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Corsair Value Dual Channel 2×512MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory

Wednesday, May 18th, 2005 | RAM Memory, Reviews | No Comments

An extremely popular choice for people looking to upgrade their memory on a computer that can support dual channel.

This good value dual channel memory pair has been bought by countless people looking to improve the speed of their systems that can support dual channel memory.

It is a dual channel pair so you can expect up to a 10% or so increase in speed using this pair on a computer with a motherboard that supports this technology.

Most people who have used it have not reported it as being good to use as overclocking memory. Actually most of the people just used it in it’s standard settings.

1 gigabyte of memory is more than enough for almost any application and will enhance your computer’s ability to play 3D games and allow you to run more programs at the same time, and they will run faster.

Great value for this much memory. Certainly recommended to those who have a motherboard that can use dual channel. If it can’t then look elsewhere for DDR that is not for dual channel.

Ultra Dual Channel 2×512MB PC4000 DDR 500MHz

Wednesday, May 18th, 2005 | RAM Memory, Reviews | No Comments

If you are looking for all the extras you can find in your memory, these will not disappoint, being designed for use in a dual channel memory setup, as well as being able to be used at 500MHz.

Cranking your computer to the next level is easy with this good value pair of memory modules designed specifically with overclocking in mind.

There are two modules, each is 512MB, they both come with aluminium heat spreaders which do just as they say and spread the heat out. This allows the memory to run cooler, avoiding possible damage from too high temperatures.

They are designed as a pair for dual channel. What dual channel does is it pairs up memory modules is adjacent slots. When the modules are designed as a pair and are on a dual channel motherboard they can give up to a 15% increase in speed over what they would give is they were just two sticks on a normal motherboard.

This memory boasts a latency of 3-4-4-8 at 500MHz speeds, and 2-3-3-7-T1 at 400MHz. These are very fast speeds and those running computers at 400MHz FSB will certainly benefit from the lower latency they offer at that speed.

So if you are looking for very pretty memory modules that offer a good performance edge, these should do nicely. Oh, they come in a fancy little wooden case too.

PQI 1024MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory

Wednesday, May 18th, 2005 | RAM Memory, Reviews | No Comments

This is one very large capacity stick of memory. At 1024MB it is my recommended amount of memory for most people’s everyday computers, giving that extra boost your computer needs to function well when using applications. Making your favorite programs load quicker and making it that much easier for you to listen to your favorite MP3s as well as do things like 3D programs without your computer having trouble.

This PQI is very good value for money in it’s size and speed. It offers a good latency of CAS 2.5 which effectively means that the memory is more efficient at passing things around and using data it is given. Latency refers to the waiting time while certain parts of the memory or computer wait for other parts to complete their tasks.

Very good value for money for this amount and quality of memory. Unlike many in it’s range it down not come with a heat sink to keep it cool. I would recommend getting a heat sink with it just to make sure it stays cool.

Overall, worth it for most computer users. This large amount of 400MHz DDR PC3200 memory could make a replacement for anything you have in your computer currently or be added.

Corsair XMS Extreme Memory 256MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz

Wednesday, May 18th, 2005 | RAM Memory, Reviews | No Comments

If you are looking for fast memory with low latency this could be for you.

Although this is only a 256MB memory module, if you are looking for the low latencies then this is certainly for you.

This DDR module is designed to be use at 400MHz which is PC3200. The CAS latency is quite impressive boasting 2-3-3-6-T1.

It’s price is good considering that you are looking at a very high quality piece of hardware. If you are simply looking to speed up your cheap desktop computer then this is beyond what you need. If you have a custom desktop computer or cheap high powered gaming computer then this will do the trick.

Gains from using low latency memory can be up to 10% or so and is well worth it as an upgrade. If this is not enough for your needs then there is also a 512MB module available which is twice the price.

OCZ Value 512MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR Memory

Wednesday, May 18th, 2005 | RAM Memory, Reviews | No Comments

OCZ has received acclaim for it’s very low latency (wait time) on it’s 533MHz memory. This memory will not disappoint if you are looking to give some extra gusto to your machine.

The price of this memory puts it right in the price range of other brand name memory. As mentioned at the beginning, low latency or wait time helps to improve the performance of memory. Although not the only thing it is a factor.

As a standard upgrade this is great. Many manufacturers specify low quality memory when assembling a computer. By putting in memory that has higher (worse) latencies they can get cheaper memory and pass the savings on.

By upgrading to higher quality memory you effectively replace the bad stuff with good. Even if you don’t increase the size of your computer’s memory, the performance increase will still be there.

Note: If you add this to a system with high latency memory, the whole system works down at the level of the slowest memory stick.

So if your are looking to improve your computer without a major drain on your pocket, this is a good choice.

Mushkin Green Line 512MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR Memory

Wednesday, May 18th, 2005 | RAM Memory, Reviews | No Comments

This 512MB stick of memory is perfect if you are looking to make that little upgrade to your custom desktop computer. It will give your programs a little more speed and allow your computer to run faster and smoother.

There is cheaper memory out there in this price range but that is not the only thing to consider. Mushkin is a well known brand in the memory business and so is a reliable source of quality products.

It will run fine in any computer that uses up to a 400MHz FSB. This means it will work fine in it’s standard form if you are running 800MHz FSB Intel CPU or a 1600MHz FSB AMD.

The price of the memory is decent and there is a mail in rebate to be claimed too.

Good value on a high quality stick of memory.

Acer Aspire ASA20-U-C4001 Intel Celeron D 2.93GHz Desktop Computer

Wednesday, May 11th, 2005 | Desktop Computers, Reviews | No Comments

Acer computer company has a good name in the comptuer business and this computer is a good choice in the range of cheap desktop computers. Although not top of the range it will offer you a wide range of features putting it ahead of the average cheap computer.

It is based around the Intel Celeron D 2.93GHz. Budget CPU processors are have really taken a turn, offering users a lot of power for their money and good performance to boot. This is one of the fastest Celeron chips you can get at the moment providing you with plenty of power for day to day operations like listening to digital music, editing music files or encoding or decoding video. They also have good potential for overclocking.

There are 3 PCI slots available so there is lots of room for if you want to add parts and upgrade. There is the standard array of things like audio, USB and LAN. The graphics are built into the motherboard, but will not hold up to the performance needed by some games.

The standard 256MB of DDR400/PC3200 memory is not enough. I would recommend at least another 256MB if you are running windows and more than 2 applications at a time.

The hard disk drive is 80GB, plenty big enough, but also comes with 7200RPM rotation speed meaning that it will perform faster and load your programs quicker than it’s 5400RPM counterparts.

One notable addition is a Dual Layer DVD writer. These are becoming so useful that a lot of computers are now coming with them as standard. This is a 16x writer which is nearly the fastest you can get. This is a plus for those who like to watch DVDs on their computer or who would like to put their home movies onto DVD.

Another great plus for this computer is the card reader. With so many different kinds of cards you will be able to transfer information from any of them with this reader that supports nearly every kind of digital media.

A monitor is not included with this set, but a mouse and keyboard are.

Overall this set has a lot of potential. I would recommend another 256MB or RAM or more when purchasing. There are all the extras you could need for the foreseeable future, providing a top desktop computer for those wishing to use it at home.

HP Compaq Presario SR1300NX AMD Sempron 3000+ Refurbished Desktop Computer

Tuesday, May 10th, 2005 | Desktop Computers, Reviews | No Comments

A well rounded package from a reputable and well know manufacturer. This computer is great value for a refurbished desktop computer. HP desktop computers have are well known for being reliable, and this is no exception.

This computer is based around the AMD Sempron 3000+ chip clocking in at around 2GHz. The AMD Sempron is always a good choice for a budget desktop computer as it’s performance is better than that of the Intel Celeron and the prices are lower too. This processor will provide adequate speed for most desktop applications including wordprocessing, checking email, surfing the internet and going as far as a little video editing.

There are 2 PCI slots open which will allow you to upgrade and add parts if you need to. It also comes with an AGP slot, which will serve well if you would like to improve your graphics in the future, or start trying out a few 3D games.

The socket connection is Socket A. This describes the way the CPU processor is connected to the motherboard. This socket kind is now being phased out. That is not serious but will make upgrading a little more expensive in the future as you will probably have to upgrade the motherboard too.

It comes with the usual array of extras. Most notable of these is the card reader. Extremely handy for all of you who have lots of different cards in your cameras, vide cameras and other devices. It gives easy front access to these. USB and firewire connections are also situated conveniently at the front. There is also built in audio as well as LAN.

Standard with this computer is a CD writer. If you have any interest in using DVDs I would recommend an upgrade to a DVD writer when purchasing this computer.

The onboard graphics is usable and will be enough to run 1280×960 on a 19 inch monitor which should be enough for anyone not running 3D games. The hard drive is fast and big enough for nearly anything. It also has a fast spin speed of 7200RPM.

A mouse and keyboard are included, as well as the 250watt power supply which should be enough for just what the computer has in it now.

I would highly recommend a memory upgrade for this computer. I comes with only 256MB of DDR333/PC2700 memory. Luckily this is one of the easiest upgrades, so doesn’t pull down the computer in terms of quality as it is easily upgraded.

Overall this is a good deal for a wholesale factory refurbished desktop computer. It provides enough power for everyday use, is a well known hp desktop computer and has a good spec. Perfect for the home office or regular home use.

Ultra Wizard Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Ultra 500 Watt Power Supply

Tuesday, May 10th, 2005 | Computer Cases, Reviews | No Comments

This case is a great start for those looking to start with a cheap high powered gaming computer.

Let’s have a closer look at what’s on offer here.

The case is sturdy enough to do what it is supposed to do. It has a cover that can be moved away and locked in place which is great for looks, but if you use the DVD or CD drives a lot, it just gets in the way.

The USB and firewire ports are right up at the front with easy access. So plugging in those external devices like cameras becomes that much easier. There is a duct which channels the air from the cooling fan to the CPU processor inside the computer aiding in cooling the chip.

The included power supply is a 500 watt Ultra. It doesn’t have the fancy modular design of some of the other Ultra power supplies, but it will provide clean strong power to all the devices you plan to have. Even with high power graphics cards this little sucket should have an easy time.

A nice looking case, which performs it’s function well. So if you are looking for an ATX case that has good specifications, and do not want one of those transparent panel computers this is for you.

eVGA GeForce 6800 GT / 256MB / PCI Express / Video Card

Monday, May 9th, 2005 | Reviews, Video Cards | No Comments

A true high performer on the video card stage, this super fast card will have you glued to your computer playing the newest games.

This video card is a must for gamers. It’s price puts it out of the range of those with low cost computers and even pushing the edge for those with cheap high powered gaming computers.

This card is able to put out a resolution of 2048×1536 @ 85MHz, which is more than most cheap computer monitors can handle.

It uses 256MB of DDR3 ram to keep its speed high and utilises the latest PCI Express technology to allow the highest data transfer from the computer to the card. The card has two DVI outputs which are suitable for LCD flat panel monitors as well as a TV/S-Video connector.

It requires a connection to the power supply to run and it is recommended that your power supply be at least 350watts, more would be advisable.

One of the great advantages of this card, which really boosts performance is that you can connect two of them together with a small little bridge, allowing even more power from this little baby.

If you are a gamer, or love playing games then this will be a great adition to your computer. Remember that it needs PCI express, so your computer needs to be fairly new. If you are simply looking for better graphics in general, this card is probably overkill. The most useful cards for a low cost desktop computer can be found in below 100 bucks.