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January 2000
WebMasterP
1-31-00
Ars Technica has written up a good review on that all aluminum case we've
all been hearing about (or not). The CoolerMaster ATC-200 Mid-Tower costs
almost $300 as of now, but is definitely a cool case (I'm talking temp. here).
I really wish someone would buy me one of these, but I couldn't afford it for sure.
WebMasterP
1-30-00
This, right here, is an open invitation to join team Xtreme Tek in Dcypher.net
project. This is in a way the same concept as SETI@home, send people blocks
break them down. Now that Dcypher is done cracking encryption they are moving
on to study nuclear waste management, which is a real problem. So, help Dcypher
with their Gamma Flux Project, help planet earth with it's nuclear waste problem,
and help Xtreme Tek on it's rise to the top of the charts (we have risen from 57th to
17th in just 12 days). Just go to Dcypher.net,
download the client, and install it. When it asks for your email, type in your email.
When it asks for the team number, type in 284. Also, as a side note, you stress
testers and reviewers, this makes a very good stressing program.
WebMasterP
1-30-00
Thresh's Firing Squad has a review on SWAT 3. It looks pretty cool, but Firing
Squad doesn't think so. Go see why, it's mostly because of no multiplayer but
the standalone game looks pretty entertaining.
WebMasterP
1-30-00
GameWire has just released an
Upgrading Guide.
I dunno, you newer guys might want to check this out. But, you veterans
this might be a complete waste of time, it's up to you.
Here's a clip from the review:"If you are into serious
gaming, there are 2 video card manufactures that you really want to think
about: 3dfx and nVIDIA. 3dfx makes very fast cards, but they don't provide
good image quality, only support 16 MB of RAM, and only run in 16-bit. The
card that you purchase is very dependent on what games you play. If you play
games that only support Glide, then you obviously want to get a 3dfx card.
What many people are doing is getting a Voodoo 2 add-on card, and putting it
with their other video card. If you mostly run OpenGL games, then get a TNT2
Ultra or GeForce, and you may want to throw in a Voodoo2."
WebMasterP
1-29-00
Game Force has a killer "how-to" on making case fan toggle switches.
I'm going to get my self to a Radio Shack ASAP and try this bad boy out. Not
only does it look cool, but it might actually come in handy (though I kind of
like the noise in my room).
WebMasterP
1-27-00
The Voodoo3 2000/3000 Windows 9x Retail Drivers for AGP/PCI Boards has just
been updated recently and I thought I'd give you 3Dfx users (like me) a heads
up. They updated the Glide and Open GL CD and fixed some more bugs. Have at
it, I'm going to get it right now.
WebMasterP
1-26-00
Last night I received a couple emails from Bitboys Oy, the company that
announced their Glaze 3D video cards a long time ago. These cards have
yet to be manufactured and, according to one of the letters, won't be
fully manufactured until the third quarter of this year. The purpose of
email #1 was to inform me that Bitboys now had a US office in Texas.
This is good in that they are located in Finland and making their
product's popularity grow will be a lot easier with a United
States base. Also, they informed me that they had picked up Shane Long,
the old STB CEO before 3Dfx bought them out and trashed poor Shane. Email #2
"announces" their XBAT
technology, which is not new (to them as a company, it is a new technology).
I believe they are just hyping it up now because they have an official name for the technology. It was
referred to as embedded DRAM (eDRAM) before, and the new name Xtreme
Bandwidth ArchitectureT (XBAT) gives the a reason to hype it up. It
looks like they added the "T" just so you could say it like a word. Check
out my write up for a little 3Dfx and Glaze 3D comparison (theoretical).
This announcement fills in the little hole in my article in which I can't explain how
Bitboys plan to get 2.4 Gigapixels/sec with only 2 chips as opposed to
3Dfx's proposed 1.47 GP/sec with 4 chips.
"The first chips utilizing XBAT provide two to three times the
memory bandwidth over the nearest competitors, totaling 12
Gigabytes/sec with a single processor and over 20 Gigabytes/sec
in the dual processor configurations. This natural evolution of the
traditional 3D graphics chip architecture will provide unseen
performance gains for the 3D market."
You have to know that the only reason I posted this is because they spelled
Xtreme like I do =) If you would like a copy of either emails (or both) just
send me an email with which one(s) you would like in the text part of the
email and I'll forward you a copy.
WebMasterP
1-26-00
I have decided to release my background. I know what you're thinking, "Oh
My GOD, an Xtreme Tek background, WOW!" Yes, it's true, I have a background
ready for release. Just click on the preview below to start downloading.
The actually .bmp file is 2.5 MB but zipped it is only 523 KB. This small
little screen shot does this bad boy no justice. By the way, it was made
for 1024x768 but it will shrink/grow just fine.
Click on Image to Download |
WebMasterP
1-25-00
Now this is just wrong. I have been hearing about the high RAM needs of Windows 2000
for a bit now, and this
just confirms it. Kingston and Gateway are teaming up to
capitalize on this need for RAM as this new OS is released. 256 MB of RAM recommend
is just too much. I only have 128 MB right now, so if I were to pay for Windows
2000 + the 128 MB of additional Corsair PC-133 SDRAM it would double the cost of
Windows 2K. I'm sorry, but that just bugs me. If it is so revolutionary, then make
the damn thing run good on a 386, like Linux.
WebMasterP
1-25-00
Now this is just wrong. I have been hearing about the high RAM needs of Windows 2000
for a bit now, and this
just confirms it. Kingston and Gateway are teaming up to
capitalize on this need for RAM as this new OS is released. 256 MB of RAM recommend
is just too much. I only have 128 MB right now, so if I were to pay for Windows
2000 + the 128 MB of additional Corsair PC-133 SDRAM it would double the cost of
Windows 2K. I'm sorry, but that just bugs me. If it is so revolutionary, then make
the damn thing run good on a 386, like Linux.
WebMasterP
1-25-00
Despite Microsoft's ongoing monopoly related problems, they have decided to monopolize
further. Liquid Audio is incorporating Windows Media audio into their own stuff. Therefore,
making Real Audio obsolete soon. I don't really care for Real anyway, but I don't like that
they're going to put a company out of business.
"Liquid Audio plans to integrate Windows Media audio technology into its music delivery
platform, moving the Microsoft standard a step closer to surpassing Real's among digital
music fans."
Poor guys, I wish them the best of luck in fighting the guys who own the entire side of
the monopoly board with Boardwalk and Park Place =)
WebMasterP
1-24-00
Ace's Hardware has a shootout between 14 video cards. These are new video cards
too! Everywhere from a GeForce DDR to a Voodoo3 3000. The Voodoo3 actually beat the rest
of the cards when glide was applied. I wish they would have done more benchmarks, but what
they did do is definitely effective. Probably the best video card buyers guide as of yet.
WebMasterP
1-24-00
Kyle of the Dungeon Hard OCP
has a little article on his thoughts about on-board T&L.
T&L stands for Transform and Lighting and is a new "feature" that nVIDIA came
up with on their new GeForce cards. Basically, what Kyle points out is that when lighting
(not to be confused with lightning) is put to mass use, T&L fails. By fails I mean
that it is holding the card back, not helping it. Good read, and if you don't like
it you can always flame Kyle. It's fun, everyone does it!
WebMasterP
1-23-00
Firing Squad has a review on the Swiftech MC370. This is socket 370 version of their
heat sink, fan, peltier combo. Firing Squad didn't reach any really extreme numbers,
but I don't think they tried. Check out this review for the temperature readings, this
is a pretty good unit.
WebMasterP
1-22-00
GameWire has a review on the Razer Boomslang 2000. Based on common logic I'm guessing
this is better than the Razer Boomslang 1000 =). This a one page article, but what a
LONG page it is. Pretty good stuff though, read up.
WebMasterP
1-22-00
Sharky Extreme has a review on a DDR GeForce from a very new company called
Absolute. The card's full name is Absolute Multimedia GeForce 256 DDR.
It has a very impressive software bundle (if you don't get the bulk version) and is
definitely a good read. I just wish those things didn't cost $300!
WebMasterP
1-22-00
Thresh's Firing Squad has a very educational article on the Future of Memory.
If you're fairly new to the technology area or really experienced, this is very
good and informative read.
WebMasterP
1-22-00
Fast MHz has a review on one of the computer industry's most worthless device.
It's called the STIKit and it's joystick you mount on top of your arrow keys.
Pretty good read if you're in the market to know what NOT to buy. Ok, enough beating
on it. No, it does actually have a couple good uses, so check it.
WebMasterP
1-20-00
Firing Squad has some great stuff up about SMP and Windows 2000. It's actually titled
the "Q3A W2K SMP Shoot Out."
It is a good read, especially for those of you who
have or are thinking about getting dual processors and wanted to use Windows 2000 to
take advantage of them. Don't forget, the drivers here are very new and "unpolished"
and should not be taken too critically, but are still definitely worth a look.
WebMasterP
1-20-00
Will the Thrill over at CPU Review has got the inside scoop on nVIDIA's plans for
Open GL 1.2 for the Linux platform. Linux seems to get better everyday. Heck, maybe
someday everyone will be running their free Linux as opposed to their high
priced Windows 2000.
WebMasterP
1-19-00
Well, while I'm on the whole "something of the month" thing, Slugo
brought up good saying I hadn't heard (I think he made it up). Since it was such a good
term I thought I would make it the term/saying of the month!
Colon Clean: Going into DOS and typing format C:
Try IT! See how clean you can get your "C Colon!!!" (If you do this and screw up your computer,
I will not be held responsible. This is a disclaimer.) Just you wait, in a couple of years,
people will be saying, "Hey man, just do a Colon Clean®, It'll fix you computer right up!"
WebMasterP
1-19-00
This is my screen shot of the month right here (I don't really have a screen shot every month,
but this was to funny to pass up). This was taken by my man Gordaen while playing TFC.
This screen shot is AUTHENTIC, that's why it's funny.
Give It To Me Baby! |
WebMasterP
1-18-00
Ok, this is pretty cool. Just in case you hadn't heard of Nude Overclockers, there
is a site run by four women who overclock in the nude (so they say). Well, the
real news here is that they made it on to the Register's main news. Its a sad world. =)
WebMasterP
1-17-00
Happy Birthday to meeeeee... Happy.. ok, that's enough. Sorry for the lack of update in
the last few days. I have been very busy with college stuff and other important life
thingys. I've gotten a hold of some very special cooling devices and I just need to figure
out how to get them to work. Then I shall be able to post a review on them for your viewing
pleasure.
WebMasterP
1-15-00
The mouse pad wars rage on, EverGlide released a new pad. I assume
this to be a counter to Ratpadz. The Everglide GIGANTA is 11.5" by 9.5", which
are the same dimensions as Ratpadz. The design however looks pretty cool.
WebMasterP
1-12-00
Thresh's Firing Squad has a couple of really good reviews up. First, they have a review
of a Gabriel Knight 3. Second, they have a review of the
Athlon 800. Check them both out,
remember that this Athlon is built on the new 0.18µ and the reviewer also mentions
a quick little blurb about the cache being at 2/5 speed of Core speed. This is less than
the 1/2 core speed that Athlon 500-650 run at. The 2/5 speed makes the coppermine better
for gamers at the higher speeds. AMD is working on an Athlon with the cache running at
the same speed as the core. Yeah!
WebMasterP
1-11-00
TweakTown asked me to post a link to their site. So, here it is, a fully functional
link "http://tweaktown.tweakfiles.com"
I think that if they were trying to get hits, they came to the wrong place. You guys
need to show me some love and email me news and visit more often. Then I'll show you
more review love.
WebMasterP
1-11-00
Our buddies at Fast MHz have got kind of a dual review going on. They review a
Yamaha CRW8424 & a Pioneer DVD-303S. Pretty cool stuff, I wouldn't mind
getting a hold of the DVD Player (I think my girlfriend got me one for my
birthday). The CDRW is SCSI and CarMan is mainly trying to show how these to work
together.
WebMasterP
1-11-00
Check this out at the Register. Sun, SCO, Novell, Citrix dump $30 Million into
Caldera. DANG! Why doesn't someone dump some money into my company. It's ok, if
you want to pay for advertising for me, I'll let you. Just email me,
WebMasterP
WebMasterP
1-10-00
HardOCP has a review posted
on the ever popular Panaflo Orb. This review is mostly just
about the Orb and how it can be mounted with a certain kit. But, for the price and only 1° C
hotter than an Alpha, I'm betting most people won't mind!
WebMasterP
1-9-00
Fast MHz has a review posted on the
Logitech Cordless iTouch Keyboard & Mouse.
It appears as if it's a pretty nice unit. Heck, if anything else, the set looks really cool.
WebMasterP
1-8-00
2CoolTek
now has the Alpha Athlon/SECC Cooler with small little slot cut out to make
room for the problemed wires which got in the way on some Athlon boards. They run
a little high in price ($32.25 w/o fans
& $46.50 w/ fans), but should be well worth
it. Also, you're buying from 2CoolTek,
so you know you're getting a pretty damn good deal.
WebMasterP
1-8-00
Is Hercules back in the video card business? Well, kind of, under Guillemot's
ownership and control. Guillemot purchased Hercules when it closed down. As I'm
sure you figured out, they did this to buy the name. Well, to be blunt, they
have released the Hercules 3D Prophet DDR-DVI (GeForce) and Firing Squad has a
review on it. What is really cool is that they maxed out the overclocking sliders
for both core and memory clock (160 MHz and 350 MHz). This card's name sure sounds
a lot like the Guillemot 3D Prophet, no originality points there.
WebMasterP
1-7-00
Doing something with Active Matrix Liquid Crystal, IBM was able to create a
200 ppi display.
What is really cool is that it uses half the power of an 18" CRT monitor and
has 4 times the resolution of a SXGA monitor. Wow! Want another plus? They will
probably come down in price real quick because they are cheap to make.
WebMasterP
1-7-00
I forgot to mention this earlier, but Thresh's Firing Squad posted their second half
of their Dreamcast vs PC article. Check it out, interesting stuff. Click here for
Round One
and click here for Round Two.
WebMasterP
1-6-00
Abit VA6 anyone? Well be a smart consumer and just go check out Ars Techinica's
review on the Abit VA6. It's sure to make your life 6% better than it was before.
Why? I dunno, I was just lying, sorry.
WebMasterP
1-4-00
Kyle's got a little review posted on a quality Athlon golden fingers mod. This one
has dials and fits very nicely into most people's cases. Not the longest review, but
pretty informative.
WebMasterP
1-3-00
Ars Techina has a good read on the G4 vs K7. It's really informative,
as most or Ars' reviews are. I learned some, maybe you will too, unless of course
you're already a super genius and design these chips for recreation.
WebMasterP
1-2-00
Jsi Hardware has review on Pioneer's 10x Slot loading DVD Player. Mostly just a
quick reference review, but it's there. He pointed out some bad stuff about "region
locking" too.
WebMasterP
1-1-00
Happy 2000!
Wow, the world didn't blow up, we didn't get attacked by aliens,
our computers didn't explode, and the power didn't go out. I guess you Abit
BP6 users didn't need that BIOS that fixed a "y2k problem." So, I would
ignore this flash all together and wait for the next.
WebMasterP
1-1-00
Here's some news about another Microsoft failure, involving MSY2K. Apparently, even
Intel is pissed, go figure.
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