AMD beats Intel on dual core front

An ADSL router with an integrated VOiP solution, that's an idea. It is even more attractive when it comes with a £5.99 call-any-landline-free phone package. It is deal like that that broadband will gain on traditional voice telephone. The Pipecall router uses a Bipac 7402VGP router which has a 3-port Switch, an integrated ADSL2+ modem and a 802.11g WAP plus some ports. More at trustedreviews. A 512MB powerhouse video card is still overkill for most of us. The Powercolor X800XL SCS2 comes with that amount of memory. With VIVO capabilities via the ATI Rage theater chip and a low speed fan, it may seem to be very good value for money. But those looking to experience the thrill of overclocking will be put off by its poor overclocking results.

The SIS756 chipset might be an entry level chipset platform but what an entry level candidate. The Asrock 939S56-M is a socket 939 entry level motherboard that comes with 8-ch audio ports, four USB ports, two SATA RAIDable ones, four DIMM slots. Even for a cheap mobo, it managed to outperform boards from other chipset makers. The Foxconn 955X7AA-8EKRS2 motherboard is tested elsewhere on OCworkbench's website. Based on the 955X, it offers an arry of functions similar to those found on other high end mobos. 8-ch sound module, three Firewire ports, two GbE LAN controllers, 11 SATA, SATA 2 and PATA controllers as well as some overclocking capabilities. They also have some news about the rebirth of the Soyo brand.

Samuel from X86 Secrets has some news on a new product number scheme that Intel is going to push forward for its server processors. It seems to be something logical following a similar move in Desktop and Mobile segment. The 3000, 5000, 7000, 9000 series will denote the Xeon UP, DP, MP and Itanium respectively. According to the reliable source, the forthcoming Itanium Montecino core will feature dynamic overcloking as well as a 24MB level 3 cache. More here.

The Thermaltake Muse 5.25-inch enclosure is on test. While enclosures do not inspire enthusiasm most of the time, this one merits its title of cool. It features a blue data transfer meter as well as a srewless design plus a nice stand. It relies only on USB 2.0 connection and although it weighs more than 1.5Kg - even if it is made up of Aluminium, it will find its place easily next to your G5.

Techpowerup reviews the Albatron K8SLI, showing a definite trend for tier2 motheboard makers to adopt the nForce SLI solution. Features are similar to those found on other nForce 4 SLI boards. The SLI is auto switched - a good differentiator compared to others and most importantly, it is not expensive. However, you will look twice if you want this board for overclocking purposes.

01net, a French magazine, tests five video editing software packages, Pinnacle Studio Plus 9. Adobe Premiere Elements, Canopus Lets Edit 2, Magix Video Deluxe Plus 2005 and Ulead VideoStudio 8. If you notice the words Staline, Sphinx, Maze or Colossus in your translation, don't worry, they appear in the original text. Amateur video editing has matured to a point where home video can be considered to be a quasi prosumer business.

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