PCWizKid's PC Hardware and Software Reviews,

Rosewill RPLC-500KIT Powerline AV Wall-Plug Gigabit Adapter Kit Review

2013-05-22T12:50:00.001-04:00

Click here http://tinyurl.com/RPLC500KIT for the latest pricing on the Rosewill RPLC-500KIT Powerline AV Wall-Plug Gigabit Adapter kit.
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How to Transform your Windows PC into Mac OS X

2013-05-12T14:35:00.001-04:00

The "Lion Transformation Pack" is a customization pack for Windows created by "windowsx" which I found on Deviant Art. It transforms your Windows XP, Vista or 7 into Mac OS X Lion interface and makes your Windows look-like Mac OS X Lion. Not sure why you would want to do this unless its for fun, or as a prank, but for PCWizKid, the Windows 7 interface is just fine, otherwise if I wanted a Mac, I would get one

However, like I said, there is the fun factor here of just being able to say that you can "Do it" and fool people that you have OS X installed on your AMD PC for example.

This new skin pack installs Mac OS X Lion theme, icons, login screen, sound schemes, mouse cursors, wallpapers, dock utility and a few 3rd party utilities to provide Mac OS X functionality in Windows.

NOTE: Be warned, that PCWizKid is not responsible for you doing this and any harm that may come out of it to your PC. You should always create a system restore point prior to doing these changes since it modifies system files significantly and undoing everything all back can really only be undone if you do a proper "System Restore" which has a snapshot of your system prior to you doing the OS X Lion transformation. You can then later do a system restore to bring back your system to what it was before. Also as good practice, always scan any program for viruses before you install it.

For the full article and download information for the transformation pack click here

New Windows Shortcuts for Windows 8 and Windows RT - PCWizKid Tip

2013-05-02T00:05:00.001-04:00

With Windows 8 and Windows RT, you can use the keyboard shortcuts you're already using, and you'll find new ones too. For example, the easiest way to search on the Start screen is to simply start typing. Not on the Start screen? Press the Windows logo key‌ and you can quickly switch between Start and the app you're in.

Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows.

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How to: Installing Ubuntu Linux Distro in a Virtual Machine on Windows

2013-04-26T09:10:00.001-04:00

In this How to video, PCWizKid shows you Virtualbox is what I used to create both a Windows XP and Ubuntu Virtual Machine.

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Ubuntu 13.04 Final Release First Look Video of Raring Ringtail

2013-04-25T13:06:00.001-04:00

PCWizKid takes a first look at what's new in Ubuntu 13.04 (Raring Ringtail).

Unity changes in Ubuntu 13.04

Unity has been improved a lot in Ubuntu 13.04 and it's now a LOT faster than in Ubuntu 12.10. A lot of the work on Unity has happened under the hood but there are some user interesting interface changes and new features, such as:

new window switching feature that allows you to switch between open windows of the same application by using the Unity Launcher quicklists;
switch between an application's open windows by scrolling on the application icon in the Unity Launcher;
new Unity-style shutdown dialogs;
the Launcher minimum icon size limit has been decreased to 8px from 32px;
Dash is a lot faster (both to open and search), comes with improved preview animations, overlay scrollbars and the search has been improved with the addition of a new library which provides error tolerant matching so for instance, typing "gdit" will find Gedit, which wouldn't happen in Ubuntu 12.10;
Unity Online Accounts has received per application toggles so you can choose which application / feature is allowed to use your online accounts;
the Unity systray whitelist has been removed, so you can no longer whitelist applications to use the notification area, however, Java and Wine apps will continue to work since they have been whitelisted by default (hard-coded);
Sync Menu indicator is now available by default - this is an appindicator that allows you to control Ubuntu One;
a new, proper Bluetooth indicator has replaced the old Bluetooth indicator which was basically a patch over the Bluetooth notification area icon available in GNOME Fallback;
the old Gwibber lens has been replaced with a new "Friends" lens which basically does the same thing: allows you to view, preview (it supports Unity Dash Previews - from which you can perform various actions like: retweet, like a post on Facebook, etc.) and search your social networks streams (Twitter, Facebook, etc.);
the Workspace Switcher and removable media Launcher icons can now be moved anywhere on the Unity Launcher or they can be completely removed. The workspace switcher is actually not available by default (to turn the Workspace Swicher on: System Settings > Appearence > Behavior);
new icons for Nautilus, Ubuntu Software Center, Software Updater, Workspace Switcher (which now displays the active workspace) and BFB (the button used to open Dash);
new window snap animation that shows a window preview
MTP support by default so you shouldn't have any issues accessing Android 4.0 devices that don't support USB Mass Storage via Ubuntu 13.04 Raring Ringtail (thanks to Gvfs which now comes with a MTP backend);
Intel SNA (2D acceleration for the Intel Linux graphics driver that improves the X.Org performance) has been turned on by default in Ubuntu 13.04. This should provide improved X.Org driver performance and thus, a faster, more responsive desktop;
Gwibber, the social / microblogging client that used to be available by default in Ubuntu has been removed by default and from the repositories (but, like I was saying above, the Gwibber Lens functionality is still available by default thanks to the new Friends lens). The application has been rewritten in QML and it can be installedvia Ubuntu Software Center (and it's now called "Friends").

Ubuntu 13.04 continues to use GNOME 3.6 for the most part like Ubuntu 12.10, however, some GNOME applications that weren't upgraded to version 3.6 in Ubuntu 12.10 are now available by default: Nautilus 3.6 and Totem 3.6.

Start Button is Back in Windows 8.x?

2013-04-24T13:13:00.001-04:00

What do you want to see with the Start Button? Do you even want it back? Rumors state that the next update or release of Windows 8.x might have the Start Button.

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Windows How To: Get Better PC & Windows Performance by Unparking your CPU

2013-04-24T13:10:00.001-04:00

In this Windows how to video, i'll show you how to get more performance out of your Windows PC by unparking your CPU, this windows tweak / windows tip will help your Windows PC run better and help your windows PC run faster.

Comment below, did you find your CPU was Parked! Download link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXOsuapKmWE to the Unpark utility . Remember you have to be in Administrator user and you need to reboot for the changes to take effect.

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Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB SSD Notebook Upgrade Kit Review

2013-02-22T09:47:00.001-05:00

The new SSDNow V300 is 10x faster than a 7200RPM hard-disk drive†. It is powered by an LSI SandForce Flash Storage Processor (FSP) solution customized for Kingston, and optimized for industry-leading 19nm NAND Flash memory to deliver sequential read and write speeds of up to 450MB/s. Using best-in-class components, SSDNow V300 combines quality, performance and affordability from two leading SSD brands that are affordable for first-time SSD users or anyone looking to upgrade an existing system.

Click here http://tinyurl.com/sv300kit for the latest pricing on the Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB SSD Notebook Upgrade Kit. Use Promo Code: NEWCUSTOMER for an additional $10 off on Newegg.com

Kingston 10th Anniversary HyperX XMP 16GB DDR3 Memory Kit Review

2013-02-22T09:42:00.001-05:00

Stylish. Silver. Solid. Kingston’s HyperX® 10th Anniversary Edition memory celebrates ten years of killer performance with a sleek silver heatspreader. Its low profile fits under large CPU coolers; it may be small but its blazing speed leaves the competition behind. This Intel XMP Ready memory boasts higher performing frequencies, timings and voltage that are attainable by simply enabling Intel’s Extreme Memory Profile. It’s covered by a lifetime warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston® reliability.

Capacities of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB in kits of 2 and 4
Frequency speed 1600MHz–2400MHz
Compatible tested with all popular brands of motherboards
1.35V-1.65V operating voltage enables stable overclocking
Compatible with Intel XMP auto-overclocking function
Designed to work with P55, H67, P67, Z68, H61 (AG), X79 and Z77 Intel chipsets; as well as A75, A87, A88, A89, A78, and E35 (Fusion) AMD chipsets
100% factory tested
DDR3 only

Click here http://tinyurl.com/hyperx16gb for the latest pricing on this limited edition Kingston 10th Anniversary HyperX XMP 16GB DDR3 Memory Kit

Patriot Viper 3 8GB DDR3 2133 PC3 17000 Memory Review

2013-02-05T11:19:00.001-05:00

Patriot Memory's Viper 3 Series are designed with true performance in mind. Tested and compatible with Intel's® and AMD's DDR3 compatible processors and chipsets, The Viper 3 series provides the best performance and stability for the most demanding computer environments.

The Viper 3 series utilizes a custom designed high performance heat shield for superior heat dissipation to ensure rock solid performance even when using the most taxing applications. Built from the highest quality Build of Materials, Patriot Memory's Viper 3 Series are hand tested and validated for system compatibility.

Available in single, dual and quad channel kits, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB kits and 4GB and 8GB single DIMMs, Patriot Memory's Viper 3 Series will be offered at speeds from 1600MHz up to 2133 MHz at 1.5 volts and are XMP 1.3 ready. Hand tested for quality assurance, the Viper 3 series is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Multiple speeds available (1600MHz, 1866MHz, 2133MHz)
Compatible with Intel 6 & 7 series/AMD 9 ; FM series
XMP 1.3 ready
Available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB kits and 4GB and 8GB single DIMMs
Lifetime warranty

Max your system with 16GB of Viper 3 memory and your set! Click here http://tinyurl.com/16gbviper3 for the latest pricing.

Overclocked to 5Ghz Intel Core i7 CPU - Part 1 - BIOS Settings

2013-02-03T10:41:00.001-05:00

Overclocked using a AIR Cooler, getting 5Ghz stable without damaging the CPU is a challenge, but PCWizKid did it! In the Part 2 video I show benchmarks of this beast!

Part 1 - How we did it!

Part 2 - Benchmarks

OCZ Agility 4 256GB SSD Drive Video Review

2013-01-29T12:37:00.001-05:00

Priced anywhere from $189 to $209 USD the OCZ Agility 4 SSD Drive is a mainstream value drive that performs very well compared to higher priced Solid State Drives.

Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler Review

2013-01-22T10:27:00.001-05:00

Right now here http://tinyurl.com/auurmq2 the Cooler Master Seidon 120mm is for sale, the 240mm will come soon and will cost around 99USD. Click here to watch part 2 of this review.

AMD FX-8350 Overclocking 4.8Ghz Video Review

2013-01-18T10:33:00.001-05:00

Latest flagship CPU from AMD is the 8 core AMD FX-8350. Watch how PCWizKid overclocks and benchmarks against other CPU's

AMD FX-8350 vs Intel Core i5 3570K Benchmarks

Click here http://tinyurl.com/at6l7gq for the latest pricing on the AMD FX-8350 CPU or click here for the Combo deal on the FX-8150 http://tinyurl.com/8150combo

2013 Web Browser Wars - IE 10 beats Firefox in our Benchamarks!

2013-01-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

For the first time Internet Explorer has beat Firefox in our overall performance benchmarks in 2013. Watch the video review to see the scores and results.

Lian Li PC-7HX Aluminum Mid Tower ATX Case Review

2013-01-13T10:21:00.001-05:00

Lian-li provides, aesthetics, performance, and functionality in their lineup of All Aluminum cases. PCWizKid reviews the capabilities that can be done to a computer chassis, in this Lian Li PC-7HX.

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Click here for the latest pricing on this case.

NZXT HALE90 750 Watt 80Plus Gold Power Supply Review

2013-01-08T10:11:00.001-05:00

NZXT introduces the 80+ gold certified HALE90 series built from the ground up specifically customized for gamers and enthusiasts and offers incredibly efficient operation that will meet the needs of even the most power hungry enthusiasts.

80+ Gold certified: The HALE 90 series from NZXT operates at ultra high efficiency, at 20%, 50% and 100% loads, efficiencies are 87%, 90%, and 87% respectively.
• Single140mm two ball-bearing fan operates with minimal noise even at full load. Maximum decibel levels are 20db for wattages between 550-750W and 30db for 850W and above.
• Strong Single Rail Design: A single +12V rail provides stability and ease of use making the most out of your power supply. Offers stable & clean current delivery under heavy load.
• Modular cable design: Modular cable design allows the user to pick and choose which cables they want to use, optimizing cable management and airflow inside the chassis. Flat cables allow for easier routing and bending inside the computer chassis during wire management.
• Hybrid LLC resonant Topology circuitry allows the HALE series to create highly efficient power supplies ranging from 550W-> 1000W.
• Full range Design from 100V – 250V with Active PFC.
• 100% Japanese Capacitors: High quality components for longer life time and better reliability.
• Latest CPU support for all the latest INTEL and AMD CPUs like Corei7, i5, AMD Phenom II X4, X3.
• Latest GPU support, ideal for latest DX11 GPUs and comes with 8pin and 8(6+2) pin PCI-E connectors.
• Large tower support: The Hale Series of power supplies have extended 8pin CPU connectors for wire management in large cases which have PSUs mounted at the bottom.
• Compliance with ATX 12V v2.2, EPS 12V v2.91, and SSI EPS 12V v2.92 Specifications.
• Environmentally Responsible: Consuming less than 1W during shut off status Complies with the newest EuP ( Energy-using Products) requirements and USA Energy star standards.
• Continuous Power: The HALE 90 series listed wattage is the continuous operating wattage.
• Keeping it safe: The HALE series offers over voltage, current, power, under voltage, and short circuit protection. The power supply will automatically shutdown to prevent any damage to your system or misuse.

Click here http://tinyurl.com/hale90 for the latest pricing on the HALE90 PC Gamer and Enthusiast Power Supply.

2012 PCWizKid Holiday Gaming Hardware Giveaway

2012-12-17T16:10:00.001-05:00

PCWizKid's 2012 Holiday Giveaway is underway! Good luck to all! Remember, send your answers to the 3 questions to the email address I mentioned in the video. Contest is open to the world!

Prizes are : Antec DF-35 Mid tower Case click here http://tinyurl.com/antecdf-35 . CM Storm Sonuz Headset details http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsnXru39z7Q and more.

Far Cry 3 Video Review by PCWizKid s Tech Talk

2012-11-30T18:38:00.001-05:00

Far Cry 3 is set on a tropical island found somewhere at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The main goal of the game is to save your kidnapped friends and escape from the islands and their unhinged inhabitants.

Ubisoft has a Far Cry 3 giveaway with lots of prizes inclusing a gaming laptop!
Click here https://www.facebook.com/farcry/app_522094397800981 to enter the contest

Windows Server 2012 - Free Trial Download

2012-11-13T21:56:00.001-05:00

Windows Server 2012 is now available and a FREE TRIAL available. It offers businesses and service providers a scalable, dynamic, and multitenant-aware cloud-optimized infrastructure. Windows Server 2012 helps organizations connect securely across premises and helps IT Professionals to respond to business needs faster and more efficiently. Click here to download it today.

Windows Server 1012 offers the following capabilities:

Beyond Virtualization

Offers a dynamic, multitenant infrastructure to help you scale and secure workloads and build a private cloud...
The Power of Many Servers, the Simplicity of One

Delivers a highly available and easy to manage cloud-optimized platform...
Every App, Any Cloud

Offers a cloud-optimized server platform that gives you the flexibility to...
Modern Workstyle, Enabled

Provides users with flexible access to data and applications while simplifying management and maintaining security, control, and compliance...
Server Virtualization

Windows Server 2012 with Hyper-V provides a complete virtualization platform, providing increased scalability and performance with an elastic and flexible solution from the datacenter to the cloud. It’s now easier than ever for organizations to realize cost savings from virtualization and to optimize server hardware investments.
Learn More »
VDI

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows Server 2012 makes it possible for users to access IT from virtually anywhere on popular devices, providing them a rich Windows experience while ensuring enhanced data security and compliance.
Learn More »
Networking

Windows Server 2012 provides an array of new and enhanced features that help reduce networking complexity, making it easier to connect users to IT resources, efficiently manage your datacenter and private clouds, and easily link your infrastructure with public cloud services.
Learn More »
Identity and Access

Windows Server 2012 makes it easier for administrators to protect corporate resources, build strong data access management and protection, and simplify the deployment of identity management infrastructure.
Learn More »
Storage

Windows Server 2012 provides greater efficiency, performance, and innovation through diverse storage choices. New features and enhancements for disk, network, and storage area network storage solutions provide greater choice and flexibility while ensuring high availability and uptime.
Learn More »
Server Management and Automation

Windows Server 2012 offers excellent total cost of ownership as an integrated platform with comprehensive, multi-server manageability that provides increased management efficiency, simplified deployment of servers and server roles, and resilient automation.
Learn More »
Web and Application Platform

Windows Server 2012 provides enormous flexibility through hybrid, symmetrical, and web-based applications on-premises and in the cloud, increased scalability and elasticity for applications, and enhanced support for open frameworks and open source.
Learn More »

Visit http://PCWizKidsTechTalk.com for more

Antec Kühler H2O 920 CPU Liquid Cooler Review

2012-11-04T20:39:00.001-05:00

General

Brand: Antec

Model: KUHLER H2O 920

Type: Liquid Cooling System

Block

Block Compatibility: Intel LGA 775 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 AMD AM2 / AM3 / AM2+ / AM3+

Pump

Pump Dim.: Cold Plate + Pump Height: 1.1" / 29 mm

Radiator

Radiator Dim.: 151 mm (H) x 120 mm (W) x 49 mm (D)

Fan

Fan Dim.: 120 mm x 25 mm

Fan RPM: 700 - 2400 RPM (PWM controlled)

Fan Air Flow: 110.0 CFM

Fan Noise: 27.4 dBA

Tube

Tube Dim.: Tubing Length: 13.0" / 330 mm

Features

Features: Included software provides essential tools to control and monitor the KÜHLER H2O 920 Non-corrugated easy-bend tubes for maximum flexibility in radiator positioning Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) radiator fans generate the quietest high performance cooling Customizable RGB LED creates brilliant illumination Cooling Liquid - Safe, environmentally-friendly, anti-corrosive Net weight: 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg

Video Review

Click here http://tinyurl.com/anteckuhler for the latest pricing on the Antec Kühler H2O 920 CPU Liquid Cooler.

Windows 8 RTM vs Windows 7 Ultimate Performance Benchmarks Review

2012-10-17T20:54:00.001-04:00

With the release of Windows 8 Oct 26, 2012, here is a video review of the Windows 8 64bit vs Windows 7 64bit with performance benchmarks.

Radeon HD7770 End of 2012 Summer Giveaway by PCWizKid

2012-09-27T12:24:00.000-04:00

Contest is open to the world! Instructions are in the video, watch to get details. One lucky subscriber of PCWizKid will will a Radeon HD7770 Graphics Card!

OCZ Vertex 3 vs 4 Solid State Drive Reviews

2012-06-24T13:19:00.001-04:00

Watch the video review of the OCZ Vertex 3 240GB Solid State Drive.

Now compare with the new generation OCZ Vertex 4 SSD, wathc the video review

Click here for the sale price of the Vertex 4 SSD http://tinyurl.com/vertex4-128

Lian-Li PC-Q03 Mini Q Aluminium Micro Itx Case Review

2012-06-11T19:32:00.001-04:00

The idea of creating aluminum mini-tower PC-Q03B is to save user’s sapce. The PC-Q03 houses PC components inside to stay future-proof: Mini-ITX motherboard, 3.5-inch / 2.5-inch hard drives, and standard ATX PS/2 power supply units. Despite its size, the PC- Q03 supports one 3.5-inch (Using 2.5-inch space) / two 2.5-inch HDDs.

Priced at $99 USD, click here http://tinyurl.com/6ptmryx for latest pricing deals.