Monday, January 30, 2012

Lian Li PC-90 chassis review on Missing Remote

"the Lian Li PC-90 is a deal and a half. With the clean looks, high build quality, and the Lian Li name behind it, there should be nothing holding back most enthusiasts from considering this as their next case.

While this may not exactly be a HTPC case for all enthusiasts, it is still very well-suited for a Home Server with the large hard drive count. It may be too good looking, to throw in a closet where most will never see it, but at least you will know you have a good-looking case serving up all that content to your entertainment system.

Lian Li definitely has a winner here. While I was not able to fully test out the motherboard hard drive sizes and video card lengths, you can still get an idea of how expansive the inside of the case is without sacrificing the entire size of the case itself. The system build was simple and straight-forward, and should even allow the novice of system builders a chance at building their first system without pulling all their hair out."

Josh Shenkle - MissingRemote

Lian Li PC-90 Hammer chassis review by Missing Remote - full review.

Noctua 120mm NF-F12 PWM fan reviewed by Vortez

"It's focussed cooling potential allied to the now standard Noctua features make it a formidable little package and certainly a fan I'd consider for the applications I mentioned earlier. Add to that Noctua's excellent 6 year warranty and you have a winning combination in my book."

James Clewer - Vortez

Noctua NF-F12 PWM 120mm fan review by Vortez - Introduction & Conclusion.

Monday, January 23, 2012

G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL DDR-3 memory kit examined by BenchmarkReviews

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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:

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.

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.

Gunnar Optiks introduction from CES 2012


A great intro to the Gunnar range now available from Mittoni.

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!

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!

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?

Tt eSPORTS Meka G1 keyboard review by TechwareLabs

"Thermaltake is clearly stepping up their game... the keyboard overall is very solid. If you’re the sort of person who tends to break their keyboards through ungentle use, this keyboard is worth a serious look. With an average online price of $120 at time of publication, this keyboard will take a beating without delivering one to your wallet in return."

Will Halstead - TechwareLabs

Tt eSPORTS Meka G1 keyboard review by TechwareLabs - Introduction & Conclusion.

Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU cooler review on FunkyKit

"For the past couple years I have been out of touch when it came to air coolers since I had gone the water route. Over this time a bunch of air coolers have come out that reach every segment out there, from guys who want tiny coolers for their HTPC to coolers that will cover half your motherboard and uses multiple fans for maximum performance.

Enter the Noctua NH-D14 SE2011. This thing is easily the largest heatsink I have ever seen. I thought the last air heatsink I owned (Thermalright Ultra 120 extreme) was big, but this thing is pretty much like taking two TRUE's and slapping them together."

Dexter K - FunkyKit

Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU cooler review by FunkyKit - Introduction & Conclusion.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition chassis review on TechwareLabs

"Thermaltake describes this case as “Love at first sight” and with all of the bells, whistles, functionality, and abstract look I would agree. Thermaltake left nothing on the To-Do list with the design of the Level 10 GT. Period. And with a mere $20 difference between the Standard and Snow editions I can’t see a reason why you would pick either other than pure color preference. The Thermaltake Level 10 Gt Snow Edition is currently the holy grail of cases. It is owns the trifecta of looks, functionality, and practicality. I see no reason why this case doesn’t deserve our Editors Choice Award."

Ben Weber - TechwareLabs

Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition chassis review by TechwareLabs - Introduction & Conclusion.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Tt eSPORTS Isurus Earphones Review By Bjorn3D

"Overall, the Thermaltake Isurus has left a positive impression clearly demonstrating a set of strong characteristics, being the most portable and compact headset in the Tt eSports series. this headset can be used for a variety of applications extending beyond the limit of other bulkier headsets. For example, the headset can be used as a handsfree device while driving and demonstrates outstanding compatibility to the iPhone. The light design of the headset and the way the headset sits allows for it to be used during activities such as jogging or a hike. The primary strong point of this headset is the sound production which is definitely comparable to other top-tier in-line headsets. Finally, the Thermaltake Isurus is a very convenient tool for LAN parties or other gaming activities due to the fact that it takes up little room and gets the job done."

Victor Mikhaltsevich - Bjorn3D

Tt eSPORTS Isurus earphones review by Bjorn3D - Introduction & Conclusion.

Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler Review On CircuitRemix

"Massive. That's the word I would use to describe my first impression of the cooler that's the subject of this review. I've reviewed many CPU coolers in the past, and this was the first one which stood out enough for my wife to ask me while I was testing, "What is that thing?"

This 'thing' is Noctua's NH-D14 CPU cooler. And even Noctua uses the word massive to describe it for its product data sheet. Like most other Noctua coolers of the past, the NH-D14 was designed for ultimate quiet cooling performance. So I'll be testing to see if that description holds true in practice."

Brandon - Circuit Remix

Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler review by CircuitRemix - Introduction & Conclusion.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Lian Li Lancool PC-K9 Review On AphnetWorks

"The case itself, however, does have its Lian Li features that do make the average user "ooh" and "ahh". For one thing, although the frame is made entirely of steel, the exterior is constructed completely out of aluminum, giving the illusion of a full aluminum case. The tool-free mechanisms seen all around the case are extremely well designed, and will definitely save time and effort -- I mean, c'mon, when was the last time you installed a PSU into a case in less than thirty seconds without needing to take out a screwdriver? The cable management features inside are quite spectacular and noticeably stands apart from most manufacturers in this area. Lastly, there are still quite a few small but design elements worth mentioning on this case like quality air filters, lockable side panel, rubber washers used between every fan installation and thumbscrews make this case worthy of coming out of the Lian Li factory."

Jeremy To - AphnetWorks

Lian Li Lancool PC-K9 chassis review by LegitReviews - Introduction & Conclusion.

Overclockers Australia Sandy Bridge E (LGA 2011) Overclocking Guide

"Overclocking is an art, a science, and a way of life. For those of you who have been overclocking everything since you first learned how, to those of you who just are getting into it, overclocking can give you grief while at the same time giving you satisfaction. Today I am putting forward a work in which users of all experience levels can take something away from. So first we start out with Sandy Bridge-E, what makes it different from Sandy Bridge, and how that difference will affect our overclocking. Then we will venture into a theory of overclocking, and how frequency, voltage, and current are all inter-related and how they will affect your overclock."

Sin0822 - OCAU Forums

Read Sin0822's LGA 2011 Overclocking Guide on Overclockers Australia forums.

Intel Socket 2011 CPU Cooler Roundup On LegitReviews

"Based on temperature performance and the value analysis of the coolers the winner was the Noctua NH-D14 SE2011! The Corsair H100 was a close second and lost by just two points due to the higher cost of the water cooler even though it ranked first in performance...

The Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 at $84.95 is the top air cooler when it comes to temperature performance and it should be as it's massive and built right. The NH-D14 SE2011 not only performed very well, but it was very quiet in the process."

Shane Higgins - LegitReviews

Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU cooler review by LegitReviews - Introduction & Conclusion.