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XtremeNotebooks launches all-in-one XN1 PC
Keepin' with the funky fresh crowd, XtremeNotebooks is unleashing an all-in-one PC of its own, and while it may have some form of identity crisis coming from a laptop manufacturer, there's really no portable nature to this one. Nevertheless, the XN1 consists of a 22-inch WSXGA+ (1,680 x 1,050) LCD HDTV display which is jam packed with an Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, up to 2TB of built-in HDD space, an optional 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics card and HD DVD drive, gigabit Ethernet and WiFi. As for ports, you'll find eSATA, four USB 2.0 sockets, ExpressCard, 4-pin FireWire, a coaxial jack for the TV tuner, and the usual assortment of AV inputs / outputs. The XN1 is available now starting at $1,599, or you can scale back with a 19-inch version that gets going at $1,489.[Via I4U News]
Dell's M1730 "Beast" officially gets official
Well kids, it's official... the Beast is loose. Dell's M1730, which had been extensively leaked over the past few months, has been made public on the Dell blog (they even go as far as naming us in the notice). As expected, the gaming laptop is crammed full of over-spec'd gear, like the Core 2 Extreme X7900 (which they say is now overclocked to 3.2GHz), dual NVIDIA GeForce Go 8700M GT GPUs, and a slew of other lap-burning components sure to make even the toughest dude start crying immediately. The whole fugly package is available for purchase on the Dell website right now, but approach it with extreme caution. Look, all we're saying is this: when the Beast crushes and dismembers everything you hold dear, don't say we didn't warn you.
Intel's Core 2 Extreme X7900 top-of-the-line laptop chip in the wild
The main problem with an "in the wild" spotting of a processor is that it's just not all that exciting staring at a lump of silicon. That said, it is exciting that Intel's new top-shelf 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme X7900 mobile chip is making the rounds, and the folks that got a hold of this one managed to stick it into a computer and run some benchmarks. From the looks of things, the X7900 beats its predecessors pretty handily, but that's about all we could glean from this fleeting forum post, and hope to see this in shipping machines before too long -- like that Precision M6300 Dell announced the other week.
Intel adds chips, cuts prices, kills lines
Making room for all that new speed can be difficult... just ask Intel. The chipmaker has been doing some reshuffling as of late, leaving some space in its lineup for the new Penryn CPUs we're all foaming at the mouth over. First off, Intel has added the mobile-based Core 2 Extreme X7900, plus the desktop-destined, 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo T7800 and 2GHz T7250. The company has also announced its first Core 2 Solo processors, the 1.2GHz U2200 and the 1.06GHz U2100, as well as a few new Celeron M chips, in the form of the 2GHz 550 and the 1.72GHz 530. Other odds and ends showed up, like the new ULV Celeron M 523, and the dual core, 2GHz Pentium E2180. The company also cut prices on a number of existing processors by up to 40-percent, which will either make you really happy, or really sad (depending on whether or not you bought anything). Additionally, Intel announced end-of-life news for a whole batch of CPUs, including all of the Core Solo and Duo chips, with ordering availability expected to end sometime around the 31st of December. Hit the links for all the detailed nastiness.[Thanks, Jorge]Read -- Intel chops mobile CPU prices, intros Core 2 Solo lineRead -- Intel cans first-gen Core chips
Intel launching Core 2 Extreme X7900 mobile CPU?
All set to one-up the 2.6GHz X7800, Intel has reportedly launched the 2.8GHz successor, unsurprisingly dubbed the Core 2 Extreme X7900. The processor purportedly relies on a 65-nanometer die, but boasts updated specs to go along with the 200MHz jump in speed. The chip will apparently offer up an 800MHz front-side-bus, chew through 44-watts of power, and arrive at OEMs unlocked and ready for a (likely minor) does of overclocking. At the GC Press Day, an Intel representative was said to be demonstrating the new CPU on the Asus G2 and a Dell M1730, but nothing was mentioned about a release date.
Intel roadmaps Penryn for mobiles
A recent leak from Intel has revealed the chip-maker's plans for its Penryn mobile processor line, detailing all the sweet news in a roadmap which has made its way into the waiting public's hands. On the sheet are the details of four new Core 2 Duo chips and one new Core 2 Extreme that Intel will be shepherding into the market in the near future (or so we hope). All of the chips feature the Santa Rosa-standard 800MHz frontside bus, with the C2Ds clocking in at 2.5GHZ and 2.6GHz with a 6MB cache, or alternately 2.1GHz and 2.4GHz with a 3MB cache -- the C2E delivers 2.8GHz with a 6MB cache. No word on pricing or availability, but you'll know as soon as we do.[Via Reg Hardware]
Intel's 2.6GHz X7800 gaming laptop CPU already overclocked to 3GHz
The QX6850 is just one of six new Core 2 Duo-ish procs introduced by Intel today. The other most notable addition is the 2.6GHz Core 2 Extreme X7800 with an 800MHz dynamic FSB and 4MB L2 cache -- Intel's first "Extreme" branded processor to make the leap from desktops to laptops. A 2.8GHz X7900 is expected later in the year. No worries though, the X7800's unlocked multiplier should allow for "easy" overclocking. In fact, some (vaguely insane) Belgian tinkerers over at Matbe have already dialed in a 3GHz speed on an X7800-equipped ASUS G2S gaming laptop. Niiice. Expect to see the first gaming laptops sporting the new $851 X7800 procs in the next few weeks.Read -- Overclocked ASUS G2S Read -- Intel's new processors
The 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850: Intel's fastest consumer CPU benchmarked
Get ready for a taste of Xeon power without the premium price kids, Intel just released their 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850 quad core processor for standard Intel Socket T (LGA775) boards. Better yet, the performance scores are already in after detailed reviews posted by Hot Hardware and PC Perspective. The latter calls the QX6850's performance "absolutely amazing" for a consumer level processor thanks to the Kentsfield XE class (65-nm) processor's 8MB (2x 4MB) L2 Cache and 1,333MHz front side bus. In fact, you can expect performance gains on the order of 2 to 13-percent (depending upon application tested) when compared to Intel's former consumer speed champ, the 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6800 with 1066MHz FSB. Look for the QX6850 to pop on-line for $999 over the next few weeks where it's expected to hold the performance title until the year is out.Read -- Hot HardwareRead -- PC Perspective
Commodore unveils lineup of US-bound gaming desktops
Unlike some companies we've seen, it appears that Commodore Gaming is actually keeping its word, as the company has just now released the final details on its lineup of flashy US-bound gaming rigs. The Cg, Cgs, Cgx, and Cxx machines progress gradually from least extreme to highly 1337, and all four can be customized to suit your every fantasy. To give you an idea of what's on tap (if you've got the coin), the Cxx packs a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 processor, twin 500GB 7,200RPM hard drives in a RAID 0 array, 2GB of Corsair RAM, DVD-RW optical drive, an 850-watt power supply, Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer sound card, Windows Vista, and dual 768MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra GPUs to boot. As far as pricing goes, word on the street is that the base system will start out around $1,700, but we'll know for sure when these come stateside in Q3.[Via CNET]
Intel Core 2 Extreme laptops in July?
According to what appears to be a leaked product roadmap, it's beginning to look like a hot summer if you're a laptop gamer, on-the-go video editor, or need to crunch some seriously large numbers while traveling. From the looks of the roadmap it appears Intel is planning updates and price cuts for laptop CPUs through September 2nd, including the introduction of a couple Core 2 Extreme chips (2.8GHz X7900 and 2.6GHz X7800, featuring 800MHz FSB/4MB L2 cache) as previously reported. All told, the processor overlords will apparently debut nine new chips and cut the price on four, with slight changes in pretty much every category. Of note is the addition of the budget Celeron M540 and M550, which according to "sources" are designed for the much-loved Santa Rosa chipset. Stay tuned, as we'll be bringing you more laptop-obsoleting news on this next round of chips as soon as we get it.[Via laptoping]
Asus reveals full specs for C90 customizable laptop
Those of us who cringe at paying bloated prices for the privilege of having our computers built by the Dells and HPs of the world have long been looking forward to ASUS' upcoming C90 barebones laptop: its so-called D-door design finally gives mobile users some of the same ability for customization that desktop modders have had for years. Well the fast-growing Taiwanese manufacturer has just revealed the full specs for this anticipated device, which we now know to support Core 2 Extreme processors up to the 2.93GHz X6800, up to 3GB of 800MHz DDR2 RAM, your choice of MXM-compatible graphics solutions, and whatever optical drives and storage space you happen to need. Still no word on a release unfortunately, although if we can believe an eBay seller already putting it up for preorder, we should be seeing the 15.4-inch, WSXGA+ C90 hit stores within the next few days for under a grand.[Via PCLaunches]
Intel talks up 3-Series chipset, Core 2 Extreme CPU for laptops
Shortly after revealing that a quad-core laptop chip was indeed in Intel's pipeline for 2008, the firm has decided to go public with even more laptop-based processor details over at Computex. Intel's executive vice president Sean Maloney had the honors of "unveiling" the 3-Series chipset family (formerly known as Bearlake), which will of course support DDR3 RAM, PCI Express 2.0, HDMI, and can come stocked with G33 / G35 Express integrated graphics. More importantly, the outfit formally introduced plans for an Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile processor that should be released in Q3 of this year. According to Mr. Maloney, the chip is targeted to be the company's "highest-performing mobile dual-core processor that still includes energy-saving power features for laptop designs." No word just yet on whether or not this CPU will cost more than the rest of your laptop components combined (but we wouldn't be surprised).[Via Laptoping]
Dell XPS 720 specs, pics revealed
Well wouldn't you know it, we're just strolling down the street today minding our own business, when what do we happen to trip over but a field tech manual for Dell's upcoming XPS 720 and 720 H2C performance gaming rigs. According to the confidential, hundred-plus-page document, the pricier (but cooler, literally) H2C edition will sport a jet black bezel with a glossy black chassis, while the regular version will be offered with either jet black or formula red bezels and brushed aluminum chassis -- though you can rest assured that both models feature a number of seven-color LEDs to properly set the mood for your epic quests and/or murderous rampages. We'd already heard that these overclocking-friendly machines would rock your choice of Core 2, Core 2 Extreme, or Core 2 Extreme Quad processors and SLI-capable NVIDIA nForce 680i chipsets, but we didn't know that 800MHz DDR2 RAM (between 512MB and 8GB, with optional 1066MHz DIMMs from Corsair also available), RAID 5 and 0+1 HDD configurations, digital coax outs, and 300-watt graphics power sources would be on board too -- all improvements over the soon-to-be-dethroned XPS 710. Graphics options include the GTX and GTS flavors of NVIDIA's GeForce 8800 card, and you can also throw in any number of TV tuners along with a Creative X-Fi sound card, though the built-in 7.1 channel audio will probably suffice for most. Obviously these training manuals don't come with any sort of pricing or release info, but if you're curious about such things as replacing the 720's processor heat sink, let us know in the comments and we'll see what we can do. Keep reading for a larger pic...
Penryn CPUs benchmarked, don't slouch
So, 45nm sounds hip-cool and all, but what does that mean for performance? Intel's coming forward with some Penryn numbers -- with the help of Reg Hardware looking over its shoulder to make sure the tests are legit -- and it seems we're in for a decent speed bump, but not necessarily a revolution. Dual core and quad core 3.33GHz Penryns, each with a 1333MHz frontside bus, were pitted against the current desktop-leading 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6800 on a 1066MHz bus. Tests were run on top of a well decked test system, running Vista Ultimate. Naturally, the quad core Penryn took the top spot in all the tests, with varying margins depending upon which app was used -- no surprises there. The dual-core Penryn took third behind the spendy QX6800 for the most part, other than the single-threaded Half-Life 2 and the SSE 4-capable DivX test, which capitalized upon the media-friendly instructions Intel is adding to its new processors. Looks like we'll be seeing much more from these processors as more SSE 4 apps hit the market, but for now you shouldn't be feeling too bad about buying a QX6800 -- it's not obsolete by a long shot.
DosPara, Faith intro dueling quad core BTO PCs
Japanese manufacturers DosPara and Faith have each introduced some pretty high-end build-to-order PCs this week, both packing Intel's new 2.93Ghz Core 2 Extreme QX6800 processor (or configurable with less if that's too much for ya). In addition to that speedy processor, DosPara's recommended configuration boasts a GeForce 8800 GTS graphics card, 2GB of RAM, a 750GB hard drive, and a DVD burner, among other goodies. Opting for Faith's system will give you the slightly beefier GeForce 8800 GTX graphics card as standard, along with 2GB of RAM and a 300GB hard drive. While prices will obviously vary quite a bit depending on the configuration, you can expect to easily blow between $3,000 and $5,000 if one of 'em strikes your fancy.Read - Akihabara News, DosPara's Core 2 Extreme QX6800 BTO PCRead - Akihabara News, Faith's version of BTO PC
Vigor Gaming's Force Recon QXN packs a quad core QX6800
We're always impressed with how fast manufacturers are able to incorporate newly-announced components into their products -- we think there's some black magic at play -- and sure enough, boutique gaming house Vigor is already offering a gaming desktop powered by Intel's new high end Core 2 Extreme QX6800. Besides the 2.93GHz, quad core processor -- which comes standard -- you can also stuff this box with as much as 4GB of blazing fast 1111MHz DDR2 RAM, 750GB of storage, dual NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX cards in SLI, as well as the usual array of optical drives, wireless radios, and connectivity ports. Available immediately, the ominously-titled Force Recon QXN starts at $3,500 and just keeps reaching for the stars from there.
Intel intros quad core 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6800
Intel's been on a tear when it comes to announcing new products lately, and while the upcoming McCaslin UMPC platform and new Core 2 Duo ULV CPUs will appeal mostly to road warriors, the 2.93GHz QX6800 Core 2 Extreme quad core beast is targeted squarely at power users. As with the step up from the dual core E6700 to E6800, though, you're paying more than double the price ($999 $1,200 versus $530) when moving from the Q6700 to QX6800, but getting less than a 300MHz bump in speed. Our advice? Leave this new chip for the boutique gaming manufacturers, and put the extra money towards a motherboard that'll let you overclock a less expensive model hassle-free.
CompAmerica's new 'most powerful laptop on Earth,' the Orca Extreme
With the way CompAmerica goes around bragging about the superiority of its laptops, you'd think that the company was some high end, boutique gaming manufacturer -- instead of one of the many companies simply offering rebadge after rebadge. Just like other 'bigger than life' players such as Eurocom and Rock, ol' CA makes most of its loot selling machines originally available from Clevo, so it should be no surprise that its latest 'most powerful laptop on Earth' -- the 17-inch Orca Extreme -- is really just that D900C we saw last month. You know, Core 2 Extreme CPU, dual GeForce 7950 GTX cards in SLI, up to 4GB of RAM, and of course those three hard drives that can offer up to 600GB of storage in RAID 0. This whale of a laptop can be yours immediately -- that is, if you don't already own one of its doppelgangers -- starting right around $2,600.[Via laptoping]
Alienware loading Area-51 ALX with overclocked, quad core QX6700
Hardcore gamers seeking top-of-the-line performance can always look to Alienware for rigs with the latest components -- at a steep premium, of course -- so it's no surprise that the recent Dell acquisition has decided to stuff an overclocked, quad core Core 2 Extreme QX6700 chip into the legendary Area-51 ALX. The mad scientists tinkering away at AW HQ (a UFO, perhaps?) have stepped Intel's premiere CPU up from 2.66GHz to 3.2GHZ -- a pretty sizable boost, while still giving speed addicts room to push the processor even further. As usual with this gear, pricing will range wildly depending on the configuration you choose, but expect to pay top dollar for the extra labor and always-pimpin' case.
Commodore unveils boutique gaming rigs at CeBIT
While it's certainly tempting to wax philosophically about how Commodore has finally made the transition from 64KB of memory to 64-bit operating systems, the truth is that the company which just announced a line of boutique gaming PC's at CeBIT is far removed from the one that ruled the 80's and enhanced our droll elementary school days with some therapeutic Rampage. Still, the four BTO gaming rigs unveiled by the latest iteration of Commodore -- the XX, GX, GS, and G -- seem to stand on their own as solid machines, offering anywhere from a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo E6320 to a 2.66GHz QX6700 Core 2 Extreme CPU, a single NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS all they way up to dual 8800 GTX cards, between 2GB and 4GB of RAM, and hard drive capacities up to 750GB in an array of RAID configurations. Besides the top-of-the-line specs, these new workhorses give gamers the chance to personalize their paint jobs through a "revolutionary painting process" that may help you forget that your tower isn't shaped like the head of an alien. The revived company's online store will begin taking orders in April, and though pricing structures have yet to be revealed, expect to pay a significant premium for the privilege of bringing Commodore back into your home. [Photo courtesy of Pocket Lint]
