X-bit labs

Dual-Display Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX Review

[ 05/05/08 | by Oleg Artamonov]

The idea to use two monitors on a single computer system is not that new. However, this article will represent its very unique implementation: a set including a regular 22-inch monitor and an additional 7-inch one. Read about a new Samsung solution in our detailed review!

24" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part II

[ 04/28/08 | by Oleg Artamonov]

Although TN matrices are an attribute of budget monitor models, they have not just penetrated the relatively expensive 24-inch monitor segment, but they tend to be a leader there already, at least judging y the number of new models announced lately. But is it necessarily a bad thing? Not very advanced characteristics of TN matrices are well compensated by their low price. Today we are going to talk about 6 monitors on such matrix from Acer, Dell, NEC and Samsung.

Network Storage System with 2 Bays: Linksys NAS200 Review

[ 04/13/08 | by Platon Scheblykin]

Today we are going to discuss an Ethernet connected network storage device with two available SATA hard drive bays that features advanced backup software and built-in media server for streaming to PC or UPnP AV digital media adapter. With a very appealing price point this NAS solution from Linksys may turn out a very good choice. Let’s see if it is true.

22" Monitors Roundup: Part 2

[ 04/09/08 | by Oleg Artamonov]

We continue testing monitors with 22-inch diagonal and TN+Film matrix. We will discuss 12 models from such well-known manufacturers as Acer, ASUS, Hannstar, LG, NEC and Samsung.

ATX Power Supply Units Roundup. Part IX

[ 03/28/08 | by Oleg Artamonov]

This part of our roundup will be devoted to power supply units with capacity ranging from 450W to 850W. We will check out 7 models from AcBel, Gigabyte, Zalman and Corsair. All the details on their performance and functionality in our extensive article!

300Mbps Wireless N USB 2.0 Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-624UB Review

[ 02/26/08 | by Platon Scheblykin]

According to the manufacturer, this 300Mbps Wireless N USB 2.0 Adapter seamlessly connects to your wireless network without performance degradation. But is it really so? Let’s find out from our review of this USB adapter supporting 802.11n draft standard.

19" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part IX.

[ 02/20/08 | by Aleksey Meyev]

The new round of 19-inch LCD monitors testing will focus on the solutions using TN matrixes. We will look at a few widescreen models as well as those with the traditional 5:4 screen ratio from Acer, ASUS, NEC, Samsung and ViewSonic.

Anubis – First ATX System Case from Hiper

[ 02/11/08 | by Kirill "ALT-F13" Balalin]

Today we are going to talk about Hiper’s debut in the ATX system case market. The Anubis is undoubtedly stylish, original and efficient in terms of cooling. It is an ideal playground for a technical modder, but still there are a few things that need to be improved. Read more in our review!

1-Bay SATA NAS Server from Synology: Disk Station DS107+ Review

[ 02/04/08 | by Platon Scheblykin]

DS107+ is designed with Windows ADS authentication, USB printer sharing, dynamic website hosting, and data backup. After our tests we were highly pleased with the performance of DS107+ and can recommend it for all users who want to have a high-quality and high-speed NAS with rich extra features at home or in the office. Read more in our review!

Ten Kilowatts of Power: 1000W+ PSU Roundup

[ 01/18/08 | by Oleg Artamonov]

The manufacturers are getting ever higher with their PSUs, reaching the 1500W milestone already. Today we are going to introduce to you 10 units with the capacity of 1000W or well beyond that. We will discuss the solutions from Antec, Enermax, Floston Energetix, FSP Group, Silverstone, Tagan, Thermaltake and Ultra.

Edimax nMax Wireless 802.11n Broadband Router Review

[ 01/15/08 | by Platon Scheblykin]

Are you looking for an inexpensive Draft N device with excellent functionality? Then you should check out our article devoted to a very affordable yet great product for SOHO wireless needs from Edimax. More details in the review.

X-bit Labs Presents: Power Supply Unit Testing Methodology In-Depth

[ 01/03/08 | by Oleg Artamonov]

This article provides a detailed description of our methodology for testing power supplies in three major parts. The first one lists PSU parameters we check out and specifies the test conditions. In the second section you’ll find terms often voiced by PSU manufacturers for marketing purposes and their definitions. The third part will be most interesting for people who’d like to know how our PSU testbed is designed and operates.

20" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part V

[ 12/21/07 | by Oleg Artamonov]

This article continues our series of reviews of 20” LCD monitors. Today we are going to discuss 9 models from Acer, Asus, Dell, Samsung and NEC using mostly TN matrix technology. Let’s find out what the market prospects of TN matrix in general are and how successful the reviewed models turned out to be.

ATX Power Supply Units Roundup. Part VIII

[ 12/11/07 | by Oleg Artamonov]

This roundup covers power supply units for midrange and entry-level computers. Such models start from a modest wattage of 300W and a price of $20. We have also included a few powerful PSUs available at affordable prices. All in all we will talk about 17 models from HEC (Ascot), FSP, In Win, Tsunami, Hiper and PC Power & Cooling.

ASUS WL-500W Super Speed N Multifunctional Wireless Router Review

[ 11/27/07 | by Platon Scheblykin]

This article continues our series of reviews of network equipment that supports the draft 802.11n standard. Today we are going to talk about the WL-500W router that represents a successor to the previously tested WL-500g Premium. We will see what the differences from the previous model are and what improvements have been made in it.

Topower Power Supply Units Roundup

[ 11/07/07 | by Oleg Artamonov]

Topower is a popular manufacturer. Besides making a wide range of PSUs for such brands as Tagan, BeQuiet, Mushkin and OCZ, the company is promoting its own brand, offering boxed PSUs of varying wattage and functionality. Today we are going to review 9 solutions from Topower ranging from 500W to 800W.

LCD Monitors Buyer's Guide: Fall 2007

[ 10/30/07 | by Oleg Artamonov]

This article is intended to serve as a guide. Without delving into technicalities and features of each monitor we go through the list of currently available models, pointing out the most interesting offers. Hopefully you will find our advice alongside with the links to corresponding reviews in this Fall 2007 Guide helpful.

24" LCD Monitors Roundup

[ 10/23/07 | by Oleg Artamonov]

We’ve covered almost each and every existing diagonal in our LCD monitor roundups, from now-obsolete 15" models to newest 27" and 30" giants, but 23-24-inchers have remained out of our focus for some reason. Today we are going to make up for this omission by offering you a detailed review of 8 eight 23" and 24" monitors including solutions from Acer, Apple, Dell, LG, Samsung and ViewSonic.

PCMark Vantage: New Complex System Performance Benchmark

[ 10/18/07 | by Doors4ever]

Futuremark Corporation announced today the release of PCMark Vantage- hardware performance benchmark for PCs running 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows Vista. Our today’s article will be devoted to the peculiarities of the new benchmarking suite, installation and usage techniques as well as the results of three platforms on AMD and Intel processors tested in it.

19" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part VIII.

[ 10/11/07 | by Aleksey Meyev]

Another article in our 19-inch roundup series will be devoted to 12 monitor models from such well-known brands as ASUS, BenQ, HP, LG, NEC, Samsung and Viewsonic. Besides discussing their features we will also dwell on the details of brand name image-enhancing settings offered by the monitor makers these days.