Intel to release energy-efficient Core i5 CPUs

Q1 2010

Just recently, Intel announced the introduction of three new energy-efficient quad cores for its Core 2 lineup - Q8200s, Q9400s, and Q9500s with 65w TDP.  Later this year in August or September, the company intends to launch its 45nm Lynnfield Core i5 processors, based on socket LGA1156.  Moreover,  these initial models will carry a TDP of 95w

In Q1 2010, Intel plans to release complementing energy-efficient 65w TDP models.  The primary focus behind this is not only to bring down the energy consumption of the CPUs, but also to enable quad core scalability for 65w optimized platforms.  In effect, this will bring more low power, high performance cores to the small form factor, notebook, and all-in-one market segments

On another note, the low-power Core i5 processors are expected to enter the market in Q1 2010 at prices higher than their standard counterparts

Core Temp 0.99.4 released

Completely rewritten

The ever popular Core Temp utility by ALCPU as recently received a major overhaul from its previous versions, with a completely rewritten base code including support for things like Core i5 processors and real-time TDP monitoring for Core i7 processors

In addition, the utility has received backup from Japan-based Scythe Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of choice among many enthusiasts for fans and other cooling accessories

Core Temp is now available in both 32 and 64-bit versions and is compatible with XP, Vista, and 7 beta.  The full change log, including download links, can be found here

AM3 comes in early February

Quads and three-cores

AMD is preparing to launch many three and quad-cores based on new AM3 socket but they will all be based on Deneb / Heka architecture. AM3 finally brings overpriced DDR3 memory to Dragon platform, as DDR3 was exclusively Intel’s thing for almost two years

Some of these new CPUs might have less L3 cache compared to Deneb core while Heka is nothing more than Deneb with one core disabled. Heka is triple core and, of course, both are based on 45nm

The fastest AM3 CPU to launch will work at 2.8GHz for three-core and 2.6GHz for quad-core, while the faster AM3 at 3GHz and 3.1GHz CPUs will come in Q2 2009

EVGA announces GPU voltage tuner for GTX 260s, 280s, 295s

The first utility of its kind

For a number of years, many enthusiasts have enjoyed the idea of voltage modifying the GPU in order to yield higher overclocks in an attempt to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of their investments. Yet, the result often came at the cost of voiding a warranty or possessing general soldering skills and a few anxiety relief pills

Nevertheless, EVGA has responded to the request for a non-warranty-voiding solution with the announcement of its own GPU voltage tuning software utility. The first version of this utility will support all EVGA GTX 280, 65nm GTX 260, and GTX 295 cards. Yes that's right, this is only for EVGA cards, and only for EVGA registered users. In addition, support for the company's 55nm GTX 260s and GTX 285s will come shortly in a later release

Our friend Jacob Freeman from EVGA has demonstrated the utility running on an air-cooled EVGA GTX 295, in which he was able to raise the core clock frequency from 685MHz to a stunning 783MHz and the shader frequency from 1476MHz to 1692MHz with a small vCore boost of 225mV

The utility is expected to be available for download on EVGA's site within the next few weeks. More information, including pictures of the utility in action on the GTX 295, can be found here

EVGA releases backplate for its GTX 295s

Transfers heat, enhances OC stability

Just recently, EVGA has announced the availability of a 1mm thick anodized aluminum backplate for its new GTX 295 and GTX 295 Plus graphics cards

The product, codenamed 401-EV-1234-01, will be available exclusively for the company's own GTX 295s and ultimately serves as an additional means to transfer heat from the backside of the GPU.  In effect, this helps to maximize stability for an extra edge of overclocking performance.  Furthermore, the product is compatible with both single card and Quad-SLI configurations and adds a sleek finish to the overall design of the dual-PCB monster card

It is important to note that the GTX 295 was not designed to need a backplate, but since many people seem to like them, EVGA decided to make one.  Therefore, it can be considered nothing more than an extra.  With a retail price of just $20, the company is simply doing a very smart and respected business move by appealing to an enthusiast crowd who values aesthetic superiority and an added performance edge from their investments

For convenience, EVGA has posted a simple three-step installation guide which requires the removal of all screws from the backside of the GTX 295 as well as removal of the retention clip located near the fan

Due to an unseen demand for the product, however, it has currently been placed on back order within the first day of release. However, more are expected to be available soon from EVGA's product page here

 

Nvidia 40nm is taped out

Aiming for Q2 2009 launch

According to our well informed sources, Nvidia's next generation 40nm chip has been taped out and is getting ready for its launch

There will be at least two new 40nm SKUs and Nvidia is aiming for a launch in early Q2 2009. Some sources indicate that Nvidia might even make it to March, which is the last month of Q1 but this will be a tough thing to achieve

ATI has also taped out its RV740 40nm mainstream chip and it looks that Nvidia plans to launch entry level and mainstream products first before it goes to 40nm with high-end. Currently it looks like it won't be until at least summer time, roughly early Q3, before we see new high-end cards, at least from ATI 

 

AM3 boards overclock better

Coming February 9th

We just got some good news for AMD fans. The new AM3 motherboards, coupled with new AM3 CPUs, will overclock better than the older, DDR2 based AM2+ boards

We don’t have any percentage figures yet but some people working hard to launch the boards in early February, 9th is the date so far, have told us that they've seen some better overclocking on the new AM3 platform

The clock to clock performance of AM3 boards versus AM2+ DDR2 platforms is still not great, but there will be new bioses that will make things better. Since many AMD fans going for quad and three-core 45nm AM3 CPUs will be into overclocking, once you overclock - the AM3 platform wins

These CPUs will also be very affordable and Intel will have some real difficulties to fight them in mainstream

AMD to fight Core 2 with triple and quad cores

Kill'em all

We learned that AMD's strategy is to attack Intel's Core 2 dual-core generation with its Phenom and Athlon quad and three-core versions. AMD Quad cores Phenom II 940 at 3GHz today sells for $235, while Phenom II 920 at 2.8GHz sells for $195 with the latest discount

AMD soon to launch AM3 quad and triple-core CPUs will sell for less than that and they will sink to close to $150. Intel currently wants $190 for Core 2 duo E8500 3.16GHz and 3.33GHz clocked Core 2 Duo E8600 sells for $270 which is more than AMD wants for any of its new Phenom II quads

The question is how low Intel can go with its Core 2 prices as AMD is offering similar or same clocked quad-cores for almost the same money and at least in some cases, quad-core will pay off. If we look in our crystal ball we believe than AMD will lead Intel to even bigger losses in 2009, as it's pricing is much less than many expected

US nears deal to delay digital TV transition

America is not ready

The US Senate is about  to delay next month's planned transition from analog to digital television broadcasting to June 12

While Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to automatically push back the February 17 deadline for the analog shutoff, Democrats are worried that too many Americans have not got digital decoders

Statistics show that more than 6.5 million U.S. households are still not prepared for the upcoming transition. A bill on delaying the switch over will have to go before the house and be voted on.  The Democrats have a majority and it will almost certainly pass

The Democrats have made changes in the bill that will appease the Republicans so it will probably be fast tracked through the Senate process

Wind U120 available in the US

Europeans to pay twice as much, almost

MSI's revamped Wind U120 is now available in the US, but being in Europe, sort of, we have to moan about its EU pricing a bit

Newegg is offering it at a modest $379, just $30 more than the U100, but in Europe the only U120 listing we managed to find had a nasty €499 price tag on it. Here's the catch, the US Wind, SKU U120-024US, doesn't feature UMTS support, while its European cousin, the U120-1616UXP, does

Still, the price difference is staggering, as the Americans will pay under €300 for it. UMTS or no UMTS, a €200 premium for a feature not all consumers will use to begin with, is a bit too steep

It's possible MSI could change the European price before the U120 becomes available in our neck of the woods, but it seems it is reserving the cheaper SKU with no UMTS for the States, at least for now

You can find the newegg listing here

Ballmer still interested in Yahoo

Will get cheque book out now

The delightfully understated Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer said he was still  interested in cutting a search business partnership with Yahoo.

While Microsoft walked away from negotiations with Yahoo chief executive Jerry Yang last year, the appointment of a new CEO  Carol Bartz has lead many to wonder if the deal could be  on again.

Ballmer said that there are advantages for advertisers and consumers, for Microsoft and for Yahoo through a search partnership, and we'd like to do one. Google dominates online search with more than 60 per cent of the market. Yahoo has around 20 percent while Microsoft is a distant third with under 10 per cent. 

It is believed that if a deal could get off the drawing board, Google could be given a run for its money.  

Assassin’s Creed 2 now officially confirmed

Ubisoft says holiday revenue was up

Ubisoft took the lid off today on what we had already told you, with the announcement that Assassin’s Creed 2 is now confirmed. They also announced that holiday sales were up 13 percent, but some holiday title releases did not meet the required quality levels

The company was also pleased with what they called a “solid showing” from several titles, including Far Cry 2 which sold 2.9 million units worldwide and the latest Rayman installment with sales of 1.5 million units worldwide. The Prince of Persia installment has slower than expected sales, but nonetheless has still been able to rack up 2.2 million in sales worldwide

Perhaps the most surprising announcement was the fact that the much complained about Shaun White Snowboarding title was the number two sports game this quarter and has been able to tally up 2.3 million in sales worldwide since release. While the company did not say on which platform the title was most successful, it is thought that the majority of the sales for this title have been for the Wii, rather than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The company did not confirm that a Shaun White Snowboarding sequel was, in fact, in development as White himself suggested recently

Ubisoft will be banking on Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. as a winner this quarter, as this will be the company’s only release during this period. The company announced that I Am Alive will need additional development time and the title is being delayed until some time after April 2009

As for the future, beyond Assassin’s Creed 2 gamers can look forward to new releases for both the Splinter Cell: Conviction and new addition to the Ghost Recon franchise as well James Cameron’s Avatar and the strategy game called Anno. A new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game is in the works as well as a new sequel to Arthur and the Invisibles

Ubisoft also reaffirmed their commitment to the Wii with the accidental announcement that they are working on a sequel to the popular Red Steel FPS title on the Wii. While the company did not provide more details, they did indicate that they have a lot of titles coming out for the Wii

One surprising comment from Ubisoft is that they will be focusing more on a product portfolio that contains more blockbuster titles and less casual titles for 2009

Quanta reportedly develops thin and cheap lappie

To take on Macbook Air, MSI's X320

Digitimes is reporting that Quanta has finished development of an affordable, thin and light laptop with a thickness ranging from 1 to 2cm

Quanta is reportedly confident about the new device, and claims will offer higher quality than MSI's recently showcased X-Slim X320 at a lower price than Apple's Air. The fact that the company is naming these products as direct competitors leads us to believe that the new laptop shares the same form factor as them, i.e. 13.3-inch panel, sub-1.5kg weight

There's no word on specs yet, and it's unclear on which platform the new laptop will be based. MSI's X320 uses a Z series Atom, while the Air is based on Intel's Core 2 Duo SL9xxx CPUs

Quanta doesn't hasn't set a production schedule yet, and the exact price and availability dates are unknown

More here

New Yahoo CEO freezes salaries

Bartz starts cost-cutting

 

Yahoo employees were told on Thursday that they can forget about their usual pay raises, but they can also be glad about the fact that no further job cuts are planned at the moment

The salary freeze is one of the first measures taken by recently appointed CEO Carol Bartz, who left Autodesk and got an $18 million salary to join Yahoo. A Yahoo spokesman said the management feels it "was the responsible thing to do". Some workers still might get a raise, but only if they're promoted

Yahoo currently employs 13,700 souls, following a 1,500 cut last month, and no further cuts are planned. Although it's instituting a salary freeze, worker's can still be glad they're not seing their salaries cut, like AMD and Seagate employees

More here

 

AM3 CPUs comes in early February

Quads and Three cores DDR3

AMD is preparing to launch many three and quad cores based on new AM3 socket but they will all be based on Deneb / Heka architecture. AM3 finally brings overpricved DDR3 memory to Dragon platform as DDR3 was exclusively Intel’s thing for almost two years.

Some of these new CPUs might have less L3 cache compared to Deneb core while Heka is nothing more than Deneb with one core disabled. Heka is triple core and of course both are based on 45nm.

The fastest to launch AM3 CPU will work at 2.8GHz for Three core and 2.6GHz for quad core and the faster AM3 at 3GHz and 3.1GHz CPUs will come in Q2 2009. The will all be branded as Phenom II X4 8x0 for the quad core or Phenom II X3 7x0 for three cores. 

The beauty of these CPUs is that they will work just fine in your old AM2+ motherboard, at least most of them

Nvidia 40nm is taped out

Aiming for Q2 2009 launch

According to our well-informed sources, Nvidia's next generation 40nm chip has been taped out and is getting ready for its launch. There will be at least two new 40nm SKUs and Nvidia is aiming for a launch in early Q2 2009

Some sources indicated that Nvidia might even make it to March, which is the last month of Q1 but this will be a tough thing to achieve

ATI has also taped out its RV740 40nm mainstream chip and it looks that Nvidia plans to launch entry level and mainstream before it goes to 40nm with high end. Currently it looks it will be at least summer time, roughly early Q3, before we see new high end cards, at least from ATI   

AM3 boards overclock better

Compared to AM2


We just recieved some good news for AMD fans. The new AM3 motherboards coupled with the new AM3 CPUs will overclock better than older, DDR2 based AM2+ boards

We don’t have percentage figures but someone who is working hard to launch its boards in early February, 9th is the date so far, has told us that they've seen some better overclocking on the new AM3 platform

The clock to clock performance of AM3 boards versus AM2+ DDR2 platforms is still not great, but there will be new bioses that will make things better. Since many AMD fans going for Quad and three core 45nm AM3 CPUs will be into overclocking, once you overclock - the AM3 platform wins

These CPUs will also be very affordable and Intel will have some real difficulty in fighting for mainstream space

AMD CEO thinks netbooks will dissapear

The notebook-netbook line will blur 

AMD CEO Dirk Meyer claims netbooks are eventually going to go extinct, as further development narrows the gap between these and regular notebooks

"The distinction between what is a Netbook and what is a notebook is going to go away," says Meyer "There will be a continuum of price points and form factors." He believes consumers who get a cheap netbook have to compromise, and don't enjoy a full PC experience, especially when it comes to graphics and media capabilities. On the other hand, people who want thin and light computers without these compromises have to dish out over a thousand dollars

This is where AMD's Neo and Intel's upcoming CULV enter the fray, and Meyer is optimistic these new ultra-thin notebooks will be the new black. The fact that Intel is interested in the same market to some extent backs up Meyer's take on things

However, keep in mind AMD doesn't have a netbook platform, and is placing all its bets on the Neo and the thin-and-cheap concept, so Meyer isn't quite what you'd call the objective go-to guy when it comes to netbooks

More here

AMD reports a $1.42 billion quarterly loss

Ninth quarter in a row

 

AMD has announced a $1.42 billion loss in Q4, its ninth quarterly loss in a row. Actually, the result isn't all that bad, as the company lost $1.77 billion in Q4 2007, and we have to take the recession into account.

The chipmaker's revenues dropped by 35 percent compared to Q3, and gross margins fell from 57 to 23 percent in the same period. The company is still writing off ATI takeover charges, and this time around it wrote off $684 million.

Although the loss is significant, it is lower than many analysts had previously expected. Considering the ATI writeoff and the state of the global economy, the reduced loss is seen by many as a positive development.

EVGA announces GPU voltage tuner for GT200s

The first utility of its kind 

For a number of years, many enthusiasts have enjoyed the idea of voltage modifying the GPU in order to yield higher overclocks in an attempt to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of their investments.  Yet, the result often came at the cost of voiding a warranty or possessing general soldering skills and a few anxiety relief pills

Nevertheless, EVGA has responded to the request for a non-warranty-voiding solution with the announcement of its own GPU voltage tuning software utility.  The first version of this utility will support all EVGA GTX 280, 65nm GTX 260, and GTX 295 cards.  Yes that's right, this is only for EVGA cards, and only for EVGA registered users.  In addition, support for the company's 55nm GTX 260s and GTX 285s will come shortly in a later release

Our friend Jacob Freeman from EVGA has demonstrated the utility running on an air-cooled EVGA GTX 295, in which he was able to raise the core clock frequency from 684MHz to a stunning 783MHz and the shader frequency from 1476MHz to 1692MHz with a small vCore boost of 225mV

The utility is expected to be available for download on EVGA's site very soon.  More information including pictures of the utility in action on the GTX 295, can be found here

Storm will get portrait keyboard

New OS version offers option

BlackBerry Storm owners are in for a big treat with the upcoming release of the 4.7.0.90 version of the BlackBerry OS. This latest version of the OS will allow Storm users the option of enabling the full on-screen keyboard in the portrait mode.

The ability to enable the full QWERTY keyboard on the screen rather than using the included SureType support has been one of the most requested features for the Storm. It would seem that RIM has been listening to its customers and is working hard to get this version of the OS ready for release.

While some leaked unofficial versions of the 4.7.0.90 OS software are floating around on a variety of sources on the Internet, we think the release might be closer than you think, according to our sources. You just might be better off waiting for the upcoming official release version of the OS for the Storm.

Google posts first ever quarterly profit drop

Weathering the storm

 

On Thursday, search outfit Google reported its first ever quarterly profit slump, but the company is still performing better than analysts expected

Still, the recession is taking its toll on Google, and the company was forced to write down $1.1 billion of its $1.5 billion investment in AOL and Clearwire. The company made $382 million in Q4 2008, a 68 percent drop year-on-year

Although Google seems to be spared the worst of the recession, CEO Eric Schmidt claims Q4 was "the easy part", and says the upcoming months are "uncharted territory". He is optimistic saying the company is prepared to get through the tough times ahead without much trouble

More here

17-inch MacBook Pro delayed

Probably until late February / early March

Those that have been drooling over the 17-inch version of the MacBook Pro and have either placed an order or are thinking about placing an order might like to know that it is very likely that Apple will not be able to deliver it until late February or early March at the soonest.

While the Web site is still telling potential customers that it will ship in 2 to 3 weeks, our sources suggest that this is unlikely if you happened to have ordered one with the anti-glare screen, as this seems to push the shipment date out for about four to six additional weeks.

Many customers that have already taken the plunge and ordered one are saying that they are seeing delays that are totaling five to six weeks since they ordered the system.

We have been trying to find out what is causing the shipping delays at the assembly plants in China, but at least for the moment no one is talking about exactly what the problem may be. We continue to dig to try to get to the bottom of this, but for the moment you should be warned that you might experience a longer delay to get one than you first thought.

Assassin’s Creed 2 now officially confirmed

Ubisoft says holiday revenue was up

Ubisoft took the lid off today on what we had already told you, with the announcement that Assassin’s Creed 2 is now confirmed. They also announced that holiday sales were up 13 percent, but some holiday title releases did not meet the required quality levels.

The company was also pleased with what they called a “solid showing” from several titles, including Far Cry 2 which sold 2.9 million units worldwide and the latest Rayman installment with sales of 1.5 million units worldwide. The Prince of Persia installment has slower than expected sales, but nonetheless has still been able to rack up 2.2 million in sales worldwide.

Perhaps the most surprising announcement was the fact that the much complained about Shaun White Snowboarding title was the number two sports game this quarter and has been able to tally up 2.3 million in sales worldwide since release. While the company did not say on which platform the title was most successful, it is thought that the majority of the sales for this title have been for the Wii, rather than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The company did not confirm that a Shaun White Snowboarding sequel was, in fact, in development as White himself suggested recently.

Ubisoft will be banking on Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. as a winner this quarter, as this will be the company’s only release during this period. The company announced that I Am Alive will need additional development time and the title is being delayed until some time after April 2009.

As for the future, beyond Assassin’s Creed 2 gamers can look forward to new releases for both the Splinter Cell: Conviction and new addition to the Ghost Recon franchise as well James Cameron’s Avatar and the strategy game called Anno. A new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game is in the works as well as a new sequel to Arthur and the Invisibles.

Ubisoft also reaffirmed their commitment to the Wii with the accidental announcement that they are working on a sequel to the popular Red Steel FPS title on the Wii. While the company did not provide more details, they did indicate that they have a lot of titles coming out for the Wii.

One surprising comment from Ubisoft is that they will be focusing more on a product portfolio that contains more blockbuster titles and less casual titles for 2009.

Black Box the latest victim of EA cuts

200+ have been given their walking papers

EA continues their staff slashing, with the target this time being the Black Box Studio in Vancouver. Black Box has been responsible for the Skate series as well as the releases in the Need for Speed franchise since 2002.

The studio just shipped Skate 2 this week for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which is the sequel to the very successful original release of the first chapter in the Skate series that was released in 2007. So far, the reviews for Skate 2 have been positive and it was thought that this was a good sign for Black Box’s future.

The Need for Speed franchise has been another story altogether for Black Box. The Need for Speed franchise has been in decline over the past couple of years, with gamers being drawn to other driving titles that featured more innovation and different types of game play. EA recently cited the release of Need for Speed Undercover, which was the latest release in the franchise, as one of the company’s sales disappointments this past holiday season.

Our sources tell us that over 200+ Black Box employees have been let go, and many of those that are left have been given the chance to relocate elsewhere within EA. Some Black Box development teams have been or are already in the process of being relocated to EA’s Burnaby studio, which will pick up the responsibility for the projects that Black Box was handling.

MSI announces AM3 motherboard duo

The MSI 790GX-G65 and 790FX-GD70

Following in the footsteps of some usual suspects, MSI has announced its first duo of AM3 motherboards. First is  790FX-GD70 followed by IGP 790GX-G65. Both of them support, yet to be released AM3 as well as the AM2+ processors and with AM3 comes DDR3 support. Boards also have MSI's Active Phase Switching (APS) power-saving technology

The 790FX-GD70 is based on AMD's 790FX chipset paired up with an SB750 southbridge, has four PCI-Express x16 slots and it can work in two times 16 or four  times 8 mode. Other noted specifications include support for dual-channel DDR3 1333 with up to 16GB in four slots, MSI's DrMOS, dual Gigabit LAN, integrated 7.1-channel audio, eight SATAII and one eSATA port, twelve USB 2.0 and a singe FireWire port

The 790GX-G65 is based on AMD's 790GX chipset and the same SB750 southbridge, has two PCI-E x16 slots with support for ATI CrossfireX and Hybrid CrossfireX technology. It comes with four DDR3 1333 memory slots with support for up to 16GB of memory. Other specs include Gigabit LAN, five SATA II ports and one eSATA port, and the same integrated 7.1-channel audio

Both motherboards are equipped with 5-phase PWM with MSI's APS system, a BIOS-level power-saving technology which is OS independent. The MSI APS is also switching phases for chipset and memory as well.

According to our info, both motherboards should be available on 9th of February, but the price remains a mystery

Windows 7 installs in 22 minutes

Preview: Works just fine

Over the weekend we finally found enough time to install Windows 7 build 7000 beta 1 and here are some of our first impressions. We still don't understand the excitement, as Windows 7 is nothing more than Vista Service Pack 3, or should we say Vista done right

The installation takes just over 20 minutes and in about 22 minutes you are ready to start working. The installation is a 3.3GB DVD. We tried Windows 7 Beta 1 on a 3.375GHz Core 2 Quad machine with 8GB memory and Geforce GTX 280 on an EVGA Nforce 750i motherboard, and we have to say we were surprised that the installation went fast and well



The installation process reminds us of Vista installation, but at least it looks that it runs much faster. In reality it is almost the same as installing Windows Vista. In 22 minutes you're done installing, after formatting the drive, a few restarts, and you're eventually able to work in Windows

In our case, Windows 7 needed just over 1.3GB of memory but this might be the consequence of using 8GB of RAM. The OS generally feels like a bit improved and tweaked version of Vista but we have to admit that it works just fine. Many claims that it runs faster but in a few hours of playing with it, it works as fast as Vista freshly installed and we are sure that just as any other windows, Windows 7 will eventually slow down



Avast antivirus for Vista works well on this Windows 7 64bit Beta 1 version and all our hardware except audio card was automatically installed. You have to get Nvidia drivers via Windows update but once you get them they work just fine, we still have to try to play games

Vista drivers for Auzentech Explosion, an old sound card, worked, but you had to do some tweaks as setup didn’t want to do it automatically, but after few minutes of messing with it, it finally installed and worked on new Windows

Overall, Windows 7 looks nice and we see it as improved version of Vista and we will try to play some games on this DirectX 11 system and hope that they won’t crash

The Aero interface is slightly improved over Vista and you can see that on mouse over on taskbar, you will see a smaller version of multiple Explorer windows, or Internet Explorer windows. The trouble is that it gets hard to tell if your program is opened or that is just a quick launch icon sitting there but launched application does change colour so I guess this is something that takes time to use to

The start menu is a bit changed and it looks better then it use to. We like the new touch and Explorer button on the taskbar and shutdown-dedicated button is much better idea. I remember that at least a few of my friends had difficulties to turn Vista off as shutdown was always hidden

There is a new performance rating system and 7.9 looks to be the highest number, we were stuck with 3.0 rating as we used Seagate 80GB 7200.3 very old hard drive, but the drive does the job. You can clearly see that System has a lot of memory in stand by but it was using 1.1GB at that given moment



One of the most important things was that you can turn off user account control without big hassle, and this was probably the most criticised feature and in this new windows you can easily turn it off



Conclusion

The first impression is good and Windows 7 beta 1 does runs nicely. We don’t have any major things to complain about and we’ve heard that it runs fine even on netbooks which is a good sign

We see Windows 7 as Vista done right but it will take probably a year from this day before you will be able to grab Windows 7 in stores, so you will have to be patient for a retail version. For all that likes to play with Beta Operating systems, you can give it a try, it looks nice and works for most of the case but you might have some driver related issues, like with any beta

We will keep our eyes for new developments

Corsair officially enters the SSD market

128GB model just released

 

Some time ago, we reported that Corsair did not think the time was right to enter the SSD market, but they were watching the market closely.  Just four months have passed since that statement, and the company has recently released its first mainstream 2.5-inch model based on Samsung 30nm 64Gbit MLC NAND flash.

The disk is a 128GB model, dubbed S128, and features maximum sequential read speeds of 90MB/s and maximum sequential write speeds of 70MB/s.  Moreover, the S128 is equipped with a Samsung controller as opposed to the often-used JMicron 602 controller.  This will provide more consistent performance in everyday usage, as there have been issues with the JMicron controller in the past.

 

Moreover, NCIXUS has just listed the disk for $333.15 and it comes complete with Corsair's 2-year manufacturer warranty. It should be fast but it sure isn't cheap.

Core 2 Quad 3GHz Q9650 now sells for €309

Intel sells it for 317 $

Intel’s fastest non-Extreme edition Core 2 Quad, Q9650 with 12MB of cache, FSB 1333 and 3.0GHz core clock is now selling for €309. This is the lowest etail listing which is available. As of 18th of January, this is the new price of this Quad core 3GHz CPU and until that day the same CPU was selling for 475  €

This massive price cut a part of Intel’s new price strategy where Core i7 still holds its launch prices and all Core 2 Quad and many Core 2 got cheaper

The cheapest Quad core from Intel, Q8200 with 2.5GHz core clock dropped down from $219 to new $187 wholesale price or €156 in European Etail which is only a slight price adjustment considering that for Xmas it was selling for €163

New prices will put some additional pressure of Phenom II  but we can tell that the Phenom II 940 3.0GHz unlocked part is selling quite well for €215, dropped down from €250 at launch  

AMD plans Athlon X2 7850

2.8GHz 65nm Kuma

Prior to transitioning to 45nm dual-core K10.5 CPU, codenamed Regor, AMD plans to launch another 65nm Kuma based Athlon X2 7850. This is a faster version of its X2 7750 dual core and

X2 7850 will run at 2.8GHz and come with 3MB of L2 cache
This CPU should launch in early Q2 2009, and it will sit on top of Athlon X2 7750, clocked at 2.7GHz and priced at a ridiculously cheap €70 a piece. The TDP of this new CPU stays at 95W, and this CPU should last until it gets replaced by Regor 45nm dual-core at 2.8GHz or faster speeds, but this won’t happen until Q3 2009, or roughly summer time in the western hemisphere
AMD still has a lot of catching up to do, especially in the dual-core segment