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Patriot Updates their DDR2 4GB PC2-8500 Line to "Revision 2"-May 7, 2008
Patriot Memory has upgraded its high-end DDR2 modules and released a new revision of its 4GB PC2-8500 product line. These "Revision 2" matched pair kits will update both the Viper and Bladed DDR2 product lines, and provide increased system stability and compatibility for Intel and NVIDIA chipsets. The latest Patriot modules will feature EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles), which allow for increased SPD timings with select NVIDIA-based platforms.
The two new kits include updated "Revision 2" editions of the Patriot Extreme Performance Viper DDR2 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC2-8500 (PVS24G8500ELKR2) and Patriot Extreme Performance DDR2 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC2-8500 (PDC24G8500ELKR2) matched pairs. "We are always searching for ways to improve our product lines," said Les Henry, Technical Director for Patriot Memory. "The new revision 2 4GB PC2-8500 kits are an example of this pursuit. Like bios and IC chips revisions, this module revision improves overall system stability and compatibility." Both products are available now, but Patriot Memory has yet to release pricing.
Related Link: Patriot Memory Mushkin Releases a New Line of Ascent Redline and XP eVCI-cooled Memory-May 6, 2008
System temperature levels are a hot topic in computer hardware, as companies and individuals try to wring every last MHz out of their equipment. Mushkin is giving their XP and Redline modules a facelift, and incorporating a state-of-the-art eVCI (enhanced Vapor Chamber Interface) cooling system on each module. The base for the eVCI cooling solution is a pair of liquid filled copper vapor chambers (123mm x 25mm) encased in high conductivity 6063 aluminum alloy, which have been developed by Celsia Technologies. This helps transfer the module heat to the aluminum, and according to Mushkin, allows for temperatures up to 48 percent cooler than conventional heatspreaders.
The Celsia eVCI cooling system does not take additional real estate, and the Mushkin Ascent Redline and XP modules feature a low-profile, slimline format that will not hamper full usage of memory slots or limit CPU cooler selection. The Ascent XP series will include both XP2-8500 (2GB and 2x2GB) and XP3-16000 (1GB and 2x1GB) modules, while the specific Redline model numbers have yet to be announced. "By combining high frequency memory chips into a package uniquely designed to handle increased heat and voltage demands, the Ascent product line offers gamers and other PC enthusiasts a new level of performance," said Brian Flood, director of product development for Mushkin. The Ascent XP Series is currently available, and the Ascent Redline will follow in 60 days, but Mushkin has yet to release pricing.
Related Link: Mushkin OCZ Hits 2.0 GHz using High-Density 2GB DDR3 Modules-May 6, 2008
With the release of the Intel X48 chipset, DDR3 memory continues to grow in popularity, and enthusiasts are demanding faster speeds at higher capacities. OCZ Technology has answered the call, and is offering up the OCZ DDR3 PC3-16000 Platinum Edition memory, clocked at a blistering 2.0 GHz. But what is special about these modules is that OCZ has managed to hit a 2GB capacity, and can offer a 2.0 GHz clock speed in a 4GB matched pair kit. These are also available in standard 1GB and 2x1GB configurations, but the real news is hitting PC3-16000 speeds at 2GB.
OCZ DDR3 PC3-16000 Platinum Edition memory features CL9-9-9-28 timings at 2.0 GHz, while using a default memory voltage of 1.8V (1.85V EVP) for 1GB and 1.9V (1.95V EVP) for 2GB modules. These are also EPP 2.0-ready, which allows for optimized SPD configurations with select NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra platforms. OCZ outfits these PC3-16000 modules with platinum-mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders, and backs them with a full lifetime warranty. "It is no myth that higher memory densities make it harder to push higher clock frequencies; OCZ Technology pulled off this seemingly impossible task with the release of the world’s fastest high-density memory solution," commented Dr. Michael Schuette, VP of Technology Development at OCZ Technology. The company has yet to announce pricing on the DDR3 PC3-16000 Platinum Edition kits.
Related Link: OCZ Technology Dell Raises the Bar with Quad-CPU/Quad-Graphics XPS 730 H2 and H2C Gaming Systems-May 4, 2008
The latest news from Dell will have gaming enthusiasts cracking open their piggy banks, as the powerhouse Dell XPS 730 H2 and H2C gaming systems allow for the very highest end gaming possible. Sporting an nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset, Intel Core 2 Extreme processors, and Corsair Dominator DDR3 memory, Dell is certainly not scrimping on the parts. Graphics options include the Radeon HD 3870 X2 in four-way CrossFireX or GeForce 8800GT using SLI. Data capacity will not be an issue, as the XPS 730 H2 and H2C have up to four hard drives factory installed, supporting many RAID configurations.
The H2C cooling solution features a two-stage ceramic cooling system with a redesigned CPU coldplate, a chipset coldplate, a dynamic speed control to the pump and fans, and a separate fan for the CPU’s voltage regulator components. The external case options include Victory Red and Stealth Blue designs, in 2.4mm anodized aluminum, for the XPS 730 H2C, while the XPS 730 features Silver brushed aluminum case. The power supply is a 1000W 80-Plus unit, and large, quiet pulse width modulation (PWM) fans provide cooling. The Dell XPS 730 H2 and H2C systems also support the NVIDIA Enthusiast System Architecture (ESA), for real-time system management. "With XPS and Alienware gaming systems we've been progressively delivering an awe-inspiring experience to gamers and now, with the XPS 730, we’ve set the bar for a truly kick-ass gaming experience," said Arthur Lewis, head of Dell’s gaming group. The air-cooled XPS 730 starts at $3,999, while the XPS 730 H2C starts at $4,999.
Related Link: Dell Kingston Unleashes Low-Latency 800MHz HyperX FB-DIMMs for the Skulltrail-May 2, 2008
The Intel Skulltrail is a multi-CPU, multi-GPU powerhouse platform, but it does come with one caveat - a FB-DIMM memory requirement. FB-DIMMS, or fully-buffered dual-inline memory modules, use an Advanced Memory Buffer between the controller and the module, allowing memory densities, reliability and speed to increase without adding to the pin count. Kingston Technology hopes to make their new HyperX PC2-6400 FB-DIMMs the choice of the Skulltrail enthusiasts, as in addition to the FB-DIMM architecture, the latest HyperX memory has added a few performance enhancements.
Memory latency can be an issue with 800 MHz FB-DIMM memory, but Kingston supplies their HyperX FB-DIMMs at default SPD timings of CL5-5-5-18 for 1.8V boot, but these can be lowered to CL4-4-4-12 by raising the voltage to 2.0V. The KHX6400F2LLK2/2G kit consists of dual 1GB 800 MHZ DDR2 FB-DIMM modules, which incorporate a dual-phased cooling system and feature a lifetime warranty through Kingston. "Using a specialized dual-phased cooling system to cool the FB-DIMMs' controller IC, this new design will provide optimal temperature conditions. As part of our production process, these new modules have been tested on the Intel Skulltrail platform," said Mark Tekunoff, senior technology manager, Kingston. Kingston Technology offers the 2x1GB HyperX PC2-6400 FB-DIMM kit at a retail price of $169 USD.
Related Link: Kingston Technology OCZ Joins the Special Ops for a new DDR3 Memory Series-May 1, 2008
OCZ Technology has given the Special Ops treatment to a new line of DDR3 modules, complete with a camouflage motif heatspreader. Although the camouflage heatspreader may look nice, it's still a high quality XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) design. These Special Ops Edition, or SOE, DDR3 modules are available in both PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) and PC3-1066 (1333 MHz) configurations, at both 1GB and 2GB individual module capacities and in the corresponding 2GB and 4GB matched pair kits.
OCZ DDR3 PC3-8500 Special Ops Edition sports CL 7-7-7-24 timings at 1.6V (1.8V EVP), while their DDR3 PC3-10666 Special Ops Edition runs at CL 9-9-9-27 timings using 1.7V (1.75V EVP). "We are excited to introduce a complete range of new Special Ops DDR3 kits ranging from 1066MHz to 1333MHz designed specifically for gamers looking to take advantage of the higher bandwidth and lower power consumption benefits offered with these SOE DDR3 modules," commented Alex Mei, CMO of the OCZ Technology Group. OCZ states that all their DDR3 Special Ops Edition modules are 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and are backed by a full life time warranty. The company has yet to announce pricing on the PC3-8500 and PC3-10666 SOE kits.
Related Link: OCZ Technology Silicon Power Goes Solid with its Latest 128GB SSD-May 1, 2008
With the launch of their 128GB solid state drive, Silicon Power has given mobile users another reason to cheer. SSD drives have taken the high-end mobile marketplace by storm, as these are solid state devices with no moving parts, a very low power usage and a lightweight construction. Performance is also very high, outpacing standard hard drives, as well offering enhanced protection from physical damage - such as vibrations and high speed shifts - which can lead to increased durability and enhanced data integrity and protection.
One interesting feature of the Silicon Power 128GB SSD is its support for both Serial and Parallel ATA interfaces. This gives the device added flexibility, and Silicon Power is promoting its use for not only laptops, but also desktop PCs and other mobile devices. Silicon Power’s 2.5-inch SSD includes shockproof, anti-vibration and noiseless features, as well as built-in Error Correction Code (ECC), and complies with RoHS standards. Drive latency is also very low with solid state drives, and both drive noise and seek errors are not present in this type of design. Other specifications include a 110g weight, 4.5V-5.5V power usage, a 1500G Max shock rating, and a 2 year warranty. In addition to the 128GB capacity, Silicon Power also offers SSD drives in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB configurations. Silicon Power has not yet announced pricing.
Related Link: Silicon Power WD Heralds Heat-Sinked, Super-Fast SATA Drive-April 22, 2008
WD has introduced what it calls the world's fastest Serial ATA hard drive -- the 300GB VelociRaptor, reaching retail shelves in mid-May for $300.
The 10,000-rpm, 2.5-inch drive is enclosed in a 3.5-inch IcePack mounting frame with built-in heat sink, fitting the drive into a standard 3.5-inch system bay while keeping it cool enough for use in a high-performance desktop chassis (such as the Alienware ALX gaming machine that will be the VelociRaptor's exclusive home until its retail debut).
According to WD, the 35-percent-faster heir to the popular WD Raptor 3Gb/sec SATA drive features Rotary Acceleration Feed Forward technology to optimize performance in vibration-prone, multi-drive chassis, while a SecurePark feature parks the recording heads off the disk surface during spin up, spin down, and when the drive is off. The latter contributes to a class-leading reliability rating of 1.4 million hours MTBF.
Related Link: WD OCZ Unleashes Enhanced Latency DDR3-2000 with Flex II Cooling-April 18, 2008
OCZ Technology recently introduced their water-cooled Flex II memory series with the PC2-9200 DDR2, and has now followed that up with the OCZ DDR3 PC3-16000 Flex II Edition. This high-end DDR3-2000 memory is available in a 2x1GB kit (OCZ3FXT20002GK), and runs at very fast 2000MHz speeds using extremely low CL8-8-8 timings. Competing DDR3-2000 features CL9 at best, and this combination of an ultra-high clock speed and low latency should be very attractive to DDR3 enthusiast buyers. Other specifications include a 1.9V operating voltage (at a 1.95V EVP), a 2GB (2x1024) configuration, and Flex II XLC (Xtreme Liquid Convention) heatsinks.
The OCZ PC3-16000 Flex II memory features a hybrid water and passive cooling system, which includes a new heatspreader design with integrated liquid injection system, and a dedicated cooling channel on each side (directly over the module's ICs). This allows users to run these DDR3 modules passively using the standard heatsink, or hook up a water cooling system for added cooling. OCZ also bundles 3/8" and 1/2" Barb Adaptors, a 4-Way Manifold Barb and a 40" Plastic Tube with the 2GB OCZ3FXT20002GK retail kit. "Power consumption and heat generation directly follow the operating frequency; therefore, the thermal dissipation of these modules exceeds any specifications of the original design and requires the most advanced thermal solution that will reliably work under any conditions," commented Dr. Michael Schuette, VP of Technology Development at OCZ Technology. OCZ has yet to announce pricing on the DDR3 PC3-16000 Flex II Edition kit.
Related Link: OCZ Technology |
