Integrated DX10 is here

OCWorkbench has detailed and reviewed the new up-and-comer chipset from Intel (yes, them again), the G35, in the form of the ASUS P5E-VM HDMI. The VM line-up usually stands for graphics in a micro-ATX format, which is the case. However, Intel has stolen thunder from its integrated graphics rivals by pre-empting DX10 integrated graphics that’ll pour out HDCP to large format LCD’s. This is due to the GMA X3500 on board, that’ll support HDCP up to 1920x1200 (and 2048x1536 under normal circumstances).

This is a first-of-a-kind. LED backlit LCD’s are becoming more common on laptop, due to their innate power efficiency, but less so on your desktop. However, Samsung has come up with the XL20, a 20” 4x3 LED-backlit LCD and passed one over to Trusted Reviews. No flashy design here, just plain old common sense when it comes to building a LCD – the results are there for you to see. The pricing on these grown-up toys is quite steep, but they’re coming down. Expect to pay through the nose (£900) for this one.

We thinks the RAM business has never been this competitive, and prices clearly reflect the situation. Buffalo, best known for its wireless routers than DIMMs, has handed some samples of their Firestix series PC2-8000-rated memory (that’d be DDR2-1000) over to Hardwarelogic. They figure you get great OC mileage on these babies.

Still in the RAM domain, CSX manufactures a 2x2GB DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) kit that Hotcases (Englisch here) got their mitts on. Although not the greatest looker, or OC’er for that matter, the CSX chips are rock solid stable and Hotcases gives it their highest accolade. 2x2GB will set you back about 160 €urobucks.

If you’re into LAN parties, then let it be known that Thermaltake has released its new LANBox (VF1000SWA) and OCIA.net will tell you what you need. The LANBox is a micro-ATX case in the shape of an unseemly cube with a front-to-back carry handle. Not SLI/Crossfire friendly, it’ll get you to your LAN party and back unscathed.

Bigbruin tests the Icy Dock MB664US-1SB screwless HD enclosure. They use a SATA II Seagate 7200.10 500GB HD to benchmark the setup and compare it to an Eagle Tech enclosure. Apparently the chippery used makes a world of difference, as the enclosure’s performance is hot on the chase of the internal header. If only the “Kensington lock” actually kept the HD in place.

120mm fans just don’t get enough of an airing, no pun intended. Pumping air into/out of your case with one of these is fundamental to avoid building up heat in your rig. Applied to your CPU, it’s even more effective, usually pushing the necessary cubic feet o’air with much less noise. Dragon Steel Mods picks up 3 versions of the Scythe Ultra Kaze (1K, 2K & 3K rpm versions). DSM opted to use it on the CPU, where the 1K version performs admirably without sounding like a jet engine. Avoid the 3K version, aka, an Airbus A380 at take-off.

Heavy stuff from ASUS over at Tech Gage. Their LCD gaming line has just grown – it’s now a 22-incher. The PG221 – just like its smaller brethren – sports an integrated 2.1 sound system and weighs approximately 3 metric tonnes (proud owners of PG-class LCD’s know what we mean). Good for gaming, bad on your back. While not as expensive as Samsung’s baby up there, they too are heavy on the pricing, at about $550 a pop.

GSMArena goes for the democratically-elected 5MP gold. Their approach is nothing but original: on December 5th, they disclosed pictures taken by four different cameraphones and let users have their say about the quality, without revealing which model was which. Now GSMArena has identified the cameras and you can read who won the popular vote. µ