With the recent launch of Sandy Bridge, we had hoped to put together some Buyers' Guides covering the changes in the market. Unfortunately, with the recall/bug of the 6-series chipsets, SNB is now on hold. There will always be newer and faster parts just over the horizon, but while we await SNB and Bulldozer, we felt the time was ripe for a Budget Buyers' Guide update. We have three complete system builds, as well as a variety of potential upgrades, with pricing ranging from $400 just for the main box and components up to nearly $800 for a complete system with some worthwhile upgrades.]]>
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Saturday, April 30, 2011
OCZ Technology 240 GB RevoDrive X2 Series PCI-Express x4 Solid State Drive (SSD) OCZSSDPX-1RVDX0240 (Electronics)
By OCZ
Buy new: $569.99
Customer Rating:
First tagged by Steven Rosenlund
Customer tags: computer(2), sandy bridge, cpu, solid state drive, sad, pci-e ssd
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Review & Description
The RevoDrive X2 PCI-Express SSD is an innovative storage solution for enthusiasts and prosumers to make the most of their desktops and workstations, upgrading the original architecture to deliver unprecedented speeds and higher capacities. The RevoDrive family gets its edge by eliminating the SATA II (3Gbps) bottleneck and leveraging a PCIe x4 interface, delivering superior speeds over 740MB/s sequential speeds and random small file writes up to 120,000 IOPS, nearly triple the throughput of other high-end SATA based solutions. The RevoDrive X2 uses an onboard RAID 0 design by employing four SandForce-1200 controllers to maximize data access and bandwidth. Unlike competing PCIe solutions the RevoDrive X2 is bootable, ensuring the satisfaction of quicker start-ups, load times, and computing, all while promoting cooler, quieter, and more energy efficient conditions compared to traditional mechanical hard drives. Available in 100GB to 960GB capacities, the OCZ RevoDrive X2 provides ample room for data warehousing, applications, multimedia files, and operating systems. The RevoDrive X2 is backed by a 3-year warranty and tech support for the ultimate peace of mind for your high-performance hardware investment.While the RevoDrive X2 will simply plug and play for the vast majority of platforms for these particular motherboards OCZ recommends the following: -Asus Crosshair IV – Please check with motherboard manufacturer for BIOS update to enable boot over PCIe. -Biostar T-Power I45: RevoDrive is only detected in Slot 1 AND only if a PCIe GPU is used. -DFI DK-X58-T3EH6: Not detected in PCIe Slot 2 (x4 slot). -EVGA X758 SLI – Please check with motherboard manufacturer for BIOS update to enable Boot over PCIe. -Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD7 Not detected in slots 1,3,4 (it is detected in 2,5,6) -XFX 780i SLI – Bios must be upgraded to P09 (or later). Read more
AMD Black Edition - Processor - 1 x AMD Phenom II X6 1100T / 3.3 GHz - Socket AM3 - L3 6 MB - Box (Accessory)
By Advanced Micro Devices
Review & Description
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 3.30 GHz Processor - Hexa-core HDE00ZFBGRBOX AMD Processors Read more
AMD Phenom II X4 840 Edition Deneb 3.2 GHz 4x512 KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail HDX840WFGMBOX (Black) (Electronics)
By AMD
Buy new: $109.99
7 used and new from $94.99
Customer Rating:
First tagged by Brian A. Roush
Customer tags: cpu processors, cpu, value, am3, quad core, budget
Review & Description
Phenom II X4 Quad-core 840 3.2GHz Processor Read more
ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM LGA 1155 H67 SATA 6 GBps and USB 3.0-Supported Corporate Stable-Model Micro ATX Motherboard (Electronics)
By Asus
2 used and new from $550.00
Customer Rating:
First tagged by J. P. Dorsett "d2iq"
Customer tags: asus(3), sandy bridge(3), intel(3), i5(2), cpu, p67, 1155, lga1155
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Review & Description
ASUS' ground breaking EFI BIOS simplifies platform settings for users with an EZ tuning mode, while offering advanced users an easy to use graphical interface that offers unparalleled performance enhancement options Read more
Zalman CNPS9300AT CPU Ultra Quiet Cooler (Electronics)
By Zalman
Buy new: $34.61
23 used and new from $24.99
Customer Rating:
First tagged by BiigCatJon
Customer tags: zalman(2), cpu cooler, cooling, cpu coolers, computer fans
Review & Description
Zalman CNPS9300 AT CPU Cooler CNPS9300AT Computer Case Components Read more
Vantage A.l.c. Cpu Cooler (Electronics)
By Coolit
1 used and new from $186.95
Customer Rating:
First tagged by Robert Bruce
Customer tags: h70, cpu cooler, cooling, water cooling, cpu coolers, liquid cooling, computer
Review & Description
Vantage A.L.C. CPU Cooler Read more
NZXT 140mm Performance Case Fan FN 140RB (Black/White) (Electronics)
By Nzxt
Buy new: $8.99
Customer Rating:
First tagged by kazzanzakee
Customer tags: cooling(2), 140 mm(2), full tower, computer cases, cpu coolers, computer fans, case fan, 120mm
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Review & Description
Announcing the FN 140RB 140mm case fan. FN 140RB delivers optimal airfow with 9 powerful rifle bearing blades. Read more
AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz 3 x 512 KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor - Retail ADX450WFGMBOX (Electronics)
By AMD
Review & Description
Do more of the things you want to in less time and enhance your digital life with the multi-core performance and energy efficiency of AMD Athlon II processor-based desktop systems. Combined with superior ATI Radeon HD graphics technology, systems based on the AMD Athlon II processor deliver a vivid visual experience, superior multi-tasking, and exceptional digital media performance with next-generation energy efficiency. Read more
Nexus 92mm Real Silent Case Fan DF1209SL-3 - Fan unit - 92 mm
By Nexus
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Review & Description
Nexus 92 mm Real Silent Case FanThe Nexus 92mm Real Silent Case Fan is the ultimate solution to bring some extra airflow in your quiet computer. Don't you just hate it when you have built a nice and quiet computer and it turns out that your high-end components are producing so much heat the temperatures in your computer case are getting too high? The Nexus Real Silent case fan is the solution for you. The Nexus 92mm Real Silent case fan provides a tremendous airflow without being noticeable noise wise.The Nexus 92mm Real Silent case fan is equipped with a double-sided 4-pin power connector and a 3-pin motherboard connector. This allows you to connect the case fan directly to the power supply or to the motherboard.The Nexus 92mm Real Silent case fan produces only 19.2 dB(A). This value is the result of numerous tests in an anechoic chamber following the highest standards. We have compared this case fan with the quietest case fans available and we simply cannot find another one this quiet! Read more
Scythe Slip Stream SM1425SL12H - Case fan - 140 mm (Electronics)
By Scythe
Buy new: $13.88
Customer Rating:
First tagged by brandon
Customer tags: cooling(2), cpu coolers, computer fans, 120mm fan, case filter, 120mm, case fans, case fan
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Review & Description
One of the most versatile large scale case fan exceeding 120mm on the market, the Scythe Kazemaru2 140mm fan offers various fans speeds offering higher airflow at lower RPMs due to the smaller center hub and wide blade design. The round shape achieves a compact design making it compatible for 120mm screw holes. Read more
Qualcomm's Announces Krait CPU: The Successor to Scorpion
Krait, like Scorpion before it, is a ground-up CPU design by Qualcomm. The architecture will debut at 28nm and run at speeds of up to 2.5GHz. This is compared to the ~2GHz target frequency for high end Cortex A15 devices. Again we know nothing about the architecture or pipeline of Krait so it's impossible to draw any conclusions based on this information alone. Qualcomm announced that Krait is up to 150% faster than "currently available ARM-based CPU cores". Again this could mean anything as ARM11, Cortex A8 and Cortex A9 cores are all "currently available". The Krait cores will be integrated into SoCs in single, dual and quad-core configurations. First let me explain Qualcomm's nomenclature. There are three prefixes you need to be familiar with: QSD, MSM and APQ. QSD was the original prefix applied to Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs, it has since been retired and replaced with MSM. Going forward you won't see any more QSD products, they'll all be called MSM-something (e.g. MSM8960). The QSD prefix was a remnant of the original marketing strategy behind Snapdragon. If you paid attention to HP's webOS announcements you'll know that the new TouchPad uses a new Qualcomm SoC - the APQ8660. The APQ prefix stands for Application Processor Qualcomm and it refers to an SoC that does not have an integrated modem. The MSM line all have integrated Qualcomm modems making them a single chip solution for those customers who want the added integration. With that out of the way let's get to what's being announced today. Krait will debut in three configurations: a single-core MSM8930, dual-core MSM8960 and quad-core APQ8064. The MSM8960 will be available first, sampling in Q2 2011 and likely in devices a year or so later. The sampling schedule seems a bit aggressive given that it's 28nm but that's what Qualcomm is saying. The MSM8960 integrates a multi-mode 3G/LTE modem, which should make this a very attractive SoC for future high end smartphones. The SoC adds a dual-channel LPDDR2 memory controller and uses an Adreno 225 GPU. Qualcomm states that the 225 is eight times the speed of the original Adreno 200. Given that the Adreno 205 was 2x the 200, that would make the Adreno 225 4x the performance of the fastest Adreno GPUs we have today. Both the single-core MSM8930 and the quad-core APQ8064 will be sampling in early 2012. The MSM8930 also integrates a 3G/LTE modem but it adds an Adreno 305 GPU. The 305 is supposed to be six times the performance of the original 200. I expect the MSM8930 to be used in upper mainstream smartphones, while the MSM8960 will be more of a high end smartphone SoC. As an APQ, the quad-core 8064 has no integrated modem but it does have four Krait cores (capable of running at asynchronous clock speeds so core 0 could run at a different frequency than core 3 depending on load). This sounds a lot like a tablet SoC. The APQ8064 integrates an Adreno 320 GPU, which Qualcomm says offers performance similar to today's gaming consoles. The 320 features four GPU cores. The Adreno 320 is listed as being 15x the performance of the original Adreno 200.
Feeding the CPU cores is LPDDR2 memory interface, although standard DDR3 can also be used. The 8064 also has a PCIe interface and support for up to a 20MP camera. These Krait based SoCs will go up against ARM Cortex A15 based solutions (e.g. TI's OMAP 5). Intel's Medfield (32nm Atom) SoC will also be a competitor here.]]>
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Feeding the CPU cores is LPDDR2 memory interface, although standard DDR3 can also be used. The 8064 also has a PCIe interface and support for up to a 20MP camera. These Krait based SoCs will go up against ARM Cortex A15 based solutions (e.g. TI's OMAP 5). Intel's Medfield (32nm Atom) SoC will also be a competitor here.]]>Corsair CMPSU-650HX 650w HX Series 80 Plus Bronze Certified Power Supply (Electronics)
By Corsair
Buy new: $117.49
Customer Rating:
First tagged by H. Isawi "Mrhdream"
Customer tags: power supply(6), corsair(6), psu(6), 650(2), fan, cpu, overclock, dell, crossfire, 650hx, computer, power supplies
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Review & Description
The Corsair Professional HX650W modular power supply delivers 650 Watts of clean, continuous power. The high-efficiency design reduces electricity usage and minimizes as much heat generation as possible. Enthusiasts looking for the optimal price to performance PSU technology will find the Corsair 650HX will meet even the most demanding of required specifications. With design features such as a dedicated, single +12V rail, and Flat, low-profile modular cables allow for easy cable routing and increased airflow, the HX series offers the maximum compatibility with the latest system components. Energy efficient circuitry capable of delivering greater than 80% efficiency ratings across 20%, 50%, and 100% load conditions make the 650HX Power Supply ideal for the value/quality conscious enthusiast. The large 120-mm diameter temperature-controlled fan is ultra quiet, yet still more than sufficient to cool the internal components of the power supply. Reliability and stability are no longer worries for the gamer, overclocker or enthusiast and high-end system builder. The 650HX is backed with an industry-leading 7-year warranty from Corsair, the most respected name in Power Supplies, with a passion for designing quality products, and great 24/7 on demand customer service and support. Corsair HX Professional Series power supplies set a new standard by which all premium power supplies must be judged. Designed and engineered using cutting-edge technology, each Corsair Professional Series power supply is built to the highest quality standards, and delivers the features and performance that technology enthusiasts demand. Read more
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler, RR-B10-212P-G1 (Electronics)
By Cooler Master
Buy new: $26.67
31 used and new from $21.49
Customer Rating:
First tagged by Camera Guy
Customer tags: cpu cooler(64), cooler master(58), cpu coolers(41), hyper 212 plus(40), cooling(32), computer fans(24), core i7(22), fan controller(14), am2(14), am3(7), core i5(5), heatsink(4)
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Review & Description
Succeeding the popular Hyper 212, the Hyper 212 Plus carries on the legacy of providing a great balance of performance and noise level during high and low speed operations. Hyper 212 Plus is Cooler Master's first cooler to be equipped with an all-in-one mounting solution. Read more
AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0 GHz 4x512 KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail ADX640WFGMBOX (Electronics)
By AMD
Buy new: $99.99
19 used and new from $99.80
Customer Rating:
First tagged by Rich Kosiba
Customer tags: cpu cooler(2), computer(2), athlon ii, cpu, processor, am3, quad core, accessories, 64-bit, cpu processors, amd cpu athlon
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