The Thermaltake Silent PurePower 600W only comes in one power rating at that is the 600W model. This is more than enough for anyone running a modern computer, even with the most demanding of components installed.

A 120mm fan located at the top of the power supply keeps a lot of air flow around the power supply and is very silent in operation, keeping your working environment quiet.

The front side of the power supply (the side facing outside the case) is perforated to allow flow of air from the outside into the power supply, another great thing for keeping things cool, especially considering that the power supply is not the most efficient around.

Power supply is consistent with smooth power over all the voltages. Certainly a good power supply for the power hungry.

LINK

This memory reviewed at 3dgameman comes with tight timings and has the ability to be pushed very far and to high speeds. Crucial for those running the newest games where a little difference in the speed of the memory can actually make a noticable difference in games.

The two memory sticks come well packed with a cardboard box, covering for the two sticks and further the memory sticks are wrapped in their own packets.

They come standard with copper heat spreaders, necessary to dissipate the heat that is created during heavy use.

2.5-4-4-7 timings are claimed for this pair, both of which can operate at 500MHz. They are normal DDR as opposed to DDR2 so they require up to 3.1volts for their use. Make sure your motherboard can give them the juice they need.

They cannot be pushed too far with tight timings but are worthwhile for those who need 1GB or less of memory operating at these speeds.

LINK

3dgameman reports on the Cooler Master Centurion BTX-B541 computer case.

Featuring a mostly steel construction with a little aluminum it weighs in at 7 kilograms, features 2 large and 2 small bays at the front.

It comes in cool black coloring with a little silver trim at the two sides of the front panel. Removable front panels to access air filters are a neat extra and the power and reset buttons are styled nicely.

There is a full compliment of ports at the front, which are not hindered by a panel.

Installation of parts is made easier by tool free bays covers at the back. There is adequate room inside for those things you need to install, it also takes an ATX power supply if needed, making it that little bit more useable.

LINK

All video card manufacturers need to provide an economy product to serve the mass gaming market. For NVIDIA, the eVGA FX GeForce 5200 serves that purpose. The FX GeForce 5200 features strong performance for an economy card, and definitely is priced for the entry level gamer.

Like most economy cards, the 5200 falls short of performance you would expect from more expensive models on the market. This means that while playing graphically intense games like FarCry and Half Life 2 you may experience a level of choppiness. Cranking down the detail level and lowering resolution will allow you to derive better performance and play the majority of current games without issue. The 5200 is based on NVIDIA’s technology, however most of the standards listed below are early generation, and more advanced cards in NVIDIA’s product portfolio are based on 2nd and 3rd generation versions or entirely new technology altogether.

CineFX
The CineFX engine is the control device behind the FX GeForce 5200 video card’s performance. NVIDIA has released subsequent versions to this technology for its newer cards. Still though, the CineFX engine will assist with shading and will help smooth out graphics that could otherwise be rough around the edges.

Digital Vibrance Control (DVC)
This technology allows you to digitally adjust color controls to compensate for lighting conditions. The result is richer, brigher colors and an improved visual experience. Like CineFX, this version of DVC is an early generation technology and has been replaced on newer cards with updated version.

nView Multi-Display Technology
This nifty display controller allows you to escape from a single monitor and project windows over multiple displays simultaneously. The setup wizard included with the software makes for an easy implementation of this powerful feature.

Specifications:

• GPU - NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
• Multiple Monitors Support - Yes
• Maximum Resolution - 2048 x 1536 @ 75Hz
• Video Memory - 128MB
• Memory Type - DDR
• Memory Bandwidth - 6.4GB/sec.
• Interface Type - PCI
• Connector(s) - TV/S-Video, DVI

In the Box

• eVGA GeForce FX 5200 Video Card
• S-Video Cable
• DVI to VGA adapter
• Software CD

In Sum
The eVGA FX GeForce 5200 128mb PCI video card is an entry level product that will allow you to play the majority of games at lowered detail settings. This card is suitable for the casual gamer or those who don’t require a premium 3D product. The GeForce 5200 does support DirectX 9 technology, which is critical for those who want to not only play today’s games, but also those that will be coming out in the future. The graphics processor is advanced for the price, and the price point for the eVGA FX GeForce 5200 128mb PCI video card is lower than most of the competition.

When it comes to power in a video card, it’s all about the pixel pipelines. The ATI Radeon X850 XT has 16 pixel pipelines that result in a fill rate of over 8.3 gigapixels per second. What this boils down to is throughput, and serious graphics acceleration. There are several X850s in the series, including two platinum editions (one AGP, one PCI), the X850 XT, and the X850 Pro. The X850 XT video card is aimed at the elite gamer that loves to tweak his system to optimize performance and push the limits, and is willing to pay a little more to do so.

The X850 XT has impressive specs. Memory clock speed rings in at 540 MHz, while engine clock speed is 520 MHz. The memory interface is 250 bit, and the bus architecture is AGP 4X, 8X. Memory bandwidth is comes in at a crisp 34.6GB per second. A detailed look at the technology built into the ATI Radeon X850 XT video card follows.

SMARTSHADER HD
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. SMARTSHADER HD is ATI’s fourth generation shader technology that allows developers to program an unlimited range of visual effects that execute on the graphics processor. This leads to more sophisticated effects and great performance.

SMOOTHVISION HD
SMOOTHVISION HD is also a fourth generation technology developed by ATI. The result of SMOOTHVISION HD integration is a high performance smoothing technology that cleans up rough edges and results in a cleaner, crisper graphic.

3Dc
3Dc is comparatively new ATI technology. 3Dc is a compression technology that highlights details while minimizing memory requirements to view them. 4:1 compression is possible, meaning that game designers can add up to four times the details, without adding memory requirements.

CATALYST
CATALYST CONTROL CENTER is a driver configuration tool that really puts the ability to tweak in the gamers’ hands. The configuration tool allows you accelerate or decelerate you graphical environment, which allows you to determine your preferred graphics solution.

Specifications:

• GPU - RADEON X850 XT
• Video Memory - 256MB
• Memory Type - 256-bit GDDR3
• Memory Bandwidth - 34.6 GB/sec.
• Interface Type - AGP
• Interface Speed - 4X8X
• Connector(s) - DVI, VGA, VI, VO

In the Box

• RADEON X850 XT Graphics Card
• Manuals
• Set-up CD
• HDTV out cable
• DVI to VGA adapters
• Power cable connector
• Composite and S-video cables

In Sum
ATI made a strong step toward competing in the elite gamer market segment with the release of the X850 series, and the X850 XT in particular offers gamers a great deal of options. This card is expensive, but does match up reasonably well in its class. If you are looking for a great gaming experience, but don’t want to pay for an ultra elite video card, then the X850 XT might be a good option for you.

The Connect 3D Radeon X850 XT an ATI based video card that features immersive technology. One focus of the Connect 3D X850 XT is to reduce processor utilization resulting in improved system performance and greater graphics rendering ability. The ATI Radeon X850 XT has 16 pixel pipelines that result in a fill rate of over 8.3 gigapixels per second. There are several X850s in the series, including two platinum editions (one AGP, one PCI), the X850 XT, and the X850 Pro.

Connect 3D is an ATI ‘add-in-card partner and manufactures the PCI Express version of the X850 XT, and features impressive specs. Memory clock speed rings in at 540 MHz, while engine clock speed is 520 MHz. The memory interface is 250 bit and memory bandwidth comes in at a crisp 34.6GB per second. A detailed look at the technology built into the Connect 3D Radeon X850 XT video card follows.

SMARTSHADER HD
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. SMARTSHADER HD is ATI’s fourth generation shader technology that allows developers to program an unlimited range of visual effects that execute on the graphics processor. This leads to more sophisticated effects and great performance.

SMOOTHVISION HD
SMOOTHVISION HD is also a fourth generation technology developed by ATI. The result of SMOOTHVISION HD integration is a high performance smoothing technology that cleans up rough edges and results in a cleaner, crisper graphic.

3Dc
3Dc is comparatively new ATI technology. 3Dc is a compression technology that highlights details while minimizing memory requirements to view them. 4:1 compression is possible, meaning that game designers can add up to four times the details, without adding memory requirements.

CATALYST
CATALYST CONTROL CENTER is a driver configuration tool that really puts the ability to tweak in the gamers’ hands. The configuration tool allows you accelerate or decelerate you graphical environment, which allows you to determine your preferred graphics solution.

Specifications:

• GPU - RADEON X850 XT
• Video Memory - 256MB
• Memory Type - 256-bit GDDR3
• Memory Bandwidth - 34.6 GB/sec.
• Interface Type - PCI Express
• Interface Speed - 4X8X
• Connector(s) - DVIVGATV/S-Video

In the Box

• Connect 3D RADEON X850 XT Graphics Card
• Quick Installation guide
• Drivers & Utilities CD
• Warranty Registration Card
• S-Video Cable
• Composite Cable
• Power Connector
• TV Out to Composite Adapter
• DVI to VGA Adapter
• TV Out to HDTV Adapter Cable

In Sum
ATI made a strong step toward competing in the elite gamer market segment with the release of the X850 series, and the Connect 3D X850 XT in particular offers gamers a great deal of options and is priced similarly to other cards in its class. If you are looking for a great gaming experience, but don’t want to pay for an ultra elite video card, then the X850 XT might be a good option for you.

If you want to be online and connected wherever you are at home, then the Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router is your top buy. The Netgear WPN824 RangeMax router boasts of providing users with approximately up to 500,000 square feet of coverage. That’s 1000% more than 802.11g. So does it deliver? According to most consumers, it does.

For the novice, the Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router comes with an installation CD with SmartWizard, which basically helps you to install the wireless-networking device as painless as possible. SmartWizard automatically identifies your ISP’s network settings and succeeding steps are clearly outlined. If you still cannot figure it out, we come to one of the product’s downside – many users complain that Netgear’s tech support is not so good. Although this does not directly impair on the product itself, it does bring a user down and is cause for much aggravation especially if you can’t even get it to start working.

Another ‘con’ is that there have been repeated reports of the Netgear WPN824 RangeMax not working well with legacy 802.11b devices. So if you have older Wi-Fi devices on your network, prepare to be challenged when setting up this wireless router.

Well, on to the good points! The Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router features MIMO technology AND a new technology called Video54, which enables the Netgear WPN824 RangeMax router to have seven internal antennas. This enables the RangeMax to be constantly ‘on the prowl’ for any interference and adjusts the wireless signal ‘on-the-fly’ to make up for these barriers. This ensures that you get consistent high-speed connection anytime, anywhere in your home.

Note too that the seven antennas are discretely located inside the device offering users a sleek n’ chic design. Speaking of design, some users are a bit annoyed with the Netgear WPN824 RangeMax router’s blue pulsing light at the top of the device (which is actually an indicator as to which antenna is currently transmitting) but I think it’s cool and with its white casing, the device is a nice and ‘clean’ gadget to have amongst your other hi-tech devices.

To sum up the pros…

• lightweight and sports a nice, clean design
• is easy to setup
• great range
• features advanced Smart MIMO technology with Video54 which makes ‘dead spots’ less of a problem

To sum up the cons…

• does not work well legacy 802.11b devices
• difficult to reset and reconfigure

All in all, the Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router is great buy if you need to be online constantly, anywhere in your home.

ATI continues to lead the way. Adding to its All-in-Wonder line of graphics cards is the mid-level All-in-Wonder 9600 XT, a graphic card you can use to convert your desktop to a digital-video-recording and FM-radio-playing PC entertainment center.

This ATI 128mb AGP video card is great for most games but because it has a bit of an overclocking tendency, it’s best not to test the video card capabilities with the latest high-end 3D games out there.

Installation of both hardware and software is easy enough and as it does not require the same amount of power as high-end graphics cards, you don’t even have to connect it directly to your desktop’s power source. A note on software updates though, be sure to uninstall and install what is required in the right sequence as many users complain of poor update installation instructions, resulting in the All-In-Wonder 9600 video card to stop functioning.

This ATI 128mb AGP video card ships with an adapter that can be connected to a proprietary port at the back of the video card. This provides for connections for two VGA ports, coaxial SPDIF audio, S-Video, composite video, and a sound jack to connect into your audio card (which of course is required for you to use the FM-radio feature). Well, so much for audio capabilities.

Another port at the back of the video card takes care of video input though a four-jack A/V adapter, which can receive S-Video, composite-video, and RCA audio and video connections. This brings us to the All-In-Wonder 9600 video card’s Multimedia Center 8.8 software, which adds DVD player functionality, a multimedia library so you can easily access your system’s images, video and audio files, and Guide+, which is a channel browser like TiVo.

The downside to the software is that many have reported some ‘bugs’, i.e., connectivity amongst the many different features don’t seem to work well all the time. DVD capability is great but the TV functionality leaves some users wanting for more.

Another frequent complaint is tech support response time (if you get any response at all). So if you’re not sure of what you are doing, this ATI 128mb AGP video card may be a tad frustrating for you.

Oh, and did we mention that that the All-In-Wonder 9600 video card comes with an improved RF remote control? It offers good range, better mouse control and configurable buttons. However, it does not have infrared.

The Memorex 2GB TravelDrive USB Flash Drive has truly impressed many consumers. For quite a while now, users of Memorex’ series of TravelDrive USB flash drives have been clamoring for a ‘better’ designed flash drive and it seems that this 2 Gig Memorex Flash Drive version has answered that.

Of course, this is not the only improvement the Memorex 2GB TravelDrive USB Flash Drive offers. First off, it is such a boon to be able to carry 2GB worth of files (documents, photos, audio files, etc.) to wherever one wants to go in such a small device.(The TravelDrive USB 2.0 measures just 3.0″ x 0.85″ x 0.33″.) And not only is this device light on the pocket (literally), it is also a ‘quiet’ device unlike using CD or DVD disks which are quite ‘noisy’ (not to mention bigger) to handle.

The Memorex 2GB TravelDrive USB Flash Drive is very easy to use. All you have to do is connect it to any USB 2.0 port and you can access your files just like that. It also features a transparent cap which aims to shield the flash drive’s USB connector and act as a pen cap to prevent loss.

The Memorex 2GB TravelDrive also aims to protect your data from loss or damage. A reinforced aluminum lanyard loop on the back of the device ensures that the flash drive is resistant to breaking. The 2 Gig Memorex Flash Drive is also more ergonomical that its predecessors, sporting a round and textured area for better grip.

Basic features include:

• Slimmer design – at just 85” wide, the Memorex 2GB TravelDrive USB Flash Drive is actually 30% smaller than its predecessors
• Metallic “charcoal” finish
• Removable cap clips on the back
• Blue LED light shows drive’s status
• Compatibility with Windows 98SE/2000/ME & XP, Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2 & 10(X) or higher, and USB 2.0 or 1.1

Is there ANY downside to the 2 Gig Memorex Flash Drive? There is one. It is not compatible with Windows 98 (or older) or NT, which most users claim to have. By the way, you still need to download a driver if your OS is Windows 98SE. Otherwise, the Memorex 2GB TravelDrive acts as a plug-n-play device.

As such, if you are planning to go to an important meeting and do not know the OS being used by your client or colleague, better bring those CDs anyway (just as a backup!)

Known for producing mid-level graphic cards, Radeon goes high-level with the Connect 3D Radeon 9250. Available in two variants, 128MB and 256MB, this new series of graphic cards offer users a ‘dazzling visual experience’. According to Radeon, the 9250 series offers excellent processing power for today’s most popular and most graphic-intensive 3D applications. This is made possible via its advanced Quad-pipe architecture, which is an extensively programmable graphics environment with four different and independent pipelines that can process up to 1.1 billion pixels per second. No wonder that even the most enthusiastic gamers have no complaints with the graphics quality of the Radeon 9250.

Contributing to the graphics card’s excellent 3D performance is the unique combination of Microsoft DirectX 8.1 support with AGP 8X. This is literally double the bandwidth of other graphics processors in the market today. The results? More than enough power to cater to even the most demanding desktop 3D software.

The Connect 3D Radeon 9250 is also the graphics card of choice amongst online gamers. Featuring FullStream technology, the Radeon 9250 offers smooth, and high-quality streaming Internet video without putting extra strain on your CPU.

If you are not much of a ‘gamer’ but are always involved in graphics-intensive tasks. It would please you to know that the Radeon 9250 series features HydraVision, a multi-monitor management application which enables users to customize their desktops for improved productivity.

Following are more features of the Connect 3D Radeon 9250 128MB / 256 MB:

• Comprehensive 8X and 4X AGP support
• High performance dual-channel 128-bit DDR memory interface supports 64/128MB configurations
• Supports DDR-2M memory with on-die termination
• Windows Logo Program compliant
• Optimized for Pentium 4 SSE2 and AMD Athlon 3D now! processor instructions
• Supports optional THEATER companion chip for NTSC/PAL/SECAM video capture
• Highly optimized 128-bit 2D engine with support for new Windows XP GDI extensions
• Thermal diode supports dynamic cooling management

All in all, Connect 3D Radeon 9250 128MB / 256 MB graphics cards are a great buy if you engage in a lot of image-extensive tasks be it for work or play.