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Stealth.com Unveils Intel Core-Based Mini PC
By HotHardware, published 04-03-2012
Stealth.com is pumped about its latest mini PC, calling it “the most powerful and advanced small form PC we have offered to date.” There’s a case to be made there, as the tiny LPC-680 LittlePC (6.5 x 6 x 2 inches) supports Intel Core i3/i5/i7 Sandy Bridge processors and sports 8GB of DDR3 memory, and a 2.5-inch 750GB HDD...
Ultra Battlebox: Building a Battlefield 3 PC For Under $1,600
By MaximumPC, published 28-11-2011
You can't get the full BF3 experience on a console, but what does it take to get it on a PC? In an age of sloppy console ports, Battlefield 3 is a huge relief for PC gamers. Not only is the PC a “lead platform” for DICE’s flagship modern shooter, but we’re getting all the good stuff: 64-player maps? You won’t find ‘em on a console. DirectX 11 graphics? Only on a PC, Sparky. Indeed, Battlefield 3’s Frostbite 2 engine brings fully destructible environments, ambient occlusion, MLAA, and full DX11 support—and it reaches its full potential only on the PC. But with great power comes great power requirements: DICE’s minimum recommended GPU is a GeForce GTX 560 or AMD Radeon HD 6950, and performance scales up from there. That means a lot of us are going to have to go get new vide...
Gigabyte's Booktop T1132 is a Notebook, Tablet, and Desktop Rolled into One
By MaximumPC, published 28-11-2011
Having trouble deciding between a notebook, tablet, or desktop PC? You're not alone, and Gigabyte hopes everyone who's on the fence about which type of PC to purchase will consider the company's new Booktop T1132, the first and only 3-in-1 notebook on the market, according to Gigabyte. The trick is in the rotatable docking station, which transforms the T1132 into all three types of PCs. Let's talk specs. The T1132 boasts an 11.6-inch multi-touch screen with a 1366x768 resolution. It has an Intel Core i5 2467M processor, 2GB or 4GB of DDR3 memory (expandable to 8GB), Nvidia GeForce GT520M graphics with Optimus technology, 320GB/500GB/750GB SATA hard drive, a single USB 3.0 port, USB 2.0 port, eSATA/USB combo port, HDMI, D-Sub, RJ45, Mic-in, Earphone-out, 4-in-1 memory card reader, four 2W s...
Review: Lenovo B570
By TechRadar, published 13-11-2011
Lenovo's staggeringly powerful and well-equipped B570 easily asserts itself as one of the best laptops around for this kind of money. The plain black chassis design puts function firmly before form. The tough, ridged plastics easily withstand scuffs and scratches and the firm lid capably protects the screen from damage. Although this is not the heaviest laptop we've seen, at 2.4kg it's also not ideal for regularly working on the move. The 157-minute battery life is average and can keep you working on short journeys, but falls far short of the four-hour mobility of the compact Alienware M11x. Lenovo's ThinkPad laptops are known for their fantastic keyboards and some of this quality has trickled down to its budget range. The B570's excellent, isolated-style keyboard's well-spaced buttons mov...
Build It: A First-Class Gaming & Media PC for the Living Room
By MaximumPC, published 11-07-2011
Get Gaming on an HTPC I don't want to watch cable TV. I don't want to use a controller. I just want to watch 3D Blu-rays and frag people with a mouse and keyboard, all on a box that fits on my entertainment center. Is that too much to ask? We’ve built our fair share of home theater PCs in the past, with all sorts of different use cases in mind. Our August 2010 HTPC was a stunner built for 3D, with passively cooled GPU, CPU, and PSU, as well as a four-channel CableCard tuner and Blu-ray 3D support. In June 2011, Gordon tried to make a small-form-factor HTPC that could cut out the previous build’s bulk (and CableCard) while still supporting Blu-ray 3D. Both of those rigs handled their respective tasks well, but what if I don’t care about cable but do care about gaming? This month’s ...
Dell Ships XPS 14z Notebook, Starts At $1,000
By HotHardware, published 11-02-2011
Looking for a new notebook? Look no further. Dell's long-awaited XPS 14z is out on the loose today in America, with the slick and slim gaming notebook on sale for $1,000. It's a 14" Windows 7-based rig, with Core i5 and Core i7 options, DDR3 SDRAM, up to 750GB of storage, Intel's HD Graphics 3000 (or an NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M GPU) and plenty...
Updated: Top laptops: the 20 best laptops in the world
By TechRadar, published 31-10-2011
Choosing the best laptop for youOur continually updated list of all the best laptops available today.Choosing which laptop is the best for you can be a tricky business, and the amount of choice can be overwhelming. There's no shortage of cheap laptops out there to choose from, but with new models being released and almost immediately replaced by manufacturers, the choice is no easy task. As well as reading through this feature, you can also check out our video buying guide below:brightcove : 1070855030001The lure of netbooks and the rise of the mini-laptop are also huge factors for those looking for a new notebook, but each has their downsides.That's why we've pored over our huge database of laptop reviews and picked out the best notebooks money can buy. We've picked out five of the best c...
Dell XPS 14z unleashed
By TechRadar, published 24-10-2011
Dell has announced the XPS 14z - a 23mm thick portable featuring Intel Core 15 and i7 processors.The Dell XPS 14z UK price is £799 and has a UK release date of 15 November.The slim laptop follows up the Summer's XPS 15z launch - both have MacBook-like anodised aluminium chassis.Check out our Dell XPS 14z reviewThe new thin laptop features a 720p HD resolution WLED with edge-to-edge glass (according to Dell it's managed to squeeze a 14-inch screen into a 13-inch form factor) and Nvidia's Optimus graphics switching tech (it has a 2GB GForce GT 525M under the hood).The XPS 14z has 4GB of memory and between 500-750GB of hard drive space. There's also a slot loading optical drive while Dell cites a near seven hour battery life. Weight starts at 1.98KG, or 1.88KG with the optional 256MB SSD.The...
Apple MacBook Pro range gets refresh
By TechRadar, published 24-10-2011
With little fanfare, Apple has rolled out some newly-specced MacBook Pros to its online stores. The range refresh has been expected for a while and, although it's not the complete makeover of the line-up that some had predicted, sees each iteration of the much-loved notebook get a little boost courtesy of Intel's Sandy Bridge chips. Prospective At the bottom of the scale, the 13-inch MacBook Pro now comes in 2.4GHz and 2.8GHz editions, as opposed to the previous line up of 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz. The 2.4GHz model offers a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, with 4GB of RAM, 500GB of storage, Intel HD Graphics 300 card and is yours for the princely sum of £999.00. There's a dual-core Intel Core i7 processor powering the 2.8GHz model, with a storage boost to 750GB but the same RAM and graphics pa...
Can You Build A 2560 x 1600 Gaming Rig Without Breaking the Bank? We Find Out!
By MaximumPC, published 17-10-2011
It's easy to build a gaming machine on a budget if you're playing at 1650x1080 or 1920x1200, but if you're rocking 2560x1600, you need a little more oomph As Maximum PC senior editor Gordon Mah Ung puts it, building a budget gaming rig for a 30-inch panel is the metaphorical equivalent of slapping a Ferrari engine into a crappy Ford car. If you can afford a display that rings up north of $2,000, then why the heck are you trying to cut corners on the system you’re connecting it to? I can’t answer that one for you. But what I can tell you is exactly how you can go about getting the best frame rate for your buck without purchasing a PC that’s more expensive than your mega-monitor. That’s my task for this build-it: killer gaming performance without needless budgetary destruction. And ...
Updated: Top laptops: the 20 best laptops in the world
By TechRadar, published 10-11-2011
Choosing the best laptop for youOur continually updated list of all the best laptops available today.Choosing which laptop is the best for you can be a tricky business, and the amount of choice can be overwhelming. There's no shortage of cheap laptops out there to choose from, but with new models being released and almost immediately replaced by manufacturers, the choice is no easy task. As well as reading through this feature, you can also check out our video buying guide below:brightcove : 1070855030001The lure of netbooks and the rise of the mini-laptop are also huge factors for those looking for a new notebook, but each has their downsides.That's why we've pored over our huge database of laptop reviews and picked out the best notebooks money can buy. We've picked out five of the best c...
In Depth: How to build the best PC for your needs
By TechRadar, published 25-09-2011
How to build a PCSystem builders are great and everything, but unless you emit static electricity or are terminally lazy, you should be thinking about building your own PC. Why? Because not only do you get the satisfaction of having crafted your machine from the ground up, growing and harvesting each component from the soil… or something like that. You also get full control over what goes in the chassis. And what the case will look like. System builders do a great job of delivering sensible packages of components at attractive price points, but building your own rig gives you full control. All the parts you need, none that you don't. And no extra expense to you. And that level of control's important. It's what being a PC enthusiast is all about. It's what elevates us above the hunched si...
IFA 2011: Samsung launches speedy Series 7 Chronos laptop
By TechRadar, published 31-08-2011
The Samsung Series 7 Chronos laptop range has been unveiled ahead of its IFA 2011 debut, complete with thin aluminium styling and high-speed action. Rocking an Intel Core i7 quad core processor, the higher spec Chronos model (700Z5A) comes with a 15.6-inch screen size in a laptop body designed for a 15-inch display.The slightly lower-spec Chronos 700Z4A has a 15-inch screen housed in a body made for a 14-inch screen, while its processor is an Intel Huron River Core i5 2467M affair. Express deliveryBoth versions come with Express Cache technology which uses an extra 8GB of flash memory on the motherboard to bring you a super-fast start up and zippy web browsing - hence the name, Chronos, which means time. Graphics will enjoy an AMD Radeon HD6750M processor and 1GB of GDDR5 graphics memory a...
Review: Samsung RV720
By TechRadar, published 25-08-2011
With its 17.3-inch screen, the Samsung RV720 is a large laptop. It isn't quite the chunkiest, with a surprisingly slim body considering the girth, but at 2.8kg it is pretty heavy. While it can feasibly be carried around if needed, it works much better as a desktop replacement machine, especially given the mediocre battery life. For a family machine that will sit on your desk at home, this is a great option. We loved the half-metallic, half-gloss design. The brushed aluminium palmrests are resistant to fingerprints and smudges and also reassuringly solid. We pushed and prodded the laptop as much as we dared and found no weak points.Like most of the new laptops around, one of Intel's Sandy Bridge processors provides excellent performance. It's the same model as found in the Acer Aspire 5750G...
Buying Guide: Best computer: how to choose the right one
By TechRadar, published 28-07-2011
When buying a new computer, it's easy to become confused by the sheer volume of technical decisions that you'll have to make. You might wonder how much RAM you'll need, for instance, which CPU or which graphics card to pick, what display to look for, which hard drive will be best for you - there are so many issues that it's difficult to know where to begin.There is a simple way to at least begin cutting down the choices on offer, though, and ensure you get the best PC for your needs. And that's to forget about the low-level technical specifications, and fine details like the brand of graphics card just for the moment and instead concentrate on something much more fundamental and important: what you will be expecting your new system to do.So read on to find out how to buy the best computer ...
Buying Guide: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: which is right for you?
By TechRadar, published 22-07-2011
When Apple released a new MacBook Air in time for OS X Lion, it also took the chance to cut the white MacBook from its line up. This leaves buyers with a choice between the MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro.But if you're after an Apple laptop and were thinking of getting the white MacBook, which is right for you now? The MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros have some quite significant differences, so we've put together the following guide to help you decide which will fulfil your needs.If you decide the current Apple range isn't right for you, also check our top 20 laptops list here.MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: PriceThe new MacBook Air range starts at £849 for the 11-inch, 64GB model, with the 128GB model coming in at £999. The 13-inch MacBook Air starts at £1,099 for the 128GB version, with the 256...
Apple announces update for Mac Mini
By TechRadar, published 20-07-2011
Apple has announced updates to its Mac Minis, with the latest offering boasting next-gen Intel Core processors, discrete graphics card, Thunderbolt ports and the brand-spanking new Lion flavour of OS X. The Mac Mini, which is available from today, will be priced from £529 and offers the now familiar aluminium small form factor of just 7.7 inches by 1.4 inches. "Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. Versatile"With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever," he added.Users can chose from dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processo...
Hands on: Sony VAIO Z Series review
By TechRadar, published 28-06-2011
Top of the list in Sony's summer launch list is the Sony Z Series, a 1.2kg ultra-portable Intel Core i7 powerhouse with SSD storage (although, as you'll see from our pics, the display model we tried had a Core i5).The Sony VAIO Z Series UK release date is scheduled for late July 2011.The nippy VAIO Z does have a little trick up its sleeve in the shape of add-on accessory Power Media Dock, featuring Intel's Light Peak tech – marketed by Apple and Intel as Thunderbolt. But the actual port doesn't look the same – Sony is just using a standard USB port rather than the DisplayPort implementation used by Apple.We've got far more on that for you further down this piece.This isn't so much of a surprise, considering a DisplayPort connection would seem rather odd on a laptop such as Sony's Z Ser...
Review: Asus N53SV-SX303V
By TechRadar, published 28-06-2011
Asus is best known for its dinky Eee PC netbooks, but also produces some excellent multimedia laptops. The N53SV-SX303V packs in an impressive specification for the price, making it a strong desktop replacement choice. If your needs are demanding – for instance, you wish to run complex design software that would make most computers weep – the Asus is a great solution. The Intel Core i5 Sandy Bridge processor can run several resource-hogging applications at once, backed up by 6GB of memory. Performance came very close to the Lenovo W520 and Toshiba Satellite L755-15R. Even with all this power, multimedia software such as video editing suites would struggle without a dedicated graphics card on board. The Asus packs an Nvidia GPU, like the Lenovo and Acer. This can easily run any creative...
Review: Toshiba Satellite P755-113
By TechRadar, published 21-06-2011
Things are moving fast in mobile gaming right now. For the traditional laptop to stay relevant in these tablet-filled times, it has to offer something special to offset the decreased mobility compared to its touchscreen foe. The easiest area to exploit is raw power, specifically graphics. Fruit Ninja is all well and good on an Apple iPad 2, but what if you want to play the latest DirectX 11 games on the go?Enter Toshiba's Satellite P775-113. Under the bonnet, an Nvidia GT 540M handles the pixel pushing, which spells playable frame rates in graphically demanding DX11 titles. It's the latest in a new breed of vaguely affordable gaming PCs making the most out of rapidly advancing mobile technology. And at this price point, things are starting to get crowded. Medion's Erazer X6811 has impressi...
How to Build a Kick-Ass Gaming Rig for Under $700
By MaximumPC, published 20-06-2011
Build A Gaming Machine That Will Satisfy Your Cravings Without Breaking the Bank The thought of a gaming PC might conjure up images of decadent excess—a full-course meal of awesome that moves from an SSD consumé to a filet of Core i7 990X to quad-SLI under glass. While that’s certainly a feast worth aspiring to, it’s by no means the only fare that will give your gaming needs sustenance. And, no, we’re not suggesting that you ruin your health with an empty-calorie diet of console. In fact, unlike some corners of the gaming world, where there’s a fixed menu of parts, the PC offers loads of options that scale from opulent to economical. Our budget gaming rig is all about instant gratification: a way for you to fill your gaming hunger with a state of the art, speedy machine, capabl...
Best Case for Your PC Build: 8 New Chassis Tested & Rated
By MaximumPC, published 13-06-2011
When you're outfitting a new computer, it can be tempting to just buy the cheapest no-name case you can find, slap your new parts into it, and call it a day. While that might have been a valid choice in ye olde beige days—heck, early Dream Machine builds didn't even list the case—it's not one we'd recommend today. Enthusiast components today put out a lot of heat, and if that heat isn't dealt with, your rig's lifespan and performance will suffer.That doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on your chassis, though you certainly can. This month, we round up eight cases, from the budget to the extreme, to see how they measure up to the task of holding your precious modern components.How We Perform Thermal TestingTo ensure useful thermal test results, we have to use components that...
Buying Guide: What's the best Core i7 laptop?
By TechRadar, published 13-06-2011
Intel's Core i3 and Core i5 processors provide ample power for the price. But when it comes to getting the most power for your money, nothing comes close to Intel's high-performance Core i7 processors, especially in the latest Sandy Bridge versions. The Core i7 has finally blurred the lines between laptop and desktop PCs and, in many cases, the prices are highly affordable.What's the best Core i3 laptop?To help you choose the right machine for your needs, we've brought together four of the best Core i7-powered laptops, at prices to suit all budgets.What's the best Core i5 laptop?Offering staggering performance and features ideal for the whole family, you won't fi nd a more powerful range of consumer laptops. 1. MSI CX640-018UK - £512The combination of excellent performance, long battery l...
Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
By TechRadar, published 21-05-2011
This week's reviews include HTC's tablet as well as the new 2011 iMac lineup.The HTC Flyer was announced at Mobile World Congress when it impressed, but how does it stand up to the iPad 2 and plethora of Android 3.0 devices?The new 21.5 and 27-inch iMacs offer awesome power, but do they give you more power than you need? We've also looked at an epic 50-inch plasma TV from Panasonic and much more. Read on to find out more. HTC Flyer reviewNow that Android is a major tablet OS, with Android 3.0 appearing on the likes of the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1V, HTC is still staying separate from the crowd. The most notable change from the norm is the 7-inch screen and the touchscreen stylus, known officially as the Magic Pen. It connects wirelessly to the Flyer, and enables you to anno...
Review: Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2011
By TechRadar, published 20-05-2011
Apple's new 2011 iMac range retains the form factor of the 2010 models, but enjoys a very significant component upgrade. Second-generation quad core Intel Core i5 processors are used throughout the 2011 iMac lineup - which includes two 21.5-inch models and two 27-inch models - where previously all but the most expensive model had dual Core i3s. New graphics give up to three times the power of the mid-2010 iMacs, and the Thunderbolt port could revolutionise I/O technology.The 2011 21.5-inch iMac reviewed here is the new range's entry-level model, costing £999. It offers a quad core Intel 2.5GHz Core i5 processor, a great leap forward from the dual core 3.06GHz Core i3 used in the cheapest 2010 release. Its discrete graphics chip is a powerful AMD Radeon HD 6750M, with 512MB of GDDR5 memory...
Review: Apple iMac 27-inch 2011
By TechRadar, published 20-05-2011
Although the form factor is unchanged, the 2011 Apple iMac refresh represents a significant step forwards for the popular all-in-one computer. Again consisting of two 21.5-inch models and two with 27-inch screens, the entire lineup has switched to Intel's Sandy Bridge processors, the second generation of the respected Core-i CPU series. Quad core Intel Corei5s are used throughout, whereas the 2010 iMacs they replace used dual core Intel Core i3s in all but the most expensive model. The 27-inch iMac under review here is the priciest in the 2011 range, but instead of the quad-core 3.1GHz Intel Core i5 processor offered in the standard configuration, ours was fitted with a quad core 3.4GHz Core i7 CPU. This is available as a configure-to-order option on the online Apple store, costing £1,809...
Review: Acer Aspire 5750G
By TechRadar, published 18-05-2011
We've seen Sandy Bridge laptops emerge from almost every major manufacturer since Intel unveiled its second generation processor earlier this year. While these laptops have differed wildly in look and size, from the tiny Samsung 9000S to the hulking Dell XPS 17, we've found that performance is consistently excellent.Now it's Acer's turn to join the Sandy Bridge club, with the Aspire 5750G. It looks like a typical Acer machine on the outside, with the Taiwanese giant's standard design in place, but inside it's brimming with power. Best of all, the £680 asking price is rather low considering the tight specs. If you're a student with high demands, or need a laptop that'll suit the whole family, this is a great, affordable option.With a pleasant blue finish to the lid and palmrests, the Aspir...
LG Blade P530 hands-on
By SlashGear, published 05-11-2011
LG shook up ultraportables with the Xnote P210 late last year, a super-compact notebook which squeezed a 12.5-inch display into where you’d more commonly find an 11.3-inch panel; now the company is back with a new model based on the same narrow-bezel technology. The LG Blade P530 made its official debut earlier this month, and SlashGear scored some hands-on time at the Korea World IT Show today. The Blade P530 uses LG Display’s so-called “Shuriken” panel, an ultra-thin bezel design that is also tipped to show up in future Acer notebooks and possibly even make an appearance in Apple’s next MacBook Pro refresh. Unlike the Xnote, it has a 15.6-inch display (there’ll be a 14-inch P430 as well), framed by a mere 10mm surround; it’s also thinner than a...
New iMac with quad-core processors and Thunderbolt announced
By TechRadar, published 05-03-2011
Apple has announced a whole new range of iMacs, which come with quad-core processors, enhanced graphics and Thunderbolt I/O technology.Apple is boasting that the new iMacs are 70 per cent faster than the old ones and have graphics that are three times the performance of last year's range.The new iMacs come brandishing quad-core Intel Core i5 processors but you can upgrade these to Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. Alongside this there is AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, which mean that the iMac can now come with the boast of having "most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop".Thunderbolt of lightningThe iMacs come in two sizes: the 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports. This shows that Apple is pushing Thunderbolt hard as being ...
New Apple iMac: Thunderbolt, Sandy Bridge and FaceTime HD
By SlashGear, published 05-03-2011
Apple has unveiled its new iMac range, and as expected the all-in-one desktops have been upgraded with Intel’s 2011 Sandy Bridge quad-core processors, new graphics and Thunderbolt connectivity. The new iMacs come in the same 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions, with the entry-level $1,199 21.5-inch model having a 2.5GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics and a 500GB hard-drive. At the other end there’s the $1,999 27-inch machine with a 3.1GHz quad-core Core i5 processor, Radeon HD 6970M graphics and 1TB of storage. Optional is a $200 quad-core Intel Core i7 processor upgrade on select models, running at up to 3.4GHz. There’s also a second 21.5-inch pre-config model, with a 2.7GHz Core i5, Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB of storage, for $1,49. The entry-level 2...
LG unveils new P430 and P5390 super slim laptops
By SlashGear, published 05-03-2011
The notebook world is always changing. For a while, what people wanted was high-end and feature packed notebooks that ended up being very thick and bulky. Some folks still want machines like that. There are a lot of notebook users who are willing to give up power and some performance in an effort to get a machine that is thin and very portable. For these people, something like the new LG P430 and P530 notebooks is ideal. These new notebooks are in the LG Blade series that will hit stores later this month. The P430 is a 14-inch screen notebook, and the P530 is a 15.6-inch notebook both using LED backlights. The screen on the P430 is only 4.5mm thick and the screen on the P530 is only slightly thicker at 4.7mm making them each up to 50% thinner than any other screen on notebooks in their ...
Toshiba T851/D8CR notebook can show 2D and 3D content at once
By SlashGear, published 20-04-2011
I think 3D is cool on a notebook or a TV, but some things I prefer to view in 2D. I don’t want to have to read a lot of text wearing 3D glasses for instance. Some video I prefer in 2D as well, especially if the effects are the sort that are hard on eyes. Toshiba has a cool new notebook that is able to show both 2D and 3D video on the screen at one time. The new notebook is the first notebook to be able to offer 3D and 2D effects simultaneously on the screen. It is called the Toshiba Dynabook Qosmio T851/D8CR. The notebook needs no glasses for 3D effects, which is a huge plus for most users. The webcam on the computer supports face tracking to make the glasses free 3D work. The machine is also able to turn 2D video into 3D video if the user wants. The heart of the machine is an Intel Cor...
Review: Cryo PC Nemesis
By TechRadar, published 04-02-2011
There's no doubt that Intel's second-generation Core i5/i7 (Sandy Bridge) is a game-winning platform, despite minor issues with its P67 boards. Like the original release of the Core 2 series, it provides an increase in performance that's truly startling and we're only just starting to see its full potential. It overclocks by a phenomenal amount and that's something companies such as Cryo PC and CyberPower are going to take full advantage of. Out of the box, this Cryo PC Nemesis is clocked at a highly impressive 4.9GHz, a cool 1.5GHz faster than the stock clock of its Intel Core i7 2600K quad-core processor. Stability at this level is maintained by the Corsair H70 CPU water-cooling block, which is a lovely bit of kit. Throughout testing, the system was rock solid, with only the Heaven 2.1 h...
Review: Kobalt G150
By TechRadar, published 04-02-2011
From the get go, Intel's new Sandy Bridge family of PC processors have seemed destined for mobile greatness. Partly that's because Intel never intended the new Core i3, i5 and i7 2000 series chips to take over at the very top of the performance table. That honour remains the reserve of the six-core Gulftown chip, if only just. But Sandy Bridge's status and the first pukka fusion processor for the PC is what really has us foaming over our flat panels. The more components you integrate into the main processor die, the more powerful and space-efficient a chip becomes. With Sandy Bridge, Intel has now packed as many as four cores, the memory controller, graphics, PCI Express connectivity and more into a single slice of 32nm silicon. That spells mobile goodness. As it turns out, the first Core ...
The Cheapskate's Guide to Power Computing: 31 Ways to Save Money Without Sacrificing Performance
By MaximumPC, published 15-03-2011
Our guide shows you how to live a frugal, fast, and free PC existence Cheapskate. Some folks say it with a snarled upper lip and a curt, terse emphasis on the final syllable, like it’s some kind of awful, horrible moral failing. Puh-leeze. More often than not, cheapskates aren’t ripping off anyone. But the cable, satellite, software, and phone companies sure are. In a day and age when everyone is trying to upsell, premium-ize, and shake us down on a weekly basis—often under the guise of saving us money—we actually view cheapskatism as a sign of higher intelligence and reason. If approached the right way, of course. Cooling the Piggy PC's ceramic chassis was a little harder than we had anticipated. Over the next few pages, we’re going to show you how your PC can save you thousan...
MacBook Pro 15-inch Review (early 2011)
By SlashGear, published 03-01-2011
Apple’s MacBook Pro refresh last week didn’t get a press event with huge fanfare, but it’s arguably the most important update to the notebook range in some time. Bringing in Intel’s 2011 Core processor range across the board, and spicing up the larger models with AMD discrete graphics, the new versions may look the same but they promise a huge leap in performance. The high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro arrived on the SlashGear test bench last Thursday and we’ve been putting it through its paces ever since. Could this really be the best notebook around? Check out the full review after the cut. Hardware At first glance, there’s little to differentiate this new MacBook Pro from the model it replaces. Apple has kept the unibody aluminum chassis, backlit keyboard...
Buying Guide: MacBook vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air
By TechRadar, published 03-01-2011
The latest versions of the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are the kind of kit you'd happily swap your kidneys for. But which one should you go for, and much kidney would you need to sell? Here's everything you need to know about the MacBook range: specs, prices and how much it'll cost to replace those internal batteries.MacBook vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air: PriceEntry to the MacBook family starts at £867 for both the MacBook and MacBook Air, with the 2011 MacBook Pro starting at £999 - although of course if you head for the top of the range and start adding custom options you can easily make a Mac that costs more than a car.There's only one MacBook, but there are two base MacBook Air models - an 11-inch for £867 and a 13-inch for £1,122 - and three MacBook Pros: a 13-inch (£999...
Build It! A Sandy-Bridge Powered Gaming PC (for under a grand)
By MaximumPC, published 17-02-2011
You don’t need to spend a fortune to take advantage of Intel’s newest platform Previous builds in this section have tended toward the expensive side, whether they’ve been the $8,600 photo studio or our $1,800 mini-ITX gaming build. While we stand by those choices (this is Maximum PC), we’ve also heard your cries for more affordable options. Often, a budget build means buying parts that are a little past their prime—and don’t get us wrong, you can find great deals there. But for this month’s build, I knew I wanted to explore Intel’s hot new Sandy Bridge architecture—and, if I could swing it, one of AMD’s new Radeon 6800 series GPUs—while keeping my total budget under $1,000. (Editor's Note: This was written before the Sandy Bridge snafu, but hey, it's still a great bui...
Updated: 15 best PC upgrades for gamers
By TechRadar, published 17-02-2011
What are the best gaming upgrades for your PC today? How do you turn a whimpering little PC into the gaming goliath you want, nay, deserve?Well, stick around because no matter what you can afford to spend, we've got a the best PC upgrade for you.Obviously the key components we'll be looking at are the graphics card, CPU, motherboard, memory and your storage devices. Upgrading any of these will always help, and we're here to tell you which ones are right for you.To get the most out of your machine you need to know first what you're mostly going to be using it for and secondly which components will deliver the best performance increase for the things you're going to do with it.After all, there's little point in forking out £500 on a dual-GPU graphics card when all you're using it for is pla...
Review: Samsung SF310
By TechRadar, published 26-01-2011
Any new thin and light weighing in at £750 has a lot to prove in a crowded market. It needs to stand out stylistically, yet still offer strong value for money. It's not an easy task, because on one side you'll find Apple's impossibly thin MacBook Air redefining style, while on the other you have the ever-expanding glut of netbooks, typified by the likes of Samsung's own N230 proving that a little cash can go an incredibly long way if the right components are used. What hope is there for the likes of the SF310 then? What can it do to raise more than a passing interest?First impressions are positive – a run-down of the components list used in the Samsung SF310 will placate the techno savvy. The presence of an Intel Core i5 processor, Nvidia discrete graphics, LED screen and good storage o...
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Intel Core i5 750 : (9.7/10)
4 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Intel Core i5 680 : (8/10)
1 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Intel Core i5 670 : (8/10)
1 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Intel Core i5 661 : (6.5/10)
2 expert reviews
0 user reviews
