AMD releases Fusion APUs

It has been a long, long time coming. AMD has finally officiallyreleased its first Fusion products - E-series and C-series, based onZacate and Ontario respectively. As a recap, the Zacate products,branded Fusion E-series, are designed for notebooks, nettops andall-in-ones, and feature a 18W TDP. The two variants are E-350, 1.6 GHzdual-core and E-240, 1.5 GHz single core.

The C-series targets netbooks and "other emerging form factors". Previously codenamed Ontario, both variants have a lowly TDP of 9W. The C-50 is dual core clocked at 1.0 GHz, C-30 is a single core APU at 1.2 GHz.

Both APUs feature a Cedar(HD5400)-class GPU, with DX11 support, UVD3 and parallel processing capabilities. Fabbed at TSMC 40nm, C-series and E-series also feature a 64-bit integrated memory controller.

Products are expected to appear soon. Currently, the first Fusion based notebook to be listed is an Acer notebook, featuring the 1.6 GHz dual-core E-350, 2GB RAM, priced at a very reasonable $429, blurring the line between netbooks and notebooks.

AMD also touches on future plans with its Fusion plans. Of course, the next Fusion product will be Llano, based on enhanced 32nm K10.5 quad-cores and a full-blown Redwood-class GPU. The branding is revealed to be A-Series, with shipping scheduled for Q2 2011 and products based on Fusion A-series appearing in mid-2011.

More in AMD's Press Release.

ASUS Unveils First quot;The Ultimate Force quot; (TUF) Series Motherboard - Sabertooth 55i

ASUS, the leader in innovative motherboard solutions, today unveiled the first motherboard in its newly-developed “TUF” (The Ultimate Force) Series, the SABERTOOTH 55i. The TUF Series is specially developed to meet the heavy computing demands of power users and perform well even under extreme conditions. Such computer enthusiasts often demand high-quality motherboard components and the most stable computing platforms. To achieve uncompromising stability, TUF Series motherboards have undergone a more stringent testing program than what most motherboard producers currently undertake. Solidly constructed and equipped with resilient components that have passed demanding military-style testing, the TUF Series triumphs over the harshest operating conditions to deliver robust performance. The debut SABERTOOTH 55i model, designed around a “Marine Cool” concept, incorporates the Intel® P55 chipset and “tough” features to give users a supremely solid and stable computing platform.

Ultimate Heatsink Cooling with Unique CeraM!X Microfin Coating

The ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard, equipped with the new CeraM!X heatsink, delivers exceptional cooling to active components and uncompromising system stability even under intense operating conditions. With its advanced ceramics-based composition—commonly used in the aerospace industry for heat insulation—the heatsink dissipates heat rapidly to achieve ultimate cooling. Ceramics replace traditional anti-oxidant compounds to create a microfin surface texture for enhanced cooling. This rough surface offers an expanded area for heat induction into the surrounding air. As a result, more heat is rapidly conducted away from the active system—allowing users to enjoy previously unattainable levels of stability.

Direct Memory Cooling with Affordable CoolMem! Fan Frame

As optimal memory operation relies on good cooling, the SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard includes the CoolMem! Fan Frame that encloses most standard 40mm or 50mm computer fans and fits them directly over the memory module. Users thus gain an affordable cooling solution that significantly stabilizes memory operation.

Resilient Performance from Military-certified Capacitors and MOSFETs

To ensure users experience uncompromising performance, the SABERTOOTH 55i incorporates only high-grade, rigorously-tested components. These perform robustly even under the most demanding conditions. For example, all its capacitors have undergone thermal shock tests to ensure continuous, stable operations during rapid temperature changes in the 60°C range. In fact, all its capacitors and VRM MOSFETs have been certified for military-level use through stringent testing.

Optimized Power Usage with E.S.P.

The SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard delivers E.S.P. (Efficient Switching Power) to all major components for superb system efficiency. Besides delivering efficient power to the CPU and memory, the power design also applies the same level of efficient power to the PCIex16 expansion slots and IC. This improves overall power efficiency and reduces the amount of heat generated—resulting in cooler and more reliable operations. Additionally, the E.S.P. converts power at 90% efficiency compared to a conventional linear design that is only about 60% efficient. Built for robust performance, the SABERTOOTH 55i—and ASUS TUF Series motherboards as a whole—incorporates the latest breakthroughs in heatsink composition and high-grade, military-tested components to enable users to build their DIY systems around one of the most solid and stable motherboards ever created.

Les mods de la semaine #102 Amnesia, Minecraft, Skyrim, GTA 4

Pour cette rentrée, nous avons pris la bonne résolution de vous concoter quelques dossiers sur les jeux moddables les plus en vogues du moment. C'est donc sans surprise que vous avez sûrement pu vous apercevoir de l'arrivée de notre dossier des meilleurs mods pour Les Sims 3. En attendant le prochain dossier, retrouvez comme d'habitude notre sympathique sélection hebdomadaire de mods.


A Walk in the Dark (Amnesia : The Dark Descent)

S'il ne s'agit que d'une démo longue d'une quinzaine de minutes (pour les habitués d'Amnesia, comptez le double voire le triple pour les chochottes), A Walk in the Dark se targue d'être un mod prometteur. Afin de préserver toutes les surprises qu'il recèle, nous vous conseillerons tout simplement de téléchargement ce début d'histoire personnalisée et de prévoir des sous-vêtements de rechange.

- Télécharger A Walk in the Dark (12 Ko)


Feminine Running forward and New Dash Animation v1.1 (The Elder Scrolls V : Skyrim)

Le monde de Skyrim a beau être aussi accueillant qu'une fosse remplie d'orties, la brutalité de ces contrées héberge quelques généreuses créatures. Oui, nous parlons bien des femmes, qui ont su rester féminines malgré tout. Enfin, dans certains domaines, puisqu'elles courent et marche à reculons de la même façon que les hommes. Avec ce mod, vous les doterez d'une démarche digne d'une dame, avec un sprint plus gracieux et une marche arrière féminine à souhait.

- Télécharger Feminine Running forward and New Dash Animation v1.1 (9 Ko)


La Cité Impériale (Minecraft)

Avec toutes les cartes personnalisées de Minecraft que vous voyez passer, vous vous dites que plus rien ne peux vous surprendre. Pourtant, lorsque plusieurs passionnés se mettent au turbin durant de longs mois (dix pour être précis), le résultat ne peux être que grandiose. Et c'est le cas avec La Cité Impériale, une immense ville d'inspirations diverses qui vous fera voyager à chaque nouveau quartier traversé. Une carte qui devrait sans aucun doute rester dans les mémoires.

- Télécharger La Cité Impériale (111,6 Mo)


GTA IV : San Andreas BETA 3 (GTA IV)

On ne le répétera jamais assez : aucun épisode de GTA n'arrive à la cheville du grandiose San Andreas. Par contre, dès qu'il s'agit de graphismes, on ne peut que se tourner vers son aîné GTA IV. Grâce aux mods, vous n'aurez plus besoin de faire de choix : San Andreas s'invite sur le moteur de son petit frère grâce à GTA IV : San Andreas. Encore en bêta pour le moment, le mod n'en fini pas de s'étoffer et accueille déjà une bonne partie de la carte que vous avez tant arpenté. Amusez-vous bien !

- Télécharger GTA IV : San Andreas BETA 3 (1,905 Go)

ASUS P5N32-E SLI amp; P5N-E Boards

Asus Technology Pte Ltd. (ASUS), the worldwide leader of motherboards isproud to introduce the AI Lifestyle P5N32-E SLI motherboard, which offers athird PCI Express x16 for physics card support, and includes several uniquethermal technologies that enable powerful yet dependable performance.

The nForce 680i SLI-based P5N32-E SLI supports the Intel Quad-Core Processor andNVIDIA’s Quad-SLI technology, and is ready for the up-coming 1,333MHz FSBspecification. Made for gamers and enthusiasts, the motherboard provides thepower needed for smooth video and extreme performance.

Powerful Processing Capability for Games

The P5N32-E SLI is a gamer’s dream come true. It is Quad-SLI ready and supportsthe Intel Quad Core processor, providing superior processing power for the mostgraphics resource-intensive applications. The motherboard includes three PCIExpress x16 slots (two for SLI-ready dual-GPU graphics cards and one reservedfor NVIDIA’s Physics card) to enable unparalleled graphics performance andgaming realism.

8-Phase Power Design

The 8-Phase Power Design provides highly efficient operation to generate lessheat than other conventional power solutions. It reduces input ripple currentand output ripple voltage, which keeps CPU and VRM (voltage regulation modules)from suffering the risk of high power stress. It has the advantages of quicktransient response and stability, especially beneficial when the CPU requiresmore current immediately under heavy loading or overclocking mode.

Fan-less Designs – Stack Cool 2 and Heat-pipe Thermal Solution

The fan-less design brings effective and noiseless cooling to counter the heatgenerated by components. Watch movies, listen to music and play games, and enjoythe peace and quiet. System damage from fan failure is also a thing of the past.The heat-pipe directs heat generated by the chipsets to the heatsink near theback I/O ports, where it can be carried away by existing airflow, while StackCool 2 effectively transfers heat generated by the critical components to theother side of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for fast heatdissipation.

O.C. Profile – Save and Share Multiple BIOS Settings

The motherboard features O.C. Profile, which allows users to save or loadmultiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or aseparate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favoriteoverclocking settings.

SupremeFX and DTS Connect

The SupremeFX audio card, with 24bit/192kHz sampling in all surround channels,provides high-quality audio whether it’s through headphones or 7.1 surroundsound speakers.

Besides the P5N32-E SLI, ASUS has also introduced the P5N-E SLI motherboard,based on the NVIDIA 650i chipset. While most competing 650i motherboards settledwith the reference design, ASUS has added exclusive technologies to improveoverall computing performance.

ARCTIC COOLING announces launch of ARCTIC F case fans

Swiss based ARCTIC COOLING has unveiled the ARCTIC F case fans.Available in 3 sizes (F8 - 80mm, F9 - 92mm and F12 - 120mm), these fansare equipped with 9 blades for higher airflow. Their unique "ninjaknife" impeller design reduces noise level and significantly improveslaminar airflow. Compared with standard 7 blades fan design, the ARCTICF case fans reportedly increase airflow by over 20%, dramaticallyimproving the heat dissipated from the heatsinks. They come with a 6year limited warranty and will be available in October in the US. MSRPis USD4.30 for F8, USD5.90 for F9 and USD6.90 for F12. We believe thesefans will appeal to enthusiasts as they are attractively priced andwith a 6 year limited warranty, the ARCTIC F looks too good an offer tomiss out on.

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