Here today's reviews with 25 new articles, including Giada D300 Universal Barebone Mini-PC Review, Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB GPS Navigator, EVGA GTX 780 Classified Review, Splinter Cell Blacklist Video Review with Kaeyi Dream, and Intel Core i7 4960X (Ivy Bridge E) Review



Giada D300 Universal Barebone Mini-PC Review @ Legit Reviews

The Giada D300 is a complete mini system that is backed by a 2 year warranty. While it is not capable of running graphic intensive games such as Crysis 3, Skyrim, or Metro: Last Light. If it can't run graphic intensive games with the Intel HD4000 integrated graphics, what could it be used for? As a Home Theater PC it would be a perfect fit, running a web browser, browsing pictures, playing music, streaming video such as Netflix and even some games that do not need a powerful GPU. In addition, the HD4000 graphics was also more than capable of handling a 3D MKV video file...

Read more: Giada D300 Universal Barebone Mini-PC Review @ Legit Reviews

Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB GPS Navigator @ TechwareLabs.com

For someone who spends a lot of time on the road, Google Maps will probably not be enough. For those who spend a lot of time on the road, whether for work or for play, a dedicated GPS unit is a sound investment. Today we'll be taking a look at the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB GPS Navigator, which is designed with long trips and large vehicles in mind.

Read more: Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB GPS Navigator @ TechwareLabs.com

ECS Z87H3-A2X Extreme Motherboard Review @ Legit Reviews

Today we have the pleasure of looking at one of the latest Intel Z87 motherboards from ECS! The ECS Z87H3-A2X Extreme motherboard has a ton of features and a ton of potential! It's jam packed with dual Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and much more! We're going to throw on our Intel Core i7-4770K and fire it up and see how it performs! Let us know what you think!

Read more: ECS Z87H3-A2X Extreme Motherboard Review @ Legit Reviews

Netgear Powerline Music Extender XAUB2511 Review @ KitGuru

Utilising a pair of 200Mb/s-capable powerline adapters, Netgears XAUB2511 is designed to transfer audio streams through an internet connection that is travelling around a household's electrical wiring. But it's not just music that the Netgear Powerline Music Extender can transfer; the connection to a USB device such as a printer or portable hard drive can also be remotely accessed thanks to the XAUB2511.

Read more: Netgear Powerline Music Extender XAUB2511 Review @ KitGuru

EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Classified review @ Guru3D

We review the EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Classified, this graphics card is equipped with NVIDIA's second to best flagship GPU. Combined with an all custom PCB design and a lot of tweaking features this product will be enticing for a lot of you guys. The EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Classified comes factory overclocked for you, has the latest revision of the ACX cooler and can be connected towards an external POD called the EVBOT. All in all definitely stuff to check out we'd think.

Now who doesn't like that with a graphics card based on the chip that is embedded in the GeForce GTX titan, eh? Correct as the 780 is making use of the GK110-300-A2 GPU which is packed with 2,304 cores, 192 TMUs and 48 ROPs. The GeForce GTX 780 is NVIDIAs high-end graphics card based off their Flagship product, the GTX Titan. This means it is based on the GK110 GPU and has an whopping 7.1 Billion transistors. That makes it a nice chunk faster opposed to the GeForce GTX 680 GPU. Just like Titan, the GTX 780 is based on the GK110 GPU with the distinctions that the Titan has a GK110-300 GPU and the GeForce GTX 780 a GK110-400 GPU. Same stuff, yet with some things disabled. But we are a bit surprised to see NVIDIA move forward with GK110. See, the GK110 chip is BIG, and that makes it a difficult chip to bake, its recipe is refined though as the product has 2304 Shader Processing Units, 192 TMUs and 32 ROPs on a 384-bit memory interface of fast GDDR5. So yeah, NVIDIA trimmed down that that 45 mm × 45 mm 2397-pin S-FCBGA Titian with its 2688 shader/stream/CUDA processors a bit. Memory wise you are looking at 3GB to over 6GB, that is still a nice amount of memory (384-bit) on there. Combined with GPU Boost 2.0 you will see this product boosting towards the 1100~1150 MHz range once you tweak it. The reference clock is 863 MHz with a boost clock of 900 MHz. Looking at the specs you must think that this product must consume heaps of power, well it's not great, but definitely not bad at all. The maximum allowed board design power draw is roughly 250 Watt, which considering what this product is, is good.

Read more: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Classified review @ Guru3D

Razer Tiamat 2.2 Gaming Headset Review @ Madshrimps

The Tiamat 2.2 gaming headset from Razer contains an extra 40mm driver in each cup for delivering powerful bass and comes with analog jack plugs so it can be used on a large range of devices. While the sound may be a little bit muddy at the default, this issue can be solved quite quickly by either installing Razer Surround which also helps us create a virtual 7.1 environment or we can simply access the bass/treble settings from our sound card control panel.

Read more: Razer Tiamat 2.2 Gaming Headset Review @ Madshrimps

ASUS MAXIMUS VI EXTREME (Intel LGA 1150) @ techPowerUp

Not everyone needs a board built to push the limits of what is possible with up-to-date silicon, but I and many other enthusiasts most definitely do. Achieving records requires a special board, and ASUS's MAXIMUS VI EXTREME is that board. Is it EXTREME?

Read more: ASUS MAXIMUS VI EXTREME (Intel LGA 1150) @ techPowerUp

TDK A360 Wireless 360 Speaker @ NikKTech

Portable devices have become part of our daily lives and whether that's in the form of smartphones, portable speakers, media players, tablets, notebooks and even coffee makers we simply can't go back to how things were not too long ago. However while it's the trend of our days to miniaturize pretty much everything related with electronics I’m glad to say that there are some areas of the industry where that's not how things are and what better example than the quite massive A73 Boombox wireless speaker by TDK which we had the chance to test a while back? Well it seems that the very successful path TDK has taken over the last couple of years in regard to their portable speaker line is not something to be taken lightly but since the Boombox line has not really been the most "portable" in the market this time over they took things a step further by introducing the brand new A360 Wireless 360 Speaker and we're amongst the very first to get their hands on it.

Read more: TDK A360 Wireless 360 Speaker @ NikKTech

EVGA GTX 780 Classified Review @ Hardware Canucks

EVGA’s GTX 780 lineup may hold an incredible eight different variations but their GTX 780 Classified is without a doubt the flagship. This card’s sole focus is to offer the highest possible amount of overclocking headroom to beginners and enthusiasts alike, which meshes well with the series’ pedigree. Fromm one generation to the next, it has always been Classified cards which headlined the overclocking charts and this time is no different.

Some may be wondering how EVGA can talk about this card’s overclocking prowess after their GTX 680 Classified was curtailed after launch by limiting headroom and effectively castrating EVBot support. We’ve often lamented that NVIDIA’s own policies restrict their board partners from exploring the Kepler architecture’s boundaries and the previous Classified couldn’t be a better example. Naturally, a situation like this could have left the GTX 780 version in a precarious position since much of its potential would have been inaccessible to the general buying public, rendering the numerous high-end features pointless.

Read more: EVGA GTX 780 Classified Review @ Hardware Canucks

Cooler Master V8 GTS @ PureOverclock

I’m sure every one who reads this is familiar with Cooler Master’s “V” series of engine-themed CPU coolers. It consists of the V6, V6 GT, V8 and the TEC-cooled V10. Cooler Master has added another cooler to this award-winning lineup, dubbed the V8 GTS. It brings eight heat pipes and Cooler Master’s horizontal vapor chamber to the table. The entire lineup of V series coolers has been very impressive thus far. Can the V8 GTS live up to the standards set by its predecessors? Cooler Master was kind enough to send us one to check out so we can answer that question.

Let’s get to it and find out.

Read more: Cooler Master V8 GTS @ PureOverclock

XSPC Raystorm 750 EX240 Liquid Cooling Kit Upgrade @ HiTech Legion

As much as I may have a somewhat cynical and jaded outlook, I can’t help but read “New & Improved” as “we have found a new way to improve our profits”. It’s rare that we actually see any improvement in products with this marking or advertising promise. Typically, it is just a change in packaging with a higher price, a variance in fragrance/color or even an outright inferior product. (footnote: see “Coke, New – an inferior product made without cane sugar in order to drive down production costs and make you thankful that Coke Classic tastes even remotely like the original”) Typically, the last thing I want to hear from a manufacturer about a product that I have handed an Editor’s Choice Award to just a couple of weeks prior is that they have “improved” it, especially if it is a product that I feel is far ahead of its competition.

However, that was the case with the XSPC Raystorm 750 RS240 Kit. If you haven’t read the review, you probably should before going any further since this piece centers around the changes to the kit. At least glance through it, you know, just to make me feel better....just click here. Thankfully, what XSPC informed me was, in fact, an actual improvement being made. To make it even more appealing, it was being done without a cost increase. The improvement is simple, but notable; the RS240 radiator is being replaced by the higher performance EX240 radiator, hence the new XSPC Raystorm 750 EX240 Kit.

Read more: XSPC Raystorm 750 EX240 Liquid Cooling Kit Upgrade @ HiTech Legion

NVIDIA Free-to-Play 2 Review @ OCC

Now for two quick points I want to say about the bundle and this review. The first is that I have not benefited from this promotion and have not invested any money into these games. I simply installed and played these games for free, just as anyone can. The second point is that some may think that the idea of a Free-to-Play bundle is silly because the games involved are free. The bundle is not about the games, though, but the in-game currency that pays for the developers to continue supporting the game. If you want to support their efforts, this bundle gives you a new way to do so, while also getting you a new GPU. Not a bad deal if you need the hardware.

Read more: NVIDIA Free-to-Play 2 Review @ OCC

Splinter Cell Blacklist Video Review with Kaeyi Dream @ HardwareHeaven.com

Kaeyi Dream takes on Ubisoft's latest stealth shooter: Splinter Cell Blacklist in her latest video for HardwareHeaven.

Read more: Splinter Cell Blacklist Video Review with Kaeyi Dream @ HardwareHeaven.com

ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag Review @ Neoseeker

The term "gaming" in the peripheral space has always struck me with curiosity. What really defines a product as specifically catering to gamers? Flashy designs? Extra (sometimes gimmicky) functionality? Or is it a signal for quality? As we've seen in our past reviews, ROCCAT is no stranger to gamer-centric peripherals, both good and bad. Since its inception, the German-based company has been striving to challenge the competition with aesthetically-pleasing designs, thorough software suites, and innovative features such as ROCCAT Talk.

The ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag is a departure from the mice and keyboards often associated with gaming peripherals and looks to satisfy gamers on the go. The fan base for less resource-heavy games such as League of Legends is growing, meaning more and more gamers are sticking to portable laptops. Constructed from a combination of nylon and polyester, the ROCCAT Into Messenger Bag offers heavy-duty protection in addition to comfort for travelling gamers. It features a dedicated section for carrying laptops measuring between 15.4" and 17.3", an outside pocket for digital audio players, an expandable Velcro-based closing system, and an easily-moveable shoulder pad cushion.

Read more: ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag Review @ Neoseeker

Inside Intel's Atom C2000-series 'Avoton' processors @ The Tech Report

Today, Intel officially unveiled its Atom C2000-series products, based on the Avoton system-on-a-chip, so we have the opportunity to offer a little more detail about this distinctive new SoC.

Read more: Inside Intel's Atom C2000-series 'Avoton' processors @ The Tech Report

Razer Kraken 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset @ Custom PC Review

A couple years back, the only option to get any sort of surround sound on a computer was to either purchase a physical 5.1/7.1 surround sound system or purchase an expensive, bulky, and generally crappy sounding true 5.1 surround sound headset. If you think those are both pretty bad options, you’re probably not alone which is why a number of companies are investing in virtual surround sound software which use principles of psychoacoustics to simulate 7.1 channel audio in headsets that only have two physical drivers.

Now recently it seems like gaming peripherals giant Razer has also gotten into the virtual surround bandwagon as they’ve developed and released their own software capable of turning any headset into a virtual surround headset. Whereas previously virtual surround software was generally licensed and tied to a specific headset you bought, Razer decided to offer their Surround software for free to everyone willing to download it. Yup. Quite a good deal indeed.

Read more: Razer Kraken 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset @ Custom PC Review

Rosewill Tachyon 750 W @ techPowerUp

Rosewill's current high-end PSU series, Tachyon, includes Platinum members made by Super Flower. In this review, we will evaluate the second-strongest Tachyon PSU with 750 W capacity to see if it has what it needs to defeat the competition in this category.

Read more: Rosewill Tachyon 750 W @ techPowerUp

TYLT VÜ wireless charging pad @ LanOC Reviews

It’s amazing how far technology has gone when you look at the mobile phone market. It really wasn’t that long ago when the RAZR flip phone was the hip thing to have. Now most people have large screens, fast internet, and more processing power than you would ever have imagined. With that in mind, it does seem a little crazy that we still have to plug our phones in all of the time to charge them. When I picked up my Nexus 4, the wireless charging feature was one of the most interesting to me. Today I will finally be able to show off what it’s all about with the new TYLT VÜ wireless charging pad.

Read more: TYLT VÜ wireless charging pad @ LanOC Reviews

Android Refined: Moto X Smartphone Review @ HotHardware

If not for Apple's impending launch of the next-generation iPhone, the Moto X would be one of the year's most notable smartphone launches. And honestly, that's saying something. 2013 has also been a year where the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 came to light, but no Android phone has captured as many eyes as Motorola's simply-titled "X." The reality is that Motorola has not been a force in the mobile arena since the days of the original RAZR. Believe it or not, that iconic flip-phone was released nearly a decade ago, and it goes without saying that a whole lot has changed in the years since -- not just in the smartphone arena, but in terms of Motorola itself.

Now owned by Google, Motorola Mobility is conjoined with one of the world's most innovative companies. And, as it happens, it's the company that makes the world's most prolific mobile operating system: Android. Google promised long ago to not play favorites with Motorola, and the Moto X is proof of that. It's not exactly a Nexus phone, but it's one of the most bloatware-free OEM models to ship without the Nexus logo. In other words, fans of the stock Android experience will find plenty to enjoy here.

Read more: Android Refined: Moto X Smartphone Review @ HotHardware

Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 Case Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

Recently Fractal Design took the popular Arc Midi and tweaked its design, releasing it as the Arc Midi R2. Today we take a look at the R2 to find out how Fractal can build on their impressive first vision.

Read more: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 Case Review @ HardwareHeaven.com

ADATA AXNS360E 128GB M.2 MPCIE SSD Review @ The SSD Review

NGFF stands for Next Generation Form Factor and was a working name for the new generation of MPCIe solid state drives, now affectionately known as M.2 SSDs. While many imagined the M.2 to be industry standardization for mSATA and similar small SSDs today seen in ultrabooks, a closer look at MPCIe demonstrates that unbelievable performance will soon be seen in a MPCIe design even smaller than mSATA. Having sat with just about every SSD manufacturer at countless tech events this year alone, I can relate that initial predictions of 500MB/s performance for M.2 drives have now grown to unbelievable speeds of 1800MB/s.

Read more: ADATA AXNS360E 128GB M.2 MPCIE SSD Review @ The SSD Review

Corsair Vengeance K95 Review @ Vortez

By any objective measure Corsair are swiftly becoming a peripheral juggernaut, matching their prowess in the chassis, PSU and memory markets. In June we had the pleasure of reviewing the Vengeance K70, a mechanical keyboard based broadly on the K65 but for the first time with both mechanical switches throughout and an updated lighting system. It earned our Silver Award, missing out on Gold by the tiniest of slivers, and now it’s the turn its bigger brother. Will it impress us as much - or more - than the K70? Only time will tell…

The Vengeance K95 was also part of a broader range update Corsair began earlier this year, an update which included other input devices and audio peripherals. Just as the K70 is an evolution of the K65, so the K95 is the next step for a design ushered in by the K90. Whilst the Vengeance K70 could be said to specialise in First Person Shooters as a part of its gaming pedigree, the K95 has been substantially adapted to MMOs and similar titles that benefit from macro keys and a wide selection of key bindings. In common with the K70 Corsair have also augmented the design by using Cherry MX switches for every key, making it a marked improvement over its predecessor.

Read more: Corsair Vengeance K95 Review @ Vortez

Sapphire HD 7730 1GB GDDR5 Video Card Review @ TechwareLabs.com

Today we are taking a look at the Sapphire HD 7730 1GB GDDR5. With 384 stream processors, an 800 MHz core clock, 1GB of GDDR5 memory at 1125 MHz, and a dual slot cooler this card packs a bigger punch than your standard entry-level GPU.

Read more: Sapphire HD 7730 1GB GDDR5 Video Card Review @ TechwareLabs.com

SilverStone SST-AR03 CPU Cooler Heatsink Review @ Benchmark Reviews

SilverStone may be known for their cooling, but not necessarily their CPU coolers. As a company, they’ve brought forward many innovations and unique, successful approaches to the ATX case standard with their AP series fans and rotated motherboard enclosures. It’s not that SilverStone is a stranger to CPU cooling – there were the Nitrogen special-application series before the new Argon series, as well as the Heligon high-performance line of heat-sinks. The Argon AR01, AR02, and AR03 are all designed to be more accessible alternatives for enthusiasts, with each model fulfilling a specific purpose. Sporting six 6mm direct-contact heatpipes and a 140mm wide tower-style heatsink assembly, the AR03 is the top option available in the Argon family with the most cooling capacity. Benchmark Reviews will have a chance to find out if the AR03 belongs at the top of the Argon family.

Read more: SilverStone SST-AR03 CPU Cooler Heatsink Review @ Benchmark Reviews

Intel Core i7 4960X (Ivy Bridge E) Review @ Anandtech

Twenty two months ago Intel launched its LGA-2011 platform and Sandy Bridge E aimed at the high-end desktop enthusiast. The platform brought more cores, more PCIe lanes and more memory bandwidth to those users who needed more than what had become of Intel's performance desktop offerings. It was an acknowledgement of a high end market that seems to have lost importance over the past few years. On the surface, Sandy Bridge E was a very good gesture on Intel's part. Unfortunately, the fact that it's been nearly two years since we first met LGA-2011 without a single architecture update, despite seeing the arrival of both Ivy Bridge and Haswell, doesn't send a great message to the users willing to part with hard earned money to buy into the platform.

Read more: Intel Core i7 4960X (Ivy Bridge E) Review @ Anandtech