3DMark05

Futuremark’s 3DMark03 predicted performance of future games in mid-2003 on the hardware of that time, but was accused of unfair benchmarking. But the predictions proved to be truth and now Futuremark is back once again with the new 3DMark05. As always, a great number of web-sites who have posted their articles about the newest graphics cards benchmark:

• Beyond3D
• bit-tech.net
• TweakTown
• The Tech Report
• DriverHeaven
• ATI-News.de
• 3DVelocity.com
• Hardware.fr
• X-bit labs :)

Mainboards

3DXtreme has reviewed Albatron K8X800 Pro II Version 2.0 mainboard. This mainboard is build around VIA K8T800 chipset and designed to sport the Athlon 64 microprocessor in PGA754 package. Having a great number of features orientated towards overclockers as well as typical end users this mainboard is a product to consider.

Graphics cards

HotHardware has posted a head-to-head comparison of modern budget PCI Express graphics cards. ASUS’ Extreme AX600XT based on the ATI RV380 GPU clocked at 500MHz and with 128MB of 128-bit memory bus width clocked at 740MHz is compared to MSI GeForce 5750 based on the NV36 GPU clocked at 425MHz and is complemented by 128MB of 128-bit memory bus width operating at 500MHz. Find out which product delivers better performance, bundle and overclockability.

Tweaknews.net has taken a look at ATI RADEON X300 graphics card. The X300 is not targeted towards anyone looking forward to play Doom III or the upcoming Half Life 2, but is targeted towards the price conscious consumer looking for a basic native PCI Express graphics card with full DirectX 9.0 support. With a modestly clocked RV370 core set at 325Mhz and a native memory speed set at 400Mhz this product is a pure office graphics card solution.

Memory

AnandTech has posted an article explaining everythin about random access memory. Although the majority of end-users consider this to be dull and boring to read about, the design problems and solutions can be every bit as interesting, or difficult, if you prefer, as pipelines, execution units, and caches.

Display

TrustedReviews has taker a look at Acer AL1721hm TFT monitor. This 17” TFT display uses a 6-bit, TN+ active matrix TFT-LCD with a decent response time of 16ms. The AL1721hm comes complete with a digital and analogue interface, a height-adjustable swiveling neck, built-in speakers, good picture quality and a reasonable price tag.

Storage

Tom’s Hardware Guide has reviewed the Seagate Savvio ST973401LC's hard disk drive. Seagate Savvio offers 74GB of storage capacity in a 2.5” hard drive form factor, which should please server customers. The new Savvio series offers everything that a fast drive needs: 10000 rpm – an innovation for 2.5” drives – 8MB buffer and search times quoted at a mere 4.1 ms.

Modding

GruntvillE.com has reviewed Alphacool NexXxos XP CPU water block. This cooling solution is a cooper nickel-plated solid water block with a number of specific technologies aimed at increasing the cooling potential of the product.