Info-dll

Guide: How to use Nvidia 301.10 WHQL driver for non Nvidia GTX 680

2012-03-24T16:17:00.004-07:00

Whats new in 301.10 whql certified drivers

First up we have NVIDIA Control Panel FXAA, which is a high-speed, shader-based anti-aliasing technique that can be enabled directly through the NVIDIA control panel. Called FXAA, this new technique is up to 60-percent faster than 4xMSAA, and can produce results equal to MSAA at minimum, and in some cases, provide better-than MSAA quality.

Another stand-out feature is the three monitor surround plus accessory display. The GEFORCE GTX 680 cards spupports four monitor connectors, where you can use a 3D (or non-3D) Vision Surround setup, with the fourth monitor connected NVIDIA use this as an "Accessory Display". Very cool new feature.

Also included is "Central Display Acceleration", where SLI users were forced to disable Surround if they were playing a non-Surround game. With the 301.10 WHQL drivers, this has been resolved. Now users can run any game on the center screen at full speed, with the provision that the center screen itself is connected to the GPU that is powering the two monitors. This feature is enabled automatically.

The last feature is "NVIDIA Frame Rate Target", where third-parties can now integrate NVIDIA Frame Rate Target into their applications. What this new feature does is dynamically overclock and underclock a GPU to hit a specific, user-defined frame rate. Sweet!

Although these first 3xx.xx drivers were released for kepler, owners with other Nvidia series cards can install them with custom .INI files by modding them.

In this guide we'll show you how to install them on other nvidia cards

Links For Nvidia 301.10 WHQL driver:
Windows 7/Vista 32-bit:
GeForce 301.10 WHQL (Windows 7/Vista 32-bit)
Windows 7/Vista 64-bit
GeForce 301.10 WHQL (Windows 7/Vista 64-bit)

We wont be responsible if something goes wrong hardware related with your Graphics card, so use at your own risk.

Download one of the above drivers and install it
you'll get an error like this:
don't panic, just click "CLOSE"

Steps to mod the driver pack:

Create a backup of the files " ListDevices.txt" and "nv_disp.inf " in case some thing goes wrong.
Go to C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\301.10\WinVista_Win7_64\English\Display.Driver (for 64-bit) C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\301.10\WinVista_Win7_32\English\Display.Driver (for 32-bit)
Open ListDevices.txt in the "Display.Driver" folder.
Edit ListDevices.txt in notepad and add you graphics card model number and save it,

You can find you graphics card model in the text files below
Example mine is a Geforce 9600 GSO 512
Before mod:

After mod:

5. Now open en edit nv_disp.inf in notepad and search for " [Manufacturer] " and paste you device id under "[NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.0]" and "[NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1]".
Before

After

6. Now search for " [Strings] " and paste you GPU model under " NVIDIA_B = "NVIDIA " "
Before

After

7. Save it an your done
8. Now run "Setup.exe" in "C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\301.10\WinVista_Win7_64\English" folder
9. Install it and look if its works
10.Enjoy and happy gaming

Thanks for following this guide
If you have questions, just comment and we'll try to answer them.

Files for GPU models:

File for ListDevices.txt:
ListDevices
File for nv_disp.inf:
nv_disp

Optional Software :

EVGA Precision X

COUGAR Launches the GX V2 Series of 80Plus Gold Gaming PSUs

2012-02-20T03:26:00.000-08:00

COUGAR, leading German brand of power supplies and PC accessories, have launched their new high-end series of power supplies specifically targeting demanding gamers, the COUGAR GX V2 series. The 80Plus Gold certified GX V2 series comes as 600 W/700 W/800 W/900 W/1050 W versions and provides up to 93% peak efficiency. This is the highest efficiency standard possible in the industry at the moment.

One major upgrade in this revision is COUGAR's patented VORTEX fan, which in the GX PSUs series comes in a 140 mm series hydro-dynamic bearing, which not only dramatically improves lifetime but also reduces potential noise to a minimum. Also internal electric filtering has been further improved to lower ripple and increase efficiency.

The rugged black coating in combination with the gold vent grill add to the overall robust and aggressive appearance of these units, thereby effectively increasing the game-style looks.

The advanced modular cable management is further improved by utilizing new flat cables that simplify installation as well as reducing air friction in order to maximize airflow. This gives gamers the power they need, and flexibility of easy upgrades they demand.

Automatic dynamic load distribution multi-12V rails provide power separately to the GPU and CPU. Particularly in multi-graphics setups this improves the performance and safety of the 12V rails considerably for systems with high-end graphics cards in SLI or CrossFire mode by warranting high voltage stability to keep components safe.

Buffalo Intros Colorful Compact USB Hubs

2012-02-20T03:20:00.000-08:00

Buffalo Japan released a set of colorful new USB 2.0 hubs under the BSH4U17 series, to expand the ever more limited number of USB ports notebooks come with. The hub is bar-shaped, and comes with a short USB 2.0 cable to the host. It features nail mount holes so it could be hung up to walls. Measuring 93 x 38.5 x 14 mm (WxDxH), the hub weighs about 40 g. It is available in four color options: piano-black, pearl-white, hot-pink, and indigo, all priced at 1,720 JPY (US $21.5).

KINGMAX Launches 8 GB DDR3 Modules, Makes Affordable Quad-Channel Happen

2012-02-20T03:13:00.000-08:00

KINGMAX, a world renowned leading brand of DRAM and flash memory, adds another new product to its Nano Gaming Ram series: 8GB overclocking memory modules in one stick. This is the largest capacity in one stick and the only DDR3 memory modules which doesn’t need heatsink for cooling. 8GB DDR3 memory modules with speed faster than 1600MHz also support Intel XMP – Extreme Memory Profiles. Further, 8GB DDR3 memory modules are compatible with Intel X79 platform, enabling quad channel memory setting and allowing memory upgrade up to 32GB. KINGMAX also announces standard desktop 8GB DDR3 modules.

For professionals and enthusiasts who need to work on high quality images or need mass computing, it is most awkward when applications require more memory than real memory can afford. The KINGMAX 8GB DDR3 memory modules with surpassing capacity are designed to solve abovementioned difficulties and to help computer system work much more smoothly and faster. Gamers and overclockers, who like to pursuit ultimate speed, are able to operate quad channel memory setting on the latest Intel X79 platform to boost the system equipped with Intel 2nd Generation Core i7 Extreme performance to the next high level.

KINGMAX memory modules products are rigidly screened and tested before leaving the factory. All memory products are made by lead-free process, compliant to EU RoHS and conformed to CE. As KINGMAX is devoted to the highest quality for years, its memory modules has been credited for 100% compatibility and stability as well as outstanding overclocking performance from consumers. All memory products provide life warranty to guarantee consumers the most satisfaction.

Product Introduction
Nano Gaming Ram Series : DDR3 1600MHz 8GB Overclocking Memory Modules

Replaces tradition heavy heatshink by Nano Thermal Technology
240-pin DDR3 1600MHz
Bandwidth: 1600MHz (12.8GB/sec)
CAS Latency：1600MHz：CL=9
Capacity： Single Channel：8GB / Dual Channel：16GB / Triple Channel：24GB / Quad Channel：32GB
Voltage：1.5V

DDR3 1333 MHz 8GB Desktop Memory Modules

240-pin DDR3 1333MHz
Bandwidth: 1300MHz(10.6GB/sec)
CAS Latency：1300MHz：9-9-9-27 CL=9
Capacity： Single Channel：8GB / Dual Channel：16GB / Triple Channel：24GB / Quad Channel：32GB
Voltage：1.5V

For more product information, visit this page.

VLC Media Player Version 2.0.0

2012-02-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

The VideoLAN team has this weekend released the 2.0.0 version (codename Twoflower) of their VLC open source media player. This build includes a heap of updates including reworked Mac and Web interfaces, a new rendering pipeline for video, multi-threaded decoding for H.264, MPEG-4/Xvid and WebM, new filters, support for 10 bits codecs and two new languages (Telugu and Kurmanji), subtitles improvements, (experimental) support for Blu-ray discs, and hundreds of bug fixes.

VLC 2.0.0 is available here for Windows and Mac OS X (or just OS X).

Screenshots

BioWare and Razer Unveil Mass Effect 3 Product Line

2012-02-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

Award-winning developer BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. along with Razer, the world leader in high performance gaming hardware, reveal today peripherals and gear created for the highly anticipated Action RPG Mass Effect 3.

Fans of the Mass Effect series can arm themselves for the all-out galactic war with the Razer Mass Effect 3 Edition peripheral line which includes a Razer Imperator gaming mouse, Razer Vespula dual-sided gaming mouse mat, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate gaming keyboard, Razer Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 controller, and Razer Chimaera Xbox 360 gaming headset. The cutting-edge peripherals will give fans of the series a competitive advantage in the epic battle to save the galaxy from the ancient alien race known only as the Reapers.

"BioWare is pulling out all of the stops for Mass Effect 3 to ensure it's the best and boldest game in the series," said Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "With our official line of peripherals and gear for Mass Effect 3, we're giving fans the best gaming weaponry and hardware to meet the challenge head on – and come out victorious."

"With Mass Effect 3 we're delivering a truly epic experience for both the existing fans and newcomers into the series," said David Silverman, Marketing Director for BioWare. "Mass Effect 3 is an all-out Galactic war and partnering with Razer gives us an opportunity to raise the stakes even higher and provide gamers with a product line that will certainly help them take Earth back on March 6."

Fans can also receive gear to protect and safeguard peripherals and gadgets from the intensity of the intergalactic warfare in Mass Effect 3. The Razer Mass Effect 3 Edition gear line includes a sleek, hard protection case customized for the iPhone 4/4S, and a sleek N7 messenger bag for ample storage. Both the Mass Effect 3 peripherals and gear line are emblazoned with Mass Effect iconic N7 design, bestowed only to the highest-ranking soldiers of the Systems Alliance military, worn by Commander Shepard on his armor. Mass Effect 3 peripherals are available now for pre-order from Razerzone.

For more information, head to www.razerzone.com/me3.

Mass Effect 3 arrives on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012 and is available for pre-order now at participating retailers. Fans who pre-order have the opportunity to arm themselves with cutting-edge in-game weapons and armor to prepare for the all-out galactic war. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit www.masseffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at www.twitter.com/masseffect or "like" the game on Facebook at www.facebook.com/masseffect.

About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Imperator Ergonomic Gaming Mouse

Mass Effect 3 drops players into an all-out galactic war where the Reapers have taken Earth, and only you as Commander Shepard can take back Earth and prevent the entire galaxy from complete annihilation. Use the Razer Imperator Mass Effect 3 Edition gaming mouse as your tech-blade, an extension of your arm and with its 6400 dpi 4G Dual Sensor System dispatch the ruthless enemies before they end humanity's existence.

Price: US $79.99 / EU euro 79.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012

Product features:

- 6400 dpi 4G Dual Sensor System
- Rubberized contoured thumb grip for added control
- Ergonomic right-handed design
- Adjustable side buttons
- Razer Synapse Onboard Memory
- Up to 200 inches per second /50g acceleration
- Seven independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
- On-the-Fly Sensitivity adjustment
- Zero-acoustic Ultraslick mouse feet
- Approx. size in mm: 123 (Length) x 71 (Width) x 42 (Height)

About the Mass Effect 3 Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The Razer BlackWidow Mass Effect 3 Edition gaming keyboard is a state-of-the-art weapon with its full-fledged heavy-duty mechanical key infrastructure. When it delivers crisp, tactile feedback and faster keystroke actuation, this revolutionary, fully backlit gaming keyboard helps Commander Shepard get the mission done with razor-sharp efficiency.

Price: US $139.99 / EU euro 139.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012

Product Features:

- Full mechanical keys with 50g actuation force
- Individually backlit keys with 5 levels of lighting
- 1000 Hz Ultrapolling / 1 ms response time
- Programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
- Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
- 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
- 5 additional macro keys
- Gaming optimized key matrix for minimized ghosting
- Multi-media controls
- Braided cable
- Audio-out / Mic-in jacks
- USB-passthrough
- Approx. size in mm: 475 (Length) x 171 (Width) x 30 (Height)
- Weight: 1.5 kg

About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Vespula Dual-Sided Gaming Mouse Mat

In Mass Effect 3, Commander Shepard and his team will face their greatest challenge yet - the Reapers. The Razer Vespula dual-sided gaming mouse mat is the perfect way to ensure that you're prepared for each battle. Get neck-breaking acceleration under your mouse with the SPEED side to hit the enemies before they can react, or deliver precise headshots with the measured movement of the CONTROL side. Exclusively designed in pitch-black finish with the iconic N7 logo and stripes displayed on Shepard's Armor, the Razer Vespula Mass Effect 3 Edition readies both you and your mouse for the war to take Earth back.

Price: US $34.99 / EU euro 34.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012

Product features:

- Non-slip, anti-reflective, abrasion-resistant hard coat
- SPEED surface for faster mouse movements
- CONTROL surface for precise mouse movements
- Comes with a gel-filled wrist rest
- Approximate Size : 320 mm / 12.61" (Length) x 260 mm / 10.24" (Width) x 20 mm / 0.79" (Height)
- Approximate Weight: 332 g / 0.73 lbs

About the Mass Effect 3 Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 Gaming Controller

The Onza TE Mass Effect 3 Edition provides enhanced combat effectiveness through adjustable resistance on both analog sticks and the addition of two fully -programmable multi-function buttons. Quickly fire biotics from the extra shoulder buttons to disable enemies, and use analog sticks calibrated to your preferred tension. An improved D-pad, Hyperesponse buttons, and a 15-foot lightweight braided cable, round-off this perfect weapon for Mass Effect 3 on the Xbox 360 and PC.

Price: US $59.99 / EU euro 59.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012

Product features:

- 2 Adjustable resistance analog sticks
- 2 Multi-Function Buttons (MFB)
- 4 backlit Hyperesponse action buttons
- Precision D-Pad
- Non-slip rubber surface
- Quick release USB connector
- 15 foot, lightweight, braided fiber cable
- Approx. size in mm: 109 (Length) x 154 (Width) x 60.5 (Height)

About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Chimaera Xbox 360 5.1 Wireless Gaming Headset

Whether tuning into the immersive sounds of the various exotic in-game locales featured in Mass Effect 3, or to get the one-up on enemies through audio cues and pinpoint positional audio – The Razer Chimaera 5.1 Mass Effect 3 Edition gaming headset takes you into the game full throttle by way of your ears. As you hear the Reapers closing in all around you, be ready to take the fight to them.

Price: US $209.99 / EU euro 209.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - March 2012
Worldwide - March 2012

Product features:

- Wireless Headset
- Circumaural Design with 50 mm Driver Units
- Volume & Mic Control Buttons on the Headset
- 3 Preset EQ
- Detachable 2.5 mm Microphone Cable
- Dimensions: 200 mm (Width) x 204 mm (Height) x 88 mm (Depth)
- Inner Ear Cup Diameter: 55 mm / 2.16"
- Approximate Weight (including batteries): 369 g / 0.81 lbs

Headphones

- Radio Frequency: 5.8 GHz
- Dolby Headphone / Dolby Pro Logic II / Dolby Digital
- Wireless Range: 33 ft / 10 m
- Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32O at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): 105 dB +/- 2 dB
- Drivers: 50 mm, with Neodymium Magnets
- Batteries: 2 AAA Batteries (Up to 8 Hours Battery Life)
- Charging Time: 3 Hours

Microphone

- Frequency Response: 130 - 10,000 Hz
- Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): -42 +/- 2 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >55 dB
- Pick-up Pattern: Uni-directional

Hardware Requirements

Xbox 360
- Available Optical Port

PC
- RCA to 3.5 mm Cable
- Available 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
- Available 3.5mm Microphone Jack

About the Mass Effect 3 iPhone 4 Protection Case by Razer

With a hard-shell design inspired by Commander Shepard's iconic N7 Onyx Armor, and complete with segmented protection plates, your iPhone 4 is getting the best protection to take on every intense firefight, battle, and hard knock Mass Effect 3 and your life can throw at it.

Price: US $24.99 / EU euro 24.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - March 2012
Worldwide - March 2012

[B]Product features:

- Heavy duty silicone protection for your iPhone 4 from the elements
- Rubberized finish for better grip
- Mass Effect 3 inspired design

About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Messenger Bag

Constructed with tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy-duty 1680D ballistic nylon, the Mass Effect 3 Razer Messenger bag gives your gaming laptop and gear total protection from intergalactic warfare.

Price: US $79.99 / EU euro 79.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - March 2012
Worldwide - March 2012

Product features:

- Armored with a tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy duty 1680D ballistic nylon outer shell
- Water-resistant TPU inner lining for added durability
- Single shoulder sling design for added mobility
- Built in compartments for up to 15" laptops, gaming peripherals and portable gaming devices.
- Durable inner lining protects electronic devices and provides ample shock absorbency while on the road

Roccat Kulo Headset Includes New Donut-Shaped Earpads

2012-02-19T04:16:00.000-08:00

Roccat Studios released a new package of its Kulo USB surround gaming headset that packs donut-shaped earpads. Made of soft velvet and cushioning, these replacement earpads make extended gaming sessions with the Kulo more comfortable. Being an on-ear headset instead of around ear, Kulo applies pressure on the pinna, which could be unfomfortable after a few straight hours of gaming. These earpads help spread the pressure more evenly, even if they don't necessarily turn the headset into around ear.

Sharkoon Teases with DarkGlider Gaming Mouse

2012-02-19T04:10:00.000-08:00

Sharkoon released the first picture of its upcoming high-end gaming mouse, named DarkGlider. The teaser pic reveals the mouse to be right-hand oriented, and using a laser-based tracking mechanism. The top-left corner of the mouse, next to the left-click button, reveals a small LCD display with a readout "6000", possibly indicating its resolution to be 6,000 dpi. Apart from its three main buttons, the mouse has a 2-axis scroll-wheel, sensitivity adjustments, macro selection, and two side buttons. Sharkoon will announce the DarkGlider at this year's CeBIT event, in March.

ASRock Introduces Fantastic Scout Mode in its Top Gaming Sound Card - Game Blaster!

2012-02-19T04:08:00.000-08:00

World's top 3 motherboard manufacturer, ASRock Inc., specially partners with Creative Technology Ltd, the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer, to introduce the most trusted sound card in mobo industry - Game Blaster!

Gamers need so much more from their rigs. ASRock Game Blaster was designed to exceed the expectations of even the most dedicated gamer. It is the first sound card coming with both Creative 7.1 CH HD Sound Core3D Audio and Broadcom Gigabit LAN in the world.

Creative Sound Core3D 7.1 CH HD Audio

Powered by Sound Core3D quad-core audio and voice processor, the revolutionary Game Blaster delivers the first-class sound experience to extreme gamers! This breakthrough audio chip even brings some exciting features, allowing gamers to enjoy pure gaming audio, such as THX TruStudio PRO™ sound technologies, CrystalVoice and EAX 1.0 to 5.0 solid sound technologies.

Scout Mode

Designed for performance gaming, ASRock Game Blaster also supports the state-of-the-art Scout Mode technology. It is a proprietary technology that allows you to hear your enemies from further away, giving you a distinct tactical advantage in combat. With Scout Mode, ASRock Game Blaster facilitates faster access in the heart of battle and allows gamers to get precise control to elevate their games. Can't wait to enjoy this exciting technology? Simply download the latest driver from ASRock website, and experience this amazing tool right now.

Broadcom Gigabit LAN

ASRock Game Blaster was unprecedentedly equipped with a Broadcom Gigabit LAN. Broadcom Gigabit LAN not only focuses on high performance, but also ensures extremely low power consumption to enhance eco-friendly environment. Coupled with Game Blaster and ASRock motherboard, serious gamers will get benefits of 2 LAN supports. Connected 2 LANs together, users can enjoy Dual PCIE Gigabit LAN feature with teaming function effortlessly.

ASRock Game Blaster is setting a whole new standard for gaming audio. It's been designed for incredible sound experience and precise accuracy. The ASRock Game Blaster has lots intelligent features including Creative Sound Core3D single audio chip with Scout Mode™ and Broadcom Gigabit LAN. It's aimed to unleash the maximum gaming performance.

For more product information, please visit: http://www.asrock.com/mb/spec/Card.asp?Model=Game%20Blaster

Samsung Introduces Stylish Branded Memory Cards

2012-02-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announced today that it is now shipping a new line of advanced SD and microSD cards that are ideal for digital imaging and mobile devices. The seven new models of SD and microSD cards are now available as part of either the High Speed Series or the Plus Extreme Speed Series, both of which deliver up to 24 MB/sec read speeds on cards with a capacity of 4 GB or higher.

Styled with a brushed metal design, Samsung's beautiful new line of SD and microSD cards are built with "Best-in-Class" performance. Able to meet the growing demand for high speed and high capacity memory in modern devices, the new cards are ideal for today's digital cameras, camcorders, smartphones and tablets. With (up to) 24 MB/sec OR (max) read speeds, users can transfer 1 GB of images in as little as 42 seconds. In order to ensure their reliability, Samsung has designed both lines of memory products to be waterproof, shockproof, and magnet proof, allowing them to withstand some of the harshest conditions. All models are guaranteed to survive up to 24 hours in water, withstand the force of a 1.6 ton vehicle (3,200 lbs), and resist up to 10,000 gauss (slightly less than the power of a medical imaging magnet).

"It is our goal at Samsung to deliver superior performance, reliability and a stylish design across all of our product lines, including our memory line," explained Reid Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "Utilizing our 19 years of experience in memory manufacturing, we've built both lines of SD and microSD cards for performance. With read speeds of up to 24 MB/sec and max write speeds of 13 MB/sec (High Speed Line) and 21 MB/sec (Plus Extreme Speed Line), as well as meeting our '3-proof' reliability standard, these cards represent the ultimate in digital imaging and mobile computing storage. As the #1 memory supplier in the world and manufacturer of so many high performance portable devices, we are committed to ensuring consumers realize the best possible experience with those devices."

High Speed Series - Specifications

SD Card

microSD Card

Plus Extreme Speed Series - Specifications

SD Card

microSD Card

2K Games Announces Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings Expansion Pack

2012-02-19T03:57:00.000-08:00

2K Games announced today that Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings, the expansion pack for the award-winning Civilization V, is being developed for Windows-based PC. Developed by Firaxis Games, Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings introduces new gameplay content, enhancing the Civilization V experience and providing even more ways for players to achieve world domination. The Gods & Kings expansion pack spans the breadth of human civilization, taking players from founding the first Pantheon of the Gods and spreading religion across the world, to deploying spies in enemy cities to steal information and technology.

“Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword set a precedent in new content and game features in a Civilization expansion pack. 2K Games is continuing that tradition with Gods & Kings,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “The Gods & Kings expansion is the quintessential Civilization V addition, making Civilization more addictive than ever before.”

Sid Meier’s Civilization V: God & Kings takes players through time as they engage in new quests and global competitions, interact with new types of city-states, and master exciting new systems for land and naval combat. Nine new civilizations; nine new wonders; three original scenarios; and dozens of new units, buildings, technologies and resources have also been added, offering even more ways for players to expand their empire on their quest to rule the world.

“Our team has a strong vision for bringing religion and espionage to Civilization V and the incomparable Civ community has expressed their enthusiasm for these features as well,” said Sid Meier, director of creative development for Firaxis Games. “We’re excited to deliver this robust expansion pack that will give players countless hours of new gameplay experiences and more reasons to take just one more turn.”

Key features include:

Expanded Epic Game: The core game experience has been greatly expanded with the addition of new technologies, 27 new units, 13 new buildings and nine new Wonders.
New Civilizations and Leaders: The expansion features nine new civilizations including Carthage, the Netherlands, the Celts and the Mayans, each with unique traits, units and buildings. Gods & Kings also adds nine new leaders including William I, Prince of Orange, Boudicca and Pacal the Great.
New Game Scenarios: Three new scenarios let gamers experience the medieval period, the fall of Rome, and embark on a new adventure in Empires of the Smoky Skies, a Victorian science-fiction scenario.
The Return of Religion: A first for Civilization V, players seek out Faith, choosing a Pantheon of the Gods and creating Great Prophets to found and spread their customized religion across the world.
World Domination: The fight for world domination is more dynamic than ever. Gods & Kings features a reworked combat system and AI that places more emphasis on a balanced army composition. Additionally, the navy is now split into two different ship types, melee and ranged, making coastal cities vulnerable to a surprise naval attack.
Enhanced Diplomacy and Espionage: Establish embassies at foreign courts for closer ties or clandestine operations. As the religions of the world start settling in and the world moves into the Renaissance, spies can be unlocked to establish surveillance of foreign cities, steal advanced technologies from your strongest competitors, or garner influence with City-States through election rigging, or even a coup.
City-States: Two new city-state types have been added, Mercantile and Religious, adding new gameplay to a greatly expanded quest system to further the narrative of the game and making diplomatic victories more challenging.

Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Windows PC in late spring 2012. For more information on Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings, please visit www.civilization.com.

Buffalo Announces New, Rugged Portable Hard Drives

2012-02-19T03:54:00.000-08:00

Buffalo has this week revealed the latest additions to its MiniStation line of portable drives, the HD-PZU3 Series models which feature USB 3.0 connectivity, 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and a rubber case and internal shock-absorption system offering high impact resistance (the HDDs meet the US military drop-test standards MIL-STD-810F 516.5).

Buffalo's rough and tough drives measure 89 x 18 x 128 mm, they weight 230 grams, have a built-in USB cable, and are backed by a one-year warranty. The HD-PZU3 Series will debut in mid-March with 500 GB (~ $198) and 1 TB (~ $252) HDDs colored in 'Deep Red', 'Indigo Black' and 'Dark Silver'.

NZXT Announces the Availability of Switch 810 Hybrid Full Tower Chassis

2012-02-19T03:48:00.000-08:00

NZXT, a company built on realizing the dreams of gamers worldwide, is proud to announce the immediate availability of the Switch 810 hybrid chassis. Meticulously crafted for the hardcore PC enthusiast, Switch 810 introduces unparalleled versatility, cooling capabilities, and an industry-first adjustable hybrid fins.

"Since its debut in January, Switch 810 has received a windfall of overwhelmingly positive feedback and awards from the enthusiast community" said Johnny Hou, Founder of NZXT. "We are confident that Switch 810 will become a mainstay in the DIY realm as the most feature-rich, innovative, and value-packed option on the market."

Switch 810 Features:

- Supports high-end water cooling solutions up to three fans for push and pull configuration: 90 mm of internal top space with top 360/420 mm and bottom 140/240 mm radiator support for unmatched liquid cooling
- Spacious CPU cutout for mounting high-end CPU coolers without removing the motherboard
- Clever hybrid fin design allows the user to choose between maximum airflow or sound reduction
- Removable HDD pull-out cages and large storage capacity for 7 hard drives
- Equipped with two 140 mm pivot fan slots for directing airflow at 15⁰ to the VGA and CPU
- Dual high-speed USB 3.0, hard drive dock along with a SD card reader for transfer and quick access to multimedia
- 5.25" hard drive hot swap with SATA III support
- Nine expansion slots for installing EATX motherboards with Quad SLI or Triple Crossfire
- Supreme cooling capacity with up to ten 140/120mm fans
- Stress-free wire management and 23 mm clearance in the rear allows for superb wire-tucks
- Ten large specialized cutout holes for easy cable management
- Easily removable bottom filters in the front and rear to prevent dust from entering
- Tool-less 5.25" and 3.5"/2.5" SSD hard drive installation for convenience and ease of accessibility
- Large acrylic window with a view to show off the interior of your rig

The Switch 810 is available now in black and white for $169.99 at Newegg and Amazon.

Links to buy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146088 (White)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146089 (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/SWITCH-810-White-Tower-Chassis/dp/B00752QYOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329651711&sr=8-1 (White)
http://www.amazon.com/SWITCH-810-BLACK-Tower-Chassis/dp/B00752QYLU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1329651711&sr=8-2 (Black)

Thermalright Coming Up with the Silver Arrow SB-E CPU Cooler

2012-02-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

To finish off the week in style Thermalright announced the Silver Arrow SB-E, a new, high-end CPU cooler based on the Silver Arrow model introduced back in 2010.

The Silver Arrow SB-E features a dual tower/dual fan design and has eight (nickel-plated) 6 mm copper heatpipes (the old Arrow comes with four 8 mm pipes), a tweaked heatsink, two TY PWM fans - one 140 mm and one 150 mm (the SA packs two 140 mm spinners), and a mounting kit offering support for Intel LGA 2011 / 1366 / 1156 / 1155 / 775 and AMD AM2(+) / AM3(+) / FM1 processors.

The Silver Arrow SB-E also makes use of some more 'discrete' fan clips that won't interfere with taller memory modules. The cooler is expected to become available at the end of this month. No price tag was announced but we found it on pre-order at about $103 / 78 Euro.

PowerColor Announces Radeon HD 7970 with Dual Fan Cooling Solution

2012-02-12T01:05:00.000-08:00

TUL Corporation, a leading manufacturer of AMD graphic cards, today added a new HD7970 graphics solution with dual cooling fan design: the PowerColor HD7970. Equipped with PowerColor exclusive cooling solution, the latest HD7970 lowers down 10% temperature through 92 mm ultra big fan and unique SSU-shape heat pipe design; while dissipates the excessive heat efficiently, it delivers low noisy level up to 15% quieter than reference version, providing no-compromise cooling effect with silent gaming environment.

The PowerColor HD7970 has core clock at 925 MHz and memory clock at 1375 MHz; with compatible with PCI Express 3.0, enabling unprecedented gaming performance by doubling the bandwidth per lane of previous generation. With 3GB GDDR5 onboard memory, the latest HD7970 allows the highest bandwidth for demanding DirectX 11.1 gaming title, delivering the astonishing image quality up to six displays by utilizing AMD Eyefinity technology.

The latest HD7970 takes advantage of AMD PowerTune technology, enabling higher clockspeeds while needed through unused TDP headroom, delivering the best power efficiency. Also, with the support of AMD APP Acceleration, it creates a “co-processing” environment of GPU and CPU, simply speeds up the everyday applications.

VTX3D Introduces the HD7970/7950 X Edition Graphics Cards

2012-02-12T00:56:00.000-08:00

A leading brand of graphics card maker - VTX3D, today introduces the most well-known X series of VTX3D, HD7970/HD7950 X Edition. The X series is designed to deliver extraordinary performance with factory overclocked setting and unique cooling design.

VTX3D HD7970/HD7950 X Edition incorporates the latest PCI-E Gen 3 to get the maximum performance from your GPU. Both fitted with 3 GB of GDDR5 memory connected via a new high speed 384 bit memory interface. VTX3D HD7970/HD7950 X Edition is clocked at 1050 MHz and 880 MHz respectively, also together with 1425 MHz and 1250 MHz for each memory, fulfilling those who thirst for extreme performance. The HD7970/HD7950 X Edition also features ultra cooling design. With two 92 mm ultra big fan and SSU-shape heat pipe design, this efficient cooling solution maximizes the speed of heat dissipation, but minimizes the noisy level, creating most pleasing environment for gaming.

VTX3D HD7970/HD7950 X Edition offer gamers with advanced DirectX 11, including faster Tessellation and DirectCompute, bringing intense gaming performance and unrivalled image quality with ultra-realistic imagery. With AMD PowerPlay technology support, ensuring maximum GPU efficiency by dynamically scaling clocks speeds and power consumption in response to GPU loads. Enhancements for AMD Eyefinity technology include multi-display stereoscopic 3D support and 16k x 16k group resolution, gamers can get the most intense gaming performance than before.

Cooler Master Releases the GeminII SF524 CPU Cooler

2012-02-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

Cooler Master has just announced the European arrival of the GeminII SF524 CPU cooler. This model features the same specs as the GeminII S524 released in August except it comes equipped with a different fan, one that operates at 1300 RPM or 900 RPM when using the silent mode adapter (the S524 has a PWM fan going at 800 to 1800 RPM).

The GeminII SF524 measures 144 x 144 x 105 mm, it weights 592 grams, has five 6 mm copper heatpipes, and offers support for Intel LGA 1366 / 1156 / 1155 / 775 and AMD FM1 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 processors. The cooler can be found selling for 37 Euro.

Prolimatech Toys with Two New LGA2011 CPU Cooler Designs

2012-02-12T00:43:00.000-08:00

Among the sea of tower-type CPU coolers which are the same old tripe packaged and colored differently, few companies are actually investing in innovation, one of them is Prolimatech. The company is working on two new yet-unnamed CPU coolers specifically designed for socket LGA2011 motherboards, one has already taken shape, the other is still in its CGI form.

The first one (first two images below), appears to be an leaner, fitter evolution of the Prolimatech Genesis. While the Genesis uses a dual-independent fin-stack design in which one stack propagates perpendicular to the plane of the motherboard while the other propagates parallel to the plane, on this new design, both stacks propagate parallel to the plane, in opposite directions, and both being dissimilar in size.

Fans are to be strapped onto both stacks, which perform top-flow ventilation. The larger fin stack of the two ideally hovers over the memory area of the motherboard that's east of the socket, while the smaller one over the memory area west of it. It becomes a tight squeeze for things west of the socket, and this is probably why this stack is smaller. Heat is conveyed to the two by six heat-pipes, which pass through the base.

The second cooler (last two images above), has a slightly more exotic shape, in which the heat pipe take three sharp U-turns, in the long-arms of each of these U-turns is an aluminum fin stack, and the CPU base is in the center. Unlike the other cooler design, this cooler has a side-flow ventilation. The aluminum fin stacks don't propagate all the way down, to make room for the memory areas below. As for the ventilation, a single 120 mm fan can be attached in the central portion, more fans can be attached to the aluminum fin stacks at convenient locations. There is no word on when (or if) this design will materialize.

Enermax Extends MaxRevo and NAXN Series

2012-02-12T00:28:00.000-08:00

Enermax offers a wide range of power supplies for various applications and target groups, starting with the entry-level series NAXN right through to the flagship series MaxRevo and Platimax. Following the demands of partners and end users, the premium manufacturer now adds two new models to its offer:

While the MaxRevo 1200W (EMR1200EWT) is designed to meet highest performance and efficiency standards of hardware enthusiasts, the 80 PLUS Bronze certified NAXN 650W (ENM650AWT-B) will strengthen Enermax' position in the competitive segment of budget power supplies for gamers.

Sharkoon Releases a Trio of 3.5-inch USB 3.0 Front Panels

2011-12-23T04:21:00.000-08:00

Sharkoon Technologies has now introduced not one but three 3.5-inch front panels which offer easier access to a few precious USB 3.0 (aka SuperSpeed USB) ports. Two of the panels, the A and B models, include two USB 3.0 connectors, while the C version provides four ports.

The USB 3.0 Frontpanel A connects to two external SuperSpeed USB ports and costs 12.54 Euro, while the Frontpanel B and C, which can be hooked up to internal USB 3.0 headers, are selling for 11.51 Euro and 15.79 Euro, respectively.

ECS Announces Wi-Bridge Wireless Display Adapter

2011-12-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the world’s leading motherboard, graphics card, barebone system, notebook and mobile device manufacturer has launched its first wireless display solution for HDMI display devices—ECS Wi-Bridge designed to delight your entertainment experience with wide and big screens.

ECS Wi-Bridge not only is small in size, but also smart in function. ECS Wi-Bridge is a lightweight, wireless display adapter which is portable and compact to save more space in your living room or on your office desk. ECS Wi-Bridge successfully breaks wired limitations and bridges your PC or NB to a big screen display supporting 1080P HD high quality resolution output via HDMI. ECS Wi-Bridge supports varying display modes meeting users different browsing performance needs. In addition to easy life, ECS Wi-Bridge is ideal for office use. Save time unplugging and easily switch between various presenters. You will find conferences smoother and more enjoyable.

Compliant With Different Systems
ECS Wi-Bridge supports every kind of common video/audio/photo formats. Transmitting via Wi-Fi connection, ECS Wi-Bridge can cover a range of up to 30 meters; and the utility can be compliant with iOS and Android systems. Moreover, easily control the content on your devices wirelessly with a remote control bundled in the package. ECS Wi-Bridge provides the best wireless solution to break the boundary between your PC and the couch

Introducing World's Smallest USB Stick

2011-12-23T04:18:00.001-08:00

Today Dutch company Deonet known for their strange USB storage designs has yet again introduced something different. Deonet claims to have made the worlds smallest production USB stick. Coming in at a meager 31.5 x 14.8 x 7.3 mm, Deonets touts seem to be true.

The stick is set to hit the market in 4, 8 or 16 GB flavors at the PSI Düsseldorf this coming January. According to Gizmag, "It's based around something called the Micro UDP chip (where UDP stands for the USB Disk In Package assembly process, which sees the controller, flash IC, substrate and passive components molded into a very small, single package), which is less than half the physical size of other USB memory solutions."

Since this USB stick is so small its said to fit flush and is almost invisible on a dark surface. No pricing has been set by Deonet yet.

day, December 22 2011 Intel Xeon E5-2690 Sandy Bridge-EP Performance Leaked

2011-12-23T04:17:00.000-08:00

We sourced a presentation, allegedly by Intel, detailing its Sandy Bridge-EP platform, and giving out early performance figures. After successful and trouble-free launches of its Sandy Bridge architecture across all PC form-factors, including the recently-launched Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E" HEDT (high-end desktop), Intel is taking the architecture to its ultimate market, enterprise, where processors derived from it will make up new lines of Intel Xeon processor families. Intel has two branches of enterprise variations the architecture, Sandy Bridge-EN, designed for high-density, low-power servers, and Sandy Bridge-EP, designed for high-performance servers and workstations. Sandy Bridge-EP is multi-socket capable.

Sandy Bridge-EP uses essentially the same piece of silicon as Sandy Bridge-E, but enabled with several of its features otherwise off limits to the Core processor family. These include twoQuickPath Interconnect (QPI) links, which facilitate high-bandwidth inter-socket communication in multi-socket systems, up to eight cores, sixteen threads enabled by HyperThreading, and up to 20 MB of L3 cache memory. Like its Core family cousins, Xeon Sandy Bridge-EP packs a quad-channel DDR3 integrated memory controller, and PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600 MHz) is its optimal memory standard, but unlike it, supporting up to 768 GB of memory (by two sockets, eight DDR3 channels in all, LRDIMMs). Other key features are listed in the first slide below.

Performance figures follow.

In its presentation, Intel claims up to 80 percent performance increments over the previous-generation Westmere-EP platform. A single Xeon X5690 six-core processor was set as a base line, and compared to a single Xeon E5-2690 eight-core processor. The chips were put through several enterprise performance and throughput tests, including OLTP Database (TPC-C Oracle), Middle-Tier Java (SPECjbb 2005), Integer Throughput (SPECint_base2006), Floating Point Throughput (SPECfp_rate_base2006), Memory Bandwidth (STREAM_MP Triad), and Matrix Multiplication (Linpack). Its results are graphed below.

Intel Cuts Prices of Sandy Bridge Mobile CPUs to OEMs

2011-12-23T04:05:00.001-08:00

Intel notified its partners among OEMs and ODMs, price cuts of processors based on the "Sandy Bridge" architecture, by 10 to 15 percent, according to sources in the notebook industry. The company hopes that reduced prices will stimulate market demand, and help quicker digestion of inventories as it gears up to launch its new generation of Core processors based on the 22 nanometer "Ivy Bridge" silicon, in April 2012.

Major notebook vendors such as Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS, have already brought prices of their models based on the popular Core i5-2430 below US $659 (NTD 20,000), and those based on cheaper Core i3 models under NTD 13,000 (US $430). Intel's upcoming Core i5-3450 and Core i7-3370, which will be found in Intel's mid-thru-performance lineup of new-generation Core processors, are expected to be just about $10-$15 costlier than the chips they're about to displace. The two are expected to be priced in the range of US $184-332. It is expected that notebook vendors will convey these fresh price cuts to the end-user, resulting in slightly more affordable notebooks.

Buffalo Unveils New, 1 TB External Hard Drive

2011-12-23T04:04:00.000-08:00

Buffalo Japan has this week announced a new addition to its MiniStation family, an all-white external drive codenamed HD-PCT1TU2-BWJ which offers 1 TB worth of storage space, and features a USB 2.0 interface, a glossy finish, and a power saving mode that can cut consumption by up to 20%.

Buffalo's drive measures 77 x 17 x 114 mm, it weights 210 grams, it comes with a one-year warranty, and is set to become available early next month (Japan gets it first, other markets will probably have to wait a bit longer). Its recommended price tag is 16,800 yen which is about US $215.