Wednesday, June 29, 2011

3DGameMan video review of Auzentech Bravura soundcard

The 3DGameMan, has taken an extensive look at Auzen's brilliant Bravura sound card.



If you listen to music or watch movies on your PC and are still using onboard sound - you really need to try the difference in using a dedicated soundcard.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

youngpro returns from the G.Skill overclocking challenge at Computex

You may recall a couple of weeks ago we had a newsletter feature discussing G.Skill's incredible show at Computex 2011. youngpro "the guru of extreme memory overclocking" (OMG... what a title!) has now returned to Australia and has posted information on the OCAU forums - check it out!

Speaking as an Aussie overclocker, for the rest of us - We're proud of you youngpro!

Logitech M305 mouse examined by LegitReviews

Nate from LegitReviews took a gander at the excellent M305 wireless mouse from Logitech, he writes:

"The Logitech M305 proved to be a very capable and inexpensive 2.4 GHz wireless mouse. The M305 is also easy to use thanks to the fact that you just plug it in and it works. There really isn't much more to say than that as the M305 really doesn't have any flaws or known issues about it that need to be addressed."

Nathan Kirsch - LegitReviews


Logitech M305 mouse examined by LegitReviews - Introduction / Conclusion.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Lancool (Lian Li..... but steel!) PC-K63 mid tower video review

Rodney, the 3DGameMan, has taken an in depth look at Lancool's excellent PC-K63 mid tower chassis. Watch and learn people!

Gaming case roundup on Techspot

Steven Walton from Techspot has compared six sub $200- enthusiast/gaming orientated chassis. A number of our chassis options were discussed, however it is the close look at the Lancool (Lian Li) PC-K63's mid tower that I'd like to draw to your attention - read it here.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Get Your Game Face On Logitech!

Just a millimetre.... Just a millisecond.... Counts. A customisable control right where you need it. The smallest details can make all the difference. Never an ordinary device, everything in the Logitech G-series is crafted to perform, to fit and to feel real. The G-series is about customisation. It's about immersion. And it’s about extreme performance. It’s about those features nobody’s given you before. And understanding just what you want and need because we not only listen to the gaming community — Logitech & Mittoni are part of it!

Mittoni offer leading products aimed at the casual through hardcore gamer with solutions for all platforms including Xbox, Playstation, PC, Mac - you name it!

Take a look at our Logitech Range.
Take a look at our Boomchair Range.
Take a look at our CH Products Range.
Take a look at our eDimensional Range.
Take a look at our NaturalPoint Range.
Take a look at our Playseat Range.
Take a look at our Tt eSPORTS Range.
Take a look at our Wolfclaw Range.

Logitech G13 Advanced Game Pad

Dig in, hold the line and stay informed with game changing comfort and control. You’ve got easy access to tactical information, including live stats, system info, and communications from your fellow players. You can customize keys to suit your style of play and even assign complex actions to single keystrokes on the fly!

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G27 Simulation Grade Kit

Dual motor force feedback makes you feel closer than ever to the world’s greatest circuits. You’ll experience traction loss, weight shift, and road feel recreated smoothly and accurately. Helical gearing provides the exceptionally quiet steering action. Force feedback - You can really feel it!

Would you like to know more?

Logitech Extreme 3D Gaming Grade Joystick

From acrobatic dogfights to long range strikes, this precise joystick gives you the edge. Experience superior response and control with 12 conveniently placed action buttons, eight way rubberized hat switch, twist handle and rapid fire trigger.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech F710 Gaming Grade Wireless

A wireless, familiar-feeling gamepad with broad game support and dual vibration feedback lets you feel every hit, crash and explosion in your PC games. With its 2.4GHz wireless, you get fast data transmission and virtually no delays, dropouts or interference.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G19 Gaming Grade Keyboard

With a colour GamePanel LCD and 12 programmable G-keys, this gaming keyboard puts an arsenal of advanced gaming technology on your side. The (320x240) display shows you what you need to know in and out of game - including game stats, system info, VOIP communication data, video playback, image slideshows, and more. Get more intel with GamePanel!

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G110 Gaming Grade Keyboard

What you need to step up your game: Custom colour backlighting, integrated USB audio, twelve programmable G-keys and a whole lot more! You can easily locate the correct keys, even in the dark. Plus, you can mix red and blue backlighting LEDs in varying intensities to create custom colours. Separate headphone and mic jacks and mute buttons mean you can use any analogue headset with 3.5 mm plugs as a USB audio device for clear communication.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G510 Gaming Grade Keyboard

With a GamePanel LCD and 18 programmable G-keys, this keyboard gives you instant access to the tools and intel you need to win. Stay on point by keeping informed, both in and out of game, with real time game stats, system information & VoIP communication data.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G35 Gaming Grade Headset

With gaming-changing 7.1 surround sound powered by Dolby and three swappable headband pads, victory never sounded or felt so good. It delivers a detailed sound field that lets you hear your enemies before they see you. This headset comes with interchangeable contoured cushions, so you can find a fit that feels just right. One touch command over music & voice morphing.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G500 Gaming Grade Mouse

With onboard memory, weight tuning, and adjustable sensitivity, this is the mouse to have by your side when the pressure is on and everything is at stake. Whether you’re zeroing in on one pixel or whipping across a million at full speed, the gaming grade laser gives you hard to beat cursor control.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G700 Gaming Grade Mouse

13 programmable controls. A natural shape that fits your hand. Full speed wireless for freedom without performance compromises. No matter what you’re designing, you’ll have the control you need to get it done fast. Every button on the G700 is carefully designed and placed to be easily identifiable by touch, so they’re right there when you need them but out of your way when you don’t.

Would you like to know more?

Logitech G9X Gaming Grade Mouse

With interchangeable grips, a weight tuning system, and onboard memory, you can tune this gaming grade laser mouse for the way you play. The satin texture and fuller shape of the Wide Load grip add extra comfort. The DryGrip technology and compact shape of the Precision grip give you unmatched control. You can program up to five profiles (keyboard macros, dpi settings, and LED colours), so you can play your way on other PCs.

Would you like to know more?

Friday, June 17, 2011

PQI 2.5" USB2 & 3 External Hard Drives - Beef Up Yer Back Up!

PQI, known for their excellent SDHC, CF and RAM, also have a great range of external 2.5" USB hard drives available. Considering the proximity of the End of Financial Year, we'd like to take just a few moments to spotlight two of these series of drives, the "USB2 MILSPEC Shockproof" and "USB3 iPhone lookalike" flavours.

The MILSPEC series, with its distinctive 'flak jacket' looks supplied by the special shock reducing rubber material, offers a unique internal shock absorption suspension technology and meets US military grade drop test MIL-STD-810F 516.5 procedure IV (transit drop test) proving durability & sturdiness. It's popular locally with the ADF too, so ensure your defence customers know you have these available to them. They're also the perfect external storage choice for anyone whom carries data with them in their backpack, briefcase, etc - anywhere it could potentially cop a knock or two - causing the unpleasant loss of potentially mission critical data.

Popular with resellers and end users alike, the USB3 speed "iPhone lookalike series", the H567V's are proving a great seller with their smooth, chic appearance, impressive transfer rates and smooth, chic appearance... Did we mention they look incredibly slick??? Looking right at home next to so many consumer electronics, they represent style and desirability alongside data security, one touch backups and all the usual features we've come to expect from external drives.

Take a closer look at our range of PQI external 2.5" hard drives.

Skinneelabs report on the new Swiftech Apogee XT rev2 CPU liquid cooling block

Swiftech, renowned manufacturer of the worlds best liquid cooling products (no bull!), have just launched their latest revision in the Apogee series of CPU blocks. Called the Apogee XT rev2, this new block continues the tradition of revisions to the leading CPU block on the market. Recognised for its excellent performance and ease of use, the new Swiftech block has just arrived and is now available to your customers.

Eric from Skinneelabs comments that the:

"Swiftech Apogee XT rev2 is a combination of great performance, a great mounting system, and good value. There are a lot of good reasons to pick the Apogee XT rev2 over the competition, starting with ease of use."

Eric (Vapor) Hassett - Skinneelabs


Would you like to know more? Read the full Swiftech Apogee XT rev2 review by Skinneelabs - Introduction / Conclusion.

Updated supported game titles list for NaturalPoint's TrackIR series

NaturalPoint, whom produce the superb TrackIR series, have updated their list of supported game titles enhanced by the TrackIR 4 and TrackIR 5 flavours. Recently added game support includes, but is far from limited to:

Colin Mcrae's DiRT3
DCS: A-10C Warthog
Trainz Simulator 2010 & 2012 *Australias longest running original game franchise - support Aussie game developers!
OMSI Bus Simulator
F1 2010

Have you offered the TrackIR for sale yet? If your customers love "serious gaming", this is a must have product for them. Get it listed!

Thermaltake Element V Black Edition review by TechReaction

The Duke at TechReaction puts the Thermaltake Element V Black Edition full tower chassis under the spotlight. He notes:

"The Thermaltake Element V is a massive, full-tower case able to handle just about anything you throw at it. As you could see in the installation, it held our GTX 590 with no problem at all, with plenty of clearance between it and the 5.25″ bay area. The latches on the side panel provide a little extra security for your hardware, because you can lock it to help prevent unwanted access. The airflow provided by the Element V is good enough to keep all your precious hardware nice and cool.

The Colorshift fans will add to the overall aesthetic look of the case and help it stand out and make it a showpiece (as if the towering black monolith needed much help looking impressive). The wire management solution the Element V provides, was good enough to hide the unused wires from site, which gives it a nice clean look. With the Element V sporting a nice fan control knob on the front, it is great for easy control over your system, as well as the LED color of your choice."


The Duke - TechReaction

Thermaltake Element V Black Edition review by TechReaction - Introduction / Conclusion.

Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 full tower chassis review by RWLabs

Always in the news, Thermaltake's popular new full tower chassis, the Chaser MK-1 has been examined by Nik from Real World Labs. A colossal seven page in depth analysis ensues! As we're all busy people, here is the nutshell:

"the Chaser MK-1 has pretty much everything an gamer would ever wish for. First of all it's very spacious and not only does it have space for cards up to 330mm in length and CPU Coolers up to 180mm in height but it also allows you to add an liquid cooling radiator on the top right under the top cover. Second it can accommodate up to four 200mm and a rear 140mm fans which in terms of airflow is simply amazing. Third it comes with USB 2.0, eSATA and USB 3.0 connectors and if that wasn't enough it's the only PC Case right now that also comes with interior USB 3.0 connector so you don't need to use your rear USB 3.0 ports for the ones on the front I/O. Finally the front top hot-swap docking station can be extremely useful for people who use many HDDs at work or for users who just want to share data with their friends."

Nik Kastrantas - RWLabs


Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 review by rwlabs - Introduction / Conclusion.

Aphnetworks review the Tt eSPORTS Black Element mouse

Preston from Aphnetworks reports on the Tt eSPORTS Black Element mouse. He writes:

"Tt eSPORTS Black Element is sturdy and solidly built mouse that fits perfectly for nearly any type of hand curvature. Featuring the slick rubber coating for excellent grip and control, a durable long braided cable, well-thought out design for comfortable ergonomics, five different profiles that are easily customizable, and five interchangeable colors to set the atmosphere, the Black Element is truly a one-of-a-kind mouse for gamers and office users alike."

Preston Yuen - Aphnetworks


Tt eSPORTS Black Element mouse review by Aphnetworks - Full Review.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

G.Skill's mind blowing stand & competitions @ Computex 2011!

G.Skill always has an impressive show lined up for Computex and this year was certainly no exception to the rule! The insane overclocking competition was a highlight, once again proving a little LN2 goes a long way...

Take a look at the Flickr photo stream and if videos are your thing take a look at the 2011 overclocking competition below:


With such an impressive display of legendary awesomeness, we'd like to take a moment to spotlight a couple of new G.Skill products now available to Australian PC enthusiasts:



G.Skill DDR3-1600 8GB Dual Channel [Sniper] F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2

"Everyone knows everything is upside down in Australia. They sit, sleep, and eat upside down. They celebrate Christmas in the summer. They drive on the wrong side of the road. But here are some things you might not know. Did you know that the Liberal Party of Australia is actually conservative? Did you know you can get slapped with a bigger fine and gain more demerit points if you own a radar detector (Where it is legal in 48 of the 50 states in America) than, say, if you do a burnout in your car, and then drive 45km/h over the speed limit? Did you know they heat their houses using air conditioners? In other words, if I went to Australia one day and wanted to bake a chicken, I would probably need to put it in the freezer. Indeed, Australia is a very weird place. But as time went on, I sooner or later realized Australia is not the only place in the world where weird things happen.

Meanwhile, inside my igloo here in Canada, sitting next to me in the snow is G.SKILL's Sniper F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2 2x4GB DDR3 RAM. What's so weird and against the norm about this dual channel kit is it has the looks and capabilities of high performance memory, but its voltage requirements is along the line of low performance 'eco' RAM designed to save power."

Jonathan Kwan - Aphnetworks


G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2 review by Aphnetworks - Introduction / Conclusion.



DDR3-2133 8GB Dual Channel [RipjawsX] F3-17000CL9D-8GBXLD

"From a physical perspective, what we have here is a pair of RAM built on a desirable black PCB (Okay, no one can see that once it is installed, but those are just the minor details) with a sharp red medium profile heatsink (You can actually see this after it is installed if you have a windowed case, and no Noctua NH-D14 to block your view). But the beauty of G.SKILL's PC3-17000 Ripjaws-X is not just skin deep. This is 8GB of ultra high performance memory. While fast 4GB kits can easily be found everywhere, 2x4GB DDR3-2133 kits are far and few in between."

Jonathan Kwan - Aphnetworks


G.Skill F3-17000CL9D-8GBXLD review by Aphnetworks - Introduction / Conclusion.

The Tech Report look into the upcoming Noctua Focussed Flow 120mm fans

From the front lines of Computex 2011:

"Computex — Unlike some cooler makers, Noctua isn't dabbling in PSUs, gaming headsets, or iPad accessories. That says a lot about the company's focus, making it rather appropriate that the rep we met with in Taipei had quite a lot to say about the upcoming Focused Flow 120-mm fan. I swear he spent a good 15 minutes going over all the little features that have been incorporated into the fan, and not once did the needle on my BS detector so much as flutter."

Geoff Gasior - TechReport


The Tech Report introduce the upcoming Noctua Focussed Flow 120mm fans here.

Interested in learning more about Noctua's upcoming product releases? Check out the manufacturer's own Computex 2011 page. Also be sure to take a look at the video below:

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Tt eSPORTS Challenger Ultimate keyboard review by RBmods




Niko from RBmods has reviewed the Tt eSPORTS Challenger Ultimate keyboard. Describing it as "the most advanced keyboard that Ttesports has", he comments:

"the T buttons are on both the left and right sides which makes the keyboard part a tad more compact... the buttons are more silent than any keyboards I have worked with before."

Niko Lupala - RBmods


Tt eSPORTS Challenger Ultimate keyboard review by RBmods - Introduction / Conclusion.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Auto Trends Magazine on the Logitech G27 racing simulator kit

Harrison from Auto Trends Magazine, an unusual source for our reviews, has examined the Logitech G27 racing simulator kit. He writes:

"The response of the wheel gives an amazing experience, it shakes over bumps in the track, goes light and flops around if the car gets airborne, tugs your arms around during a spin out and pulls hard around a hairpin. The grip of racing slicks as opposed to street tires makes a huge difference in the performance of the car. If you prefer to shift with paddles, wheel mounted, titanium ones provide quick shifts... With its somewhat reasonable price, high quality and huge potential, the Logitech G27 offer functional, plug and play racing fun. Adding a high quality wheel brings racing games to a new level of fun and realism."

Harrison Card - Auto Trends Magazine


Logitech G27 review by Auto Trends Magazine - Full Review

ThinkComputers check out the Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition mid tower case

Greg from ThinkComputers has reviewed the Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition mid tower case. What did he think?

"A total of four of the cases include the V9 label, of which you could consider the BlacX the ranking third of the four, one step above the standard V9 Black Edition at least in terms of price. However the V9 BlacX edition is probably the best bang for your buck case in the V9 series of cases.... If you’re looking for a unique case with a dual bay hard drive dock, then the Thermaltake V9 BlacX is for you."

Greg Baden - ThinkComputers


Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition review by ThinkComputers - Introduction / Conclusion.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Boomchair Stealth - "Get Off My Chair Mr. Sulu!"



Meet the Boomchair Stealth, a traditional (yet futuristic) 'off the floor' style chair, featuring reinforced padded arm supports and an adjustable head rest for a comfortable entertainment experience. Two 3 inch 2 way speakers and a 4 inch sub woofer provide great sound while you watch your favourite movies, play games or listen to music. Adjust the swivel and tilt to a comfortable position and you're ready to make it so!

Boomchair Pulse - Feel The Heart Beat!



With the Boomchair Pulse, you’ll HEAR the sound and FEEL the excitement. Experience every crash, bang, beat and boom while enjoying your favourite games, music, or movies. Boomchair was designed to endure the rigors of extreme gaming, pumping beats and bass rich movie soundtracks, so be prepared for maximum sensation, minimum fuss.

Boomchair Stingray - It's Like A Multimedia Bean Bag!



Immerse yourself in the video games, music, and movies you love. With the Boomchair Stingray's built in speakers, unique tilt feature and easy connections to just about any media device, coupled with the 'Ray's pleasing retro styling, durability and convenient fold away storage - there has never been a better solution for casual lounge room entertainment. You can daisy chain 'em too - so you can share the experience with friends and family.

Prolimatech Genesis CPU cooler - Two Heatsinks For The Price Of One!




Lawrence from SilentPCReview has placed Prolimatech's new Genesis CPU cooler under the spotlight. He writes:

"With the Genesis, Prolimatech continues its impressive run of high performance CPU heatsinks. Its cooling proficiency is unmatched, even by other dual fan titans from longer established manufacturers like Noctua and Thermalright."

Lawrence Lee - SilentPCReview


Check out the review here: Intro / Conclusions.

Lian Li/Lancool PC-K63 case review on Tweaktown




Chad over at Tweaktown has the Lancool PC-K63 in his sights. How does it fare?

"The real bonus I see here is that you are getting as close to a Lian Li with steel mid towers as you can with this PC-K63. Most of the features are here that I see in the high end Lian Li lineup. If a full aluminum tower isn't your cup of tea, but you still like what the designs offer, this LanCool is the perfect compromise. What just adds a bright red cherry to this sundae; the amazing price for what you get."

Chad Sebring - Tweaktown


Lancool PC-K63 examined by Tweaktown - Intro / Conclusion.

Noctua shows off high end cooling prototypes @ Computex



VR-Zone report on the new Noctua coolers and fans on display at Computex 2011.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Thermaltake full tower cases - Dig the new breed!

Thermaltake, always breaking new ground, are back at it again with the Level 10 GT and Chaser MK-1 chassis. Both stand tall in the line out against their opposing numbers from 'the other teams' and give full tower cases the refresh enthusiasts have been looking for. In the end, we all know that size DOES matter.... Especially at LAN parties!

Dig the new breed of cases from Tt with these reviews from OCIA and LegitReviews:

Thermaltake Level 10 GT examined by OCIA - Intro / Conclusion.
Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 examined by LegitReviews - Intro / Conclusion.

Arctic Silver release new industry leading thermal compound

Arctic Silver products are renowned for both their effectiveness as a heat transfer medium and also for their stability of product offering. It takes a long time for an Arctic Silver product to be superseded, yet we have arrived at another of those junctions. Proudly representing for AS here in Oz, Mittoni is stoked to make the new Céramique 2 compound available to Aussie cooling enthusiasts. Here's a quick brief on the new thermal compound from the manufacturer themselves:

"Céramique 2 uses only ceramic fillers so it is neither electrically conductive nor capacitive. The tri-linear composite of aluminium oxide, zinc oxide and boron nitride allows the thinnest possible bond line with modern processors, heatsinks and electronics. Critically-sized particles and new ultra-high shear mixing techniques maximize Céramique 2's thermal performance and help maintain a stable homogenous suspension. This exclusive combination provides performance exceeding most metal based compounds."

In short, the latest product from Arctic Silver, called Céramique 2, is fantastic! Better yet, it's now available for you to order and sell!

Hardware Heaven take a look at Lian Li's new PC-P80N full tower case





Lian Li have released a number of new chassis models of late, including the superlative PC-Z60, PC-Z70 and the flagship P80N. All new models are now in stock and ready for order. Should the product information and videos not convince you as to the overall quality and 'feel' of a Lian Li system housing, perhaps this review of the PC-P80N from Hardware Heaven will!

"The design of the case is also very impressive, the overall shape looks great on the outside and we get plenty of nice features such as fan controller long with tool free card and PSU installation, mixed with essentials like support for 2.5" drives and USB 3.0. Lian Li also go a little further than many manufacturers, offering a USB 3.0 front panel connector which is compatible with boards from manufacturers such as ASRock and ASUS, allowing us to use the internal high speed connectivity headers on our motherboard."

Stuart Davidson - Hardware Heaven.

You can read Stuart's full review here, or you can always go straight to the conclusions.