Engadget

Quad-channel DDR3 memory corralled in round-up, Corsair, G.Skill and Patriot take home the trophies

Jon Fingas — Thu, 24 May 2012 07:46:00 EST

If you've wanted to build an X79-based gaming PC but were fretting over getting the most out of the quad-channel DDR3 memory you'll want to pair with that Ivy Bridge processor, don't fret: HotHardware has gathered together some of the most common high-speed RAM options and put them to the test. The results aren't clear cut and depend heavily on what you're looking for. Corsair's 1,866MHz Vengeance kit and a similarly clocked G.Skill RipJaws Z set are recommended for striking good balances between low lag and raw speed, while Patriot's Viper X Division 4 is lauded for having the best value and the best stock cooling. That's not to say that Kingston's HyperX line isn't worth it for some speed demons, but the testers suggest hitting the middle of the road to get a good trade-off between speed and the cash outlay you'll need to get there.

Quad-channel DDR3 memory corralled in round-up, Corsair, G.Skill and Patriot take home the trophies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elpida starts shipments of next-gen Wide IO Mobile RAM

James Trew — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:09:00 EST

Tablets might be all sexy curves and Gorilla Glass, but it's what's on the inside that counts, right? Efficient DRAM mightn't set your heart alight, but Elpida Memory did just start shipping its next generation 30nm "Wide IO Mobile RAM." The firm claims it uses 50 percent less power compared with equivalent DDR2 sticks, letting you caress your beloved device for longer. This economy is thanks to it purring along at just 200MHz, which is even more impressive when you consider it brags a 12.8 GB/s data rate per chip. This pumped, yet frugal, performance comes courtesy of using x512-bit data width -- some ten times larger than that of existing DRAMs. The party doesn't stop there, with the Elpida also debuting its LPDDR3 chip, brushing aside LPDDR2 with twice the data rates at 6.4GB/s a slice, and a 25 percent smaller power-drain in tow. Mass production should commence in 2012, check the source link for the full break-down.

Elpida starts shipments of next-gen Wide IO Mobile RAM originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200

Amar Toor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:00 EST

Dell has just taken the wraps off a brand new addition to the Alienware family, hailing it, rather poetically, as "a serenade to raw gaming power." It's called the Alienware Aurora, and it's staring at you with a Cylon-like grin in the image above. Beneath its menacing veneer lurks Intel's six-core, 3000 series Core i7 CPU, an X79 Express chipset and quad-channel DDR3 memory, all of which are kept in check by Dell's liquid cooling and active venting technologies. The gaming rig also supports both multi-display and 3D configurations, with GDDR5 memory-laced graphics cards. In case you're not satisfied, you can always get under the hood and tinker with it yourself, without even busting out your tool belt. The Alienware Aurora is available now for prices starting at $2,200, so hit up the source link for more details.

Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four Atom chips sneak out of Intel, soon to appear in netbooks and nettops

Jesse Hicks — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:01:00 EST

Rarely do you hear of new chips sneaking out of Intel, Escape from Alcatraz-style. But that's (figuratively) happened today, with a quartet of processors appearing with little fanfare from Chipzilla. Two of these you might recognize as members of the delayed Cedar Trail series, the D2500 and D2700. The former clocks at 1.86GHz and 2.13GHz, with the latter upping that to 2.13GHz and 2.4Ghz; both have a thermal design power of less than 10W. The other two chips sip power even more judiciously: the N2600 has a TDP of less than 3.5W at 1.6GHz or 1.86GHz; the N2800 has a 6.5W TDP, running at 1.86GHz or 2.13GHz. All include GPUs, with the N2000 series destined for netbooks, while the D2000 series should end up in nettops. To dig deeper into the specs, see Intel's datasheet at the source link below.

Four Atom chips sneak out of Intel, soon to appear in netbooks and nettops originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG unveils S430, S530 Aurora laptops for people who like muted hues

Amar Toor — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:11:00 EST

LG has added two new stars to its constellation of Aurora laptops, with the LG S430 and LG S530. Both models are powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, with the S430 boasting a 14-inch, 1366 x 768 HD LCD and the S530 rocking a slightly larger, 15.6-inch display, available in either HD or HD+ (1600 x 900) resolution. Both also feature 8GB of DDR3 memory and up to 750GB of HDD space (5400 RPM), along with your standard WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity. Perhaps most notable, however, is their sleek, metallic veneer and crystalline, scratch-free finish, available in both purple and blue. Pricing remains a mystery, but the pair should be available in Africa, Asia and the Middle East by early next month, before making their way to Europe and the US shortly thereafter. Details galore await you after the break, in the full PR.

Continue reading LG unveils S430, S530 Aurora laptops for people who like muted hues

LG unveils S430, S530 Aurora laptops for people who like muted hues originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer unveils TravelMate 8481T laptop for the all-business crowd

Amar Toor — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:09:00 EST

Globetrotting financiers have a new companion to slot into their briefcases, now that Acer has taken the wraps off its TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebook. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and weighing in at 3.7 pounds, this little guy boasts a 14-inch, 1366 x 768 LCD that's been engineered to fit within a 13-inch footprint, thanks to a frameless, bezel-trimming design. The latest addition to the TravelMate 8481 family also boasts 4GB of DDR3 memory (or 8GB, if you upgrade) and a 320GB SATA hard drive, along with the usual collection of WiFi, Bluetooth and USB 3.0 capabilities -- all packed within a slim, 0.87-inch thick frame. The laptop is expected to start shipping in "early September" for $1,000, but you can find more details in the full PR that's sitting after the break.

Continue reading Acer unveils TravelMate 8481T laptop for the all-business crowd

Acer unveils TravelMate 8481T laptop for the all-business crowd originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo's ThinkCentre M71z business desktop keeps your productivity up for $599

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:21:00 EST

Ready to revamp your company's computer systems once the summer's heat is a mere memory? Come this October, Lenovo's letting loose its 20-inch ThinkCentre M71z all-in-one desktop, priced starting at just $599 to keep those expense reports low and your interest piqued. Better yet, you'll be able to deck it out if you're ready to rack up some points on the company credit card. Around the outside, you'll find six USB ports and a DisplayPort connection, but it can also be equipped with a multi-touch screen as well as a two megapixel webcam -- fantastic for those 10-way Skype or Google+ meetings. If you're hungry for performance, the desktop can be maxed out with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, WiFi and either a 1TB HDD, or 160GB SSD capable of 15 second start-ups with RapidBoot. For good measure, the M71z comes bundled with Windows 7 Professional along with a wireless mouse and keyboard -- the latter of which is ~~flood~~ spill-resistant. Please excuse us while we get back to the business of blogging, but you'll find the full PR past the break.

Continue reading Lenovo's ThinkCentre M71z business desktop keeps your productivity up for $599

Lenovo's ThinkCentre M71z business desktop keeps your productivity up for $599 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD intros Radeon-branded RAM, gives gamers that coordinated component look

Dante Cesa — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:50:00 EST

Have an inexplicable lust for all things AMD? Better sit down for this one folks, as your favorite chip company is back, this time peddling Radeon-branded RAM in exchange for your hard earned dough. Tested to the "highest industry" standards, the DDR3 modules will be available in three SKUs: the entry-level "Entertainment" sticks (clocked at 1333MHz), followed by speedier "Ultra Pro Gaming" (1600MHz) and an "Enterprise" RAM of an unknown speed. Akiba PC Online! spotted 2GB modules of the lowest tier chilling in Japan for a cool ¥1570 (around $20 stateside), as-well as a US product page (which we've kindly linked below). Small price to pay for memory to match your graphics card -- brand loyalty's a beautiful thing, right guys?

AMD intros Radeon-branded RAM, gives gamers that coordinated component look originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM boosts speeds, cuts power consumption

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Samsung has been taunting us with the promise of 30nm DRAM for quite sometime, and when the tiny chips went into mass production last year it was the world's servers that got first dibs. The average consumer stuck with that aging 40nm stuff -- blech. This summer though, you'll finally be able to snatch up some of Sammy's latest tech in the form of two and four GB DDR3 1600 sticks for both laptops and desktops. The company claims that its new RAM modules are up to two-thirds more energy efficient than more common 60nm chips and 20 percent faster that its own 40nm ones. Both solo and dual packs will be hitting retailers soon starting at "less than $30." Check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM boosts speeds, cuts power consumption

Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM boosts speeds, cuts power consumption originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel's Cedar Trail gets some specs, combines CPU and GPU on a single chip

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST

That new processor smell has barely started to fade from Oak Trail and we're already getting some tantalizing details about the next generation of Atom chips -- Cedar Trail. As expected, Intel has moved to 32nm, which allows it to cram the GPU and the CPU onto the same sliver of silicon. The first two models, the D2500 and D2700, will be dual-core, sport 1MB of L2 cache, and have a miserly TDP of 10w -- 3w lower than current dual-core Atoms. The former will be clocked at 1.86GHz with Hyper-Threading turned off, while the D2700 flips the switch on those two extra threads and kicks it up a notch to 2.13GHz. The new integrated graphics will boast better HD decoding and support for Blu-ray playback which, when combined with the taunts of fanless designs and WiDi, make Cedar Trail a natural fit for the living room.

Intel's Cedar Trail gets some specs, combines CPU and GPU on a single chip originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sandy Bridge memory performance tested, value of expensive top-shelf memory questioned

Tim Stevens — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:57:00 EST

Intel's Sandy Bridge chipset hasn't exactly had a flawless launch, but let's move past that and take a look at how well it performs before it starts breaking. One of the improvements here is meant to be better memory performance, and The Tech Report ran a variety of sticks through the gamut to see what the benefits of high-cost, high-speed memory is versus the cheaper stuff. The results showed that, in the vast majority of cases, DDR3-1333MHz memory was barely outclassed by the DDR3-2133MHz stuff, exhibiting only a modest improvement in games, just a couple FPS at most. Lesson learned? Save your pennies -- or go ahead and spend 'em elsewhere, like that new Thermaltake case.

Sandy Bridge memory performance tested, value of expensive top-shelf memory questioned originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingston dives headfirst into water-cooling with HyperX H2O memory

Sean Hollister — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:49:00 EST

Even in the niche world of PC overclocking, liquid-cooled memory never achieved popularity, but don't tell Kingston that -- the vendor's now selling premium sticks of DDR3 where water is a prerequisite. Unlike OCZ's fin-tastic Flex series, the new Kingston Hyper H20 modules keep their cool via tube alone, which admittedly means more space in your case as you carefully bump their clocks up from the stock 2,000MHz (or 2,133MHz) and CL9-11-9-27 timings at 1.65 volts. While you can't (yet) get them in a lovely shade of 2.4GHz blue, the modules do come in both dual-channel (4GB) and triple-channel (6GB) kits starting at $157 and $235 respectively, and we imagine if the above cooling design is marginally successful, you'll soon see it for sale on its own. PR after the break, memory available to purchase at our source link.

Continue reading Kingston dives headfirst into water-cooling with HyperX H2O memory

Kingston dives headfirst into water-cooling with HyperX H2O memory originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIA reveals 1.6GHz Nano DC processor at Computex, shows it handling 720p (video)

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:33:00 EST

Guess who showed up at Computex with an all-new dual-core processor? Nah, we're not referring to AMD or Intel (though they certainly did) -- we're talking about VIA. The company quietly (re)introduced a dual-core desktop chip here in Taipei, with the codename Nano DC being used to describe it for the time being. The device utilized a VN1000 Digital Media Chipset and fully supported dual-channel DDR3 memory. A Chrome 520 GPU was helping to push out a 720p movie trailer on the demo system, and the innate compatibility with HDMI and DisplayPort should keep home cinema owners happy. The 65nm chip was clocked at 1.6GHz, and we were told that it wouldn't be venturing into mobile machines in its current form. 'Course, this device has been a bit of unicorn for the past couple of years, but company representatives seemed certain that it would finally be ready to ship (using a different process technology, mind you) in around six months. We shall see. Live action video is just past the break.

Gallery: VIA 1.6GHz Nano DC showcased at Computex 2010

Continue reading VIA reveals 1.6GHz Nano DC processor at Computex, shows it handling 720p (video)

VIA reveals 1.6GHz Nano DC processor at Computex, shows it handling 720p (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel's Atom D525 to offer 1.8GHz with no bump in consumption?

Tim Stevens — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:42:00 EST

The solder has barely hardened attaching Intel's Atom D510 to a suite of nettops and the like, but already we're getting word of its successor, the supposed D525. Many have expressed disappointment that the D510 offers no better performance than its predecessor, but the new D525 should do better thanks to both a slight bump in speed (up to 1.8GHz) and compatibility with DDR3 memory. Despite that the new chip is said to have the same 13W TDP rating and, according to Fudzilla, will be shipping sometime in the second quarter -- so not too far off. Netbook Choice is also reporting the existence of the chip in a chart from Intel, but that chart pegs it at the same 'ol 1.6GHz. We're still inclined to think the 1.8GHz rating is correct, but we won't be placing any bets until Intel makes things official. We're just not the betting kind, really.

Intel's Atom D525 to offer 1.8GHz with no bump in consumption? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingston's 2,400MHz HyperX memory kit offers the world's fastest Intel-certified RAM

Vlad Savov — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:54:00 EST

For those among us finding it hard to decide what blisteringly fast DDR3 sticks to pair with their Core i7, Intel has decided to do its own compatibility certification list (see link below). And since the happiest memory maker is usually the one atop the pile, we have to imagine Kingston is feeling pretty sunny right now, as its 2.4GHz HyperX memory kit has scooped the top spot away from Corsair's 2.33GHz offering. Running at 1.65 volts and offering 9-11-9-27-2 timings, this is now officially the RAM to own if you're after headline-grabbing stock speeds. We also love the fact Kingston acknowledges "benchmarkers" as a distinct group alongside gamers and enthusiasts -- finally some appreciation for those misunderstood souls. Whatever you describe yourself as, you'll be able to get on the latest speed bandwagon in the second quarter of this year. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Kingston's 2,400MHz HyperX memory kit offers the world's fastest Intel-certified RAM

Kingston's 2,400MHz HyperX memory kit offers the world's fastest Intel-certified RAM originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingston trumpets ultra-low voltage HyperX DDR3 memory

Darren Murph — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:02:00 EST

It may not mean much to your grandmother, but performance hounds are sure to jump all over this one. Kingston has just rolled out a few new slices of DIMM deliciousness, and it's claiming that the new HyperX DDR3 modules are the world's fastest low-voltage memory sticks. The dual-channel kit ships with two XMP-ready profiles already baked in, with the 1.35 volts at 1866MHz being hailed as "a world's first for speed matching higher frequency with a lower voltage." All told, the company is debuting a trio of products in the LoVo line -- the dual-profile kit, a mainstream low voltage 1600MHz, 1.35 volt kit and an ultra-low voltage 1333MHz, 1.25 volt kit. -- and you can pick 'em up soon in 4GB bundles for between $154 to $203. These guys did, and they're stoked.

Kingston trumpets ultra-low voltage HyperX DDR3 memory originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 4Gb DDR3 RAM modules could put 8GB in your next netbook

Darren Murph — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:55:00 EST

Rhett and Link (and one Bill Gates, too) may assume that 64KB of memory is "plenty," but let's be realistic here -- it's not. Samsung's fully in agreement, and it's looking to make your next DIMM or SODIMM a lot more capacious with a new 40nm-class process technology. As the story goes, volume production has begun on a new 4Gb DDR3 module, which could be squeezed onto existing sticks in order to produce 16GB / 32GB DIMMs (for desktops) and 8GB SODIMMs (for laptops). There's no clear indication of when this whole "mass production" thing will lead to "on sale right now," but we're guessing it'll make the transition between "now" and "really soon." Bonus video after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's 4Gb DDR3 RAM modules could put 8GB in your next netbook

Samsung's 4Gb DDR3 RAM modules could put 8GB in your next netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel said to be cooking up DDR3-lovin' Atom N475 and Atom N455 CPUs

Darren Murph — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:55:00 EST

We've maintained that Intel's range of Atom chips were simply too weak to really love and adore the way a slab of silicon should be, but that's probably because of our infatuation with things like "overclocking" and "Core i7 Extremes." Whatever the case, it's beginning to look a wee bit better for the lineup, as Fudzilla has it that the company will be adding DDR3 memory support to the 1.83GHz N475 and 1.6GHz N455. Both of those chips are expected to maintain their current TDP ratings, and both are expected to launch in Q3 of this year. Nah, DDR3 compatibility won't make your next netbook scream or anything, but when we're talking Atoms, we'll take all the baby steps we can get.

Intel said to be cooking up DDR3-lovin' Atom N475 and Atom N455 CPUs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM set to lower costs and power consumption later this year

Vlad Savov — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:32:00 EST

It seems like we've been talking about Samsung and its 30nm promise for an eternity, but ever so slowly real products are starting to head out into real consumers' hands. After recently announcing its forthcoming NAND memory cards, the company is back with word of 2Gb DDR3 DRAM modules that consume 30 percent less power than their 50nm counterparts, yet are also more cost-effective to manufacture. Operating at either 1.5 or 1.35 volts, the 30nm parts are set for mass production in the second half of 2010, so they won't be here quite as soon as we'd like, but at least we'll know what to put down in our next Holiday Gift Guide. Just imagine your laptop purring along with a paired set of ultra-efficient RAM sticks and one of those newfangled 25nm-based SSDs from Intel -- you could probably power it on the sheer strength of your geek lust alone.

Samsung's 30nm DDR3 DRAM set to lower costs and power consumption later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corsair pushes speed envelope with 2,333MHz Dominator GTX RAM modules

Darren Murph — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:02:00 EST

Corsair and speed generally run in the same circles, so it follows logic to see said memory outfit cranking out the planet's fastest Intel XMP-certified RAM. The 2,333MHz Dominator GTX now has Intel's stamp of approval, and it easily surpasses the company's 2,000MHz stuff that was king of the castle just yesterday. As the story goes, each module is "hand screened" and tested to the hilt before being shipped to end users, which apparently explains the $200 per 2GB stick that you'll be asked to lay down. Speed kills... the wallet.

Corsair pushes speed envelope with 2,333MHz Dominator GTX RAM modules originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba Satellite T100 series of thin-and-lights receive Windows 7 nod

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:02:00 EST

Hope you're ready for it 'cause a deluge of new computing hardware is coming with the launch of Windows 7. Here's Toshiba's T100 series with LED backlit displays, Intel CULV SU4100 processors, DDR3 memory, eSATA/USB combo ports, integrated webcams, 5-in-1 card readers, HDMI-out, a claimed 9-hours of life from 6-cell batteries, and multi-touch trackpads set for launch on October 22nd. The 13-inch, 3.88-pound T135 (pictured above, left) starts at $600 with 250GB 5400RPM disk, up to 8GB or memory, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. The T115 starts at $450 and brings an 11.6-inch display, up to 4GB of memory, and 3.49-pound heft. All Windows 7 all the time, just the way you want it.

Filed under: Laptops

Toshiba Satellite T100 series of thin-and-lights receive Windows 7 nod originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell leaks revamped Alienware m15x, Core i7 confirmed

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:32:00 EST

We're expecting an announcement later today but the Alienware m15x has already been leaked in a trio of Dell service documents. Updates include a Core i7 processor, 15.6-inch 1920x1080 LED backlit display, a full 8GB of 1333MHz DDR3 memory, options for a traditional hard disk or SSD drive of unspecified capacity, a 2 megapixel webcam, Blu-ray disc option, Firewire, 3x USB, 1x eSATA, ExpressCard and 8-in-1 card reader slots, an optional 9-cell 86Wh battery, and DisplayPort and VGA outputs among other notables. It also features the same aggressive styling of its bigger dual-GPU M17x sib. What we don't see is any mention of its graphics. Will it be dual-GPU, too? Doubtful, but check in later to find out.

[Thanks, Jai M.]

Filed under: Gaming, Laptops

Dell leaks revamped Alienware m15x, Core i7 confirmed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rambus and Kingston build a threaded module prototype, claim 50 percent better memory throughput

Vlad Savov — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:48:00 EST

How do you thread memory tasks and are women naturally better at it than men? Such were the questions that roamed our limitless minds as we sought to understand what exactly Rambus and Kingston had achieved. Based on standard DDR3 chips, the new threading tech essentially creates multiple independent channels per memory module, allowing multicore processors to utilize the available RAM more efficiently. That results, says Rambus, in systems that offer 50 percent higher throughput that the standard stuff and suckle 20 percent less power due to the compartmentalization of each module. Neat. More details are promised at the Intel Developer Conference, which kicks off tomorrow in San Fran.

[Via SlashGear]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Rambus and Kingston build a threaded module prototype, claim 50 percent better memory throughput originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Packard Bell imedia lineup gets an Acer-inspired refresh

Vlad Savov — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:47:00 EST

Packard Bell recently overhauled its logo in an effort to keep up with the times, but are its offerings up to the same task? The new imedia lineup immediately recalls the recently announced M-series desktops from Acer, and that's no accident. The innards are remarkably similar too, with the top models sporting Core 2 Quad or AMD Phenom II X4 processors, a 1.5GB GeForce GT230, HDMI out, Blu-Ray combo drive and a maximum of 8GB DDR3 memory and 1TB of storage. While none of the specs are on the blistering edge of innovation, there's plenty of power there and keen pricing could make them an attractive proposition. The entry-level Celeron-based units start at £299 ($490) in the UK.

Filed under: Desktops

Packard Bell imedia lineup gets an Acer-inspired refresh originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung debuts first 32GB DDR3 memory module

Donald Melanson — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:38:00 EST

Samsung has been making promises about a 32GB DDR3 memory module since it rolled out its first 50nm 4Gb DDR3 memory chip way back in January, but it looks like it's now finally delivered. While it won't be headed for regular desktops or laptops just yet, the company does have a new 1.35 volt 32GB module for servers which, in addition to packing that record-breaking capacity, also boasts a 20% better throughput compared to previous 1.5 volt modules and, of course, a lower power consumption to boot. As some math not performed by us will reveal, the module itself is made up of 72 of those 4Gb memory chips, which are lined up in rows of nine quad-die packaged 16Gb DDR3s mounted on each side of the circuit board. No word on pricing just yet, nor is there any word about Samsung's promised desktop and laptop memory, which are apparently still in the works -- in the form of 8GB DIMMs, at least.

Filed under: Desktops

Samsung debuts first 32GB DDR3 memory module originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corsair DDR3 memory clocked at 2533MHz, women swoon 'round the world

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:23:00 EST

Corsair -- the swashbucklin' favorite of privateers in need of RAM and SSDs -- has just announced that its Dominator GT DDR3 memory has been overclocked at a pretty astonishing 2533MHz. As you'd expect from a company made of braggarts and rogues, its claiming the world record for itself -- unless, of course, one of you other memory manufacturers feels like taking this bad boy on. Kingston, we're looking at you. Hit that read link for all the salacious details.

Filed under: Desktops

Corsair DDR3 memory clocked at 2533MHz, women swoon 'round the world originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker! Retail Core i7 CPUs caught using DDR3-1600 memory

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:07:00 EST

The kids over at Maximum PC have told us a sordid tale involving Core i7 processors, "extreme heat and smoke damage," and a pair of jumper cables -- we'll spare you the details -- and have come to the realization that, contrary to popular belief, the retail version of the budget-minded Core i7 920 processor (and its midrange brethren, the 940) is shipping with unlocked multipliers and memory ratios. According to some "Deep Throat"-esque shadowy figure at Intel, the company chalks it up to a "marketing decision" made after receiving "requests from some of our customers." If this is indeed the case, customers will be able to rock the fast-paced DDR3-1600 memory without shelling out big money on a Core i7 Extreme Edition 965 CPU. And that ain't the least of it -- hit the read link for plenty of talk about QPI speeds and benchmarks. You'll be glad you did.

Filed under: Desktops

Shocker! Retail Core i7 CPUs caught using DDR3-1600 memory originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DDR3 shootout pits OCZ, Kingston and Corsair against one another

Darren Murph — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST

DDR3 modules aren't exactly new or anything, but given just how low the prices of big time kits have become, we figured it prudent to pass along one of the most thorough shootouts on the subject that we've seen. HotHardware grabbed a few DIMMs from the labs of OCZ Technology, Corsair and Kingston, threw 'em all in a Core i7 rig (not simultaneously, silly!) and benchmarked the lot until they literally fell asleep at the keys. The results? We'd love to tell you which sticks came out atop the pile, but that would just be spoiling the fun for you, now wouldn't it? Give the read link a look if you're ready for the action.

Filed under: Storage

DDR3 shootout pits OCZ, Kingston and Corsair against one another originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Latitude XT2 multi-touch tablet with 11-hour battery now official (starts at $2,399)

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:04:00 EST

The machine translation is pretty weak, but Dell's 12.1-inch (1,280 x 800 pixel) Latitude XT2 looks to have just made its first tentative steps in a global launch. The video posted after the break comes courtesy of Korean site, AVING, where the convertible tablet was apparently just released. Pinch to zoom and two-fingers swipes... yup, it's in there. 11-hours of battery (6-cell plus battery slice) and DDR3 memory (max of 5GB!) too in a chassis just 2.5-cm (0.98-inches) thick. Click through for the video while we track down the official specifications that already seem to be aligning with the unofficial specs leaked earlier.

Update: Official Dell Japan press release now out. We've got specs:

up to 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU9400 processor with Montevina chipset
Intel integrated GMA 4500MHD graphics
Windows Vista Ultimate on down
12.1-inch LED backlit capacitive touch-screen with EM Digitizer pen
up to 5GB of DDR3 1066MHz (1x1GB, 1x4GB DIMM)
up to 120GB 5400RPM SATA disk or 128GB SSD
802.11a/g/n WiFi and gigabit Ethernet
SATA ODD
3.78-pounds (1.72-kg) with 6-cell battery
eSATA, 2x USB 2.0, firewire, and ExpressCard 54 slot

Update 2: Just announced for US with prices starting at $2,399.

Gallery: Dell XT2 features

[Via AVING]

Continue reading Dell Latitude XT2 multi-touch tablet with 11-hour battery now official (starts at $2,399)

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

Dell Latitude XT2 multi-touch tablet with 11-hour battery now official (starts at $2,399) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 4Gb chip promises 32GB DDR3 memory modules for PCs and laptops

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:06:00 EST

Oh Samsung, you and your world's firsts. We like to tease but your latest breakthrough is truly notable: the world's first 4Gb (bit, not Byte) DDR3 DRAM PC memory chip based on relatively frugal 50-nm processes. Two things here: 1) the new chips consume 40% less power than previous DDR3 memory modules, and 2) the chips pave the way for 32GB (Byte, not bit) DIMM modules. The first modules will come in capacities of 16GB (containing 32 of the new 4Gb chips) for servers, 8GB DDR3 DIMMs for desktops, and 8GB SO-DIMMs for laptops. When, is the question Samsung fails to answer. The question to you is this: you're not still buying full-spec'd DDR2-based laptops are you?

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Samsung's 4Gb chip promises 32GB DDR3 memory modules for PCs and laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung seems pretty proud of world's highest density DRAM chip

Darren Murph — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:21:00 EST

Those of you who actually keep track of which outfits are on top of others in terms of density (yeah, all 8.4 of you) have a new winner to document, as Samsung has just announced the development of the planet's highest density DRAM chip. By utilizing 50 nanometer technology, Sammy has concocted a four gigabit DDR3 DRAM chip, and if it has its druthers, the low-power device will be used in data centers and servers the world over. The module can be produced in 16GB registered dual in-line memory modules (RDIMM) for servers, as well as 8GB unbuffered DIMM (UDIMM) for workstations and desktop PCs, and 8GB small outline DIMM (SODIMM) for laptops. If dual-die package technology is tapped into, the new device can scale as high as 32GB, though Samsung is careful not to mention just how much you'll have to pay for this stuff.

[Via I4U News]

Filed under: Storage

Samsung seems pretty proud of world's highest density DRAM chip originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS ARES CG6155 gaming PC: 4.0GHz QX9650, GeForce GTX280, bragging rights

Darren Murph — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:21:00 EST

What's that, Acer? Your vicious Predator not feel so dominant now? ASUS just dropped a bombshell with the official release of the ARES CG6150 that first surfaced at CeBIT, and for gamers who accept nothing less than cutting edge, this is your rig. From the top, we've got an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (overclockable to 4.0GHz) processor, NVIDIA's nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 3-way SLI setup with GeForce GTX280s, up to 4TB of HDD space, a Blu-ray optical drive, twin gigabit Ethernet jacks, two power supplies and a custom liquid cooling arrangement. ASUS is being tight-lipped (as usual) with pricing / release information, but let's just assume you'll need a serious stack of Benjamins to even sniff this beast.

Filed under: Desktops

ASUS ARES CG6155 gaming PC: 4.0GHz QX9650, GeForce GTX280, bragging rights originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corsair Dominator memory sets new DDR3 speed record

Tim Stevens — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:44:00 EST

In the world of high-end gaming rigs, it isn't size of your megahertz that equates to higher performance, but the multiplier on your bus -- if you catch our drift. Regardless, for most gamers bigger numbers will always be better, and when it comes to fast memory Corsair now holds the record with a 1GB stick of Dominator DDR3 SDRAM. Overclocking in at 2462MHz (supposedly the highest recorded frequency to date), it survived the brutal testing thanks in part to an integrated four-layer extruded aluminum sink, which helps shuttle heat away from your bits and into your case. Naturally, these numbers come at a premium: over $200 per gig. But if you absolutely must have the fastest, this is it -- for the moment.

Filed under: Desktops

Corsair Dominator memory sets new DDR3 speed record originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OCZ unveils "world's first" Intel Extreme Memory Modules

Darren Murph — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:49:00 EST

Get ready, OCZ is comin' atcha with some newfangled RAM technology that's likely to scare off the very market it's hoping to attract, but we're here to break things down for digestion. Put (sort of) simply, the firm's DDR3 PC3-12800 Intel XMP Ready Titanium Edition RAM will become the first memory to feature Intel Extreme Memory Profiles, which work exclusively with Intel's X38 chipset to enable the average joe (or jane) to overclock their RAM without even knowing what latency means. The sticks will come configured to run 8-8-8 latencies, but a secondary profile featuring a 7-6-6 latency can be easily activated if ran on an X38 chipset to squeeze a bit more performance out of the setup. There, that wasn't too hard, now was it?

[Via TrustedReviews]

Filed under: Storage

OCZ unveils "world's first" Intel Extreme Memory Modules originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OCZ intros 1800MHz DDR3 RAM modules

Donald Melanson — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:44:00 EST

OCZ is upping the DDR3 RAM ante yet again, besting its own recently introduced modules with its new 1800MHz PC3-14400 modules. Apparently the first modules of their kind to go into production, these will be available in both single 1GB modules and 2x1GB dual channel kits, with 'em boasting a peak bandwidth of 14400MB (or 14.4GB) per second and latencies "comparable to the fastest offerings of DDR or DDR2." Otherwise, you'll get OCZ's proprietary platinum-mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreader to keep the modules cool, along with a lifetime warranty for a little extra insurance.

[Via The Inquirer]

Filed under: Desktops

OCZ intros 1800MHz DDR3 RAM modules originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Puget Custom Computer ships pricey DDR3-equipped desktop

Darren Murph — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:18:00 EST

You may recall Puget Custom Computer from its uniquely cooled machine a few months back, but now the boutique is hailing itself as the world's first company to ship DDR3-equipped desktops. 'Course, there's been a number of competitors to ship Bearlake boards in their own machines, but those with deep pockets and a lofty wish list can snag a liquid-cooled beast of a machine pre-stocked with Kingston HyperX DDR3 RAM modules and Asus' P5K3 motherboard. The machine itself can include just about any piece of hardware remotely available as of 3.49 minutes ago, but with a base price of just over $5,500, we don't envision too make takers on this one anyway.

Filed under: Desktops

Puget Custom Computer ships pricey DDR3-equipped desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JEDEC finally unveils official DDR3 standards

Darren Murph — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:38:00 EST

Rest assured, this isn't the first (nor the last) time you'll see products launch before the official specs get ratified, but JEDEC is doing the honors today by introducing the DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) memory device standard. Key improvements that were noted include a 1.5-volt power supply, increased operating temperature range, memory device reset, burst chop, dynamic on-die termination, output driver calibration, and write leveling among others. The standard is reportedly intended to operate over a "performance range from 800 to 1600 MT/s (million transfers per second)," and while we certainly appreciate the details finally coming forward, the bevy of product launches from months past sure dampened the thunder. [Warning: Word document read link]

[Via Inquirer]

Filed under: Storage

JEDEC finally unveils official DDR3 standards originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OCZ announces PC3-8500 and PC3-10666 DDR3 RAM modules

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:44:00 EST

Don't look now Kingston, but OCZ is already going mano-a-mano with your DDR3 offering by introducing PC3-8500 (1066MHz) and PC3-10666 (1333MHz) RAM modules of its own. Designed to play nice with Intel's Bearlake chipset, the noticeably flashy DIMMs will be offered initially in in 2 x 512MB and 2 x 1024MB dual channel kits. The Gold DDR3 modules will sport the outfit's proprietary gold-mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for boosting their heat dissipation abilities, and as with other premium products from OCZ, these too come with a lifetime warranty. Interestingly, the company claims that these are currently available but in "limited quantities," which means that you'll probably want to hold up on busting out your credit card if at all possible.

[Via TGDaily]

Filed under: Storage

OCZ announces PC3-8500 and PC3-10666 DDR3 RAM modules originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2007 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingston planning to reveal DDR3 HyperX RAM at Computex

Darren Murph — Tue, 22 May 2007 20:11:00 EST

Last last year, Kingston unveiled its then-blazing fast HyperX DDR2 RAM modules, and just as you're finally paying those couple of 2GB kits off, the same company is apparently planning to up the ante. Reportedly, Kingston is looking to reveal its 512MB / 1GB DDR3 1500MHz HyperX and DDR2 800MHz low latency memory modules at Computex, which should play nicely with Intel's DDR3-friendly Bearlake chipset. The DIMMs are expected to be "nearly twice as fast (over 20Gbps) as today's highest speed DDR2 counterparts," and the lower voltage (1.5v compared to 1.8v) claims to provide a "more efficient memory solution for both mobile and server platforms." Of course, pricing and availability deets weren't fleshed out just yet, but the second week in June isn't too far away.

[Via Gizmag]

Update: Despite statements to the contrary, Kingston pinged to say it's not debuting any SSD drives at Computex! The nerve!

Filed under: Storage

Kingston planning to reveal DDR3 HyperX RAM at Computex originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2007 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel's P35 "Bearlake" chipset gets benchmarked, reviewed

Donald Melanson — Tue, 22 May 2007 12:11:00 EST

Those of you that have been itching to see just how well the first batch of Intel P35 "Bearlake" motherboards perform can now rest a bit easier, as the first reviews and benchmarks are finally starting to trickle in. From the looks of it, HotHardware is among the first to do the honors, getting their hands on Asus's new P5K3 Deluxe motherboard and some Corsair XMS3 DDR3 memory to go along with it. According to their findings, that combination delivered 2 to 5% boost in performance over its 965 counterpart across a range of applications, with the mobo also delivering some modest gains when loaded up with DDR2 memory. While that may seem like a relatively small bump in performance, HotHardware sees plenty more room for the chipset to grow, most notably with the addition of 1733MHz DDR3 memory. About the only downsides they could find are the DDR3 RAM's somewhat high latency and the high cost of the hardware for early adopters, although that's hardly a surprise. Those still craving some more details can hit up the link below for the complete rundown.

Filed under: Desktops

Intel's P35 "Bearlake" chipset gets benchmarked, reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2007 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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