AMD Athlon 64 X 2 4800+ dual core processor has brought a revolution in the world of technology. With this model you can actually work fastest and quickest without having to look at the hourglass icon and sit for hours waiting for downloads and installations.

This dual-core processor increases the performance level of a system by at least 80-85%. The model puts the power of advanced dual-core technology on the desktop. It also contains two processing cores, residing on one chip that performs calculations on two different streams of data and thereby increases efficiency and speed even while running a variety of programs and new multi-threaded software.

Here are the significant features of AMD Athlon dual-core processor:

• Delivers true multi-tasking offering users to easily switch from one program to another without processing pauses.
• Increases office productivity performance.
• Allows amazing photo-editing, high-definition video, audio mixing and content creation.

The fully integrated DDR memory controller offers to provide hi-speed access to memory by offering the processor a direct connection to the actual memory. This results in allowing the users to enjoy quicker application loading and extraordinary application performance of the computer system.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ dual processor comes with almost the same features as the AMD 3800+ dual processor. The Cool’n’Quiet technology used in this model reduces heat output of your PC, reduces power consumption, and keeps your home quiet, for they produce less noise.

The processor uses HyperTransport technology, which provides significantly more bandwidth than other current technologies, uses low latency responses and low pin counts, maintains compatibility with legacy PC buses while being extensible to new SNA [Systems Network Architecture] buses, appears transparent to other operating systems and offers very little impact on peripheral drivers.

List of specifications of AMD 64 X2 4800 processor:

• Processor speed – 64 4800+ / 2.0 GHz
• Bus speed – 2000 MHz
• Voltage – 1.35 – 1.40 V
• Thermal Design Power [TDP] – 110 W
• Cache speed – 1MB per CPU
• Clock frequency – 2.4 GHz

The fabrication process used in AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800 is 90mm using SOI (silicon on insulator). The 128-bit memory controller in the model is compatible with PC1600, PC2100, PC2700 and PC3200 DDR.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Flexible
• Hi-tech performance
• Great speed
• Cheapest
• Lowest power cost
• Highly portable
• Direct access to memory controller

The ATI All-In-Wonder 9600 Pro 128Mb AGP video card is a feature packed device. If your needs extend beyond video enhancement for gaming, this card may just be what you are looking for.

Installation of this video card is easy, just following the instructions. It comes complete with all cables and software, and the first action after installation is to log on and download updates for all the drivers. The cables include dual VGA outputs, in addition to S-video and composite.

This ATI video card features 128MB together with the AGP 8x communication standard for fast graphics. In terms of the enhanced video for the gaming enthusiast, this AGP video card provides excellent enhancement of the computer graphics.

The latest games are increasingly demanding of the graphics, with movie quality effects becoming the norm, and adding this card produces a noticeable improvement in response and smoothness of the video, adding to enjoyment of the game play. Graphics are very processor intensive, and the 9600 chipset on this card boasts some of the latest tricks to take care of the complex calculations associated particularly with the creation of 3D images.

These include the trademarked technologies of SMARTSHADER 2.0, which allows complex effects at faster speeds; and SMOOTHVISION 2.1 which uses the latest anti-aliasing techniques. The chipset on the card takes care of the heavy calculation work associated with providing the enhanced graphic output.

In use, the card produced impressive cinematic quality graphics, with a noticeable enhancement of the latest demanding games. This means that game play becomes a more immersing experience, and greatly increases the value of your existing games.

However, all the attributes listed above are available at a more reasonable price from standard video cards, and if you only intend to use it for games, we’d recommend you invest elsewhere. The ATI All-In-Wonder 9600 is designed to achieve a lot more than simply enhancing computer graphics.

The reason for the name “All-In-Wonder” is that this AGP video card has comprehensive capabilities with regard to broadcast television. It has a tuner to view live TV, and also has TIVO like functions, pausing live TV, in addition to recording broadcasts and playing back video. You can even use an interactive TV Guide, though this does require an internet connection.

The box comes with a wireless remote control to use for these purposes, which even includes some computer remote functions. The concept is an exciting one called convergence, and unifying the entire entertainment center.

The TV can be viewed as a picture-in-picture (PIP), and you can even play with translucency, using “THRUVIEW”, which then permits desktop access.

In summary, this ATI All-In-Wonder 9600 AGP 8X Video Graphics Tuner card can do-it-all, provides a nice balance of features and performance, and at the price is a great buy.

Thermaltake Armor case VA8000 with its strong and protective shield is one of the sturdier cases around. The model is basically a fully compatible Water Cooling System. There are plenty of spaces for fans so the Thermaltake Armor VA8000 provides great cooling for computer systems.

Since the Thermaltake Armor PC Case VA8000 is equipped with a number of fan slots, it provides great cooling. There are two 120 mm fans on the front and rear of the chassis and an additional 90 mm fan on the top of the chassis, allowing good airflow through the whole case. The fans inside the Thermaltake Armor Case, being 120mm in diameter allow a greater flow of air through the case (almost double that of an 80mm fan) meaning more cooling without extra noise.

The Thermaltake VA8000 even contains retaining holes that hold all types of water-cooling kits. As Thermaltake are also in the market for water-cooling systems, they are suited to make installing their name brand water-cooling sytems as easy as possible. Although water-cooling systems haven’t really caught on with the non-techy crowd, the options available for an easy add-on system make it that much more accessible.

Here is the list of the major features of the Thermaltake Armor Case VA8000:

• 10 External 5.25” Drive Bays
• 6 Internal 3.5” Drive Bays
• 7 Expansion Slots
• 2 Front USB Ports
• 1 Front FireWire Ports
• 2 Front Audio Ports
• 2 90mm Fans
• 2 120mm Fans
• Power Button Reset
• Back Panels

Thermaltake Armor case VA8000 is black, breaking from the mould of traditional grey PC cases, but nothing spectacularly bold. One of the more notable features is the ability to relocate the power and reset switch into any of the drive bays. A nice option, although the usual placement is good enough for me, but why complain, I’d rather have more options than less, as long as they don’t become cumbersome.

Pros

• Optimized airflow
• Excellent thermal management
• Maximum flexibility
• Cheapest price
• Maximum expandability and accessibility
• Minimized noise level
• Optimized internal space

Cons

• Limited warranty

The Thermaltake Armor Case VA8000 is a great choice for those who want to implement a hassle-free water cooling system, or just a case with a lot of space inside. And with decent looks to boot.

At a very reasonable price, this 128Mb AGP video card is just the job for enhancing your computer graphics.

The Connect3D ATI Radeon 9550se is a 128Mb graphics card. If you are familiar with the procedure to open your computer and plug in a new card then you should find installation simple. Your monitor connects to the new video port on the card, and you only need to install the new video driver software to have a running installation. The card also includes an S-video output, which you can use with a suitably equipped TV.

For the casual gamer, this AGP video card provides value for money enhancement of the computer graphics. AGP 8x, provided on this product, is a widely used specification for fast communication between the card and the motherboard.

The latest games are increasingly demanding of the graphics, with movie quality effects becoming the norm, and adding this card produces a noticeable improvement in response and smoothness of the video, adding to enjoyment of the gameplay.

Graphics are very processor intensive, and the Radeon 9550se visual processing unit on this card boasts some of the latest tricks to take care of the complex calculations associated particularly with the creation of 3D images. These include the trademarked technologies of SMARTSHADER 2.0, which allows complex effects at faster speeds; SMOOTHVISION 2.1 which uses the latest anti-aliasing techniques; and VIDEOSHADER, which integrates shading on a pixel level.

The chipset on the card takes care of the heavy calculation work associated with providing enhanced graphic output.

In use, the card produces impressive cinematic quality graphics, with a noticeable enhancement of the latest demanding games. This means that game play becomes a more immersing experience, and greatly increases the value of your existing games. The Radeon 9550se chip is claimed to be optimized for the most-demanding 2D and 3D next-generation games and applications, without imposing strain on the existing CPU.

This card is not for those who want current state-of-the-art graphics. There are cards with 256Mb of memory available and faster speeds, albeit at a higher cost. Having said that, the 128Mb mark seems to be an acceptable level for a video card at this time. For the time being, this card is more than adequate to transform the performance of any current software. Hardcore gaming enthusiasts will want to explore the range of faster video boards now available, which include greater memory and faster speeds, but these cost several times the price of this board. For the money, this ATI 128MB video card is an excellent choice to transform your video performance.

Asus P5P800 is a very powerful motherboard that can energize even the most innovative PCs and can boast the all round performance of any normal computer system. This model offers nearly all the latest features in sockets, chipsets, slots, ports and pins. If you want to experience the speed of LGA775 CPU yet worried about the price, Asus P5P800 can be your solution.

The Asus P5P800 motherboard with its myriad of innovative technologies like Asus Hyper Path technology, AI NOS, Sound Blaster Upgrades, AL Net2, Dual-Channel DDR400 and Al Audio offers good stability and incredible performance to any computer.

Here is a listing of the main features:

• Socket 775
• Intel 865PE chipset
• Four 184-pin DDR SDRAM memory slots
• 8X/4X AGP slot
• Support up to four UltraDMA 100/66/33 devices
• A Gigabit LAN chip and a back panel LAN port
• AC ’97 Sound CODEC

The Asus P5P800 motherboard stops you from paying double for other world-class featured boards. The Zero Insertion Force [ZIF] socket allows easy processor installation, and also helps in upgrading the processor. The Intel 865PE Northbridge chipset and Intel ICH5 Southbridge chipset support the Intel Pentium 4/Celeron processors with FSB frequency of 533 or 800 MHz.

The P5P800 IDE controller can support up to four UltraDMA 133 devices and the AC ’97 Sound CODEC [Realtek] can support high quality 6 channel audio systems. The integrated 6-channel audio is a great benefit because you don’t have to invest in a seperate sound card. Plus the sound is not bad.

The Asus P5P800 also supports SATA. This specification allows spaces for more slender and flexible cables with lower pin counts, reduced voltage requirements and up to 150 MB/s data transfer rates. It doesn’t, however, have SATA2, which doubles that throughput.

The Gigabit LAN chip provides a back panel LAN port. The Ethernet 1000Mbps LAN Network Connections provide the highest quality Ethernet performance for speed users who need direct network connectivity. Pretty much a standard feature to get LAN capability, but the 1000Mbps keeps you up to speed so you can enjoy the fastest possible speed, if they are available.

The AGP 4x/8x is a mixed blessing. Although not up to the higher speeds of PCIe, it does allow you to use any of those older cards that you have lying around, or that you are possibly still using.

Overall the motherboard can add some oomph to an older system. With the newer socket you might have to upgrade your old processor, but you can at least salvage those cool graphics cards.

The Memorex Flash Drive is economical, small, but large capacity flash drive from a recognized name in the storage business.

If you’ve never used a USB flash drive like this one, you’ve got a treat in store! For convenience in a host of applications, the Memorex Flash Drive will prove itself invaluable in a very short time.

The device plugs into a spare USB port, and is seen in Windows Explorer as an additional drive letter, like a disk drive. Thanks to Plug ‘n’ Play technology on all current computers, this flash drive can be used with no more formality than that in any modern computer.

The Memorex Flash Drive is physically small, much less than an inch wide, as is typical for such devices. It can be slipped in a pocket, and comes with a built-in aluminum lanyard loop for carrying on a keychain. I carry mine in a pocket of my briefcase. The 1MB capacity is a very useful size for transferring data, photos and music files between computers and you will seldom need a greater capacity in normal use.

Gone are the days of having to carry a laptop, or burn a CD in order to give and receive information. The drive works reliably, and even has a blue LED to indicate usage and confirm that it is working. The flash drive has a bulge in the middle, which is considered ergonomic design. Some adjacent USB ports are close together, but the device is still small enough that the bulge should not cause a conflict when plugging and unplugging.

When unplugged, the USB port is protected by a transparent plastic cap, and this is the only place where we could find fault. Memorex state that the cap should be put on the back of the drive, like a pen cap, for safekeeping, when in use, and this is a sound strategy. However, if you’re using the lanyard, this might not be possible, and also it’s easy when in a rush to put the cap down on the desk rather than do this, and because it is transparent it can be hard to find again.

That said, this one criticism can be seen as nitpicking, and is common to several flash drives on the market. At the price, the Memorex 1GB Flash Drive is excellent value, and will quickly become indispensable whenever you have a need to share files rapidly and effortlessly.

The MSI Raedon ATI 128mb video card offers a wide array of features, including ATI’s SMARTSHADER, VIDEO IMMERSION, and FULLSTREAM technologies. Unlike some video cards in its class the MSI Radeon 9250 offers Quad-Pipe Pixel Power – a programmable graphics environment with four autonomous rendering pipelines that provides pixel processing power to provide a boost to 3D graphics environments - up to 1.1 billion pixels per second.

ATI works with what they call ‘ATI Add-in-Board Partners’. AIB partners produce graphics cards that utilize ATI graphics, but are enhanced with technologies specific to their individual companies. For this particular card, MSI was engaged to integrate the standard ATI 128mb 9250 AGP graphics processing unit (GPU). MSI has only recently delved into the graphics card manufacturing business. Historically they have produced everything from main boards to optical storage devices to servers. The manufacture of video cards was a logical next step.

Some of the ATI technology integrated with this MSI video card follows:

SMARTSHADER
CPUs historically have played a leading role regarding graphical output due to their flexibility and programmable nature. The ever improving speed and versatility of graphics cards has lessened this burden, but an optimal graphical effect has still been challenging to develop. Enter SMARTSHADER. This technology allows programmers to model 3D objects and landscapes more fluidly than was previously possible. It is important to note, however, that since the release of SMARTSHADER, ATI has developed two subsequent versions; SMARTSHADER 2.0 and SMARTSHADER 2.1.

VIDEO IMMERSION
VIDEO IMMERSION, as you may suspect, is all about the video. ATI’s VIDEO IMMERSION technology provides advanced DVD playback. Like SMARTSHADER, a subsequent version of VIDEO IMMERSION has been released, V2.0.

FULLSTREAM
FULLSTREAM technology shifts gears from VIDEO IMMERSION. Rather than focus on DVD playback, FULLSTREAM’s function is to facilitate the viewing of streaming video. When streaming video does not have sufficient bandwidth, it becomes blocky and is affected by pixilation. FULLSTREAM steps in to detect the edges of these visual blocks and smoothes them over to provide a cleaner, crisper video stream.

Specifications:

• GPU - RADEON 9250
• Maximum Resolution - 2048 x 1536 @ 85Hz
• Video Memory - 128MB
• Memory Type - DDR
• Interface Type - AGP
• Interface Speed - 8X
• Connector(s) - TV/S-VideoVGA

In the Box

• MSI Radeon 9250 128MB Video Card
• S-Video Cable
• DVI to VGA Adapter
• Manual
• Driver CD

In Sum
The MSI Radeon 9250 video card is designed to be an economy unit. That said, it is a 128mb card and does take advantage of MSI extensive hardware manufacturing experience and ATI’s graphical technology expertise. While a 128mb card will not entirely free a processor from sharing responsibility with respect to graphics output, performance will be sufficient for most applications, particularly if graphics settings are toned down to mid-range or below.

So, you want to turn your PC into a multimedia monster, do you? Well, the Kworld X-Pert PVR TV Tuner will provide you with a great many features to get you started, all with a plug and pay USB interface. The X-Pert will allow you to watch live TV in a resizable window on your computer, record and playback TV programs, and convert .avi, and .mpg files to .mpeg files. Burning software is also included for burns to DVD, VCD, or SVCD.

One thing you need to be aware of if you’re considering buying this PVR unit is the minimum system specs you need to have in order to get it working properly. From an operating standpoint, you need to have either Windows 2000 (SP 4) or Windows XP (SP2). Okay, that’s pretty standard, what about hardware specs? Well, you need USB 2.0, at least a 20 gig hard drive at 7200 RPM, 256 MB Ram, and an AC ’97 compatible sound card. Also, you need to have at least a P4, 2.0GHz or better CPU under the hood.

If you can make it past the system spec requirements, you do have some options. Video input options include a coaxial TV input, composite and S-Video input, and a FM antenna input (yes, you can listen to the radio and record programs with this box as well). Video output can be via either USB 2.0 or USB 1.1, though USB 2.0 is STRONGLY recommended. You can connect the Kworld PVR to your TV, DVD player, VCR, cable box, and satellite box. The X-Pert also supports up to 120 channels and features a video processor and compression up to 30 frames per second at 720 X 480 resolution. There have been reports, however, that large viewing windows on bigger monitors begin to distort.

In the Box

• V-Stream Xpert TV - PVR USB2.0 TV Box
• Installation CD
• Remote Control
• AC adapter (110v ~60Hz, 8v/1.A)
• RCA to S-Video converter
• 1/8″ mini audio cable

In Sum

If you’re looking for a USB PVR solution, and do not wish to open your PC to install a PCI card, then the Kworld X-Pert TV Tuner Box is a serviceable option. Bear in mind the required system specifications when considering your purchase, and also the reports that large screen viewing windows begin to distort programming. The Kworld USB X-Pert TV Tuner is an inexpensive alternative to other USB PVRs, and does offer a wide array of options from both a hardware and software perspective.

If you seek a powerful video card sporting advanced functionality without breaking the bank, then look no further - ATI’s Diamond Stealth fits the bill. This 8X AGP video card incorporates some of ATI’s leading technologies, including SMARTSHADER, VIDEO IMMERSION, and FULLSTREAM. Of all the 128mb AGP video cards on the market, this is the only one in its class that sports a Visual Processing Unit (VPU) capable of supporting DirectX 8.1.

Don’t buy this card thinking that all of your games will be playable with graphic settings pushed to the max. While this video card provides competent game play at low and mid range levels, some of the more graphic intensive titles out there will test the Diamond Stealth’s capabilities. Some users have reported choppy images at max graphics settings while playing Doom III and Need for Speed II Underground, but there are no reported issues at low or mid quality. Other users have cranked down their resolution to 800 x 600 and cranked up the quality setting with no issues.

Let’s take a closer look at the technology built into the Diamond Stealth ATI video card.

SMARTSHADER
CPUs historically have played a leading role regarding graphical output due to their flexibility and programmable nature. The ever improving speed and versatility of graphics cards has lessened this burden, but an optimal graphical effect has still been challenging to develop. Enter SMARTSHADER. This technology allows programmers to model 3D objects and landscapes more fluidly than was previously possible. It is important to note, however, that since the release of SMARTSHADER, ATI has developed two subsequent versions; SMARTSHADER 2.0 and SMARTSHADER 2.1.

VIDEO IMMERSION
VIDEO IMMERSION, as you may suspect, is all about the video. ATI’s VIDEO IMMERSION technology provides advanced DVD playback. Like SMARTSHADER, a subsequent version of VIDEO IMMERSION has been released, V2.0.

FULLSTREAM
FULLSTREAM technology shifts gears from VIDEO IMMERSION. Rather than focus on DVD playback, FULLSTREAM’s function is to facilitate the viewing of streaming video. When streaming video does not have sufficient bandwidth, it becomes blocky and is affected by pixilation. FULLSTREAM steps in to detect the edges of these visual blocks and smoothes them over to provide a cleaner, crisper video stream.

Specifications:

• GPU - RADEON 9250
• Maximum Resolution - 2048 x 1536 @ 85Hz
• Video Memory - 128MB
• Memory Type - DDR SDRAM
• Memory Bandwidth - 64bit
• Interface Type - AGP
• Interface Speed - 8X
• Connector(s) - DVITV/S-VideoVGA

In the Box
It’s true that the Diamond ATI Raedon 128mb 9250 AGP Video Card comes with all the standard items you would expect. You may be pleasantly surprised however, to open the box and find a pretty decent game included. That’s right, the full version of Deus Ex: Invisible War comes standard. In addition to the game, you get the following:

• Diamond Stealth S85 Radeon 9250 Video Card
• S-Video Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card
• Installation CD

In Sum
The ATI Raedon 128mb 9250 AGP Video Card is a sound purchase if you are looking for an economy card that provides a strong level of graphics quality. Though the Diamond Stealth 9250 does not support max graphics on some of the newest games, it will provide serviceable game play at lower and mid range settings.