MSI and Gigabyte to launch low-cost PCs

Micro-Star International (MSI) and Gigabyte Technology are planning to launch their low-cost PCs by the end of the second quarter this year, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report citing sources at the two makers.

MSI showcased its Wind notebook at CeBIT 2008, which will feature either an 8.9- or 10-inch panel and will be priced between 299-699 Euros (US$470-1099).

DigiTimes.com

MSI builds 'powerless' processor cooling fan

MSI has come up with a novel way of keeping processors cool and conserving energy at the same time: use the CPU to drive its own fan.

It's actually a new implementation of an old discovery. MSI's Air Power Cooler uses the energy inherent in the expansion of air as it warms up to drive a fan. As the CPU gets hot, it causes air in a piston to expand. That pushes out the piston rod, which turns the fan rotor, pulling air over a heatpipe-fed heatsink. The heatsing helps cool the piston, so the air inside becomes more dense, pulling the piston rod back to its original position.

reghardware.co.uk

What is svchost.exe And Why Is It Running?

You are no doubt reading this article because you are wondering why on earth there are nearly a dozen processes running with the name svchost.exe. You can't kill them, and you don't remember starting them… so what are they?

So What Is It?

According to Microsoft: "svchost.exe is a generic host process name for services that run from dynamic-link libraries". Could we have that in english please?

Some time ago, Microsoft started moving all of the functionality from internal Windows services into .dll files instead of .exe files. From a programming perspective this makes more sense for reusability… but the problem is that you can't launch a .dll file directly from Windows, it has to be loaded up from a running executable (.exe). Thus the svchost.exe process was born.

Why Are There So Many svchost.exes Running?

If you've ever taken a look at the Services section in control panel you might notice that there are a Lot of services required by Windows. If every single service ran under a single svchost.exe instance, a failure in one might bring down all of Windows… so they are separated out.

Those services are organized into logical groups, and then a single svchost.exe instance is created for each group. For instance, one svchost.exe instance runs the 3 services related to the firewall. Another svchost.exe instance might run all the services related to the user interface, and so on.

So What Can I Do About It?

You can trim down unneeded services by disabling or stopping the services that don't absolutely need to be running. Additionally, if you are noticing very heavy CPU usage on a single svchost.exe instance you can restart the services running under that instance.

The biggest problem is identifying what services are being run on a particular svchost.exe instance…

More @ howToGeek.com

DDR3 Goes Beyond The 2GHz Barrier

Currently, memory speeds are going higher and higher with each day, and while it isn't such a big thing to see DDR2 memory rated somewhere around 1000MHz, most DDR3 modules produced so far were rated as "DDR3-1333", and sometimes "DDR3-1625" or "DDR3-1800"(of course, nothing stopped various producers coming up with their own speed ratings, less common). I said "so far" because, one of these days, Team Group released a new product that broke the 2GHz barrier!

Team Group's memory modules rated DDR3-2133 are a part of their older Team Xtreem series, and they are currently providing the highest bandwidth available in memory modules that can be found on the market. Apart from the 2133-rated ones, Team Group also offers DDR3-1700 and DDR3-1600 modules.
All these DDR3 memories available under the Team Xtreem flag use custom heat spreaders to keep them cooler, increase reliability, and overclocking possibilities, as well as to make them more attractive to our eyes. For now, probably not many of us would consider buying 2GHz DDR3 memory, because the performance of this kind of memory doesn't fully justify its price yet, but it's good to know where we stand and where we're headed...

Memtest86+ v2.00

Based on the well-known original memtest86 written by Chris Brady, memtest86+ is a port by some members of the x86-secret team. Its goal is to provide an up-to-date and completely reliable version of this software tool aimed at memory failures detection. Memtest86+ is, like the original, released under the terms of the Gnu Public License (GPL). No restrictions for use, private or commercial exist other than the ones mentioned in the Gnu Public License (GPL). Texts about the original version was taken from the original website and written by Chris Brady.

Changelog:
o Major Architectures changes
o Modulo test now use random pattern for better accuracy
o Added Advanced DMI Errors Reporting Mode
o Added support for bus ratio changes on Intel Core CPU
o Added support for non-integer bus ratio on latest Intel CPU
o Added SPD Data Display for all Intel Chipsets (more to come)
o Added serial support as a linux boot parameter (Thanks to Michal S.)
o Added preliminary support for VIA CN Isaiah CPU
o Added preliminary support for Intel Nehalem
o Added support for VIA C7/C7-D/C7-M/Eden on Esther Core
o Added support for AMD K10 (Phenom) CPU w/ timings detection
o Added support for Intel Pentium E w/ 1 MB L2 Cache
o Added support for Intel Core 2 45nm (Penryn)
o Added support for FSB1333/FSB1600 Intel CPU
o Added support for Intel 5400A/5400B w/ timings detection
o Added support for Intel Q35/P35/G33/Q33 w/ timings detection
o Added support for Intel X38/X48 w/ timings detection
o Added preliminary support for Intel 5000P/V/Z
o Removed on-fly memory timings change (unstable)
o Numerous bugfixes

memtest.org

AMD Phenom X4 processor pricing update

Different to a report unveiled earlier this month, a new pricing scheme for Phenom X4 processors would mean that AMD is ready to undercut similar Intel "Penryn" quad core processors when they are released next Monday.

The new Phenom processors are based on the K10 micro-architecture and will be aimed directly towards Intel's Core 2 family. On launch date you can expect three models to be available, all Phenom X4s which means they will carry four cores and a 2+2MB L2/L3 Cache: the 9700 (2.4GHz), 9600 (2.3GHz), and 9500 (2.2GHz).

According to sources close to AMD distribution channels we got word that volume pricing for these processors would look like this next Monday:
Phenom X4 9700 / 2400MHz / 4MB Cache / 2000MHz HT / 125W - $279
Phenom X4 9600 / 2300MHz / 4MB Cache / 1800MHz HT / 95W - $269
Phenom X4 9500 / 2200MHz / 4MB Cache / 1800MHz HT / 95W - $239

TechSpot.com

AMD Barcelona Review

In just a short few hours AMD will officially launch its newest addition to is server processor lineup named Barcelona. Barcelona marks an important point in the AMD roadmap as it is AMD's first quad core server cpu.

This is the AMD Barcelona, or Opteron 2347 Quad Core processor which clocks in a 1.9Ghz. As some might have noticed this chip differs slightly from previous CPU's offered. The integrated heat spreader has a beveled edge. We can only speculate that this assist with heat transfer and mating of the heatsink to the CPU. The new Quad Core AMD Barcelona retains the same socket F as the current generation Opterons making the upgrade a no-brainer for IT admins looking to increase processing power and density without having to buy an entirely new board.

The new Opteron (Barcelona) not only adds two additional cores to the server lineup but it also adds a number of unique new features. Let's take a look at the guts of the Barcelona and compare them to the current Rev. F Opterons.

As you can see the new Barcelona reduces the amount of L2 cache by half of its older sibling but it adds 2MB of shared L3 cache and a 2nd FPU.

More @ TechWareLabs

ASUS P5K3 Premium/WiFi AP

Intel's newest P35 Express chipset brought along support for both DDR2 and DDR3 memory modules. As DDR3 modules are still not widely interesting because of their high price, ASUS decided to celebrate its 18th birthday in a specific manner. We have in front of us an ASUS P5K3 Premium/WiFi AP motherboard which has 2 GB of DDR3 memory - integrated!!!

The Black Pearl, as this motherboard model is suffixed, is supposed to be associated with the limited number of produced models. The bundle is very rich, so, alongside necessary cables, one can also find a WiFi antenna in the package as well. Still, let's start with the board layout. What comes to attention first is the heatpipe system. The quality of this kind of cooling is unquestionable.

Full Review...

Asustek's Manual Overclocking Tool for Graphics Cards

Asustek Computer has unveiled what it calls “the world’s first hardware based real-time overclocking device for graphics cards” along with its new Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT-based graphics board. Asustek’s OC Gear real-time overclocking device should be installed into a spare 5.25” bay and connected to a USB port. Specially developed software will allow end-users to adjust system master volume, GPU clock-speed, GPU fan speed using a simple knob as well as monitor GPU temperature and current FPS information.

The EN8600 GT OC Gear graphics card from Asus is equipped with 256MB of high-speed 1ns GDDR3 memory as well as high-performance cooling system. The Asus OC Gear device itself is also compatible with various graphics cards by Asustek Computer, however, the company did not reveal whether the software needed for Asus OC Gear will support other than EN8600 GT graphics boards. Additional money end-users may have to pay for the OC Gear device compared to typical Asus EN8600 GT graphics card without it is unknown.

Xbit Laboratories

DriverMax 2.5

Easily back up all your drivers (for later use or when planning to reinstall Windows)!

DriverMax is a new program which allows you to easily reinstall all your Windows drivers. No more searching for rare drivers on discs or on the web or inserting one installation CD after the other. Simply export all your current drivers (or just the ones that work ok) to a folder or a compressed file. After reinstalling Windows you will have everything in one place! Most of the situations when Windows is running slower are caused by faulty driver installations. Windows stores all versions of older drivers just in case you want to go back; sometimes it messes up older versions with more recent ones. The Export Wizard will only export the drivers you select by copying the needed files to a folder or a compressed ZIP file. After reinstalling Windows all drivers will be back in place in less than 5 minutes - sparing you of searching, inserting disc after disk and losing precious time. The Import Drivers wizard allows you to install all the drivers that you exported earlier. The entire operation might take up to 5-10 minutes.

Just one single computer restart will be required after all drivers are reinstalled!

DriverMax is able to display a complete report of all drivers (versions, release dates) installed on your system. This feature can also be very useful when you want to analyze the differences between the drivers installed on different machines.

DriverMax Home Page

Akasa Power+ iQ 650W Power Supply

Akasa have made a good name for themselves in the computer PSU market with their PaxPower series. While Akasa mainly offer fans and other computer modding parts, their first entry in the PSU market was a success as the PaxPower units were not only powerful but also exceptionally silent. Akasa recently revised most of their units and increased the number of models they offer. Today we will take a look at one of their new units, the Power+ iQ P650FH 650W unit. It has four 12V lines and boasts a load of features. Through the review we will try to find out if this particular unit can live up to the Akasa’s hard earned reputation throughout enthusiast circles.

Manufacturer specifications

• nVidia SLI certified
• Full range 650W (710W peak) ATX 12V 2.01 & EPS 12V
• 4 x 12V rails giving safe optimised power distribution
• Dual PCIe connectors
• 24 pins EPS connector with detachable 4-pins for ATX version
• Active PFC with 96% efficiency
• 80mm 2 ball bearing long life Sanyo Denki fan
• Efficient twin fan cooling with ‘straight through air flow’ design
• Built-in bronze heatsink enhancing heat dissipation
• Anti corrosive satin black coating
• UL 240VA safety approval
• Full safety approvals and protection

More @ DriverHeaven

Intel's Next-Gen Chipset - Speed, Graphics and Sound

Short of a faster CPU, the most significant thing a chip manufacturer can build to speed up computers is a better, faster chipset -- the array of processors surrounding and supporting the CPU. Intel's latest chipset is just that, with a faster channel for moving data in and out of memory, an upgraded PCI interface for faster video cards, and support for better video game graphics.

Announced Monday at Taipei's Computex trade show, Intel's 3 Series chipset is a rare event in the computer industry: How often is it that 100 manufacturers are already on board when a new platform is announced?

But while Intel touts the 3 Series' support for DDR3, PCI Express 2.0 and DirectX 10, what does that actually mean? Can I get cod or haddock with my chipset?

First, a chipset has nothing to do with delicious, deep-fried potatoes. The unsung hero of computing, it comprises the supplemental processors that allow a motherboard to move information to and from major components such as the CPU, RAM and peripherals.

DDR3 isn't the latest dance mat game from Konami. Instead, "DDR" stands for "double data rate." It refers to how fast a computer can whisk information to and from its memory; it's "doubled" because the data can come or go twice for every beat of the chipset's master clock.

The "3" in "DDR3" refers to the latest version of the tech, bringing with it a 40 percent reduction in power use, a bigger buffer to hold data before it's needed and a theoretical increase in transfer rate to 1,600 MHz, though "only" 1,333 MHz will be supported in the first 3 Series motherboards. When buying RAM, you'll often see those numbers in the model name, and it's this, after capacity, that matters most. By way of comparison, today's fastest memory architecture transfers data at 1,066 MHz.

PCI Express 2.0 promises faster video performance. The previous version, PCI Express 1.1, has already been given a workout by the latest graphics boards, which can be as expensive as $850. By doubling bandwidth from 2 Gbps to 4 Gbps, PCI Express 2.0 is a future-proofing measure. No video cards are yet available to take advantage of the new bandwidth, but Advanced Micro Devices' and Nvidia's next-generation models will doubtless claim to. The new slots are backward-compatible.

Read More...

Parallels 3.0 for Mac - feature 3D GPU emulation

Parallels has announced version 3.0 of its popular Mac virtualization package, offering long-anticipated emulation of 3D accelerated GPUs, allowing high-end Windows games to run in virtualization.

The company said it was just weeks away from the new release and named several key selling points:

• Smartselect: the ability to associate a document on the OS X file structure to open in a Windows program, and vice versa. No more laborious switching to the virtualized OS and navigating to the file you want to open in your Mac shared folders.
• 3D GPU emulation: Parallels is also touting the ability to "run the hottest games and graphics applications" with 3D with support for graphics software.
• Snapshot manager: Take a snapshot of your virtual machine and roll back to it easily if you mess something up.

The company also promised the ability to browse through Windows folders in the virtual machine file, without launching Windows itself and a new USB connection assistant that automatically senses the type of device you've plugged in and connects it to either OS X or your virtualized operating system, depending on what you've chosen in the past.

APC Mag

CPU-Z 1.40

CPU-Z is a tiny freeware application that provides information on your current processor (including voltages, clock speeds and cache), the mainboard and memory. The program is a self contained exe file, which allows you to run it without installing. Power users and overclockers will find CPU-Z an invaluable tool as it exposes values not normally accessible via Windows.

Home Page

Via to Supply Processors & Chipsets to HP

Via Technologies, a struggling Taiwan developer of central processing units and core-logic sets, has inked a contract with HP under which the semiconductor company will supply its C7-D CPUs and supporting chipsets to HP for a commercial PC targeting Chinese market. Given that China is currently ranked as the world’s second largest market for personal computers, Via’s design win may turn out to be very significantly for the company, whose sales has remained at relatively low level in the past five years.

HP Compaq dx2020 is based on Via C7-D 1.50GHz desktop processor and Via CN700 chipset. The systems (OS and prices for which are currently unknown) may be equipped with up to 1GB of single-channel DDR2 memory, up to 160GB Serial ATA-300 hard disk drive and other components vital for computer’s functionality. Since Via’s C7-D processor consumes maximum of 20W of power and due to low power consumption of Via CN700 core-logic that also includes built-in graphics core, the Compaq dx2020 system may be considered as an example of environmentally friendly personal computer, according to Via.

source: Xbit Laboratories

Intel Launches Core 2 Extreme QX6800

Intel has announced the quad-core Core 2 Extreme QX6800, a CPU which clocks in at 2.93 GHz, matching last summer’s dual-core flagship X6800. The chip features 8MB of L2 cache and an unlocked upper multiplier for overclocking goodness. As with the previous Core 2 Extreme QX6700 and Core 2 Quad Q6600, the new QX6800 shares the 65nm Kentsfieldcore. Unsurprisingly, the world’s largest CPU manufacturer prices the new top of the line quad-core processor fairly high: at $1199, however, aggressive Q3’07 price cuts will drop the cost down to $999. The new Core 2 Extreme QX6800 is Intel’s fourth consumer quad-core processor, whereas AMD isn’t set to introduce its upcoming Barcelona quad-core architecture until later this year. Intel expects to introduce 45nm Penryn-based processors in the second half of 2007.

source: DailyTech

Seasonic M12 700W Power Supply

Seasonic had a growing reputation in the good ol' USA, but here in the UK it was difficult to find a distributor, let alone an e-tailer who had any of their units in stock. Needless to say, in blighty (UK) you only heard of 'Seasonic' when uttered in the shadows, and always on a winters evening... and there had to be a full moon, obviously. So, with my first encounter of a Seasonic power supply I went into the review expecting it to be OK - just a typical 600W unit, nothing more. As it turned out, a raised eyebrow or two later and i was pretty much shouting at the roof tops about the S12 600W, it's easily up there with the best 500 to 600W units ever made (sparkle, PC P&C, OCZ). Now Seasonic have introduced the M12 series with modular cables and a 700W model, it would be no understatement to say i'm as keen as dijon mustard to see if it's still up their with the best of 'em.

Full Review

Ten Tips for Choosing the Right CPU

it seems simple: Pick the fastest processor you can afford for your needs?

The hidden assumptions in that seemingly straightforward piece of advice are the killer, though. The words fastest, afford, and needs are too general for this to be really useful advice.

On top of that, you'll want to balance the overall platform needs of your PC. Buying a really fast, high-end CPU may mean skimping on memory, which can substantially reduce the perceived performance of a system. If your PC is constantly swapping chunks of memory out to the hard drive, then that hot-rod CPU will spend most of its time idling.

Even if you're not building a PC, you may be contemplating buying one from one of the many build-to-order manufacturers.

Full Story