Single PCB GTX 295 outplayed

THINKING OF what to buy in back-to-school? Well, if you already have a notebook, then a single-PCB GTX 295 might fit the bill. Hexus tests a single-PCB GTX 295 graphics card from Inno3D. This super-card can easily chew its way through 2560x1600 graphics, but it will provide about the same firepower as a couple of GTX 260s in SLI, which come in a tad cheaper.

The crew at Legit Reviews got their share of the Intel Gen 2 X25-M SSD drive. Contrary to the original X25-M, this one Nathan recommends heartily. Performance for mainstream users, without breaking the bank.

We know a few chaps who are positively quivering to get their hands on a Toshiba TG01 smartphone, but it seems – according to Thrusted Reviews – they are in for a big disappointment.

Benchmark Reviews has a review of MSI’s N275GTX Twin Frozr OC graphics card. Using dual PWM fans and a 5-heatpipe cooler, MSI created an  OC’d version of the GTX 275 that runs quasi-silent, unfortunately it doesn’t exhaust the hot air out the rear.

Fudo and his crew tested the Patriot Torqx 128GB SSD. Equipped with the Indilinx Barefoot controller and 64MB of DRAM cache, the Torqx outputted some impressive read/write scores.

OC Workbench and Anandtech have both a first look at Asus’ 786G-base M4A785TD-V-EVO motherboard. Apart from the HD 4200 graphics, the board seems to come equipped with the now-famous 2oz. of Copper.

A rare catch HardOCP managed to nab a retail XFX Radeon HD 4770 graphics card. Brent sees some impressive numbers for a ~$100 graphics card, the hard part is really digging one up.

Tom’s Hardware Emporium explores the meanders of software GPU overclocks using D.O.T., Airforce and Corecenter. Fanbois will be disappointed to find out that Nvidia and ATI tie when it comes to the best uberclock.

Arse Technica wrote up its Summer Gaming Guide where they spec out the components for both gamers on a budget and enthusiasts.

Bit Tech gets to test Corsair’s first attempt at building a PC case, the Obsidian Series 800D, a matte-black mystery-case that is hard to put in pictures. It’s supposed to be the Dominator GT of PC cases, says Richard. All the more reason to read the review.

Tweak Toons checks out ATI’s Catalyst 9.7 Vista driver update. Some serious improvements shown in Crossfire modes that should give you some extra bang for your buck. We wouldn’t rush out to upgrade, otherwise.

OCC has a duo of DDR3 1600 Dominator GT DIMMs, a set of very high-priced, low-latency memories that are optimized for Phenom systems. Very high quality kit, particularly when you can add extra liquid or TEC cooling.

R&B Mods tests Asus’ pride’n’glory, the Rampage II Extreme motherboard. As the “ROG” moniker implies, this is a board for enthusiasts – who want some extreme overclocking action. Very high quality build and OC features, but the price will make you think twice.

Liquid cooling has taken on a lighter, simpler turn these days. Guru of 3D tests the Corsair H50 CPU cooler. Very cheap, it combines good cooling with almost silent running.

Hardware Secrets has a go at the Palm Pre (currently only available in the US). It isn’t an iPhone, but it does so many things the right way, thinks Sandy. The only trouble is getting additional apps, as Palm’s store isn’t as advanced as Apple’s App store.

Notebook Review tests the Dell Latitude XT2. A sleek convertible notebook, the XT2 offers businessmen something to play with, but with a mediocre battery life. µ