hardware news

Microsoft Comfort Sculpt: a keyboard with the space key clears

2012-09-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Microsoft completes its range of keyboard and mouse for Windows 8 an additional keyboard, called "Sculpt Comfort Keyboard", which is unusual in more ways than one.

The new "Comfort Keyboard Sculpt" is the wired version and full size Sculpt Mobile announced in late July. It has to start the particularity of being curved and six degrees of forming a dome, which allows to keep the wrists in a neutral position, much more ergonomic. It features the passage of a removable wrist rest.

But above all, its space bar is cut in half and the left side can be used as backspace (backspace). This wonderful arrangement is based on a study showing that 90% of users do not penetrate the space bar as the right thumb. But the backspace button is the third most used behind the space and e. Its position in a corner and on the same hand as the space is not ideal.

With the "Sculpt Comfort Keyboard" Microsoft seeks to resolve one of the aberrations keyboards ... inherited from the time of typewriters hammer! It will soon retail price of $ 60. But even relearn how to type, why not adopt a fully ergonomic keyboard such as Typematrix to Dvorak layout?

Dell Series S 2013: IPS monitors slab edge to edge

2012-09-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

Dell announced on Friday renewed its family of mid-range monitors, monitors S Series 2013. They democratize IPS and feature all glass slab edge to edge.

Full HD is definitely become the standard definition, since all these new monitors display 1920 x 1080 pixels, 21.5 to 27 inches. They all feature a LED backlight. They differ essentially by their diagonal and connectivity:

S2740L $ 400: 27 inches (69 cm), IPS, HDMI, DVI and VGA, USB hub

S2440L $ 300: 24 inches (61 cm), VA panel, HDMI and VGA

S2340L / M $ 250 and $ 230: 23 inches (58 cm), IPS, HDMI and VGA for L, DVI and VGA M

S2240L / M 220 and $ 200: 21.5 inches (55 cm), IPS, same connectors

These monitors are now marketed in the United States. No information has been sent to France, but most of the products of the manufacturer are sold internationally.

Gigabyte launches laptop for gamers

2012-09-29T06:23:00.002-07:00

Gigabyte announced yesterday a laptop player, called "P2542G", which put on a good compromise between the selling price and performance.

390 x 260 x 32.1 to 38.3 mm 2.6 kg

The "Gigabyte P2542G" actually adopts the latest generation of components, but not the most upscale. And it houses an Intel Core i7-3610QM, a quad-heart Hyper-Threading with 6 MB cache and clocked from 2.3 to 3.3 GHz, supported by 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a graphics chip Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M, supported by 2GB of dedicated memory. The entire reach 12 200 points in 3DMark Vantage.

Storage is provided by either a hard disk at 7200 rev / min associated with a 750 GB SSD to 128 GB or a 256 GB SSD There is also a Blu-ray. The connectivity includes Wi-Fi N, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA / USB combination, HDMI output, VGA output and an SD card reader.

The image and sound are finally rendered by a screen of 15.6 inches with a Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) can be a bit ambitious taking into account the characteristics of the machine, and four speakers 1.5 W supported by a high-woofer.

The manufacturer emphasizes the presence of two air outlets at the rear of the computer, inspired by "exhaust of a racing car." It also promises a perfect fit elements and the use of quality materials, but without specifying which.

The "Gigabyte P2542G" to hybrid storage is now marketed retail price of 1530 euros, the model only SSD storage at a price of 1700 euros.

Crucial m4: new firmware certified Windows 8

2012-09-29T06:20:00.002-07:00

While the horizon is the new OS, it seems that Microsoft has some influence on the SSD market. Crucial in effect since last firmware providing certification Windows 8 for its users to m4.

All SSD this range (and only those) with firmware revision 0001 to 000F are eligible 010G version, which you can find details here. We learn in this paper that the new firmware provides specific improvements to Windows 8, although of course the Windows 7 users can also benefit.

It is more precisely to obtain a certification from Microsoft optimizing operations such as the TTR for Time-To-ready, ie roughly the time of initiation of SSD, which passes under the 850 ms, or the wake, even if no number is transmitted to it. The response time for the TRIM command is also reduced from 50 to 20 ms.

Crucial also makes some improvements on the consumption of SSDs, because the manufacturer abandons HIPM (for Host Initiated Power Management) for DIPM (Device Initiated Power Management), a management which, according to him, is much more effective.

The new firmware can be downloaded from the website of Crucial. It is noted that this update is non-destructive, that is to say, it does not erase your data, however, the constructor calls the greatest vigilance and advises a backup beforehand.

AMD launches Catalyst 9.12 beta drivers on the following Clubic.com: AMD launches Catalyst 9.12 beta drivers

2012-09-29T06:17:00.001-07:00

AMD has posted Wednesday the test version of its future Catalyst drivers 12.9. They inaugurate support technology Enduro laptop and a slightly redesigned Control Center.

Owners of graphics cards AMD Radeon HD 5000 and newer models now have the opportunity to taste the new Catalyst 9.12 drivers via a beta version put online Wednesday by the manufacturer. Available in versions Windows Vista / 7/8, Windows XP and Linux, it introduces support technology Enduro which, like the Optimus developed by Nvidia, turns off the dedicated graphics card in favor of the integrated controller when the processor needs do not justify its use in order to prolong the battery life of notebook PCs.

AMD also reported partial redesign of the Catalyst Control Center, the panel associated with its pilots. This list is now more clearly established profiles for different games, and allows to vary the said profiles depending on the power source used. On Windows 7 or Windows 8, it will be essential to have. NET Framework 4.0 to run this new control panel: Drivers are also available in two versions, one of which includes the executable for the installation of this environment.

AMD promises finally correcting various dysfunctions, as well as a performance improvement of around 10% with Lost Planet 2. Linux side, he announced support anticipated Ubuntu 12.10 and RHEL 6.3. Different download links are available through the dedicated form.

The day before, AMD posted a patch application profile (12.9 CAP1) to improve the management of Mist of Pandaria, the new World of Warcraft expansion, promising improved performance in CrossFire Tribes Ascend and F1 in 2012.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660: Kepler less than 250 euros

2012-09-21T09:48:00.002-07:00

1. Introduction

One more! Slowly but surely, NVIDIA disclaims Kepler architecture. After a GeForce GTX 660 Ti subdued, now the Nvidia proposes a new variant form of the GeForce GTX 660.

In fact, NVIDIA is launching not one but two references with the GeForce GTX 660 and GeForce GTX 650. But then, the brand has decided not to share that around the GeForce GTX 660, its new solution aimed at players whose budget graphics card is less than 300 euros.

The Kepler architecture, you will show it convincingly at this price? What performance can I expect? And how this positioning GeForce GTX 660 to compete and other references NVIDIA? These questions will lead us in the following pages!

2. GeForce GTX 660 : new chip GK106 and characteristics

GeForce GTX 660 specifications

We will not here the details of the Kepler architecture, our folder on the GeForce GTX 680 will be largely devoted (see NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680, the Radeon HD 7970 in response?). For GeForce GTX 660, NVIDIA launches a new chip DirectX 11.1, GK106, so unlike the GeForce GTX 660 Ti which is in turn based on the GK104 chip including animating the GeForce GTX 680.

NVIDIA GK106 chip

With GK106, NVIDIA tightens bolts logically lowering a number of specifications. And thus while the GeForce GTX 660 Ti launched in mid-August is a GeForce GTX 670 which sweetened the most visible change is a memory bus limited, non declination Ti separates a number of calculation units. Thus it has only two GPC (Graphic Processor Cluster) complete within the chip, with a third to half GPC implemented. In total, there are 960 CUDA processors that can work on the instructions of our 3D games. The number of texture units is also mast into account since no more than 80.

The diagram of the chip GK106 in its configuration GeForce GTX 660

In contrast, no change on the side of the memory, at least against the GeForce GTX 660 Ti. Was therefore entitled to a 192-bit memory bus that will drive, and it is singular enough, 2GB of video memory. To achieve this, two 64-bit memory controller chip have 512 MB on two chips when the third memory controller manages over four 1GB chips. The consequence of this arrangement is only 1.5 GB is available at full speed of 192 bits while the chip has a memory pool of 512 MB that can qualify for slow puisqu'accessible only 64 bits. Please note that NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 offers its with GDDR5 memory. In all cases, the amount of second level cache chip from 512 KB to about 384 KB GK104 GK106 on.

	Radeon HD 7850	Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition	GeForce GTX 660	GeForce GTX 660 Ti	GeForce GTX 670
Interface	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3
burning	0,028 µ	0,028 µ	0,028 µ	0,028 µ	0,028 µ
Transistors	2.8 Milliards	2.8 Milliards	2,54 Milliards	3,54 Milliards	3,54 Milliards
T&L	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1
Stream Processors	1024	1280	960	1344	1344
ROP units	32	32	24	24	32
Texture units	64	80	80	112	112
Onboard memory	2048 Mo	2048 Mo	2048 Mo	2048 Mo	2048 Mo
Memory interface	256 bits	256 bits	192 bits	192 bits	256 bits
bandwidth	153 Go/s	153 Go/s	144,2 Go/s	144,2 Go/s	192,26 Go/s
GPU frequency	860 MHz	1000 MHz	980 MHz (base) 1033 MHz (GPU Boost)	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)
Stream Processors frequency	860 MHz	1000 MHz	980 MHz (base) 1033 MHz (GPU Boost)	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)
Memory frequency	1200 MHz - GDDR5	1200 MHz - GDDR5	1502 MHz - GDDR5	1502 MHz - GDDR5	1502 MHz - GDDR5

The number of ROP units over the last processing on the pixels do not move from his side of the GeForce GTX 660 with a total of 24 units available. Side operating frequencies, NVIDIA recommends 980 MHz for the graphics chip with a mode at 1033 MHz GPU Boost. Memory operates at 1502 MHz on his side, as the GeForce GTX 660 Ti for a theoretical bandwidth of 144.2 GB / s.

The GeForce GTX 660 GK106 alias seen by drivers

A final word on the chip is engraved in 28nm by TSMC. The latter has 2.54 billion transistors against 3.54 billion for the GK104. The die size is logically reduced.

3. GeForce GTX 660 : reference card and Asus TOP model3

GeForce GTX 660 : reference card .

For this test, NVIDIA sent us a reference card. No surprise, since we find a similar design to the GeForce GTX 660 and GeForce GTX 670 Ti in particular. The card, which will occupy two slots in your lap, then measure 24 centimeters while its PCB shortcut does not exceed 17.2 centimeters.

The cooling system is always composed of a large radiator based on the graphics chip while a plastic housing together with the cover at its end a fan squirrel cage expelling hot air outside of the tower. Note the appearance of gills under the fan, novelty of this design is likely to improve the air intake.

The power stage of the GeForce GTX 660 provides the graphics chip four phases while the PCB is very similar to that of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti has actually little nuances, especially at the design of memory chips . Chips GDDR5 Samsung signed.

With a single SLI connector, the card is powered by a single PCI-Express 6-pin. Level connectivity, we will rely on two DL-DVI ports, an HDMI and a DisplayPort socket 1.2. Frequencies are unsurprisingly those enacted by NVIDIA with 980 MHz for the chip, targeted for 1033 MHz and 1502 MHz Boost memory, all in a thermal envelope of 140 Watts. In fact, the frequency varies over boost raised between 1058 and 1045 MHz.

Boost frequency operation

Asus GeForce GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP

Asus is definitely for all launches! The manufacturer is the first to be able to provide a test sample of the GeForce GTX 660 in a popular version revisited by its engineers. While we look on the recent edition of the TOP GeForce GTX 660 Ti, a card with benefits for the less convincing, the TOP edition of the GeForce GTX 660 does not really surprise.

There are indeed a custom PCB, far from the standard NVIDIA. Black, it measures 25 centimeters anyway, so it will provide a space of 25.7 inches to accommodate the card in your camera. It is interesting to note that Asus delivers a PCB and cooling system different from what we saw with the GeForce GTX 660 Ti. Thus, the PCB is longer while the DirectCU II cooling system is shorter, always in relation to the model discussed.

Cooling side, no great change since we have a right heart copper-based graphics chip and connected to a finned heatsink with five heat-pipes, also copper. The whole is surmounted by two low-profile fans that are rather quiet.

TOP Edition requires the operating frequencies of the card is far superior to what NVIDIA calls. And the graphics chip runs at 1071 MHz while the memory provides a small boost to 1527 MHz 2 GB GDDR5 Samsung shipped. Our GPU, which has here a power stage six phases, operates in the 1175 MHz made ??GPU Boost. It is interesting to note here the rest Boost frequency of the chip is kept constant at 1175 MHz during our test sessions.

Boost frequency operation

For the rest, with one SLI connector, the card is powered by a PCI-Express 6-pin with a diode showing good power. We find the usual connectors output with twice DL-DVI, an HDMI socket and a DisplayPort.

4. Performances

At the heart of this test, we find as usual the topic of performance. Here is the configuration used:

Motherboard Asus Maximus IV Extreme Rampage (BIOS 1202),
Intel Core i7 3960X,
16GB (4x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Corsair @ 1600
Samsung SSD 830 256 GB Serial

On this platform, we test various mid-range cards. Thus we focus on the performance of the Radeon HD 7750, Radeon HD 7770, Radeon HD 7850 2 GB Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz. NVIDIA side, we focus on the GeForce GT 640, GeForce GTX 660 Ti and GeForce GTX 670. We add two references rather old for comparison: GeForce GTX 460 1024 MB and GeForce GTX 560 Ti. And of course we will return to the performance of GeForce GTX 660 reference card and the Asus in its TOP. Drivers side, we use the AMD Catalyst 12.8 and GeForce 306.02 drivers for GeForce, always under Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 x64.

3DMark 11 - How Far

We start with 3DMark 11 which enshrines our master standard, the GeForce GTX 670. The new GeForce GTX 660 ends of hair to the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz. Facing the GeForce GTX 560 Ti, GeForce GTX 660 proves 46% faster at 1680x1050. We note in passing that if the GeForce GTX 460 1024 MB is better than the GeForce GT 640 at 1680x1050, the trend reversed sharply in 1920x1080.

Dirt 3 - Ultra - 4x

Dirt racing game puts the GeForce GTX 660 to the Radeon HD 7850 with 12% higher performance at 1680x1050. These performances, however, are not sufficient to worry the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz which ends in all cases on the third step of the podium. We note here that the Asus overclocking practiced by its TOP model boosts performance by 11% in 1680x1050 face model.

Mafia II - AA - 16x AF

In Mafia II, the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz confirms its superior performance in the new GeForce GTX 660. At 1920x1080, the performance of the Radeon are 10% higher than the GeForce GTX 660. We note a performance gap of 21% between the GeForce GTX 660 and GeForce GTX 660 Ti. Facing the Radeon HD 7850, the GeForce GTX 660 is 11% faster at 1680x1050. Facing the GeForce GTX 460 1024 MB, GeForce GTX 660 shows 52% better scores at 1680x1050.

Unigine 3.0 - Heaven - High - AF 16x

The very synthetic Unigine up also the GeForce GTX 670 at the top of our rankings. The GeForce GTX 660, which interests us today proves 21% faster than the Radeon HD 7850 2GB then it displays performance virtually identical to the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz. 1680x1050, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is 21% faster than the GeForce GTX 660. We note an increase of 9.4% basic performance of GeForce GTX 660 via overclocking practiced by Asus on its TOP model. Facing the Radeon HD 7770, the GeForce GTX 660 proves 85% faster in 1650x1050 ... anyway!

Batman Arkham City - FXAA - MVSS - HBAO

In Batman, here tested in DirectX 11, the GeForce GTX 670 is no surprise relentless. The GeForce GTX 660 is doing pretty well with the exercise performance 12% higher than the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz and 29% better than the Radeon HD 7850 2GB at 1680x1050. Facing the GeForce GTX 560 Ti, the performance gain is 36%, whereas peaks at 67% against the GeForce GTX 460 1024 MB The overclocking practiced by Asus TOP model for its GeForce GTX 660 saves 7% performance 2560x1600 face model.

Crysis 2 - DirectX 11 - Ultra - HR Textures

In Crysis 2, we use FRAPS to measure the performance of our various graphics cards. We use the same scene with natural movements as similar as possible. The GeForce GTX 660 is pretty well defended. Fourth place in its reference, it offers performance slightly higher than the Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition while the gap with the Radeon HD 7850 2GB rises to 19%. 1680x1050, the performance of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti are 14% higher than the youngest of NVIDIA. As for the overclocked Asus site it logically crossfire performance with 8% above the reference GeForce GTX 660.

Battlefield 3 - Ultra - AA 4x / 16x AF - Kaffarov

Battlefield 3 puts the GeForce GTX 660 and Radeon HD 7870 Reference Edition GHz quasi-equality, the latest NVIDIA has a slight advantage. Recall that we test performance in Battlefield 3 using FRAPS. 1680x1050, the GeForce GTX 660 is 24% faster than the Radeon HD 7850 2 GB, while its performance is almost two times higher against the Radeon HD 7770.

STALKER - Call Of Pripyat - Extreme

In STALKER, the GeForce GTX 660 reference continues to convince us. Its performance is superior to the Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition by almost 10%, while the difference with the Radeon HD 7850 2 GB up to 34%. For its part, the GeForce 660 overclocked by Asus shows 6% faster than the reference design. Finally, the new GeForce GTX 660 Ti, it is still 13% faster than the new GeForce GTX 660.

Metro 2033 - Very High - AAA - AF 16x

Metro is part of his game that we test through FRAPS. Here the Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition takes the hand to finish second. It shows 16% faster than the GeForce GTX 660. This is as fast as the Radeon HD 7850 2 GB As the model TOP overclocked Asus performances he enjoys 6% higher than the reference model. Note that the difference between GeForce GTX 660 and GeForce GTX 660 Ti reached by 11%.

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 - DirectX 11

It ends with H.A.W.X. 2 not to criticize but slow to Uplay to focus on the performance of our graphics cards. Here the GeForce GTX 660 is 9% faster than the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz. The difference with the Radeon HD 7850 2GB is more logically a result, about 21% at 1680x1050. The signed card appears here with Asus performance 6% higher than the reference GeForce GTX 660. It is interesting to note here the card overclocked by Asus GeForce GTX 660 beats the PNY Ti signed.

What about the upgrade?

For this launch, NVIDIA highlights the performance gain than the GeForce GTX 660 lavish to owners of machines dated. The Nvidia refers explicitly to the GeForce 9800 GT, an old map of about four years ago.

Never mind, we wanted to know what was actually recovering a GeForce 9800 GT to precisely compare the new GeForce GTX 660. And the least we can say is that the gains are actually significant. We have identified four games we perform for DirectX 11 titles in their version DirectX 10, the GeForce 9800 GTX not support the latest API from Microsoft:

The chart speaks for itself: the performance gain obtained against the GeForce 9800 GT is more than significant. Observed on each of our titles three times higher performance for GeForce GTX 660 against the GeForce 9800 GT. The upgrade has therefore an interest. Still remember that four years ago the GeForce 9800 GT was based on a chip operating at 600 MHz with 112 stream processors clocked at 1500 MHz with 512 MB of GDDR3 memory on a 256 bit bus ...

6. Overclocking, Consumption and Conclusion

Overclocking

In new chip ... new overclocking capabilities. With Asus GeForce GTX 660 TOP proves that in principle the GK106 seems to support overclocking. In fact ... it's obviously a different story.

With the Asus our overclocking attempts using tools house brand, famous GPU Tweak, resulted in crashes or a maximum frequency below our requests. In the 1216 MHz for example, the card never exceeded the 1175 MHz frequency appears to be his ceiling.

Never mind, we have done it again with the reference sample provided by NVIDIA. And again raises concern overclocking. Our tools do not increase the thermal envelope maximum of more than 10% while setting the GPU voltage is not available. Anyway, even targeting a 125 MHz overclock, our tests result in crashes.

Consumption
As usual, we checked the power consumption of our graphics cards. We proceed in two steps: at rest, on the Windows desktop, then load with 3DMark 11 Extreme running at 2560x1600. The measurement is carried out at the outlet, by means of a power meter. It is therefore of the overall power consumption of our test machine.

No surprise at rest when our cards BRING consumption of the order of hundreds of watts. There was a slightly lower consumption for the GeForce GTX 660 at rest from its big brother the 660 Ti model. Charging, the GeForce GTX 660 consumes as much as the GeForce GTX 460 1024 MB and slightly more than the Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition: of the order of ten watts. On his side of the overclocked GeForce GTX 660 Asus leads to overconsumption notable twenty watts.

Conclusion
Reached the end of this article, it is time for us to enter. If the recent GeForce GTX 660 Ti left us with mixed feelings, its little brother the GeForce GTX 660 wins however our favor. Based on a new chip, GK106, the GeForce GTX 660 displays performance altogether convincing an advertised price that seems sensible ... (!), And it is rare enough for NVIDIA stress!

NVIDIA concrete strength yet not really his talent with the GK106. And if Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, discusses the real chip as Kepler, we must recognize that this is a simple variation of the architecture of the GeForce GTX 680 and therefore the GK104. With less computational units, NVIDIA slightly increases the operating frequencies and extended its technology to use memory chips mixed density. GPU Boost is also in the game. In fact, the Nvidia does not innovate on the reference design, which shows identical GeForce GTX 660 Ti and GeForce GTX 670.

In the end, what really matters is the positioning performance / price. NVIDIA seems to have here and all good. The brand announces a recommended retail price of 249 euros for the GeForce GTX 660, with some offers to 229 euros. Taking the recommended price of 249 euros, the GeForce GTX 660 is positioned in front of the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz equals or surpasses it quite regularly. Assuming that the public release rate is respected by NVIDIA to launch, the GeForce GTX 660 is an alternative quite credible Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz. Furthermore NVIDIA can brag about its technologies as PhysX or 3D Vision while AMD will not fail to highlight its Zero Core Power for example. And as we have seen, the GeForce GTX 660 will give a massive boost graphics performance of your PC if it loads a map quite old.

A final word on the Asus card. As usual the manufacturer delivers a convincing TOP model. The performance gain is about 10% with an efficient cooling system and really quiet. Damage, however, that overclocking is not at the rendezvous. The advertised price of € 309 may also be a problem: the cost compared to the GeForce GTX 660 is too much as a result of more than 300 euros there is a Radeon HD 7950 that no longer plays in the same league.

good performances
Controlled consommation
Competitive position advertised price

Some trouble overclocking

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

Graphics Card

good

Performances
features
Quality / price

Asus PB278Q: a 27-inch WQHD monitorAsus PB278Q: a 27-inch WQHD monitor

2012-09-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

Asus finally announced the launch in France of "PB278Q", a new 27-inch monitor that joined the few models on the market than the Full HD.

The "Asus PB278Q" actually appears as the last letter of the reference says, WQHD definition, four times the HD is 2560 x 1440 pixels. While most screens 27 inches (69 cm) simply offer a larger viewing area than those of 22 to 24 inches at the expense of resolution, it displays 77% more pixels a Full HD screen. This definition is so far available on this diagonal.

PB family representative and not PA (Proart), the screen remains upscale resting on a slab PLS technology derived from the IPS associated with a zero pixel defects. The manufacturer claims and complete coverage of the sRGB color space, but does not communicate it to Adobe RGB, reserved for professionals. It also boasts a dynamic contrast ratio extravagant ($ 80 million for one), who discredit to this target. Its maximum brightness of 300 cd / m² Response time gray to gray 5 ms are realistic about them.

The display has HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, Dual-Link DVI and VGA (the latter peaking at Full HD), audio input 3.5 mm audio output of the same type of pair of speakers 3 W and a height adjustable stand allows you to rotate the screen in portrait.

The "Asus PB278Q" will be released in France in late September at a retail price of 610 euros, which the registrant in the middle of the segment, which it really stands out also by any aspect.

GeForce GTX 660 and 650: many custom mapsGeForce GTX 660 and 650: many custom maps

2012-09-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

Following the launch Thursday of midrange Kepler architecture, embodied by the new GeForce GTX 650 and GeForce GTX 660, Nvidia's usual partners have announced their cards.

And manufacturers are waiting for you. Most launches several variations to occupy the field in this segment should be affordable volume. In alphabetical order ...

Asus
Asus usual strategy for endowing the two cards of its existing cooling systems, the DirectCU II GTX 660 and GTX 550 DirectCU for, and disclaims any overclocking with a more or less ambitious.

The GTX660-2GD5-DC2 sticks to the nominal frequencies for 250 euros. The GTX660-2GD5-door DC2O frequency standard 980-1020 MHz frequency Boost and 1033-1085 MHz for 260 euros. The GTX660-2GD5-DC2T with the T-Top, pass it on to 1072 and 1137 MHz, and also pushes the memory 3054 MHz, for 270 euros.

The GTX650-1GD5-DC also sticks to the nominal frequencies for 130 euros, while the GTX650-1GD5-DCT passes GPU from 1058 to 1215 MHz, for a price not disclosed.

Club3D
Club3D adopts a less homogeneous, since its GTX 660 is identical to the reference model while the GTX 650 is quite innovative, with a cooling system house whose fan is removable for easy dusting. Rates are anyway among the lowest of the lot, 230 and 115 euros respectively.

EVGA
Other ambitions in that EVGA launches no less than 10 new maps! GTX 650 or GTX 660, reference cooling system or custom (except for the GTX 650), native frequencies or factory overclocking and memory are enhanced as nominal or combinations.

The GTX 650 SC and go to 1202 MHz, the GTX 660 SC Signature benefit of the cooling system house, GTX 660 FTW and Signature are clocked at 1072 and 1137 MHz. Each GTX 650 is available in 1 or 2 GB and GTX 660 in each of the 2 or 3 GB No prices is unfortunately statement.

Gainward
From Gainward custom cooling system is required, but not the famous "Phantom" which is reserved for more efficient models.

The GTX 650 is available with nominal frequencies or with a slight overclock to 1071 MHz version of "Golden Sample" for 115 and 125 euros respectively, as the GTX 660 which frequencies go up to 1006, 1072 and 3054 MHz, respectively for 240 and 250 euros.

Gigabyte
Gigabyte meanwhile does not simply clutters models for nominal frequencies. Needless to say, in these conditions, the cards have cooling systems house, called "Windforce 2X" on the GTX 660.

Its GTX 650 are clocked at 1110 MHz and the one being proposed with 2 GB memory, 120 and 140 euros, and the GTX 660 is clocked at 1033 MHz and 1098 to 230 euros.

MSI
Same pattern in MSI GTX 650 pushing his Power Edition to 1124 MHz and GTX 660 Twin Frozr III the same frequencies as his compatriot. Rates are similar.

Zotac
Finally Zotac mini-ITX specialist and therefore compact computers, launches the printed circuit boards (PCBs) shortcuts. This does not exempt decline each card in two or three versions. The GTX 650 "AMP! Edition "pushes the frequency to 1046 MHz, the GTX 660" AMP! Edition "1046 and 1111 MHz, respectively for 160 and 280 euros.

CFast 2.0: CompactFlash increased to 600 MB / s and again for ten years?CFast 2.0: CompactFlash increased to 600 MB / s and again for ten years?

2012-09-21T09:14:00.004-07:00

CompactFlash, 17 years after its inception, has not yet said its last word! The CompactFlash Association (CFA) has actually benefited from the Photokina to announce the CFast specification 2.0, with which the CF is back for several years.

While the CF 6.0 specification was figure last gasp, pushing a notch capabilities of the Parallel ATA interface aging, the CFast specification 2.0 presents the CompactFlash on track, making him finally adopt the Serial ATA 3. The maximum theoretical leaps and from 167 to 600 MB / s.

This opens up new applications in the field of professional video and film, where 4K definition recording at 30 frames / s codec requires intermediate speeds of around 200MB / s. Oust What extremely expensive proprietary solutions and democratize these possibilities with amateurs?

CFA definitely put on the wide availability of Serial ATA controllers and SSD controllers to facilitate the adoption of the CFast specification 2.0 and make it affordable. However, insofar as it requires new maps and new players / recorders cards, misunderstands the interest from the CompactFlash XQD equally promising, though promoted by the same consortium.

Perhaps the standard allows it backwards compatibility, allowing to make a smooth transition, unlike XQD? At this point, the story does not say.

A draft specification CFast 2.0 anyway was subject to the approval of the consortium members, who have 90 days to approve or not. It will take several months for the new facilities are emerging.

IDF 2012: USB to power all devices up to 100 Watts!

2012-09-21T09:12:00.002-07:00

Where we talk of USB. When the IDF held last week in San Francisco, Intel could evoke a future evolution of the USB standard, USB or USB-PD Power Delivery which we already talked about in the past (see USB Power Delivery: 100 W in both directions, specifications are available). Specifically it is to distribute electric current with a USB cable and up to 100 Watts (!) More so than the 2.5 Watts currently offered by USB 2.0.

To illustrate the possibilities offered by the USB Power Delivery, Intel evokes a PC screen that serves as a dock. Connected to a power source, the screen may eat, and not only charge in USB laptop or a tablet, and an external hard drive, while offering the usual benefits of USB namely data exchange. The idea is to replace the power supply external areas swarming with USB cables.

Among the features of the USB Power Delivery, there is compatibility with existing cables and connectors as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, the ability to deliver up to 100 Watts or the coexistence of the standard with the USB Battery Charging 1.2. Note, however, that if the right USB cable is compatible with the current ... is done in the limit of 7.5 watts. Will require specific cables Power Delivery to reach 100 Watts promised.

Since power requirements are not the same from one device to another USB Power Delivery offers five different profiles: 10 Watts for mobile devices, 18 watts for tablets, Ultrabooks to 36 Watts, 60 watts for laptops a little more plush, docks and hubs and up to 100 Watts for the profile 5. Thus, each USB device that does the electricity it needs, and can even have multiple power state according to its needs.

To facilitate the identification of compatible devices Power Delivery, the forum of industrialists with interests around the (USB-IF), plans to set up a label in the form of icons.

If Intel refers to this potential development of USB, while communicating its partners in developing guidelines, the foundry does not risk much to communicate about its own plans for integration in its products. Patience then.

Corsair AX1200i: the best food on the market?

2012-09-03T05:25:00.000-07:00

The model AX1200 that we tested last year as part of our comparison of 80 + Gold power supplies, Corsair is back with an improved version of the reference block and a slightly altered. And the little i AX1200i hides more than what we can assume!

Indeed, with his new power, Corsair we firstly proposes a model certified Platinum 80 +, ie with a particularly high yield. Allowing it to pass to take a semi-passive operation: fan Power does this in turn until a certain load, which was capable of 750 W model AX range, but not the most powerful model, the AX1200.

Finally and most importantly, AX1200i is the first block controlled by a DSP, that is to say, a processor dedicated to managing tensions and their regulation. Advantage to compete or dressing technology? The answer in this test.

Corsair AX1200i few changes ... outwardly

At first glance, Corsair has made very few changes from the previous version of the 1200 block W. Certainly, the "AX" goes from yellow to red discrete more aggressive, but apart from that, it is the status quo. Dimensions remain the same (and may not be suitable for a box size that even average) and has an overall production quality equivalent: sturdy, well finished and quite heavy (almost 4 Kg) the AX1200i reassuring.

Similarly, Corsair renews his excellent performance at the bundle of its power: we find the fabric cover that protects the block, and the kit contains the cables. Cable clamps in number and relatively complete manual are obviously still in the game.

Who said frame unchanged fan said equivalent. We thus find, behind the grille, the 14 cm model already present on the AX1200.

Fully modular as was its predecessor, the new Corsair unit has almost exactly the same cables. Almost, because the connectors for insertion into the power have been slightly modified by Corsair.

Similarly, the manufacturer has had the good idea to extend 5 cm cable provided to supply the processor, thus correcting a defect of the AX1200. Corsair we also heard about the cable always CPU, since 2x4-pin 8-pin became much more convenient to insert into the motherboard.

Apart from these changes rather welcome, nothing changes. It still has a substantial number of cables, whose length is quite satisfactory, except perhaps the SATA cables, especially for a case like the Obsidian 800D. Only criticism that could be made (again) Corsair we wonder why the manufacturer did not choose to put two PCI-E cable, as is the case with other models. This would have avoided to run a large number of cables in the box. Please note that Corsair seems to have taken into account the remarks similar to ours: with copies of the next AX1200i, Corsair deliver two PCI-E cables with two 8-pin connectors instead of two PCI-E cables provided with a one 6 +2 pin connector.

Corsair AX1200i
Specifications
tensions:	+3,3 V	+5 V	+12 V
Intensity max. :	30 A	30 A	1 rail de 100.4 A
Strength max combined :			1 204 W
Cable x connectors
Motherboard 20+4 pin:	1x1 (61 cm)	CPU 8 pin:	2x1 (65 cm)
PCI-E 6+2 oin:	6x1 (61 cm)	SATA :	3x4 (85 cm) 2x2 (60 cm)
Molex-floppy adapter :	2x1 (10 cm)	Molex :	3x4 (85 cm)
Other
ventilator :	1 (14 cm)	noise :	de 0 à 25 dB(A)
warranty :	7 ans	MTBF :	100 000 hours
Dimensions (L x l x h)	20 x 15 x 8,6 cm	price :	329,90 €

Finally, note the appearance of two new elements at the panel connections of this block: it is a part of the dedicated outlet for Corsair Link technology, which we will detail later in this article, and other hand, a Self Test button, which allows you to check, via a long press, the block works properly, without having to connect any cables.

Block 80 + certified Platinum and (therefore) semi-passive

Last year, at the time of our comparison, the highest certification for food was 80 + Gold. Blocks receiving this certification are able to work with a yield of 87% to 20% load, 90% at half load and must reach the value of 87% at full load. Now, these specifications are exceeded by 80 + Platinum. Models like the Corsair AX1200i thus assume yields of 90, 92 and 89% at 20, 50 and 100% load.

The interest of such effectiveness is undeniable, since high performance avoids the loss of energy by Joule effect, thus reducing the electricity bill, but also the need to ventilate food. That's why Corsair can afford to advertise passive operation of the unit for a load less than 30% of its maximum capacity is about 360 W. Once reserved for models less than 800 W (AX750 like the brand), this type of hybrid cooling is now available for higher power blocs, like our test model, or the Snow Edition Thermaltake 1275 W, it 80 + also certified Platinum.

Corsair can afford to advertise noise ranging from 0 to 25 dB (A), where AX1200 showed 24 to 30 dB (A). Our tests have shown that the acoustic pressure was much more important when the fan running at full speed AX1200i since our meter raised 69.1 dB (A), which is relatively large. Note, however, that we could not perform this measurement at the start of feeding, phase during which the regulation of ventilation is ineffective. Note also that the latest model of Corsair does not seem to suffer from annoying hiss that plagued the previous version of the 1200 block of W.

Corsair Link, an advanced monitoring tool

The AX1200i is the first power to benefit from Corsair Link technology manufacturer. What is it? As a software solution that allows monitoring and control global temperatures of the components present in your case and which are compatible with this technology. It also allows you to set the fan speed or color of any diodes that are connected to a 5.25 inch housing option. You can also define actions via this interface: for example, if the temperature of your enclosure exceeds a certain threshold, then the LEDs go red and the fan speed. On the block that concerns us here, we do not have such equipment, but only a small adapter to connect to an internal USB port. Annoying when passing both locations traditionally available on a motherboard are already occupied ...

The software installation Corsair Link 2, available on the website of the manufacturer, implies that the correct drivers. Note that our experience was a little more complex than it seems, because we had to install these drivers "hand" (ie through the device manager and update drivers manually) to see the software correctly recognize food. Note that this solution also converts the mono-rail 100-amp multi-rail configuration, each with a protection OCP (Over-Current Protection) own.

On the software interface itself is quite austere, but relatively efficient: the data provided are numerous and concern all machine components (processor, graphics cards, hard drives). Note the ability to check the performance of your power supply in real time, or that you configure your dashboard ("System" tab) to your liking via a drag and drop different elements.

Electronics that improves performance

Let us finally to major technological development of this new Corsair, its famous DSP. This is a processor responsible for dynamically optimize the performance of the block in use by controlling the stability of the voltages. This component rule including power factor, ie the ratio between the active power consumed (in watts) and active power called input (in volt-amperes). In the image of an inverter active, DSP seeks to compensate automatically for any changes in the current of external power supply. Use of this processor also, according to Corsair, to significantly reduce signal fluctuations, whether the effects of ripple (ripple harmful to components) or noise (interference). The manufacturer claims and its AX1200i appears three times less ripple than the standard ATX advocates, namely 120 mV to 12V.

Example of ripple. Source: cooling-masters.com

Power Corsair also has two other technologies to reduce energy losses. To simplify, the Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) and Zero Current Switching (ZCS) aim to minimize the overlapping curves of voltage (U) and current (I) to reduce unnecessary power consumption (xi).

Finally, note that the AX1200i benefits, as most models of trade, protection against overvoltage (Over-Voltage Protection, OVP), against high temperatures (Over-Temperature Protection OTP) and against short-circuits (Short Circuit Protection, SCP).

Test Protocol

The simple voltmeter measure the voltage +12 V idle or load does not assert that this or that block offers a high level of control. To be rigorous, we should observe what happens in transient states during a voltage change, which requires an oscilloscope which we do not have. The only indication we give the voltmeter measures that we do is to check that the power supply is the tensions that remain in the range corresponding to the ATX specification, namely from 11.4 to 12.6 V. Note also that we focused only on the +12 V rails the importance of +3.3 V and +5 V is much lower.

On performance measures, these require that we know the exact consumption of the components present in this configuration. Operation too complex our means. In contrast, our setup does not vary during the tests, each block undergoes the same energy demand and actual consumption of our platform is a constant. A simple comparison of measured consumption power meter will therefore establish an appropriate classification performance power supplies. The block will be more effective than simply consuming less.

Finally, to test models with a power of 1200 Watts, we needed a configuration sufficient energy intensive. We therefore chose the following components:

Motherboard: Asus P6X58D Premium
Intel Core i7 960 @ 3.9 GHz
RAM: 6 GB DDR3-1066,
Graphics Cards: 2x AMD Radeon HD 6970 + AMD Radeon HD 6990,
Storage: 5 7200 RPM HDD
System: Intel 520 Series SSD 180 GB

We increased the value of the supply voltage of the processor (Vcore) for consumption at rest than 350 Watts, and a "score" in charge closer to 750 Watts (measured in meter). Sufficient magnitude to spend 50% load (and thus the maximum yield) for the test blocks.

Here is our detailed protocol regarding consumption measurements, those tensions and those temperatures:

Start the machine, and Prime95 for 1 hour to raise the temperature block (more heating power, less performance is important);
Passage to stand for 20 minutes;
Measurement value on the +12 V voltmeter;
Consumption measurement power meter;
Temperature measurement using an infrared thermometer;
Load test (which we will discuss later);
We then repeated the voltage, consumption and temperatures.

After a return to the values of temperature and consumption are identical to those measured at rest, performing a new load. In total, we conduct three different tests, in addition to those at rest. Load increases are made as follows:

Test 1: 3DMark 11 Physics Test Entry Level 800x600;
Test 2: 3DMark 11 GPU Test 1 Entry Level;
Test 3: 3DMark 11 Extreme Level Test 1 GPU with all settings at maximum and Prime95 running on all 8 logical cores of our processor.

Tests on noise, we did not see fit to make measurements. On the one hand because unless a heavy load, the fan AX1200i just does not. On the other hand, when it is finally put into action is that our test machine operating high load and wants anything but silent, especially with the deafening noise of our graphics cards.

Information, however: we observed a continuous movement of the fan AX1200i that from 600 W. This result is higher than announced by Corsair (360 W). However, it should put these results taking into account the thermoregulation team this block: the low temperature of our office (23 ° C) and testing out of the enclosure of a case are probably not strangers to this excellent result.

Tests

No surprises at the +12 V: one as the other two blocks from Corsair delivers tensions that come quite in the ATX specification. Note nonetheless a greater variation on the last model builder, demonstrating that the regulation has changed since the previous version.

This graph shows the difference between a power constantly ventilated (the AX1200) and a semi-passive block (the AX1200i). For failing ventilation, the latest model of Corsair obviously suffers more heat than its predecessor. Note, however, that after the temperature reached 48 ° C, the fan is finally put into operation, thereby dissipating heat buildup.

Finally enter the heart of the problem with this comparison of consumption of the two blocks. Whatever the test, the last block of Corsair wins consistently over the previous version, with a gain of 2 to 3%. This seems little, but given the excellent performance of the AX1200 is quite impressive.

Our opinion
In our tests the Corsair AX750 and Seasonic X760, we were somewhat amazed at these blocks whose fan had never worked during our tests. Barely a year later, efforts have brought this Corsair Cooling semi-passive to block much more powerful. Technological prowess is huge, even if it is not unique and is made to develop the market.

In contrast, electronic findings developed by Corsair as a new block, including the DSP, are currently unique. If one adds to this the interesting contribution of Corsair Link, yields excellent food, always neat bundle and correction of minor flaws that we reproached the AX1200 at the CPU cable, it goes without saying that is perfect AX1200i evolution of the previous block.

Still remains a catch, size and the price. For nearly 330 euros and despite a good effort on the warranty period (7 years), this diet is for a small, very small margin of the population, those who use a dual-processor motherboard and / or configurations based on three or four graphics cards, and who are willing to invest in a high quality unit as AX1200i.

.

Load efficiency copy
Semi-passive cooling
Correction concerns the AX1200
Corsair Link

high temperatures
Price

Corsair AX1200

Alimentation 80+ Platinum

very good

Consommation
temperatures
noise nuisance
Price

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti: test

2012-09-03T04:30:00.001-07:00

1. Introduction

Slowly but surely, NVIDIA continues to decline its latest generation graphics architecture. If Kepler found first place in the premium segment with the GeForce GTX 670 and GeForce GTX 680, and even in the niche of high quality with the GeForce GTX 690, the Nvidia focuses on the present mid-range market by offering the GeForce GTX 660 Ti.

Aimed at gamers, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti arrives while AMD messes with its range somewhat unexpected appearance of a Radeon HD 7950 with Boost accompanied by widespread price decline on the family of Radeon HD 7000. The youngest of the San Jose firm succeed in it you get a place in the sun?

2. GeForce GTX 660 Ti: Specifications

At the heart of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti beats GK104

It's a surprise! Contrary to usual practice, this new reference midrange signed NVIDIA is not based on a new graphics chip. Found in the heart of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti chip GK104, ie the same graphics chip DirectX 11.1 that already equips the GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 680 and others 690. We do not return elsewhere in the lines that follow the details of the architecture Kepler, preferring to refer you to our article on the GeForce GTX 680.

It does not need more followers to conspiracy to revive the thesis that the GK104 was originally intended for mid-range and it was finally found on the high end by a combination of factors: good performance or the lack of real competition from AMD and may be a delay or cancellation of a beefier GPU.

If the GeForce GTX 660 Ti has the same chip GK104 as its predecessors, the characteristics of the latter differ logically. But not necessarily in large proportions: the number of computational units of GeForce GTX 660 Ti is it identical to the GeForce GTX 670 (CUDA processors 1344) as also the operating frequencies with 915 MHz core frequency and 980 MHz frequency Announced GPU Boost. So simple copy / paste the GeForce GTX 670?

Obviously not. And the fundamental difference is to be sought in the memory, and more specifically the memory bus. While the GeForce GTX 670 and 680 have a 256 bit memory bus, it will settle for a 192-bit memory bus on the new GeForce GTX 660 Ti. A choice that will actually affect the theoretical memory bandwidth, by detaching 25%.

In its first iteration, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti with 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory. But traditionally, according to the bus type selected, the card should be equipped with either 1.5 GB of video memory, which is too little given the targeted segment, or 3 GB, which would increase the price too. NVIDIA uses here a memory architecture asymmetrical already seen with the GeForce GTX 550 Ti but instead of using memory chips of different density, the brand simply increases the number of plays and partitioning. Topology with three 64-bit memory controllers, two controllers each have 512 MB (two on each chip) when the third driver 1 GB (of 4 chips). Finally, on the 2GB of video memory, 1.5 GB only be accessed at full speed 192-bit 512 MB, while still available, but only 64 bits.

The GeForce GTX 660 Ti seen by NVIDIA

Other more subtle differences also exist: for example if the number of texture units is identical between GeForce GTX 670 and GeForce GTX 660 Ti, the number of ROP units is lowered for the last small with only 24 units against 32 for big sister. A direct consequence of the amputation of the memory bus.

	Radeon HD 7950	Radeon HD 7950 v2	Radeon HD 7970	GeForce GTX 660 Ti	GeForce GTX 670
Interface	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3	PCI-Ex. 16x - Gen3
burning	0,028 µ	0,028 µ	0,028 µ	0,028 µ	0,028 µ
Transistors	4,3 Milliards	4,3 Milliards	4,3 Milliards	3,54 Milliards	3,54 Milliards
T&L	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1	DirectX 11.1
Stream Processors	1792	1792	2048	1344	1344
ROP units	32	32	32	24	32
Texture units	112	112	128	112	112
Onboard memory	3072 Mo	3072 Mo	3072 Mo	2048 Mo	2048 Mo
Memory interface	384 bits	384 bits	384 bits	192 bits	256 bits
bandwidth	240 Go/s	240 Go/s	264 Go/s	134 Go/s	192,26 Go/s
GPU frequency	800 MHz	850 MHz (base) 925 MHz (Boost)	925 MHz	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)
Stream Processors frequency	800 MHz	850 MHz (base) 925 MHz (Boost)	925 MHz	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)	915 MHz (base) 980 MHz (GPU Boost)
Memory frequency	1250 MHz - GDDR5	1250 MHz - GDDR5	1375 MHz - GDDR5	1502 MHz - GDDR5	1502 MHz - GDDR5

3. GeForce GTX 660 Ti: Asus and PNY cards

Asus GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP

Asus, GeForce GTX 660 Ti comes from the outset in an overclocked version, this version is TOP. Since this overclocked version stands out from the start of the recommendations of NVIDIA in terms of operating frequencies in particular, it is not surprising that we find a custom PCB and a cooling system house, the famous DirectCU II. Extended, the PCB of the card measures 23 centimeters while the cooling system beyond generous. This will require a location 27 cm to install the card, always double-slot format.

On the cooling system, Asus DirectCU II offers the radiator consists of a very large heatsink with aluminum fins and resting on the heart of the GPU. Not less than three 8 mm heat pipes conduct heat along the heater while there are two types of low profile fans. Found on the side of the card tabs as well as SLI PCI-Express 6-pin, each with an LED indicating good power supply. A note on the edge of the presence of a metal bar hit the Asus logo whose role is to stiffen the assembly.

The power supply stage of the card is more sturdy than the reference model with six phases for one graphics chip. Side operating frequencies, Asus offers a chip operating at 1059 MHz core frequency, which aims for a Boost officially 1137 MHz. In fact, with the second BIOS that Asus sent us, our sample behaves excellently as the frequency boost when testing changes between 1267 and 1280 MHz and at worst down around 1240 MHz. I must say that the BIOS in question passed the limit of consumption covered by the GPU Boost technology 130 Watts to 143 Watts, is the increasing frequency boost. Good point for the cooling system remains in all cases particularly quiet.

The frequencies of the observed charge card

Output, the card provides two ports DL-DVI, one HDMI 1.4a and DisplayPort 1.2 port, or the same connectors as the reference design.

GeForce GTX 660 Ti by PNY Xlr8

The French PNY NVIDIA partner of long standing, is logically go for the release of GeForce GTX 660 Ti. No surprise, since the manufacturer provides a reference design NVIDIA refuses to deliver to the press. Reference design that we had already seen in the past with the GeForce GTX 670.

The GeForce GTX 660 TI Xlr8 is a double card slot 24 centimeters while the PCB does not exceed 17.2 cm. Plastic shroud cooling system withdraws indeed the fan squirrel cage outside the PCB while the hot air is exhausted outside the system. On the graphics chip, a simple finned radiator cools the processor. Signed Hynix memory chips are exposed to them, while the power stage to four phases for the GPU is covered by a radiator.

No frills therefore excessive GeForce GTX 660 Ti this Xlr8 which has two power connectors PCI-Express 6-pin to a thermal envelope of 150 Watts announced. There are two tabs SLI and two output ports DL-DVI, one HDMI 1.4a and DisplayPort 1.2 outlet. It goes without saying that complies with the PNY NVIDIA advanced frequency: 915 MHz for the graphics chip, 980 MHz and 1503 MHz boost mode for 2 GB of GDDR5 memory interfaced 192 bits.

In operation, our sample had obviously already turned tends to warm up a little. We were able to tease the 80 ° C temperature for the graphics chip actually causing some discomfort in the cooling system is so noisy. Side frequency Boost reached in our tests, it is higher than 980 MHz recommended by NVIDIA and changes between 1019 MHz or 1110 MHz to generally stabilize at around 1045 MHz.

Frequencies in charge of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY

A final word on the card bundle, consisting of two dual Molex Y cables to PCI-Express 6-pin and a dongle DVI / VGA and more CD drivers and the short notice.

4. AMD on the offensive: Radeon HD 7950 v2

The output of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is probably not the taste of AMD. The brand operates a barrage literally coming out of his hat a Radeon HD 7950 v2. A few weeks ago, AMD Radeon HD already proposed GHz 7970 Edition. At the time the brand assured us it would not be possible to transform non GHz Edition cards to this new model via a simple BIOS update. And now the same AMD proposes a BIOS update our Radeon HD 7950 v2 reference to the model that includes also PowerTune technology with Boost.

With the Radeon HD 7950 v2, AMD has revised upwards the operating frequencies of the card. We take advantage of a GPU and 925 MHz operating at 800 MHz against previously. On paper, the gain is not negligible even if it gets through PowerTune with Boost. We can therefore fear increased consumption while the thermal envelope of the card increases again from 200 to 225 Watts.

PowerTune technology introduced with the Radeon HD 6900 thus continues to evolve. If it was initially certify that all products reach good GPU frequencies announced, technology now allows to estimate the consumption of the chip and its temperature with the avowed purpose of dynamically overclock the chip when possible. With the Radeon HD 7950 v2, the chip can reach the Boost mode 925 MHz with a guaranteed minimum frequency 850 MHz. In all cases, the increase of the frequency is parallel to an increase of the supply voltage and therefore the GPU consumption.

Drivers AMD Catalyst 12.8 and the Radeon HD 7950 v2

If all of the Radeon HD 7950 can benefit from this update BIOS and performance gain resulting according to AMD, it will ensure you have a card whose power level is sufficiently sized to collect the higher TDP. Remains an unknown manufacturer of your graphics card will he bother to offer free this new BIOS? And in this game, it is not clear which horse to bet ...

The other open fire against AMD is pricing side since the brand announced price cuts significant enough to all of its Radeon HD 7000.

5. Performances

At the heart of this test, we find as usual the topic of performance. Here is the configuration used:

Motherboard Asus Maximus IV Extreme Rampage (BIOS 1202),
Intel Core i7 3960X,
16GB (4x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Corsair @ 1600
Samsung SSD 830 256 GB Serial

On this platform, we test several mid-range cards. Thus we focus on the performance of the Radeon HD 7850, Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz but the GeForce GTX 560 Ti with GeForce GTX 660 Ti is somehow successor. The launch of the Radeon HD 7950 v2 obliges us to also integrate the Radeon HD 7950 in its original version, but the v2 and the Radeon HD 7970 and Radeon HD 7970 Edition GHz position for all. Side we include the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY GeForce GTX 660 and Ti TOP from Asus. The first is the NVIDIA reference design, the second is overclocked Asus. We will also figured the GeForce GTX 670. Drivers side, we use the AMD Catalyst 12.8 and GeForce 305.68 drivers for GeForce, always under Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 x64.

3DMark 11 - How Far

We start with 3DMark 11. First surprise, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus rises on the second step of the podium in front of the GeForce GTX 670 and a Radeon HD 7970 the cable GHz Edition. It hurts but it is relative puisqu'Asus do not go with the back of the spoon level overclocking. The GeForce GTX 660 Ti by PNY which represents the reference model is 4% faster than the "new" Radeon HD 7950 v2. The latter, through its overclocking performance shows 6% higher than the Radeon HD 7950 baseline. Note that face the GeForce GTX 560 Ti, GeForce GTX 660 Ti is 78% faster at 2560x1600.

Dirt 3 - Ultra - 4x

Back in the game running DirectX 11 Dirt 3. The GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus always behaves to great effect as mounting on the third step of the podium with performance above the 3% reference GeForce GTX 670 at 1920x1080. The reference design GeForce GTX 660 Ti embodied by our PNY is logically down. While the Radeon HD 7950 teases first name, it is slightly behind the Radeon HD version 2 7950. The latter offers performance 5% higher than the base model released at the end of last year. As the performance gap between GeForce GTX 660 Ti reference and overclocked it reached 12%. Note that face the GeForce GTX 560 Ti, GeForce GTX 660 Ti by PNY is 59% faster.

Mafia II - AA - 16x AF

In Mafia II, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti by PNY Xlr8 its performances vary slightly depending on the resolution. If it is better than our Radeon HD 7950 at 1920x1080 first name, it takes the advantage at 2560x1600. Nevertheless, in all cases, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is better than the Radeon HD 7850 and 7870: 30% faster than the Radeon HD 7850 and 10% faster than the Radeon HD 7870 at 1920x1080. His side the overclocked Asus shows performance 9% higher than the PNY card allowing ahead Radeon HD 7950 and Radeon HD 7950 v2. If the advantage of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus 1920x1080 is therefore against the Radeon HD 7950 v2 it collapses and 2560x1600 both cards are almost equal. As for the GeForce GTX 670 is still 13% faster than the youngest of NVIDIA.

Unigine 3.0 - Heaven - Normal - High - AF 16x

Unigine and its intensive use Tessellation features do not disrupt our hierarchy. The Radeon HD 7970 Edition GHz remains at the top, followed by the Radeon HD 7970 and GeForce GTX 670. TOP edition of the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Asus wins fourth place with 10% performance superior to the model Xlr8 PNY. If it is before the Radeon HD 7950 at 1920x1080 v2, the situation is reversed at 2560x1600 while the Asus card supersedes in all cases the new deal proposed by AMD for Radeon HD 7950. At 1920x1080, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY is 14% faster than the Radeon HD 7950 and offers 64% better performance against the GeForce GTX 560 Ti.

Batman Arkham City - FXAA - MVSS - HBAO

Some changes in classification with Batman. The GeForce GTX 670 takes pole position in front of the Radeon HD 7970 Edition GHz. The edition of the TOP GeForce GTX 660 Ti Asus wins third place with 5% of performance over the reference card signed PNY 1920x1080. The Radeon HD are somewhat battered and 1920x1080, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY proves 12% faster than the Radeon HD 7950 v2. The latter displays performance 5% higher than the first generation model, the frequency was limited to 800 MHz.

Crysis 2 - DirectX 11 - Ultra - HR Textures

Tested with FRAPS, Crysis 2 powers the Radeon HD 7970 Edition GHz in top of the list followed by the Radeon HD 7970 standard. The GeForce GTX 670 is not far away with performance 13% higher than the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY. The overclocked Asus is doing rather well developed tease the GeForce GTX 670 at 1920x1080. The Radeon HD 7950 v2 can do nothing against 1920x1080 the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus while a hair ahead of the reference model. The PNY displays performance 16% higher than the Radeon HD 7870 Edition GHz and 35% higher than the Radeon HD 7850 2 GB, still 1920x1080.

Battlefield 3 - Ultra - AA 4x / 16x AF - Kaffarov

It is no longer Battlefield 3 as we test with FRAPS. The GeForce GTX 670 finished second behind the Radeon HD 7970 Edition GHz. The edition overclocked GeForce GTX 660 Ti's finds himself in fourth position behind the Radeon HD 7970 core. The performance gain achieved by overclocking Asus is around 6% against the reference card signed PNY. In its basic version, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is 11% faster than the Radeon HD 7950 at 1920x1080 and 3% faster than the Radeon HD 7950 v2. The latter offering 7% higher performance reference model. We note that the GeForce GTX 660 2560x1600 Ti and low memory bandwidth can no longer resist and if the PNY card remains face a hair Radeon HD 7950, it leaves the Radeon HD 7950 v2 him pass. Facing the Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition, GeForce GTX 660 Ti is 16% faster at 1920x1080.

STALKER - Call Of Pripyat - Extreme

STALKER The game offers us a vision of our cards performance in line with what we have seen so far. Here the GeForce GTX 670 takes over the Radeon HD 7970 face GHz Edition while editing the TOP GeForce GTX 660 Ti Asus finishes in third position before the DH Radeon 7950 but before the Radeon HD 7970. Anyway. At 1920x1080, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus is 22% faster than the Radeon HD 7950 v2. Between the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus and PNY Xlr8 model, the advantage for Asus is 7%. Facing the Radeon HD 7850 2 GB, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY is 54% more efficient.

Metro 2033 - Very High - AAA - AF 16x

Back in Metro 2033 armed FRAPS. The Radeon HD 7970 flew by while the Radeon HD 7970 is second. The Radeon HD 7950 resume the bull by the horns and v2 if the Radeon HD 7950 performance shows 2% higher than the reference model in 1920x1080, the gain is zero at 2560x1600. The GeForce GTX 670 falling heavily once even if there is 12% faster than the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus 1920x1080. The Asus card shows 7% higher performance model at Xlr8 PNY also based GeForce GTX 660 Ti but clocked frequency reference set by NVIDIA. At 1920x1080, the signed card PNY is 11% faster than the Radeon HD 7850 2 GB, while the Radeon HD 7870 Edition displays GHz performance 5% higher. As for the comparison with the GeForce GTX 560 Ti, GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY is 32% faster.

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 - DirectX 11

It ends with a plane ride in H.A.W.X. 2 in DirectX 11 mode. The GeForce seem rather to the party. So the GeForce GTX 660 Ti are better than the Radeon HD 7950 and Radeon HD 7970 v1/v2. The Asus overclocking practiced by performance increases of around 7% against the reference model GeForce GTX 660 Ti. A word about the Radeon HD 7950 v2 model offers 8% higher performance. But it is not enough to tease a Radeon HD 7970 remains 5% faster.

6. Consumption and conclusion

Consumption

As always, we tested the power consumption of our graphics cards. We proceed in two steps: at rest, on the Windows desktop, then load with 3DMark 11 Extreme running at 2560x1600. The measurement is carried out at the outlet, by means of a power meter. It is therefore of the overall power consumption of our test machine.

At rest, the consumption of our various graphics cards we would almost draw a straight line: a hundred watts for the system with the graphics card consumes less up to 110 Watts maximum configuration for the most voracious. The difference is quite small. Charge, however, we note that the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY consumes thirty Watts less than its predecessor, the GeForce GTX 560 Ti when he uses ten watts more than the Radeon HD 7950 first name. The arrival of the Radeon HD 7950 v2 comes at the cost explosion in electricity consumption charge. Moving from a system that consumes 280 Watts to about 330 Watts. Not sure 5% performance grapillés justify a difference of 18% in terms of consumption. It is important to note that massive overclocking Asus practice for its excellent GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP is the price of a consumer impressive 327 Watts. This is more than the consumption of our GeForce GTX 670 reference.

Conclusion

Long overdue, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is finally here! Breaking the torpor of August but not our well-deserved holiday, the youngest of the firm to a chameleon, it must be confessed, very well placed to win. To begin with, his heart is nothing but a chip GK104 already seen in the GeForce GTX 670 and GeForce GTX 680 in particular.

Level specifications, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is very close to the GeForce GTX 670. If the number of processing units does not move in relation to the GeForce GTX 670 (except as ROP), the memory bus is seen amputated resulting in a limited bandwidth. A choice that will be impacting mainly in high resolutions. Side operating frequencies, NVIDIA aligns again on the GeForce GTX 670 and found the GPU Boost technology. This impressive results especially when a manufacturer like Asus decided to go beyond the specifications of the chameleon. When the frequency GPU Boost referred by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti's is 980 MHz, Asus TOP edition teases 1200 MHz! Performance necessarily fly and GeForce GTX 660 Ti little tease comes the big GeForce GTX 670. Unlike the GeForce GTX 660 Ti Xlr8 PNY is more moderate with a frequency boost that rarely exceeds the 1045 MHz.

Beyond these considerations, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti must admit ambiguous positioning to compete. While it supersedes stride on the performance of the Radeon HD 7850 and 7870 GHz Edition, teases the Radeon HD 7950 which in itself is rather positive. Except that pricing level, the GeForce GTX 660 Ti trades 310 euros, the same price as a Radeon HD 7950! Therefore benefit the least identical, are personal preferences that will tip the balance one way or the other. And this is not the output of a Radeon HD 7950 v2 changing the situation: we find it unnecessary. The performance gain is too low for a considerable increase as consumption. As for the GeForce GTX 660 Ti TOP Asus impresses, especially as it tickles the GeForce GTX 670, its price takes away almost any interest: 360 euros the Asus card is a GeForce GTX expensive 670.

In the state, and even if the GeForce GTX 660 Ti has seduced us, rather we recommend the Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition which costs close to 240 euros seems to be more competitive. To convince you: the GeForce GTX 660 Ti is 30% more expensive for 16% higher performance ...

good performance

controlled consumption

Price too high

GPU Boost unpredictable behavior

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Graphics Card

good

Performances

features

Quality / price

10 nm: TSMC joined Intel in a workgroup

2012-08-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Taiwan's TSMC is grafted to a working group, IMS Nanofabrication AG, are already Intel, Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) and Photronics. The purpose of this entity working on the development of tools that will allow the production of masks that will eventually be used in manufacturing processes in 10 nm or less.

While Intel's latest 22 nm are etched, manufacturers are already working on a way to continue the miniaturization. To achieve this, the engineers IMS Nanofabrication AG are facing a major challenge: the design of a technology leading to the design of a mask for a fine engraving deeper. What is a mask? To find out, please read our article on making a processor.

For the manufacture of this item, engineers want to design a tool using lithography multiple electron beams. Particularly promising technique that does not suffer from the same limitations as photolithography (which uses photons), particularly at the phenomenon of diffraction. These tests are in their infancy and after IMS, their prototype is currently capable of delivering 264,144 programmable rays whose size varies between 10 and 20 nm. Of alpha, beta and this technology should come quickly, but as one of the leaders of TSMC, it will take probably 2015 before reaching create the mask you want.

AMD Radeon and FirePro hands of a former Intel

2012-08-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

John Gustafson became the chief architect of AMD graphics products, replacing Eric Demers joined Qualcomm in May. He is the author of the law that bears his name, and has demonstrated the importance of parallel computing processors.

AMD continues its recruitment brain with the arrival of a former researcher at Intel, in the person of John Gustafson. He held the position of chief architect of graphic products and will be responsible for driving the roadmap Radeon and FirePro lines with the new livery was introduced in early August.

"With the increasing importance of parallel computing, the arrival of John Gustafson provide a complete experience and knowledge to help develop its AMD graphics processors and to define a strategy for long-term development," said Matt Skynner, general manager AMD Graphics. Former Intel researcher is indeed the author of a law that bears his name, and demonstrates the added value of working in parallel processors, a reassessment of Amdahl's Law.

According to John Gustafson, who commented on his arrival, "the next decade will mark a turning point in the era of GPU and APU which will rise to power calculation exceed several teraflops. In terms of raw power, the GPU has quietly but significantly exceeded the CPU and could become the most important element determining the performance of a computer in the near future. "

Since the arrival of the new p-dg in August 2011, Rory Read, from Lenovo, AMD has put his hand on several important personalities. At the beginning, the founder recovered including the founding father of the Athlon 64, Jim Keller. Passed since the executive management processors to Apple, where he helped develop chips A4, A5 and A5X equipping the mobile brand, he now heads the department of AMD.

U500VZ: a 15-inch Asus ultrabook

2012-08-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Asus has announced the soft opening of the IFA launch next U500VZ computer, 15-inch variant of its current range of ultrabooks.

Asus accompanies rising diagonally orchestrated around the ultrabook concept with the announcement in pre-opening of IFA in Berlin, U500VZ, a laptop size 15 inches. Taking the dress of the current Zenbook Taiwanese manufacturer, it adopts an IPS 1080p, and has a thickness of 19.7 mm contained in its thickest point. The weight and battery capacity has not yet been revealed, although early references gleaned from merchants portend a battery eight cells.

At the component level, Asus seems to have sided with nothing to prohibit, as the manufacturer suggests a Core i7 processor, a GeForce GT650M, and up to two 512 GB SSD This is of course the high-end version of U500VZ, which will also available in various versions more affordable. It retains, however, the integration of two sites dedicated to storage, which will include Asus to propose configurations involving mechanical hard drive and SSD.

Among other refinements, Taiwanese promises a backlit keyboard with a full numeric keypad and a light sensor. At this stage, however, it describes more features that will be offered or the price at which this U500VZ will be marketed in France. The launch, however, should be done quickly, since already found a few instances of this new mobile Web, with prices that range between 1500 and 2000 euros for a model with two 128 GB SSD

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AMD talks about its new processor architectures: Steamroller & Jaguar

2012-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

It was during the Hot Chips conference AMD has decided to lift the veil on its future processor architectures. A maneuver of this keynote, Mark Papermaster, Apple and actual former CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of the former smelter.

Steamroller: new x86 for AMD FX
Beyond strategy, AMD was able to evoke Steamroller its new x86 architecture. This successor to the architecture Piledriver is expected again in the heart of the AMD FX. For AMD Steamroller is an evolution of Bulldozer design course with various improvements. AMD continues here several objectives with improved speed data feed hearts, higher performance single-core or a performance per watt ratio increased.

Specifically, it gives level optimizations algorithms branch prediction to improve their efficiency or a more generous instruction cache to reduce cache miss (a cache miss is simply the absence of the data sought by the processor in the cache in question). According to data provided by AMD, the errors on the branch predictions are down 20% while 30% cache miss would be fewer. Better care of each block will have its own whole decoder: it is no longer about sharing a single module between several pipes (Note: We remember, however, that the share units was one of the strengths of the Bulldozer architecture highlighted by AMD as an asset for consumption in particular). This change should bear fruit at the effectiveness of the multithreaded architecture.

The side of the second level cache, Steamroller has a mechanism that we call the adaptive. The L2 cache size is dynamic and can be reduced to preserve the autonomy before being increased again to boost performance. AMD also raises a number of important records, scheduling or improved with the key performance gains for sensitive computing units. Finally, in terms of design, AMD refers to a reduction in area of 30% with the key to energy savings between 15 and 30%.

Jaguar for low power systems
On another note, AMD had Jaguar's new x86 type OOO (out of order) for systems with low power consumption. Evolution of architecture Bobcat, Jaguar is supposed to improve performance with the treatment of more instructions per clock cycle, a higher clock frequency and constant voltage support for further instructions. Jaguar will indeed extend the supported Intel instructions with the addition of SSE 4.1 and SSE 4.2 in addition to AVX and AES (among others). AMD suggests improved virtualization support without too spread while 40-bit addressing of the game.

In its most complete version, Jaguar is expected for 2013 will have four execution cores. Among the improvements made by AMD we note the arrival of a block to manage the divisions inherited from Llano or additional resources such as schedulers and wider buffers. AVX management goes hand in hand with an overhaul of the pipeline to allow 128-bit units to work together to address the 256-bit instructions. As for the second level cache is shared and inclusive type. Note that energy, Jaguar says the power mode to allow C6 extinction each individual hearts.

Synology DS213: the NAS midrange renewed

2012-08-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

Shortly after launching the DS213, he formalized the meantime, Synology continues to renew its line of NAS unveiling today the "DS213", a more economical alternative.

The "DS213" tout court distinguished mainly by its DS213 SoC, since it relies on a single 2.0 GHz heart rather than a double heart to 1.067 GHz. There are also 512 MB of DDR3 RAM, two hard drive bays Serial ATA 3 Gbps, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port and an SD memory card reader, but an eSATA port.

The housing of the DS213 is identical to that of DS213 and DS212

Although so little to distinguish the two newcomers on the technical level, but significantly lower than the performance of the final SoC cause numerous limitations, some of which are potentially arbitrary on the software. The DS213 does not handle such that two backups of computers, the DS213 against four, eight IP cameras against twelve, five VPN clients against fifteen, or 30 against 50 downloads.

The performance gap is more tenuous in terms of storage hardcore with 108 MB / s and 65 MB / s sequential read and write, respectively, against 111 and 81.

The "Synology DS213" is now marketed in France retail price of 270 euros (against 350).

Stops Lexmark inkjet printers and eliminates 1,700 jobs

2012-08-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Lexmark announced Tuesday the establishment of a major restructuring plan. The promised return to profitability will involve the output market inkjet printers.

The printer inkjet market is too competitive? The American Lexmark unveiled on Tuesday outlined a major restructuring plan after which he completely abandon this market. The consumables will last until 2015, however, in order to continue to serve customers already equipped. At that time, Lexmark plans to close its factory specializing in Cebu, Philippines.

Lexmark output will result in the elimination of approximately 1,700 positions worldwide, including 1,100 directly involved in the production of inkjet products. The American manufacturer planchera in parallel on the sale of assets associated with this activity, without specifying the moment when a competitor has already expressed interest.

Lexmark and aims to reduce its $ 85 million annual expenditure in 2013, with a target of $ 95 million for 2015.

"Today's announcements represent a difficult decision, but necessary to lead to higher profitability and significant cost savings," says Paul Rook, CEO of Lexmark, in a statement. Officially, the course is now set to imaging products and software at a higher value.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2012, Lexmark had in late July, reported a turnover of 919 million dollars against 1.044 billion a year earlier, along with a net profit of 39 million dollars.

The stock market has positively welcomed this decision with a title that was trading at about $ 22 an hour after the opening of the U.S. market Tuesday, up 16%.

Atom Valleyview is confirmed and accurate, but is pushed

2012-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

The next generation of Atom is confirmed and accurate, after the Chinese search engine Baidu has referenced a detailed presentation of Intel, whose veracity is little doubt. It would, however delayed.

This new presentation dated August 15, confirms the information that had already escaped to the founder, with the exception of the launch date, while providing some valuable information.

Responding to these future processors code-named "Valleyview" adopt as expected the manufacturing process 22 nm.
They will house to begin a two or four CPU cores, clocked from 1.2 to 2.4 GHz and equipped with 512 KB cache each second level.
They will also have four units of seventh generation GPU, that is to say the same as the Ivy Bridge processors, which promise of four to seven times the graphics performance of existing Atom. They provide hardware decoding of VC-1, H.264 and MPEG-2 encoding the latter two, but the decoding of JPEG and VP8 through a dedicated unit VXD392. This controller will support multiple combinations of three HDMI, DisplayPort and / or VGA can operate simultaneously.
The memory controller in turn varies from one model to another. Some chips will support dual channel 1333MHz DDR3L, or a single channel ECC, others only one channel LPDDR2 800 MHz.
Finally, in terms of connectivity, "Valleyview" take over three to four PCI-Express 2.0 (not 3.0), Serial ATA 3 Gbps (and not 6 Gbps), USB 3.0, USB 2.0 port, an SD memory and various internal protocols (I2C, I2S, UART).

Platform "Bay Trail" embodied by fleas "Valleyview" will be adapted to several destination markets and uses:
for the general public, "Valleyview-M" for netbooks will have 4 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz and above, "Valleyview-D" for office equipment 2 or 4 cores and 1.7 GHz.
industry but also for the automotive, "Valleyview-I" will have from January to April hearts clocked from 1.2 to 2.0 GHz
Finally, for miniature devices, the "Valleyview-T" will be more compact variants castrated with 4 cores at 1.6 GHz

Almost all known characteristics have been confirmed and some clarification. However, when in the beginning of the year was expected the next generation for the first quarter of 2013, this document speaks about her recent fourth quarter 2013.

Nvidia releases GeForce 306.02 beta drivers

2012-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

Nvidia has released new drivers Monday bound for GeForce graphics cards. Still in beta, the 306.02 promise various performance improvements.

Recent industry representatives R304, 306.02 drivers are currently still in beta, but the impatient can now test their innovations. Among them, we can highlight the support of the occultation room via the Control Panel drivers for recent titles such as Guild Wars 2, Counter Strike Global Offensive and MechWarrior Online.

Nvidia also promises a significant improvement in performance compared to the previous version of the drivers under titles like Batman: Arkham City, Dragon Age II and STALKER: Call of Pripyat, with a gain between 10 and 18% for GeForce GTX 680. For Total War: Shogun 2, the gain even reach 60%, due to the correction of a performance issue with the latest patch applied to the game

Note also that Nvidia appears in its release notes the compatibility of these new drivers with the GeForce GTX 660 Ti recent, although in practice it is being sent a finalized version of the drivers, while other cards are software stamped beta.

The manufacturer finally enjoy this ad to emphasize that the GeForce 6 and 7 series in the program will soon Legacy, which means that drivers coming no longer provide their care.

GeForce 306.02 beta drivers can now be downloaded from the NVIDIA website (select the line beta drivers, and operating system and graphics card) for Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, 32 and 64 bits.

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Raspberry Pi: CEC support, MPEG-2 and VC-1

2012-08-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Raspberry Pi Foundation has recently announced its new to miniature computer that fill some of the gaps in multimedia.

Raspberry Pi the originally dedicated to teaching and therefore included a minimum of licenses to maintain a low cost. The foundation on which we had not predicted to (or want?) That deceive users mainly for its multimedia capabilities. These are therefore faced with limitations for legal reasons, not technical.

VC-1 and MPEG-2 option
To satisfy these users without it being detrimental to apprentice hackers, the foundation has opened a shop in which she sells licenses for two common codecs:
MPEG-2 on the one hand used for full DVD video sold 2.40 euros or 3 pounds
VC-1 on the other hand, used by many Blu-ray, sold 1.20 sterling or € 1.50
Each of these licenses is provided in the form of a key generated from the serial number of the card. From a purely technical point of view, these two codecs are fully supported by the SoC and most ports.

Free H.264 encoding
In line with licensing, encoding H.264 is now included in the latest firmware. Raspberry Pi foundation has actually received confirmation during its discussions on the MPEG-2, the license fees it pays for decoding H.264 also covers encoding.

Software components required for hardware encoding which have been restored, which paves the way for new features transcoding, bound for smartphones or other screens for example.

HDMI CEC
Raspberry Pi Foundation said finally support the CEC, this standard allows a single remote to control multiple devices, through their HDMI cables.

1.8.0 Library libCEC third, built to last firmware, actually brings support, which allows eg to use their TV remote to trigger the ignition of the two elements, and if a home cinema amplifier, then use XBMC or Raspbian.

Sony stops production of optical drives for computers

2012-08-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sony has announced the cessation of production of optical drives from March 2013. The company says the strong competition in the sector has resulted in lower prices that began the profitability of the market, preferring to abandon it.

From March 2013, the Sony subsidiary dedicated to the manufacture of readers and writers discs (CD, DVD) Sony Optiarc Inc.. stop the production of such products to destinations computers and the general public. In words, this company based in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, is simply closed.

Chinese and Korean competition was due to the activity of the Japanese, which currently sells its readers at a loss. In addition to the obvious economic factor to justify such a judgment, Sony also mentioned a decrease in demand, especially on the side of the laptop.

Currently undergoing restructuring, Sony therefore chooses to leave the sector to turn to other, more promising: the firm will soon eliminate 10,000 jobs across its subsidiaries. Optiarc, meanwhile, employs more than 400 people, whose future is uncertain.

AOC e2752Vq: a versatile 27-inch monitor

2012-08-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

AOC announces the launch in France of "e2752Vq", a new versatile monitor 27 inch backlit LED, sold at a relatively affordable price.

The "AOC e2752Vq" relies on its large display surface, failing to focus on the quality and sharpness of the image. I must say it is from the professional range and is aimed primarily at office.

Its slab is actually TN type, which, on such a surface, may alter the rendering of a portion of the screen that the user looks at a high angle. It displays also a Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), a fairly low resolution in view of its measurements.

In return, it puts forward the response time of 2 milliseconds and HDMI input plus DisplayPort, DVI and VGA to attract players and moviegoers. It also has a USB 2.0 hub with four ports and a pair of speakers of 2.5W each. Finally its manufacturer claims a maximum brightness of 300 cd / m² and a contrast ratio of 1200:1 native.

The "AOC e2752Vq" is marketed in France in the retail price of 340 euros.

Samsung unveils a square screen and a transparent screen for professionals

2012-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

Samsung will sell from September 1 LED backlit display and a transparent square screen, both for companies, specifically for commercial uses. Prices have not been announced yet.

Products that will be exhibited on the occasion of the IFA, which will take place this weekend, to clarify: Samsung introduce two new products in Berlin whose commercialization is planned for the month of September.

The first, UD22B is a slab LED backlight 21.6 square inches, to be assembled with other of his peers to form a very large screen. Samsung emphasizes a separation of only 5.5 mm slabs designed to offer the image less "cut" as possible. The possibilities are consistent since installation can support up to 100 screens simultaneously. In addition, the UD22B saves up to 30% energy compared to standard LCD of this type of market.

The second screen, NL22B, could present the future storefronts since it has the distinction of being completely transparent. Its 22-inch size limit, however, the use issue, but it is very likely that this technology will develop over large areas very quickly.

Samsung has not announced retail prices for these devices, reserved for professionals.

AMD price drop for processors and arrival of a FX-4130

2012-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

AMD has implemented new rates for Monday processors listed in its catalog. Alongside a new benchmark, the AMD FX-4130, there was a price reduction can exceed 20% on some models.

AMD prepares comeback with prices revised downwards for most of its catalog of mainstream processors. Relayed by CPU World, this new pricing comes into force on 27 August, shows a general readjustment, sometimes with variations, including the Llano and FX ranges. The Phenom II X4 965BE 955B and see their prices fall by more than 20%. Recall that prices expressed here are quoted in dollars, excluding tax per thousand units purchased. A new reference finally makes its appearance with a FX-4130 quad-core / two modules clocked at 3.8 GHz (3.9 GHz in Turbo mode) and with 4 MB of L3 cache, a 125W TDP given . It will be slightly faster than the FX-4100 follows in the range, at the expense of higher power consumption.