releasing 4.11m for IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 that includes a number of features that bring the aging simulation up to and even exceeding today’s flight sim standards and expectations, including 6DoF views, improved enemy AI, updated engine management modeling, new flyable planes, new ground units, more flexible difficulty settings, and much more. Perhaps best of all, this patch, which includes a large number of new features in addition to bug fixes, is free!"
Erik "EinsteinEP" Pierce - SimHQ
Read the feature article from SimHQ. Not familiar with what the NaturalPoint TrackIR is or what it does? Check out this 'nutshell' introduction:
Thursday, January 19, 2012
G.Skill F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH DDR3 kit review on TechPowerUp
"Our testing even proved to show that there are significant gains to be had using XMP-certified memory on the Intel X79 Express platform. We really have to give G.Skill kudos for making sure motherboard makers had samples too, to make sure that end users have the best and easiest experience possible. For normal users, and for those looking to hit the extreme end of performance, the G.Skill Ripjaws Z F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH kit has a lot to offer, that many other kits cannot say as easily. And with that in mind, we can easily give the G.Skill Ripjaws Z F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH a "Recommended" award."
Cadaveca - TechPowerUp
G.Skill F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH memory kit review by TechPowerUp - Introduction & Conclusion.
Cadaveca - TechPowerUp
G.Skill F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH memory kit review by TechPowerUp - Introduction & Conclusion.
G.Skill F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH DDR3 kit review on OverclockersClub
"This 16 GB quad-channel set of RipjawsZ is one of the higher speed bins in their X79 quad-channel line-up, with a rated speed of 2133 MHz. This set of memory delivered great performance throughout testing and was one of the better performing sets, especially when overclocked. Running at an overclocked 2414 MHz, this kit ran at the highest overall speed of all the modules. Not the largest increase over the baseline, but the highest speed overall. By loosening up the latencies and giving the modules a small boost in voltage, the modules responded well with increased bandwidth and memory performance. I think with even looser latencies and a better memory controller, there will still be some speed left in the modules – looks like it’s time for a 3930K!
When I first laid eyes on these modules, the first thing I noticed was the new look of the RipjawsZ heat shield alongside the black PCB. The new design is taller, so it sits further out into the airstream to and from the CPU cooling solution. Although this allows the modules to be kept cool under load, you will still run into same interference issues when all of the DIMM slots are populated on the motherboard. There is not as much open space along the top of the heat shield as on the earlier design, but the modules do not seem to heat up above ambient air temps with a small amount of airflow over them.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, G.Skill has these RipjawsZ modules prices aggressively at $159 for a 2133 MHz kit. Even with the low price of DRAM, this presents an enormous value for the end user looking to get increased memory performance."
ccokeman - OverclockersClub
G.Skill F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH memory kit review by OverclockersClub - Introduction & Conclusion.
When I first laid eyes on these modules, the first thing I noticed was the new look of the RipjawsZ heat shield alongside the black PCB. The new design is taller, so it sits further out into the airstream to and from the CPU cooling solution. Although this allows the modules to be kept cool under load, you will still run into same interference issues when all of the DIMM slots are populated on the motherboard. There is not as much open space along the top of the heat shield as on the earlier design, but the modules do not seem to heat up above ambient air temps with a small amount of airflow over them.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, G.Skill has these RipjawsZ modules prices aggressively at $159 for a 2133 MHz kit. Even with the low price of DRAM, this presents an enormous value for the end user looking to get increased memory performance."
ccokeman - OverclockersClub
G.Skill F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH memory kit review by OverclockersClub - Introduction & Conclusion.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Microsoft Flight takes to the skies!
"Today, Microsoft Studios premiered Microsoft Flight, a PC game that lets players jump into the challenge, fun, and freedom of flight. Microsoft Flight will be available as a free download this spring, giving players the freedom to fly the skies over the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, complete a variety of exciting missions, test their skills in flying challenges, or find hidden aerocaches on the island.
In Microsoft Flight, players view the world from above in a visually stunning and realistic representation of the earth, complete with region-specific weather patterns, foliage, terrain and landmarks. Players can choose to take the helm using highly rendered, accurate cockpits and authentic piloting procedures, or simply use their mouse and keyboard to control the plane in an exterior view. More experienced players can tailor the flight controls to match their skill level, making Microsoft Flight easy for beginners while still challenging for the most accomplished PC pilots.
“Many people dream of flying, but few have the chance to experience the fun of exploring the world from above. Microsoft Flight provides players the opportunity to explore that curiosity and interest,” said Joshua Howard, executive producer of Microsoft Flight. “Aviation can be incredibly technical, but we’ve taken great care to build an experience that makes taking to the skies thrilling and accessible for everyone.”
Start Exploring For Free
After downloading Microsoft Flight for free, players can jump into hours of exciting gameplay on the Big Island of Hawaii.
In addition, players who sign in to their Games for Windows – LIVE account automatically receive additional free content, including the legendary Boeing Stearman plane, supplementary missions, and access to Achievements and an Online Pilot Profile. Those looking to deepen their experience can purchase and download additional content that adds new aircraft, regions and customization options. The frequently released new content for Microsoft Flight includes daily aerocache challenges and updates that make every flight unique and fun."
Read the full press release from Microsoft. Mittoni has a wide range of flight controllers to suit titles such as this, alongside our TrackIR head tracking units - all must have devices for any serious virtual pilot!
In Microsoft Flight, players view the world from above in a visually stunning and realistic representation of the earth, complete with region-specific weather patterns, foliage, terrain and landmarks. Players can choose to take the helm using highly rendered, accurate cockpits and authentic piloting procedures, or simply use their mouse and keyboard to control the plane in an exterior view. More experienced players can tailor the flight controls to match their skill level, making Microsoft Flight easy for beginners while still challenging for the most accomplished PC pilots.
“Many people dream of flying, but few have the chance to experience the fun of exploring the world from above. Microsoft Flight provides players the opportunity to explore that curiosity and interest,” said Joshua Howard, executive producer of Microsoft Flight. “Aviation can be incredibly technical, but we’ve taken great care to build an experience that makes taking to the skies thrilling and accessible for everyone.”
Start Exploring For Free
After downloading Microsoft Flight for free, players can jump into hours of exciting gameplay on the Big Island of Hawaii.
In addition, players who sign in to their Games for Windows – LIVE account automatically receive additional free content, including the legendary Boeing Stearman plane, supplementary missions, and access to Achievements and an Online Pilot Profile. Those looking to deepen their experience can purchase and download additional content that adds new aircraft, regions and customization options. The frequently released new content for Microsoft Flight includes daily aerocache challenges and updates that make every flight unique and fun."
Read the full press release from Microsoft. Mittoni has a wide range of flight controllers to suit titles such as this, alongside our TrackIR head tracking units - all must have devices for any serious virtual pilot!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
SimHQ take a look back at the best simulation games of 2011
SimHQ, a favourite haunt for most PC simulation fanatics, has taken a look back over releases from 2011. With catagories such as 'Best Commercial Flight Simulation', 'Best Commercial Motorsports Simulation', etc. If you're a sim gamer you should check the list - perhaps there is a game or two you missed last year? Look back at the best sims of 2011.
If you've been a sim gamer for a while, you'll remember that 2011 had it's ups and downs. Much anticipated titles were released and the community was dissapointed - underwhelming titles were released and surprised us all with their immersive gameplay. Forums were awash with excited - and jaded - chatter. Take a look at SimHQ's 'a year on the forums' - you'll laugh and cry!
If you've been a sim gamer for a while, you'll remember that 2011 had it's ups and downs. Much anticipated titles were released and the community was dissapointed - underwhelming titles were released and surprised us all with their immersive gameplay. Forums were awash with excited - and jaded - chatter. Take a look at SimHQ's 'a year on the forums' - you'll laugh and cry!
Spatial disorders in the workplace - Now where did I leave that invoice again???
"The satellite started out in a highly-elliptical, temporary orbit. The plan was to use the spacecraft’s on-board engine to boost it to a permanent, geo-stationary orbit. But when the Air Force space operators at Los Angeles Air Force Base activated the engine, nothing happened."
SoulSkill - Slashdot
Slashdot question Could a Dirty Rag Take Out a $2 Billion Satellite?
SoulSkill - Slashdot
Slashdot question Could a Dirty Rag Take Out a $2 Billion Satellite?
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