News

HKEPC reports that AMD is working on a second dual-GPU graphics card in its DirectX 11 line-up. This new model is to be positioned below the HD5970 and will also be equipped with two Cypress chips. The difference is that each core will not feature 1600 but only 1440 active shader units, making it look more like a double HD5850 solution. The clock frequencies of this HD5950 card will be lower than those of the HD5970, otherwise the performance gap between the two would be too small.

Heat production can also be an issue when the original HD5850 clock frequencies are retained; the high-end HD5970 already uses specially selected GPUs which will run at a lower voltage. The Radeon HD5950 is to be equipped with two times 1GB of GDDR5 memory. It's still unclear how fast the HD5950 will be in comparison to an HD5970 or Crossfire HD5850 configuration, given the uncertainties in regards to the final clock frequencies.

Because AMD is already troubled by the huge demand, it seems unlikely that a second dual-GPU card will be released soon. HKEPC expects that the new model will new be introduced until early 2010.

HKEPC reports that a dual-GPU HD5950 card is to be released in early 2010

Over a month before Intel will officially launch its new Core i3/5 dualcore processors, a German webshop has already added the new models as pre-orders. The online catalog shows two Core i3 models, the 530 and 540. These two models feature a clock frequency of respectively 2,93 and 3,06 GHz, which is locked due to the absence of Turbo boost. The CPUs do support Hyperthreading, allowing an operating system to work with four virtual cores. The integrated DirectX 10 GPU in these Core i3 chips is clocked at 733 MHz.

At the moment, these entry-level 32nm dualcores with integrated videochip cost 103,90 and 120,90 for respectively the i3 530 and i3 540. In the Core i5 series, the existing i5 750 quadcore will be joined by four 32nm dualcore 'Clarkdale' chips. These new models are branded Core i5 650, 660, 661 and 670, clocked at 3,2 GHz for the cheapest and 3,46 GHz for the most expensive model. Apart from these higher clock frequencies, the Core i5 models of Intel's new 32nm dualcores also support TUrbo Boost, allowing the frequencies to be increased when adequate cooling is present.

A remarkable processor is the Core i5 661: it is the only chip in the entire Clarkdale family to feature a higher GPU clock frequency, 900 MHz rather than the conventional 733 MHz. This does affect the TDP, which rises to 83 Watt. All other chips have an estimated TDP of 73 Watt. The pricetags of the Core i5 6xx models range from 160,90 for the 3,2 GHz model to 252,90 for the 3,46 GHz chip. The Core i5 660 and 661 can both be pre-ordered at a price of 175,90.

Core i3 and i5 Clarkdale processors in pre-order at HPM Computer

Scythe has added the Kama Cabinet to its line of Kama products. The Cabinet fits in a 5,25" bay and serves as an additional storage room in the PC. The cabinet can hold USB sticks, up to 16 CD's or DVD's and other devices. The Kama Cabinet will be available in four different combinations of colours and materials. Options include a silver- and black aluminum finish, black plastic and a black metal mesh to match the front with the rest of the chassis.

The tray weighs 275 grams and comes with several extras, including a special piece of foam to fit DVD's and three plates to divide the compartment.

Scythe's Kama Cabinet is to become available shortly, bearing a pricetag of € 8.

Scythe's Kama Cabinet transforms a  5.25" bay in an additional storage room.

The set includes several adaptors

The Kama Cabinet KC01 is available in a black metal mesh (MBK), silver aluminum (ASL), black aluminum (ABK) and black plastic (PBK).

ASUS has launched the Eee PC 1201N, a new netbook based on Intel's 1,6 GHz dualcore Atom 330 processor. Combined with nVidia's ION chipset, the Eee PC 1201N is capable of playing HD video of up to 1080p. The resolution of the 12,1" led-backlit screen only goes up to the HD-Ready resolution of 1366x768 pixels, but the system's HDMI output allows it to function as a media player when connected to a Full HD television as well.

In terms of specifications, the Eee PC 1201N features 2GB of memory, a 250 or 320GB hard disk and it has Windows 7 pre-installed. ASUS further expands the storage with 500GB online storage, accessible for a year. The system has integrated Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR and 802.11n WLAN (only 2,4 GHz band). A webcam and microphone are also present. Other connectivity options include three USB 2.0 ports, two audio jacks and an MMC / SD(HC) cardreader.

A six-cell 63 Wh battery powers the 1201N, allowing up to 5 hours of operation. ASUS will release its new ION-based Eee PC 1201N in the colours black, silver, blue and red. The system weighs about 1,46 kg.

ASUS launches Eee PC 1201N with nVidia ION chipset and dualcore Atom processor

Evercool has announced the Armor HDD Cooler, a a harddisk cage to be placed in two 5,25" drive bays. The cage provides room for an additional three 3,5" hard disks, allowing multiple HDD's to be placed in smaller chassis as well. To maximize the durability of these drives, a decent airflow is essential. The Armor HDD Cooler features an 80mm fan, which rotates at 1200 rpm.

Between the front mesh and the fan, a filter has been installed to keep the dust out of the chassis. The filter also damps the sound production. Rubber pads have been placed under the Armor HDD cooler to compensate for hard disk vibration. Evercool's new disk cage is sized 150 x 85 x 162 mm and weighs 585,5 grams. It will be available in the colours black and white. No details have been released regarding pricing and availability.

Evercool has integrated a dust filter which also works as a sound damper

The device offers room for up to three 3,5'' hard disks

As we've come to know, memory manufacturer Geil always introduces an entire line-up of memory modules at once. This time, the company introduces thirteen dual channel kits and ten quad channel kits, consisting of respectively two and four DDR3-memory modules. The new kits are positioned in the Black Dragon series and will be available in almost any imaginable clock frequency and timing. Geil's Black Dragon modules feature an eight-layer PCB, two red LEDs and come with a lifetime warranty.

The overview below shows details on the 23 new DDR3-memory kits.

Transcend has expanded its line-up of external hard disks with a new desktop model, the StoreJet 35T. The 35T encloses a 1, 1.5, or 2 TB SATA hard disk in an upright 3,5-inch chassis, featuring a black finish. The front of the device features a button which will allow users to make an instant back-up of the connected system, after which the files can be encrypted by means of a 256-bit AES-encryption. The absence of a fan means that only sound comes from the operational hard disk itself. The 35T is sized 152,4 x 44,8 x 172,44 mm.

The StoreJet 35T is connected by means of USB2.0 which, thanks to the bundled TurboHDD USB-software, is to reach speeds of up to 30% greater than competing hard disks. Transcend's latest storage device is compatible with all conventional versions of Windows, as well as Mac OS X and Linux. The firmware of the drive also enables eco-mode after it has been idle for 10 minutes.

As of yet, Transcend has not yet mentioned any prices.

Imation has introduced the Pro WX Wireless, an external hard jdisk that can be connected wirelessly. The 3,5" external drive offers a storage capacity of 1,5 TB. The chassis sports an integrated USB antenna which communicates with the USB transmitter/receiver that. is to be plugged in a computer's USB port. The maximum transfer speed is specified at 35 Mbyte/s, while the effective range is claimed to be 9 meters. This wireless external hard disk is meant to simplify writing back-ups for notebooks that are constantly moved.

When the disk is unused, it automatically enables its standby mode. If the disk diagnoses itself with errors, a warning message will be generated.

The Imation Pro WX external hard disk is available in the United States with prices starting at $450 USD. It's still unclear whether the device will be released in Europe.

Imation launches a wireless external harddisk.

Oki has launched several new multifunctional LED-printers, positioned in the MB400 series. The printers are capable of printing at a 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution in black and white and instead of conventional bubblejets or lasers, it uses LED's to print the ink. The MB460 entry model is able to copy and scan to a computer or USB-stick. The second model, the MB470, adds the fax-functionality to the features of the MB460. The MB480 topmodel houses a larger cartridge which allows up to 12.000 pages to be printed. This extra large toner is available seperately with prices starting at €130.

All models are equipped with a first paper drawer, which holds 250 A4 sheets. An optional second drawer is capable of holding 530 sheets of paper. The toners of the new series are also compatible with Oki's B400 printers.

Early-adopters will receive a five-year warranty plan with their printers, if registered prior to 2010. Starting January 1st 2010, Oki will provide three years of warranty wiht its printers. The MB460 is to cost € 450, the MB470 €520 and the topmodel with increased cartridge capacity will set you back € 680.

LED-printers by Oki.

Memory manufacturer Hynix is ready for the production of a new generation 40nm DDR3 memory chips. The chips contain 2Gbit of storage capacity, allowing 4 GB modules to become affordable, and existing 2GB modules to drop in price as well. Intel has validated two of Hynix's new 40nm DDR3 chips. The modules are a 2GB DDR3 DIMM and a 4GB SO-DIMM, both clocked at 1333 MHz.

At this clock frequency, the chips only require 1,5V, living up to the JEDEC specifications for DDR3 memory. According to Hynix, the new generation 40nm DDR3 memory chips are up to 40% more efficient than their 50nm predecessors, while the production costs for each chip will be lower as well. It's still unclear when the first modules based on the chips are to be released.

Hynix 40nm DDR3 chips ready for production

DFI has officially launched its Hybrid P45 ION-T2A2 motherboard, first shown about two months ago. The board houses both an energy efficient platform as one that is more aimed towards performance by incorporating both an nVidia Ion chipset, and an Intel P45 chipset on a single PCB. According to DFI, the hybrid solution not only requires less space, but the combination also fuses efficiency with performance at a reasonable price level.

Thanks to a number of internal switchchips, both platforms can be controlled using a single keyboard, mouse and monitor. It is also possible to use both systems completely independent from one another by connecting additional peripherals. Files can easily be shared using an internal network connection. The P45 ION-T2A2 is constructed in a such a way that nVidia's Ion components are on one side of the motherboard, while those of Intel's P45 chipset are on the other side. Shared connectors include four USB 2.0 ports, onboard Gigabit networkcontroller and some audioconnectors.

The Ion-side features a 1,6 GHz Intel Atom 230 processor and two DDR2 SO-DIMM slots, capable of holding up to 4 GB of memory. Also present is a PCI-Express x1 slot and a regular PCI slot. Three SATA 3.0 Gbit/s connectors are present for storage, supporting both RAID0 and RAID1 configurations. The GeForce 9400 IGP sports both a DVI and an HDMI output.

By means of an LGA775 socket, the P45-side of the board allows processors of the Core architecture to be used. The ICH10R southbridge provides the board with its connectivity options. Four DDR2-memory slots are present, allowing up to 16 GB of memory to be placed. A single PCI-Express x16, as well as one PCI-Express x1 and one PCI slot have been used on this side of the board. The P45 side also features six SATA 3.0 Gbit/s ports, again with RAID-functionality. A switchbox which allows for switching between both platforms is bundled as an accessory.

DFI claims that its Hybrid P45 ION-T2A2 will be a cheaper solution than purchasing two seperate systems, though a recommended price has not yet been mentioned. The estimated price is specified at $399.

While AMD's partners are displaying the new Radeon HD5970 topmodel, competitor nVidia has launched a new 40nm DirectX 10.1 graphics card, branded GeForce GT 240. In terms of features, the new card is equal to the earlier launched G210/GT220 models, while the increased shader amount makes this card more potent in 3D games. Though its 96 active shader units still don't make the card extremely fast, the decreased power consumption and added DirectX 10.1 support is to make the GT240 a worthy successor to the older GeForce 9600GT and 9600GSO graphics cards.

The GT240 is based on the GT215 GPU, which incorporates a 128-bits memorycontroller for both GDDR3 and GDDR5. This makes the GT240 the first nVidia card to feature the faster GDDR5 memory. Initially, the GT240 will be launched in four versions: equipped with either 512 or 1024 MB of memory, of either the GDDR3 or GDDR5 kind. nVidia has already allowed users to modify the card, since all manufacturers have equipped their models with alternative cooling solutions. Zotac has also announced a passively-cooled version.

At the launch, overclocked versions of the card will also be available. The GeForce GT240 card features a DVI, VGA and HDMI output. Because the card requires less than 75 Watt, no additional powerconnector is required.

Biostar GT240

GeForce GT240 by Club3D

GT240 by EliteGroup with Arctic Cooling heatsink

EVGA GT240 SC with increased clock frequencies

Galaxy GT240 graphics card

Gigabyte launches two versions: GV-N240D5-512I with 512 MB and the GV-N240D3-1GI with 1 GB.

GT240 by Inno3D

MSI GT240 models

Palit GT240 with short PCB and dualslot cooler

Point of View GT240 with Arctic Cooling cooler

XFX GT240 with shorter PCB

Zotac AMP! edition is overclocked out of the box

Passively cooled GT240 by Zotac

As result of a production error, several Hewlett Packard ink cartridges, produced in a period between May 1st 2009 and August 31st 2009 are incorrectly filled. In Europe, the problem affects two Tri-colour inkjet cartridges, leading to the entire cartridge being filled improperly, some too empty, others too filled. Though the production issue has been resolved and the wrong filling does not affect print quality, HP offers its customers the possibility to replace the  cartridges.

The two cartridges are HP's 342 Tri-colour Inkjet with product code C9361EE, as well as HP's 351 Tri-colour Inkjet, which sports product code CB337EE. The latter is also used in HP's 350/351 Inkjet double pack, coded SD421EE. It's also possible that a number of incorrectly filled cartridges was bundled with the HP Deskjet D4360 (CB700B), HP Photosmart C4580 All-in-One (Q8401B), HP Photosmart C4480 All-in-One (Q8403B), HP Photosmart C4472 All-in-One (Q8394B) and HP Photosmart C4485 All-in-One (Q8395B). The cartridges that are eligible for replacement feature a warranty end date of between May 1st 2011 and August 31st 2011.

The improperly filled cartridges can be returned to where they have been purchased from.

Shortly after the introduction of the Accelero Twin Turbo Pro graphics card cooler, Arctic Cooling has announced yet another GPU-cooler, branded Accelero Xtreme GTX Pro. Like all existing models in the Xtreme series, the new version features three 92 mm PWM-fans to cool the components beneath the heatsink. As the name suggests, this model has been specially designed for use with nVidia's high-end graphics cards.

Arctic Cooling claims that the three fans, in addition to the five heatpipes, copper base and MX-2 thermal paste are capable of cooling up to 250 watt. Also bundled are some smaller heatsinks, to be placfed on memorychips and voltage regulators. The cooler is sized 290 x 104 x 56 mm and weighs 632 grams. The temperature-controlled fans feature a speed ranging from 900 to 2000 RPM, displacing up to 81 CFM of air. Combined with a GeForce GTX 285 card, the difference in temperature between the Xtreme GTX Pro and the reference cooler, both with a 2000 rpm fanspeed, is claimed to be 20 °C.

Arctic Cooling's Accelero Xtreme GTX Pro graphics card cooler is compatible with graphics cards based on nVIdia's GeForce GTX 285, 280, 275, 260+ and 260 GPU's and will be released next month, bearing a pricetag of almost €71.

Patriot has launched four new SATA 3Gbps SSD's, branded PS-100. The drives come in a 2,5" form and feature capacities of 32, 64, 128 and 256 GB. Patriot's SSD's feature 64MB of cache memory. Reading- and writing speeds are specified at respectively 210 MB/s and 150 MB/s.

Patriot claims that its new PS-100 solid state drives feature an exceptionally long lifetime of 2,5 million hours MTBF, while competitors usually specify either 1 or 1,5 million hours. Under full load, Patriot's new SSD's feature a 5,3 Watt power consumption, while idle requires 0,5 Watt. The drives are to be launched shortly, bearing pricetags of 105, 240, 364 and 749 euro for respectively the 32, 64, 128 and 256 GB editions.

Patriot launches PS-100 series of SSD's

A while back, LG announced the LG W2220P monitor. The monitor was to feature a 22" e-IPS panel with a 1920x1200 pixel resolution. Though the panel remained unreleased in Europe for reasons unknown, Computerbase now reports that the monitor will be launched in Europe too.

Contrary to the earlier model, this screen is likely to feature a 1680x1050 pixel resolution. The e-IPS does sport the same 1000:1 static contrast, as well as the 300 cd/m² brightness. The horizontal and vertical viewing angles also remain at 178°. LG's W2220P has a claimed gray-to-gray response time of 5 ms.

The screen can be adjusted in height, as well as tilted to the back or front. It can also be rotated to both left and right in an angle of up to 150°. Connectivity includes a DVI and VGA (D-sub) connector. It's still unclear whether the earlier-announced HDMI connector is still present in this revised model. In use, the screen consumes 40 Watt, while in idle less than 1 Watt is required.

LG's W2220P will be released shortly, featuring a recommended price of €250.

The final resolution and presence of an HDMI connector remain unclear for now.

To organize television and computer cables, Eminent has introduced the so-called twistabled cables. Though they can be warped, these cables retain their shape when bent around other cables to keep them bundled. This makes tie-wraps unrequired for cable management and also prevents tangled wires.

The cable is enclosed ina so-called Memory Technology Material (MTM), which does not affect the electrical properties and conductivity of the inner cabling. This allows the cable to be bent in a certain shape after which it will remain in that form.

The Twistable cables will be released soon in various lengths. Initially, USB, HDMI, video- and audio cables are to be introduced.

The warpable Eminent cables retain their bent shape

Yesterday AMD launched its new topmodel Direct X 11 graphics card, the Radeon HD5970. This new card is best compared with a Crossfire setup of two HD5850 cards, only then on a single PCB. THe HD5970 will initially suffer from feebled availability, partially due to the 40nm production issues at TSMC.

Despite the fact that only few AMD partners are capable of selling the card in decent quantities, they have already shown their versions. Brands such as ASUS, MSI, Sapphire, HIS, PowerColor, Club3D, XFX and Gigabyte have all introduced an HD5970 card. Each of the cards is based on AMD's reference design, though Sapphire and XFX will also launch overclocked models. Sapphire's overclocked version adds 10 MHz to the GPU and memor yfrequency, while XFX has not yet released any information regarding the clock frequencies of its 'Black Edition' HD5970. The biggest differences however will remain the stickers, packaging and bundled accessories for a while.

Like all HD5000 series cards, the Radeon HD5970 supports DirectX 11, UVD videodecoder, Eyefinity and ATI Stream. The two GPU's on the card feature a total of 3200 shader units and each core has 1 GB of GDDR5 memory linked to a 256-bits memory interface.

HD5970 by MSI

HD5970 by PowerColer

HD5970 by Sapphire

XFX's HD5970

HD5970 by HIS

HD5970 by Gigabyte

HD5970 by ASUS

Affter not having heard from OCZ's Colossus SSD since August, the manufacturer has now officially launched the drive and added several models to its line-up. The Colossus SSD has a 3,5" form factor, and is to be used in desktop PC's. The drive consists of two OCZ Vertex SSD's that have been configured in an internal RAID-0. The SSD's use MLC flashmemory chips, combined with two Indilinx Barefoot controllers and 128 MB of cache memory.

OCZ's Colossus will be released in capacities of 120 GB, 250 GB, 500 GB and 1 TB. OCZ claims maximum reading- and writing speeds of 260 MB/s. The average writing speed is dependant on the chosen model. An MTBF of 1,5 million hours is specified ant the SSD's come with three years of warranty. OCZ will also sell the Colossus SSD with modified firmware for the business market.

Thanks to their large capacities, the solid state drives are capable of entirely replacing conventional hard disks. This solution however remains rather expensive for now, with prices of up to €3200 for the 1 TB topmodel.

 OCZ's Colossus SSD, featuring capacities of up to 1 TB.

Simultaneous with the introduction of the Radeon HD5970, AMD has launched its monthly driver update. The Catalyst 9.11 driver is compatible with all graphics cards from the Radeon HD2000 series up to the most recent Radeon HD5000 series, also supported are IGP-chipsets from the HD4200 and HD3000 series.

This version has also added some new features, such as GPU acceleration of H.264 video files used in combination with Adobe Flash Player 10.1 (beta), of which the prerelease version has recently been distributed. Only cards from the Radeon HD5000 and HD4000 series are capable of using the new feature to accelerate the HD video. The ATI Video Converter has also been improved, allowing Full-HD video to be downscaled whilst maintaining most of the quality of the original source.

Apart from these additions, several Catalyst Control Center bugs have also been fixed, such as issues during Blu-ray playback and in games:

• World in Conflict (DX10) no longer causes problems when a multiplayer game is ended.
• Audio output available again in Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X.
• Anno 1404 no longer has black texture issues in Windows Vista.
• Crysis Warhead no longer crashes when run in Crossfire at high settings.

Support for RHEL 5.4 and openSUSE 11.1 Linux operating systems has also been incorporated.

The release notes contain a more detailed list of improvements and bugfixes. ATI's Catalyst 9.11 drivers can be downloaded here by choosing your operating system and product.

ATI launches 9.11 drivers.