Showing posts with label motherboard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherboard. Show all posts

4/14/2012

HP Pavilion TX1320US 12.1" Entertainment Notebook PC (AMD Turion 64 Processor TL-60, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium Review

HP Pavilion TX1320US 12.1 Entertainment Notebook PC (AMD Turion 64 Processor TL-60, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This was an impulse buy for me when I was on vacation - and I have nothing but positive things to say about it. Regarding the bloatware - I managed to delete everything using the Programs/Functions in the control panel and simply deleted the Online Services folder from the proper directory. I actually removed too much software and needed to re-install some of the HP programs that make the tablet buttons work (HP Quicklaunch Buttons and QuickPlay are all I needed). The touchscreen works well enough, though it lacks any pressure sensitivity - screen calibration was simple enough, though I had to do it a couple of times to get it just right.
Pros: Sleek and attractive machine. Good build quality with a strong swivel mechanism. Lid locks down nice and secure when in tablet and notebook form. Affordable and readily available at local stores with numerous rebates. Tons of features and benefits right out of the box - and impressive specs to match it (2.0GB RAM, Lightscribe DL DVD-R, 250GB HD, Biometric Scanner, Express card slot w/ media remote, built-in webcam, media card reader, wireless connectivity, etc.) Compact/Light size and weight - easy to take with you anywhere. I dig the trackpad design - I like the feel and texture of it (no dry, chalkboard feeling - easy to clean) This machine continues to put a smile on my face daily. Vista runs flawlessly on this puppy and I've decided that this baby is a keeper for me.
Cons: Bloatware as usual. Required some tweaking to get it just the way I wanted it (as with most Windows machines). Noticeable body flex from the plastic shell. Top heavy - as the screen portion is significantly heavier than the bottom keyboard shell (you'll notice it if you try and open the laptop with one hand). Runs hot after some use. Battery life is short (way too short). Screen glare could be a problem for some. No firewire port (though the 3 USB 2.0 provide plenty). Integrated graphics get the job done, but not exactly spectacular. Touchscreen lacks the accuracy and features of other models. As the previous review noted, HP support is less than stellar.
I'd strongly recommend someone in the market to give this a machine a try. Test it out, and if it doesn't suit you - you can always return it for something else. I purchased my unit from a CompUSA.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP Pavilion TX1320US 12.1" Entertainment Notebook PC (AMD Turion 64 Processor TL-60, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium

For multimedia mavens on the go, the HP Pavilion tx1320us tablet PC is light enough to take anywhere and is a great resource for showing presentations thanks to its 180-degree swiveling 12.1-inch touchscreen display. Weighing just 4.2 pounds, the tx1325us delivers the same screen resolution and performance as a 15.4-inch notebook, but weighs over 2 pounds less. This stylish notebook introduces HP Imprint--a durable high gloss finish with an exclusive inlaid design that also incorporates touch-sensitive media controls for easy and quick access.
Protect your system and online accounts with your unique fingerprint for advanced security and peace of mind. The integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone) provides easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats. Optimized for mobile performance, it's powered by the 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 dual-core processor, which offers 64-bit computing capability and higher throughput for simultaneous computing tasks. Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), quad-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth connectivity, multi-format/dual-layer LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard slot, NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 video/graphics card with 559 MB of shared video RAM, and Gigabit Ethernet.
It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
Processor: The 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 processor offers a dual-core architecture, which delivers additional computing resources to help expand your PC's capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing--increasing your performance by up to 80 percent. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly thanks to the innovative Direct Connect Architecture. And it's designed to handle simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. You'll enjoy long battery life thanks to the AMD PowerNow! power management technology, which delivers performance on demand and can extend system battery life up to 65 percent. And the AMD Digital Media XPress technology delivers stellar multimedia performance and playback on digital entertainment such as games, streaming video and audio, DVDs, and music.
Each processing core has a 512 KB L2 cache (for a 1 MB total), and this processor can deliver up to a 1600 MHz system bus for lightning quick computing reflexes. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

Hard Drive: The 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive is more than double the average size for notebook PCs, and it offers a fasts 5400 RPM disk speed--an improvement over other notebooks with extra-large hard drives. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and video editing software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) will satisfy many users, but this notebook's two DIMM slots have a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity--perfect for high-end video editing and 3-D gaming. The additional capacity helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card.

DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).

Integrated Fingerprint Reader: A fingerprint reader offers advanced security by using fingerprints instead of standard passwords to access online accounts, such as banks and e-mail. To set up access, each fingerprint is associated with a password through Verisoft Access Manager. Verisoft Single Sign On (SSO) stores user names and passwords to an unlimited number of sites and automatically enters logon credentials. If more than one person uses the notebook PC, each can use a fingerprint to logon to a computer user account and access preset preferences and files.
Screen, Video & Audio The 12.1-inch LCD screen can swivel 180 degrees, providing optimal angles for viewing DVD movies and business presentations, and it folds flat for working in tight travel spaces such as airplanes or trains. It has a 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. Video is powered by the integrated NVidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics/video card, which provides up to 559 MB of video memory shared with the system memory. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications.
The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and a pair of stereo earbud headphones with volume controls is included. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks. One of the headphone jacks is also compatible with SPDIF digital audio output for home theater surround sound.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with this notebook's integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).
With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. This notebook includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no standard PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a good offering of connectivity options:
3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 VGA monitor port
1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV
1 ExpressCard 34
2 headphone jacks (1 with S/PDIF digital audio compatibility) and 1 microphone jack
1 notebook expansion port 3 (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
2 consumer IR (infrared)--1 on notebook, 1 on LCD panel
5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
Integrated 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer Basic Edition, Roxio Creator 9 Basic, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).
Dimensions & Weight This notebook measure 8.8 x 12.05 x 1.52 inches and weigh 4.2 pounds.
Power This notebook is powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which offers up to 2 hours of battery life (dependent upon computing conditions).
What's in the Box This package contains the HP Pavilion tx1320us tablet PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, earphones, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

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3/25/2012

eVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard 122-CK-NF68-A1 Review

eVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard 122-CK-NF68-A1
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I just got this thing in the other day. Installed it in a Cooler Master 690 case. Fastened my Intel Quad Core Q6600 with 4 gig of ram and 8800 GT video card. The Zalman 9700 heatsink fits nicely. What can I say this thing screams.

Click Here to see more reviews about: eVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard 122-CK-NF68-A1

The eVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 nForce 680i SLI 775 ATX Motherboard, A1 Version supports Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE, and Pentium processors. The card's NVIDIA SLI technology dramatically scales performance by allowing two graphics cards to be run in parallel, and its featured NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet offers the fastest Gigabit Ethernet performance you'll find anywhere, eliminating network bottlenecks and improving overall system efficiency and performance.The eVGA 780i SLI features three 16x PCI express slots, PCI express 2.0, and full support for Intel 45nm Core 2 CPUs. The three 16x PCI express slots provide the best platform for NVIDIA 3-way SLI, the latest in SLI technology. The EVGA 780i is ESA (Enthusiast System Architecture) certified, which provides the best monitoring and fine tuning of your PC.A third PCI-Express expansion slot provides future support for three GPU applications, and NVIDIA RAID technology implements standard RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 techniques to maximize storage assets. NVIDIA RAID technology also introduces many innovations that simplify and optimize the management of RAID features and disk resources. NVIDIA's patent-pending isochronous StreamThru Data Transport System provides uninterrupted data streaming for superior networking and broadband communications. StreamThru assists in making streaming video and audio smoother and jitter-free.Unified Driver Architecture guarantees forward and backward compatibility with software drivers and simplifies upgrading to a new NVIDIA product because all NVIDIA products work with the same driver software. And NVIDIA's nTune Performance Application enables the easiest, safest, and highest performing overclocking available for NVIDIA nForce-based PCs.What's in the Box nForce 680i SLI motherboard, I/O shield, floppy cable, three 2-port SATA power cable, 1394 cable, 4-port USB cable, six SATA signal cables, comm2 bracket cable, IDE-ATA133 HDD cable, SLI connector, and chipset fan.

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12/30/2011

Gigabyte LGA1156 4DDR3-2200 CrossFireX/GBE/Raid/SATA3/USB3.0/7.1-CH ATX Motherboard GA-P55A-UD3 Review

Gigabyte LGA1156 4DDR3-2200 CrossFireX/GBE/Raid/SATA3/USB3.0/7.1-CH ATX Motherboard GA-P55A-UD3
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using this motherboard in a new computer w/ i5-750 and ATI 5750 that I built. I haven't had any stability issues (haven't delved into overclocking) and it worked automagically with Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10. There's plenty of room for expansion and the price is right. I don't have any USB3 peripherals so couldn't try it out (it's supported in Linux). If I was building another machine I wouldn't think twice about using this board again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gigabyte LGA1156 4DDR3-2200 CrossFireX/GBE/Raid/SATA3/USB3.0/7.1-CH ATX Motherboard GA-P55A-UD3

Gigabyte MB-P55A-U3 Intel Core i7/i5/LGA1156/4DDR3-2200/CrossFireX/GbE/Raid/SATA3/USB3.0/7.1-CH ATX Motherboard

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11/13/2011

ASUS Socket 1366/Intel X58/SATA3&USB3.0/A&GbE/ATX Motherboard P6X58D-E Review

ASUS Socket 1366/Intel X58/SATA3andUSB3.0/AandGbE/ATX Motherboard P6X58D-E
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I happen to use eSata external drives quite a bit. Amazon's comparison chart indicates that this board has an eSata port in the back. IT DOES NOT. This is not the end of the world but for a board of this caliber, I didn't even think for a minute it wouldn't have eSata. Even the older P6T had it. But thank goodness it still has a PS2 connection for my 12-year-old Dell keyboard from back when I was in college! Just kidding...seriously Asus, in your newest version you got rid of IDE, floppy connections and eSata but you hold on to a PS2 connection?? Who actually makes these decisions? All in all an excellent motherboard. I really can't understand why anyone would need a second LAN port and pay a 70-dollar premium for the "premium" version of this product. So for most builders this is an awesome product for a very reasonable price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Socket 1366/Intel X58/SATA3&USB3.0/A&GbE/ATX Motherboard P6X58D-E

Asus P6X58D-E Socket 1366/Intel X58/SATA3&USB3.0/A&GbE/ATX Motherboard

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11/10/2011

GIGABYTE GA-D525TUD Intel Atom D525@ 1.8GHz 1M L2 cache BGA559 Intel NM10 Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo Review

GIGABYTE GA-D525TUD Intel Atom D525@ 1.8GHz 1M L2 cache BGA559 Intel NM10 Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
Average Reviews:

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I bought this more as an experiment to see if the new Atom dual-core motherboard with the GMA3150 IGP could handle everyday tasks as a nettop like surfing the net, watching Youtube videos, checking email and running productivity software. I really want to start scaling back the power requirements of the PCs in our house, especially given their usage as either nettops or file servers. The kids will be needing new PCs soon for homework and something "green" is my preference as long as it's powerful enough and this board seems to fit the bill. I also wanted to use some of the parts I had lying around like the HDD and ODD. With that, I am very happy with what I was able to build for under $200. It's definitely faster -- much faster -- than the Dell 9300 laptop it's going to replace as the family PC. The lowest WEI value was 2.0 for Gaming/Business graphics. That is a non-issue since that is not what this is going to be used for.
This is a very good value for a processor, motherboard and IGP combination. It's also very efficient which is going to help with the electricity bill and carbon footprint of the household. Surprisingly, it's very responsive and I have no trouble doing the tasks I expected to be able to do like surf the 'net, play music, upload/view photos and use OpenOffice under Windows 7 Home Premium.
However, for maybe $30 more upfront I could have purchased a more powerful CPU/ITX motherboard combination like an E3300/DG41AN that would have performed much better. Of course, the power draw would have been a lot higher. You definitely pay a premium for newer more efficient technology. The CPU is also not passively cooled and the little fan is definitely audible, especially in the cheap case I put it in. If it had been passively cooled or the CPU fan had been silent I would have given it 5 stars easily. So far it's done everything I've asked it to knowing though I am not going to be watching HD video on this. The upcoming Intel D525MW board looks to be passively cooled but it's not available yet. That one is worth watching and might be a better nettop board for a silent build. I can see using this one with the 4 SATA ports in a home server/NAS build instead. It looks like it would be perfect for that, especially with Gigabyte's "UD" construction.
Build:
Athenatech A1089HG.150 case
Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR 1066 KVR1066D3/2GR RAM
Western Digital 400GB WD4000AAKS HDD
Lite-On IDE DVD/CD burner
Rosewill RNX-N250PC 802.11 b/g/n PCI wireless adapter
Windows 7 Home Premium


Click Here to see more reviews about: GIGABYTE GA-D525TUD Intel Atom D525@ 1.8GHz 1M L2 cache BGA559 Intel NM10 Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo

Gigabyte GA-M68MT-D3 NVIDIA MCP61/MCP68 Chipset Driver 15.56 for Vista Matherboard

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