Review of The Hedgehog Copper Heatsink @ HardOCP
July 31, 2000
If you love copper, and you love heatsinks, then you'll really love Kyle Bennett's review of the Hedgehog copper heatsink from Azzo. Here's a snip:
"I know what some of you are thinking.Ý We are NOT cutting into Billy Wilson's pr0n collection.Ý The Hedgehog is a copper heatsink unit that we JUST got hold of yesterday.Ý We have seen some of the other all-copper Heatsink & Fan units out there, but this one MIGHT be different.Ý Being that this comes on the heels of our Socketed HSF Roundup, we still happened to have the exact same setup still assembled.Ý So we get to compare it to all those others on even ground. "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Rambus announces first DRAM to break the 1GHz barrier
July 31, 2000
Rambus Announces First DRAM to Break 1GHz Speed Barrier
133% of the Performance Available from Industry's Fastest 800MHz RDRAMs
Mountain View, CA ñ July 31, 2000 ñ Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq: RMBS), the leading provider of high bandwidth chip connection technology, and its industry leading partners, today announced support for the first DRAM capable of transferring data at speeds greater than 1GHz. Rambus' 1066MHz RDRAMÆ provides a 33% increase in performance using current RDRAM technology, the highest performance DRAM to date. The 1066MHz RDRAM is a simple bin split of the industry standard 800MHz RDRAM device currently available from leading RDRAM manufacturers. The 1066MHz RDRAM is initially targeted for consumer, graphics and communications applications, providing 2.1 GB/s of bandwidth from a single device on a RambusÆ Channel.
Ideal for leading-edge applications, 1066MHz RDRAMs deliver the highest performance from the fewest number of DRAM devices. Consumer, graphics, and communications applications such OC-192 line cards, video consoles, HDTVs, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and sealed box Information appliances, will benefit from RDRAM's increased performance, bandwidth and scalability using one to four devices mounted directly on the motherboard.
Supporting customer production needs in 2001 are DRAM partners Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Hyundai Electronics, Toshiba Corp., NEC Electronics Inc. and Infineon Technologies; clock-chip partners Cypress Semiconductor Corp., Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc (ICS)., and International Microcircuits Inc, (IMI).; and test equipment partner Advantest Corporation.
"Samsung has been first to market with leading edge RDRAMs. We are proud to continue this tradition with the announcement of manufacturing and marketing support for the world's highest bandwidth DRAM - the 1066MHz RDRAM," stated Dr. Ilung Kim, Ph.D., Executive Director DRAM Marketing, Samsung Semiconductor Inc.
"With the introduction the 1066MHz RDRAMs, Hyundai furthers its leadership position in enabling the strategic programs of key communications and networking customers," said Farhad Tabrizi, VP Strategic Marketing, Hyundai Electronics. "Hyundai remains committed to supplying RDRAMs to meet the increasing demand from networking customers."
"We have worked with Rambus on the complete family of Direct Rambus clock generators which support the consumer and PC markets and are now starting to experience significant success in the communications market," said Ian Chen, marketing director for Cypress's Timing Technology Division. "We are now sampling 533MHz DRCGs which provide full support for 1066MHz RDRAM-based systems."
"Advantest is now shipping our 1066MHz production test cell, which includes the 64 site T5592 production tester and M6751A mBGA handler," said Gary Fleeman, Memory Product Manager of Advantest Corporation. "Not only are we getting excellent test data and repeatability, but this 64-site test cell is greatly reducing the cost of high volume production test for RDRAM devices and RIMM modules."
For more information on 1066MHz RDRAMs, including data sheets and specifications, please visit http://www.rambus.com/developer/quickfind_documents.html.
About Rambus Inc.
Rambus Inc. develops and licenses high bandwidth chip connection technologies to enhance the performance of computers, consumer electronics and communications products. Current Rambus-based computers supported by Intel chipsets include Dell, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM PCs and workstations. Sony's PlayStation(r)2 video game system uses Rambus memory. Providers of Rambus-based integrated circuits include the world's leading DRAM, ASIC and PC controller manufacturers. Currently, eight of the world's top-10 semiconductor companies license Rambus technology. More information on Rambus Inc. and its high bandwidth technologies is available at http://www.rambus.com/.
Rambus and RDRAM are registered trademarks of Rambus Inc. RIMM is a trademark of Rambus Inc.
Contact:
Kristine Wiseman
Rambus Public Relations
(650) 944-8000
kwiseman@rambus.com
Rambus Investor Relations
(650) 944-7900
ir@rambus.com
Posted by Colin Cordner
Bacteria pressed into service as living transistors
July 31, 2000
The EETimes' R. Colin Johnson has written up a report that details one scientist's idea to turn an outstanding problem in semiconductor chip production, into a benefit. Specificly Robert Baier addresses the presence of certain unwanted bacteria within the "clean rooms" in which integrated circuits are printed. Though most "normal" bacteria are quickly, and easily destroyed by UV light, and water purification long before they can settle on the sensitive areas of an IC, certain species have adapted to survive precisely within this unusual "environment".
Essentially, these plant-like bacteria lie dormant, until they are exposed to light, or can glom onto a nearby slither of silicon. After that, if the bacteria happens to fall onto a developing IC the organism will find itself protected from the harsh environment of the production process by a silicon shell. The fact that these bacteria have found a way to protect themselves from traditional cleaning, and purifications processes, and can easily short circuit adjacent wires by settling in the wrong place, is a source of annoyance for many in the industry.
Baier's idea, though, is to put these bacteria to good use by exploiting their photo-sensitive nature - essentially using them as photo-activated transistors.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Apple faces "look & feel" lawsuit by Cobalt Networks
July 31, 2000
Well, people have been joking about it for weeks, and now it's actually happened. Cobalt Networks has decided to sue Apple Computer, alledging that the PowerMac G4 Cube is a rip off the Cobalt Qube. Now, I've really got to wonder who put Cobalt up to this little kamikaze mission, considering their chances of actually getting out of court without having their shorts pulled over their heads. After all, Apple Computer can easily demonstate prior-art in the form of the NeXt Cube - a device that was slapped together sometime in the mid 1980's.
May Cobalt's president was simply twitchy over the possiblity of a look & feel suit from Apple, overreacted, and jumped right over the gun, and right into court. Then again, maybe it's just a publicity stunt... Overall, I definitely think that things would look a bit brighter for Cobalt if they weren't suing the owner of the company that originated the design their suing over. If that doesn't call for an "oooops", I'm not sure what does... :)
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Deconstructing the Apple Airport
July 31, 2000
Hio Waveform Fans,
If at heart, you're still one of those kids who likes pulling things apart, and seeing how they work, then head on over here. Go2Mac's Josh Wardell will make all your deconstruction dreams come true as he pulls apart the innards of the little UFO that could: the Apple Airport Wireless Basestation. Here's a brief snip:
"Go2Mac readers have screw removal disorder.
Go2Mac deciple Josh Wardell got down and dirty with his AirPort Base Station and shares his experience with us:
As I tend to do with many of my gadgets, I decided to crack open my AirPort Base Station to see what makes it tick. With a simple screwdriver and careful hands, I had it open in no time and was a bit surprised at what I found. (Trying this at home may void warrenties, don't hold me responsible!)..."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the MSI 815E Pro MS-6337 mainboard
July 31, 2000
After our very first review of an i815 based motherboard with the review of the Azza 815TX mainboard, Active-Hardware is now publishing its very first review of a i815E based motherboard with the review of the MSI 815E Pro MS6337. To learn all the differences between the i815 andf i815E and to discover this new Micro-Star product, red the review :)
Posted by Chris Verr
Cross Platform Benchmarking: PowerPC and x86
July 30, 2000
JC has put up a nice page composed by reader Steve, that contains a plethora of comprehensive benchmarks comparing single-processor PowerPC systems from Apple, against x86 systems using the Intel Pentium III & AMD Athlon. Here's a brief snip:
" The below stuff (under the horizontal rule) is a large compilation of various cross platform benchmarks done by a really cool (and thorough) guy named Steve. He wished to have his last name kept to anonymity.
I have not yet checked the source URLs. If you find a link that is dead, please inform me and I shall try to look into it. :)
I'm putting this up because of a rant I put up earlier which urged people to look at independent benchmark results to determine relative speeds across the two platforms known as "PPC" and "x86". I gave a single example to counteract outrageous claims of PPC performance made by Apple, and I even strongly urged readers to not believe the benchmark I used as an example, but instead to just keep their eyes open and look around for more benchmarks. Thanks to Steve, many of you now have a useful reference point towards figuring the circumstances in which the PPC platform is faster than, as fast as, or slower than the x86 platform. Enjoy! "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Summer Giveaway Week 9 @ Club Overclocker
July 30, 2000
This week seems to be a good time to win stuff, as Club Overclocker enters the 9th week in it's Give-Away-A-Thon. This week, the prize is a shiny new heatsink. Here's a clip:
"Summer Giveaway Week #8 Closed / Week #9 Open!
July 28th, 2000 Scott
I got started a little late on this week's drawing due to my wife
expecting a baby any second... However, when it comes to free stuff it is always better late than never! Anyway, I've begun the process of selecting a winner for week 8 so in the meantime, let's get started with Week 9!
This week we have a PC Air Cool System Cooler from KD Computers and some Iwill promotional goodies. Sorry, not quite a stick of SDRAM but free stuff kicks ass no matter what it is! Head on over to our Contest Page and get signed up for Week 9! "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Alpha PAL 30T Review/Giveaway @ Trainwrecker
July 30, 2000
Prizes are every geek's best friend, and Trainwrecker.com is curently giving away friendship like there's no tomorrow. Here's the word from Webmaster's mouth:
"Trainwrecker's Cool Summer Heatsink/Fan Review Contest-O-Rama continues with its terrible title and the Rolls of H/S/F's, Alpha. A heatsink/fan is one part of your system that you can upgrade with small cash and improve your systems performance. We must start by saying that we love Alpha products. They are high quality, and the design is unmatched in our not so humble opinion. The PAL-30T that we received from Inflow-Direct came in a white box that included the 60mm x 60mm x 35mm heatsink with the now famous copper plate on the bottom. Also included is a very workable clip, an Intake cover, and all the screws you need. The fan that this unit came with was a Sunon 25CFM.A very nice package."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro Review @ Chick's Hardware
July 30, 2000
If you happen to have a 'thing' for a well designed keyboard, then you may appreciate Chick's review of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, over at Chick's Hardware. Here's a clip:
"It's bendy, it's curvy, it's stylish, it's big, it's ergonomic, it's made by Microsoft and it's got more buttons than you can shake a stick at. It's the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro, with 19 Hot Keys and two USB ports, is it really worth spending your hard earned money on it."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Cambridge SoundWorks DTT2550 Speaker Review @ The Tech Zone
July 30, 2000
Speaking of music, every decently glorified MP3 box needs a good pair of speakers to go with it, and The Tech Zone has taken up the search for that holy grail, and written this article that reviews the Cambridge Soundworks DTT2550 Speaker Set. Here's the word from Moto:
"The Tech Zone takes a look at some nice surround sound speakers. The Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater DTT2500 is more than just computer speakers. Connect it to your TV and you have a great little home theater surround sound system. Hook it up to your computer and you can bring that home theater sound to your desktop."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Napster Alternatives
July 30, 2000
While not strictly hardware related, a famous past-time of many geeks these days is playing & trading MP3 files (Gee, remember the days waaaaaay back when we traded BASIC files over SneakerNet via the good 'ole 180KB 5 1/2" floppy disk? Sigh...). Now that Napster's progenitors have been officially notified to shut down or face jail-time, though, where is a good pocket-protectorite supposed to look for the latest Frog Machine album?
Well, no fear music fans, because the Net is still up, the files still flying, and 3AG has come up with a little number that will steer you towards the action!
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
New Card Cooler XT Review @ G3D
July 30, 2000
Hio People,
The Card Cooler Company is a popular subject these days, as we've recieved news of a second article covering their latest gadget: The Card Cooler XT, this time courteosy by G3D. Here's a clip:
""Alright now, if your one of the 10 people who hasn't heard of the Card Cooler, let me start explaining. The original Card Cooler, seen below, was probably the best thing to cool your video card in its' age. After seeing how successful the Card Cooler was, companies such as Globalwin started producing the CBF32 Card Cooler . As 3d accelerator technology improved (i.e. became hotter), more products like the Mellenger Cooling Kit came out. While the original Card Cooler has been surpassed in some ways by newer products, the penguin is coming back with a vengence. The Card Cooler XT. Let's take a look at this monster."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the Azza PT-815TX mainboard
July 27, 2000
This new product from a new comer in our lab is the first mainboard to use the brand new i815 chipset that we've tested. Thus, we included with this review an overview of the i815 features. Thus, to learn all about the Azza PT-815TX and the i815 chipset as well, read the review :)
Posted by Chris Verr
ArsTechnica: State of the PC Hardware
July 27, 2000
ArsTechnica's Loki has just posted this month's edition of his (very nearly!) monthly State of PC Hardware review. For a two page summary on state of CPUs, motherboards, RAM, video-card, and hardrives, you can't go wrong with the God of Lies! Heheh ;). Here's a clip:
"AMD-wise, the Socket A is the big word. If you want the smooth new Thunderbird, or the value/performance champ, the Duron, you're going to need a Socket A board. The ones available on the market right now are, unfortunately, less than motivating. It's odd, many of the first released Socket A boards have been MicroATX. I really don't see a huge parade of people just waiting for that new MicroATX board to come out to toss in their MicroATX case. I realize that many system integrators like MicroATX for the lower overall system cost, but to the best of my knowledge it's still not as big a seller as standard ATX is. "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ALi annouces DDR-chipset for Intel Pentium II, Pentium III, and Celeron platforms
July 27, 2000
Acer Labs Announces First DDR Core Logic Chipset for Intel PentiumTM II, Pentium III, and CeleronTM Processors
Desktop and Mobile PC Systems Get Performance Boost from Aladdin Pro 5 and Aladdin Pro 5M Chipsets
July 26, 2000, San Jose, California: Today Acer Laboratories Inc. (ALi) announced the availability of two new DDR Core Logic Chipsets, the Aladdin Pro 5 for desktop systems and the Aladdin Pro 5M for mobile systems. In its press conference held in Taipei, there is also a live demonstration of the system utilizing the newly developed chipset. These chipsets are designed for PCs utilizing all of Intel’s Slot 1/Socket 370 family CPUs including Pentium TM III, Pentium II and Celeron TM. The Aladdin Pro 5 and the Aladdin Pro 5M enable the newest 200/266 DDR (double data rate) memory technology for these Intel processor-based systems. ALi is a leading supplier of chipsets for the mobile market with extensive expertise in advanced power management and system implementation. In the mobile market space the power advantages of DDR, coupled with ALi’s advanced power management capabilities, greatly enhances the capability of system designers to develop power-efficient systems.
The Aladdin Pro 5 chipset, designed for desktop PCs, includes the M1651 Northbridge and the M1535D+ Southbridge. The Aladdin Pro 5M chipset, designed for mobile systems, includes the M1651 Northbridge and the M1535+ Southbridge. The M1651 Northbridge supports both 100 and 133MHz FSB (front side bus). The memory controller supports 200/266MHz DDR, as well as 100/133MHz SDRAM to provide system designers with maximum flexibility in phasing in the new memory technology. Symmetrical and asymmetrical addressing is supported with maximum memory of 3 GBytes. Other key features of the M1651 include it’s proven 4X AGP support, PCI interface and Advanced Power Management.
"As a pioneer in enabling DDR, we have been working with the leading memory vendors and OEMs to assure that DDR not only provides an enhanced technical option for PC manufacturers, but is also a highly viable and manufacturable system solution,” explained C.L. Tsai, VP of System Products Division for Acer Labs. “The market demand is high, and with this announcement, we are ready to bring this advanced technology to a large variety of Intel- and AMD-based systems that extend from the value segment, through the mainstream, to workstations.”
ALi now provides its customers with a portfolio of DDR chipsets including the just-announced ALiMAGiK 1 and MobileMAGiK 1 chipsets supporting AMD’s AthlonTM processor, Mobile AMD Athlon processor, and AMD Duron TM processor.
The M1651 Northbridge is coupled with ALi’s leading Southbridges for a complete solution. The Aladdin Pro 5 pairs with the M15350D+ desktop Southbridge. The Aladdin Pro 5M Mobile chipset uses the M1535+ mobile Southbridge. These highly-integrated Southbridge devices provide integrated AC-Link Host controller, Hardware Sound Blaster Pro/16 compatibility, Host Signal Processing (HSP) software modem interface, ACPI support, Ultra- DMA 33/66/100, USB and Super I/O controller. ALi’s advanced power management system in the M1535+ has established ALi as a leader in providing system design features and flexibility for mobile systems.
The Aladdin Pro 5 chipset is sampling now and will be in volume production in Q4. In 20K quantities it is priced at $33. The mobile version – the Aladdin Pro 5M - is also sampling now with production in Q4. This chipset is priced at $38 in 20K quantities.
About ALi:
Acer Laboratories Inc. (ALi) is one of the world’s leading personal computer core logic chipset manufacturers. In addition to core logic chipsets, the company designs and manufacturers a full range of PC peripheral devices including X86 embedded controllers, super I/O controllers, scanner controllers as well as MPEG, CD-ROM and DVD controllers for both the PC market and the consumer/information appliance market. The company aims to become a major solution provider in the emerging information appliance era. The company employees about 600 people with sales revenue of about $130 million in 1999. Find out more at http://www.ali.com.tw
For Further Information Contact:
Acer Laboratories Inc., USA
Nancy Hartsoch
Vice President Marketing and Sales
Tel. +1 (408) 544-3105
Email: nancy_hartsoch@acer.com
Posted by Colin Cordner
ALi announces first DDR-enabled chipset for the AMD Athlon
July 27, 2000
Acer Labs Introduces First DDR Core Logic Chipset for AMD AthlonTM, Mobile AMD AthlonTM and AMD DuronTM Processors
ALiMAGiK 1 and MobileMAGiK 1 Enable a New Generation of Technology for Desktop and Mobile PC Systems
July 26, 2000, San Jose, California: Acer Laboratories Inc. (ALi) today announced the ALiMAGiK 1and MobileMAGiK 1 its new core logic chipsets which bring together for the first time support for AMD AthlonTM processor, the Mobile AMD AthlonTM processor, and the AMD DuronTM processor, PC 1600/PC 2100 DDR and 133 SDRAM memory, and AMD’s PowerNow! TM technology. In its press conference held in Taipei, there is also a live demonstration of the system utilizing the newly developed chipset. The ALiMAGiK 1 and MobileMAGiK 1 chipsets provide performance and flexibility in developing systems utilizing these AMD microprocessors for both the mainstream and value segments of the desktop and mobile PC market, respectively.
ALi is among the first to bring a DDR chipset to market, thereby responding to the strong demand from large OEMs and motherboard manufacturers for a complete DDR solution. DDR is the next mainstream memory technology that provides an optimum balance of performance, power, cost effectiveness and feasibility. “The DDR SDRAM market is projected to grow from 3 percent share of the total DRAM market in 2000 to 50 percent in 2004,” said Sherry Garber, senior vice president at Semico Research. “ALi has stepped up to the challenge to provide the market with the necessary chipsets required to enable DDR technology in the PC market space.”
“In response to the demand from our OEM partners, AMD is working with ALi to enable the delivery of next generation desktop and mobile platforms supporting AMD’s Socket A infrastructure,” said David Somo, vice president of marketing for AMD. “ALi’s ALiMAGiK 1 and MobileMAGiK 1 chipsets further demonstrate the widespread industry support for our Socket A infrastructure, and the top to bottom desktop and mobile solutions that are planned based for AMD’s Socket A processors.”
The ALiMAGiK 1 chipset, designed for desktop PCs, includes the M1647 Northbridge and the M1535D+ Southbridge and it supports the AMD Athlon processor or the AMD Duron processor. ALi’s MobileMAGiK 1 chipset is designed for portable systems utilizing the Mobile AMD Athlon processor, and includes the M1647 Northbridge and the M1535+ Southbridge. Both chipsets interface with AMD’s 100/133MHz double data rate S2K front side bus. The memory controller in the M1647 supports PC1600/PC2100 DDR, as well as 66/100/133 SDRAM to provide flexibility in targeting systems utilizing the chipset to specific price/performance segments of the market. “Our new ALiMAGiK 1 and MobileMAGiK 1 chipsets provide system designers with extensive flexibility. By supporting DDR along with SDRAM, system vendors can smoothly transition from SDRAM to DDR and optimize system configurations for specific market segments,” explained C.L. Tsai, VP of System Products Division for ALi.
Utilizing PC-2100 DDR, the M1647 enables 2.1 GB/second peak bandwidth between the system memory and ALi’s Northbridge to boost system performance to the next level. Total system memory supported is 3GB to meet the demands of higher-end workstations. When used in power-conscious systems such as mobile PCs, the M1647’s support for AMD’s PowerNow!TM technology allows CPU operating frequency to be changed and lowers voltage to save power. The chipset supports 4X/2X/1X AGP providing flexibility to system designers in choosing that particular graphics controller which provides the best solution in a given market segment.
Depending on the system configuration, ALi provides either its M1535D+ desktop Southbridge or its M1535+ mobile Southbridge to complete the chipset. These highly integrated devices provide integrated AC-Link Host controller, Hardware Sound Blaster Pro/16 compatibility, Host Signal Processing (HSP) software modem interface, ACPI support, Ultra DMA 33/66/100, USB and Super I/O controller. ALi’s advanced power management system in the M1535 and M1535+ mobile Southbridges couples with ALi’s extensive experience in the mobile PC market to provide the most advanced solution for AMD Athlon processor-based mobile systems.
From the low-end value segment up through professional workstations, the flexibility provided by the M1647 Northbridge in memory support, graphics flexibility and Sourthbridge options, allows system manufacturers to address a broad spectrum of PC segments with a single chipset. The ALiMAGiK 1 chipset is sampling now and will be in volume production in Q4. In 20K quantities it is priced at $31. The mobile version of the chipset – MobileMAGiK 1 – is also sampling now with production in Q4. This chipset is priced at $36 in 20K quantities.
About ALi:
Acer Laboratories Inc. (ALi) is one of the world’s leading personal computer core logic chipset manufacturers. In addition to core logic chipsets, the company designs and manufacturers a full range of PC peripheral devices including X86 embedded controllers, super I/O controllers, scanner controllers as well as MPEG, CD-ROM and DVD controllers for both the PC market and the consumer/information appliance market. The company aims to become a major solution provider in the emerging information appliance era. The company employees about 600 people with sales revenue of about $130 million in 1999. Find out more at http://www.ali.com.tw
For Further Information Contact:
Acer Laboratories Inc., USA
Nancy Hartsoch
Vice President Marketing and Sales
Tel. +1 (408) 544-3105
Email: nancy_hartsoch@acer.com
Posted by Colin Cordner
Intel to bring SDRAM to the P4
July 26, 2000
ZDNet's John J. Spooner is reporting that Intel has made plans to offer PC133 SDRAM in one of their future P4 chipsets. The decision comes as no surprise, seeing as the price of DRDRAM is still prohibitivly expensive, and could readily stifle the P4 launch if the two were paired. Here's a snip from the article:
"Intel officials feel that Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM) will continue to be the memory of choice for the performance desktop.
However, they acknowledge a need for a memory technology that will allow PC makers to deliver Pentium 4 systems at lower, "mainstream" prices. RDRAM continues to command a hefty premium over SDRAM.
News of the new chip set may seem like a change of direction for Intel, which had previously only publicly stated support for RDRAM on the Pentium 4.
However, the company maintains that it always considers supporting multiple memory technologies for its chip sets. "
Of course, support for PC133 SDRAM will have its own drawback, relative to the performance of the P4: memory bottleneck. Even though PC133 memory is relatively inexpensive, it doesn't have the bandwidth required to allow the P4 to really hit its stride. Once again, try as it might, it seems like Chipzilla is up the Chipset River without a paddle.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
The Card Cooler XT Review @ The Tech Zone
July 26, 2000
For the cooler heads among us, we also have news of the Tech Zone's review of the Card Cooler XT from Card Cooler; the easier way to cool your cards, without overheating your wallet. Here's a clip:
"The Tech Zone takes a look at The Card Cooler XT. This baby moves an amazing 138 cubic feet per minute of air to cool not just your video card but your entire computer. The unit is made up of two 120mm Sunnon ball bearing fans that spin at a low 2,400 RPM to keep noise level to just 35.5 dB per fan."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Rome MP3 Player Review @ G3D
July 26, 2000
Hio Music Fans,
Today G3D's Jodo Kast has a review of the Rome MP3 Player; the MP3 player so retro-looking, its like the early 1990's never went away :). Here's a clip:
"MP3. Ahh, the word just screams new innovations such as MP3 players. Companies these days seem to pump out new MP3-related products daily or maybe it's just me. It's no wonder too. Just look at how many people are using programs such as Winamp and Napster. Anyways, today at G3D, we're taking a look at the Rome MP3 Player. This is no ordinary player by the way....read on to find out why."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ECS Announces VIA KT133 Mainboards to Support the 1.5GHz K7 Thunderbird CPU
July 26, 2000
ECS announces the release of its K7 mainboard with AMD750 chipset as well as KT133 chipset to support the full range of AMD Athlon processors. The ECS K7VZM mainboard is the newly developed K7 board with VIA KT133 chipset to support the newest AMD Thunderbird and Duron (Spitfire) processors with full speed L2 cache inside. The unique feature of K7VZM is that it can support not only the
| 
|
current speed Thunderbird and Duron (Spitfire) but also the future 1.5GHz Thunderbird CPU. The AMD750 chipset mainboard K7ASA is designed to support the lower speed Athlon CPU with Ultra DMA66 and Hardware monitoring features. |
Posted by Chris Verr
New apeture technology allows Sharp to build really big LCD's
July 25, 2000
Also from the pages of the EETimes is this article from Yoshiko Hara that reports that Sharp has managed to develop a new scheme that "combines a modified amorphous-silicon active matrix of thin-film transistors (TFTs) with low-temperature polysilicon drivers."
Of course, I only have the vaguest understanding of the tech their describing
. The result, though, is fairly obvious: it will allow Sharp to build active-matrix LCDs that are upto 28-inchs wide (diagonally speaking), with resolutions of up to 2,560 * 2048-pixels, at 116-pixels per inch.
Not to shabby, but don't expect to see such a screen gracing your desktop any time soon. The initial market for the new LCDs will be such applications as medical imaging displays, though a smaller 6-inch display may be manufactured for mobile internet appliances.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Silicon Graphics to unveil modular, build-to-order servers
July 25, 2000
The EETimes' Charles J. Murray has the scoop on SGI's forthcoming unveiling of a new line of modular, build to order servers. The new servers will be scalable upto 1024 individual processors, using a rack-mounted, "brick-based" system. Here's a brief snip from Mr. Murray's article, in order to give you a better idea:
"SGI's modular approach, called NUMAflex, employs seven basic technology "bricks." The 19-inch-wide rack-mounted bricks include: a C-brick incorporating a CPU and memory; an I-brick that acts as a base I/O module; an R-brick with router interconnects; a P-brick with PCI expansion hardware; an X-brick with XIO expansion; a D-brick with disk expansion; and a G-brick with graphics extensions. All of the bricks plug into a common backplane that forms the backbone of the server. "
Hmmm. You know, with a bit of weatherproofing, a touch of spackle, a roof, and a lot of paint, these little monsters could be placed together to make the ultimate cyber-log cabin. Just think: the walls even generate their own heat. :)
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Transmeta dismisses Intel FUD over Crusoe
July 25, 2000
Transmeta has come back swinging, and shot-down suggestions made by certain parties within Intel's marketing department, that the Transmeta Crusoe processors "may not be 100% x86 compatible". Just about everybody has said the same, and now Transmeta itself has echoed the sentiment: bullhockey! Here's a snip from the article:
"Microprocessor newcomer Transmeta says suggestions by Intel that its Crusoe chip isn't fully compatible with Windows software are unfounded.
The comments follow remarks made by Intel at a recent briefing where it raised doubts about whether Crusoe, which emulates x86 compatibility in software, would provide users with the same level of software compatibility they would get with Intel's processors.
"Regarding Intel claiming that Transmeta is not compatible, we have no clue what they're talking about," Transmeta chief executive Dave Ditzel told ZDNet UK. "It makes no sense to us." "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
UltraSPARC III to Debut at 900MHz?
July 25, 2000
There's some interesting speculation going on at Ace's Hardware, where a couple of individuals have noted that, following a few delays, Sun may be ready to introduce the UltraSPARC III processor at speeds ranging from 750MHz, to 900MHz by the end of this quarter. Pretty cool news, for the little RISC that could! Here's a brief excerpt from the post:
"But enough about the financials, the most interesting details are about the next-generation UltraSPARC III. Although the chip was initially expected to debut at 600 MHz, there have been numerous changes, including a die shrink, since that original performance target was set. It was reported several months ago that the UltraSPARC III would be introduced at not only 600 MHz, but 750 MHz as well. Indeed, in talking with various sources, it was indicated that they were hopeful to hit 900 MHz by the end of this year. "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
The Ars Guide to DRAM & SRAM: Part II
July 25, 2000
Yessir, ArsTechnica's "Hannibal" has finally put the finishing touches on Part II of his guide to DRAM, and SRAM technologies. This time, the topic of note will be the differences between, synchronous, and asynchronos RAM. Here's a clip:
"For our purposes, there are two main types of delays that we have to take into account. The first type includes the delays that have to take place between successive DRAM reads. You can't just fire off a read and then fire off another one immediately afterwards. Since a DRAM read involves charging and recharging capacitors, and various control signals have to propagate hither and thither so that the chip'll know what it's doing, you have to stick some space in between reads so that all the signals can settle back down and the capacitors can recharge."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Chip Race Moves to Notebooks
July 25, 2000
Arik Hesseldahl, of Forbes, has written a little article concerning the brewing battle to bake the first 1GHz processor for mobile platforms. Here's a snip:
"Get ready for the gigahertz race, part two.
Now that the main event, the first PC microprocessor to run at a clock speed of 1,000 megahertz, or 1 gigahertz, is over, PC chipmakers want the honor of being the one to push the chips for their notebook PCs to the same level.
There's not likely to be a winner until late 2001. And the race, which had been only a two-way contest between Intel (nasdaq: INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (nyse: AMD), may have a third entrant in the form of Transmeta, an upstart from Santa Clara, California..."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Enermax 450 Watt Power Supply Review @ The Tech Zone
July 25, 2000
Power mongers, and owners of cheap, run-of-the-mill power supplies may like the Tech Zone's review of Enermax's 450-Watt power supply. Here's a clip:
"The Tech Zone starts the week by taking a look at a 450 watt power supply from Enermax. Not only will Enermax Ultra Cool EG451P-VE put out all the power your computer needs and run nice and cool but it's very affordable too! No more than a high quality 300 watt power supply."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Abit KA7-100 Review @ Motherboard Homeworld
July 25, 2000
Hio Fellow PCB Fanatics,
Today, the Motherboard Homeworld has news that they've finished their review of the KA7-100 motherboard from Abit. Heck, they even had time to send this quote along for good measure:
"Once again, Abit hits a home run with their KA7-100 for the AMD Athlon processor, featuring their incredible SoftMenuIII BIOS. This board is awesome, allowing for very small adjustments of the FSB usually in increments of 1-2 MHz. This is a must have for the serious overclocker because of the multiple variations between CPUs."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the Chaintech CT-6AJA4
July 25, 2000
The Chaintech CT-6AJA4 is a socket 370 motherboard based on the VIA Apollo Pro 1/33A chipset. One of the most interesting feature of the CT-6AJA4 is its optionnal RAID 0,1 and 0+1 controller. Unlike the Iwill VD133 ProRAID, the Chaintech CT-6AJA4 is sporting an ISA slot allowing you to use an old ISA device. Please read the review to learn more about this features packed motherboard.
Posted by Chris Verr
Being a Woman in a man's game world @ The Tech Zone
July 24, 2000
On another note, Samantha Peters of Klatche Entertainment has written a thoughtful article concerning the perception of women within the computer gaming industry. Ms. Peters' touches on quite a few points that are affecting the industry's ability to attract talented individuals of the female sex. Here's a clip:
"Being a woman in a male dominated industry is always a difficult task, but from personal experience, it seems to be exceptionally hard in the fields of technology and computer information. For decades, women have been fighting for equal rights and the ability to do jobs that men commonly do. Now, it isn't uncommon to see women in warehouses, driving heavy machinery, working in an office, or even in operating rooms. With the advent of the dawning technological era, however, another field has become open for women to explore. "
Check it out.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the 933MHz Pentium FC-PGA @ Flipchip.com
July 24, 2000
If you just can't get enough of the Coppermine, then you'll appreciate Flipchip's review of the 933MHz Pentium III FC-PGA from Intel. Here's a snip from the article:
"Have you ever seen the Intel Pentium III commercial where a guy is driving some old P.O.S. station wagon out on a racetrack and gets passed by a bunch of Indy cars like he is standing still? Well that does a pretty fair job of demonstrating the power difference between older CPU's and a 933 FC-PGA!"
Also, don't forget to head back here, and compare results with our own review of the same chip.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
DFI TA64-B Mobo Review @ Chick's Hardware
July 24, 2000
Chick's Hardware has just finished-up their own review of the DFI TA64-B motherboard. Here's a clip:
"The DFI TA64-B is a new breed of motherboard, sporting support for both Socket370 & Slot 1 processors, thus allowing PPGA and FC-PGA processors to be used on this baby! This allows it to be an upgrader's dream motherboard allowing it to be a very flexible choice for the future, whichever way Intel decide to turn. On top of that, the motherboard is great for overclockers as well, allowing you to change the FSB right from the BIOS. The board is based on the VIA Apollo Pro 133A chipset and supports PC133 memory, AGP 2X/4X and UDMA66."
After reading, feel free to compare Chick's perspective with our own review of the TA64-B.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
HSDRAM Review @ G3D
July 24, 2000
Hio Fellow Mnemonics,
Today, G3D has finished up their review of "High-Speed" SDRAM technology . Here's a clip:
"So you're an extreme overclocker. You use water-cooled peltiers, huge case fans, and the latest motherboard. But you're trying to take that new pentium3 to a 133mhz front side bus (fsb) but your computer just can't handle it. Everything works fine until you realize your SDRAM is 100mhz! That cheap stick you bought at the local computer dealer can't operate stable at 133mhz fsb. So what do you do? Get 133mhz SDRAM!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
We had an Award!
July 21, 2000
Hey, we had an Award! Yep, we just went to receive the Golden Web Award as a recognition for the quality of our work, our efforts and for the quality of the design of our web site. Isn't it a nice Award to look at :))
The Least I can say is that it feels good from time to time to have some recognition :)
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Posted by Chris Verr
Semiconductor Trends 2000: Comm Boom Brings a New Order
July 21, 2000
The ENews has trotted out this year's Semiconductor Trends 2000 report, complete with pretty pictures, colourful graphs, and in-depth analysis of all the current trends in the semiconductor industry. Here's a clip:
"Boom or bust. Feast or famine. Sink or swim. Pick just about any year in the semiconductor industry and you can apply one or all of these terms to it. However, 1999 was a rare exception, when the industry had neither a terrible year nor a fantastic year and sales grew at a clip close to the industry's average historical growth rate.
Don't get too comfortable, though. The semiconductor industry clearly has crossed over into boom territory in 2000 and is extending out to 2002. Already capacity is tightening and the specter of allocation is hovering over some key components. Global semiconductor sales are expected to grow by 20.5 percent for the year, reaching $180 billion, according to the market research firm Cahners/In-Stat, Scottsdale, Ariz.
To make matters more complex, this boom will be fundamentally different from those of the past. Forget the PC business with its huge appetite for microprocessors, DRAM, and graphics chips. The new boom is being propelled by communications, and it is producing shortages of an entirely different group of parts. For now, flash memories, SRAMs, power amplifiers, RF components, capacitors, and resistors have become the most valued and rare commodities of the new semiconductor economy."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Lucent to spin off its Microelectronics Group
July 21, 2000
Lucent Technologies to spin off its microelectronics business
FOR RELEASE THURSDAY JULY 20, 2000
- IPO for world leader in communications semiconductors planned
MURRAY HILL, N.J. -- Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced that it would spin off its microelectronics business, which includes the optoelectronics components and integrated circuits (IC) divisions, into a separate company. The new company, which will be named later, will begin its life as the world's leading provider of communications semiconductors with more than $4 billion in revenues over the last four quarters.
Lucent is planning an initial public offering (IPO) for up to 20 percent of the new company and intends to spin off the remaining shares in a tax-free distribution. The IPO should take place by the end of the first calendar quarter of 2001, and the spinoff should be completed by the summer of 2001.
Lucent's microelectronics business makes silicon chips and optoelectronic components, such as lasers, that are the building blocks for communications systems ranging from wireless phones and modems to Internet equipment and optical networking systems. It is focused on one of the fastest growing segments of the semiconductor market -- communications.
"We are creating a vibrant new company that from its beginning will be an industry leader in two of the hottest growth markets in the semiconductor industry: optoelectronics and communications ICs," said Richard McGinn, Lucent Technologies chairman and chief executive officer. "It will be the only stand-alone component company with the ability to marry the worlds of silicon and optical on its own."
With more than 75 percent of its sales coming from outside of Lucent today, the microelectronics business often sells to Lucent's competitors. "This new company will be able to accelerate its growth now that it's free from this strategic conflict," continued McGinn. "This move will also unleash the shareholder value of our microelectronics business, whose success will now be more fully recognized outside of Lucent's larger communications networking systems business.
"At the same time, Lucent will now be able to completely focus on the largest network build-out in world history - a more than $225 billion global opportunity in broadband and mobile Internet infrastructure that is expected to double in five years," said McGinn. "We will concentrate our investments, resources and management attention on a triple play of optical, data and wireless solutions with the network design, consulting and integration services to support them.
"The communications infrastructure and semiconductor markets have become so big, so fast-moving and so competitive that it is time to divide in order to accelerate growth," said McGinn. "The best way to excel in these markets is through two more focused and agile companies - each with a singular mission, concentrated resources and an increased intensity. With this increased focus, both companies will be able to grow even faster."
Lucent continues taking steps to strengthen its focus on next-generation Internet networks. In the last year, Lucent has made 10 acquisitions in the core networking and professional services areas, including the acquisition of Chromatis, which is a leader in metro optical networking systems, the fastest-growing segment of the optical networking market
The New Microelectronics Company
McGinn said that John Dickson, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Lucent's Microelectronics and Communications Technologies group, will lead the effort to form the new company. The senior leadership team for the new public company will be named at a later date.
The new company is the leader in the fastest growing piece of the worldwide component market - the communications sector. Over the last 18 months, it has invested about $1 billion in expanding manufacturing capability and almost $4 billion in acquisitions to keep pace with industry demand. In the last six months, the business has acquired Herrmann Technology and Ortel in the optoelectronics space, and Agere and the design, marketing and sales teams of VTC in the IC space.
The company will become the only major, stand-alone semiconductor business with leadership in both optoelectronics components and integrated circuits. As companies look to converge electrical and optical technologies, the new company will be uniquely positioned with its dual expertise. It will compete with optoelectronics companies such as JDS Uniphase and integrated circuits companies like Texas Instruments, Broadcom and ST Microelectronics.
The new company will be the worldwide leader in communications semiconductors ranking No. 1 in digital signal processors (DSP's) for wireless network infrastructure, integrated circuits (ICs) for SONET and SDH optical networking systems, wired communications ICs, modem ICs for laptop computers and system-on-a-chip solutions. It also will lead the optoelectronics industry in manufacturing automation, modulators for 10 and 40 gigabit-per-second optical networking systems, submarine optoelectronics, and a variety of lasers used in communications applications.
Lucent's optoelectronics components business grew more than 80 percent - twice the industry rate over the last 12 months. The business recently completed an expansion of its automated optoelectronics manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, which will quadruple capacity by year-end. In April, the company completed its acquisition of Ortel, an optoelectronics component supplier for cable modem manufacturers, and recently announced an expansion of the Ortel manufacturing operations in Southern California.
"No semiconductor company can match our end-to-end capability, or our leadership in communications segments from wired to wireless, voice to data, or copper to optical transport," Dickson said. "The new company becomes a pure play for communications semiconductors in the industry - a market growing greater than 20 percent."
The new company will maintain its current customer and supplier relationships. Almost half of its business comes from outside the United States. Its customer list includes virtually every major network equipment manufacturer worldwide, including nine of the top 10 PC manufacturers. Lucent will continue to be a significant customer for the microelectronics business.
The business, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., employs more than 16,000 people in 105 locations worldwide, including major research and development and manufacturing facilities in Allentown, Reading and Breinigsville, Pa.; Orlando, Fla.; Alhambra, Calif.; Tres Cantos, Spain; Bangkok, Thailand; Matamoros, Mexico; and Singapore.
Lucent Technologies' Sharpened Focus
Backed by the innovations of Bell Labs, Lucent will sharpen its focus on the fastest growing opportunity in the communications networking industry: Internet infrastructure based on optical, data and wireless networks supported by professional services and software. Excluding the microelectronics, enterprise networks and power businesses, ongoing Lucent produced about $25 billion in revenues over the past four quarters.
Lucent will remain the worldwide leader in communications networking with strong leadership positions in the Internet infrastructure, optical networking and wireless markets. Lucent boasts the largest and most experienced team in network consulting, design and integration services. Lucent's Bell Labs remains the premier research and development organization in communications.
"No one knows networks better than Lucent," said McGinn. "At a time when the Internet is being overhauled, it is no longer sufficient to supply just hot boxes. Customers are looking for a complete solution, including the building blocks and expertise to put them together."
After the spinoff, each company will have its own brand, board of directors and R&D organizations. Lucent expects to take a business restructuring charge associated with the redesign of its business.
Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers the systems, software, silicon and services for next-generation communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth areas such as broadband and mobile Internet infrastructure; communications software; communications semiconductors and optoelectronics; Web-based enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and professional network design and consulting services. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.
Editor's note: Lucent Technologies Chairman and CEO Richard McGinn and John Dickson, executive vice president and CEO of Lucent's Microelectronics and Communications Technologies group, will hold a media and industry analyst conference call at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) today. Reporters and analysts can call into the conference at 1-888-323-9732 in the United States and Canada, 1-712-257-2490 outside the United States and Canada, and 1-800-855-2880 for the hearing impaired. The Pass Code is "Lucent."
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include price and product competition, dependence on new product development, reliance on major customers, customer demand for our products and services, the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies, obtaining a favorable tax ruling on the proposed spin off of the new company, timely completion of the proposed IPO and spin off of the new company, control of costs and expenses, international growth, general industry and market conditions and growth rates and general domestic and international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by Lucent with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lucent disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For more information, reporters may contact:
Mary Lou Ambrus
Lucent Technologies
908-582-3060 (office)
Email:mambrus@lucent.com
Bill Price
Lucent Technologies
908-582-4820 (office)
Email:williamprice@lucent.com
Posted by Colin Cordner
Apple offers dual-processor Power Macs
July 21, 2000
Margaret Quan, of the EETimes, has news of the recent announcement from Apple Computer Inc. of the return of the dual-processor PowerMacintosh. The new Macs will feature two PPC7400 (G4) running in parallel, as well as Gigabit Ethernet, Firewire, USB, and a host of other features. Here's a brief snip:
"There may not be any new silicon technology in the new Power Mac desktops, but Richard Doherty, industry analyst and director of the Envisioneering Group (Seaford, N.Y.), said the machines show off homegrown Apple technologies never before commercialized.
"In the 1990s Apple was already developing asymmetric- and symmetric-multiprocessing boards before the PC or workstation companies like Silicon Graphics Inc. were working on it," Doherty said. Apple Computer owns the majority of the intellectual property related to multiprocessing technology, he said.
Doherty said he wouldn't be surprised to see Apple introduce Power Macs with more than two processors later this year. Work that Apple engineers did to characterize software code for the Macintosh in 1992-93 allows the company to scale the systems up to several processors without any of the software tweaks usually required for multiprocessor PCs, he said. "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Via to develop DDR chipset for Pentium IV(?)
July 21, 2000
Mark Hachman, currently of TechWeb, has a report on Via's future plans to develop a DDR-SDRAM-compatible chipset for Intel's forthcoming Pentium IV CPU. Of course, Via hasn't actually been licensed by Intel to do so, which leaves the door open for another round of litigation.
As Hachman points out, the entire matter has become rather complicated. Intel, you see, is prohibited by contract with Rambus Inc. to produce DDR-compatible chipsets of its own, which forces them to depend on 3rd parties to produce such technology. On the other hand, they face the prospect of the entire market for x86 chipsets being dominated by Via, a position of power that Intel occupied up until recently.
It certainly hasn't been a good year to be Intel...
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Iwill SIDE-RAID66 Review @ The Tech Zone
July 21, 2000
Hio Folks,
Today, The Tech Zone has formulated a review of the SIDE-RAID66 from Iwill. The SIDE-RAID66 is a RAID expansion card for your PCI slot. Here's a snip:
"RAID does more than kills bugs dead. RAID can also makes your hard drive go twice as fast. The Tech Zone takes a look at the Side-RAID66 from Iwill. This is RAID card that fits into any PCI slots and works with IDE hard drives. Don't know what RAID is? They got that covered too."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Gainward launches its new CARDEXpert GeForce 2 MX graphic card
July 21, 2000
The CARDEXpert GeForce 2 MX is the first 3D graphics processor and multimedia controller that can drive dual digital displays. It argeted at mainstream desktop PCs and users who required a dual-head display graphics solution. GeForce 2 MX incorporating GeForce 2 GTS¡¦s reakthrough 3D architecture, in a 2-pipe form, which delivers the full GeForce 2 GTS 3D features set at mainstream price points. With special features like HDVP, digital VCR capabilities, high performance and high-level software MPEG-2 decoder, and a Digital TVreceiver, GeForce 2 MX delivers a cost effective and high quality HDTV solution.
For more details, click here.
Posted by Chris Verr
ASUS ANNOUNCES ITS NEW SECRET WEAPON - 3D Extra Light Technology
July 21, 2000
Newark, CA, July 20, 2000: ASUS COMPUTER International announces the upcoming release of its Ultimate Secret Weapon for the AGP-V7100 and AGP-V7700 series graphics cards - the 3D Extra Light Technology.
"With the recent announcement of three secret weapons - Transparent View, Wireframe View, and Extra Light - and the feedback that we have received from the gaming community, we have decided to only offer the Extra Light technology in the upcoming driver release," states Raymond Chen, Vice President of ASUS COMPUTER Int'l." A discussion forum will be created to hear feedback from the gaming community before we make our final decision on the other two technologies."
Secret Weapon: Extra Light Extra Light is very beneficial in almost every 3D game. Users can use Extra Light to define an additional spotlight with self-defined direction, size, color, and brightness. It makes the 3D scene more bright, clear, and colorful. Using this feature will extend the GeForce2MX and Geforce2 GTS's capability to display vibrant images with real world lighting. This technology enhances the color definition in 3D games providing additional spotlight to the areas that gamers want to focus on. The end result is complete absorption in an environment that is the closest you can get to the real thing and can only be unleashed with our ASUS AGP-V7100 and AGP-V7700 series of display adapters.
For more details, click here.
Posted by Chris Verr
Apple Unveils Entirely New Desktop Line Including the Revolutionary Power Mac G4 Cube
July 20, 2000
Apple Unveils Entirely New Desktop Line Including the Revolutionary Power Mac G4 Cube
MACWORLD EXPO, NEW YORK—July 19, 2000—During today’s keynote at Macworld Expo, Apple® introduced an entirely new line of desktops including the revolutionary new Power Mac™ G4 Cube, an all-new iMac™ family and dual-processor Power Mac G4s. Apple’s new desktops ship standard with Apple’s new, innovative optical mouse and full-sized pro keyboard and come pre-installed with Apple’s iMovie™ 2, the next version of the world’s most popular, easy-to-use consumer digital video editing software.
The G4 Cube delivers the performance of a Power Mac G4 in an eight inch cube suspended in a stunning crystal-clear enclosure. The G4 Cube is less than one fourth the size of most PCs, yet houses a 450 MHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine™ that reaches supercomputer speeds of over three billion calculations per second (Gigaflops).
The G4 Cube includes a 450 MHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine (configurable to 500 MHz through the Apple Store); 64MB of memory expandable to 1.5GB; 20GB of storage (configurable up to 40GB through the Apple Store); a slot-loading DVD drive on the top of the G4 Cube for easy access; two FireWire® and two USB ports; 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and a 56K V.90 modem.
The entirely new iMac line starts at a breakthrough price of $799 and features four new models in stunning new colors. The new iMac colors are Indigo, Ruby, Sage and Snow, and join the prized Graphite color in the line. The new iMac family offers fast PowerPC G3 processors now running at up to 500 MHz and larger storage up to 30GB. The iMac DV models also include iMovie 2, the next version of the world’s most popular, easy-to-use consumer digital video editing software.
The new iMac family includes four new models: the iMac, the world’s best Internet appliance at a breakthrough price of $799; the iMac DV, bringing desktop video editing to an under -$1,000 iMac with FireWire and iMovie 2; the iMac DV+ with more speed, storage, and a DVD drive; and the iMac DV Special Edition, the ultimate iMac featuring a super fast 500 MHz PowerPC processor, massive 30GB hard disk drive, 128MB of DRAM, and available in Graphite and Snow.
Apple’s all-new Power Mac G4 line features two models that are the first mainstream personal computers to come standard with dual processors. The 450 MHz and 500 MHz Power Mac G4s each contain dual PowerPC G4 processors with Velocity Engine, delivering up to 7 billion calculations per second. When running applications like Adobe Photoshop*, the dual processor 500 MHz Power Mac G4 is as fast as a 2GHz Pentium III is expected to be upon its release a year or more from now.
The optical Apple Pro Mouse provides precise positioning without a mousepad on almost any surface and features an ergonomic, full surface button and comfortable elliptical shape. The sleek new Apple Pro Keyboard offers full-size function and navigation keys, volume control and disc eject keys, as well as two USB ports.
iMovie 2 features a refined user interface with Mac® OS X like design elements; dramatically improved audio editing capabilities; enhanced controls for titling and transitions; and powerful new special effects. iMovie 2 is bundled on all FireWire-enabled Macs, including the new iMac, Power Mac G4 Cube and Power Mac G4 systems.
Apple today also unveiled a completely new family of displays that are the perfect complement to the new G4 Cube and Power Mac G4. The new displays include: the 17 inch (16-inch viewable) Apple Studio Display CRT; the 15 inch Apple Studio Display flat panel and the 22 inch Apple Cinema Display™, the largest all digital flat panel ever brought to market. Each display incorporates three advances to clean up the desktop cable mess. Each is powered from the computer, eliminating the need for a separate power cord; each has a two port powered USB hub for convenient connection to desktop USB devices; and each utilizes the Apple Display Connector, a revolutionary new cable which carries analog and digital video signals, USB data and power over a single cable and features a quick latch connector.
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:
Nathalie Welch
Apple
(408) 974-5430
welch@apple.com
Matt Hutchison
Apple
(408) 974-6877
hutchison@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.
© 2000 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Cinema Display, Apple Store, FireWire, iMac, iMovie, Mac OS, Power Mac and Velocity Engine are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Posted by Colin Cordner
Microprocessors: the off-beat generation
July 20, 2000
Spectrum Online is currently featuring a fascinating article by Linda Geppert, which looks at three slightly off-beat microprocessor projects: IBM's Blue Gene, Sun's MAJC, and Altera's Nios. One is a massive supercomputing project meant to analyze the inner-workings of complex biological processes, one will process real-time communications, and the other is a programmable processor core.
All are designed to handle problems that traditional CPU architectures were never designed to address. All have come up with innovative ways to tackle the problems that traditional chips dread to process. Not a bad read at all; thanks to ArsTechnica for the link!
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
AMD Reports Second Quarter Results
July 20, 2000
AMD REPORTS SECOND QUARTER RESULTS
Financial Statements
AMD Selected Corporate Data
-AMD earns a record $207 million, or $1.21 per diluted share after taxes, on record quarterly sales up by 97 percent from second quarter of 1999 -
SUNNYVALE, CA --July 19, 2000-- AMD today reported record sales of $1,170,437,000, record operating income of $250,197,000, and record net income of $207,142,000 for the quarter ended July 2, 2000. Operating income rose by 38 percent from the immediate-prior quarter. Net income amounted to $1.21 per diluted share after a 20 percent tax rate. (On an untaxed basis, second-quarter earnings per diluted share would have been $1.51, up by 31 percent from the first quarter when the tax rate was zero.)
Sales grew by 7 percent from the immediate-prior quarter, for which AMD reported sales of $1,092,029,000, operating income of $180,669,000, and net income of $189,349,000, or $1.15 per diluted share.
Sales nearly doubled from the second quarter of 1999, for which AMD reported sales of $595,109,000 and net income of $79,896,000, or $0.53 per diluted share. Revenues from PC processors and flash memory products each more than doubled from the comparable quarter of 1999. The results for the second quarter of 1999 included a one-time, after-tax gain of $259 million from the sale of Vantis Corporation, the company's former programmable logic subsidiary. The results from the second quarter of 1999 also included 11 weeks of operating results from Vantis prior to the effective date of the sale. In the second quarter of 1999, AMD incurred an operating loss of $172,542,000.
For the first six months of 2000, AMD reported total sales of $2,262,466,000 and net income of $396,491,000, or $2.36 per diluted share. For the same period of 1999, AMD reported total sales of $1,226,702,000 and a net loss of $48,471,000, or a loss of $0.33 per share, including the gain on the sale of Vantis and restructuring and other special charges.
"AMD had another great quarter," said Hector de J. Ruiz, president and chief operating officer of AMD. "Strong revenue growth in both of our principal product lines - PC processors and flash memory devices - again resulted in record sales and earnings."
In what is traditionally the weakest quarter for PC processors, the company reported that combined unit shipments of AMD Athlon, AMD Duron, and AMD K6-2™ processors remained near record levels at well in excess of 6 million units.
"During the quarter, AMD introduced two enhanced seventh-generation PC processors," said Ruiz. "The new AMD Athlon™ processor, formerly code-named 'Thunderbird,' features 256K of on-die L2 cache memory and is targeted at the performance sector of the PC market. AMD also commenced shipments of the AMD Duron™ processor, formerly code-named 'Spitfire,' featuring 64K of on-board L2 cache memory. The AMD Duron processor is targeted at the value segment of the PC market.
"Demand for AMD processors remains strong. Combined unit sales of AMD seventh-generation processors - the AMD Athlon and AMD Duron processors - increased by 52 percent over the immediate-prior quarter to more than 1.8 million units, meeting our previously stated goal. We are especially pleased at the strong support we have received from our infrastructure partners during the transition to the newest version of the AMD Athlon processor family. With the additional production capacity of our new Dresden facility, we believe we are on target to double unit shipments of AMD seventh-generation processors in each of the next two quarters to 3.6 million units in the third quarter and to 7.2 million units in the fourth quarter," said Ruiz.
Ruiz noted that AMD successfully met a number of important challenges in the just-completed quarter. "We achieved our goal of increasing AMD seventh-generation processor unit shipments by 52 percent sequentially while making a successful transition to our newest AMD Athlon and AMD Duron products. During the quarter, we converted all AMD Athlon processor production to the new version, featuring on-chip L2 cache memory. Fab 30 in Dresden transitioned to production status, completing an excellent start-up phase employing our most advanced process technology - 0.18-micron technology using copper interconnects. We are rapidly ramping production in Fab 30, and to date we have met or exceeded every milestone along the way," said Ruiz.
"Our progress in flash memory was equally successful. Memory Group sales grew by more than 10 percent over the immediate-prior quarter," Ruiz continued.
"During the quarter, AMD introduced two advanced flash memory products for high-end cellular telephones. Working closely with Nokia, AMD developed 32- and 64-megabit devices with simultaneous read-write architecture and 1.8-volt operation for extended battery life. These features are critical in adding new capabilities to cellular telephones, such as Internet connectivity, video streaming, and the functionality of handheld information appliances.
"Demand for AMD flash memory products continues to exceed our production capacity," said Ruiz. "We are adding capacity as rapidly as possible to support our customers. During the quarter Fujitsu AMD Semiconductor Limited (FASL) made initial shipments from a production facility in Iwate, Japan, and qualified production in additional facilities in Aizu-Wakamatsu and Gresham, Oregon. As announced earlier today, FASL broke ground for construction of a third megafab for flash memory production at Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan. Initial production at this new facility, designated JV3, is planned to commence in the second half of 2001.
"Today we are reaping the rewards of AMD's sustained commitment to investing in process technology, product development, and production capacity for both PC processors and flash memory products. AMD has the strongest product portfolio in its 31-year history, with industry-leading products for our target markets. We have excellent relationships with leading customers around the world, and we continue to operate in a favorable market environment. During my first six months at AMD, I have been very favorably impressed with the dedication of the AMD workforce and the total commitment to success that permeates the company," Ruiz concluded.
Current Outlook
The company's outlook statements are based on current expectations. The following statements are forward-looking, and actual results could differ materially.
Despite the loss of revenues as a result of the sale of the Communication Products Division, AMD projects that sales will be higher in the third quarter than in the immediate-prior quarter. The company's current overall outlook is based on the following projections for its major product lines:
The company projects that combined unit shipments of AMD Athlon and Duron family processors will increase to 3.6 million units in the third quarter and to 7.2 million units in the fourth quarter, resulting in a richer mix and a higher blended average selling price and higher revenues for PC processors.
AMD projects that Memory Group sales will grow in the 10 percent range in the third quarter and will achieve a similar growth rate in the fourth quarter. The company projects that demand for flash memory products will continue to exceed supply.
AMD Teleconference
AMD will hold a teleconference for the financial community at 2:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time today to discuss second-quarter financial results. AMD will provide a real-time audio broadcast of the teleconference on the Investor Relations page of its web sit at http://www.amd.com or http://www.streetfusion.com. The webcast will be available for two weeks after the teleconference.
AMD will also provide a telephone recording of the teleconference, which will be available at approximately 4:30 PM PT today. Interested persons may listen to the playback of the teleconference by calling the following toll-free number: 1-800-633-8284 and entering the code number 15676264.
Cautionary Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and uncertainty that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. There can be no assurance that demand for the company's products will continue at current or greater levels, or that the company will continue to grow revenues, operating profits, or earnings.
There are also risks that the company will not be able to produce the AMD Athlon and AMD Duron processors in the volume, speed mix or with the feature set necessary to meet customer requirements and the company's plans and goals; that Intel Corporation pricing, marketing programs, new product introductions or other activities targeting the company's processors business will prevent attainment of the company's current processor sales plans; that third parties may not provide timely or adequate infrastructure solutions to support the AMD Athlon and AMD Duron processors; and that the company will not be able to grow demand for its PC processors sufficiently to utilize fully its processor production capacity. We urge investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1999.
Posted by Colin Cordner
Golden Orb Heatsink/Fan review @ Trainwrecker's
July 20, 2000
Hio Heatsink Fans,
Today we have news of another review of the Golden Orb heatsink from Themaltake, this time from the folks at Trainwrecker.com. The Golden Orb has proven to be very popular in Overclocking circles, due to its intrepid design, and serious performance. Here's a snip:
"This affordable H/S fan has taken the overclocking community by storm this year. The cool looks and design are a sight to behold. Thermaltake has really hit the mark with the Golden Orb. I was impressed with the look and feel right out of the box. Thermaltake is..... I'll let them tell you: "Thermaltake is an outstanding cooler manufacturer established in 1998. Thermaltake has ever solely developed the new thermal plans to OEM & ODM business in worldwide. Our engineering staffs master airflow analysis, the material conductivity, and efficiency design. Our solution and design has been rewarded our customer's satisfaction and high valuation." A master of airflow analysis!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the DFI TA64-B mainboard
July 20, 2000
The DFI TA64-BDFI TA64-B motherboard is one of the new breed of versatile logic boards. Not only is it gifted with the ability to support Slot 1 processors, but also Socket 370 CPUs as diverse as the PPGA family of Celerons, FC-PGA Pentium IIs, and even Via Cyrix processors. Based as on the Via Apollo Pro133A chipset, the board supports PC133 memory, AGP 2X/4X, and ATA66 disks. To learn more about this board, plese read the review :).
Posted by Chris Verr
ECS Got "ISO14001" Certificate
July 20, 2000
Taipei, July 20th - Elitegroup Computer Systems Co. Ltd. has got the ISO14001 certificate (Environmental Management System Certificate). As a professional manufacturer for mainboard, personal computers and add-on cards, ECS has devoted itself in product research, development, technology improvement and complete after-sales service. These activities highlight the ECS quality policy -- "Innovation with Quality". We believe that it's our goal and responsibility to achieve and demonstrate sound environmental policy by controlling the impact of our activities on the environment. In response to the increasingly concern of the environmentalism globally, ECS will commit itself in implementing the "Environmental Management Policy" which includes
(1) The commitment to energy saving, facility re-new policy that reduce the consumption of energy as well as increase the use of renewable resources.
(2) To prevent and reduce the waste, noise or pollution generated during the manufacturing process.
(3) The continuous improvement and prevention of pollution.
(4) To comply with the relevant environmental legislation and regulations.
(5) To increase the awareness of "Environmental Management System" for the employees.
(6) The continuous improvement of "Environmental Management System".
Posted by Chris Verr
Intel delays release of Itanium processor
July 19, 2000
Geek.com is reporting that Intel has once again delayed the release of the Itanium/Merced/IA-64 processor. Long-time geeks may recall that this processor, which has long been touted as the replacement for the x86 family of CPUs, has been on the Intel roadmap since around 1995.
The latest time slated for the Itanium's release is now Q4 of 2000.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
MSI launches Live BIOSTM, an Online BIOS update tool...
July 19, 2000
"Live BIOSTM" is the tool to online detect and auto-update your motherboard BIOS. In order to perform the online "Live BIOSTM" update function, end-users need to install the MSI installation tool. MSI "Live BIOSTM" is compatible with operating systems like WindowsR 95, 98, 2000, and NT 4.0. The current version of MSI "Live BIOSTM" supports Microsoft(R) IE 4.0 and later version only. In the BIOS flashing procedure, the instability of the PSU (Power Supply Unit), power failure or other operating errors might result in the process failure which makes the system fail to re-boot, which are not guaranteed by MSI.
Please note that"Live BIOSTM" is only available for K7T Pro, i815 Pro and i815e Pro. Please check it out!!!
Click here for more details: http://www.msicomputer.com/live_bios.htm
Posted by Chris Verr
Overclocking Case Project 2 @ The Tech Zone
July 19, 2000
There is a never-ending struggle waging over at The Tech Zone, to create the day's best, and boldest Overclocking Case. Today, they have released this article of their latest exploits. Here's a clip:
"If you like The Tech Zone's first overclocking case project, then make sure you check out their latest one. This time they added bigger fans and a Plexiglas side panel so you can see the inside of your comp. The better to admire your work with. :)"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Cyber Acoustics CA-3440 Speaker System Review @ Chick's Hardware
July 19, 2000
Hio Dead Heads,
For all the audio junkies out there, Chick's Hardware is sending out this review of the Cyber Acoustics CA-3440 Speaker System. Check it out:
"The Cyber Acoustics CA-3440 Speaker System is a powerful value based speaker system. Delivering strong power and clarity, yet only costing $69.99."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the Shutlle AV14 mainboard
July 19, 2000
The Shuttle AV14 is one of the newest generation of Socket 370, FC-PGA motherboards that is capable of using PPGA style Celerons, FC-PGA Celerons (Celeron II), and FC-PGA Pentium III Coppermine 'Flip-Chips'. The AV14 is based on the Via Apollo Pro 133A chipset, and thus supports 4X AGP, ATA66, as well as PC133 memory on an asynchronous memory bus. For more info, please read the review :)
Posted by Chris Verr
Transcend's TS-AKT4 Socket A Motherboard Makes it debut...
July 19, 2000
Taipei, Taiwan, July 19th, 2000/Various Agencies --- Transcend Information, Inc. is proud to release details of its latest high-performance motherboard, the TS-AKT4. An ATX form factor board, it is designed around the VIA KT133 (VT8363/686A) chipset to support the powerful Socket A AMD K7 (Athlon) and Duron CPUs.
Powerful - and with a host of exciting features
Sporting numerous high-end features, the TS-AKT4 boasts a speedy 200MHz Front Side Bus, with both the voltage and frequency range programmable through BIOS. There is plenty of scope for expansion, with 3 slots for PC-133 or Virtual Channel SDRAM memory modules (up to 1.5GB maximum), 5x PCI, 1x ISA (Shared), 1x AMR, 1x AGP 4X slots and 4x USB ports. The TS-AKT4 motherboard has 2 Ultra ATA/66 IDE ports on board (supporting up to 4 devices), and also has a built in VGA function. The advanced jumper-less board configuration makes for easy installation, and incorporates automatic detection of CPU type. And the combination of a built-in AC97 sound chip and AMR expansion delivers a highly cost-effective 3D multimedia experience.
A Safe Choice
The TS-AKT4 includes many features, which help to safeguard the end-user's investment. It contains an Intercept Virus hardware solution, which protects 2-Mbit of BIOS data from being damaged by either a virus or by a user incorrectly updating the board's flash memory. Advanced Hardware Monitoring keeps track of the PC's temperature, voltage and fan speed, while Over Voltage Protection and Over Current Protection safeguard both CPU and peripherals while overclocking. The Advanced Power Management and Suspend To RAM ensure a very fast system resume and the TS-AKT4 also features LAN/Modem/ Mouse Wake-up and Soft Power Off. There is even a restore key facility in case faulty overclocking causes system shutdown.
Like all Transcend motherboards The TS-AKT4 utilizes components of the highest quality, and has passed extremely rigorous testing with a range of peripherals Transcend's engineers. The board includes a PC99 color coding connector and comes with the standard 2-year Transcend warranty.
Posted by Chris Verr
Review of the ATI Radeon 64MB DDR @ AnandTech
July 18, 2000
Earlier in the week, we reported on ATI's announcement of their new Radeon graphics card. Today, AnandTech's Mattew Witheiler has written up a very in depth review of the card in its 64MB DDR incarnation.
For those of us who don't quite have the stamina necessary to read a 30+ page review, I'll summate Mr. Witheiler's findings:
- The Radeon is much faster than the Rage Pro 128, or Rage Fury MAXX
- ATI put considerable emphasis on 32-bit performance, and T&L
- ATI put considerably less emphasis on 16-bit performance, and FSAA
- The software drivers still need work
- The Radeon meets or outperforms the GeForce GTS 2 in 32-bit performance
- You should really run this card in 32-bit mode, you'll get the same performance as you would at 16-bits
- Lots of goodies (like Video In/Out, S-Video...), thanks to the inclusion of the ATI Theatre chip
- Competitive pricing.
Did I mention that you really should try running this card at high-resolutions with it set to 32-bit colour? :)
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Philips extends MIPS license portfolio for set-tops
July 18, 2000
The ENews' Rick Wilson has a report that Philips Semiconductors has made plans to license the MIPS64 20Kc processor core design for use in their Nexperia system-on-a-chip technology. The MIPS64 20Kc is a well established RISC-processor/core designed by MIPS Inc.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ARM pre-tax profit leaps 135%
July 18, 2000
The ENews has the latest scoop on ARM Holdings, famed makers & designer of the StrongARM processor. The UK company is reporting a 135% increase in profits for the quarter, to $24.6 million (USD). The word from the mouths of the execs is this:
""The second quarter saw further growth in royalty revenues as unit shipments by our partners rose once again to 78.7 million compared to 71.8 million in the previous quarter. We also experienced a sharp increase in the sale of development systems, which represented a record 14% of revenues," said Robin Saxby, Chairman and CEO of the Cambridge, United Kingdom based company, in a prepared statement.
"Operating margins in the second quarter were higher than anticipated and at 32% were only fractionally down on the first quarter figure of 33%. We do expect operating margins to decline slightly in the second half of the year as the impact of our current research and development programme works its way through. Demand for the Company's products and services remains strong and the outlook for the remainder of the year is encouraging," said ARM's CFO, Jonathan Brooks."
ARM's line of processor cores are widespread in the technology industry, and are found in many embedded applications, as well as at the heart of many PDAs, network appliances, and personal computers.
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Intel's pact with Rambus prohibits developing DDR DRAM chipsets
July 18, 2000
According to Jack Robertson of the EBNews, a specific clause in Intel's contract with Rambus Inc. may very well bar the chip giant from developing products that support the DDR-SDRAM memory standard. As Mr. Robertson points out, if this is the case, it goes a long way towards explaining Intel's recent settlement with Via, in which the latter was given permission to continue developing chipsets for the P6, Socket 370 CPUs from Intel.
To be specific, the agreement with Rambus bars Intel from supporting any double-data-rate memory standard - asides from Rambus' DRDRAM, or any memory standard with a theoretical bandwidth exceeding 1.0GBytes/sec.
It seems that Intel has been handily out-lawyered in this matter. Oh well!
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Transcend TS-AKXA Review Update @ MBHW
July 18, 2000
The team over at the MotherBoard Homeworld has updated their review of the TS-AKXA motherboard from Transcend. Here's the word from the mothership:
"The last time I reviewed Transcend's TS-AKXA motherboard, the board didn't fare so well. I felt the motherboard wasn't ready to be released, since the board didn't have a manual and it's overall performance was rather lacking. After the review was posted, Transcend contacted us about doing a follow up with an updated BIOS and a manual! It is certainly great to know that manufacturers do care about their products."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
New GlobalWin FOP-32 Review @ G3D
July 18, 2000
For a good-'ole CPU fan review, head on over to G3D: Gaming in 3D! for a review of the GlobalWin FOP-32. Here's a clip:
"The company, Globalwin, has been in the hearts of overclockers for a long time. We know them for their reliability, great fin design, and more. Today at G3D:Gaming In 3d, we're taking a look at Globalwin's new fan, the FOP-32. The FOP-32 is meant to be a replacement for the still useful FKP-32. Let's take a look at how it faces compared to its' competition."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
How to start you own game development company @ The Tech Zone
July 18, 2000
For something a bit more off-beat, The Tech Zone is featuring an article that provides readers with all the information they need to start their own game development company (Step 1: Learn how to program! )! Here's the word from Moto:
"Remember when The Tech Zone taught you how to start your own tech site? Well, now they're going to teach you how to start your own game development company. Michael Doyle of Klache Entertainment tells you the pitfalls to avoid when you try to be the next id software. In his first Tech Zone article, Michael shows how to put together a development team."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
US CPU & Video Price Guide Update @ Chick's Hardware
July 18, 2000
Hio Bargain-Basement Hunters,
The prolific folks at Chick's Hardware have once again updated their CPU & Video Price Guide. The Guide is your Guide to the current pricing of a variety of CPUs, and video cards as advertised by third-party retailers. Here's a clip:
"Not much change on the AMD front. None of the AMD CPU's dropped more than $10. "
"Suprisingly enough their was much change on the Intel front. All of Intel's top of the line processors fell significantly. The Pentium3 866 fell the most, dropping $58 to $485. Most of Intel's other P3's also dropped. The Celeron Processors saw little change, with no CPU dropping more than $1."
"Not much change here as well. Most of the NVIDIA boards remained the same, and the ones that did change went up. The Voodoo5 5500 saw some change, dropping $10. It might drop a bit more once 3dfx releases their Mac products later this week. S3 and ATI both saw little change in prices."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Ace's Guide to Memory Technology
July 17, 2000
Earlier, we brougth you news of the 1st part of the Ars Guide to SRAM & DRAM. Today, we have news of Ace's Guide to Memory Technology. In it, author Johan De Gelas makes a point of explaining the fundamentals of today's essential memory technologies, while managing to tackle the issues from a different angle than Ars. Here's a brief clip:
"We at Ace's Hardware decided to forget the rumbling in the courts and focus on what is our duty: making sure that you are well informed. No better weapon than a comprehensive article to fight the marketing spin. In this article we hope to present you with a solid background to SDRAM / memory technology and later we will offer you an overview of the different kinds of memory that are out there.
Some of them are pretty exotic, but deserve more attention. Unfortunately, the memory industry is extremely competitive and many very promising technologies died in their cradle. Nevertheless, while I was delving deeper into the libraries of information on memory technology, I found out that this particular segment of the industry is a very exciting one indeed. "
So, if you had a bit of trouble digesting part 1 of the Ars Guide, here's a second chance to get up on a horse of a different colour (so to speak :), and tweak your neurons from a different angle!
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Review of the Intel 815 chipset @ iXBT Labs
July 17, 2000
The fine folks at iXBT Labs have written up a nice review of the i815 chipset from Intel. The i815, for those not in the know, is Intel's last-minute attempt to stake out a position in a chipset market that is being overrun by Via. Here's a brief quote of what the iXBT team had to say:
"The story of Intel chipsets for P6 CPUs is extremely instructive. Starting from i440FX, the first chipset announced simultaneously with Pentium Pro, and up to the victorious i440BX, Intel had never had any problems with the public acknowledgement of its new products and the market welcomed each of them with arms wide stretched. AGP, 100MHz FSB, PC100 SDRAM - Intel kept adding new stuff to its products little by little. However, one of Intel's last chipsets for high performance systems suffered a total fiasco. Trying to influence the market and to make the users turn to RDRAM for their desktop PCs, Intel stumbled. Neither the manufacturers, nor the users were ready for drastic changes like that, which were moreover connected with quite tangible spendings, because SDRAM and RDRAM cost differed by nearly 3-5 times. Besides, Intel failed to launch its i820 in time and the supplies of this notorious chipset were postponed now and then.
...
As you can see from the table, i815 is a fully-fledged successor to i440BX. It also looks quite nice even against the background of VIA Apollo Pro133A. The only thing that makes us feel on guard is very small system memory: only 512MB compared to 1GB by competing products. But nothing to do with it, i815 is based on i810E and it is the bad heredity of i810E that tells. Both chipsets use Accelerated Hub Architecture, which Intel is currently implementing in all its newest chipsets."
A very nice article that both reviews the i815 set, and Intel's history in the market. Well worth a look!
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Case Modification Section Update @ Chick's Hardware
July 17, 2000
Chick's Hardware has done a bit more work on case modifications, and is ready to share their mod secrets with the world, as highlighted here. Here's a clip:
"Yes we have more! I got loads flooding in, today we updated our modifications area, with 3 new case mods :)
* Texmaster's Twister - Loads of fans and still quiet, fans attached in a unique way.
* The Dog Case - You remember our Cow Case mod? Well we have the Dog Case now!
* The Flame Case - A flamey paint job on the case AND the keyboard and mouse.
...More to come soon!"
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
"Thunderbird" Abit KA7-100 Compatibility & Performance Report
July 17, 2000
Hio Board Fans,
Today, Trainwrkecker.com is featuring an article that looks at the Abit KA7-100 motherboard from a different angle. Here's their word on the subject:
"This is by no means intended to be a full-blown review of the KA7-100. Our focus will instead be on the T-Bird/KX-133 combination as a viable upgrade option. There are still many questions and some recent discouraging news about changing the multiplier on the Socket A T-Bird, and the problems many have had with overclocking Athlons via the front side bus are no secret. Couple that with expense and work involved with preexisting Athlon users upgrading their CPU's and their motherboard to take advantage of the Thunderbird's "performance-enhancing on-chip L2 cache memory," one begins to wonder if this combination is worth temporarily putting off the inevitable transition to the Socket A form factor."
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
ATI'S RADEON PC BOARDS NOW AVAILABLE
July 17, 2000
Toronto, Canada, July 17, 2000 - ATI Technologies Inc. (TSE:ATY,
NASDAQ:ATYT) announced today the most powerful and feature packed graphics board ever designed, the RADEON graphics board. Using its patented Hyper-Z technology and its three texture units per rendering pipeline, the RADEON board delivers the ultimate 32-bit gaming experience and blazing fast frame rates at ultra-high resolutions in games such as Quake III Arena(tm) and Unreal Tournament(tm).
RADEON boards feature the fastest hardware geometry T&L engine and a quantum step forward in 3D architecture with the most Direct X ® 8 and OpenGL® features. The RADEON Charisma Engine(tm) and Pixel Tapestry(tm) architecture enable the most realistic characters and environments ever created, as demonstrated in upcoming games such as Obi-Wan(tm) by Lucas Arts, Dungeon Siege(tm) by Microsoft and Giants (tm) by Interplay.
More performance - for ultra high resolution, true color gaming RADEON boards are optimized for ultra-high resolution true color game play. This is accomplished through such unique features as:
* patented Hyper-Z technology which decreases the amount of information sent to the frame buffer alleviating the memory bandwidth problems that bottleneck other architectures
* 3 Texture Units - The only card on the market to support 3 texture units,RADEON will speed through games such as Microsoft's Halo(tm) since it can render multiple textures in a single pass.
Playing at high resolutions and in true color is optimal for all game play. First person shooter games such as Quake III Arena(tm) and MDK2(tm) will benefit from the speed and improved background detail of RADEON. Fans of strategy games such as Homeworld Cataclysm(tm) will be able to view and manage their ships more effectively while Flight Simulator 2001(tm) pilots will be able to better judge their flight patterns and distance targets with the increased field of view and improved visual quality.
More realistic characters and detailed environments ATI's RADEON is the only card to offer the Charisma Engine with advanced features such as 4 Matrix Skinning and Key Frame interpolation. The 4 Matrix Skinning in RADEON allows characters that in the past seemed blocky and robotic to jump to life with fluid, realistic movements.
"Dungeon Siege's animation system has been designed from the ground up to take advantage of advanced hardware acceleration", said Mike Biddlecombe, senior engineer at Gas Powered Games, "and now with the 4 Matrix Skinning of RADEON we can achieve faster framerates and smoother animation, resulting in characters that move with realism never seen before."
RADEON brings game environments to life with the most advanced 3D engine ever developed. ATI is the only card to support advanced features such as 3D texture support for new volumetric effects and support for all forms bump mapping effects (Emboss, Dot product 3 and Environmental Bump Mapping).
The most complete DirectX 8 and Open GL feature support DirectX is the Microsoft interface that allows games to communicate with the graphics hardware. DirectX 8 is the latest version of DirectX that will be available later this year. ATI offers the most complete DirectX 8 feature implementation available today with support for programmable pixel shaders, tweening and skinning, all forms of bump mapping and 3D textures.
The best video support for DVD and HDTV RADEON boards advance ATI's leadership in digital video with more new features, including on-chip Motion Compensation and IDCT MPEG acceleration together with adaptive de-interlacing. The ability to decode all the HDTV formats without loading the CPU, and directly driving both analog and DVI digital high definition displays without the need for external hardware, make RADEON the world's best platform for PC-based HDTV and DVD.
"The MPEG acceleration in the RADEON is very impressive in that it will let the PC platform decode an HDTV signal while at the same time doing MPEG picture in picture," stated Dave Marsh, technical evangelist, TV and video, Microsoft. "Couple this with the dramatically improved video de-interlacing and the well implemented multi-tap scaling, and the PC becomes an even better solution for all aspects of TV and video entertainment."
Pricing and Availability
The RADEON board with 32MB of Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is shipping now with a street price of $279. The RADEON board with 64 MB of DDR memory for the power gamer with video capture and TV out support is shipping in August with a street price of $399. A third RADEON product with 32MB of SDRAM memory, delivering the best price/performance of any board in its class, will ship in September with a street price of $199.
Posted by Chris Verr
Lucky-Star releases a new 6VA693AM BIOS
July 17, 2000
Click here to get the new BIOS for the Lucky-Star 6VA693AM mainboard.
Posted by Chris Verr
Lucky-Star releases a new 6VA693AM BIOS
July 17, 2000
Click here to get the new BIOS for the Lucky-Star 6VA693AM mainboard.
Posted by Chris Verr
Intel spokesperson slams Transmeta, AMD
July 14, 2000
In a marvelous display of sour-grapes, Intel spokesperson Don McDonald has taken the podium and took a few shots at AMD's PowerNow technology - which allows AMD processors to "throttle" their operating frequency, and therby save energy, and at Transmeta's Code-Morphing technology - which allows their Crusoe processors to emulate the ISAs of other CPU architectures, such as the x86.
Specifically, Mr. McDonald is of the opinion that AMD's PowerNow can't be considered better than Intel's similar SpeedStep technology, just because the former has a greater range of power states. McDonald also made a sly attempt at implying that Transmeta's Code-Morphing tech may not be "100% x86 compatible". His source? He may have heard it on a web-site.
Fortunately, as an avowed marketing droid, Mr. McDonald is naturally assumed to be fundamentaly capable of backing up his professional statements with credible evidence, otherwise he might be in a spot of trouble...
All this, of course, goes to prove once again the fable that FUD is a marketing troll's best friend. :)
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
"Workhorse BeOS Apps" @ Byte
July 14, 2000
Scot Hacker, currently of Byte, has written a column on the precieved dearth of applications for the BeOS. The BeOS is a relatively new, cross-platform GUI operating system for Intel-compatible, and Macintosh systems that was written from the ground up with intensive multi-media work in mind. The Be has alot going for it, but are applications one of its strong points, or a blind spot? As Mr. Hacker puts it:
"Rather than say there are no apps, I think it would be more accurate to say there are rough equivalents in most categories, but without the same level of maturity. BeOS apps just aren't backed by the same huge budgets, large staffs, and years of people-hours that have gone into Windows software development. At the same time, BeOS apps have the advantage of sitting on top of this incredible foundation. The operating system is well architected, fast, and sports an API that makes programming much easier than it is on other platforms. In fact, many developers have described BeOS programming as a joy. But using a great OS without equally tremendous apps can sometimes feel like driving a BMW without a dashboard. "
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
The 200MHz Athlon EV6 bus explained...
July 14, 2000
Hio TechHeads,
Today, we have news of this article at HardOCP by CIWS. The topic of note is Mr(?). CIWS' introduction to the concepts behind the EV6 front-side bus (FSB) that is implemented by the AMD Athlon. To take a brief snip from his paper:
"The purpose of this article is to attempt to clear up a common question concerning the Athlon processor and the function of the 200mhz system bus. I’m not planning on being very technical with this explanation, although some of the terms and thoughts expressed may seem that way. All the data and circuit information has been taken from AMD’s data sheet titled AMD-751 System Controller publication # 21910 rev. E and is available online for download."
Everybody's heard that the EV6 transfers data "on the rising and falling edge of the clock cycle", and now is the time to find out exactly what that means...
Cheers!
Posted by Colin Cordner
Iwill launches the first Socket A motherboard supporting IDE RAID 100
July 14, 2000
Iwill Corporation, the leading SCSI motherboard developer, has released the KV200-R™ , an ATX form factor Socket A motherboard with on-board IDE RAID 100 that supports the latest AMD® Athlon 500MHz ~ 1GHz (K7) processors. The KV200-R™ uses VIA® KT133 chipset, and supports 200MHz FSB (Front Side Bus).Providing a performance similar to SCSI RAID, the KV200-R™ ’s on-board IDE RAID provides better speed and stability compared to software-based RAID solutions, and offers an incredible user-friendly installation procedure. With the KV200-R™ , Iwill delivers an easy and affordable IDE RAID solution
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maximizing low-cost ATA-100 drives on PC Desktop, Workstation, and Server systems.
The KV200-R™ has an embedded AMI® MG80649 chipset that supports both ATA/100 and IDE RAID 0, 1, and 0+1 functions. The |