Fragmaster 2000 Game Controller review @ G3D
March 30, 2001
Today at G3D:Gaming In 3D they've pounded-put a review of the Frag Master 2000 game controller:
"The games used for testing will be Half Life Counter Strike 1.1, Unreal Tournament, and Red Alert 2. Half Life: CS1.1 it works as any other keyboard, just map the buttons and you are set. One complaint I had with it was the buttons were too soft and didn't feel like my MS Keyboard. Other then that it worked flawlessly. Typing messages was easier then attempting to type with the keyboard slanted and having lots of typos."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Giveaway News post from MadnessPC.com
March 30, 2001
This contest new is from MadnessPC:
"Only 1 more day left for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes at MadnessPC.com. On
April 1st we are giving away:
1. AOpen HQ-08 Case
2. ICEMAT mouse pad
3. AOpen Multimedia Keyboard
Head over now. All you have to do is subscribe to our newsletter by entering your e-mail address.
Direct Link: http://www.merc100.com/contest.htm "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Duron Overclocking Guide Posted @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
March 30, 2001
Not to be outdone, Adrian's Rojak Pot has posted it's own Duron Overclocking Guide for the general consumption needs of rabid AMD fans/Tweakers everywhere. Here's a snip:
"8Balls explains his Duron overclocking methods in which he turns his 650MHz Duron into a 928MHz speed demon! If you have a Duron and want to know how to overclock it and determine the maximum speed it can stably run at, check this guide out!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Overclocking the Apple Powerbook "Titanium" G4
March 30, 2001
Hio Fellow Electron-Punks,
Here's a bit of Overclocking news from off the beaten track. Some enterprising soul has apparently discovered the proper method through which to Overclock Apple Computer's new, svelte-looking "Titanium" Powerbook G4 400MHz to 500MHz, with the help of a little soldering and a steady hand! MacOSRumors has the news:
"Michael Kimbrel was the first of many to write in with this tidbit:
Void your warranty on your Powerbook G4 400. Make it a 500 with no hitches. Easy to do if you can solder. Machine is stable and the processor is running at the same temperature as the 400. Check out : http://www.voelker.com/service/void/powerbook/
Now this is very cool: for those who absolutely must have that ultra-thin, widescreen G4 titanium wonder despite its occasional first-release gremlin, there's an opportunity to stretch that low(er)-end model a little further. Problem is, this kind of soldering is not for the faint of heart...it's not just a matter of melting a couple of globs of solder and pasting them on, this involves some very tiny precision surface solder points. An extremely steady hand and a lot of practice are all that will stand between the user and a lost $2600 investment.
Most users won't want to do this, and we certainly don't recommend it -- go buy a Pismo and upgrade it later with a 1GHz G3 or a G4 if you want speed. But if you have the guts and can squeeze the extra performance out of that 7410, hats off to you..."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Apple's Mac OS X Hits the Shelves
March 29, 2001
Mac OS X Hits Stores This Weekend
CUPERTINO, California—March 21, 2001—Apple® today announced that beginning this Saturday, March 24, customers can buy Mac® OS X in retail stores around the world. Mac OS X is the world’s most advanced operating system, combining the power and openness of UNIX with the legendary ease of use and broad applications base of Macintosh®.
“Mac OS X is the most important software from Apple since the original Macintosh operating system in 1984 that revolutionized the entire industry,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait for Mac users around the globe to experience its stability, power and elegance.”
Over 350 applications for Mac OS X are shipping today, with hundreds more coming by this summer. More than 10,000 developer organizations around the world are working on over 20,000 Mac OS X applications, including 4D, Aladdin Systems, Alias/Wavefront, Avid, Connectix, Dantz, Digidesign, EarthLink, FileMaker, IBM, Macromedia, Microsoft, MYOB, Palm, Sun, Symantec, and Thursby Software Systems.
Apple will also ship Mac OS X versions of its three most popular applications on March 24, available as free downloads at www.apple.com: iMovie™ 2, the world’s most popular and easiest-to-use digital video editing software; iTunes, Apple’s wildly popular “jukebox” software that lets users create and manage their own music library; and a preview version of AppleWorks® 6.1, Apple’s award-winning productivity application.
Mac OS X is built upon an incredibly stable, open source, UNIX-based foundation called Darwin and features true memory protection, preemptive multi-tasking and symmetric multiprocessing when running on the dual processor Power Mac™ G4. Mac OS X includes Apple’s new Quartz™ 2D graphics engine (based on the Internet-standard Portable Document Format) for stunning graphics and broad font support; OpenGL for spectacular 3D graphics and gaming; and QuickTime™ for streaming audio and video. Mac OS X also features an entirely new user interface called Aqua™. Aqua combines superior ease of use with amazing new functionality such as the Dock, a breakthrough for organizing, documents and document windows.
In addition, Mac OS X includes hundreds of new features, such as:
• Dynamic memory management, eliminating “out of memory” messages or need to adjust the memory for applications
• Advanced power management, so that PowerBook® and iBook™ systems wake from sleep instantly
• QuickTime 5, shipping for the first time as an integrated feature of Mac OS X
• Automatic networking, allowing users to get on the Internet using any available network connection, without adjusting settings
• A single interface to easily manage all network and Internet connections, including direct support for DSL systems that require PPPoE connectivity
• Full PDF support and PDF integration into the operating system, so that Mac OS X applications can generate standard PDF documents to be shared with any platform
• Direct support for TrueType, Type 1 and OpenType fonts, and an intuitive and flexible interface for managing fonts and groups of fonts
• More than $1,000 of the best fonts available today, including Baskerville, Herman Zapf’s Zapfino, Futura, and Optima; as well as the highest-quality Japanese fonts available, in the largest character set ever on a personal computer
• iTools integration into Mac OS X, for direct access to iDisk free Internet storage in the Finder and Open/Save dialog boxes, and free IMAP mail for Mac.com email accounts
• Built in support for popular HP, Canon, and Epson printers
• Easy to administer multi-user environment, with access privileges to keep documents secure
• Powerful web development tools and technologies such as WebDAV, XML, Apache and QuickTime
• BSD UNIX services including popular shells, Perl and FTP
• Support for symmetric multi-processing, so that on dual-processor Power Mac G4 systems, both processors are used automatically to deliver up to twice the productivity
• File system and network security including support for Kerberos
• Support for Java 2 Standard Edition built directly into Mac OS X, giving customers access to cross platform applications
Apple’s successful Mac OS X Public Beta, which shipped in September 2000, was instrumental in several key enhancements to the operating system. Apple shipped more than 100,000 copies of Mac OS X Public Beta and received more than 75,000 individual user feedback entries from Mac users and developers worldwide.
To help customers migrate to Mac OS X, Apple iServices will offer several new services, including a comprehensive set of Mac OS X training and certification offerings for Mac OS X system administrators.
Pricing & Availability
Mac OS X will ship with 7 languages—English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch— included on a single CD. In addition, the Mac OS X box will include a full copy of Mac OS 9.1, for running Classic applications, and the Mac OS X Developer Tools CD.
Mac OS X will be available through The Apple Store® (www.apple.com) and through Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $129 (US) beginning March 24, 2001.
Mac OS X requires a minimum of 128MB of memory and is designed to run on the following Apple products: iMac™, iBook, Power Macintosh® G3, Power Mac G4, Power Mac G4 Cube and any PowerBook introduced after May 1998.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.
Press Contacts:
Alicia Awbrey
Apple
(408) 974-0922
awbrey@apple.com
Bill Evans
Apple
(408) 974-0610
bevans@apple.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple's PR website (www.apple.com/pr/), or call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Apple Store, AppleWorks, Aqua, iBook, iMovie, iMac, Mac OS, PowerBook, Power Mac, Power Macintosh, Quartz and QuickTime are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Posted by Colin Cordner
Overclocking TBird and Duron @ The Tech Zone
March 29, 2001
The Tech Zone has pasted-up a little article that explores the Overclocking abilities of AMD's two premiere x86 chips - the Duron & the Athlon. Here's a quote:
"AMD Duron and Athlon CPUs have become the darlings of the overclocking crowd. With the capability to adjust multipliers as well as (finally) front side bus speeds, AMD CPUs are the prime choice for the overclocker. The Tech Zone takes a look at a 600Mhz Duron and a 1200Mhz TBird to see just how far they will go. Is 1.47Ghz fast enough for you?"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
MidiLand S4 7100 Plus Speakers review @ The Hardware Zone
March 29, 2001
If you're looking for a new set of speaker's, feel free to check out The Hardware Zone's review of the Midiland S4 7100 Plus:
"The MidiLand S4 7100 Plus is an amazing speaker system that produces a broad spectrum of audio, from the low and subtle bass to clear and sharp treble. As the bigger brother of the highly acclaimed S4 4060M, it utilises the same satellite units which gave it a mellow character. Paired with the ADS 3000, the S4 7100 Plus offers AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1 audio suitable for home theatre systems. The only drawback with the S4 7100 Plus lies in its inability to interface with the SB Live! However, if you intend to use the S4 7100 Plus as a standalone home theatre system, I would say that the S4 7100 Plus is worth the consideration. If you don't plan to use it with an SB Live, I would recommend the S4 7100 Plus over the Creative DTT3500."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
AMD Endorses SOYO Motherboards for Athlon CPUs
March 29, 2001
Contact:
Len Fernandes
LF Communications
510-538-8916
lencom@earthlink.net
Ming Chok
SOYO, Inc.
510-226-2501
ming@SOYOusa.com
AMD Endorses SOYO SY-K7VTA-Pro Motherboard for
Athlon Socket A Processors
-- Only one of two boards for VIA KT133A Chipset Recommended by AMD
FREMONT, CA (March 28, 2001) ˆ SOYO, Inc. today announced that its new
SY-K7VTA-PRO motherboard for AMD Athlon microprocessors has earned a
spot on AMD‚s list of „recommended‰ motherboards, and is one of only two
motherboards tested by AMD labs for compatibility and performance with
VIA‚s KT133A chipset.
SOYO‚s SY-K7VTA-PRO pushes the microprocessor and chipset envelope to a
new level with its integration of the VIA KT133A chipset, 266MHz system
interface, support for AMD‚s 1GHz and above Socket A CPUs, and use of
standard SDRAM. SOYO has also developed several system management and
protection features to make the SY-K7VTA-PRO one of the most innovative,
scalable and affordable motherboards in its class, according Ming Chok
SOYO Vice President of Engineering.
Due to the complexity of advanced CPU performance on a motherboard, AMD
selects the most popular new motherboards to evaluate using an
internally developed suite of BIOS, electrical, and software benchmark
tests, according to Chok. Endusers have assurance that any motherboard
placed by AMD on its „Athlon Processor Recommended Motherboards‰ list
has been tested to ensure compliance with motherboard design guidelines
for the Athlon processor. AMD Athlon processors should be used only
with recommended motherboard, according to AMD
The SY-K7VTA-PRO comes in an ATX form factor, and supports all Socket-A
based AMD CPU‚s to 1GHz and above with 266 MHz FSB. The board includes
five 32-bit busmastering PCI slots, one 16-bit ISA slot and one AGP slot
with 4X graphics support. The board uses standard SDRAM DIMM sockets
with support to 1.5GBs of RAM.
The SY-K7VTA-PRO is list priced at $150 for single boards. Volume
discounts are available.
The advanced power management and system management features of the
SY-7VTA-PRO makes it a perfect motherboard for digital content creation,
3-D graphics processing, commercial 3-D modeling, CAD/workstation, image
compression, speech recognition, and a variety of mainstream
applications.
New SOYO technical innovations include „Voice Doctor,‰ which monitors
the system‚s hardware configuration during the boot-up process to make
sure the CPU, memory, VGA, hard disk drives, floppy drives, and keyboard
are all working normally. If a problem is detected, users will hear a
speaking voice, warning them of the malfunction.
SOYO‚s Fan Off Control (FOC) feature provides total protection for the
CPU. SOYO departed from the passive security systems found on most
motherboards, which only alert users of problems after they happen. The
SOYO-designed FOC automatically powers off the system should the CPU fan
malfunction. The motherboard detects the status of the CPU fan and
protects the CPU by automatically disconnecting the power supply.
SOYO makes it easy to custom configure the SY-K7VTA-PRO directly though
the BIOS setup page without jumpers. Users can select a combination of
16 sets of CPU FSB and PCI bus clock speeds. The CPU core voltage can
also be adjusted through the BIOS directly without setting any jumpers.
SOYO‚s SOFSET technology provides users with a range from 1.5v ~ 1.85v
in the BIOS setup page for adjustments.
SOYO also includes a Symantec software bundle, which includes Norton
Anti-Virus, Ghost and Virtual Drive
ABOUT SOYO Computer, Inc.
SOYO Computer, Inc was founded in 1985, with worldwide headquarters in
Taipei, Taiwan, and branch offices in Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and
Korea. The company sells its products through Tech Data and a select
group of resellers, system integrators, and VARs worldwide. SOYO‚s U.S.
headquarters are at 41484 Christy Street, Fremont, CA 94538. For
information, call 510-226-7696 or visit www.soyousa.com.
###
SOYO is a registered trademark. Other product names are either
trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.
Posted by Colin Cordner
Sennheiser HD570 Headphone review @ G3D
March 29, 2001
The G3D gang has posted a review of the Sennheiser HD570 headphones:
"First of all, we have to acknowledge the fact that these are full cup headphones folks. There's a big word that goes with this for you audiophile people, but I don't remember it well enough to trust my spelling =). We'll just leave it at: They fit all the way over your ears. Mine have some room to spare, and when I took them to a LAN Party with me, none of the people I had try them on complained about them being too small. They're extremely light for their size and quality. It's basically like wearing a baseball cap when you wearing these babies."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ECS E-Letter - 28th March, 2001
March 29, 2001
ECS E-LETTER ö 28th March, 2001
Dear Customers and Friends,
Welcome to this weekâs e-letter, designed to keep you up to date with company news, product information and market conditions. ECS Elitegroup (ECS) is a manufacturer of mainboards, PDAs, IA products and barebone system units.
ECS releases the P6VPA2 DDR Mainboard
ECS Elitegroup is proud to announce the release of our P6VPA2 DDR mainboard.Ê The board features state-of-the-art technology and high quality components to guarantee customer satisfaction.
The P6VPA2 is an ATX, socket 370 board for Celeron processors, FC-PGA Pentium III processors or Cyrix III processors with FSB speeds to 133MHz. It comes with the VIA Apollo Pro266 chipset that features 4X AGP (AGP 2.0 spec) support, ITE LPC I/O (IT8712F) for hardware monitoring and AC97 audio codec. The P6VPA2 comes with award BIOS (2MB Flash EEPROM).
There are three 184-pin 2.5v DDR SDRAM (DDR266/DDR200) sockets for a maximum of 3GB memory. Expansion options are provided by way of 5 PCI slots and 4X AGP, ACR and CNR slots, thus catering for all the latest technological expansion options.
The mainboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors including plug and play function support, PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors, a serial port, an EPP/ECP parallel port, audio jacks for microphone, line-in, line-out and CD-in and a game port. There are two PCI IDE interfaces that support up to four IDE devices (PIO mode 4, DMA mode 2, ATA 33/66/100).
There are six USB ports, of which four are connectors on board.
Rounding off this great board are regular ECS Îextrasâ including LAN/modem wake-up (wakens the system if there is an incoming fax, voice mail message or data transfer request), suspend to RAM, keyboard power on and hardware monitoring features. A BIOS with Vcore adjustment is under development and will be available soon. The P6VPA2 provides power users with support for the latest DDR technology at a very competitive price.
The P6VPA2 is your best value DDR solution.
Some Îengineeringâ samples are available. Please contact your ECS sales representative if a sample is required.
P6IPA, ãa great choice,ä says Tweakmax
Tweakmax has reviewed our P6IPA mainboard with the Intel 815EP chipset. They commented that the board had great performance, great stability generally, good board design and was good value. They concluded that, ã if you are more concerned about stability, performance and price, rather than overclocking, this mainboard is a great choice.ä The full review is at: http://www.tweakmax.com/html/p6ipa/p6ipa_1.htm .
The P6IPA is an ATX, socket 370 mainboard for Celeron or Pentium III processors, and features the Intel 815EP chipset offering ATA100 support. There are 3 DIMM slots for up to 768MB of SDRAM (PC100/133). There are also 6 PCI slots, an AGP slot and CNR slot.
New BIOS updates
Please note that updated BIOS files for the following ECS mainboard models can now be downloaded from our web site (http://www.ecs.com.tw/download/download.htm ): P6STP-FL, K7VZA, K7SEM, P6VXM, P6ISA-II and P6ISM-II.
Strong mainboard sales may indicate better outlook for PC market
While leading PC companies are issuing revenue warnings and OEMs are reducing inventory, Taiwanâs first-tier mainboard manufacturers are not seeing any slowdown in their shipments, reports Digitimes (http://www.digitimes.com) . In February, ECS Elitegroup shipped over 1.3 million mainboards, while other large mainboard producers also recorded strong sales. Shipments of brand-name clone and SI units have also risen, while OEM shipments have fallen due to the sluggish US market. March sales are also expected to continue strongly. Revenue growth among top mainboard manufacturers during the first quarter may indicate a better outlook for the PC industry, according to Merrill Lynch Taiwan. Recent stabilization of some DRAM prices is another encouraging sign, Merrill Lynch said.
Taiwan boosts MRAM production
The Taiwan Economic News (http://news.cens.com) reports that Taiwanâs Union Semiconductor Technology Corp.
(USTC) has announced that it would boost production of 1MB magnetic random access memory (MRAM) chips to 16,000 wafers a month in the second half of the year.Ê USTC began developing MRAM technology with Mosel-Vitelic, another Taiwanese company, in 1998. Although IBM and Infineon are also developing MRAM, USTC is the first company to begin mass production of MRAM chips. USTC estimates that 16MB and 64MB MRAM will be available in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
MRAM combines the large memory capacity of DRAM with the high-speed performance of SRAM and flash memory. Data transfer between the MRAM chip and other nearby chips is 2,400 times faster than traditional DRAM technology, and ten times faster than SRAM.
Taiwan thin-client production to double this year
Rapid growth of the Internet has led many companies in the PC industry, including ECS Elitegroup, to develop thin-client products such as Net PCs, network computers and Windows-based terminals, according to Digitimes. Taiwanâs thin-client industry manufactured 685,000 units, worth US$204 million last year. Production this year is expected to double to 1.36 million units and US$353 million in value. IDC forecasts that global demand for thin-client products should grow 90% this year to 2.4 million units.
AMD introduces 1.33GHz Athlon
AMD last week introduced 1.33GHz and 1.3 GHz Athlon processors fitted with a 266MHz front side bus and 200 MHz front side bus respectively. Both chips are powered by DDR memory. AMD Athlon processors have been rated highly for their performance and sales have been strong. However, they will be challenged by Intelâs 1.7GHz version of the Pentium 4 to be released during the second quarter this year.
*********************************************************************************************
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of our e-letter. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to include in future issues. On the other hand, if you would rather not receive our newsletter, or if the newsletter is not being sent to the appropriate person in your company, please let us know.
For information about ECS and our products, please visit our websites at:
www.ecs.com.tw (English/Taiwan HQ)
www.ecs.uk.com (English/UK)
www.ecsjpn.co.jp (Japanese)
www.elitegroup.de (German)
www.ecs.ru (Russian)
Posted by Colin Cordner
P4 Overclocking Guide @ HardwareOC
March 29, 2001
Hio Fellow Chip-geeks,
The folks over at HardwareOC have printed up an Overclocker's Guide to the hottest chip on the market (no pun intended :)) - the Intel Pentium IV. Here's a snip:
"When I first plugged in this system and started it up the first thing I noticed was that this thing is HOT! And no, I'm not talking about 40C, I'm talking more of 72C as an idle temperature. When I used my other system to check Intel and make sure I wasn't doing something wrong here, I found out that these temperatures were within their specifications for a Pentium 4 system. Personally I find that funny when the big fuss a little while ago was about how hot AMD systems were at 36C. Now we're easily looking at double that at IDLE! "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Quicksilver Paste & Copper Spacer review @ Ctrl-Alt-Delete.com
March 26, 2001
Ctrl-Alt-Delete.com has written up a review of the Quicksilver Paste & Copper Spacer combo:
"It seems like there are reviews everywhere on the net of these two items. Maybe because its cheap, easy to use and a good bang for you buck? Or is it just a fizz? Check it out to find out more!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Enermax EG351 P-VE power supply review @ IAmNotAGeek.com
March 26, 2001
IAmNotAGeek.com has finished up a review of the Enermax EG351 P-VE power supply unit:
"There is power supply has about as many connectors as I have ever seen on a power supply. This power supply has eight 4 pin peripheral connectors. Only 1 floppy drive power connector. One ATX main power connector, one aux power connector, and one +12V power connector. There is also three pin fan monitor connector. This connector does not power the second fan inside but it will allow you do monitor the fan speed."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Windows 2k Registry Tweak Guide @ The Tweaker's Asylum
March 26, 2001
The resident Windows 2000 Nut Tempest of the Tweaker's Asylum has a new tweak guide out! This time its about the Windows 2000 Registry, and all the ways an intrepid tweaker can monkey with it, in search of speed (err, the processing kind, not the drug...). Here are the details:
"Many of you have heard of the registry, and some of you know how disastrous it can be when it becomes corrupted or destroyed. What is the registry? Well, the registry is Microsoft's attempt at centralizing the system configuration. Apparently, their aim was to minimize the amount of configuration and initialization files lying around the computer. They hoped to simplify and facilitate system configuration through the creation of the registry."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Athlon Stepping Guide @ AthlonOC
March 26, 2001
AthlonOC has posted their comprehensive guide explaining how the codes printed on AMD CPU cores reflect the overclockability of their CPUs. Here's a snip:
"After seeing the huge amount of speculation about AMD step-codes and what they mean to overclockers we decided to bring some light on to the subject . We will draw our conclusions based on a database of over 1000 AMD CPUs, their step code, and overclocked speeds. The database has been compiled over several months. This, we believe, is the most accurate manner in which to derive results and a basic understanding of the codes used by AMD."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
VIA Launches New VIA C3 Processor at CeBIT 2001
March 26, 2001
For Immediate Release
VIA Launches New VIA C3 Processor at CeBIT 2001
First Processor in the World to be Built Using a 0.15 Micron Manufacturing
Process the First Product in new VIA C Series Processor Line
Hannover, Germany, March 25, 2001 - VIA Technologies, Inc. today announced
the launch of the new VIA C3 processor starting at speeds of 733MHz.
The first processor on the market to be built using a leading edge 0.15
micron manufacturing process, the new VIA C3 integrates a total of 192KB
full-speed cache on the world's smallest x86 processor die measuring only
52mm2. It combines robust mainstream software application and Internet
performance with exceptionally low power consumption to provide a compelling
solution for Value PCs, Information PCs, notebooks, and the rapidly emerging
new generation of Digital PC Appliances.
"The VIA C3 sets the new de facto standard for affordable, low power x86
processors that leverage the flexibility and cost efficiency of the industry
standard Socket 370 infrastructure," commented Wen-Chi Chen, CEO and
President of VIA Technologies, Inc. "It creates exciting opportunities for
OEMs and system integrators to open up high potential new market segments by
developing a new wave of innovative, energy efficient, low profile system
designs that deliver versatile computing, communications, and connectivity
capabilities at compelling new price points."
New VIA C3 Processor
The new VIA C3 processor was developed by the VIA Centaur processor design
team located in Austin, Texas, and is initially available at speeds starting
at 733MHz. To optimize performance, the processor integrates 128KB full
speed Level 1 and 64KB full speed Level 2 Cache, and also features support
for a high-speed 133MHz Front Side Bus and the 3DNow! and MMX* multimedia
instruction sets.
With its small die size and efficient architectural design, the new VIA C3
processor consumes as little as 6 watts when running standard mainstream
computing applications under Winstone 99. This gives OEMs and system
integrators full freedom and flexibility to differentiate their products in
the market by developing distinctive fanless Silent PC designs.
The new VIA C3 processor is fully plug-in compatible with the standard
Socket 370 infrastructure, and is supported by a wide range of mainboards
from all the world's leading vendors. It also runs a complete range of
Microsoft* Windows* and other popular x86 operating systems and software
programs, as well as all the latest Internet applications and plug-ins.
New VIA C* III Processor Pricing & Availability
The new VIA C3 processor is available now at speeds starting from 733MHz.
Pricing begins at US$54 per unit for 1K orders. Further information is
available upon request.
About VIA Technologies, Inc
VIA Technologies, Inc. is the world's leading fabless supplier of PC core
logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia and communications chips.
VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling
high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC
platforms, as well as cost-effective VIA C Series processors for Value PCs
and Internet Appliances. Its customers include the world's top OEMs,
mainboard manufacturers, and system integrators. VIA is headquartered in
Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of the Greater China high-tech manufacturing
engine, and has branch offices in the US, China and Europe. The company is
listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388), and achieved annual revenues
of nearly US$1 billion in 2000.
VIA PR Contacts
US: Paul Ayscough International: Richard Brown
Phone: 1-408-588-8309 Phone: (886)-2-2218-5452 #6201
Email: payscough@s3graphics.com Email: Richard_Brown@via.com.tw
Note to reporters, editors and writers: VIA is spelled in ALL CAPS.
Posted by Colin Cordner
ASUS CUSL2-C motherboard review @ Adrian's Rojak Pot
March 26, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot just posted a comprehensive review of the ASUS CUSL2-C motherboard, which is based on the Intel i815EP chipset. Here's a blurb :-
"In his latest review, Chai examines ASUS' i815EP offering for the discerning user who knows enough to save some money by skipping the more expensive i815E chipset (with its dismal graphics core) and spending it on a proper graphics card instead. So, how well does the CUSL2-C fare? There's only one way to find out. Read on... :)"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
The CORE Hi-Perf Heatsink review @ AmdMB
March 26, 2001
Amdmb.com has posted a review of the CORE High Performance Heatink from CPUFX.:
"This baby clocks in a quite a pretty penny on the pocket book, but performs incredibly well. Read the full review for the scoop and how well it did on the testing."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Jazz ROCCO 5.1 Dolby Digital Speaker System @ The Hardware Zone
March 26, 2001
The Hardware Zone has posted their review of the Jazz ROCCO 5.1 Dolby Digital Speaker System:
"The ROCCO 5.1 could have gotten our approval if not for its poor audio performance. Due to the inability of the subwoofer to produce heart-pounding, solid and punchy bass, the ROCCO 5.1 will only perform marginally. However, if you do spend time tweaking the amplifier and speaker volumes, you would probably be able to live with it. If you're not extremely fussy about audio quality, this budget 5.1 Digital Speaker System would make a good low cost solution."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Comp Building 101 @ The Tech Zone
March 26, 2001
The Tech Zone has posted a step by step Guide to Building Your Own Computer. So, if Gateway has left you wanting, and Hewlett-Packard has let you down, break out the Torx and read on, 'cause here's a clip:
"You may have consider building your own comp at one time or another but have never done it because you think you might mess it up. Well, no need to worry. After reading this step by step article, you'll be building your first computer in no time. Lots of pics for those who don't like to read. :)"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ASUS A7V133 motherboard review @ IAmNotAGeek.com
March 26, 2001
IAmNotAGeek.com has finished up a review of the ASUS A7V133 motherboard:
"The ASUS A7V did allow you to change the mutliplier and voltage settings but you had to do it the old fashioned way on with dip switches. ASUS has updated the BIOS and now on the A7V133 all overclocking options can be set right in the BIOS."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
DFI introduces its latest AK75 motherboard that adopts KT133A Chipset
March 26, 2001
Taipei
After having introduced AK74-SC and AK74-EC motherboards that adopt AMD’s Athlon Socket A processor and gaining rave reviews from the media, DFI follows up with the announcement of AK75-EC motherboard that adopts KT133A chipset and supports the 266MHz Athlon processor. The AK75-EC can be equipped with the 266MHz FSB Athlon processor that includes frequencies of 1GHz, 1.1GHz, 1.2GHz, and the next generation 1.5GHz or above. It also supports PC100/133 SDRAM, ATA100 high-speed data transmission interface, as well as 4X AGP, bringing tiptop performance for computer users. The most advanced design of AK75 is capable of fulfilling consumer’s needs and should be widely accepted. For more advanced users, the AK75 motherboard provides the most excitement of overclock.
AK75 are able to support 266MHz FSB CPU with the frequency of 1.5GHZ or above
After introducing two motherboards, AK74-SC and AK74-EC, DFI follows with the announcement of the high performing AK-75-EC motherboard. The AK75 motherboard constitutes best the best functions in a x86 processor including 266MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), ATA100 high-speed transmission interface, while supporting 4X AGP. This motherboard also has 3 built-in DIMM slots, and the main memory is expandable to a maximum of 1.5GB; it supports PC133, VCM SDRAM memory. The AK-75 also supports the high-end CPU of above 1.5Ghz, besides the current 266MHz Athlon CPUs with speed of 1GHz, 1.1GHz, and 1.2GHz. This allows users to upgrade CPUs without having to replace the motherboard itself. By using three-phase power supply (Extra Large Current Design) to support the high current demand of future generation CPUs, a high performing FSB of up to 266MHz, and adding future CPUs with frequency of 1.5GHz, the AK75 is not only a state of the art motherboard the incorporates the most functions, but also manages to reserve plenty room for future upgrades.
AK75 makes overclock easy
To meet user’s demand for speed and performance, DFI adds many new technologies onto the AK75 motherboard. Focusing on the key factors that most influence system performance, namely the external frequency, AK75 allows users to adjust external frequency directly via BIOS. Moreover, DFI provides adjustments for multiple frequency and electric voltage adjustment functions. The voltage adjustment function raises the upper limit of the system frequency. And by increasing the voltage, it stabilizes an unreliable system caused by overclock. Overclock users can maximize the performance of processors by adjusting multiple-frequency and external frequency. Even at the same system frequency, processors can pair a higher external frequency with a lower multiple-frequency to maximize system performance. For experienced overclock users, with adjustable functions of external frequency, multiple-frequency, and voltage, it is easier to maximize CPU and system performance. The high cost tri-phase power supply design brings steady current, and it not only supports future generation CPUs, but also provides overclock users an insurance against motherboard not being able to provide sufficient current for overclock. For the non-overclock users, the advanced technology of AK75 gives a superior system performance even when used in a non-overclock environment.
The unique power supply design of AK75 ensures stability under high-performing operation
To support the high performance of Athlon, AK75 is designed with a unique power supply to accommodate the high current usage. The AK75 uses a high-cost tri-phase circuit (Extra Large Scale Current Design) to support the high demand on electricity for future CPUs. It also provides additional electric current for users under a overclock operation. The multiple-phase power design also reduces the generation of heat to assure the system of not being affected by the heat dispersion under high performing operation. Another unique feature of the power supply is the 3.3V support transform schematic on board. When supply of power is unstable, DFI AK75 shifts 5V-power supply to supplement the 3.3V power. Steady supply of electric power to the system ensures system stability, and prevents data lost due to system down caused by unstable supply of power.
The AK75 integrates several value-added functions
In addition to the aforementioned high application technology, the expansion of AK75-EC motherboard includes one CNR, five PCI, and 4 sets of USB ports to provide users the most flexibility to expand. The AK75 motherboard also provides an improved AC’97 interface, with the addition of one CNR expansion slot, users can purchase CNR interfaced sound card to upgrade the computer to a 5.1 tracks sound effect output. Users can also pick a CNR interfaced modem card or network card such as the HomePNA and the 10/100 Ethernet connections, etc to allow network connection. This saves users money while still satisfies users’ multi choices. Aside from providing a series of the latest interfaces, AK75 also offers users various options on functions, such as STR technology which shortens the time for a system to resume from suspend mode to within a few seconds, the Hardware Monitor function which allows the user to fully master the condition of system hardware, and several “Wake on Events” functions which enables users to wake up the system through USB, network and modem. The AK75 is definitely a bargain for users.
The AK75 – an advanced product at a reasonable price
Incorporates the most advanced and plentiful functions of the current X86 processors, the AK75 is not just a high-end motherboard with abundant functions; moreover, it offers high-end computer products at a reasonable price that is affordable to most consumers. When DFI designed AK75, the product was positioned as a motherboard with plentiful functionality and a reasonable price. To satisfy a wide range of consumers, we have incorporated the most favorite function at present and functions that would be in demand in the future. The advanced multi-function design of AK75 will surely satisfy all consumers’ requirements and earn widespread popularity from users. For overclock users, we have also offered a product that would create great excitement under overclock operation.
Posted by Chris Verr
Iomega Predator External USB CD-RW drive review @ The Hardware Zone
March 22, 2001
HardwareZone has a new review of the Iomega Predator External USB CD-RW Drive:
"The thing about the Iomega Predator USB external CD-RW drive which the competition doesn't have currently is convenient scalability. This feature allows you the choice of upgrading an existing 4x4x6x drive to a faster performer (8x4x32x) just by getting a separate adapter (no pricing information on the Firewire adapter just yet though). For PC users, you will have to invest in an additional IEEE 1394 Firewire card (Mac users need not worry as most systems come with it already) and a Firewire cable.
The key selling point here is the adapter, meaning the 4x4x6x to 8x4x32x speed upgrade option. If you've been pining for an external CD-RW drive but want it to look Milan-catwalk-stylishly sleek, perform scalably well and work sufficiently fast, the Iomega Predator USB external CD-RW drive is your wish-come-true product."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
MSI StarForce 815 GeForce 2 graphics card review @ Legion Hardware
March 22, 2001
Legion Hardware has posted a review of the MSI MS-Starforce 815 graphics card:
"As you would expect, MSI have more than one card based on the GeForce2 GPU, this review only concerns one of these cards. In fact this review covers the very first GeForce2, ahh the good old GTS. I remember about one year ago flicking through PC mags looking at previews of this baby and just drooling at the card and its $700 AUD price tag. Well a lot has happened since then, well not that much Iím still drooling but this time itís at the GeForce3 ;). Anyway like I said times have changed and that $700 AUD price tag has been more than halved with in one year. You can now expect to pay under $300 AUD for GeForce2 GTS 32MB, and the MS-StarForce 815 is no exception going for around $270 AUD."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
OCZ Monster Coolers Review @ The Tech Zone
March 22, 2001
The Tech Zone has posted a review of the OCZ Monster Cooler for your reading amusement:
"Now this is a big cooler! If the single fan OCZ Monster II isn't big enough for you, there is always the OCZ Twin Turbo Cooler with its two high power 60 mm fans! The Tech Zone takes a look at both OCZ coolers and ask the question, do you really need this much cooling power?"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
AMD Athlon 1.33 GHz / 266 MHz FSB Review
March 22, 2001
Amdmb.com has posted a review of AMD's latest processor, the 1.33 GHz running on the 266 MHz FSB:
"But, say you are still stuck in an 800-900 MHz or less system. The 1.33 GHz should look much for appealing to you. Coming in at just around $300 at launch, this processor and a new KT133A motherboard should or even an AMD 760 DDR system should be cheap enough for you to consider upgrading to the faster possible speed CPU available. Wouldnt you impress your friends with a new 1.33 GHz system overclocked to 1.5 GHz? Shove that into your Intel P4-loving friends face! Then benchmark both and laugh. "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
GlobalWIN WBK68 cooler review @ MadnessPC
March 22, 2001
MadnessPC has written a review of the GlobalWIN WBK68 cooler:
"GlobalWIN makes some of the best cooling available and we couldn't wait to get our hands on there WBK68. Its quiet, look great and well what about the performance?"
"The WBK68 Global Win fan runs at 4800 RPM with air delivery of 23.7 CFM. If your wondering about the size of the heatsink and if you have room its dimensions are 75*63.5*39.4mm and it hits the scales at 240grams"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Rev. 3.3 of the Windows 2000 Hints & Tips Guide Posted!
March 22, 2001
Hio Folks,
Adrian's Rojak Pot (http://www.rojakpot.com/) just posted the new revision 3.3 of the Windows 2000 Hints & Tips Guide with the following new tips! :-
- Added three new Quick Access tips on how to configure the Windows Explorer
shortcut to display My Computer.
- Added a note about modem autodetection when you have already removed the
need for modem detection during the booting process of Windows 2000.
Direct URL -
http://www.rojakpot.com/Other_Articles/Win2K_Tips/Win2k_Tips.htm
Posted by Colin Cordner
Constellation 3D Schedules Webcast Call
March 22, 2001
NASDAQ: CDDD
March 22, 2001
NEWS RELEASE:
Constellation 3D Schedules Webcast Call
Senior Management to Provide Update on Year 2000 Results
and Corporate Developments
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2001--Constellation 3D, Inc. (``C3D'') (Nasdaq/NMS: CDDD - news), developer of next generation Fluorescent Multilayer Disc (FMD) and Card technologies, announced today it has scheduled a live webcast of management's presentation of yearend 2000 results on March 28 at 2 PM eastern time.
Dr. Eugene Levich, Chairman and CEO stated: ``In order to keep our shareholders informed of recent developments, our senior management team will be discussing important new developments and answering questions regarding financial results, marketing activities, strategic alliance relationships and forthcoming technology demonstrations.''
This audio webcast will be available to shareholders and interested parties through a live broadcast on the Internet at:
http://www.viavid.com/detailpage.asp?sid=682
It is recommended that participants register at least 10 minutes prior to the call. The Internet broadcast will be available for 90 days after the call at the same web site address and will be posted on Constellation 3D's web site at www.c-3d.net.
The webcast is scheduled to last one hour, including 30 minutes reserved for questions and answers. Interested parties should email their questions as soon as possible to investors@c-3d.net to ensure they are addressed during the call.
Constellation 3D, Inc.
The Company is commercializing next generation Fluorescent Multilayer Disc and Card (FMD/C) technology. C3D has demonstrated a removable disc technology capable of storing 100 gigabytes (GB) and a credit card-sized memory product that could hold up to 10 GB. Constellation 3D holds or has made applications for over 80 worldwide patents in the field of optical data storage, and is supported by 65 scientists. The Company has offices in New York and Massachusetts, and laboratories in Israel and Russia. More information about the Company is available at www.c-3d.net.
For more information contact:
Press Inquiries
Mullen PR
Mark Gauthier/Sandy O'Toole
email: mark.Gauthier@mullen.com
email: sandy.otoole@mullen.com
phone: 978-468-1155
or
Company Contacts
Constellation 3D
John Ellis, VP of Marketing
email: marketing@c-3d.net
phone: 978-371-7787
or
Investor/ Broker Inquiries
FOCUS Partners LLC
Bradley Meyer/Harvey Goralnick
phone: 212-752-9445
email: investors@c-3d.net
or
Michael T. Fearnow
Financial Broker Relations, Inc.
phone: 936-597-7500
or
Legal Inquiries
Michael L. Goldberg, Esq., Director of Legal Affairs
email: mlg.esq@worldnet.att.net
phone: 954-568-3007
Posted by Colin Cordner
Win 256 Megs Micron PC-133 SDRAM @ The Tech Zone
March 22, 2001
This just in from The Tech Zone:
"The Tech Zone is giving away a stick of Micron's best PC-133 SDRAM! 256
Megs, 7ns, able to run at 150Mhz with 2/2/2 timing! They know because they
have already tested it to that speed. To enter, simply reply to this
href="http://www.thetechzone.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=701" target="new">post in
The Tech Zone Forums. But hurry, this is a short contest! Drawing will be
held this coming Monday, March 26th at midnight PST. You have till then to
enter. Good luck!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ASUS A7V133 motherboard review @ Tweaktown
March 22, 2001
TweakTown has posted a review of the ASUS A7V133 Motherboard:
"We were very impressed with the ASUS A7V133 that we gave it our Editor's Choice Award for best KT133A motherboard mainly because of it's strong performance and overclockability. We put this board up against the Iwill KK266-R and MSI K7T Turbo-R in 9 different benchmarking tests."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ASUS Presents CUSL2-C Black Pearl Special Edition
March 22, 2001
ASUS Presents CUSL2-C Black Pearl Special Edition
NEW PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR ASUS CUSL2-C BLACK PEARL
ASUS Presents CUSL2-C Black Pearl Special Edition
Newark, CA March 21, 2001 - ASUS COMPUTER INTL. today announced the
release of the ASUS CUSL2-C Black Pearl. The socket 370 CUSL2-C Black Pearl
is a special edition motherboard based on the award-winning CUSL2-C. This
motherboard looks as good as it performs and features stylish black PCB,
golden ASUS heatsink as well as some unique features such as cutting-edge
Smartcard reader support. With the Intel 815EP chipset, the CUSL2-C Black
Pearl is the enthusiasts' ideal motherboard with discreet graphics, ample
expandability options, and unparalleled overclocking for Pentium III and
Celeron processors.
The first thing you notice when you
see the CUSL2-C Black Pearl motherboard is the new powerful and stylish
look. Attractive black PCB and an eye catching golden heatsink ensure that
this motherboard stands out from all others. Installation and configuration
is easier than ever with an upgraded user-friendly BIOS and Quickstart
manual, meaning that this special edition motherboard can be used by
everyone from hardcore enthusiasts to first-time DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
users. Another unique feature of the CUSL2-C Black Pearl is the use of
personalized boot logos. Users can say goodbye to boring boot up screens
and enhance their systems with default or self-created BIOS boot up screens.
One new feature to the
award-winning CUSL2-C design is smart card reader support. By using a smart
card reader and the bundled with Winbond Smart Manger software, the CUSL2-C
Black Pearl features added system security that requires users to provide
an approved IC card before proceeding. Smart card readers are also useful
for editing IC based information as well as enabling convenient flash card
storage devices. Also included with the CUSL2-C Black Pearl, is the ASUS
Smart Tool, a multi-head screwdriver useful to all DIY users that allows
easy system installation.
CUSL2-C Black Pearl Specifications:
Supports Intel® FCPGA Pentium® III and FCPGA Celeron CPUs
Intel® 815EP chipset
66/100/133 Front Side Bus Support
Three DIMM Sockets for up to 512MB PC100/PC133 SDRAM memory
AGP 4X Graphics Slot
Smart card reader support
Two UltraDMA/100 IDE dual channel interfaces for up to four devices
Six PCI 2.2 compliant slots and 1 CNR slot
Four USB ports
ASUS® iPanel® support
WOL, WOR support
Stepless Frequency Selection (1MHz incremental overclocking)
ASUS® Personalized Boot Logo Utility
Winbond® Smart ManagerTM PC/SC compliant software
Enhanced ACPI and PC-Cillin® 2000 Virus Protection
ASUS® PC Health MonitoringTM and ASUS PC ProbeTM
Cyberlink® PowerPlayer SETM, Video Live MailTM, PowerDVD TrialTM
4Mb Award® Smart BIOS
Smart Card Reader Option:
PS/SC Compliant Read2-In-01 Smart Cards Reader
GSM/SIM Card Adapter
Compatible with Winbond Smart Manager® software
Availability
The ASUS CUSL2-C Black Pearl is shipping in quantities now. For more
information please visit the ASUS CeBIT 2001 Online Showroom located at:
http://event.asus.com.tw.
ASUS CUSL2-C Black Pearl is available for purchase from the following
vendors:
E-TECH 1-408-435-1885
Micro Giant Technologies 1-800-760-7940
TC Computers 1-800-723-9491
Posted by Colin Cordner
IBM chooses the Matrox G200 MMS for IntelliStation R Pro WorkStation
March 22, 2001
IBM chooses the Matrox G200 MMS for IntelliStation® R Pro WorkStation
For Immediate Release
Montreal, Canada, March 21, 2001 Matrox Graphics Inc. and IBM are teaming up
to bring a comprehensive multi-monitor solution to financial trading floors.
Matrox announced today that IBM has selected the G200 MMS, the financial
industry‚s leading multi-monitor solution, for the new IntelliStation® R Pro
workstation.
The IntelliStation couples power and speed to provide superior performance
in business critical applications. Ideal for crowded trading room floors,
the IntelliStation is available with single- or dual Intel® Pentium III
processor and up to 4 GB of SDRAM, built-in Ethernet, dual USB ports, two
PCI slots, Ultra 160 SCSI or EIDE hard drive, and the G200 MMS with
quad-output and an integrated TV tuner.
The built-to-order G200 MMS is the first and only graphics card to support
up to four DVI-based digital flat panel displays on a single PCI card.
Equipped with a variety of software features, the G200 MMS offers a flexible
solution for analog- and digital-based computing, boasting superior 2D
graphics acceleration and screen refreshes that provide crisp, readable text
and crystal clear video playback.
„The G200 MMS is ideal for multi-monitor environments and accommodates a
variety of applications with its unparalleled image quality and display
features,‰ said Mitch Furman, senior product manager, display technologies,
Matrox Graphics Inc. „Combining the G200 MMS with the IntelliStation R Pro
provides financial traders with an incredible competitive advantage.‰
About Matrox
Matrox Graphics Inc. is the only graphics chip designer and graphics card
manufacturer who draws on 25 years of industry experience to provide
customers with state-of-the-art 2D, 3D and digital video acceleration,
vibrant image quality and real-world functionality. A quality and innovation
leader, Matrox has been recognized with an unprecedented 1,000 international
awards for the Millennium, Marvel, Productiva and Mystique product lines.
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Matrox is a privately held company with
international offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Italy and Hong Kong. Information about Matrox products, drivers,
technical support and more can be found at www.matrox.com.
-30-
Matrox Graphics Inc., Matrox, and DualHead are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Matrox Graphics Inc. and/or Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. in
the United States, Canada, and/or other countries. Other company, product
and service names and/or logos indicated above may be trademarks or service
marks of such other companies.
For more information:
Online Press
Sebastian Macdougall, public relations specialist, (514) 822-6000 x7662,
smacdoug@matrox.com
Trade Press
Darlene Gillis, public relations specialist, (514) 822-6000 x7217,
dgillis@matrox.com
Consumer Press
Liv Stewart, public relations specialist, (514) 822-6000 x7350,
lstewart@matrox.com
Online Press Room: http://www.matrox.com/mga/press_room/home.htm
Online Sales: http://shop.matrox.com
Daniel Wald
International PR/Marketing Coordinator
Matrox Graphics Inc.
1055 Saint-Regis blvd.
Dorval, Quebec
Canada, H9P-2T4
Tel: (514) 822-6000 ext.2606
Fax: (514) 822-6294
dwald@matrox.com
www.matrox.com/mga
Posted by Colin Cordner
ECS E-Letter - 21st March, 2001
March 22, 2001
ECS E-LETTER ö 21st March, 2001
Welcome to this weekâs e-letter, designed to keep you up to date with company news, product information and market conditions. ECS Elitegroup (ECS) is a manufacturer of mainboards, PDAs, IA products and barebone system units.
ES8m: Mini MicroATX mainboard for IA products
Our new mini-microATX motherboard for IA products, the ES8mm, is currently under development. This compactly designed board features the RiSE MP6 microprocessor with FSB speeds between 266 and 366MHz. The SiS5598 chipset comes with ITE super I/O chip, LAN chip and CM18738 audio/modem chip. One DIMM socket for 3.3v SDRAM has a memory capacity of 512MB. The ES8m also comes with a PCI slot. I/O interface features include four audio ports (line-in, line-out, microphone-in and CD-in), two USB ports, a LAN connector and MPEG-1 playback support. Board dimensions are 170mm x 190mm. The ES8m is the perfect high performance, low cost mainboard for IA products.
P6VXM performs as well as a high-end i815 board, says Noticias3D
The influential Spanish review site, Noticias3D, has posted a review of our P6VXM microATX mainboard. The reviewer thought the board performed very well, and was an excellent buy, given its low cost. He liked the boardâs integrated LAN and audio, and was pleased the board had ATA100 and AGP4x support. Another plus was that any VGA card could be installed. He concluded by saying that the P6VXM performed as well as a high-end i815 board. The full review, in Spanish, can be seen at:
http://www.noticias3d.com/articulos/200103/p6?_vxm/1.aspÊÊ
The P6VXM is a socket-370, microATX board with VIA 694X/686A(B) chipset. It comes with RealTek LAN chip and Avance audio codec on board. It has 1GB SDRAM capacity, 2 PCI slots and an AMR slot, plus a full set of I/O ports.
ECS heads Flipchipâs list of 620+ FC-PGA compatible mainboards
With more than 150 additions and amendments in the latest update, the listing of FC-PGA compatible mainboards at Flipchip.net now has over 620 boards and is still growing! ECS Elitegroup leads the way with 34 compatible mainboard models.
Check it out at: http://www.flipchip.net/Motherboards.htm
SiS chipset supply falls short
A surge in demand among first-tier mainboard makers for SiS chipsets has resulted in a shortage of the chipsets, according to a report on Digitimes (www.digitimes.com). As a consequence, SiS recently had to inform major customers that there may be shipment delays. Nevertheless, the company has managed to increase shipments to ECS Elitegroup and other major customers this month.Ê The supply shortage of SiS chipsets has led some industry insiders to believe that VIA is preparing to slash prices on its PL133 and PM133 chipsets to fill the gap left by SiS.
Ê
Kingston to buy DDR memory chips from Nan Ya Technology
Kingston Technology Co., the worldâs largest memory module manufacturer, announced a few days ago that it would purchase DDR memory chips from Nan Ya Technology Corp. in Taiwan. The announcement is significant as Kingston had been a long time supporter of RDRAM. Charles Kao, Nan Ya Technologyâs Vice-President, saidÊ that Kingston would use Nan Yaâs DDR chips to make both own-brand memory modules and Nan Ya-labelled modules. Kao said that Nan Ya aims to become the worldâs leading supplier of DDR memory, and is four months ahead of Hyundai and Micron in DDR memory production.
MOEA delays VIAâs investment plans in China
The Investment Commission, under Taiwanâs Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), has asked VIA to provide more information before it can approve VIAâs application to expand its investments in China.ÊÊ VIA had applied to invest US$12 million to set up a department store and commercial plaza in China. However, MOEA said there were reports that the US$16 million it had approved last year to allow VIA to produce and promote chipsets and microprocessors in China, had instead been used by VIA to construct a high-rise building. The MOEA was seeking further information as the capital approved had apparently been used for a purpose different to what had been filed in the original application. The Taiwan government is concerned about the ever-increasing level of Taiwanese investments in China, and limits the capital value of each approved investment project to US$50 million.
ECS at CeBIT 2001: Stand C14, Hall 13
CeBIT is on from 22nd to 28th March. We will be at Stand C14 in Hall 13. Please visit our stand to inspect our latest products.
**********************************************************************************
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of our e-letter. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to include in future issues. On the other hand, if you would rather not receive our newsletter, or if the newsletter is not being sent to the appropriate person in your company, please let us know.
For information about ECS and our products, please visit our websites at:
www.ecs.com.tw (English/Taiwan HQ)
www.ecs.uk.com (English/UK)
www.ecsjpn.co.jp (Japanese)
www.elitegroup.de (German)
www.ecs.ru (Russian)
Posted by Colin Cordner
Alternate OS Showdown: The BeOS versus QNX RTOS
March 21, 2001
If you're an x86 user, and Windows has got you down & out, then you may greatly enjoy a look at today's two best, GUI'licious, alternate x86 operating systems - The BeOS and QNX RTOS. Here's a snip:
"A couple of new players have come to fight for their niches recently, namely BeOS PE 5 and the QNX RTOS (before Patch A it was known as QNX RTP). They both focus on pretty similar things, but on the other hand, they also do a lot of things quite differently. So, is Windoze slowing you down? Is MacOS making you feel dumber each time you read "Welcome to Macintosh"? Do you feel old simply watching Linux startup? If so, you might be in store for a platform switch. Or, you might just be interested in playing with new things."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
1.2GHz T-Bird Review @ Inside-Hardware
March 21, 2001
Ebduncan from Inside-Hardware.net has written-up a review of the AMD Athlon 1.2GHz processor.
"The old new Athlon "Thunderbird" is very much improved to the old Athlon "Classic". Some of the ways AMD improved it for them as well as for us. They made it cheaper to make and sell. They made it on a new platform with many more options than the old. AMD also improved the manufacturing process; incorporating copper interconnect technology that provide a much cleaner signal than aluminum can. There is rumor that is also aids in overclocking the chip as well as cooling. I have yet to see this proved but it may aid or it may not. One change in the new core I did not like is the reduced amount of L2 Cache. They went from 512kb to 256kb. This impacts the performance of the new chip allot but not enough for it to be slower than its older brother. They make up for this lost by making the cache run at full clock speed."
Cheers!
Click here to read the
Review! Link:
Posted by Colin Cordner
Pioneer 16x DVD drive review @ Tweaktown
March 21, 2001
TweakTown has posted a review of the Pioneer 16x DVD Drive:
"The wickedly good drive has an access time of 95ms and a maximum transfer rate of 21.6mb/s making for remarkable DVD movie quality and CDROM transfer speeds for it's excellent price. They tested this drives performance against four other ATAPI drivers from companies including Creative and Yamaha in CD-Tach, DVD-Tach and SiSoft Sandra 2001."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
CeBIT NEWS: SOYO Delivers DDR Motherbaords & Previews Other Advanced Designs
March 21, 2001
Contact:
Len Fernandes
LF Communications
510-538-8916
lencom@earthlink.net
Ming Chok
SOYO, Inc.
510-226-2501
ming@soyousa.com
SOYO ANNOUNCES DDR MOTHERBOARDS,
PREVIEWS OTHER ADVANCED DESIGNS AT CeBIT
-- Centralizes European Operations to Focus on New Markets
and Deliver More Expedient Service
See SOYO, Inc. at CeBIT 2001, March 22-28, Hall 13, Booth #D86
HANNOVER, GERMANY (March 20, 2001) ˆ SOYO Computer, Inc. today announced
a pair of double data rate (DDR) memory motherboards with DDR chipsets
for Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) Socket-A Duron/Thunderbird CPUs or
Intel Corp‚s FC-PGA 370 Pentium III CPUs at CeBIT 2001 here. The
company also announced the SY-7IS2 ˆ an ATX footprint motherboard that
maximizes performance of Intel‚s i815e (Solano-2) chipset, and will
preview new designs for Intel‚s Pentium 4 CPU as well as Intel Tualatin,
Coppermine, and AMD Socket-A CPUs.
In other European news, SOYO has centralized its entire European
operations to promote more aggressive growth, deliver more expedient
service, and seek new distribution sources in The United Kingdom. SOYO
Deutschland GmbH, SOYO‚s European headquarters in Oldenburg, will now
serve all of the customers in the European market. SOYO Deutschland GmbH
add additional management, sales and technical service personnel, which
will allow SOYO to speed product delivery and offer better support
services to large volume customers in all European countries.
New DDR motherboards from SOYO include the SY-K7ADA for AMD Socket-A
Duron and Thunderbird CPUs, and the SY-7ADA for Intel Corp‚s FC-PGA 370
Pentium III CPUs.
SOYO‚s SY-K7ADA is designed for AMD‚s Socket A Duron/Thunderbird CPUs.
It features Acer Laboratories Inc.‚s (Ali) ALiMAGiK chipset and utilizes
the more economical DDR SDRAM. The SOYO SY-7VDA has been designed for
Intel‚s FC-PGA 370, Pentium III and Celeron II CPUs, and features VIA‚s
new Pro 266 chipset with support for DDR SDRAM. List price of both
models is $159 (U.S.) with discounts to volume buyers.
Standard features on both boards include three DDR SDRAM memory sockets.
Expansion slots include five 32-bit PCI slots, one AGP
4x/2x/1x-supported slot, a pair of ATA-33/66/100 IDE ports; 2 serial
ports, 1 parallel port, Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) port, and IrDA
(infra-red). Both boards also feature USB version1.1 with 6 ports, 2
rear and 4 front.
Other advanced features include an optional Sigmatel AC97 CODEC, which
provides host-based audio support. SOYO also makes it easy to custom
configure either board directly through the BIOS setup page without
jumpers with the SOYO AI-BIOS and Combo Set-up feature. Users can select
a combination of CPU FSB and PCI bus clock speeds. The CPU core voltage
can also be adjusted through the BIOS directly without setting any
jumpers.
For building advanced systems for consumers and small businesses SOYO
has announced the SY-7IS2 ˆ an ATX footprint motherboard that maximizes
performance of Intel‚s i815e (Solano-2) chipset with support for Intel
Socket 370 Pentium III CPUs 500MHz and above with 133MHz FSB. The board
will also accommodate Intel Pentium III 100MHzCPUs, and Celeron
Processors with 66MHz FSB. The board has a list price of $135 (U.S.).
The SY-7IS2 is expandable to 512MBs RAM with its three SDRAM DIMMs
slots, and features five 32-bit bus mastering PCI slots. The on-board
super I/O supports two RS-232 serial ports, one parallel printer port,
one floppy disk port, two Ultra DMA100/66/33 ports, two USB ports, audio
line/out ports, game port, PS/2 Mini-DIN mouse & keyboard ports, and an
IrDA port.
SOYO makes it easy to fine tune its motherboards for performance
applications such as 3D modeling, animation or gaming with its
jumperless Sofset configuration technology -- which allows users to
configure selectable sets of CPU and PCI clock speeds directly inside
the BIOS. SOYO boards also feature SOYO‚s trademarked AI-BIOS: Four-Way
Active interception feature to automatically protect the BIOS from the
CIH virus, which can overwrite the hard disk and the flash BIOS of an
infected computer under Windows operating systems.
SOYO includes its Hardware Doctor Software package, which enables users
to control and monitor their system at all times. Each board also
includes a Symantec software bundle with Norton Anti-Virus, Ghost and
Virtual Drive.
ABOUT SOYO Computer, Inc.
SOYO Computer, Inc was founded in 1985, with worldwide headquarters in
Taipei, Taiwan, and branch offices in Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and
Korea. The company sells its products through Tech Data and a select
group of resellers, system integrators, and VARs worldwide.
SOYO‚s U.S. headquarters are at 41484 Christy Street, Fremont, CA
94538. For information, call 510-226-7696 or visit www.soyousa.com.
European headers are located at SOYO Deutschland GmbH,
August-Wilhelm-Kuhnholz-Str.15, D-26135 Oldenburg (Oldb), Germany, Tel:
49-(0)441-209100, Fax: 49-(0)441-203422, Web Site: http://www.soyo.de,
Email:sales@soyo.de
###
SOYO is a registered trademark. Other product names are either
trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.
Posted by Colin Cordner
Rev. 3.2 of the Win2K Hints & Tips Guide Posted!
March 21, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot (http://www.rojakpot.com/) has just posted the new revision
3.2 of the Windows 2000 Hints & Tips Guide with the following new tips! :-
- Added two new tips on how to configure the Windows Explorer shortcut to
display My Computer.
- Added a note on the need for a disk to be present in CD/DVD/ZIP drives for
the 'How To Change Drive Letters' tip.
Direct URL -
http://www.rojakpot.com/Other_Articles/Win2K_Tips/Win2k_Tips.htm
Posted by Colin Cordner
OcUK Tornado case review @ Hexus.net
March 21, 2001
Hexus.net has posted a review of the latest case out of old Britannia - the OcUK Tornado:
"I suppose the cosmetics of the case are as important, to computer users as the actual performance, the curved front panel certainly looks different to the majority of cases out there, I liked it a bit different from the rest of the beige boxes out there. The space inside for the fans and the extra hard drive capacity was definitely a bonus compared with other cases I have used."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
KT133A motherboard review @ [H]ardOCP
March 21, 2001
HardOCP has posted a KT133A review of their very own:
"In the past few months, we've introduced you to several high performance KT133A motherboards. You've seen the ABIT's, you've seen the EPoX's, and now, my friends, it's time to see what AOpen can do. We've had a good number of AOpen motherboards come strollin' through our labs, and all have left us quite impressed with their features, good looks, and solid ergonomics. Will AOpen's AK73Pro(A) do the same? Well, I guess that's why we're here."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Crucial announces memory for Sun Blade 100
March 21, 2001
-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sean Spence
Crucial Technology
(208) 363-5657
scspence@micron.com
http://www.crucial.com
Fax-on-demand: (800) 239-0337
CRUCIAL.COM EXPANDS MEMORY SELECTION FOR CORPORATE CUSTOMERS
Crucial.com announces availability of memory upgrades for Sun Blade(TM) 100
workstation
Meridian, Idaho, March 20, 2001 - Crucial.com, a leading factory-direct
memory upgrade supplier and a division of Micron, is now offering memory
upgrades for the Sun Blade(TM) 100 workstation and four other Sun
Microsystems Inc. products. The Sun Blade 100, released in February, is the
first 64-bit workstation priced at less than $1000. Crucial.com has PC133
memory upgrades for the Sun Blade 100 workstation with densities of 128MB
and 256MB.
"This will make a lot of Crucial's corporate customers very happy," said
Rick Littrell, Corporate Sales Manager of Crucial.com. "The Sun Blade 100 is
a very popular workstation, especially for those specializing in digital
content creation and software development. Now that Crucial is able to
extend our factory-direct, quality memory at prices meeting the needs of Sun
Blade owners, we're just ecstatic."
Crucial also offers memory upgrades for Sun's Netra(TM) AX1105-500, X1, T1
AC200/DC200 servers, and the SunPCi(TM) II coprocessor card, which
integrates PC functionality into Sun workstations.
Crucial.com is the Web site of Crucial Technology, a division of Micron
Semiconductor Products, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Micron
Technology, Inc. Crucial sells memory upgrade modules factory direct from
Micron Technology, Inc., and offers over 56,000 upgrades for more than
11,000 desktops, notebooks, servers, routers, and printers.
Micron Technology, Inc., and its subsidiaries manufacture and market DRAMs,
SRAMs, Flash memory, other semiconductor components, memory modules, and
personal computer systems. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol MU.
# # #
Posted by Colin Cordner
Abit VP6 motherboard review @ PC Hardware
March 21, 2001
PC Hardware has posted a review of Abit VP6:
"The board was tested under Windows 2000 and Linux Redhat 7.0 using Ziff Davis Content Creation Winstone 2001, Ziff Davis Business Winstone 2001, BAPco SYSmark 2000 and PS5bench 1.11 50 Mb Image Test + Adobe Photoshop 6.0. Although there a lot of reviews of this motherboard on the web, none tried to see how VP6 perform with PHP and MySQL."
"These applications are closer to professional user because they suck all the power from the system CPU. Another plus for Content Creation is the use of multitasking and background operation which is more than positive due to power requirements and very good for a SMP system. BAPco SYSmark 2000 is definitely not a benchmark to measure SMP performance because the script uses just one application on the time, the system being not very stressed meanwhile."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Epox EP-8KTA3+ motherboard review @ The Processor Emporium
March 21, 2001
Hio Folks,
The Processor Emporium has posted their own review of the Epox EP-8KTA3+ motherboard:
"Our only gripes with the EP-8KTA3+ relate to the positioning of the ATX power supply which is placed to the left of the Socket A connector. Whilst we prefer to see this located above the CPU to avoid trailing leads over the heatsink & fan and interrupting air flow. There may well be good reasons why the designers at Epox chose to do this as there are an so many features crammed onto this board. The inclusion of the Highpoint HPT-370 controller alongside the 686B SouthBridge does make the lower portion of the board more cluttered than normal. At the same time Epox have given users excellent expansion options by equipping the EP-8KTA3+ with no less than 6 PCI slots and a legacy ISA slot."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
SiS730s Athlon motherboard review @ AthlonMB
March 20, 2001
AthlonMB has posted a review of the Matsonic SiS730s motherboard:
"Being the first entry into the budget market, SiS and Matsonic have a chance to reap some grand benefits. VIA has released the KM133 chipset which promises to heavily compete with the SiS730s chipset. The market for your dollar on the budget end, is starting to heat up. I only wish had started months earlier so that perhaps we could have had 5-10 viable motherboards available in the market now with Duron processors so cheap to the consumer. Overall, however, the Duron market got a great first addition to help it beat out the competing Intel Celeron in the budget PC market."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Hardware Zone Awards 2000
March 20, 2001
Hio Fellow Award Hopefuls,
"On 16 March 2001, Hardware Zone had its first annual Hardware Zone Awards. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone for Hardware Zone as it strives to bring recognition to I.T. product manufacturers and at the same time, promote excellence in product quality, design and performance. The ceremony was held at The Mandarin Singapore attended by product manufacturers, distributors and some shop vendors too.
The awards started with a month long campaign at the end of last year with Hardware Zone members nominating products which they think should deserve an award. The nominations were consolidated and five of the most popular products nominated in each category were picked as the final nominees. With the finalists in hand, we invited manufacturers to send these products to HWZ's Reviews Lab for a final round of testing. Over a period of less than two months, the editorial team at Hardware Zone have worked hard, day and night (sometimes skipping lunch and dinner), running extensive tests on more than 120 unique products.
Without delay, click to our site to check out who are the winners!!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the AOpen AK73 Pro (A) mainboard
March 19, 2001
Truly, it seems that socket A users are in the midst of a golden age. After recieving examples of the EPoX EP-8KTA3 and other boards of its type, AOpen decided to gift us with their new AK73 Pro - a board they seem to have really poured their creative energies into. Based on the VIA KT133A chipset, the AK73 Pro sits among the new class of motherboards that include the widest breadth of Overclocking functions that a user could possibly desire. Let's take a look at the AOpen AK73 Pro (A) and see if it fits with this catgeroy of mainboards.
Posted by Chris Verr
Review of the AOpen AK73 Pro (A) mainboard
March 19, 2001
Truly, it seems that socket A users are in the midst of a golden age. After recieving examples of the EPoX EP-8KTA3 and other boards of its type, AOpen decided to gift us with their new AK73 Pro - a board they seem to have really poured their creative energies into. Based on the VIA KT133A chipset, the AK73 Pro sits among the new class of motherboards that include the widest breadth of Overclocking functions that a user could possibly desire. Let's take a look at the AOpen AK73 Pro (A) and see if it fits with this catgeroy of mainboards.
Posted by Chris Verr
Updated "CardCooler" Round-up @ DreddNews
March 19, 2001
DreddNews has updated their CardCooler Roundup to include 3DFX Cool's largest cooler in their lineup, the Voodoo-1-120. Here's a snip:
"The performance of each cooler was very satisfactory and proved that they could each lower temperatures effectively. Even though the smaller coolers do not blow directly on the CPU like the CardCooler does, they help keep it significantly cooler than having nothing. They all also keep the case temperature in general down and as you can see it is always very near room temperature which was 18ºC."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Introduction to RAM Standards@ Legion Hardware
March 19, 2001
Legion Hardware has posted its very own RAM Guide, which, essentially, is a guide that lists the three major types of RAM, their advantages/disadvantages, how they work, and so on. Here's a clip:
"Each of these RAM types work differently and require specific components to work correctly. SDRAM has been around for a while now and is the industry standard when it comes to RAM, most people would have this in their system unless their.... "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
PDF Version of BIOS Optimization Guide Rev. 5.8 Released!
March 19, 2001
Adrian's Rojak Pot (http://www.rojakpot.com/) just posted the PDF version of the BIOS Optimization Guide rev. 5.8! This new revision comes with the following new BIOS functions :-
- Delay DRAM Read Latch
- MD Driving Strength
- SDRAM Page Closing Policy
Direct URL -
http://www.rojakpot.com/Speed_Demonz/BIOS_Guide/BIOS_Guide_Index.htm
Posted by Colin Cordner
VIA Technologies: DDR to Take Center Stage at CeBIT 2001
March 19, 2001
VIA Technologies, Inc
533 Chung Cheng Road 8F | Hsin Tien, Taipei | Taiwan
Tel: (8862) 2218-5452 | Fax: (8862) 2218-5453 | http://www.via.com.tw
For Immediate Release
DDR to Take Center Stage at CeBIT 2001
Over 20 Motherboard Vendors to Display VIA Apollo DDR Chipset-based
Motherboards for the Socket A and Socket 370 Platforms
Taipei, Taiwan, March 19, 2001 - VIA Technologies, Inc. today announced that
over twenty of the world's leading motherboard manufacturers will display
VIA Apollo DDR chipset-based mainboards at CeBIT 2001, held in Hannover,
Germany, from March 22 - 28.
Products on display will include motherboards featuring the recently
announced VIA Apollo KT266 for the AMD Athlon* processor as well as single
and dual processor Socket 370 solutions based on the VIA Apollo Pro266.
"All the necessary elements for the establishment of DDR as the next
mainstream memory standard will finally converge at CeBIT 2001," commented
Richard Brown, Director of Marketing for VIA Technologies, Inc. "With such a
wide variety of high-performance motherboards now available for both the
Socket A and Socket 370 platforms from the world's leading vendors, DDR
memory is rapidly gaining market momentum."
VIA will be displaying a complete range of DDR motherboard and memory
solutions at its booth at CeBIT, located at Hall 13, Stand C73. In addition,
VIA Apollo Pro266 and VIA Apollo KT266 based motherboards can be viewed at
the booths of the following vendors:
Motherboard Vendor CeBIT Booth # VIA Apollo Pro266 Motherboards VIA
Apollo KT266 Motherboards
Abit Hall 13, D32 VR6-RAID KR7-RAID
Acorp Hall 13, F69 6V8633A
Aopen Hall 13, F51 AX-37+ AK-77
AX-37Pro AK-77+
AX-37D+
Asustek Hall 13, D69 CUV266 A7V266
CUV266-E
Biostar Hall 13, F26 M6VDA M7VIA
M6VDB M7VIB
Chaintech Hall 13, E36 6VJD 7VJ2
AVJD2 7VJD
7VJD2
DFI Hall 13, F36 CD70 AD-70
CD72 AD-72
ECS Hall 13, C14 P6VPA2 K7VTA3
Epox Hall 13, F07 3VHA 8KHA
3VHAL
Flexus Hall 13, A32 P6F126
D6F126
FIC Hall 13, C07 FP11 AN11
Gigabyte Hall 13, F14 GA-6RX GA-7VTX
GA-6RM
Iwill Hall 13, C86 DVD266 KV266
Jetway Hall 13, D43-01 633AS 866AS
Luckystar Hall 13, D83-04 VAP266A
MSI Hall 13, F31 Pro266 Master K7T266
Pro266 Plus
Shuttle Hall 13, C44 AV-30 AK-31
AV-32 AK-32
MK-30
Soltek Hall 13, F48 65-DRV 75-DRV
Soyo Hall 13, D86 SY-7VDA SY-K7VDA
Tyan Hall 9, B18 S2633
About the VIA Apollo KT266
Coupling support for high-bandwidth DDR266 SDRAM with a 266MHz Front Side
Bus and VIA's new high-speed V-Link Hub Architecture, the VIA Apollo KT266
provides the ultimate balanced platform for building the next generation of
ultra-powerful AMD Athlon(tm) processor based servers, workstations, and PC
systems.
About the VIA Apollo Pro266
The VIA Apollo Pro266's DDR266 SDRAM, high-speed V-Link Hub Architecture,
and dual processor support provides ample bandwidth for the most demanding
of Intel Pentium* III or VIA Cyrix* III processor-based servers,
workstations, and PC and mobile systems.
About VIA Technologies, Inc
VIA Technologies, Inc. is the world's leading fabless supplier of PC core
logic chipsets, microprocessors, and multimedia and communications chips.
VIA delivers value to the PC industry by designing, marketing, and selling
high-performance VIA Apollo core logic chipsets for the full range of PC
platforms, as well as cost-effective VIA Cyrix® processors for Value PCs and
Internet Appliances.
Its customers include the world's top OEMs, mainboard manufacturers, and
system integrators. VIA is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, at the center of
the Greater China high-tech manufacturing engine, and has branch offices in
the US, China and Europe. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange
(TSE2388), and achieved annual revenues of nearly US$1 billion in 2000.
VIA PR Contacts
US: Paul Ayscough International: Richard Brown
Phone: 1-408-588-8309 Phone: (886)-2-2218-5452 #6201
Email: payscough@s3graphics.com Email: Richard_Brown@via.com.tw
Note to reporters, editors and writers: VIA is spelled in ALL CAPS.
Posted by Colin Cordner
Flipchip compatible motherboard page at 620+ boards
March 19, 2001
The Flipchip gang has updated their database of FC-PGA compatible motherboards to include an additional 150 mobos. Here's what they had to say for themselves:
"With more than 150 additions and corrections in the latest full update, the Mother of all FC-PGA compatible motherboard lists at Flipchip.net is now over 620 boards strong and still growing! ECS Elitegroup leads the way with 34 compatible boards followed close by AOpen and Chaintech."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Bluetooth - Interview with IBM
March 19, 2001
MadnessPC.com recently managed to snag a Big Blue Exec, and sit down for a heart-to-heart about the future of the Bluetooth wireless communication standard:
"We managed to grab a interview with Ron Sperano, a Executive from IBM for a interview about Bluetooth and to get his thoughts and ask a few questions on this Bluetooth mumble jumble."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Comdex West Report @ The Tech Zone
March 19, 2001
Hio Comdex Fans,
The Tech Zone recently tacked up their own account of the Comdex West Expo in Vancouver, B.C.:
"The Tech Zone checks out Comdex West! What the heck is Comdex West? I thought the only Comdex was in Las Vegas? While Comdex West is no where near the size and scope as Comdex Las Vegas there were some neat things to check out. And that's what The Tech Zone did."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Comparison review of 16 socket A mainboards
March 16, 2001
Since I'm reviewing motherboards, for quite some time now, there always has been a comparison review project floating around in the air. However, a lack of time has always refrained me to do so bceause I was precisely swamped by motherboard reviews to do.
However, I thought that it was now time to publish something of this natures no matter what else I had to do. Thus, I'm very highly pleased to presnt you with my cvery first omparison review of 16 socket A mainboards.
Posted by Chris Verr
2CoolPC Turbo Cooler review @ PC Extreme
March 15, 2001
PC Extreme Tech has posted a review of the 2CoolPC Turbo Unit cooler:
"Is your computer system running a bit on the hot side? Looking for something to cool those babies down? Well we have the ideal cooler for you, the 2CoolPC Turbo Cooler. This cooler was intentionally designed to cool down you video card, sound card, network interface card and any other cards you insert. But that's not all! This card will cool your processor aswell, according to tests."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
MadnessPC does Comdex Canada West 2001
March 15, 2001
The MadnessPC guys took a drive down to Vancouver recently to check out the Comdex Canada West 2001 Expo. Fortunately, they remembered to take their camera with them, so we've got plenty of snapshots to look at :). Here's a snip:
"We checked out Comdex Canada West 2001 in Vancouver this year...its nothing like Comdex Las Vegas but we did find a few cool things there and snapped a bunch of pictures for you to take a look at and check out."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Aopen 1232a CD Writer Review @ The Tech Zone
March 15, 2001
The Tech Zone has written up their review of the AOpen 1232a CD Writer for your viewing pleasure:
"CD/RW drives are becoming extremely common on the average system. They've practically become a necessity in these days of massive and cheap hard drives. The Tech Zone takes a look at Aopen's new 1232a CD/RW drive, with it's "JUSTLINK" burnproof technology. This may be the drive you are looking for!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Interview with 2CoolTek @ G3D
March 15, 2001
G3D has released another one of their interviews today. This time it's with good ole Ian from 2Cooltek: The guy whom has helped a lotta hardware sites get started by sending them products, and all sorts of free stuff to poke & prod? Check it out:
"Some online stores such as Overclockerz Store have given countless of websites free "expensive" items and have already built themselves a little nitch in the hardware community, feelings on that? Comments?"
"I have not a lot of comments for some of the recent stores... especially those forming their own, wholly owned, "review sites". It aint good business. As for other sites, if I look em over, like what I see, then I will respond with gear. If not, then nope, I won't sponsor someone that I can't fully back in all honesty. As for the reviews themselves, if a part stinks I want it to be said, rather than any sucking up to the supplier. I base my business on honesty, and I won't sell crap that I wouldn't use myself."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
30 GB Quantum Fireball Plus AS drive review @IAmNotAGeek
March 15, 2001
I am Not a Geek.com has just finished up their review of the 30 GB Quantum Fireball Plus AS hardrive:
"Its very clear that both Deskstar and Fireball drives support nearly identical features, with only the average seek times showing any difference. However Quantum has additional, more innovative, features that don't increase performance but instead help to provide an overal better drive"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
MSI Pro266 Master motherboard review @ Legion Hardware
March 15, 2001
Legion Hardware has posted a review of the MSI Pro266 Master Mainboard for you all to read:
"The time has come for Intel users to feel the power! MSI has produced a mainboard that offers Intel based systems the opportunity to use the much talked about DDR RAM. The new VIA Apollo Pro 266 chipset supports both SDRAM and DDR RAM types, making the new Pro266 Master from MSI highly flexible when it comes to memory support. At first glance the Pro266 Master looks to be another AMD T-Bird and Duron board, but this is far from the case.
Measuring in at a whopping 26cm wide and 30cm long puts the Pro266 Master in the heavy weight ATX category. With five PCI slots, one AGP slot, one CNR slot and the VIA VT8633/VT8233 killer chipset. The key feature to this board is going to be the dual memory support, the introduction of DDR RAM into the AMD line of processors created a significant gain in performance. Hopefully there will also be a significant gain in performance with the Intel CPU's."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
HWZ Preview: Mac OS X Public Beta
March 15, 2001
The HardwareZone has just completed their own preview of the Public Beta version of the new Mac OS X operating system from Apple Computer. The new OS has been rewritten from the ground up on a Unix foundation to include new APIs, OpenGL, a new GUI dubbed "Aqua", an advanced vector-based 2D graphics sub-system, and - of course - compatibility with "Classic" applications. Here's an excerpt :
"Installing Mac OS X seems to be a straight forward task requiring you to boot from the CD-ROM disc by holding down the [C] key on your keyboard while booting the Mac computer...."
"...The Public Beta is Apple's way of testing the water for acceptance of the new Mac OS. Users have been waiting for a glimpse of the new OS ever since Apple announced "Darwin". There are still areas for improvement in terms of performance, speed and missing or confusing features. True, the beta has generated a lot of interest as it has a lot of innovative new features such as enhanced performance, speed, stability, a more robust operating environment, and more. We have yet to see how the final product will turn out. My suggestion is to just wait for the final release because Apple says it should be released soon."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ECS E-Letter - 14th March, 2001
March 15, 2001
ECS E-LETTER ö 14th March, 2001
Welcome to this weekâs e-letter, designed to keep you up to date with company news, product information and market conditions. Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) is a manufacturer of mainboards, PDAs, IA products and barebone system units.
ECS at CeBIT 2001: Stand C14, Hall 13
CeBIT starts next week on 22nd March. We will be at Stand C14 in Hall 13. Please visit our stand to inspect and discuss our latest products.
Introducing the P6S5M with SiS635S chipset ·Our newest DDR board
Undergoing final development stages in our factory is the P6S5M. This is our newest DDR microATX mainboard for socket 370 Pentium III series or Celeron PPGA/FC-PGA processors with FSB speeds up to 133MHz. It features the SiS635S chipset with integrated hardware monitoring function and AC97 audio codec. There are two 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for a maximum 1.0GB of DDR SDRAM (DDR266/200). The P6S5M supports ATA33/66/100 and has two PCI IDE interfaces that can support up to four IDE devices. For expansion, the P6S5M provides 2 PCI slots, 1 AGP slot and a CNR slot. There are also the regular ECS Îmagic settingâ, LAN/modem wake-up and suspend-to-RAM functions. First samples should be available in late April.
P6SSM2 " a little powerhouse," and good for overclocking says Legion Hardware
The Australian-based hardware review site, Legion Hardware, has posted a review of our microATX P6SSM2. They said that the board showed strong performance, good stability and had good overclocking features. They also liked the boardâs integrated 2D/3D graphics accelerator, as well as the low price. "ECS has a winner on their hands. The P6SSM2 is an excellent mainboard for a budget microATX product·The P6SSM2 is a little powerhouse," said Legion Hardwareâs reviewer. He concluded by saying that it ãdelivers outstanding performance at a very affordable price.
See the full review at:Ê http://www.legionhardware.com/Reviews/ECS/ecs_p6ssm2_1.phpÊÊÊ
The P6SSM2 is a socket 370,microATX mainboard with SiS630S chipset. It has ATA100 support, built-in 3D graphics, as well as 2 PCI slots, an AGP slot and an ACR slot.
D6VAA dual CPU mainboard receives high recommendation from Germanyâs PC Welt
Germanyâs PC Welt magazine has judged our D6VAA dual CPU mainboard as ãhighly recommendedä in their May 2001 and on-line issues. The reviewing publication rated the board as having good quality components, good overclocking features, excellent compatibility and a very good manual. Support was also rated Îgoodâ as the board comes with a 24-month warranty and service hotline technical support.
The review in German can be seen at:
http://www.pcwelt.de/content/tests/hardware_tests/hwdetail.asp?id=2170
ECSâ P6VAP-A+ and D6VAA mainboards are currently ranked first and second respectively on PC Weltâs list of top 5 socket 370 mainboards. The list can be viewed at:
http://www.pcwelt.de/content/tests/top10/top10list.asp?id=5
Ê
Protac International Computers appointed ECSâ Australian distributor
ECS recently appointed Protac International Computers Australia Pty Ltd to be its Australian distributor. In Australia, Protac has offices in Sydney and Melbourne. Contact phone numbers are: SydneyÊ (02) 8748 888, and Melbourne (03) 9560 7188. Their web site is at http://www.protac.com.auÊ
ECS at Computex Taipei 2001
Computex will be held from 4th-8th June in Taipei, Taiwan.Ê ECS will have four booths in Hall 2. Booth numbers are E155-156 and E177-178. If you are planning to attend Computex, book your hotel now to avoid missing out on the hotel of your choice. Hotel and other general information is available on the Computex web site at www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/computex
First-tier mainboard makers upbeat about outlook
Digitimes (www.digitimes.com) reports that while leading global PC companies are accelerating their outsourcing, first-tier mainboard makers in Taiwan are expanding capacity, increasing economies of scale and decreasing production costs. These measures give these companies more room for price negotiation in global retail and clone markets as the downturn in the PC market continues. Leading mainboard makers, including ECS Elitegroup, are predicting that March and 2Q sales will grow around 20%. ECS believes its shipments will exceed 1.5 million units in March. In contrast, small mainboard manufacturers are suffering, not only from the increasing competitive edge of first-tier mainboard makers, but also from being pressured in the European and US system integrator markets where loyalty among retailers is low.
VIAâs Îbrotherâ company a major DDR producer
The Register (www.theregister.co.uk) reported recently how VIA Technologies has a very close link to a DDR memory manufacturer.Ê VIA is a subsidiary of the Formosa Plastics Group (FPG), a very large Taiwan conglomerate with assets exceeding US$12 billion. A large number of other companies operating in a range of different industries are also FPG subsidiaries, including FIC and Nan Ya Technology. Nan Ya TechnologyÊ is a major manufacturer of DDR memory. The Register comments that it is therefore not surprising that VIA has been encouraging mainboard manufacturers to move away from Rambus to DDR. More importantly, however, it means that VIA is well placed to increase rebates on DDR memory bundled with their chipsets.
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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of our e-letter. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to include in future issues. On the other hand, if you would rather not receive our newsletter, or if the newsletter is not being sent to the appropriate person in your company, please let us know.
For information about ECS and our products, please visit our websites at:
www.ecs.com.tw (English/Taiwan HQ)
www.ecs.uk.com (English/UK)
www.ecsjpn.co.jp (Japanese)
www.elitegroup.de (German)
www.ecs.ru (Russian)
Posted by Colin Cordner
AMD 760 vs. ALi MAGiK1 at 266MHz FSB and PC2100
March 13, 2001
Hio Double Data Fans,
RealWorldTech has posted a comparitive article that pits the AMD 760 chipset against the ALi MAGIK1 in an effort to discern which is the best DDR performer:
"So far, one thing I have not been able to do is look at the performance difference between the AMD 760 and ALi MAGIK1 Socket A DDR SDRAM chipset when using a 266MHz FSB CPU and PC2100 memory, which is what I feel will be the ‘optimum’ performance setup that most users will be buying. Other testing already done at 200MHz FSB has indicated that the AMD chipset is faster then the ALI… something I found disappointing. Why you may ask? There are a number of different reasons:..."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Comparison review of the MSI K7T pro-2A and EPoX EP-8KTA3 maiboards
March 13, 2001
These days, it seems like producing 3rd generation Socket A boards is akin to having a license to print money. Shortly after receiving the EPoX EP-8KTA3 for testing, we were visited by the new Micro-Star K7T Pro-2A - a new revision of a board we initially tested some months ago. After a quick look at this new puppy, we quickly found ourselves synched for a new round of testing, and eager to poke & prod the innards of the K7T Pro-2A's slightly aged VIA KT133 chipset against the EPoX EP-8KTA3is a sort of comparison review. So, let's say we get on to the good stuff, and take a look at MSI's K7T Pro-2A, a.k.a the MS-6330.
Posted by Chris Verr
Iwill KK266 multiplier lock issue...
March 13, 2001
March 13 th , 2001 Irvine, CA - Iwill USA Corporation today issued an Engineering Change Notice (ECN) for ver 1.2 KK266/R motherboards. It addresses the issue concerning a multiplier lock of 8.5 when attempting to manually modify the default multiplier setting. As a result, any setting aside from the default setting locks the multiplier setting at 8.5 (e.g. Setting 10 x 100 is supposed to equal 1.0 GHz, however shows up as 8.5 | |  |
x 100 equal to 850 MHz). After a thorough investigation, Iwill engineers discovered the removal of 0 ohm resister located at R357 (see Fig 1) and the addition of 0 ohm resistor located at R356 (see Fig 1) fixes the multiplier issue.
Iwill USA would like to inform all customers that an EXPRESS RMA form and procedure has been set up to expedite an immediate exchange of all motherboards with the multiplier lock issue. Modifications for all future ver 1.2 KK266/R motherboards have already been made and a strict quality assurance procedure has been implemented. The RMA request form can be downloaded at www.iwillusa.com/rma/kk266.pdf. Please fax back completed forms to 949-753-5489 or email to rma@iwillusa.com. Iwill USA Corp apologizes for this inconvenience, and appreciates your patience in this matter.
Express RMA forms can be downloaded: here.
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Posted by Chris Verr
Guide to building your own Ghetto LAN box
March 12, 2001
PC Extreme Tech has a quick article on how to build a simple lanbox, the perfect way to join in on your neighbourhood LAN parties witho
