Get your Phenom X3, X2 benchmarks here

EVERYONE KNOWS there’s something you needn’t simulate… and that’s benchmarketing (it’s a simulation by definition, innit?).

Well, German mag PC Games Hardware has a go at simulating a Phenom X3 and Phenom X2 CPUs. They say you can shut down core by core, so they used a Phenom 9600 to whip up some benchmarks and graphs. Check it out here, and for those of an un-German inclination, here (Gurgle translated).

Much has been written (and rewritten) about the benefits of ReadyBoost technology in Windows Vista. Presence-PC.com takes a look at the matter and tells you which type of Flash will get your Vista chewing data faster – if at all. Prepare yourself for a shocka.

Here’s a new trend in the making – and you know it’ll make the shops ‘cos its Lexmark we’re talking here. The X500n is a laser MFP on the cheap – as is usual from these guys. Gods know MFP’s needed an upgrade. Printing out faxes on inkjets just didn’t make snese.

OverClockersClub tests the Coolermaster Hyper 212, it’s a “universal” heatsink/heatpipe/fan tower for your Intel/AMD CPU easy on the installation, easy on the money, it’s a good solution if you’re on a budget, and the performance is above par, especially if you add another fan.

We’ve always been impressed with the amount of features that go into one of those teeny Exilim’s. Trustedreviews.com has a look at the new Casio Exilim EX-S880 – the follow-up to the S770, with 8.1MP and weighing around 128g – it’ll fit anywhere, who knows even a Christmas stocking? Gratuitous digital camera analysis here.

It seems that Core 2 Extreme QX9650 reviews are a dime a dozen these days – and that’s strange, especially for a >$1000 CPU, but that either means Intel’s game is on, or there really flashing the bling. Here’s a short round-up of most of the Penryn-ish stuff that’s wibbling around: IT Reviews, Hardware Secrets, OverclockersClub, Techspot, Xbit Labs, HotHardware, TechGage, Bit-Tech.net

Just so you aren’t left in the dark about mobo support, we’ll leave you with a nice bit of skillz from Gary Key at Anandtech – it’s a month or so old, but it’s got what you need to know about getting Penryn/Yorkfield up and running on your mobo. µ