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Friday, May 09, 2008

OCZ Expands on Gaming DDR3 Lineup with Special Ops Urban Elite Edition — Cormac @ 16:28 

OCZ Technology Group announced the Special Ops Urban Elite DDR3 Series, available in high-speed PC3-12800 kits featuring an original "urban" camouflage motif heatspreader design.

The PC3-12800 SOE Urban Elite Series will be available in 1GB and 2GB modules, and 2GB and 4GB dual channel kits. All DDR3 SOE Urban Elite modules are 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and compatibility and feature high quality XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders. Each OCZ SOE Urban Elite module is backed by the OCZ Lifetime Warranty.

Specifications:

• 1600MHz DDR3
• CL 8-8-8-26 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 1GB and 2GB modules
• Available in 2GB and 4GB D/C Kits
• Unbuffered
• Urban Camo Motif XTC Heatspreader
• Lifetime Warranty
• 1.8 Volts
• 240 Pin DIMM
• 1.85V EVP
• Part Numbers: 1GB Module PN - OCZ3SOU16001G; 2GB Module PN - OCZ3SOU16002G; 2GB (2x1024MB) D/C Kit PN – OCZ3SOU16002GK; 4GB (2x2048MB) D/C Kit PN - OCZ3SOU16004GK

Source: OCZ Technology Group

Plextor Unveils 1TB StorX NAS Drives — Cormac @ 01:03 

Plextor has re-engineered the unit and interface to deliver the next generation of NAS drives. The two new models – Plextor StorX PX-NAS500L /PX-NAS1000L, offering 500GB and 1TB capacity, respectively – are designed for users moving into a NAS solution for the first time, as well as competent small office business users.

Users with escalating media collections and data can connect it to their separate wireless media streamer/router using the Gigabit LAN port and watch movies, listen to music or share data wherever they choose. In the event of users finding they are starting to run out of space again, they can simply add another hard drive to the Plextor StorX unit via USB to extend the storage capacity.

In addition to offering significant extra storage, the Plextor StorX devices come equipped with useful features. The Plextor StorX includes: a print server that can share a printer over the network when connected to it via USB; a one-touch USB back-up button. Additionally, the NAS, which has the ability to operate over GigaLAN networks (10/100/1000 Mbps), is both secure and flexible: it includes a high security feature so that the administrator can limit access to certain folders; and it can be configured as a dedicated FTP server.

The Plextor StorX is designed for extreme liability and continued use 24 hours, 7 days a week. The system will quietly go into sleep mode when not accessed for a period of time.

The Plextor StorX PX-NAS500L and PX-NAS1000L will both be available from early June 2008 from the network of Plextor dealers. Novelties are covered by Plextor's Fast Warranty Service (2-year warranty in the EU, Norway and Switzerland; 1 year in other countries).

Specifications:

• OS: Windows XP / Vista;
• Software requirement: Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later;
• Dimensions: 210 x 125 x 75 mm;
• Support protocol: TCP/IP, HTTP, SMB, FTP, DHCP, uPnP, ARP;
• LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN support;
• Connector: LAN: 1 x RJ45; 2 x USB 1.1/2.0 ports;
• HDD RPM: 7200 rpm;
• Extras:
  • Power supply: DC 12V 3A External AC power adapter;
  • Power cable UK + power cable EU;
  • Network cable RJ45;
  • Manual on CD: 6 languages (and quick installation guide);
  • RoHS compliant.

Source: Plextor

OCZ Introduces New Additions to the Reaper HPC Series — Cormac @ 00:52 

OCZ Technology Group announced two new Reaper HPC solutions for enthusiasts. The PC3-14400 and PC3-12800 Reaper HPC Series are now available in both 2GB and 4GB dual channel kits to meet the specific needs of customized gaming systems or workstations.

For better heat dissipation the Reaper HPC Series modules are equipped with thermo-conductive copper heat pipe conduits.

The PC3-14400 and PC3-12800 Reaper HPC Series will be available in 4GB (2x2048MB) and 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kits. As part of OCZ's line-up of premium memory, Reaper HPC modules are backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

OCZ DDR3 PC3-14400 specifications:

• 1800MHz DDR3
• 8-8-8-27 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 2GB and 4GB Dual Channel Kits
• Unbuffered
• OCZ Lifetime Warranty
• 1.9 Volts
• 240 Pin DIMM
• Reaper HPC Heatsink
• 1.95V EVP
• Part Numbers: 2GB (2x1024MB) D/C Kit PN - OCZ3RPR18002GK; 4GB (2x2048MB) D/C Kit PN - OCZ3RPR18004GK

OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 specifications:

• 1600MHz DDR3
• 7-7-7-24 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 2GB and 4GB Dual Channel Kits
• Unbuffered
• OCZ Lifetime Warranty
• 1.9 Volts
• 240 Pin DIMM
• Reaper HPC Heatsink
• 1.95V EVP
• Part Numbers: 2GB (2x1024MB) D/C Kit PN - OCZ3RPR16002GK; 4GB (2x2048MB) D/C Kit PN - OCZ3RPR16004GK

Source: OCZ Technology Group

Iomega Announces New Camo Model in eGo Portable Hard Drive Line — Cormac @ 00:31 

Iomega Corporation announced the worldwide introduction of the new Iomega eGo USB 2.0 Camo Portable Hard Drive, a camouflaged patterned addition to Iomega's award-winning line of stylish and sturdy portable hard drives. Iomega's new eGo Camo Drive has a curved chassis covered by a woodland camouflage pattern that also comes with a black Iomega Power Grip band that not only looks cool but also provides extra durability.

The new eGo Camo Portable Hard Drive also packs a lot of storage capability - the 250GB 2.5-inch drive is USB-powered for simple operation (no power supply required), and it comes with EMC Retrospect HD software for automatic backups, scheduled backups, or on-demand backups.

Iomega's patented DropGuard technology protects the eGo drive from accidental damage caused by drops of up to 51 inches (129 cm). With the new Power Grip band on the eGo Camo Drive, this eGo portable hard drive can handle drops of up to 60 inches (152 cm).

Iomega's new eGo Camo Portable Hard Drive is compatible with Windows Vista (all versions), Windows 2000, Professional/XP Home/XP Professional/XP Professional x64, and with Mac OS X 10.1.5 or above.

The new Iomega 250GB eGo Camo Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 is now available worldwide for $149.95 (estimated U.S. retail).

Source: Iomega Corporation

AMD Server Workstation Roadmap Updated — Cormac @ 00:16 

Randy Allen, corporate vice president and general manager, Server and Workstation, AMD provided updates to AMD's server workstation processor roadmap.

• "Shanghai" on track to begin production in 2H08. Development of AMD's first 45nm server processor, codenamed "Shanghai," is on schedule to begin production in the second half of 2008 and will now feature coherent HyperTransport 3.0 for processor-to-processor communication. In addition to increasing the shared Level-3 cache from 2 MB to 6 MB, "Shanghai" will include core and instruction-per-clock (IPC) enhancements.
• "Istanbul" to bring 6-core processing within current socket in 2H09. New to the AMD server roadmap, "Istanbul" is will be a 6-core server processor that will fit within the current Socket Fl (1207), which will enable OEMs to preserve platform investments and increase system performance-per-watt. "Istanbul" is planned to be available for 2P and above configurations, and leverage AMD's industry-leading Direct Connect Architecture, which alleviates the system communication bottlenecks in other processors.
• The third-generation AMD Opteron processor Socket G34 platform is planned for 1H10. In 2010, AMD expects to introduce its third-generation AMD Opteron processor Socket G34 platform. The Socket G34 platform is planned to offer features such as DDR3 memory capabilities and the AMD RD890 chipset for non-coherent HyperTransport 3.0, along with an additional HT link.
• New six- and twelve-core AMD Opteron processors for Socket G34 planned for 1H10. A six-core processor, codenamed "Sao Paolo," is planned to incorporate DDR3 memory and an additional HyperTransport 3.0 link as well as a 6-core design. "Magny Cours," a 12-core processor will also leverage these features.

Source: AMD

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Daily Mailbox — Cormac @ 15:06 

Super Talent Launches MLC SATA-II SSDs for Notebooks — Cormac @ 14:54 

Super Talent Technology launched a new line of MasterDrive solid state drives (SSDs) that are 100% interchangeable with hard disk drives (HDDs), but are faster, lighter, use less power and are far more rugged and reliable.

MasterDrive SSDs use NAND Flash rather than magnetic platters as the storage medium, giving them many advantages over HDDs. These drives have no moving parts, and therefore are completely silent, lighter weight and more reliable than HDDs. Moreover, they consume a fraction of the power of HDDs, meaning they produce less heat and offer longer battery life in mobile computing. MasterDrive SSDs use a SATA-II (3Gbps) interface to support high bandwidth and broad compatibility with motherboards, and have a standard 2.5-inch form factor. Proprietary wear-leveling algorithms extend the life of these SSDs.

MasterDrive DX drives employ SLC NAND Flash to support astounding sequential read and write speeds up to 120 and 70 MB/sec respectively, and are backed with a three year warranty. MasterDrive MX drives use MLC Flash to achieve maximum sequential read/write speeds of 120 and 40 MB/sec, and include a 1-year warranty. MasterDrive SSDs are available now from NewEgg and eWiz.

Source: Super Talent Technology

NVIDIA Introduces Hybrid SLI — Cormac @ 14:45 

NVIDIA introduced its new Hybrid SLI technology for motherboards. These new platforms are the foundation for a new breed of PCs that deliver a richer visual experience while reducing energy consumption and costs, fan noise, and even heat. The new technology is available immediately with new NVIDIA nForce 780a SLI and GeForce 8 Series based motherboards.

The visual capabilities of typical PCs are driven by either integrated graphics on the motherboard or by higher performance, discrete graphics cards. Unfortunately, the most common integrated graphics chips lack the performance and features needed by many popular modern 3D applications, games, and movies. Discrete graphics cards deliver a far superior visual experience, but consume more energy.

According to the press release, Hybrid SLI-enabled motherboards eliminate this problem by putting a GeForce GPU directly on the motherboard. This GeForce GPU has better DirectX compatibility and HD movie playback capability than the most common integrated graphics chips found in today's PCs, but consumes less energy than a discrete graphics card.

Designed for PC enthusiasts and hard-core gamers, the HybridPower feature completely powers down the discrete graphics cards and switches graphics processing to the motherboard GPU in applications where major 3D horsepower is not required, such as e-mail and Web surfing. Users will appreciate the lower energy consumption, quieter PC operation, and less heat. When additional 3D horsepower is needed, it can be manually transitioned back to discrete graphics cards using HybridPower technology, which are then powered up and ready to rock the 3D world. Hybrid SLI technology allows to save on energy costs over the life of the PC for high-end, enthusiast-class PCs, and deliver additional graphics performance for more mainstream desktops via these two features.

For mainstream users, a Hybrid SLI technology feature called GeForce Boost allows the user to add an additional graphics card for even more graphics horsepower. By combining the performance of the motherboard GPU and graphics card discrete GPUs, GeForce Boost increases overall graphics performance up to 50% for today’s visually intensive applications and home entertainment.

The Hybrid SLI-enabled desktop PC motherboards are designed to create a balanced PC with GeForce GPUs and AMD Phenom processors. Eight models, including a newly available nForce 780a SLI motherboard, are available:

• nForce 780a SLI, nForce 750a SLI, nForce 730a, and nForce 720a
• GeForce 8300, GeForce 8200, and GeForce 8100

Currently available Hybrid SLI-enabled discrete graphics cards include:

• NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 and NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX (both HybridPower-capable)
• GeForce 8400 GS and GeForce 8500 GT (both GeForce Boost-capable)

Hybrid SLI-enabled PC motherboards for Intel processors and Hybrid SLI-enabled notebooks will be available in Q3 of 2008.

Source: NVIDIA

JVC Develops 1.75-inch 8K4K D-ILA Device — Cormac @ 14:34 

Victor Company of Japan (JVC) announces a new addition to its lineup of proprietary D-ILA (Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier) high-definition reflective liquid crystal devices for projectors. The newly developed 1.75-inch 8K4K D-ILA device has the world's largest number of pixels*1 and is able to display images of approximately 35 megapixels (8192 x 4320 pixels), the equivalent of more than 17 times the level of Full High-Definition. This means that a single display device can now produce Super Hi-Vision images and can display images with the highest number of pixels currently defined under international standards.

Super Hi-Vision is a TV broadcasting service currently under development at NHK; a single image has approximately 33 megapixels (7680 x 4320 pixels), with 60 frame/second sequential scanning and 22.2 multichannel sound. Image format is international standard ITU-R BT.1769, SMPTE 2036. Diagonal size is 1.67 inches at Super Hi-Vision standard pixel dimensions of 7680 x 4320.

Through the development of a new production process and new pixel structure for even finer pixels, JVC has now succeeded in developing the 1.75-inch 8K4K D-ILA device, the world's first device to achieve real Super Hi-Vision definition level. The new device has approximately 50% higher density in its ratio of area per pixel as compared to the 1.27-inch 4K2K D-ILA device, which was originally the world's smallest 4K device. Furthermore, the new device has achieved a video display of approximately 35 megapixels, the world's highest pixel counts, while continuing to provide the D-ILA series' characteristics such as "high-quality images without a distracting pixel structure", "high light availability", and "high contrast ratio".

Major specifications:

• Device size: 1.75-inch diagonal
• No. of pixels (H x V): 8192 x 4320 pixels
• Pixel pitch: 4.8µm
• Gap between pixels: 0.24µm
• Aperture ratio: 90% or higher
• Device contrast ratio: 20,000:1
• Response time (tr + tf): 4.5ms
• LC mode: Vertical Aligned LC
• LC alignment film: Light stabilized inorganic alignment film

Features of New 1.75-inch 8K4K D-ILA Device:

1. The 4.8µm pixel pitch fine pixel technology makes possible a device that is just 1.75 inches on the diagonal while achieving ultra-high-definition images of 35 megapixels (8192 x 4320 pixels), the highest pixel count in the world.
2. The device resolution of 8192 horizontal x 4320 vertical dots is fully compatible with the Super Hi-Vision standard (7680 x 4320 pixels) being promoted by NHK as next-generation broadcast technology. Able to display ultra-high-definition images that are 17 times Full High-Definition and 4 times conventional 4K2K (the DCI 4K digital cinema standard), the new device can be used for a wide range of leading-edge ultra-high-definition imaging applications.
3. The 0.24µm gap between pixels achieves a high aperture of 90% or higher surface devoted to image, while maintaining ultra-high resolution. In addition, technology adopted to reduce disorder caused by liquid crystal orientation has made it possible to limit extraneous light such as scattered and diffracted light from reflective surfaces, with the end result being a high contrast ratio of 20,000:1 for device contrast.
4. By applying the same inorganic alignment layer used on previous D-ILA devices, the tradition of long life and high durability is successfully maintained.
5. JVC's extensive production experience and technology made it possible to achieve both reduced liquid crystal cell gaps and high image uniformity, with the goal being to achieve quick liquid crystal response.
6. It is possible to create a device driver for the ultra-high-bandwidth signal of 8K4K resolution by adopting a new package structure that accommodates the optimized internal driver design and the increased number of drive signal line inputs.

Source: Victor Company of Japan

OCZ Announces World-First High-Density 2GHz Solution for Ultra High-End Desktops — Cormac @ 14:20 

OCZ Technology Group premiered the world's first PC3-16000 4GB (2x2048MB) DDR3 kits. Designed to offer the earliest adopting enthusiasts the advantages of high-density memory coupled with the highest speeds available, the OCZ PC3-16000 4GB kits make use of the unbeatable overclocking capabilities of the latest platforms.

As part of the OCZ Platinum series, these new high-density 2GHz DDR3 dual channel kits are meant for computer enthusiasts and professionals utilizing high-bandwidth video, music, and graphics applications, along with gamers experiencing the latest PC titles that make use of DirectX 10 at the highest settings. Among the latest high-density DDR3 offerings, OCZ will also add a 4GB kit option to the popular PC3-14400 Platinum Series as well, for users taking advantage of 1800MHz speeds on the latest motherboards.

The OCZ PC3-16000 and PC3-14400 Platinum Series will now be available in 2GB modules or 4GB (2x2048MB) dual channel kits and are backed by a lifetime warranty.

Specifications:

• 2000MHz DDR3
• CL 9-9-9-28 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 1GB and 2GB modules and optimized kits
• Unbuffered
• Platinum Z3 XTC Heatspreader
• Lifetime Warranty
• 1.8 Volts (1GB modules)
• 1.9 Volts (2GB modules)
• 240 Pin DIMM
• 1.85V EVP
• EPP 2.0-Ready
• Part numbers: 1GB Module - OCZ3P20001G, 2GB (2x1024MB)D/C PN - OCZ3P20002GK, 2GB Module PN - OCZ3P20002G, 4GB (2x2048MB)D/C PN - OCZ3P20004GK

Source: OCZ Technology Group

SPEC Releases Free SPECjvm2008 Benchmark — Cormac @ 14:12 

The Standard Performance Evaluation Corp. (SPEC) has released SPECjvm2008, a new Java virtual machine benchmark with multithreaded workloads that represent a broad range of application areas. SPECjvm2008 is available for free downloading on the SPEC website: www.spec.org/jvm2008/.

The new benchmark, which replaces SPECjvm98, enables performance comparisons for systems running the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Metrics are influenced by the performance of the just-in-time (JIT) compiler, memory management, and other aspects of the system, including the processor, cache and memory bus.

New evaluation tools in SPECjvm2008 include a plug-in analysis framework that gathers information on factors such as heap usage during testing, and a reporter that displays a summary graph of all test runs. CPU2000, since new benchmarks have been added and existing ones changed.

SPECjvm2008 allows testing under both base and peak rules. Base testing simulates environments in which users do not tune systems for increased performance. Peak results show how tuning can be used to drive maximum Java throughput. Anyone submitting a peak result for publication on the SPEC web site must also submit a base result.

SPEC members participating in the development of SPECjvm2008 include AMD, BEA, HP, IBM, Intel and Sun.

SPEC expects that the free software will be valuable to four key groups within the IT community:

• IT managers looking to improve JVM performance for specific applications.
• Researchers who investigate new algorithms for garbage collection or code generation.
• Engineers who create and enhance JVM products and conduct performance testing.
• Marketers who want to call attention to JVM performance of new products.

Source: SPEC

Panasonic Introduces 3rd Generation Blu-Ray Player And Announces Pricing — Cormac @ 14:10 

Panasonic Corporation of North America announced the introduction of the DMP-BD50, Panasonic's third generation Blu-ray disc player. The BD50 adds the new BD-Live function, which uses the internet to further enhance the consumer's entertainment experience and employs VIERA Link, a technology that allows the consumer to operate VIERA Link equipped home theater components with a single remote. The DMP-BD50 will be available this spring and will have an SRP of $699.95.

In the future BD-Live will allow users to connect the DMP-BD50 to the internet to download such data as images and subtitles, and to join in multi-player interactive games that are linked to bonus movie content contained on Blu-ray discs.

For optimum image quality the DMP-BD50 features the PHL Reference Chroma processor and P4HD i/p conversion processor, which combine to create Uniphier, a precise digital video processor that produces sharp, crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. Uniphier reflects the advance encoding and authoring technologies developed by Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

The DMP-BD50 can be combined with a 7.1 channel amplifier and speakers for full 7.1 channel surround sound.

The included SD Memory Card slot allows for easy transferring of images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera via an SD Memory card. The consumer simply inserts the SD card into the BD50 and then can view the images on a large screen HD flat panel television with AVCHD format video images or JPEG stills in full 1920 x 1080 resolution. In addition the DMP-BD50 has been awarded the Energy Star certification.

Source: Panasonic