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Reportedly, Intel is preparing to introduce its new generation of Itanium processors, codenamed Tukwila. The chips were initially planned for 2008, surpassing predecessor Montvale in terms of delays. The Itanium series consists of 64-bits processors that are meant as an alternative to the RISC platform. Like Intel's Xeon processors, Itaniums are predominantly used in servers and high-performance workstations, the difference being that Itanium has an instruction set of its own.

Tukwila is to remove a number of differences between the Xeon and Itanium chips. Intel has announced that Tukwila will bring compatibility between Xeon MP's and Itaniums, both in socket and in chipset. To achieve this, Intel will equip its new Itanium chips with the QuickPath interface and a DDR3-memory controller.

Intel's Tukwila is to be twice as fast as its predecessor. The chip will still be a 65 nm one and consists of over two billion transistors. This immediately explains the huge die size of 700 mm². For its successor Poulson, Intel will make the transition to 32 nm, skipping the 45 nm procedure. Poulson isn't to be introduced prior to the first quarter of 2010 though. Tukwila will feature four processing cores, HyperThreading, two integrated dual channel memory controllers and 30 MB of cache memory.

It's expected that Intel will annoucne its new Itanium series during the International Solid State Circuits Conference. Competitor IBM is likely to reveal more details on its Power7 chp, a 45nm octacore processor capable of handling up to 32 threads simultaneously. The Power7 is to feature 32 MB of L3 cache memory and feature a turbo mode which automatically overclocks the CPU by up to 10%.

A die shot of Intel's new 'Tukwila' Itanium

Packard Bell is to introduce a new addition to its Butterfly series later this month, branded Butterfly XS. As the suffix suggests, this fourth Butterfly model is to stand out due to its compact size. Mobility is the keyword with the new notebook.

The system is powered by an Intel CULV processor, the choice is limited to either a 1,2 GHz Mobile Celeron SU2300 or 1,3 GHz Mobile Pentium SU4100. The GMA4500MHD videochip, integrated into the GS45 Express chipset, powers an 11,6-inch LCD-screen with a 1366x768 pixel resolution. An HDMI-output is present for external connectivity. Up to 4 GB of DDR2-800 is supported in the two memory slots. Audio is provided by Realtek's ALC269X audiochip.

Network connectivity includes Intel's WiFi Link 1000, which supports 802.11n; an onboard Atheros AR8131L Gigabit networkcontroller and Bluetooth. Also present in the 292 x 211 x 28,5 mm chassis is a cardreader, 250 or 320 GB hard disk, DVD±RW drive and a 0,3 megapixel webcam. The system is powered by a modest 30 watt power adapter.

Equipped with a 6-cell battery, which should last the system up to seven hours, Packard Bell's XS weighs about 1,5 kg. The design is limited to a red- or black finish. Bundled with Windows 7 Home Premium, the new notebook is to cost €399.

Intel recently announced a new generation of Core vPro processors, the business models of the Clarkdale chips that have been available for some time now. The vPro series is joined with the Q57 Express chipset and Intel's 82577LM or 82578DM Gigabit networkcontroller for respectively notebooks and desktop systems. Intel's vPro is a collection of hardware-integrated technologiest o simplify maintenance and security of IT-corporations, whilst decreasing the cost.

A system featuring the vPro logo features Active Management Technology (AMT), Virtualization Technology (VT) and Trusted Execution Technology (TXT). The coming of 32nm processors has expanded vPro with a Keyboard-Video-Mouse Remote Control (KVM) functionality, allowing a system to be taken over remotely, even prior to loading an operating system. Though KVM isn't new, up till now, additional hardware was required for the technique.

Interested parties include Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba.

Last month, ASUS introduced a variety of notebooks, including the Eee PC 1005PE. The manufacturer is to launch an improved version of the Eee PC 1005PE netbook soon, branded Eee PC 1005PE-H. This newer version still uses the same 10,1" screen with 1024x600 pixel resolution. Also unchanged will be the presence of Intel's 1,66 GHz Atom N450 processor. The integrated Intel GMA3150 videochip has also stayed.

Het geheugen wordt echter uitgebreid van 1 GB naar 2 GB en ook de harde schijf wordt iets vergroot naar een capaciteit van 320 GB, waar de oudere versie nog 160 GB of 250 GB had. In plaats van Microsoft Windows 7 Starter wordt Windows 7 Home Premium meegeleverd.

The memory however has been expanded from 1 GB to 2 GB and the HDD's capacity to 320 GB, while older versions featured 160 or 250 GB. Rather than Microsoft's Windows 7 Starter, the new model comes with Windows 7 Home Premium.

The netbook sports Ethernet, a 802.11b/g/n WiFi-connection, several USB ports and a 3-in-1 cardreader. It can be equipped with a 6-cell battery and sports an integrated webcam.

The recommended price of ASUS' Eee PC 1005PE-H is specified at € 350, while the current 1005PE model costs about € 300.

At first glance, Silverstone's 3,5" HDDBoost appears like an adaptor to place 2,5" SSD's in a 3,5" drive bay. The present of a special controllerchip makes that statement only half true. The HDDBoost is used to connect an SSD, while the additional SATA connector allows a second hard disk to be connected to the device. The files accessed most will be stored on the SSD, allowing them to boot faster. This makes the SSD function as an extra large cache memory.

During system bootup, the data that's used most will be written to the SSD. When required data is available on both the SSD and the hard disk, it will be read from the faster SSD. Because the SSD is likely to feature a smaller capacity than the hard disk, all other data will be read from the HDD and written to it as well. The integrated controllerchip allows the device to run without requiring any drivers, as well as recognize it as a single storage device.

This technique preserves the SSD by decreasing the amount of writing operations. The biggest advantage is that the files used most will be booted much quicker and the device has a greater storage capacity than a single SSD thanks to the added hard disk. Though this hybrid solution is a lot faster than a single hard disk, it's uncertain whether it'll beat a seperate SSD for the operating system and a seperate storage hard disk.

It's still unclear when Silverstone's HDDBoost will be available and at which cost.

Silverstone's HDDBoost combines the power of an SSD with the capacity of a traditional hard disk.

During the introduction of Apple's iPad, the lack of support for Adobe flash and other limited features were heavily criticized. British manufacturer X2 has taken this feedback into account and is to launch the iTablet, clearly indicating that the device is to compete with the iPad.

X2's iTablet is to feature either a 10,2" or 12,1" multitouch-screen with a 1024x768 pixel resolution. The device is powered by an Intel Atom 1,6 GHz processor with 2 GB of DDR2 memory and a 250 GB hard disk. A 1,3 megapixel webcam, three USB ports, speakers, cardreader and optional HDMI output are also present. The iTablet connects wirelessly by means of a 3G, Bluetooth or WiFi 802.11b/g connection.

In terms of specifications, the X2 iTablet is best compared to a traditional netbook. Microsoft's Windows 7 will be used as operating system, though other Windows and Linux distributions are also supported.

In comparison to Apple's iPad, the X2 iTablet is nearly three times as thick; its weight of 1,2 kg makes it significantly heavier as well. The company emphasizes the features that are present in the iTablet whilst absent in the iPad, such as flash-support and multi-tasking.

Neither a recommended price nor an introduction date have been mentioned. It's expected that X2 plans to launch its iTablet simultaenously with Apple's iPad.

X2's iTablet is to have more features that Apple's iPad

While AMD introduced two dualcore processors only recently, Fudzilla reports that the fastest Athlon II X2 is to be succeeded soon. The 3,1 GHz Athlon II X2 255 will be followed by the Athlon II X2 260. Given the current trend, it's likely that the new addition will add another 100 MHz to the frequency of the 255, resulting in a speed of 3,2 GHz.

Waarschijnlijk zal de Athlon II X2 260 vroeg in het tweede kwartaal van 2010 geïntroduceerd worden, in april. AMD zou bovendien een nog snellere uitvoering voor ons in petto hebben, te weten de Athlon II X2 265 op 3,3 GHz. Met deze klokfrequentie zal de 265 de hoogstgeklokte dualcore processor tot op heden van AMD worden. Deze CPU wordt halverwege het derde kwartaal verwacht. Beide nieuwe dualcores zullen geproduceerd zijn volgens het 45 nm procédé, 2 MB L2 cache meekrijgen en voorzien zijn van een AM3-voetje. In een later stadium zullen we waarschijnlijk ook zuinigere varianten gaan zien.

As of yet, no prices have been mentioned.

ASRock has announced a new P55 motherboard equipped with the 'True 333 label'. This means that -like the X58 Deluxe3- the new board features SATA 6.0 Gbit/s, the external version of the SATA interface, and USB3.0. The True 333 Bridge is likely to be identical to ASUS' implementation of a PLX switch-chip, used to combine PCI-Express 1.1 lanes to 2.0 lanes. This generates sufficient bandwidth for both the new SATA and USB standard, while 16 lanes remain for one or multiple graphics cards.

The P55 Deluxe3 supports nVidia SLI, as well as ATI's CrossFireX, resulting in an 8x/8x configuration when both slots are in use. The LGA1156 socket can be equipped with an Intel Core i7, i5 and i3, as well as a Pentium G6950 processor. The motherboard features four memory slots compatible with DDR3-memory of up to 2600 MHz. Apart from six blue SATA 3.0 Gbit/s connectors, two white 6.0 Gbit/s ports are connected to the Marvell controller, as well as a single eSATA 6.0 connector. USB2.0 and two blue USB3.0 connectors are also present on the I/O-panel. The sound is provided by a VIA VT2020 audiochip.

It's still unclear when ASRock's P55 Deluxe3 will be released and at which cost.

The ASRock P55 Deluxe3 features SATA 6.0 Gbit/s, eSATA 6.0 Gbit/s and USB3.0

The typically blue-colored USB3.0 ports on the I/O-panel

An overview of the ASRock True 333 Bridge

Intel's new Pine Trail platform isn't just used in netbooks, but in nettops like MSI's Wind Box DE220 as well. Though this compact device was presented during the CES, no specifications were revealed. Recently, these appeared on the internet, accompanied by several product images.

The system is powered by either an Intel Atom D410 or D510 processor. Up to 4 GB DDR2-memory can be added to the device, as well as a hard disk ranging from 160 GB to 1 TB. The graphics are taken care of by ATI's Mobility Radeon HD 4330 card. Optionally, an 802.11b/g/n Mini PCIe card for WiFi can be bundled.

MSI's been able to fit its system in a chassis that is sized 275 x 170 x 40 mm. Windows 7 Home Premium has been chosen as operating system. It's still unclear when MSI's Wind Box DE220 is to be released and at which cost.

MSI has officially introduced its redesigned Wind U160, based on Intel's Pine Trail platform. The manufacturer states that the new design has even won them a German iF design award. With the introduction, it's become known what's beneath the hood of the U160.

MSI describes the 1.0 kg weighing device as "hi-tech, high-fashin". This includes the touchpad, which is seamlessly integrated into the chassis. Another design feature is the presence of a chiclet keyboard, which has every key attached independently, which is to account for a minimized sound production whilst typing.

The new Wind sports a 10,1" LED-backlit screen that according to MSI has an 8 ms response time. The 1024 x 600 pixel resolution is powered by the integrated GMA 3150 GPU. In terms of storage, a 2,5" SATA hard disk of 160 GB or more is available, as well as an SD/MMC cardreader.

The single DIMM memory slot of the U160 has room for up to 2 GB of DDR2-667 memory. Networking is done using Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR. Three USB 2.0 ports and a 1,3 megapixel webcam are also present.

MSI's Wind U160 comes bundled with Windows 7 Starter edition. Apart from the standard 3-cell battery, a higher-capacity 6-cell model is available. Pricing and availability remain unmentioned for now.

A close-up of the new touchpad. (image source: Engadget.)

Thermaltake renews its Toughpower XT series with four new modular power supplies featuring respective capacities of 575W, 675W, 775W and 875W. Each of the supplies sports the 80Plus Bronze certificate and Thermaltake claims the latest addition are capable of reaching an efficiency of up to 89%.

A single +12V rail is present on the PSUs, which is to increase the overclocking performance. A so-called S.P.T. indicator with three LEDs allow the status of the power supply to be displayed in real-time. The three LEDs display the stand-by mode (S), 'power good' signal (P) and the temperature (T).

Thermaltake states that the four new power supplies use high quality materials and claim an average lifetime of over 120.000 hours. Cooling is done by a 140 mm ball-bearing fan, which spins at 1900 RPM. The fan stays active for half a minute after the system shuts down, a technique which is to improve the durability of the PSU's components. A demonstrational video providing details is also available.

The 575 watt Toughpower XT sports both one 6-pin and a 6+2-pin PCI-Express powerconnector. The 675W, 775W and 875W power supplies have twice that amount of PCI-Express cables. Additional information and specifications can be found on the manufacturer's product pages. In order of ascending capacity, the new Toughpower XT power supplies feature recommended pricetags of US $109, $135, $145 and $159.

Thermaltake's Toughpower XT 875W modular power supply

The S.T.P. indicator consists of three LEDs

EVGA has released a BIOS-update for all of its Intel X58-based motherboards. The new BIOS is branded version 44 and is to provide support for Intel's upcoming 32 nm hexacore Gulftown processor(s). The new BIOS also introduces a 'Turbo Performance' option which, when enabled, is to allow for increased performance. Lastly, issues with 1866 MHz DDR3-memory have been resolved.

The new BIOS-version can be downloaded by using the corresponding links below:

• EVGA X58 SLI Micro (E756)
• EVGA X58 SLI LE (E757)
• EVGA X58 SLI (E758)
• EVGA X58 Classified (E759)
• EVGA X58 Classified (E760/E761/E769)
• EVGA X58 Classified 4-Way (E762)

EVGA's X58 Classified motherboard now officially supports Intel's upcoming Gulftown CPU

BenQ has announced new LED-monitors in the V-series. The 18,5 inch monitors are to feature two new models, the V920 and V920P. Four new models of the 21,5 inch version are to be released; the V2220, V2220P, V2220H and V2220HP. The V2320 is a new model in the 23 inch segment and the 24 inch line is expanded with the V2420 and V2420H.

The LED-screens feature a thin profile of 14 mm for the 18,5 inch models and 15 mm for the other screens. BenQ claims a dynamic contrast of 10.000.000:1 and a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m². The 18,5 inch models use a 1366x768 pixel resolution, while the other monitors feature a 1920 x 1080 pixels Full HD resolution. All monitors are equipped with a D-Sub and DVI input; the 'H' monitors also include an HDMI 1.3 connector.

The new models are to be released on the Taiwanese market soon, with exception of the 23 inch model, which is to be released in Junel. Shortly thereafter, the monitors will be launched worldwide. Prices have yet to be mentioned.

The V920 (18,5 inch) is only 14 mm thick

The V2220 is one of the four new 21,5 inch models

While nVidia's Fermi graphics card are starting to take shape, partner Galaxy is doing all it can to keep the current products attractive. The manufacturer introduced a dual-GPU GeForce GTS 250 graphics card last month. On a rather sizey circuit board, Galaxy placed two GTS 250 cores, linked to eachother by an NF200 switchchip. As of yet, images of a more finalized version have surfaced.

The EOL-status of the GeForce GTX 285 videochip makes the GTS 250 nVidia's fastest desktop GPU. Two of these chips on a single PCB provide two times 128 shader units. Each graphics chip has 1 GB of GDDR3-memory. An extensive power design and three-headed cooling solution allow the card to be overclocked out of the box as well, featuring frequencies of 675 MHz for the core and 1696 MHz for the shader units. The memory is clocked at 1 GHz. Both an 8- and 6-pin PCI-Express powerconnector is required.

The cooling consistso f a heatsink with three blue LED fans that are placed on a PCB of their own. It is likely that the fanspeed can be determined manually by what appears to be an adjustable resistance. It's expected that the card will take up three slots.

Galaxy reportedly has serious plans for mass-producing the dual GTS 250 card. An expected release date and pricetag remain unmentioned.

In terms of performance, Galaxy's dual-GPU GTS 250 seems slightly faster than a single GTX 280 card

Biostar is working on a new motherboard specially designed for AMD's upcoming hexacore 'Thuban' processor. The board is to be branded TA890GXE and, as the name suggests, will be based on the 890GX chipset with the new SB850 southbridge. Shamefully, no images of the new motherboard are available yet, though some specifications have already been revealed. Biostar's latest addition is to feature an AM3 processor socket, four DDR3 memory slots, two PCI-Express graphics card slots and an onboard videochip with DirectX 10.1 support. Thanks to the integrated chip, which features 128 MB sideport memory, Hybrid CrossFire will also be possible.

The new SB850 southbridge makes Biostar's motherboard compatible with the SATA 6 Gbps standard, allowing future SSD's and hard disks to run at full speed. The TA890GXE will have a power saving feature called GPU (Green Power Unit) and a digital power design branded DPU (Digital Power Unit). Gigabit LAN and 7.1-channel audio will also be present. It's likely that Biostar will introduce the motherboard during the CeBIT conference in March, after which it would take atleast a month for the board to become available.

Biostar to launch new motherboard based on AMD's 890GX chipset

HP's EliteBook 8540w series of mobile workstations, introduced last month, can otionally be equipped with an ATI FirePro M5800 card in the near future. The unannounced AMD chip will be the only alternative to nVidia's Quadro FX chips. The name suggests that the FirePro M5800 will be similar to the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800 models, meaning a 40 nm chip, DirectX 11 and Shader Model 5.0 compatibility.

The EliteBook 8540w is a 15,6-inch laptop that is powered by either a Core i5 or i7 processor as preferred. The recently launched nVidia Quadro FX 880M or FX 1800M graphics cards are nVidia's options, with the ATI FirePro M5800 being AMD's alternative. The nVidia chips each feature 1 GB of memory, which is likely to be equal in AMD's card. The notebook can be equipped with several types of 15,6-inch screens, in resolutions of 1366 x 768, 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080 pixels. The maximum memory capacity if 16 GB DDR3-1333.

In terms of storage, either a traditional hard disk or solid-state drive with respective capacities of 500 GB and 256 GB maximum are available. A DVD-ROM, ±RW, Blu-ray player or burner are also available. Networking is done by Intel's 82577LM Gigabit networkcontroller and the Wi-Fi Link 6000 series wireless network card, which provides support for the 802.11n standard.

Lastly, the notebook is also equipped with an ExpressCard/54 slot, integrated cardreader, three USB 2.0 ports, two USB  3.0 ports, eSATA, FireWire, two audio jacks and both a D-Sub and DisplayPort video output. The system uses Windows 7 or a Vista distribution as operating system, optionally including Office 2007.

HP already offers a number of configurations of the EliteBook 8540w on its website. As of yet, the cheapest edition is to cost about €1430.

HP's provides the EliteBook 8540w workstation with an ATI FirePro M5800 alternative

Hyundai IT has introduced the 19-inch N94Wd monitor. This screen sports a 114 x 900 pixel resolution, 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m² brightness and a dynamic contrast of 10.000:1. The monitor has a black glossy finish, maximum power consumption of 24 watt and both a D-Sub and DVI-connector.

The Hyundai IT N94Wd is to cost about 110 euro.

Following Corsair, memory manufacturer Patriot has introduced a dual-channel DDR3 memory kit featurign a 2250 MHz clock frequency. The new set of memory modules is to be positioned in the Sector 5 series, specially created for use with Intel's Core i5 platform. The 2250 MHz modules will take over the lead from the 2000 MHz version.

Clocked at 2250 MHz, the individual modules feature timings of 9-9-9-27. Though voltages aren't mentioned, it's likely that Patriot limits the modules to the 'safe' 1,65 Volt. According to Patriot, the modules are handpicked and suited for extreme overclocks. During company tests, it was already possible to reach over 2400 MHz. The memory is cooled by high-grade aluminum heatspreaders.

De nieuwste Sector 5 telg zal verkrijgbaar worden als 4 GB kit en de productcode PVV34G2250LLK dragen. Het ontbreken van het achtervoegsel 'B' suggereert dat de fabrikant de modules niet bundelt met Futuremark's Vantage benchmarksoftware, wat bij enkele andere Sector 5 kits wel het geval is. Levenslange garantie is zoals gebruikelijk wel weer van de partij.

The latest Sector 5 addition will be launched as a 4 GB kit, bearing the product code PVV34G2250LLK. The absence of the 'B' suffix suggests the manufacturer will not bundle Futuremark's Vantage benchmark software, which is done with several other Sector 5 kits. Naturally, Patriot's latest creation comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pricing and availability have yet to be mentioned.

AMD has released a new Catalyst 10.1 Hotfix driver that is to resolve the stripe issues and other artifacts with the Radeon HD5800/5900 series of graphics cards. Especially 'Cypress' graphics cards, upon which the HD5800 and HD5900 are based, are troubled by problems such as gray screens, striped images, random artifacts and crashes.

This new driver, downloadable for Windows XP, as well as Vista/Win 7, is to solve all those problems. The drivers bear the internal version number 8.69.3.1-100201a-095194E-ATI, as can be seen in the 'Information Center' menu of the Catalyst Control Panel. The hotfix drivers, based on Catalyst 10.1, can be downloaded here.

New Catalyst 10.1 Hotfix drivers are to resolve artifacts in Radeon HD5800/5900 series

Met de Rebel9 Pro heeft Sharkoon nieuwe behuizingen op de markt gezet. Bij de ontwikkeling is de kritiek op de Rebel9 serieus genomen, aldus de fabrikant. Sharkoon spreekt van een verbeterde stalen constructie, betere mogelijkheden voor kabelmanagement en ruimte voor het eenvoudig plaatsen van de CPU-koeler.

Sharkoon has introduced a series of new chassis branded Rebel9 Pro. The manufacturer states that during the development, the criticism on the Rebel9 has been taken seriously.

An intake fan can be placed behind the plastic front panel of the chassis. For those preferring an aluminum front panel, there's the Rebel9 Aluminum and Nightfall cases. Connectivity includes two USB 2.0-, an eSATA and audi-connectors on the top of the front panel. There's room for a 120 mm fan on the front, rear and side of the case. The top allows either a 120mm or 140 mm fan to be placed. The cases are sized 455 x 202 x 440 mm, weigh about 6 kg and feature dust filters in all spots where fans can be placed.

The new Rebel9 chassis will be available in four versions; the Sharkoon Rebel9 Pro Economy sports a recommended pricetag of 46 euro, the Rebel9 Pro Value one of 60 euro, the Rebel9 Aluminium will also cost 60 euro and Sharkoon's Nightfall will be priced 50 euro. The Economy model comes without fans. The Value version features a 120mm LED fan in the front panel, 120 mm fan on the rear and another 250 mm LED fan in the side panel. The Rebel9 Aluminium sports an aluminium front and comes with a 120mm fan in its front panel. The Sharkoon Nightfall comes with a 120 mm LED fan in its front panel, offers room for up to five 3,5-inch hard disks and five 5,25-inch devices. The side panel with a 250 mm fan is also available seperately, bearing a price of 13,50 euro.

The Sharkoon Nightfall, Rebel9 Aluminum and  Rebel9 Pro Value

The Sharkoon Rebel9 Pro Value and Economy, the Sharkoon Nightfall and Rebel9 Aluminium

The inner of the Sharkoon Rebel9 Pro (top) and Nightfall (bottom)